Stinker Face

Kim

I have been thinking about my life. My childhood, my hopes, my dreams, my sister. I was born on August 3, 1978. I had a mom, dad and an older sister named Kim. Kim was 6 years older than me and I thought she was the best thing in the world. When I was 3 my baby sister Robyn was born. For a long time I thought she was a pest and brat, but now she is my best friend and I don't know what I would do without her. It was a normal life. Lots of playing, ballet, school and bugging my Kim and my cousin Donna. On October 9, 1982 our whole world changed. We had gone to my aunt's house in Florida to visit. They were building a house and had a bush hog tractor on the property. The kids thought it would be fun to take turns riding on the tractor while my uncle drives it around. After a couple of turns my sister and cousin take another ride this time sitting on the hood of the tractor. Next thing we know my sister and cousin fall off and the tractor runs over my sister. Jesus took her home that day. This shakes my family to the core. Our entire family dynamic changes. We are now a family of 4 not 5. We are now the family who you have to whisper around. We are the family that you feel sorry for. I remember being so angry with everyone. I hated the look of pity and the soft pats on the head whenever we went anywhere. The adults would whisper not knowing I knew what they were whispering. Everyone tried to shield me from the pain not realizing they were only adding to the pain and anger. They didn't want to talk about it afraid I would get upset. That was the worst thing they could do. Eventually we got past it and returned to a somewhat normal life. Back to ballet, school and playing. It is hard to think what would have been. I know God is sovereign and He knew what He was doing. I know Kim had her days numbered like the rest of us. It still is hard to wonder about what things would be like. Would she be married? Would I be an Aunt? Would she like my hubbie? How would she have helped me through my divorce? Would we still be as close as we were then? When I visit her gravesite, which isn't often, I tell her about my life. I know it probably sounds weird but it is how I cope. After she died the things I wanted didn't seem to matter as much anymore. Even though I was only 5 it has shaped my entire life. She is always there in the background. I tell my kids about her and keep her as involved in my life as I can. Material things don't matter much to me anymore and haven't since that day. I promised my sister I would see her again one day. I know that is one promise I can keep. God has helped me through her death and has shown me His sovereignty through it. He has used her death as a life lesson I might not have received otherwise. I try to live my life so her life was not in vain. I can't wait to get to heaven and see her waiting for me. To have her arms around me and to run and play and giggle like we used to. To share in all the sister moments we missed. Most of all to glorify our King together like we used to. To sing praises to Him. Kim will always be a part of my life. She has changed me and continues to each year that passes. She will forever live on through me and through the stories I tell my kids.

Random pics I love

Madeleine blowing kisses and missing her mouth. I love it when she does this!
Caleb playing with his baby sis and baby sis adoring her big brother!
My princess sucking her thumb. I love it!
My princess watching Power Rangers and sucking her thumb!


I love taking random pics of the kids. It is hard with Madeleine because she loves to pose and ham it up in front of the camera. Can we say DIVA? Anyway I took these the other day and fell in love with the randomness of it all. Is there anything cuter than a baby sucking her thumb?

And they're off!

Madeleine started walking the day before her first birthday. She is walking everywhere now. She loves being chased around. It is so cute seeing her try to chase her brothers. Miss Independent is now on the loose.

Winter Wonderland

When it snowed here the other week our boys couldn't wait to get outside. 10 minutes later they were begging to come inside. They didn't last too long. They made a couple of snowballs and then they were done. It was so pretty outside I kept taking pics of our yard and the trees. We had fun while it lasted, but the boys liked the fireplace even more than the snow. I guess they won't be skiing any time soon.

Whewww!

Maddie isn't getting sick. She is just teething. Thank goodness. We had a rough 2 days but she is much better and back to her cute little self. Thanks for the prayers.

Walking!

Today as I was having lunch with the kids Caleb asked me a question. "Mommy, you know that feeling in your chest where your heart is"? I said your heartbeat? He said,"It's not your heartbeat it is God walking around in your heart! Everytime you feel that He is taking a step"! He also asked me if God has a kitchen in our hearts. I said probably not. Then he said,"Well he has to eat sometime, maybe he gets pizza delivered"!

I love trying to imagine what it is like in his brain. He as such an imagination. It keeps me on my toes.

