Following Footsteps...

He Was the Mack at His Own Party

2012-01-23T18:51:00.000-06:00

JUST the way he wanted it. Just didn't know he wanted it that way.

Every year I plan parties my kids will remember every single one of for the rest of their lives. How do you do that? You get in their head and figure out what THEY would like to do (not what Mommy would like to do) and THEY would love to have their friends do with them (not what Mommy would like to have their friends do) and plan it. No matter the burden. No matter the time and tireless cooking, clipping, cutting, gluing or shopping it will require. I just do it. Because I can think back and remember only 2 parties tops from when I was a kid. It involved a cake. I remember that much. End of story. So we don't buy our kids presents.

We give them parties to remember! And they can tell you everything about every party they have ever had. Plus, they have the blog books to prove it! HA!

My Boy's 6 year party was no exception. His birthday was 2 days before Christmas, but we always wait until the hustle and bustle of the holidays are fully over and then dedicate January just to him and his party. I don't ever want him to feel like his special time is getting lost. Plus, he gets Christmas Presents and then they don't just "blend" in with his birthday. It just works for us.

And so this year, when My Boy said he wanted a fireman party, My crafty side came out in full force!

We invited all of the standard family and some new church family. Then I let him give me his list of friends he wanted to invite. I was pretty pumped when I saw he was actually inviting boys, because I totally wasn't expecting it. But then, when between the night before and the morning of the festivities all of the boys who were invited had to cancel for one reason or another, I knew he would be pumped. Actually, when I told him it looked like it would be all girls at his party he said, "Sweet!"

Case in point. At many points thru this tour he could be seen holding each girl's hand. When things out there got loud or something, he would put his arms around them to "protect" them.

T-R-O-U-B-L-E!!!!

Grateful for all of his friends! Not everyone could make it to the forestation, so others came to the church and me being the lame-O that I am didn't get a pic again. But that is ok. It's the thought that counts, right?

Thankful for Desond and Larry too!

Then...we were off to our church for the other half of the party...

I had a friend of mine from work to make his cake. It was a HIT! However...my favorite part...

...is the sign. While I was getting my crafts on, My Girl got this idea. She gathered all of the supplies and began to make this for his party. It took her a week of after school crafting, but she got it done...secretly...for her brother's party. And of course...we debuted it here!

*melt

Since most of our time was spent at the firestation, I didn't plan for a lot of games like I usually do. But this one, was a must! My Girl and I came up with this obstacle course. And yes...I made the fire truck they were wearing. They had to run the obstacle course to save the kitty in the tree.

And what is a party without a fun piñata!

Happy Birthday, My Darling Fireman!

Defeating Your Fears

2012-01-19T09:35:00.001-06:00

My Girl.

She is one of the kindest and most compassionate kids I have ever met. And she's only 9. She is so stinkin smart too. And confident in her knowledge. Not arrogant. There IS a difference. Confident. However, the last few months we have found an area that she is less confident in.

Math.

She still makes good grades in Math, but it doesn't come to her fast and naturally like most other subjects. But the biggest part that gets her about Math?

The Timer.

I hated it too! The teacher would hand out the test and we had to keep it turned upside down on our desks. We had to write our names on the back and wait for her to say "GO!" Then flip it over and go as fast as you could, writing as legibly as you could to try and beat that stupid egg timer! I hated it myself.

But My Girl...it intimidates her. To no end! It started months ago with addition. Lots and lots and lots of problems in 1 minute. She just wasn't able to pass it. So Ms. Roberts sent home a test for us to work with her on. First round out the gate, she could barely get thru the first 3 lines before the timer let out it's shirll.

Tears. Big. Alligator. Tears!

After a very very rough night, we figured out the stress of the timer and made adjusments to make it where by the end of the week, she had passed. She was so proud. And so were we. It was 10 times worse when subraction rolled around. (I really can't blame her there.)

But last week was the worst. She couldn't get past her 3's times tables apparently. Threes...really? A lot of the class was already all the way thru 9's and she was just stumped. Here we go again. Tears to the nth degree! So, thinking that she just didn't know her stuff, we made flash cards. Girl knew her stuff. So then, with the flash cards, I timed her without her knowing. She flew thru it! When I told her, she was PUMPED! And wanted to try it again.

Ready...GO!

2nd question in (3x2) she froze...freaked...and cried. Seriously. I texted her teacher and we talked about different ways to help her get over this. She worked hard at school all week as well as at home. I walked in the door Friday to a very sad girl. She said it had been a horrible day. That she stubbed her toe and that so-and-so was ugly to some other kid and she felt sorry for them and that this and that that. "But also...I didn't pass my times tables test."

I said, "Baby...I told you...I don't care IF you pass your times tables test at all. All I care about is that you made it thru without getting frustrated."

The very next moment was this:

She and I jumped for joy!!!!!!

Then we hugged and literally...fell into a pile of sobbing. I looked that girl dead square in the eyes and told her how proud I was of her for conquering her fear.

This was a life altering moment, Baby Girl. Life. Altering!

You'll Shoot Yer Eye Out and Then Ride It's a Small World

2011-12-28T13:01:00.000-06:00

The phrase that keeps ringing around my house post-Christmas is, "Now...where are all my weapons?"

Even scarier that it is from My Boy.

This Christmas was a very special one for us. You see, we have always spent Christmas day at our house. Ever since I had Baby Girl. I never wanted them to open their presents and then have to hurry up and leave their toys and such that they are so excited about to hurry off to someones house to eat something and just unwrap more presents. And I get that not all families have the luxury of doing that like I do, but it just works for us.

We are so blessed that every year our families do Christmas together. We don't have to worry about the typical "who did we spend it with last year" or "lets split this and do them here then those there". Our families like to celebrate whenever they can and whatever they can together! And our children are overly blessed because of it. They have no jealousy issues to deal with or anything. But what made this Christmas extra special?

This...

My parents flew my Nanni and Poppi (dad's parents) up here for Christmas. This is 4 generations of what I fondly call "The Crazy" right here. They are 84 years old and obviously not getting any younger. So to be able to spend this time together with them, my family and my inlaws was truly a treasure for my heart.

Well, we kicked things off with the Christmas Eve Candlelight service at church followed by some Christmas Eve stocking opening...

Even Sissy Girl opened her presents all by herself!

Then, it was time...Christmas morning!

*Here is a side note for one day when my kids read this. There is a reason we never allowed either of you to make a "Christmas Wish List". We wanted to make sure you were always grateful for everything you got and that we never had to 'go out of our way' to make sure you that 'thing' you wanted and then were disappointed if you didn't get it. That isn't what Christmas is about. No...that isn't what LIFE is about. I am so grateful that every gift you open from anyone at any time is utter and pure excitement from you 2 becuase you weren't expecting anything. I hope you keep that attitude in all areas of life so that when people let you down, you won't be too disappointed because you weren't expecting too much.*

The only picture that was even remotely able to make "the cut" and you can see me with the clicker. Oh well!

Then it was time for our very own "Santa" to hand out gifts

My Girl...this is the epitome of her and she was in LOVE with it!

He FINALLY got his real bow and arrow set. He's been asking forever!

My Man getting some thank you lovin...

My Man's parents got the kids both their own BB Guns. This is in addition to My Girl's pink .22 she got last year and my son's bow he got this year. Now you know why the "weapons" comment tickles me and yet scares me so! LOL.

Among some of the most memorable things for me was the fact that My Girl went to the Christian book store and picked me out a Bible (in orange no doubt!), had it imprinted with my name on it and wrote in the front of it. I will cherish that Bible forever! Also, My Boy picked out a vase from Kirklands for me ALL BY HIMSELF! They said he hunted and hunted until he found the right one. And it matched my living room perfectly!

Then...it was time for their big present. They unwrapped the box to find this...

A DVD. The video was of me rummaging thru all of the kids stuffed animals in the house. In a panic! See...I had been promising them some big Christmas surprise and now here it was Christmas and I needed to come up with something. In the end, ultimately, I find a little toy underneath them all and get a 'bright idea'. And I pick up a little Mickey Mouse and ask them if they want to go to Disney World.

My Girl...she screamed. My Boy...didn't quite get it. Once she filled him in he was pretty pumped and fake passed out when he realized that meant he gets to fly. On a real plane. In the air.

After cleaning up all of our Christmas, we headed out to my Momma and Daddy's place for more celebrations there. We ate till we almost died and unwrapped more presents! My Boy was PUMPED that they got him a new pair of Justin cowboy boots (with crosses on em) and My Girl got another pair of Toms. Who knew shoes could make you so happy? (Pick me! Pick me!)

Anyway...after dinner it was time for the 'men' to do 'manly things'

(Notice how the grandpas are all leaning away as My Boy attempts to shoot his arrow? Smart!)

How many grown men does it take to help a little boy learn to shoot his gun?

This picture touches me in many many ways. My 84 year old grandfather and his 6 year old great grandson.

Told you this weekend was a treasure!

The Best Christmas Present Ever

2011-12-23T06:17:00.004-06:00

It was 6 years ago today.
The day I met my mini-me.
The day My Boy was born and blessed my life as he continues to do every day for me and just about any one he meets!

When My Girl turned 6, I blogged one of the first letters I ever wrote her here.

I think it's My Boy's turn.

February 6, 2006

My Little Man,

You are 6 weeks old…where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday you were nudging around inside of me…gentle reminders of my prize to come. You never ceased to amaze me from inside. Just when I would start to worry about something, you and God would team up shout from within that He was in control and I would meet the 2nd man of my dreams soon…very soon.

I wanted to let you know that when I was pregnant with your sister, I did not want a boy. I was scared to have a boy. I didn’t know how to be a boy mom. It scared me to even think about. But since I have found out that I was having you, I have been nothing but overjoyed. Just the thought of the mother and son bond excites me. I discovered while waiting for your arrival that this was going to be special. I get to be a model for you of what a wife and mother will be in your eyes. What an awesome job!

Then you came…and you melted my heart in the quickest instance. That’s only happened two other times in my life…when I married your Daddy and when your sister was born. I still lay you on my chest and just smell you as all of the memories of those few weeks ago come flooding back. The 1st tiny little cry you made after you were made to breathe; the 1st time you opened your tiny slate eyes and batted them at me to take away every pain I’ve ever felt in my life; the 1st time you wrapped your sweet fingers around mine to let me know how much you need me; and the 1st time you slept in my arms and reminded me that you will always be my baby boy. God filled your tiny little body with everything I needed to make me smile bigger, laugh louder, cry with more passion, and love harder.

To see you with your Daddy swells me with complete joy! He loves you so much. I can see you two cleaning fish (including the ones your sister caught but won’t clean)…I can see you trying to learn to work on things with him…I can see you learning to play guitar from him…I can see you sharing with him about your passion for the things of God! My big man with my little man growing together and relying on God. Your sister…she loves you so much already. Every day she asks you, “Do you want your big sister?” I know you 2 will have your moments of getting on each others nerves. I know you 2 will have your fights. I know you 2 will have some tough times. But I also know you 2 will love each other more than any petty issues that will try to get in the way. Why? Because we pray for that on a regular basis. I never had a sibling, but you have one who right now will do anything for you that we ask. You are one special little man. You came along and tied a perfect little bow on this humble family. None of could ask for more.

So as we begin this wonderful journey…as mother and son…know this…that I love you my handsome little boy. I know I have to be your mother, but I feel completely honored to know I get to be your friend. I want to enjoy every minute of you and all of your firsts and all of your lasts. So when you are old enough to read this I hope you will be able to say that you were always loved. Because that is my goal for Belle and now my goal for you…to never doubt my love and adoration for you.

I love you, My little man
Momma

And you still steal my heart with ever crooked smile, with every batted eye and with every puckered kiss. Thank you for being you and for reminding me daily of just how much God loved me to give me you.

Happy Birthday, My Little...

er...big boy...

Our Own Geek Squad

2011-12-06T06:44:00.001-06:00

The newest member of our very own Geek Squad!

But what a cute Geek he is!

My Girl got her first pair in Kindergarten. We figured it was about time for My Boy to get his when we got a note sent home that he failed his vision exam at school. Poor thing. His right eye was perfect. His left eye...notsomuch!

But now, he's pretty proud of how cool he looks and how clear things are now.

Geeks Unite!!!

It Was Magical

2011-12-05T14:12:00.000-06:00

This is a weekend I'm sure the kids will remember, but I had to get it here for the blog to books.

See...My Man and I made plans last month to take the kids to Branson this past weekend. Now...I'm NOT the fan of Branson. At all. I like to go every now and then and see a show or 2 then come home. It's just too much. Not my idea of a good time. But every now and then I like to make the trip. And this weekend was geared toward making the entire weekend about the kids and not us.

AND we kept it all a secret. Even better.

We got there Friday night and headed to The Landing to eat at Joe's Crab Shack. Yum! While we waited to be seated we got to watch the fountains at the center of the Landing do their thing to the lights and music. And obviously, even made time for a family pic.

(Note: All of these pics are horrible quality b'c they were iPhone pics)

The next morning, after a fabulous breakfast, we headed to see the "Amazing Pets" show. I feel horribly sorry for our own dog, Sissy now. She will never measure up. These animals truly were amazing. Some of them were even on the show "Pet Star".

But the funnies part was before the show started. The host was coming around to ask kids to tell their favorite jokes. My Boy was chosen.

Oh, Brother.

He told the stupidest joke that made absolutely no sense. But the best part was when he asked My Boy where he was from and he gave our whole address.

Right down to the zip code.

The fan mail has been pouring in. LOL!

Afterwards we headed upstairs for some GloGolf...

...and Bumper Cars!

A quick change of clothes and it was time to get wet! This hotel is so much fun becuase they have an idoor waterpark. Needless to say...HUGE hit with the kiddos!

Check out that sexy little man chillaxin on the lazy river.

After a brief nap and getting cleaned up, we headed to my FAVORITE restaurant in Branson...Landry's! I needed a small home re-finance to pay the bill, but oh my word is it sooooo delicious!

And my date wasn't half bad neither!

But then, we had the most memorable moments in the few hours that followed dinner.

See, growing up, I was in Branson ALL THE TIME! My grandparents took me to just about every single show there too. But my favorite, was always Kirby Vanburch, the magician. So I thought...hey...this would be great to take my kids to see. It was worth every stinkin penny! They were totally mesmarized by him and his illusions. Especially since most of them included the big tigers and panthers and such.

But during one of his illusions, he needed a kid. And My Boy was obviously not going to stand by and just raise his hand.

So he screamed. LOUDLY!

And Kirby picked him. He was stoked! That is, until he got on stage and saw all of the people. A little intimidating.

Anyway, he did his act with Luke on stage and then started giving him a thousand gift certificates to various things in Branson. Then he gave him a wonderful dog tag with Isaiah 54:17 on it to match Kirby's. He gave him a matchbox car. He gave him a backstage tour of the place to see the Kitties. And then he gave him lifetime tickets to come and see him anytime he wants.

Now that was a class act!

And now...My Boy thinks he is a magician.

My dishes are no longer safe.

Family Matters

2011-11-28T12:36:00.000-06:00

This Thanksgiving was with my side of the family this year. So my Mom decided that since most of her immediate family and their families would be together, she "needed" family photos. She has a Christmas project in mind.

Oh boy.

So, my camera and I were happy to help.

And as I was editing these particular photos, I just laughed and found myself thinking of things about each one that I am SO thankful for.

That I have a Daddy who never gave up on me and getting me out of my horrible 13 year situation. And even after that, he still put up with my teenage angst.

That I have a step mom who I fondly call "Mommy". That even thru all said teenage angst is one of my very best friends.

That my Grandma took me in at 3 years old as her very own. That she still has 3 of her 4 kids around to love on and be onery to and to play card games with and to laugh our heads off with.

That this little girl...not the littlest one...the other one...didn't die when I babysat her all those years ago. Yes, I finally figured out that she was crying because I was laying her and her soft spot on the corner of the arm chair and it was hurting her. So I stopped immediately. Saved her life. And have had the honor of watching her turn into a beautiful wife and mother of her own.

That I have an Aunt who is only 4 years older than me who loves me dearly! And that I didn't die when she made me eat raw okra just to make her little friends laugh .

Oh, and that she made me a balloon crown for winning the "pagent" we made up. I always knew I was prettier than those other girls.

That God saw fit to give me this.
Despite my upbringing.
Despite my past.
Despite my stupidity.
Despite my selfishness.

Family matters.

It's That Time Again

2011-11-26T20:09:00.000-06:00

Every year I look so forward to getting out all of the Christmas decorations and putting it up, much like everyone else does I'm sure. But for me, it also reminds me of being pregnant...about to deliver my son. The sights, the smells, the sounds...it all brings it back in a rush of memories. And I love it!

But this year, We had to decorate in phases.

Last weekend, My Man got all of the decorations out of the Man Cave and put up the trees while the kids and I took a little road trip for a few days with my friend. But the day we got home, we got started on sorting through what we were going to put up and what we weren't. Then, this weekend while My Man has been gone, I've spent the weekend going from store to store looking for the little finishing touches that I wanted to add this year. I'm not quite done yet, but enough to post the pictures. There won't be much more than this because I don't go all crazy, so enjoy the main parts.

We decided to completely redo our main tree last year. Holy crapola that stuff is rediculously expensive! I would rather contribute to helping 15 families eat meals during the holidays. My word! But I was able to find some pretty yet still woodsy looking stuff to redo our tree with. I figured it goes fabulous with our recent move out to the woods, right? LOL! So, here's the same tree as last year (with my perfect handmade tree skirt that my Mommy made me because I couldn't find anything that would work).

And I am PUMPED that the gifts are already all bought and wrapped and under the woodsy tree! I have NEVER done this before. Ever! But back in October, I found myself all alone and at the store. So, I bought everything for the kids (save their BIG surprise) and the few extended family that we always buy for. Even the stockings are stuffed! But...The funnest part? This year, there are no names on the kids gifts. I know who's is who's, but still...it's funny watching them try to figure it out.

And...since this blog gets put to a book for the kids...I will let the cat out of the bag. KIDS: the gifts were unwrapped and under my bed the whole time. And the time you thought you saw something, I quickly tickled you to distract you. Worked.

This manger scene...might not be the biggest...might not be the best...but it's so very special to me. My mother-in-law made it for me the year My Girl was born. I realized that I didn't have one and mentioned it in front of her. The very next time she came, she had made this for me. And I will cherish it forever.

