#BloggerProbs

I like to think that I'm a blogger at heart.  The truth is, I blog and then save it.  I'll then read it and try to second guess how someone might interpret my blogs.  Will they think I'm trying to brag? Will they think I'm crazy? What will they think?  So, tonight, as I opened up my blog to compose a new one, my eyes drifted to the many DRAFTS that were in big red letters.  I opened up this draft, and found myself disappointed that I hadn't posted this blog.  After all, I created this blog mostly to have as a "journal" for my children to see one day.  The struggles, love, and thoughts of mom and dad in the midst of our crazy lives.  SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, I say that to say this.  This blog is for my kids.  I should have posted this.  It makes my heart smile when I think about the day that I describe below.  Yes, it's a year later.  It's a memory though.  I want my kids to know they are important!

After coming off the weekend I feel myself so very thankful for life, love, friendship, family, shelter, all the conveniences of our modern day. I guess it really started last Thursday.  Thursday is usually the day I find myself looking forward to each week.  My day of nothing, a day to catch up on whatever I've failed to complete through the week. Honestly, it's the only day of the week, usually, that we have nothing.  Last Thursday was even more special at our house. We were excited that school would be out early, and it was REPORT CARD day!!!!!  I had forgotten the anticipated day until Keller reminded me as quick as he woke up.  As he left off to school I found myself racking my brain of what I could do to make this day special for Keller.  No matter the grades I knew that Keller had worked super hard, and I needed him to know that we were so very proud of him as a family.  I came from parents that NEVER failed to recognize my efforts academically.  This is our first year in school; we want to instill in Keller, and all of our children, the importance of striving, and doing our best in all that we do.  Keller hasn't disappointed in the least little bit.  However, his efforts at penmanship have left much room for improvement.  We started the year off with wonderful grades, yet unsatisfactory handwriting skills.  After our first six weeks with the dreaded -U- Bobby and I began to try and make handwriting FUN-Fun work books, apps on our phones, dry erase boards, teaching opportunities for Keller to teach his sister, tracing words etc . . . . At first our efforts were really of no interest to Keller.  He went through the motions, but never seemed excited.  Then, one day, it's like it clicked with him.  He started to recognize the praise and encouragement he was getting.  HE wanted to do better, He was excited about, and determined to better his grade.  

Some of you are thinking. . . . . . "oh, you just wait, wait till singapore math kicks in, wait for Chemistry, wait for college applications" I know, I know.  However, this was our mountain right now. Each mountain is a learning opportunity.  A chance to resound in Keller that life is a day by day challenge and we must put our best into everything- no matter how big or small.

I thought back to what I usually did on report card days.  My parents were never really the parents that rewarded us with money for good grades.  I have no problem with parents who do that, I totally see the incentive for the kids, but I don't want them to come to expect money for grades.  We've gone the other extreme . . . . .  we reward with a special gift ( for semester grades) and a special dinner for 6 weeks. Not really sure what types of scars or bad habits I'm creating with that.  My children may need therapy one day :-) As I racked my brain that morning on what to do for Keller; I thought back to the place that I usually picked.  I ALWAYS picked Russell's.  . . . . .  always!!!!  I got the exact same thing EVERYTIME that I went.  The sirloin for two (I split it with my mom) and I would eat EVERY last morsel of it!!!!!!  I can still remember thinking about how I would fix my salad, getting crackers and slathering them down with butter, and making myself sick on the garlic bread.  So, as I picked up Keller from school I had that on my mind.  He hopped in the van and immediately said, "I got my report card!"  I said, "Well . . . . .how did you do?"  He was quick to remind me that they were not allowed to look at their report cards until they were with an adult that they lived with.  Then he gave me the look..... the look like, "well . . . . . your the adult, come on, open that envelope!"  I handed him the envelope and let him open it.  As his eyes quickly scanned the report card he was elated!!!!  At the very top of his priority was his handwriting.  He had made S+ for the first time the entire year.  He had made straight A's, but the only thing he seemed overjoyed about was that precious + sign after the S.  I have to admit, I was pretty proud myself.  That expression on his face spoke volumes.  He had come full circle, and realized that all that hard work had paid off.  When we arrived home I told him that he could pick any restaurant he wanted, just as long as we could sit down at the restaurant.  He immediately said, "I'll have to think about it."  It was in that moment that I realized my children had NEVER eaten at Russell's.  I know, your thinking-crazy, right?  It's just that we tend to get a lot of carry out at restaurants, or we eat the exact same thing everytime we go out.  My children pick Pepper's, Don Julios, and Papa John's OFTEN!!!!  I took this opportunity to tell him about Russell's, and so many fond childhood memories.

Okay . . . . so maybe I influenced him a bit.  I'll admit, it might have been a bit selfish of me.  After all, it was his grades, his choice, his day.  I just knew that he would love it if he tried it.  Off we went.  It was a HUGE success for all of us.  McKendry and Keller both kept talking about how much they loved everything that they tried, and how it was their new favorite restaurant.  What a perfect night!!!!

The Bobby and Nicole of Ole'

Every year the seasons change, happens without fail.  Its a promise from God  . . . . . four seasons. Each year, most of us, find ourselves yearning for the next season.  Each winter I long for the sand and warm  breeze.  During those scorchers of humidity that you could cut with a knife, I dream of a hot mug of hot chocolate if front of a crackling fire.  

This year is no different.  I've had this foretaste of pumpkin spice, smores around a campfire, warm spiced cider, crisp leaves scattered everywhere, snuggling under a warm cozy blanket, and the list could go on for days.  When this time of year begins to emerge though it brings back wonderful memories of years past.  As a teenager, my Friday nights were spent at the football field.  Many of your memories are probably the same.  Yours may be of the sound of football pads crashing into each other and the blow of a whistle, the dew on the field as a you cheered on your favorite team, or the anticipation of watching two rivals having it out. (while decked out in face paint and school colors)  Mine was a bit different.  I was raised in a family of music.  So, as high school came and went music was a huge part of what I did.  

