Move Over Governor

Make way for the "Tim-inator."

Lots of us make New Year's resolutions, right? And lots of us break them by January 2nd. Well, not Tim Sexton. I am here to testify that my husband keeps his resolutions. He made two this year. The first was this: to do one push up for each day of the month. January 1st he did one. 2nd -two, 3rd -three, you get the idea. He continued adding through February and just recently hit 60 push-ups. 60! More than he's been able to do his entire life! (his words, not mine) He recently pointed out to me that there is no fat around his chest...all muscle. It's true and I am impressed. I did however ask that he refrain from flexing in public. It can be so embarrassing. =)

In addition to these bulging new pecs, I thought he would like to know that he has been an inspiration to people like myself. Thanks to his example, I have decided to forge my own battle of self-discipline. I believe that I can, through sheer determination, eat one Entenmann's chocolate donut for each day of the month beginning March 1st. (the readers gasp) I know it is a mighty undertaking, a bold and courageous feat but just imagine -by March 31st, I will have trained and conditioned my body through unwavering will power to consume 2 and 1/2 dozen donuts in one sitting. And incidentally, I may also be able to crush 2 and 1/2 small children in one sitting by then as well. Run!...Bella...Run!

On the serious side of things, Tim's second resolution came through our Sunday School class (shout out to the Living Room!). We made a list of goals for the year which, apart from God, seemed impossible. Tim's goal was for this to be a year of living in and leading others to "radical obedience to Christ." God was ready and waiting to match that commitment with opportunity.

And again, I can testify that my husband is keeping his resolution, though his humility will hate that I am saying so. We get tripped up pretty regularly and maybe lose some ground but I am so thankful for a husband who leads his family into radical obedience. (and has a nice chest to boot ;-))

A Date Night

See the people in this picture? They seem to know each other; even like each other. We aren't sure where these two people went. They've been MIA for several weeks now. They were last seen being sucked into the swirling vortex of life, children, and excruciating details. Oh, you've visited this black hole before? Well, did you see them there? No such luck, huh?

Don't worry, we are investing our full resources into finding them...tonight! If, by chance, you encounter these two at some local eatery or coffee house -use extreme caution in approaching. We don't want to tip them off and it is believed that even a small disturbance could send them helplessly back into the whirling abyss. You don't want that to happen now, do you? ;-)

For those who want to know, for those who don't care either way, and for those who just wish we'd shut up about it; hopefully, this will make all of you happy. It should be our final post about the recently relocated Smudge.

We are pleased to report that Smudge is enjoying his new home and family. Here are pictures from the drop-off of his new "sisters":

Mindy and Natasha

Thanks to all of you who prayed for us on that day. It was especially difficult for Nathan. He cried all the way home and then more (along with Tim) after we got home. It's hard for us to see our kids hurting because of a decision they can't fully understand. We try to teach them to "cast their cares on the Lord for He cares for you." And yet, somehow healing comes faster when you throw in CiCi's pizza and a movie. Yes, we are starting the horrible trend of "comfort food" early. It won't last long though. Something about beans and rice doesn't sound as soothing.=)

We did learn that Smudge whimpered for quite a while after we left. Maybe he liked us more than he let on. But he's adjusting just fine and all in all, we believe there may only be one who will NEVER get over the new arrangement...

Sorry Bandit!

Grandparents on Parade...

We are having a great visit with Papa and Borba (someday I'll explain how she earned this title instead of the usual "grandma"). Here's the day in pictures:


Meeting Bella.

Hooked on Phonics worked for Patsy!

Bella impersonating Diana Ross, Cher, AND Rick James.

For the record, Patsy made it very clear that she did not want her picture on this blog. Like a true daughter-in-law, I ignored her!

TGIF

Fridays are very special to me. Tim is home! Sometimes on Thursdays, I fall into bed not realizing what day it is. Then, I remember -tomorrow's Friday- and it feels like a 500 lb weight has been lifted off my head. Not that the week is so bad. But there's something about having another person in the house that renews my hope and peace of mind. Hope that I can pee without anyone screaming my name. Hope for a conversation that doesn't end with stomping. And lastly, the peace of mind that comes with those three magical words..."go, ask Daddy!" (deep refreshing sigh)

And this Friday is special for another reason. Tim's parents are on their way. They should be here around lunch time. So, Miss Isabella and her future best friend, Miss Phoebe Livesay, will both be meeting grandparents for the first time today. We are excited. I cleaned her up, lotioned her down, and put on one of her cutest, brightest outfits. She looks and smells great. What of the other children? uh, well, let's just say they haven't exactly been spit-shined. Maybe we'll make them brush their teeth before Papa and Borba arrive. Maybe. =) We'll post pictures of the grand event later tonight.

