you put too much food on my plate

I don't have anything particularly interesting to say today, but thought I would share my smug satisfaction with myself, with all of you (how kind of me you say. I know.). A really sweet lady from across the street brought me a T-O-N of fresh tomatoes the other day from her garden. Now, I can hear Tami now, trying to figure out why I would accept such a gift, seeing as how I won't eat raw tomatoes. But I'm also super-frugal, and use everything I can to feed my family. So, I did what any girl in my situation would do...ask Mom! I got great advice from her about what to do to use them all, and spent yesterday evening washing, blanching, peeling, chopping and dividing them into approx. 1 can portions to replace store-bought cans of tomatoes. Some I'll put in the blender later for crushed/puree. I'm so proud of myself! For those not so new to the domestic pursuits, you may laugh at me and wonder why I'm not right now knee deep in my own tomato garden or mending socks instead of blogging, but thats ok. We have lots of frozen tomatoes!!! I'll make chili, spaghetti, and a cool new recipe Aubrey sent me for what sounds like a scrumptious Chicken/spinach/pasta recipe. So give me a virtual pat on the back please.

imagine me and you, and you and me

We just got back from our first Slaughter family camping weekend, and it was a wonderful success! Everyone had fun, and with 7 people that alone is amazing. We went to Greenbrier State Park in Boonsboro, MD and pitched our tent. I wasn't so sure how this would go with a baby in a port-a-crib and 2 still in diapers. And any new adventure with 5 short people is pretty tough to plan for, but it was so great. We cooked over the fire, hiked, swam in Greenbrier Lake (pictures of that later), made s'mores, and the Slaughter family-famous "dough balls" (YUM!), and wonder-of-wonders, everyone slept! The first night wasn't so fun, since Dave and I were freezing. That was totally my fault as I didn't figure in that temps would be lower at night up there, so our very thin, old blanket didn't do much. We bought a warmer blanket for the 2nd night and slept much better. The kids loved it and can't wait to go back. I think we'll be camping much more often now that we've all had a taste of it and came home happy.

Here's our great family tent.

The happy camping Dad with his babies.
Going to bed was never so much fun!
Our youngest camper -- what a trooper.

the first time ever I saw your face

My little Sunshine turns 3 today. Carrie is very excited, because she got to pick out a cereal (Dora, of course) to eat for her birthday breakfast, and that was all she could talk about before going to bed last night. Oh, the simple things in life. We'll have a party when Molly gets home, so today will just be spent trying to make her feel like more of princess than she already knows she is.

Carrie Ellen is our girlie-girl, dress-up queen, dancer/singer/entertainer. Everything in her life happens on Tuesday, by the way. She will turn 3 on Tuesday, go potty on Tuesday (never seems to come about though), and Dok will come visit her on Tuesday. We're not quite sure why that day holds such an affinity for her but we just roll with it now. She pretty much has Daddy wrapped around her little finger (ok, me too) and has already figured out the tone and eye-batting that will get her a "yes, sweetie" every time. I think we're getting soft.

So, happy birthday to YOU Carrie! We're so glad you tricked us (another story), and continue to brighten our days with everything you do.

this is a song for you, far away from me

Today is my oldest baby's birthday, and she is 9. Where has the time gone?? This girl is our family tomboy of sorts, preferring bike-riding and dirt-digging to dress-up and dolls. She is competitive, loves to organize games for her brothers, and is generous with hugs and kisses. One trait she comes by honestly is the Warren-family tendency to make up silly songs with silly words, trying to sing to get a point across instead of talk (ok, really this is my Dad's trait, but well-impressed upon the rest of us), so we always enjoy her new melodies. Right now we're missing her terribly, as she is in the mountains of northern New Mexico with my parents, siblings, grandparents and other assorted relatives. She has made fast friends with my cousin's daughter Bailey, and they are all hiking, fishing, eating, mini-golfing, eating, relaxing, exploring and eating. Can't wait until she's home so I can give her the birthday hug a few days late. I love you Molly-Cat, and am so glad that 9 years ago it was you who showed up! Happy Birthday!

and I mean it from the bottom of my heart

Our oldest son is 6 today -- seems impossible!! Warren (Wes to some of you) is the one child that we really waited for, wondering why he wasn't showing up yet, and then elated when he finally did. He was worth the 2-yr wait, and has been amazing to watch as he grows and learns. Most of you know his OCD tendencies, his picky palette (inherited from an unnamed aunt), and what a tender spirit he has. But he's also very intuitive, clever, and loves to make up jokes. He's a riot and we love having him in our family. Happy Birthday little man!

you're gonna love me

This always makes me smile, even on a bad day.