Here is the kids tree that we put up in the den. It's the "candy Christmas" theme from our old tree. Everything on it is un-breakable. Score! Plus, most of it looks like you could devour it. Even better! And every year, they get to decorate every bit of it themselves. So what if there are bunches of ornamnents clumped together? It's THEIR tree, not mine. And I think it is absolutely perfect!

And yes...that is a whole other set of presents under that tree as well. From none other than...Aunt Becky.

Of course.

this is more of the kids decorations

Here is our work-in-progress front door wreath

This is one of my most cherished Christmas decorations that Becky gave us years ago. I will love it forever!

And here's my work-in-progress front swag. Still has LOTS of work needed, but I just can't bring myself to pay for more than this stuff a little at a time. Sheesh!

I had to slip in some pictures of the kids doing Christmas with Aunt Becky.

They, yet again, were spoiled rotten! But Aunt Becky wouldn't have it any other way.

This is just the beginning of a month of celebrating so many blessings that we have:
Jesus has saved and sealed our entire family
God has blessed us tremendously to be able to bless our family with 'things'
God has given me 2 children who are completely opposite, but both so very kind and thoughful
God has blessed my marriage beyond measure

Just to name a few...

Merry Christmas!

Oh Praise The One Who Paid His Debt

2011-10-24T13:14:00.000-05:00

And raised this life up from the dead!

My Boy was baptized this past Sunday.

By his daddy.

It was a very special time. I had the honor of watching David Baptize Belle back in 2006 and loved it. I was so thankful that our pastor encouraged David to baptize Luke.

We were all so consumed with the events that I'm thankful that Christal was on hand to take pictures for us. Here are just a few that she has posted.

My Boy getting ready

Our Pastor, Paul Hudson talking about Luke and his life and what baptism really means

Some one-on-one conversation with Daddy.

I love both of these boys so much.

We had so many friends and family get to show up and be a part of this glorious day! There were quite a few that couldn't make it, but I was thankful we were able to get this photo. What a blessing!

There was a spot on here for My Man to sign and for My Boy to sign. As we took it out of it's sleeve to get it where we would sign it, we noticed a very personal message and charge to Luke and over his life written by Paul. Made this Momma tear up for sure.

Therefore go, and make disciples...

The Photographers Family

2011-10-17T13:10:00.006-05:00

I take pics of my kids all the time. But when it comes to actually sitting down and planning out outfits and a location to do my own family, I turn to my favorite photographer, Rebecca Clifft. However, this year she has so much on her plate that she isn't doing anyone's photos. Boo! But I totally understood as I have had to take a sabbatical since about my international summer now coupled with 5 days a week of soccer. But the thing was, I needed some good family pics. So since My Girl's soccer game got moved from Saturday afternoon to Friday night, I saw a window of opportunity and grabbed it.

Not to mention Saturday's weather was probably the most perfect weather anyone could ever ask for.

So we loaded up My Handsome Man's truck with my bench from my bedroom and throw pillows from my bed and headed to my favorite peach orchard. Where I would like to have taken them was thwarted by a wedding, but we still found a pretty lane to start clicking away.

Warning: There are going to be TONS of pictures here (and this isn't even all of them). I'm putting my absolute favs here since I turn these blogs into books for my kids to have.

It's HARD to step away from behind the camera. Like, I see soooooo many things wrong with this photo. Where it should be positioned. How it should zoom. All sorts of things wrong with it.

But the fact that it is a family picture of all of us together makes it RIGHT and that, my friends...trumps all my feelings about it as a photographer.

Oh My Goodness, does this show both of my kids in exactly their personality or what?!?!?

Yeah, again from behind the camera. Jenny Craig should be calling soon. However, we had the MOST fun taking the 50 thousand pics it took to get this ONE and that is a memory none of the 4 of us are soon to forget.

I LOVE "captured moments" more than canned pictures. And this is the exact reason why. Look at all of their eyes...

What's a little pillow fight between siblings?

How in the world did we make such pretty babies?

And here we go again...typical...

Scene stealer

Yup. Her Daddy hates this...very much...

Whew! This girl can steal my breath and stop my heart with this look.

Ok...those of you who know My Girl KNOW this side of her. But you also know that I can RARELY capture this side of her on camera.

I'm so glad I did.

*Sigh*

Then on to the entertainment staff

Holy pajamas, Kid! You are almost 6 not almost 16! Knock it off with the swooning eyes...

He didn't listen.

Well, NEVERMIND! I know where he gets it from. Dang these boys in my life and their eyes and accompanying swoon factor.

Yes. Yes. I allowed myself to step away one more time and let My Handsome Husband take my pic. Now, bear in mind this was the only suitable one I could find. He has a tendency to...uh...take pics that a.) show every fat roll I own which is enough to start it's only village or b.) is inappropriate.

But here I was looking at him and those dang eyes so I'll forgive him.

This time.

The New Family Pet...

2011-10-16T16:30:00.008-05:00

...that Sissy and I could care less about!

See...the other day I stayed home from work. My Handsome Husband came home at lunch to spend with me and My Girl. He left and I went back to my bedroom when I hear him come back in. He says, "you'll never guess what I just found!" He goes on to explain that he was leaving and saw something big and red moving behind his car. After the typical guessing game he shows me this.

Seriously. A handpainted hermit crab. In my driveway. In the country. Seriously.

So, it hangs out at my house and My Girl names her (we make it a her no matter what since her shell is all girly and all). Hold your hats.

Hermella.

Fabulous.

Now, the most interesting part of Hermella's story. We found out where she came from. Turns out Hermella used to be named "Ed Hardy". And she lived 1/4 mile from here. And she got lose while her first owners were cleaning her...uh...his cage.

Back in July!

That is one determined crustacean!!!

So, My Man comes home and he and the kids head to Pet Smart to get a home to keep this little wanderer in. And they come home with this.

Do you see what also made it home with the cage? Two brothers for that stinkin Hermella.

Stubborn Little Boby and Gimp.

Needless to say...Sissy and I are now triple thrilled. She is taking every opportunity she can to remind them SHE was the first and best pet for them.

I just can't stand the creepy crawling little 'I wish I was a real crab'(s).

I feel the same, Sissy Girl. We may both need Vallium to get thru this phase.

9 Years With Her and She Still Astounds Me Every Day

2011-09-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

By the time you are reading this, My Man and I are climbing in the bed with My Not-so-Baby Girl and singing a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday to wake her up for school. Because today, My Not-So-Baby Girl turns 9 Years Old!

But I'm writing this the night before. About the same time that 9 years ago, I was walking and walking and walking around the bar in my house. Stopping every few minutes to double over in pain. Then, at straight up 9:00 pm, as I crossed from the carpet to the tile in my kitchen...POW! My water broke.

All my years of wanting, praying, losing, wanting, praying, losing babies had all come down. To this very moment. There was no turning back. I'm going to have a baby. This baby. My baby. My Girl.

My Isabella Faith.

I remember the next day. The 30th. At 1:50 pm. Baptist Hospital. They pulled a gross, squishy faced, screaming little 6lb 9oz 21 inch little girl. A girl. My girl. A mini-me.

What in the world have I done? How am I, someone as screwed up as me, raise a child? And a GIRL nonetheless!!! Heavens, I don't want her to be like me. I'm gonna soooooo screw this up!

But God is good!

He has taken my ashes and made absolute beauty out of it in the form of My Baby Girl.

Isabella,

You still astound me every day.

You and I were talking the other day about how each of us have a "something". You told me that you didn't have a "something". Oh, sweet girl...you have more somethings than I could ever even begin to document! A few of my favorite things about you:

1. Your Heart: I haven't met any other 9 year old with a heart like yours. When you were going thru the bullying situations last year and I told you to walk away or tell them you don't want them to come around you anymore, you said you "couldn't hurt their feelings like that". You have more compassion that most adults that I know. You ALWAYS give people (except your brother every now and then) the benefit of the doubt.

You still astound me every day.

2. Your Wit: You are the funniest kid! You totally get adult humor and make some of the funniest one liners. And they aren't rude or attitudeish like many kids or age or even teenagers. They are just flat. out. HILARIOUS! The Barber Tradition continues!

You still astound me every day.

3. Your Nurturing: Watching you with your brother (when y'all ARENT fighting) is a beautiful thing to me. You go out of your way to help teach him. And not just here's your alphabet, but teach him things that you are learning in 3rd grade. I catch you when no one is looking being so kind to him and so encouraging to him even when sometimes, he isn't quite as encouraging to you.

You still astound me every day.

4. Your Creativity: Ok. I claim this one completely LOL! When you are bored, you will pull out your craft supplies and begin just making stuff up. Stuff to give to your friends at school or something for me and daddy or your brother. And watching you "plan" something just warms me right on up inside!!!! You create your own "excel-type" spreadsheet. Even just the other day...after your birthday party news was apparently spreading around school, some girls asked you to help teach them how to be "a nerdy tomboy". You came home and immediately sat down to plan out ways to help them become a nerdy tomboy.

You still astound me every day.

5. Your Voice: Gets better almost every day. I can remember when you were 6 and first started learning harmonies. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I wondered if maybe I was partial. Until one day after potluck at church one of our guitarists were messing around on stage. You walked up on stage, grabbed a microphone and began to sing. First, just worship songs and the guitarist just picked up and followed you. BUT THEN...you began to sing a song you made up in your head! A beautiful worship song from your heart. Pretty soon, the congregation was back in the sanctuary watching in awe.

You still astound me every day.

5. Your Resolve for God: Girl, you do not waiver when it comes to things about God. What the Word says is what the Word says. Period. You believe it and no one is going to change your mind. You aren't ashamed either. You have been telling your own brother for years that he was going to hell if he didn't let Jesus in. You even told our new pastor at lunch the other day that you are comfortable at oneChurch, but not uncomfortable. And that that is how it should be. "You should NEVER feel comfortable in church." A friend actually wrote this to her the day you were born: "When I look into your face, I don't see a baby. I see God's handiwork. I didn't hear you whimper, I hear God whispering to us of His love. As others hear you crying out loud, I hear God using your voice to remind us that He is Jehovah! Your very breath shouts of His faithfulness and mercy!"

Almost prophetic. You still astound me every day.

You have that "something" Baby Girl. And this is just a very very FEW of the "somethings" that you have to give. And I get to live them every single day and realize that God loved me so much to bless me with you.

Happy Birthday, Belle! These have been the sweetest and best 9 years of my life. And you STILL astound me every day.

Love,
Momma

It Really Was One Maaaaaad Party!

2011-09-26T13:13:00.004-05:00

Ever since my kids' first birthday, we have never bought them a gift. Now, calm down. Don't think us horrible parents. At least, not yet!

You see...I can only remember one birthday party from when I was a kid. And it's because my aunt planned it. I was 4. It was a Strawberry Shortcake party at the skating rink. I can still remember every one who was there, my Buster Brown hair cut and watching my birth mother fall and break her arm while skating backwards to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'.

Maybe that's why it's the only one I remember...hmmmm...

Anyway, I always said that I wanted to do my kids (as long as they would let me) birthday parties that they would remember for the rest of their lives! I always wanted to do something THEY were interested in at that time and invite everyone that THEY wanted to come. After all...it's THEIR parties, not mine.

And thus, the "Here's Your Birthday Party as Our Gift" parties began.

Her first year was just "Come See How I've Grown".
2nd ~ JoJo's Circus
3rd ~ Knights and Princesses
4th ~ Luau
5th ~ Gymnastics
6th ~ Fashionista/Runway
7th ~ PJ/Slumber Party
8th ~ Travel Around the World

After her birthday party last year, she told me she already knew what she wanted for her 9th party. She wanted a Science party! I'm telling you, that kid thrives on anything scientific.

She did NOT get that from me!

So, as the day got closer, and I asked each time, she was more and more adamant that she wanted her very own science party. So, a Mad Science party is EXACTLY what she got!

Complete with a Mad Scientist family...

Welcome to our lab!

As each scientist entered the lab, they had to stop at the Scientist Check-In. Here they each got fingerprinted and retinal scanned (a glow stick passed over their eyes) to see if they passed for clearance. As each one was cleared (shout out to Lab Assistant Alison for helping check scientists in), the software on my computer would speak in a woman's automated/electronic voice saying:

"Dr. Isabella Overstreet (or which ever scientist was there) is cleared and approved for experiments. You are free to enter the laboratory. Do not blow anything up."

After being cleared, each scientist was instructed to find their gear. Each kid had a lab apron with their Dr. Name on it, a set of goggles and a collection bag with their Dr. Name on it. Each bag contained their Dr. moustache to put on and a pair of gloves.

From there, we headed to the Lab Cafeteria for some Moon Crater Pie (Pizza Hut), some Molecule Balls (cheese balls), Perfect Potion (green punch with dry ice in it) and H2O bottles.

Figure that one out on your own :-)

Yeah! All the Scientists, Professors (My Man and I) and Lab Assistants (Alison, my Mother and David's Mother) are ready to go!!!!

Here were where all of our experiments were awaiting us. Our 12 Scientists teamed up to build bridges out of marshmallows and toothpicks, they set off film canister rockets, they tested household items such as laundry soap, ammonia, tums, baking soda, etc to see if they were scientifically acids or bases (by using purple cabbage juice) and they got a chance to 'play' with a Non-Newtonian formula that is both a liquid and a solid at the same time.

And I have to be honest...even the parents were having a great time with some of these experiments. How could you not? There were almost 30 adults who were just a mesmerized as the little scientists themselves!

The Birthday Girl and Chief Dr ready to get this party started!!!

From there we headed inside to open presents...

Sing and eat cake...

And drink some smoking "perfect potion"!

All of this leading up to the Grande Finale! We have heard about it. We have seen YouTube videos. But it was time to do it ourselves.

3-2-1...

GO! Yes, we did the Mentos and Diet Coke Gyser. 4 times! It was definitely a crowd pleaser!!!

Well, Baby Girl...I'm glad you had such a wonderful time again! I could see the pride and over JOY in your eyes as you got to welcome all of your friends and friends' family onto YOUR turf and have them enjoy themselves so much.

I love you, my little nerd!

Oh, Happy Day Part Deux!

2011-09-22T09:21:00.004-05:00

I remember this day, June 28, 2007...it was a Thursday...so very well.

(If you haven't ever read that story or haven't in a while, I encourage you to click on the link and go read it. Mainly for the similarities in the stories but also to laugh at the phone she was on back then LOL!)

It happened again.

Last night.

In my den.

Luke had been asking some very serious and very deeeeepppp questions about Jesus and God and salvation and obedience and baptism for quite some time now. It was usually in the car. He would pipe up with some deep thought and I would kill the radio and My Man would take it away. They would discuss and then it was almost like a brick wall would go up and we would get "Can you turn the radio back on please?" or "Hey, look at that car!" We would drop it and moved on.

Remember, it's not our job to draw.

A week later, it would happen all over again. So we shared this with our pastor and a few others so they could all be praying. We knew it was coming.

Luke just had to let go with all that his 5 (almost 6) year old brain and heart could.

So last night after his bath, he walked into where I was with his Daddy a few steps behind and told me "Did you know that we are sheep? And God is our Shepherd? And it's good for the sheep to obey The Shepherd."

I looked at My Man and we both cocked our head not knowing where this came from. Apparently, he had just been thinking about it in the tub.

But then, he says..."Am I obeying God?"

Take it away, David!

He and My Man settled into the quiet and dark den to talk. I tried not to disturb them, but I could tell...they were talking longer than normal. When My Girl came out of her shower I told her to stay out of the den and why. Now, she has been HEAVY HEARTED for her brother for quite some time. She even told him in the back seat one day while she was telling him of Jesus and what He has done for her life that he was on his way to Hell. Every time he and My Man would start talking in the car, I would look in the rear view mirror and she would be GUIDDY and mouth to me "Today could be the day!!!!" And every time, she would look so disappointed. So when I told her what was going on she ran to her room, hit her knees and cried (literally) out to God for THIS time to be THE time! She came to where I was after her gut wrenching prayer with puffy eyes and alligator tears still streaming while we waited.

And here they came down the hall. Luke walked in with a big smiled on his face and said, "Momma, God loves me!" I said yes He does. "Momma, I'm not going to hewewll!" I asked how he knew that.

"Because Jesus saved me and is in my heart."

Cue the family of 4 standing in my bedroom all crying. Well, Luke wasn't and he couldn't figure out why the rest of us were LOL! After talking to him for just a few minutes and hearing him talk to others on the phone and a conversation with My Man, I knew that Luke had believed with everything that he could at this time. I learned that with My Girl as people asked "well, are you sure? She is so young." We ALL believe with everything we can give AT THAT TIME. And seeing who My Girl is now, there has never been a doubt.

And there is no room for doubt here either!

So now, it was Luke's turn to start calling folks.

And of course, My Girl wasn't very far away from him...

Look at how happy SHE is! Still has tears in her eyes. She looked at me while he was on the phone and said, "This is the best birthday present I could ever ask for!"

He called My Man's parents, my parents, my Grandmother, Grammie Tammy and our former pastor (aka Preacher). And each time he started it with "God loves me!"

Yes He does!

When I talked to My Man this morning he said that Luke was walking around the house this morning singing "Blessed Be the Name of the Lord". And then he stopped and asked, "Is Jesus still in my heart?"

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never parish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand." ~John 10:27-29

Yes, Sweet Boy. He's still there.

This Just In...

2011-09-19T07:19:00.002-05:00

Times...they are 'a changin'...

There are things that are comin'...

There are lives of the people in my house that are becoming different...

There are things on the horizon that have me excited...

There are things on the horizon that have me scared...

Times...they are 'a changin'...

And I'm just a long for the ride!

Is This A Soccer Field or A Theater Stage?

2011-09-14T15:50:00.005-05:00

Both of my kids have always talked non stop about soccer. My Girl, I've always brushed it off because while she has many amazing talents...much like her mother, athletics is NOT one of them! My Boy, I didn't want to do the "Playful Parenting" thing because we did that with My Girl in gymnastics and most of the time was spent ME getting a workout chasing her. So, this was the year. The year to give it a shot. And while My Girl is really struggling with the intense competition of her age group, they both like it.

So, this past Saturday was our first round of games and thankfully, they were both at our home field.

Look at that determined face! I know that face. I know it ALL TOO WELL!

Go boy!