Just a couple of weeks ago our family decided to attend a football game to watch my nephew in the band.  Not any band, but the band that Bobby and I both grew up playing in.  I didn't realize the emotion it would evoke in me.  It was a normal Friday for us.  I got off work around 5pm, and had to rush to pick up the kids.  The kids stay at Bobby's childhood home on Fridays.  As I traveled down the infamous Farmington road to Bobby's parents house it took me back.  Countless days of speeding down this road anticipating the night of football and, more importantly, THE half-time show.  In the opposing lane, I saw those same faces flashing past me - football players, cheerleaders, dancers, color guard, band students, faculty, parents, grandparents, student body etc. . . .  The recollection of traveling in my beat-up ole grand prix speeding down Central School Road became so real.  I'd stop off at Central-mini mart for a much needed gulp of caffeine, pull into the band hall parking lot on two wheels. . . . . it's a wonder I survived.  We would rush to assemble our instruments, and head into the warm up room for a quick run through of the show music.  If time permitted we would head out to the practice field and make a quick run through of the show.  . . . it was an effort to perfect every single detail of our show.  Then the much anticipated march to the football field.  The drum cadence ringing through the stadium echoing each rimshot.  I'll never forget the smells of freshly grilled "stadium" burgers, popcorn, the glow of the stadium lights . . . .  I never really think I took it in like I should have.  We would line up for our spirit line after blaring "The Star Spangled Banner" .  The banner that the cheerleaders had thought out for weeks torn and ripped apart as the football players burst through the paper.

Flashback to reality.  . . . . Bobby, mom, and I driving down Central School Road in our mini-van (a.k.a. swagger wagon) with our three kiddos in the back.  The kids were oblivious to the memories of the past, nostalgia associated with this "place" as they called it.  As we walked down the sidewalk Bobby and I reminisced of who's classroom that used to be, that's where mommy went to her first valentine dance, I graduated high school on this field, he was my high school driver's ed teacher . . . . . .  it was a bit disappointing.  They could have cared less.  The idea that we were once energetic excited kids as they are didn't affect them one bit.  I needed their feelings to be moved.  I needed them to see our youth. . . . . .  nothing . . . .  absolutely NOTHING!!!!  

The truth of the matter is, they will never know that side of their mommy and daddy.  It was truly fun and exciting to have revisited it, if for only a split second.  Wonderful memories of the past, and pure elation of the future for our children.  Yet again, the power of the responsibility of being mommy and daddy to these three beautiful kids!!!!  I pray that we can instill in them to savor each and every moment of their childhoods.  A flash, and it's behind us.  

HELLO Cooler Weather

     Tuesday was like most days in the Roach house.  Bobby got up around 6:30 to start getting ready for work, and I sluggishly joined him around 7:15.  I'm totally NOT a morning person. . . . . .  Our life is NOT like you see on the movies.  We DON'T roll over to give each other kisses to greet each other in the morning.  It usually begins with Bobby frantically turning the alarm off so, as to not wake up sleeping Kohen.  He crawls over me in the bed instead of letting his feet hit the floor on his side of the bed.  Why, you ask?  Why would he do that?  Well, welcome the original hardwood floors that we fell in love with when we bought this house.  The ones that now we DETEST!!!!  They are a source of amplified creaking throughout the house.  It's probably not near as bad as we make it out to be; BUT when you have a four month old that is lightly sleeping, and you need to get a shower it seems as if it resonates through the entire neighborhood with each exaggerated step that we take.  It's like it's all happening in slow motion.  Bobby is so much better than I am though.  I'm the one that hits the snooze button no less than 5 times.  All the while, I'm reasoning with myself on why I don't have to wash my hair, or I don't have to have a shower.  He usually pops right up after the alarm goes off.  It honestly is one of the many areas that I envy about Bobby.  Then with a groan and a sigh I usually will finally pry myself out of the bed.  By this time, Bobby usually has already gotten Keller up for school.  Sometimes Keller has already gotten up.  He's one of those rare kids that gets up for school before his parents get him up.  That's wonderful, I know, however, on a Saturday morning it SUCKS!!!!!  

     Anywho, moving on . . . . . . .  It was the usual morning of running around brushing teeth, being a Houdini with Keller's hair, packing up lunch, putting clothes on, prying him away from the TV . . . .  all the while we are spelling words for this week. Then at the last minute we squeeze in a cereal bar, or a cup of oatmeal for the car.  I know. . . . .  it sounds VERY organized doesn't it? I came back inside MAD at myself that I didn't wash my hair, that I didn't get up and do my quiet time, that I didn't have my prayer time . . . . . I sat down read through what I'm working through in my Bible, and opened my prayer app to begin praying. . . . . .  ENTER . . . .  cooing baby . . . . . . . . ENTER singing three year old on the monitor!  As focused as I could be, I rushed through my prayer time.  I know,  judge me if you will.  I've finally realized that a rushed prayer time with distractions in the background is better than nothing at all.  I'm not making excuses.  I realize that I should NEVER put that time on the back burner, and that I should get up right when the alarms goes off.  That way I can enter my quiet time and prayer time with complete focus and dedication.  I know ALL of that.  However, I am human and many mornings I don't.  Why shouldn't we be real with each other and share those parts of ourselves? Instead, so many of us, try to make our lives look like a fairy tale and perfect in every aspect.  I'm finally at a place in my spiritual walk where I'm completely and totally okay with admitting that.  For many of you who know me well, you know that is a huge step for me.  

      Fast forward to around 10 am when I walk outside to take the trash out . . . . . .  HELLO 64 degrees!!!!!  I'm so very glad that I'm that mother, the mother that didn't check the weather, and sent my son in shorts and a T-shirt!  Thank you God for your GRACE and watching over my children when I check-out . . . . . 

Day by Day

I'm so very behind on blogging, and considering our latest adventure in the Roach home I have PLENTY of time to blog. I was overcome with emotion last night as I considered just how blessed my family truly is.  This last week has consisted of a challenging transition for our little family.  Mommy went from doing most everything for us to doing absolutely NOTHING for us.  I'm not saying that I do EVERYTHING, but for most, the responsibilities of the household fall on mommy.  Especially a mommy who only works two days a week, and primary job is homemaker.  With that said my precious husband has stepped up to the plate, and has made me look like a sad excuse for a homemaker.

