Stars in Sky

Wow! It's been awhile

2011-11-22T18:04:00.000-08:00

Random pictures from my phone...that's the best this mother of five can do right now!

The Next 90 Days...

2011-01-03T18:56:00.000-08:00

I will be participating in an virtual Bible Study where I will read the Bible cover to cover in 90 days. In fact I just attended my first Twitter party/ discussion. It was wild. I could not have imagined even 10 years ago studying God's word like this, but here I am! I'm excited! You can learn more here...

Blessings,
Abby

To Sum Up 2010

2010-12-31T19:55:00.000-08:00

If I actually posted to my blog every time I came up with an idea for a post my life would be well documented. However, there is something about sitting down to post that makes me so tired. Maybe it is because I never have the chance to sit still with five kids and when I do my body immediately thinks it's time to sleep. Anyway...

We had an AWESOME year! I can't believe how much our lives have changed in just one year. We started the year as a family of five and quickly grew to a family of seven. I was so unprepared for how much I would enjoy all the chaos that five children bring. Don't get me wrong, I am tired, tired, tired and it is hard, hard, hard BUT I wouldn't trade it for the world! I actually think I've become calmer with five kiddos because I've given up trying to control every circumstance in my life. I love it!

Colin and I actually got to take a little trip to Austin all by ourselves this fall and it was wonderful. I know a lot of people get to go do more exciting things than that, but we are so very thankful for the time we had together and the time we spent with good friends.

Russell is doing well in school, loving being a boy scout, going golfing with Dad and disc golfing with whoever will take him. He has made new friends and continues to ask us questions we don't know the answers to...very humbling! He loves to teach our family about all the things he is learning.

Aubrey loves school, especially her friends at school! She enjoys drawing, painting and playing with her Barbie dolls. She is learning to read and loves it. She is quite the helper with Lillian and Asher. She tells me she wants to be a Mommy when she grows up, but she only wants four children.

Bethany loves school too, but her school is with me at home. She enjoys baking, painting, making mud pies in the back yard and most of all singing. She is quite gregarious and has a surprisingly quick wit. She keeps us all laughing!

Lillian loves to dance and bounce to any music she hears. She is playful and talkative. She loves to eat, just like her mama, and cries when she is out of Gerber Puffs. She is a cuddlebug which both Mommy and Daddy take full advantage of!

Asher is rarely without a smile! He loves to laugh and babble! He enjoys climbing, but doesn't enjoy the tumbles he takes as a result of his fondness for climbing. He may be the baby, but not in size. He is growing bigger by the day, and learning all the time!

Here's the very best Christmas picture we could manage...ahhhh the chaos!

Wow! I haven't posted in forever...

2010-09-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

I guess having five kids will do that to you. I was reading a blog post from Missy at It's Almost Naptime, and I so identified. If you're a mom with young kids, please go read it. You will NOT be disappointed.

I'm posting some pictures that we had taken back in July for all you who don't have Facebook and haven't seen them yet. They are in no particular order because I'm just too tired to fix them!

Happy Birthday Jenny Dear!!

2010-08-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Jenny Dear! I made a little video to commerate how you heard this song for the fist time. I recorded in a card didn't I? I don't really remember. I do know this song is just for you, and I've been singing it every August 5th for more than half your life now! I sure don't know what I would have done if God hadn't made us cousins!! ;-) I love you dearly, Jenny Dear! Now are you ready for a hearty laugh?!?!?! :) Love, Abs

You know you have five kids when....

2010-07-24T14:58:00.000-07:00

you have to get a babysitter just to have a phone conversation that lasts more than 2 minutes. Thanks for the refreshing chat Lisa!!!

I'll be back soon with some new family pictures!

Abby

Grief is Sneaky

2010-06-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

I've been formulating posts in my head for days. Some are funny. Some are venting. Some are crazy. Some are sad. Some are all of those things, but I'm too tired to post.

Tonight I'm just writing, writing because it feels good to get some things off my chest. Today I was taking Aubrey to VBS and as I was waiting at the stoplight I saw the Klein Funeral Home hearse drive by. The man driving the hearse was the same one who I watched from the porch of my parents home drive off with my Mom on May 30, 2007. I didn't cry that day. I knew she was going to die. I was numb to it. Today was different. I wasn't expecting to see the hearse and the tears I should have cried three years ago all came out today.

I cried.

I needed to.

It felt good.

I'm still sad some days.

Most days I remember her with joy and happiness.

She was a good Mom.

She is a good Mom.

I still miss her.

Grief is sneaky. It comes out of nowhere, even three years later, when you think you're all cried out, there are still tears.

My Five

2010-06-16T18:30:00.000-07:00

2 Months Already

2010-05-24T19:44:00.001-07:00

Lilly Pie and Asher Man,

You are two months old! Wow time flies! It seems like just yesterday your Daddy and I were welcoming you here!

Now here we are two months later and we are more in love with you than ever!! Here are some things that I want to remember about this month:

- Lillian you smile all the time! You also cry a lot! :)

- Asher you are still laid back. You take it all in, a man of few words, except when you are hungry. - You are both very strong! You lift your head up when you are on your tummy and look at your toys. You like laying on your back and looking up at the fun things hanging down on your play gym.

- You both follow rattles and other brightly colored toys with your eyes. You are very interested in your surroundings. - Asher you love for Aubrey to play with you and engage with you. You smile for her a lot!

- Asher you don't like it when Bethany shoves toys in your face. Your Daddy and I are trying to help her be more gentle when she plays with you.

- Lillian you love going for walks, while Asher is napping, your eyes are wide open taking in the great outdoors. I hope this is the beginning of your love for the outdoors, maybe one day we'll hike together.

- Lillian, Aubrey and Bethany don't like for you to leave home without a bow in your hair.

- Asher, Russell takes great pride in the fact that you look like him. So does your Aunt 'Stina since your really do look like her with your red hair and blue eyes! - Asher you found your thumb and your Daddy is just beside himself...he want you to take a "Doodler" and not your thumb!!

- Asher, your brother and sisters have changed the words of the song "Hot Dog" by They Might Be Giants from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse just for you! It goes like this...

Ash Dog, Ash Dog, Ash Diggity Dog!
It's a brand new day whatcha waiting for!
Get up, stretch out, stomp on the floor...
Ash Dog, Ash Dog, Ash Diggity Dog!

-Asher and Lillian you have brought joy back into my life. I haven't been this happy since before my Mom died. I was so scared before you came. I knew it was going to be hard, but I didn't know how hard, and the truth is that frightened me. Now that you are here, it is hard, but you guys are soooooo worth it! I LOVE being your Mommy! I am so glad that God gave you to me! You are a gift and I love you both more than there are stars in the Sky!

Happy Mother's Day!!

2010-05-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

I have had a wonderful Mother's Day! I hope all the mothers reading this have had a wonderful day too!

