Playing in the park

Eating picnics, walking, and playing at ANY park is one of our favorite things to do. We spend most of our summer at one of the local parks eating PB&J sandwiches and exploring God's outdoor creation. While visiting my family over spring break a few weeks ago, we all spent a few hours enjoying each other while outside.


He wasn't really sad....just pretending to be sad about landing face first in the sand at the bottom of the slide.

See what I mean?

Cousins born on the same day, four years apart. My sister and I still "laugh" about that.


Yep, railroad tracks over the water that are still used by the rail line.....and by our feet!


Cousins laughing....so glad that they got this time together. With the age difference of 16 years, they still have a cute friendship.

He wants a dog so bad!

He is Risen!

How 'bout some blurry skating pictures?

My sister and I have decided that skating at our hometown local roller rink will now become a tradition with our kids upon my visit. They enjoyed it soooooo much and they have bruises to prove it!


By the way, did you know that Mitch's high school job was one of a DJ at his hometown's skating rink? Yeah, that's where the love for the R&B genre came into play, I'm sure. HA! Yes...he's sticking his tongue out at me in this picture. What!!?!?!?! You can't tell? Must be the lousy photography.

Abigail's prayer

Tonight upon closing of Family Worship Time, Abigail asked to pray first:

"Dear God, Please give us another baby. I want a girl and a girl so they can share bunk beds and then a boy and a boy, too. If you give me a sister, I can have someone to play with and a friend to be in my room. Amen."

Does she realize she just asked God for four more siblings, bringing our total up to seven children? It's fine by me but something tells me she won't like getting less attention.

I love you, my sweet baby girl.

Just some adorable faces

Egg hunt 2011

There were eggs everywhere and I think they found them all! After they finished and examined their loot, the parents began begging for pieces of candy.

9 Quick Takes

1. Tonight before bedtime, Andrew said, "Mama, I can spell Mississippi. M-i-crooked letter-crooked letter-i-humpback-humpback". Good try, darling. I remember learning how to spell my home state's name when I was child with the same mistakes. So cute!

2. I'm in love with Adele's voice. I'm always fascinated that Brits sing with no accent (well, that's how it sounds to my American ears, anyway). I don't think she ever sings off pitch. Perfection.

3. Our boys had their first baseball games today. Luke had a hit and enjoyed being on the field. He's mentioned that he likes playing on a different team than Andrew....I think he feels some ownership when he doesn't have to share multiple things like the spotlight, stories, and correction. During his game, Andrew hit a home run, scoring a point for his team - his team won!

4. We spent seven hours today in the beautiful sun and spring breeze while working and playing at our church/school for a fundraiser. And the funds we did raise! I guess it's easy to raise money when there are things such as snow cones, bouncy houses, silent auction, rummage sale, sweet treats, and Chick-Fil-A!

5. I enjoyed a good afternoon visit today with my neighbor across the street. Outside of our cul-de-sac, we haven't done anything together - but it looks like we might be planning a trip to IKEA soon as she is dying to make her first visit. Our kids play well together and we've been known to have a block party from time to time....ha! God is good to give friends and to provide friends for my children.

6. Andrew turned 7 last week and I haven't blogged about it as usual. I've felt really bad about it but it's on my BLOGGING TO DO LIST this coming week. That sounds awful, I know...but it's just a blog post.

7. I guess it would have been neat to make #6 actually #7 but I can't think that far ahead right now.

8. This week I'm going out with the girls...but I've never been out with this group of girls before. You see, these girls that I'm going to get coffee with are also wives and mothers with hearts for adoption. I'm so excited that they invited me to share conversation with them about how we can pray and support the ministry of adoption in the families throughout our city and surrounding counties.

9. Summer is fast approaching. School will end in May and then the summer adventure begins. I'm already making a list of all the fun activities will can enjoy together as a family, including sleep (ha!). Get your pool ready, Pop! Prepare for the invasion, state parks! Bug hunting we will go! Rock skipping will be accomplished! Road trip will be refreshing. Amusement park will be conquered. VBS will be amazing. Tent sleeping in the backyard will be a joy. Church meals will be eaten. Family visits to both ends of our state will be taken and lots of picnics will be enjoyed in various city parks. COME ON SUMMER TIME!

Grandchildren

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Psalm 127:3

Mom? Mommy? Mother? MAMA!

