Doing Life Together

Oh, the sweet breath of fresh air that a friend can bring when they just stop by for dinner. The way you impatiently wait by the phone to hear the news of something your dear friend is facing. The way you giggle about a bunch of nothing and it sets the tone of joy for the rest of your day. The way you're a little bummed when hanging out with a friend falls through.

This was my day today...

I have the honor, joy, and pleasure to have a job that allows me to minister to and love on families in our church family. I have office time, but I more so have "life time" with all of these beautiful, joyful, and sometimes hurting people.

I didn't experience any of these feelings, stated above, because these families were on a checklist for me to "minister" to. These moments I had today were because me and these precious families get to "do life together."

My buddy, Alison, is part of the "Lonely Mommy Club" on Tuesday night. She and I are the only members because our husbands are the only ones who work super late on Tuesday nights. We get her and her 3 boys and me and my 31/2 boys together for dinner at either ones home or we just decide to head out to eat and let someone else cook and clean up the mess! (We were able to get together tonight because her husband is out of town and this is one of my other Lonely Mommy Nights.) That's doing life together... no crazy effort on our part... just coming together, where we are in life together, and completely being blessed in each other's presence. Did I mention she is one of the top three dessert makers, in my book, on the planet... sweet deal for me!!!!

My "Everything" friend, Jen, was possibly facing difficult news from tests run on her children. Their appointment was at 2:30 and I just couldn't help but watch the clock and imagine what she and Jason were experiencing. I couldn't help but pray, and have my boys pray, and pray some more. Once I spoke with her at 4:45 and heard news that wasn't so bright... my heart sank and I didn't know what to say other than I love you ... was I praying because it's my job description as their Family Minister... did I call because it's my duty to check on hospital visits... no, we do life together!

My "workout and giggling" pal, Kari, called me this afternoon and said, "So, was Bo fitted for a glass eye?" I giggled uncontrollably for a minute because I know that's her way of asking me... How was Bo's doctor's appointment about his eye today? Then we chatted about her son's birthday party because she remembered I had an experience with the same place a year and half ago. Then she informed me that she missed me at the gym this morning and I let her know that I was bummed not to get to see her because of the doctor's appointment... like a scene out of The Notebook. When some one calls to check on you, remembers past incidences, and misses you... that's doing life together!

Then, my precious mother-in-law, Laura, today was her last day at work as she hit her retirement day! She said her co-workers are expecting her to cry and she keeps telling them I'm not gonna cry. So, when I called her this morning to wish her a happy last day at work, I told her to poke herself in the eyes just to make them feel satisfied. As we were talking she said, "I wondered if you guys would remember today." I let her know, of course we would. Was Laura's retirement day on my calendar... no it was in my heart because we do life together!

So, Jason... I mean Jesus, hits this point just right on... "DO LIFE TOGETHER! Minister to each other by just being together and share the joys and pains together... that is where you will see My face so evident."

Boy do I... I get to see Him shine bright through the joys and pains of my precious friends and family. Thank you all for today... thank you for doing life with me and letting me see the hand of God work so intricately and lovingly in your life.

I wonder what I'll get to see of Him tomorrow....

Bo in Training... More ways than one!

I've heard of high school and college coaches making their players who have dropped the ball one too many times carry the ball with them everywhere they go. Eat with it, sleep with it, etc. I guess Bo is starting his training early...

Boy is he gonna be good at baseball!!!

This is how I found him going potty the other day. He had been playing in the backyard in his diaper and crocs (obviously!) and just had to go... the diaper made it off, but nothing else!! As Sam would say... "That's My Boy!"

What a Memory Today, this Memorial Day!

It all began with a phone call while I was working at home this morning. Sam and the boys had headed out and I was buzzing away. My dear, sweet, and precious friend, Cathy, gave us a ring. She is also known around our house as my boys' "Orlando Grandmother." She will not clarify with anyone in public that they aren't really her grandchildren; she just beams joyfully! So, Cathy called inviting our family to a small and sweet service in her and her husband's, Seth, neighborhood to remember all of those who have died for and served our country. Seth was a Master Chief in the Navy for alot of years. I told her that we would love to come. My boys are getting old enough that I really want to celebrate these kind of holidays with them. I want to help them to understand holidays that they don't really get something out of it other than pride in their heart for what others have done for them.

