Summerfest!!

I have been waiting for the words to describe Summerfest and the experience that I had in the worship band.  I have just had to admit that there are no words. I was expecting jitters, some performance anxiety and to have work a little harder to have a "worship" experience because people would be staring at me and I would feel self conscience.  It was NOTHING like I expected!  First of all such a fun group of people to be with.  The turn out was amazing and when the music started to hear 200 voices coming back at you with such love and excitement for God I wanted to bust out of my skin.  By the second song I had my eyes closed and in a room full of people it was just me and God.  I haven't had a moment as powerful as that with God since the cross ceremony at Faces of Christ.  I was a blubbering mess up there and I made no apologies.  How is it that God can reach out and have such an intimate moment with you in a room full of people?  I will never forget tonight.  Thanks Amanda for coming.  It was a great surprise glad I got to hang out with ya a bit. 

Me and my side kick and our day of cleaning

Bright and early we started Victoria and I.  The kids seem to be feeling better so we started detoxing the house of germs.  We have wiped and Lysoled every nook and cranny in this place. I couldn't have asked for a better helper than Victoria.  She did great and can I just put this out there that after the initial upset of the first day without Tina getting her Victoria's demeanor has been great!  Her anxiety has seemed to calm down and she is more relaxed.  She is very excited for first grade and we got all of her supplies marked and packed up in her backpack.  She is ready to go.  I am now relaxing in my super clean house that smells like alcohol and "Rainshower" carpet powder and I feel great!

Such a sucker

There is one thing that is a bit more exciting than garbage day, than men bringing in a "back nove" in our house.  It is bank day.  Is there anything better than driving up to a window and they just hand you suckers for being cute?!?! I think not!  I had a doc appointment today and James came home to help me out with the kids.  He took the deposit to the bank and I hopped in the car from my appointment to find all three kids with suckers. Well let me rephrase that Anthony and Victoria had empty sucker sticks and Addison had a sucker that only half had been licked away.

My sweet little Addison Marie has eating sucker down to an art.  First you have to talk to it, then lick.  Show everyone that you have a sucker, then lick. Look at it to make sure that you are licking the right spot then lick again.  This gets repeated over and over and it usually takes her about an hour to finish a Dum Dum sucker from the bank.

On the other hand Victoria and Anthony's method of sucker eating is lick, lick, lick, lick CHOMP!!!

I look back at Addison and she has sucker all over her face.  Bangs to chin she is very very shiny!  We laugh at her and tease her about it and she just stares at us smiles really big and........lick.  About 10 minutes later Addison is in the back of the car yelling "What wrong wit my eyes? What wrong wit my eyes?"  I turn to see her trying to blink and her eyelids have so much sticky candy on them that her eyes won't close.  Picture my little princess in her car seat with her half eaten sucker that she has been working on since Sunday trying to blink and her eyelids are glued open.  It has to be one of the funniest things that I have ever seen her do.  She was so confused.  We got her straightened up and she is now able to blink again.  I thought for a second we were going to have to go to Walgreens and get some baby Visine.

You want fries with that???

I sat on the couch tonight with my three sick kids watching TV.  I hear Addison say "Those are not cheeseburgers Bubby!  Those are my feet!"  I look down to see Anthony with his lips and teeth wrapped around the whole left side of her foot looking up at her as if he had been caught red handed.

Why I do what I do.

This evening at church I was solo.  My parents were there but Anthony and Addison were running a fever and Victoria ended up spending the night at my In-laws house.  I headed upstairs after an amazing sermon to the Large Group area to do my thing.  I love the people that I work with and we all have such a heart for these kids and our ministry.  This weekend we pulled up a kid out of the group to say the prayer.  She said "Thank you Lord for our church, for clean water, for food, for our mommas and daddies, and for the beautiful day outside.  In Jesus name, Amen" This little girl all of about 4 years old had all of us adults in tears in a matter of seconds.

The hard part....

How do you explain to a 6 year old why "Mommy" isn't going to come and get her so that she can spend the night?  I know that God put the words in my mouth because I was paralyzed when asked by an upset little girl that was looking to me for answers.

