Princess Tea Party

There are some moments that are just too precious for words and can only be captured in pictures. Elyse dropped Becca and Kaylah off to play with Grace yesterday afternoon, and they asked for a Princess Tea Party. I didn't have lovely cakes or scrumptious biscuits that would be required of a formal tea party, but these little girls didn't care. They weren't looking for formality, but instead were looking for moments of pretend. I can only imagine that at an officially royal tea party there would never have been the hillarity that was afforded at our unconventional pretend tea party. I hope that this is a day that will stay in their memories for years to come.

Setbacks

After making the promise of being more faithful to blogging I have come up against a few "setbacks." Doug was diagnosed with diverticulitis a few years ago, and has lived with much pain and sickness for quite some time. Recently, after a very painful bout, the doctor decided that it was time for surgery. There were some surprising finds during surgery, but suffice it to say, he is recovery nicely...even though there is much pain.
Also, in 2005 my mom had to have a brain tumor removed (benign). After suffering with headaches for quite a few months she found out that the tumor is back. Her surgery is scheduled for next Friday...for my friends that pray: I would appreciate your prayers for her.
And finally, I fell over the open dishwasher door (STUPID) and wrenched my knee. Every step is like a hammer is pounding my knee. God has been faithful to allow me to continue my daily treks to be by Doug's side in the hospital.
Not to brag, but I have an incredible daughter-in-law that has taken Grace in and kept her for 4 days and three nights! Grace came home talking about Elyse as if she hung the sun, the moon, and the stars. And our two boys have worked feverishly to make sure that Doug is properly cared for and that I lack for nothing! On top of that our church family has been faithful in visiting Doug, and bringing food to our home.
At 3:45 this morning I suddenly awakened and sat straight up in the bed. I was so overwhelmed at that instant with God's sovereignty and care for us that I could not go back to sleep. I sat for a long time praying and worshipping God in the silence of the night. We serve such an incredible God. He is good, regardless of the outcome! It is because He first loved me that I love Him! 1John 4:19

Evading Sleep

I can be serious.

But not for very long.

There's too much fun inside of me!

Grace and I stayed home from church yesterday, and I feel so lonely when I miss the fellowship of my church family. I was not feeling well all weekend, but ended up feeling pretty yucky by Sunday morning. Last night Grace had a major heart-melt and cried for 2 1/2 hours. As I look back on the day I realize that she seemed pretty unsettled the whole day, and I wonder if she wasn't feeling well either.

She fell asleep in my arms and I put her to bed by 9:00. Then around 9:30 I heard noise coming from her room so I went to check on her. I found her, with her big brother, watching a video on his Ipad! That little stinker had awakened, and gone and enlisted her big brother in her bed-avoiding-shennanigans!!! They watched a cartoon, and then I tucked her back into bed for the rest of the night.

Grace told me that it is very difficult for her to go to sleep at night because she just has so many "plans and schemes in her brain." I understand, there have been many nights that I just can't shut my brain off for sleep to take over. :)

I am realizing that it is often the simple things that bring me the greatest joy. Yesterday I was sitting at the lunch table with Doug and Grace, and suddenly I became overwhelmed that my daughter was sitting next to me.

I Have a Secret

I have a surprise!

We have a new puppy!

His name is Chipper...

...and he keeps all my secrets.

He and I play together...

...and we dance together.

But he's not allowed on the couch

And if my Mama saw me...

...she wouldn't allow me up here either.

So can y'all keep my secret?

Thanks!!!

My mama isn't feeling very well today so I thought I would fill in for her. I think she must have had some gluten cause she looks pretty gluten-y. Daddy is filling in for her too, and that's fun for me. Daddy doesn't quite know all the rules that Mommy has, so I have to help him. For instance, he didn't realize that on the 5th Sunday of the month I'm allowed to skip lunch and just eat dessert. And he doesn't know that even though there is a baseball game on, as well as a golf tournament, that since I listened well in church I get to watch tv all afternoon. I explained to him that we had better not disturb Mommy's rest to verify these rules since I have them memorized. So any of you that agree with my rules (and I'm proabably talking to my 1st grade friends) be sure and email Daddy and let him know. And all you Mommies out there, you don't have to worry about emailing Daddy...or Mommy!

Did you see my new puppy? He's a toy fox terrier and a rat terrier: a FRAT. Daddy finally decided that I could have a pet, and they surprised me with the puppy. His name is Chipper William Shirley. Chipper is after a baseball player, and William is after Prince William.

Well time to get back to my afternoon of tv and candy. Oh did I forget to mention the candy rule? As long as the tv is on I can eat all the candy I want...uh oh, here comes Mommy...I'd better go!!!!

Half-Birthday

Grace's friends, Cassie and Makayla, celebrated their 1/2 birthday, and they invited Grace to come and celebrated with them. The girls' birthday is so close to Christmas that their mom decided to give them a chance to have an extra day of celebration. There were no presents for their 1/2 birthday, just lots of giggles, laughter, and fun! The girls painted ceramics, ate sandwiches in a cafe, and made a chocolate pizza. But more than that, they had fun together. Thank you for inviting us to participate in such a fun day.

Getting Better

Grace was awfully sick this week. There were times that her temp. was hovering just below 105 degrees. At one point, when her temperature was so high, she was trying to walk and her legs gave out from under her. I'm so thankful for the doctor, and the medicine that he precsribed for her. It took a few days for the medicine to take affect, but it is finally beginning to work it's "magic."

As I sat and rocked her over the past few days, she asked me to tell her the story of when she became a Shirley. It's not a new thing for her to ask me for that story, she has been fascinated by her story for quite a few years. Looking into her dark eyes I couldn't help but be overwhelmed at all that God had entrusted us with. This sweet little girl has brought so much joy into our lives, it is actually hard to remember life before she came.

Still Sick

"I don't feel very well."

"But Mommy knows how to make me smile."