The Past Week (Or so...)

We've been so busy and I've felt so yucky lately that I've missed so many posting opportunities...so here's a recap of what we've been up to (mostly so that I'll be able to look back and remember- most of it's probably not all that interesting to y'all!)
*Joshua busted his head on the fireplace on Saturday morning. It was terrible. I felt like an awful mom because Fred really wanted to buy those pad thingys, but I decided to put pretty pillows along the sides instead. Well, of course, two of the pillows were out of place. Joshua somehow completely lost his balance and fell smack onto the edge of the bricks. He hit just above his right eye. At first, we thought for sure we'd be headed to the ER by the way it looked and how upset he was. Thankfully, it didn't bleed- it just looked really swollen and colorful. I called our doctor and we watched him for signs of a concussion. He seemed a little sleepy at first, but I think that his sweet little head just hurt! Anyways- praise God, Joshua is fine and has a great "war wound" that will probably be there for a week or so. When people asked him what happened the next day at church, he explained "I hit my head on the fireplace and it was awful." ...Needless to say, I went out and bought one of those padding things on Saturday afternoon!
* Throwing up with little kids is really interesting. I have actually started laughing several times during the process because it's so funny! For instance, one day I ran to the toilet only to be followed by two very concerned little people. Joshua really finds comfort in holding my hand while I puke. He asks over and over "Mom, are you okay?!!? Mom, are you sick?!?? Mom, do you feel better?!!?" ....And then there's Anna Bell. I think that she believes this is some sort of game. She laughs and dances while I vomit. This particular time, she was trying to throw her beloved bear into the toilet. Gross! So, here I am: trying to throw up while holding Joshua's hand and boxing out Anna Bell and her bear! Crazy!?! I really don't want to at all sound ungrateful or that this all isn't worth every minute of it- but I really am ready to reach that feeling better mark!!!!
* I bought a new vacuum cleaner today. Our old one has "just kind of worked" for about a year now. I couldn't justify buying a new one, because it did work okay.(..at least I thought it did.) It actually started blowing dust all over the place when I turned it on last week. Fred's dad worked on it for about two hours when he was in town this weekend (Thanks, Dad!!!) He said that there were a couple more things that we could try, but it was probably time to get a new one. This finally gave me the justification to go out and make my big purchase. I really wanted a Dyson, but we'll probably be doing hardwoods all downstairs in the next few months, so I couldn't spend that much just for something that would mainly clean the bedrooms. I ended up getting a Eureka that Consumer Report rates as their top pick. ...Wow- it AMAZING! I couldn't believe the difference it made!!!! It's so funny how excited I was to vacuum today. This is a chore that usually leaves me more frustrated than when I began, because I feel like our carpet NEVER looks clean. The kids were even excited- Joshua kept yelling "WOO WHOO...it's fantastic!!!" Ha! Anyways...never thought I'd be excited about a vacuum. Such is the life of a wife and mommy!!:)
*Fred and his dad took Joshua fishing for the first time this weekend. We bought him a little Scooby Doo rod and reel from Bass Pro (Our favorite store to go to as a family!). They went to a catch and release pond, so there were lots of fish in it. Joshua ended up catching FIVE fish in less than an hour!!! He liked messing with the worms, but wasn't so big on touching the fish!:) Fred said that he dropped the pole and backed away anytime he even mentioned the idea of Joshua touching one! He even told me that evening that a fish bit him right on his finger and it really hurt! Ha!!

Recent Events In the Lives of the Broome Family

My mom came down for the week when Anna Bell got her tubes put in. We decided to make a quick trip down to see my grandparents in Jacksonville, FL. It was so much fun! The kids loved hanging out with their Great Pa Pa and Mi Mi! Joshua and Pa Pa played all kinds of games and Pa Pa loved "rigging up" little toys/activities for him. This is the ONLY picture that I have from the trip...I was really sad that the battery died on the camera! We'll have to go back soon and get some good shots!

Unfortunately, Anna Bell has overcome her fear of steps. I was really enjoying the fact that she would not go near them for so long...but I guess it's time that she learn how to safely go up and down by herself.

