Saturday, July 30, 2011

a quiet Saturday

I cannot believe how our day has turned out.  Not that I'm complaining, or anything. 

Graham went to my Dad's at nine this morning to cut his grass.  Our most favorite neighbors invited Drew, Jonah and Noah over to swim at nine thirty.  This was after Myles woke us up at eight-forty...by ringing our doorbell.  Poor Andy almost had a heart attack...we were all snoozing away.

Drew got picked up by a friend and his mom at ten. 

I have only seen Jonah and Noah twice.  Once when they each came home to tell me something, and once when they came home to eat. 

Drew is still gone. 

Graham is back and now we're watching Topgun.  :):):)

It almost makes me love Tom Cruise again.  Well...happy Saturday.  Love to all. 

Friday, July 29, 2011

Friday Night in The Ville

 It was loverly when we first set out on this Friday night.  The temps were in the mid-eighties, and there was a great breeze blowing.  The boys' all agreed on wanting to go to the square after dinner.  (Which consisted of grilled cheese sandwiches and Pancho's cheese dip and salsa.)

So we did.  And the breeze was awesome.

But as nice as it was, it was short lived.

The boys still had fun.  After spraying everyone with four coats of Off, they managed to find some other kids to play hide-n-seek with.

Then they found a cicada.  And managed to scare the ever-living-you-know-what out of me.  Thanks for that, Toddley.

It was a fun night.  We all started getting hot and sticky, so we decided to come home and have ice cream.  :)

Hope your Friday night was special...hug all your loved ones tonight.  Love to all.

a little sadness

I'm sad this morning.  Lisa and Eric from Klove's morning show are on air for the last time.  They have both felt God calling them to very different things, and they decided to make today their last day as our beloved morning show hosts. 

It's funny how you get to know someone you listen to every single morning...and I've enjoyed them so much over the last few years.  They've gotten me through many, many mornings of being up at the crack of dawn making lunches and stumbling towards my coffee pot.  I love Lisa especially...and her sweet, kind heart. 

Until they get a new morning show up and running, JD Chandler will be taking their place.  I like him...but it just won't be the same. 

So as I write this, I am listening to my favorite dj's for the last time.  And remembering to say a prayer for them as they move on to what God is calling them to.  Lisa will be staying home with her boys, who are quickly growing up.  And Eric is feeling God calling him to some other area of ministry.  Say a prayer for them today!  I know it'll be hard for them to leave this amazing radio ministry...but how exciting for them to be walking in the way of the Lord! 

Love to all. 

Thursday, July 28, 2011

a long couple of days

I think I'm getting old.  I can't take the outside like I used to be able to.  Either that, or I'm being punished for missing my chiropractor appointment today.  :(

I cannot believe I missed my appointment.  Not only am I mortified, but my neck and back are KILLING me. 

But then again, it could just be that I'm getting old and my head hurts from all the sunshine. 

I'll let you pick your poison.  Either way, I feel some ibuprofen coming on.

We swam with my sweet friend Carol today.  I cannot believe the summer is almost over and that's only my second time of seeing my dear, sweet friend.  I love the conversations we have...she is so easy to talk to and we never talk about the same thing twice.  What a treat. 

So...my sweet Graham is surprising his daddy with a freshly cut yard.  :)  I love when he randomly comes up with things like this on his own.  He asked me a little while ago if he could call Todd, and I told him no, because Todd was supposed to call me when he got a little break.  Then he said, "Well, I wanted to ask him if I could cut the yard."  I told him that he most certainly could, and that Todd would LOVE that.  :) 

Graham has had a really great week...I don't know if his new attitude is from camp last week, or if he's maturing some or what, but he has made a huge effort to be very nice to everyone this week.  And I think he is seeing the benefit of what that brings...we're all in a better mood, there is hardly any bickering, our tones of voices are nicer...you get my drift.  I'm praying that this is a permanent change...and I've told him repeatedly this week how proud I am of this change. 

He really can be such a great kid.  I know that he's like that in public...but at home, when nobody's watching...that is what speaks volumes to me. 