And if Tim being home and the grandparents coming weren't exciting enough???? Bella slept six straight hours last night!

Sing with me:

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.

Fridays are a beautiful thing.

What a Day!

Selling the house, it turns out, is more of a challenge than getting it ready to sell. For whatever reason, the appointment scheduling company (not our agent) can't manage to give us more than 22 minutes notice for a showing. On a really good day with absolutely no pressure we can't make it out of the house in less than 22 minutes, much less do a once over and run the vacuum. Puh-leeze!

Don't believe how crazy it is? I received a message yesterday saying that we needed to be away from the house for a showing between 5:30 and 6:30 pm. Time of message -5:32pm! Anybody else see the flaw with this process? I won't bother spelling out (again-for those who heard it at church last night) how my son opened the door for our agent and a client while I was in the shower. I have no doubt that me making an appearance in the buff would immediately lower our property value. :-/

Then to top off the insanity of the day... we pulled up to the stop light in town and the car next to me honks the horn. I expect to see someone I know and have a quick chat. Nope. There's a young man in a beat up hooptie wearing sunglasses, waving, and flashing a grin. HUH? I respond with a half-hearted head nod and a look of utter disbelief. "Why is he looking at you, Mom?" Mamoune wants to know. Well, honey, isn't it obvious? He's delusional and needs therapy. Seriously, a guy who will come on to a bedraggled woman with FOUR children in a STATION WAGON is obviously suffering his own form of insanity.

Maybe things aren't as bad as they could be!

Parenting tip

Virtual Tour

We had a virtual tour created for our house today. I'm amazed how good they can make it look. =) Anyway, just thought we'd give you all the site in case you are bored and the idea of a spinning room appeals to you.

Clink this link then scroll down and enter the following tour #: B4ZGYU

And the Winner is...

Picture D

We must note that "c" did in fact receive an honorable mention which was not really graph worthy. Apparently, no one liked the teetering tot pose. =) Thank you to all who voted and to those who voted twice or simply changed their vote several times (Nancy Foss). If we could we would send you each a complimentary "I voted" sticker.

The picture is being tweaked by our photographer, Mr. Keith Shearon, and we hope to have the final product soon.

Getting Real

It's one thing to talk about uprooting your entire world and moving it somewhere else. It's another thing to actually start doing it. Today is big. The sign's in the yard now, and Smudge goes to his new home in about 30 minutes.

It's getting really real. Sometimes too real--know what I mean?

Thanks for praying.

"Shoveling gravel.

So easy, even a Geico-man can do it."

Thanks for helping Mr. Mark!

House Update:
The papers are signed. The signs will be placed. The place is clean. The clean is... I guess the word play breaks down right about there. Oh well. By Monday the house should be listed and ready for showing. Finishing off the parking pad was a last step, thus the gravel. Keep praying as we watch for God to bring us the right buyer at the right time with the right offer.

A Star in the Making

Check out this link to see Isaiah in his first ever commercial. He is part of the new promotions for the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. (now under "news and events") Are we the face of the "poor, hungry, undernourished" families in the greater Raleigh area? Yes, and we are so proud!




Isaiah will be hosting his first autograph signing party in the Kindergarten department at Faith this Sunday morning. =) Perhaps Burger King should call us before he gets to "big" for them.

Photo Fun with Bella

Bottle Cam

Doesn't everyone make this face when they hiccup?

Seriously Mom, this is my best side.

The out of state grandparents, aunties, uncles, and cousins appreciate you enduring countless pictures of the newest family member on this blog site.

Dumb Luck

Car + basketball goal + windy day = UGH!

A Life in Review

This will be the last post for tonight.