....Oh and by the way...just thought I'd throw in this last picture for fun (or really, the true reason for today's post:)) This is baby Broome # 3!!!!! We had our first appointment today and I am 8 weeks along! We are very excited!!! I am SOOOOO sick this time around which is a little tough with little ones, but Fred is a HUGE help. I LOVE my new doctor. He was very informative and thorough with everything. We are overwhelmed by this blessing and so thankful that God saw fit to allow us to be parents to another child. I will post more soon, but right now I really need to eat something!

Life in Georgia

So sorry about the blog slacking lately...I've been meaning to post these pictures for a while now. The first two are of the infamous Annual Macon "Cherry Blossom Festival." It's pretty insane- the week long event actually gets national attention. Basically, as far as I know from my limited understanding, this event is a really big deal. There are tons of Cherry Blossom trees all over the city that bloom as the week begins. (I guess they know exactly when they're going to bloom way in advance so that they can plan all of the festivities...that alone blows my mind.) Anyways, there is a fair that is part of the celebration. We didn't get many pictures- but these of the pink poodle are my favorite! Everything associated with the week is pink. Ya know, like the cherry blossoms-- and I guess that some guy decided that his dog would join in. Poor dog. I mean, poodles are pretty sad creatures to begin with, but you dye one pink and that's just pitiful. The kids got a real kick out of it, though. I actually really love these type of cultural phenomenons. From the outside looking in, so much of it seems so silly...but really fun!!!!

As I went to download the latest pictures onto the computer, I realized that about half of them were of our kids eating ice cream!!! I guess I really like to take pictures of this...and I guess my kids inherited their momma's love for the stuff!!!!

I LOVE this picture of Anna Bell. She has just recently really started loving books like her big brother. Doesn't it look like she's reading to her dolly? ...I don't think that's what she was doing, the doll just happened to be sitting there:)




Here's a picture of the view from our kitchen window a couple of weeks ago. I LOVE it!!!! Spring is here!!!!

Check it Out Out Out

...So my wonderful husband decided to create his own blogspot this week...although this started out as a couple blog, I am definitely the one who updates it. I am really excited about Fred blogging as well- he is a lot more insightful and more knowledgeable than I am. Anyways, check it out....and post a comment about whatcha think!:)

Ears are Clear

Anna Bell had her surgery on Tuesday morning. Thank you so much for all of your prayers and encouragement. The surgery went great. The doctor said that it looked like one eardrum had ruptured at some point and the other one had fluid in it that was actually more jelly-like than it was liquid. Gross! Poor thing! Anyways, we got to go back and hold her as the anesthesia was wearing off. After about 30 minutes she was awake and doing great. It's been amazing to see the difference that tubes have made: she's walking better, eating more and taking longer naps. Sweet girl! The only annoying thing is that our doctor recommends us using earplugs anytime that she's in water. Last night during bath time, Joshua was extremely concerned about what "that red thing" was in her ears! I've heard several people say that the plugs aren't necessary for the bathtub, so we'll see how long it last!:)

Poor Sweet Anna

I took Anna Bell to the ENT (ear,nose, & throat) doctor for a follow-up visit last week. She had battled an on-going ear infection, so our pediatrician referred us to the specialist. Unfortunately, our precious little girl STILL has the ear infection! She has basically had the same infection since Christmas. Antibiotics weren't really helping, so she hasn't been on any since January. The doctor said that if you or I were in the same pain that she is, we'd be rushing to the doctor and begging him to fix it! She has just adapted and gotten used to her ears always hurting! So sad! Anyways, the doc has decided that tubes are the best option. We go for two pre-op visits this week and Anna Bell will have the surgery next Tuesday. Thankfully, it is a routine procedure that only takes about 5 minutes. She will be under anesthetic, so that's the part that makes me a little anxious. I'm glad to know that this should solve the problem without antibiotics, but still sad that she has to have surgery!

Ouch...

