PRECIOUS RICHES

Brotherly Love

2011-12-08T19:16:00.000-06:00

I'm glad my boys have each other as they grow up. I've worried that the 4 year age difference would make it hard for them to stay close as they get older. Well, I can tell you they have their moments that make me wonder, but then I see the crazy ways they connect.

Andrew and Mason both have crazy senses of humor. Andrew left the note below on Mason's lunch sack this morning hoping he would take it to school and make his friends think this note was from me. Nothing like a brother to play a practical joke on you and embarrass you in front of your friends. I love how he spelled "SWEETIE". I cracked up laughing!

Slightly crude humor to share but too funny not to remember forever on our blog. And no, Mason did not take it to school. Andrew was too impressed with himself to keep it a secret before school.

OK, I know there is a bit of a jab at me in here since I do put notes in their lunchboxes sometimes that tell them how great I think they are and how much I love them. I think you can't ever tell a kid too much how great they are or how much you love them. Any kids that make fun of my notes secretly wish their moms would leave them notes too...that's what I tell my boys anyway ;)

A girl and her Granny

2011-11-17T13:49:00.000-06:00

On the days I work at home, this is how Melanie and Granny spend the early afternoon. Granny is crazy about her little Great Granddaughter and Melanie is crazy about her. She smiles so big when Granny talks to her. I love the sweet connection they already have.

What a cozy spot for a little nap!

Those hands have loved a lot of babies! It started with her baby sisters, her own two boys along with nieces and nephews. Then her grand children, great grand children, and now she even has 3 great, great, grandchildren.

Tricks and Treats - A Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T11:02:00.000-05:00

Halloween is FUN! I love carving pumpkins, creating costumes, and of course trick or treating. So needless to say, we had a great time last night. Andrew has been planning his costume for weeks. He is just like me when it comes to Halloween. He looks forward to all of the fun. Mason does too, but at his age sometimes he is unsure if he should be too excited about Halloween. Some kids act like they are too big for dressing up and trick or treating. I tell him I never outgrew the fun. This year I was thrilled when he decided (at 4:00pm on Halloween) he wanted to dress up. We put together his costume quickly and I have to say it was HILARIOUS!

My nerd, my little pumpkin, and my flying ace. Be sure to notice their throwing up pumpkin on the steps. Andrew picked that design :-)

Our sweet little pumpkin! I was going to dress her like a ghost with a cute little white tutu but Mason insisted she should be a pumpkin just like he and Andrew were. He loves tradition. He was right, she was an adorable pumpkin.

I loved Masons brief case for carrying his candy. He was the funniest Nerd. He was acting it out all the way. Andrew is so creative. He came up with his costume himself. I helped him with the scarf but he found the rest.

Here they are waiting for tricks or treats! Notice the "KICK ME" sign on Mason's back. He was kicked a few times in good fun.

Here is Andrew with all of his loot! He had a blast. After we finished dinner, Andrew wanted to go to a few more houses. Mason wasn't wanting to do anymore so I took Andrew for a bit longer. He is just like I was as a kid...and still am, he doesn't want all the fun to end. Once we finished up he was ready to dump out his candy. He was thrilled when Mason gave him all of his too. I love these kiddos! They make simple things so much fun. Just think, next year Melanie will be ready for some candy too.

What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?

2011-10-27T08:44:00.000-05:00

Well, a Scientist of course. We call him Dr. Funkenstein. Today was the day to dress up as "what you want to be when you grow up" day at school. He wanted some crazy hair so he could be a bit of a mad scientist. I love this little guy! He loves to go all out and dress up on these fun days at school but he also stays practical. When I asked him if he wanted some black round glasses to wear he said, "Mom, I don't wear glasses." We have to keep it real.

IT IS GREAT TO BE EIGHT

2011-10-25T18:04:00.044-05:00

My little guy Andrew is now a big eight year old. He woke up this morning and came in my room, woke me up and said, "It's my birthday!". That is the life with a new baby in the house. Usually I wake the kids up with singing Happy Birthday and treat them to a special breakfast. With a new baby, he had to wake me up :-)

So now, here are 8 of the many things that make Andrew the special boy he is to our family:

1. When Andrew is interested in something he is ALL IN! He was doing a project at school about Tornadoes so he wanted to make a tornado model that required using dry ice...we had to squash that idea but I love that he wanted to go big!

2. He has a smile that lights up the room.

3. Football is really something he has gotten better at this year and he LOVES it! He wears some type of football jersey nearly every day, Pittsburgh, Longhorns, MV Tivers, Baylor Bears...he is a fan of many :-)

4. Andrew is crazy about his great grandmother. She loves him so much and might spoil him just a bit. He asked her to make her special sugar cookies for his class snack this week. She couldn't wait to do it for him. I catch him some evenings watching Wheel of Fortune with Granny in her room. SO CUTE!

5. This kid is a FOODIE! He loves to try new things and has a very discerning palate. We took him to PF Chang's for his birthday dinner. The waitress was cracking up because he didn't want the stuff on the kid's menu. He wanted a spicy shrimp dish and lettuce wraps. That's my boy!

6. Snuggler. Does a mom need to say anymore... I love that about him.

7. This boy has been an early bird since he was a baby. He doesn't want to waste any time snoozing. He might miss something great.

8. Andrew accepted Christ this year and has really grown to a mature young boy. He asks so many deep questions that Mark and I both know God has amazing plans for him. We love watching his personality blossom in Christ.

We love you, Roo. God blessed us richly when he gave us such an extravagant gift!

A Dedicated Brother...

2011-10-03T21:08:00.000-05:00

Andrew is full of questions about his baby sister. He is inquisitive by nature anyway, add to that his love and concern for his baby sister, and he is intense! When he rides in the backseat with her he always consoles her so sweetly when she cries and gives me the play by play of everything she does. When her blanket fell on the floor at church yesterday and he was quick to ask me if I should cover her up with it anymore.

From the day she was born, he would ask me when we were going to take her to church. I told him she had to get bigger before we would take her to church and one day we would stand up in front of our church and make a promise to teach Melanie about Jesus, just like we did with he and Mason. I explained it was called a baby dedication. The first Sunday we took Melanie to church he asked if we were going to take her up front. I told him no, she would be bigger when we do that. We waited a couple of weeks before we took her back to church, but again Andrew asked if we were taking her up front. I told him no again and explained it would be several months. He then asked me how the baby dedication worked. I told him we go up to the altar with brother pepper in front of our church family. He then interjected, "Do you hold her up like this", demonstrating by holding his hands way above his head and trying to sing the native African chant at the beginning of the Circle of Life song during this scene of a familiar movie:

I couldn't help it, I cracked up laughing! I explained it isn't like the Lion King movie. Now he was totally serious when he asked but when he saw me laughing, he got silly and said Dad or I should do it to be funny. Mark held back his laughter (for a while) and explained to Andrew that being silly when we are making a promise to God was disrespectful to Him. Andrew understood what his dad was telling him but I couldn't help but giggle at how his little mind was trying to envision how it worked and the Lion King scene is what came to mind when I was explaining the formality. But, like Andrew, I have one more question. Who's the monkey, me or Mark...or in keeping with the movie, is Brother Pepper the monkey?

The Payoff

2011-09-29T23:10:00.002-05:00

Little babies are front end loaded. Well, sometimes they are back end loaded as well, but that is another story. The first few weeks are intense to say the least.

Sleep deprivation, breast feeding, burping,

diapers, bathing, spit up and diaper blowouts.

You stay busy. Just when you think you may be to the point of exhaustion...

when

you

get

one

these

then you suddenly remember how great these little sweeties are and you get a new rejuvenated spirit. God is good. He knew just when to time those first sweet smiles to bless a tired mamma's heart.

FINDING HER HAPPY PLACE

2011-09-12T10:12:00.000-05:00

We have all been working to find our new normal around the H. home. They boys are back in school and football has started along with AWANA so we are busy during our week nights. Little Melanie is growing and changing a bit every day. She has begun to have a bit of tummy trouble so she is unhappy much of the time unless someone is holding her. There is always a good supply of people in this house ready to hold her except for first thing in the morning when we are trying to get the boys off to school. Melanie will usually sit in her bouncy chair for a bit and be happy but not this morning! She was fussy to say the least. Mason looked at me and said, "Melanie needs to find her happy place". I laughed so hard when he said those words! Mason is the most patient of everyone when Melanie gets fussy. He will hold her and talk sweetly to her. I love to see that connection between them. It was funny to see even Mason have enough of the crying. Don't worry, we didn't let her cry long. She is officially spoiled :-)

And later this morning she found her happy place...

I am hoping we have found some of the reasons for her fussiness. I gave her formula in a bottle for the first time on Friday and Saturday morning she was covered in a red rash. We think it is a cow's milk sensitivity. So now I must stop eating all dairy products and any other food item that contains milk proteins for a while. Hopefully this will help Melanie feel a bit better while her little digestive system matures and can better digest cow's milk. I'm on day two so wish me luck. Just so you know, milk products seem to be in EVERYTHING so this is quite a task. But hey, Oreo cookies are milk free so I can live ;)

THE BIG TWELVE

2011-08-26T22:16:00.025-05:00

No, this post is not about college football but believe me, this house is keenly aware it is football season. Today Mason is turning 12. It has been a blessing to raise him and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he is becoming. I love this kid so much, here are 12 reasons why:

1. Mason has a great quirky sense of humor, just like his mom, so we laugh together often.
2. I've watched him be a hard worker this summer. He mowed our neighbor's yard to earn his own money and has done a great job. He is even mowing our yard for dad!
3. He is becoming more patient with his brother and is being a good example to him
4. He is so loving to his baby sister. She is only a few weeks old and I can tell she knows his voice and likes to hear it when he is home.
5. He is trying new things like playing guitar and beginner band percussion.
6. This boy is a great friend. We have new neighbors and he couldn't wait to invite the kids over to swim and ask their son (who is 10) to go bike riding with him. He loves to make people feel welcome.
7. Football is his favorite sport. He doesn't let his smaller build stop him. He plays hard and loves every minute of it!
8. Mason continues to be a good student and work hard. He puts his studies first.
9. Maturity is blossoming in him. I can see a bit of the man he is becoming and it is wonderful.
10. New foods are not always fun for him but he is boldly trying new things. He even decided he likes fried okra!
11. The little girls next door (ages 5 and 7) came over to see if Mason could play. He didn't make a face and tell me he didn't play with little girls. He went outside and played so sweetly with them for a few minutes before dinner.
12. He loves the Lord and is learning to be His feet. He invited several neighborhood kids he has been playing with to go to church on Wednesday night. When I asked him if they had fun he said yes but he was most excited that they would be learning about Jesus.

Every year with Mason is a new adventure. He takes us to the next phase of parenting and teaches us so much in the process while we try to teach him. We are truly blessed to be his parents. We love you, Mason. Happy Birthday!

Back to School Blues

2011-08-26T11:25:00.000-05:00

For the very first time the boys were not overly excited about going back to school. I think it is because they do not want to leave their new little sister behind. They are just smitten with her and it is so cute. I have to admit, since I am home right now, I hate to not have them home all day too. Once the day arrived they were pretty excited and ready to go back.

It was an interesting morning. Getting 3 kids ready to go in the morning is quite different! Mark was home but was leaving for the airport that day. He was able to take the kids for their first day. You know I couldn't stay behind so Melanie and I went along too.

Here's little Melanie riding with her two big brothers to their first day of school as 6th and 2nd graders. Doesn't she look excited?

Boy do I love these not so little guys!

We dropped Mason off at the intermediate campus and drove around to the elementary building. I asked Andrew if he wanted me to walk him inside on his first day. He had a funny look on his face and said, "no way mom" I guess second graders don't need mommy to walk them inside. At least Melanie will let me walk her in someday...I hope not too soon. :)

Here she is!

2011-08-10T13:50:00.000-05:00

Melanie Grace decided to make herself known a little over two weeks early. She was born at 9:24am on Tuesday, August 3rd. She weighed 6 pounds 7 ounces and was 20 inches long. Needless to say, we are all in love with our new little bundle of joy.

We have been home since August 4th and so far little Miss Melanie is doing great. She is eating and sleeping like a pro. I almost hate to say that since things can change on a dime! I am convinced that she is going to fall right into place in this family. :-) The boys are so sweet with her. They can't wait to see her first thing in the morning when they wake up and they make sure the kiss her before they leave or go to bed. It just melts my heart to see the love they have for her immediately.

I'm off to my newest job on the milk train! The hours are rough but my new boss sure is cute! :-)

COUNTING DOWN

2011-07-23T09:47:00.000-05:00

We are counting down to the arrival of sweet Melanie. The boys are getting excited. Andrew is making sure he is ready to jump in and help his little sister. He helped Mark put the stroller together and made sure he read all the instructions so we knew how to safely take care of his sister. It was so cute. He practiced pushing it all around the house and clicking the infant carrier in the stroller as well as removing it from the stroller. He informed us we could not put the baby in the bottom basket. It is for carrying stuff, not the baby.

Mason keeps telling me he is ready for her to get here. He is helping me with everything these days. If he sees me carrying anything or trying to sweep the floor he jumps up and says, "I'll get that mom". I am getting spoiled! He is going to be such a blessing to his wife someday.

Melanie is going to be so blessed with two big brothers that love her so much. I know we will have plenty of fun together and she will love her brothers just as much in return. I pray they will all be close in spite of the age differences. This household is about to get even more active and exciting...if that is possible!

A little scare

2011-07-02T15:54:00.000-05:00

I had trouble sleeping Thursday night...no surprise, I am nearly 8 months into this pregnancy! This was a little different. My back hurt and I could feel mild contractions. They went on throughout the night but were in no way consistent. I woke up the next morning still feeling them so I sent a text to the girls at the office that I would be in later. As I slowly got around and dressed for work, I realized I had not felt the baby move all morning, which is UNUSUAL for baby Melanie, she is a mover and a shaker! I was just overwhelmed with a really uneasy feeling. I called my OB and they wanted me to come in for tests. I called Mark to see if he could come also. He asked if I should stay home and rest until the appointment but I told him I wanted to go on to the office to get my mind off of it and I didn't want to upset the kids since I was a bit emotional about it all. I did not want them to be worrying.

