Updates

Things have been chaotic. But then I'm in good company aren't I? Everyone seems to be on full throttle since beginning school. We are still working on our routine. Perhaps some day soon, I will actually make it to work on time. I almost did this morning but our parking lot was full so I had to drive around twice until I finally parked in front of the dumpster on our lot that says 'No Parking Anytime'. Oh well, I laugh in the face of authority. (Okay, so maybe I knew the trash had already run earlier in the week and no one was going to invade the space). But sometimes small rebellions make you feel a little more in control of your life, don't they?

Anyway, it's been a busy week. Robyn is learning more words all the time (I know you're shocked ;0). She is keeping stride with Kiley almost step for step. This is great when they play well together. Not so great when Kiley gets tired of her little sister. But all in all they are settling right into their routine. I was confronted with a harsh reality today and it made me count my blessings.

We are currently opening our building to a group of people who are helping folks in Little Rock who have lost their jobs, find new ones. One of the attendees to the group was a mother in her forties or fifties. She has a daughter who graduated college in May. Both of these ladies are attending the group in the hopes of finding employment. How lucky I am to have a good job that pays my bills and feeds my children. I can't imagine being at that stage of life and both me and my daughter are job hunting. The mother, a career professional with Alltel, will officially lose her job in October due to the business being purchased by Verizon Wireless.

So, lots of changes for lots of people. We thank God everyday for bringing us here and giving us another day to work and live this good life!

Kindergarten

Kiley started Kindergarten today. We got up, we sang songs, we got dressed, drove to Kroger and walked the rest of the way to school. Many of the families here walk to school. So, we were able to meet folks and take pictures. The school Kiley is attending seems to be a fabulous real-life community school. Everyone lives with about a 6 mile radius from the school and is uber involved at the school. We look forward to having it as a social outlet.

Brad and I both thought we would/should be more emotional about her first day of school. But I think God set us up. He brought us to Little Rock and set the stage for the girls to be home all Spring and Summer. We are all ready for a break. The girls will actually miss being around each other again and will (hopefully) get along a little better.

While it is surreal to send Kiley to school, at the same time it feels right. She has been ready for several weeks. I think God brought us as close to the tipping point as possible so we would not mourn the day we sent her to school. As hard as I try, I cannot feel sad about today. She was so excited to be starting school. We made a huge celebration of it. It was a really good morning. I think my favorite part was walking her in as a family. Beginning tomorrow, she will have to walk in with her class from the playground.

I can't wait to meet more families, make new friends, and start this new routine. As a side note, Brad starts law school tomorrow. Who knows, maybe we'll take pictures of him too!

Anniversary

Today was our 11th anniversary. Wow! Eleven years. We have had some pretty memorable anniversaries. Our first was to Petit Jean Mtn. to camp. Arkansas in August is not very fun for tent camping. That anniversary didn't go so well. We didn't talk the entire weekend. But by year five, we were cookin' with gas. That year, we headed to Las Vegas. We had just found out we were pregnant with Kiley and I told everyone in town! Years six thru nine were kind of a blur, but I'm sure they were fun. Last year for big number ten, we went to a Dave Matthews Band concert.

But I have to say for all the anniversaries we have shared, I can't remember one being as relaxing and fun as today was. Brad's parents wanted the kids for the weekend (whew hoo). So, we didn't make any big plans. On Friday, we shopped for a new desk for the family computer. We found the perfect one at Haverty's Then, we came home, slipped on PJs, headed out to the deck and read a book and sipped on some great red wine while listening to the crickets all around our house. It was awesome. Then, today we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at Satellite Cafe just up the street from our house. After that, we went to Lowe's to purchase a new light for over our dining table and then on to Bedford's photography where I got to research new lenses for my camera. We then came back home and installed our new light. This is a feat that would not have been accomplished in our first few years of marriage. But we worked as a team and got it done, without even fighting!! Afterwards, we enjoyed a light lunch and then on to a movie (Julie and Julia). After the movie, we decided to grab a bite to eat.

Just when we thought we were out of ideas for things to do, Brad suggests buying a chess set and teaching me how to play chess (another thing that would not have gone successfully in our first few years of marriage). After almost 2 hours, we ended in a stalemate. I almost had him beaten a couple of times but he backed out of it. I guess this was just another example of how equally matched we are for each other.