So Bethany made me the most adorable Mother's Day gift at school. She made me yellow flowers out of her hand prints. Her teacher cut them out, attached green pipe cleaner to them and put them in a pot that Bethany decorated. I love it!! However, Bethany does not want to relenquish this gift. She worked hard to make it, and has decided that I might be able to have it in a few days, just not today. I've tried to convince her that it is better to give than recieve, that it's not nice to be an "Indian" giver, I've even tried bribing her for it (I want my gift, it's cute!) but she stubbornly holds on to it, refusing to give it to me. So I wait. At somepoint she will lose interest in it. Then I will swoop in, retrieve it, clean it up and put it somewhere special. It won't be long before she won't make me these special gifts anymore, so I want to treasure the ones she makes now!

A glimpse of my future...

2010-05-05T17:02:00.000-07:00

This is a trailer for Babies the movie, and the first clip is a set of babies close in age, maybe twins, I don't know, but it is a glimpse of my future!!! Enjoy! :)

Things I don't want to forget...

2010-04-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

Asher & Lillian,

I'm blogging about your first month because you don't have a baby book. I can't promise that you will have one at all, even though your older siblings have one. I know I will want to remember these things, so I'm blogging about it, because it's better than nothing...right?

- When you guys were about 2 days old the nurse brought you back to my room after a stay in the nursery, and she said: "Mrs. Muirhead, most of the time, twins find comfort in laying next to one another in the bassinet, but yours had to be separated, they were egging each other on." Yes, you were put in time out in separate corners of your bassinet at a mere 48 hours old.

- Lillian your cries put Asher to sleep like a lullaby, however, Asher's cries wake you up and you start to cry, I think Asher is egging you on.

- You have both steadily gained weight. At birth Asher weighed 7lbs and now you weighs 9.6lbs. Lillian weighed 6.5lbs and now you weigh 8lbs.

- You are both good eaters, but bless your hearts, you both have reflux. :(

- You have spent almost half your life living at Bubbie and Baby's because of a nasty stomach bug at our own house.

- I am not a relaxed 4th time Mom, I'm an uptight nervous first time Mom of twins and taking care of you is hard, but loving you is better than anything I could have imagined.

- Lillian you like your feet to be massaged! My kind of girl!

- Asher you like for your tummy to be full! Daddy's little man!

- Asher when I saw you for the first time, my first thought was, oh how I love you and my second thought was, oh my goodness I just had the same baby twice...you look just like Russell.

- You guys eat about every three hours.

- Sleeping through the night doesn't appear to be on the horizon.

- You reach for each other when your sleeping. I'll find you holding hands, hugging and cuddling...it makes my heart melt every time.

- You sleep better together than when you are apart.

- You both like to sleep on Daddy's chest, or in his arms. You are happy there.

- Your older siblings love you. They fight to hold you, give you kisses and pet your head. You are blessed and so are they. I think the five of you will grow up to have lots of stories!!

**UPDATE**
Lillian started smiling on May 3rd while you were looking at Mommy and smiled again for your Daddy while he was rocking you! You smile a lot now!

Asher you started smiling on May 5th while looking at Mommy. You haven't smiled much since then, but it's because you are busy sleeping! :)

I love you Asher Man and Lilly Pie!!

Love,
Mommy

Some Pictures of the Twins

2010-04-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

Well I don't have a good excuse for not posting lately, except for these little guys keeping me busy! ;-)

Real men sit in pink seats and use purple blankets! They really do!

That's it for now because I'm tired!

Loves,
Abby

Introducing....

2010-03-22T09:42:00.001-07:00

Lillian Joy Muirhead
8:26 AM
6lbs 5oz
18.5 inches

Asher Edmond Muirhead
8:27 AM
7lbs
20.25 inches

Our hearts are full! We are so overwhelmed at God's goodness!

Love to you all,
Abby

One last belly shot!

2010-03-22T03:06:00.001-07:00

Well today is the day! We are up and ready, about to leave for the hospital. The next news from us will be to introduce you to our little twinfants!

This us also a test post to make sure I can actually post to my blog from my phone!! Nothing like waiting until the very last minute! :)

Hmm...the picture posted funny. Oh well.

Ruminations

2010-03-21T21:02:00.001-07:00

I was thinking about my Mom today. It's the second time I've given birth without her here. I miss her. Today it's bittersweet.

Mamo & Russell

Mamo, Abby, Nani, Aubrey

Tomorrow, when the twins are here, it will just be sweet.

Abby

The Twins Birthday has been scheduled!

2010-03-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

I have known for a while now that I am going to have to have a c-section. Our sweet baby girl is breech, she is baby A and in order to even try for a natural birth baby A must be head down. I have been grieving this news from the moment I heard c-section. I have had three natural births, so this is a big change for me. However, the blessing in this, as explained by my doctor, is that when baby girl turned breech she was no longer engaged in the birth canal thus preventing the pre-term labor I had been trying to ward off. So even though I am sad about a c-section, I see God's hand in all of this, and I am grateful that He has allowed me to carry the babies this long.

After Dr. Young looked at several dates, and we we discussed risks vs benefits of delivering at different times, he decided that...

March 22, 2010 at 12:30pm

will be when we get to meet these sweet babies!

We'll keep you posted!

Abby

My Brother's New House and a Belly Pic

2010-03-12T09:49:00.001-08:00

Last weekend I actually braved leaving the house, and went to see my brother's new house. He just built in the Heights and his new place is PERFECT! We are so happy for him! Here are a few of the pictures we took from our little outing...

The House!
No the house is not lopsided, it's his sister's poor photography that makes it look that way! :)

The girls and Mommy on Uncle Root's front porch

Russell and Mommy on Uncle Root's front porch

Happy Birthday to me! We like to do things big in our family, like burn the pie instead of put candles in them! ;-)

Some love from Bethel!

Some people say we look like sibilings...you think?

36 weeks!! We made it!

I will let you all know when it's baby time, until then, we wait!

Abby

Do Twins Run in your Family??

2010-02-19T20:14:00.000-08:00

And other questions I've been asked throughout my pregnancy...

My friend Lisa, who is a fellow twin mommy, told me when I was newly pregnant that people would ask a lot of questions once they found I was expecting twins. I wondered to myself at the time if it could really be any more than with a singleton pregnancy, because I just assumed that people are generally curious when you're pregnant...well she was right, I've had a TON more questions! Here are some questions people have asked me in a typical conversation:

Q: Do you know what you are having?
A: Yes, a boy and a girl.
Q: A boy AND a girl????
A: Yes.
Q: TWINS??
A: Yes...
Q: Do twins run in your family?
A: Yes, my grandmother was a twin
Q: So didn't you know you were rolling the dice...that you could get pregnant with TWINS???
A: Uhm, well, uh, well, I guess I really didn't think about it like that...but uh, maybe, yeah...

OR

Q: TWINS??
A: Yes
Q: Don't you already have THREE kids? (look of disapproval because I am one of those...the kind that already has too many kids)

OR:

Q: TWINS??
A: Yes
Q: Were you trying for twins?
A: Huh? Is that possible?

OR:

Q: Did you take fertility drugs?
Q: Are you DONE having kids?
Q: Did you know...any random fact about twins?
Q: How are you going to afford ALL those kids?
Q: How are you going to take care of ALL those kids?
Q: What are you going to do with ALL those kids?

And my very favorite question of them all...

Q: ARE YOU CRAZY?

And the conversation is usually summed up really nicely with a "Glad it's you and not me" and off we go on our seperate ways.