I headed to the office, still no movement in the car. I prayed for God's strength and protection. I tried to keep busy but my mind would wander. Then, about an hour before the appointment, I felt a little movement. PRAISE GOD! My heart leaped out of my chest. I kept waiting for her regular somersaults but nothing more came. Finally the time came for the appointment. Mark and I went back and waited for our doctor. He came in with his usual calming manner made us feel comforted without saying much at all. He felt around on my stomach to find out how little Melanie was positioned and then placed the Doppler machine on my stomach. We immediately heard the sound of her strong fast heartbeat. Mark smiled at me and I couldn't stop smiling at him. It was such a relief to hear that sweet sound. After some fetal monitoring and a sonogram, our doctor felt sure all was OK. Melanie had just found a new position with her head pressing on by back. His orders were to take it really easy this weekend, stay out of the heat. I am terrible about wanting to push myself to the limit. Mark was glad to hear the doctor say to take it easy since I don't always listen to Mark when he tells me I am doing too much.

Later that evening we took the kids and granny to eat Chinese food and pick up what we needed for the July 4th weekend at the store. I picked up a few more things for the baby, pacifiers, hair bows, and a couple of winter outfits on clearance. Mark walked over and showed me a "pregnancy listening device". He said, "this way we can let the kids listen to the baby's heartbeat" I smiled and told him I thought that was a great idea. That evening we let the boys and Maddie, our neice, hear that wonderful sound. I wish we would have had the video camera recording their reactions. The wonder in their eyes was amazing. It brought tears to my eyes. God has richly blessed us with this surprise. His plans and purposes are always better than anything we could dream up on our own. The joy He gives us in His will is indescribable.

How's this for a sweet little girl's bedding?

2011-06-01T22:43:00.000-05:00

I'm into birds these days so I thought this was sweet for our little baby girl. Now I need some vintage bird prints and an old birdcage to hang in the corner of the room. Oh, the possibilities ;)

A GOOD LAUGH REDUCES STRESS...

2011-05-19T22:11:00.000-05:00

2011-05-19T07:00:00.032-05:00

This is what I saw when I looked in the back seat on our way home from Memphis.

How cute! He was snuggling his doggy named Sammy.

Another tired little boy takes a break from doing his homework.

I am so glad we have never given in to the DVD players in the headrest of the cars. We have some of the best conversations when we are riding down the road together. It would be a shame to miss those because a silly DVD took over our time. On really long trips we have taken a portable but that is rare for us.

I hope the rain comes and goes before Saturday so we can go camping. The boys have been looking forward to a camping trip but our schedule has been hectic. If we wait too long I don't think I will fit in the tent!

A TRIP TO MEMPHIS

2011-05-18T15:56:00.000-05:00

We made a quick trip back to Memphis to see family. Unfortunately, my dad is not doing so well so we made a weekend trip to see him and my mother and lots of family we love and don't get to see often enough.

We had lunch with Aunt Teresa (my sister), Uncle Clint and their sweet little boy Winston.

You can't go to Memphis and not eat BBQ!

Andrew was digging in! If you look at Mason's plate, you will see he finished his sandwich before I could even get my camera ready!

I must have liked those ribs...and the beans...and the cole slaw :-)

Andrew took this picture of my sweet sis and I. Good times :-)

An Easter Portrait in the making...

2011-04-30T09:59:00.011-05:00

We attempted a quick family shot before our Easter early service at church. In true H. family form...we couldn't find the tripod so mark was trying to place our camera on top of the historical sign in our front yard to set up an acceptable angle so we could use the timer on the camera. I laughed and loved the test shots Mark took more than the final product. It shows who we really are...

Let Mom fix your hair real quick...I know you are almost 12.

I've almost got it.

Nice invisible plants in the planters on the steps...I'll get to it before summer is over, I HOPE!

Nice Shoes.

You can see baby girl under that big belly!

We really are happy people!

This is my favorite. I don't even know what we were giggling about but this is what we spend most of our time together doing. I hope this is how our boys remember their childhood.

There's handsome daddy! We were still giggling about him running and tripping up the stairs trying to make it into the shot before the timer clicked. He didn't fall, we aren't that heartless.

OK, this will do. Aren't these guys so handsome! I love them in their little suits. I know it is old fashioned but Andrew's little seersucker suit is just so "southern gentleman". It must be my Tennessee upbringing shining through.

Out of the Mouth of Andrew...

2011-04-26T21:02:00.000-05:00

We had a fun Easter Sunday at home. Church, lunch, naps and egg hunts. I love simple days. Andrew had asked me to wear a little dog tag type necklace he had gotten at a community egg hunt and he would wear one too. They had eggs and bunnies on them and they weren't the type of necklaces meant to last.

While we were snuggling on the couch watching a movie, his chain broke and I told him to hand it to me so I could fix it. He looked at me and handed it to me with a scrunched up nose and said, "These necklaces aren't very good. They are kind of D*llar Generally". It took all I had not to crack up. I guess he remembers the HUNDREDS of times I have reminded him that many of the toys at D*llar General aren't the kind of toys that last really well so he should think twice about buying some things there. Now I promise, I am not a dollar store snob. I buy lots of things there, but there are other things I won't buy there. Most of the time you really do get what you pay for when it comes to items you want to last. That being said, I don't think the people at D*llar General would appreciate the new phrase he has coined!

ANDREW'S BAPTISM

2011-04-17T18:09:00.000-05:00

Oh Happy Day! Andrew was baptised on April 3rd. He had spoken with our Pastor a few weeks earlier and talked about the prayer he prayed asking Jesus into his heart. At seven years old we wanted to be sure he understood what he was asking and the truths of the gospel.

The event was made even more special since his grandfather performed the baptism.

I cried tears of joy knowing Andrew has established the basis of his relationship with Christ. There is truly no greater joy! It is humbling to know Jesus came and accepted the task of becoming the sacrifice to save my little boy. He loves Andrew more than I can even imagine...so many times more than I do. It is hard for us to grasp that level of love. Now I get to see my little boy make his first public testimony saying he is accepting that love and choosing to love Jesus and live for Him.

AMEN!

BIG NEWS

2011-04-09T17:11:00.001-05:00

THE DOCTOR SAYS...

THINK

PINK!

BEAUTIFUL DAY

2011-03-24T08:55:00.001-05:00

I love these guys! We had a wonderful Sunday afternoon at the lake just skipping rocks and fishing from the bank. There is nowhere in the world I would rather be!

SUPER WEDGIE

2011-03-12T08:00:00.003-06:00

Happy Friday!

2011-03-11T17:41:00.000-06:00

My guys love Friday nights. It is usually movie night at our house. That means popcorn, candy and soda...just like at the big movies. Mark and Andrew started early and decided to have a little popcorn for a snack while they snuggled on the couch to watch a little TV before dinner. I had to snap a pic. I love these guys!

Laughing at Little Boy Lingo

2011-03-08T19:43:00.002-06:00

It has been so long since I have documented the cute funnies of my boys. These are things you SWEAR you will never forget but life gets busy and sweet memories can be fleeting. I'm going to commit to a post remembering sweet silly things they say at least every month.

Andrew is anxiously awaiting the arrival of his baby brother or sister! He loves to talk to the baby through the well known sound system directly to the womb...my belly button. He routinely says "hi baby, goodnight baby, are you a girl baby or a boy baby?" On March 30th we will have a sonogram to finally answer his question.

Mason asked me recently if he could be in the delivery room when the baby is born. I told him he could be there until just before and immediately after the baby is born but probably not durring, I explained it is a bit private and a little bloody and messy (something he admittedly would rather avoid). This lead to questions about the birth process. He was so cute and inquisitive and ended the conversation saying, "So this is more for when I am a husband?" I agreed. He is such a smart boy!

Andrew had a kids meal one night when we were eating Dairy Queen for dinner. He left his toy surprise for me...

He said he knew green was my favorite color so he thought I would like to snuggle this green Teddy bear.

I fell asleep early that night and Andrew came downstairs to kiss me goodnight. He tucked the little green bear under my arm then kissed me on the cheek. Of course I woke up when he did this and I hugged and squeezed his sweet little face!

I love these boys so much and can't wait for another sweet little face to kiss in August :-)

NOTHING TO WRITE HOME ABOUT

2011-02-23T16:07:00.000-06:00

We have had a little taste of spring so we like being outside when at all possible. The weather is cooler today and Andrew is home sick :( so we are inside.

The pregnancy tiredness is waining so I am starting to get some mojo back. Life is still busy but lazy, joyful and heartbreaking, highs and lows. Hurry spring!

New Baby, New viewpoint

2011-02-03T20:15:00.000-06:00

The news of a new baby in our family was a surprise for all of us. I will say it has taken a bit for it to sink in for me. We are all excitied, especially the boys. Andrew is hoping for a little brother, Granny says a girl would be nice. I am always thrilled with whatever we get.

I have to say the pitter patter of little feet has me looking at our home and our routines in a new way. It's fair to say we weren't planning for little toddlers in this house. Slick wood floors, old wood floors that have splinters and lots of stairs. We will have to make some adjustments or this little one will have to be a tough cookie.

It is different being pregnant with baby number three at 36. It is different than it was at 25 and 29. Boy have I felt that tiredness! I have spent a few Saturdays in my pajamas all day, only venturing out of bed a few times. A short business trip to Florida was fun but I felt it on the flight home. After the two hour drive home from the airport I was spent...strait to bed I went. I hope with the start of the 4th month, I am coming out of that phase.

We have lots to do before August when we bring home another little precious jewel. Just in time for football season to begin again. This one will learn to love the game early while we watch the big boys play on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Blog Break Must End...We Have Even More to Document......

2011-02-01T14:54:00.000-06:00

I have been lazy and a little under the weather so my documentation of our family events have really fallen behind. I can't really blame it all on

the winter blues

or the holidays, they are over

not the boys activities, they decided not to play basketball

it's not work, it's busy, but hey it's work, busy is good

I'm just gonna have to

kick it in gear because...

BABY MAKES FIVE

:-)

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

2011-01-22T14:28:00.000-06:00

Christmas shopping and a fun dinner with two good friends!

Our church Christmas concert with Mark as "Clark" with the lights.

Here are the boys before the concert...the best pic of many attempts :)

Andrew was riveted by the music and performances.

Cousin Elizabeth came to visit and had her big 5th birthday!

Making cookies with Nanny on Christmas Eve.

Don't you love my little chef wearing his apron!

The sillies are coming out as we prepare to open gifts on Christmas eve.

Present time!

Sprinkling magic reindeer food in the back yard to help Santa's reindeer find us.

Andrew thought Santa would enjoy some of

Granny's pumpkin pie more than cookies.

I know they do!

Christmas Morning!

All smiles all day!

Daddy enjoyed putting together the massive

Star Wars Lego kit with Andrew that Santa brought.

Poppy, Nanny, Mark and I ended our

Christmas celebration going to see

Mannheim Steamroller at the Dallas Symphony.

We had a fabulous Christmas holiday with lots of family visiting between Christmas and New Years. I wish I had taken more pictures. I will soon explain my lack of posting and picture taking. We have some changes coming our way...

Oh the things their little minds imagine!

2010-12-06T19:11:00.001-06:00

Since Mason was a baby, we have explained to the boys that Santa brings three gifts to them because baby Jesus received three gifts from the wise men when they visited him. This year Andrew has asked for collectible Lego Star Wars models that are no longer in production and are VERY EXPENSIVE. We have explained to him that Santa cannot bring these kinds of things and it is too much to ask. He remembers that Santa gives gifts to many children and to ask him for such extravagant things is a bit selfish. I was ~~telling him this yet again~~ reinforcing this lesson on Saturday afternoon when Andrew said, "I'm gonna be happy with whatever Santa brings me, you know, Jesus was happy with what he got even when one of his gifts was deodorant." I was a bit confused and said...."What?" He said, "You know, the stuff that smelled good." I remembered a conversation we had, probably last year, when I explained what frankincense and myrrh were. He must have put together that frankincense, meant to make things smell good, was ancient deodorant. I have laughed and laughed about this ever since. I love seeing where there minds take things we try to explain to them from so long ago. Now I think Santa should put deodorant in his stocking every year just so I can giggle ;-)

Check out more cute stories on Mary's Tiny Tot Tuesday fun!

Getting Ready...

2010-12-04T17:28:00.002-06:00

We are getting ready for Christmas around here. We are excited about having lots of family come and enjoy the holidays with us. We will have 13 people coming to spend the holidays with us over the next several weeks. That number might grow and I say, the more the merrier!

Here is a shot of the 9 foot tree we put up in the front of the house. It turned out beautiful with all white, silver and crystal ornaments. Granny put a lot of her favorite glass ornaments on this tree. We have enjoyed it so much already. We also put up our fun family tree in the den with colored lights and all the boys ornaments they have collected over the years. I'll do another post about that later.

I've gotten nearly all of the Christmas shopping done! I only need to order a few more things online. It is such a relief. My hope is to just ENJOY our time together in the evenings wrapping presents, baking goodies and just being together now that the shopping is done.

With these two together we might have a wild holiday celebration!

Stay tuned ;-)

A GRATEFUL HEART

2010-11-25T20:05:00.001-06:00

OUR THANKSGIVING DAY STARTED JUST THE WAY I LIKE IT. I WOKE TO THE SMELL OF A WELL COOKED TURKEY AT 6:00AM. I CRAWLED BACK IN MY BED A SLEPT A LITTLE LONGER. I BREWED SOME PUMPKIN SPICE COFFEE AND WENT TO PICK UP A NEWSPAPER. I CAME HOME AND DRANK MY DELICIOUS COFFEE AND WATCHED THE THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE. I REMEMBER DOING THAT EVERY MORNING WITH MY SISTERS. GRANNY AND I THEN GOT TO WORK MAKING PIES AND CORNBREAD DRESSING. THE HOUSE SMELLED WONDERFUL.

PREPARING THE FEAST!

SOMEONE IS WAITING TO EAT THAT TURKEY!

NOW THAT IS A HANDSOME LITTLE SMILE, IF I DO SAY SO MYSELF!

THANKFUL FOR ALL OF THESE SMILING FACES!

MY SWEET HUBBY WAS A WILLING CLEAN UP CREW.