I think my favorite part about today was that we were just two best friends having a great time hanging out together. Even though the day was not filled with exciting adventures, we made a really great time out of it. We laughed a lot, we held hands, we kissed. It was just a truly sweet day in every way. Happy Anniversary, honey!

New day, new hair and potty training

I have waited for this day for weeks. I am finally getting my hair cut today. I know this is a petty thing to be so excited about in the grand scheme of things. But sometimes you just need a boost. They always say that a woman's changes in hair often correspond with changes in her life. Well, as we transition into law school mode, it is time to shorten the 'do again to something a little more manageable. Maybe I'll post some pics if I think about it this weekend.

AS for potty training, I had a rude awakening this week. Apparently, my Robyn is the last 2 1/2 year old in Little Rock to be potty trained. Okay, maybe that's a bit of an exageration. But we are getting ready to start her in dayschool and she must be fully potty trained before she can be in the same class with kids her age. She hasn't even started and she's behind! And here I was thinking that at 2 1/2 it was pretty standard not to be potty trained. So, being the attentive parent that I am, I bought this 'Potty Training in One Day' kit. Yes, I took the bait. It was featured on Dr. Phil and has a peeing doll. We have set aside this Saturday as 'The Big Day'. I am going to try to rush this process in hopes of bringing Robyn up to speed before school starts on Aug. 17 so that she will not have to go to the baby class. Please pray that 1. It works and 2. I don't scar my child for life. We played with the doll some last night and Robyn loved it. I hope we can make this a positive experience and spend some good Mommy/Robyn time together on Saturday. I'll let you know how it goes!

Vacation Days 3 thru 6

I'll give a brief synopsis of the rest of the trip. Obviously, we had a blast. There is no more precious thing in life than to watch children doing what they do best...being kids! We spent a lot more time at the beach this year, able to convince the girls they can go to pool any time but the beach is a special thing. Kiley met another five year old little girl and they played for the last two days of the trip. Big fun! Robyn loved the sand. Was not the least bit bothered by it.

My favorite day, though, was Friday, my birhday. I have probably spent more years at the beach on my birthday than at home. I love it! This year was really special. I took a picnic down to the beach and we invited Kiley's friend (Lily) to join us. We had sandwiches, chips, juice, and, of course, sand. It gave a new meaning to the word "sand"wich. Then, later that night, Brad had made reservations for us to eat at Fleming's Steakhouse. My Mom had bought a gift card for us. When we got there, the entire staff had signed a card for me and, although they did not sing, many came by the table to chat and wish me a Happy Birthday. It was nice to get the royal treatment.

When I get some time, I hope to post some of our pictures. Since returning, we have been furiously getting everyone organized for school. I can't believe it is time to buy school suplies and uniforms. In fact, Brad already has homework. He will start with "orientation" on Aug. 12 but will have assignments due during that week. So, we are gearing up. This is the thing we came here for. Although we have already been here for almost six months, it has flown by.

It was a great trip but I'm glad to be home. Vacations with small children tire me out more than anything else! Next steps, finish out school clothing purchases, buy shoes and supplies, and get the family ready for a new routine. Wait, does such a thing exist for our family???

Vacation Days 1 & 2

We made it to the beach! Yesterday was a much longer day than anticipated, but the girls did phenomenally. They were perfect the entire day! Even though it took us 13 hours to get here. When we got into town, we decided to stop for dinner before heading to the condo. As usual, Brad picked out a great restaurant. We had a relaxing sit down dinner (yes, after 13 hours in the car) at Tommy Bahamas. How, you ask? Because we ate on the patio which happened to open up to a huge green space grassy area. The girls ran and ran and ran until they collapsed while Brad enjoyed a Mojito and I a glass of wine. I know it sounds like hyperbole but it is true. So, we are off to a great start. The behavior gods have smiled on us.

Even today we are not paying for it. They woke up (at 7 am, blah) but were in great moods. After a simple breakfast, they headed to the pool with Dad and I went to the grocery store (alone!!!!). But after swimming and playing at the beach, we headed in for lunch and then they had 2 hours worth of naps. So, they are ready to go tonight! We will see how dinner tonight goes. But so far so good. After I got back from the store, I spent a lot of time on the beach. The weather is perfect. Breezy, 85 degrees, and no humidity. Again, the gods have smiled on us. Maybe they know this will be our last bit of relaxation for the next three years?? I am praying the next few days go as well as the last two have.