My grandmother, Rachel Lewis, passed away on Saturday evening. She was suffering from cancer as well as heart disease and her health had deteriorated quickly over the last two months. I (nor my siblings) never had much of a relationship with Grandmother Rachel. She was an alcoholic as far back as I can remember and she spent most of her life destroying relationships because of her addiction. A trip to Grandmother's house was not the warm fuzzy feeling you often associate with "grandma". We didn't know what condition she would be in when we arrived or how long the visit would last before things got ugly. On one very vivid occasion, the family hadn't heard from her for several days and we went to check on her. We found her passed out in the backseat of her car, the doors wide open. I recall the fear in wondering if she was dead or simply drunk.

I don't tell you this to gain pity and certainly not out of bitterness or anger towards my Grandmother. In her last days, she wanted those whom she'd hurt to forgive her and I have. But because at some point, each of us may have opportunity to review our life as it nears an end, and I don't know about you, but I don't want my last moments spent making amends for relationships that I tore apart. I want to be surrounded by loved ones and friends who despite knowing my worst faults, know my heart and know how greatly they were valued.

My mom took several opportunities to ask Grandmother Rachel about her eternal destiny. And regardless of the past mistakes and a life lived selfishly, she believed in a Savior who loved her in her sinful state and died for her and I believe she is with Him now. I imagine that in the midst of her homecoming there may have been a moment in which she was given a glimpse of the many things she missed out on in this life...the joy of her great-grandchildren, family gatherings, the chance to be a Godly example to her three daughters. But if in some way God allows His departed children to see the on going journeys of us who remain, I would dare say that she has now become one of our greatest cheerleaders!

1st Thess. 4.13 "..do not grieve as those who have no hope."

Reader Participation

Okay. As mentioned in the prior post, we are working on our prayer card. We had family pictures taken on Saturday and thanks to Mr. Keith Shearon there were many great shots to choose from. We decided it would be fun to let you, our support system, decide which one we should go with. After all, many of you will be sticking this card on your fridge. The least we can do is let you have a say in what you'll have to look at for the next year or so. How about it? Which one of the following (we've narrowed it to 4) is the most "us"?

Choice A

Choice B

Choice C

Choice DPlease place your vote in the comment section. We will run the vote for about three days and then announce the winning picture! Thanks for your help.

Note: the final picture will be adjusted for best color, lighting, etc.

Progress Report

This will be the title for this and all future "here are the specifics of where we are in the process and what is left to do" posts. It will also give us a chance to spell out some of our prayer requests and immediate needs.

What we are working on:

• We have completed our fundraising letter and will be mass producing it along with pledge cards very soon.
• We are working on our prayer cards (more on this in the next post) and hope to have them ordered in the next couple of weeks.
• We will take care of paper work this Friday and hopefully get the house listed by the first of next week.

Praises:

• Isabella turned one month old today. She is wonderful and we are thankful that God brought us such a blessing in HIS perfect timing.
• We have found a loving family to re-adopt Smudge!!! (And no, Tara, it was not because we threatened to kill him. ;-))

Prayer Requests:

• Pray for our children as we relocate Smudge this weekend. This will be hard for them.
• Pray for Isabella's adoption. Specifically, that birth father issues will be resolved and that the remaining processes will be expedited as much as possible.
• Pray for patience with one another as we strive to maintain a clean house over the next weeks/months.

We are still holding to our original goal of being in Haiti by June 1st but we know that God will have to move many mountains to make that happen. We believe He can but we are also preparing for the possibility that Tim will need to move to Haiti several weeks ahead of the rest of the clan while we wait for Bella's papers and passport. Thankfully, we have had two good friends offer to fly down with us as extra hands and extra bins (YEAH) when we make the initial move. This will be a huge relief for me. How amazing is the Body of Christ?

Thank you all for praying and bearing patiently. We'll do our best to keep you posted.

Hanes His Way

Nathan has a Game Boy. Long story, but he saved his own money for over a year to get one and he is allotted 30 minutes a day play time. He has a super heroes game in which you change characters at different levels. Today he was battling it out as Wonder Woman. I was nearly doubled over when I heard him "talking trash" to the screen.

He said, "Take that, bad guy! I've got stars on my rear end!"

I think he's an insightful young man to recognize that anyone who is confident enough to wear star-studded underwear in public must be capable of kicking some serious boo-tay. Perhaps a future spokesman for the Hanes company. Anyone have their corporate headquarters address?