Anyway, well, speaking of that, I better go and supervise him edging the yard...he insists that he wants it to be perfect for his dad when he comes home.  :) 

Insert big happy sigh here.  _______

Random Thoughts (for the umpteenth time)

It's 8:54 a.m., and Jonah and I are the only ones awake in the house.  I was informed that the boys tried to pull an all-nighter, but only made it until about 3.  I don't know how factual that statement is, but that's what Jonah said. 

Another little tidbit he said randomly: "I wonder how Santa fits down the chimney." 

Welcome to my life. 

I got a phone call from our principal this week.  I've tried returning her call several times, to no avail.  It kinda makes me nervous...like I'm being sent to her office, or something.  I did finally get through to her this morning, but she asked to call me back.  I can't help but freak out wonder as to why she would call. 

I recently discovered a super cool thing on one of my phone aps.  I have the Youversion ap...the Bible ap.  Our church uses Youversion for notes and stuff...you can always see Brother Chuck's notes for the sermon, even if you're not there.  Anyway, while looking more thoroughly at the ap, I discovered that I can do my One Year Bible reading from it.  I've picked back up on my morning quiet time over the summer, and having the guideline on my phone makes it so easy!  I use the phone to tell me what to read next, but I use my normal-sized Bible.  My One Year Bible is so small, it's nearly impossible to read.  Maybe that's why I got in on sale a few years ago for $5. 

I am ridiculously sad that school is about to start back.  :(  They're not all that sad, in fact, they're all kind of excited.  But I could cry.  (With that being said, I am very thankful for my job that I have there and so happy to be able to see at least 2 of my kiddos every single day.)  The only thing I'm looking forward to that Monday that school starts is meeting back up with my praying moms.  We will be covering those babies and all the staff in prayer that day.  A cool thing I just found out about this all...we're being allowed to pass our fliers in the parking lot the day that school starts!  If you're reading this and have kids at Collierville Elementary, Collierville Middle and Tara Oaks and want to pray, come join us!  We have free childcare and we'll be starting Monday August 8th at 9:15. 

I am excited for one night that all my kids will be at home without any extras.  Todd won't be here (he's working with the sheriff's department), but I cannot wait.  I'm going to fix a yummy dinner and we just might watch a movie.  :) 

I finally have gotten caught up on The Bachelorette.  I did a marathon viewing over the past few days so I could be caught up by the time the finale aired.  I know you were dying to know that.  :)  

Well, I need to get moving.  I have laundry that's calling my name.  Hope your day is wonderful!  Love to all.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Sunshine, Drew and Singing!!!

Today was an awesome day.  My friends from church invited us to Lifetime fitness to swim.  The kids were so excited about it...they've been wanting to slide down those slides ever since the place was built. 

We were there for FOUR HOURS.  Not that it felt like that long, because I was in good company. 

I love new friends.  I'm thankful for the old ones, too.  I feel so blessed to have so many friends in my life...I thank God for each and every one of them every chance I get.  I pray I never take them for granted.  I didn't always make friends easily, but now that I'm older, I do.  I am thankful for that...all my shyness seems to have disappeared with age. 

So that's the sunshine part. 

The Drew part is that he's gone tonight.  He was invited over to a friends' house to spend the night.  Naturally, that means that we have to add a kid to replace him.  :)  So Graham's friend (since he was 4) Cameron is here to spend the night.  But Drew is texting me and Todd, telling us that he's a little homesick.  Because his tummy hurts.  God love his little self.  He has my stomach. 

So tonight was church night for us.  The little guys didn't make it up to kids' church tonight.  Jonah had a killer headache from all the sunshine today, so he and Noah stayed with me.  Because you know that what Jonah does, Noah does. 

Then I went to choir practice.  For the first time since Easter.  It was so good being in a choir again!  I loved it.  I plan on singing with them on Sunday.  :)

Well, that's about all I've got.  I'm going to bed soon...I am exhausted from today.  And just think...tomorrow we get to spend the day outside in the sunshine again!  This time with my friend Carol, or "Mimi Carol" to the kids.  She called and invited us over to swim tomorrow.  Of course, the kids are excited...they love her grand kids and her salt water pool. 