HE EVEN LET ME PUT MY APRON ON HIM AND TAKE HIS PICTURE.

NOW WE SIT THIS EVENING, FAT AND HAPPY AFTER EATING PIE. THANKSGIVING DAY IS A GOOD REMINDER OF THE ATTITUDE WE SHOULD CARRY WITH US EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY. WE ARE SO TRULY BLESSED! I THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE A COUPLE OF QUOTES THAT STRUCK ME TODAY IN MY READING.

The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. ~H.U. Westermayer

Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year - and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God. ~Ray Stannard Baker (David Grayson)

BUT MY FAVORITE QUOTE BY FAR IS THIS ONE,

A GRATEFUL HEART IS A HAPPY HEART. ~JUNIOR ASPARAGUS, VEGGIE TALES. ;-)

BEING GRATEFUL IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES CAN BE DIFFICULT BUT IT IS SOMETHING GOD TELLS US TO DO, AND LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE HE COMMANDS US TO DO, IT IS FOR OUR OWN GOOD. GRATITUDE DOES BREED OPTIMISM AND IN TURN, HAPPINESS. MAY EVERYONE ENJOY THIS DAY AND FIND HAPPINESS.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2010-10-31T20:33:00.001-05:00

MY GUYS ARE ALL ABOUT FOOTBALL AND THIS FAMILY IS ALL ABOUT THE STEELERS. MASON DID NOT REALLY WANT TO DRESS UP THIS YEAR SO HE DECIDED HE WOULD DRESS IN HIS FOOTBALL JERSEY AND GO ALONG WITH HIS BROTHER. I'M SO GLAD HE DID. SOME OF THE BOYS' FRIENDS WENT TRICK OR TREATING WITH US THEN WE ALL WENT TO DAIRY QUEEN TOGETHER FOR DINNER. WE LOVE HAVING THEIR FRIENDS ALONG WITH US. WE WANT THEIR FRIENDS TO ENJOY OUR HOME AND HANGING OUT WITH US. IT WAS A FUN NIGHT. I THINK MARK AND I ENJOY IT AS MUCH AS THE BOYS.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROO!!

2010-10-25T19:26:00.095-05:00

years ago my little guy came into this world FAST AND FURIOUS! I woke up that Saturday morning at around 7:30 with consistent contractions. I woke Mark up, who had been up until 5:00am working on the office we added on to our previous home, and told him we needed to head to the hospital. I called my buddy Kim so she could come get Mason and hopped in the shower. Who wants to go have a baby without shaving their legs first? I put on makeup and got dressed. Kim & Paul made it to our house around 8:30. We visited for a bit and the contractions became more intense. I couldn't really talk through them. I had to stop and wait for it to end. It wasn't unbearable, just more than the crampy feeling it had been. At about 9:00am Mark and I headed to the neighboring town about 25 miles away to the Hospital. When we arrived, the nurse told me they did not have an open L&D room, they were cleaning one that someone was just discharged from and it would take about 15 minutes. She said if I was real uncomfortable she could put me in a triage room and move me once it was ready. I assured her I could wait 15 minutes and Mark and I sat and waited. As we waited I told Mark that the contractions were really starting to hurt. My back was really hurting. At about 9:45am, the nurse came in and said the room was ready. She asked me to put on a gown and she would be back to check my dilation to decide if they would admit me. I put on the gown and she came in to check me. I thought her eyes were gonna pop out of her head. She said, "YOUR 10 CENTIMETERS...I'VE GOTTA CALL THE DOCTOR IN NOW" After that my water broke and the contractions went into OVERDRIVE. I was ready to push but they would not let me push until the doctor got there. I had to go through 2 contractions without pushing and that was the most painful thing I have ever experienced. Once the doctor got there (he was at his kid's soccer game), I pushed twice and there he was. It was 10:18am.

We should have known he was gonna be full of energy from the way he entered this world. Just like his birth, he can't wait to do exciting things and enters a room like a ball of fire! I love that kid so much. He keeps things exciting around here. So as tradition holds, I'm gonna list 7 special things about Andrew

1. He has a great witty way about him. His timing is great, he keeps us in stitches!
2. Andrew is so smart. He was reading at a 1st grade level in preschool. I hope he keeps up his love of reading.
3. Legos are his favorite things in the world. Star Wars Legos are his preference. He can build so many things using his imagination. It amazes me.
4. He has a caring heart. He shows his tough guy exterior but he has a sensitive little heart. He picks up on little things that are said and comments to me if he thinks it could hurt some one's feelings. I love that soft side of him.

5. Cuddling is what he does best. He creeps into my room or Mason's room at night to snuggle someone. He reminds me of myself when I was a little girl. Being the youngest, I always found someone to snuggle when I got spooked at night.

6. He rides his scooter and bike like a champ! He just came home from his friend's house one day this summer and said, "I don't need my training wheels anymore." He had gotten on his friend's bike and learned to ride solo.

7. He loves God and loves to learn more about him at Sparks. He asks some really deep questions for a little guy. I know God is going to use him to do amazing things. I love getting to see God unfold who Andrew is in front of me every day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE MISTER ROO! WE LOVE YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!!!

Friday Funny

2010-10-15T08:29:00.002-05:00

Andrew got in the car the other day after school and immediately said, "Mom, I need to sign up for cheer camp." I sat there a little dazed...and asked him why he was interested in cheer camp. He then told me his friend, Milo (a sweet little girl that has been one of his best buddies for a while) signed up and she got a shirt. If she wears that shirt to the in town high school football games she gets in free. That's my boy, always looking for a deal. He gets that frugality honestly, Mark and I love a good deal! I think Mark will be OK with me missing this discount ;-)

Healthy Eating

2010-10-12T08:01:00.004-05:00

OK, I've done it! I am back on my healthy eating lifestyle. I never really stopped, I just indulged more frequently on the not so healthy stuff a little too often. I started the South Beach diet phase one yesterday. The first few days are a little tough because you are cutting out sugars, but you NEVER feel hungry. I highly recommend this lifestyle. It is truly the healthiest "diet" I have ever researched. It really isn't a diet, it is a lifestyle change. The weight loss does happen but I have to say it is not the biggest benefit of the diet. When I am eating this way, my energy level is amazing and the mental clarity is unbelievable. Who doesn't need those things at peak level these days?

I've been doing a lot of thinking about what foods I put in my body and what my family is putting in their bodies as well. Unfortunately, eating good healthy, whole foods cost more than eating processed junk and that discourages a lot of people from doing so. I'm here to say with meal planning, it can be done. Even if you have to start small, it is so worth it! Maybe you start with healthy snacks or one meal a week. Over time you will find you are buying less of the processed snack foods (which are expensive too) because you stop craving them. This leaves you more money in the food budget for more healthy options. This is how I have found it possible to do this for our family. Food is the one thing you buy that actually becomes a part of your body. Wow, that makes me stop and think about the choices I make a little differently. I'm not saying I will never again eat cupcakes and ice cream. I couldn't live in that world ;-). I'm simply saying moderation. I want my boys to learn to take care of their bodies by eating food that nourishes, not just fills their stomachs. Who better to be their example than Mom and Dad?

On your Mark...

2010-10-10T14:28:00.002-05:00

Mason convinced Mark to run in our town festival 5K race. Mason has talked me into doing a couple of these with him so it was nice to just take pics this time. I would love to say that Mason gets his love for long distance running from me but that would be a lie. I have tolerated running but never loved it. Here are my two runners taking off on the far left.They both did great! Since Mark did this race with NO TRAINING! I think it was great that he finished in 32 minutes. He did tell Mason he would never do this kind of thing at the last minute with him again. I think you can pull that off when you are eleven...not so much when you are over forty! Here they are getting ready to cross the finish line.It was a beautiful morning and I am so glad they had this time together, even if Mark is paying for it today. ;-) They will both remember that time together for years to come.

THE MORE THE MERRIER!!!

2010-09-22T08:14:00.004-05:00

My buddy Kim has headed to the other side of the world to bring home these two PRECIOUS boys. She is in China until next Saturday...just she and the boys. I am so proud of her for facing this trip alone to bring these guys home. I know I would have been a bit of a nervous Nelly if I were in her shoes. She is such a great example of being faithful to what the Lord has called you to do, even when the road seems a bit unknown and scary. The Lord equips those he has called. Follow along with her journey at www.lestertraveljournal.com and be ready to have your heart just burst with JOY. Adoption is just a wonderful reminder God's love for us!!

Back to School Boys

2010-09-14T08:09:00.004-05:00

Mason and Andrew are back in school. Andrew is a big 1st grader this year. He has the same teacher Mason had and we are so excited about that! Mrs. McAuley is wonderful. She challenges these little guys and teaches them the self control and discipline they will need to be successful as they get older.

Mason is now in 5th grade and I am quickly seeing that this is a transitional year for sure. Academically the demands are more challenging and socially we enter a new era...girls are interested in boys! I guess I need to get ready for all of that drama but I sure don't encourage it at their age.

Here they are on their first day of school.

Oh how I love those little faces! When I picked up Andrew after school and asked him how his day was he said, GREAT! I was so glad to hear that. He has grown up so much since last year. He hasn't cried and loves first grade.

When I picked Mason up, he asked if he could go help be a water boy for the varsity football practice with his buddies...so much for hanging with mom after his first day of school. He's growing up and it is bittersweet. I am so glad he still loves to talk with me at the end of the day when he is getting ready for bed. I'm finding as he gets older I have to be creative with our time to make sure we have some one on one time to talk. The business of life can crowd out what really matters if we let it.

11? MASON?

2010-08-26T20:21:00.005-05:00

Have we really had him for eleven years? The time has flown! That boy is just great and I have enjoyed every second of being his mom. He has had some ups and downs this past year but all of it has made him into the great young man he is today. Here are 11 things about our oldest son that make him the special guy he is to our family.
1. He has a servant's heart. He gives himself to help others naturally. He gets that from his Daddy...one of the many reason's I love him too.
2. Mason draws detailed designs of things he wants to invent. He builds phenomenal things out of Legos too. He has a spacial ability that I just don't have so it AMAZES me! He may be my little engineer someday.
3. He is a wonderful brother.
4. He is respectful of adults. I love to hear good manners!
5. Mason is a good little football player. He loves to play so he gives it his all. He may be a little guy but he plays big!
6. He is developing his own sense of style. I love to see it come out.
7. He is a good student. He works hard and puts his studying first.
8. I love his laugh.
9. His kind and gentle spirit reminds me of my mother, who I love DEARLY!
10. His blond hair gets curly when it gets long...it makes me hate to cut it...he is gonna be a knockout! Those little girls better lookout for this mama ;-)
11. I love to hear him lead our prayer at dinnertime or on the way to school in the morning. He loves the Lord and I enjoy getting a glimpse of that relationship.

Summer is fleeting...

2010-08-19T14:57:00.005-05:00

We have had a GREAT summer! We went to Six Flags, church camp, water parks and Colorado. I don't know what more we possibly could have done. We enjoyed every bit of it! Our trip to Colorado was without Daddy this time but we still had a blast even though we missed him. We turned Aunt Laura, Uncle Jake, Josh and Brooke into Geo caching nerds. If you haven't heard about this fun family activity I suggest you check it out.

Here we are waiting for the July 4th fireworks to begin.

Getting ready to take off on our roller coaster!

Self portrait during our flight to Denver. I think Andrew had a mouthful of peanuts!

I hope their summer was special for them. Lots of adventures together and secrets shared.

As sorry as I am to see it's freedom come to an end, I am always ready for the routine of the school year. Even my boys are usually ready by the time we reach mid August. I have posted before here about how much I love school and how I always want my boys to develop that love. I know, I'm a nerd... but hey, a leopard never changes his spots!

2010-07-26T20:04:00.003-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql-N3F1FhW4

I showed this video to mark several months ago because I thought it was so funny. I didn't quite know what to think when I discovered Mark has the ring tone set to the beginning of this song whenever I call him. I cracked up! I don't drive a minivan anymore but as the boys get bigger I may have to give up my sweet little Jetta. Since Mason will be taller than me in no time the backseat just won't be big enough for long. Maybe we need a Swagger Wagon ;-)

Tiny Tot Tuesday

2010-07-20T22:00:00.003-05:00

This morning it was just Andrew and I heading to Ms. Ronda's house so he asked if we could stop and get a donut. We stopped and I ordered him two pigs in a blanket and a chocolate donut with sprinkles. He was nibbling away in the back seat and telling me all about his Lego Star Wars characters. When I looked in the rear view mirror I could see chocolate all over his face. I told him to get a napkin and wipe his face good before we went into Ms. Ronda's house. He looked in his little white bags and told me there were no napkins. I huffed a bit and said "this is the second time they didn't give us napkins." Andrew said, "that's OK mom" and I heard him crumple up one of the little white bags. I looked in the rear view mirror just in time to see him use the crumpled up bag to wipe his face and then look up to me and say, "did I get it all mom?" I just laughed and laughed. Such and industrious little guy. Who needs a napkin when you have a paper sack? Check Mary's blog to see what the other tiny tots had to say this week.

HOLY SMILE BATMAN!

2010-07-15T12:25:00.002-05:00

Andrew has been wobbling his front tooth for weeks now. Earlier this week it got REALLY loose. On the way home from my office that day he and I stopped to get a snow cone. He was in the backseat of the car eating it when he started crying big alligator tears. When I asked him what was wrong, he said, "I don't want to be a big boy, I want to be your little boy." My heart just melted. He had overheard me saying to the babysitter that once kids loose their front teeth they are big kids. I had no idea he would take that to heart :-( He wants to be big enough to do everything his big brother does most of the time so I wasn't expecting that reaction. I told him he will always be my little boy even when he grows up to be as big as his daddy. In no time the tears were dried up and he was happily eating his snow cone gabbing away with me about his exciting day. That night I couldn't help but snuggle him a little longer when I tucked him in a bedtime.

Long Time, No Post...