Winsome, he is. Very winsome.

The Deal

"Let me 'splain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up."

1. Our Internet is suffering from bi-polar disorder. We can access certain sites unfortunately our own blog is not one of them. ugh. Tim is working on remedying this problem even now. (meaning he is calling someone who can fix it.)

2. Our blogging may continue to be sporadic over the next few days. See number 1.

3. I will be posting multiple tidbits tonight in hopes of "holding over" our friendly addicts. If you need to see something everyday then I recommend only reading one post at a time. If you don't care then by all means consume them all at once.

Daddy's Little Girl

Good Parenting

The kids have been begging for a "fun day" for quite a while now. It's not that we don't usually have fun. In fact, we've had more fun and excitement in the past month than usual. What they are really saying is "we want a day in which you ask us to do nothing resembling work or responsibility." They are convinced that we've been doing chores FOREVER and the idea that they could remedy this problem by simply putting things away as they use them is wasted logic.

While sitting at the breakfast table sorting through the gazillion things we need to get done so we can list the house, the children articulately and respectfully expressed their disappointment with yet another work day. Yeah right. They whined their little tush's off. We were at an impasse. How could we as parents accomplish the many tasks which needed our attention and yet allow our children to have a special day at the same time? We decided to ask them and it was unanimous...a movie marathon.

We had these growing up. Saturday morning we'd head to the video store and stock up then stare at the TV screen for countless hours. I remember once when the neighborhood "gang" piled into our living room for a Rocky extravaganza. We watched at least three of the four (or were there five?) parts back to back. We would run outside between sequels to act out our favorite scenes -the race along the beach between Rocky and Apollo Creed, the blow that opens the face of Drago, the Russian. "He's cut! He's cut! The Russian is cut!" (still one of my all-time favorite scenes)

Back to our kids. Knowing that laying on the floor and using the bare minimum in brain power would lead to three hyper maniacs come bedtime, we decided to cut a deal. In between each movie they had to choose between playing outside or working in the house for 30 minutes. Didn't matter to us as long as they were burning fuel.

While I don't recommend this as a standard for good parenting and we will not employ such methods on a regular basis, I have to say that WE GOT SOOOO MUCH DONE! The kids rooms are spotless. No one was there to plead the cause of the 1/4 inch crayon, the lone Light Bright peg, or the headless army guy. Into the garbage they went. Two rooms down. The rest of the house to go. Score one for mom and dad!

The Days Events

-lest Tim be forced to communicate with his wife. ;-)

The kids and I ran a few errands today. Nothing particularly exciting. We had to go by the Department of Social Services to take care of some insurance paperwork. A few of you know that I whacked myself in the eye on a shelf corner three days ago. Brilliant, I know. Well, we spoke to our case worker, she came out and said hello to the kids, etc. It wasn't until we got back into the car and I glanced in the rear view mirror that I noticed the glaring purple and blue bruise covering my right eyelid. It wasn't there yesterday. I'll be expecting the call from the police department any minute now. "We saw the bruises, we've arrested your husband." The worst part will be having to tell the story of my stupidity as sworn testimony. Nothing like having legally binding documents which state "I, Amie Sexton, do solemnly swear that I am an idiot."

Next we headed to the library. My kids love the library. They love books. It was Isabella's first time. She belched like a 45 year old man after Thanksgiving dinner. I don't think she read the "quiet, please" signs. We'll begin our study of library etiquette right after she masters controlling her own head.

I must now go and read 25 books to three anxious children because spreading them out over the next two weeks makes no sense at all.

Yes, Dear

Tim's Second Blog

I don't know about you all, but I'm tired of seeing the "Interview with a Smudgester" on the top of this blog. My question is this: When will Amie blog again? I check the blog every day to see what wonderful things are happening in my home. How am I supposed to know what's going on in my life if my wife doesn't post the excruciating minutiae of our daily lives on the world wide web?

I am helplessly out of the loop.

MY FELLOW BLOG-A-HOLICS!! LET US RAISE OUR VOICES IN PROTEST! HOW CAN WE LIVE WITHOUT OUR DAILY DOSE OF AMIE'S WIT, SARCASM, HUMOR, AND REAL-LIFE ANECDOTAL GENIUS?

