Day 6

Today was a "normal" day at the Paragi house. Jacob played with the neighbors until I MADE him come home to clean his room. Lizzie and I did some laundry (that girl LOVES to fold) and played Polly Pockets. Then we showered and went to a funeral visitation for the dad of a friend. Lizzie asked lots of questions, but she handled it well. Jacob just kept saying, "Mom I already know this stuff. You don't have to tell me again." It wasn't his first rodeo but it was for Lizzie.

Home for dinner, some games, a movie and bed. That is about all I could handle today. We have enjoyed our week. We haven't done anything that we wouldn't have done with Zach and Brian here, but somehow when it is just the three of us, it seems more "special."

Playing a little Don't Break the Ice

They wanted to play chess. None of us have any idea how to play. Jacob, however, thinks he does so he was giving Lizzie all the rules of the game. Even I know that the rules were wrong!

"You can't move that one there!"

"But Jacob!!! That's not fair. I WANT to move this one to THERE!!"

After enough fighting over something we don't know how to play, we settled down to Over The Hedge.

Day 5

Today was a rather low key kind of day. Jake and Lizzie went to Tina's today while I went shopping and took some time to myself. It was a true blessing. They got to spend time playing and eating food that "is much better" than mine while I was able to get everything done.

I began running a low grade fever last night and it returned this evening. So, it will be a low key kind of night. I think some UNO, a board game or two, and some reading and then it will be bedtime!

Every time I talk to Brian, I can hear the enthusiasm in his voice. He seems to be loving his time and the kids on this trip. I haven't talked to Zach much but when I did, he is having a great time too. I can't wait to hear all about it. There is even a part of me that wishes they could stay longer and serve the people of Centralia even more.

Guilty Admissions

Ok, I am going to admit something. I know this makes me sound very selfish and shallow, but it is true. Although I never vocalized it, as the date for the mission trip approached, I did NOT want Brian to go. I wanted him home with me. I was scared to be alone. He has never left home for an entire week before.

An amazing this happened though. Sunday's sermon at church was VERY thought provoking for me. I thought and thought about it Sunday afternoon. I wished that Brian were home to talk to me about it. But he wasn't. I went to my bedroom, dropped to my knees and cried. Totally sobbed. I sobbed because my guys were gone. I cried because I was scared. But mainly I cried in response to the sermon. I asked the Holy Spirit to guide me this week. I asked for guidance in what my response should be.

I can now honestly say that I am GLAD that Brian isn't home this week. I can't hide behind him and his knowledge of the Bible and God. I have muddled through it myself and guess what? I am growing. I can feel it. The Lord is stretching me in ways that are painful but good. I am learning things about myself. I am putting aside the lies that I believe about myself and truly looking at who God made me to be. Still figuring out what that looks like, but the Holy Spirit won't leave me hanging. I am sure of that!

And, guess what! I can survive without him home. I have had a good week enjoying my children, their friends, and yes, even time for myself. Still looking forward to having them home. I am hoping he will be pleasantly surprised at all the things I did around here this week. That is one of the lies - I can't do certain things. Yes I have to do it in moderation, but I CAN!! And of course I can't wait to talk to him about the revelations I have had this week concerning myself.

Bye bye lies! Hello truths!

Day 4

So, what was on the agenda for today? Well, first and foremost was staying cool. We were under a heat advisory and with my MS I am supposed to stay out of the heat as much as possible. Ummm. . . I live in Central Illinois! But, I do the best I can. Although my neuro STILL thinks I am out more than I should be.

So, this morning, the kids and our friend, Tiana headed to Barnes and Noble. The kids had gift cards they wanted to spend. So, after much debate and considering they finally made their choices.

Reading and deciding.

They all look like such little angelic bookworms! They were very good!

And, because I am ADDICTED to books and there was a good sale, I ended up with six for myself! All fluff, non-brain engaging, easy reads.

After the bookstore, we headed home for lunch. Tiana and Lizzie swam and Jacob disappeared to a neighbor's house. Me? I did a little picking up, but mainly settled in the chair and finished reading a Jodi Picoult book. I love her books! Now, the hard decision of which new book to read first.

Tonight is very laid back. Lizzie is already sound asleep. She slept with her new books and her library books. She likes to read until she falls asleep. Wonder where she gets that! Jacob is headed to bed RIGHT now. He stayed up until 3 am with his friend at their sleep over last night!!

