Fall Break 2012

Lilly Scott's school hosted an event so our fall break started early. We wanted to do something fun for her break, but Jordan couldn't take much time from work. Easy for us, though, because we hopped on over to Pigeon Forge! We've never vacationed there this much, but since we bought season passes to Dollywood, it makes it worth our while to visit as often as we can.

We went with our friends Jeremy and Sarah and their adorable mini me, Kynlee. I found a place to stay {we opted for a hotel rather than a cabin this time because A- cabins were mostly booked and B- we didn't need all the amenities in a cabin}. Soooo Jordan decided he could find a less expensive place, which he did... and back into 1993 we went. :-/ Enough said...

Friday we got there mid afternoon, and we ate dinner at 3:30, haha. Seriously. We were all hungry, and it was time to eat. After that we left our things at the hotel and went to the outlet malls. Unfortunately my dinner didn't set well and we decided to leave the outlets. On the way home we got stuck in traffic, Paisley puked, and one of the other children was crying. I can't remember which. Pleasant.

On Saturday we ate breakfast and headed to Dollywood. The weather wasn't great, and it got super cold! {I had to run to the outlet malls that night to shop for warm clothes. I just had to! ;-) } In all seriousness, it was pretty terrible that Mac and Paisley were without socks, shoes and a blanket our first day in the park. I way overestimated the temperature.

{These pictures are from Sunday... the day we bundled up}

We ate dinner at The Old Mill, and it was- as always- delicious!

Paisley was my neighbor at dinner, but she wouldn't sit still for me to get a good picture.

Sunday we went to another outlet mall, I got a new pair of work out shoes {not the same as running shoes}, and we ventured to DW. Lilly and Kynlee got to ride every ride they wanted until the rain wouldn't stop. It was such a pendulum swing to go from sweating profusely to needing gloves and a fleece. Silly me. As Paul Ryan quoted: The calendar's the same every year. Hehe.

M&P were so good for us.

On our way home we had dinner at Cheddar's in Knoxville. Lilly was coloring and didn't want a picture, but I had two others who didn't have a choice ;o)

                                                                                 My mom came that Sunday and stayed until Wednesday 

afternoon. I love that she knows what a whirlwind our world is... she brings food! It doesn't offend me at all to not cook. I do love cooking, but I plan and prepare 4 meals for M and P and dinner for everyone else daily. It gets to be tedious. I enjoy being able to breathe and not worry about what will or won't be eaten.

While Mother was here I worked on a new venture of my own :o) Here's a hint:

The rest of the week we goofed off, relaxed and had fun.

We finished our Fall Break 2012 with delicious THREE ingredient pumpkin spice cookies! 

Recipe: box of spice cake mix, can of pumpkin and a special treat of whatever you choose {chocolate chips, coconut, nuts, etc}. We did white chocolate chips. I also added some vegetable oil to help the consistency. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes! 

 School has been back in for a week now, and our routine is in full swing!

as always,
ashley

First Day of MDO & So On...

Here's another picture dump. I love that pictures tell a story- often better than my words. 

I have a lot of catching up to do!

First, Mac and Paisley started MDO on Tuesdays. I knew it was time for them to get exposure to other caretakers and friends, and I need time to get things accomplished that are nearly impossible with a double wide stroller. 

Their first day was Tuesday, September 25. I realize they had no idea what was going on, but it's a big first in our book. 

Ready for 'school'!

A few takes before the best still shot...

I surprised Lilly with lunch at school while M and P were at MDO. 

Later that week we went for a run with Mandy and Lanie. Paisley was doing her own exercise... Maneuvering herself out of the stroller harness and her pajamas.

 Cuddles after nap. Paisley loves to wake up Mac. 

{The pillow in the crib was mine, LS used it and now Mac sleeps on it. I decided to give him a pillow when I noticed he kept pulling his crib bumper down and laying on it.}

Look at this!!! This was actually the third kiss, but I was camera ready this time. Sweet, sweet babies. 

Here M and P are before MDO last week :o) Ready as ever!

Who are these almost 14 month olds?? Don't they look so grown?!