Tonight we go see Harry Potter! Thanks to Amber, our friend who agreed to come along as a babysitter, Brad and I will have some much needed together time this week.

Sotomayor

I have been intrigued by the Senate hearings with regard to Sotomayor. Brad and I have become particularly boring since moving to Little Rock. A relaxing night consists of getting the kids to bed so we can debrief on the day's current events. So, the last few days our talks have revolved around the confirmation process. I haven't been able to watch most of it direcetly. But I do read every few hours about how things are going on the Hill. I must say, I have been really impressed with Sotomayor's demeanor. She has remained collected and quick witted throughout the process. I understand that Republicans like Sens. Lindsey Graham and Jeff Sessions believe it is their God given duty to berate when questioning. They are making good on their committment to be the voice of dissention and rebuke throughout the process. And, for the most part, it is necessary to have such voices. Otherwise, there would be no need for the hearings at all. But what is most intriguing to me is that Sotomayor never lets her face betray her. I can't remember the last time I watched similar events take place on TV and the degree of drama from all parties was laughable. But Sotomayor is definitely not giving SNL any material this week. Graham and Sessions on the other hand....

How fresh it is to see someone maintain composure and defy letting personal attacks govern the process. Sotomayor's demeanor, although it doesn't make for good TV, sets a new tone for how we ought to handle ourselves. Furthermore, I am impressed at how she will not allow certain individuals to reduce complex issues into sound bites. For example, when asked about the issue of abortion she gave the following answer:

"I can't answer that in the abstract," Sotomayor said. "The question as it would come before me wouldn't be in the way that you form it as a citizen, it would come to me as a judge."

Some have accused her of avoiding giving her personal stance on the issue. But isn't that what she is supposed to do?? She is caught in a no-win situation with this issue. We want a Justice who will be unbiased, but we insist she give us an absolute answer to the abortion question. The question as it was framed was not one to test the legitimacy of her ability to judge, but rather to test the limits of her moral parameters. Those same moral parameters that are not supposed to influence her decision making! Hmmm? Her answer, in one sense, affords more levity to the issue than the Senators meant for it to. She is saying she must weigh each situation that might come before her with the individual respect it is due while upholding the law of the land. She didn't take the bait and I'm proud of her for it!

I think she will serve the bench well.

(for the full content of the AP article click here)

Updates

The Shumpert clan is a little spread out this week. Brad and I shipped the kids off for their first annual Granny Camp. We were a little nervous about sending Robyn to the lake with my mom just yet. In fact, we were a little hesitant evne with Kiley, but in the end we decided she knows how to swim well enough now to hang on until someone can save her. Okay, that may be a bit dramatic. But those of you who know my mother know this is not an extreme exageration of what could happen. This is Kiley's first year to do Granny Camp with Mom. Mom has been asking for years for them to come see her for a week in the Summer and the stars finally aligned enough for us to feel comfortable sending one of our children. Robyn, however, is with Brad's mom and dad for the week. Both are receiving their quotient of princess time. I am getting excited because we have decided to take the RV to Chattanooga for the 4th weekend. We will swing by and pick up Robyn and head to Chatt-town to meet Kiley. Mom has finally installed a path to the water and a dock. So, we will be able to enjoy the water a little more this year.

For some reason, this has felt a little more like Summer to me than in years past. At night, we enjoy sitting out on the deck mosquito free and sipping wine and reading a book. Our house, although it is hot everywhere, does not get much direct sun because of the massive tree coverage. We actually found a baby bunny rabbit in the front yard yesterday. Although we live very near downtown, it doesn't feel like it. There are birds and rabbits and all sorts of creatures around. At night, we sometimes here coyotes howling. Yes, coyotes. We romp in the yard barefoot. The yard doesn't have to manicured to perfection which is a good thing considering I had to mow it yesterday!