His days consist of getting up each morning, getting himself dressed, waking the kids, getting them dressed (including hair fixing and tooth brushing), breakfast, making bags for them both, loading them into the car, taking them to there "homes" for the day, and rushing into work.  His day then starts as making decisions with his staff to once again help people.  By this time, he usually rushes home for lunch to make sure that I'm surrounded by any kind of snack that I might need, and making me lunch.  He then runs back to work and finishes out his day.  From there he will usually run to the gym and get a quick workout or come home for a quick run.  Then it's time to pick up the kids.  Last night consisted of getting home by 5, feeding the kids a quick supper, dressing them, and rushing to soccer practice.  Mind you, before he left the house he made sure I had medicines, food, drink, phone, computer, book etc.  . . . . . anything that I could possibly need while he was gone.  By the time he walked in the house last night following a soccer practice with a 5 year old and a 3 year old he still had a smile on his face and a pep in his step.  Not as peppy but peppy none the less.  Does his day stop then?  Nope . . . .  baths to give, snacks for the kiddos, pajamas, homework, "down time", and waiting on me hand and foot.  Needless to say, when he got into the bed last night he was pooped beyond belief.  He did make the comment of "it's just continuous, it never ends and keeping the house picked up by yourself is hard".  I will have to admit, HONESTLY, for a split second I did have to chuckle to myself because, I've walked in those shoes many days.  Then, I was overwhelmed with just how very wonderful of a man that God sent to me.  When your dating and thinking of your potential spouse this is nothing that I ever thought about.  Sure, I looked at Bobby and thought, "won't he be a good daddy one day", but never did I consider if he could run our entire household.

All I can say is THANKFUL!!!!!   We have this as our daily routine in the Roach home for 11 more days.  Please pray for Bobby and his sanity.  This entire time I've looked at this as an inconvenience for me, because I have to stare at 4 walls twenty-four seven day in, and day out, and them I'm reminded that my day is super easy.  Thank you Bobby Glenn Roach . . . . . . you are an amazing man.  I pray that you feel important today, and know that you are more than appreciated.

A day in the life . . . . . .

It's been FOREVER since I blogged.  It's not that I haven't put my thoughts on paper . . . . . . . . I was looking today, and I have about 10 blogs that I just never posted.  Who know's why . . . . . .  they just didn't seem postable at the time.  Now, they are out of date so it just seems meaningless.

Much has happened in our lives since last posting. . . . . I haven't posted since September of last year.  It's amazing really to think of what all has gone in our lives.  We've had Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's.  I feel like such an inadequate blogger.  I should have posted the great pics of our first Halloween in our new neighborhood of our little Spider Girl and Captain American painting the town.  All of the numerous ways that our family has been blessed over the last year, and how very thankful we are of that.  Our wonderful Christmas spent with friends and family . . . . the list goes on.  I took pics of it all, and had good intentions of sharing, but honestly it's still ALL sitting on my camera along with the thousands of other pics that I have saved.  Think what you will . . . . . .  that's what I do though, I take the pics, and then take months, sometimes years, to do anything with them.

So, this year, as our lives get even busier I vow to try and do better.  I feel myself just thinking how crazy I am to say that, but REALLY . . .  I am going to make an effort.  Our new addition to our growing family should arrive the first of May . . . . . and I SOOOOOO don't want to be the mom that barely has pics of the little guy.  It just gets so hard, and so busy . . . .  BUT I know that I will be so glad, and he will feel so special if I stick to it and follow through with documenting our lives.  I'm going to try and make an effort.  Let's face it, life can be take from us at any given second, and I pray that my children will KNOW, and see that I cared enough about them to take time out of our busy schedules to leave them a legacy through pics and letters.

Today, as most days, McKendry and I spent about an hour of our morning snuggled up on the couch watching "girly" shows and relaxing.  I began to bargain with her how much I might be able to get accomplished without her having my undivided attention.  She seemed a little reluctant, but, as most days, I decided to slip out from under our blankets, and put it in high gear before time to pick up Keller from school.  This consisted of putting the television on her VERY FAVORITE show, getting out her favorite books, putting my phone on her favorite game, and then immediately tearing up the stairs in high gear to see what all I could get done.  I had about 30 minutes to get it all done.   .   .   .  I never know what I'm going to get, so I have to prioritize my duties of most to least important. ( the DIVA breakdown sometimes only gives me 5 minutes) I usually start with the kitchen sink, because it seems to be the catch all for most of the filth in my home.  I honestly feel like most days I unload, reload, unload, reload the dishwasher all day.  DONE. . . . .  I then move onto the other dungeon of our home *drumroll, please* the dreaded laundry room.  I turned the dryer on for the 15th time to "refluff" some clothes (15 is an exaggeration BUT third time is not), run to make up all of the beds, pick up the, count em', 7 pairs of shoes scattered throughout the floors, make a quick sweep over the dining room and kitchen floors, make the beds, flush the kids commode and wipe off the "waste" left behind (I would literally be ashamed for anyone to witness that first hand), pick up the scattered clothes here and there that the kids have shed 'just because', pick up bathrooms . . . . and the list goes on.  Take a second to look at my watch and I realize "WOW, I'm doing good, I did all of that in like 25 minutes and STILL not a peep out of McKendry!"  Then, I take a look in the mirror with what I have to work , in the next 5 minutes, for the day.  WOW, totally bad hair day  . . . . . .  maybe going to bed with the freshly showered head last night after teaching spin wasn't the best decision.  This is when you get the spray bottle out and PRAY that you can get it laid down enough to make it look like you tried just a little.  Oh well, no such luck, plan #2 the "old faithful" pony tail . . . . . . . WOW that's even bad.  Plan #3 pony tail with the baseball hat . . . . . . well, that will have to do.  Slap on the bare minimum of makeup, so as not to scare the neighbors, and then quickly run downstair to dress McKendry.  The spray bottle and brush, of course, for her, TOTALLY makes her look amazing . . . . .Oh to be able to do that again.  We then rush out the door to head into town to pick up Keller.  We go through our usual routine, wait in car rider line while McKendry usually watches a movie on the dvd player and I catch up on reading.  As Keller gets into the van we go through the usual "how was your day, show me your papers, what you want for lunch etc. . . . .  As I pulled out onto Harper road the piercing double beep of my gas alarm goes off, and I realize oops . . . .  might need to address that.  We proceed to get gas, and decide to make a surprise visit by daddy's office just to say "HI"!  We visit for a moment with Bobby, and then conclude that lunch out might just be easiest.  Off we go to McDonald's (don't judge me, it's totally necessary sometimes). . .  of course, not before stopping at Taco Bell b/c Keller decides a burrita' (as he pronounces it) would be better for his taste palate.  Lunch at McDonald's was actually uneventful, excluding the fighting over which game to play on the game screen at the table, yet in the midst of it when Bobby returned to the table after getting drink refills he reached over and hugged me and said "Do you find yourself wondering  how we're so blessed to live this life?" I thought "WOW, this really is the life!" (but said, "Bobby, I'm pregnant, remember, don't get the flood gates opened right here in front of everyone!")