Amie: We, your fans, want to know. What is it that's holding you up? Is it the new baby? Moving to Haiti? Laying new kitchen tile? Finalizing the adoption? Watching "Lost"? Cleaning up? Cooking supper? Staying beautiful?

What could possibly be more important than satisfying your adoring fans?

We are waiting on pins and needles...

Blog Amie, blog...blog Amie, blog...blog Amie, blog...

An Interview with a Smudgester

Recently a representative from "DogGoneIt" magazine sat down with Smudge Sexton to get his perspective on current events in the Sexton household. Here's the inside scoop from reporter, Callie Collie:

CC: First, let me say 'thanks' for the interview.
Smudge: No problem.

CC: Let's start with the basics. What breed are you exactly? You're not that large but I sense some big dog qualities about you.
Smudge: (laughing) Are you getting fresh with me, Callie? (more laughing) No, seriously, I'm just a medium sized guy. A little Beagle, a little Terrier. But I like to think I carry myself like a Doberman.

CC: Ah, so there's a little guard dog inside just waiting to be tapped into?
Smudge: Yeah, you could say that. I mean, let's face it, it's not likely I could take down a grown man but I could do some damage from the buttocks down. And that would give my family a heads up and some time to protect themselves.

CC: Your family? You still call them that even though they're, um, leaving you behind?
Smudge: I'm not the type to carry a grudge, ya know. They're good people. We've been together for over two years and it's been great. I especially like the curly-haired kid, Nathan. Oh yeah, he lets me lick all over his face and stuff. He doesn't even wipe the dog slobber off.

CC: Good people, great kids...but you're dodging the issue. Why aren't you going with them? Why do you suddenly need a new home while they do "their thing?"
Smudge: Truth is, I've given this Haiti thing some thought and I have to say that I agree with them.

CC: Really? How so?
Smudge: Well, first there's the whole plane ride.

CC: And?
Smudge: Ok, a smart dog like you, you've been around and travelled the world...by the way, I loved that peice you did on the late great Rin-tin-tin. It was really touching. But anyway, I've never been on a plane and even with the "sleepy time cocktail" they can give you, I have no guarantees that I won't come out of there foaming at the mouth or chasing my own tail or something. You know, snapped, crazy even.

CC: That's a legitimate concern. Is there more?
Smudge: Sure. There's gonna be lots of people coming and going in Haiti. And that could be dangerous for a territorial dog like myself. I've gotten really good at recognizing the regulars around here but I get edgy when strangers get too close. I may not know who's a friend or foe, and suppose I take a snap at Donald or Arnold...I've heard those names but I don't know those guys. And we both know it would be all down hill from there.

CC: Sounds like you've really thought it through. But aren't you even going to miss them?
Smudge: Absolutely! Wrestling with the kids and the big guy, knowing they'll throw me a pillow to sleep on at night, the red-head who did most of my training -I got a lot of respect for her. She's the Alpha female. I'm gonna miss it all, yeah, I am. ahem, 'scuse me. I got a little something in my throat.

CC: You're smart, healthy, sensitive. Why hasn't another family snatched you up?
Smudge: Look at me. You're guess is as good as mine.

CC: Well, we wish you the best of luck, Smudge, and thanks again for sharing your story with our subscribers. Who knows? Maybe the perfect family is reading it right now.
Smudge: Could be, could be. But hey, either way, Callie, I'll give you my cell -off the record, and you call me sometime. We'll dig holes together.

CC: Lovely. Maybe some time when I haven't had a fresh grooming.

"Forting"

(Warning: May be considered inappropriate by those who would rather not admit that it happens to them, too.)

I grew up in a home where my father and brother (sorry Dad, sorry Bo -the truth must be told) brought belching and the passing of gas to a rare art form. Tim grew up in a home where gastrointestinal episodes were hardly discussed much less openly acted upon. In our home, we lean toward the latter but with understanding that well, these things happen. The general rule is that "excuse me" must be spoken at least as loudly as the offense itself. But despite our desperate attempt to raise respectful and civilized young men, it is now apparent that with two boys in the same house body humor is inevitable.

