Thursday, February 28, 2008

Pictures A Lesson In Painting, and Twin Photographers























































I meant to do this on Monday, but my week has gone by really quick, and I just now remembered. We went to Mom's and Bill's for dinner last Saturday night, and all the kids got a lesson in how to paint. Now, the correct way to do this, is to stand just right, with your tongue stuck out at just the right angle. See the pictures, and you will understand.

Jonah and Noah have also decided they want to become photographers. They had my camera last Thursday when Andy was here, and took some pretty funny pictures. Todd and I were looking at all the unrecognizable photos, and he asked Jonah about them. He was saying, "did you take this one? This one? This one?" After about the third or fourth time of asking this, Jonah 'fessed, "I took all of them, Daddy. I just wanted to take some pictures." You cannot get even the slightest bit angry at that cute little face with those words coming out of his mouth. I did tell him to ask first next time.

Two more pictures and I will be done. A few weeks ago, some friends from church came over, and we started (too late) playing Phase 10. It was midnight when they left, and when we came upstairs, these are the sights we saw. It's the two photos up on top. Love to all!

Being A Mom

I got this from an email this morning. I didn't write it, but I really like it and wanted to share. I dedicate this to all the moms in my life, my own and the ones I know! Enjoy!

Before I was a Mom ,
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on,
chewed on,
or peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.


Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't
stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.

I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so
important and happy.


Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a
Mom.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Graham

I had a meeting at Collierville Elementary School today about Graham. At the end of second grade, all the students go through a series of tests, sort of placement tests, I guess, to see where they are scholastically. Graham tested off the charts at the end of last year, and was recommended for further testing. He's been going through these tests since September, and just took the last part back in January. So, today's meeting was about the results.

I have been talking to Graham this whole time about how he felt about having to go through all this, and told him at any time he wanted to stop, I would send a letter to school. Needless to say, that never happened. I also asked him about the work load if he got put into advanced classes, and he wants that, as well.

O.k., well, the results today were as follows: his i.q. is 130. He had to score a total of 50 points to be considered for APEX, and he scored 80. Also, at the end of last year, they upped the requirements of APEX, making it harder to get in. Todd and I laughed at this next part; the only thing that needed improvement was his ability to relinquish the leadership position. That's where being the oldest of 4 boys comes into play. His teacher, Mrs. Plummer, explained that this was because he's used to being one of the smartest kids in his class. She did say, too, that this could be a good thing, that that meant he probably would not easily succumb to peer pressure when he gets older. We all (Todd, Mrs. Plummer, the vice principal, Mrs. Harris, and the APEX teacher, Mrs. Killough and I) agreed that this was normal for oldest children.

I am so proud of all that he has accomplished this year! He has had A LOT of responsibility, and he's proved that he thrives in that type of setting. I am also really excited for him to start APEX! It's going to be lots of fun for him. He will have work that is 2 grade levels above him, so he will not be bored. He will be writing lots, and learning to work independently. He's going to LOVE it!!

Alright, I will be quiet now. Love to all!

Happy Wednesday!

I am so glad this week is almost over! It's sad to think that I wish my weeks away by counting down till Friday's with my dad, and weekends with family and friends. I live for the weekends, when we're all home together, not having to be anywhere on time (except church, but that's a given), and just enjoying our time together. I have a lot of fun being the mom of 4 boys. God has truly blessed me.

Yesterday, Sunny and I took the boys to see Diego at Barnes and Noble. It was something I'd gotten an email about, and I figured they'd love getting to see him, so off we went. Diego turned out to be just a Mexican guy. I expected some guy in a Diego costume (like Mickey Mouse, I guess), and when we saw this guy walking in WITH HIS BODYGUARDS, Sunny and I just looked at each other and died laughing. I mean, do they think something is going to happen to this dude? It was pretty funny.