I know it seems boring and cheesy to most, but what an honor to get to have this life we have . . . . . . .

Heaviness . . . . . .

Do you ever have those days when your overcome with emotion. . . . .  It's like everything that you could possibly feel in your entire lifetime is laid on your heart at that very moment.  I've been so convicted lately of how we flippantly will say that we are praying for someone yet, we cease to truly PRAY for that person.  Not the prayer of "dear God, you know _________ needs, I pray that you will meet those needs"  in the midst of our crazy day. You know what I'm talking about . . . . . . if we are honest we all do it.  I'm not bashing those prayers or saying they aren't worthy. God hears all of our prayers, and I KNOW that no prayer is to small or to big for our God. BUT I do feel that we should set aside time to PRAY without ceasing for those needs of our friends, family, co-workers,  acquaintance's, friends of friends etc.  The truth of the matter is we are all family doing life together, and God calls us to support each other not only in the extraordinary times, when it's easy, but also during the times of dismay.  Those are the times when we need each other the most.  The times when we question, "why?" The times when we become angry at how such horrible things can happen to such wonderful people.

This morning I woke to so many prayer needs of those close to me (and even not-so-close) that I genuinely was overwhelmed.  I had no conception of where to begin, what to pray, how to pray . . . . .  I could not process all the emotion, all the devastation, the wonderful praise of healing, and new days ahead.  I felt myself  being so easily distracted when praying for these needs.  Distracted . . . . . .  really?Why would I become distracted?  We are talking about peoples lives, questions of what tomorrow brings, pleads with God to heal peoples bodies, yet my mind would still drift to things concerning me.  I know that seems so selfish, and awful of me to admit. How could I be so heartless that I would let other things distract me?  What were those distractions?  Distractions of praise . .  praise that I have been so blessed with all that I have.  Conviction of how often I'm not appreciative of what I have, how I constantly find myself wanting more, yearning for more, and feeling like I NEED more.  Conviction of not only my blessing, but how I fail MISERABLY daily by trying to take control, and be my hands and feet.  Daily I find myself doubting how I may have handled a situation at work, with Bobby, with my children, at a store or on the road to a total stranger.  Why do I doubt those times? BECAUSE I'm not letting God lead me.

So, today, as I do life will all of you I pray that I will take my prayer time seriously.  I pray that when my thoughts drift to you, that not only will I cherish you as one of my thoughts, but that I will genuinely pray for you.  I don't have to specifically know your needs, God knows them.  I just have to focus my eyes on Him and not the distractions of me.  Each of you deserve the prayers of praise, thanksgiving, healing, renewal without distraction.  I vow to be raw and candid when even the flesh of me worries what others may think.  God calls us to be real with each other.

Know that you are loved and that today my heart is so heavy for many.  I take that heaviness seriously . . . .

Happy Birthday Keller!

WOW!  The last couple of months have been a whirlwind of fun.  . . . . . My mom always stayed at home with my brother and I during the summers.  I remember those days of waking up to see what fun new adventure mom had planned for us.  I wouldn't exactly call me that kind of mom, but I will say that we have stayed very busy.

This past weekend we held Keller's Water Birthday Extravaganza at our home.  I'll admit . . . . .  since staying home I have had to become much more creative on how to celebrate Birthday's on a budget. However . . . . . I've really enjoyed the creativity.  June usually creates a challenge.  The heat is almost unbearable, yet, Keller always wants to be outside.  This year was no different than any other in his request to PLAY outside.  Being the good mother that I am *oozing with sarcasm* I truly tried to talk Keller out of being outside.  He insisted.  Solution you ask?  Water . . . .  and LOTS of it!  We purchased every water toy imaginable within our budget and decided to embrace the challenge and move on.  We got up early that morning and filled the kiddy pool with water, set up the water slide, set the sprinkler up, and waited for the fun to begin.  As the children started showing up it was evident that our worries were just that, worries . . . . . . the children were having a BLAST!  How could this party get any better in Keller's eyes UNTIL his Great Aunt Cissy and cousin Jennafer showed up with their gift.  Cissy came to me in true Cissy form . . . . . .  asking me to approve the gift before we showed it to Keller.  I know that request may seem strange to most, but Cissy has a history of going a little BIG when it concerns birthday gifts.  As I walked to her car I wondered how in the world she could have out done the blow up fire station from years past. . . . . .

Needless to say, you can imagine the reaction of the kids. . . . . .  Heck, you can imagine my reaction as well.  I'm a kid myself, I was elated and so blessed for my child to have such a generous and loving family.  Who wouldn't want a mammoth slide in their back yard?  It's just that thank you doesn't quite seem enough for such a wonderful gift for our sweet Keller.  We will NEVER forget this wonderful birthday for our sweet Keller!  Thank you soooooo much for all that were able to take part in our special day . . . . . . . . everything was more than perfect!!!!!

 The perfect cake made just for Keller by his AA!

 Slip and slide fun compliments of daddy!

 A little push from daddy!

 Sweet Friends!

 Bubble's from the slip and slide

 Fun hanging out with friends in the pool!

 Everyone patiently waiting for their turn!

 Fun times!

 Sweet Andrew . . . . . it was his birthday the day of the party!

 Allie's face full of fun!

 Allie Grace sliding!

 Cora getting in on the action!

 Happy Birthday to Keller!

 Everyone wants some cake!

 Keller's new guitar from Mr. Shane!!!

 Keller's very own big boy robe that Gran Gran made!

Thanks Uncle Doug and AA for the Lightning McQueen table!

As you can tell . . . . .   we had a BIG time!!!!!  We thank God for our wonderful friends and family and most of all for the precious life of Keller McKane Roach!!!!!  