Also, if ya'll could please pray for Maddie. She is getting sick again. Our family keeps getting sick and we all need to get better. Thanks!

Lymerick Time!

I got inspired by Kim and Penny to write a lymerick. Having not written one before it took a while. I had so much fun I am having Lymerick time in my head, a scary place to be sometimes. I even got my manly hubbie trying his hardest to reach down and embrace his sensitive side, he's writing them too. Here are the ones I came up with!

The kids they are waiting for snow
Their faces they are all aglow
Snowballs and snowmen
It is fun to pretend
Can't wait to see smiles start to grow

I am a mommy of four
Each day I love them all more
Because of the "men"
And their stinkin' sin
My sanity walked out the door

Diapers and bottles are life
I am a simple housewife
Laundry and dishes
Not my own wishes
Give me a life filled with strife

Why is it I can think of a ton pity party lymericks, but the jolly ones are hard to write. I really do love my life I promise.

Here are a few of my manly hubbies newly found sensitive side lymericks:

I like to write lymericks tonight
They give me a source of delight
Tomorrow they don't
Just 'cause I won't
Take the time to make them right

She won't let me do it my way
Her way is MUCH better she'll say
So I give in
To this clucking hen
And pray one day I'll have my way

Okay, maybe sensitive is not the right word to use, but at least it kept us busy for awhile. Maybe we'll have lymerick time every week. Probably not but it has been fun.
That's all she wrote!

Interview with Caleb

One of my good friends interviewed her kids and I thought it would be fun. Here is the world through Caleb's eyes.


1. My Home is...with the Lord.

2. I am listening to... Pinky Dinky Doo

3. Maybe I should... watch t.v.

4. I love it when... you are nice because I listen to you.

5. My best friend... is Reagan and Caroline and Luke and Parker.

6. I don't understand... why people die and go to heaven

7. I lost... my watch.

8. People say... that I'm funny.

9. The meaning of my blog name is... mommy's name

10. Love is... mommy. You are my love.

11. Right now, somewhere, someone is... sitting down.

12. I will always... have you as my mommy

13. Once upon a time ... you hugged me.

14. I never want to... get a spanking
.
15. My personal motto is... Oh! Man!

16. When I wake up in the morning... I sneak around. (I think he will get a spanking for this one!)

17. I get annoyed when... I get bored.

18. People always... read. ( too much Pioneer Woman maybe?)

19. I sing... church songs.

20. Hugs are the best when... they I am nice.

21. Today I... will read a book.(WHen did he start reading?)

22. Tomorrow I will... play with my brothers.

23. I really want... to see my brothers.

24. If I had a sister... I would be real, real happy. (Sorry, this oven is no more)

25. If I had another brother...I would call him Jackson.(and mommy would go insane)

26. The thing that makes me different is... I can skateboard real good and I am called Caleb Daniel

27. My favorite things... is watching t.v. and playing with Luke and Parker

28. Something I don't like to do is... sleep

29. One place I really want to go right now... is Disney World, but I'd rather go to the park.

30. My favorite restaurant is... Shaggy's in Mississippi. I love the gumbo. Can I have some please, please,please?

Starting the New Year with a BANG!

Caleb woke up last night with a bad sore throat. I call the doctor this morning and see if he can be seen at Madeleine's 12 month check up. We get there and he has strep again. This makes 4 times in 1 year he has had strep. 3 times in the last 6 months. So we have an appointment with an ENT next monday to schedule a tonsilectomy.

Madeleine had her 12 month check up today. She weighed 21 pounds 12 ounces and was 29 1/2 inches long. She is in the 75th percentile for both height and weight. We also found out she has 2 massive ear infections. On a scale from 1-10 she has a 10. I had no clue she was sick. I feel like the worst mom in the world. How could I not know she has been sick? She has not been fussy or waking up at night or decreasing her eating or drinking. Dr. Stone called her one tough cookie. I guess she has to be with 3 older brothers.

I am finishing this blog and going to bed. I am so worn out from taking care of all the sickies from the last two days. Until next time.

Give me a break!

