Snow Day #1

YAY FOR SNOW!!!!!!!!!! 

It started about 2:30 this afternoon and we went right out

And as of a few minutes ago, it was STILL SNOWING!!!

The kids' school has already cancelled for tomorrow, so we are ready for a day of snowballs and sleds!

Friends for life

Just thought I would share this most precious picture . . .

Kent and Tru have literally been friends since the womb. I am not exaggerating when I say that I would have contractions anytime Lea and I were together the last trimester. It was as if Tru could not wait to play with his buddy. They were born 2 weeks apart and are still great friends almost 7 years later!

Hide and Eat

Bozer-Dozer (as we like to call Bo) is seldom quiet. Or still. So, when there is a lull around our house during his waking hours, you can be sure that I am concerned. Early on in this little phase of his, I would run around the house screaming his name in a panic. This boy is the reason that all of our doors are keyed on both sides. You only jump out of the shower once to chase your 2 year old who has escaped through the front door. Well, at least your neighbors hope you only chase him in a towel one time. Our house has an alarm system that "beep-beeps" every time you open an outside door, so I am usually fairly certain that he is inside.

I have found him behind the big pillows on my bed, under his bed playing Tru's DS, and behind Sascha's rocking chair. I have even found he and Sascha in her crib a few times. But usually . . . if it is quiet . . . and if Bo does not answer me . . . and it is not because he is downstairs with wet pants and not wanting to fess up to having an accident . . . most of the time, I find him here . . .

under our dining room table eating something forbidden. Usually it is candy. Ok, I think that it is always candy. Tootsie Rolls, Hershey Kisses, Peppermint Nougats, M-n-Ms. 

And I have to tell you, I laugh EVERY TIME!! Maybe because he always goes to the same place, but it is so funny to me. I try to come off stern, but so far I have not been able to pull it off.

Introducing . . .

Well . . . I cannot tell you how long I have been waiting to post this . . . I would like to introduce you to the newest member of our family . . .  set to make his/her arrival in August . . . in Moultrie, GA

This absolutely adorable little peanut is our niece/nephew and cousin. And we COULD NOT BE MORE EXCITED!!!

Josh's little sister, Megan and her husband, Will are expecting their first baby this summer and we are so stinkin' happy for them. (And so stinkin' happy for us!!)

I love Megan like we were blood sisters and not just "in-law". We find ourselves laughing and getting into trouble whenever we are together. I think Josh and I had one of our first fights when he felt left out with Megan and I.  We were meant to be sisters. She was so sweet to have me as her matron of honor and because I was pregnant with Sascha and Josh was gone most of that month, I was unable to make it to her bridesmaid luncheon. I have regretted it for 2 1/2 years because I missed the chance to be the big sister at a very important lunch. I did not get to ugly cry as I told her how much she meant to me and how excited I was for her. We were at the rehearsal dinner and I cherished standing next to her at the wedding, but I hated that I wasn't there for that sweet time when a bride’s closest friends laugh and cry over chicken salad. So, instead, I will give a little toast to her now as she enters this next amazing phase of life.

Boo . . . can you believe that it has been 13 years? I don't want to make either one of us feel old, but you have now known me for as long as you lived before we started making Josh mad! You are the little sister I always wanted and had to wait til college to get. Some of my favorite memories involve you. It's good to know there is one other person on our trips that scopes out where the bathroom is too. ;) I loved laying in bed with you at Disciple Now your 7th grade year and hearing you pour out your sweet heart to me and God. I have always thought that you were beautiful as you sobbed through our entire wedding weekend. Hands down, you are my best beach buddy. I am so grateful for the way that you love my kids and spend time with us when we visit. I cannot wait to do the same with your precious baby. I will never forget the first time you told me about that boy "Wiiiiiill" who was one grade younger. You still have the same look on your face all these years later when you say his name. I love that. And now you are going to be a mom. You are a natural with kids. You are going to be so good at this because there are few people I know who are more sensitive and thoughtful and giving than you. Do you know that the first night I met your family, we went to a movie and I was freezing and you gave me your jacket. Then, when y'all left you hugged me and made me feel so welcome. Your mama and Nonnie brag on how you are so helpful to Nonnie--not because you have to, but because you love her and Babe. Meg . . . you are a beautiful and sweet woman! I am so excited for you and Will. Y'all are gonna be awesome parents. Your 'mart you know!! I love you!! 

Ironic

If I knew how to make music play on this thing, you would be listening to Alanis Morissette singing about rain on your wedding day and a free ride when you have already paid because, yes, Alanis, today has been ironic.