Now...my favorite memories of this game will always be this right here! This boy would stop in the middle of a play to blow me kisses or dance or shake his booty and say "Good moonin Good moonin!" but at one point...he told a knock knock joke.

Completely Serious.

And the crowd ate him up.

Which only fueled the insanity!

Back to the game.

All in all, he played 2 very good games!

My Girl...giving it all she has!

Get it, girl!!!

This was her almost scored goal! They played one of THE toughest teams in the league, so all in all, they played a really good game. I was very stinkin uber proud of My Girl for conquering a lot of her fears this day!

I'm proud of you both!

It's in The Getting Back Up Again

2011-09-07T19:57:00.004-05:00

Lemme remember this story...

When My Girl was about 3 years old, My Man suited her up. Helmet, elbow pads, knee pads and a load of confidence. She was headed out on her first real bike. In this very spot. It was soooooo cute! Even when she fell and busted up everything she had, she was still the cutest thing ever.

BUT, because of that one single bad experience, she has refused to get on another one since. And she'll be 9 in a few weeks. She's had many a opportunity with her new bikes along the way. But nope. Nuh-uh! Ain't having a bit of it!

Until the other day. She agreed to let us take her bike out to my Momma and Daddy's house to give it a shot again. Of course, we took Bubba's too.

He was ready to go first!

That boy jumped on that thing and took off! Now, if I had panned down just a bit, you would see the training wheels. Training wheels are designed to help you learn how to ride. To keep your balance. When you start to fall off, they help keep bad things from happening. He pedaled a few times and said, "Man, I'm awesome at this. I can totally ride a bike." And then he was done.

But you see...he didn't have any reason to think he couldn't do it. He had never been hurt riding a bike.

But then it was My Girl's turn. She was nervous. And I don't blame her! Her frame of reference had kept her off of one for years and years. What guarantee did she have that it wouldn't happen again? She didn't. It was a step of confidence on her part. Putting herself out there. One more time. If this didn't work, I KNEW it was OVER!

So, here she goes. She starts off. And she wobbles and she bobbles. But she keeps trying. But then...

...she falls.

And. She. Is. DONE! I can see it on her face. She is NOT going thru this again. She storms off and into the house.

Now, what you don't see in the pictures...including the one where she falls...is there are training wheels on that bike. But again, because of her frame of reference, it's like they aren't even there.

It was horrible. I went in the house to find her and had to hunt around. I found her standing on the other side of kitchen bawling her head off. I can't help but begin to tear up myself. Especially as she says, "Momma...I'll never be able to do this. I just can't. All other kids can do this so easily, but I can't."

I reassured her that she would be able to in her own time. But she can't give up. And also that she can do many many many things that other kids could never dream of doing. It didn't help, though. Sadly, she was too wounded and focused on this to see all of the other stuff around her that she is freaking AMAZING at!

So as of right now, that's where the story ends. I was going to keep those photos until I had more and more to the point where she was a pro. But the more and more I pondered on the photos I knew I had taken, a life lesson beyond this began to unfold in my heart.

Relationships. It's all about getting back up again!

Stay with me. This will all make sense soon enough.

My Boy...he jumped right on and had it "mastered" in just minutes. Just like friendships. When we have no hurting frame of reference we just dive right in. Lay it all out there. We have training wheels on the side so we never feel like anything will hurt us here.

Until it does.

My Girl...she was hurt so bad that she refused to even set foot close to it for years!

That's me. I'm My Girl. Between a family member who set me on a path of not trusting people and then a situation over the last 9 years that Satan used to destroy me emotionally, My frame of reference where relationships were concerned kept me from entering into any more that I could allow past the surface. I had my core and that was plenty.

Until the last few years. I had began to say, 'Ok. I'm ready again! Let's load up the bike and try this sucker again.' I had my training wheels back on. If I swerved, I could recover better this time. But I trusted I wouldn't get hurt. Not this time. Not by them. Surely.

Boy was I Wrong!!!

But you know what? I've learned. I've grown. I didn't run inside and say I'm never doing this again this time.

I threw that daggum bike away and got me a shiny new one!

Go me!

Apparently We Were a Little Ready for Some Football

2011-09-03T22:28:00.004-05:00

We were obviously a tad bit excited this weekend to just have football back in our lives. It started Thursday night when My Man turned on the teevee and lo and behold...FOOTBALL! I thought his heart was gonna give out. So it stayed on that same channel till we went to bed shortly before midnight.

Seriously.

Then Friday night, we loaded up and headed about 2 hours away to watch my niece cheer for our beloved Booneville Bearcats. They lost, but just getting back into some High School football stands and excitement...there's nothing like it! Looking forward to many more trips for some more adrenaline rushes!

But hopefully ones that don't put us getting home at midnight-thirty again.

Seriously.

So at noon today we started getting ready for tonight! We took the kids to the Hog Zone to get their face painted and pick up our face stickers. We got home and started putting together all of our football grub. A quick nap and headed to the McDonalds for our kickoff watch party!!!!

Lurrrveeee these folks!

Some summer sausage, cheese and crackers. And of course...some deer jerky in the background.

Some YUMM-O Mexican Layered Dip!

We had a little extra side entertainment...

We tossed around the football...

And all around...had a CRAZY good time!

Thanks, Ryan and Shulana for a freaking awesome evening!!!

Such a Chore

2011-08-31T09:44:00.004-05:00

My kids have done chores forever.

They have to make their beds every morning, period. Doesn't have to be perfect, but part of getting up and getting ready for school is to make their beds. They also have to pick up their OWN stuff by the end of the night. My Girl has been helping with laundry for quite some time. My Boy feeds the dog every now and then. Either of them help with supper (usually fight over who will) every night.

But I had been thinking for quite some time that is was about time for some organized chores. I've never been a fan of the chore chart, though. And then I saw a friends blog about setting up chore cards for her boy every morning. Fabulous!

Now, I don't believe that my kids should be rewarded for doing things around the house. I think they should learn to be responsible adults and this is just the beginning stages of that.

So, we started this last week.

I randomly pick 2 chores each for them. They have to complete their chores WITHOUT COMPLAINING before they can do anything fun including TV. Their chores are relatively simple:

Others include sacking all the trash in the house or cooking supper or dusting 2 rooms or a random chore where they can pick anything to do. If they do it all week, they get to do their favorite thing on the weekends...have a sleepover in My Girl's room. It actually tickles me that they love this so much. They pile all their snuggly animals and blankets up in her bed, put on their sleeping masks and giggle till they either fall asleep or get told LIGHTS OUT!

But from there we have bonus chores. These are chores that take a little more effort. Like working in the yard with Daddy. Or cleaning their own bathroom. These don't come up very often. My Man and I decide when to pull these cards. If they complete the chore, they get $5 to spend however they would like after they tithe.

They haven't got to do a bonus chore yet (they don't know it but they get to do one tonight) but they actually now walk in the door and want to know what their chores are for the day. Who knew?

My Man. No You Can't Have Him.

2011-08-28T22:29:00.005-05:00

It's definitely been one crazy ride for me recently.

Friday had been on the books for about 2 weeks. I can remember calling My Man as I left the doctors office and was shaking in my boots and cried to him that "I'm scared". But that night I put out the call to friends and family for prayer. And while the days leading up to it were still anxious and I still had butterflies, I had peace. I could remember laying in the pre-op room with leads on and my iv already in...staring at the ceiling and waiting on My Man to be brought back to see me. And strangely enough...I felt...nothing. It was as if everything in the world was right and calm. My Man came back and made me smile and loved me and laughed with me.

All was right.

And then they gave me my loopy medicine and I can remember cracking jokes with my nurse from Ireland and my anesthesia nurse. I actually told him he has two goals for the day. #1...knock my butt out and #2...make sure I wake up! I wasn't asking for much. Typical me.

Anyway...that's not what this post is about.

The outpouring of love in phone calls, notes, facebook messages, and just all around sweet words of encouragement from y'all has been amazing. You have brought food and desserts and taken care of anything we might have needed even if we didn't know we needed it. I have been truly blessed with amazing friends and family! Even my kids! My Boy tried his best to do little things he thought would help. My Girl let her thoughtfulness shine as much as she could each and every day. I have some amazing kids.

But...I need to give some mad props to that Man of Mine.

I get compliments all the time on him about how attentive and affectionate and how amazing of a husband and father he is. I usually chalk it up to something along the lines of "Oh please! Don't swell his head anymore than it already is!" And we all have a good laugh. But deep down, I know all of the compliments I receive about that Man are true. I'm one lucky gal!

And there have been many many many times in our 13 years of marriage that he has amazed me. During our 4 miscarriages. During the births and especially the first few weeks of our 2 beautiful kids' lives. When I had blood poisoning. The times I have had my heart shattered into a million pieces by "family". I could literally sit here for hours and tell you stories that would blow your mind about My quiet, shy and introverted Man.

He did not disappoint thru this either. He was one solid backbone when I need him to be the most. He was amazing...calm...loving...encouraging...supportive...all before I was even wheeled away on that bed. He held me while I cried in pain. He rushed to my side at every whimper. During the first night I would literally scream in pain to even get up and walk to the bathroom. He had to carry me...in tears himself. I couldn't ask for better.

Something that will forever stick in my head: He walked in the door when we got home from Baptist and after getting me settled he kicked in gear and did everything that normally I would do when the kids come home from school. He worked and ran and gave baths and cooked for our family reunion the next day and cleaned and you name it he did it. All while running back and forth to me as I needed him. At 11:15 that night he plopped down on the couch with a loud sigh and I smirked and said, "It sucks to be me doesn't it?" We shared a sweet laugh, but I meant it.

You see...He didn't just do what HE thought needed to be done. What was enough to get us thru to the next day.

He did what he knew would keep me from worrying or thinking about things that I would be doing if I could.

And THAT my friends...is one amazing man.

And I Didn't Even Cry

2011-08-15T09:06:00.010-05:00

If you can believe it!

Even though I just took my last baby to start Kindergarten, I couldn't cry. Why? Because I was so stinkin proud of both of my kids!

They. Were. PUMPED!!! And completely guiddy to go. See...

Let's rewind a little bit to last night. I walked into the bathroom to find this...

He had to make sure everything was JUST right for the chicks.

Shortly after we began to get excitedly ready for bed.

We got our backpacks ready...

From there it was getting our lunches ready...

But most importantly, Daddy did his Daddy thing. He prayed over the kids.

Such a good Daddy.

Then, sleepy time. A few hours later, one excited Mommy and Daddy got up and got all ready for the day ourselves. And it was then time to head in and wake our kiddos up! We started with the 3rd Grader...

See her peeping out from one eye? She was excited, but still did NOT wanna wake up.

Shortly after this pic, he BOUNDED out of the bed!

For those of you who know this Belt, know what a joy this is for him to get to put this belt on.

While I worked on getting kids up and around, My Man made them a yummy breakfast of pancakes and eggs. YUMMO!

Time for our standard pictures!

My Big Kindergartner. Does he look the least bit excited at all? I picked out the outfit, but I picked my battles on the boots. When we got to school Mr. Pennington even asked if it was gonna rain today. He responded with "Nope!"

When did My Girl become a 3rd Grader?!?!?

Time to load up and head out. Vilonia Primary, here we come!!!

Finding his spot to hang his backpack.

Here he is with "The Greatest Teacher Ever!" Mrs. Newsom. I'm not sure she has any clue what is about to hit her...

Playing with playdoh while getting to know some neighbors (girl of course!) We all gave our kisses and hugs and headed off to take My Girl to her class. He was tickled pink even as we left.

My Girl ran into her BFF Sophie on the way to class!

With her amazing teacher, Ms. Roberts! I have a feeling this year is going to make up for the issues we had last year by leaps and bounds. I already LOVE Ms. Roberts.

Gosh...how did she grow up so fast?

She absolutely melts my heart...

So...we did it.
Both big kids dropped off at their respective classes. CHECK!
Both big kids PUMPED and enjoying class already. CHECK!
Momma and Daddy BOTH with dry eyes. CHECK!
Time to go.
Well played.
We did it.
No sweat.

But not before I stop back by and make sure that boy of mine was still rockin'...

And he was.
Look at him there...holding my heart.
Bring it back this afternoon buddy.
Please.

I'm Gonna Be Fine. Trust Me.

2011-08-13T20:10:00.000-05:00

I'm at least gonna try to be.

You see...My Boy is trying really hard to grow up on me. I have kindly asked him not to, but he is just so dern stubborn! His feet are almost as big as mine and he's approaching 87.5 feet tall as we speak.

But that's not what has this momma sitting here wondering if she's gonna make it thru the next 48 hours. I'll wake up in a few hours and spend my last day with my little boy. And I'll have to pack a lunch and lay out some kickin clothes and load up a Bumblebee backpack to get it all ready to make one more step to pull back my bow and let him go.

To Kindergarten.

I have such mixed feelings about this day. I mean, there have been times over the last 5.5 years that I honestly thought...we will NEVER. MAKE. IT. TO. KINDERGARTEN!!! I just don't think there is anyway. So I've wiped my brow about a bagillion times just for the fact that we MADE IT! I mean, he hasn't already been sent home with a note from the principal (even though he hasn't even started, but hey...it's MY BOY). So whew! We can do this.

But then again...All I can see when I look at him is my Baby Boy. How in the world did he grow up? Where in the world did he go?

And then I found these and realized...he hasn't gone anywhere!

You entered all our hearts the moment you entered this world

You are still one of the only 2 boys who can melt my heart at the drop of a hat.

Your 'Dumbo Ears' are the softest and sweetest things I can ever remember encountering in my life. I sure am glad you still have them.

You (and your sister) still piling in my lap can make me feel more whole than ever (just a little more slightly crushed now :-))

THIS face can still make me laugh~cry all at the same time.

Your laugh is still one of the most infectious sounds around. And I'm not the only one who believes that, My Boy.

You still think your sister hung the moon.

Your lips...enough said.

Your stares can still make me swoon.

Your smile can still light up the entire room.

You still do whatever you can to make someone else laugh.

Your joy still oozes over and splashes onto everyone else.

Your "I'm Up to Something" look STILL means you're up to something.

Your heart is still as big as your cowboy hat!

So...I guess I don't have that much to worry about. You are still my little boy.

Just now you're headed into a Big Boy world where I'll have to share you with even more people.

People who will never be the same!

Congratulations, Luke! I'm so proud of you.

Time

2011-08-09T08:20:00.005-05:00

We never seem to have enough of it.

Doesn't matter if you work 80 hours a week or are a work-at-home mother.
Doesn't matter if you are single or married with 8 kids.
Doesn't matter if you are 16 or 66.
Doesn't matter if your life is falling apart or if your life is "perfect".

We are always in a hurry. We never have enough time. We are always gonna be late.

I love my life. I really do. Is it perfect? No. But if someone says theirs is, they are lying. I love husband and marriage. Is he or it perfect? No. But if someone says theirs is, they are lying. I love my 2 kids and being a mother. Is it perfect? No. But if someone says theirs is, they are lying.

I also have a full time job on top of that life. I love my job, too. I love getting up, getting a shower, getting dressed, driving into the office, working and socializing with some awesome folks, kicking my jobs TAIL, clocking out at 2:30 and heading home. Depending on whether school is in session or if it is summer, I then start what I call my "afternoon life". It works for my family and works for me mentally. But either way, it's my routine. I love routine. Anyone who knows me knows that it makes me guiddy! I feel comfortable in my routine.

But I catch myself all too often saying "I don't have time." AKA ~ It doesn't fit the routine.

Now, don't go thinking I'm a routine Nazi or anything. Life isn't boring around my house (again, if you know me you know that definitely ain't the case!) BUT, my brain just functions better when I'm ahead of the game...already thought thru what's next...Prepared for anything because I was prepared for everything. But the cost to it is time.

So yesterday, I made plans to break the routine. (Sort of. Well, you'll understand in a minute.)

My kids went and spent the last week with their grandparents down south. The grandparents asked me at the beginning of summer to set aside a full week for them to just spoil em. So last week was it. And while I thoroughly enjoyed My Man and I kicking it for an entire week with no responsibilities, I sure missed those 2 crazy kids.

So, I took off work on Monday.
To spend the day with just them.
To break routine.

I didn't tell them anything we were doing. And some of it I just made up on the way based on where we were and what we were doing. I just told them to get up, eat breakfast and get ready, and off we went!

First stop? Baby Girl's first school. She went there for Kindergarten and 1st Grade and made quite an impression there. We have been back to visit a few times and it pumps her up every single time. Yesterday did not disappoint either!

From there we headed over to their favorite coffee shop that makes some pretty stinkin amazing smooties! They ask for them all the time and I usually say, "we don't have time" or "not today". #1, it's a wee bit out of my way and #2, they are stinkin expensive! But today...they both beamed when we pulled up!

From there we headed to our favorite "off from work/school" lunch spot to meet My Man for lunch. Hollys!!! It is a little joint that is only open from 11-2 on Monday - Friday and it stays packed the entire time. They were so excited that we almost had to go in and eat without Daddy. They weren't too thrilled sitting in the parking lot smelling all that yummy food while we waited for him to show up. Luckily, he finally pulled in and I released the hounds! Mmmmm-mmmm!

Afterwards we hit up our only real time requirement. We headed to the theater to see The Smurfs. Now, we don't do the movies very often. I think it is a HUGE waste of money when they will all be out on RedBox or Netflix soon enough for WAAAAAAAYYYYY less than it costs to frequent the theater. So, that means when we DO head to the theater, it's a treat! It's not something taken for granted at all. And we all really did have the best time! (Plus, my tight wad self was happy b'c we not only got matinee tickets, but had just eaten a big lunch so candy was all we needed!)

After turning Blue, we had about 2 hours left before My Man came home and we could pull out our last surprise for them. And since I knew what it was, we needed some naps up in the place. They were reaching their limit of togetherness. So we headed home and went straight to the beds. Now, My Boy rarely wants to sleep with anyone but himself and in his own bed. But every now and then he'll decide to sleep with someone. Today was not that day, despite my begging and pleading since it would just be me and My Girl in our big ol' bed. But My Girl...she is always about napping with her Momma. It's actually been a tradition since the day I went back to work after having her.

Just as we laid down and she is almost dozing off while I catch up on my texts and such, she grabs my arm. She interlaces her fingers with mine and holds my arm with her other one.

She was a newborn again in my mind.

Finally, My Man was home and we headed off to Wild River Country! They. Were. Stoked!!!