Some kids call their mother Mom, Mommy, or Mother....

...mine call me Mama and I like it that way.


There's something that's so endearing to hear them refer to me as Mama. I'm sure it has something to do with my own childhood and what I still call my own mother to this day. The sound of hearing "Mama" come from their mouths makes me so, so happy.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more,
with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent,
and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ,
to the glory and praise of God.
- Philippians 1:9-11

Hey, Melanie!

See, I am posting late just to show you "how I do it"!

It's 1:55 AM......are you asleep?

I am looking forward to hanging out together soon, my friend!

Did you read that article I gave you tonight?

Will you make me some more peanut butter brownies?

I have so many questions.....

And she cried....

She wasn't in the mood to pose or kiss her parents in return. We thought it still made a cute picture. Love that little tater tot.

It's not The Masters but it's FUN!

'Cause I like to look at him

A kitchen wall (thanks, IKEA!)

When I went to IKEA with some friends this past Saturday, I had no idea I would walk out with six items (not including the famous cinnamon rolls!).


We've been in our house for four years and the kitchen wall has been bare for most of that time. I made a poor attempt of decorating it a year ago but it just ended up looking.....well....sad. So, as of today, I'm glad to show you that my kitchen wall now has some spunk to it. I still want to add a touch of color (orange/rust red) here and there when I find those "perfect items", but I'm willing to wait (I mean, why not?).


Thanks to Jennie for challenging me to pick the paint colors and get it done!

Happy wedding day, Brysons!

I had the joy of taking these pictures for a sweet couple in our church. It was lots of fun and I'm so glad they asked me to take part in their special day as their photographer. I felt the pressure of capturing all those memorable moments but the bride seemed to trust me, which put me more at ease throughout the day. Love you, Ryan and Beth!

Names

Last week in my preschool class (you know, the one that allows me to be with one of my children all morning - I love it!), we discussed the meanings of our personal names, how our parents came up with our name, and said our middle names out loud, too. Then, I asked if they had any nicknames that their parents called them that I might not know.

First child, "My mommy calls me Punkin' Tater."

Second child, "Oh yeah, sometimes she calls me Princess."

Third child, "My daddy is funny. He likes to call me Snookums."

Fourth child, "Just Sweetheart....that's all I am at home."

My child, "Booger!"

I was so caught off guard that I busted out laughing! You can imagine the laughter among my 4-5 year old students, too. But, he's right....I have referred to him as Booger:

"Get your shoes on, Booger, so we can load up and get to church."

"Hey, Boog....where's the marker you borrowed and said you'd put back in the drawer?"

"I love you, Booger! What book do you want me to read to you tonight?"

At least he's listening and hasn't asked me to stop....although, it is kind of nasty. Maybe he won't notice or care if I stop calling him that. I DO HAVE OTHER NICKNAMES FOR HIM, I PROMISE!

Together

A sweet friend has said to me many times, "Looking around, you just never know the struggles and pains people and families are going through. This should make us want to get in each one another's lives even more and take the risk to share our hearts and pray for one another on deeper levels."

A dear friend is struggling with secondary infertility and is frustrated, sad, hurt, and angry - yet, she praises God for his goodness.

Many of our friends are in the Army and are moving all the time (thanks to living near one of the largest military installations in the U.S.). I'm tempted to think of the heart havoc these moves do on my heart but I want to remember that pain, excitement, sadness, and joy are also in the hearts of my friends who leave "home" every two years. They leave each time giving praise to God for his goodness.

Many friends are struggling in their marriages yet they are committed to reconciling and pursuing one another and the church. It's encouraging to see them give praise to God for his goodness in their marriage, despite their trials.

The sadness of orphaned children brings the joy of adoption to others. There are several families in our church who are seeking adoption and it is such a beautiful thing of which to be a part. Our families are seeking this by praying together, praying for each other, and praying for the child/ren that will no longer be fatherless.

Death - although tragic, we spoke in small group last week of how we live as a people who don't long for "home". A church member lost her husband a few weeks ago, another friend lost her daughter last week in an accidental fall, and a close friend lost her daughter years ago in a tragic accident....they still give all the praise to God for his goodness.

What frustration and worry finances can bring! Just today, however, I taught my preschoolers of the provision of God.