I can't wait for all the questions I'll get when I have all FIVE kids in the grocery store! That will be fun! :)

Abby

29 Weeks + Belly + Names??

2010-01-22T09:02:00.000-08:00

Well, we made it another week! Yesterday I passed the 29 week mark and I was so pleased. God has been gracious to us!

Here's a picture of my 29 week belly. I meant to post pictures sooner. Better late than never is the story of my life!

Ok, now here's the real reason for the post. We need help naming our little girl. We seriously have come up with nothing! We aren't looking for wierd names, with weird spellings, we like more traditional names that aren't too popular. Any suggestions?

Thanks guys!!

Abby

Happy 3rd Birthday Ashley!

2010-01-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

To our sweet Ashley...

Happy Birthday Darling! We love, love, love you! It has been three years since we let you go, and yet it seems like just yesterday. This year we got to watch your Mommy and Daddy with Brooke and it filled our hearts to see what amazing parents they are. Your sister Brooke is so precious and we can't get enough of her. We know if you were here you would be the very best big sister to her.

We miss you so much and our hearts still ache to be with you. On the days when we miss you the most we write your name on our driveway with sidewalk chalk, or we just talk about what you would be like if you were here. And on some harder days we still cry...like today...because we love you. But this we know, that you're in Heaven with Jesus and you are happy and we will see you someday!

So even though we are apart on another birthday, we sent you your birthday balloons. We're sorry they are a day late, it was raining here yesterday.

We love you stars in sky!!
Uncle Colin, Aunt Abby, Russell, Aubrey & Bethany

We don't want to meet these babies...yet!

2010-01-14T15:45:00.000-08:00

I'm 28 weeks today. In pregnancies past this day would come and go barely noticed, but today was different. Today I ended up in L&D (Labor & Delivery) for the entire morning and part of the afternoon.

Let me back up, last night I started feeling poorly and by the time Colin got home at about 6:30 I was contracting A LOT! I immediately went and got into bed, drank some extra water and rested. The contractions subsided, but didn't completely go away, but I felt comfortable enough to go to sleep so I did.

When I woke up this morning the contractions were still there, so I decided to call my OB. He immediately sent me to L&D for monitoring. On a side note, when my OB decided that I should go to L&D, I just happened to have Russell with me. I was taking him to therapy, so he got to skip therapy and school today and get a different kind of education, bless his heart. He watched the nurse poke, prod and examine me, I think he was scared because he was sooooo happy to see my Dad when he came to pick up him up. Anyway, the nurse started telling me that I was having 40 second contractions, of low intensity every 2 - 3 minutes. Then she bombarded me with info about the babies lungs, steroid shots, c-sections, and even mentioned having the babies today. I WAS SCARED! Thankfully my friend Becky came and sat with me until Colin could get there, otherwise I might have melted down right then.

As it turns out, I have an irritable uterus, which is no surprise, it was irritable with Bethany too. I was a bit dehydrated, and once I got fluids in me, the contractions settled down. So they sent me home to rest, and resting I am. I don't want to meet these babies until the end of March, they still have lots of cooking to do. So here I am again, asking for your prayers. Will you please pray for the health and safety of our babies and that they will stay put for another 10 weeks?

Thank you friends! I love you all!!

Hugs,
Abby

27 Week Baby Pictures!

2010-01-07T18:53:00.000-08:00

We saw our specialist today. She said that things are progressing nicely and the babies look healthy. We are praising God for that good news and are praying that God continues to watch over our little boy and girl. We are still praying for healthy babies...please pray with us!

One funny thing we saw today was baby boy poking his little fingers in his sister's face. Of course there is a thick membrane between the two of them, but he would put his fingers right up to her nose and she would back away. He's already bothering her, I hope this is not a sign of things to come! ;-)

Here are some pictures from today's appointment.

Baby Boy!

Baby Girl!

The specialist also estimated baby girl's weight at 2lbs 12oz and baby boy at 2lbs 10oz so I have a good 5 pounds of baby in me! I'll be posting belly shots soon, so check back if you're interested!

Hugs,
Abby

A New Year is here!

2010-01-02T12:11:00.000-08:00

A new year has arrived and I am hopeful. Last year was hard. I don't want to whine, so I won't go into it all, but life just didn't go as I planned it. I had a lot of change and like one of my children in particular I do not adjust well when I have had a lot of change in a short amount of time. So there were two of us in the house struggling to make sense of life...funny how God will give you the exact right child to bring to light the things in you that need some refining! Hmm, more on that another time. So as I look ahead to 2010, a year with some very BIG changes coming our way, I am hopeful that God used the last year to prepare me for this year.

My 2010 Resolutions:

1. Have an open heart to what God is teaching me and allow Him to change me instead of being resistant.

2. Spend true quality time reading and praying through God's word, instead of rushing through my morning quiet times.

3. To be a better wife to Colin......let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly]. Ephesians 5:33 (emphasis mine - Amplified)

4. To figure out how to parent 5 children and survive.

5. Find time to exercise after these babies arrive, and start chipping away at this baby weight.

So what are your resolutions?

Belly Shots...23 Weeks

2009-12-10T18:08:00.000-08:00

This is just for you, Jenny, to prove that I am not exaggerating!

Here I am hours before I delivered Bethany at 40 weeks and 6 days.

Here I am at 23 weeks with the twins.

So there you have it! I'm HUGE!

Love You All,
Abby

Coming Late March 2010

2009-11-06T06:39:00.002-08:00

to our house!

A baby GIRL!!!!

and

A baby BOY!!!!

I always wanted bookend boys and now I get them! :)

Yep we're pregnant with TWINS!! Number 4 and Number 5!

We are thrilled for what God is doing in our lives and in our family, but we are also overwhelmed (I'm just being real). The thought of 5 kids 6 and under is...uh...well...there just aren't words. So we are genuinely asking for your prayers. For healthy babies and for God's peace as we enter into a VERY chaotic season in our lives.

May God multiply your blessings, like He has multiplied ours!

Much love,

Abby

Favorite Restaurant

2009-09-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

So I read It's Almost Naptime religiously since I found it on The Bearded Lady's blogroll and I love it! The gal who writes this blog make me laugh until I cry and then some. So when I saw that she was having her Friday Faves about restaurants I had to participate. Especially because I've been doing a lot of thinking about restaurants since I read Mandy's post about all the yummy places she went to eat at in NYC.

Mexican Food. We LOVE good mexican food at our house and I think Chuy's is our absolute favorite, with Pappasito's coming in a close second and then of course we love Gringos and our local Los Generales (they are especially kid friendly, they don't glare at us when we leave the place a total mess and they are nice when we return...I think we eat there to much because the hostess knows Bethany by name!)

Italian Food. Again, this is some food we love! A few of our favorite places are Collina's, Gugliani's and Maggianos on special occasions.

Steak. This is really Colin's deal, those who know me, know that even though I am carnivorous now and have been for a while, dead cow with any amount of pink in the center GROSSES me out. People tell me to really love steak it has to have some pink in the middle, but I'm not sold on that. I guess that means I'll never really love steak, but I'll go along and enjoy it because my hubby is there. His favorite is Morton's with Perry's being a close second.