We have season passes, but I mean...we can't go every day. But we got there and My Man and My Boy took off while My Girl and I went the other way. We were just good and wet and laughing and trying not to drown when a huge thunderstorm rolled in. After 10 mins of sitting under the awning, they decided to close the park. I had 2 VERY sad kids on my hands. So what did we do? Danced in the rain! Why not? We were all already soaked, so why not get more and more soaked while doing something we all secretly love to do.

And BONUS! They gave us 4 free tickets to the place! Now their sitters for the last week of school can take them for free. It's a win-win in my book!

So we headed home...soaked to the BONE! We got our showers and busted out the Game of Life until 10:30. They love that game on the iPad and while it is a lot more cumbersome on the living room floor.

But much more fun!

I've never been so happy to run out of time in my life.
It was worth every single minute.

Who IS His Mother?

2011-08-01T10:24:00.004-05:00

I've been working thru my pictures and videos on my iPhone and separating out what I plan to transfer over to the iPad. Not only will it free up space on the phone, it will also keep My Boy from deleting things I do NOT want to lose (like he has done in the past).

So while perusing thru the camera roll, I find this:

And some of this...

And ultimately this...

That little turkey makes me swoon!

So he gets me to thinking...exactly 2 weeks from today, I will be taking off work for the day.

To do this and this all over again.

For the last time.

Wow. That last sentence hit me kind of hard. For the last time. I have 2 weeks to prepare for this.

I'm not sure it is enough.

5 Things I Learned in Brasil ~ Licao de Cinco

2011-07-23T05:11:00.004-05:00

Or Lesson #5 ~ Resting in Contentment

This was my favorite lesson. I have had a mentor in my life for 10 years now who has slowly helped me to realize what true contentment is. It is not in keeping up with the Jones'. It is not in status. It is not control. It is not in perfection. It is not in my image.

It is in finding joy in exactly where God has me and what He has for me.

A friend and I were just talking about the the other day. About how WHY do so many people feel the need to make sure every thing looks perfect from the outside looking in? Why do so many people have to have more and more and more just to feel good about themselves? Why are friendships and relationships so shallow anymore with people who feel the need to be this way?

It all centers around learning to be content! I'm thankful to now be in my 30s and have learned so much thru the years about that very concept. Did I make mistakes along the way? Sure. Do I still make mistakes? You bet! But as long as I'm not faking it, God can still use people in my life to help refocus me on being content.

And the people of Brazil helped hone that in for me again.

These are some of the happiest and joyful people I have ever been around. And it's 24x7! They are content.

Content with just being together.

Content with laughing at each other.

Content to just sit around the table and do nothing.

Content to find humor in anything and everything they do.

Content to just relax.

Content in exactly where God has them and what He has for them.

I'll take a cup of that.

I wished we all would.

5 Things I Learned in Brasil ~ Licao Quatro

2011-07-22T05:23:00.005-05:00

Or Lesson #4 ~ Values

22 Million people live in this city. It is a constant hubub of noise and motion and smells.

Down this street lives multiple people. Behind those barred 'garages' are large families. While this all looks like poverty to us as Americans, it actually is not. They are beautiful and well kept homes. But what's more important is what is behind it all.

The value that they place on living life.

These people LIVE LIFE! I'm not just talking about taking a day here and there to spend with family and say we spent the day together. I'm not talking about going on a family vacation for a week chalking that up to quality time. I'm not talking about telling everyone on FaceBook how perfectly happy our family is. I'm not talking being so busy running here, there and yonder so people will think we have it all together.

I'm talking LIVING LIFE to its fullest! Together!

Sunday morning we headed up to the mountains.

I had no clue where we were going. It took about an hour including our stops along the way to pick up food and fruits, etc. After the bumpy ride up there, I got out and was awestruck! These people saw this every day, but me...notsomuch. I just stood there taking it all in. Clicking away happily with my camera. But then, as I rounded the corner to the house I realized something. We were at more family's house. And even though they lived here and saw this every day, they never take it for granted. The people that lived there would walk out...all alone...and just take it all in themselves. Wow. What a lesson!

And then, just like every other day and place we had been each day, they did the things that they love to do best:

Celebrate family! (This is Pastor with his father and grandson.)

Worship God together spontaneously

Eat. Of course...

Talk about anything, everything and nothing.

Enjoy your loved ones...

...both young and old...

Basically...I've never met a people who love being together more than my new Brazilian family.

And while we spent every day off running about from this family's dwelling to that family's dwelling...from this feast that to that feast...from this celebration to that celebration...

The laundry and the dishes waited.

There were memories to be made.

5 Things I Learned in Brasil ~ Aula Tres

2011-07-21T05:24:00.002-05:00

Or Lesson #3 ~ God is a Universal Language

I mean...common sense told me this lesson forever ago.

But in Brazil, I got to experience it.

It started that Saturday morning. Ismael had gotten up early to take the bridesmaids staying with us to the hair salon to get ready for the wedding and then from there he headed to drop me off at the place where the bride was. I guess Ismael is no different than me. He got in the car and CRANKED UP THE RADIO! It was playing off of his jump drive, so I'm assuming it was all of his favorite songs. Now...it might help to know that he is also the worship pastor at their church. He and one of the bridesmaids are singing and rockin it out! Me and the American bridesmaid are in the back seat just smiling and pretending we have some understanding of what they are singing, but in reality it was just funny to watch em!

But when it's just he and I alone in the car, the song changes over. We have no translator in the car anymore. Google translator is on the laptop at the house. And the translation book is in the mother of the groom's bag. But as the song starts and Ismael begins to sing with it, I instantly know what it is. And I join in. In English.

Tears begin to roll down my face as this man who I have come to love and I are in two different languages singing "The Heart of Worship". That song always gets me anyway, but today...was much more. The beginnings of that song says, "When the music fades and all is stripped away and I simply come." At that point God was a universal language that we both understood.

The next day was Sunday. Now, there they have it flopped from us. Sunday mornings are like our Sunday evenings and vice versa. So after spending the day in the countryside, we all headed back for Sunday night church that started at 8:00.

There was absolutely nothing comfy about this place. The pews were hard and tiny...it was all open air...we were all sitting hip to hip.

But I have never seen such joy in EVERY SINGLE PERSON in a church building like I have here. These people weren't faking it. They were just overjoyed to be there.

There's my Ismael!

I didn't understand one single word that was said.

And yet I understood everything perfectly!

5 Things I Learned in Brasil ~ Licao Dois

2011-07-20T05:00:00.015-05:00

Or Lesson #2 ~ Never Eat or Drink with Your Eyes.

You just might miss out on some of the greatest culinary experiences of your life!

Now...my Momma always raised me to never be disrespectful in someones home who is blessing me with a meal. You can always pick around it or just push it around if you don't like it. But sometimes, there are things that I just don't even wanna put on my plate because it makes me wanna toss my cookies.

I learned VERY quickly here that no matter what it looks like, I will more than likely LOVE it.

You see...food here is not like food in the states. These people (or the maid) goes to the market every day to get their fresh foods. Hardly anything is premade like just about everything is here. They get their fresh meats, vegetables, fruits and even their herbs and spices just before the meal they are about to cook. They come home and begin preparing it. Even their "fast food" restaurants (very few and far between) prepare everything fresh right there.

Case in point:

Almost every single thing you see in this fridge was either bought on the day that I took this photo or the evening before. Yes, that looks like a lot of food. It's because it IS A LOT OF FOOD! When these people cook, you would think it was an American Thanksgiving feast.

Only without the turkey but lots of other meats! See:

At just about every meal there was this much fresh meat! Then, to most side dishes they added some sort of smoked, dried or cured meat. Mmmmmmm! I'm hungry just remembering it all!

And here's a sidebar: Those "Brazilian" restaurants around town...have it all wrong! LOL!

And the fruit...holy pajamas...the fruit!

It was everywhere! When we would go out for a drive somewhere, we would stop on the side of the road and pick up more. We would eat it in the car, we would eat it when we got to where we were going, we would eat it at home. Fresh fruit was always the go to snack. And it wasn't like the fruits we have here that are chemically enhanced. Even 'organic' fruit here doesn't hold a candle to fruit there. Take a banana or tangerine...the outside skin would literally fall off to reveal some of the sweetest fruits I've ever tasted.

They even make fresh juices from some of the weirdest fruits. This is passion fruit juice and I could have gone for a swim in this whole pitcher!

But Kenya might have taken my hand off LOL!

Speaking of drinks...yes, they have Coke there. It tastes much sweeter than it does here, but it does quench the need for a soda. However, allow me to introduce you to heaven in a bottle...

This is their soda of choice there and I have to say...I agree! I've never enjoyed a soda as much as a good Dr. Pepper until this. When I was on my 10 hour leg home, they actually served this on the plane. I kept sucking it down because I knew I wouldn't get anymore. The flight attendant...he got to where he would just walk by and fill me up or bring me another one. As we were deplaning, he pulled me aside and slipped me one for the road! Yesss!!!! Yeah, Sabian! You are officially my new favorite flight attendant.

Not my hips' favorite, but mine for sure.

Even their spices...most of these were ground while we were there for use. No wonder the food was so full of flavor! I mean...there was no salt and pepper just sitting on the table. There was no need.

No...there was one thing I just couldn't even attempt if I wanted to. See that blue and white box? That is their milk. Strait from the pantry. They don't keep their milk cold. Now. That was just something I couldn't try even if I wanted to!

But I'm so thankful for Ismael...the head of the house where we were staying. He made a "pacto" with all of us that were staying there that we would not eat or drink anything with our eyes. Which is basically what we tell our children every day...try it...you might like it. But we are sure ok with not doing that ourselves. But in this once of a lifetime experience, I'm sure glad I did!

5 Things I Learned in Brasil ~ Uma Licao

2011-07-19T12:42:00.006-05:00

Or Lesson #1 ~ The Rules are, There ain't no rules!

Wow. I can honestly say that I learned that lesson very quickly in Brazil. I was thrown into it just from the drive from the airport to my host family's dwelling.

This photo was on the "outskirts". I was way too scared to take a photo of the main traffic. I was too busy holding on to the person beside me and "Jesus Handle"! The families kept trying to tell me it was ok. This was perfectly normal. And I eventually got used to it, but man! No one is ever allowed to goad me about MY driving anymore!

You see...here...everyone drive little bitty cars that are standards. Why? So they can easily choose between the 1 of 2 speeds. Stop. And wide open. And I am not even kidding! The dividing lines on the streets/highways are merely suggestions and the stop signs...what stop signs? At least the dogs and kids were smart enough to move when they heard a car coming. And motorcycles apparently have complete right-of-way. When the 3 lane highway turns into a 6 lane highway, the motorcycles still weave in and out of traffic. And more than once we saw some who had paid the ultimate price for it.

All I have to say is when most cars there with only...say...24,000 miles on them look like they have been beat up and ragged out, all I have to say is I know why!

...and praise The Lord for good break systems.

Oh...and praise the Lord this isn't the price of gas for us!

That is per liter, people!

Another no rule that it took me some getting used to was their concept of time. As in, they have none. On more than one occasion I would ask what time it was and get the response of "who cares". Things never started on time and appointments were never really kept on time. But here was the best part...no one really cared. They were all completely okay with it. They were all very laid back and just sort of flew by the seat of their pants.

Now...those of you who know me very well at all know this did NOT fly with me! I began to panic when the bride was already an hour late to the wedding. But no one else had a problem with it. Not even the hundreds of guests that were already there waiting. It took some time, but I eventually gave over to the concept. It was very freeing. But then again, I didn't have any kids asking for peanut butter sandwiches or bills coming in the mail or a house of my own needing to be cleaned.

Some of my Brazilian friends will be coming to the states in May and even spending some time at my house. I hope we don't give them a heart attack with all the clocks in our house.

Another broken rule I hope to learn alot from...

Let kids be kids! The school schedule works a wee bit differently there. They only take core classes in school so kids only go to school for 4 hours per day. And with so many there are choices...the morning block or the afternoon block. So because of that, we saw kids everywhere any time of day. Some with their parents, some not. Many, many children were in the streets and at the parks playing with kites (pipa). You could look up in the sky at any time and see 40 pipa waaaayyyy up high! But mainly you just saw kids laughing and playing and enjoying being kids!

No iphones for 8 year olds.
No facebook.
No xBox.
No wii.
No TV.

Kids were being kids! And it blessed me and made me so sad for the future of our nation to realize what we are making our kids into.

Grown-ups before they are even tweens.

So last night as I watched my little ones outside soaking each other with their water guns, I was thankful for the images and life lessons that began in me in Brazil.

That the rules are, there ain't no rules!

All Good Things Must Come to an End ~Bahamas Day 5

2011-07-10T05:00:00.003-05:00

And unfortunately, today is that day for us.

We still get most of the day today to spend here before we have to fly home, but still. I will miss all the not paying bills and not fixing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and not stressing about anything in general. I will miss the not paying for a single thing in the 5 days and walking around with my hair all crappy glued to my head and no makeup on and just my swimsuit all day. I will miss the 4 beautiful weddings we have watched take place on this beach and I will miss the endless food and entertainment.

Mostly, I will miss this...

...the zero cares and refreshment of me.

I will miss spending 24x7x5 fully focused on that cute cabana boy I picked up. I will miss laughing at the stuff that only our 13 years could fully appreciate here these last few days. I will miss waking up in the morning and not know exactly what the day would hold but not caring because My Man at my side was going to do it all with me.

But I will hold all of these memories in my heart and mind for the rest of my life. And my kids will have this all archived and my heart detailed since my blogs go to scrapbooks for them every year. (There's my plug for continuing to blog! And as I close these last few days of recapping and realizing that I blog for them mainly, I've never been gladder that I still blog my thoughts and my heart for THEM and then print them to books. Plain and simple.)

One of my most cherished moments of this entire trip came yesterday. I didn't blog about it yesterday because I wanted it here. We had been in the pool for a few hours watching the poolside entertainment. A few of the staff photographers kept trying to get us to pose for some pictures, but we passed. We weren't planning to buy anything from them anyway. But after the entertainment was over (and I had somehow attracted a crowd with just my laugh) Jonathan asked us to take a few. Begged us. Now, he knew we were leaving the next day, so it would be too late for us to see about getting some of these. But for some reason we agreed. He did all sorts of fun poses, but one where My Man was to lift me up out of the water, He did something that had us all laughing so hard.

And Jonathan caught it on camera. We swam up to see the pic and laugh a little more and Jonathan asked us "When was the wedding?" We told him it was 13 years ago and we had been together for 15. He said: "Wow! To look at you guys we all thought you were newlyweds. Way to go!"

Babe...I've loved every moment of these last 5 days with you. I've loved being a newlywed with you. But more importantly than that...I love my life with you.

You and them. Let's go home.

Because THIS....

Is waiting...

Why Does My Man Call it "Snarffeling?" It's Snorkeling! ~Bahamas Day 4

2011-07-09T05:00:00.009-05:00

Warning. I'm writing this blog with my cowboy hat on, sitting under a coconut tree looking out at the crystal green waters of the Caribbean. Please excuse me if I nod off a time or 2...

This morning we sprung up out of bed when we realized how late it was and grabbed some quick breakfast. Why? Because we had a snorkling trip planned for this morning! Now...when we got to the water sports stand and were getting our snorkling gear, they warned us...the waters had high swells and some new snorklers (pick us!) might not wanna go. But we were brave. Ain't no waves gonna get us down!

So...flippers on toe and ugly face smushing masks on, we hit the waves! Very intimidating at first, but once you get acclimated to it...VERY WORTH TIHE EXPERIENCE!

Ok...are we cute or what? I'm thinking "or what"...

I mean...these things are so attractive

I think this is the cutest picture I've ever taken in my life!

The underwater camera didn't do as good as we had hoped, but if you look real close you can see some fishies.

Our LIFE SAVER! LOL

I did feel bad for the husband who hurridly left his new bride on the boat and jumped quickly into the water only to return before she even was able to get off the ship. Why? He was upchucking. Poor guy. Don't leave your woman next time LOL!

After we got back, we literally did nothing. We swam a bit and had some lunch. But then...We pulled up 2 chairs under the coconut tree and just chilled. My Man read his book while I got all my blog posts lined up.

I'm pretty sure blogging will be pretty boring from now on. Boo.

From there we headed to get cleaned up for the Banoonoonoo that is being put on by the Players. Basically it's a Bahamian Lover's Island party on the beach. Sign. Me. UP! It was sure to be another late late night for us, but I don't care! It's worth every minute.

So this place was crazy till 3 am! They had traditional Bahamian fare all-u-can eat (but lemme say if I never see food again it will be too soon), fire dancers and limboing!

But MY favorite part? The dancing! Of course My Man chose to sit those parts out, but I sure didn't.

Yup. That's me. In the blue shirt and brown skirt. At the front of the conga line.

Our fearless dance leaders. There's Kendall! On the left.

WARNING: Objects in mirror ARE closer than they appear!!!

And can I just interject here...dancing is ten times harder in sand. End quote!

From there we spent the evening in the Cricketer's Pub for more dancing, dancing and dancing! Have I mentioned how I wanna be a "player" when I grow up. They have the coolest jobs ever!

Oh wait. No I have the coolest job ever. Mommy! And it allows me some sleep. Nevermind!

But for now...

Good Last Night, from Nassau Bahamas...

Nap Like Old People ~Bahamas Day 3

2011-07-08T05:00:00.002-05:00

Don't judge me just yet until you find out exactly how THIS nap went down!

We woke up today and skipped breakfast in bed and went straight to breakfast #2. Why? Because we were headed into downtown Nassau today.

A few notes of our trip into downtown Nassau:

#1. It is just as nasty as I imagined it would be.
#2. It is hard to get used to people driving on the wrong side of the car AND road.
#3. The Lady Bahamian preacher woman on the radio in the bus was ONE AWESOME PREACHER WOMAN! Whew! She was fired up! Whew!
#4. Drunk. People. Look. STUPID! Drunk Newlyweds look even stupider...

We bought souvenirs today for the few people that we planned to buy souvenirs for. Now...I've been to Chinatown in New York, so this place didn't bother me. But it FREAKED MY MAN OUT! Walking thru the shoppes, they would literally try and keep you there to buy everything you could. Let's just say, My Man...stayed over by the Edy's Ice Cream parlor while I finished up LOL!

Alison...can't you just see My Man in a Chinatown setting? LOL!!!!

