So Long, World......Be Back Later

Hiatus... to stand open
A break or pause.
A gap in a series, making it incomplete.
The condition of having such a break.
A vacation.

Hiatus=What our family will be taking for the next three months.... call us crazy, weird, or whatever, but we are TAKING A BREAK from as much of the hustle and bustle as we can.

As long as Ragan and I have been married (and even when we were dating) we have both worked shift work... crazy days/nights, weekends, holidays, 12 to 16 hour shifts, blah, blah, blah. We chose professions that required this and we knew it was expected and are at okay with that... HOWEVER, in the years that we have been together, Ragan has NEVER had weekends off. Don't get me wrong, there was an occasional vacation, luck of the draw, or random Saturday or Sunday off. I have always worked at least 2 weekends a month, but with the recent change in my job, that has ceased. Beginning this week, Ragan was scheduled weekends off for the next 3 months..... WOO HOO! To some this may not seem like a big deal, but to us it is.... we have never been able to attend church, Sunday School, family gatherings, birthday parties, social get togethers, youth events, weekend getaways (you get the picture) together on a regular basis. We envied those who could, but just accepted that this was how it was for this season in our lives, and focused on the benefits of our crazy schedules. (Believe it or not, there were a few.)

Our lives, schedules, and routines have been sporadic and never predictable, with what we have realized held little to no consistency for our home. We believe God noticed this, listened to our prayers, and is now providing us with something we need and crave... some downtime together!

We are really looking forward to living like a normal "Monday-Friday 9-5" family for the next few months. (I am starting to think that those families are extremely rare.) That being said, we are committing to nothing, volunteering for nothing, signing up for nothing, planning nothing... you get the picture. It may sound selfish and I really am okay with that, because when it comes to our home and our kids, we are!

It seems as if we have put so many things ahead of our home.... all with good intention, but we have found ourselves running to and fro. Seeing each other on a hit and miss basis. Limiting our family downtime together because of all the commitments we have made. Making family night happen only "if we have time, are all off work, and don't have any other previous engagements."

So, world, keep on moving at the pace you so choose, but as for our house, we are going to slow down and enjoy some quality time together.... even if it is only for three months!

Merry Christmas

Wanted to wish everyone a very peaceful, joyful, and blessed day this Christmas. We are so abundantly blessed to have so many wonderful friends and loved ones who share in this journey called "LIFE" with us. I will post a few pics and a blog capturing our Christmas highlights, but for now, I am going to go spend some time with the fam!
May we never forget the "reason for the season"........ Thank you, Jesus, for what you mean to us and for being that sacred fortress that never wavers....

The Joy of Christmas Pics

If you are a parent, you know about Christmas pics for your kids..... you arrange a time that works for all involved, buy them something new, scrub them down, fix their hair, plan a time around naps so they are cooperative, dress them up, then threaten them with their life if they don't behave so you can catch a few good shots. (Okay, so maybe the last part is just in my house!)A few weekends ago, I followed this routine.... everything was planned and ready to go. My aunt so graciously agreed to come down (with her super duper camera in tow) to catch a few shots. It was a two-fold plan..... a few shots with my niece and my boys for Ragan's mom... and a few shots of my boys for my family.

So, the day was beautiful, Cooper took a good nap (so I thought) and Austin only complained minimally about taking pictures. We arrive at my mom's and somewhere between my house and hers, Cooper unleashed his temper and the crying and tantrums began. I guess Austin felt it was okay to start his whining and complaining about how much he "hates pictures".... how he was "itching so bad" in his sweater... how it was "so unfair" he couldn't bring his DS to play... and so on. After reminding Austin that his life was on the line if he did not participate accordingly, he perked right up! (Yeah, right) Cooper already had his mind made up that he would only do what he wanted and don't attempt to cage him in by putting him in a pose or position him. Then, my niece arrived. The mood was already set by her cousins and she got scared of a few things in her surroundings and it just went DOWNHILL from there.... No matter what we asked of the big kids, they had their own agenda. I am sitting there looking at 3 very strong-willed children and it was evident a battle was to begin... but, Momma always wins in my house!! ha ha

After awhile, they began to cooperate a bit (with my motherly coercion), but by then, the older kids had rolled in the grass, hair bows were off, blue jeans were covered in grass stains, & Cooper had a pint of snot running down his face from crying.... and my sanity and nerves were shot! In the end, we just had to laugh.... so typical of kids and Christmas pics!

My aunt was able to catch some great shots and we were able to catch some great memories and laughs. Of course, it wasn't very funny in the beginning.... Here is a glimpse of a few shots that will give you a mild taste of the activity of our photo shoot. I am sure my Aunt Lydia could post a few more.... :-)

Snowy Thoughts

FYI: This blog is about random thoughts and feelings regarding snow... it is pretty pointless!

I was thinking about this past week regarding the weather! ONLY in Louisiana in one week can you experience raining, floods, a hot day, tornadoes, & snow!!! :-) I am REALLY wanting a "White Christmas," and it looks like anything is possible in Louisiana!

I LOVE snow and cold weather.... I was looking through some pictures I have and found some from our honeymoon. We went to Manchester Village, VT and NYC (in January). Manchester Village is a wonderful picturesque, peaceful Colonial town located in the hills & mountains of VT and I can't wait to go back again to The Equinox. Anyway, just wanted to post some picturesfrom VT and of what I want to wake up to Christmas morning!!

Here's to Christmas wishes....