Chinese Food. We aren't big fans, but when we eat it we go to Pei Wei or PF Changs.

Hamburgers. We love Mel's in Tomball! Yummy!!!

Coffee and dessert. If we want to stay close to home we go to Rao's, but if we are down near my brother, we grab him and go to Ruggles in the Village where we pretend we're hip and cool like all his CTK friends!! Date night's usually involve cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory.

Another place we go with my brother and pretend we aren't old and totally uncool is Shade in the Heights. We love it and we'll be visiting there more when he actually moves to the Heights. Also while in the Heights, we have to visit Penzey's, it's not a restaurant, but it's such a cool spice shop I have to mention it.

So those are our favorites...what are yours?

Abby

Happy Birthday Aubrey!!

2009-09-21T19:25:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th Birthday Sweet Aubrey!

Four years ago today our sweet Aubrey Ann made her appearance amidst some pretty dramatic circumstances. Hurricane Rita was headed toward Houston and while everyone else was evacuating, we were at the hospital having a baby!

This is her then:

On her 1st Birthday with her Mamo, who she almost shared a birthday with!

On her 2nd Birthday at Johnny Rockets, eating ice cream...it's in her genes!

On her 3rd Birthday at Aunt Debbie and Uncle Gary's after yet another hurricane!

Today on her 4th Birthday at Sweet and Sassy!

Aubrey Ann, I love you more than there are stars in the sky sweet girl!

Love,
Mommy

P.S. Mama, I wish you were here to celebrate with us, you were supposed to be Birthday buddies with Aubrey, but it just wasn't meant to be. I'll always cherish the one birthday you two had together! ~Stars in Sky, Lally

Pray

2009-08-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

I read a post on Mrs. Marler's blog today that has my heart aching, I know what it feels like to get devasting news, but GOD IS BIGGER than that news!!! Please head over to her blog and read her post and PRAY!

Dear Father,

I pray that you, the God of hope, fill this sweet family with all joy and peace as they trust in You, so that they may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

In Jesus Name, amen.

The Kiddos

2009-08-15T06:53:00.000-07:00

I've neglected my blog for long enough. Here are some pictures of the kids...

They really "wuv" each other!

Aubrey waltzed into the waiting room at Aspire with these on and there were only a few chuckles, because they know Aubrey...and if you know Aubrey, you know this is just how she rolls.

Great Deal...Pass it On

2009-07-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

I read The Money Saving Mom blog everyday and today she has a GREAT deal for SkinCareRX. It's a free $20 gift card. She gives all the details, check it out!

Abby

Pray for Will

2009-06-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

Hi guys,

I am passing along a prayer request for a little man named Will. I don't know him at all, he is the son of a friend of my friend Lisa. All I know is that if Will were my son I would appreciate the prayers of everyone. So here is his picture and a letter from his Mom and Dad. PLEASE PRAY!

Hi friends,

As many of you know, my 6 year-old son Will has experienced vision loss over the past several months attributed to what was thought to be a genetic form of juvenile macular degeneration.

We received some devastating news this week from our genetics visit last month that diagnoses him with Batten's Disease, a very rare neurological disease that initially attacks the eyes and then moves to the brain. As you can imagine, we are in shock...and while we refuse to claim this diagnosis, based on our faith, we cannot deny the DNA tests, nor the progressiveness of this disease.

My Will is such a wonderful, kind, caring and loving child. To think this horrible disease affecting only 1000 children in the country will steal his vision, mind, mobility and life is unimaginable. Since there is no cure (yet), we will rely on faith and prayers to lead the way to a miraculous healing for our son and possibly sons, since all our boys are at risk and will be tested next weeks.

I ask you plainly, with your utmost passion, to pray for our Will. Please pray for him each day; please include him prayers groups, at churches, share his picture with friends and family of faith. All we have is prayers and faith in God, and I will take the possibility of his intervention over any medicine, any day. I believe in each of you and I thank you for taking the time to read this, thoughts for my family and the hope that you wonderful friends send our way.

I've attached a recent photo of our sweet Will as a visual reminder of who you are praying for. Many thanks to Jamie Werner for taking this awesome photo and capturing his beautiful face so perfectly!!

With love and a heartful of thanks,
Will's Mom and Dad

Happy Mother's Day Mama...

2009-05-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

I wish I could tell you Happy Mother's Day in person....I miss you, I ache to hear your voice, to see your face...one day...I love you.

Stars in Sky Mamo,

Lally Lou

Fun in Austin

2009-04-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

We're growing little Longhorns around here! HOOK 'EM!!!!!!!

Russell and Colin went to Austin for the football Spring game and they had a blast! Here are some pictures from the weekend of our current and future Longhorns!!! :)

Cute Swimsuits and an invite to swim!

2009-03-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

Go here and check out all the cute and modest swimsuits! Get yourself one, and then come swim at my house!!! :)

Spring Break Fun!

2009-03-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

Pictures from our fun Spring Break outing. I wish we could have taken pictures on our tour to Blue Bell, but they don't allow cameras.

Aubrey and Daddy so sweet!

So busy eating ice cream they forgot to smile!

Levi & Owen...I just love these boys!!!

Can you get any sweeter? I don't think so!!

First attempt with all five.

Second attempt with all five. Bless Bethany's heart, she didn't know what to make of the cow statue.

Blue Bell ice cream tub bounce house.

Getting ready to jump!!

Must drink juice...even at 32!

Owen in the tree, he would have stayed there all day if we would have let him. He was very happy there!

Love this one!

In case you didn't know...Levi ROCKS!

Colin was encouraging dangerous behavior on this!

Colin, Bethel and Dee Doe

Russell got gum in his hair on the way home, resulting in a hair cut. Yes Colin is using a water bottle to wet his hair, we can't find our spray bottles...

My Firstborn!!

2009-02-10T19:16:00.001-08:00

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED? it was God's timing, but we definitely wanted kids
2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME? Yes
3. WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION? It was one of the BEST moments of my life! The Dr was the one that told me and I was shocked and thrilled all at the same time!
4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU? No
5. HOW OLD WERE YOU? 24
6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? Pregnancy test at Dr.'s office
7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? Colin
8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX? Nope
9. DUE DATE? Jan 5, 2004
10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? yes, but not as bad as with the girls
11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? sour things
12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? moving while 9 months pregnant
13. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX? precious baby boy
14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING? No, we were just thrilled to get to be parents
15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? 25
16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? Yes (thank you Leigh and Sarah! :)
17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? 2 I knew about, 1 was a surprise
18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? No
19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH? Texas Women's (and it was awful!)
20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? 12
21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL? MY MOM!!! And I would not trade that memory for anything!!!!
22. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH? Colin
23. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION? natural
24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN? No
27. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH? 8lbs 2.5oz
8. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN? January 8, 2004 at 12:32am
30. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? Russell Jeffrey Muirhead
31. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY? 5 Years, 1 month and 2 days

Vanilla Bean Almonds and Clear Play

2009-01-22T14:52:00.000-08:00

I love these almonds!! They are delicious!! Once you eat one it's hard to stop. Supposedly they will help you manage your weight if you eat one ounce a day by being a more satisfying and filling snack. I wonder if it helps you even more if you eat 5 ounces in one day...you know just wondering not because I ate 5 ounces in one day, I ate six! :)

Anyway, the serious point to my post is Clear Play. The Bearded Lady wrote a great post on the Clear Play DVD player. It filters out a lot of the "trash" from movies...seems like a great idea to me. Go check it out!