I put Jonah's and Noah's name in for a drawing of a prize, and Jonah won!!! He won 4 tickets to see Go Diego, Live! Looks like I'm going to have another little lucky duck, just like Graham. One problem with the tickets...they're for Friday night, and Todd and I had already bought tickets for us all to go see the Go Fish concert. Jonah and Noah said they wanted to see Go Diego, instead, so while Todd and I take Graham and Drew to the concert, Mimi and Papa are taking Jonah and Noah to see Go Diego at the Orpheum. They're all spending the night with them on Friday night so they can go to the Fireman's Museum on Saturday, so we'll meet up after all the shows are done. We have got one busy weekend ahead. Personally, I'm looking forward to Go Fish! I love their music, and Jonathan Schaade and I already said that we didn't care who saw us, we would be dancing at our seats! He's the kids interim pastor at our church, for anyone who does not know him.

We had an awesome day yesterday, though. We ended up staying with Sunny and Andy all day, so of course, Jonah and Noah loved that. They're with Mimi this morning. I have a couple meetings I have to go to today, child~free. She willingly agreed to let them come and spend the day with her. Mimi, if you're reading this, don't spoil them too much. I'm just joking, they LOVE coming and spending time with you. They were really excited about it this morning, so I hope you all have a fun day. I'll post more later, hopefully with some news about my meeting at school this morning. Let's just say, I am one proud Mama. Of all my boys. They are God's gift to me.

Monday, February 25, 2008

My Current Favorite Song

Natalie Grant - In Better Hands

Natalie Grant In Better Hands
From the album Relentless

It's hard to stand
On shifting sand
It's hard to shine
In the shadows of the night
You can't be free
If you don't reach for help
And you can't love
If you don't love yourself
But there is hope when my faith runs out
Cause I'm in better hands now

Chorus:
It's like the sun is shining
When the rain is pouring down
It's like my soul is flying
Though my feet are on the ground
So take this heart of mine
There's no doubt
I'm in better hands now

I am strong
All because of you
I stand in awe of
Every mountain that you move
I am changed
Yesterday is gone
I am safe
From this moment on
And there's no fear when the night comes around
I'm in better hands now

Chorus

It's like the sun is shining
When the rain is pouring down
It's like my soul is flying
Though my feet are on the ground
It's like the world is silent
Though I know it isn't true
It's like the breath of Jesus
Is right here in this room
So take this heart of mine
There's no doubt

You can't be saved
If you're not reaching out for help

Bible Study

Alright. I know you're thinking I'm a closet preacher (who knows! Ha ha, just kidding!), but I just got home from Bible study. WOW. I was so touched, I cried. Along with Melba Cole, and Kathy Ferrin. God met us tonight, through the d.v.d. we watched. It was powerful. Tonight talked about the Feast of the Tabernacles. The first was the Feast of Unleavened Bread, then the Feast of Weeks, and tonight we reached this last feast. In the beginning of the book, there is a picture of the place of worship (the name has escaped me, Daddy). The women had their own court, the men had their own court apart from the women, and the priests had their court. In this picture, this court was at the top of the 15 stairs that represent the 15 Psalms of Ascent.

During this feast, there are all kinds of things taking place, one of which is the celebration of lights. Beth Moore painted a beautiful word~picture of the thousands of people lining the hills of Jerusalem in their tents, or booths. Inside all these booths, were glowing candles, which when the sun went down, illuminated everything around them. Can you imagine?!?!?!

During this feast, there was also the pouring out of water. The priests would descend from those top steps, and come down to the other courts to go to the Pool of Shaloam (totally guessing there on that spelling), where they would draw water out with a gold pitcher, then take it back to the tabernacle, where they would pour it out. The priests that did this, were the most pious of priests, or very dignified. When they had finished doing this ritual, they would shout, Hosanna, Hosanna! They would be shouting and praising God, in other words, they would be acting totally undignified! Do you ever want to act like that? Get up and shout, or fall down on your knees crying? Whether you're in church, or in your kitchen? Does He only talk to us in church?? No way!!!

Referring to the celebration of lights, Jesus says, "I am the light of the world." And about the water being poured out as an offering to Him, check out what Scripture says in John 7:37&38. On the last and greatest day of the Feast ( of the Tabernacles, my wording only), Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." Isn't that something?!?!?!