We don't use the f-word in our house. (not THE f-word, we don't use that one either but hopefully you know what I mean) and yet somehow our boys have not only picked up this word but have developed a most unusual pronunciation of it...forting. And regardless of my personal hope that restraint be exercised in this area, I cannot help but get caught up in the silliness of these two characters. Plopped on the floor like best of buds and cracking up because "someone forted" even when they didn't is perhaps brotherly bonding in its truest form. What's a mom to do but laugh?

Our Biggest Fan

Meet Wendell Williams :

Judging for the title of "Biggest Fan" was based upon blog addiction and nagging. Is Wendell his brother's keeper? When it comes to this blog...you better believe it. He is keeping us on our toes and we love him for it. The following is a fairly unexaggerated example of his gentle promptings.

W: Hey Amie, how are you? You haven't blogged today.

A: I know. I haven't done anything interesting today. I'll try to come up with something.

W: Please do. There was nothing there at 5 o'clock this morning and still nothing there at 5:30 this afternoon.

A: I pulled up tile all day. (shrug)

W: Great! Go write about it.

So, now you know. If someday you find yourself reading the dull and tedious details of an otherwise monotonous day in our lives -blame Wendell! ;-)

Depreciation

The bottom line is this: no one values your stuff the way you do. Oh, and sentimental value yields no profit unless it lies with the buyer. That being said, we did fairly well at our first yard sale. We got rid of a lot. We have a lot yet to sell. I only lost control of my emotions once -thanks Frank. =) Never ask a woman who is watching everything she owns being sold -"is it hard to watch everything you own being sold?" Let me think about it, uh, yeah.

In other news, thanks to the expertise and generosity of

our good friend Jay Keller, and the hard work and willingness of Ben McRoy and Dave Foss; we had our own landscaping extreme makeover yesterday! The plant beds are refreshed with a layer of pine straw. The house is enhanced by beautiful greenery and azaleas, and the tulip bulbs are just waiting to pop up with a splash of color. Unfortunately, our camera battery died yesterday and charging wasn't complete until after the project was done and the laborers were gone. (lame us, I know) But we are not without a photo for your enjoyment. Here we have Dave, convincingly re-enacting his role as pine straw scatterer. Notice how careful he is to separate the needles for the best coverage.

Truly, the house looks great. Combine the landscaping with the blessing of a much needed pressure washing by Jon Hughes, and the skilled tiling of the kitchen floor by our neighbor Stacey (yes, her side looks better than mine) and it's a shame we have to leave! And it is evident that God has given us some WONDERFUL friends. Thanks to all!

Balance

This word has come up a lot in the past two days. Mamoune uses it to brag about how we are finally a "balanced" family -as in three boys, three girls. Nathan explained to me that Isabella learning to walk will be no problem; "she just needs to balance, Mom." And Isaiah learned the hard way that being off-balance, especially on a trampoline, can lead to a busted mouth. Even as I type my daughter is calling for my attention because she has balanced the baby's bottle on the back of her hand. (We have high hopes for her circus career.)

Balance for me means that I will attempt to work on sorting piles for every minute that I stand in the middle of a room and stare blankly at the wall. Have you ever given your computer too many commands at once only to have it freeze up on you? This is what happens to my brain. When we moved to NC from GA eight years ago, it was the same story. I would pack two or three items then lay down and fall asleep for an hour. I'm certain that it's some built in defense mechanism for handling emotional and mental overload. So, if this post ends abruptly in mid-thought you'll know I've dozed off.

Anyway, back to balance. Life is a balancing act. And on calm days it's not so bad. But some days there are external (and internal) forces working against you. Imagine the little guy to the right in the middle of hurricane season. Probably not so easy.

Scripture speaks about balance, too. Proverbs 30 says "give me neither poverty nor riches." With too much comes arrogance, with too little, thievery. "Feed me with the food allotted to me," that's balance. And in Ecclesiastes, Solomon warns us not to be overly wise nor foolish. That it is "good that you grasp this. And also, that you not remove your hand from the other."

It feels like we have done this. Grasped the one thing -Haiti and all that it brings, but not removed our hand from the other -our church and family. I think it should be this way though sometimes the traction between the two directions just makes my arms tired. And in the meantime, there is a messy house to clean and children who are probably feeling pulled and torn as well but don't have the platform to express it like I do.

Off to love them through their favorite activity: chores! (insert three pair of rolling eyes here)

Three Kids and a Baby