Day 3

So, I survived the sleepover with all the boys. Today we played with our friends Noah and Tiana.

Noah and Sadie

PLEASE stop taking my picture!!

And then, Tiana spent the night. Lizzie was in heaven. She loves spending time with older girls.

Here they are all snuggled up on the floor watching a movie.

Where was Jacob? He was playing with the neighborhood boys. It is 8:30 and he is still out swimming!

Day 2

Today, I took the kid's to the new library. Lizzie couldn't wait to go, but Jake was quite the pill about the entire thing!

"Mom the sun is too bright and it is too hot. Let's go!!"

Lizzie with her books and movies.

Then at night, Jacob had three friends spend the night. So, Lizzie and and I set up shop in my room and watched a movie.

Trying vvveeerrrryyy hard to stay awake!

Jacob and one of his buddies.

Mission Trip: Day 1

So, Brian and Zach are in Southern Illinois for a mission trip. They are gone the entire week, and quite frankly, I miss them already (they left this morning). But, I am determined to do fun things with Jacob and Lizzie and try to make some memories of our own.

So, what did we do on day 1? After church, we had Subway, chilled out for a while and then swam. Then they taught me to play Mario Party 8 on the Wii. I am terrible with video games, but I did it! A new episode of Hannah Montana Forever and finally. . .

a living room camp out - eating snacks and watching movies.

For the record, I am WAY too old to camp out like this!

Vacation Bible School 2010

The kids had an incredible time at Vacation Bible School this year. Lizzie and Jacob attended VBS and Zach was a crew leader. We had quite the adventure on the High Seas.

Lizzie and her friend.

Singing the theme song: "Hey!"

Our youth minister saying that our minister should walk the plank. Did he?

Looking at this splash, I would say so! The kids loved it!!

Jacob

On Sunday morning, the kids sang some of their songs for the church. I love watching them do that!

Lizzie singing Shout to the North and the South!

Jacob singing the theme song and motioning about looking for God.

They had so much fun, that Jacob cried on the last night. He didn't want it to be over. What a great time! Thanks to everyone who helped make it such a special week!

A Pokemon Party

Today we celebrated Jacob's 8th birthday with friends. He wanted just a few things - Pokemon cups and napkins, to beat the crap out of a pinata (his exact words), and to swim. So, we had all those things and he was a happy camper.

His cupcakes and homemade Pokeball cake.

Searching for Pokeballs (AKA golf balls) in the weeds.

Here he is beating that pinata like crazy!

The gang

Checking out which Pokemon cards he got.

Making a wish.

His best buddy in the neighborhood

Yum!

Reid - the deranged shark

Cole floating around.

Pokemon cups and napkins + one beating of a pinata + water = One happy 8 year old!

Today was fun. Are girl parties different than boy parties? In my family the answer is yes. Jacob didn't want a bunch of extra stuff, just laid back. The boys were hilarious. Right after Jacob blew out his candles, he tooted VERY loudly. The entire dining room erupted in laughter. I was about ready to die until I looked over at Brian and he was giggling too.

Bottom line - I love seeing my kids smile. Yesterday and today, I saw some pretty big smiles. All the work and chaos was worth it!

Lizzie's Pinkalicious 5th Birthday Party

Due to the 4th of July weekend being crazy, we had Lizzie's friend birthday party today. It was a Pinkalicious kind of day! Pinkalicious is one of her favorite books. Thanks to some awesome girls - Makayla, Tiana, and Bekah for helping make the day a success.

The cupcakes she helped decorate. That is bright pink - not red!

Lizzie takes a whack at the pinata

Lizzie with all her "pink clad" friends.

Pedicures for everyone!

Check it out, even Brian is painting toenails!

Toes, toes and more toes!

Lizzie and her friend, Madelyn

They looked at me like I was nuts when I told them to do this! Perhaps they are a little young!!

Pretty toes!!!

It was so fun to watch Lizzie open the presents. I don't know who was more excited - her or the girl who gave it to her! Sweet!!

Check out her new boa!!

Singing Happy Birthday. Yes, she chose those candles herself.

Making a wish!

Lizzie and Madelyn again.

Doing a little dancing!

Making necklaces as we wait on moms to arrive.

We had a great time. The girls were so well behaved and it was so fun to have such a Pinkalicious kind of day!! I am so glad we didn't plan it for last weekend as my kidney stone would have prevented the party from happening. Next up? A Pokemon party tomorrow!