I think something is really trying to keep the Hinkle clan from going to church. Every Sunday something happens to prevent us from going. Yesterday we were up and actually going to make it to Sunday School on time. The boys got up from breakfast to go play, before we had to leave, and Millie decided to chase them. The next thing we hear is a crash and Parker screaming. Millie had tripped him and he smashed his face on the ice chest from Maddie's party. All of a sudden his mouth filled with blood. e had to keep spitting it out there was so much. After it stopped I saw a huge chunk of upper lip hanging down. Not only that, but he has a cut on the top lip from every tooth on the bottom. I took him to the ER to see if he needed stitches. Thankfully no, but he is on a liquid diet until it heals. Maybe we can make it next Sunday. I really miss hearing the pastor and Madeleine needs to get baptized some day. We'll see what happens.

Madeleine's First Birthday!

First pic of the morning. The birthday girl woke up happy!
Tinkerbell cake and Tulips
Tinkerbell dress
Yummy!
Okay, I have had enough!

My Madeleine Claire turned 1 on January 5th at 12;43PM. We had a Tinkerbell party with some of our good friends. We had hot dogs, pasta salad, chips and of course cake. All the kids loved playing on the playground and watching Peter Pan. We had fun fellowshipping with the parents. Madeleine received some nice gifts and she loved taking the tissue paper out of the bags. She liked licking the icing off the cake, but did not want her hands messy. We had a great time with all of our friends.

Madeleine you have made my life complete. You have taught me more about love and joy than anyone else. This last year has been amazing. Seeing you grow into the beautiful little girl you are turning into. Watching you learn new things everyday. Watching you love and kiss on me, your daddy and your brothers. You have brought more to this family than you'll ever know. You are my princess. You are my heart. You are my little girl.

Christmas Pics finally

Madeleine feeding her Cabbage Patch Doll
Madeleine not feeling well. She's trying to be a happy girl
Caleb playing with Scott
Luke and Haley opening gifts from Santa
Parker looking at his gifts

Madeleine decided to start teething on the 23rd. We were up all night on the 23rd and the 24th. She did not feel good at all. She tried so hard to have fun but her teeth won out in the end. The boys had a blast playing with their toys. We simplified this year. Each kid got 4 presents from Santa. We want them to know the real reason for Christmas. We had a fun morning just being together as a family.

Bachelorette Party

My mom is getting married on January 29th. My sister and I took her out for a bachelorette party night. We went to The Melting Pot. It was so good. I love the cheese fondue the best. We were sent three glasses of Banfi Rose Regale sparkling wine. That was the best bubbly drink I have ever had. We had the cheddar cheese fondue and the steak and shrimp entree. For dessert we had the flaming turtle fondue. Absolutely divine. After the Melting Pot we went to a local karaoke bar and my mom had her first shot ever. My sister and I made her do it. It was a mild jolly rancher shot. She did it without spitting it out which I didn't think she could do. We had a great girl's night out while my sister was in town. Congrats mom! You deserve everything your getting. You have been faithful to God and now He is rewarding you with a great husband and provider. You deserve to be the Queen for once. May you finally have your happily ever after!

Christmas in Review

We were so blessed this Christmas. We had all the kids and it was so much fun. We only get the boys Christmas morning every other year and I am so glad for Madeleine's first Christmas we were all together. On Christmas Eve we had my dad and his fiancee Denise over for dinner and to exchange presents. Scott and I both got a Visa gift card. I was very happy to spend the money on myself. Luke got a set of Lego's, Caleb got a Leap Pad read and write book, Parker got a Doodle Pro and Madeleine got a Leappad Baby. The kids loved their gifts and enjoyed spending time with Bop and Denise. They also get to open 3 gifts from mommy and daddy. They get some pj's and toys. Luke got a nerf gun and a Transformers Bumblebee, Caleb got a nerf gun and an electric guitar, Parker got a nerf gun and another ninja turtle. There are green nerf balls all over the house. Madeleine was already in bed because she decided to cut 4 teeth that night. Santa brought Madeleine a kitchen set, a cabbage patch doll, a learning cube and clothes. Santa brought Luke some Transformers, Power Rangers, and Clue. Santa brought Caleb some Transformers, Power Rangers and Moon Sand. Santa brought Parker some Ninja Turtles, Big Lego's, Lightning McQueen and a Transformer. We then went to my mom's house to exchange gifts and eat dinner. I am too tired to list all the gifts but they were good. Christmas was so much fun.

