Happy Memorial Day

I don't want our kids to think that this is just one other day off from school.  I want them to know the meaning of this day and why we take time off to honor those who fought for our freedom.  I want them to be able to look back and remember, years from now, that day they spent with Pappaw.  And what war he fought in.  And what branch of the military.  And exactly what he did.

Because my blood runs not just red...but red, white and blue.

So this is where we spent our morning.

My dad asked us to go with him to this Memorial day service.  So I accepted.  Because I want my kids to remember those who have lost their lives for us.  For our freedom.

As Trish and my dad were walking along a row in the cemetery, they came across a tombstone of someone that we once knew.  My pastor when I was a young girl.  A husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle, a friend.  A veteran.  Of World War II.

The man I wanted to marry Todd and me.  The same one who said no that he wouldn't...because age was kicking in, and he didn't quite trust himself anymore.  And then died a couple years later.

A man who was a good friend to my dad.  Someone my dad looked up to.  Someone he got choked up over today, stumbling upon his grave.

It was a good day.  Tears.  Laughter.  Moments of silence and prayer for those who have lost loved ones.  Moments of gratitude from this mom of 4 boys.  Because of those here, in this cemetery, my boys have freedom.  Of speech.  Of religion.

I'm thankful that they care about who these graves belong to.  I love that sweet Noah, bent over in this picture,  is intently studying the words on this grave that brought my sister and I to tears.

I love that these 2 men who mean the most to me in the world, share my thoughts on patriotism.  And what it means to be free.  And what it means to take time out of a perfect day, to stop and pay our respect to those who are no longer living.

It brings tears to my eyes.

I hope to continue this tradition for many years to come.  Years later when these boys are much older, and this day was a fond one for them to look back on.

Happy Memorial day. 

One Proud Mama

Watch this to see how Graham made me proud today.




Yup.  What he said.  God bless America!

#644

Yup.  Post number 644.  Yowza.  I've been neglecting my good friend, Blog, for a while.  I feel like that it's all about to change, though.  Now that I have...ya know.  Time. 

It's been a fabulous weekend.  Lots of fun and sun and water.  Lots of family.  Lots of Jesus this morning, and hearing why He wants us to be joyful.  Lots of good, yummy food.  Lots of friend time-well, at church, anyway. 

I learned that one of my very best friends is getting hitched.  :)  Her Christmas Miracle Man (a long story and one I'm not sure I'll ever tell on here) popped the big question Saturday night, and trying to keep that a secret since last Tuesday was close to being impossible.  I am so excited for her-we've been praying for this for a long time and I am overwhelmed by God's goodness in the whole situation.  I love this girl dearly and am excited about standing with her as one of her bridesmaids. 

*Big happy sigh here.*

My boys keep on begging me to ask her if they can be her ring burier.  And yes, I know that's not the proper name, but that's what they're calling it.  Well, did I say all of them asked her that?  Just 3.  The other 1 asked if he could be her flower girl.  Any guesses to which one that was?

His name starts with D and ends with REW. 

Are you really surprised? 

I had to tell them that while I was in the wedding, that decision was up to their auntie.  Which is what they've taken to calling her.  The bad news in this?  We'll miss her desperately when she moves to Springfield after they're married. 

Lucky for me the future hubs invited me to stay with them when I visit.  And promised to bring her home often. 

It's been a great weekend.  I'm glad it's not over.  We have one more day to enjoy with each other, and I plan on doing just that. 

And then...

I must start packing and getting ready for Iceland!  It's hard to believe we're leaving in 8 days.  I know it'll be here before we know it, and I'm starting to feel a little...apprehensive.  Have I ever told you I detest airplanes?  Taking off?  Flying?  Landing?

Well.  I do.  God's gonna have to show up in a huge way to get me through that flight!!!  I don't even want to know how long the flight is...I prefer to just not know.  We're flying into Boston and then from there to Iceland.  Yikes.  I'm a little...curious, for the loss of a better word...about the volcano and what it will be doing while we're there.  Since we're only going to be 5 miles away from it. 

And I'm curious as to what all we'll be doing.  I know we're cleaning up from all the volcanic ash-dust, but whatever else we're doing will be a complete surprise. 

Have I mentioned that I hate surprises???  Despise them.  So, maybe God's trying to show me something in all this? 

Like to trust Him?  And depend on Him?  And to have complete faith in Him?

I am very excited, please don't get me wrong.  I would just appreciate your prayers.  God has completely opened this door for us to be able to go on this trip.  He's provided the finances and He has confirmed it many times over that this is what we are supposed to do.  So I know He has something big planned, and I can't wait to find out what it is. 

