The Beach Experience

I say beach experience and not 'ocean experience' because I realize why people don't say we are vacationing at the ocean....it is a scary place! The boys loved Orange Beach but not so much the actual ocean. Oh, they liked being chased by the waves on the shore, stepping into the sinking sand and collecting water in buckets for their holes they dug to China all day but as far as getting inside the ocean - no way! We did that the first day except daddy was still bringing things down to the beach and mommy took the boys into the water. What a great idea for the timid one to conduct the first ocean experience. Sure enough I saw a giant (in my eyes) jellyfish right by our feet and mangaged NOT TO SCREAM but calmly said, "oh boys, let's get out of the water...there is a jellyfish" then I tried to back track and sound all fascinated by the stinging hellish creature looming past my offsprings bodies but they were onto me! They freaked out after realizing what they were looking at and refused to get back into the ocean. It didn't help that we saw about 100 more of those ministering so called fish along the shoreline. And yes, we all at some point did get back into the ocean to play only to all be stung by a jellyfish! But to my disapointment we didn't have to pea on anyone's wounds (you know that's what they say do now) but rather we all toughed it out except one boy we were with who screamed so loud and long that many passersby gave us their 'theory' on how to cure a jellyfish sting and then someone did finally give us their solution of vinegar in a bottle she carried with her. That did help - so bring plenty of it if you go to the 'ocean'.

Swimming in the pool was a good passtime but they all loved digging - there was much help from the two Dad's who dug for about 30-45 mts each beach visit. I swear the hole was 4 or more feet deep. We even had a passerby tell us we MUST fill in that hole b/c the sea turtles were coming in to lay their eggs and they would die b/c of our hole! So, we did indeed fill it in the first day but after that we got lazy and happily never saw any caught sea turtles in our hole the following morning!

IT'S A GIRL!!!

It's shameful that I haven't written in a month - but I've been gone too much enjoying summer at last. But....onto more important news! We had the ultrasound on Thursday and saw our baby girl. She is quite frisky, moving constantly and playing pick-a-boo with her hands the hold time. It was awsume to see her alive inside me moving around, wiggling her fingers and crossing her legs. All is healthy and organs, brain, bones look formed - don't we mothers hold our breath as they go through the list of searching for each vital organ to see if "oh yes, there are four chambers of the heart..." it is nerve wracking to lay there and wait to see if you have a perfectly formed child or not. I truly feel so blessed by God to have a third healthy pregnancy! We are thrilled to meet this baby girl. Eli is such a proud big brother. He so wanted a little sister (Ian has been cheering for a boy and insisted on arguing with us that afternoon that no, indeed it was a boy not a girl). But Ian is coming around as he see's his big brother proudly tell everyone about their little sister's body parts they saw inside my tummy. (We took everyone to the ultrasound apt. but Ian fell asleep through it - what a great story to tell baby girl when she is old enough).

What a great weekend - we attended our second annual 'Webb Family Reunion' (Nate's mom's side of the family) at Fall Creek Falls. It was great fun - the boys enjoyed a semi-parent free/rule free weekend of running like crazy outside in the woods and through a lodge built for sleeping 100 people (there were only 35ish of us). Lot's of freedom for the young ones and an interesting break for the adults like me without little ones to watch over and worry with. I'm looking forward to holding a baby again - someone who needs more attention - of course I'm sure once I get that I'll be thinking "wow remember all that freedom I took for granted when it was just my independent boys I was responsible for." I'm so fickle! hee hee


Mother's Day....I told Nate I wanted something that the boys had made, from them you know - not store bought. He was such an awesome Dad! He helped them make me bath soaps that smell delicious. They were so proud of their little endeavor and wanted to make sure I used them this morning when I woke up. I must say also that I was very impressed by the school gifts as well. Way to go teachers! Ian made a sweet tray to carry stuff on with a modge podge of pictures he drew, his name and a photo of himself. Also some bath salts that he was quite obsessed over holding and putting his fingers in all the way home from school. He too wanted to make sure I had used them last night in my bath.