I am doing a book study with a couple of friends here in Macon. It's really great: because we all have young kids and realize that getting together to having meaningful conversation with 7 toddlers is about impossible, we "meet together" online. We have our own website where each week one of us posts questions from the chapter for that week. We then discuss and challenge one another throughout the week, when each of us has time. Then, when we do get together, we're not bound to an agenda. We can simply enjoy each other's company. It's been really good for me to have this kind of fellowship and accountability. The book that we are reading is Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney. It goes through the virtues of Titus 2 that older women are to model for their younger sisters. This is a book that I have wanted to read and have never gotten around to buying. For those of you who are looking for a good/challenging read, I highly recommend it. We got ours on the Mahaney's ministry website.
Anyway, this week's chapter was about self-control. One of the topics highlighted was the discipline of sleeping for the glory of God. I have never considered myself a morning person and thought that that was okay. However, this quote has really challenged my habit of being a "night owl:"
"I have heard of women who pride themselves on being "night people." That means that they have trouble getting up in the mornings because they come alive at night. They may stay up to all hours reading, watching television, or pursuing some sort of interest. The next morning they are too tired to get up and care for their family...These women are not "night people." They are lazy and selfish. who would not rather stay up late to do whatever they please and sleep late the next day? Once a young wife begins getting up earlier than her children and her husband, she will cease to be a "night person." She will be tired at night and go to bed at a reasonable hour so she will be there to serve her family the next morning." (by Martha Peace, Becoming a Titus 2 Woman)
...Ouch!

Pics of Our Trip

Anna Bell has yet to master walking, so she transports her toys in her mouth most of the time! Precious Girl!

Anna Bell LOVES to slide!

Fun at the park

My dear friend, Shelly, took the last two pictures. She is a gifted photographer and was willing to go with us to a park and get some shots of the kids. I will post more later, but these are two of my favorites. Thanks Shell! Love you!

Travel with Two

The kids and I spent last week in St. Louis visiting the family. It was spring break for mom and Laura and Fred had a busy week preparing for Easter services, so we figured it was a good week for me to go. I had been anticipating this trip with both excitement and a bit of anxiety because of the whole flying thing. I really didn't know what to expect traveling with Joshua and Anna Bell all by myself. There are so many factors that play into it: getting through security, the train thingy at the ATL airport, ear trouble with AB, diaper changing....you get the point. Thankfully, I had received some great advice/tips from those of you who have done this before (thanks, Holly!!!). The absolute best advice is BRING THE STROLLER!!!! Atlanta was so crazy with business travelers on Monday morning that I really don't know if we could have done it without the double umbrella stroller. Basically, they treat you like a handicapped person when you have one of these things, so we didn't have to wait in the forever long line for security. Instead, they usher you right up to the front and into a specific stroller/handicap line. It was truly a lifesaver! I also called the airline ahead of time and they placed a request on my ticket that Fred be able to go to the gate with me. They said that whether they granted this request depended on the level of security for that day, but PRAISE GOD, our request was granted and Fred came with us all the way to our gate! The flight itself wasn't bad at all: Joshua spent most of the time pealing Thomas the Train stickers and Anna Bell was tired of sitting by the end of it, but stayed pretty quiet. On the way back, we had to make it through the airport without Fred (which was a little crazy, trying to get on and off the tram with the kids, bag, stroller, and Joshua's carseat!) but we made it without too much excitement.
We had such a blast at Grandpa and Grandma's house. We went shopping, to the zoo, swimming at the Y, and spent lots of time just hanging out together. Maddie and Joshua had a great time- although their relationship is a bit dramatic (Joshua really enjoys getting Maddie upset). Anna Bell loved all the attention that she received and really loves Molly, my parents' Golden Retriever. We had a great time and the week flew by, but it's good to be home-- we all really missed Fred and the kids missed the routine of being at home. Thanks for having us Mom and Dad. We love you and miss you!!!
*Side note: A new mall opened in Macon while we were gone. It's really close to our house and has lots of fun new shops. We decided to go check it out this evening. As well pulled up in front of B&N, Joshua excitedly said "I want to go in there and drink my coffee!!!!"...That's my boy:)

Gross and Weird!

Joshua got a couple of Nerds this morning for going poopoo in the potty. After he was finished eating them, he brought his cup to me and I noticed a little white thing sticking out of his nose. It was a little nerd!!!! The candy coating had dissolved off of it, but otherwise it was a whole nerd that had come through his throat and nasal passages out his nose! Yucky!!!