We have met some great people around where we live. We are slowly making new friends. Our next door neighbors are two of our favorite people so far. Kevin and Cindy are in their early fifties and have one grandchild. Cindy began inviting us to church as soon as we arrived on the scene. It took us three months to take her up on her offer but about a month ago, we took the bait. We have been there ever since. The people at this church seem to be very authentic and interested in making each other better. We enjoy going to church on Sundays and have loved studying the Word with them. This past week, a couple from our class gave birth to a stillborn baby girl. The entire class rallied around this couple in a way I have never seen. Yesterday at church, we had a session to process the grief and discuss how to help this couple. The discussion was about far more than planning meals or picking up their household chores while the couple grieves. Although those things were certainly discussed and are very necessary, there was also practical advice from other 'wounded healers' who have experienced the loss of a child and an intense time of prayer on behalf of this young family. You had to be there to truly understand. From the first time we came to this church, we have felt as though we have been there forever. I look forward to digging a little deeper into this family of believers.

I am anxious to have my girls back with me. I miss them but am enjoying some time with Brad. We are getting to the stage of life where our children are becoming a little easier to manage and we can do things as a family. For the last couple of weeks we have been taking the girls to the River Trail and pulling them behind our bikes. It is the one thing we can all enjoy at the same time! So, basically, we are loving Little Rock. Brad is ready for school to start and then things will really get crazy. For now, we are just enjoying our down time together as a family!

Confessions

I like food. There I said it. No, correction, I love food. As hard as I try, I cannot seem to ingest only those calories necessary to sustain my life on this planet. This is not in the least an epiphony to me. I have known for quite some time that I am a food addict and have carried a burden of guilt (allbeit a low measure of guilt) about this addiction. At present, I have little motivation to seek help for my addiction. I maintain a healthy weight, I excercise, I try to be consientious about eating whole wheat bread. I even mildly follow Weight Watchers eating program online. Most days, I am diligent. But as I look at how little it takes for me to exist, I can't help but feel I am missing out on a vibrant life by not enjoying my sinful pleasures. For example, this morning my beloved husband got up early to fix cinnamon rolls. Not the generic kind. He knows I love the simple, Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with Icing. I don't even require the Grands Cinnamon Rolls to be happy (see, there again, I am making an effort to be consientious. Yay me!). As I ascend the staircase in our house the smell wafts out of the kitchen to greet me. It is in these moments that I know I have an addiction. The smell throughout the house gives rise to an unexplainably deep emotional connection. It is hunger meets joy meets the feeling of love. A smile explodes on my face. Knowing he thought enough of me to make the rolls gives me peace and feels like home, like a child again.

I know I am not the only person to feel this way. My mother always said, 'I don't drink, I don't smoke, I'm at least entitled to overeat.' While I don't exactly concur with those sentiments, they ressonate on some level. There is a certain part of us that relates vibrant life to the meals we share as families and friends. And why should we deny ourselves this experience? I don't know about you, but I cannot enjoy dinner with my friends as much having a salad when they are having steak. As hard as I try, it is not within my being. So, what are the consequences? Well, I will need to run 5.8 miles to make up for the four rolls I enjoyed for breakfast. And that's just the first meal of the day!

All of this could be discouraging had I not had an epiphony of another sort today. When I got to work, my father-in-law sent me some picturs of my daughter at the zoo. Several of the photos were taken during the Seal show. As I took in the pictures, it ocurred to me that food is a motivator in all parts of nature. We are all conditioned to perform for food. For the Seals, its fish. Do you think Seals sit around and mope about how many fish they ate today and how it will affect their hips? Of course not. They are enjoying the show, flipping their feet in the air on command just to get another fish thrown their way. It's only natural for all of us to have an emotional connection to food and for it to be a motivating factor in our relationships. Why fight nature?? I am not suggesting glutteny here. But I am a little exhausted of feeling like every morsel of food should be analyzed against how it will affect my figure.

Maybe this confession has something to do with feeling more comfortable in my own skin. Although I will do my best to eat healthy things (when cinnamon rolls are not an option), I will not be ashamed for the emotional connection I have to these parts of life that make it vibrant and not just mediocre. That being said, I'm going to have to up my miles!

All in due time

During my morning Today show addiction this morning, they announced the 2009 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. The award recongnizes people who have demonstrated significant political courage. By the very nature of the award, it can be assumed that recipients were probably not well-liked at some point during their career. This year's recipients are Sheila Bair, chair of the FDIC and Brooksley Born, former chair of Commodity Futures Trading Commission. They are being recognized for their efforts to alert political leaders in the early 1990's of impending threats to our economy. At the time, these individuals were ignored despite mounting evidence at the time. Now, they are being commended for their attempt to incite support that could have thwarted our current economic crisis.