But I promised him a great rest of the day!

We got back and headed out to the Sandals Cay private offshore island.

There they have an AWESOME seafood restaurant called "Cafe Goombay" where the food was amazing! They had beaches and pools and more gorgeous scenery.

This is looking from the restaurant BACK to the Sandals resort.

Always...

But My Man and I? After lunch? We headed to the most private offshore cabana we could find. We unloaded all of our stuff. Stripped down to our swimsuits.

AND TOOK A NAP!

Now...don't let all the cellulite blind you, but I couldn't resist capturing exactly the complete happiness I felt...

I mean...look at this! This was the other side of the island...

Yes, we did. The breeze was like a turbo fan and the sound of the waves in the middle of the wooded area was like heaven...so we settled in and slept! Paradise, I tell ya! P-A-R-A-D-I-S-E!!!

And lemme set up camp for a minute on the weather here. It's stayed about average around 80 degrees all day and even into the late late night festivities. However, I can proudly say that for the most part, neither of us have even sweated! Sure, the bus ride over here was a little warm and sweaty, but the rest of the time the amazing breeze coupled with the overcast days has made for some freaking unbelievable weather! There have been a few afternoon heat showers, but we have somehow managed to be inside during these. And instead of making it more muggy, it just makes it more amazing!

When we got back, we got dressed up for our complimentary photo shoot. I'm not so sure this guy was ready for us :-) I'm telling you...we had him rolling and he had us doing the same! We were dancing and singing with him and doing the goofiest and stupidest pics. But it was so us! And for the canned "lovey dovey" pictures he was trying for...we kept BUSTING UP LAUGHING! I mean, I'm sure newlyweds adore that kind of crap, but we were rolling! We posed and yes...I bought some of them, but it was hilarious! What was even funnier, was the kissy-kissy-kissy pictures. Our photographer kept calling me "Sexy" and My Man..."David Cop-a-Feel". Because trust me...that man o' mine was copping some feels! You would think he was a newlywed himself! But we got some amazing shots out of our package! Here was just a few of my favorites...

After a yummy dinner reservation at Kimono's Japanese Restaurant...

...we headed out for the 4th of July celebration on the beach! Now...when we sat down in the sand, My Man says something along the lines of the fact that he bets the fireworks won't be that spectacular. WRONG! These Bahamian folks know how to bring in the 4th of July RIGHT!!!! It was NON STOP off that boat and shook me to the core! Check out a few of these pics!

Now...my kiddoes! They have been doing great! We talk to them via HeyTell and Skype every day. They are having a blast with their MiMi (my mom) but they crack me up with every HeyTell that I get. It usually starts with My Boy saying "Hey Mom and Dad. YOU'RE THE BEST! Because you always take care of us. Don't forget to bring us a toy from New York. Ooops...the Baaahhhhaaammmasss!" And then My Girl usually wraps it with "Hey Mommy and Daddy. We love you. Be safe."

I can't wait to hug their necks!

I Sure Hope I Didn't Embarrass Him...~Bahamas Day 2

2011-07-07T05:00:00.002-05:00

Actually...I'm pretty sure he was kind of proud of me :-)

On Saturday...after waking up and having some yummy breakfast in bed, we did the only natural thing.

We headed out for Breakfast #2. Don't Judge! It was totally worth it! I mean...when the food is #1...free and #2...absolutely AMAZING, why turn any of it down?

Let me tell you why. Because when you have breakfast #2 and then head out to swim in the beautiful Caribbean Sea...you gotta be careful not to upchuck it up. I didn't , but man...I was regretting one of those 2 breakfasts for about 5 mins.

From there, we got suited up and hit the beauty of the resort again! It's just way too much to take in all at one time. See for yourself!

Me ALWAYS with my signature...my cowboy hats. My "Player", Kendall kept waiting to see which one was going to make its appearance next!

My date sure was cute!

From there we did what any set of parents would do who are now away by themselves.

We took a nap.

Don't judge. It. Was. Amazing!

The air in our room was freezing. There were no cartoons on (actually I don't think the TV came on the whole time), no kids asking for anything, and did I mention we could sleep all we want? So...we napped. YES we are in the Bahamas and we napped. But we wanted to. So we did. And it was great!

After nap we hit up Ristorante Cassanova. Oh. Holy. Cow! I about died and wanted to throw up when I left I had stuffed myself so full of scrumptiousness! These Bahamians sure know how to cook and make this fat red-head one happy chick. Then it was time for some romantico couples dancing, but then we headed to my favorite part so far.

KARAOKE!

Now...let me take a minute to talk about :The Players"...aka The Entertainment Staff. In my next life, this is what I want to do! They literally work until about 3 am making sure that if you want to be entertained, you ARE! Now...we discovered real quick that there are 2 sides to this resort. There's the party pool/side and there's the relaxation pool/side. There are different times when each side is needed. But I wanna be "A Player" when I grow up!

Wait...that sounds horrible. Must be too much sun coming thru the shade tree I'm blogging under :-)

But meet our favorite of the entertainment staff...Kendall!

(Note...I'm fully aware of his teeth. Anyone who knows me knows how I feel about teeth. But I still LOVE HIM!)

I wanted to wrap him up and bring him home for a friend...

At first, I was just planning to sing one song. I mean...this theater was PACKED with people and I knew I was gonna suck. I mean, seriously. But I got up and did it. "Black Velvet" by Alanna Myles. You see...this song has extreme sentiment to me. When me and my college roommate were in our1st year together, she was in the lobby. 3 FLOORS DOWN!!!! I was in the shower singing said karaoke song. AND SHE HEARD ME! She smooth busted up in there and busted my patootie out on my strong vocal prowess. So it was only fitting that I sing that song in her honor.

Now. Yes, I do have this on video. My Man videoed the entire thing. However, IT. WAS. AWFUL! So it shall not be posted here. I will share it with said roommate, but that's about it. However, shortly after the hostess approached me to come and sing a song with the DJ. I didn't know the tune he was asking about so she returned again. He wanted to sing IT. THE best party song ever.

"Summer Nights" by Olivia Newton John and John Travolta.

HECK. YESSSSSSS!!!!!!

About 30 mins later, I was hit up again. To sing "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey with the hostess and DJ.

I sure hope I didn't embarrass My Date, but I'm pretty sure...he liked it :-) Well...he decided to stick out the rest of the trip with me anyway. We'll stick with that.

Anywho...we spent the rest of the evening out snuggling by the fire and then having more late night swims.

Ahhhh....I don't wanna leave....

What the Heck is a Junkanoo? ~Bahamas Day 1

2011-07-06T13:36:00.005-05:00

We quickly found out EXACTLY what a Junkanoo was on Friday night!

But first, we had to get there. My sweet Daddy obliged to get up at the butt crack o' dawn and take us to the airport. My Girl cried a lot at first, but had calmed down and was excited for us just before we left. That felt better. Plus, I had left them a little gift. Well...5 little gifts actually.

You see...they each had a message or challenge to do each day that got them one day closer to us coming home. I try to do something similar every time I go somewhere.

He dropped us off and after only an hour delay in Charlotte, we arrived at the Bahamas airport.

Now...let me just say...N-A-S-T-Y!!!! Oh my word. I was not expecting that. But after what seemed like 96.9 hours in trying to get thru immigration, we were finally on our way to the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort! And after a short 15 minute drive, we arrived at..literally...PARADISE!

Now...lemme back up a little bit for those who think we are rich or something. We. Are. Not! First of all...My Man and I never had a honeymoon. When we married, we were both working at Wal~Mart and they would not let us off for more than a few days for the wedding. So we made the most of our few days off and the monetary gifts we were given. And we planned for this exact trip for our 5 year anniversary. But then...My Girl was just born. Not happening. So we shot for 10 years. My Boy had just been born and we were on our "get out of debt" plan. Not happening.

So, this last Christmas...we just did it. Booked the trip and paid for it all with my bonus. And we went all out to upgrade this and that. It was about time! And let me just say...it has been well worth every stinkin penny!

You see...after just a few hours of this I acknowledged something to My Man. Had we done this when we were first married or newly married, I don't think we could have appreciated this anywhere near as much as we do now. I don't think we COULD have appreciated each other anywhere near as much as we have on this trip. I mean, I have watched all of these newlyweds walking around here...sitting to eat dinner or lounging by the pool and they have NO IDEA who each other is or how hard life together really is. They sit together and say a few words but mostly focus on the food or the drinks. I can say with 100% excitedness...we have focused 100% on each other. After 13 years together and 2 kids under our belts, this is the most absolute best thing we could have ever done for US. We only bought ourselves a picture frame, coffee and a beautiful bracelet from this trip, by My Man said it all. Our biggest souvenir is the memory of just us together.

Ok. So back to the matter at hand. We arrived.

And. Were. SPOILED! You see...this place is designed for romance, romance and more romance. It's a couples ONLY resort. And they make sure and take every opportunity they can to make sure you remember exactly why you fell in love with each other. Not to mention amazing food, food and more food at any of the 9 restaurants any time...day or night! But the first thing we did was get ready...

...and HIT THE BEACH!!!

Sexy man!!!

Now...After a tour of the place we headed to the Cricketer's Pub...a traditional English Pub. Phenomenal dinner! Traditional fish n chips. But during our tour we were invited to the "Junkanoo". What the heck is that, I asked. Come to find out it is a traditional Bahamian Street Party that "we don't wanna miss". And I'm sure glad we didn't!!!! Holy pajamas! It is literally a STREET PARTY!!! They have food booths stocked with traditional Bahamian foods (including conch which yes...I tried) and drinks and street vendors. They have a live band and street dancers complete with guys on stilts doing some amazing salsa dancing!

Here's a few of my favorite photos from it:

From there we headed out for a late night swim. Of course....complete with more food :-)

1 day in...I already can't fit in my clothes. Good thing I rarely ever got out of my swimsuit, huh?

When I Dreamed

2011-06-18T13:18:00.001-05:00

When I was a little girl, I used to do what ever other little girl my age had done for years before me.

I dreamed my prince would come.

I had to kiss a lot of frogs to get him, though. I can remember as each frog hopped my way, I just KNEW I would kiss him and he would be my prince! Didn't quite work out that way. Usually, they quickly turned into the court jester.

So, when My Man came along and I didn't fall head over heels for him, I just knew he wasn't my prince. I sat across from the table from him...I watched this shy boy eat his Lucky Charms with his head bowed and his right hand holding his spoon all weird like...surrounded by all of our friends laughing and joking and having a good time. This was NOT the boy for me! Couldn't be. Look at me. Look at him. It would never work. But I quickly realized that something was different. The pattern was different.

My Prince was standing right in front of me. No hopping required!

1 Year in...I was just astounded we made it this far. We were never one of those couples who pretended like everything was perfect. It took learning and bending and bowing to make it that year.

2 years in...we bought our first house...lost 2 babies...lived and exercised our lives.

3 years in...4 years in...lost more babies. Lived more life. More not perfect.

5 years in, we had My Girl. And My Prince...became My Man.

And Hers.

8 Years in, we had My Boy. And My Man...became My Everything.

And His.

And as I have watched him grow and change and learn and fit into the Daddy that he has become, I realized that he nothing like who I dreamed of as a little girl.

He is more.
Yes, he is mine.
But most importantly he is theirs.
He is teaching My Boy what it means to be a man, husband and father.
He is teaching My Girl that she can never set her standards too high when waiting for her very own Prince to come.

So in honor of this day set aside to honor him, the kids planned big for weeks!

First of all we got up early and they made Daddy ham and cheese eggs, sausage, toast and oatmeal. They set it all up with a glass of orange juice and a cup of coffee. But in honor of the fact that we were up so late last night, they even made him a thermos to take with him. Smart kids!

So out he came! The kids sang him a song that My Girl wrote for him (of course). Then he began to check out his goodies. Both of the kids made him some cards at school as well as a bunch of homemade stuff they made here. But my favorite is the homemade booklet that they made him.

The front cover says: "#1 Super Dad"

Page 1: "Dear Dad, You light up my life not matter the pain and strife. I'm very happy and glad I'm allowed to call you my dad! Love Belle"

Page 2: "God loves you, but He's not the only one!"

Page 3: "I love you Dad. I think you're rad just like my shirt says. You taught me how to hunt, fish and get girls just like my hat says. I big heart you! Love Luke"

(Insert mother thought here. HE'S TEACHING HIM HOW TO GET GIRLS?!?!? Actually My Man just smiled and said, 'It just comes naturally to an Overstreet.')

Page 4: "Your love never fails."

Page 5: "Dad, These kids are so blessed to have you as their example of what it is to be a husband and father. Hopefully Luke will mimic you and Belle will find a mate like you. But I'm tickled to say you're mine! Love Me"

So Happy Father's Day to Our Prince, Our Man, Our Example, Our Daddy! We love you.

A Thankful (Birth)day

2011-06-14T21:03:00.006-05:00

It's definitely been a day. It was not quite exactly what I had expected. You see, my day started all wrong. A situation that I allowed to honk me off set this day on the wrong foot right off the bat. But then the 9.78 million FaceBook messages started to roll in. It perked me up quite a bit. Some of what those who are closest to me had to say STILL has me laughing out loud!!!!

My Daddy called and sang "You're a Grand Old Hag". My day was already complete.

From there I was treated to lunch by one of my BFFs. Even got some turtle cheesecake! Got to spend some time tanning (aka naptime) then picked up the kiddos to get them ready for our birthday dinner out.

My day tried to get worse right here. A situation presented itself that worked this sister up! I mean FIRED me up. And very few people have ever had the privilege of seeing me...a true redhead on the inside...get fired up. But this did it. My blood was boiling and my heart was hurting. Not for me, but for someone I loved so much.
I drove home...sad and dejected.

We then headed out to meet my parents and best friends for a yummy yummy yummo McYummerson dinner at Mike's Place. I devoured some crab and lobster stuffed shrimp and keylime pie. My Girl gave me an awesome homemade gift, My Boy gave me "himself" (doesn't THAT gift just keep on giving), My best friends gave me a pedicure for just before my Bahamas trip, my parents gave me a wine accessory set and My sweet Man ordered me a Mac Book pro AND an iPad. AND gave me the best. card. ever! And anyone who knows My Man would totally appreciate it. It sings about my hotness. Literally.

And lets not forget to mention my trip of my dreams to The Bahamas with My Hot Man in just 15 short days to celebrate our anniversary.

I am blessed! My mind finally wandered from my 2 earlier situations.

But just as dinner started some very sad news was delivered to my friend. It shook up some of the family and made my heart hurt for them all.

So here I sit at the end of the night of my 33rd birthday...sad, mad and with a hurting heart. While normally a birthday is "all about me", today all I can think of is these 3 situations that tried to break my heart today. I think of the 3 loved ones who are struggling while I am celebrating and getting gifts and cards and hugs and kisses.

And I am reminded of just how thankful I am for another year to laugh, live and love like only Billie can.

10 Things We Should Know About Our Kids

2011-06-14T06:47:00.002-05:00

Ragamuffin Soul posted this on his blog. It spoke deep to me as a parent.

1. When you say “later” your kids hear “never”.

2. When your kids want you, well, they want you.

3. “Daddy has to go to work to pay the bills so we can eat”, means absolutely nothing to them. Stop saying that.

4. Your laptop screen in front of your face when you get home says…”I know I spent all day with other people, and now, I want to spend even more time with other people and not YOU.

5. They know that a smile and …”That’s cute” is simply you dismissing the effort they put into whatever it is they just showed you.

6. Dads, kiss your sons.

7. Sooner than later they are going to stop crawling in bed with you in the middle of the night…let them.

8. Don’t just tell your daughters they are beautiful, gasp and blush when they walk in the room.

9. Hide and seek, with a belly like yours, is difficult I know. But they won’t remember your belly. They will remember…”SURE I’LL PLAY!”

10. Your job is not to make your children responsible adults. Look in the mirror. You couldn’t even make yourself a responsible adult. Your job is to make them fall in love with living and the gift of giving life to others. Do that, and they will win in life.

Thankful

2011-06-08T13:16:00.003-05:00

I was talking with a friend at lunch about friendships and relationships. About investing in others. About being real with one another. About knowing who your real friends are. About knowing who aren't. About knowing who you can trust. About realizing there are some friendships and relationships that just aren't worth it. About telling the truth. About fostering the relationships that matter.

We discussed many situations where this had come to play in our lives. And one in particular that to this day I regret. It taught me more about recognizing exactly WHY I have these relationships in my life. It's not just to say oh...I have 321 friends on FaceBook. I have them for a reason. I have them to help make me a better person. I have them to encourage me. I have them to make me laugh when I need it. I have them to lean on when I need to cry or scream.

I have them because I need them!

When this subject came up at lunch, something settled deep in my heart.

I am THANKFUL!

For each one of "those" relationships that I have in my life.
For you who makes me laugh.
For you who knows my heart.
For you who I can be ME around.
For you who knows my ugly and still loves me.
For you who gotten down in the trenches with me.
For you who trust me.
For you who I trust.
For you who I can sit around and just be silly with.
For you who I can call on to pray.
For you who I can't imagine not talking to or seeing just about every day.
For you who can sit with me in silence and it not be awkward.
For you who busts me out.
For you who knows just the right way to make me smile.
For you who understands who I am and is okay with that.
For you who gives when I least expect it.

You know who you are.
And I am thankful for you.

And to my kids:
Don't pick friends based on popularity. The newness wears quickly. Heart relationships...those are what matter.

When I Was 13

2011-06-06T01:44:00.007-05:00

I was going from 8th Grade to High School that year.
From one state to the next.
From one parent to the other.
It was a tough year.

So much happened that year. All before I started school! There was so much about my 13th year to remember.

(This is actually my SR pic, but I couldn't find a good quick one of 13)

But my favorite memory? My "first love".

He was THAT BOY! The one I got up and went to school for. The one I planned all my clothes out for. The one who when he walked down the hall, all of our heads turned. But I loved him! For 4 solid years. I had boyfriends on and off, but him...I still loved.

Then at one point during my Senior summer...he called me. Out of the blue. Asked me on a date.

WHAT!!??!? HIM!?!??! ME!?!??!?! Heck yes!!!!

So we went out.

And I. Was. MISERABLE! And Oh so heartbroken. My "First Love". The boy who had my heart for 4 years had broken it in a 3.5 hour timespan. Sure, I still dated him on and off, I mean...he was everything I had ever wanted, right?