Answered Prayer

With only six days of school left for Keller I find myself amazed at how very fast this school year has flown by.  This year was a first for our family.  Up until this year Keller had never gone to school or day care for that matter.  At the beginning of the year our prayers, as Keller's parent's, were mostly about him making new friends and coming out of his shell a bit.  Today as I picked him up from school I was blind sided by the huge transformation that has taken place in his life.  Since September a routine has evolved . . . .  each day around 11:30 McKendry and I leave our house for the short drive to Oakland to pick up Keller from school.  This is ALWAYS very exciting for McKendry because from the second that her eyes open each morning she begins to ask, "Where's my Teller?" her way of saying Keller. Each morning I say the same thing, "he's at school" . . . . I remember throughout the months of September, October when she would ask me this I would have a small ache in my stomach that would come up . . . . . .  I would think to myself . . . . .  "I hope he's having a good day" "Lord, please help him to make new friends" "God, please don't let him sit by himself at recess today" Each day as we pull up I make the same steps up the sidewalk to where all of the children sit patiently (not always) for their loved ones to pick them up from school.  At the beginning of the school year I would usually round the corner to see Keller sitting quietly "criss cross applesauce" waiting . . . .  as soon as he would see me he usually ran to me so happy to see a familiar face. Each day on the ride home we would discuss what they had done that day at school . . . .  I would usually always ask "did you make any new friends today" "who did you play with at recess" most days I would get a no . . . . . .  however, as the months progressed on I would round the corner to find him sitting talking to another child . . . . .  he would also began to greet me with "I played with Jake today or I was the door holder today".  I would share with Bobby in the evenings the progression and usually at supper time Keller would share with his daddy the names of his new little buddies at school.  

Just a couple of weeks ago Keller had his second "field trip" of the year.   When preparing for the field trip I reflected back to his field trip from the beginning of the year.  The first, a trip to the local pumpkin patch, wasn't exactly my idea of a enjoyable day as a mother.  He spent most of the day glued to my leg, and would hardly join his class in any of the activities.  Don't get me wrong, we enjoyed it, but I felt this horrible void for Keller.  I saw how much fun he was missing.  He really didn't show any interest in interaction with the other kids at all.  His teacher and I discussed his shy predisposition, and she encouraged me that he was making strides in the right direction.  . . . now to the second field trip.  This trip, a trip to Tad's Pizza Party, was something that he had talked about for weeks.  On the morning of the trip, as I walked into his room to wake him, his first words to me were "Don't forget I have to wear my school t-shirt" On the way, he talked to me about who he would play with and how very excited he was to join his class.  On this day, as the day started to come to a close, I was in awe of the about-face Keller had made.

God also gave me that same affirmation today . . . . . . as I rounded the corner, as I always do, Mrs. Faye turned and announced "Keller, mommy's here". Today, that shy child that I thought would never come out of his shell, stood up, shot both arms up in the air and turned to all of the children and said, "Bye everyone, I LOVE YOU!"  At that moment Mrs Faye turned to me and said, "that's not something he would have done at the beginning of the year".  As I held my precious child's hand as we walked to the car today tears streamed down my face . . . . . . thank you God for answered prayer.  

Memories That Last a Lifetime

How many of you have a REAL memory of what your life was like before the age of five?  Not many, I, on the other hand, can attest to TRUE memories aging all the way back to two years of age.  It's really kind of fantastic if you ask me.  We moved to Corinth one month before I turned the age of three.  I still can tell you the color of my brother's bed spread, walk you through the floor plan of our home in Sheffield, and honestly recount to you the major land marks in route to and from taking my brother to school.  Many of you, I'm sure, think I'm crazy.  My mother did for a small time frame, that is until I precisely affirmed all of the above mentioned.  

I presume this is a rarity for most.  My husband seems to think so.  He doesn't seem to have the true memories of detail up until the age of around five.  Five . . . . . WOW what a pivotal year in most children's lives.  It's the year you officially start "real" school, the year you have to get eight shots and REMEMBER them, and have to start really doing chores around the house.   Keller will turn five this year.  I feel my heart aching just a bit for him.  I am so excited for the things that are to come in his life, but, at the same time, I feel him becoming more and more independent.  He seems to need me less and less.  I know that this is what the whole "life cycle" is about, but it is really hard.

Keller has always been a bit shy.  He tends to kind of hide behind me, and look to me for reassurance before he does most anything.  Bobby and I are very aware of this, and for the last year we've tried not to be so "babying" of him.  I contribute most of this to the fact that he was never in day care.  For the most part, he had no interaction with other children except for at church.  This may have been a mistake on our parts as parents, however, McKendry has been raised the same way (probably more so) and she is the polar opposite.  Knowing his partiality to be this way Bobby and I have made a push to help give him options to pull him out of his shell, a bit, so to speak.  I'm not trying to change who he is by any means, BUT give him opportunities to broaden his horizons.

He is just sooooo much like me.  He becomes discouraged very easily, and try's to give up quickly if he doesn't master things right off.   I feel I missed so many opportunities because of that lack of confidence.  I NEVER tried to play any sport, try out for cheerleading, or anything that might bring attention to myself for no other reason than the fear of failure.  I was terrified of being embarrassed.  Keller has many of those same mannerisms.  On the contrary, he is a boy.  He does it in such a different way.  A "tough" manly way.  He will usually cross his arms and walk away with a gruff look on his face.

So, this year could be the year of WONDERFUL memories for Keller.  He will start kindergarten.  He will get those dreaded shots.  He will also, because of voiced interest, play soccer and t-ball. This is  something that all of us are very excited about.  Will we be those parent's that sits on the side lines yelling at our child for not getting the run or missing the goal?  Nope, quite the opposite.  I'll be the mom sitting on the side lines fighting back tears just to know the huge step that it will be for him to step out onto the field.  I even understand that he might hate it.  I remember watching my nephew, at this same age, play t-ball.  We would all load up to watch him pretty much pick dandelions in the outfield.  I'm fine with that.  This summer is going to be about memories and opportunity for Keller.  I pray for his sweet heart and his confidence.  I also pray for out patience as parent's.  We've babied him and now it's like all the sudden we expect him to be "tough" and do it all.  It's a fine line of picking them up after a hard fall and kissing their "boo boo's" to getting them to pick themselves up and brush themselves off.

I see this change already taking place in him . . . . . .  today as we took our afternoon stroll through the neighborhood Keller took a hard fall turning into the driveway on his bicycle.   I watched it take place from a few feet back, and cringed as it went down in what seemed slow motion.  Then, to my surprise, I heard him from under his bike yell out "THAT WAS A REALLY COOL FALL, I EVEN GOT MY FOOT STUCK IN THE TIRE!!!!!!"

Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say

Oh my . . . . . .  for years I've listened to my mother tell the same story over and over of the day that I said my first "profanity".  It has always been very funny to me thinking of me, as a child, out of pure innocence saying a cuss word.  My first experience, as told to me was when I was two years old.  I have no recollection of this day, but my mother describes it with such detail that I almost feel like I remember it.  It was a Sunday . . . . .  as all Sundays in ANY family they can be incredibly hectic and stressful at times.  We had just gotten home from church and as most, I'm sure my mother was running around trying to get lunch ready so we could hurry up and get our naps.  On this particular day my mother had dressed me in a frilly petticoat type dress (as I'm sure was the going rage at the time) with ruffled bloomers.  I'm sure in her mind I was probably THE CUTEST kid at church.  However, I must have had a different opinion.  As mom was running around the house trying to give some semblance of peace to our day I stopped her dead in her tracks.  I proceeded to toddle up to her with my hands on my hips amongst the ruffles to tell her that "These d__n panties ITCH!"  She tells the story of the shock and then hilariousness of the situation.  You know that point, the one where you feel like busting out laughing, yet you suddenly remember that you are the mother and you HAVE to be an adult.

These times are REALLY hard for me.  I still feel like a kid myself.  At times, I find it very hard to believe that anyone would trust me to keep their children much less raise my very own.  Luckily, the above situation of your child letting out their first cuss word has not yet happened . . . . . . . . .  HOWEVER, yesterday I had a first.  Keller, our oldest child, has always been very obedient and, for the most part, quick to stop something if you let him know that it is wrong.  What an easy life!!!!  Then our sweet little Ms McKendry came along.  HELLO FEMALE!!!!  You know what I'm talking about- the flirtatious looks that are supposed to make whatever she is doing behind her back okay.  Some of it has not surprised me at all, I'm female. . . . . I understand those thoughts and the way that it's almost inbreed in us to push the envelope a bit. Needless to say, my parenting is a bit different with a girl.  I have to be VERY aware of when I tell her no and the consistency of sticking with what I say.  I also found I have to be VERY aware of what I say in front of those sweet little ears.

Yesterday, as I was cooking breakfast, McKendry sat in front of "her"cabinet doing her usual.  She was dragging every plastic cup out and playing with all the spare sippy cups.  This is part of our "routine"; No different.  That's when I heard it . . . . . ."OOOHHHHH DDDOOOOSSSSSHHHHH" Well, that's a new one, I thought, what did she say.  I stopped what I was doing to look down and really pay attention.  Then again, as she was struggling to unscrew a top off of a sippy cup, in a grumbly very frustrated voice she says "OOOOOHHHHHH DDOOOOSSSSSSHHHHH!"  I had never heard that kind of rumble in her voice or for that matter that kind of frustration.  It was quite funny watching her.  She wasn't mad just baffled at how to get the top off of the sippy cup.  In her frustration this phrase kept spilling out of her mouth in a voice so foreign to me that I was laughing out loud.  It was funny, but then I realized she was mirroring my frustration and getting that same tone in her voice that I do when I totally loose my patience with her, Keller, or for that matter Bobby.  She was saying "Oh Gosh!"  WOW!  What a slap in the face.  Such a small little girl, not even two, yet she was speaking such harsh and "adult" words . . . What to do?  I sat back hoping it was just a freak event that she was saying this phrase.  Now that 24 hours have transpired and I've heard it multiple times I realize it's stuck.  Yeah it's funny, but is it really?  Nope.  I feel like a heel.  She heard that from me, not TV, not her brother, not her father but ME! Sounds very mild and innocent. I'll admit that I have laughed to myself many of the times that she has said it.  Not at the phrase, but the cute way she says it.  It's really kind of adorable.  I'm just being honest.  Today, I did decide to look up the definition of gosh to prepare myself for the talk that we will have to have to reverse this phrase: Gosh - an exclamation of mild surprise or wonder. Hmmmm, didn't seem so bad, then the origin of the word just about jumped off the page-  euphemistic alteration of God.  


Bobby and I have now discussed the situation and decided at her age she isn't going to truly UNDERSTAND why this is wrong. Her brother, on the other hand, does.  This will be a lesson for him.  An opportunity for me to show Keller that I mess up daily.  An opportunity tonight, as we pray as a family, to ask God to forgive me.  I NEED my children to understand that I DON'T expect perfection from them, and that I will NEVER judge them. I want them to understand God is our friend. I don't want my children to feel that He is unapproachable.  I grew up so many times being scared when I messed up thinking God would be MAD at me.  God loves us and smiles upon us when we learn from our mistakes!!!  Thank you God, once again, for teaching me soooo much through the eyes of my children!

So as those precious little eyes look at me each day, PLEASE God let my eyes look up to You to guide me each step of the way!!!!!

Time is of the Essence

Well, leave it to a movie to give me a whole new perspective on my life at this point.  Today, as most days, was full of the routine of what we do.  It's nothing special, but an aspect of my life that I'm sure that many of you can relate to.  I get up every morning and start my life in the same way. However, when some little small thing happens to throw it just the least bit off I have this void it seems the entire day.  Today was no different really . . . . other than the fact that McKendry decided she would cry out one hour before she normally gets up.  No big deal, right?  Well, it shouldn't be . . . .  but for some reason for me, the "queen" of routine, it dishevels me for a bit.  It's ironic though, if for some reason she wakes up an hour past the time she normally does it doesn't put me in the same state.  I will admit though, I'm so anal (can I use that word on a blog? Well, I just did, sorry MOM!) about the routine of things that I usually will get her up so as to not to throw the rest of the "schedule" for the day off even more.  Some may be reading and thinking - what a way to live, why would you do that to yourself?  It all started when we had our first child.  I was a person who LOVED my sleep and when left without my 8 required hours I didn't function so well.  It just sends my internal clock for a loop.  So, needless to say when we started discussing children I KNEW that it was going to be a huge adjustment on my sleeping habits.  At that point I began a mission of research on the "perfect" way to get your child on a sleep schedule and what routines were best on your baby.

My mission worked, BOTH of my children were sleeping through the night entirely at 6 - 8 weeks.  I was a VERY happy mommy and a much better mommy because of the sleep.  With this routine has come MUCH ridicule from many family and friends. At first it bothered me. Now, almost 5 years, I have NOT A CARE of what they think.  I am a better parent because of this routine.  My children know what to expect from day to day and HONESTLY when something varies from routine they handle it soooooo well.