Good night!  Love to all. 

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

family, friends and fun

 We've seen lots of family lately.  We had our weekly dinner at Nana's and Big Daddy's this past Saturday night.  Sunday after church, we went to Mimi's and Papa's house...they had invited us over for pizza.

I always love not having to think of what to make for a meal!

Sunday after the morning service, Drew asked if his friend Will could come over.  So he did.  And he went with us to Mimi's and Papa's.  And spent Sunday night with us.  And all day yesterday.  And last night.  And all of today.

He's a great kid...I never mind having an extra one around when they're nice!

Jonah and Noah also wanted a friend over.  Ben.  So he came over yesterday afternoon and spent last night and today with us.  I have to be fair, ya know??

It's been a great couple days.  There is just something about extra kids that makes my heart so happy.  Especially when they're great friends, like Will and Drew.  I just love them.

Ben has since left and Will is about to be leaving.  Then we're going to celebrate Grandma Rena's birthday with her.  I don't remember what age she'll be.  She probably won't remember either, God love her little Alzheimer's heart.  Papa is picking up some chicken nuggets from Wendy's and we'll be eating in the game room of her assisted living facility.  I'll take some pics and share them with you all later.

I miss my sweet Mammaw.  I wish I could have one more conversation with her.  She lived with us when I was a junior and senior in high school.  She used to drive me bonkers, but what I wouldn't give for one last conversation.  I wish I could share with her all of my God stories.  :)  That precious lady loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, strength and mind.  She loved to sing praises to Him and would often hum while she worked around the house.  (I guess that's where I get that endearing little quality of mine...the one that drives my sister Tricia absolutely insane.)

Anyway...I'm big on family traditions.  I hope my kids are the same way when they have kids.  (Should the good Lord tarry.)  I hope we're instilling in them the things that are most important in life...faith, family and friends.

Love to all.

Monday, July 25, 2011

When Dinner Goes Awry

Do you ever have that happen? 

Make dinner, only to discover that it's horrible?

It happens quite often around here.  Well, not too terribly often, but still...more than I would like. 

We went to Costco last Thursday, and Drew and I sampled something called Street Tacos.  They were quite yummy.  In the small dose that we sampled.  I made them tonight.  Mmmmm, not so much. 

I'll probably end up eating a bowl of cereal later.  Maybe not...because my tummy hurts.  I don't know if it's from the tacos or the super duper spicy sriracha sauce I put on mine, but something is not sitting well with me. 

Luckily, the kids all wanted something else.  Well, Jonah, Noah and Ben did.  Graham, Drew and Will had the tacos along with Todd and myself.  God love their little hearts for not complaining.  :)  (And yes, you counted 2 extra kids with us tonight.  I am not crazy...I just want my kids to enjoy the last couple weeks of summer vacation.)

Turns out they're an Asian thing...and it turns out that I'm not much of an ethnic food fan.  I guess after all these years, my husband's way of thinking has warped me into being just like him.  I'll take meat and potatoes any day. 

Well, speaking of my favorite man, I'm going to go spend quality time with him.  Love to all.

In Two Weeks...

we'll be back in school.  :(  I always have such mixed emotions this time of year.  I'm always excited about the prospect of a fresh start.  New school year, new teachers, new friends...but I'm always sad to let the kids go.  They love it so much, though.  They might not readily admit that, but they do.  They love being with their friends every day, and they love all the activities that go along with the new school year. 

Like football games.  And clubs. 

I'm excited for cooler weather.  :) 

But sad that our swimming days will come to an end. 

Like I said, such mixed emotions.  It will be so weird with only Jonah and Noah at CES with me.  But as strange as it might be, I'm excited for Drew...I know he will love middle school as much as Graham did last year.  I pray that last year's sixth graders will "pay it forward" this year to the incoming sixth graders.  Last year, there were all these kids that would stop and make Graham feel so welcome everyday.  I've been telling him that he has the responsibility of doing that this year. 