• Luke 12:7 - Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

I love being with the people of Christ everyday but I especially look forward to Sundays when we can join together as a large body and worship together. Community has always been special to me and something that I will hopefully always treasure.

We are truly in this together and it just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter.

HT: Kelly

Gospel Centered Friendship

C. S. Lewis:

Lovers are always talking to one another about their love;

Friends hardly ever about their Friendship.

Lovers are normally face to face, absorbed in each other;

Friends, side by side, absorbed in some common interest.

—The Four Loves

Bumper stickers

I saw two bumper stickers today that I just had to share with you.

"Drive it like you stole it!" - The truck I saw bearing this statement was a new Ford 150, driving past the speed limit on the highway as we crossed over the river from Georgia to Alabama. I laughed so hard that I text'd my brother about it, after I parked, of course.

"Jesus has good news for you! You don't have to sin!" - This sticker made me smirk, shake my head in disgust, and then call my husband to share the stupidity with him. .....wait, wait, wait.....I get the meaning of the sticker....I really do. But, when you know that the nature of man is inherently evil, you realize that one will ALWAYS choose his own way. The good news is that Jesus changes hearts and HE is the ONLY reason we may choose the narrow way, his way.

Ok....enough preaching for now.

Good night.

Oh, how I love them!

7 Quick Takes

1. My boys are growing up. We are now staying at the baseball field one night a week until 8:30ish. I feel that it will only get later once they play in more advanced leagues. Watching Andrew play hard with passion and laugh with his teammates is encouraging. So, I'm excited about their love for the game, and I can see their skills are improving - but this mama doesn't like battling the bath and teeth routine at 9PM.

2. Yesterday, I went to the spring consignment sale with a friend and we stayed for 2 hours roaming the racks and tables, laughing and cutting up. Then, I found a reason to go to her house later that night so we could sit and talk for another fun session. Happy birthday, Jennie!

3. Our children are now attempting to explain the Trinity. I wish I had Luke on video telling his Daddy tonight all about his thoughts on the ONE TRUE GOD and the three persons that make up the Trinity. I'm gonna work on getting that recorded, for sure!

4. Abigail keeps defying me when I tell her, "You must never grow up." She responds with a smirk and says, "No, Mama.....I have to. That's how God want it to happen." I guess she's right and I need to submit to God's plan.

5. I was a counselor at an amazing camp back in my summer days of college. Even though many little girls came through my cabin that summer, two campers really kept in touch and allowed me the opportunity to even spend some time with their families outside of camp property. What a blessing! I learned last week that one of those campers (who just turned 22 years of age) died in an accidental fall down a flight of stairs - and I am heartbroken for her family. Death came to them three years ago when the father passed away from cancer and left the mother to care for their seven children. That mother has just, in the past few months, begun reuniting with her church family and living in the hope of Jesus. Now, with her daughter's passing, I pray that she will cling to the cross and hold on to the hope of heaven.

6. The college students are coming over for dinner this week. I'll be posting pictures of that event later because I'm sure the guys will cause us all to laugh 'til we wet our pants. I've requested that they bring their instruments and perform a diddy for us (they are all music majors). If that's the case, a video will be in order. They are a crazy group of 20-somethings.

7. Only one more week until Spring Break. THE END.

Thunder in the Valley Airshow 2011

Thanks to a church friend, our family received free tickets to the Thunder In the Valley Airshow on Saturday. We left the house prepared with our wet wipes, sunblock, sunglasses, and earplugs. It was a beautiful day and the planes were amazing! I am still amazed that God gifted humans with the skills to make an object that flies in the air and transports people to spots around the world, over oceans, mountains, and long distance. Unfathomable!

I think Andrew enjoyed the airshow most - at least seeing the actual aerobatic shows and aircraft cockpits. Luke and Abigail enjoyed the souvenirs and face painting more than anything. We lasted four hours at the airshow and I was thankful the children didn't tire or complain (well, at least not until the last 30 min. or so).

Wait, I need to correct myself....the shuttle bus ride back to the parking deck was BY FAR their favorite part of our outing. Who knew?

Outside snack

It was 85 degrees today! Beautiful!

After school Friday, we went home and ate Popsicles outside and then rode bikes, hit the tennis ball in the cul-de-sac, skateboarded, flew on roller blades, and practiced throwing & catching the baseball.

There was a slight breeze in the air at about 4 miles per hour. I can almost smell spring.