The thing that amazes me most about the Bible, is that there is not one thing that is insignificant. There is no talk of this celebration of lights, or of this pouring out of water anywhere that I've ever read. That doesn't mean it's not in there, just that I've never heard of it before. At least not in a way that would make me say, " Oh, yeah, I've heard that." God uses illustrations like this one in John 7 to make us understand that if we are thirsty, or if we are living a full, unsatisfied life, to go Him, that He will give us life! He is the only one that will satisfy us! This is kind of like being thirsty, but not being able to quench a thirst. He is streams of living water that will flow within us. Beautiful imagery, there.

O.k., well, now I've gotten that out of my system, I'm going to go do all the nights of homework for this week. Man, we had church tonight. Wish you all could have been there. If you have never done a Beth Moore Bible study, I strongly recommend her. She paints word pictures like no other.

Spring Fever!

I am so ready for Spring!!! It's gorgeous today, and it actually feels really good outside. This is only a tease, though, tomorrow we're back to cold weather. :( We had an awesome weekend, once again! And church was really good yesterday, especially last night. The youth group led the service, and the music was good, the preaching was good, but the altar time afterwards was what made it. Really powerful. I feel God stirring up something in me, and I don't really know what it is. Like He wants me to do something, but I don't know what. I keep on feeling this, and actually have been having this feeling for almost a year now. Weird and hard to explain.

I cannot wait until May!!! My wonderful husband bought us tickets to see Casting Crowns, my all time favorite group. I am so excited!!! I'm also excited about our date night coming up this Friday night. The boys are spending the night with Mimi and Papa and going to the Fire Museum with them on Saturday, so we get all kinds of time together!

I'm in the middle of planning birthday parties for all the boys. Jonah and Noah are having a pajama party on Friday night, March 7th, and you are all invited. I won't necessarily feed everyone, but we will have lots of cake and ice cream. Andy and Holly are spending the night after the party. They wanted more kids to spend the night, but they don't understand that sleepovers usually don't happen until you're in kindergarten. But their older brothers do it, therefore, they want to do it! I know that Andy can spend the night, and he'll be fine. The same goes for them at his house.

Graham and Drew are having their first all boys party. They're both having sleepovers. With lots and lots of friends. You may want to start praying for me and my nerves now. As of right now, Graham is having 5 friends over. Jesus help me. I hope nobody gets hurt! I'm not sure where they're all going to be sleeping...probably some in the office, some in their room. Drew is having the same, with the same amount of boys. Maybe one less. One of them may not come because I'm not sure my nerves can handle him. He came over Sat. for a couple hours, and we took him home early, he was getting on my and Drew's nerves so bad. Yes, even Drew said, "Mom, he's getting on my nerves." Hmmm, what does that tell you?!

O.k. well, I'm off to finish cleaning and to put myself together before I go and pick the boys up from school. More tomorrow.

Friday, February 22, 2008

My Morning Devotion

This was something I got in my morning devotion today. I did not write this. I just wanted to make that clear because I've already been questioned about it. Sorry for confusion! :)


Annotated Vows




This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.
Genesis 2:24






Weddings are about vows. The flowers are fragrant, the dresses beautiful, and the tuxes dashing, but the promises take center stage. Yet compared to the high costs of typical weddings, the vows come cheap. The promises a bride and groom exchange cost nothing to say. But they cost everything to keep. They can be said calmly in less than twenty seconds, but they are meant to be lived out for a lifetime.

For this reason, I have asked couples during premarital counseling to join me for one session of attention to the vows. I usually take them to the very place where they will say them to each other and then I explain the plan. Since the wedding is not a setting where we can talk at length about the vows, it is crucial that both partners express what they intend the vows to mean and seek to understand their partner’s meaning. Often this is the first time a couple actually thinks about the content of the vows. Sometimes they’re surprised by the promises.