This routine, as my mom will tell you, didn't surprise so many that know me. I've ALWAYS been a VERY predictable person.  I'm not one for change and the routine of my life doesn't bore me at all as it would some.  With my hang up of staying on schedule, be that as it may, I find myself rushing through life.  I'm always trying to get the kids to get dressed within a certain period of time, eat supper within a certain period of time, get their teeth brushed quickly, take your bath now, get your toys picked up now . . . .  . it just seems like we HURRY through life.  So today, as I was watching "Cars" with the children it hit me in the face to SLOW down.  It seems that our society is always trying to come up with a faster way to do EVERYTHING.  I DON'T want my children rushing through life only to wonder what their purpose ever really was.  I have probably watched "Cars" a hundred times with my children and never has it made that much sense to me.  I've always thought it was a cute movie that taught a really good lesson about a car that is young and energetic that doesn't really "get it".  He had been going through life only wanting one thing . . . . to be the best and along the way he realized the true meaning of life.  Today, as we were watching I wasn't really watching the movie.  I had fifteen other things going on, but for some reason today I stopped to listen during one particular scene.  It's when Sally takes Lightning McQueen throughout the town and the country side to get him to slow down.  He finally was able to see the beauty and to understand that Radiator Springs wasn't just a snooze fest but a place that people once loved.  I guess what made the biggest impact is when she said to him "the town got bypassed just to save 10 minutes of driving".  I had seen that a hundred times, but today in the midst of my routine it shook me a bit.  How many times a day do I find myself doing things like that?  Rushing my children along or even killing myself to get something done just for nothing really.

Don't misunderstand me . . . . .  We enjoy life but aren't we all to busy at times?  Life is so short . . .  I  want to cherish each moment that I can and savor this life while I can.  I PRAY that I don't make my children feel like they have to rush through life.  Our society puts so much emphasis on "taking shortcuts", we work so hard taking out steps that we forget what it once was like.

So, I'm going to take a deep breath and just enjoy this life I've been given.

Resolution . . . . . . .

Each year, as most, I find myself almost feeling like it's a law to make a New Year's Resolution.  Honestly, I don't see the big deal in it.  However, it does make me reflect on what this past year has meant to me and what I would love to see in the next year.  Each year I am in complete awe of what God has done in our lives.  This year especially though I feel so blessed.  It had been a dream of mine to be able to eventually stay home with my children, and have an opportunity to still do my passion of being a nurse. God opened that door and has blessed us ten fold since I have began to stay home.

I will say that with these blessing I have grown so much in how I walk with God by my side, and how I rely on Him for everything.  I think back to what my life was like as a child and a teenager.  I grew up in a house where my mom stayed home with us.  With her being my mother the standard of what a "homemaker" is comes at a VERY high standard.  She took her job very seriously, and it is evident to me, now at this stage in my life, just how strong of a woman of God my mother was and is up until this day.  My mother was always up, dressed and pristine each morning when she came into my room to get me up for school. She was always a breath of fresh air as she awakened me for a new day.  A smile on her face and rarely EVER did she raise her voice to the groans and mumbles she received each morning.  She had the house spotless each day as I got home and always had a "Martha Stewart" worthy snack waiting for me.  She was always happy to hear about my day, and full of encouragement if my day had left me a bit discouraged.  Not only that, but she was at the center of every band function I had to be involved in, choral concert, practice or the taxi for my friends and I anytime we had engagements.  She was "Momma B" to all that she encountered.  In fact, till this day she still totes the name of "Momma B" to most all of my friends. Looking back over my life I can see just how great of a mom she is.  She never judged anyone, but sat back and listened to all of my friends and I when we had no idea she was listening.   She was never the mom that harped on us all when we hadn't made the best of decisions.  She was the mother that embraced us all and loved us in spite of all the decisions.

So . . . . . . . . you can see how following this example might be a bit challenging.  I guess I thought as soon as I started staying home with my children that POOF I would be infused with all the wisdom, compassion, and love that my mother symbolized to me. What a wake up call!!!  I find days when I struggle to make it from one nap time to the next for my children and I KNOW that they can sense that.  There are times when I snap back with an uncaring tone or disinterested reply to my children out of pure exhaustion. . . .  my children are so undeserving of that. Bobby is so undeserving of the eye rolls and stern tone that I take with him so many days as soon as he walks into the door.  How did she do it?  How was the house always so clean?  Laundry always done and so perfectly folded?  The aroma of the perfect supper always rolling out the door as I walked into my house? How was I so blessed to have the real life "June Cleaver" living under the same roof as me?  

Just a week ago as I was driving home from a late night gym trip (at 11pm) I had a huge "ah ha" moment.  I had peeled myself off of the couch with disgust and made myself go work out.  This had been preceded by a usual night of struggling to get kids situated, supper cooked, children fed, baths given, prayers said, and oh yeah spending a little bit of time with Bobby.  Unfortunately, I had left the house a bit frustrated at Bobby and myself for raising my voice to him in front of my children.  My thoughts as I made myself do my hour of cardiovascular exercise was nothing but anger.  I was MAD that I had to work out, MAD that I had little to no "me" time, MAD that I wasn't the "June Cleaver" that I so desperately desired to be.  Then as I rode home in my "mini van a.k.a swagger wagon" God literally broke me.  It was like He was saying, "really, really Nicole?  Your going to be angry?"  What do I have to be angry about?  I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, beautiful healthy children, a man of God who truly leads our household, a wonderful example of LOVE in my parent's and brother as they mold and shape me each day, and I could go on for days.  It was at that moment as I pulled into my driveway that I began to sob.  I walked right into my home, and got at the foot of each my children's beds and thanked God for the blessing in them.  I asked God to give me the patience, and love that I had been taught my entire life.   I prayed for all of my selfish "human" desires to be dissolved.

So  . . . . . . as this new year begins I PRAY that I will be the mother, sister, daughter, friend, and wife that God wants me to be.

My Daddy

I know, I know . . . . . . I started with such gusto and then just dwindled away on the whole "blog" wagon. The truth is life just is so busy and seems to get in the way sometimes.  I find my mind wondering on a daily basis and I think to myself "that would be a good blog"and then as I sit down to write it out it becomes yet just another saved blog that I feel unworthy to post.  A confession, I'm a bit of a blog stalker.  I go to my blogs tab on my computer each day just to see how wonderful all of my girlfriends are at keeping everyone updated on their lives.  I drool at their "journalistic" abilities and the beautiful pics that they have taken of their families, parties, homes, crafting abilities, and the list goes on.  I aspire to be that person but I'm so horrible about following through with things.  I always have such wonderful drive and enthusiasm and somewhere along the way it gets trampled on.