We had a chalk party in our driveway recently. Lilly Scott and her friends {Kaitlin and Marley Kate} in their Chapel Day uniform.

Happy Tuesday!!! {Um, it's Thursday...}

as always,

ashley

Lilly Scott, Our First Grader

Jordan worked all weekend so it was a weekday kind of weekend in our house. My dad came to spend Sunday with us, and we fellowshipped with our small group after church. 

We dined at Rain Thai Bistro, yum. 

Lilly Scott started school this week: first grade. As I tucked her in Sunday evening, tears came to my eyes thinking of how much we enjoy her being a part of our immediate family. She's such a special girl, our LS. 

We went to school on Sunday for a mock first day so that I could capture pictures. 

 This is her actual first day. All four of us walked her inside.

I could not wait to pick her up from school! I was filled with questions and hugs, and LS wanted quiet time, hehe. When my dad used to pick me up from school, he always asked what the highlight of my day was. Then, I was frustrated by that question, but now, I know it's because he missed me. Once in school, teachers spend more time with children than parents do. This question was a window into my day, and I now find myself repeating it to LS daily. :o)

Lilly Scott,

I will admit, I was nervous to add anything to my plate. Mac and Paisley had me spinning circles, and I wanted to give you everything. On Mother's Day, I was overcome by the Holy Spirit and reminded that Grace will surround me. From that moment, I have been so excited about the idea of having you here. I was ready, and a few weeks later, you came to Chattanooga. 

My days before you were in Chattanooga seemed full at the time, but now I know you were missing. Your light helps my cup overflow, precious Lilly Scott. I love tucking you in bed, reading with you, fixing your cereal. All of the small things add up to one huge blessing, and that is you. 

It is our prayer to raise you as Christ teaches us. Your light in our world is so bright. Thank you for teaching me about God's grace- how it continues to surround us. 

Your presence doesn't add to my plate per se, you make my abilities grow and strengthen. 

Your brother and sister absolutely adore you, and we are all better for calling you ours. 

Happy first week of FIRST grade,

We love you,

Ashley and Jordan

4 + 1

Jordan, Mac, Paisley and me... our family of four. It is everything I've dreamed of and more {cliche, I know}. We are so enjoying our role of parenthood. We have had the opportunity to be surrounded by nieces and nephews that we love and adore as our own before we ever had M and P: Paxton, Lilly Scott, Caitlin and Blake. 

You know the saying "it takes a village to raise a child"? I believe it now more than ever! We have been able to celebrate births, holidays, birthdays, the first step, first tooth, potty training and the other monumental occasions {past, present, and future} in their lives. So special. 

Paxton, Caitlin and Blake have two amazing, God centered parents. Lilly Scott has been raised by my selfless and devoted mom {and dad} since birth. Looking back, Lilly's birth was in the palm of God's hand. An unexpected, teenage pregnancy that rocked all of our boats certainly transformed our family. My parents and brother Jeff and I have never been closer. We choose to be on this journey together, and we walk alongside to support and encourage. Family is such a blessing.

Our nieces and nephews have spent long weekends with us in Chattanooga, and we have made wonderful memories. Lilly has spent a lot of time here as we share a special bond-- I've had to remind myself at times that I'm actually not her mother... until now :o) 

Remember the post about the furniture we sanded and painted in our 'guest room'? It is actually for Lilly's new room. See the pictures here.

We welcomed Lilly Scott on Father's Day, and we are loving our new family of FIVE. Lilly has been surrounded with love and support her entire life, and those blessings brought her to our home!! We are excited to see what God will do in our roles as parents, Lilly's testimony, and Mac and Paisley's lives. Lilly Scott loves being a big sister to Mac and Paisley, and she's such a big helper. M and P adore Lilly. The feeling is pretty mutual. Smile.

Please lift up our family in your prayers as we enter this new phase in our lives. I am not able to do this alone- I am surrounded by His Grace to guide me when I feel overwhelmed and anxious. 

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:17

To Lilly,

Thank you for choosing to love us. Thank you for wanting to be a part of our family in Chattanooga. Jordan said that moving you into our home was 'like the day we brought Mac and Paisley home.' You are so much a part of us, and we are blessed to have you every day.