13. So much happened that year to make me the person that I am today. And one of those things? I learned that I had no clue what "love" really was.

Today, 13 means something completely different.

(1997)

Today I have been married for 13 years.
For 13 years I walked beside this man who encourages me.
For 13 years I have lived with this man who has seen the ugly of me.
For 13 years I have watched him still somehow see the beauty in me.
For 13 years I have danced life with this man.
For 13 years I have set up Ebenezer stones with this man.
For 13 years I have cried with this man.
For 13 years I have laughed with this man.
For 13 years I have planned a future with this man.
For 13 years I have changed right before this man.
For 13 years this man has had me on a pedestal.
For 13 years I have let him down.
For 13 years I have lifted him up.
For 13 years we have grown up together.
For 13 years I have been learning what love really is.

I can now say when I was "13"...

I am beside my Real First Love.

So What if My Allergies Kicked In

2011-06-01T12:24:00.006-05:00

After everything we have gone thru with Baby Boy at his old daycare, last night did make my allergies kick in just a wee bit.

He graduated pre-school!

(Sorry for the fuzziness of all of these pics, but I never made it home yesterday before his ceremony to get my real camera. iPhone to the rescue!)

This is him and his teacher, Mrs. Stacy. She is AMAZING! She was a Kindergarten teacher in her previous life and has helped My Boy advance so quickly. She told me after graduation that he is such a bright kid that she assures me that there will be no problems for him in Kindergarten. And as excited as he is, IM now excited for him to start Kindergarten!

His ceremony was at Larry's Pizza in their party room. First the kiddos lined up to sing us some of the songs they had learned this year. Uber CUTE!

Where's Waldo?

Their shirts were so sweet.

My Boy and his BFF, Caleb. Apparently separating them is their form of punishment at school that LITERALLY straightens them up immediately. They will be in school together next year too. I'm praying for their teacher.

My Boy with his big boy diploma! He was so proud.

The Big Boy with my mom and the scrapbook page the school did for him.

My Man and his Momma

My Girl and her Grandpa

Me and My Goofball Graduate

I have no idea where he gets this stuff from. I mean, me and My Dad are soooo normal!

Um...

Moving on. From there we headed back to my house where...

Grammie had made him his celebration cake...

And his sister took a streak from me and decorated the house...

With some of My Boy's favorite things.

So you can totally understand why my allergies may or may not have kicked in just a wee bit last night. My Girl must have stirred up some dust with all the decorating and all.

She Can't Be Mine

2011-05-27T10:33:00.003-05:00

Studies have shown that while usually children exhibit triats from both of their parents, they usually have a tendency to exhibit more of one than the other by the time they reach adulthood.

I know this. She can't be mine.

Yeah yeah yeah. I know what you're thinking. She IS me. I mean...we wear the same shoes, she has the same wierdo sense of humor as me, and we are so much alike we make the fight between the North and South during the Civil War look like a kid playing with his GI Joe toys.

But this...this proves we weren't cut from the same cloth.

Trust me. I can't even draw a stick figure and make it look halfway decent. And don't EVEN ask me to draw a person or animal.

They look like a horrible attempt at cloning...

Good job, Baby Girl. I'm glad you weren't cut from all my cloth!

Acronymn in iPhone Pics

2011-05-25T05:00:00.000-05:00

I.L.O.V.E.Y.O.U.

I ~ Idiot for letting him leave me

L ~ Lifelong Friends

O ~ Obvious Beauties

V ~ Vertically Challenged

E ~ Equally a Handful!

Y ~ Yankee Me Anytime

O ~ Outed as Mutual Science Nerds

U ~ Undying Love and Friendship

It's My Party and I'll Leave if I Want to!

2011-05-23T19:48:00.007-05:00

I didn't expect quite the reaction that we got, but it sure was priceless!

My BFF from college is...shall we say...eccentric. She likes things that most women in their 30s liked when they were in the single digit birthdays. But not Becky! She has always marched to the beat of her own drum. And that, folks, is what anyone who knows her well would say is exactly why they love her so.

This past March she let a wee little cat out of the bag. She had never had a real birthday party. So I began to conspire with Becky's sister and best friends that were making the trip with her.

We were going to have her an old school birthday party! And surprise her while we were at it.

So the time was set. All party guests parked down the road and I trucked them up to my house. And then it was time. Getting 45 people to shhhhhh was no easy feat either. But then...1-2-3...

SURPRISE!!!!!

And then...She ran back out the door.

Typical Becky.

While she spent a bit visiting with people we had some hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, cheese dip and chips that Camie shall model for us now...

From there...it was game time. Now, anyone who knows my kind of parties knows that I can't let a party go by without some themed games. And since, yet again, Becky is so unconventional, we had to have old school games with unconventional themes.

Since Becky was crowned as the 2010-2011 Channing Tatum's Biggest fan, what kind of party would we be if we didn't have a rousing game of...

Pin The Becky on the Channing Tatum.

She won, of course.

Then we had things like...
"Sue Sylvester Says" ~ Simon Says
"Glee Charades"
"Step by Step" ~ Just Dance on the Wii
and...

"Step Up" ~ the 3-legged race

Well Becky...I hope the ice cream cake (orange at that) topped it all off for you to know just how much all these people love you!

Including me!

A Day: Excel Spreadsheets, Flooding and Happy Pills?

2011-05-08T20:50:00.009-05:00

My Man bounded out of bed at 6:45 am. I smooth went back to sleep. But then he woke me up and told me to start getting ready. Next thing I knew I was being beckoned to the kitchen.

Apparently Baby Girl had been on "Momma steakout" for just the right moment.

For this.

Apparently 2 weeks ago Baby Girl hatched a plan.

And guess what she did? She hand wrote out her very own excel spread sheet. Ohyesmaam! I have never been prouder. It was called: The Mother's Day To Do List.

Get Up at _______.
Baby Girl--get projects, make toast, sing song
Baby Boy--Orange Juice, bring book, biscuits
Daddy--eggs, oatmeal, song

My. Heart. Swells.

You see that book there...the one laying flat? Allow me to elaborate on that one. It's called: "Poems of How We Love Mom" When you open it up, there's a Table of Contents. This girl thinks of EVERYTHING!

Page 1: Baby Girl
Roses are red, Violets are blue
You don't know how much I love you
You give us some hugs
And kisses too
There's many more reasons
Why I love you!

Page 2: Baby Boy
Mom you sing good
You bring good presents
No matter the Holiday
You're fun and funny
Thtat's why I love you

Page 3: Daddy
Day upon day you light up my life
I am so proud to call you my wife
With each tomorrow I'll look upon your face
and thank the dear Lord for His soverign grace
To give you to me to have and to love
Until such a time as we worship above!

And just when I thought I couldn't take any more, I got serenaded...

With an original song:

"Even tho it's not your birthday
Mother's Day is here.
We all know your kind is cool
So give all moms a cheer.
Yea!"

Awesome and original.

Look for Baby Girl's album to be out next fall.

From there I got all my cards and gifts. See that red plate in the back? They got me my set of plates I had been wanting. I set all their cards up with all the other cards I had gotten from Tammy and Deborah Grace and the wonderful homemade stuff I had gotten earlier in the week from my kiddos.

Like this for instance. I've never seen a footprint look cuter!

A beautiful pot from my sweet girl.

This cracked me up! This was the back of Baby Girl's homemade card. It says "I'm your nerd."

Amen

Another craft from My Boy.

Ahem...you can stop growing now.

They were both so proud of themselves, as they should have been. And as I hugged the kids and thanked them both for the amazing surprise, I said something to Baby Girl. I told her that I thought she would make an amazing mother some day.

Her response? "Will I have to take Happy pills in order to be one?"

LOL!!! Uh...let's hope not darling.

From there we loaded up and headed to church with my best friend and someone who has been a mother to me spiritually. Tammy.

We spent the day with her momma and family. We even had us some Who Dats! Yumm-o!!!!

Now...they are from Bald Knob. Which right now is where most traffic on the interstate is being re-routed thru due to the flooding. So we ventured out to some of the roads of their home town to see just what was going on.

And my heart broke! We actually watched as an 80+ year old couple was put in a boat to make a trek out to their house.

Where the water was up to the middle of the windows.

It made me hold these a little bit tighter...

...because you see...no matter how much they fight. No matter how crazy they make me. No matter how much they make me laugh. No matter how much they make me cry.

They are mine and they rise up and call me blessed!

And life is perfect.

Repost~Last Mother's Day

2011-05-06T21:24:00.007-05:00

My heart was blessed this weekend by more than I can say. I spent the day with both sets of our parents and watched all of my Hubs' hard work pay off (another post).

But most importantly I was reminded of how much some homemade crafts can erase all worries.

On Friday my 2 littlest kids busted thru the door and couldn't contain their gifts until Sunday. Oh, no. That would never do!

My Boy brings me this:

That would be a camouflage bird feeder to those of you who can't tell. But how could you not? I mean, it even came with it's own feed!

But the part that I loved most? That he wrote "Luv". He writes his name on things, but that he wrote "Luv".

Then my girl produced what she refers to as "her novel" that she wrote about me.

I read thru this novel and cried and laughed (pictured is the last page). She wrote sweet things, funny things and even almost mean things about me!!! :0 But the entire time I was thinking about the fact that God blessed me immeasurably with a daughter who is a friend. Those of you who know my history with my birth mother know why this means so much to me.

I don't deserve this!

I got sweet cards from our parents and wonderful food all weekend.

Hubs got me a book that I have been wanting but he didn't know I was in great want of it! I was just texting a friend the night before about borrowing her copy when lo and behold I wake up the next day to my very own copy that he had purchased me 2 days earlier.

He is a Rockstar.

From my oldest, Deborah Grace, I got a beautiful hanging plant, some smell goodies a gorgeous bracelet and a kickin shirt! (Can I get an AMEN for kids with their own moolah!!!)But it wasn't until I read her very own version of a novel that she wrote in my card that my heart about burst at the seams again.

I realized my 2 girls are just like me with their wordy selves and my Boy is as functional and practical as his dad.

And I laughed out loud!

I'm so very blessed!

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her."

~Proverbs 31:28

Cordog-A-Palooza 2011

2011-05-02T09:23:00.004-05:00

We haven't been to ToadSuck Daze in a couple of years. We used to go every year.

Mainly for the corndogs.

Don't judge me.

Then Baby Girl came along and we went so she could enjoy the rides and such.

I to instill the deep love of fair corndogs.

Oh, sure. Along the way I found plenty of other enjoyable attributes of ToadSuck Daze. There's the cajun meatpies (where have they gone?), roasted corn on the cob, fried green tomatoes, turkey legs, funnel cakes, fresh lemonade, and I could stay here forever and keep talking about this but I now need a bib for all the drool.

But then life just got in the way.

Till this year. I was supposed to have to work that day, but due to some pretty awesome people, they worked the little bit of my shift for me. And then I realized that Baby Boy last was at ToadSuck when he was an infant. I mean, how could he discover the love of carney food when he was still eating pureed green beans at the time? This was the year to rectify that!

And what is the ONLY thing he wanted?

This.

Don't worry...he still ate half of my corndog, but still. A chocolate covered frozen banana?

Then we headed off to do some riding.

His face is hilarious! The first time this thing jerked him around I thought he was done! But then it became his favorite part.

She ALWAYS wants to ride swings wherever we go. Can't say I blame her.

Funnies part about this? My Man HATES Carnival type things. It all gives him the heebie jeebies. But he took one for the team and rode this with Baby Girl. Rackin' up the Daddy points (and points with Momma while he's at it.)

But at the end of the day...this is what matters...

Memories.

And corndogs.

That Apple

2011-04-27T05:38:00.000-05:00

Really doesn't fall very far from tree.

A Celebration Weekend

2011-04-25T11:09:00.005-05:00

It happens every so often. Twice since I have been an Overstreet, actually.

My Mother-in-Laws birthday falls on Resurrection weekend. And all she wanted this year was for "her kids to be home with her". And since last Sunday was our last Sunday at our home church, we were free to do this.

Now, I knew it would be an emotional weekend for me in general. This would be my first Easter in 10 years to not be spent with that church family, but we are praying for them to be blessed going forward! But I need for my kids to know that one of my sweetest moments of this weekend was getting to share their testimony via God's people with some of the Overstreets who didn't know my testimony. To see God's faithfulness amazed me again!

Ok. So back to my Mother-in-Law! We spoke her love language this weekend. ANYTHING she wanted to do, we did! We surprised her and showed up uber-early Friday and went for a drive to "the big town" around them and I helped her pick out the paint for her house. The next day, her actual birthday, was such a blessing to her. And anyone who knows her knows that you could read it all over her face! My kiddos went in and woke her up singing "Happy Birthday". Now, the power was out, but we found a way to make the morning still enjoyable (insert the fact that I didn't want to sweat so I laid in bed until 9:00...GLORY!) Just before My Man and his dad got home from an early morning fishing trip, the power came back on and Grammie got to work on Easter festivities with the kids. She made some peanut butter Rice Krispie treats and the kiddos shaped them into some fun candy filled eggs.

Then it came time to die their eggs!

Being silly with Grandpa

Some of our very colorful eggs

Then it was time for my favorite part of Grammie's birthday...

Our crappie fish fry!!!! MMMMMMMMmmmmmmmm....

Made by 2 of my favorite menfolk. These boys know how to cook some crappie, let me tell you!

That evening we headed out to some more family's house so I could do a senior session but more importantly so we could visit and catch up with each other.

It was then time for Sunday morning. Resurrection Day!

2 Very blessed grandchildren

2 Very blessed parents

Woooweeee! We CAN clean up nicely.

These two are so special to me. We have had our ups and downs, but they treat me as though I were their own. I'm so thankful for them! My father-in-law will go out of his way to make sure I know he loves me so very much.

Like father like son.

The Overstreet Family on Resurrection Morning.

After an AMAZING worship time that ended with the most phenomenal rendition of "The Hallelujah Chorus" I have EVER heard, we headed back to spend the day with family. After some yummy lunch we all headed out by the pool and spent hours (literally...hours) talking and laughing until we cried!

And that, my friends...is a weekend to celebrate!

I Thought I Had Babies

2011-04-13T05:48:00.008-05:00

While waiting for a sweet couple to show up for an engagement session Sunday afternoon, I took the opportunity to grab some quick shots of my kiddoes.

Is it weird that when I look at this all I can see is...

...this.

And when I look at this cool cat...

...this is what flashes thru my mind.

So when I stumble across this photo in all my nostalgia and tears pool in my eyes as I realize that maybe I just thought I had babies...

I realize no...I have two pretty amazing and awesome people living with me.

Me and Her

2011-04-11T13:59:00.006-05:00

This weekend was one of those weekends I will remember for the rest of my life.

And I hope she will too.

I've been following Vicki Courtney's blog for quite some time. Her ministry addresses issues that kids and teens (mainly girls) face today that attempt to destroy them. For a number of years she has hosted what she calls the "You and Your Girl" conferences where she talked to mothers and daughters about the relationship they should have and what God wants them to become as Godly young women.

So, when they decided to try and do a simulcast with it this time, I looked up host churches in Arkansas and was excited to find 2 in Arkansas. Shortly after this, it came up in talking with my best friend from High School. Her daughter and my daughter were born just months apart and have been besties for as long as they can remember. They are each other's "Go To" when they need it. And Mandy and I couldn't be more thankful for each other and for our girls' relationships with each other.

So it only made sense for us all to go together.

We went up Friday night and got a hotel room so we could just spend time with each other and our girls. We got there and quickly settled in so we could get our swim on!

Our sweet goofballs!

After we swam in the pool and then kicked it in the hot tub for 2 solid hours by ourselves, we headed back up to the room for some snacks and baths and, obviously, TV.

Mandy and I layed and girl talked while the girls played on the couch until almost midnight. It did our hearts good, but sure made for an early wakeup call. It was worth the sacrifice though!

Here we all are about ready to head to the church.

Our girls are excited!!!!

Let me just say...I don't care how long or short you have been a mother of girls. EVERY mother of girls ages 8-18 should do one of these evens with their daughters. I mean, Baby Girl and I (as well as Mandy and her daughter) have a phenomenal relationship. But this directed time spoke volumes to both of our hearts and bonded us in a deeper way.

We all came together for worship and then the first session where she talked about the issues that the world throws at our girls. That this generation of girls are faced with too many choices and therefore are never satisfied. How true is that? And that statistically, this generation of that age group is more stressed and depressed than the generation of the same age group that went thru the depression. Holy SMOKES!

From there we broke up into the breakout sessions. Our girls went and learned how to realistically understand respect for their mothers and following with obedience. During this time Vicki Talked to us mothers about what God has given our daughters to us to do. And that is to ultimately return them to Him and the practical ways to use our OWN talents and abilities to do that.

After lunch we broke out again. Our girls had an hour on modesty while we watched Vicki lead a panel of christian counselors with questions that real moms had asked. I'm telling you, we were bawling! Mandy and I would just talk about our girls and how much this was speaking to each of us...thru our tears. What a blessing!

Afterwards we had our last session together where we had an opportunity to talk to our girls and ask them very pointed questions that upon hearing our girls answers about brought us to our knees!

I'm just so thankful for these girls in this pic and for the opportunity we had to just be girls and bond this weekend. I will remember this for the rest of my life.

And I think she will too. And THAT matters the most.

The Seed

2011-04-04T11:02:00.003-05:00

I want them both to remember this happened.
After years have passed.
After time has caused more arguments between them.
After time has healed all wounds between them.
After careers are in full swing.
After spouses have been loved.
After children of their own prefer to come to my house.
I want them both to remember this happened.

Thursday evening we went to the funeral home to pay our respects to a family who has pretty much become our family. While there Baby Girl picked up one of these witnessing tracts.

We've seen them everywhere and even read one while waiting on my of my BFFs in the emergency room late one night. Baby Girl put it in her pocket and I didn't think anything else about it.

Until yesterday.

You see...Baby Girl has always astounded me with her insight into things. For instance when my girlfriend was cutting a double fudgey chocolate triple fudge cake at my house the other night and offered us some, Baby Girl and I turned it down because neither of us are the fans of the chocolate. But as Lori cut Baby Girl says, "You know...sin is just like chocolate. It looks good and smells great, but it sure does taste awful."