Then we go through the vows, line by line, and I ask the couple to face each other, hold hands, and explain what they mean by the traditional words. What follows below is an annotated version of the vows with some of the terms couples have employed to expand on their promises.

I take (accept, thoughtfully choose, joyfully receive) you to be my husband/wife (mate, companion, friend, fellow-traveler, lover, delight)

To have (consider part of me, see as mine, take responsibility for as myself) and to hold (hug, caress, treat tenderly, protect, enfold) from this day forward (I am entering a new part of life that begins today)

For better (good times, make-up times, new days, wonderful discoveries), for worse (disappointments, misunderstandings, arguments, difficulties, unforeseen challenges);

For richer (not only material wealth but richer experiences in life that we seek to share together, growing into an abundance of God’s presence in our marriage), for poorer (times when we have to depend on the Lord for provision, times when we have to adjust expectations);

In sickness (times of sickness, fatigue, and the stresses of life, when patience is required) and in health (we take care of each other and encourage healthy living);

To love (long for you in every way, serve you, practice growing into oneness with you) and to cherish (to offer tender touch, patient care, seeking to understand and meet needs)

Until we are parted by death (we recognize that these promises aren’t for heaven but for here, as we help each other to know the Lord and anticipate eternal life in his presence);

As God is my witness (I acknowledge that God is listening to me and expects me to take these vows as seriously as anything I have ever said), I give you my promise (I want these words to be the most precious things I could ever give you, and I will live them out for you every day).

It’s been a delight to watch couples move toward each other as they have struggled, laughed, and cried their way into understanding the depth and meaning of their “leaving vows” that will allow them to join in the full oneness of marriage.

Once in a while, take an evening with your spouse to review your vows.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Noah's Scary Story

Well, Noah scared the daylights out of me this afternoon! I went to pick up the boys from Sunny's house after I picked Graham and Drew up from school today. They were outside playing in her backyard, when Graham comes running in, saying, "Noah's hurt!" He slammed the door and ran back out. I looked up, and saw Noah walking across her backyard with blood gushing from his nose. Have you EVER seen your child walking with blood pouring out from somewhere on his body?!?!?!?! It is not something I EVER care to see again!

I jumped up, and was searching for her paper towels (most people keep them by the sink, not so for Sunshine). She had beaten me out the door, having just grabbed a white and red kitchen towel. ( I guess she's used to these sorts of events.) By the time I made it out there, blood was coming from his nose and his mouth. I actually thought he'd broken it. The bridge of his nose was pretty swollen. Come to find out, he bumped really hard into Andy's head. Anyway, being the nurse she is, she'd stopped the bleeding in no time, knowing exactly what to do ( I know, Mom, I did watch, and yes the next time I too will know what to do! :)), and examined him. It was not broken, but when he cries, the bridge flattens out, giving the appearance of swelling. How was I to know he did that? It pays to have friends that are in the medical field.

After that, her dog nipped Graham in the mouth. I know, gross. He had a little bitty cut on his lip where Dixie got him. Ooh. I was trying to calm him down, and stooped over to tie his shoe, when I knocked him off balance. He started to fall backwards, and started flailing his arms all over the place, and knocked me in the nose. I saw stars. Literally. We came home after that. I didn't want Jonah or Drew decide they were going to try flying for the first time, or have something else disastrous happen. Plus, I was alone tonight, since Todd had a class tonight. Guess what his class talked about? How to stop bleeding noses. He should have been here to help me stop my nosebleed. I know, I know, what is wrong with us tonight?!?!?!

To Be or Not To Be In The P.T.A.

O.k. well, I have been pressured for almost three years now to be on the P.T.A. board, and I have always said no, but I think I'm going to jump on that bandwagon. I know, I know, it probably sounds dumb, but if you understood what my kids' school was like, you would understand. If you are in the P.T.A., you don't have to have an excuse to be there. You just have an in, anytime you want it. I have been asked to be president, vice president, and treasurer (they obviously don't know how bad I stink at math!), and while I am saying no to all those, I think I'm going to take over the Accelerated Reader position. I have a friend who is in charge of it now, and she is awesome at it, and she's agreed to be a "co chair" with me. As long as she is there to help answer all my questions, I'll do it.

