Ava Isabelle is SEVEN.

Today my stunningly beautiful, wise beyond her years, sensitive, optimistic, creative, brilliant, easy-going, funny, precious daughter turns seven years old. Seven. While that number almost knocks me off my feet, I am so very proud of my Ava Isabelle. Happy happy birthday, Sweet Girl!

The quality of this picture is horrible, but one of my favorites. I can't wait until we all celebrate together again.

Belle at about 2 months. We started 'time out' at an early age.

Already sportin' the do-rag at 6 months.

Almost one and already a reader. (Ok, not really.)

Belle today. So beautiful, on the outside and in.

To Daddy From Jeb

Thank you, Daddy. I love it. -Jeb

Story behind a song I love

I have listened to this song so many times in the car and just let the tears fall. It's the lyrics... they are incredible. For anyone who has ever felt heartbroken or lost or if life has taken an unexpected turn we can't understand, the reminders of hope and renewal in this song are amazing. "Would you dare would you dare to believe that you still have a reason to sing? Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling, it can’t compare to the joy that’s coming. So hold on you gotta wait for the light. Press on and just fight the good fight. Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling, it’s just the dark before the morning." I wish I could write words so beautiful.

I did not know the real life story behind the song, but it's awesome and very worth sharing.

Hooray for Hollywood

On Tuesday of last week, I had the awesome opportunity to travel to southern California with Matt and our dear friends while the boys attended a conference. I was SO blessed to even be able to go and so incredibly thankful. I have only been to California once, and it was when I was 12 years old and DROVE there with Grandpa and Grandma in Grandpa's pickup. But that is another story all by itself....

I could write pages on the trip but will spare you my vacation talk. I will say that it was wonderful and exciting and even though the weather was cool and wet most of the time, the trip was pretty much perfect to me. I had several goals I wanted to accomplish and met most of them. They were: 1) Visit Vivien Leigh's star on the walk of fame, 2) See a celebrity, 3) Buy at least one article of clothing I was in love with, 4) See a celebrity "in the wild", 5) Get a picture with someone famous. I was able to check off 1-3, but we never saw a celebrity just hanging out somewhere nor did I get a picture with anyone famous. The boys swear they saw Vince Vaughn, but I promise they didn't. They did see Rick Warren, but we decided that didn't count.

Just a few pictures....

Me at Vivien Leigh's star. Big moment for me. LOVE LOVE LOVE her.

I was very excited about finding Gregory Peck's hand and footprints at the Chinese Theatre. Of course, every single person in the group asked, "Who's Gregory Peck?" I could only sigh.

Ok, so this is the dorkiest picture of me and Matt, but we went through so much trouble to get this shot, it just has to be posted. We searched high and low for somewhere to have our picture taken in front of the Hollywood sign. Let me tell you... there aren't many places. We finally found this spot in the middle of a busy street. We were almost killed on several occasions, but got the pictures we wanted and laughed insanely while doing it.

We stood in the cold and rain for over an hour to get into the Jay Leno Show. We were the absolute LAST people to make it in the doors. And I mean the. very. last. It was very interesting and fun to see how these shows are filmed. Jennifer Lopez was Jay's guest. Yeah, I said J-Lo. We asked Gigi and G-Pops to dvr it for us, and we made it on tv!! Ok, the back of our heads made it on tv, but still... exciting!!! This is a picture of Gigi's tv. Here is a clip below. Fast forward all the way to the end. We are the very last thing you see.



On Thursday, the boys told us girls to treat ourselves to a manicure/pedicure at the spa in Nordstrom's. How could we say no? It was so nice, and I was even able to share a little about my faith to the lady who did my nails.

On our last night, we drove to Laguna Beach for dessert at the Sand and Surf Hotel, hoping for one last opportunity to spot a star. We failed again at star sighting but had a great dessert with an absolutely incredible view.

I could not have asked for a better trip or better people to share it with. That said, the sight of the Slaughter kids was the best thing I saw all week. I mean it when I say, when I am not with them or near them, my mind is on them. How is it even possible to love this much? I know I am so very far from being a perfect mother, but I hope they never ever doubt my love for them. Because it's a crazy, insane kind of love. I know I am always saying that I am so blessed, but I am. I so am.