I'm pretty sure he will, and I hope that some of his friends will jump in and join him.  It only takes one to start something. 

Well, that's about all I've got.  The kids are wanting to go swim again.  I hope you are all having a blessed Monday.  Love to all!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

My Favorite Day of the Week

Psalm 100

1 Shout to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the the LORD is God.  It is He who made us, and we are His, we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.

5 For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

I'm Thankful...

for my sweet Jesus.

for my family.
for being blessed with an amazing church that might still be a little new to us, but feels like home.

that my kids love the Lord.

that we have family all around us where we live.

that God has blessed us with awesome friends.

for traditions...like our summer tradition of cooking out and swimming with our neighbors, the Dickson's. 

for you that just so happen to read all of the nonsensical stuff that I write.  :)

Memories From Camp

Silly songs with Pastor Austin before every meal
Drew's friend Will leading us all in the chicken dance from atop a chair on his birthday
My precious new friend, Beth Bracewell, whom I shared a cabin with
The precious sounds of 8 little girls' voices saying "good night everyone" every night
Having to do the Hokey Pokey to get back whatever item you left in the Big Room
Seeing Noah's fresh mohawk every morning, done by his counselor Mr. Craig (Beth's hubby)
Having Mr. Craig bring us coffee to our cabin at 7 on the dot every morning
The smell of shaving cream :)
Seeing all those precious boys and girls walk down the aisle to learn more about Jesus
Hearing us all sing and worship together

It was an amazing 4 days.  I can't wait till next year!!  More later.  Love to all!

Friday, July 22, 2011

Remember Me?

We left home. 

They left home. 

We came back. 

They came back. 

And we're all one big, happy family again.  :)

Fun was had by all. 

Laundry overwhelmed me for 24 hours, then I got caught up. 

Then they came home. 

And now it's overwhelming me again. 

I can't get past it. 

But, boy is it good to have them all back under one roof.  (Well, kinda...Drew's spending the night with a friend.)

That's all I've got for now.  But I'm thinking about which story to pick from to tell you about camp...there were so many...but for now, this is pretty much it.  Love to all!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Goodbye, bloggy world

Until Wednesday...or maybe Thursday, depending on how tired I am.  We return Wednesday at five.  Upon returning to the church, we are being fed dinner...all the campers/families of campers and counselors.  Then we're ending with a worship service at six. 

In case you're my family and want to attend with us.  :)  Dinner is from 5-6, and the service starts at 6.  Ends at 7. 

Then we are being released from there...but not a moment before. 

I think it's awesome that we're all being fed and ending together in worship. 

My church rocks. 

Love to all!

Sunday mornings

I love them.  I woke up extra early this morning so I could shower and start on the laundry.  My alarm went off at 6:30, but it wasn't until 6:45 that I rolled out of bed. 

I don't love that I forgot to make the coffee last night.  I had to dry off in a hurry so I could run downstairs to make it. 

I love the quiet stillness that is all around me.  I hear the washer running, and the air conditioner unit, and my fingers tapping the keys of my laptop, but that's all. 

I love that it's so quiet that I can hear birds chirping outside of my living room window.  I love that I was able to see the sky go from dark to light.  I love that God's glory is most obvious to me in the morning time.  All of His splendid creation is so fresh and full of life in the mornings...and I feel so honored to be able to see it all. 

I often think of how thoughtful He is...He had us in mind when He created the world around us.  The beautiful colors of flowers and trees, and how they change from season to season, and all the little critters around us.  I'm amazed by Him this morning. 

I love the thought of Him pursuing me...what woman doesn't want to be pursued?  I was listening to a song by The David Crowder Band last night that said, "He is jealous for me." 

Do I give Him enough of my time?  Do I thank Him enough?  Praise Him enough?  Not necessarily for the things He's done (although they are countless), but for Who He is.  His attributes.  His characteristics...faithful, true, loving, kind, gentle...

Do I listen when He speaks?  Even though it may not be audible...but do I listen to His word? 