Abby

Date ideas??

2009-01-18T18:01:00.000-08:00

Hello blogging friends! I have a question. Do you have any fun and INEXPENSIVE date ideas? Colin and I always seem to end up at Starbucks, which is fine, but it's getting old. What do you do when you get a night out without kiddos???? :)

Abby :)

Happy 2nd Birthday Ashley!!!

2009-01-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Ashley,

Happy birthday darling, we love you!! You're two now, I can't believe it!! I know it probably seems like only a moment that you've been in heaven, but for those of us still here on earth, two years is a long time to be without you. We miss you like crazy, and spend a lot of time thinking about you. I want you to know your little sister is precious and we are wild about her. We love our new little cousin, just like we love you!!! We can't wait until the day we are all together again, and the pain of losing you won't even be a memory because all our tears will be wiped away. Until then....here are your pink balloons from your cousins! We love you stars in sky sweet girl!!

Aubrey drew you a happy face!!! :)

Stars in sky,
Uncle Colin, Aunt Abby, Russell, Aubrey & Bethany

CRAZY LOVE

2009-01-14T10:41:00.000-08:00

I'm looking forward to reading this...check it out!

This time FIVE years ago....

2009-01-07T18:13:00.000-08:00

I was breathing/grunting/screaming through contractions!!! YIKES!!! Where has all the time gone??

Hmmm...am I sure I want to do this without drugs??

Praying for baby Muirhead...will it be a boy or a girl?

She drove me to the hospital, wouldn't trade that memory for anything!!

Anxiously awaiting!

Some Daddy love!!!

And then our lives changed forever...more to come! :)

Family Pictures!

2008-12-29T08:15:00.000-08:00

We recently had some pictures taken by a fantastic photographer, Jay Isaac, in The Woodlands. We had a lot of fun and love the pictures! Enjoy! :)

This picture is what "normal" looked like when we were living with the Wilhelmsen's! :) (You really need to enlarge the picture to see everything...look at Aubrey!)

Happy Birthday Bethany!!

2008-11-26T19:35:00.000-08:00

Happy First Birthday sweet girl! It was on this day just a year ago that you graced us with your presence six days late! Oh how we have enjoyed this past year. You have grown so much and we have loved every minute of it. God has given us a precious gift in you and your Daddy and I love you more than all the stars in the sky!!!!

Wilhelmsen and Muirhead + Eight! :)

2008-11-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

Life has been crazy for us lately (I know I ALWAYS say that, but it's TRUE!!). I was trying to wait to write this post until I had a picture to go with it, but it might be awhile so I am just going to write...

Back in September, after Ike, we were living in Navasota with my Aunt and Uncle, waiting to close on the houses we were selling and buying. As it turned out the commute from Navasota to Spring with three little ones was about to kill me, so our very precious friends the Wilhelmsen's invited us to stay with them for about a week while we were waiting to move into our new house. We thought that would be great, but were still a bit hesitant because we have three kids and they have five. That would be eight kids and four adults under one roof...imagine the chaos getting ready in the morning or at dinner time and bath time, but we were sleep deprived and we took them up on their offer...it was only for a week, right?? Well things didn't exactly work out like we planned, after we closed on our house, we found out that we could not move in, and that work would need to be done first, so where are we now? We are still with the Wilhelmsen's. We are a family of twelve living under one roof. Life is certainly busy, but surprisingly ordered. Our kids fight like brother (mostly brother because their five are all boys) and sister. They love each other too, and to see them when they are being nice makes my heart melt. I wish I had a picture of them all to post, but I don't, they don't stay still long enough for me to capture the photo...when I have one I'll post it! :)

I hope you all are doing well!!

Love you!
Abby

Whew, that was a close one! :)

2008-10-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

The other day while Russell, Bethany and I were all playing, Bethany crawled into my lap and started to put her fingers in my mouth. I told her "no no", but she persisted. After several minutes of this, I was beginning to get extremely annoyed that she wanted her fingers in my mouth, so I put her down and began to get up when Russell came and said...

"Mom, she was just trying to get that out of your mouth."

"What thing out of my mouth?" I replied.

"THAT!!" He shouts pointing to my mouth.

"Describe what 'THAT' is!" I say

"That BIG brown thing on your front tooth." he says

So I go to the mirror and look and sure enough I have food stuck in my teeth and Bethany was trying to pick it out. Now I'm not sure if she was hungry or if she was already trying to protect my vanity, but none the less I am happy she saved me from a potentially embarassing situation! :)

TEXAS, TEXAS, YEEEEEEEE HAAAAAW!!!

2008-10-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

We are all excited at the Muirhead household about Texas' win over o.u.!!

HOOK 'EM HORNS!!

The Desert

2008-10-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I was talking to my cousin Faith about seasons that God takes us through, and that no matter how hard we try we can not avoid a season. Right now I am in a desert season. Everywhere I turn heartache abounds. I desperately want out of this season, yet I know from past failures that when I try to escape it only compounds the problem. Right now I am memorizing Psalm 40 and I love the first verse. It says:

I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

I will wait patiently for the next season to come, even though I am really struggling to do so. I will wait because I know that God will see me through because, as my cousin Faith says, He is kind.

Love to you all,
Abby

We're still here

2008-09-27T15:18:00.000-07:00

We came through IKE well, our home didn't sustain any damage, only trees down in the yard. We have since closed on our old house and we are hoping to close on our new one sometime this week. I have limited computer access so I will blog more when I have the chance!

Thank you all for your prayers for my friend Lisa she is now the proud Mommy of twins. She overcame some significant challenges to have these babies, naturally, and I'm so proud of her. Go to her blog and wish her well!!!

Love you all,
Abby

Calling all Prayer Warriors

2008-09-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Will you please lift my friend Lisa up today. God knows what she needs.

Thank you guys!!

Love,
Abby

"Russell, will you please STOP taking things apart?"

2008-09-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

I might as well be on repeat these days. Russell has become quite the handy man lately. At times this is a great thing, he can help his Daddy around the house and the numerous repair people that have come through as a result of selling the house (yes we sold it, no we don't have another place to live...another post all together) BUT there are times when it has it's drawbacks. Like last Saturday when he took a wheel off one of our lawnmowers, or all the tiny screws he's accumulating that have come out something in our house but he doesn't remember where, or his sisters toys (but not his because that would break them) and the list goes on. Truthfully, I think I would be more laid back about this if I wasn't so worried about Bethany ingesting a small, sharp piece of metal. I think it's great that he knows how to take things apart, now it's time to learn how to put them back together!!!

I hope you all have a great weekend!!

Much love,
Abby

Labor Day...a day late!

2008-09-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

Laborious

I got this off of Ashley's blog, and thought it was fun. Play along if you want!

How long were your labors?

Russell: 12.5 hours

Aubrey: 11 hrs.

Bethany: 10 hours

How did you know you were in labor?