Later in the morning, I watched live video streaming of a major cancer research announcement from the halls of UAMS/UALR. Dr. Zharov and Dr. Biris have discovered revolutionary cancer treatment that will allow for customized cancer treatment above and beyond chemo and radiation. Apparently, the treatment will attack cancer cells without harming other cells. It can deliver a more precise treatment than is currently available. Moreover, the research has found significant success in actually killing cancer cells instead of sending them into remission.

As I witness these two announcments (neither of which will make lasting headlines) I am reminded that all things happen in due time. I can't imagine that any of these people could have realistically thought they would see the fruits of their labor come to fruition within their lifetime. It reminds me to slow down and take things one day a time, being very methodical about the job given to me to perform in this moment. I'm sure many of us are guilty of always thinking of what's next instead of what's right now.

It takes a lot of courage to stand up to politicians and cancer. Makes my job seem insignificant but relevant at the same time. We each have our areas of influence. Perhaps there is value in watching for what is happening within those areas instead of being concerned with outcomes and measurements in someone else's area. I have seen through these two examples, individuals whose mission in life was to help or protect people. This process took years to accomplish and is still a work in progress. Gives me hope that I am a work in progress and so is my life's work.

Bephelants, Hi Morning, and Aminals

Aren't kidims great? We took our kids to see Earth over the weekend. By the way, if you have not seen this movie, it is like two hours of white noise and scenic photography. I was about to fall asleep from relaxation just watching it. It was a great movie. But during the movie, Robyn and Kiley were all ears and eyes. Robyn was enthralled by the Bephelants (elephants) and Kiley always talks aobut the Aminals (she is still working on her phonics). But my favorite kidism right now has to be Robyn in the mornings. When she wakes up and I go into her room to greet her, she looks up at me, still sleepy-eyed and says in the sweetest voice "Hi morning, Mommy". What a great way to start the day!!!! Her sweetness lasts about 5 seconds before her tanacity kicks in. But those 5 seconds are priceless!

Other cute Robynisms right now:

"Yes my am" (doubles for Yes I am and Yes, Ma'am)
"I lub you" (I love you)
"I lub you wed finger nails" (I love your red finger nails...said while she was admiring my painted toe nails)

Her words are coming very fast. She is trying to keep up with Kiley. She is doing a pretty good job considering Kiley has two years practice on her.

Good times. We are headed to Kiley's art show tonight. Then, the kids are staying with Brad's mom for a couple of nights. Brad and I look forward to having dinner with some old friends tomorrow night. More later...

Losing teeth and so much more

Two days after her fifth birthday, Kiley lost her first tooth. First, let me say, the Tooth Fairy has a business model our government should follow. That gal has a racket going on. We Googled the going rate for baby teeth and it appears it is $10. That's a little stiff for my wallet. If she can afford to be giving out $10 a tooth, I want to know where she's making her money! Anyhow, when Brad called me to tell me Kiley had a loose tooth, I couldn't believe it. It wasn't just the tooth, though. It was what happened to my little girl. Literally, overight, she has blossomed into this uber independent, uber articulate, uber self-sufficient little girl. She is making her bed, dressing herself consistently, and paying attention to personal hygiene (which means she doesn't want to take baths with Robyn anymore, but too bad on that one!). For the moment, it is a parent's dream. I don't know how long it will last, but I'm soaking it up. I just can't get over how fast it happened. You get so used to a child being one way and when she decides to change, it is a stark reminder that she is her own person, making decisions independent from me. I am glad Brad is spending so much time with them these days. But I do feel that I am missing out on some big milestones. I am jealous that he gets to watch them play, cuddle, and romp while I miss out. But I love what I am doing and enjoy the time we have in the evenings. Pretty soon, Kiley and I are going to venture to the ice skating rink. Start praying now.

