Work in Progress

These past couple of weeks, the Nugent's have been working on a few projects. Some planned, some unplanned. So now that March is ending, we are hoping to put some of these projects to rest. Here is a brief list.

1. I think after 1 1/2 months of fear over a monster that resided in our home, Rachel has somewhat moved on. We have her sleeping in her own bed, and getting up once at night to make sure we are still around. She stayed in the tub, by herself tonight while I put clothes away upstairs. Something that would not have happened two weeks ago. She will now leave the room I am in, and doesn't race me to the stairs when she knows I am headed up there. We really tried EVERYTHING to help her get over this. Thanks to all who have been praying for us.

2. Nicole and Morgan are each writing a short story for a contest through school. This has been a long process. The stories are due next Monday and they are in the illustration process right now. This has been a difficult project for Mike and I as the rules state you, as a parent, can't help. The girls also have to have their final draft written in black ink. Now who made up that rule! The girls have had to start over on many pages because they can't erase. I won't give the entire plot away (I'll save for another post), but here are the titles. Nicole's-"Stripe's Big Strike". Morgan's-"Kaelyn's 1000 tickets". I am very proud of them.

3. Mike is playing detective again with his chronic sinus problems. He has had two surgeries now, without much relief. So when he returned to his surgeon two weeks ago, he somewhat demanded some help. Thursday he will have extensive allergy testing, more allergens than he has previously had will be tested. We hope to have some answers soon.

4. I have been working on letting God be reflected in my life. I want people to see Him, not me when they look at my life. I want "less of me, and more of Him". This has been my prayer all month. This project is a life long one, I realize.

So, no new pictures this post, but after our friends the Abbott's came back from Arizona, I pulled up some pictures of Mike and I from our trip in 2005. Here they are.

Miracle on St. Patrick's Day

"Miracle on St. Patrick's Day"

Last week, Mike and Nicole started talking about riding a two wheeled bike again. This has been a sore subject with Nicole for 2 years now. She had not been able to get the hang of riding her bike without training wheels. We tried all of the "therapy" techniques I knew and the "common sense" techniques Mike knew, but she just couldn't get it. So when the weather started to turn a little warmer, that's above 32 degrees for my southern friends and family, Mike and Nicole struck up a deal. When Nic could ride a bike on her own, without training wheels, Mike would buy her a brand new bike. So for the past week, whatever the weather brought, they were outside practicing. I will be honest with you, I didn't think this would be her year. I secretly hoped and wanted this for her, but didn't think she had the strength or balance yet. But oh, how I am glad, she proved me wrong. The video is the evidence of a little girl detrermined not to let some silly old weakness get in her way. I had a tear in my eye watching her ride down the cul-de-sac towards her other girl friends on their two-wheeled bikes. PTL we don't have to have another summer of hurt feelings because little sister can ride a two wheeled bike with big sister's friends which leaves big sister out. Looks like the weather is turning in more ways than one!Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving us the big and little desires of our hearts. After she mastered her new skill on St. Patrick's Day, the first thing out of her mouth was "Dad let's go shopping"!

N & J's Tea Parlor

This past Sunday, our kitchen was transformed into N & J's Tea Parlor. Nicole and Morgan had a play date with Jenna and Julia Knepper and the girls decided to open shop in our kitchen. We, the girls and I, had a fun time writing up menus, serving the guests and eating the snacks. Mike and Rachel were in on the action and enjoying the service of Nicole and Julia. Jenna and Morgan had to get all dressed up for their "afternoon out". At the end of the event, Nicole and Julia agreed that serving the guests was hard work. Until....they saw the "tip" left on the table by Jenna and Morgan a $1 a piece. Then the work was all worth while!! Enjoy the pics.