Russell: My water broke and I had to call my mom to take me to the hospital. It was great, I loved it that she was the one to take me to the hospital. It is a memory I will cherish forever.

Aubrey: It was 2 days before Hurricane Rita was scheduled to hit HOUSTON and I was eight days past due, so Titi (my midwife) "helped" me a little and I was in labor instantly.

Bethany: Well, after almost three months of contractions, and "modified" activity, a false labor that went on for TWELVE hours, I was "helped" out again almost a week after her due date because she was having heart decelerations.

Where did you deliver?

Russell: Texas Women's w/ a Dr.

Aubrey & Bethany - St. Luke's in Med Center with the Midwives. I love the midwives, they are awesome!!!!!

Drugs?

Nope. I am one of those weird ones that actually likes labor...yes it hurts, but doesn't life sometimes?

C-section?

No.

Who delivered?

Russell - a real nice Dr. who was there for the 10 minutes of pushing, and then gone. I think her name was Theresa Robinson..I've seen her in magazines.

Aubrey - Theodorah DeFrancesca one of the most amazing midwives ever!!! Aubrey's birth was AMAZING!

Bethany - Titi Otluna another one of the most amazing midwives ever!!! Bethany's birth was peaceful and calm, I really didn't have much pain, only pressure, until it was time to push. Notice the difference in my facial expression after Bethany compared to Aubrey...much easier labor with Bethany.

***If you want to play along with this me, just cut and paste the questions into your own blog and leave a comment so we can all read about your laborious day(s).

Abby

Picture Update!

2008-08-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

We've had a fun week, here are some pictures from our week...

Look at me, I'm pulling up!

What a helper!

So sweet!

Cousins!

First day of Pre-K! Is he really old enough to go??

What we've been saying!

2008-08-17T17:58:00.001-07:00

As I've mentioned before, Russell has food allergies, so it is a topic we discuss a lot. Yesterday he was trying to figure out some things about his allergies, specifically eczema and he says "So I'm 'lergic to eggs and Connor's 'lergic to eggs you put that together and we have "egg"zema! That makes sense right?!

Yesterday we celebrated Puppy's 4th birthday...Puppy is his special blue dog from his Mamo that he must have before he goes to sleep...so I made a gfcf egg free cake because Puppy is also on a restricted diet now too. After giving Puppy some cake Russell exclaims, WOW Mom, Puppy really likes his pupcakes!! This time he was trying to be funny, we love his sense of humor!

Russell also tells me all the time that I need to "blog" about that, if he thinks that it is noteworthy...often times it has to do with the jumps he has mastered on his bike. Maybe I will blog about that sometime.

Aubrey has said some funny things too, but unfortunately I can't remember what they are right now, I'll update if I can think of them!! (I know, all of you who are not the firstborn are thinking right now about how your mother didn't remember all the great things you said and did too, well stop it, we love you just the same, we're just tired that's all.)

Much love,
Abby

Wonderful Evening!

2008-08-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

Tonight was wonderful!! Colin took Russell to a Texans game so that meant the girls and I had a night to ourselves. I asked Aubrey what she wanted to do and of course she wanted to watch a movie. So the girls and I loaded up and took off. First stop, Redbox to rent High School Musical 2, then to Chick-fil-a for a milkshake to share. We headed home and popped in the movie. Aubrey LOVED it!!! She was dancing and singing her heart out. She and Bethany finally tired out and laid down to watch the end of the movie.

Sisters!!!

Hmmm, something tells me this won't be the last time Aubrey is irritated with Bethany

I'm so glad that I had tonight with my girls. These are the times that I dreamed of when I was pregnant with them. Laughing and having fun, just being with one another. If you knew my mom, you know this was her idea of fun too, and tonight God healed a little piece of my heart letting me have this with my girls. Do I wish she was here too? You bet, but I'm glad that she taught me how to have fun so I can pass it on to my girls.

Aubrey and Bethany, you are precious. Thank you for tonight! I love you stars in sky!! ~Mommy

Love to you all,
Abby

Over a month since I last posted...that's AWFUL

2008-08-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

Well we've been busy, but isn't everyone else who blogs. I'm going to try to do better, really I am.

Some updates...

We recently found out that Russell is allergic to gluten, casein and eggs, so we have had some major dietary changes around here. Some have been good, like cutting out processed junk from our diet, some have been bad like trying to make gluten free, casein free, egg free muffins. Not gonna lie, they were really bad, really bad. We are collecting gfcf recipes, so if you have any good ones, let me know, I would love to try them.

Russell and Aubrey just finished up swim lessons and I'm really proud of how they progressed. They will both go under water for a few seconds and can manage to get themselves out of the pool if they are not too far from the side. We still have a way to go until they are swimming, but I think we have a good start.

Bethany is cutting teeth like crazy. Poor little girl is working on her fourth tooth in one month. She's a tough one!

Ok I'm done doing what I was doing, you know what I'm saying Lisa!! **smile**

I'll post more later!!

Much love,
Abby

Lazy Days of Summer

2008-07-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

Summer is off to a great start for us, I have enjoyed having the kids at home. It's been nice to have at least two days a week that we don't have to be out and about, getting three kids breakfast, dressed, in the car and off to wherever we are going is exhausting!

Russell is keeping me laughing. He told me I smelled like cheese today as if it were a compliment...nice, right?? Aubrey is in the process of giving up her Doodler (aka pacifier) and is a little out of sorts. She also flooded our bathroom today because I didn't get to the sink fast enough to turn off the water, seems she and Liel something in common these days! :) And Miss Bethany is trying her hardest to crawl. Where did my baby go?

Here are some pictures...

Love to you all,
Abby

Just for You An' Amana

2008-06-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

Dear An' Amana,

I love you! Thank you for teaching me to dance with my arm up in the air, I know it will be useful in the future!

Love your protege,
Aubrey

Feetsies (My Mom's name for feet!)

2008-06-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

Those of you who knew my mom, know that she loved a good pair of shoes (and of course a purse too)! She couldn't help herself when it came to buying my kids shoes too. Here is a picture of all of them in shoes that she bought...I think Russell and Aubrey's personalities are captured perfectly and even though she never met Bethany, I think the shoes "fit" her perfectly too!

The princess sleeps

2008-06-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

Random Pictures

2008-06-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

Aubrey Ann and Cinderella

Kids and Goofy

Kids and Mickey

Russell

The Pink Princess

Smiley Girl

All Dressed Up

Dancing with Daddy

One last time...

Love you all,
Abby

Broken.

2008-06-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

So those of you that know me know that I don't like to cover up my true feelings. I wear my thoughts and feelings on my face. Rarely do you have to wonder what I am thinking. However, since my Mom died, it has been more difficult to be "real". When people ask how I'm doing, I say "I'm hanging in there" and I am...kind of. I say "I'm alright" and at that moment I probably am. However, there are days when I feel like the pain is suffocating. I literally can't breathe because it is pressing down on my chest so hard. I am angry, sometimes full of rage. I want an explanation from God, and when I ask for one there is usually a long silence and then I hear the faintest whisper saying "I am here. Lay your burdens at my feet sweet daughter. I look on you with love and I am weeping too." Then I ask "what is your purpose with this? My heart is broken, don't you care?" My God replies "I do. I am putting you back together. Trust me." We end this conversation and I go on.

