Family Friday

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I am finding that this little weekly tradition of mine is bringing to light how very quickly time is passing! Almost before I can blink it is time to write about another week, & I am discovering how bittersweet it is to watch the Darlings grow. Sentimental thoughts aside, here is our week :o)

Mama

I don't usually begin with describing my role in our week, but in an unforseen turn of events I turned our week up on it's ears. Sunday was a wonderful day. The Darlings & I got crafty again & made turkey shirts that were our funnest project yet. They turned out adorable (if I do say so myself) & earned my, "Aw Shoot! That's Cute!" award. We had a laid back week with 3 days in a row just to be at home, & all went swimmingly until Wednesday afternoon. To backtrack a bit I have been having some heart palpitations for several years now but since having the Darlings they have increased in frequency. My mama & Grandma have a congenital heart defect that it was recommended I be tested for at some point. On Wednesday I had a palpitation along with some other symptoms that led to the decision to go to the Emergency Room. I left the Darlings thinking I'd be back shortly only to wind up with an unexpected over night getaway. My EKG tests came back irregular & so the decision was made for me to stay overnight for observation & further testing. I was distraught...mostly about leaving my girls for the night. The only time I am separated from the Darlings & the next one is being born. It was a little traumatic for all of us, but we survived the night a part. On Thursday morning I was released & was able to come home to my ladies. I have an appointment with a cardiologist on Wednesday to find out more about what, if anything, is wrong. I returned home to happy girls & snotty noses as allergies have flared up yet again. Today we are in our pj's taking it easy :o)

Goldilocks

 Last Friday the Darlings & I had a spontaneous Fall photoshoot & I have to say I was pretty pleased with the outcome. This picture spoke to my heart because it so clearly shows my eldest daughter's heart. Goldilocks is ever asking questions & ever seeking real answers...not the 'good-enough-to-make-me-stop-asking' answers, but true ones. As I think back over each week's synopsis it seems as though Goldilock's segment is always about those question & answer conversations...I shouldn't be surprised as talking is breathing to this girl of mine. This week her questions were about Heaven. Where is Heaven? Is it in the sky? If Jesus is in Heaven, how can He be in my heart? If God is in Heaven, how can He take care of things? I have to admit I had to tell her to give me a little while to process all of these before I answered, & truthfully I am not sure if she grasped any of what I explained, but we do our best, Goldilocks & I, to solve the riddles of faith together. Her maturity, her compassion, & her sense of integrity often amaze me & convict me to be worthy of her admiration. This week my little episode upset our household, but Goldilocks handled it with stride & with grace. Goldilocks assured me that she would take care of her sisters & help daddy. She was so sincere in her promise that when the girls' Mamaw offered to keep Belles & Whistles overnight, Goldilocks vehemently refused to be separated, citing her promise to Mommy to take care of them. This Mama couldn't be more proud :o)

Sweet & Sassy

I had to share this picture for several reasons...1. It's the look I usually get from my second born. 2. This look is exactly where the Sassy part of her name comes in. 3. Honest pictures are my favorites, even if they aren't the best. This girl of mine is onery as can be, & truthfully I wouldn't have her any other way. We had been on a brief stint of more sweet than sassy, but this week weighed a little more on the sassy side. As I battle each day with this hardheaded girl of mine, there is one thing that becomes more & more clear & gives me more & more hope. When Sweet & Sassy sets her heart & mind upon the Lord, she will be unstoppable & unswayable. This girl does what she sets her mind to & no one is going to stop her. Those qualities that wear me out now will one day be molded into the admirable attributes of a godly woman...I believe that. I look at this picture & I see a fierce little girl who will grow up to be a bold woman, & that excites me!

Little Belles & Whistles

My littlest lady celebrated a milestone this week, but it was overshadowed by her mama's escapade. Belles & Whistles turned 6 months old on Wednesday! I cannot begin that I have already had the pleasure of holding her for that long! She is in the beginning stages of sitting up & of figuring out the motions for crawling. This little one blesses me so! While I was away the other night she wrecked havoc on her daddy's sleep & refused to go to bed since mama wasn't there...kind of nice to know I'm loved :o) She has learned a technique for getting her daddy's attention that we call "the dog whistle". Belles & Whistles emits this ear piercing...nearly unhearable scream that's reserved only for the Lone Ranger. He cannot resist his littlest lady when she sounds so desperate. She might be our most dramatic girl yet. The stinker hears that diesel pickup pull into the driveway & immediately turns her coos into wails as Daddy comes in the door. He rushes over, picks her up, & is rewarded with a grin. We'll have to keep an eye on our Belles & Whistles :o)

The Lone Ranger

Sunday afternoon the Darlings & I shooed our man out the door for some much needed Female-Free time, & so off he went deer hunting. The adventure did not yield prey, but did offer some good alone time. Monday was back to business as usual followed by a trip to the E.R. with his wife on Wednesday. After debating about whether to stay with me in the hospital or whether to return home to the Darlings, we decided they needed him more than I did. My man came home & held down the fort. Belles & Whistles didn't want Daddy to be lonely & so she determined to stay awake until 3:30 a.m. The Lone Ranger set out in the semi at 5:00 & so needless to say he was worn out. Last night was our youth ministry, & the Lone Ranger brought home a good report. The Lord led him into some good conversations, & we have faith that seed was planted. This morning dawned with my man on the road again, & the Darlings & I are eager for an evening home together. After capturing images of the Darlings, I am determined to persuade the Lone Ranger into letting me get a few of him as well. If I am convincing & successful then next week I might have some Daddy-Daughter shots to show you :o)

I pray that your week has been a blessed one, & that the one ahead will be more of the same. :o)