As for Robyn, she can keep up with any boy you put in her path. Yesterday, while we were at Chick-fil-a, she decided to play queen of the playset and pushed a little boy down. His mother ran in to save him and I blushed and rushed in to discipline Robyn. But secretly, I was kind of proud of her. Does that make me a bad parent? Since we moved here, the people who have cared for Robyn have called her "Queen Bee", "independent", and "determined". I think it is a good thing she is so cute. People are more likely to forgive her. But for all her independence, she has a deep soft side. She is actually a giver. Most of the time, she is looking for ways to share with others. She will be the first to comfort when someone is hurt. She loves to cuddle and hug passionately. She is in every way different from Kiley. I love my experiences with both of them.

We are learning that our girls have not been used to being around each other 24/7. They have had to adjust to sharing parents all the time and having to compromise on activities. We try to separate them once a week to take them on individual date nights. I think school and daycare will be really good for them. We have observed that they both flourish with other children around. They do not want to be at the playground by themselves. But if there are other children, they will be content for hours.

I love the diversity of LR. Kiley and I were at Subway a few days ago. The man helping us was Hindu and Kiley wanted to know what the red dot on his head meant. So, I encouraged her to ask him. He was very gracious and, I think, enjoyed the opportunity to talk about his religion to this curious child. He was hesitant at first, but once he realized I wasn't going to try to evangelize him on the spot, he was very forthcoming with information. He explained that the dot is called a Chandlo and encouraged Kiley to Google it when she got home. This, of course, sparked some spiritual conversation when we got back in the car. She had lots of questions and I took the opportunity to explain Jesus. It is very hard to explain to a five year old the differences in what we believe versus our new friend at Subway. After some discussion about Jesus and how we have to believe in him to go to Heaven, Kiley took the next logical step in her mind and asked "Does that mean our Subway friend is not going to Heaven?" I'm not sure I had an appropriate answer, but I told her the important thing to remember was that our job is to love him and be his friend and hope that one day he will believe in Jesus. Again, I'm not ready for her to grow up. Pretty deep conversation for five years old, huh? Point being, you never know when opportunity is going to cross your path. I beleive God was fully aware that Kiley has a lot of questions right now and he was helping me address those by making my take note that she is curious about him. How wonderful it must be for him to watch those sorts of things unfold in a child's mind. I wish I could have just a glimpse of what he sees in our children's minds.

We are confident that our move to LR was a good one. Our children are being exposed a lot of diversity and culture and it is stretching us to face some tough questions. Any advice is welcome. Regards...

Birthday Pics

I am finally getting around to using my Flickr account a little more. I have posted Robyn's 2nd birthday pics from December and also Kiley's 5th birthday pics. So, if you're interested, you can view those pics here.

Today

It decided to become Winter again around here today. Lows in the 30s last night and pretty chilly waking up this morning. But I got out of bed anyway. I made a commitment recently to start working out again. This decision has been a long time coming for me. I always knew the motivation would return some day. But I've been waiting for about a year and a half. And finally, its back. Over the last 18 months, I have dabbled at running and working out but have not been able to see that time as productive. I am thankful that I am able to enjoy it again. That's all I'll say about that.

On another note, we have been spending a lot of time getting to know our surroundings. Little Rock is a fascinating town. I have really enjoyed living in a Capital city. Through my job, I get to sit in on some really important conversations about our State's politics and am witnessing firsthand the policy makers of tomorrow. Last Friday I spent 3 hours at the Capitol Building observing a meeting with local Senators and State Representatives. They discussed several pieces of legislation that would be coming up for a vote within the coming weeks. Because of the Chamber's lobbying efforts, they passed a very important bill that will allow for better incentives to draw industry to Arkansas. Very important in these economic times. This bill will make our state more competitive for large industries looking for affordable U.S. real estate on which to establish business. Another bill was passed last week that will draw the film industry into Arkansas. Hopefully, we will now compete with states like Michigan for movies, etc. Arkansas has a great deal of racial history that, I think, could be significant to racial healing if portrayed properly through film media. But it is important for those stories to be told where they occurred. Now, we can compete for such projects. Pretty cool to be on the ground floor of things like this!