Ladybugs and Belly flops

This is a pretty random post, but there are several stories/updates that I keep meaning to put on here and am finally getting around to it. So...here are some fun happenings from the Broome home:
1. Ladybugs:
For some reason, ever since we moved into our house, we've had a constant visiting of ladybugs. I have no idea where they come in, but they like to congregate at the windows. Because most of the trim in our house is stained wood, I often times do not notice the ladybugs before the kids do. Needless to say, Anna Bell has eaten at least two of them (maybe I need to work more protein into her diet..ha!). Joshua just likes to play with them until he says "Uh oh, mom, I squished em!" Oh well.
2. Belly flops: There is no doubt that Joshua is "all boy" and extremely tough. Although I think that it has to do, in part, with the fact that we don't make a big fuss when he falls or bumps his head. More than that, I think that he's just a tough kid. Our prayer is that Joshua would live up to the verse that we pray over him: that he would be strong and courageous and obey the Word of the Lord (Joshua 1:7-9) However, his latest "courageous" stunt is a little too much for mom and dad. Last week, as we were all hanging out in the family room, Joshua stood up on the couch and jump off doing a complete belly flop onto the floor! What in the world! He didn't fuss at all, but I thought that surely he was just trying to be tough and wouldn't attempt the stunt again. Oh no, he has done it like five times since then!!! Crazy kid.
3. I hate Wallpaper: When we moved into our house in October, I was rip roarin ready to get all the wallpaper out of the house in the first week. Well, here we are: going on our sixth month of living here, and we've only finished two bathrooms. We still have our master bath and the kitchen to do. The paper is original to the house, so not only has it been up for 20 years, but the wallboard was not primed before it was put up. This means that it takes forever to get it off and it leaves a lot of imperfections in the wallboard. While Fred was out of town this weekend, I decided to try to putty the seams in the paper with joint compound and paint over it. So far that's looking like a bad idea. Has anyone done this and did it look okay once you were all done?

Fellow LOST Fans...

What in the world is going on?!!?

Thanks Mom & Dad!

One of my favorite simple pleasures in life is an unexpected delivery from the United States Postal Service. Today as the kids and I were eating lunch, we heard the doorbell. As I curiously peeked out the window I was surprised with one such delivery! Wooo Whooo!!! No one in our family is especially good at sending packages, so I know that this was quite an accomplishment and sacrifice, mom and dad....Thanks!!!! Inside of the box was an assortment of fun treats including books, candy, a CD with pics on it and an all-time classic treasure among the Prosser family- "Bullfrogs and Butterflies" on CD!!!! I know that some of you listened to this as well when you were little (...and probably on record like we did!) It was SOOO fun to introduce Joshua and Anna Bell to such a great part of my childhood! Joshua LOVED it! I'm so thankful for bands like Hillsong Kids that aren't so "kiddy" sounding that we all love to listen to, but nothing beats childhood classics such as these!

John and Kate + 8

Fred and I watched this show for the first time last night. Holy Cow! I'm guessing that most of you have seen it, but for those who haven't-- it's so crazy! I looked at Fred at one point and said "that's basically like having two Joshuas and SIX Anna Bells!!!! Whaaaattt!!!! Anyways, it's a good reminder of perspective; on days when my life as a mom of two seems crazy chaotic... it could be a whole lot crazier!!!

Do I REALLY Fear the Lord??!!?

Our pastor began a series titled "The Way of Wisdom" a few weeks back. It is a study of the Proverbs that has really challenged me. The first week, Pastor Tim challenged us as families to commit to reading a chapter of Proverbs each day and to memorize one verse each week for the next 31 days. As simple as it sounds, it has been very refining for me. When I look at the Proverbs and all the references to "fearing the Lord," I am greatly convicted. Do I really fear Him??! Do I even really know what having a right fear of my Father looks like? One resounding theme that I have seen as I've read is that only with humility comes a right fear of God. Here are some other characteristics that our pastor shared with us from God's Word that really hit home with me:
Fear of the Lord means...
*keeping my heart tender before the Lord. "Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calmity." (28:14)
*valuing God's approval more than that of any person. "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." (29:25)
Another amazing truth that Pastor Tim taught is that when Fred and I rightly fear the Lord, we experience great confidence, which in turn, creates and place of security for our kids. "In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge." (14:26)
I am so thankful for how my loving Father refines me. I love how He teaches and corrects me with His Word! I am both overwhelmed and excited about how much I have to learn and grow!