So, Sam & the boys got home at lunch time and we were chatting at the table. I was about to tell them about Mrs. Cathy's invitation, but I first asked them this question, "Why do we have Memorial Day?" Jackson replied, "So people can have a day off from work." That's when I said shockingly and sternly, "We are going to see Mr. Seth and all of these other fantastic men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom... get dressed!!!" It was History 101 and Military 101 in the 1 1/2 minute car ride to Seth and Cathy's neighborhood. The boys "got it" when they saw all of these men in their uniforms and all of the spectators clapping and crying in their presence. They hugged Seth and gave him his card in which Jackson wrote... Thank you for being a hero. Coming from a seven year old who adores SpiderMan, SuperMan, and any other "hero" in the action figure aisle at Target... I was moved!

My boys got it... they realized today was a holiday that celebrated what other's have done for us and they would not be receiving a gift in any way... today was their day to give a gift... the gift of appreciation to their precious Seth and all the other precious men and women in the military; past and present!

Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!

Baby BOY #4 is on the way!

(look at that precious nose)

What a day... May 23, 2007... The day we would find out what our fourth baby is! I barely slept the night before... just scrapbooking away because I know I will be caught up by the time new baby boy will arrive! I woke up very groggy, yet very anxious. My excitement was taking over my body and mind causing me to make some very kooky decisions. I thought,"well I can run to Disney with the boys for playgroup and then have them to the babysitter, down for nap, in time for me and Sam to go out to lunch and make the appointment. No problem!" Well, sure enough, I did it! But, I was a wreck! A ball of nervous excitement driving a black minivan all over Orlando. A much better choice for the morning might of been... sleep late, take a Lortab, and Sam wheel me into the appointment. But I chose the superMom route which of course always leads to hysterical laughing (and sometimes crying) at some point in traffic! So, the boys were settled at the sitter to nap and Sam and I were off for a quiet, peaceful lunch. Yeah right... I was just so chatty because my hands were shaking with excitement and I couldn't sit still to eat my Mr.MooCow at Moe's. So, Sam just said, "Eat some salsa, drink your sweet tea, and wake that baby up!"Then, we were off to see baby. It was 1:30 at this point (did I mention I had already been to Downtown Disney with a 7, 4, & 2 year old... I did... just checking!) Walked into the office... and they took us right back! Good thing because I would have deterred any families in the waiting room from checking out our Children's Ministry due to my nervous, shaking, pacing... drugged-like state. So, I hopped on the table and Sam whipped out the camera to video my reaction. Glad I didn't have a preference of what we were having... not a good self esteem booster for our future child if I was disappointed. The scan began and HELLO, baby boy was crystal clear... my nervous excitement turned into peaceful and constant giggling! I giggled from that very moment until a good 8 hours later! I am thrilled, amazed, awestruck, and READY to meet my new baby boy!

Well, then a new adventure was about to take place... telling Jackson, Colby, & Bo! We rushed to our precious friends, The Albers', home. I blew up three BLUE balloons in the van and stuck them in one of those big black construction trash bags. We walked out to the pool area where they were swimming and they leaped out of the pool to see what was in the bag. I let them know that blue was boy and pink was girl... they ransacked the bag and Jack pulled out the first balloon, throwing it in the air and yelling, "Yes, it's a boy!" Then Colby got his and bobbed it around the deck singing, "It's a boy, it's a boy!" Bo got his and with his little 2 year old voice said, "Bayoon!" He'll get it at some point!

People have asked me if I'm a little disappointed that baby is not a girl... and I just have to reply,

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!

What woman would not look forward to having home full of 5 men; four a little shorter than the big man?

Men who will roll out the red carpet for me when I walk in the room... men who will wrap their arms around me and I know I am protected... men who will give me kisses on my cheek that will forever leave a mark of love...

What I am MOST excited about with my men... is before they are men! When they are my little boys training to be those men. Training to know and love their Lord and Savior so that everything in life will have purpose. Training to know how to treat a woman. Training to know how to be a man of God. Training to be a beautiful and respectable husband.

Baby Max... we welcome you into this family with 10 arms opened wide... ready to love you, teach you, play with you, lead you, pour dirt on you, wrestle with you (your brother's input!)

High 5 right back at you... The Couch Team is not complete without YOU!!!