A few days ago I was reading a grieving mother's blog and I read this post (The rest of this post will make more sense if you read her post first) I had expressed to Amanda a while back that I wanted to break some pottery so I could just get this frustration out and deal with it. However, I chose not to at the time. After reading this mother's post, I decided now was the time. I had just attended my Dad's wedding and I was feeling the weight of the past year on my shoulders. So at 10:00 pm on a Saturday night, I went out to my front porch and smashed a cup that my Mom had given me with a tea pot a long time ago. I drank out the cup a lot, it was special to me, and I knew it was the one.

It felt so good to smash it, but I knew before I smashed it that I would be putting it back together. I wanted to go through the process no matter how long it took me. I looked at the pieces and began to sob. It really was me on my front porch. Just laying there in tiny pieces waiting to be put back together.

I went to work, putting it back together. I started to panic at one point, I didn't think that I could do it. I prayed for God to help me. My hands fumbled around for the right pieces. I was having trouble seeing through the tears, but I pressed on. I thought about why I am broken...

I thought about my past and how I regretted it. I asked God to heal the places that remained unhealed.

I thought about my Mom, about how much I love her and how I miss her terribly. I asked God to see me through my grief.

I thought about my Dad. I asked God to mend our relationship.

I thought about the things that make me bitter, and what I do when bitterness threatens me. I asked for forgiveness.

I thought about Jesus. Nailed on a cross. Broken for my sins. The punishment that brought me peace was upon HIM, by HIS wounds I am healed. I am put back together. Grace. Amazing Amazing Grace.

So here is my mug, put back together. It sits in my kitchen to remind me, of my brokenness and that God is making me whole again.

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

My heart may be broken, but I pray that his light that is in my heart will shine bolder and brighter out of the cracks.

Love to you all,
Abby

A year...

2008-05-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

This is the third time that I have tried to post now. My heart just hurts and I'm having trouble finding the right words. My cousin Faith posted about my Mama yesterday, it's a great post, check it out when you can.

I managed to get through yesterday. I can now say that I've made it a year without my Mom. It has been a tough year. I have learned a lot about myself. I am thankful for my family and friends that have come along side me and encouraged me in some very dark times. God has been faithful to pour out comfort on me every time I have cried out to Him. I am blessed.

Abby

Where on earth have I been??

2008-05-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

I have been taking care of sick babies, at Cenacle Retreat House on a silent retreat, taking care of sick babies and not sleeping, at Disney World , taking care of sick babies and being sick myself, taking care of sick babies.

If I could find the pictures of Disney World I would post them, until then no pictures, just a post to let you know I'm here!

Dallas Trip

2008-04-02T17:42:00.001-07:00

I'm a little late posting these pictures because it's been almost 3 weeks since we went, but better late than never!! I'll post Easter later too! Bethany and I had a great time driving to Dallas with Grandma to visit Daddy's Grandma and Mommy's cousins...hence referred to as Uncle and Aunt! :) Enjoy!

On my way

Bethany and Daddy's Grandma

Cindy & Nancy

Cindy, Abby & Nancy

Bethany & Uncle Dubbs

Bethany & Evie

Bethany & Aunt Jenny

Bethany & Uncle Brad

Jenny, Evie & Abby

Love to all,
Abby

Plenty

2008-03-08T19:41:00.000-08:00

So I have a friend, Jovi who may or may not know she had challenged me to rethink the way that I do things. Back in 2005 when she and I started e-mailing back and forth a friendship was formed discussing cloth diapering. She also taught me about CSA and lots of other things that we can do to be healthier and protect the earth. Have I done the things that she taught me you ask? Well not exactly, I tried, and gave up far too easily. I want that to change though, I don't want keep doing the same things I have been doing just because it's what I've always done. So I'm blogging about this for a little accountability. I plan to read this,

and hope that it helps me to start living better than I am now. It's time to make some changes and this a good way to start! Who knows maybe I'll start cd'ing Bethany next!

Abby

Blue Cake

2008-03-04T17:17:00.000-08:00

Way back in 1981, when I turned 3, I wanted a Mickey Mouse birthday cake more than anything for my birthday party. My Dad, being the baker in the family, obliged and set about to make me a Mickey cake. At some point during the cake making process something went terribly wrong, and I ended up with a blue cake....inside and out. Being the quirky family that we are, we latched on to this little accident and made it a tradition in our family. Now when I have a birthday I have a blue cake and so does everyone else from time to time. Here are some pictures of our blue cakes...

Aubrey's Pale Blue Birthday Cake

Colin's Blue Birthday Cake

My Birthday Cake

Abby

I'm tired of grief...

2008-03-03T14:18:00.000-08:00

and I want it to be over. Today is my birthday, it should be a happy day, I have fought hard to celebrate, but to tell you the truth so far today has just been awful. I miss my mom and I'm mad that she isn't here. I HATE death, so there.

Sorry if you reading this and you've done something special for me, it does mean a lot to me and I thank you for it.

_________________________

Ok so 10 minutes after I post this, I got a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my mom's friends, who have been calling all day just to tell me they love me. I'm grateful. Today is not so bad, but man I'm volatile...argh!

A new chapter

2008-02-29T18:58:00.000-08:00

Today marked the end of a long road for me. Some of you may know that I took over my grandmother's estate in April 2007 after my mom went into MD Anderson. It would take too long and I'm too tired to chronicle all that has happened with the estate since that time last year and now, but it has been hard. I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I wanted to quit, just give up, but God consistently said "No" there were lessons to be learned and I had to persevere. Today I closed on the sale of my grandmother's house. It was on the market for 357 looooooooong days. The house was a huge burden to say the least, and I was ready to get rid of it believe me!!! But today as I drove to the closing I cried. I cried because I miss my Nani, I miss sitting at her kitchen table and telling her all my secrets, I miss eating ice cream for dinner and miss trying on all the clothes she saved from the 40s, 50s & 60s...she had some serious style people!! I cried because it is the closing of a chapter in my life, and I'm tired of having to say goodbye to people and things that I love. But God tells us in Matthew to store up our treasure in heaven, and he also tells us in 2 Corinthians that what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal, not to set my sight on the here and now, but look forward to what he has prepared for us in eternity. If you read my older blog posts, you will see that this is a theme for me right now. I have had to say goodbye a lot in a short amount of time, but through this I know God is at work. He is more concerned with changing my heart than my circumstances. He is pushing me to change, and in order to do that he has lined up some circumstances that make me uncomfortable...like having to say goodbye. I know I can't hang onto the past and still be healthy, but I would certainly try. Thankfully he pushes me to change because I would never do it on my own. So here I go, I'm leaving behind a house, but keeping my memories. I'm moving on because that's what I have to do, it's just bittersweet sometimes.

Ok, I'm going to try not to be so depressing all the time. Please bear with me as I go through this season of grief!

Love you all!

Aby (no that's not a typo, but the only people who would get it are in heaven now!)

3 Months and lots of smiles

2008-02-28T10:50:00.000-08:00

I can not believe Bethany turned three months old on Tuesday. She is so big and cute as a bug. I really wish she would stop growing up so fast though, it's making Mommy sad.

