Football and Fairytales

THE BREAK.....again.

2011-09-17T12:15:00.003-05:00

This week has been a typical penderweek. Monday started off full of excitment as we were waiting on Grammy and Pops To arrive for a short visit. It was grandparent's day at the kid's school, so they came up for the festivities. They hadn't been here long, when we were all in the kitchen hanging out having a good time. Just to inform you of how it happened...I keep my dining room table chairs turned on their sides so no one can climb up on the table for serious injury. I have since found, it doesn't matter how the chairs are, serious injury can and will occur. Payton leaned up against the leg of one of the charis with her feet still planted on the tile, when the chair slipped out from under her and she fell about 1 ft. on her bottom. She landed just perfect enough to spiral break her radius and buckle her ulna. GO FIGURE! So my sweet princess who spiral fractured her femur last year (and had surgery for), now has a matching break on her arm........love this child whose name should have been "GRACE".

When we got home from the emergency room, little Abram was throwing up like crazy....it was a LONG night and next day we had.
Then Eli woke up for two consecutive days with HIVES! Bless his heart he looked terrible!

2011-09-17T12:02:00.002-05:00

After I returned from Brazil, the rest of the summer came fast and furious. Football practice for Adam started back up, we took a fast trip to Texas, day after we got home Kynnedy went to children's camp for three days and had the BEST TIME EVER, then right around the corner school started! I have a big 3rd grader, first grader, preschooler, 2 at home and one in the belly! Gonna post o mod podge of pics now....

2011-09-17T12:00:00.001-05:00

Right before heading tot he airport for Brazil.

few and far between.........

2011-09-17T11:26:00.003-05:00

means more to updates to let you in on. And man oh man, there's much to fill you in with.
This summer I went on the most amazing trip of my life. TO BRAZIL. I left the kids, the husband, and all my responsibilities behind and took off to another part of the world for 2 whole weeks. I missed home and my familiy terribly, but I fell in love with the most amazing people in the world. Brazilians are without so many luxaries that we take for granted, but they are so happy and full of joy. They enjoy life in the "slow lane". Walking most everywhere they go and taking in God's creation. The Holy Spirit moves in power there, because these people EXPECT it and I enjoyed every single second of every single day there with 35 americans with me. The food was like nothing I have ever tasted in my life. My mouth still waters as I sit here and think about it! So many unexpected things came to pass on this trip, but I had a little unexpected moment of my own. DAY 2....day 2 is when I had to walk down to the pharmacy and since I am NOT FLUENT in PORTUGUESE, I had to use "unofficial" sign language to purchase a pregnancy test.....and after trying to decipher the directions (no, they aren't like american pregnancy tests, and MUCH MUCH MUCH MUCH mroe expensive) and several questions later, I had a POSITIVE! I had to skype my husband and let him know BLESSING NUMBER 6 WOULD ARRIVE IN FEB 2012!
I still can't put into words how this trip has changed my life and how I have a GINORMEOUS heart for BRAZIL. I am so ready to go back and honestly, I would move there in a heartbeat. It's simply breathtaking. We stayed right outside of Rio and traveled hours each day to different little cities. Thank you to those of you who helped with my family while I was away and for the prayer covereage while we were out of the country. Many lifelong friends were made and relationships formed and I am so thankful to have been a part of it.
Now...on a side note.....we need YOUR help! Our brains are fried and we need names for this baby... send boy names, girl names, middle names, fav names. but most especially UNIQUE names! I can't wait to go through what you send us! THANK YOU!

2011-06-01T09:21:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upTPZJFQuIQ&sns=em

Sent from my iPhone

2011-05-30T17:01:00.001-05:00

Memorial day fun!

2011-05-29T16:37:00.001-05:00

2011-05-29T16:35:00.001-05:00

Worst party EVER!

2011-05-29T16:20:00.004-05:00

(Pictures from party are above. Haven't mastered blogging by my phone)
Yesterday's party absolutely classifies as "THE WORST BIRTHDAY PARTY EVER!!!" Em wanted a bowling party and because we didn't have a party for Payton this year and their b-days being so close together, we combined them. You're thinking double fun, huh? WRONG!!! try double drama! Before the big birthday girl had a chance to send the ball down the fast lane, she struck herself out. How?? Only by sticking her precious hand down the ball return. We didn't realize what happened at first and when we finally did, shock had already set in all us adults for a second. Adrenaline took over (because everything I learned in nursing school goes out of my brain in emergent situations amongst my children) and everyone but ME got Em cared for. Thank GOD, my amazing friend Mel, who happens to be a nurse, was quick on her feet! another best friend got in her car and went to get meds and ointments and our PRECIOUS AND DEAR Mrs. Lisa was there to keep Abram. I never worry about any of my children when she's with them, but especially Abram. He attaches to her and it blesses me!
Princess em screamed for the first hour of her party while I sang 'it's my party and I'll cry if I want to' to her. She finally bowled a few times, opened gifts with payton, ate cake, so by now I am trying to wrap it up. The sweet attentive people at the bowling alley felt terrible about all that had happened, so they graciously added time back that we lost over almost losing em's fingers. I felt a warm sensation all through my body followed by a cold sweat, when it dawned on my I was about to have a panic attack....MORE TIME HERE??? NO!!!!!!!!! I wanted this party to end. That's enough drama for one day, or so I thought. Eli had other unintentional plans. We were packing up, saying thank you's and goodbye's when out of no where Eli comes crying with his hand over his eye. We scanned the area to see what happened and noticed a single chair in the floor, feet away from where it should be. Again, saved by Mel (yes my amazing friend who happens to be a nurse) and her awesome husband who happens to be a doctor. They concluded em and Eli were just fine. And Dr. A's thought was this "well, bet she (em) won't ever stick her hand in there again." and his thought for eli was "he's training a little early for wrestling" Thank you to my friends
who took care of my other 4 children and took control over the party too! What a day! Emry's final thought...."I never want my party here
again....EVER!!" my thought "welcome to an hour of my life.....never dull!" Thank you God for memories!

CINCO FUN

2011-05-17T09:46:00.004-05:00

One of the amazing teachers at E's pre-school sent me this picture of him having some CINCO DE MAYO FUN! In his own words: "I GOT TO WHACK THE PINATA" (pin-AHHHH-ta)is how he pronounced it to be exact! oh and just an FYI--he NEVER leaves home without the rainboots....rain or shine.

and I had to add a few of my sweet man!

Sweet Emmie

2011-05-17T09:37:00.003-05:00

Em and her bestie have been inseparable since their first year in pre-k! Still going strong together in Kindergarden and dance class! They make me smile!

Worship Dancer

2011-05-17T09:25:00.004-05:00

Kynnedy is taking a worship arts dance class and I have to say it's absolutely beautiful! When this child moves for the glory of the Lord, lives are changed! She and two of her friends are taking the class together and I can't wait for the recital this weekend.

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners (Isaiah 61:1-2)

Feels good to be back!

2011-04-25T10:59:00.004-05:00

I took a HUGE long break and actually, I am sorry I did. It wasn't intentional, but with all I had going on, it was one of the things that got put on my back burner. However, in taking my break, I learned that my blogging was crucial not only for me, but so many others who find joy in the happenings of our "super real" life. It's a fun and crazy life over here in my little neck of the woods, but it's the life God blessed us with and we are more than thankful--we outght to share what HE's doing in and through us! This is only one outlet where I can share and I am going to take advantage!
There has been so many ups and downs over the course of the last few months, it's unreal, but truth be told, we are in the best place we've ever been as a family, individually and in our marriage. GOD is moving and HE's NOT FINISHED WITH US YET!
We never really announced that we were pregnant with out 6th baby because it went so wrong, so fast, but we were. We lost a little piece of us over spring break this year, and once again, the Lord was working through the whole situation. We weren't planning it (though we never plan, really) but I was filling out some paper work with tons of questions and "are you pregnant?" was one of them. I thought to myself, well....I guess it's a possibility. So before I answered that, I took an HPT. And the rest is history. God met our emotional needs through the whole thing and we were fine and it was just a brief time of hormonal ups and downs to "work through". We knew from the get go that none of our children are really ours, they are just on loan to us from God, and He can take any one of them when He so chooses. We are promised to see them again together in HEAVEN, for ETERNITY and that's something to Praise HIM for! This all happened, like I said, over spring break, which is also when we do Em's heart appt. each year down at the children't hospital. PRAISE GOD it was the FASTEST visit we've ever had and she is doing AMAZING! Yes, her heart still needs repairs in the coming years, at least that's what the tests show, but we are praying for miraculous healing so a second open heart surgery can be avoided. However, if that should not happen, we know the Lord works amazing wonders through the hands of doctors and that will be fine too.
Now....the paper work I was filling out when all this was going on was my paper work FOR BRAZIL! Yes, BRAZIL! On a ^^!$$!0# trip!!! for 2 weeks! Well what about my husband and 5 sweeties...ALl I can say is my love is amazing and he's going to be mommy for 2 weeks (with a little help from my mom, too) So please be in prayer for me and many others who are going on this life changing journey and if you feel called to donate to that cause, please contact me!
Big things are happening here and I am so glad to be a part of them! That's all for now on my "re-re-re-entrance" to the blog world. stay tuned.. oh and here's a few pictures of our growing treasures!

2nd Grade Christmas Program

2010-12-06T20:02:00.002-06:00

I wish I had more pictures to show you, but this is all I have! Tonights 2nd grade christmas program was amazing!!!!!!! K was a citizen of WHOVILLE!