And yes, I plan on taking a few hundred pictures. 

I take a hundred pictures when we go to the zoo, can you even imagine how many I'm going to take in Iceland???? 

I plan on journaling while we're there so I can share it with all you bloggy peeps when we get home.  We're not sure if we're taking this laptop yet.  We're thinking about it.  I don't know if our campground will have wi-fi, so we'll have to find out. 

The boys are excited about Aunt Trish coming to stay with them while we're gone.  We finally have most of the details worked out.  She's coming over one night this week to go over last minute stuff. 

Because we only have 8 days.  Then we're leaving. 

Excited, a little nervous, a lot of curious, a lot of anticipation...

Lots and lots of things going through my head right now.  It's no wonder why I was up until 2:30 this morning reading my book.  My brain won't stop going.  And there's lots going on.  Plus the book was amazing and I couldn't put it down. 

And speaking of books...I need to get some more to take with me!  For the who-knows-how-many hours we're going to be spending on planes and in airports.  Any suggestions? 

Okay.  Well.  I'm going to try and convince the hubs to go to bed.  He's passed out on the couch right now with Drew. 

Love to all. 

And happy Memorial day...don't forget to take some time to thank God for those who have served and fought and lost their lives so you and I could have freedom.  If you know a vet...thank one.  And if not...say a prayer for one. 

Whatever happened...

to Saturday morning cartoons?  They are nothing like they were when I was young!  Now they have Saved By The Bell (I cannot believe they are STILL airing that show!), That's So Raven, and all the other not-so-new ones that they show on the Disney channel. 

I was the first one up in the house.  I did get to watch a few minutes of TLC's The Little Couple, but then Drew came downstairs.  And you want to know what we're watching?

E.T. 

I didn't even know my kids knew what this movie was!  Yet somehow Graham and Drew did.  And they're all sitting here in the family room glued to the television as this movie ends. 

Even Jonah.  I kid you not.  Will wonders never cease?

We had a great day yesterday.  Everyday that you start off with a visit to the chiropractor and message table is a great day.  My kids love those tables, and even though they always say they don't want to lay still for 10 minutes, they love every single second.  We swam with my friend that I talked about on here the other day, then came home and had chocolate chip pancakes for dinner. 

I know, it's weird, but we were all craving them.  What can I say? 

The boys wanted to swim again after dinner, so we went to the neighbor's and they swam until 8:00.  Which they thought was really cool.  Today we're probably doing more of the same, then we'll go eat with Nana and Big Daddy!  Woohoo!  I love when we have dinner at their house.  Bill always fixes something really yummy. 

I love home cooking.  Especially when I don't cook it.  :)

Not that I mind cooking, but it's so nice to have someone else worry about dinner! 

I love that we get to enjoy being together all weekend...I love 3 day weekends!  It's nice to not HAVE to do anything.  And I love our time together. 

Well, that's all I've got for now.  Enjoy the time you get to spend with your families this weekend!  Love to all.

aaaaaahhhhhhhhh

My man is home.  I can finally (maybe?) sleep all night once again.

No more waking up one of the boys to have one come and be a warm body in my bed.

No more snuggling with them.

Or listening to them groan and make cute little noises in their sleep.

Drew slept with me the first night.  Jonah did the next.  And Graham and Noah said they wanted to stay in the playroom.  So Drew got to sleep in my bed one more night.

He's my best sleep buddy.  He stays in his spot, except maybe to inch his way a little closer to me.

I can stop jumping at all the little noises that happen in here at night.  I can go to bed at a reasonably early (okay, nevermind about that since I'm reading a great book) hour and enjoy warming my cold feet on my hubby's warm legs.  He loves it when I do that.

I am so happy he's home.  We really missed him.  I missed talking to someone late at night.  And goofing off with someone over the age of immature boyishness.  And last night, do you know what I did?  Prepare yourself, peeps, this is a big one.

Are you ready?

I watched shows on TLC about prison.  GASP. Just like we would do if he'd been here in the flesh.  Which he wasn't. 

The last one was called Cellblock 6: Women's Lockdown.

Has the world gone completely mad?

Usually I would have it on HGTV, or the family channel, or even Food Network.

But prison shows?

Including one that was called Pregnant and Behind Bars?

Shut your mouth.

I must be completely losing it.  COMPLETELY.

So here I sit, typing out this blog post, and there Todd sits watching...

Duhn duhn duhn...

Police Women of Memphis.

I know.

Don't you wish you were me?

I tolerate it.  And now you see why I read so much.