You see...Baby Girl has been very concerned for her brother's spiritual life. Or lack thereof. Every now and then I will hear her quip something back to him about it being because he doesn't have Jesus in his heart. And of course Baby Boy will quip back to her "I am too in Jesus' heart!"

I have no doubt that he is ON Jesus' heart, that's for sure.

So yesterday we were on our way home from lunch and I hear Baby Girl quoting from Romans 8. No big deal. But then I hear her ask Baby Boy: "Bubba...do you know you are a sinner and are right now separated from God?"

And so My Man and I turned down the radio and listened to her share The Gospel with her little brother. Every so often she would stop and ask him questions. And he would respond with statements and questions of his own. It blessed my heart! Toward the end he began to loose attention and talk over her. She was getting very frustrated that he wouldn't listen to her. So we told her that this is a perfect picture of how hard it can be for her to share The Gospel with folks. That her brother was actually doing very well and letting her talk more than some people might. But that she can never give up hope!

We let her know how proud of her we were, but what made her grin from ear to ear the most?

When we told her that this very moment was what is meant to "lay up treasures in Heaven".

A Mini-Vacay with Lessons Learned

2011-03-23T22:00:00.002-05:00

We enjoy taking vacations every now and then with both sets of our parents/grandparents. We usually rent a big something somewhere and just enjoy each other's company. Do we get on each other's nerves sometimes...well sure! But it's worth it in the end to have our kids get to enjoy both sets of grandparents at the same time.

In 2008 we started this tradition with a trip to Gulf Shores. We knew we would go back, it's just life got in the way. Well ever since then my kids kept asking to go back to the beach. It wasn't looking likey for this year again due to the fact that My Man and I had already booked ourselves a little honeymoon getaway to the Bahamas for this summer. That sucked up funds and My Man's vacation time.

But when spring break was creeping upon us and we were trying to make sure Baby Girl wasn't too awful bored on her 2nd grade spring break, I said "I wished we could make just a quick trip back down to the beach with 'em." My Man said, "Let's do it."

What? 8 Hours one way for one full day and 2 half days on the BEACH? Why not? People thought we were crazy, but why not? Who cares! It was fun with my kids and giving them what they had been wanting. So we talked to both sets of parents and they were all on board. A few clicks of a mouse later and the San Carlos was booked!

Now this place was pretty sweet and was only about $20 per family more than the place we stayed at last time. It was very~very nice and was stocked with things that we had to buy at the last one and had more than plenty of room and breathtaking views. But MY favorite part? Three. Full. Bathrooms.

Guiddy.

YOU try making 2 bathrooms live with 8 people. Not pretty, folks. Not pretty. Here each of us had our OWN bathroom and it was a lot more pleasant :-)

AND I'm thrilled to report that Baby Boy...with hardly any napping the entire time...only got in trouble ONCE. One time people.

It is a true Christmas Miracle!

Of course it could be because he was throughly enjoying himself...

Here is pretending that "this is the life" as he told us. Yes, Baby Boy...it is!

Now...on to some lessons learned:

Lesson #1: Your 2 kids who are more often than not going for the juggular can really be very sweet and get along splendidly for 72 consecutive hours if you put them in their swimsuits, let em go and say, "Just don't drown! I'll be here napping if you need me."

Don't believe me? This was pretty much the entire time...

Lesson #2: Kids can make Grandparents do just about anything.

Lesson #3: Spending every evening on vacation walking the beach in the moonlight without your kiddos can make you remember just why Your Man makes your heart skip a beat.

Lesson #4: Family is Family and sometimes you just need a good reminder that life is short to understand that blood really is thicker than water.

Lesson #5: That chubby little baby girl that you birthed...you wake up one day and realize that more times has passed than you realized and now...

...she is breathtaking...

Lesson #6: Crack really does kill. And his kills me every stinkin' time!

Lesson #7: Watching your loved ones make memories that they will never forget makes a memory YOU will never forget.

Lesson #8: Call it what you want...Super Moon...Full Moon...Man in the Moon. But sometimes standing in awe of what God has done in the beauty of creation makes you all that more thankful for lessons 1-7.

In Process

2011-03-23T12:53:00.004-05:00

While working thru all of my pictures from our Gulf Shores mini-vacay, I literally laughed OUT LOUD when I stumbled across this one that apparently my mom took.

It's my precious family attempting to get ready for our pic. For those of you who know me and my family you know that I have a thousand family pics like this...as I'm sure most families with kiddoes do.

What's amazing about this pic is that it made me think...isn't it how life just goes sometimes? We are trying to get things set up...just perfectly...so that everyone on the outside will stop and say..."Oh...how perfect are they?"

When really all the perfectness is just a blink of an eye in comparison the "in process" that we spend most of our lives in...

Re-Post for A Special Birthday Girl

2011-03-17T12:54:00.002-05:00

(Originally posted 3-17-09)

Yes, this one was a special edition.

A VERY special edition.

You see, we actually did this on last Tuesday, the 10th. But it can finally be revealed today, the 17th.

St Patrick's Day...

...aka Rebekah Marie "Gor-Ham what kind of ham is that" Lovell's birthday!

And since she lives so far away she is always very sad that she never gets to be a part of our lives or our fun things. So, this time, it was all about her!

Here is our typical family night photo:

Yes...we will do anything for Becky.

Even putting an unflattering photo of yourself squished up in your loveseat with a buttondown shirt on. Score 55 for me on the friend factor for that one.

Now...we wanted to make sure she felt like she was here with us...celebrating her birthday. So, we did it all in video.

A few things you need to know before you watch it.

1...Everything you see here may look absolutely silly to the normal eye. But to Becky, the birthday girl...it will all have very deep meaning.

2...The cake is a quote from her favorite movie.

3...Becky is a sonic fiend! And all these years she has lived without one where she lives. They finally put one in about an hour away just this year and I think she probably pulled up and got her sonic drink fed to her intraveneously. She is SERIOUS about sonic. I mean, for her birthday last year I sent her a sonic t-shirt. And all she gets this year is this stinkin' video.

5...yes, she LOVES NKOTB and that is a picture of her with them.

4...I'm not a professional video editor and I do not own a Mac. 'Nuff said.

Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Aunt Becky! We'll be lovin' you, forev-ah...just as long as you want us to be-ee.

A Modern Day Tragedy

2011-03-13T18:26:00.002-05:00

This weekend has been a very...uh...different weekend for our family. I had to come up with creative things to keep my kids calm and/or out of the house in general. This meant for almost all day each day they have been together non-stop.

And for those of you with more than one kid, you know what this means. PLEASANT TIMES! They have done just about everything they could do to irritatie the mess out of each other.

So, this morning it came to a head as we were on our way to church. We hadn't been in the car 4.35698 seconds when it started. The poking, the bickering, the raspberries, etc. My Man tried to nip it in the bud, but they weren't having it. My Man had enough and we let them know that there was no way we were going to drive to Gulf Shores in a few days with THIS!

They interpreted that to mean that we were no longer going to Gulf Shores.

The condo is non-refundable. But some things just don't need to be shared with everyone.

We made it thru church and then off to lunch. It was on our way home from church that Baby Girl asked for a piece of paper and a pen as she needed to "work on her presentation". We got home and she went to the desk and began working even harder. A quick nap and even more diligent work. But the point where I got scared was when she decided to get her brother and hide in her room while they finished work on "the presentation".

They came out and asked us both to sit on the long couch and turned on the recessed lighting in the living room. And thus began the following presentation...A Modern Day Tragedy.

Baby Girl: (holding up a drawing) Little Brother has received his grades on states.
Baby Boy: (looking very sad) My dreams have been shattered.
BG: (new drawing) How can we avoid such a horrible tragedy?
BB: I KNOW!
BG & BB: (sing songy together) Arkansas, Arkansas from Texas to Missouri to Chicago all the way to.........

(They went behind the couch to change. They emerge in bras on top and clothes made into hula skirts and beaded braclets on their ankles.)

BG & BB: THE BEACH!!!!

Then they proceeded to do some crazy hula dances that ended with "CAN WE PLEASE GO TO THE BEACH!?!?!?!?"

We made them sweat it out a bit. Sent them to Baby Girls room while we "talked it over". We were instructed to call them over the walkie talkies when we had come to a decision, so we did. My Man got on the WT and said, "We need to have a family meeting in the kitchen."

"Yes sir."

After a short speech he let them know we would continue with our plans to go IF they would keep being sweet to one another.

This should be a very interesting week. But I guess whatever ti takes to avoid this tragedy...

Love

2011-03-09T11:02:00.001-06:00

Not many will understand this, but that's ok.

Raise That SCORE!

2011-03-04T05:28:00.003-06:00

For years I had heard about it and information had been sent home about it. And everytime Baby Girl would beg to get to do it. And every time she was in the middle of doing gymnastics or something like that. And our rule has always been one extra carricular activity at a time. You want to do something else, you have to stop the other.

But this year when the information came home, she jumped right on it! "Mooooommmmm. I'm not doing anything else. Can I please please please please!?!?!?"

I'll talk to Dad.

Immediate sad face. She just knew he wasn't going to let her.
Immediate happy face when he told her she could.
Cheer for Upward.

The season is now over and we have had a blast watching her enjoy doing this. She wants to do it again next year and her little brother plans to play baskeball with them next year.

So here she is...The "Dazzling Diamond" herself!

Go Upward, Go!!!

Every practice they got a participation sticker (green). Then, after each game they would get a sticker for what they were the most that day. For instance one may be for knowing their cheers, one may be for loudest, etc. But this one...the white one is my favorite. She got it after the first game and after the last game. It's the sticker for being the most Christlike.

Good job, Baby Girl. Good job!

Do We Need to Exchange Goats or Something?

2011-03-02T08:13:00.004-06:00

I love Facebook. I like to interact on Facebook. Facebook cracks my stuff up!

But sometimes Facebook reconnects you with old friends that now get to become new friends and that's pretty daggum sweet in my book.

Such a case happened a number of months ago. My junior and senior years of high school me and my crowd participated in a school function for SADD. They brought in this group called "Freedom Force" (aka BCC by night) who put on an awesome assembly about various issues teenagers face. We began "touring" (doesn't that sound fancy) with them to local schools and doing our part of their program. During this process we all became fast friends and some of us even dated a few of those older boys (ooohhh lala!)

Then college came and life happened. I was able to stay very close friends with one of them, Lance, because his dad taught at my college and we still hung out a couple of times a week. But for the most part, we lost touch with the rest.

Enter Facebook.

I was able to catch up with some of those old friends. But one in particular actually lived in my town. So, we made plans for our families to get together one Sunday afternoon. We quickly realized that:

1. His wife and myself were actually twins separated at birth and now reunited like we never missed a beat.
2. Their oldest daughter and my son will ALWAYS have to be chaperoned.

You see...they quickly became boyfriend/girlfriend. Now, that's nothing new since Baby Boy has a LONG list of girlfriends. But nonetheless, every time we get together with them he has to have his hair fixed and cologne on and she has to wear all of her jewelry and put on her "farfume". Then we meet up and he starts the wooing and she plays hard to get.

Typical relationship.

Well...they have recently declared their intentions to marry one another. He even met her Nanny last night and firmly asked "Do you love me too? I'm gonna marry Brenna."

So when her mom asked last night if I was gonna put up the "engagement photos" I laughed out loud! The last couple of times we have been together my Baby Girl has brought her little pink Kodak camera and captured their blooming relationship on film.

Without further adieu, here is your official "Save the Date" notification:

June whatever, 20-whatever. Save the Date!

I'm a firm believer that you should always be able to goof off together.

When my Girl showed me this picture she took I originally wrote it off b'c it wasn't a good quality pic. But then I lightened it and took a closer look. You can't deny that spark captured here.

I think I just threw up a little...

Hat's off to schmoozing the sister in law there, Brenna!

So help me...do I need to ready the goat or a chicken?

To My Girl

2011-03-01T13:31:00.004-06:00

Boy, it has been a year. That's about all I can come up with to explain the mind full of thoughts where My Baby Girl is concerned. I can officially say this has been my toughest year (so far) as a Momma.

That being said...I'm very grateful to have perfectly healthy and smart and talented and compassionate and funny (the list could go on forever) kids and I fully realize how truly blessed I am where that is concerned.

However, since my kiddoes will read this one day and because it's been heavy on my heart lately, I'm blogging about it.

You see...when we were at Ida Burns, I watched a strong, confident, compassionate, outgoing and yet sensitive little Mini-Me begin to emerge in my Girl. Not a sad or rude bone in her body, people were just drawn to her. She wasn't the "popular" girl like you would think of, but everyone just loved her. She was voted "Best Friend" if that tells you anything. People would come to her for help, or a hug or whatever! She was even asked to be a school ambassador because she "had a way of making people feel comfortable."

That's my girl!

Well, that was my girl.

Then we moved. She was sad to leave her friends, but so excited to start at her new school. She already knew a few people there and after meeting her teacher was stoked!

But then...the bullying started. And yes, at times, we have had the upper hand. But My Man and I have just steadily watched her spirit become more and more crushed as the days go by. She began to cry to me the other morning as I was doing her hair about another situation (not quite bullying, but still just not fitting in). Then she asked "Can't you just fix it for me?" When I told her no she replied with, "BUT YOU ALWAYS SAID IF ANYONE MESSES WITH BABY BEAR THEY WOULD HAVE TO GO THRU MOMMA BEAR FIRST!"

I explained while that is true, I also cannot always fight her battles for her. That she will never grow up and become the woman that God wants her to be if Momma is always stepping in and fixing everything for her.

As hard as that is.

This Sunday morning I went to pray with her and spoke some things into her heart and into her life that I pray encourages her.

And in the meantime...

To My Girl,

You are beautiful! I don't care what those kids call you, you are absolutely the most beautiful young lady I have ever laid eyes on! Sure you don't fit the mold that everyone else around you is trying to fit into, but you know what...who cares! You were born to break the mold sister! You have your own style and look and I think you rock.

You are smart! I know you take joy in telling me and Daddy things that we don't know...err...have forgotten since school. You're only 8 years old and some of the stuff you come up with makes me prouder than anything. And your witt...I'm so glad you still have some Barber in you!

Your heart is amazing! Even in the face of the adversity, you still find a way to show compassion to your adversaries. What a heart! I don't know many 8 year olds who are willing to do and say some of the things you do where life is concerned. Geez...I don't know many 30 years olds willing to do that! But oh, to watch you molding and shaping into a beautiful young lady right before my eyes is astonishing! I can't wait to see what else God has in store for you.

I know you don't understand any of this right now. I know you just want the "catfish" to stop swimming in your pond. But Baby Girl...you blow my mind! And I can't wait to look back on this with you one day and be able to say "Here...I raise my Ebenezer stone." That THIS is where a huge part of my shaping began.

I love you darling girl,
Mom

Smile

2011-02-21T09:19:00.006-06:00

Sometimes

Being

Reminded

Of

The

Things

That

Make

You

Smile

Make

You

Smile!

There

That's

Better.

Loss

2011-02-17T11:03:00.007-06:00

*Disclaimer: This is an "As I Ramble" with a note for my kids.*

Loss is hard! Doesn't matter what it is, it all invokes feeling that you wished you never had to feel.

For instance...
Lost Keys = Frustration with Yourself
Lost Pet = Extreme Sadness (and kids crying)
Lost Mind = That's a WHOLE other ball game!
Lost Loved One = Sorrow
Lost Trust = Anger

I could go on and on. But a few situations recently have really made me think on how much loss really stinks and causes one emotion that I usually am pretty good at suppressing.

Heartache.

See...I was raised by a woman who kept my life in constant turmoil and heartache. Nothing that a mother should be to her daughter. For 13 years. So as my defense mechanism, my guard is always up to keep heartache at bay. And in 29 (with 3 years experience) years of perfecting that defense mechanism, I've gotten amazing at it. I can detach and separate situations from my heart real easy before it ever gets too deep. Sometimes people think I'm callous, but I'm not. I am just not letting the situation touch the heart for a reason.

But right now I can put my finger on a number of things that I have lost recently that are causing my heart to ache. An idea, a comfort and a love of something. And it's my fault, really...for letting that wall down in these areas.

But man...not having felt the loss of something in a really long time I think makes the actual heartache that much harder to bear.

But this too...shall pass...

And kids...
Baby Girl...sometimes the only thing that helps is to cry.
Baby Boy...sometimes you just need to hold her and let her cry.

Just like Daddy does for me...

Family Night #40

2011-02-10T20:34:00.004-06:00

Day #2 shut in = Family Night #40

And when the temperature this morning at my house was 2 degrees, what better family night to have than a Beach Party, baby!!! And our babysitter came to join in the festivities since she was staying the night with us.

We cranked up the heat, put on our beach attire, slathered on some sunscreen, turned on the beach music and got our surf on!!!!!

My Man even assisted with some sea spray (aka squirt bottle). They were squealing with every squirt!

We had a crab walk race and a beach attire relay...

And what would a beach party be without...

SMOOTHIES!!!!!

After some entertainment from the peanut gallery...

(I promise there was nothing illegal in the drinks)

We wrapped the evening up by making peanut butter rice krispie treats and let the kids shape theirs into anything to do with the beach. Olivia did a fish, Baby Boy did a clam and Baby Girl did a palm tree. Boy was it messy, but boy was it FUN!

It did these shut in hearts good to pretend even for just a few hours that it was 82 degrees and our toes were in the water with sand in way too many places!

Family Night Edition #39

2011-02-09T21:32:00.008-06:00

I cannot believe it has been just 1 month shy of a year since we have done an official Family Night. I mean, we have done extravagant birthday parties which are just enlarged family nights and we have done things on a smaller scale here and there. Shortly after the last one our house sold and the crazy spiraled out of control from there. So now it's catch-up time.

Yesterday I was at work thinking about what am I going to do for at least 2 solid days home bound with the crazy snow headed our way. So, I threw together 2 family nights!

My Man had to go into work for a few hours this morning, but came home rather quickly. We waited around for the snow to get deeper and deeper. We did laundry and got supper ready for the night (Lemon/green bean chicken and twice baked potatoes) and waited for My Man to come home. Then after a quick nap, we headed out for round 2 of the Sled-y 500. Guess what? When 8 inches of snow packs down after a few sled rides down the hill, you can break mach 3 and skid into the street. Trust me.

Since usually My Man can't be with us during the Snowcolypses, this is our first family photo this year. Doesn't Baby Girl look THRILLED??!?