2010-07-08T09:34:00.002-05:00

Well hello! It sure has been a while! We have had busy days and changes for all of us. Mark's Grandfather passed away on June 16th. He was 95 years old. Mark absolutely ADORED his grandfather and so did everyone else. It was sad to say goodbye to him but he was ready to go be with the Lord. Grandma and Grandpa had been married for 71 years! That is a long time to have someone by your side. She is living with us now and we are THRILLED to have her with us. I know it isn't the same as having her husband with her but I hope she is comforted being with us. My boys adore her so I don't know who will end up more spoiled, Granny or us! She is such a blessing in our home. Please remember her in your prayers. She is a great lady and is working to get on with a whole new life here (at 89 years old). I hope I can have just a pinch of her resolve in my life.

The summer is flying by. We plan to take Granny to visit two of her sisters in Dallas while Mark and I take the boys to Six Flags. It will be nice to have a day of fun together. I just don't know if I can handle all of the big roller coasters that Mason loves now! Mark can do that while I ride the smaller stuff with Andrew ;-). I hope to get back to posting for the sake of journaling or daily life for the boys to enjoy reading later. I've missed catching up on my other bloggy buddies lives too! Here's to a new start!

Feeling Domestic...

2010-06-10T11:46:00.006-05:00

I am feeling a bit domestic today so I decided to make monkey bread with the kids this morning. Monkey bread never turns out right unless you involve some monkeys in the making ;-)

Here they are in action.Here is the finished product...MMMMMM...needless to say, not low cal.

I may make Cranberry Chocolate Chip cookies this weekend. This recipe makes A TON of cookies so if you decide to make them you must share them as soon as they are done baking or you risk being tempted to eat way too many.

CRANBERRY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

1 1/2 CUPS (3 STICKS) BUTTER, AT ROOM TEMPERATURE

1 CUP SUGAR

1 1/2 CUPS LIGHT BROWN SUGAR

3 EGGS

1 TABLESPOON VANILLA

3 CUPS FLOUR

1 TABLESPOON BAKING POWDER

1 TEASPOON SALT

2 TEASPOONS CINNAMON

3 CUPS QUICK OATS (NOT OLD-FASHIONED)

2 CUPS CHOPPED WALNUTS

1 1/2 PACKAGES (8 OUNCES EACH) CHOCOLATE CHUNKS (3 CUPS)

2 CUPS COARSELY CHOPPED DRIED CRANBERRIES

HEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES. WITH ELECTRIC MIXER, CREAM BUTTER AND BOTH SUGARS. BEAT IN EGGS ONE AT A TIME, THEN BEAT IN VANILLA. ADD FLOUR, BAKING POWDER, SALT, CINNAMON AND OATS; SLOWLY BEAT UNTIL BLENDED. STIR IN WALNUTS, CHOCOLATE AND CRANBERRIES. DROP BY TABLESPOONFULS ONTO COOKIE SHEET COVERED WITH PARCHMENT PAPER. BAKE AT 350 DEGREES FOR 12 TO 15 MINUTES, UNTIL GOLDEN BROWN. MAKES ABOUT 8 DOZEN.

I have replaced the dried cranberries with dried cherries to make something a bit sweeter. I've done it with half cranberries and half cherries. You go with what suits you. They are wonderful. and hey, with all of those oats, the fiber must be good for you...right? Enjoy.

GRATITUDE

2010-05-31T12:21:00.004-05:00

Our pastor shared this story yesterday before the honoring of our soldiers, past and present, during worship yesterday.

An 84 year old man was traveling to France recently and was asked to show is passport. Unprepared for the request he had to stop and look through his things to find it among his travel papers. The french immigration official was impatient and irritated and rudely quipped, "Have you ever traveled to France before?" The elderly gentleman simply answered yes. The french official then said, "Well you should remember that you are required to have your passport ready for inspection when entering our country." To this the man quietly explained that he was not asked to present his passport on his last visit. "That is impossible" the Frenchman huffed. "All Americans are required to present a passport when entering France, NO EXCEPTIONS!" As the gentleman handed his passport over he calmly said, "When I last arrived in France on Omaha Beach to help liberate this country on D-day; June 6, 1944; I couldn't find a single Frenchman to give my passport. You could have heard a pin drop in that immigration office.

Thank you to all of the courageous men and women who protect our freedoms every day and help ensure freedom to others around the world. May we never forget the sacrifice others have made for us and our children.

The Mommy Society

2010-05-09T15:57:00.004-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's and mommies to be. It is by far the greatest club I have ever joined. I always knew I would be a mom. I am the youngest in a very large family so I wasn't very familiar with taking care of younger ones...I was the one with big brothers and sisters taking care of me. So needless to say, when our first little man was born I was smitten with him but also taken aback by the unrelenting demands of motherhood. People had told me it was hard, but I was so blissful about having a baby that I just looked at it all through rose colored glasses. The first few weeks filled with
breast feeding - the first days were BRUTAL. Nursing bras, breast pumps, worrying if he was getting enough.
diapers - counting diapers each day to see if he was eating enough, washing at least one load of baby stuff each day to wash the spit up covered bibs or clothes covered in baby poo or pee...these were my clothes many days ;-)
colic - I am so thankful this only lasted a few weeks. No words can describe how awful this was for him and for me!
Sleep Deprivation - no more words needed.

If I was lucky I got a shower and was able to do it all again the next day...RINSE AND REPEAT! HAHA.

Eventually I found my groove in this mommy gig and I have to say it was with the help of so many other moms I know. Moms in the trenches with me with babies of their own helped me to know I was not alone having all of these mixed emotions. Moms with kiddos just a bit older than mine had great how to advice since they had just made it across this part of their journeys. Older moms with grown children gave the the vision that many of these challenges will pass and I will strangely miss them when they are gone...they were right! I don't know how I would make it through this journey without the other mommies encouraging me along the way. Now that I am a mom, i find myself trying to pass on the encouragement to others because boy do we need it! When I see a mom shopping with little ones and she is obviously been battling with the demands of the job, I always try to extend a smile her way and compliment or encourage her. I know some days the kindness and encouragement of a stranger meant the world to me.

So ladies, here's to motherhood...raising the next generation to know the Lord and live according to his purposes is a huge task we take on every day. These little people begin to see the heart of the Lord through us. We are their first loves and we hope through that love they learn to find an even deeper love with the Lord. This job requires a minimum of 16 hours each day and you are on call 24/7. It can be back breaking and will be heartbreaking. Good thing it pays better than any other job on the planet. The paycheck isn't dollars, mine have consisted of:
backyard flowers
pretty rocks
bugs in jars
a piece of gum...saved just for me
drawings
Lego creations
my favorite are the things that last forever...in my heart
hugs & kisses
happy smiles
snuggles & giggles
memories branded in my soul forever.

Happy Mother's Day to fellow society members :-)

LOVES

2010-04-20T20:42:00.003-05:00

I love...
a productive day
half and half in my coffee
the smell of pine sol
cooking
a house full of kids
a shy smile breaking through when my kids are pouting
a neatly organized closet
the quiet of the morning when i am the only one awake
my family all together at the end of the day
sharing recipes with my sisters
Nothing edgy, extravagant or exciting really makes this list...I'm low maintenance.

Easter Weekend

2010-04-07T08:41:00.009-05:00

We had a great Easter weekend. It went by so fast, but good times always do :-) We went to a WONDERFUL Good Friday service at our Methodist church in town. The youth did the service and it was phenomenal! It provoked very good questions from both of our boys and opened the opportunity for conversation about the sacrifice Christ made for us all.

We went "Easter Eggin" (as my friend April's little boy calls it...I love that too much not to say it here!) at our town Easter in the Park festivities. My kiddos love the sack races and Mason took second place this year. My camera died so I only have the one shot of Mason in action.

You gotta hold your tongue just right to win a sack race.

On Sunday morning we went to church for another wonderful service.

Don't these little guys look so handsome!

Our music minister always sings He's Alive on Easter Sunday. It makes me cry EVERY TIME! I guess I can just relate to Peter in the gospels, always wanting to put his whole heart into everything for the Lord but failing miserably sometimes. We had a nice lunch at home and hunted eggs again in the backyard, this time with money inside. It was fierce competition but once it was all done I was happy to see that both shared with each other nicely. We didn't ask them to so that made it even sweeter!

I love this picture of Andrew pulling his pants up as he runs to get some eggs! Excuse they yard...it looks like a plowed field since Mark is workingto level it out before we landscape.

Andrew was posing with his BIG Easter bunny.

The boys were so sweet they gave me an Easter bunny too. They know momma loves her chocolate...but what is wrong with this picture? (Beside the fact that I look like a line backer...what is with my GIGANTIC neck) My bunny must have shrunk! ;-)

We had a great weekend together. We hope you did too.

LITTLE BOY LINGO...

2010-03-25T08:36:00.007-05:00

Every day there is something funny, sweet or just downright memorable my boys say or do and I always say I'm going to write that down. Most of the time I don't and find myself trying to remember. So here I go with my list of "little boy lingo" that I just have to document to remember these days filled with sweetness.

ANDREW: While fighting the bad guys as the Princess character on his Star Wars Lego game on his DS, "Don't be so rough with a ladaaaay" He said it in such a funny way, it was the cutest. I guess he has heard me tell him such things when we play around and wrestle. I always tell them I'm a lover not a fighter ;-)

Before we moved into the house and I was still spending the weekends painting, painting, and painting. It got quite tedious for me and especially so for Andrew. He would bring toys and play in the new game room but a little guy gets bored after hours and hours. During these long days Andrew would pop his head in the room I was painting to tell me something or ask a random question. I just had to document what some of the random thoughts go through the mind of this little 6 year old cutie.

What was your favorite toy when you were a little girl?

I built a new floor (out of leftover hardwood pieces) in my house (a large cardboard box).

What is an eyeball made of? Is it squishy?

______ is my favorite girl at school because she laughs at all my jokes.

What is 125 plus 9?

Sometimes I would just laugh out loud at the randomness of these things!

MASON: He is growing up and the conversations with him are getting so much more grown up. Mark has been reading Proverbs with him so he is learning a lot. One day as they were reading the subject was wicked women. The next day Mason told me that the bible says to run from bad girls. I said, "what is a bad girl?" He said, you know, the kind that want to kiss on boys a lot. I just nodded my head and said, "yeah, run fast!" I got so tickled but I am glad he is learning about God's word on subjects that will quickly be part of his life.

He has always had quite the insight on women. One day years ago when he was only 2 or 3 years old we had hired one of they boys from our church youth department, Hayden, to help Mark work to clean up an area we were about to build an addition onto our old house (yes, there is a pattern to our home remodel sickness) so we were having lunch together before they went back out to work. I asked Mark if he wanted me to come out and rake leaves to help them get finished before dark. Mason interrupted and said, "Girls don't rake leaves". I was a little indignant and said, "Oh, really? Why not?" He said that boys do that work and girls cook dinner. I was taken aback by his already accepted gender roles that he had seen in our home. Mark & Hayden thought it was funny and asked what else girls did. Mason said, "They wash dishes." Mark was just laughing and asked again, "what else". He quickly said, "They put band-aids in their underwear." It took me a minute but once I realized what he was referring to my jaw dropped & Mark was speechless (that says a lot since that almost never happens...he always has a witty comeback). Hayden either didn't understand Mason's baby talk enough to know what he said or was polite enough to pretend he didn't. Needless to say, privacy in the bathroom became a bigger priority after that conversation but how can you avoid taking your toddler in the bathroom stall with you at Wal-mart? This story will make us laugh for years!

Settling into Home...

2010-03-21T13:14:00.014-05:00

Well we are working to settle into the new house but I have decided it will take a while. I couldn't really describe my decor style...old world with a splash of whimsy and contemporary. Is that really a style? All I know is I know what I like when I see it. Also, I only want something if the price is more than right. Mark and I went to an antique auction a few weeks ago and had a blast. We picked up so many things for a song! I don't really care if things are in perfect condition. In fact, I prefer something that has lived a life and shows it. In the picture of the living room below you can see a bit of the 9' by 12' very worn wool rug we purchased at the auction for $30! The old rug looks right at home on my old wood floors. I still need to find the right piece of artwork for above the mantle. I tried a big mirror and I didn't like it at all. Suggestions...?Here are a few more of my bargain finds that I have or will scatter throughout the house.

These old pickle jars with lids painted black make great containers for my little baking station! I think I paid $5 for all three of them.
This matted great black and white photo: $1.99 at Goodwill
I scattered my fiesta in with these ADORABLE hand painted dishes I found on clearance at Target for a SONG!
More of my fiesta dishes I have collected over the years.
This is the best find BY FAR...this old SPECTACULAR desk chair for $15 at that little country Flea Market. Just gotta clean off that white paint splatter and hit the wheels with a little WD40 and it is PERFECT for our office.
My last find that I will share is probably my favorite simply because my Hubby and boys LOVED IT. My Steeler fans in Cowboy country loved my $5 Goodwill find. Who would have ever dreamed I would find such a thing? I will paint the frame black and hang it in Mason's room or the game room.

I still have a ton of stuff to do but I like doing it slowly and layering the house with great finds with character at a bargain. And just think...it is spring and neither of my boys wanted to play baseball this year. I can spend my Saturday mornings hunting Garage sales ;-)

My little knight in shining armour...

2010-03-18T19:18:00.007-05:00

Andrew and I had appointments with the dental hygienist today so we did a little shopping while we were out. We went into a furniture store to look at the selection of U-shaped sectionals. While we were there, the boys saw a king size bed and were commenting on how big it was. I explained to Andrew that it was bigger than our bed because it was a king size bed. He asked what size our (mom and dad's) bed was and I told him ours was a queen size. He thought for a while and said, "Is mine a knight size?". It took me a minute but I finally understood his logic. We recently watched the movie Dragon Heart so kings, queens and knights were fresh on his mind. I didn't bother to tell him his was twin size, I told him his was just the right size for my brave little knight.

YEAH SPRING BREAK!

2010-03-15T11:15:00.005-05:00

I am taking the week off...with a few project to work on from home while the boys veg out. Just like last year, we are staying home and enjoying some down time. Mason and I spent this past weekend at home while Mark and Andrew went up to see Grandma and Grandpa in Kansas. Mason spent Sunday afternoon playing at a friend's house so I had the house to myself for a few hours. I really didn't know what to do with myself! I worked on bank statements and retirement accounts. I know I am a NERD! When I went to pick Mason up he said he felt lightheaded. He has a fever but no other symptoms. I hope a day of rest and jello will make everything better.