Fairytale Ball

2010-11-15T21:09:00.004-06:00

Our life really is full of Football and Fairytales!!!! Emry just had the Fairytale ball at her school! The whole kindergarten dresses up like princesses and knights, all from their very favorite fairytales and then they have a feast and a dance! Let me tell you, IT'S a BLAST!!!! And for the football part of our life, our team is playing in the second round of the playoff games this week! We are so proud of all the players, the coaches and the community for all the support and excitment they are showing our football team! I am married to one super happy offensive coordinator and it's so awesome to watch the kids confidence fly through the roof and to see them working so hard to make it to the state championship game! VB football players: YOU ROCK! keep it up!!!

Happy 8th Birthday!

2010-10-17T15:14:00.004-05:00

Well we had a birthday Blast for K's 8th birthday! I can NOT believe she will be 8 years old tomorrow. How time has passed in a blink of and eye and she's turned into a young lady. She is one remarkable child and we are so proud of who she is becoming. She's so quiet and reserved, considerate of others, sensitive to the people around her and has a bouncy bubbly personality all at the same time. She's learning so much, and eager to do so. She loves to read, loves to draw and has found her place in art and dance lessons. She loves to help any and everyone and just wants to please people. Most of all, she's learning to please the Lord. She just recently gave her life to the Lord and is growing into the child God has called her to be. She will be baptized next month and we are so proud as parents that we are able to be a part of that.
We celebrated her birthday in style starting at 3:00 yesterday....Me, K and her sister Emry, and 5 other little ladys all went to a movie, then rented a hotel room and swam til the pool closed and then went to the room to paint toes and nails, have pillow fights, and jump on the beds!!! FUUUUUUUUUUUUN! The girls all wore justin bieber shirts, ate a justin bieber cake, and listed to all his songs!! A birthday to remember, for sure!

HOMECOMING PRINCESS

2010-10-17T14:20:00.005-05:00

My sweet sweet little lady got to participate in the homecoming ceremonies this weekend. She was so excited and she looked like a little queen, if I say so myself. Our kids getting to be a part of this is extra special to us in many many ways. For one, her dad is the offensive coordinator and he spends so much time coaching the boys, it's our way to get to be a part of it. Second, her papaw was a coach and head coach for 20+ years and he's still serving in the school district! Third, her big sister got to do it a few years ago, and she's excited to follow in her footsteps! The little master she walked with, is a doll and such a gentleman!! She got to partcipate in the morning and evening ceremonies and carried flowers one time and a crown in the eveing. This bio was read as she walked down the field *****I have some areas blanked out for privacy and security****** :
Emry (LAST NAME) is the daughter of Coach Adam and Rachal (LAST NAME). Coach Adam LAST NAME is the Offensive Coordinator for the (CITY) high school (MASCOT) football team. She is also the granddaughter of Coach Dennis and Jan (LAST NAME) and Ray (LAST NAME) and Pam (LAST NAME).
Emry is 5 1/2 years old and is Mrs. B's Kindergarten class, at NAME OF Elementary. She has two brothers and two sisters, whom she loves playing with. She attends (NAME OF CHURCH) United Methodist Church in (CITY) and is active in the Tiny TIms classes there . Emry's hobbies include ballet, tap, drawing and exploring her serious passion for fashion. She aspires to become a fashion designer or make-up artist, but in the meantine, she's honing her skills with magic markers and crayons.

SHE was a doll and made us so proud!!!! Look for birthday picutres next! UPLOADING NOW!

Hard to believe!

2010-08-19T09:50:00.002-05:00

It's been so long since I have posted last, and I am ashamed to say it! It's been fast an furious around here and wonderful all at the same time. Since I have posted last, we've bought a new home and gotten all settled in. I am 2 doors down from my very best friend and in the same neighborhood as many of my other friends and another bestie of mine! The kids have tons of friends to play with here and we are just blessed. We have had an amazing summer and sorry that it's come to an end. I don't have many pictures to post of the summer but lot's of memories were made. We went down to Texas for a trip to see family, we had swim lessons done for the girls adn they were AMAZING! Eli even learned to swim on his own! We are so proud of them. We spent LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS of time at the pool with friends and then the girls went back down to Texas for a week by themselves! We did shopping for school and went to the movies, birthday parties GALORE and so much more. But what's so hard to believe is that today was the FIRST DAY back to school and Emry started Kindergarten. K started 2nd grade and I am a wreck here at home with the other three. It started out to be one super amazing morning and the kids were so excited to get back to all their friends. We got there to drop them off and walk up to the playground with them (adam, me and all the kids) and they played. The whistle blew to line up and then that's when Emry got so sad...and then I broke down in a tearful EXPLOSION! I am still on and off tearing up/crying, and have emailed the teacher to check in. Thank goodness for my bestfriend, (yes, the one that lives 2 doors down)who took the time to go check on her in her classroom for me, and called to tell me she was doing great. I was considering hopping back in the car and going to get her and homeschooling my babies!!!! But wait, I can't do that.. I am starting back to school myself on monday! Yes, life is going to be a bit crazy for a while, but nothing we can't handle. We are so ready for a routine again! We have Tiny Tims and Timothy Team starting back up at church, dance lessons, art lessons and soccer too. Football games on friday nights and lot's of love sqeezed in there with it all! So glad to be back to blogging again and here's a few pics of our first day back at school!! (more to come on Monday, when Eli starts preschool!)

sweet letter

2010-05-12T12:35:00.003-05:00

Kynnedy wrote me a letter while she was at school yesterday. Such a sweet girl!

The storms were a comin' and we were a runnin' to a safe room! It was a late long stormy night and the kids were pooped out the next day. You should have heard the snoring that was going on in my car between the 4 of them!

2010-05-06T17:57:00.001-05:00

Here's a few pictures on her birthday, before she went on her birthday dinner with Pa-paw and gran Jan.

HAPPY 2nd Birthday Princess Payton

2010-05-05T08:47:00.002-05:00

We pray for you a life that is filled with love, peace and joy through a relationship with our Lord and Savior. You have come so far in your short little life and overcome so many obstacles already! I have no doubt that God has his hand over you and a special plan laid out for you. We just pray that you are obedient to the Father and that you listen to HIM and love and trust Him with all your heart. We are so very proud to be your parents and so proud of you, little lady! May this day be special for you--it's YOURS!!!!!!!!
to see more from her story click here

PRINCESS PARTY!

2010-05-01T23:35:00.001-05:00

Emry celebrated her 5th birthday today at the little wedding chapel! It was so fun and was just perfect for the little princess she is! Here's a little slideshow of some of the fun!

My boys

2010-05-01T23:21:00.001-05:00

My sweet little men and my little Princess Payton

OUR NEW HOME

2010-04-23T19:11:00.002-05:00

We went on a shopping spree and bought a home. Since selling our other house that was rebuilt from the storm, we were just renting this one we are in until the right house came along.....and it did! This next month will be a wild one to say the least. I have Emry's b-day party may 1st, Payton's birthday May 5th and Emry's actual b-day May 10th. At some point we'll close on the house, and the June 1st I am going back to school to advance my nursing degree and the kids won't even be out of school yet! Lot's will be going down over here, but we are so excited! Just wanted to share a picture of our new home!

ATTENTION:

2010-04-22T10:06:00.002-05:00

ATTN: KYN'S SCHOOL- This mom is totally aware that she does NOT match at ALL! And I fully understand that she is wearing her little brother's flip flops. She asked if she could dress herself for school today, and I said YES. It was very hard for me to do but the smile on her face was priceless. She was so proud that she acutally got to express herself by way of her own style today. It just might become a once-a-week thing. :)

SLEEP-O-SAURUS

2010-04-22T10:03:00.002-05:00

Eli never ever ever ever ever takes this off. I have to pry it off him to take a bath, and every few days to get it in the washer! I think he's the sweetest dinosaur on the earth!

I WON!

2010-04-20T10:03:00.002-05:00

Yes, My friends, I am back in the game!!!!! I had BUNCO last night with my girls and I came home with the MOST BUNCO'S! I haven't played since the month before I gave birth to Abram and it was so good to see those girls again! I love going and "cutting up", talking girl talk, laughing, and playing a pointless, mindless game. There were lot's of good prizes last night and I would have been happy to have any of them, but this is what is mine. My children were so excited! For those of you who know them, know that they love fruits and veggies over junk, and they were certain all the veggies on the front of the box, were what was inside! They weren't too happy when the disovered otherewise :) Thank you BUNCO BABES for another fun night! It was so good to be back with you.

something special

2010-04-17T23:59:00.005-05:00

They have my heart! I sure do love these 5 sweeties more than words can say.

CRAWFISH

2010-04-17T13:32:00.005-05:00

Coonass, or Coon-ass, is an epithet used in reference to a person of Cajun ethnicity
I am a true "coon-ass" in every way. I have lived in south east texas all my life (minus these last five years) and miss so much about that place. I miss real food, with real FLAVA!!! This bland stuff, isn't for me. I miss real BBQ. I miss the "fast paced life" every once in a while. I miss real CRAWFISH BOILS, with loud music and lots of people. I miss the lake. I miss the gulf! Most of all, I miss my family and I miss my friends. I am in hillbilly land. Don't get me wrong either, I love it here too. I like being a cajun hillbilly, not so much southern belle, but a TEXAS BABE (as my husband would say) My heart is in two places and it's hard at times. I have been in a funk for a while. I have been missing my mom & Ronnie, My dad & Rosa, my maw maw, MY SISTER who I feel like I haven't seen in wayyyyy to long and her sweet family. I miss my brother & Jodi and their little girl. I miss Kelley and AMBER and so many other dear friends. Today I miss CRAWFISH! It's crawfish festival time, and I am not there. ugh! so since I am not there, I wanted to put a recipe on here so I could imagine the taste as I am reading it over and over.

Mme. Lisa, la spécialiste chef de Cajun offers her own Crawfish Boil recipe.
You can’t go wrong with this recipe. It’s guaranteed to make you the Cajun chef you always wanted to be.