Irvington or bust!

This morning started with pancakes for the crew.  Everyone chowed down and I started on my chores for the day.  The kids hung out around the living room watching TV and wrestling.  Small fires had to be put out after court day with other siblings but nothing too intense.  I guess we shouldn't have been surprised.  Becca and James' dad was staying at his mom's house in Irvington Ky.  I had never heard of it but offered to take them home.  It was the least that I could do after they drove up from Florida.  Plus I needed a change of scenery out of my car windows.  The trip to Walmart doesn't offer to much on scenery.  :)

We loaded up in the car and headed off.  We took 64 to Corydon and then crossed the bridge into Ky.  We had a blast singing to the radio and watching Anthony worship James.  He was just so impressed with him.  He stared at him the whole way and danced when he danced and sang when he sang.  It was so cute.  The trip wasn't as far as I thought.  We said our tearful good byes and a few extra hugs for Hunter and Angel.  They were redoing Hunter's mother's bathroom so they were at Home Depot.  Anthony was crushed to see his buddy go and we all cried wee wee wee all the way home. 

I was brave and decided to try to hand at taking a different way home.  I saw a sign that said Louisville and figured that I would be able to figure it out.  Who needs GPS right?!  I drove and drove I was somewhere around Fort Knox I guess and then all of a sudden Victoria spotted something familiar.  "Look there is those things by Gramma Harb's boat!!"  Sure enough she was right we were running right along with the river and were directly across from the boat where the smoke stacks are from the factory across the river.  I cracked up and knew that my mom would be very proud.  I find it hilarious that my Mother in law works there but it is referred to as Gramma Harb's boat.  You think we have hit up the buffet a couple of times?  Maybe that is why my pants don't fit like they used too.  :)

The longest three hours of my life!

Today is the day we are heading to court.  Hunter (Tina's ex ) and the family called to let us know that they were on their way to the attorney's office to get prepped to testify.  The kids were up most of the night and so was James and I.  James worked last night and told me this morning that he was still in Dry Ridge and it wasn't looking too good for him to make it home in time for court.  He sure knows how to get the nerves going. 

I spent most of my time praying and getting ready.  James finally called and said he was on his way and it would be close.  I ended up meeting him with a change of clothes in the Freightliner parking lot.  He changed in the bunk and we were flying to the court house.  We were the first ones to arrive.  We sat on the bench twiddling our thumbs looking for familiar faces.  Let me clarify "friendly" familiar faces.  Hunter, Angel, Becca and James arrived and I nearly collapsed in their arms. So good to see them and have their support.  Such an amazing extended family we have found ourselves with. 

Court lasted 3 hours.  It was so hard to listen to the testimony.  The kids have experienced so many things that kids should not be exposed to.  I just sat in my seat and cried.  We all were.  James sat at the table with the attorney and Tina was alone at her table.  She made an attempt at a new attorney (her old one left her on account of lack of communication and cooperation)  the judge ended up asking the attorney to leave (long story on that one).   Three hours later we left with a verdict.  The judge granted Tina SUPERVISED visitation for 2 hours a week at a counseling facility.  Victoria is given an attorney of her own.  I can't remember the term but it is some kind of guardian something and we are to go back to court on September 24th.  We left happy, and relieved that Victoria will not be alone with Tina for at least a couple of months.  We all celebrated with Homemade Pie and Ice Cream Kitchen. 

After dessert we headed home for dinner.  Victoria had been home anxiously awaiting the arrival of her brother and sister.  She didn't fully know why they were in town she just knew that they were coming to see her.  James and Becca decided to stay the night with us and boy are we glad that they did.  We all sat around and ate pizza and my mom stopped by to meet everyone.  We had a blast sitting and visiting. 

The night ended with arms and legs hanging off of every side of the pull out couch.  The night of make up application with the sisters, James and Anthony playing outside with the sidewalk chalk, and no sleep the night before took it's toll on us.  Victoria was nuzzled in between her brother and sister.  She was in hog heaven!

