The List

Do you ever have so much to do and you're trying to figure out how to accomplish it? That's what I'm thinking about the next couple of days! (You're probably wondering why I'm on the computer, right?!?) Tomorrow is Max's 6th birthday! I still need to get him a gift. Also, I have a hair cut today and the grocery store is calling. The baby is still asleep. I woke her up at 6:30 to nurse because I couldn't stand it anymore, but then I went back to bed for a little bit.

Max has requested a trip to the butterfly garden tomorrow. There's also the medievil fair in town this weekend, so we're trying to decide what to do. I haven't been feeling well this week, so the thought of taking 6 kids anywhere is kind of daunting to me. I'm just tired and have a bad cold. We've been trying to save money on groceries due to our very tight budget situation. I go to a wonderful website that has great cooking ideas from scratch. We ate homemade pancakes yesterday that just rocked! Go here to check out the full website.

Well, I am off to get busy with my day! I hope yours is blessed and full of little kisses and hugs from your tots!

The Greatest Reward

Being a mother is hard, self-sacrificing work. All mothers know this. There is little tangible reward in the early years. Of course, sweet baby smiles, "I love you's" from toddlers, hugs from the kids, and a willing helping hand from an older child are moments to relish. Today I received a priceless gift from my 15 year old daughter. I love you, Celeste. Read on below:

Our Mom

by Celeste

Maybe you've heard, maybe not,

Of the one who cared for us as tots.

The one who taught us how to cook

and even how to read a book.

The one who showed us to love kids big and small,

and to have patience for them all.

The one who showed us how to pray,

and gave us the words to say.

The one who gave us hopes and dreams,

and told us that life is not as bad as it seems.

The one who fed us night and day,

and tried to keep our stomachs at bay.

The one who showed us to have joy always,

even on the worst of days.

The one who taught us right from wrong,

and how to sing a song.

The one who shared the last cookie,

even though we already had three!

The one who cared to give up her life,

so we could have one twice as nice.

The one who gave us life and breath,

and who loves all 6 of us to death.

So maybe you've heard, maybe not,

of the one who cared for us as tots.

The one I would like to become.

The one we always call Our Mom.

Hello!

We have been super busy here! Life has been hectic as we resumed our normal schedules after the Christmas season. Celeste and I (with Eden) went out of town last weekend to attend "Contending for the Faith." It was a conference held here and you can get the messages downloaded. It was a wonderful education in our faith. Well worth the trip. We, also, spent a day and a night with my best friend, Valerie. What fun it was to hang out with our little babies!

My husband, Stuart, sits on the board for a not-for-profit organization. They just began a raffle for a special car. All proceeds go to a local charity that provides a home and safe environment for teenage mothers in the foster care system who are pregnant or parenting littles. Check out the raffle. Meanwhile, the car lives at our house and I get to drive it from time to time. What fun!

Off to take a shower and start the weekend...

Personal Penguin

I saw a really cute book at the book store the other night by Sandra Boynton. It's for children of ALL ages! I am going to get it to read to my two youngest. I love the message in it.

Now, lots of other penguins seem to be fine
in a universe of nothing but ice.
But if I could be yours, and you could be mine,
Our cozy little world would be twice as nice.
I want to be Your Personal Penguin.

Check it out here. Have a great Monday! I'm not schooling formally, but the older kids will do a couple assignments.

Another picture

Above is another picture of my best friend Val's children with mine. There's eleven in all between our two families! If you think you're seeing double, you are. Val has identical twin boys! The picture is not the best. I've been having some difficulty with my camera at times, but enjoy it anyway!

Best Friends and Babies

On Sunday we drove to Orlando to visit our friends, Heath and Valerie. We hadn't seen them since last August and we were anxious to get our babies together. Val and I were both pregnant with our fourth children at the same time. I was present for the birth of her fourth child, Becky. She was there when I hadmy fourth and fifth children, Max and Tommy. I missed her this last time because she had a 5 week old. It's so nice to have friends that have a big family--they have 5 and we have 6 children! Valerie is like a sister to me and I really value her friendship. We talk almost every day. We love you guys!

GATORS!!!

41-14

How about the Gators?!? I just have to say something because I am a University of Florida Alumni and I live in the area. We watched the very exciting game last night. It wasn't over until midnight, but it was pretty obvious we were going to win by the end of the 3rd quarter. We're getting a late start today, but that's okay! I have to go pick up Celeste--she went to a football party with some friends at church. Have a great day! I hope to post pics from our Orlando trip later. GO GATORS!!

Saturday routine

I didn't do much today. I did get to go to the mall with Celeste so that she could use her gift certificates from Christmas. That was fun! We got to drive a really neat car--more on that when I can put a picture up. Jamie went to play paintball in a "scenario" game with a friend of his and his cousin, JT. I was working on my Christmas pictures using Memory Manager 2.0. Of course the program is awesome and is made by Creative Memories--you can find it at www.mycmsite.com/nanpalmer. I found a few more cute pictures of Jamie at Christmas. He really is a fun, goofy kid. Above I posted several. Hope your weekend is blessed! Tomorrow we're visiting some good friends in Orlando. Hi Heath and Valerie!! We had babies around the same time and I can't wait to see theirs!

Starting out with a blessing...

Happy 2007! I've been busy...as usual. I have a praise report. Drum roll....Eden has slept through the night for the past FOUR (4) nights!!! She began on New Year's. What a present that is!! She goes 8 hours between feedings and the earliest she has gotten up is 6:30 AM. Woot! I think my brain is starting to kick into gear again. I am making lots of plans for 2007. I hope to post again soon, but just wanted to publicly thank GOD for my sweet little girl!