The weather here is beautiful and makes me ready to get to work in the yard! It looks awful since it is still dirt & ruts from construction. Mark will probably start next weekend with equipment to level out the yard and work on the fence in the backyard.These bulbs blooming in all the mess give me hope!

I will see if I can recruit Andrew to help me wash my car today. The weather is too nice to stay indoors but with Mason not feeling well we better stay home. Happy Spring everyone!

Here's the scoop.

2010-03-01T22:10:00.005-06:00

OK, here is an update on our crazy life. Not long after we moved into the new house, Mark's grandpa became very ill so we went to Kansas to visit for a few days. He is doing better but we do covet your prayers for his strength and comfort. He is 94 and the Lord may call him home at any time. We love him so and want every moment we can have with him but we also know that he is ready to go Home to Heaven. Even as he recovered from pneumonia in his hospital bed he reached out to tickle little Andrew. Grandpa is always the tickler and teaser. One night he tried to get out of bed and Mark told him, "Grandpa, the doctor does not want you out of bed." He responded, "The doctor isn't here right now is he?" And I wonder where my husband gets his tenacity!

Mason had his regional Destination Imagination competition and his team PLACED FIRST in their event!! They move on to the state level competition and we are so happy for them. These kids worked so hard and I love to see them enjoy the fruit of all their hard work.

I am in St. Louis as I type this and it has been one crazy day getting here! My printer wouldn't print my boarding pass, my GPS was missing, printer wouldn't print map quest directions, left my jacket at home and had to turn around and get it 30 minutes into my commute to the airport...and finally make my flight to St. Louis and meet my group for a dinner meeting. I come back to my hotel room and my key will not work, the hotel master key will not work...finally the maintenance guy fixes my room door lock after I "relax" in another room for 30 minutes. I think I should go to bed now...as Scarlett O'Hara says, "tomorrow is another day."I may have had a look on my face similar to this one most of the day...especially when the poor hotel desk clerk couldn't get my room opened. I promise to smile more tomorrow.

Look Who Has A Hole in His Smile!

2010-02-23T22:48:00.002-06:00

I love how he had to roll down that bottom lip so we could get

a good look at that hole where his tooth used to be!

Andrew has had his first wobbly tooth for a few weeks and it finally gave way. He was so excited to finally lose a tooth. He couldn't wait to leave it for the tooth fairy. Losing teeth is when I feel like they officially become big kids...bittersweet.

One Word Wednesday

2010-02-17T09:46:00.004-06:00

WONDER

Life is just a bowl of cherries

2010-02-08T22:00:00.001-06:00

We are settling in to our new house and it is so relaxing. We still have lots of little things to finish up but just being in is such a relief. I can see Mark relaxing too and that just makes my heart happy. He has been so stressed with all of this that it has been hard for him to enjoy anything. Well that is changing. Saturday night he cooked Jambalaya for dinner and it was great! For dessert he made cherry cobbler...another big hit. We saved the leftover dessert to have after church on Sunday. When Sunday lunch was over Andrew was quick to remember what was waiting. "I'm ready for my clobber", he said. Mark and I looked at one another across the table and smiled. Of course we had to ask him to repeat himself multiple times before we told him the correct way to pronounce his dessert. It is nice to have Mark sitting at the table again when these cute moments occur instead of me telling him about them when he was too exhausted to even giggle.

Check out more silly things kids say at Mary's blog. Go ahead and link up yourself. You know your kiddos are little crack ups too ;-)

Partial Home Reveal...

2010-01-29T15:44:00.008-06:00

Notice the TV was the first thing to be installed. I need to have a cushion made for the window seat. Any of you local gals have a good seamstress to recommend? Also, I have never been a fan of curtains. I've always just done wood blinds. I hate to cover all of this great woodwork! I could do roman shades but Mark thinks they will be a dirty mess. Do they get dirty and dusty and you are unable to wash them? Help me out here!
This tub has been calling my name! The first soak in it was just wonderful. I am looking for some prints of pressed ferns to hang above the tub. I may have to make my own. I found a great tutorial that I will share if I get brave.
I love these pedestal sinks. I put an old nightstand between them to store our "beauty essentials" and it looks MADE FOR THE SPACE. I'll post new pics soon.
This shower is so simple with the subway tile all around. Still waiting for the shower doors to arrive so I decided to spare you the sad temporary dollar store shower curtain.
This is the old sink from the kitchen that we salvaged and used in the laundry room. I love it with my old style pull chain light fixture above it.
This is the old back door to the house complete with skeleton key to lock it. I love that the old wavy glass is still in it. That little face on the other side adds extra cuteness ;-)
Just shots of the kitchen with appliances installed, tile back splash complete and plumbing fixtures in

The front bath with the great claw foot tub and old style black and white tile. It is really white, good thing it isn't the boys bathroom!
I'll post more pics of the other rooms once whe have the furniture set up and the boxes out of the way. It will take me months to find all of the artwork and accessories so I will be asking for tips along the way. Thanks for keeping me company along this LONG journey. Your encouragement has helped in more ways than you know.

MOVED IN!

2010-01-27T10:56:00.003-06:00

Sorry for the LONG DELAY in posting. We have been busy! WE HAVE MOVED INTO THE NEW HOUSE!!! Oh, the happy dance we are doing. It will still be a while before we are settled but it is so nice to be in the new space. I have some pics I will post of a few of the rooms just before we started moving. My little camera is on the fritz so I am returning it for repair and I don't have a wide angle lens on the big camera to give the full effect. I will post pics as I get rooms settled. I feel like I have a big blank canvas in front of me...the decorating will be fun.

Here are a few things I have learned with this move.

1. When moving to a new house and your husband says we have a few small details to finish, make sure one of those details isn't install toilet seats in all but the upstairs bath (thank goodness it has a seat!). For some reason, this is not a big issue for men. Maybe I will get a good butt workout going upstairs to use the bathroom until the others come in.

2. The intercom system in the new house is nice. I don't have to scream up the stairs to the boys when I need one of them. With this nice feature comes tattling IN STEREO! The boys know how to use the intercom so they use it to "inform" me of the other's wrongdoings. But Andrew did use the intercom to tell me he loves me yesterday so that makes it a keeper ;-)

3. You really can throw away at least 20% of everything you own and not miss it...if the rest of your family isn't looking.

4. The new front load washing machine was like introducing television to a primitive tribe. Everyone had to stand in front and watch it at some point to see how it worked. Yes, we are easily entertained...obviously.

5. That old house had good bones and Mark really made it beautiful, but putting the people I love inside makes it our home. Now I really adore it!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-04T09:12:00.006-06:00

We had a busy Christmas this year with lots of company. We love it that way. It started with Kayla and Chad and little Logan (our niece and her family) spending Christmas with us. It was great to get that time with them. Kayla is such a wonderful girl. It is so fun to see her all grown up and starting a family of her own. Her husband is a keeper! The Lord truly blessed Kayla with a loving husband. Little Logan is a doll! Mark and I reminisced while we cuddled him and soaked up that new baby smell.

Then we had a visit with my big sis, Laura and her family. We had a blast while they spent the week with us. We live so far apart it is difficult to always get together but we are committed to finding a way to do this at least once a year. We always have so much fun together and the kids do to ;-)

I put together a little slide show of all our Christmas fun. It is long since I want to remember all the fun. I hope you enjoy.

WISHING YOU A WHITE CHRISTMAS

2009-12-23T13:46:00.004-06:00

Years ago Mark and I moved to Kansas with his new job ready to start our adventure together. After growing up in Southwest Tennessee, I was excited at the real possibility of having the white Christmas I had heard Bing sing about my entire life. By Thanksgiving, when it was 8 degrees BELOW ZERO, I knew I was meant to be a Southern girl FOREVER. The snow is pretty but after you have shoveled out your driveway once…it’s enough. As tiring as the snow became, I always had the moment of awe looking out the window to see everything covered in white first thing in the morning. There is just something fresh about seeing the world covered in white and undisturbed. Every home, every neighborhood looked beautiful. The snow covered up any eyesores and all you could see was a blanket of white.
Now that we have migrated back to the South (you can take the girl out of the south but you can’t take the South out of the girl!) we don’t see the snow very often at all anymore but every year we experience a White Christmas. Through the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ and the grace offered by his death on the cross we can hold onto his promise of forgiveness. Psalm 51:7 says, “Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow”. The forgiveness of our sin and the relationship with our Lord that follows gives you a fresh and undisturbed feeling in your soul to which no other Christmas gift can compare. The eyesores of our lives are covered by the blood of Christ and we come before God as white as snow. Our prayer is that you and your loved ones experience a White Christmas this year and every year through your relationship with Christ.

2009-12-20T09:02:00.004-06:00

Since we have made several trips to Dallas this Christmas season, the boys and I have done our share of shopping. We have really enjoyed our time together picking out gifts for each other and our extended family. One night at Kohl's, I let the boys get their own buggy and shop for gifts for Dad and I. I told them to stay close but I wouldn't peek. I looked up and couldn't find them so I started to get a little nervous. I walked around calling Mason's name and saw them both come around the corner pushing their cart, smiling and laughing with each other as they shopped. I hope I never forget that sight. They were so happy to be picking out presents for us. When they saw me, Mason pushed the buggy (southern for shopping cart) behind a clothing rack and Andrew ran to me jumping up and down telling me they found my present and I can't peek. I haven't seen them this excited about anything in a long time. I was so glad to see the joy of giving so strong in their hearts. I have to add that they have saved their own money to buy gifts so the fact that they are cheerfully giving from what they have just makes my heart want to burst! I can't wait to see what they are so excited to give me...from boys, this could be interesting!

Where is Mr. Mom?

2009-12-10T09:36:00.005-06:00

Mason and I have a lot of conversations on our trips to therapy twice a week. One day he was talking about work and he said that "girls get things better". I asked him what he meant by that. He said girls can work if they want to or stay home with their kids but boys can only work. I thought that was an interesting observation and I told him that some dads stay home with their kids. He responded with a strange look on his face..."I don't know any of those dads". Maybe the family situation I tried to explain isn't very common in his world. I giggled :-)

It's beginning to look a lot like...HOME!

2009-12-08T07:48:00.008-06:00

Doesn't this kitchen look different now. Mark laughed at me when I said the cabinet hardware and faucets were like jewelry for the kitchen. I was thinking we may need to glaze the white cabinets to take away the starkness but now that the walls are painted I think I like it! Mark, you were right...but don't let it go to your head ;-).

One last shot of my FAVORITE room in any house! Floors, tile and appliances and this room will be ready for a party :-)

Here is the view of the den from the kitchen. The fireplace is looking great and the wood floors are coming along. I can see lots of good times and great memories being created in this family room.

This fireplace is a Mark H. original. I LOVE IT! If you look closely you can find a special design that will be a daily reminder to us of our GREATEST blessing.

Next I'll give you an update on the master bath and the front guest bath. They are both looking great. Thanks for having fun with all of this craziness with us. We can't wait to get this place ready to fill with the ones we love.

Powerful Christmas Song

2009-12-04T08:28:00.004-06:00

I love Christmas music. There are several that are favorites of mine and this one is now near the top of the list. The lyrics just unfold the picture of the gift the Lord gave us when he sent his son as a tiny baby to bring us home to Him. It is BEAUTIFUL and it humbles me... MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I sure can pick'em

2009-11-30T22:55:00.003-06:00

Saturday afternoon Andrew and I were heading back home after a day of hard work at the new house. He was getting excited because I had started painting his room so he started to tell me all the things he wanted for his new room. His little mind was everywhere and was really dreaming of all sorts of creative things for his race car room. In his little mind there was nothing we couldn't do. We settled in on a couple of ideas and I reminded him that our new home is a blessing and we are blessed to have Daddy who can build such wonderful things for our family. Andrew agreed by saying, "yeah, I'm glad you picked him to marry." Me too, Andrew...Me too! I'm glad he picked me too ;-)

Join Mary for more Tiny Tot Tuesday fun.

A little eye candy.

2009-11-28T23:42:00.004-06:00

This is my favorite development from all of our weekend toils. We did something a little different in the dining room. Instead of a chandelier we went with these amber colored lanterns grouped together. We may need to tweak their arrangement after we move in to achieve this look when you view the dining room from the front door. Mark is a little frustrated when I say that since he hung each light twice already trying to please his little woman. I tried to take more pics but my camera died. I'll take more next week once the kitchen counter tops are in. Things are really coming together. Here is one more picture I was able to get today.
This gives you an idea of how all the woodwork looks now that it is done. Mark has a few trim out pieces to finish around the window seats. I just love how warm it all looks! We will have some beautiful marble tile surrounding this fireplace in a couple of weeks. If you really want a shocker, go back and look at this post with the slide show of before pics of the house. You will truly see we have a SICKNESS for old houses. Mark and I both agree that this restoration and addition has cured us! We won't be doing this again...for a few years ;-)

Unconventional Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T10:01:00.008-06:00

We are having an unconventional Thanksgiving to remember. It is just the four of us and we are keeping it simple. I ordered a Greenberg Turkey and bought some pies at fundraisers. The only cooking I will do is my mother's GREAT cornbread stuffing recipe. We will be painting at the new house all weekend long so we will stop long enough to eat our feast. We might even eat our dessert picnic style in the new dining room floor. I hope the boys remember this Thanksgiving we spent painting their new bedrooms fondly. This has been a challenging year for all of us. All of the challenges are bringing us to even more we have to be thankful for every day...not just today. God bless you all and may your belly be full of turkey & pie!

2009-11-21T15:17:00.002-06:00

Patti is in the mood for Christmas and has kicked off the season on her blog with a fun Christmas cookbook giveaway. What better way is there to start the season than good home cooking! Go on over to Patti's blog and sign up. While you are there you can meet her adorable family and take a peak at her recipe blog. I have gotten many recipes from her and they are always great. Here's to the start of a Merry Christmas season!

DEEP THOUGHTS FOR THANKSGIVING...