• Fill your 80 quart pot one inch above the halfway point of your pot with the basket in.
• Add 4-6 ounces of oil. (Helps the crawfish meat come out of their shell easier - mama’s secret)
• Add 1 small bottle of Zatarain liquid crab boil.
• Add about 10 – 15 bay leaves
• Add 1 cup Louisiana Pure Crystal Hot Sauce
• Add 3 lbs onions cut in wedges
• Add your 2 dozen lemons cut in half and squeezed into the water and then dropped in.
• Add 5 lbs. #1 red potatoes (called Creamers or salt potatoes)
• Open 1 can of beer.
• Fire up your pot and start drinking your beer.
• Bring your water to a rolling boil and cook the potatoes for 15 minutes.
• While your potatoes are cooking, take your crawfish still in the bag, put them in the ice chest with the drain open and gently rinse them off with the hose. When the water is running clear, dump the crawfish from the bag into the ice chest and again, rinse them off until the water is clear. Then set them aside.
• Husk your corn and break it in half. Then add it to your potatoes and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
• When you can slide your fork easily into your potatoes, lift your basket and insert your crawfish paddle across the top of your pot and rest the basket back down onto the paddle using the paddle for support while you drain the corn and potatoes. Then dump the corn and potatoes into a container and cover for later. Put the basket back into the pot.
• Add the sack of Sal’s crawfish boil.
• Add the container of Tone’s Cayenne Pepper (that’s right, the whole container)
• Stir all the ingredients for about a minute.
• Add your crawfish.
• Bring to a rolling Boil.
• When you have achieved a rolling boil, cook for 5 minutes and turn the heat off.
• Let soak for 10 – 15 minutes. Now they are absorbing the spices that give them the flavor.
• Open another beer and drink while waiting for the soaking cycle.
• After your 10 – 15 minute soak period, dump on the table or into a clean cooler for serving.
• Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!
**************(it means "let the good times roll!!!!)**************

VIDEO!

2010-04-16T10:59:00.002-05:00

so happy!!

♥Abram Isaac♥

2010-04-16T10:45:00.005-05:00

and I love him too! He's getting so big and is so full of life. Like the rest of my children, He brings me so much joy and happiness! I love my job as a mother and wouldn't trade it for anything. If you have a moment, say a little prayer for him. He's begining to get a little "under the weather."

MATILDA JANE CATALOG ORDER!

2010-04-14T19:02:00.004-05:00

check out the fun collections of Matilda Jane! This clothing line is PERFECT for adorable pictures!
I will submit orders as they come to me up until tomorrow at 7:45pm.
If you want anything be sure to order ASAP as they go FAST!

****by way of online catalog

FRIENDS!,

Welcome to Matilda Jane Clothing! If you haven’t shopped with us already, you will be hooked immediately! If you have, well welcome to our best season yet! Matilda Jane offers an eclectic look that you will not find anywhere else. It allows for self expression with its mix and match appeal. Matilda Jane will add flare to your little diva’s closet and when she wears it complements guaranteed. Shop our Spring 2010 Hammond Bay Collection with new items now! We offer sizes 12m-12yr with a new selection for mom also.

Rachal is hosting a Matilda Jane Catalog Show! All you have to do is click HERE to view the collections, look under 'goods', then under HAMMOND BAY

*Write down the item numbers and sizes of those “must have” pieces. You can call/e-mail me with your order and payment information (see information below).
I look forward to working with you! If you haven’t purchased before and have any sizing questions; contact me & I'll Help!

http://www.matildajaneclothing.com/

http://www.matildajaneblog.com/

Rachal Pendergrass
479-459-4054
raychal22@gmail.com
raychal22@yahoo.com

angelic

2010-04-13T09:22:00.002-05:00

I ♥ her

make-up gone wrong

2010-04-13T09:15:00.002-05:00

aw, you caught me. I was just getting my lipsick on for church!

I didn't get it on my face, did I?

you mean I have to wipe this off??? why?????

I can't believe you aren't going to let me wear a little lipsick!

IT'S JUST NOT FAIR....so I am going to have a total MELT DOWN!

My middle Prince......

2010-04-13T09:12:00.002-05:00

can't wait for Abram to get bigger so they can play boy things. Right now the girls try to make this poor guy play dress up. Good thing he's happy to be playing with them!

My little Prince......

2010-04-13T09:02:00.004-05:00

Will be 3 months old tomorrow! He's getting so big, so fast!
Things he's doing now:
*weights over 13 lbs.
*eating is still a favorite of his
*likes to sit in his bouncy and watch all the action
*smiles and laughs
*loves to be held
*loves to be talked to
*coo's at everyone and needs to be heard
*he's so laid back and content
*SOOOOOOO LONG!
He really is the best little man and I couldn't be more proud of him. He brings me so much joy. My two little men absolutely melt my heart (and so does my big man, adam) and I couldn't imagine my life without them. I love being a mom and am so grateful to God for allowing me 5 amazing children!

Besties for life

2010-04-13T08:48:00.002-05:00

These two little Princesses are best friends. They are completely inseparable at school and talk like little teenagers when they are together. Emry has gone home with "H" a few times after school and our life finally calmed down long enough for her to come home with us and spend the day. We got the girls from school on friday and I kept Kyn out of school too so she could join in on the fun. Me and 6 little cuties had the best time at Bk doing lunch and letting the kids play for a while. Then I loaded them all up in the car for some ICE CREAM AT BRAUMS! YUUUUM! We had dress up fun, played teacher, and babies, rode bikes, and so much more. These two will be in kindergarten together at the same school and hopefully in the same class! They've been in the same preschool class for the last two years and it wouldn't seem right if they weren't in the same K class. We were so happy to have you over H. Let's do it again soon!

ANIMAL COP

2010-04-08T12:33:00.003-05:00

You must know first of all, my kids are obsessed with the "animal cop." So they were exceptionally excited when we had to give them a little ring-a-ding-ding this afternoon. Today is trash day and it was no suprise when our little chiuaua friend made his appearance. This little dog roams aimlessly around the neighborhood all the time, but trash day makes me the most mad! HE digs and digs and digs and tries his very hardest to break though the garbage bags in hopes of his next meal! Well little chiuaua friend, you have a little problem on your hands and you are someone else's problem after today---Mr. animal cop came to see you and I wipe my hands of you. Good luck and you aren't welcome here and if you do come back.. I will call our animal cop friend again and again and again!

pic is courtesy of city website.

A CrAzY night

2010-04-08T08:27:00.004-05:00

Last night was so much fun and a lot of work at the same time! Adam had his wrestling banquet and his team and their parents were all there. So were me and our 5 little munchkins. Of course, going out to eat with children is work, but it always brings a ton of laughs!! The kids started out doing wonderful. They sat down and ate like little adults. then.....the compliments and attention started coming at them. They LOVED all the attention they were getting so they started doing more to get more. Payton was giving her princess wave to anyone who would look at her. Emry was telling jokes, Eli would just smile, Kynnedy was the little mommy and Abram would smile and poop and burp for all his attention. Soon came the time for Adam to speak and hand out awards and all the little ducklings followed him to the front of the room. There was a projector with a slide show going and while standing in the front of the room with dad, the kids realized that if they got in front of the projector, they could make shadows. So Eli, Emry and Payton are jumping up and down, making noises at themselves and totally intrigued by their own shadows, while Kynnedy (the mature one in the situation) is quiet as can be making hand puppet shadows. Meanwhile, the speech goes on and laughter is heard at various times throughout. I am in the back of the room, bouncing the baby, trying to keep him calm and quiet. The three jumping beans are starting to get louder and louder with their shadow making fun and Adam politely says excuse me and huddles around the kids..next thing I know, the children are walking like little ducklings back to the mamma duck. At this point, I am starting to sweat, hoping Adam's speech is coming to a close--Key WORD is HOPING. I wasn't that lucky. I pass the baby off to one of the moms there and start trying to entice the little ones with ice cream. We sneak off to get the ice cream and come sit back down in an orderly fashion. I was relieved and starting to cool off a bit, only to notice that Emry is now WEARING HER ICE CREAM. I am trying to get her all cleaned off without any meltdowns when I hear HI MOMMY!! Payton spotted me and made it very known. (she'd been with adam in the front this whole time) Then as all is silent, Eli yells "I gotta go POOOOOOO POOOOOOOO!!!!!!" I am thinking 'ARE YOU KIDDING ME??' LOUD LAUGHTER goes off at this time, so I whisper, just hold it for just a minute. just wait til daddy gets done so he can stay with the other ones while I take you to the bathroom. (at this point-I had the baby again... he wanted mom) So Eli holds tight for about a minute, when he yells POOOO POOO'S COMING!!!!!!!! I had no time to wait, no time to spare! Eli, Me and Abram RUNNNNNNN through the restaurant to the other side where the bathrooms were, bust through the doors and make it JUST IN TIME! Needless to say, I am dripping in sweat by now, tired as all get out and ready to sleep for a year. I still hadn't gotten ANY food--by the time 4 kids had plates, and I was done feeding the 5th. Adam had already finished eating and was speaking, and I was just out of luck and plain hungry! It was sure a night we won't forget but one that we will look back on and have a really good laugh!

who will he be tomorrow?

2010-04-05T20:50:00.002-05:00

He's (Eli) been known to be a pirate, superman, spiderman, HULK SMASH Man, and any o her superhero I left out. He's been known to be a cowboy, cop, fireman & a dog catcher cop, but I can honestly say, he's never come up with a WITCH in snowboots in the middle of spring with his "community helper" pj's on. That was the role he was playing as I arrived home from my Bible study tonight!! I love it! Just wish he would have had the broom when I snapped the picture!

priceless

2010-04-05T12:44:00.002-05:00

Their faces are priceless!