Let's face it, I'm going to have lots of time next year, so what better way to spend it, than at their school? I am making a promise to myself now, though, that while I will do this, I will not let this be my life. God and family will always come first, and if this takes away from either, I will humbly step down. As long as I remember that, I think all will be o.k.

Why do I always make such a huge deal out of decisions? I don't know if I'm being cautious, or paranoid. I don't know that either is good. I guess I don't want to bite off more than I can chew, and I do take things very seriously. Hmmmm, I will have to think about this one.

While vacuuming earlier, I got to thinking that while I do like the school we're at, I don't agree with all the things the principal does. And the P.T.A. out here helps her make lots of decisions. We're the ones that raise all the money for the school, and we're the ones that get to figure out where all that money goes. I guess it is a great way to be involved, and to really know what's going on all the time. Plus, I will get to know the principal better, which could never hurt anything.

Do you hear me trying to talk myself into this? Crazy, huh? I just swore I would never do this because up till this next year, all the P.T.A. board has been really snooty. I don't have a use in my life for snooty people. I will be the first to admit all my flaws, and if you know me at all, you will soon find out for yourself! I would hate for someone to think that of me. But maybe this can be the year it all changes. Opinions, anyone? I will gladly listen to what you have to say!!

~~ =)

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Happy Week?

All my happiness flew out the window. Well, not really, but Noah is obviously feeling much better. He and Jonah are fighting like cats and dogs. Yup, today, we need some outside time. As in outside the walls of this house. I can only hope they don't fight their way through my meeting in one hour.

I've already heard, "Noah, I'm gonna go tell Mom" at least five times since Graham and Drew went to school an hour ago. You can always judge what kind of day you're going to have by whether or not you hear that phrase. And how many times you hear it!

Alright, all complaining will cease for now. Even on my worst day with bunches of kids and animals surrounding me, I would not trade places with anyone else in this whole world. I am exactly where God wants me to be, and I am so thankful that I'm able to stay home. Thanks to my awesome, hard working hubby! And speaking of awesome hubbies...I'm still enjoying my valentine's gifts from him! In years past, we haven't really celebrated this day. I am one that tends to think (and he agrees) that every day should be like valentine's day. He is so sweet, and will bring me flowers "just because" on any given day. He even did it one time when his parents were here. Go, Todd! Way to make them proud of how they raised you!

I said all that to say, I really wasn't expecting anything, and I not only got a dozen gorgeous roses, I also got a really pretty bracelet I'd been wanting. He did good! My roses are starting to wither, but I'm not ready to throw them away yet. Maybe tomorrow. I hate throwing flowers away...but I know there will be more where they came from! Love to all, and have a great day!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Happy Tuesday!

It was beautiful today! Cold, but beautiful. Noah is recovering from some breathing issues he's been having, and today I felt like he was able to be outside for a little bit. He felt fine, and only coughed a little, so I think tomorrow we'll be able to venture back into the world. We've been home since Saturday night, and I have cabin fever!!! I'm actually looking forward to a P.T.A. meeting I have tomorrow...well, almost.

Jonah and Noah are taking a bath as I'm writing this, and I'm overhearing them laugh and cut up. We have a pull down shower head that has a message pulse, and I decided to let them see what it felt like. Noah was laughing so hard, all the water went on and around me instead of over him. He is such a giggle box. Jonah and I were laughing pretty hard, too. Needless to say, my bathroom floor got cleaned...well, almost.

I was pretty bored today, I actually was lazy and didn't do much except a load of laundry. I was about to doze off at around lunch time, when a girlfriend called and kept me company for a while. That was nice, even if we didn't get to talk much. The little ones were just excited to see someone else besides me!

Well, I'm pretty boring tonight, I don't have anything big going on this week. I'm just trying to keep the rest of my house well, so we can actually do something this weekend! Hope you all had a great day, and just think, the week is already almost half over!!! Yippee!