2009-11-20T00:00:00.000-06:00

"If you're at a Thanksgiving dinner, but you don't like the stuffing or the cranberry sauce or anything else, just pretend like you're eating it, but instead, put it all in your lap and form it into a big mushy ball. Then, later, when you're out back having cigars with the boys, let out a big fake cough and throw the ball to the ground. Then say, 'Boy, these are good cigars!'"
- Jack Handy
Deep Thoughts

This just made me giggle. I know, I have issues ;-)

THE BIG REVEAL

2009-11-19T00:00:00.000-06:00

I AM SO LATE ON THIS UPDATE BECAUSE OUR LIFE HAS BEEN PRETTY BUSY AS A RESULT OF THIS BIG REVEAL...

MASON'S CAST IS OFF!

HE IS SO HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO GET THAT THING OFF. IT WAS REALLY BEGINNING TO CRAMP HIS STYLE. HE DID HAVE TO WEAR A BRACE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS JUST AFTER IT WAS REMOVED BUT COULD TAKE IT OFF FOR THERAPY. NOW WE ARE JUST TAPING HIS FINGER TO HIS MIDDLE FINGER FOR SUPPORT. HE HAS BEEN SEEING A HAND THERAPIST IN DALLAS TWICE A WEEK AND IS MAKING GREAT PROGRESS. I AM SO PROUD OF HOW HARD HE IS WORKING. IT ISN'T EASY WHEN IT HURTS BUT HE PRESSES ON. HIS THERAPIST, ANN AT CHILDREN'S IS WONDERFUL! SHE MAKES IT FUN EVEN WHEN IT IS HARD. MASON HAS REALLY CONNECTED WITH HER AND DOESN'T WANT TO LET HER DOWN SO THAT IS GREAT. YESTERDAY HE FINALLY WAS ABLE TO BEND THAT FINGER FAR ENOUGH TO TOUCH THE BOTTOM OF HIS PALM. THAT IS A HUGE MILESTONE FOR HIM AND REALLY ENCOURAGED HIM TO WORK EVEN HARDER TO MAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL. I CAN SEE GREAT CHARACTER THE LORD IS MOLDING IN MASON THROUGH THIS EXPERIENCE. I CAN PRAISE HIM IN THIS STORM!

THE "BUZZ SAW" COMES OUT AND OFF IT GOES!
MASON THOUGHT IT WAS SO WEIRD THAT HIS HAND WAS WRINKLY. HE SAID, "IT LOOKS LIKE AN OLD LADY'S HAND". SO FUNNY. WE COVERED THE FINGER SINCE WE THOUGHT NO ONE WOULD WANT TO SEE THE PINS STICKING OUT. MASON WASN'T TOO CRAZY ABOUT THAT SIGHT.

WE SHOULD HAVE ANOTHER BIG REVEAL NEXT WEEK. WE ARE GETTING SO MUCH CLOSER ON THE HOUSE. CABINETS THAT ARE STAINED WILL BE FINISHED, COUNTER TOPS, TILE AND FLOORS...THAT WILL MAKE THINGS LOOK MORE LIKE A HOME.

I CAN'T WAIT!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-11-18T08:24:00.004-06:00

2009-11-09T21:41:00.002-06:00

I was reading a post on Jodee's blog about her fun visits to her hubby's parents home that reminded me of a story I do not want to forget, so since this is our family journal, here it is...

Mark's grandparents are just some of the greatest people you will ever meet. They live in a tiny town in Kansas and going there to visit truly makes you take a break from things because life is much slower there. Grandpa is now 94 and Granny is 89 but that doesn't slow them down much. When we lived in Kansas, we spent many weekends at "Granny and Grandpa's" house. They were there for us in so many different ways. I grew to love them so much in such a short time. Once we moved to Texas and the boys came along it was harder to make it up to Kansas so often but when we did it was so fun. Granny's TV was OLD SCHOOL so there is no way you are hooking up video games on that baby. The TV rarely made it on unless KU was playing basketball. So what do you do with all of your time? You spend it playing games, reading, granny attempting to teach you to knit, granny actually teaching you how to cook, meandering through antique stores while the men were at the hardware store, looking at old photographs of hubby as a child in his best 70's attire...good times.
On one particular visit Mason was 5 and Andrew had just turned 1. Andrew had spent the day attempting to get into EVERYTHING at Granny's and Mason had a blast checking out Grandpa's workshop and doing man stuff. We put Andrew to bed and decided to play some card games and teach Mason to play Dirty Aces. It is a pretty simple game where everyone gets one card. You can decide to keep it or trade with the player your right. Once you have traded, you are stuck with the card. The highest card wins but Aces are considered the lowest card. Mason was sitting to the left of grandpa and kept trading with him only to get a dirty ace or something else worse than what he originally had. Mason was starting to get tired of this and started pouting and tearing up. Grandpa would just giggle every time. Granny didn't like her little baby getting upset so she kept telling grandpa, "Marvin, leave him alone, Marvin, don't let him trade with you if your card is bad" and the such. Mason finally looked up and burst into tears and said, "I don't like this game and I wish everyone would quit calling me Marvin!" We all roared with laughter. Poor little guy didn't realize that Grandpa's name was Marvin and thought we were calling him names. We still make him giggle when he is upset by saying, "I wish everyone would quit calling me Marvin". It gets him to smile every time.

Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet...

2009-11-02T21:10:00.005-06:00

They did get plenty of good things to eat.

Mason was a cute little 50's James Dean-ish little guy...cute I must say.

Andrew wanted to be a big football player so he wore his brother's football uniform to look the part. He even carried the helmet to collect his candy and had to hold the football AT. ALL. TIMES to complete his look.

I love these little guys!

HMMMM?

2009-10-28T15:51:00.003-05:00

Last night Andrew was cleaning up his room when I heard him yell with excitement, "Mom, come here. I found a ladybug". I had my hands in dishwater so I yelled back, "Just a minute". A few seconds later he walked into the kitchen and said, "Never mind Mom, It's dead". I asked him how he knew it was dead and he said, "I blew on it and it and my breath flipped it over...it was a brown old man." I have no idea how brown old man = dead ladybug but somehow in Andrew's mind it does. CRAZINESS!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE MISTER ROO!

2009-10-25T11:55:00.015-05:00

My favorite little five year old boy becomes my favorite little six year old boy today. When I think back to the day he was born I have to remember that he came into this world with excitement and energy. By the time we made it to the hospital and I put on a gown, I had to push...no time for drugs. This should have given me a hint into the personality of this precious little boy we were bringing home. He is so full of excitement and energy. He does things in his own way and in his own time. Even though that can mean long days sometimes ;-), I do see how the Lord gave him this strong will and determination for a reason. I know when he is on the road the Lord has prepared for him he will persevere no matter what the world would try to persuade him to do. Now that Andrew is six he can do so many things all on his own. He can build fabulous things out of Legos. He amazes me with what imagination he has and his ability to execute the designs in his mind.
Andrew is my little foodie! He will try anything I cook and likes most everything (except for the artichokes I made last week...not a hit). He loves to help me cook. He helped me make a big pot of taco soup in anticipation of Aunt Tammy and Uncle Dennis' visit with the cousins too.

He keeps us in stitches with the things he says and does. Sometimes we have to keep the giggles inside while we remind him of appropriateness. Yesterday he ran over to me in the middle of his flag football game and said, "I think I have a brain injury". The look on his face gave away that he was fine and just looking to make all of the mommies laugh.

Happy Birthday to my favorite six year old boy in the whole world. You are my little Mister Roo. I thank God for you every day and love watching your little personality grow and unfold before me. I can't wait to see the wonderful things the Lord will do in your life and what an impact you will make for Him. I look forward to many more years of laughter, love and snuggles!

Meltdown

2009-10-17T08:19:00.003-05:00

Well, it has happened. Mason had his meltdown about his whole situation last night. He has rolled with everything so calmly...true to his personality. I knew he had to have his moment at some time, I just wasn't ready to see how emotional this all really is for him and how much he is keeping it in. We were getting in the car to pick up our pizza and Mason threw on his Heeley's and started to roll out to the car. I told him he couldn't be skating with his arm in the cast. That was it, he just unloaded and cried. He told me how much he can't do...no PE, no recess, no football, no riding his scooter, no video games, no Guitar Hero. I tried to explain to him the cast only had to be on for another 2 1/2 weeks. He then said he knew he had to do therapy for a while and still won't be able to do everything that kids get to do. I had to giggle when he said he thought getting to sit around and watch a lot of TV would be cool but now it's boring. I did my best to just listen and let him vent. What could I say, watching TV does get boring after a while. Then, from the back seat I hear Andrew say with his slight little lisp, "Bubba, I wish I could wear your cast for you". AWWW! My little guy was feeling compassion for his big brother. Don't get me wrong, my boys love each other so much, but sometimes it is obvious that Andrew gets tired of being in Mason's shadow and Mason gets tired of Andrew following behind. Normal sibling issues I suppose but it is nice to see them be there for each other when one is having a hard time. We will continue "X"ing the days on the calendar until the cast comes off. We've been playing chess, reading and having extra movie nights. Any suggestions for calm indoor activities? My creativity is zapped.

FLU...I loathe you!

2009-10-14T11:36:00.004-05:00

This is what the last 4 days has consisted of in our home...(from top to bottom)
-Sanitize every surface in our home, especially the rooms that Mark & Andrew have been quarantined. I forgot the hand sanitizer but that goes without saying. This also includes washing all of the bed linens since I am trying hard to keep Mason and myself from becoming the next victims of this villain.
-Medication administration...between the flu meds for Mark & Andrew and Mason's meds after his surgery, I almost need to set the schedules in Outlook for reminders. The Stress Formula with Zinc is for me ;-)
-Breathing treatments. I thought we were past those days since the boys are older. Washing out the little canisters endlessly throughout the day...blah.

Oh, and I am trying to get work done from home in the midst of all of this. After almost two weeks with only a few hours spent in my office I am VERY BEHIND. I wonder if they make Extra Strength Stress Formula? Yeah, they do...I think the generic name for it is whiskey...LOL.

A movie, really?

2009-10-13T21:50:00.004-05:00

OK...we went to the movies to see How to Eat Fried Worms. It was cute but now my son doesn't even remember the book (he was only 6 when we read it) he just remembers the movie. Mark took Mason to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Mason loved the book and says the movie changed the tone of the book all together by making it a "save the world" adventure. It is no longer the fun little fantasy it once was in his little mind. Now here comes Where the Wild Things Are. I don't think I want this favorite from my childhood and of my boys to be transformed into another big adventure. I want to leave it just as it is in our minds, a simple child's dream. I'm starting to understand why Dr. Seuss did not sell the movie rights to his books. His family did a few after he passed away and I wonder if he really would have approved. So please, Hollywood. Find some good original screenplays and make for fun movies for us to enjoy as a family. We love going to the big movies but leave these adventures in the pages we turn at bedtime just as they are.

UPDATE ON MASON

2009-10-07T11:34:00.003-05:00

MASON IS NOW ON HIS LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY. WE SAW THE HAND SURGEON (DR. HO) ON MONDAY AND SHE DECIDED TO DO SURGERY THE NEXT DAY. WE DROVE BACK IN THE WEE HOURS OF THE MORNING AND SENT OUR BABY BACK FOR HER TO FIX UP THAT FINGER. SHE SPOKE TO US AFTER THE SURGERY AND INDICATED THAT THE FINGER WAS ACTUALLY WORSE THAN SHE INITIALLY THOUGHT. THE BRANCH TRIMMERS CUT THROUGH THE BONE AND SLICED OFF A PART OF THE CARTILAGE IN THE KNUCKLE AS WELL AS CUT THROUGH THE TENDON. SHE SAID, "I DON'T KNOW HOW THE BONE WAS SLICED THROUGH AND THE NERVE AND ARTERY STAYED INTACT". I SNICKERED AND THOUGHT...I DO. :-) OUR GOD IS A GOD OF MIRACLES AND PROTECTION. I DON'T KNOW WHY IT HAD TO HAPPEN BUT I AM SO THANKFUL THE LORD WAS PROTECTING HIM AND HIS FINGER STAYED INTACT. SHE WAS ABLE TO REPAIR EVERYTHING, NOW WE WAIT AND SEE HIS HEALING PROGRESS, THERAPY AND GROWTH OF THAT BONE SINCE THE GROWTH PLATE WAS CUT THROUGH, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT RISK THAT IT MAY SHUT DOWN.
FOR THE NEXT 4 WEEKS IT MEANS HE IS ON EXTREMELY LIMITED ACTIVITY. HE CANNOT STRAIN THAT ARM. SHE SAID HE CAN'T EVEN PICK UP HIS BACKPACK WITH THAT ARM. THE PIN IN HIS FINGER CANNOT BE DISTURBED. THE INCISION IS CLOSED UP IN THE CAST SO WE CANNOT CLEAN IT. HE CANNOT EVEN GIT A BIT SWEATY INSIDE THERE FOR RISK OF INFECTION SO HE CAN'T EVEN GET OUT IN THE SUN. I AM THANKFUL IT IS OCTOBER AND COOLER WEATHER IS HERE FOR NOW. ONCE WE MAKE IT THROUGH THE NEXT 4 WEEKS AND THE CAST IS REMOVED, THERAPY WILL BEGIN. HIS ENTIRE HAND WILL BE STIFF SINCE ALL FOUR FINGERS ARE ENCASED IN THE CAST TO ENSURE THAT FINGER HEALS PROPERLY. HE WILL BE VERY STIFF AND WE WILL HAVE THE "NO PAIN, NO GAIN" ATTITUDE AROUND HERE. DR. HO WILL THEN MONITOR THE GROWTH OF THAT FINGER FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS TO SEE IF THE BONE GROWS NORMALLY OR ADDITIONAL SURGERY WILL BE REQUIRED.
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYERS. WE HAVE FELT THEM AND KNOW THE LORD HAS HEARD THEM. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY THAT HIS RECOVER STAYS ON TRACK AND WE DON'T EXPERIENCE ANY SETBACKS. WE WILL NEED TO BE STRUCTURED, OBEDIENT AND DISCIPLINED TO GET THE BEST RESULTS SO PLEASE PRAY THE LORD WILL GIVE US ALL WE NEED IN THESE AREAS.
ON A LIGHTER NOTE, MASON GETS TO SIT AND WATCH TV MOST OF THE DAY, NOT SOMETHING BY BOYS GET TO DO FOR MORE THAN A COUPLE OF HOURS ON SATURDAYS AND MAYBE AN HOUR DURING THE WEEK. MASON ALREADY WANTS SOME SORT OF ABDOMINAL BELT THAT WORKS YOUR ABS WHILE YOU JUST SIT THERE. I GUESS HE IS A PRIME TARGET FOR INFOMERCIALS RIGHT NOW. I'LL MAKE SURE HE DOESN'T HAVE ACCESS TO MY DEBIT CARD ;-)

IN THE HEART OF A MOTHER.