CHANGE

2010-04-02T11:20:00.002-05:00

Change can be scary for a lot of people. Fortunatly, for my familiy it isn't scary and it isn't hard for them. My kids adapt easily to change. In fact, they do better than me a lot of times. Change is so needed for us to grow as human beings. That's just what's going down in our home. We are changing how we do things around here. We have been in so much prayer about this for so long and then the answer came- A BIBLE study that adam and I needed called REVOLUTIONARY PARENTING by George Barna. This Bible study is awesome and makes such wonderful points and really makes you pause and reflect on what you want your children to become, what God intends for your children to become, and what you are doing to get them there. How society thinks that the more your children are involved in, the more successful they are. A good example is : I thought kynnedy should be in gymnastics and tumbling. I was getting so frustrated b/c she didn't want to do it. I mean really, what little girl doesn't do gymnastics, right? It makes you somebody...you grow to be the dancer on the schools dance team or cheerleader and I had in my head that equaled success....but what I found out is wasn't necessarily pleasing to God. *NOW LET ME JUST SAY NOW, IT DOESN'T MEAN YOUR KIDS CAN'T BE INVOLVED IN THOSE THINGS* they can and they should. For me, it meant:
1. My children didn't have to be invovled in everything just because the world thinks it makes them better and defines success.
2. it meant finding the gifts God gave them and the things THEY WERE interested in and offering it to Him so He could use them.
These 5 little blessings are the "neighbors" God has entrusted to us in a unique way--they are our primary mission field and my GOAL is to shape their minds and hearts so that they are constantly being pleasing to the Lord. And we are now going to let the Bible's principals define who we are. My chidren's faith is my top priority.
George Barna made 2 good points I will share: you can tell what's most important to you by
1. reflect back on what you spend your time at home doing--
2.look at your calendar--it's usually related to what you think is important.
I WILL SAY NOW-that hit home! I was spending more time on the phone, computer and infront of the TV rather than taking the time to grow my children into SPIRITUAL CHAMPIONS!
So what's changed around here you ask?
We have new PENDERGRASS HOUSE GUIDELINES which we will LIVE by.
NEW RULES we will follow and CHARACTER QUALITIES we will study and live out.We have charts up in our home of these things so we can all see them through out the day. We are making this a more positive, faithful, and peaceful home. We had gotten so caught up in the fast pace of everyday life, we were slipping on the most important job we have-our children. They were suffering. I want to hear on Judgement day, when I stand before the Lord, these words "Well, done good and faithful servant, Well done!" So I am doing what it takes. Our plan isn't fail proof and it's certainly not perfect. In fact, it's not even all clear yet. But it's geard for us! We will use those moments of downfall as teachable moments. This is just ONE of the things changing for this family right now and we just wanted to share. We are excited!!!

NEWSFLASH!!

2010-04-02T11:14:00.003-05:00

::just incase you didn't get the memo::

I AM MADLY IN LOVE WITH THIS MAN!!!

(and those 5 little cuties in my sidebar)

fun & games

2010-04-02T11:01:00.002-05:00

This crew loves going to visit one another at their schools--EMRY is ALWAYS especially excited to go to Kyn's school. It makes her feel like her big sister and next year she will get to be with her sister at school everyday! Kynnedy's little friends love it when we all come too! I can't imagine why *wink*. Nah, I know why--cause everywhere this little clan goes, we seem to stir up lots of laughs in the ones around us! Something exciting is happening wherever we are!!
Kynnedy's class had an easter egg hunt earlier that day, then a free fun day that afternoon. Tug-of-war, 4 corners, the cha cha slide, face painting, popsicles and drinks were just a few of the stops we made at the fun day! The weather was PERFECT and the kids were all full of so much joy. It made me stop and think just how awesome our God is and really soak in everything He created. I was reminded just how precious little ones are to our God and reminded of His UNCONDITIONAL love.

RECOVERING

2010-04-02T10:39:00.001-05:00

Our sweet little lady is recovering at home. She is doing wonderful. She's so used to walking stiff legged, so it'll take several days for her to get ROM back in her knee. She still has on a full wrap that we can take off in the morning and FINALLY give this girl the bath she deserves, and let me tell ya....we are all excited for that moment to happen for her!!! Thank you for your prayers for her and the rest of us during this wild journey we have had!

a few more

2010-03-31T21:25:00.000-05:00

refreshing and renewal!

2010-03-31T17:11:00.004-05:00

I love Spring! with spring, comes EASTER. I love the newness of everything! I love the blooming flowers and trees. I love how the sun just gives you this amazing feeling of being refreshed. I also love what this time of year does to me mentally and spritually. I take this time and reflect on my spritual life and relationship with the Lord. I too, want to be renewed! I want a "newness" about me--I want to be on a new, deeper level with my SAVIOR! There are amazing things going on in our life and family right now, some of which I haven't shared with all of you-but we are excited!! I am also so very excited to have another opportunity to teach my children why we celebrate Easter and what this whole "season" is really about. I love when they tell me the story back in their own little version. I love that every time and every year they tell me why we celebrate Easter, they have a new and deeper understanding of how amazing our FATHER is, and how much He really does love us. So much so, that He sent His only Son to die!
With all that, we love to have fun too! Easter egg hunts, cakes, cupcakes, candy, easter baskets and little bunnies and chicks, bright colors and morek--today was no exception. I had to go to the dr. with Payton to set details for tomorrows surgery in stone, but Gran Jan got to go on the egg hunt with Em's school! She got some really cute pictures of Emry and her friends and I had to share. I was so thankful that Gran Jan was able to go- 1st because I had the appt. and 2nd because Emry walked up to me last night and said "hey mom, I think I changed my mind to Gran Jan instead of you at my easter party"----little stinker pants!!!!!!! So today was the first of many egg hunts for this week! Thank you Gran Jan for all your help!

the way our princess gets around!

2010-03-31T16:25:00.003-05:00

So there are two ways our little pumpkin gets around these days, but NOT FOR LONG! tomorrow---off comes the cast and out comes the rods! YAY! we've had a very eventful few weeks to say the least. The weather has been amazing and was so wonderful on spring break. We took a trip down to Little Rock for heart appts for Emry, at children's and made a mini vacay out of it. We went to the zoo, ate our hearts out and went to the Children's museum. The first stop was the zoo and just as any time in our life, it was nothing short of ACTION PACKED!! payton rode in the little wagon--since she can't keep up with the rest of the clan due to her "goofy leg"--however, with all the moving around she did in the wagon, her cast slid down, her rod was busted through her incison hole, and her finger was in that hole. My first thought was she would have an infection in her bone because the wound was exposed, so I did what I knew to do--call the doc. The only prob was he was 2.5 hours away so I was instructed to go to the ER. Never fails that we have to make a hospital visit all to OFTEN! ha!! So we were at the Children's hospital two days in a row! FUN FUN! (seriously, we love that place) The day after the ER visit was the heart visit for Emry. The kids all get to play on all the fun toys and color and all kinds of stuff, so we enjoy taking all of them. This time though, em had to have an ECHO done and it's been almost 2.5 years since her last one. The little ones got a little restless, so adam took them around the hospital. -let me steer away from this story for a sec. One of my goals this hospital trip was to see the Duggars here. If you watch their show (which I LOVE), 19 kids and counting, or know anything of them, you would know that their baby was born early and has been at ACH. They were still there while we were going to be there. I didn't have the opportunity to meet here when she was in town, so I didn't want to pass up another opportunity.--ok, now back to my story. While I was in the appt. with Emry and Adam was strolling around with the other ones, who do you think he had a "moment" with at the elevator.?!??!! MICHELLE DUGGAR!! I was totally jealous. I am not a 'stalker' or anything or even obsessed, I just love the way their family operates! I love the foundations of their family, and love some of the ideas she has and resources she has used, so I thought it would be cool to actually say "hi." Adam didn't do that--He was "STAR STRUCK!!!" He said she was absoultely beautiful and a spirit of peace, love and gentleness just flowed off of her.
So our time there came to a close, Emry's checkup was good, and she was given yet another year to do whatever her heart desires as far as activities. What a wonderful time I had with my precious children and loving husband on that little get-a-way. I am, well, WE are so very blessed!

3 & 9

2010-03-18T13:42:00.006-05:00

Princess Payton has decided to walk! We are so proud at her recovery ---she's three weeks out of surgery today!! in this video at the very end, she took a small plunge! But don't worry it was *SMALL* and she landed right in my lap. She was brave enough to take her hands off the walker and try a few more steps.....and BAM-she lost her balance. It didn't keep her down for more than 10 seconds and she was up and at em again! GO P! And happy 9 week birthday to Abram! Blessed, I AM!

little people

2010-03-16T11:12:00.004-05:00

Pictured below are just some of the Willow Tree dolls I have. I love willow tree dolls. I have some of them placed in a window ledge over my Kitchen sink, which is what this post is all about. I was in the kitchen getting a snack ready for all the children and Eli pulled a chair up beside me to climb in and help. We talked for a second and then I noticed he was talking to himself (or what I thought was himself). I asked him who he was talking to and he replies: "these little people. He is crying because he does not want to go to church!" Some of you may ask, "what did he mean by that response?" I would know the answer to that. :) Since giving birth to Abram, Adam and I have taken a break from teaching the 3 year old first hour sunday school class, which means our children haven't been going to first hour sunday school. We are just attending the service right now, so they are attending 2nd hour SS. Change a 3 year olds routine like that and you have a MESS! Eli loves his teachers all so much, but got so used to going to the first hour and seeing the faces there, he's having a difficult time adjusting and it was made known today that he thinks about it OFTEN! I know for sure know that if he saw the little boy and his mom willow tree doll and assumed the little boy was crying about going to church, he's having a hard time with this adjustment! :)

2010-03-16T11:00:00.002-05:00

I caught Payton standing on the couch today and standing in her wagon. She's getting brave!! I turned around and snapped this picture of her trying to get off the couch too! Adam said while I was gone yesterday she took around 6 steps with her walker, so today, we'll practice again!