God only knows what I'd be without you

I pretty much think we're the cutest couple ever. We had a wonderful time out for our 10th, dinner and a movie. Any time alone without short people is appreciated, and we have Bethany to thank for giving us the evening to ourselves. While we were out, we talked about a million things (one great benefit of us being such great friends) and particularly how blessed we are, as a couple, as a family. It almost made us miss those short people, who were at home, happily gorging on a steady stream of any/every imaginable junk food that Beth fed them. Hopefully we'll be blessed with another date before our next anniversary!

tell me how much longer it'll grow stronger every day

As a few of you who read my blog know, I went on that very first date with Dave very tentatively, mostly because after all Aubrey had done to "encourage" him to ask me out, she'd have killed me if I declined. I had no idea that he was interested in me. He was older, graduated from MBI already, and so I kind of saw him as out of my league I guess. But I did kind of assume that he was also asking to get Aubrey off of his back, so thought it would most likely be a one time deal (not to mention that I wasn't sure he'd get past the call to "the Col."). Anyway, it took approximately an hour into the date before it hit me that "hey, I think he likes me!" and also that I might think he's pretty cool too. Then it took another 1/2 of our second date to realize that I was hooked. For good.

Its kind of funny -- we don't have those memories some have of being friends first, or even "hanging out" while trying to decide whether we'd date. We got to know each other quickly, haunting every coffee shop in walking distance of the school, falling in love about as fast as we could drink the coffee (and if you know us...)

Less than a year later, he put a ring on my finger, told me he never wanted to live without me, loved me more than he could say. And a few months after that, 10 years ago today, we said "forever". While I had jitters about the "wedding", and all the fussy planning that seems to be inevitable, I never had a second thought, couldn't get down that aisle fast enough. I was so ready to make this life which held things I couldn't have then imagined.

I won't try to begin describing what my heart says about him. He knows, and some of you do too. God knew what this little 20-year old girl needed to help her grow up, and to open her heart and mind to what was in store. Dave continues to amaze me in how he loves me, these great kids we collected, and most of all His God.

I'm afraid to blink, since I'm sure that as soon as I do I'll be posting about our second decade together. But I love knowing that its coming. Happy Anniversary babe -- now take me on a date.

making a connection with the bittersweet

When I was about 18, this became one of my most favorite poems, by brilliant poet Luci Shaw:

MORE AND MORE...

...I find myself coinciding

with myself. I meet me coming

and going and when I think of me,

there I am, quite often. I'm getting hard

to escape; I used to be hard to find.

*

What irony, when I have been everywhere,

my life spread so wide - flung, taut, like a single

bedsheet stretched to cover the whole world.

Thinned to transparency, a bubble bursting.

Stalled, a wave to spent to conquer the beach.

*

Now, though, its like double vision - when

your eyes finally get it right, and pull

the split image into one. I see myself mirrored,

clean at all my edges, even the hairs around my head

in focus, the sun blazing them into a halo.

*

For some unexplained reason, I have been mulling the words of this poem lately, sort of seeing myself in them. I suppose at first blush, the final words of the last stanza would seem to represent some sort of exposed hubris, but I don't think it really reads that way. We always have self-improvement projects going on I suppose, and though the mantra of my early youth was more of a Calvin & Hobbes "...my resolution is not to change one single bit", I quickly saw how far that could get me.

*

After moving to VA, I saw my need to develop contentment. Well, truth be told I saw that need long ago but characteristically ignored/denied it, rebelled against meaningful growth. I can be so stupid. So I finally really saw it. God has been gracious, and granted the wisdom and strength to begin to conquer this area of decay in my life.

*

And so I've read this poem, seeing those early days of my adulthood, marriage, motherhood, when I first think "no problem" and then quickly disappear into a quicksand of doubt, restlessness, and fear. Though cyclical, it was there often enough to keep me from doing my best, trusting like I should, loving like I should. "Now, though, its like double-vision, when your eyes finally get it right..." So I'm still progressing, in this and a myriad of other areas, but I feel like I'm coming along. I'm 30, and I'm coming along.

words will never show the you I've come to know

My little peanut is growing up too fast. In the past month he has cut two teeth, learned to sit up on his own, and begun crawling. He is my youngest to reach all of those milestones. I thought 5th babies were supposed to be content to sit and watch all the other kids do stuff, guess I was wrong. But then again, my Dad told me that every 5th baby born is Chinese, and Liam isn't showing any signs of being Asian yet. He's also eating everything in sight, thinking he's entitled to whatever is on our plates/bowls, letting his sin nature show through without much pretense. I would list his favorite foods, but that would take a while. Kind of funny how by the time he came along, Dave and I forgot about all the rules about what babies are "supposed" to eat (or not). Its just easier to give him what we're eating, and sometimes that is chocolate chip cookies. Oops. But he is a lot of fun, loooooves his brothers and sisters and cousin Erin, and squeals when he sees Dave's truck pull in each evening. I'll be thrilled when I can report that his nights have improved so that we can move him out of our room!!