I survived another Christmas

All the decorations are gone and the house is cleaned. The toys have all found a home and the new clothes replaced the outgrown ones. As I sit here sighing a sigh of relief, I completely welcome a fresh start. The busy hectic days of 2007 are quickly going by and the new year is just around the corner. I hope this new year brings with it a calmer Hinkle house. I love that we now get to celebrate the new year with Madeleine's birthday. Before we had Maddie our family was just put together. There was his and hers and not ours. Now we have the glue that makes us truly one house and truly one family. I am so glad God decided to give us Maddie as quick as He did. We probably would not have gotten pregnant as quick if given the choice. He is amazing and His timing is perfect. I could not imagine my life without her. Sorry, just rambling on, trying to put the thoughts down on paper so I can go to sleep. I guess I survived another Christmas. 2008 here we come.

God Shaped Hole!

Tonight we went on a drive looking at all the Christmas lights and singing Christmas carols. The boys love to sing and we love to listen. We went and ate at Bodeen's Barbeque, in the old Dairy Queen on 31, and it was so good. If any of you have eaten at Broadway Barbeque in Homewood these are the same owners and their barbeque bakers are completely scrumptious. After we ate we went looking around some more and went to the Alabaster fire station, by the library, and did their little kids village thing. While we were out Caleb started complaining about his chest hurting. I think it is just heartburn. We asked him to describe his pain and he said it felt like God was trying to come out of his heart. Caleb has had a hard time listening lately and he thought since he was not obeying God would come out of his heart. This was such a great way for me to help him understaned that God will not ever leave him once He is there. I love the way God reminds us of His simple truths and shows even His little ones His promises. I guess we need to remember everyone has a God shaped hole and it is our job as Christians to spread His word. Let's remember this holiday season what it is all about. Our savior, our king, our baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, our redeemer.

AAGGGHHH!

Okay, we've had all the kids since wednesday. Since Luke is on Christmas break and didn't have to be at school I kept them home yesterday and today. Oh, my gosh! It is so hard sometimes. I think at least one of the kids has been in time out during the last two days. I am so not used to boys. They are loud and destructive and I feel like they have come from another planet. Who likes to hear about boogers, poots and burps? Do I really have to come look at your poopie every time because it is the biggest one ever? Seriously, is diaperhead really that funny? Sorry, had to let it out somewhere. Why can't they play nice and quiet with their superheroes and not blow stuff up. Is it in the "boy manual" they have to blow everything up? Alright, I feel much better now and think I can make it another 30 minutes before my wonderful husband gets home and adds that much more testosterone to the Hinkle household. While those of my friends who have all girls are sitting nicely having tea parties think of me and maybe drink a round for me. I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season and can't wait to see you again. Love from a mom surrounded by the most wonderful boys.

Yeah Caleb!

Caleb learned to ride his bike with no training wheels. He did so good with minimal crashing. He is such a big boy now. He loves the freedom and loves riding his bike even more. He has learned to start and stop himself as well. He is very proud of himself and can't wait to show his brothers. I am so proud of you Caleb. You tried and tried and all your hard work paid off. Mommy loves you!

Season's Eatings!

Madeleine eating and enjoying her favorite snack Rice Krispies


Madeleine eating and not enjoying her dinner green beans

One of Madeleine's favorite snacks is Rice Krispies. I can put her in her high chair and pull the box out of the pantry and she starts clapping and laughing. She really loves those Krispies. I can get alot done around the house or fix dinner if she has her beloved snack. It is so funny because I can't stand Rice Krispies, but my little sister Robyn loves them about to the extent Maddie does. Every time I see her enthusiasm for this snack I have to call her Aunt Robyn.

One of her not so favorite things to eat is steamed green beans. She tried for about 5 minutes to eat this one bean and couldn't because she would shiver so hard. It was pretty funny. Probably kind of mean since we let her shutter like that for so long. Oh well, I guess that is one of the things parents can do and get away with because they won't remember to hold it against us when deciding whether to take care of us or put us in the nursing home. I thought the pics were too cute to keep to myself. Happy Eatings everyone!