and just a few today of my growing little man! He loves to lay on his mat and play!

bored and tired

2010-03-16T10:45:00.002-05:00

This little lady was so tired. She has been such a good sport with this broken leg business, but had all she could take yesterday at 7pm sitting straight up in her wagon!

stats

2010-03-15T20:47:00.002-05:00

Well today was a big, busy day! We started the day off with dr's appt's. Emry was so big and brave and got her physical and shots for kindergarten. I was so proud of her. She's so excited about registering and going to school next year, so that made today a little easier for her...not to mention she's SUPER TOUGH! She's 50th percentile for her weight and 75th percentile for her height! GO EM!
Abram had his 2 month check up today along side Emry. He's getting so big and doing so well. He weighs over 10 1/2 pounds and is 23 inches long. What a LONG MAN WE HAVE! He's cooing and smiling and starting to react to noises and people. I love this stage---It's when it confirms to me that he knows who I am and he needs me. It's so rewarding! I can't wait to see how he grows and changes over the next few months!
Not only was Emry getting prepared for school today, but so was I! I sat waiting to speak with advisors to continue to further my nursing degree. I will start classes this summer and am so ready for it (I THINK)!!! TO THE BSN I GO! Pray for me and my family as we start this journey.
Kynnedy and I had parent teacher conference tonight and it went well. She is doing so well in school and is on a reading level L. She can read higher than level L but they want to keep her at a level where they know she can comprehend the story also. I think by the end of second grade they should be at a level M. So she's doing wonderful!!
Eli and Payton had a great day today just to be along for the ride!
A BLESSED LIFE I HAVE!

so much to say, so little time!

2010-03-12T22:09:00.003-06:00

My sweet little Emry in one of her new JUSTICE dresses. The girls got a few new dresses from there this week and they are more than proud of them!

And a new do! this picture is actually not the finished product, but it's the one i have on here uploaded for now. I am actually blonde again and will post pics later. My mom has been here, you all know and she's been my hairstylist for nearly 30 years. She's the best! she gave me a cut and changed the color for me. and with that transformation, got me back in business with the start of a new and much needed wardrobe. She really does know how to make her daughter feel beautiful. thanks for all your help the last few weeks mom, and thanks for making me beautiful!! What a blessing and ENORMOUS help it has been to have you here. I can't thank you enough for all the times you have stopped your world to come to our rescue. What you do for us is so appreciated more than you could ever know. I am so glad you got to be here this week during these special times for our family. You are loved and appreciated and I just want you to know!

P is still not a fan of the walker, but she has made progress! We call her scooter booter!! She can scoot all over the place now. There's still 3mm where bone hasn't formed yet so we are still in the cast and her leg is still to fragile to walk on, but she's coping so much better these days. Thank you for all your prayers!

It's not spiderman, superman or ELI.....it's a dinosaureeeeeee named T-REX! HE wears this costume, that is at least 3 sizes to small, EVERYDAY!

I have had to get very creative with my time in this house.. who needs a dry erase board when you've got WINDOWS!??!! the kids have had so much fun drawing and playing school.

2010-02-27T15:37:00.002-06:00

Alas, we are home!

2010-02-27T15:29:00.004-06:00

We are finally home. Surgery went well and we didn't have to do a cast, so that's a plus too. However, we are supposed to work with her and a baby walker--WHEN SHE'S READY. She is doing well for the most part and her cute perky little self most of the time. She definately lets you know when it's time for some medicine. Adam got to stay all three nights in the hospital with her, and I came home with the baby. He said she did well during the nights and slept wonderful!! The kids visited her yesterday and brought her presents and lot's of family and friends were all there with goodies for her too. Maybe..just maybe things will slow down for our family now---just long enough to get this behind us! thank you all so much for your continued prayers!!!! It's been CrAzY here!

Surgery and 6 weeks

2010-02-25T13:14:00.003-06:00

So our little man with a huge calling on his life is 6 weeks old day! Wow, it went way to fast and had so many ups and downs at the same time. I did get his last results back and for now there is NO CONCERN. If we see the need to do more testing on him or if we feel something's just not quite right, then we can go from there, but all labs weren't too worrisome for doctors. So that's a huge relief and an ANSWERED PRAYER!
What are guy is up to:
He loves being held by everyone, INCLUDING all the siblings.
He loves being kissed on (most of the time)
He poops a ridiculous amount...we've gone through SEVERAL HUNDRED diapers in 6 weeks.
Sleeping is a favorite hobby, but it doesn't beat eating! This man can eat, and eat and eat. (tyical for the male, right.)
He loves to make all kinds of noises and is finally starting to move around.
He is so very observant... and there's LOTS to observe in the family circus!
Those are just a few of the things our guy is up to and we are so lucky and blessed to have him and the rest of our children!!
Now on to miss Princess Payton.
She had a terrible fall with Emry yesterday that resulted in a broken femur and surgery today. Bless her heart, she's been the best sport and is so tough. She had a rough night last night but has been sleeping soundly for the last hour or so. Surgery will be at 2:30pm today and we'll be in the hospital until sat. So keep this family in your prayers---we just keep going through a roller coaster of suprises and accidents and medical emergencies.. but it's what's life throwin' at us and we have the Lord to trust and Lean on.. no doubt we'll come out with stronger faith and a deeper relationship with God. WE ARE STILL BLESSED BEYOND ALL MEASURE!

FIRE STATION FUN!!!!

2010-02-19T12:31:00.008-06:00

Yesterday was a fun filled day at the fire station! Eli LOVES fire trucks and everything about them, so we asked if we could bring him and the other kids down there to see what it's all like! We learned so much!!! They kids had two fire trucks to be turned loose on and they took full advantage of it. Horns were blowing and sirens were sounding for so long, the whole town must have wondered what was going on! They got to try on all the gear and Mr. Fireman put it all on for the kids to see just what it was like when a fireman came in a house during a fire. They called in and had the dispatcher sound the alarm at the station we were at, so we knew just what it sounded like when they get "the call." And oddly enough, one of the fireman there was the one who came to OUR home, almost 4 years ago, when Emry fell 9.5 feet off our balcony onto the coffee table. He remembered her and everything about the situation. So We thought it was pretty neat to 're-meet' some of the people who came to HER RESCUE then. All in all, it was the BEST FAMILY FIELD TRIP EVER!

My super Famous BABY!

2010-02-16T13:27:00.002-06:00

Ok I know I said he was famous before, but Abram is REALLY famous now! BABYMELONS.COM wanted to use the Photo Jessica Meinardus Photography did for us to feature their hats! How awesome and cool is that???? I think it's super cool and a big honor for this momma! So check him out on the website. http://www.babymelons.com/collections/all/products/blue-grass This is where I purchased this fun hat for the photo!

Check out our pictures!

2010-02-14T09:33:00.001-06:00

http://meinardusphotography.blogspot.com/2010/02/5-never-looked-so-sweet-van-buren-ar.html
So Jessica did ANOTHER AMAZING job, only this time it was with our family!! We had so much fun and I can't wait to to "spring time" outside pictures with her. If you live around here and have not used her, it's a must. She worked so well with us, but most especially the kids. My children usually don't LOVE to have their pictures taken, but Kynnedy and Emry both immediately walked in and turned into "miss sassy pants" and posed and modeled and loved every minute of it. Neither one wanted to stop. Eli and Payton did really well too and Abram worked with us for the most part. I can't say enough of good things about Jessica as a person or her work and I can't wait to see the rest of our proofs! So click the above or below link and go check 'em out. And then leave a comment and tell me what you think! http://meinardusphotography.blogspot.com/2010/02/5-never-looked-so-sweet-van-buren-ar.html

warning: OVERLOAD!

2010-02-09T10:48:00.003-06:00

This is a picture overload!!!! This past friday, the girls who are trainers at the football field spent most of the day with us! I LOVE THESE GIRLS and my kids think they are AMAZING! I was so glad they came over to sit, talk, play with the kids and do nothing with me all at the same time. They are so fun. I have needed company! Don't get me wrong, I am doing GREAT ....but You see, the newness of having a baby has worn off for everyone, EXCEPT ME! The first few weeks we weren't able to enjoy our baby because of all the testing for the metabolic disorder, and as of friday, I looked down in my lap and said "OH MY GOSH, WE HAVE A BABY" It's real. He's going to be okay, and He's here to stay--we have been blessed 5 children! At that moment, after I got off the phone with the doctor and got the mostly good news, is the moment I felt like we just got home from the hospital. And when things feel that new, you just want to be surrounded by loved ones. Since my mom has been gone for almost 2 weeks (gosh hard to believe I will have a one month old this week)and my husband is back to work and I am back into my groove of being soccer mom, it was so nice to have those girls here with me! So Catie and Christina--thank you so much for coming at 8:25am and not leaving until 6:00pm--you have no idea how much I enjoyed you both (I always do) And thank you for taking pictures of my kiddos because I sure haven't done enough of that lately either. (all pictures in this post are courtesy of the girls)
But like I said, while it all feels new, I couldn't be doing better. I bounced back fast in every way! Would you believe I took all 5 of them to walmart, all by myself this weekend?? I did! And they were FANTASTIC! It was one of our most enjoyable wally world trips ever!! We got to stay and look around for about 1.5 hours. We shopped for valentines and I got my chocolate fix by GLARING at all the valentine candy!
We are still waiting on the uric acids to come back and we will go from there-depending on what those results are. We will keep you posted. For now.. I hope you enjoy the pictures. :)

results!!