2009-10-03T22:31:00.008-05:00

Last night Mason had a Cub Scout camp out. The boys and I went and had a bond fire and cook out in the evening and Andrew and I left leaving Mason with his leader and 4 other boys to spend the night in tents and begin a cleanup of the brush on the park trails in the morning. At 8:20am the phone rang and I heard those dreaded words. "There's been an accident and Mason's finger is cut pretty bad." The boys were using landscaping shears and another boy accidentally caught Mason's finger when attempting to cut a branch.

I met the cub scout leaders at the local ER with Mark and Andrew to follow behind. When I arrived, he was pale and afraid. He asked me, "Mom, why did this have to happen?" I told him we don't always know why things happen, we just have to trust that God is in control and pray to him for strength and comfort so we did so together right there together. My heart broke into pieces on the inside while I put on a strong face for my frightened little boy. I prayed silently for the Lord to hold me together through this. Daddy arrived soon after and Mason was even more comforted with his presence. The finger looked bad...cut to the bone with the knuckle and tendons damaged. We had to see a children's orthopedic surgeon and we knew that would mean heading to Dallas or Tyler. Dallas it was, Children's Medical Center was the place we needed to go. Andrew was safely left with our dear friends, Kim & Paul as we dashed to Dallas. It is a good 100 miles from us so Mark was driving "quickly" with his flashers on to get him there in good time. A hundred miles is a lot of time for thinking...to much...even when you are speeding. Why did I let him stay without me? Should I have kept him home? Should I have waited one more year to begin scouting when Mark could have been more involved? He's getting older and I have to let him have some independence...but at what cost? If I had been there could I have stopped this accident? Probably not, accidents happen fast and we can't be everywhere. Is he going to be able to use this finger? Is the damage too bad to repair? The unknowns are just unbearable but my God is bigger than all my doubts and fears.

At Children's the ER triage nurse was just doing her job and sent us to their ER waiting room...I waited for about 5 minutes before I went back over to her and told her our local ER physician called to tell them we were coming and felt time was of the essence with his injury. She told me she had done all she could do by making us a high priority. I respectfully told her I needed to speak to her supervisor because I knew she was doing all she could but I refused to wait an hour or more for a room and another hour or more for an orthopedic consultation when the doctor called ahead to avoid that wait in the best interest of my son. This mama bear was not just going to sit down and shut up. Another nurse walked by and heard my discussion with the triage nurse and stepped in and expedited everything by confirming our local ER physician called ahead and planned our transfer.
Now we began the process of unwrapping and reopening the wound multiple times for multiple doctors, med students & orthopedic surgeons to take a look and wait to decide what to do. We put in an IV after two sticks...the first blew the vein...and then finally decided to have the orthopedic surgeons clean the wound and get a better look then decide what to do. Mason was very upset when he heard that Dad and I would have to leave while they did this. We explained we would be right outside, they gave him some morphine, we kissed him goodbye and I turned and cried as I left the room. Mark didn't say a word, he just held my hand. What can you say in those moments? His quiet resolve was such a comfort to me. I later noticed how many moms were in the waiting area with injured kids & their siblings but no dad. I was so grateful to have Mark there with us. Mark's Uncle Sam and Aunt Margaret came and waited in the waiting room to see if we needed anything. They couldn't even see Mason but waited for hours just to be there for us. Sam was such a comfort to me when I told him the doctors plans to delay any further exploration of surgery. He is a retired sports medicine physician so he is very familiar with joint and tendon injuries. Just his acceptance of their decisions calmed my fears.
Mason was brave and did great. The entire day he reminded me of my mother. He was so sweet and kind to his doctors and nurses even when he was very uncomfortable. I routinely sit in awe of the heart God has given that boy. The nurses and doctors were so comforting to him and for that I am so grateful. The surgeon consulted with the hand specialist and they made the decision to close the wound and schedule an appointment Monday for the hand surgeon to look and assess the need for surgery to repair the tendon. The major veins and arteries in that finger were intact as well as the nerves. The joint was indeed cut into with the blade but not crushed by force with the shears. These confirmations were such a blessing because had those areas been damaged we may have lost that finger. His range of motion is what we are questioning now and if surgery would give him a better recovery or potentially further trauma. I am praising God for his protection in these critical areas and asking him to guide or doctors and our decisions as we move forward.
On our way home at about 6:00pm we stopped to eat at Schlotzky's (one of Mason's favorites since he was so little he called it "fartcheese") since none of us had eaten anything the entire day. We settled back into the truck to finish the long trek home. We called the little boy who accidentally cut Mason's finger to make sure he and his mom knew Mason was OK. Mason was worried that his buddy was feeling bad about this accident. We later joked about Mason having a "cool" story to tell his buddies and he said, "When I tell the story I will not say B's name because I don't want it to make him feel bad, I'll just say my finger got cut when we were cutting branches." I teared up again and told him I thought that was a fabulous idea. We arrived at Kim & Paul's to big hugs from Andrew. He couldn't wait to see his big brother and told him he hoped his finger felt better. There is nothing like brotherly love...I teared up again.

Even though our hearts break into a million pieces on days like today, Mother's hearts are so beautiful because they are sometimes broken. Like a mosaic, they are pieced together with random shards to reveal something strikingly beautiful. I continue to pray for our Lord to create his masterpiece in me.

FRIDAY FUNNY - THE SMELL CHART

2009-10-01T23:49:00.005-05:00

ANDREW BROUGHT HOME THE SMELL CHART HE MADE AT SCHOOL. THE CLASS IS LEARNING ABOUT THEIR FIVE SENSES AND THE FOCUS THIS DAY WAS THE SENSE OF SMELL. HIS TEACHER HAD SEVERAL SAMPLES FOR THE KIDS TO SMELL. THEY HAD TO DRAW A PICTURE (AND WRITE THE WORD IF THEY COULD) OF WHAT THEY THOUGHT EACH SMELL WAS.

ITEM 1 - I THINK WE ALL KNOW WHAT HE THOUGHT THAT SMELLED LIKE. IT WAS ACTUALLY VINEGAR. HOW DO YOU CONFUSE VINEGAR WITH...I DON'T EVEN WANT TO THINK ABOUT THAT ANY FURTHER. I'M SURE IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE COMIC RELIEF. HE DOES LOVE TO MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH.

ITEM 2 - "CADOL" APPARENTLY CINNAMON AND THE ONLY CINNAMON HE SMELLS COMES FROM A CANDLE...I GUESS I SHOULD BAKE MORE :-).

ITEM 3 - "SANUTISR" WAS RUBBING ALCOHOL. YES, MY KIDS ARE VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE SMELL OF HAND SANITIZER...THEIR MOM IS A GERM FREAK.

ITEM 4 - "TETEE" WAS NOT A CONTINUATION OF THE BATHROOM HUMOR I FIRST THOUGHT IT WAS. IT WAS PERFUME THAT SMELLED LIKE HIS TEDDY BEAR JUST AFTER I WASH IT.

ANDREW AND I HAD A TALK ABOUT NOT TALKING ABOUT HIS FIRST ITEM. "ANDREW, IT IS NOT NICE TO DRAW POOP ON YOUR SCHOOL PAPERS OR TALK ABOUT THAT STUFF WHEN IT ISN'T PRIVATE TALK." MY, MY, MY...I DIDN'T THINK I WOULD EVER PUT THOSE WORDS TOGETHER IN A SENTENCE. MARK AND I DID LAUGH LIKE FIVE YEAR OLD KIDS ABOUT THIS AFTER THE BOYS WENT TO BED AND NOW I'M POSTING IT ON OUR BLOG...CLASSY FAMILY AREN'T WE?

ARE YOU A MEAN MOM?

2009-09-30T10:05:00.012-05:00

IT LOOKS LIKE I AM EXACTLY THAT. I GUESS I SHOULD START BY DEFINING WHAT I CONSIDERED A MEAN MOM WHEN I WAS A KID BECAUSE I HAD A MEAN MOM.

MY MEAN MOM DID NOT LET ME EAT CAPTAIN CRUNCH AND POP TARTS FOR BREAKFAST. WE HAD EGGS, BACON OR SAUSAGE AND TOAST MOST MORNINGS. IF WE DID HAVE CEREAL IT WAS NOT THE SUGARY KIND.

MY MEAN MOM WOULD NOT LET ME DRESS IN A WAY SHE FELT WAS INAPPROPRIATE AND TAUGHT ME MODESTY FROM A YOUNG AGE SO I NEVER WANTED TO DRESS THAT WAY ANYWAY.

IF I MADE A COMMITMENT TO SERVE AT CHURCH, SING IN CHOIR, PLAY ON A SPORTS TEAM, ETC. SHE REQUIRED I FULFILLED THAT COMMITMENT...EVEN IF IT MEANT SHE HAD TO DRAG ME OUT OF BED TO BE AT 8:00AM MASS FOR CANDLE BEARER DUTY.

WHEN I WAS OLD ENOUGH TO WORK, EVEN BABYSITTING, SHE REQUIRED I GIVE HER A PORTION OF THE MONEY I EARNED TO BE SAVED. SHE PUT IT AWAY FOR ME AND GAVE IT TO ME WHEN I GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL. IT WAS A NICE NEST EGG AND IT TAUGHT ME THE VALUE OF SAVING.

ACADEMICS WERE THE PRIORITY. MY PARENTS NEVER ENGAGED CONVERSATION ABOUT WHO IS TAKING WHO TO THE PROM, ETC. ETC. NOT THAT A MORE OPEN RELATIONSHIP ISN'T GREAT BUT THEIR GIVING A LIMITED STAGE TO SUCH THINGS DID HELP ME PUT THEM IN PERSPECTIVE.

I COULD GO ON AND ON ABOUT THE THINGS MY PARENTS DID THAT I TRULY DID NOT APPRECIATE AT THE TIME BUT NOW THAT I AM TRYING TO RAISE MY CHILDREN TO BE RESPONSIBLE ADULTS THAT HAVE THEIR PRIORITIES RIGHT, BOY DO I SEE THE VALUE. IT IS EVEN MORE APPARENT TO ME WHAT OUR SOCIETY IS DOING TO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE BY DOWNPLAYING THE IMPORTANCE OF CHARACTER BUILDING, DISCIPLINE, AND RIGHT PRIORITIES. THE "DO WHAT YOU WANT BECAUSE IT FEELS GOOD" MENTALITY IS CREATING GENERATIONS OF PEOPLE THAT FEEL ENTITLED, SELFISH, AND NOT READY TO HANDLE THE DEMANDS OF THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD...OR LIFE IN GENERAL. WE SHOULD CARE MORE ABOUT THEIR CHARACTER THAN THEIR COMFORT. (I BORROWED THAT FROM RICK WARREN...THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE)

I HAVE ALL OF THIS ON MY MIND MORE THAN USUAL BECAUSE I HAVE DECIDED THAT ONE OF MY BOYS IN PARTICULAR, NEEDS TO FEEL CONSEQUENCES FOR HIS CHOICES...GOOD AND BAD. BOTH OF MY BOYS ARE GOOD BOYS AND I AM SO BLESSED TO HAVE THEM. SOMETIMES I THINK IN MY ATTEMPTS TO GIVE THEM ALL THE THINGS I DID NOT HAVE AS A CHILD I MAY BE DEPRIVING THEM OF WHAT I DID HAVE...A MEAN MOM. IN HONOR OF MY MEAN MOM AND MY RESOLVE TO CARRY ON THE TRADITION, HERE IS WHAT I HAVE DONE THIS PAST WEEK TO DO THE TOUGH STUFF:

- I STAYED HOME WITH THE ONE CHILD WHO DID NOT GET HIS ROOM CLEANED BEFORE OUR "BIG MOVIE" DATE WHILE DAD AND BROTHER WENT TO SEE CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS.

- I TOOK AWAY THE SNOW CONE OF THE CHILD THAT DID NOT KEEP IT AT THE KITCHEN TABLE. THIS IS THE RULE, IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE RULE AND YES, I ATE WHAT WAS LEFT.

I NOW KNOW WHY THEY CALL IT TOUGH LOVE...IT IS TOUGH FOR US...NOT JUST THE KIDS. I WANTED TO GO TO THE MOVIES! IT WOULD HAVE BEEN SO MUCH EASIER TO LET IT SLIDE AND TAKE HIM ANYWAY. TAKING AWAY WHAT WAS LEFT OF THE BELOVED SNOW CONE WHEN THE END OF SUMMER IS NEAR...:( BUT WHAT WAS LEFT WAS TASTY ;) HEY, THE MEAN MOM DOES NEED SOME PERKS. IT'S A TOUGH JOB AND I HOPE THEY APPRECIATE IT SOMEDAY.

ASSURE

2009-09-24T13:37:00.002-05:00

Mason and I were going over his new list of vocabulary words last night. I was asking him what the words meant before he read the definitions to see if he had a general understanding of the meanings. One of the words was ASSURE. When I asked him the meaning he said, "it means to know for sure...to make someone count on it, like you mom. I gave him a surprised look when he said that and he went on to say, "when you say you'll be there you always mean it." Oh, that made me feel so good! I want so badly for my kids to know how important they are to me. I try so hard, like so many other moms, to juggle so many responsibilities and commitments that sometimes I have to miss some of their activities. It was great to hear that he knows he can count on me to be there for him. Even if it means we are in a rush 80% of the time and are eating fish sticks, turkey sandwiches, or pizza four nights a week, we make it work ;-)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARK

2009-09-18T22:31:00.003-05:00

That's my man! OK, that isn't him in the shirt...but he is now 40 and fabulous. Happy Birthday, hon! I hope you enjoyed your day and dinner with friends. You sure deserved a night all about you. I love you and hope you had a wonderful day.