If you remember, my theme for 2011 is consistency . . . included under this umbrella is my budget. I really want to be better at staying within my grocery means and not stressing Josh out by going over budget. I am not a big fan of the Walmart family of stores . . . I have never been impressed by their customer service and for some really odd reason, my kids actually, really, honestly behave better at Target and Kroger. I PROMISE they ALWAYS melt down in Walmart. BUT . . . supposedly I could save money by buying in bulk at Sams and their produce is really good. So . . . I loaded up Thing 1 and Thing 2 into the suburban with the intent of price hunting. The plan was to go to Sams and figure out which things would be better to buy in bulk and would actually save us money in the long run.

Enter irony.

Yep. In my rush to save money, I forgot to wait until the garage door opened all the way and backed into it.

On a positive note, I am remaining consistent. This is classic Rachel. I should've taken a picture of the mailbox to support this. 2 years ago I backed into it.

I wonder if I can blame it on my hair guy . . . after all, I am technically NOT blonde.

Oh, and the stupid car is fine. The one thing I would like to replace made it without a scratch.

Perspective

There are times when being a parent is a challenge. Sometimes it is the little things like potty training your 3rd child for the 3rd time. There have been really hard times too, like the 6 months Sascha had to pretty much stay home all the time because of asthma and chronic fevers and because she was at high risk for complications if she contracted H1N1. Or the time Caroline had to get an MRI to see if she had Spina bifida. Tru has kept us on our knees too with his own issues. But, I have been following an old friend's sister on Caringbridge, and can I just say that what she is enduring is truly challenging.

Morgan's little boy, Miles is this adorable little mess (he sounds a lot like Bo) who has been undergoing chemotherapy for around a year now. Here is her description of his illness from their caringbridge page:
"Miles was initially diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis type-1 at 10 months of age.  Through an MRI months later, we discovered tumors running along the nerves that connect his eyes to his brain (optic nerve gliomas).  Since these can potentially be non-threatening to NF-1 patients, we have continued to closely monitor his vision and the tumors to make sure Miles would remain in that category.  6 months later, the tumors have grown in size and location (growing towards the back side of his brain) and we are now aware that Miles won't remain unaffected by this condition.  Chemotherapy treatments start the week of his 2nd birthday and are set to continue for a full year, minimum.  Please join us in this journey ... which will require strength, hope and miles of perseverance .... all given from our Father and the people he has blessed us with."


Today, Miles was supposed to have an MRI to check the effectiveness of the chemo as well as look into some pain and "bumps" that he is experiencing on his back. Due to a play dough eating incident, the MRI had to be postponed, and sweet Morgan must continue the agonizing wait on his status. Morgan has amazed me . . . what is going on with Miles would be enough to send most of us into complete despair. She has leaned into God, though, and relied on Him in ways that most of us will never experience. As if Miles' situation wasn't enough, her husband unexpectedly passed away a couple of months ago and she is now also raising her 3 boys as a single mom. Again, that alone would be devastating. 


Widowed so early in life and caring for a sick child, yet Morgan praises her God. If anyone among us has cause to be bitter, it is her. But she is seeking the Lord and trusting His plan. Her last entry before the MRI had to be rescheduled, Morgan said that she would pray for good news but praise Him either way. If you think about this sweet family (the Covens), please pray for them. I have not seen Morgan (or her older sister) in years, but they are constantly on my heart and mind and prayers. If anyone deserves good news and a miracle, it is them. You can follow them here. 


Thanks for praying for them. It is so easy to get caught up in our own worlds and we all have legitimate struggles and from everything I have read from Morgan, I do not think she would suggest that her issues are more important to God than ours. It is good, however, to remember something my Granny once told me . . . in life, there will always be those who have it better, but you can be sure, there will also be people who have it worse.

Happy New Year`

Josh and I got to ring in 2011 with some dear friends in Kansas City as we celebrated the marriage of Sarah  and Josh. We are big fans of the Clark family and welcome any chance to be with as many of them as possible! My parents were awesome and kept our 4 boogers in Little Rock so we could help Ben and Allie with their babies as they served as groomsman and matron of honor. The wedding was beautiful, just like the couple. And Joe and Elizabeth were excellent dates for the event. I mean, seriously, who would mind loving on these two sweet ones . . . 

Now we are back home and ready to start a new year. I started off saying I wouldn't have any resolutions, but let's face it, I am way to much of a list maker NOT to have a to do list for 2011. I won't bore you with the details, but the overarching theme is consistency for me. 

(hopefully this blog will be one of those areas I am consistent in)

The Bass family wishes you all a FANTASTIC 2011 . . .