My Favorite "Not-So-Perfects"

I was having a "Count My Blessings" moment in my house this morning after Sam had left to head down to the pond with the boys. They were standing in the driveway, each with bucket in hand and cap on their heads. Of course I ran for the camera cuz they were so stinkin' cute. As they walked away and I walked through my house, I started noticing things that make me feel so blessed and joyful. Since I still had my camera in my hand, I decided to take pictures of my "happy spots" in and outside my house. I had so much fun walking around snapping spots that I cherish dearly. I thought, "I should do a post on "happy spots." Then everybody else can share their happy spots. So, I downloaded the pics and started to look at them closely... there is something "not-so-perfect" about all of these treasure areas, yet I hold these locales in my home very dear to my heart. And that's when I felt God tell me..."and that is how I love you, my dear. Yeah... you're not so perfect, but I cherish you dearly... quirks and all!" As I write this, I digest the fact that perfection is unattainable and maybe that is just what makes things special: being content and happy for the way things are!

So, here are my favorite "Not-So-Perfects"

Our front porch... I love it!! My boys got me two gardenia bushes to plant in my big pots, the windchime is beautiful, and the old cart melts me... yet, the fountain (inspired by Under the Tuscan Sun) on the wall does not work because it has to be plugged in and there is no outlet close by... But I beam when I walk to my front door!

My Fun, Family Wall... this is where all of our family pictures are hung. Not one picture is a stiff, posed picture. It's all of our family caught in a fun moment... yet, some pics are color, some b/w, some sepia, and frames are mismatched... but I beam when I walk by it!

My Quiet Time... once the boys are resting, I snuggle in my blanket and settle in for a long winters nap! I love my snuggle time... yet, you can see just a snibbet of the laundry on the couch that needs to be put up and there is hint of doggy pee smell (only noticeable to a pregnancy nose) on that one section of carpet... but I beam when I snuggle!

Our Breakfast Nook... the morning sun is gorgeous coming through this window. I love seeing the boys sit on the bench to eat and I love our family board that posts our daily activities that reminds me of how blessed I am to be home with my family... yet, the trim of the kitchen that still needs to be painted and the ivy is dead in the birdcage... but I beam when I'm in there!

Our Back Yard... so many fun memories since we've lived here. Campfires, campouts, ball games, birthday parties, jumpin', slidin', swingin'... yet, the left side of the yard is dying; not so pretty. I beam because I know why it's dying... 6 of my little boys' feet and 10 of our neighborhood boys' feet have trampled it playing everyday!

My Three Favorite "Not-So-Perfects"... yes, I am saying it, "they aren't perfect." Grandmothers hold your gasp. Jackson, Colby, and Bo... my three little men who make my heart swell, my eyes light up, and my life beam with joy... yet, they burp (and all other noises), they like worms and snakes (eek!), they fight, and they constantly have dirty toenails and fingernails... but I beam at just the thought of them!!

My Partner in Pregnancy

The morning after Sam and I found out that we were pregnant with our fourth baby, we decided to tell the boys as they were waking up one by one. Jackson woke up first and Sam told him that mommy had found him another birthday present last night (his birthday was the day before.) He was astonished to find out that his present was a new baby brother or sister in mommy's tummy. He so sweetly responded; thinking back to our miscarriage 4 months earlier, "Is this baby gonna make it, mom?" I, holding the tears back, responded... "Let's just talk to God about that one!" So, Jack nestled in between me and Sam and we waited for Colby.

Well, about 15 minutes later, Colby woke up and he came to my side of the bed and stood and looked at me. I said, "Colby, guess what? Mommy's having a baby!" Without skipping a beat he said, "Me, too!" I giggled and congratulated him. He then said, "mines a boy and yours is a girl."

Once Bo came in the room, we were all piled in the bed waiting for him... we all just joyfully started saying, "Baby, baby, baby," and pointed to my tummy!

Needless to say Colby has been my partner in pregnancy... we're going through it all together. When I didn't feel good, he didn't feel good... when I needed a nap, he needed a nap... as my tummy grows, he says that his is also! Today, I layed down with him for a minute at nap time and he went to get rid of the thrid pillow on the bed. I let him know that I needed it to put between my legs so baby would be extra safe and so that I would be comfy. As you can guess, he needed one too. So, I handed him a little decorative pillow which he proceeded to lay flat and just lay it between his v-ed legs!

It's nice to be pregnant at the same time with someone else you're close to... who knew it would be my 4 year old son!!!

Oh Momma's!

