Tub Time!

Anna and I were talking today about black and white pictures. What is it about the lack of color that makes them absolutely irresistible? I am thinking that when they went from black and white TV's to color ones, it was probably a waste of time. I enjoy reruns of The Andy Griffith Show...especially the ones in black and white. The technicolor ones aren't as neat and dear to my heart for some reason.

Eli had his first snow cone tonight while at Cade's baseball game. While walking back to our chairs so we could sit down and slurp it down, he told me that, "This snowcone is going to taste like heaven." (How is that snowcone, Kiley??) We were holding hands while going back to our seats and I asked him if he would hold my hand forever...no matter his age. He said that by age 20 he would be old enough to walk by himself. I am glad I have 15 years left!

Cade has a friend from church that is going to go to Conway Christian next year. The friend got to "shadow" in Cade's class the other day. Cade's teacher (before she even knew they were friends) picked Cade to be the one to help him around because he is her "responsible student." It really is fun to see him being reliable and trustworthy even when I am not around.

Baby Love

Anna let me take some pictures of baby Jack. (SOME may be an understatement.) I had so much fun! Here are some of my favorites. I promise I am not trying to steal her blog thunder by putting these up...she can share her favorites on her blog, too! Jack did such a good job...quite the little model, I must say. He didn't even pee on us when we stripped him down bare. I am really enjoying this photo stuff...now if I just had that fancy-dancy camera. :)

Eli sayings and random things.

My 5 year old can be random in his choice of words! Here are the latest:

1. Mommy, you are as cute as a watermelon!

2. As he was putting on his Superman costume, he said, "Boy, these pants feel so good, I can almost taste them!"

3. This morning, as I was spreading butter on his toast, he informed Cade that, "Butter is my favorite spice!" The boy loves butter and would eat it out of the bowl if I let him.

OK...this story is a little gross, but yesterday, Eli spent all day on the potty. I think I wiped him like 6 times. Cade got all scientific on me and told me that if he would "poop it all out at one time instead of doing short trips, then that would solve the issue."

This is also random, but once you are a Mom and out of school, you tend to look at success differently. I used to get excited about straight A's, but now I am excited that my kids have not been tardy to school all year nor have I forgotten any snacks or lunches. Whew, that college education is paying off!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

I am thankful to be a Mommy to these three boys. I guess I never dreamed I would have only boys...and I guess it is still possible to have a girl, but I wouldn't trade these little stinkers for anything. Mothering them has brought out a love so deep...it has made me realize that my Heavenly Father loves even deeper...and that is a whole bunch! I am thankful that Eric and I have such a Godly heritage and that we have good examples of parents to look to.

I thought I would honor my Mom and Mother-in-law with some words today.

My Mommy is such a tender soul. She aches when others ache and she rejoices when others rejoice. She melts at the sight of newborn babies, newborn calves, and newborn puppies. My Mom waited 7 seven years before she and Dad could have kids. She spent that time investing into little foster babies and children, giving them love and goodness. She was later rewarded with 5 of her own children. Her road has been marked with suffering. No Mother should have to bury her own child. Somehow, through the journey, her faith has deepened and she is still able to love the rest of us unconditionally and without reserve. She is a Godly woman. I have many memories of her on her bed with her Bible and study materials out in front of her. My Mom is a prayer warrior, doing most of her battle in the silent recesses of her mind. My Mom has the most amazing soprano voice. She was even given the ability from the Holy Spirit to write some songs for His glory. My Mom is gorgeous...time only makes her more beautiful. I have such a respect for my Mom now that I am one. I imagine that she also experienced doubts that she was doing a good job. Now, seeing that she has 5 Godly children, one at the foot of Jesus, I have hope that my kids will be OK, as well. It grieves me to not be with her on this special day, but she is understanding and forgiving like that. I love you with all my heart.


My Mother-in-law has been a God-sent gift to me. I hear many horror stories of people not enjoying their in-laws. God blessed me tremendously with Eric's parents. Barbara and I are opposite in many ways. She is more outspoken and sociable, and has stretched me out of my comfort zone quite a few times. God knew I needed some stretching, so this has been a blessing. Barbara has never met a stranger and once you meet her and know her heart, you love her. She is a servant to whoever comes into her presence. She has spent much of her life investing into young married women's lives....teaching them to submit to their husbands and encouraging them in their Mothering. She raised three Godly sons, one of whom I am glad to share my life with. She taught them how to clean, do laundry, and enjoy movies like "Anne of Green Gables." She instilled in them how to respect women. She is very unselfish, always wanting to help others and know how to pray for them. She is a master at organizing and creating room when there is no more room left to be created. This is her first year without her Mother's presence and I am so sad for her....yet joyous for their reunion one day. I cherish you on this special day.

Celebrating Wife Beaters

Well, last night was a fun and momentous one in our house! Cade and Eli rushed and took baths so they could put on their very first Wife-Beater T-Shirts! They were so excited about them. I think that only in the South do you celebrate your first Wife Beaters!