you make me happy when skies are gray

When Molly was little, she used to let me twist her hair in little bands overnight, so she'd have curly hair the next morning. Well, when she was 5, she put her foot down and ended that for good. Dave has really missed the occasional Sunday with a curly-headed daughter, and so begged me to try it on Carrie for Mother's Day. I obliged, and Carrie was all too happy to sit and have her hair done, being told how cute she'd be when she woke up. Let's just say that her hair is different than her sister's. We were all trying so hard not to laugh, and her brothers kept walking by the bathroom saying, "Look at Carrie's head!". After some assurance that she had a bona-fide princess hair-do, she was excited to get to church to show her Sunday School teacher and friends. What a cutie.

what can enter when our hearts are open

A few days late, but nonetheless, our Mother's Day shot. I have great kids, a great family. Who can know why God gives such a tough job to mothers and, it sure seems, the biggest rewards along with it? Its a mystery, but for all the hard days, long nights (currently!), and hard choices, I am so thankful that God gives the grace for me to do this big thing. This colossally big thing.

just trying to keep my customer satisfied

Mom tagged me with her "Random 7" post, and so I think I'd better comply. Who wants to be in trouble with Mom? Not me, I assure you. My whole life is pretty random, and since I'm not such a "private" person, most of you who read this blog will know most of what is on this list, but so be it. Here goes:

• while sweets are generally not my vice of choice, I have a strange and constant craving for gummy sour apple rings. This started in high school in Germany, and hasn't gone away.
• standing outside on a freezing morning with my hands wrapped around my cup(s) of coffee is my favorite way to start a day.
• I am so blessed to have had Jackie as my best friend for over half my life now. We went from being to stupid teenagers, to stupid college students, to marrying up, to mothers of 5, all in 15 years. We have great memories.
• Humphrey Bogart is my favorite actor. I have seen all of his movies that are available to the public, and have seen "Casablanca" at least 100 times, maybe more...even own a copy of the script.
• I cannot parallel park. At all. I did it once for my driving test 12 years ago. Never again.
• my husband calls me his "Rolodex" because I have an uncanny ability to remember phone numbers, even ones never/rarely used or only seen once. Not the gift I'd choose, but hey -- it comes in handy.
• in my younger years I was not the best sister. When I was around 9 or 10, I pinned Aubrey down and made her eat a dandelion, force-fed our cat's "Pounce" treats to Annie, a few years later regularly pinched baby CJ to wake her up so that I could be the one to get her out of her crib, and I'm sure committed numerous other offenses that my sisters would gladly share.

So, I don't know many other people that weren't already tagged by Mom, but I hereby order Jackie, Steph B, and Bekah K to post their lists. I don't ask, I just tell.

standing in the sunlight laughing

We finally did some planting out front, after saying we'd do it for over a year. I think since we thought we wouldn't be in this house much longer we kept putting it off, not wanting to improve too much on a place and then leave. But now that it looks like we'll be here a while, I really wanted to spruce up. Nothing flashy or expensive...we just picked out a few simple shrubs and flowers. The kids enjoyed "helping" Dave dig and plant, and enjoyed even more when he "watered" (read: watered the kids). Spring weather has been so nice and we're enjoying spending a lot more time outside these days. Hopefully we'll get in a picnic this week with Nathan in town visiting.

look inside for the elusive goldmine

I'm so excited!! Tonight Dave and I are going on a date for the first time since last year, and to make it even better, we'll be listening to Over The Rhine in concert! OTR is one of my FAVORITE bands of all time (maybe tying with Toad the Wet Sprocket for 1st place) and we haven't seen them live since we were dating. Speaking of dating, one bit of Slaughter nostalgic trivia for you...today is the 11th anniv. of our first date :-) Now, our first date did happen to include Aubrey, Dirk and tiny baby Jonathan, but it counts nonetheless. Can't believe its been that long. Wow. Anyway, you should be jealous of us tonight. And if you're not, why not? One thing that you could do to make your life better is listen to OTR. Trust me.

UPDATE: Yeah, that's why we love them. It was phenomenal, to say the least (and fun to be there with you Janelle!). Hope we'll see them live more than once a decade **sigh** FYI, sis...Karin opened with "Born"...wish you could have been there.

sure it's trippy, sure it's sweet

Ok, its been a while! Here's the delinquent blogger, ready to bring y'all up to speed on the SlaughterHouse 7. We have been busy (hence the delinquency) though for the most part, mundane busy-ness. Things are good around here though as we move into spring in VA, and continue to adjust to life with 5 kids. Somehow there is a part of me that thinks I'll always be saying "trying to adjust to life with 5". Do you ever get there? Or does it just hit you when its over?