Prep to testify

Here we go the preparations are under way for the big day tomorrow.  I haven't posted a whole bunch about all of the court stuff because as a friend said you never know who is reading out there.  But I have a hard time not venting...

James went into prep for his testimony.  I still don't believe that our attorney believes us that Tina's other children from Florida are coming up to testify against her along with her ex husband.  He just looks at us like it is unheard of along with a counselor that will testify for free.  He kept telling us to get our checkbook out and is just floored that he is not going to have to go to Florida to get the kids testimony. 

Makenzie is staying the night to keep the kids entertained while we are at the lawyers office and staying the night so that she can be here while we are at court.  Can I just say how much I am enjoying  having her around the house again?  She has grown so much and I am very proud of the woman that she is becoming.  She hit some road bumps but who doesn't in the younger years. 

Tomorrow is the big day.  Hope I get some sleep.

"That's what I'm talking about!"

My Addison what can I say?  Yesterday Brooklyn Addison and I were sitting at the table eating something.  I can't even remember what it was because Addison's words completely took over my mind.  She took a bite and exclaimed "That's what I'm talking about".  That kid cracks me up!

I had told myself that I wanted to blog more in July but this month is already getting away from me.  I had so many plans for the summer but it is almost over. Can you believe it?!

We have been super busy this week.  It started off with a well check for Victoria at the doctors office.  Anthony and Addison climbed up on the scale too and I discovered that Mr. Anthony out weighs Addison by a little over 5 lbs.  My solid little boy.  I am going to have to cut down on those "gummies"  he loves his Cars gummies and knows that he can hold out on doing something until I say "I'll give you gummies".  I have created a monster.  How quickly we can create bad habits with our little ones before we even know it.

This week has also been filled with Church activities.  They really just need to put me on payroll with how much I am there.  I am not complaining I love helping out, but I have been there 3-4 times a week for the past few weeks.  Crissy and I have been working on the nursery decor.  We have painted grass on the wall and created fabric 3D flowers to hang up on the wall.  They have turned out so cute.  I am going to have to take some pics to post.  My fingers are raw from working with floral wire but it will look great! 

Summerfest is fast approaching.  The worship team is so awesome we have had so much fun practicing.  We haven't had a chance to rehearse with the band yet just about 8-10 of us with a guitar.  There is such a magic feeling when voices blend and eyes are closed God is so present in a room.  We even have a couple of songs that make me want to break out some dance moves.  I will refrain though. I am sure that Northside isn't ready for that.  :)

Speaking of Church Victoria, Anthony and Addison will be attending VBS this week.  Victoria went last year to the church that is pastored by my parents old pastor.  It is located in Sellersburg so it is really close and Anthony and Addison will be able to attend as well.  This will be their first experience with VBS.  I am excited for them all.  Another nice thing about this (other than the fact that it is free) is that I will be ALONE for 2 1/2 hours an evening for a whole week!  I am not sure what I will do with myself.  Any suggestions?

Next week is hopefully our final court date.  Wednesday to be exact.  So any and all prayers going up are appreciated.  Then the following week is registration for school.  I will be the woman waving a $20 at the bus driver to make sure that my child gets picked up.  I am kidding of course.  My mom always used to tell me that when school was about to start.  I took Victoria by her school to check and see what classroom she will be in next year for 1st grade.  She will have Mrs. Bowden.  We spoke with Mrs. Anderson for a second and Victoria was excited to show her that she will be starting this school year with a whole set of teeth!  Woo hoo!

I got a chance to hang out with a friend this week too.  Mary Beth came by for a haircut and brought Davis with her.  Anthony opened up the door and his eyes got huge!  It is a.............BOY!!!!!  You can't blame the kid.  He has 4 sisters so it was a real cute sight to see him grab Davis by the hand to show him his Ironman mask.  (FINALLY someone that understands how awesome it is!  lol)

"Happy court house anniversary"

Not many couples get to utter those words first thing in the morning, but James and I did.  4 years ago today we said I do in the chambers of the Floyd Co. Court house with two strangers as witnesses.  :)  I will never forget that day.  I had no clue what our life would look like when we said our "I Do" in that room but I would do it all over again if I had the chance.  I don't know how blessed I would be to have a man like James to share my life with and wonderful kids to make me smile while I was pulling my hair out.  :)  I love you honey and I always will!  What did we buy each other for our Anniversary you ask?  A Whopper in the Burger King drive thru.  How is that for romantic???  I am holding out for something nice for our September church wedding anniversary.  Are you reading this honey?  Something shiny?  Maybe that goes around my neck?  In the shape of a cross that is conveniently located in my favorites on this computer?  Did I mention that I wanted that?  It is on Etsy remember?  If you need any help ordering just let me know....