Catch up

I neglected my blog last week. And this week I'm afraid will not be much better. So I decided to do a quick post today just to get caught up. It's very random. I apologize in advance.

1.) We are busy. So busy. Too many projects. Too many places to be. It's hectic, but I love it.

2.) Last week my blood sugars were hard to keep in check. All my fault, I'm sure. I've kicked up my work out routine to get ready for the beach, and I'm thinking that has affected me. Last night I had, what I like to refer to as, a "Shelby" moment. For the Steel Magnolias fans out there, you'll know exactly what I mean--the scene in Truvy's when Shelby is getting her hair done for the wedding. "Don't talk about me like I'm not here!" You know the one. Well, my incident wasn't that extreme obviously, but a quick plummet of blood sugar levels just sucks. For me, my entire body starts to quake. I start thinking 'weird'. I've only done it twice, but it's not pretty when it gets that intense. Poor Matt.


3.) Jeb has had ZERO potty accidents in almost three weeks EXCEPT at church. He just will NOT tell his teachers he needs to go. I'm proud of him, though. Such a big boy. (I called him in for a picture and told him to show me his big boy underwear, and of course, he dropped 'em. At least you can't see anything.)
4.) I've been writing a lot. More details about that later. But here is something I found at Grandpa's for a little inspiration. My very first story, written when I was in second grade. My mom had it 'done up' like this way back when. I can't believe they haven't made it into a movie yet. Patience, patience.


5.) I am excited about traveling tomorrow. Here's a hint. Ok, more than a hint.


6.) Matt is currently building this in our backyard. We got it for about $100 less than what is listed on Walmart.com. If you want to know how, let me know and I'll fill you in.


7.) Not so long ago Matt had a photographer come in to take pictures of Shiloh students to include in his new media stuff. Shamelessly, I told him to use our kids. He said 'no.' But at the last minute, he DID decide to use them. And whereas I love that he did, poor little Estella Dru's hair is just awful. I had not prepared her for fame!! And this is the picture that is on brochures, a tv spot, all over.... Poor sweet thing. She's still adorable.

That is all. Not too interesting. Just how I like it.

Anniversary

On this day in 1941, my Grandma and Grandpa were married. Today would have made 69 years together.

I'm wearing your wedding band today, Grandma. I love you and miss you so much. What I wouldn't give to be with you today. But I could go on and on....

Happy anniversary.

Today's Gift

I wasn’t going to blog today. But I am. Because something awesome happened this morning that I want to share. And it’s my blog. So, I’m gonna.

I woke up with a lot on my plate today. Lots of things I needed to do and places I had to be. So, from the onset, I was in a rush.

And then something happened completely from out of the blue that knocked me on my rear. Something that affected me deeply. I tried to shake it off. I had too much to do to sit down and cry. But I wanted to. I really, really wanted to. My heart was hurting, and I just wanted to have a good, ugly cry.

I strapped Jeb in the car, got behind the wheel and tried to pretend I wasn’t feeling sick, trying to hold back the tears. And then…. My iPhone lit up. A message. I was almost too distracted to pick it up and read it. But I did. And this is what it said:

I just give you a big hug. And to say, Jesus loves you so much.

The message was from my friend, Suemmey, who lives in Brazil. And I lost it. There is NOTHING more I needed at that moment than to be loved on and hugged and reminded that Jesus loves me so much.

I realize some believe in coincidence--that it was only luck or a fluke that someone I just met a few weeks ago would send me the exact words to comfort me at the exact moment I needed them the most. But not me. I believe that from Heaven, God saw me. He felt what I was feeling. And He wanted me to know He was there. I believe He nudged Suemmey in Brazil, silently calling on her to send me that message. And Suemmey, one of the most obedient, incredible Christians I have ever met in my life, listened.

My day went from, 'God, seriously, I can't handle this today.' to 'You know what?. I can handle anything as long as You’re with me.'