The sweet moms in our family are each sooo unbelievable in their very own special ways. I HAVE to share with all of you sweet friends how God has blessed our entire family with these beautiful women! Happy Mother's Day!

My Mom, My Boys' "Gramoo"

My mom! The epitomy of beauty, grace, love, and femininity (you should see how cute she is in the mountains!) She loves her family more than her own self. Her grandchildren are the apple of her eye!(making sure she has chocolate ice cream and cones when the boys visit!). Mom has traveled through high water to be with me for all three of our baby's births to take care of me during my first week home... and then some! She radiates fun and love to any one who is blessed to be in her presence. What I love most about her now (something new and beautiful every week!) is her dependence on God! What a great attribute to radiate to your family. I love you, mom!

Sam's Mom, My Boys' "Lali"

Oh, Laura! Her dedication to her family is touchable. Laura beams when she is with her grandchildren... you should see all of the beautiful pictures! She gets grandmother of the year award for taking all three of our boys to McDonald's by herself and not losing anyone! I am always so excited when we visit them or they come to see us (I truly am... their presence just blesses our hearts.) Laura excites me to be a dedicated mother and a beaming grandmother! I love you, dearly!

My SecondMom, My Boys' "Nonnie"

Nonnie, Nonnie, Nonnie... she loves her children and adores her grandchildren. I hear her voice crack and a tear run down her cheek when I talk to her on the phone about our boys. Rhonda HATES being 6 hours away. I've never seen anyone shower children with gifts the way she does... so much and equally excited as the children. She loved me through my difficult years, which has resulted in such a sweet friendship today. I always look forward to her Thursday night, Survivor, phone call! I love you, Rhonda!

My Sister, My Boys' "Aunt Tami" (Bo's Mammy!)

My sister... the words to describe her would have to be determined, strong, gorgeous, fun... I could go on. I get more excited to get to visit her and I become more sad every time I leave her. I love her children, Cale & Whitney as if they were my own. She is the most fun mommy I know and we really know how to have a good time when we are together.(Hot tub and chocolate chip cookies, Nashville, oh.. I'm laughing out loud!) I love her with a love that can't be described... she means the world to me and I can't imagine her not in it! I love you beyond words!

Sam's Sister, My Boys' "Aunt Amanda"

Oh Amanda... she is so cool, laid back, smart, gorgeous, and even more beautiful now that she is a mom to her twin boys, Ben & Isaac. Amanda has a quiet grace about her that inspires me to "bring it down a little" sometimes. I'm working on that! She is a "get it done" girl and she loves her nephews! I have adored her since the moment I met her and I love getting to hear stories (dirt!) on her little brother! I love you, Amanda... keep rubbing off on me!!!

My Little Sister, My Boys' "Aunt Kristen"

Happy 1st Mother's Day to You! Kristen is a new mom to twin girls, Haley & Kaley. She exhibits all new qualities to me since she had her babies that I rarely saw before. Kristen now has a special glow; she is dedicated, she is in love with her babies, she is a MOTHER! I love her as if she were my own... being that since the day she was born, I treated her like she was mine. I pray for her daily and would drive 6 hours to be with her the moment the request rolled off her lips! I love you, Kristen... toooo much!!!

Mid-Day Praise Fest!

Oh, nap time? The peaceful feeling that overcomes a mommas body as she tucks the last one in for a mid-day slumber. The deep breath she takes as she realizes... "me-time"... even if it's for five minutes before someone wakes up prematurely or she begins one of the many tasks that needs to be completed. I love the feeling of knowing my babies are snuggled up in their cozy beds with their favorite blankets or stuffed animals drifting off into a peaceful rest because I'm able to create a calm and soothing home for them. So, in that peaceful bliss, I snuggle into my favorite blanket (thanks, Mom!) on the couch. After two minutes has gone by, I have to thank God for that wonderful two minutes because you never know when the quietness will end. Boy am I glad He gave me that time!

Knock the Dust Off That One

Okay one of those seasons in marriage is approaching causing me to pull out one of my favorite, most written in books of all time. I don't know why I ever put this book back on the shelf. It should stay on the night stand, by the toilet, on the dashboard of my van, better yet.. imprinted on my heart!! "The Power of a Praying Wife." That's right. One of the most "tell it like it is" books I've ever read.