When I am not working, I love spending time with the girls in the yard. They are loving watching the flowers bloom and running around in the yard. Brad and I can sit on the porch or the deck and watch them play. They are adapting marvelously. Tonight, Kiley thanked God for our house when she prayed. It makes me feel like we haven't completely screwed them up for life by moving at this stage of the game. Brad is doing a great job with them. Every day while Robyn takes a nap Brad prints off worksheets so Kiley can practice her letters. When I come home in the afternoon, she gets to tell me what letter they are practicing and what words start with that letter. Yesterday, she wrote her entire name (first, middle, last) all by herself. Today, she put a large puzzle together. A present from our good friends the Wilkies (Thank You) for her birthday.

Yes, Kiley turned five last week. A huge milestone. So naturally I have been pretty reflective. I remember how nervous and excited I was to become a mother. Most days, I still have those nerves. Am I spending enough time with them? Am I modeling healthy behaviors? Am I too neurotic? Did Robyn poop today? Did Kiley eat well? It never ends. I feel like there is some huge lesson I could be teaching at any given moment. Some sort of prophetic wisdom I should be passing along. But then, I just sit back and decide to dye Easter eggs and the world is at peace. I am trying hard to give them the childhood they deserve. Honestly, it has been a little easier since moving. We are able to spend more quality time together as a family because the only people we are accountable to are each other. We are definitely healing from a lot of things right now and it is wonderful! Thank you God for healing.

Today, my prayer of thanksgiving is for good, loyal, honest friends who have stood by us through so many events. I praise God every time I remember you! I love you.

I love my job!

So, I didn't think life could really get much better. We are getting settled in LR and loving every minute. We love our neighborhood, our neighbors, and are thankful for new friends and old ones. It has been great to reconnect with so many people. Every day my job has something new to offer and I can't say enough how much I am loving it. I mean, truly, every day goes by so fast. I look up and its 5:00 and time to go home and I think, 'Man, today flew by'! Today was an especially awesome day. The Chairman of our Board of Directors happens to be the heir/CEO to the company that started TCBY. Needless to say, he has some connections. I have to work with him to organize meetings and events for the Chamber. He is well connected in the restaurant industry and each month he likes to showcase a different chef in town for the board meetings. This month, he has decided to host the meeting at Ashley's restaurant which is located in the Capital Hotel. Occasionally, he will make a surprise visit at work and ask me to join him to go over menus, etc. So, today we walked over to Ashley's and I got to tour the hotel and restaurant. I was taken to the kitchen (very nice...not that I know what to do with a kitchen, but very nice). Then, we went to the wine cellar. It was like something out of Italy. Absolutely, beautiful. Then, we decided on a meeting space and planned the menu. Let's just say, he was asking my opinion on food items I can't pronounce, much less have any opinion about. But I'm sure it will taste great! Anyway, I just love getting to know LR from a different perspective. My job has me dipping into every aspect of the community. On Friday, I spent 3 hours at the Capitol listening to State Legislators discuss bills and initiatives being introduced to help our state. Another day, I will be hosting a reception for the new Verizon Wireless CEO who just moved to town. Another day, I got to be a part of a new groundbreaking for a new industry coming to our state that the Chamber recruited. I have learned so much about how politics and business intermingle. Then, at the end of the day, I get to come home and relax with my kids and husband. That is my favorite part of the day!

New Pics

I don't have much time tonight, but I wanted to post a few after pictures of our new house. I only have photos of the upstairs. I will post photos of the downstairs later. And there is one special pic at the end that just happened today!

Enjoy-













Today at the gym daycare, the back of a little boy's head found Kiley's eye. She incurred her first shiner. This is not even a good picture because she wouldn't really let me get close. I hope to get some more pictures later as it gets blacker!

Turn the page

Whew. The dust is settling. We landed here in Little Rock on February 20. It was a long day. It took no time at all to fill the house with boxes. I am still digging my way out of those. But all in all, the transition is going really well. I started my new job on Monday February 23. I am the new Executive Assistant/Manager, Facilities and Events for the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce. I get to say that last part on the phone about 20 times a day. I started my second week yesterday and, so far, I feel like I have been there forever. Everyone is super nice and communicative. You never have to wonder what people are thinking. They will tell you. I truly appreciate this quality. And, of course, I fit right in! I am coordinating my first event tomorrow. We are hosting the Mexican Consulate for the Small Business Series. I had to go buy liquor at 10:30 this morning. That was a little weird. I don't usually buy my liquor until at least after 4:00 (ha,ha). So, we will have some cocktails and appetizers and a short presentation. I think my job is going to be fun (dare I say it?)