And He is. It's so easy for us to forget that He doesn't walk away, doesn't take a break... not even for a moment. (Although, I am POSITIVE He could use a major Angela break.) Today I had a moment that allowed the craziness and things I don't understand around me to bring me to a place of sadness. But He showed up right beside me. Miraculously. What a gift.

Jeb's New Accessory

Remember this little hat number? My son wore it at least 5 out of 7 days of the week in the fall and winter. Every single week. We couldn't leave the house without it. I eventually began storing it in the car to avoid fits if he couldn't find it before we left the house. It was an obsession. The boy likes his accessories, ok?

But with the warmer weather, the winter hat was packed away, much to his disliking. So, last night the girls and I took him to GAP and let him pick out a new hat.

Drumroll, please..........

He thinks he is hotter than hot. And so far, he has only taken it off to sleep. So, like it or not, you best get used to it. You will most likely see it this summer... a lot.

Events of the Night, by Estella Dru

I was gone to the gym tonight for an hour and apparently missed out on lots of Slaughter drama. Here is Estella Dru's version of events.

If you need help deciphering that, I will make an attempt. She was opening a heart-shaped pack of Skittles and seconds after, realized her (already very loose) tooth was missing. After an exhaustive search, it could not be found. Belle then decides E Dru must have swallowed the tooth and prompts her to burp in order to force the tooth from the throat, into the mouth, and then out so that proper evidence could be provided for the tooth fairy. Estella did not find the tactic relevant or necessary, and instead, opted to have Daddy write the tooth fairy a note, explaining the circumstances of the situation. We are anticipating the tooth fairy will be understanding and perform her tooth fairy duties, regardless of this unfortunate happening.

Confessions of a Mom Freaking Out Over Easter Coordination

I'm a pretty laid back mom. Not much gets me uptight. But I have to make a confession. For years now, I've been a freak about my children's Easter outfits. F-R-E-A-K. Unless you have more than one child, or unless you are not a freak, you probably will not understand the sentiments expressed in this post. You may stop reading now.

Last year, I waited too late (shocker), and the dresses I wanted for the girls were SOLD OUT at GAP. And the panic set in. I got on the GAP website every single day, sometimes 15+ times a day, waiting until someone somewhere returned their size 5s so I could snatch them up. I lost weight. I couldn't eat. I became dehydrated. (Ok, not really, but still... it was serious.) And then finally... one night before I went to bed... HALLELUJAH!!! Two size 5s became available to buy online. I never pulled out a debit card so fast in my life. They were MINE. ALL MINE. And then... I remembered. JEB! His outfit MUST BE COORDINATED with the girls. I shopped and shopped exhaustively and finally settled on a nice white shirt and baby blue shorts. And all of a sudden, just like that, all was well with the world, and I could breath again.

Now, is that not the most ridiculous story you have ever heard? ME, TOO!! So, this year, I decided... I shall not freak out over the coordination of my children's Easter outfits. In fact, I left for Brazil thinking they might not be coordinated at all. But then, early this week, the pressure was too much. I began to scurry... and panic. But just a little. I decided I would LOOK, but if I couldn't find anything, I could live with it.

With Gigi's help (thanks, Gigi), I came up with two dresses for the girls--one denim colored and one orange/red. I found some denim tights to go with the red one and am searching for some orangey colored ones to go with the denim dress. Now here is my FAVORITE part of the story. I was looking high and low for a shirt for Jeb to match up with their outfits and was having NO luck at all. Then on Monday, I was pushing him through Target when he says, "Doggy!" I look up, and several feet away is a shirt, the only one of its kind on a rack... the EXACT color I was looking for. I thought, 'No WAY that's a 3T.' But it was. Oh yes. It was. I almost cried. Seriously. And then... I saw the price tag.

Heaven's angels began to sing. Granted it isn't a dressy shirt, but I've already paired it with a tie and button-up underneath. He'll be stylin', don't you worry.

So, as far as freaking out over their outfits this year, I give myself a B, maybe B+. It could have been worse. I'm still looking for those tights, but as of yet, I haven't panicked. So, here they are.... Can't wait to show you pictures of them actually in them.

I truly hope I'm not the only mom who does this at Easter. I'm just going to believe that I'm not. Please don't shatter my illusion.