The kids are doing super, their most prominent theme right now being "When will it be WARM, Mom?". These Texans are still adjusting to the weather out here. We've had such back and forth weather, and its cool and wet again this week, but hopefully some sunshine and tank-top temps coming soon! Molly and Warren started soccer, and love it so far. They look so cute in their shin guards and cleats and I'll put up pics of them in their gear soon.

School is going fairly well, though its still haphazard depending on Liam's naps that day and how cooperative Carrie and Henry decide to be. We'll continue on through the summer at 1/2 speed to try to make up lost ground. Plus, since I've finally beaten my 2nd born nature into submission and put myself on a rigorous school-week schedule, I think I'd never be able to get back to it if I took the whole summer off :-)

My new project lately has been a throwing myself full-force into all things frugal. I'm trying new creative ways to cook cheap, dress cheap (sorry Tami, no sewing though), shop cheap, live cheap. Its been a fun challenge, which is good since it was also a necessary one! I've also begun the foray into ebay selling, which is going well so far, though my kids are nervously hiding all their belongings lately.

This past year, I have missed the fellowship of the HOPE women in SA so much, and though they can never be replaced or reproduced, God has allowed me to facilitate the beginning of a similar group out here. So far a small group of other homeschooling Moms (or prospective HSers) are meeting once a month for encouragement and idea sharing. I'm so excited about this since I know how much I need the support and fellowship! Hopefully it will be a blessing to each woman involved.

Work for Dave is still great -- Praise God! He has more work of his own on the horizon, plus plenty work for Welty Homes every week. God has been so gracious to provide, and we look forward to seeing how He shapes the business. One not-so-fun note, Dave hit a deer in his work van earlier this week and we are so grateful he wasn't hurt. Insurance is taking care of it well, and he has a rental in the meantime. His other main responsibility, as an elder in our church, is also going well and a great blessing.

Annie is having a baby!!! Woo-hoo! I'm so excited for her, Caleb and Erin! Lord-willing, her pregnancy won't be as tough as her last, but I'm glad to be here to help in any way (which I'm sure will mostly involve having Erin over so that she and Carrie can make endless messes and bother Liam). Can't wait to meet the new little one in December!

Nathan is coming to visit in a couple weeks, during which time we'll also see Dirk for a day while he's in DC with his class from school. Shortly after, Mom will come for a week, so May will be a treat for us as we get to see some family. The rest of you better plan to come in June so that Annie and I don't get too upset :-)


thy mercy my God is the theme of my song
the joy of my heart and the boast of my tongue
thy free grace alone, from the first to the last
hath won my affection and bound my soul fast

working at building a mystery

that's how it is with you and me

This is Molly with one of her best friends, Katelynn. They are very silly girls, but have so much fun together. We're so glad the Alexanders moved here from TX too, cause they're good people!

I was raised up family

Here are some grandparent pictures from our weekend in TX. It was too short, but it was so good to see them all. Grandma & Pawpop both wanted to take a million pictures with Liam, and they were so happy to finally meet him. Pawpop is the original William in the Warren family, and now that he has another namesake he's pretty proud. He does refuse to refer to our little guy as "Liam", preferring instead to call him "Little Will". I think when you're 83 and still feeling good enough to tar a roof, you can pretty much do whatever you want.


Grandma June was (and still is) in a rehab hospital after a scary spell that is still somewhat of a mystery. She has Parkinson's and in the 16 months since I had seen her, has not done well. It was hard to see her like that, but we are hopeful with some new meds and therapy that she'll be home soon and can lead a more normal life again for a while. I was so glad for even a brief visit after so long away.
I think so often what a blessing it has been in my life to have known all 4 of my grandparents into my adult years, and have known 5 of my great-grandparents in my childhood, along with one great-great-grandmother! God has been so gracious, and I hope that I'm around to see that many generations of our family.

oh so loverly, sittin' abso-bloomin'-lutely still

I know I'm slow -- finally getting some pics from my Texas weekend. I'll add some Warren family pics later. Here is one of our (in)famous "sisters pictures", and as you can see, Lisa and Kim are both highly amused. And below is my awesome friend Stephanie, who was busy hogging Liam at La Madeleine. I think he slept on her for almost an hour. Babies love Steph. The WholeHearted Mothers conference was wonderful, but even better than years past. All the women had fun and enjoyed the messages that encouraged us to remember that mothering is the most important job we can have for the rest of our lives. And we had a blast after the messages, goofing off and (for me) catching up on the last year of everyone's life in TX. I'm so glad Annie got to go too, so that meant sister fun. Liam was kept company by his new buddy Ethan and the weekend resident princess Jules, and they were well-cared for by Ethan's sis Cheyenne, and our very own CJ and Beth. So, loads of fun and needed respite. To the gals that went, I was so glad to see each of you and wish I had had more time to spend chatting (imagine me, wanting to talk more!?). I promise, more pics to come soon.