Eli...smokin' the competition

Eli had a TBall game Saturday. He did such a good job of paying attention. He got to play first base a couple of innings. He did a great job...even caught the ball a couple of times and got 2 outs. (If only outs counted in TBall!) Eric and I were wondering if Eli would enjoy a sport that requires a lot of standing and not as much action, but he seems to love it. Sam once again found a cute little girl to play with...this time she was a brunette version of Shirley Temple named McKenzie. (I don't know if I spelled that right; I don't have a lot of practice spelling girls' names.) This sounds crazy, but I am ready for a little heat from the sun during these games. Lately, I am freezing my bootie off!

Phil Wickham

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gU-ejQxEXk

In the words of Randy of American Idol..."Yo, Yo, Yo, Dog! We got a hot one tonight!" I am telling you, this guy can sing! He is my new favorite artist. Click link to hear a powerful song. Have a happy Friday!

It feels like HOME to me!

There are two locations in this world that will always feel like "home" to me. The first is the house I grew up in, the one Dad built, on Bridgewater Lane in Fayetteville. We had 5 acres and my siblings and I utilized every square inch, down to the creek that ran to the side of our house. I lived there from age 2 to about age 14. Almost all of my childhood memories involve this place. We had a pond, trees, barn, cows, horses, and even goats at one time. We drove past it the other day and it didn't look the same. They have planted extra trees that cover up the beautiful circle drive and they have added onto the house. But, it still felt like home. I was very irritated when we got to the top of MY childhood street to find that they had taken some land and turned it into a mansion-neighborhood. You know, big enough to house John Pelfrey and Bobby Petrino. (U of A basketball and football coaches.) I wanted to tear my hair out. This was MY street, and here they come with all their money, materializing it and taking away the country feel.

The other place that will always be "home" is my Great-Grandparents' place in Goshen...close to Fayetteville. My grandparents aren't still living, but I still consider it their place. I have no idea how many acres are out there, but it has the most amazing hills and landscape. (See all pics above.) My great grandfather was born on this land and died on it (while working in his garden at the age of 92 years!) Some of the houses are "original" but they have been restored. My Dad is running his cattle out there and it was a joy to see all of the newborn calves. Oh, just the smell of them makes me happy inside. Amelia and I rode in the back of a Ranger while Dad and Mom sat in the front. After a bit, I noticed the sign in the back of the Ranger that said, "No passengers allowed in bucket, serious injury or death could occur." Like we enjoy following rules in the country. We went all over that country, up and down ravines. My boys would have loved it! Yes, that place is home to me. In fact, if the end of the world comes and I need well water and a place to garden, I know where I am headed!

I guess every house I have lived in speaks of "home." The two houses that I have brought my babies home to will always be dear to me. I guess it is the memories that make a place so special.

Just Being Thankful

The younger boys and I went to Kroger this morning to see just how full we could get our cart. Do you ever have times when you seem to be out of everything? As we were trying to park, two of my "ideal" places were stolen by someone else. OK, they weren't stolen, but I did have my eyes on them. Walking in, we noticed a man in a motorized wheel chair that did not have any legs. I was thankful to have legs; it even made walking a mile to the front of the store a joy.

As we were checking out, a deaf man helped us to our car and loaded the grocery bags for us. I wanted to cry...I am so thankful I can hear. I can't imagine life without hearing my kids' voices or getting to enjoy worship music. I was thankful that I at least know "thank you" in sign language so I could express my gratitude.

Shane and Anna got to bring baby Jack home yesterday. I am so thankful that he is better and they are able to be together as a family again. There is nothing sweeter than seeing answered prayers...especially when it involves a newborn. Speaking of newborns, check out Kelli's blog today...see right for link. She has found the link to Todd from the music group Selah. The blog is about their 4th baby girl. She is right, though, you will need kleenex.

I am also thankful that I splurged and bought the Dove Irresistibly Raspberry Ice Cream. (I had a coupon, but it was still $2 for 1 pint!) Oh, my, it is sooooooo good! It is this amazingly good raspberry ice cream with chocolate chunks in it and then it is topped with Dove chocolate ganache. I can't wait to try other flavors...mmmmm.

What are you thankful for today?

Kirby GRADUATES!!!

My brother, Kirby, graduated from John Brown University this weekend! We are so proud of him. He got his braces off, got a youth minister job in Harrison, and graduated all in the same week! He is big time now, let me tell you! He even has the girl of his dreams, Carrie, on his arm. I won't detail the events of the whole weekend, that would take too long and some stories are out of bounds for the blog! I will tell you that Amelia and I hate graduations and got bored out of our minds. We started taking pictures of our feet (see pic) and eating Nutter Butters. We were sitting on the far side, so I am pretty sure that we weren't disturbing anyone. Kirby's long-time friend, Craig Dewey came and helped keep us girls in line. (Well, not really, if you know Craig at all...) We got to have a huge cookout at Mom and Dad's afterwards with family and friends. It was so relaxing and fun to sit in the perfect weather for hours catching up with everyone.