Eli drew a picture of me that is so great - I have very lovely long eyelashes and some beautiful red lips . This is what he wrote on it "MY MOM"..."My mother's name is Sarah. She is 32 years old. She looks like my mom and feels good. She smells like flowers because she works in the garden. She has 2 children, Eli and Ian, but she is about to have 3 because she has a baby. For work, she teaches preschool. My favorite thing she cooks is chicken. She helps me draw jets. For fun she sits in the backyard with her flowers. We like to swing together. She likes to shop at the mall. She likes to buy flowers. She is happiest when she sees me smile and sad when her flowers die. I want Mom to know...That I love her! Love, Eli.
(Yes, I cried and cried - he was so proud!) He made a beautiful clay painted necklace for me with the help of an awesume volunteer art teacher in his room. I love it!

I'm trying desperately to finish 3 paintings for customers (that sounds so official)..I"m trilled that I actually have some business keeping me busy. It is fun but a little nerve wracking as I doubt my ability all the time. Nate is so encouraging though and really helps me with 'measurements' in trying to center words - my greatest weakness! I tried something new though in painting a canvas for a teacher's gift for someone that is all words and fancy as opposed to drawing cutesy pictures, dots. I thought it was much much harder b/c cute is easy - no one wants that too look perfect but when something is in your living room looking serious that is another story. But I really appreciate all my friends keeping me busy and spreading the word!

All this rushing is because Nate and I are heading out for Orlando on Thursday afternoon. He has a work trip (which is amazing since professor's hardly ever have fun, paid for, work trips in Fl.) but I'm going as a stow away (although I did pay for my ticket). We are staying at the Gaylord in Orlando. Everyone keeps asking me if I"m planning on shopping in the city while Nate is in seminars. I have told everyone I'm a chicken when it comes to venturing out in a strange city by myself with no car. My idea of a relaxing weekend consists of sitting by the pool, tanning and reading a good book! Also, sleeping a lot, watching some movies and eating great food! My parents are being soooooo kind to come here and watch the boys for 3 days - school drop off/pickup, soccer games (two of them), and all that goes along with two young boys in a small house! I so appreciate them driving 3 hours to keep the Callender Clan! The boys couldn't be more excited.

The crazy part of the whole month is when Nate and I get back we pack up and leave 4 days later to go on our family vacation to Gulf Shores, AL. with friends to the beach for a week! What a life huh? We've never been to the beach with the boys so they are beside themselves!
Just thinking about all that has to get done now at 10:53 pm is exhausting me...I'm off to bed.

MOPS is over

Today was my last MOPS (Mothers Of Preschoolers) meeting as coordinator. I think this year has been the most exciting but exhausting for me probably because my time to lead this group was coming to a needed end. I have been coordinating a MOPS group now for a total of 5 years, first in Dyersburg, TN. and then in Murfreesboro. This is such a wonderful blessing of a ministry that reaches out to mothers with young ones and shows support through the love of Christian fellowship, speakers and creative activities. I have been blessed by all of the friends I have met through this ministry from all over the country....many who I would have never taken the time to get to know if we hadn't been in this group together. I have learned from these other moms how to laugh at myself and my kids, how to cry out loud and admit when I was overwhelmed to others (and not be embarrassed over it) and to step up and lead when I am called to be in charge of something and others are looking to me to follow. This ministry has given me the confidence I needed when I felt like I was "just a mom at home" and couldn't do anything else. I found an inner strength to go beyond what I thought I could juggle (just my kids) and learned that I did have those skills to work with a team, plan, and execute meetings for a large group of women!
I am being called out to a time of rest and receiving rather then giving, giving, giving and for that I'm excited! With Ian going to school next year and new baby on the way in the Fall my life will look so different. I'm sure I will be more then happy to sit back and take in the blessings of other women's planning and working! But like I told them at the meeting today - I'm sure I'll be back...I'm not one to sit around for long. I love to serve others and be a part of a team that is such a blessing to so many moms!
If you are interested in finding a MOPS group near you go to www.mops.org and type in your zip code to find your local group!