When Austin "Grows Up"

If you know Austin, you know that his imagination is fierce and without boundaries... (I don't know where he gets that!!)
So, yesterday evening we are riding down the road discussing "stuff." He proceeds to tell me what he is going to be when he grows up. First, he will be an inventor. He would like to invent everything from things for video games that I had no clue what he was referring to, to "special things" for astronauts and outer space, to cars that do multiple things at one time (there is not nearly enough room to list that future car's capability here). He also wants to be an archaeologist.... but not just any archaeologist! He wants to invent a secret set of spy gear to get him into "enemy territory" undetected to discover all the things we have never been able to look for..."you know, many discoveries!" But, first he has to "figure out where we have enemy territory." He also wants to find a cure for cancer! But, he tells me, "that kind of goes with being an archaeologist, because archaeologists find things."
Needless to say, I was worn out after just hearing this conversation! So, now my job is to nurture my future inventor/archaeologist/medical researcher and encourage him to pursue his dreams. :-) I guess we are going to have to get 2nd jobs to afford the 900 years of college he will be attending!!!
On a serious note, kids teach us that we can dream endlessly, and as long as we surround ourselves with people who support and nurture those dreams, there is no limit to our potential. Kids, gotta love 'em!

Year in Review

2008.... well, it is nearly over and soon to be a new year. Here is a brief recap of the year our family has experienced:

January

We started the year off with our anniversary (January 7th) followed by Austin's 9th birthday! I can't believe how he is growing and maturing... a little too fast for this mom! He is such an awesome kid and I am truly THANKFUL for him.... I dread the day he grows wings and leaves. I am perfectly content on him living here until he is 40 where I can keep him close!! ha ha

February

Ragan celebrated his 31st birthday this year on February 7th!

March

Cooper's first Easter!!!!

April

Our family had a few (brief) additions during the month of April. Pretty Girl (our female Schnauzer) became a mom!! 2 boys and 2 girls.... My niece, Allie, got one of the girls and named her "Pretty Girl". Pretty Girl, Jr. is an active, vibrant thing and I know Allie's parents never regret adopting her!! (Do you sense the sarcasm??) It was lots of fun, BUT WE WILL NEVER DO THAT AGAIN!!!!! :-)

May

This was my first Mother's Day since Cooper was born.... what a BLESSING! After much disappointment and many tears, Cooper's arrival was truly a miracle and I celebrated Mother's Day this year with a very grateful heart.

After school was out, Ragan and I took Austin and Caroline (my niece) on a quick trip to Six Flags... nothing like a good theme park in 90 degree weather!! Austin & Ragan did the sky diving thing while Caroline & I (safely) watched on!

June

This June, Austin left home for the first time to go to camp. He spent a week at Camp Ozark in Arkansas.... it was torture for me, but he had a blast! The place was phenomenal... It was a great experience for him and I know he looks forward to Camp Ozark 2009!

This picture was on our way as we were waiting in line to drop him off!

July

We took a family vacation to Florida this summer with my family. 8 adults and 6 kids in one condo.... LOTS of action! The highlight was spending time with my grandparents, uncle, cousins, and their kids who live in FL. Here is a cool pic... Austin is the oldest of 10 great-grandchildren on the Etier side.... here they all are! (By the way, he is also the oldest great-grandchild on the Poche side... I doubt they could all fit in this pic. I think there are about 17 now!)

Typical kid picture!

This is Nonna (my mom) and her 6 grandchildren!

August

Austin started 4th grade this year... crazy thing... he has the SAME 4th grade teacher that I had. He eats that up!

September

Austin started guitar lessons...... Cooper started attempting steps....

We started trying to teach Cooper basic sign language words to communicate his needs...

October

We celebrated Cooper's 1st birthday on October 1st!

Isn't he a doll? Here he is with both of his Nonnas!

November

November brought a huge change for me. After 10 years in the Emergency Room, I took a new job as the Assistant Risk Manager for my hospital. It has been a great move for me both professionally and personally. I am thankful because God ALWAYS supplies and provides! Now I just have to get used to working 5 days a week!!! :-)

Cooper started RUNNING... he was catching on to the sign language, but still insisted on using his vocal cords in a loud manner to communicate his needs! Oh well, we will keep trying! :-)

December

Well, December is not quite over, but I know we will have a wonderful Holiday Season.... we are looking forward to spending time with family and watching our kids enjoy the excitement that the season brings. However, we must never forget that the joy, beauty, and love we experience during this time of year is a result of the ultimate gift given to us... the birth of our Saviour. I hope we all remember that we are so truly blessed to live in a country where we can worship Him freely....

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Until next time......

So It Begins....

I have always enjoyed reading blogs and seeing how the rest of the world lives, thinks, ponders, spends their time, functions, etc. So, in an effort to keep family updated and connect with others, I am starting a family blog. (Even though, I will most likely be the only one who ever contributes....but my controlling side doesn't mind that at all.) Just a little FYI: When I was younger, I loved the book Where the Wild Things Are. I loved the pictures, the story, and the imagination of Max. With 2 growing boys in our home, I feel like Max resides here at times! As an adult, I love that it teaches children a lesson on how good home is even when they are in trouble. Home is always better than being out in the jungle with monsters. (And at home they are the only monster.... ha ha ha) So, that is where the blog name came from. It may or may not change... we'll see. My ultimate goal is to make my home a sanctuary for my family... a place that they always look forward to coming home to and a retreat built just for them. It is definitely a challenge to do this at times, because of life, reality, and my range of emotions! Bottom line.... I will keep on trying and make a journey of it all!!!

p.s. Bear with me as I try to navigate myself through the blogging process and learning how to work this website!