50% Michael's coupon

This isn't a common as the usual 40% off coupons we usually see. Enjoy this 50% off coupon at Michael's, good til Friday, July 3.

The Grits Cafe

I traveled two hours east last Friday to have dinner with my future sister-in-law. We dined at The Grits Cafe. Oh my goodness.....absolutely delicious! I'm no restaurant expert but this establishment has won me over. Don't pass this southern delight by!

And they even give you flat after-dinner chocolate mints with their logo. Too cute.

BOGO sundaes on Mondays at Ben & Jerry's

Every Monday from now til August 31, you can BUY ONE GET ONE free ice cream sundae. Here's the proof.

Gone - but not forever

Our church has lost quite a number of people over the last month. Fortunately, they all left due to a physical move, whether is was a job change or new military orders. A sweet family of six moved to Oregon, another large family (five) moved to Wisconsin, a newly married couple moved to Germany (army), a good single friend moved to Virginia, and a young couple with a toddler moved to Washington state. I tear up when I realize that we might be losing another young (pregnant) couple in a few months (another army move) and then ANOTHER couple in the next year as they begin their seminary journey. Our nursery at church is dwindling!

I don't like losing friends. I never know if I'll ever lay eyes on them again or hug them once more. It's almost a little scary because I want to stay in touch with all of these people but fear that we might lose contact. Darn that hectic pace of life! Hurray for Facebook! However, this is all very normal to us since we live in a heavily influenced military town. I know that this will continue to happen year after year and, for that, I am grateful.

I am grateful because God has blessed me with the friendships of some amazing women. They have encouraged me and shown me more about the love of God. The cross is evident in their life and I have seen the gospel permeate their heart. They have been shining examples of Christ to me as I've watched them be a mother to their children and a wife to their husband. It's hard to see them go but it's also joyous at the same time. How wonderful that they get to journey to a new place where they can be a new friend to someone else! How awesome that they can be discipled where ever they are and then turn around and do the same elsewhere.

Selfishly, I want them back, but I'm excited to see who God will bring to our church next. In the meantime, I need to buy several books of stamps.

Rock pile

Andrew and Abigail enjoy having such sweet neighbors. They climbed the rock pile and made it to the top!

Summer buzz cuts

It's just hair....it will grow back (but will it be just as pretty and luxurious???? Oh, I hope so).

It's summer time. As much as I LOVE their hair, they are happier when it's cooler. Just another reminder that it's not about me and my likes. They have been begging for these buzz cuts! The boys need all the help they can get in this 99 degree weather. Only six and a half more weeks til school starts back....I wonder how much it will grow in that time. I'll be sure to take photos for an update in mid-August.

Andrew - BEFORE

Andrew - DURING

Andrew - AFTER

Luke - BEFORE

Luke - DURING

Luke - AFTER

Asleep at Disney

Luke fell fast asleep on DAY ONE at Disney...well, we were really just returning from the pool at the resort. I did manage to snap a few pictures, ya know.

7 quick takes

Many blogs participate in "7 Quick Takes Friday" but I decided I didn't want to wait that long. If you want to read some really funny writing, you should visit my friend, Becky R's, blog. Her quicktakes are the best.

1. Since we were on "vacation" last week, we weren't in our own church this past Sunday. Both boys are used to sitting with us for 30 minutes during worship but they've never had to sit the full hour (sometimes longer, depending on who is preaching *ahem, Mitch*). They were so restless and all over the place. One moment I felt like a parental failure and the next moment I chalked it up to the simple fact that they are boys and it's just harder for them to sit still. Case in point...behind us sat two four year old girls who colored, drew, and snuggled close to their dolls while the preacher preached. Well, that is unless my boys were distracting them by rolling on the floor, using their crayons as race cars, and making spitting noises.

2. Abigail is just two weeks shy of her second birthday. Last night, she climbed out of her crib. Looks like I'll be purchasing some bed rails soon.

3. Rite Aid is the worst. They never have that ONE thing I want that's in their weekly ad.

4. I took the kids outside to enjoy the sprinkler today but I decided not to tell them that's what I had planned. Imagine their surprise and excitement when I told them they could play and get wet in their normal clothes in the 94 degree weather - in fact, I was so excited that I decided to join them! No kidding.

5. My brother is getting married in three weeks. My 33 year old brother is GETTING MARRIED! Can it be? Mitch is officiating and Andrew is the ring bearer. I get the honor of sitting next to my mother and sister while watching the bride and groom giggle and smile at each other. I can't believe my little brother is gonna be a husband. Bless ya, Kristi.

