Escape from Alcatraz

Guess who left the house today? ME. hoorah! Margaret and I did go to church Sunday so technically I left the house then, but I was so tired I was kind of in a haze the entire time. I had tons of people coming up to me hugging me, excited to see me, telling me how great I look. One girl even said, "Wow, you're one of those women that just bounce right back after having a baby!" Talk about putting lipstick on a pig! I had them all fooled.
But today I am feeling rested and I dropped both kiddos off at my folks' house and went to a shopping center about 5 minutes from their house. I had some items to return at a baby store so I got to use my store credit for a fun shopping spree there. Then I went to Bed, Bath & Beyond and got some placemats for my new breakfast table. Then I went to Costco and bought some diapers for Eli. Oh, what a day! Margaret did fine being away from me for a couple of hours and of course Eli loves to be at his grandparents house. Then I took Margaret and we went to see some friends who were anxious to snuggle with the sweet baby girl. So, it was a much needed 'mental health' day for me and I sure needed it. I'm a little tired and sore now, but mostly I feel I'm getting back right - as Jason would say.
This motherhood thing is tough, as all of you mothers know. I wish women would feel more comfortable admitting to each other how difficult it is and how we just have days that we struggle and feel completely inadequate and insane. Sometimes I think women feel we must always put on the brave face and be strong and in control - or act like we're strong and in control whether we are or not. I believe this misguided behavior stems from years of women being so tough on each other. Let's face it, women are quick to judge other women for the choices they make and the way they do things. Some stay at home, some work. Some breastfeed, some use formula. Some homeschool their kids, some can't wait to get them out of the house. Some puree their own baby food, some buy food in jars.
You know what? Who cares. Let's continue to do what we feel is best for us and our children and love and respect the women in our lives who make different choices than we do.
And, please note this is coming from a woman who is the former winner of the Most Judgmental Woman in the World Award. Being a wife and mother is transforming me and I am so glad.
Okay, Margaret is napping and Eli is still at my folks' so I am going to fix myself a big glass of ice water and sit on the couch and enjoy doing NOTHING for a few minutes.

A Day on the Links

Jason took Hugh & Grant to their first golf tournament yesterday. The Navistar LPGA Classic was held at the beautiful Robert Trent Jones course in Prattville. It was a warm, sunny Sunday afternoon just perfect for enjoying some great golf. The shot above is a nice view of the 18th hole and the crowd.
The boys spent part of their day searching for golf balls in the rough. I think they scored 3 balls each, quite a highlight of their day.

And the winner was: Lorena Ochoa. Here she is in her cool pink shorts heading confidently to her next shot.
Jason actually got quite a few pictures of Lorena and some of the other more notable ladies, in spite of the fact that there is a strict no photographs rule at these tourneys.

Handsome Boys

I think this is such a great picture of our oldest two boys, you can see they are handsome just like their Daddy. Hugh & Grant camped out on our back porch last night and had a great time. Hugh is in 4th grade and doing well in school. Fourth grade is the year they emphasize Alabama History. His class is going on a host of fabulous field trips. Since we live in the state capital, there are lots of opportunities for them to have hands on experiences with Alabama History. Being a history person myself, I am making Hugh do a special project (isn't he lucky!). It's one I made all my students do when I taught at Hawaii. He will interview someone regarding an event in Alabama history they experienced first hand. It will give him some insight into the importance of oral histories, plus I believe these personal accounts can impact the memory in ways the written word cannot. Grant is in 2nd grade and is excelling in school as well. He penmanship is neater than mine and his enthusiasm for learning makes us proud.
This fall they are both playing soccer. Grant talks about playing football one of these days. They enjoy watching college football with their Daddy and me, Jason has also gotten them into golf and NASCAR. On Sunday Jason is going to take them to the Robert Trent Jones course in Prattville to watch the Navistar LPGA tournament.
As for their younger siblings, they are crazy about them and are so loving and helpful with them. Last week Eli was staying with my folks while I recovered from having Margaret. At dinner one night I commented that Margaret wanted to join us for the family mealtime. Hugh said, "Well, it's not really a family meal since Eli isn't here". My heart swelled at how much they love their baby brother and sister!
I'm going to get some pictures of all four of them this weekend...don't worry, I'll share!

My Little Boy

"Juice"
"Peek A Boo"

"Bed Head"
He looks like such a big boy now!
About to put something in his mouth
Love that face

The hospital where Margaret was born puts pictures of their newborns on digital billboards all over town, so her picture scrolls through the rotation on each billboard about every 10 minutes. Jason and I went tonight and took a picture of Margaret's billboard. The picture didn't turn out very well, perhaps because it's a digital billboard, or perhaps I zoomed in too much. Regardless, you get the idea of how cute it is! Okay, Eli just put the telephone into the washing machine...I better go.

You Got to have Friends

So many family and friends visited Margaret in the hospital and many have been by the house since we've been home. It was my intention to take a picture of everyone that visited us, but since I experienced quite a bit of lost time in the hospital, I didn't get it done! Here are the pictures of the folks we did get:

This is our friend Cindy from church. Cindy brought us a wonderful supper and her famous & fabulous chocolate pie!


Libby McGill and her daughter Margaret - friends from church
Jewell Wray & April, Jackson & MaryEsther Duncan - April is a childhood friend
Brittany Burcham, a friend from church, works in the PR Dept. at Jackson Hospital. She came by several times to check on us! She is also the one that put Margaret's picture on the billboard.
My dear friend Melissa McDaniel from church got stuck changing one of Margaret's poopy diapers!
This is Jason's boss, Rick Pate
Michael, Kim, Cade & Carson Horn. Kim & I have been friends since High School...wow, we can say we've been friends for 20 years!
This is Joan Kirk. Mrs. Kirk was my first grade teacher, now she is my next door neighbor!
Dondi Costin, a friend from church. Dondi is a chaplain in the USAF.

This is Carolyn Gibson, she was the Alpha Gamma Delta advisor when I was at Troy and she has remained a dear friend every since:

War Eagle