I will tell one little story...Friday night Dad, Mom, Mini, and I met Kirby at the Clarion for the Seafood Buffet. Dad was driving Mom's car, handed the keys to her before he got out, and proceeded inside. Mom, Amelia, and I decided to leave our purses in the car so we wouldn't have to mess with them in the buffet line. After we sat down and got our water, we realized what had happened! Yep...locked them in the car. After calling Pop-A-Lock, and being redeemed, we enjoyed our meal. (Well, not really enjoyed the food, but did enjoy being with each other.) As we headed back to our cars, Kirby started hitting his pockets, searching in vain for HIS keys. Yep, this is where the story gets funny. I mean, have you ever heard of one family in two separate cars meeting for dinner and they BOTH lock their keys in the car? How insane is that? Luckily, Kirby always hides a spare and we were spared another $35 to Pop-A-Lock.

I am so excited about the new journey Kirby is about to embark on. What fun to be on your own and getting a paycheck at the same time! What a joy it will be to invest in the lives of young kids...praying for them along the way. I pray he knows God deeper and deeper along this journey.

Well, I am off to menu-plan for the week. What sounds good to you at the moment?

Backyard Fun and Parenting at McDonald's

My friend Brittney told me I am addicted to blogging and I might need psychiatric help. I think she is right. I really do like posting things...kind of like online scrapbooking except my out of town family can see things the very day they happen. How cool is that? Whew, I talked myself out of spending thousands on a counselor! We got to play in the backyard for a long time this afternoon. Eli is now able to throw Cade the baseball which makes my "photographer" job much more fun and relaxing. The weather was perfect...80's and not a drop of humidity. Oh, better enjoy it and be thankful for it while we can!
Afterwards, I loaded them up for a surprise trip to McDonald's. Eric was out of town, so we got to splurge on chicken nuggets and no dishes to clean up. Every once in awhile I like to let the kids do something that I really would rather not do. Something that stretches me as a Mom and allows them to be kids. So, we sat outside in the little outside area at McDonald's. You are probably thinking that this is really not that big of a deal, but you are wrong. The wind was going CRAZY, and we spent most of our time chasing bags across the ground. Of course, the boys were outside and they were acting like it instead of acting like they were at a restaurant. (Does eating outside at Mickey D's qualify at being at a restaurant? Do the same inside restaurant rules apply?) Is it wrong when your almost 8 year old shoves an apple wedge horizontally in his mouth and gets down in a football stance and yells, "down, set, hut!!" (Smiling to show off his mouthpiece.) (All of this was taking place to the background 80's music from the restaurant across the street. You know, songs like "We didn't start the Fire" and "I am an angel.") After getting up again after being instructed to sit still, he got Webkins taken away for the day. I really want to be a Mom who laughs with and enjoys her children, but I also want them to be disciplined and obedient. That is the struggle I am living with. I don't want to live my life constantly instructing them. I had an idea while sitting eating my grilled chicken over a bed of semi-green lettuce leaves. Sometime I am going to purposefully go into a restaurant or other public place and instruct Cade and Eli that I will not tell them how to behave during the episode. They will be expected to act the way they know is right. (I will only intervene if they are in danger.) They will be forewarned that there will be consequences if they are out of control. I will not offer a reward beforehand because that is bribery. (Usually my kids are very good; I don't want readers to think I have little hellions.) Is this a legalistic approach? I am just tired of feeling like I constantly instruct them. I think I am being overly-anxious about this because Eric has been out of town all week and I am tired-of-parenting-alone.
I will be flat out honest here. I think sometimes I am consumed that my family do everything right and look right doing it. Could that possibly be pride? I don't want to live in anxiety of maintaining an image of a "good family." I just want us to live a life of joy and peace, offering grace and love to those in need. I am not saying we need Joy and no discipline. I think they have to go hand in hand. I just pray the Holy Spirit produces the fruit of joy more and more through my life as I Mother these boys. What are your thoughts?

Go Phillies!

After a great game, we left with it all tied up. Since it was 8:30 pm and all of the kids needed baths, I really wasn't too upset that they weren't going to keep playing in order to find a winner. Cade had a great line drive and scored! I got so tickled at all of the cute kids out there...I think their favorite part of the game was yelling, "Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhh, batter batter!!!"

Eli and Sam had their own kind of fun...chasing every kid there and running around (in designated borders.) Sam even found himself a little blonde hottie his own age to chase around. She was a looker, too. He already knows how to pick them. The last picture is of Eli and Sam....worn out and ready to go home (and it wasn't even dark yet, eek!)

Heifer Project Field Trip

Cade and I went to the Heifer Ranch today in Perryville for his field trip! It was gorgeous outside. This was my first time to go and I was so excited because I have always wanted to know more about it. The ranch has goats, sheep, cattle, llamas, camels, water buffalo, rabbits, horses, and pigs. The kids learn about how one single goat can make a humongous difference in the life of a family in a place like Africa. The goat can provide milk, materials, muscle, money, meat, and 2 other "m" words that have escaped me. If a family can own just a goat, then they can sell extra milk and send their kids to school. I was once again humbled at how lavishly we live in our country. It was great fun to do something with just Cade (and a ton of other first and second graders!)