A ride in the wagon

Dinner went down just fine for Anthony and Addison tonight.  We told them that if they ate well that I would take them for a ride in the red wagon that Mamaw and Papaw sent home with Daddy a couple of days ago.  Anthony couldn't shove it in fast enough.  We headed outside and I took the kids down the street.  They lounged I pulled.  Isn't that the way it always goes.  I wanted a turn to ride.  :)  I ended up just taking them down to the end of the road (about a block) and back up the driveway.  Anthony started screaming when we hit the driveway.  He started yelling "NO PAW PAW GEE!"  I finally understood the problem.  Anthony was apparently under the notion that I was going to pull him the 20+ miles to my folks house so that he could see Paw paw.  Uhhhhh don't think so son.  Maybe tomorrow but the wagon will be in the back of the car I am not pulling you that far.  Dream big kid, dream big!

Happy Birthday America!

Off to Sheperdsville we go!  So many parties available I was upset we couldn't make it to all of them.  I ended up solo with Anthony and Addison and headed over to Leslie's house to join in on the party. 

Leslie's house is adorable and it was filled with some of the most delicious food I have ever seen and recipes that I am definitely going to share on here when I receive them.  Leslie's future step mother in law (is that a real legal term) made green bean bundles wrapped in bacon that nearly made me cry.  Along with that she made some kind of chocolate and mouse concoction that was presented in this huge margarita shaped glass that was the size of a punch bowl.  It was gorgeous and amazing to eat!  We all fell onto her new couch and just grunted for a few minutes after eating.

 It was so nice to see everyone and meet new people.  I got to meet some of Mike's family and Anthony and Addison wore themselves out.  We played cornhole, softball, Frisbee, and they hooked up the sprinklers for the kids.  Anthony and Addison had 4 other little girls around their age to play with and the grown ups ate them up.  They ran them around her beautiful fenced in back yard for hours and hours and hours.  Anthony wouldn't let Mike out of his sight and followed him around like a puppy dog.  Mike ate every minute of it up. 

I ended up leaving around 11ish and made my way through the construction on I64 back home.  James spent the day with Victoria at his mom and dad's house working on the truck in the heat.  I actually beat him home and carried my limp children into the house.  I poured them onto the couch and they didn't budge.  I have some pics that I took of them but for some reason my computer isn't wanting to load pics so I will have to post at a later date.  We had a great 4th I hope that you did too!

Craig 4th party

Oh my goodness we had so much fun!  Church was a blast. Incredible sermon and worship.  I was back on schedule to be upstairs with the kiddos in Large Group along with my team.  I missed it last month but enjoyed the break.

After service I headed over to my in-laws to meet up with my family.  We had quite a group.  My mom and dad came too and enjoyed watching the kids play in the back yard with the battery operated jeep.  My dad put some miles on the red double seated wagon and we ate and ate and ate.  Is there anything better than roasted corn on the cob?  I think not!

Fireworks led to my husband getting hit with a ball of flame......up the shorts.  One rather large spark hit the road and then bounced right up his shorts leg and gave him a second degree burn on both upper thighs.  A couple of years ago he got hit in the head with a bottle rocket and I have now banned him from setting a flame on anything that explodes.  On a good note Anthony got to touch his first sparkler.  He strutted as if he just touched the Olympic torch.  Such a cutie!  And Victoria and Addison danced in the glow of the fireworks screaming "OH MY MAN"  Addison's favorite exclamation.  We had a blast didn't make it back home until around 11:30ish.  We poured the kids in bed and crashed ourselves.