6. I haven't logged onto Facebook in eight days. Let me apologize to those of you who have invited me to become your friend. I'm not avoiding you, I promise. I do nothing on Facebook but Invite and Accept. My apologies to those who have sent me gifts and requests that I have IGNORED. It's just not my thing.

7. I am trying to get a group of friends together to go on a white water rafting trip in August. Anyone wanna join me? Ok, I'm struggling to make seven quicktakes, I know.

Just not into it right now

I'm just not in the blogging mood right now. It might have something to do with the abundance of housework that never seems to end, or the fact that the pool and sprinkler call louder than my keyboard. Anyway, I'm either folding clothes, training a little one to use the potty, making a meal, running errands, playing on the slip-n-slide, or washing a car. Take your pick.

General Assembly so far

I wish I had my memory card with me now so I could upload some pictures of us here at Disney but I'm on public terminal in the exhibit hall and have been given only a brief moment alone while Mitch and my mom take the kiddos around the booths.

Mom and I just left a wonderful ladies function where we ate some yummy food and listened to Dr. Paul Tripp speak on living life with disappointment. Such a rich message. Probably my favorite part of our week thus far (besides getting some sun at the pool and sliding down the waterslide with Andrew). Thanks for your prayers!

We're having a great time and are very excited about seeing Mickey tomorrow!

Wordless Wednesday - Candy Apple

Free Smoothie at Orange Julius (DQ)

Head on over to Orange Julius (may be in a store combined with Dairy Queen as is the case in my town) for a free smoothie, all day long, this Friday, June 19. Click here to print the coupon and see locations nearest you.

Congratulations, Meredith!

My niece graduated from high school last weekend.

We are all so proud of her! Especially her parents and siblings.
What a joy she is....and she loves the Lord more than life itself!

Meredith, I pray your life will glorify Him each day, no matter what might lie ahead. You are such an encouragement to me. I love you.

In Christ Alone,

Aunt Wannie

End of lessons = beginning of play!

Andrew - This was Andrew's second summer of swim lessons and I've noticed that he's become more of a fish. He can spend large chunks of time under the water, holding his breath. Jumping off the diving blocks in the deep end is a feat he's conquered. He still struggles a bit with his strokes but I hope to have him in the water most everyday of the summer, seeing that he enjoys it so.

Luke - This was Luke's first summer of lessons and I can't tell you how much improvement I saw from DAY ONE to the FINAL DAY! He is now putting his face under the water and blowing bubbles, he's jumping off the side of the pool, and is very eager to be rid of his swim belt. When he has his swim belt or noodle around his waist, he'll venture out by himself. If he is without either of those aids, he stays VERY close to the steps....but he demands, "No help, Mom!".

Abigail - She didn't take lessons this summer (a bit too young) but I took her to the pool twice last week and SHE LOVED IT! She has no fear.....how scary! She wants no swim belt and will jump off the side of the pool with no hesitation. That little girl is too brave for my liking.


So, having said all that, I'm gonna contact our local swim association and possibly sign the boys up for the Beginner's class for competitive swimming. You never know....maybe I'll be sitting in the bleachers one day while watching one of my children win a few gold medals.

Fire Station 101

Andrew's fire station birthday visit was rescheduled for today so we ventured to Fire Station #8 with a cousin and friend in tow.

Andrew tried on the heavy fire helmet.

Waving "bye" as they pull out of the fire house. Eveyone was aboard the engine except me 'cause I was too busy taking the pictures for the scrapbook! Duh!

Off they go with Andrew in the front passenger seat!

What a small fire fighter you are, Abigail!

Luke stepped into some pretty big boots!

Free Sundiwear stickers

Want some free Sundiwear stickers? Go get you some!

You Are My Sunshine

I enjoy music that is written different than it's original version - or at least given a different flavor. Barbara introduced me to Elizabeth Mitchell and I quickly went on Ebay and found the cheapest CD by Mitchell that I could find. So glad I did! My kids really love it, too.

Mud fight

It's been so hot this week. I mean it: H - O - T ! Nothing like a little mud to cool things off a bit. They had fun chasing each other around the yard and I had fun hosing them off!

Beloved

Ok, enough already....you all know that I'm a huge fan of Derek Webb and his deep, thoughtful musical lyrics (which currently have in in trouble with his record label). The song, Beloved, is by far my favorite song written and sung by him (Wedding Dress runs a close second).

I think that there's a video clip of any Derek Webb song on YouTube EXCEPT for Beloved. Ugh. However, this guy does a pretty good job of singing it.

Think as you listen and read. Be reminded of God's love for His people.