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Thought For The Day

I am wrapping up my week in the Bible study I'm doing, and tonight's homework caused some serious contemplation. I love lessons like that! I usually "get it" after stopping and reading it again. The lesson was about the Israelites marching to Jerusalem after their return from exile, and their attitude was one of disbelief...pure joy. It was taken from Psalm 126. I like how the Message Bible said it best:

1 A Pilgrim song It seemed like a dream, too good to be true, when God returned Zion's exiles. 2 We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. We were the talk of the nations-"God was wonderful to them!" 3 God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people. 4 And now, God, do it again-bring rains to our drought~stricken lives 5 so those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest, 6 so those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.

Isn't that beautiful? I have prayed so many times for God to "bring rain" to my drought~stricken life, to our church and its leaders, to our country and its leaders, in so many other areas, almost too many to mention.

In this reference, the returning exiles were thinking back to good times, and praying for God to bring those times again. I have been on both sides...in the good times, and waiting for God to get me out of a trying area in life. I can say that in all those times of trial, I have ended much stronger in my faith, and in my relationship with my Creator.

I love that last verse...6 "so those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing." Armloads of blessing. Isn't that something?!?! How many of us have armloads of blessings? I know I do. I know I have also taken those blessings for granted. It's amazing how kind God is....He loves us, definitely, but He CHOOSES each and everything for us alone. We are truly His children, and just like we parent our kids and want the best for them, He desires that for us. Wherever we may be in life, rest assured that God alone knows the outcome, and though we don't know what that is, He does. "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you." He allows us to go through trials so we will depend more fully upon Him. On Him alone. No one else will support you like Him, and I don't ever want to look elsewhere.

I hope your weekend was good, and that your Monday is even better. Let's look for and focus on our armloads of blessings this week.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

New Pets

The day has finally come! Twinkles got her claws taken out!!! I am so glad...we love that cat, but her claws HURT! Also, Andy got his teeth cleaned. We're getting them all taken care this week...it feels good. Now if I could just come up with a solution for all the hair! Andy is still groggy from the anesthesia, and he can't bark, but other than that, all is well. Poor thing! Happy Valentine's Day!

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Bible study

I am doing a Bible study at church, the new Beth Moore one entitled, Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent. The Psalms of Ascent is a title I've always seen when reading in the upper Psalms, but one I never knew the meaning of. The Psalms of Ascent are Psalm 120~134, and these were actually sung by the Israelites while making the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Feasts they went to three times a year. They are short in length so they could be easily memorized.

Something that Beth hammers in, is that we should ALWAYS be on a pilgrimage to get closer to God. We should never be content to stay where we are, but should always journey to get closer to Him. I never realized how many times the word "pilgrim", or "pilgrimage" was in the Bible. And I'm only on Week Four!

One thing that she also says a lot, is that in God's economy, the only way up is down. She challenged us at the beginning of this study to start everyday in prayer, not on our knees, but facedown on the floor. I must admit, that when she said this, I thought she was crazy. I figured on my knees was good enough. But I tried it, and you know what? She was right! I can't always get completely down, on my face, because of where I may be at the time, but when you take on that posture, you become very humble, and the things you start talking to God about are unbelievable! I have moved beyond the simple "Bless my family, protect us, keep us safe and healthy" prayers into deep, heartfelt times of worship and pleading with Him. I love this verse:

Joshua 5:14b Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, "What message does my Lord have for His servant?"

God does speak when you're on that level! He does anytime you wait long enough, and be still long enough, but how much clearer you hear Him when on that level! Nothing is there to distract you (except little ones running in and asking with alarm in their voice, "Mom? Are you okay?!?!", when they see you like that!), nothing is there to look around at, it's just you and God. I challenge anyone reading this to try it. See what happens. If you physically cannot do it, your knees will do. I did start shutting my door when doing this. There's no need for me to scare Jonah and Noah. I do ask them to play quietly while Mommy has her alone time.