Well, today as I sit here with the TV softly playing my 80's music channel in the background (Tina Turner "Private Dancer") I WILL follow through with todays blog.  I think that today is a must.  We all have days that are special to us that we reflect on what we were doing on that day 10 years ago or where you were on that day 15 years ago, right?  Most peoples December 16th reflections probably have to do with some type of Christmas memory, tradition, birth of someone special or what ever it may be for you.  My mind drifts to this was the last full day of life that I had with my daddy.  Three years ago my family and I had made the decision to take my father to Tupelo for emergency dialysis following about a week and a half stay in the hospital following a stroke.  This decision came with a struggle.  The previous days had been a whirl wind.  Daddy had walked into the hospital just  days before in VERY stable condition.  In fact, in true "James" style he was a bit put out with my mother and I that we had felt it was necessary for him even to go the hospital.  Much to our surprise just a few hours later we were told that my father had suffered a stroke and that we had some decisions to make.  The days that followed were filled with a progressive decline in my daddy's health.  Each day was a rise and fall of emotion from a coherent dad to a dad that was filled with confusion and frustration.  

I have come to dislike thinking of those days . . . . they are filled with the-" I wish I could go back to that" or "why didn't I say . . . " .  The truth of the matter is that I CAN'T go back and would any sequence of words that I could have said to daddy been the right words?  What could ever be the right thing to say to the man that loved me unconditionally, held me in his arms when I was a child and comforted me, and provided for me in every way I needed throughout my life as he was dying?  I NEVER thought of my daddy as that man until I had my own children and saw the look in Bobby's eyes as he looked at "our love" in a physical form before us.  Honestly, until my daddy's death ,I guess as most children do, I found fault in so many things that he did.  Why couldn't I stay out later, why couldn't I date when I wanted to, why couldn't I go to that party? Then as I grew older and daddy and I became so much alike we butted heads so many times . . . . . . we both had very strong opinions.  However, I NEVER not one time doubted that my daddy loved me.  I KNEW without a shadow of a doubt that I was his little girl.  I now am SO THANKFUL for that love and bond.  Sadly, so many never know that kind of love.  

I'm sure you found it strange that I was listening to 80's music. On this day, as I think of my daddy and honestly dread tomorrow I KNOW that daddy would love  as I sit here and type about him that I've had Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Lionel Richie, John Mellencamp all playing in the background.  Those are the memories that I hang onto.  I can't dwell on the fact that I can't see his beautiful hands holding my mothers as he walked hand and hand with her each and everywhere he went.  The sound of him saying "lil bit" up until the day he took his last breath when he addressed me.  I have to just smile to myself and hold onto the wonderful man that he was.  The beauty of how he showed my brother and I the love of a wonderful earthly father and to my mother the relentless love of a man smitten with her beauty both inside and out!!!!  So tomorrow in the midst of my tears and sadness just know that God I am thanking you for my daddy- thank you for giving him to me and my family.  The reason why we miss him so much is because he was such a wonderful man!!!  

  

Dear God . . . . .

Oh the pressures of molding and shaping our children.  When I really think about what my job is everyday as mommy of this household it can become scary.  Each time I feel that fear welling up inside of me I just have to take a deep breath and ask God to lead and direct me in each and every thing that I do.  I am surrounded by sponges.  In the last year, Keller has become such a wise little man.  I pray nightly that God will mold and shape him into a man of God that will change this world.  I see such a fire inside of Keller.  I know that as parent's we always see great things for our children, but he is just so compassionate at such a young age.  He has such a sweet spirit.  We all start praying with our children from the time that they are born.  From the night God blessed us with Keller I prayed over him as his mother- each night as he went to sleep.  As he got older I began to pray aloud with him.  I wanted him to know what it was like to have a relationship with God.  Bobby and I started praying with him during meals and at bedtime.  I truly thought this was all I needed to do as a parent.  Just a couple of months after we started praying with him I was convicted that a prayer life for him shouldn't just be during meals and suppertime but an ongoing talk.  I wanted him to develop a TRUE RELATIONSHIP with God.  I needed him to know that no matter how big or how small his problem or his praise that God wanted to listen. I needed Keller to understand that  He is his best friend.   There are so many times that I find myself doubting my parenting.  I know it's just satan attacking me.  I know that ultimately God is in control of Keller and we are just messenger's. . . . . . . . . Last night as Keller led us in prayer he finished, turned to me and said, "God just smiled, didn't he mommy."  Thank you God for those little moments of clarity!!!!!!!

Blogger I am NOT!!!

After much going back and forth back forth I have fallen to the temptation of a family blog!!!!!  I love my family and why shouldn't I share with all of you what's going on in our lives!!!  I guess with the age of "facebook" I keep thinking, "why bother?"  I've finally come to the realization that if you follow me through facebook it is quite possibly out of nosiness. . . . it could be just to see if Bobby and I have gotten fat after graduating from high school.  If you come to our family blog I hope that it means nothing more than the fact that you love us and care what is truly going on in our lives!!!!  Our lives are very simple.  Bobby and I grew up as "best friends" throughout high school and grew apart throughout college.  As we came near to the end of college for both us we had no idea what each other was doing or for that matter where each other lived.  I was pretty much at rock bottom in my life and decided I needed an old friend to cheer me up.  Cheer me up that he did.  About 10 months after reconnecting with him we were married and  so much in love!!!!  Bobby had just started a new job in Memphis and I was trying to prepare to finish my last semester of nursing school.  I was horribly home sick (I had NEVER lived away from my parent's) and desperately trying to show Bobby how very domestic I was. . . . .  Just 3 months later Bobby was laid off from his job and we were heart broken.  We did what felt safe to us, we moved back home to Corinth.  Fast forward a little . . . . . God blesses Bobby with a WONDERFUL job that he loves, I graduate from nursing school and receive a WONDERFUL job and life is great again.  This could take a while  . . . .  . . . so I will shorten this tremendously.  We then are blessed with our first child, 5 years into our marriage, Keller McKane Roach.  If you know him you know what a blessing he is.  Then when Keller was 3 years old McKendry Layne Roach was born.  In just nine years the Roach's grew from two to four.  The Lord only knows what is in store for us, but we KNOW with Him leading us we can do ANYTHING!!!!!