And since I'm usually the one behind the lens I never get pics with my babies.

This time I got both!

After we froze to the core and came in we put the kids were in the shower and while I was finishing up supper, I gathered my quickly thrown together "Show Me Some Love" Family Night. We were going to have to do Valentine's boxes and Valentine's cards this weekend, so I worked our FN around that.

First we played "Guess How Much Love" was in the jar. Baby Girl guessed 110. Baby Boy guessed (with the help of My Man) 125. Think you know how many?

And then made candy necklaces!

From there we all talked about the things we love:
Baby Boy: Batman mask, Spiderman, these candy hearts, Mom & Daddy and Nikki (the Nikkon camera)
My Man: Billie Jo, my kids, God, chocolate (Belle piped in with 'that's an understatement') and our parents
Me: my family, God, where I live, Bubble gum ice cream and the beach
Baby Girl: My life, family, Sierra Mist, White Chocolate Lindor Truffles, Gussy and Slush and God

Then we played a riveting game of H-E-A-R-T. My Man won! Now...from here we drew names of the different family members. Then, we were off to transform into the family member we drew. I'll let the pics speak for themselves, but if you are a friend of mine on Facebook...there's videos. Of each of us. It's pure GOLD!

I'm Baby Boy. Note the cowboy boots, Super Y cape, Buzz Lightyear PJs, Cowboy hat, Twizzlers and sweettarts. Oh...and the blankets. Yes, the blankets.

Baby Boy got me. His sandals cracked my stuff up!!! And someone should really put him on What Not to Wear. That top needs a cami not a baseball tee and the skinny jean is out. The hat...FABULOUS and OF COURSE the red iPhone. He pegged me with that one.

My Man drew Baby Girl. Bless his heart. He's 6 feet tall and needed to find something to wear out of a mini closet. But he's sporting her always present pink zippie, kickin' glasses, tiny flip flops and...of course...a book...on mathematics.

Then there's Baby Girl. She's My Man. Even has a pen in her shirt. Awesome!

Then it was time to go on a hunt to find our blank valentines and fill them out for school. After those were done the kiddos decorated their 'mailboxes' for school.

What a fun night! We definitely showed each other the love.

Won't You be My Neighbor?

2011-02-04T18:58:00.004-06:00

So here we are the the 3rd major round the Great SnowGate of Arkansas and let me first toss out there...our kids are going to be in school until exactly 2 days before the 2011-2012 school year starts. I'm glad to know I now don't have to plan for a baby sitter or any summer activities.

Additionally...I would like to restate what a friend posted on Facebook:

"Dear Global Warming: We get it. Now bring back El Nino."

Well said, Randy. Well said. I can handle rain. I can't handle the "Stupid" that is drivers who panic at the first sign of anything white, whether it be snow, sleet or a down bird feather.

But I digress.

The kids got sent home again today at 11:00. My Man collected the offspring while I made my way thru said "crazy" on my way home from work. And while I cannot at all complain that my normal 45 minute trek home took only a mere hour and a half (compared to the hourS myself and my carpooler figured on), I Can complain that "PEOPLE! IT IS LIGHT SNOW AND NOT 15 FEET OF ICE. PLEASE. DRIVE. FORWARD. AND. STOP. SWERVING!!!"

There. That feels better.

The kids ate their lunches, My Man went back off to earn more bacon, the short boy headed to his room for a nap while my firstborn and I snuggled in together to watch quite possibly the biggest cryfest movie I've watched in a while (watch Hallmark's 'The Lost Valentine' if you need a great movie and an awesome cry all while enjoying the comedic stylings of Betty White). We let the short kid sleep for just a bit before we began to plot our sledding trek.

Then, it was time:

And this makes me want to kiss his face off!!!

Can you tell she is thoroughly enjoying this?!?!?

Then my neighbor pulled up the driveway. Now...you need to understand that my kids LOVE Mr. Ken. Usually if they are outside planing and he comes home they take it upon themselves to go visit him or his wife or his dogs and talk about all the various and sundry things of the day. He pulled up and next thing I knew My Boy was over in his driveway...

...and they carried on conversations like 2 little old men.

Overheard:

"Well yes, son...it IS really cold out here."
"Well...yes...the snow really did come down hard."
"Well...yes I guess we will get wet the longer we stay out here."
"Yes sir. It is a mighty fine day today."

My son. The 78 year old in a 5 year old's body.

Who can still sled like a madman!

Her Heart

2011-02-02T09:39:00.003-06:00

I wanted to make sure My Baby Girl has this to one day cherish.

She got her 1st letter back Monday from Nakatudde, our child in Uganda. Her letter was precious. Of course, it's written by the translator, but just to get more insight into her daily life and things that are her favorites was a blessing. I wrote her a letter back as a side letter, but since My Baby Girl is her actual "sponsor", she grabbed the stationary and excitedly began to write and draw pictures for her. We didn't help her at all (as evidenced by the spellings) but boy did she bless my heart when I read it.

"My favorite Bible story is Jesus' birth. My favorite color is pink. My favorite song is 'Amazing Grace'. I'm 8. I have been saved. I pray for you every night. Me and my family are so excited to have you."

Well said, Baby Girl. Well said.

Feel My Muscles!

2011-01-31T22:57:00.001-06:00

I literally hear this every single day. Accompanied by the following 2 photos:

Asking me to feel his muscles here...

...while here he is asking me to feel his brain muscles.

He did it again tonight (which was when said photos were captured).

I still laugh every stinkin time, too!

But tonight, he stopped me dead in my tracks. He made me really ponder on all of the people in my life that are asking me right now to "feel their muscles"...

There's My Baby Girl who is asking me daily to feel her independence muscles.
There's My Man who currently flexing his doing what's best for us muscles.
There's my dog who is currently flexing her lazy muscles.
There's 2 of my best friends currently flexing their growing womb muscles.
There's My Becky who is currently flexing her crazed maniac fan muscles.
There's another friend who is currently flexing her sassy mouth muscles.
There's another friend who is currently flexing her trust muscles.
There's another friend who is currently flexing their fakeness muscles.
There's another friend who is currently flexing their driving me nuts muscles!!

Then there's me. If I'm willing to be honest...What muscles am I flexing right now?

Fear~Fear of what is next for us.
Trust~Trusting what will be next for us.
Understanding~Understanding that not everyone who says they are your friend really is.
Panic~Panic over how dissolve a cancerous relationship with a lady who is taking life from me.
Nostalgia~Nostalgia over what The Lord has brought me thru.
Self~Enough said.
Love~Loving those in my life who are unlovable.
Excitement~Excitement to wake up and start a new morning and what it might bring.
Laughter~Laughter is my default no matter the situation and I love to see others laugh with me.
Confidence~My confidence and self-esteem are always in play.
OCD~Just threw y'all a bone with that one cause I knew you were thinking it!

Well that was fun.

Just a piece of advice, though...don't ask your husband to throw out words to describe you. Some will make you laugh. Some will make you blush. Some will make you plan his future sleeping arrangements!

Just don't anyone laugh if you see me kissing my biceps as I walk by a window. I'm just doing a self check!

StreamOfConsciousness, Take 2

2011-01-31T13:24:00.003-06:00

My Baby was sick. Very sick. My Baby is better. Very much so better! None of the rest of us caught it. I couldn't have asked for better. I really like my nail polish. A lot. I wished every day felt like the weather this past weekend. My flip flops and capris pants would be permanently adhered to my body. Maybe then the pants would stay up! I told My Man it felt like the first 2 days of our last Disney World trip. It's time for another trip to Disney World. Oh, how I have missed that place. Why are people so stinkin' fake? Why can't everyone just love each other enough to be honest with one another? You can only keep your facade up for so long. Facebook comments and blogs and whatever else means that are used don't tell the real story. Lives do. I'm sad that I finally found my missing earring...in the driveway...run over and beat to a pulp. RIP pretty copper earrings. It may be strange, but my brain feels fresh after the following things happen: my house is cleaned (Thursday), my dog is cleaned (Friday), and my car is cleaned inside and out (Saturday). I'm sure I can find something else to make it crazy shortly. Wait, I think it just did. Typical. Sunday we all stayed home to make sure no one was carrying anything else. That made 2 days straight that I didn't do my hair nor did I do my makeup ( I did bathe for those of you wondering). It stayed under a hat both days and I loved it! The poor folks who saw me out places might disagree with that statement. Might wanna check with them. I think I just need an hour...one solid hour to unload. The End.

We Have 67 Years to Work on This

2011-01-24T10:09:00.007-06:00

We have a girl at church who is getting married in a few months. Then...During "Girls Night Out" last weekend, Baby Girl heard us talking to my oldest about planning her wedding. She was also a huge part of Tammy and I planning a wedding back in June.

Fast Forward to Sunday morning.

Baby Girl wakes up, eats breakfast and gets ready for church. Then, she disappears. I find her in her room working in her journal. She won't let me see, but says she will when she needs my help. She then puts it in her zipped up jacket and heads to the car. She works tediously all the way to church and then again on the way to lunch (Mmmm...Due Amiche!) and then headed home. She works on it again to/from evening church. I came home and made everyone some supper and after it was all done I hear her from her bedroom....

"Moooooooommmmmm! Can you come help me?"

I head back that way and pile up in her bed with her. I see her journal hidden under a blanket while she says, "Now listen. I know you are going to think I'm crazy, but I want you to hear me out. And then I will need your help."

This is what she hands me that she has been working on through the day on and off:

Seriously?

First of all, my OCD mind and heart goes just a little pitter patter. I mean, remember this post from the other day? What is this? My offspring that I have birthed from loins has drawn a schematic of the layout of her wedding? I seriously couldn't be prouder. I mean, I'm about to burst at the seams here.

But then I realize...my child has just DRAWN OUT HER WEDDING AT THE AGE OF EIGHT!!!! While most of us at 8 were dreaming up what we wanted, she just put some pen to paper and got to documenting. Notice at the top left...that's a legend. Oh, yes. A legend. In case you can't tell what the flowers or the lady with the veil and train or the sand is. She's eager to make sure we all understand this.

How considerate.

Then, she turns to page #2 and the questions begin.

~What colors do you think I should do? This or that?
~What kind of bridesmaids dresses? Should I just let them pick out what they want?
~Should I wear just a sweatsuit or something and put on my dress at the church?
~Will you and Daddy both be ok walking me down the aisle?

And she proceeded to write it all down. So we don't forget.

I got some take aways from this:

1. I have passed "The Crazy" down to my kids.
2. I still ain't even shamed.
3. Sure hope the groom is good with brown, green and blue.
4. I have to hold onto this for 67 more years because My Man told her she can't put this into effect until she is 75.

Here's to hoping my walker looks good in brown, green or blue.

Reconciling

2011-01-20T19:23:00.003-06:00

Dictionary.com defines reconcile as: to cause to accept or be resigned to something not desired.

There's been all sorts of things I have had to reconcile before. Banking account with the checkbook (all while trying to avoid crying). Relationships. Science to The Bible. Past to the present. Personality to the job. The 15 different faiths my mother made me participate in to THE Faith I have today. My iPhone.

And then there is reconciling the heart to the mind.

This is where I find myself right now. Trying to reconcile, to accept something not desired, my heart to my mind.

You see...My family has been facing a decision for the last 3-4 weeks. It's been in our face day in and day out. We've just been watching and waiting. About a week and a half ago it came full throttle and it was time to make some decisions. I was such an emotional wreck, I had to rely on and trust My Man to make the best decision for our family.

He made it.
We had complete peace.
The Word of God, The Bible, told us we could.

But then,
God spoke.
Gave A WORD.
To My Man.
In no uncertain terms.
Guess what?
I.
Don't.
Like.It!
At all.

If I'm honest with myself, I know it to be true. But dadgumit...I'm throwing a tantrum right now! My flesh is weak and wants to dig my heels in and say no. But it's not what is best for my family, and I know that. But I've done nothing by cry for days.

So here I am.
My head knows the Truth.
My heart it hurting.
I'm trying to reconcile.
My heart to my mind.

A Cowboy Who Loves to Camp and Fish

2011-01-18T14:09:00.002-06:00

When I asked Baby Boy almost a year ago what he wanted his next birthday party to be, he said in a very joyous and loud tone..."CAMPING!" Easy enough. We have done a camping Family Night before and I could just go off of that. As the months went on and I double checked with him, he still stuck with Camping.

But about 3 months ago he decided to throw in that you can't go camping without going fishing.

So, Camp Wanna-Hugga-Lukie was born for his 5th Birthday Party!

Of course when deciding what to wear to his camping/fishing party this was the outfit of choice. I mean...cowboys go camping too, right?

Now...I have to slip in here my absolute favorite parts of the night for his scrapbook. We got there early to work on getting the rest of the food ready for the guests. He was sitting in one of the camping chairs and asks where all his "fwends" are. I said that we were early and they would be here in about and hour. He slaps his wrist a couple of times and emphatically states, "THEY HAVE TO BE HERE ON TIME!" Well...then he goes to take his boots off and I tell him to leave them on because when his friends start showing up he's going to want to run out to meet them. Sure enough...one group had already arrived and one of his buddies had just pulled up in the drive. He comes running in to put his shoes on and I informed him that I told him not to take his boots off. He stops, turns to look at me, shrugs his shoulders and says, "Well...I wasn't listening."

Oh, the foretaste of years to come.

Anyway, we had a great time and I was so glad he had so many friends there to make memories with!

You can't see a couple of them in this picture (including my very own birthday boy), but they were all crammed into this tent (ten of em!).

Here's all of the decorations for the party and the yummy food table. We had charcoal grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, baked beans, cocktail weenies, cheese puffs, lemonade, sodas, and juices. But my favorite part were the ants I had on the picnic table!

After getting our grub on, it was time for the Cabin activities! In Cabin #1, we made trail mix. Cabin #2 we played Gummy Worm Relay. Cabin #3 we had story time in the tent with the lights off. In Cabin #4 we went on a treasure hunt to find our goody backpacks that had our smores kits in it so we could hit up Cabin #5. Cabin #6 we got to pile into the boat and go fishin'! After cupcake time, we headed over to the Cabin Gear Drop-Off to open all of our fun presents!

Thank you all for helping make such great memories for my sweet boy's 5th birthday!

Hi, My Name is Billie and I Ain't Even Shamed

2011-01-14T12:36:00.002-06:00

So, apparently after 14 years of being together, My Man has had some sort of mental disease that must have caused him to think he is married to some normal human being rather than me.

I chalk it up to the testosterone.

You see...tomorrow afternoon is Baby Boy's birthday party. We don't actually purchase our kiddos any gifts for their birthdays. We just give them parties they will remember for the rest of their lives with games and full food and hours of entertainment.

AKA--Parties that cause my checkbook to writhe and cry in pain.

But 12 parties down so far have proven to me why this is the best choice for us. They both (as well as their little friends) love to talk about their parties all the time.

So with this being our 13th party, let's review, shall we?

Baby Girl:
1st--Come See How I've Grown
2nd--JoJo's Circus
3rd--Knights & Princesses Ball
4th--Luau
5th--Gymnastics
6th--Fashionista
7th--PJ Party
8th--Travel Around the World

Baby Boy:
1st--come See How I've Grown
2nd--Baseball
3rd--Safari Hunt
4th--Wild Wild West
5th--Coming Soon!

Well, anyone who knows me knows that every single one of these parties has come with it's very own Excel file. Within said Excel files are things like, invitees with the total count, decoration ideas, food preparation, lists of what to bring from the house, shopping lists, games/activities and accompanying information for such, assignments that have been given to other people who have volunteered to do/bring something, etc. And I can safely say I have never had an uh-oh moment with my trusty Excel sheets at my side.

Now, when I am working up these parties in my head, I have a snapshot in said head of how I plan to set everything up in the room we are using. Some things may get changed around, but for the most part it is already all worked out. So the last thing within most of my Excel sheets is something akin to a map. A layout of the room and drawings of where everything goes and what goes there. YES it feeds my OCD, but it also helps because I usually have people around who want to help set up and it just makes it easier.

(Those of you who helped me move...do y'all remember the room schematics hanging on the walls to help you know where to walk in and put all the furniture? Huh? Huh? Made life easier didn't it? Huh? Huh? Thankyouverymuch!)

But here's the thing...last night I have my OCD sheets in hand and am gathering everything for the party that I can. I'm flipping thru them and land on said schematic. My Man BUSTS UP LAUGHING at me. I said, "What?" He said, "You have a map...a drawing of how everything is to be set up?" I didn't flinch and very confidently said, "Yes. Do you have a problem with this?"

His response? He touches my paper and says, "This honey...is sick."

Excuse me? 14 years of your life has been run by Excel files and Visio drawings and I have never heard you complain! Family trips with zero frustration, budgets and bills set on projected schedules, the afore mentioned flawless house move, just to name a few.

It made me think of this clip from a talk show that when I sent it to him, he changed my name to Leah. I just shook my head at him and said, "She is now my hero."

(Note: They really are best friends.)

I should confess...I did similar (the planning part) the 2 times we've taken the kids to Disney. And I ain't even shamed. Our trip was flawless! The first time we did all 3 parks in 1 day and Baby Girl saw everything she wanted to (she was 3 and Baby Boy was 3 weeks). The 2nd time was 4 full days and it was magical!

I am for hire.

Footnote: In case you are wondering, My Man IS still alive, but He's still under the grace period at this point so anything could still happen.

I'll Check for Frostbite Later

2011-01-10T15:58:00.003-06:00

Cumulative so far...1.5 hours in the freezing cold! And they are planning for more when My Man gets home!

I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing the squeals and screams and watching the snowball fights and real throw down fights as I would come and go taking pictures. (Yes, now that they can safely play outside within their boundaries, I don't have to stay out there and freeze 100% of the time myself!)

The first thing I noticed was how much more majestic the blanket of snow looks in the country than it does in the city. Absolutely breathtaking! AND, now that we have more land that equals more fresh snow and that equals way more playing time.

Mmmmm...WHITE snow!

Snowball fights. My Favorite!

We never really had need for a sled before, but at this house, we do! But we made do with a flattened cardboard box.

They had a blast every time they would try to get on it and it would take off knocking their feet out from under them.

We have greatly enjoyed our snow day even though Daddy couldn't stay and play with us. However, he just got home and I hear that Deborah Grace and Marvin are on their way over here with a snow tube. Gotta get that camera warmed up again.

And my long johns out of the dryer.