This week's study is good so far, but last week was awesome! She talked about really listening to the worship songs we sing. And to sing them as if God is in the front row, watching us enter into praise. I did the last day's homework while working in the health room at Coll. Elementary, and at one point, I actually said in a not too quiet voice, "hallelujah!" I'm sure that really confirms that yes, I definitely am loony. The lesson was about the enemy, and how he is very real and fights for us every second of everyday. But instead of dwelling on him, dwelling instead, on God's mercy, and what all He's saved us from. Or what all He's carried us through when we couldn't walk on our own two feet. I just about danced when I got to that part. God is good, isn't He?!?!?!

Gotta go pick up the kids.....more later =)

Monday, February 11, 2008

Happy Monday!

We had the absolute BEST weekend! We had friends over Friday night, the same old ones, and my best friend from middle school and early high school, Mandy Cottrell, and her husband and kids came to Memphis this weekend. They're actually moving here at the end of March, and it is so exciting getting to see her and getting to know her again. She looks exactly the same, just more mature! We used to have so much fun together as young teenagers, and I can't wait to see where life takes us now that we're older. Her husband, David, got transferred here for his job, and they have 2 kids...Hailey age 12, and Eli age 9. Graham and Drew already love him...they even came up with a secret handshake! Kids are so cute!
We spent yesterday at church, which was awesome, and it was such a gorgeous day, that we came home and cleaned out the garage!!! YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW HAPPY THIS MAKES ME!!!! I believe that whoever said, "cleanliness is next to Godliness", hit the nail on the head! It is wonderful pulling into a clean garage! My awesome hubby put together this really cool bike rack for the kids to put their bikes on, and we swept all the leaves out, and organized it. We even got rid of some toys! I have a trunk full of stuff that needs to go to Goodwill.
Spring fever has hit me, and I am going around today de~cluttering my house. I figure since I'm going to donate stuff to Goodwill, I might as well make my trip worth it! I am putting everything back in order from the weekend, and after that, me and the laundry room have a date. You should see the mountain of laundry I have waiting for me! Oh, and did I mention that Andy even got a bath this weekend?!?! It's funny when you ask for the dog to be bathed, and you get ignored, but when your kids ask for the dog to get bathed, guess what you get to do?!?! Bathe the dog! Just jokin', he wasn't really that dirty. He did smell a little, though, but I haven't asked to bathe him.
Well, happy Monday to all, hope this brightens your day some...as if you need it, if you live in this area. It's gorgeous outside! Too bad it's so cold....

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Ive Been Tagged

My lovely sister in law, the marvelous Tracy (familygoodwin.blogspot.com), tagged me, and now I have to play. Well, I'm not actually going to play because I really don't know anyone else who blogs. But I will list my most weird 7 facts. Okay dokie artichokie, as Drew likes to say, here goes...

So, here's the rules of the game:
  • Link the person who sent this and leave a comment on their blog so their readers can visit yours.
  • Post the rules on your blog.
  • Share 7 strange/weird facts about yourself.
  • Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and link their blog. Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
1. I have this problem where I cannot remember if I shut the garage door. Some call it OCD, and it may very well be, but no matter if I KNOW WITHOUT A DOUBT that I did, indeed, close it, I can talk myself out of it. If you don't believe me, call my neighbor, Beth. Ask her how many times I've asked her to look out her window. =)
2. I'm always afraid that someone is going to chase me. I know, I know. But especially when I'm on the stairs, I constantly look behind me just to make sure!
3. I HATE, ABSOLUTELY HATE ANIMAL HAIR!!!!! Ironic, since I have so many!
4. Sometimes, on Saturday mornings, when it's just me awake, and I have the television all to myself, I still watch Beverly Hills 90210!!!
5. I took a typing class in high school, and the teacher was so bent on getting us to memorize finger positioning, she would make us practice at our desks, even if there wasn't a keyboard in front of us. When I talk, or listen to someone else, I type it out in my head. Well, sometimes, not in my head, but in front of me. =)
6. I am secretly afraid of airplanes crashing into our house. When I see one that I think is too low, I completely wig out.
And last, but not least,
7. I hate typos. I will re~read something 20 times before I finalize it. If you ever find a typo on something I've done, it's because I didn't have time to proofread. And I constantly find mistakes in books and other things I read.