2010-02-08T08:33:00.002-06:00

So we have part of the results in---Abram's plasma and enzymes did come back "abnormal" but only slightly. One level needed to be less than 0.2 and it was 0.3 and one level needed to be less than .04 and it was right on .04. So the geneticist wasn't concerned at all and said that we are going to wait on his uric acids to come back some time this week. We MAY have to put him on a vitamin just for coverage, but he said that most children with this degree of abnormalities will go a lifetime without manifesting any problems whatsoever. So we are still claiming healing from our Father and expecting it will be done. This is amazing news so far and I have no doubts that he will be "free and clear" of any disorder. Thank you so much for your prayers and continued prayers and we will continue to update as we receive any more information.

model baby

2010-02-04T20:57:00.003-06:00

So my little Abram is a model baby now! LOL!! The lady who made the carseat cover asked if she could snap some photos with Abram in his carseat for her photo album, website, and fb page. I said yes, of course. It was the first baby she's had pictured in her work...so now we have a little model on our hands! (just picking)
Anyway, here are the pics... and just for a little update, we still have no word on results...just keep prayin'!

RaNdOm

2010-02-02T13:34:00.006-06:00

For starters, we still haven't heard anything from test results yet. It's starting to get a bit frustrating, to say the least. So continue to pray and We will continue to update as we know more.
Now for the carseat cover I had made---um.. I LOVE IT! The canopy isn't finished yet. she came and got my carseat this morning after I took the kids to school and I told her I had to have it back in time to go pick them up (since I don't have back up carseats), so she whipped it up SUPERFAST! But she will bring the canopy tomorrow.
then for sleding---whoa-the kids had a blast!!!!! I didn't go. I stayed out of the 7 inches of snow and in with my little guy! IT's way to cold for me (and him) out there! I like sunny and 70 weather... so bring it on mother nature
and the kisses with Eli and Abram.. just couldn't leave those pics out either. This is a brief post because a HANDSOME little man is ScReAmInG my NAME (or really he's screaming for a food supply part) post later!

small update:

2010-01-29T17:44:00.002-06:00

We will be receiving one result this Monday Feb 1st and the other test result Monday feb 8th. It apparently takes a really long time to process. They have to mix his blood with all kinds of different stuff and "watch" it over a certain amount of days. Our Geneticist over at Arkansas Children's Hospital has already called my pediatrician this week to make sure things were still going well, and he confirmed that the test does take a while to come back. At least I have a clearer picture of when we may hear some news. The waiting is by far the hardest part, but we have definitely drawn nearer to the Lord through this situation.
To the teacher who commented today: Thank you so much for your comment and letting me know our ENTIRE VBSD school district was praying for us! We are so blessed and it is just one more confirmation that are exactly where God wants us to be, here in VB!I ask of you all, to please keep praying! I know the Lord has a special calling on each one of my children's lives and our little Abram is no exception. Thank you for all the prayers lifted already and thank you ahead of time for the many more that will go up on our behalf!

just pics!

2010-01-29T13:03:00.005-06:00

The first few are from this week, and the rest are when my dad, his wife Rosa and my maw maw were here! WE MISS YALL, Dad!!!

Prayers, PLEASE

2010-01-28T21:02:00.004-06:00

Goodness, so much has happened and we have been through a whirlwind! We def. need your prayers though. We had such a wonderful time seeing my Dad, Rosa, and my maw maw up here for a few days to visit. The kids were so excited to see them and they had a blast going swimming at the hotel with them, to the park and to eat lot's of Braum's icecream. It made the transition to having a new baby in the house that much easier for them getting to do all kinds of fun things! We were so sad to see them go. It was one of the hardest moments I have had in the past 2 weeks. The other hard moment was last friday (the 22nd). We recieved news that Abram's newborn screen came back abnormal for a defiency called MCAD (for short). We had to go that day to have more bloodwork done and tests sent off to see if he really did have this disorder. We should be hearing the results soon. The tests had to be sent to california and they got there yesterday or early today. We are asking for your prayers that he does NOT have this metabolic disorder. It's a deficiency where his body can't convert fats into energy properly. It's very rare and there is no cure, but rather a treatment plan for life. It's a lifestyle change in what he would eat and how often. He wouldn't be able to go long periods of time without food. (5+ hours) and if he got sick, it would be a little harder for him to recover from especially if it was a sickness where he couldn't hold food down. He would likely require hospitalization. The newborn screen is a very SENSITIVE test and while most who fail it come back with normal results on the more extensive tests, we still believe that prayer is just what we need. We are claiming and believing in Jesus name that he is perfectly fine and we will recieve great normal results here in the next few days. I have more pics to put up of our growing man, I will do that soon. For now, we went to our two week check up today and he gained nearly a pound in one week and grew 1/2 inch. GO ABRAM! HE is a living doll and we are ready to enjoy this little man with NO worries! My mom has been a HUGE help through all this also. She's been here for the past 2 weeks and left today. So I am on my own, now! Let's see how having 5 really is, :) I love it already, no doubt about it! I would take 5 more in a heartbeat! (just for you mom)

He ARRIVED!

2010-01-14T21:00:00.003-06:00

HE MADE IT HERE at 8:13am, at a whopping 8lbs 7oz and 20.5 inches long. He's BEAUTIFUL and a little bruised up (that's nothing to us, since the rest of the kids were WAAAAAAY more bruised and discolored) Abram Isaac Pendergrass! The PIT drip was never started, because when they put the cytotec in last night, it made me go into FULL BLOWN labor! Adam got to deliver him and that was so special to us!!!!!!!!! So thatnks Dr. B for asking him to do that. Thank you all for the prayers lifted for the delivery and our little prince. We certainly felt them. I would love to blog more, but I am exhausted and catching my sleep. Enjoy some pics!

our nightly exercise!

2010-01-11T18:11:00.001-06:00

be sure to "pause my music" at the bottom of the page so you can hear!!

Baby news!

2010-01-11T16:02:00.002-06:00

Soooo, after going to the dr. today and speaking with him, we will be going in wednesday night and inducing thurs. morning. FINALLY I SEE A GLIMMER OF LIGHT to end this longest pregnancy journey of my life! The cool thing is....my little prince will share a b-day with one of my best friends little girl!! kind of neat! So We will be posting more and updating more and of course adding pics when he gets here! STAY TUNED!!!!!! I won't blog again before then, unless somthing unexpected goes down (which isn't out of the question at all), but rather using my time to get things ready, spend time with my kids and husband in our last few days as a family of 6, and cleaning and getting done what should have been done already. So keep me, baby and the rest of the clan in your prayers!! :)

FINALLY!!!!

2010-01-09T11:29:00.005-06:00

No, not a baby! Finally I found my memory stick to upload pics to post on here. Boy I hate getting way behind, however, it's been good because things have been just WILD around here!!! Starting with as far back as Christmas! Our Christmas wasn't typical this year, but it was wonderful!!!!!! We spent it with adam's family and didn't do a single bit a travel, which is totally abnormal for us. We definatly missed all of my family, but had so much fun with our kids for two straight weeks. No stress, no schedule, just tons of fun! We saw Adam's parents on Christmas Eve and ate with them Christmas day, but the rest of the time was intimate personal family time that was much needed. We played so many games, played outside in the snow, and watched movies. We had Kynnedy read from her new Bible, about the birth of Christ and celebrated together, the true meaning of Christmas. It was really a blessing and memories were made!!

Then New Year's Eve came and went and I got to kiss the man I love. That always makes my new year!! ;-)

On New Year's day, we lounged around until time to get ready to go to rehearsal dinner for Justin and Maria's Wedding. Justin was one of Adam's football players a few years ago, also a precious family in our church and Maria was homecoming queen when kynnedy was the little flower girl for homecoming. So how fitting that they asked her to be in their wedding! We were so honored! She's always had bit of a "hangup" with Maria, though. You see, Kynnedy thought that she was supposed to get the CROWN for homecoming and has sworn ever since that Maria STOLE HER CROWN!! LOL so when they asked her to be in the wedding her reply was "Yes, but isn't that the girl who took my crown?" Maria made sure not to wear a crown on her wedding day so there would be no CONFUSION! LOL! Kyn's over the crown and just thinks the WORLD of Maria now! She was so good to her through this whole experience and wants to be in many more weddings now, along with EMRY!! However, the day of the wedding turned DRAMATIC! For me mostly, but still. Kynnedy was invited to go get her hair done with Maria and the bridesmaids. They were heading that way super early, so I opted to bring her a little later so she wouldn't have to get up so early. It was going fab and fun until it was her turn for hair. Things were going along until Patti (the hairdresser) called me over to her and said "rachal, look." Yep, you guessed it. LICE! OMG! I totally FREAKED!!! I have never had it in my life, and the whole idea didn't freak me out as much as, taking care of the whole house did!! STRESS O RAMA!!!!!!!! and days before our new baby is supposed to be here. So we had to leave the shop, run go get all the necessary items to take care of this issue, get her dressed for the wedding, do her part and come home and DEBUG!! I spent almost 5 hours going hair by hair the first night on her, 3 the second and thrid night and about 2 the rest of the week. So today is a week out from that incident, life is back to normal--well somewhat normal.The kids can't walk up to me without me SEARCHING their hair! I still wash everything daily (beds, pillows, ponytails, hairbrushes, etc.) but we are clean. Luckily it was caught in time before anyone else was affected!! PHEW!

Now as far as baby goes, I have been dialted 2-3 for a few weeks and 60-70% for the same. I don't think he's ever coming out!!!! this is the longest I have been pregnant out of all 5 of them!!!! CRAZY! We go monday again to the dr. so hopefully progress will have been made this week--if not, I am taking legal action!!!!! :)

grrrrr.

2010-01-05T11:12:00.001-06:00

Well I have tons to catch up on, but I lost the memory stick to upload pics, so stay tuned!

Teacher's Christmas Gifts 2009

2009-12-17T10:38:00.002-06:00

So here's the finished product of this year's teacher's gifts!! It was so fun to make and super easy, but made with Lot's of love and filled with LOT'S of goodies!!!!!