Russell loves to call her "Bethel" you know like Bethany and Russell combined and Aubrey calls her "Bethy". Her Daddy calls her "Princess" and I call her "Janie", so needless to say we are confusing her and there is a high likelihood that she will not know her name anytime soon.

Abby

A Grey Day

2008-02-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

It's been raining here now for two days and my mood is like the weather...grey. It's days like today when I used to be able to call my mom, and the moment I would hear her voice on the other end of the phone I would feel better. She would listen to me and understand when I would say it's been one of those days with the kids, she would sympathize that I have too many things to do and not enough hours in the day to do them, she would laugh when I told her that Bethany had to have a bath in the middle of the day due to a blow out diaper and then she would tell me that I did the same when I was little, she would cry with me because my heart hurts and encourage me to go to God. I'm grateful that she took the 29 years we shared here on earth and poured herself into me, I am blessed because of her love. I look forward to spending an eternity in the presence of my Savior, with my Mom there too.

"Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope." 1 Thessalonians 4:13

I miss you Mama! I love you stars in sky!

Abbies

You look pretty with a sticker

2008-02-20T18:53:00.000-08:00

I'm sure it wouldn't come as a surprise to many who read this blog that it is a tad choatic at our house most of the time, but especially when we are loading up to go somewhere. Since we have somewhere to be all but Friday and Saturday mornings, loading up is routine and choas is accepted as normal around here. This morning as we were getting ready to leave for Aspire we were running late, as usual, and I needed to go to the bathroom. I decided, instead of waiting until we got to Aspire and I had on less kid to look after, I would just go before we left the house. Why would I wait you ask? Well, it's simple, my kids realize I'm helpless to do anything when I'm occupied in the bathroom and that's when "things" happen around here:

Exhibit A: Look closely at her hands. Yes that is a stamp you see. She was being a "good little sister" and of course all good little sisters deserve stamps on their hands...mind you, she was only 3 weeks old here.

Exhibit B: Today, as I am in the bathroom, I hear Russell say " You look pretty with a sticker" and I knew he had decorated his sister somehow. I immediately think, he has the markers out too, uh oh, so I rush out to find this...pretty with a sticker

Not too bad, at least there were no markers involved this time.

Here are some more recent pictures:

Bethany and Daddy after church

Hey! Do I know you?

Daddy and his Princess

Smiley Girl!!

Love you all,

Abby

Do you need a map?

2008-02-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

Today I thought I would be a nice Mommy and let Russell and Aubrey watch Word World, a treat usually reserved for Fridays, so I could nurse Bethany in peace. Russell came to check on us a few times while we were rocking in Bethany's room, and he showed me how he could put the markers together to make a really long stick. I probably should have paid attention to the little alarm going off in my head that was telling me to confiscate the markers immediately, but that would cause a fight and disrupt the peace I really wanted, so I did what any mom who needs a break would do...I ignored the alarm. Fast forward 30 minutes when I walked into our living room. What did I find???? Pink marker scibbled all over the carpet.

"Russell!!! Come here, NOW!" , I say through gritted teeth

"What is it Mama", he says with his most charming grin

"What is on the floor", I say still through gritted teeth

"That's my map", he says

"Your MAP???", I reply

"Yeah, my map, I drew it so that Scoop would know where to drive." he replies, still grinning at me

So we chat about how we write on paper and not the carpet and that he can pull out the car mat if he wants Scoop to have a map. We clean up the mess, thankfully it was Crayola washable markers and it comes out easily. Then I go sneak away and go have a good laugh! :)

I'm so glad that I get to be the one to clean up his little messes!

Tonight

2008-02-02T19:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Aubrey Ann,

Tonight you let me hold your little hand as you went to sleep. As I watched you fighting your exauhstion, tossing and turning, you held my pinky tightly. I guess it made you feel safe while you were trying to calm down. I remember my Mama used to hold my hand like that too and pray for me. Now it's my turn to hold your hand and pray...what an honor! Precious little girl, I love you, I'm blessed to be your Mommy.

Love,
Mommy

Overambitious

2008-01-21T18:24:00.000-08:00

OK, so I was a little ambitious when I thought I could have a new baby and a new blog all at the same time. Turns out the kids take priority and the blog will be a little sparse until I get more sleep. I compose new posts in my head all the time, but I can't find the time to actually post them...wonder why? Maybe one day when I get some sleep, at least a little more than what I am getting right now, I will be able to post more. In the meantime, here are some new pictures!!! :)

All dressed up with no place to go at 5 weeks!

Matching dresses!!

Happy 4th Birthday Russell!

Sleeping Baby Girl 7 weeks!

Daddy and Bethany (7 weeks)

That's all for now folks!!

Love,

Abby

Happy Birthday Ashley!!

2008-01-15T18:48:00.000-08:00

Dearest Precious Ashley,

Happy Birthday sweet girl! I love you so much, so much!!! Oh how I wish I could have met you, I wish I could have told you how much you I was looking forward to being your aunt, I wish I could have held you. I have spent days thinking about you, missing you, remembering you...I remember finding out about you, that you were in your Mommy's tummy and you were going to be here February 26, 2007. I remember when your Mommy sent me an e-mail that said it's a....GIRL! Aubrey and I were so excited we rushed out and bought you something pink. We were so excited that Aubrey was going to have a cousin and that you were going to be friends like I am with my cousin and like your Mommy is with her cousin. We had so many plans, but God had a different one. I will never understand His plan, but I do know this...that before there was time, He planned you and I am so glad He did. You are precious and I will always love you.

So we couldn't let this day pass without celebrating your birthday! Here are pictures from the party we had for you! We sent "birthday cards" to you in heaven via pink balloons, one from each of your cousins. I know our party pales in comparison to the one you're having in heaven today, but we still hope you liked your balloons! We love you stars in sky!!!!!!

Love you stars in sky!

Aunt Abby

The five of us...

2007-12-04T17:31:00.000-08:00

Well Bethany is a week old and I am just now getting around to posting again. I must admit that adjusting to a new baby in the house is just as hard the third time as it was the first. It's the things I have to adjust to that are different. With Russell I needed to learn how to change a diaper, burp him, go without sleep. With Aubrey I had to do all those things but with only one hand. The other hand was to catch Russell when he darted off...inevitably during a time when I really did need two hands for Aubrey. Now adding a third...hmm. I don't have three hands, essentially I have to triage the situation and the truth is that I'm not always that quick on my feet, especially when I'm sleep deprived, so we are climbing a learning curve here at the Muirhead's. I know there are those have traveled this road before me and done well, so I take encouragement in that. My precious friend Kristin's mom comes to mind...she raised three amazing daughters who were all VERY close in age, so if she can do it, maybe I can too! :) Now I'll stop rambling and post some pictures! Isn't that why you're here anyway! :)

Sleeping in the hospital

The five of us

Big Brother!

Night Night!

Blessings!

Colin and Abby

Introducing a new Baby and a new Blog!

2007-11-28T07:31:00.000-08:00

Welcome Baby Bethany Jane!

Born Monday, November 26 @ 10:33pm
8lbs 12oz, 21in

Here are some of her pictures. I will post more once we get home...and talk more about our new family blog!