Do I read His word enough? 

Just things I'm thinking about this morning...this Sunday morning, my favorite day of the week.  I can't wait for church today. 

I encourage you to find a place of worship this morning...a church nearby, or if you're unable to attend physically, how about watching a service on tv?  I love my church...the worship, the sermon that Brother Chuck gives, the fellowship of other believers...all of it. 

Give it a try...you just might be blessed. 

Psalm 111
 1 Praise the Lord!   I will thank the Lord with all my heart
      as I meet with his godly people.

 2 How amazing are the deeds of the Lord!
      All who delight in him should ponder them.

 3 Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.
      His righteousness never fails.

 4 He causes us to remember his wonderful works.
      How gracious and merciful is our Lord!

 5 He gives food to those who fear him;
      he always remembers his covenant.

 6 He has shown his great power to his people
      by giving them the lands of other nations.

 7 All he does is just and good,
      and all his commandments are trustworthy.

 8 They are forever true,
      to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.

 9 He has paid a full ransom for his people.
      He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever.
      What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!

 10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.
      All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.
   Praise him forever!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

I have a hundred and thirty eight things to do...

...before I leave town for 4 days tomorrow.

Yikes.

I don't know why I wait until the last minute to do things...it just puts unnecessary pressure on me.  Apparently, I work best under extreme pressure.  That's when I accomplish the most in the shortest amount of time.

I leave for camp (along with countless counselors and 103 kids) tomorrow at four.  For three nights and four days of some hot fun.  :)

I'm with 4th grade girls.  (In case you want to start praying now for an extra dose of patience!)

That's about it for now.  Love to all!

That's about it.  Love to all!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

memories that will last a lifetime

Drew: on discovering that Graham needed a to-go box for his French dip sandwich; "To-go box?  I'm a to-go box!"

Making the mistake of saying Mimi's middle name in front of all the kids one time...and her convincing them that it was a bad word.

Hearing Jonah and Noah sing a praise and worship song in the backseat of my suburban.

Graham telling me he wanted to start memorizing Scripture.

Noah loving the fact that his hair looked like an iguana today.  And could have cared less...except for when people told him he looked cool. 

Listening to Jonah rave about the new sport Papa got him hooked on...Tour De France, said with accent and all. 

Precious time spent with friends and family.

Hearing Noah say: "Jonah's never mean...he is always sweet to me."

Thank You, Lord, for every single moment You give me with my kids.  Help me to never take one single moment for granted. 

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

the new Chris Tomlin song

Be still, there is a healer
His love is deeper than the sea
His mercy, it is unfailing
His arms, a fortress for the weak


(Chorus)
Let faith arise
Let faith arise
I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God, forever


Be still, there is a river
That flows from Calvary's tree
A fountain for the thirsty
Your grace that washes over me

Chorus X2

Let faith arise
Let faith arise
Open my eyes
Open my eyes
Let faith arise
Let faith arise
Open my eyes
Open my eyes

Chorus X2

You are faithful, God, forever
Let faith arise
Let faith arise

4 boys-2 boys=a lot more quiet

So...for the second time in as many days, Drew was invited to a friends house.  Graham woke up this morning and asked to go to work with Todd.  That just left the two littles and me.  :)

Ahhh, blessed peace and quiet. 

Kind of. 

Then they wanted a friend to come over. 

And as I write this, I'm listening to what sounds like Noah's impersonation of a dinosaur. 

Yup.  You read right. 

It's weird, though, the dynamics of kids and their friends.  You would think that with the added children that it would mean more work.  But really, it's the opposite.  With the extra kid, the kids that belong to you are more occupied.  And fight much less.  Go figure. 

So...if anyone wonders why we have friends over all the time, there you go.  Well, that and the fact that my Daddy told me to try to not ever say "no" to their friends coming over to hang out.  So I try not to.  Plus, I really want to be the house where the kids hang out. 