It Wasn't on the Agenda, but....

Yesterday, when we went outside to play, (and perhaps find our critter) we came upon a mud puddle instead. I suppose that this could count as our science experiment: what happens when you drop a rock into a puddle of muddy water? Ummmm.... our results = one really dirty two year old! It was a great day for getting dirty; it wasn't too cold and we had our play clothes on. Joshua had a blast. (Anna Bell and I spectated from a distance!)

Here are some pictures of our dancin' to Lincoln Brewster. I tried to capture one of the three of us, but the whole "timer" thing on the camera kind of interferes with the free-spiritedness of the moment! (Joshua's dancing usually consists of running in circles and occasionally clapping...I need to teach him some of his momma's "moves" ...:))

"To Do" List for the Week

1. Dance...and dance and dance:)

2. Catch a critter... and let it go before an appendage is removed by little fingers.
3. Finger paint...and if it's nice outside, make a really big mess while doing it:)
4. Build a fort/tent...and read a pile of books by flashlight.
5. Perform a science experiment...any ideas?

Pictures to soon follow...Have a WONDERFUL week!

Yes...Joshua is wearing a Pink Shirt.

The Finally Finished Picture....

Here's the picture...Fred has wanted me to "try" selling paintings for a while now...and guess what?!!? This picture sold today! WoooWhooo! Granted, it was Fred's mentor/accountability partner that bought it...he's one of the most encouraging guys you'll ever meet....so he might have bought it because he simply is that much of an encourager! Him and his wife have three children, so he wants me to add two boys to it...and then it will be completely done. (I don't know if you can tell, but there is a little girl on the path and she is standing at a fork in the road. The theme of the event was honor, so the point of the picture is the decision to choose the "path of honor" verses the path that's easy/well-traveled.)

More Painting...(thank you, dear husband:))

One of the big deal events that Ingleside does every year is a father/daughter dinner. On the first night, they have it for teenagers and their dads and the second night is for elementary aged girls and daddies. Because it is technically a "student event," Fred and the high school pastor are part of the planning. Besides them (and the children's pastor) it basically consists of a bunch of creative/decorative-inclined ladies. I would love to be in these meetings to watch my husband's blank stare as the women go on and on about stargazer lilies and floor-length tablecloths! Not long after Fred started attending these meetings, we were playing battle of the sexes and he answered the question correctly "What is toile?" Wow...that's all I have to say.
Anyways, after one of these particular meetings, Fred got home and we all went out to run errands. When we got home, I had a message on the answering machine from a woman who helps with this event. She said that she had a "proposition" for me. Being that I have only met her once, I thought this quite strange. I looked at Fred and said "hmm...I wonder what that could be about." Fred replied with a bit of a chuckle "...I think I might have some idea." Hmmm. So...here's what happened: The ladies were discussing how great it would be if they had someone paint a picture that would be displayed at the entrance of the event that "captured the essence" of the theme verse. One of the ladies had a friend that did these sort of paintings and she said that she would give him a call. Before moving on to the next order of business, my dear husbands piped in.:) He said that I painted and could probably do something like that. Thank you, Freddy Broome!!! It's not that I didn't want to help, it's just that I haven't painted much at all since having kids and I don't really know what I'm doing in the first place. I have no idea about technique or brushes...it's really just through trial and error that I learn. The pressure of painting something for an event like this kind of overwhelms me. However...I called the woman back and told her that I would do it. Many of you know how difficult it is to serve in the local church when you've got little kids (especially if your husband is on staff) ...there's so many times that I go to events to "help" and end up getting paged or having to leave early for bed time or chasing the kids the whole time. This was a way that I could use my "gifts" even as a young momma. I am actually really grateful that Fred volunteered me for this project. The painting is far from perfect, but I thoroughly enjoyed working on it. For the past week, I've spent every nap time and some evenings painting. I would pull out the ipod and be in my own little world for an hour or so. It was really fun! I guess that sometimes I get in the routine of being wife and mommy and forget about some of the hobbies that I really love. SO....Thank You, dear hubby for allowing me the opportunity to paint:)