OUR BIG WINNER!!!!

2009-12-13T14:40:00.002-06:00

THIS IS OUR POPS in the Aggie sweatshirt, and his parter! They were the big winners of the fishing tourney yesterday and we couldn't be more excited and proud!! There were even the fisherman you see on t.v who entered in this event and our most favorite Pops came out on top! What a blessing!!! here's the pics and interview below! WE LOVE YOU POPS!!!!

You read it right 29.29 pounds is what it took to win the Texas Super Team Tournament this weekend. The team of Ronnie Bland and Johnny Franks went out this morning and decided to have a little trouble with their trolling motor just to give the fellow competitors a head start, but after thinking it through, they put their heads down and went to work and when they got finished they had a dream day catching their five fish limit of 29.29 pounds. The team took home $10,000.00 for their efforts. Nice job guys. (courtesty of www.fishingonastringtournamenttrails.com)

Parent Involvement night

2009-12-11T10:55:00.003-06:00

Last night was parent night at K's school and we had so much fun! we played MATH games and saw Santa, ate popcorn, saw friends, visited with the teachers and more. I thought I'd snap a few pics before leaving and of course that was nearly impossible. the kids WILL NOT all smile at the same time, look at the same time or even sit at the same time. So it was fast snappin' before we walked out the door and this is what we got!

4.5 weeks to go!

2009-12-10T16:06:00.002-06:00

welp, most people don't eat basketballs in their lifetime, but it looks as if I have eaten at least 3!!! this is me with 4 1/2 weeks to go. it's gonna get real interesting these next few weeks!

many milestones

2009-12-04T20:28:00.002-06:00

We have so many milestones going on in our home right now! It's EXCITING!! Kynnedy lost another tooth today. SHE PULLED IT OUT HERSELF at SCHOOL!!! YIKES! I do NOT do the "tooth pulling" in our home. It totally grosses (sp) me out, so I am super glad she can handle that all on her own. She got her very own special "tooth saver" box to put it in from the nurse at school. Now the TOOTH FAIRY better go to the atm and get some cash for a trade. (I bet our little miss priss would take a check though.. too bad my name isn't listed under the "tooth fairy's" checking acct.)

As for the other milestones going on here--if you have read the previous post, you'd know we are in Potty School this weekend. I am happy to report that at the close of DAY 1, we are doing FANTASTIC!! My friend suggested I put some cheerios in the toilet to let Eli "aim" at em and it totally worked. But the cool thing is, He doesn't want the cheerios in there anymore. He just hops up on his stool and stands proud like a man, and fires off! GO ELI!!!! 2 more days of this 3-day boot camp and I hope it just keeps getting better. We started off this AM with him peeing in the froggy potty, then peeing sitting down on the big potty, and now standing. AMAZING! Now I just hope we get a "poo" in tomorrow, so we can keep making progress, His chart has 4 stickers on it!! WOO HOO! Emry has been so awesome to cheer him on all day and even do the "pee pee" dance for him (which he pretends to hate, but secretly LOVES) and Payton just wants to sit on the toilet ALL DAY! Sooooo my calendar will for sure have a weekend cleared off on it for her in the very near future. Here are some pics of the day coming to a close and our bedtime "routine" setting in. As exhausted as I am, it was so fun. Even if I did feel as though I had Eli handcuffed to me all day. Where he went, I went and where I went, he went. FINALLY...........I can go in any room I want... ALONE! The simple things in life ;)

POTTY SCHOOL DAY 1

2009-12-04T12:22:00.002-06:00

I first must thank friends Kayla and Marlene for enlightening me to this 3-day potty method--THANK YOU! I honestly didn't know how exhausting it was to potty train children. My first two girls did it all on their own and at an early age. SO we are in a whole new world with Potty pupil Eli. We have spent serious dollars on rewards, supplies and food and snacks and juice to stay inside for the next three days to give Eli our full attention and dedication to get him into MANHOOD! We were going to do Eli and Payton both at the same time (she's so ready) but when she woke up for the first day of school and had poop that never ended, I decided I would clear three different days from my calendar for her. WHAT A CHORE!!!! Here's his reward chart started below. He only has one sticker because we are 6 hours in and he's only gone one time to the bathroom. He's had no accidents and is obviously HOLDING IT IN!!! this is going to be a long three days! I am praying for success by day three--so Kayla and Marlene, cheer me on---I give you both props---this is SERIOUS STUFF! Super HARD CORE!

Broken "R" Ranch

2009-12-02T13:26:00.005-06:00

The Broken "R" Ranch is also known as my dad's house. I love to look at airel views of different locations and when my dad sent this to me, I of course, had to blog it. He has many acres and I am not sure if all the land can be seen in this picture. This is where we visit several times out of the year, feed the cows, ride 4-wheelers, and let the kids just run with NO BOUNDARIES! It's quiet out there, but super close to the "city" too--which for me, is a big plus. I miss being down there!!!!

CHRISTMAS TIME!

2009-12-01T20:55:00.002-06:00

Goodbye Thanksgiving and hello Christmas time! We have decorated and we still have a little more to do and it's so much fun! Adam's mom has done most of it for me this year and I couldn't be more blessed. I wish you could all see it in person! She's so creative and it looks so wonderful!! The kids love it!! The arrangement above the windows is my very favorite--it's our family out of gingerbread men and women!!! the mom and dad are in the middle and the kids are on the side windows! She brought the big bow over for my tree topper tonight and is putting more things together for my fireplace. The kids decorated the tree mostly and are begining to "undecorate" it little by little ;-) But it still looks so nice. This is the first time that they have been involved in the tree decorating and actually wanted to! Anyway, here are a few pics and more to come!
In the meantime, I had my ob appt. today and we are on the down slope. I go on the
15th again and then we start checking for dialation! I can't believe it......

OUR PRINCE in 4-d

2009-11-28T23:41:00.002-06:00

Yes, that is his foot over his eye!

6 weeks to go!!!

2009-11-28T23:24:00.002-06:00

We have 6 weeks to go (obviously give or take a few days) and we can't wait. We had our ultra sound the other day and he already weighs around 5 pounds!! I will be getting an u/s pic of him up soon!!! For now, here's me! I think I am doing pretty good for it being our 5th!! :)

Eli's Birthday!

2009-11-28T23:19:00.004-06:00

We had Eli's party on his Birthday which was Nov. 14th at CHUCK E CHEESE! I just found my memory stick sleeve to the camera and can now show you some pics!! we had a blast. I still can't believe he's 3 years old!!!!!!!! We are so proud of his cake, btw~

UPDATE!

2009-11-28T23:19:00.001-06:00

OKAY SOOOOOO I know it's been what seems like a year! but I AM BACK!!!!!!

who's cat is this?

2009-10-27T09:44:00.002-05:00

So we've had this cat hanging outside our home now for a few weeks. The kids named him/her "MEOW"! It really is a sweet cat, but that's the last thing we need... and she's healthy so I assume she belongs to someone in the neighborhood. We'll just play with it while we are outside--and that's just what we did this weekend. Saturday was BEAUTIFUL and we went to the park and found leaves, went out to eat, came home and played and carved pumpkins. The kids drew the faces on the pumpkins that the wanted and Adam cut them out. Betchya can't guess which one is Em's???? (hint: just look at the teeth)

artsy girl

2009-10-27T09:35:00.001-05:00

http://www.artsonia.com/museum/art.asp?id=6610826
Go check out the website--it's kyn's artwork
here's a preview:

busy & sad

2009-10-24T08:54:00.004-05:00

We had a super busy week and a little bit of sadness too! Mom left yesterday-it's always so hard to see her go! Kynnedy did exceptionally well with her leaving this time, I on the other hand did not!!! We switched roles a little this time, I guess.
On the flip side, we had two field trips this week!!! that's always so much fun. Mom went with Emry and I got to go with Kynnedy yesterday. They were both at the Wild Things Farm. I think in our 5 years of living here, we've been to that place at least 30 times!! :) Emry's day was pleasant there this week. Mine and Kynnedy's day there was WAAAAAYYYY to COLD!!!!!!!!! (but it was still LOT's of fun) All the first graders at her school are just adorable, sweet little children and the teachers are amazing---They really make a difference!

I did learn this week that I failed my glucose test again. I go for the three hour one now (which I have had to do on all 4 of the other pregnancies) and will also fail or come back "borderline." This time I am taking it a little more seriously since Payton came in at just about 9 pounds this last time. That is by far my biggest baby and with all the complications, I definitely want this monitored a little more closely.. Anyhow---the three hour test I will take on monday, so I will keep ya posted. for now--enjoy the farm pics and we are going to enjoy the rest of our day! We've already had a HUGE breakfast this saturday and even shook our own homemade butter!!!

lot's to say!

2009-10-19T17:37:00.004-05:00

So we have had a CrAzY couple of weeks!!! with the "possible h1n1" taking a small toll on Eli to Payton having her fair share of fever, to birthday parties, and a visit from Grammy! We've had playdates, garage sells, and still kickin' with football season! It's been busy around this place!!!!! Today I got to hear little Prince's heartbeat again. I love going to every dr. visit to hear that sound--we are on the countdown now though. Down to the 2 week visits! woo hoo!! Through all the craziness, I have sure slacked on the blog and am super sorry once again! It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, it's hard to play catch up. We went on a walk today and and Emry said the perfect thing to how I actually feel. She found a cricket (and it was dead) and we asked "oh Em, is he dead?" she said "Nope, he's not dead. He's just not crickley right now, He's TIRED!" *LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY is what I was doing, but was thinking..'i know the feeling'!!!*
So back in business I am.

more pics

2009-10-19T17:34:00.001-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (yesterday) KYN!

2009-10-19T14:01:00.001-05:00

SHE'S GROWING UP!!! I can not believe she's 7 years old now!!!! More pics to come on a slide show! we had a rockin' skating party!!!