"Mercy!"

Mitch and I sat in front of the computer tonight, laughing together until it hurt. What made us giggle and cry tears of fun? Mercy Me (the band) has recorded a lot of old cover songs, some of which they don't know the lyrics - such as this one.

But, our favorite video of them all is the one below - The Eye of the Tiger.



Even though the videos are silly, it's still encouraging to see a group of grown men have such happy friendship with one another. It's all about God - even in the fun.

Other GRAB BAG tunes you can watch:

Thriller
Stayin' Alive
Hard To Say Goodbye
Footloose
Obladi Oblada (Fantastic!)
Hey Ya
I Feel Fine
Dead or Alive (Bon Jovi)
Crazy
Wanna Be Like You (Jungle Book)
I Will Survive
Jump
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
It's the End of the World
Hold Me Now (Funny!)
Shout
New Sensation
More Than Words
Never Gonna Give You Up (bad dancing - you've been warned)
Jesus Is Still Alright
Take On Me

He's hilarious!

He ASKED for me to take this picture, I kid you not. He's our future graduate of Georgia Tech - that will make his daddy proud!

Because he's mine and I can.

Andrew plays and works so hard during the day that he's at complete empty and full of exhaustion by bedtime. He is always hungry, eating us out of house and home. Thank goodness he's not a picky food eater!


I look at this picture and my heart melts. I love this little guy...well, he's not so little anymore because he'll be seven next month. Last night, I asked him if I could pick him up and carry him. He said yes so I asked him to jump high as to get a good grip and bounce. He laughed, smiled and said, "You ready?". I remember that sweet small trek from the couch to his bedroom and how I took in every moment to hold him in my arms, on my hip, close to my hair, skin, and nose. His hair was still wet from his evening bath but I loved having his head next to my ear. I don't know if I'll be able to hold him like that much longer - but I will try.

God has given us a precious gift and I only hope we can show Andrew how much we love him and that Jesus loves him far more than we ever could.

This is another canvas that will adorn one of our living room walls!

Valentine tulips

I'm not a fan of receiving flowers....especially on special occasions. However, Mitch knows that my favorite flower is a tulip and he arrived home on Valentine's Day, 2010, with a surprise bouquet of the beautiful flowers. Although it was a bit late to plant the bulbs (once the flower wilted and died), I saved them and remembered to plant them this past fall.

They are sprouting and have buds. I'm excited to see them once they bloom!

Free Bruster's

Yep, the first Saturday in March is always "PJ Day" at Bruster's.

We never fail to make a visit, albeit a dark & blurry one (eve of DST).

Just a week in review of the massive cuteness

They love her - You, Meme!

Mitch's mother, Meme (also known as Cheryl), joined us for dinner out tonight. It was good to simply sit around the table and chat while munching on food. We had her all to ourselves and it bought me joy to watch my children swarm to her with arms open wide for a hug and kiss (especially Abigail).

We really should do this more often, MeMe. You are the best mother-in-law in the world. I mean that.

4 years & I'm finally "decorating"

We've lived in our house for four years. I've always hated the wallpaper that adorns the bathroom, dining room, and top of the kitchen walls. So, a few weeks ago, I removed the wallpaper border in the kitchen and painted it gossamer blue and the living room in sea star (the true colors are darker on the walls than the online sample). My house feels cozier and warmer but all the walls are still bare. A friend is helping me use what I have to make the room "work" but I still like creating things and adding that personal touch.

At a wedding this past weekend, the couple gave Jelly Belly beans as a party favor in these boxes:


This afternoon I emptied the beans into a Ziploc bag and started for the trash can - that's when I couldn't bear to throw those cute little brown cardboard boxes away! I knew I could use them for something so I started racking my brain to start and finish a project immediately - TODAY! I'm terrible at saving things like this with the intention of "doing something creative" but then forgetting about it and adding it to a "later" pile.

Big Lots is a great place to find discounted scrapbook paper. The colors in my living room went great with a new pad of paper I had just purchased. So, I chose my designs, measured the squares, bordered them with black, glued 'em on, and....DONE!



The five cute boxes now sit atop my mantle. Also, I had a great coupon last week and just ordered this canvas in a size 24 x 20 to hang somewhere in the room (I'll post finished pictures when the time comes....if it ever comes):

To be continued....