2009-09-16T16:48:00.003-05:00

Today I picked up the boys and was just about home when we saw an accident with an ambulance just past our house. In true small town fashion, I drove up to the police man and asked if everyone was OK. He said yes, someone just lost control on the wet pavement and couldn't make the ninety degree turn and went off the road and hit a tree. We turned the corner to head back to our house when Mason said, "Mom, we should pray for those people." Andrew agreed and we said a prayer for them right then. My heart was full of joy at the sound of their prayer. I love those moments when I get a glimpse of what the Lord is doing in their hearts. When the days can be filled with such trivial things like, clean your room, stop arguing with your brother, do your homework, etc. it is so good to have that moment when you see the most important relationship in their lives is growing. Today I am thankful.

Life with boys...

2009-09-14T11:20:00.003-05:00

This is what I found on my bed this morning just before we jumped in the car to head off to school. Maybe Andrew was doing his best to try to replace the little blue throw pillow I let him take to school for nap time (how could I resist when he asked for it because it smelled like me). This new look could grow on me...GO STEELERS ;)

This Old House...

2009-09-03T08:09:00.005-05:00

is beginning to feel like a home. The sheet rock is up and finished. Mark is working to complete the trim work now. This is a detailed process for anyone but especially for my man. He is very detailed and wants to make sure this step is done right since (in his words) he will have to look at it every day and does not want someone's sloppy job to drive him crazy. Let's just say that some subcontractors are not as committed to doing a job as well as he would like. The guy that did our cabinets is a definite exception. He did a wonderful job making these fabulous cabinets with inlaid doors.

Here are a few shots of the kitchen after the beautiful cabinets were installed. We plan to paint the wall cabinets white and finish the base cabinets and pantry a deep mahogany.

THE MICROWAVE WILL GO HERE UNDER THE COUNTER BESIDE A BANK OF DRAWERS CONTAINING EVERYDAY DISHES TO GIVE THE BOYS EASY ACCESS.

THIS IS JUST HALF OF MY WALL WITH THE BIG WINDOW. JUST PICTURE A FARM SINK AND THESE BEAUTIFUL COUNTER TOPS

THIS RANGE WILL GO ON THIS WALL WITH A SUBWAY TILE BACK SPLASH.

THIS REFRIGERATOR WILL GO NEXT TO THE PANTRY AND THE ISLAND WILL BE WHITE WITH A LITTLE PREP SINK AND HOPEFULLY A BUTCHER BLOCK TOP.

Can you tell the kitchen is my favorite part of any home. It is the heart of every home. I can't wait to cook our first big dinner in this new kitchen. I still need to pick out cabinet hardware. I am having second thought about these cabinet latches. Although I LOVE the look of them, I don't think they are very practical. It might get old having to twist the latch to open the cabinet all the time. Any ideas on an alternative? I just haven't found anything else I love.

So that's it for this episode of This Old House. Join us next time when the cabinets are finished, the trim & doors are painted and finished, and I take a week off from work to PAINT EVERY ROOM OF THE HOUSE! Yeah, that should be fun. I'll welcome anyone who wants to come join me. I'll even buy you a paint roller :-)

House Update

2009-08-28T20:53:00.003-05:00

I know a house update is overdue, but hey, so is the completion of this house ;-) I will head to the house to take a few shots of the progress but I'll give you a little sneak peak

Andrew was helping me scrape the drywall mud off the floor so we can be ready for the floors to be put down in a few of weeks. Just take a peak at those BEAUTIFUL kitchen cabinets behind him! We will have them painted and stained in a couple of weeks as well. That reminds me of the move Money Pit when the workers tell them everything will take "two weeks". We should rent that movie to find our sense of humor as we finish up this project. I'll post more pics of the progress in a couple of days. I know, such a teaser I am!

THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS!

2009-08-28T12:37:00.006-05:00

As I have admitted to before, I am a nerd and I now embrace it :-). I love it when school starts. I love the smell of new school supplies, the slight butterflies in the stomach & packing a big lunch on that first day. All of those things just signal the start of a whole new year of new experiences and skills to master.

Here are my little men off to their great adventure.

Andrew settles into his spot on his first day.
Andrew is in Kindergarten this year so for him this is a big change. Can't you just see the slight apprehension on his face? He has had a couple of sad moments in class over the last few days but he has gotten a smiley face every day this week so far. Transition is a little difficult for my littlest boy so I know to give him a bit more time to decide things will be OK. He loves his teacher and has fun in class, he just doesn't like the days I don't pick him up right after school. Just like me, he likes to know the plan and stick to it so when I change things around by picking him up some days and not on others it just overwhelms my little planner. I pray that this year sparks a love of learning in Andrew. That is the only goal I set for him this year.

DOUBLE DIGIT BIRTHDAY!

2009-08-26T14:00:00.005-05:00

It doesn't seem like it has been 10 YEARS since I had my first little boy but it has been exactly that long ago. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I went to the doctor for my regular checkup (9 days before his due date) and the doctor asked me if I had been having any contractions. I told him I had, but nothing intense or consistent. He looked at me and told me I was dilated 4 cm and I should go on over to the hospital. I went to the hospital and about 10 hours later we had our 8 lb 15 oz bundle of joy. We still say he would have been 9 pounds had he not peed on the doctor LOL! His daddy was BEAMING at the sight of his big boy. Like the Grinch, our hearts grew 3 sizes that day and have been bursting at the seams with love for our children ever since. Mason, we have been truly blessed by God to be your parents. We love you so much it isn't possible to put into words. You are growing into such a wonderful, responsible, smart young man. You never stop amazing us with the things you do. The Lord blessed you with a heart like I have never seen! You are so kind and welcoming to everyone you meet. Other people see that about you and LOVE to be around your loving spirit. Remember that your love and kindness is contagious so never hesitate to spread it around. I will never forget this past summer when you stayed at Ronda's while I worked at the office. The kids would just surround you as soon as we walked in the door each day. They couldn't wait to see you and be with you. I hope you see the powerful influence you have on others and use it as God intended. Never forget how special you are! You can guarantee the rest of us never will.

HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY!

Love,

Mom & Dad

Slug Bug!

2009-08-23T20:59:00.003-05:00

Since we spent so much time at the VW dealership this past week, I thought I would let the boys have a bit of fun.

Not many more years and he really will be behind the wheel.

Those little knuckles on the wheel and smile peeking over the edge of the door...I love it :-)

Quiet time Revelations

2009-08-20T19:57:00.005-05:00

Sorry to be such a blog slacker lately but I have tried to really give the boys most of my free time since summer is coming to a close and we are busy with so many other things. What free time I do have early in the mornings I have committed to CONSISTENTLY having my quiet time with the Lord. My study Tuesday morning was about asking God to reveal our areas of weakness and for his guidance as we work on them, keeping our hearts and minds open to his molding. As expected, He was faithful giving me the desires of my heart.
I took the boys with me to the VW dealership 70 miles away (the down side to living in the country) to have some warranty work done. After I waited 45 minutes WITH MY TWO BOYS IN A TINY WAITING ROOM for the rental car company to pick us up, I asked the man assisting us if Enter*prise indicated how long it would take he informed me they did not have any cars and they would give me a ride to the other place where they made my reservation. I wanted to scream, "Could someone have told me this 45 MINUTES AGO when you realized Enter*prise was not coming!" but calmly said, "thank you, that would be nice" I think the disappointed look on my face said enough. I kept thinking what I try to teach the boys, if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. I had multiple situations like this for the rest of the day.

An extremely rude customer in front of me in line berating a sales clerk because SHE...the customer...wrote her check for the wrong amount. I wanted to say A LOT to this lady but instead thanked the sales clerk for being kind even when others are not. Encouragement for her was far more of a witness than slapping that MEAN lady up side the head, my first instinct...no, I really would not have done that but might have had a daydream moment like you see in the movies ;-)
A sales clerk that could not process a multi purchase discount at Children's Place. You know how I am with a bargain. I kindly refused to pay full price and put the items back.
Watched my son in disappointment put back scooter that the shelf tag indicated cost $29.99 but rang up $49.99. Since he only had $30 he could not get it and the Toys*R*Us staff refused to go double check the shelf tag.
THE ICING ON THE CAKE! Watched a 40+ year old seemingly well to do woman at Chuck*E*Cheese put tokens in 4 ski-ball games and take all of the balls (there were only a couple in each game) out of 3 and put them in the game that she played over and over. After the first child put their token in a game with no balls RIGHT NEXT TO HER and showed his disappointment while she said nothing I told the rest of the children they couldn't play those games before they put their money in because SHE took the balls out of the games and they would need to wait for one of the other 2 working games. I could feel my blood boiling and I was on my way to tap her on the shoulder and confront her since she never acknowledged my statements to the children when I had a distinct sensation that I shouldn't do it. It was almost as though someone physically placed their hand on my shoulder and said, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." I turned around and said nothing.

I don't share these stories with you because I handled each situation so nobly. I share them because I know this was the Lord telling me loud and clear to work on my patience, temper, and to be more discerning about times that I should confront people and how I do it. My nature is to pounce on these situations. I usually handle them tactfully but never leave anyone doubting how I feel. I am learning that how I feel is not the most important thing. Feelings fade and if I let the emotion pass, there is usually a better way to handle the situation. More often than not, once the emotion passes, I realize that it doesn't really matter in the big scheme of things. So if you see me out in public and I am confronted with a rudeness, incompetence, etc. and I handle it well...or not so well, give me a wink to encourage me or remind me to strive to do better. I am so thankful for how the Lord is faithful in helping us mature in Him when we seek his hand. Oh, and the silver lining for the day...Target had a scooter for, you guessed it, $30 so my baby did get what he had been saving for.

Flashback Friday

2009-08-07T10:09:00.002-05:00

COPS AND ROBBERS!

Fall is just around the corner and I can't wait! I love that season and love Trick or Treating! This was one of my favorite costume theme ideas I had with the boys. Mason, as always, was helping his baby brother by carrying his bag. Now that they are getting older they don't always want to go along with my theme ideas...how dare they form opinions of their own! ;-) I still want them to be Yip Yips this year but they are starting to stray from my great idea. Maybe I can convince them to be the Pest control man and a giant cockroach. How funny would that be!

LEGO-MANIAC

2009-08-04T09:43:00.005-05:00

My little Roo is IN LOVE with Lego's these days. He is soooo creative and can come up with so many things that I would never have dreamed of. Legos can be expensive but I have to say we have more than gotten our moneys worth out of each purchase. Both boys have spent HOURS building all sorts of things. (FYI, you can buy large boxes of used Legos on ebay for very reasonable prices.) I had to post this creation...

Big brother has glasses and he thought it would be fun to make some of his own to wear. We laughed and laughed as we all tried them on. This little guy keeps us in stitches!

UPDATE

2009-07-21T18:06:00.007-05:00

Well, we have been hard at work at what was formerly known as the yucky house. We have been lovingly referring to it as "the barn" thanks to our sweet neighbor, Paul. The exposed studs have been visible for so long now that Paul says he will always call our house "the barn". By the end of this week we should have the sheet rock up and finished!! NO MORE BARN. It will actually have completed walls and look like a home. We will have to come up with a new name for this place once it looks like a home. Mark has been WORKING SO HARD to get things done and ready so the sheet rock guys can start this week. I seriously do not know how he is doing it! He goes to work every day at 7:30 and goes strait to "the barn" to work until 2 or 3 am! This has been going on for several weeks now. Please pray for him as he moves through the home stretch of this home renovation. I'll leave you with some photos of our cutest construction workers ;-)

These little guys have been such troopers as this labor of love has stretched on for so long. Mason has worked with his dad most evenings this summer and Andrew has been there some too when mom goes to work on the weekends. I hope they look back on this as a good experience when they are older. It has been hard, but not many kids can say they helped their dad build their house with their own two little hands.

I have to say this is my favorite decorative feature in the home. We tucked these little hand prints away in a storage area under the stairs.

My Personal Shopper

2009-07-06T22:33:00.007-05:00

Andrew was my shopping partner at Wal*mart this week and he is such good company. He has learned to read price tags on the shelves. I have little rain man with me saying "That's $8.97, That one is $4.86, that is G-U-M. I was a bit distracted on this trip because EVERYTHING at Wal*Mart was involved in a rousing game of Fruit Basket Turnover. I could not find anything. We never found the toy department. How they manage to move ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING in just one week I couldn't tell you! It is a bit of irony that the management can pull off that kind of feat but struggles with basic customer service like helping you find sunflower seeds... I get DISGUSTED when an employee makes it obvious that your request is putting them OUT. I don't know what gave it away but it may have been the tounge click and eye roll, but I digress. I am wondering aimlessly through the cleaning supplies when Andrew suddenly exclaims, "TI*TTY!". I stopped and looked around thinking, my goodness...what else have they stocked with the cleaning products! Then he says it again with such a cheerful ring to his voice and I am embarrassed. Where on earth has he heard that word and why is he saying it here...so loudly in the presence of all these people in the cleaning supplies isle? I calmly ask him what he is talking about, not to draw too much attention to this inappropriate word. He smiles and says, "Over there, Mom, it's TI*TTY." I slowly turn around expecting a nursing mother when I see this...
What a relief! I did not have to have the conversation about body parts and the respectful, appropriate names for them...yet! I only had to explain the long vowel rule. Now he is starting to understand when the "E" is on the end of the word, he is quiet while the "I" says his name. I laughed for remainder of my shopping adventure with my little reading machine and my frustration melted away.

Pop on over to Mary's and hear what else our little tots are saying and welcome the new addition to her family!

What do you do when it is 100 degrees in Texas?

2009-07-02T18:59:00.006-05:00

The boys and I, along with our little buddy Cameron, went for a swim this afternoon. It was a nice break as the week comes to a close.
These little happy faces always make me smile :)

Theology Today

2009-06-25T23:32:00.005-05:00

While we were waiting in the car at the pharmacy drive-thru today the boys had a small disagreement...aka screaming match from the back seat, about when someone should be expected to share. I tried to use this moment to explain to both of the boys that they are not expected to share everything all the time, but to remember how it feels when someone doesn’t share with them so they can listen to their heart and choose to share most of the time. Andrew said, “I try to listen to my heart Mom, but my brain always interrupts”. I was speechless. That was a great sermon delivered by a 5 year old with one sentence.