Think I'm weird? Well, if I was trying to hide it before, oh well. I think we all have skeletons in our closets!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Accidents, Ice Cream, and Raymon

I took Noah to the doctor...his ears are fine, but a little red, so Dr. Fesmire gave us a "just in case" prescription, which I love. After that we were all hungry, so I was heading to Wendy's for lunch. I was stopped at a redlight, and all of a sudden, my car lurched forward. Jonah or Noah, I don't know which one yelled out, "Whoa! What was that?!" The girl behind me had rear ended me! Not just a girl, but a nurse from the doctor's office I'd just left.

I got out to assess the damage, and thought something had been broken on my car, but turns out, absolutely NOTHING is wrong with my big, honkin' 'burban. I mean, I guess it'll take more than that to put a dent in that thing. I called the police, and once we determined that everyone was okay, we pulled into a parking lot, which just so happened to be right in front Baskin Robbins. The guy got all our info and turned to Jonah and Noah. He walked over to them, with his clipboard in hand, and asked them their names, ages, birthdates, where they had been seated, and were they buckled in properly. With excitement (or fear, maybe) in their eyes, they answered all the questions correctly, and replied "Yes Sir.", to the last questions. Thank You, Jesus, that they answered correctly! If ever there were a time for a child to tattle on a parent, now would not be it!

Jonah will be talking about this day for YEARS, probably. He has had enough excitement to at least last the rest of this month! Todd told me that when I leave church tomorrow night, to be prepared to answer a lot of questions. Thank you, Jonah.

After all was done, we headed on over to Baskin Robbins to have ice cream for lunch. Oh, and guess what our officer's name was? You guessed it from the title: Raymon. Same spelling and all. Now Jonah is REALLY excited! He'll be saying that he wants to be a police officer when he grows up!

Noah

Noah is not feeling so good today. Poor little guy, he's really had a rough past couple weeks. I was up half the night with him last night, and am tired, and yes, a little cranky. In other words, maybe it's not a good idea for another child who does not belong to me, to be here. Not really, he's a good boy...Andy spent last night with us, and they all slept soundly on the bedroom floor. Well, until Jonah decided he was too good for the floor and got into Noah's bed. And until Noah woke up screaming from pain in his ear. (Yes, Nana and Mimi, he's got a doctor's appointment at 11:40!) Noah wanted to sleep with us, so poor Andy was left alone on the floor!

I will go for now, I have three little cuties that want to go play outside...more later after the appointment. Say a prayer for him, though, he's really in a lot of pain. :(

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Friends

This blog is dedicated to friends. Everyone should have someone in their lives who they can let their hair down with, mess around with good naturedly, kick back in pj pants and houseshoes with, and laugh until you cry with. Friends that can get on to your kids without hurting feelings, whose kids you can get onto without hurting feelings, accidentally burp (or on purpose, as Rusty so loves to do) around, make fun of them when they dance and laugh with until you cry. Seeing a pattern?

We are blessed to have such friends as these. They've been a long time coming, but we've found our forever friends, our BFF'S. Our kids all love each other, we all love each other, and it's so much fun being together that we don't even have to leave our houses. We all have such huge families that it's impractical to go anywhere. Every time we get together, it's a bring your own potluck dinner.

They came over tonight to hang out and watch the SuperBowl (Go Giants!!). We had tons of food, tons of laughing, and a HUGE mess afterward! The best kind of night ever! I hope you all enjoyed yourselves watching the game tonight, and I hope you all had friends to be with. Oh, and Mom, what did you think about Rusty? Actually, he was well behaved tonight. He's pretty crude...but we still love him! Love to all and Happy Monday!

third Tuesday check-in

  Happy Tuesday, friends! It's time for the third Tuesday check-in, when I'll share a very honest assessment on how life is going in...