As for Brad, he is getting to spend a lot of time with the girls. He is playing Mr. Mom these days. He will stay home with the girls through the summer until school starts. He has already arranged story time at the Library and craft times and art times. He is doing a great job and the girls love being with him. Our routine is beginning to settle, although I still have oodles of boxes to unpack.

There is so much to do here. Brad has already taken the girls to a kids museum and we hope to go to the Zoo soon. I will try to post some 'after' pictures of the house soon.

We are trying out several churches right now. We visited The Little Rock Church on Sunday and really enjoyed it. We will probably be back. We both have a list of priorities for our new church and we'll know when we have found it. I know a lot of people have been praying for us as we transition and I can't thank you enough. I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate the prayers, the help packing, the encouragement. We truly have some of the best friends in the world whom we love dearly!

More soon....

Strange Reminders

There are things in life that you make you go "Yeah, that was definitely God". Then there are things that make you ask "Where was God in all of this?" I know God has an ultimate plan and that he makes good things happen from really bad circumstances. This has been a rough week. Our good friends Ron and Nan Deal lost their precious 12 year old son yesterday. His passing has a lot of people asking "Where is God right now?" But the words that keep coming back to me are: The end of the story is not written yet. Frankly, I'm hanging my hat on that today. There is a blessing in the storm but I am struggling to find it. This news came among some other bad news recently but I am already beginning to see the blessings from that so I am certain there will be blessings from Connor's death. My prayers and my heart go out to the Deal's. I am reliving my brother's death all over again through their pain. Sometimes tragedy serves as a strange reminder of God's power.

Home Sweet Home

It has been a busy week. We secured a house, enrolled Kiley for school, and enrolled Robyn for daycare! Things are moving fast. Now, if we can just sell our house. Although, it doesn't need to sell too fast because we don't really have anywhere to be for a while yet. We are in limbo for a while longer. We want to be settled by June 1 for Brad to start school in August. And the house in Little Rock is not ready yet. We decided to rent a house because it got us in the school district we wanted and we figure it will be less headache in the long run. It is a pretty sweet neighborhood! We will be the riff raff on the block surrounded by half million dollar homes. The home is older with a lot of charm. We will be downsizing to two bedrooms. Over the weekend, we took a few pictures of the house. These are the 'before' photos, complete with baggy jean carpenters. Try not to lust. These are in reverse order so if you just want to see the outside of the house, scroll down a bit. We hope to renovate some over the next few weeks and will try to post some 'after pictures'.



This is the downstairs bathroom. Most likely where Brad and I will be getting ready in the mornings.


Here is my favorite feature...the woodburning fireplace!!! I can't wait. If it is summer before we move in, my family may just have to endure our house as a sweat lodge for the first few days.


This is the rest of the basement with a beverage center.


Upstairs bathroom. AKA the girls bathroom.


This is the girls bedroom. We will be putting in bunk beds and Kiley has requested pink for the color. We are in negotiation about what shade of pink.


Here is the master bedroom. It has one full wall of windows and another full wall of closets. So, furniture placement will be limited.


Here is a before of the Kitchen. We will do some updating but not much. Although we did talk the landlord into continuing the new hardwood floors into this area. Yay!!


And here is the main living/dining combo area upstairs. I think we will forego the baby blue. But I welcome color suggestions as I am kind of stuck on what I think I want to do.


Here is the back of the house. The back yard is fully fenced so Duke will be fine.


And here is the front of the house. I won't change much but will hopefully update the landscaping a bit and paint the door a different color if allowed.

We are getting excited about the move but feel like there is a lot yet to be done. We will be selling some of our furniture to help make the transition and would love to have help moving...hint, hint!! We have had an amazing amount of support and are getting ready for this next phase. I think 2009 is going to be a lot better than the last few years have been.

Kiley and Robyn will be going to great schools that come highly recommended. Really, little else matters. We are lucky to have some contacts in LR that have been guiding us in the right direction. It has taken away a lot of the guessing about where to live, where to send the kids to school, etc. What a blessing!

Please keep the prayers coming. Specifically, please pray that we will sell our house soon so we can stop making house payments plus rent payments. Our wallets are getting very thin. Peace and love...