Beloved

Beloved these are dangerous times
because you are weightless like a leaf from the vine
and the wind has blown you all over town
because there is nothing holding you to the ground

so now you would rather be
a slave again than free from the law

(chorus)
beloved listen to me
don’t believe all that you see
and don’t you ever let anyone tell you
that there’s anything that you need
but me

beloved these are perilous days
when your culture is so set in it’s ways
that you will listen to salesmen and thieves
preaching other than the truth you’ve received

because they are telling lies
for they cannot circumcise your hearts

beloved there is nothing more
no more blessings and no more rewards
than the treasure of my body and blood
given freely to all daughters and sons

I love you, Mitch

Mitch, you make me feel woozy. I love you.



I Wanna Marry You All Over Again
by Derek Webb

I wanna marry you all over again
I wanna meet you and I wanna be friends
I wanna chase you all the way to Tennessee
I’ll meet your parents at the airport bar
I’ll take you out in my rental car
I wanna court you on the record label’s dime

come on baby let’s go back to the start
take it back sugar then gimme your heart
don’t you know baby I would do it all over again

I wanna buy you an old upright
I wanna accidentally stay all night
I wanna read the Bible and I wanna make out
I wanna marry you all over again
I wanna fall in love and say we’re just friends
I wanna race you all the way to Kansas City

I wanna give you a diamond ring
and then we’ll run into my ex-girlfriend
oh, I wanna sing songs while the sun’s going down

Swim time for ME!

The boys have been in swim lessons for the past two weeks. I have always loved the water and was even on a young swim team as a child for a year or two. I was never a very competitive swimmer but I did enjoy learning the different strokes and swimming a few laps. So, I've started back and have been swimming almost every morning. This time has been refreshing for me. I actually jump out of the bed, eager to get in the pool....and some of you know how much of a night-owl I am! While swimming back and forth between lap lines, I do alot of thinking about what the day holds, tasks on my TO DO list, prayer for my family, and how my muscles are KILLING me! I've even lost a little bit of weight.

Now, let's all join together in prayer that I can continue back on this routine AFTER we return from DisneyWorld in two weeks.

Ice cream in a bag

Ice cream in a bag. Interesting.

Hmmm....

I'll let you know how it turns out.

P&P=P

Abigail initiated to me today by saying, "I need go potty, Mama." We had already started that morning with talk of "going" in the potty and not in a diaper. In fact, I had actually already removed her diaper and put BIG GIRL PANTIES on her to wear around the house so she could make some sort of connection. I think it worked! She took me by the hand and led me to the bathroom where I helped her onto the potty where she pee'd and later, at another time, even pooped! We repeated this several more times during the day with only one accident later in the evening. Maybe she'll be totally potty-trained by her second birthday next month! Oh, what joy comes to me heart to imagine having to buy no more diapers!

I'm just a proud mama.
Right, Becky?

Wordless Wednesday

Redbox Code today only

Today's RedBox good today 'til midnight:

DEVRY6268

Swimming: Week One

WEEK ONE of swimming lessons is complete. Only one more week to go.

Puzzles

Our kids enjoy putting puzzles together. Luke and Abigail will sit for long periods of time playing with the puzzles beside one another. It's funny to watch them show their completed board to me by raising it up over their heads, only to watch the pieces come falling back down.

Coupons to Bruster's

Do you love ice cream? Our family sure does! Bruster's has released some great coupons that you might want to check out before they expire June 30.

Dinner time

Guess what Mommy made for dinner last night....

Fiddlers Three

They enjoy each other's company and they are together ALOT! Just today, sweet AC came up to me and said, "I love Luke."

So, don't mind me...I'm just taking these pictures in preparation for the upcoming slideshow at the wedding rehearsal - either for Luke or Andrew, I don't care!

Love you, Jennifer!

Don't really miss it

I haven't logged onto Facebook in two days.

I don't really miss it, to be honest.

Go get you some free food!

Don't Forget!

Free Sonic Root Beer Float on Wednesday, June 3 (posted with you in mind, Chad.)


Free Krispy Kreme donut of your choice on Friday, June 5.

BOGO TGI Friday's

Once again, here's another coupon to TGI Friday's for a Buy One Get One Free Entree, good til June 22.

Free admission to U.S. National Parks

The U.S. National Park System is offering three fee-free weekends this summer throughout the country. First, find out which parks are participating in your state, mark the dates on your calendar, and then gear up the entire family for some outdoor fun.

He really loves her

Luke has suddenly become an affectionate child. Up until his sister was born almost two years ago, Luke couldn't stand to be touched, kissed, or hugged. Now, he's a sucker for some cuddle time....especially with his little sister.

Wordless Wednesday

VBS

We're in full force VBS mode this week. So much fun! Such a need for afternoon naps! Then, we're off to the Y for swimming lessons each night for the next two weeks. Let's just say that my children are sleeping well.