My country dream home

I found it! You know that dream house you have had since you were a kid (not the mansion with the moat and drawbridge and prince riding on his horse with all your servants cleaning everything) but the one when you close your eyes and imagine yourself with all your million kids running around not fighting and you are rocking on the front porch sipping iced tea (sweet of course) and watching your flowers bloom all around you? I've had this fantasy of living in an old house with lots of land and trees and privacy but I don't want spiders, snakes or ugly bathrooms in it. I"m a little picky - sorry! WELL... we happened to find just that house this weekend going up for sale. It is on 5 acres about 12 minutes from the edge of Murfreesboro in Lascasses. It is 3,000 sq feet and get this...the original part of the house is 200 years old! Can you say Southern Living centerfold? =)
Totally refurbished - new everything for the most part although here is one big setback - the house needs to be painted along with a couple of minor in my eyes/major in Nate's eyes cosmetic changes. Not in a bad way though just a refreshing up way. And it's yellow for goodness sake! (That is my favorite house color!) Did I mention it has it's original hard wood floors from long ago and log cabin walls in the living room, entrance room and original steps upstairs! But the only little setback is my sweet very rationally minded husband doesn't even want to go there! Can I say I blame his thinking - he is working on his PhD, teaching (hey Nate what about summers?) and wouldn't quite call himself a potential guest on "This Old House" (PBS show on fixing up old houses). So I'm sure the thought of buying that house is pretty daunting - but like I told him "I felt a connection with it!" Did I mention it has a pond on the land? OK...I just had to write out my feelings on this. I'm sure it won't happen although I'm hoping after the semester is over I can talk him into looking at it again. If any of you run into my sweet logical husband drop a hint about country homes would ya?

And baby makes 5

Ok...I've waited long enough to announce it in the cyberworld but Nate and I are expecting our third baby. Due date October 25th. I got to hear the heartbeat last week at week 12 so I'm finally over the nasty hump of the first trimester. Right now our baby is the size of a kidney bean and though most people can't tell I'm pregnant of course "I can!" We are very excited but probably the most excited of all is Eli and Ian. They already have it planned out who will change the diapers and who will feed the baby (this story changes depending on who you are talking to of course). No ideas for names - nor sex - and don't ask us what we want for goodness sakes! Of course a healthy little one but if I hear another person say "Oh, I sure hope it is a girl for your own sanity" or something along those taky lines I'll scream. You know how the old preschool saying goes "You get what you get so don't throw a fit!" WE'll see come June when we find out what we're having if I throw any quite fits behind closed doors - of course you won't know about it. Hee hee! I'll keep you posted on the growth of our kidney bean...

My 4 year old soccer player

I have to admit I used to scoff at those parents who put their children in organized sports at the ripe age 0f 3 and 4 (well I still would at 3 but...) Ian who is 4 1/2 is eligible for soccer this Spring and b/c he has sat at the sidelines of Eli's soccer games now for 4 seasons we thought it was high time he got a chance to run like crazy the wrong way on the field and fight with his teammates over who got to kick the ball. He loves it! His first game was a week ago and I laughed so hard it was the best exercise I had had in months (thanks Ian and other little people). He was so pumped with excitement that all he wanted was contact with the ball. It was basically a two man show for the first quarter - between him and another boy "on his own team" trying to kick the ball into the goal. At least it was the same goal they were going for & I have to admit the other little boy was a bit more aggressive and aimed a bit better then my little Ian so he did manage to score some for the Vols (although we don't keep up with scores, did anyone hear me say we scored - that's not what I said...) THEN Ian was put in as a defense player - now if you know anything about kids and soccer - the defense players basically have to have a lot of self-control to stay in their positions and resist the temptation to run down the field with their team mates. Although it is still not as bad a goalee! Well lets see after being scolded by his coach and his parents (who were quite loud on the side lines for some reason - sorry Ian) he finally figured out he had to stay at the other end of the field - far away from most of the excitement. So, what do 4 year old boys do when there is nothing to do but stand in one place? Embarress their parents of course! We look down at Ian during one point and notice his big old superman underwear just staring at us like Superman himself is about to push Ian up into the sky - his flappy soccer shorts (which were his brothers of course) only provided opportunity for him to play with and then make there way up to his belly button where everyone on the field was entertained by his whitee tightees....so, do I now yell out his name and tell him to gain some composure so that all the laughing parents on the field figure out it is my kid with no understanding of indescent exposure - or do I just laugh with everyone like "I feel so sorry for that mom!" After the peep show went on too long (I think he was getting a kick out of the attention) we yelled at him to stop. I tried to also get a picture to document this embarressing moment for when he starts dating but I wasn't quick enough with the camera! So, I just recorded it on my blog for all of my friends and family to read! OH Ian - what will the next game bring?