2009-09-29T13:16:00.002-05:00

It was a GORGEOUS morning and we were up and around town early enough to ENJOY it! It was in the 40's when we first got up and when we got in the car to take K to school, the kids nearly fell out of their seats. THEY THOUGHT IT SNOWED LAST NIGHT!!!!! the ground was glistening and they were ready to make "snow angels". Needless to say, we dressed for the weather and broke out the 'fall/winter' clothes. This outfit Payton has on was from some bargain shopping done at the end of last winter and she looked sooooo cute, I just had to take a picture!
We had little "check-up's" today and Emry weighs 37 pounds and is 40 inches tall. Eli weighs 29 pounds and is 37 inches tall. Payton weighs 26 pounds and is 30 inches tall! Kyn was at school, so we don't have her stats! They are all growing like crazy!! I just can't believe how big they really are getting!

Funky Football

2009-09-22T09:32:00.005-05:00

It's only fitting to have pictures like this since football fills our life and we live in a fairytale!! I didn't realize I hadn't posted these until now. I was planning on redoing the blog and having a makeover done for it, but the kit I really wanted was unavailable and I haven't found one I LOVE since. And since football season is halfway done, I probably won't use these pics anymore for my blog header. Infact, the makeover probably won't come until after Abram get's here, so he can be on the blog header too! So sorry to the ones who have seen these pics on facebook, and here you go to the ones who haven't gotten to see the pics. They were so fun to do with the help of a friend (and chaotic at the same time) but a good fun memory was made!!

PEEK-A-BOO

2009-09-21T11:12:00.002-05:00

Payton and Eli love getting the rocking chair turned over with the help Of kynnedy and they like to use it as their secret reading place. They will sit with their backs where their hiney is supposed to be and gather books and read for a long long while. I snaped this picture while they were trying to "scare" me. I heard giggles from behind the chair and before they knew I was there I got the camera to snap a shot when they screamed "BOO"!

Daddy's Shoes

2009-09-21T11:01:00.003-05:00

I love my daddy so much. I think he's the best. He's always there for us and he makes everything so fun! I wanna be just like my dad when I grow up, so I am gonna practice by wearing his shoes.

Fun in the Rain!

2009-09-12T23:05:00.003-05:00

The girls have been "itching" to go outside and ride in the GATOR! Today was their lucky day. Adam was outside mowing and the two little ones were taking their nap, so the girls headed out on their adventure! I love watching them from the window when they don't have a clue that I can see them. They were working together like a little team. You can't tell, but we have a HUGE slope on one side of our yard and when the juice is running out in the DEER, it makes it super hard to drive up that slope! The girls teamed up and pushed it back to flat land and headed out the other direction, all the while, rain is coming down!!! By the time they were finished, I had all the grass Adam just mowed in my TUB! It was all worth it to be able to watch them have soooo much fun, be in their own world for a little while and just be them! I love my family! I love my kids! I love having a large family and I love just being us! We have so much fun together being loud and crazy!!!

To a Husband and Father!

2009-09-11T09:59:00.002-05:00

This article was released in our local paper yesterday and it's so true. You can replace Jeff's name and put in Adam's and it would still remain true. Adam went through exactly what's going on with our family and our kids today. His dad was a coach for so many many years, a def. coord. and a Head Football Coach. Adam got to go to work with him and spend time at the fieldhouse with him and make special memories. For that, I am graeful.

Adam does the same for our chilren!!
Kynnedy is picked up early every friday to be able to spend a little "alone" time with daddy before the games, he comes home to see the little ones before he has to be back so they get a little time too! Game nights are so special, because we get to meed him out on the middle of the field and he loves on us, and laughs with us no matter if it's a win or loss! At that moment a win or loss isn't relevant. But the week nights are exactly as mentioned below. Adam has to miss out on so much with our kids, and for so long it was really hard to understand. With so much prayer from friends and family, and unbelievable support, we know that sharing him with a group of coaches and an amazing group of boys is what we are supposed to be doing. God has called Adam and has given him football as a platform to Share HIS word. The Lord is changing lives through him and we couldn't be more proud, but so humbled at the same time. It still is hard at times when he has to miss out on the little things, like meet the teacher, and rise and shine and field trips and gymnastics and other things, but it's so worth it if it furthers God's kingdom. So I must say, we are so grateful to have a dad and husband who loves his family, loves his jobs, loves so many kids, and ultimately loves the LORD. Adam, thank you for never complaining, for never being too tired to play and give your kids so much love and attention, for never getting worked up and stressed out over very much. Thank you for loving the Lord and leading your family. Thank you for allowing me to stay home with our children while you work OVERTIME and thank you for loving your job. It makes life at home so much easier knowing you are at a place you love, rather than a place you love to hate. Thank you for loving those football boys and treating them as if they are your very own children. Thank you for all you do and thank you for putting up with me and for loving me while I am learning just exactly what it means to be a "coaches wife! It's a title I love having. I LOVE YOU, MISTER!
Thank you God for answering my prayers for more patience and more energy. Thank you Lord for changing my heart so that I don't see this situation as a negative one, but as a positive one I can look at with loving eyes.

So here's the article:

The hard part for Southside head football coach Jeff Williams doesn’t come with losses.

The bad part is not being there to read to his younger daughter, Elizabeth.
Other Stories Of Interest

Coaches Log Long Hours Without Families

Want to coach high school football? Marry someone faithful and strong enough to run the family, and learn what it means not to get that lazy Saturday afternoon nap. There are none during football season.

To bed at 2:30 a.m. late Friday night/early Saturday morning, Williams is racing toward Little Rock or Bentonville to deliver game film to the next opponent before most of us have had that first cup of weekend coffee.

“We usually go from about 8 until 2:30 on Saturdays,” the Rebels’ coach said. “Even though you’re dead tired, and would love to catch a nap, that’s the time you spend with your kids.”

The son of a head football coach, Williams spends Saturday evenings with Elizabeth, who just turned 5, and 8-year-old Anna Catherine.

“I didn’t see my dad (during football season) until I was 4 or 5,” Williams recalls. “When I was older, I would go with my dad to work, and only then did I understand how much football was involved. Sometimes we’ll bring the kids in on Sunday.”

But there are no daddy-daughter playtimes on Sunday.

The Rebels’ staff usually puts in 12 hours on Sunday during football season. It’s the nature of the beast.

“It’s tougher now that they’re older,” Williams said. “They’re usually in bed when we get home.”

A big chunk of Williams’ staff has young children.

Two of his assistants, longtime wide receivers coach Kevin Tiffee and defensive coordinator Keith Fimple, have kids in kindergarten. Quarterbacks coach Justin Key and linebackers coach Steven Thessing have kids younger than that.

Unlike Southside’s former regime, which opted to play JV games on Labor Day weekend, Southside coaches were actually home Monday evening. It was a rare treat.

“Mondays, you’ve got JV games, and that can be until 10 or 11 if you’re on the road, and Tuesday with seventh-grade games, you usually don’t get home until 9 (p.m.) or so. Wednesday, I don’t get home before 8 or 9, and with Thursday junior high night, I usually don’t get home until 9:30.”

Late Friday evening, after Williams had shaken hands with Catholic’s players and coaches following Southside’s disappointing loss, the Rebels’ boss was greeted near the north end zone by his older daughter. For a split second, wins and losses didn’t matter.

A similar scenario played out across the stadium with other Southside coaches.

After a postgame dinner, which on this night included a few snacks and leftover burgers from the press box, it was back to work.

It’s football season.

Our Race Car Driver

2009-09-08T08:49:00.002-05:00

Gran Jan took the three oldest kids to Joplin for the weekend to visit family there. The two older girls have been quite a bit in the past, but it was Eli's first time to go this time. He had a blast and from what I hear, he didn't want to come home. THe cousins up there take such good care of the kids and play with them til their hearts content. My girls are in heaven when they go because they get to play "hair, make-up and spa!" Every girls dream, right? There are two little cousins too who are around Eli's age, so he's also in heaven with all the BOY TOYS!!! They all came home with a tub FULL of dress up clothes, but the coolest part, is there were plenty for him. This is his FAVORITE!!!

In the meantime, I forgot how easy having only one child is! I slept, got lots of things taken care of around the house and sat around! What a nice little break! (but I must admit, I sure missed my babies!!)

Prayers for Noah, Please!

2009-09-04T13:07:00.002-05:00

http://www.harpermiracles.blogspot.com/
I got an email today asking for prayer for Noah. I thought I would post it on here, as well as email it out to get as many on the prayer chain as I could! What a little doll he is!

Noah was born at 24 weeks in 2005, here's a recent post from her blog.

Noah went into the hospital 2 days ago, and things have just been getting worse. He had to have his baclofin pump removed because of a massive infection that also spread to his shunt. So yesterday he also had his shunt removed and now he has an external drain coming out of his ventricles in his brain to drain the fluid. We will be here 2 to 3 maybe even 4 weeks depending on what else happens. In a week or so, Noah will go in for his second brain surgery to get his shunt put back in. We are also on the verge of some other damaging things that could happen and possible affect Noah forever.

This is the scariest time in our life. Noah is not doing good at all. We need all the prayers we can get....please pray he will be ok.

Crystal

We have a name!

2009-09-02T09:56:00.009-05:00

Yes, people! We have a name for our little man and it's fits perfectly with the rest of our chilren's names! Abram Isaac. (A.K.A ABE) What a strong, bold name! And yes, since all my children are named after football players and "Football Play creators", this name is no differet. He is named after ABRAM BOOTY who is also the brother of John David Booty!
Here are some pictures and some new things of his. The onesie would be fitting for any and all of my children! HAHA!

This should keep us all Thinking!

2009-08-25T09:13:00.001-05:00