So, I pulled it out because I was not the best of wives to my precious husband, who undoubtedly deserves the best of me at all times. Any man who cleans the bathrooms (and anything else he notices that needs to be done) deserves "sweet Ali" ALL the time... not my evil twin here and there. So, as we all do, we hit... shall I say I hit "coast mode" in our marriage. Paying so much attention to everything around us and thinking that we will stay wonderful... if we complete neglect nurturing each other... please!

I am inspired to stop this coast from turning into a full season... just as I'm sure Jen Jordan in Indiana wishes those unbelievable winter seasons would never hit! I'm going to take a stand right now and say one of my favorite passages from The Power of a Praying Wife...

(girls, begin reading aloud)

" I will not allow anything to destroy my marriage. I will not stand by and watch my husband be wearied, beaten down, or destroyed. I will not sit idle while an invisible wall goes up between us. I will not allow confusion, miscommunication, wrong attitudes, and bad choices to erode what we are trying to build together. In Jesus name!"

Woo!! I'm ready to be all God intended me to be for my Sam... shall I say His Sam! Can't wait to scream "VICTORY" on this one... right Jen Dukes!!!

Burps and Kisses

One of my new favorite times with the boys is Bo's naptime and bedtime. He has to tell his brothers goodbye and get a "burp and a kiss" from them. I will explain the process in a minute, but first... some history.

Colby, our middle boy, has never been our affectionate child. We would fight him for kisses and hugs. Literally tackle him and pin him down. So, when Bo started to give his brothers goodnight kisses and hugs... Colby would have to change it up a little. Hence, the first night of "burps and kisses." I leaned over to Jackson, holding Bo and Jack gave him a sweet kiss on the cheek and a big hug. I walked over to Colby, leaned over and sure enough Colby kissed him... I was amazed! Then I told him to give him a hug... well, that's when Colby kicked into full gear... he placed his lips on Bo's cheek and blew... I believe Bill Cosby called it a "zerbert." Well ,Bo died laughing and said, "Bolby burp!" It sounded much more like a poot than a burp, but I'm not going to correct on such trivial issues as this... come on!

So, a tradition has been set. Bo gets a "burp and a kiss" from EVERY family member at naptime and bedtime now. Amazed by Bo's pure joy and amused by the little thing he loves from his family!!! Wanna join us for bedtime tomorrow night? Get your burp on!!!

In One Word... Amazing!

If you look up, amazing, in the dictionary you could possibly find the words... "Ali's family" there in bold! I just returned from a wonderful trip to South Alabama to see my family. When I say wonderful trip, just disregard the moments of truck driver harassment, nap at rest area, a skipping Wiggles on the DVD player, and tears while leaving; ALL without Sam by my side.

So, back to "wonderful trip." It was sooo wonderful... I got to see my beautiful little sister, Kristen, who is now a mom, of twin baby girls, Haley & Kaley, who are defying all medical expectations of being 8 weeks early. I got to spend time with my beautiful, fun, and inspiring older sister, Tami, who took care of us cooking cream of mushroom chicken and boiled crabs at her oasis of a home. I got to see my, almost 13 year old (very important that I say his age that way), nephew, Cale, play in a baseball game. I got to see my precious seven year old niece, Whitney, dressed up in a May Day Court as her class representative. I got to spend a day at the beach with my dad who completely pampered me by putting me up in a chair on the beach while being "Super Papa" with the boys. I got to witness the inspiring love of my stepmom, Rhonda, for her grandbabies by giving them big hugs and belated birthday presents. I got to see my brother in law, Miles, dance to Surfin' Safari with a group of 4th graders at Tami's school presentation. Whew!!! I'm amazed. I am amazed that I survived the trip being where I am in the pregnancy, you know the "tired phase." So much more than that... I am amazed that I have such a wonderful family.

Amazed & Amused

The title of this blog is Amazed & Amused... I am constantly amazed by things in my life and, even more so, amused by events that come my way. God has definitely done some amazing and amusing things in my presence. Things that cause me to revel in awe of His glory and roll in giggles of His joy. Thank you, Lord, equally for both.

I'm even more amazed and amused that I actually began one of these. Time is not just knocking on my door. So, my motive for doing this blog is inevitably what will drive me to accomplish it... staying in touch with my family and friends with the deepest and most hilarious moments of our precious family and journey with our Lord!!!

So, here we go... time to giggle, time to celebrate, time to... go to bed; I'm beat!!!