Well...that's pretty much it.  We are still not doing much of anything today.  The good news is that we now have food to eat!  We made a little trip to the Walmart for some much-needed food.  Including some yummy fruit....my favorite thing about summer.  I've even already washed and sliced it up for little hands to grab easily.  :)

Well...my book is calling my name.  Love to all!

a little girl time and some good food

I was sitting here yesterday when it dawned on me that I was in desperate need of a girls' night. 

Outside of my home with at least one other person of the same gender as me.

So I sent out a text to my 2 go-to-girls, Tammy and Rene, and asked them to join me.  Rene couldn't...she was working, but Tammy was able to go.  So we met at Booya's...only to discover that it was live music night and that we wouldn't be able to hear ourselves talk, so we went to Chili's instead. 

It was so nice talking to a friend in a relaxed environment.  I'm sure it will do wonders for my mood today. 

Speaking of today...we don't really have much on the agenda.  Tomorrow the boys and I are meeting a friend of mine for lunch, but today we're not really doing much of anything.  We all have camp meetings tonight at church, and then there's church. 

That's about it.  Exciting, on-the-edge-of-your-seat stuff, I know.  Love to all. 

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

my kids...

are lots of fun. 
are almost always very loud.
love m&m's, although different kids like different varieties.
love lacrosse.
and soccer.
and football.
and basketball.
and baseball.
and kickball.  (You get my drift.)
were given Indian names.  :) 
love to swim.
love to have friends over and go to friends' houses.
love to see movies in the theater.  (Well, except Jonah.)
love to play with cars on the car rug.
can be really sweet when they want to.  (Yesterday, Jonah bought all of his brothers a car...just because.)
are polite.  (Something that is VERY important to me.)
have really great tans right now.
love all animals.
want another dog.  (Their mom kinda does, too.)
are watching Looney Toons right this minute.  (The 2 that are here, anyway.)
love to eat out.
love when I make their favorite things for dinner.  (Homemade mac-n-cheese is their most favorite.)
tell me I'm pretty all the time.  :)
love me unconditionally. 
love when I make up songs for them.
love to receive written letters from me.
are pretty cool.
are growing up way too fast. 

Monday, July 4, 2011

God Bless America

It's been a different kind of day.  The boys and I are leaving (along with Mimi) to go out of town tomorrow, so I've spent the last couple days cleaning and getting all caught up on laundry.  I've packed for them, for Todd, for me...and I went to Walmart for some snacky things and other last minute items. 

We've watched movies (THEY'VE watched movies...Rocky I, II, and III). 
I finished an amazing book. 
We all had different things for dinner.
Drew was gone most of the day.
I painted my toe-nails and finger-nails.  :)  (Aruba Blue...Essy, not OPI)
I started another book. 
We gave Andy the Wonder Dog a bath.  (He has to be 50 lbs lighter, what with all the hair that came off him.)
Drew took a nap on the couch while watching Rocky III.
I took a nap after my 2:00 lunch.
Todd started Rocky IV.

That's about it.  Exciting, huh?  We did our celebrating Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  I am glad we did it that way...it was nice to have this day to get ready for our trip. 

I also picked my thirteenth Bible verse to memorize for this year.  :)  Quite the feat for this tired mama's little brain...I've only been able to do this with God's help.  To Him be the glory.  Want to hear my verse?  (I'm still going to share it, even if you answered 'no'.)

Galatians 6:9  So let's not get tired of doing what is good.  At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.

To me that means for me to keep going.  To keep racing toward that ever-present finish line.  To keep my eye on the prize.  The prize being Jesus.  Eternity.  All the trials in this life, all the troubles, all the hardships are only temporary.  The end is fast approaching, and I pray that I live my life with Heaven in mind.  My eternity.  For when we breathe our last breath here on this earth, our real life will only be beginning. 

I don't know about you, but not only am I thankful for the freedom we have in America, I am most thankful for the freedom that we have in Christ Jesus.  For "if the Son sets you free, you are truly free".  (John 8:36)

Happy Independence day.  God bless America. 

Hello Monday

  Happy Monday, friends! I'm linking up with  Holly  and  Sarah  for today's post. I hope you had a good weekend! Here were a few th...