And about that, in case you're interested, the wonderful book I'm reading is The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks.  I refuse to watch the movie until I'm done with the book.  And I like the book.  The movie?  Well, I've heard that's not so great.

Hey.  They can't make 2 Nicholas Sparks books into movies and expect them to both be great.  Like Dear John.

Insert happy sigh HERE. 

Okay.  Well, I've made myself want to go read now.  So I'm gonna go do that.  I'll probably write again tomorrow.  After I've soaked in the sun for the second day in a row.

Ahhhhh.  Bliss.  Sheer and utter bliss.

And with a new friend, too.  Well.  Not a "new" one, but with a precious lady I've come to know and love in the past couple years.  Her name is Carol and her grandkids are my kids' age.  So we are going to hang out together in the pool at her house tomorrow.

Okay.  That's all.  G'night.

Making The Time

*This was written several weeks (months?) ago, and I never published it.*

Often, I sit and wonder this: Am I making enough time for the things that really matter in life?

Bible study?

Worship?

Reading God's word?

Praying?

Doing the things in life that my boys will always remember?

I was talking to a sweet friend at church last night.  She's an older lady who has raised kids, and is now helping raise her grandchildren.  Recently, she fell and broke her ankle {possibly her foot, I'm not completely sure}.  Yesterday was her first day out of the wheel chair that was confined to in 7 weeks.  Seven weeks.  Can you even imagine that?  I can't.

She is an active lady~she heads up our senior citizen ministry at church, she exercises regularly, gets on the floor with those grandchildren I mentioned, attends church every time the doors are open...you get the drift.

She told me last night as she walked along beside me, albeit slowly, that this has been an eye opening experience for her.  She's one who runs circles around everyone she knows, and she is one who NEVER sits idle. 

This injury has caused her to slow down.  It's forced her to just stop everything.  She told me that she felt like God was tapping her on her head saying, "Didn't I tell you to REST in Me?  Didn't I tell you to be still?  And know I am who I am?"

Not that He made this happen, but it's caused her to do some serious thinking.  And that got me to thinking.

What do I make time for that I shouldn't?

The computer?  My newest favorite reality tv show?  Facebook?  This blog?

I had to stop and just let that settle for a while.  I came to the conclusion that we should enjoy life...after all, Jesus Himself came to give us LIFE and give us a rich and satisfying life, at that.  {John 10:10  "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.  My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life."}

As much as we should enjoy this life that God has so richly blessed us with, we should spend our time doing things that focus on our eternity.

I want my kids to know life and to love it, but I want them to know that life on this earth is only temporary.  However great and amazing our best day ever is, Heaven will be one MILLION times better than even that.  I want us to spend time together as a family trying to win people for God's kingdom.

What am I making number one in my life?

What are you?

I love in the book of Daniel, the picture of him that we get.  He is in love with his Lord, he is young, healthy, full of life, and he is sure of who he is.  Not physically, but he is confident in where his hope comes from.  Who his hope comes from, I should say.

I love how in chapter 6, we learn of how he goes to his knees and prays 3 times a day, everyday.  I get the feeling this time is not just a "God is great, God is good..." kind of prayer, too.  I love that tenacity we see displayed in Daniel.

And that makes me wonder...do I have that same tenacity?  That same goal?  That same drive? 

Just wondering.

And praying that I do-when it really counts, too, not just for when people are around to witness it.

the day i've looked forward to and dreaded, all at the same time

The last day of school.  It's finally upon us.  I go into it with mixed emotions.  I'm happy because...duh, it's summer now.  Sad because I get attached to the kids that aren't coming back.  I just pray I can get through the day without tears.  Even if I'm crying on my way out...that's fine.  I just hate crying in front of people. 

Graham is so excited that this will be his last day of elementary school.  It's the end of an era, the start of something totally new.  I'm happy for him.  And sad for me.  Because I will miss seeing his smiling face everyday at school.  Happy that he has lots of opportunities waiting on him. 

Can I add disbelief?  That I'm old enough to have a son this age?  Going into this grade?  Yup.  That's me.

Do you see why I've consoled myself for the last hour looking at OPI colors??? 

And no, I'm not joking.  I really was doing that.  I was on OPI.com, if you're interested. 

I found lots that I wanted.  And I do believe that yes, I do have issues.  It's my one vice to being girly.  Because the boy-er my boys get, the girlier I get. 

And I don't even know if those words are words.  According to my spell check, they are not.  Words, I mean.

So.  I'm going to stop typing now.  Pray I don't blubber like an idiot tomorrow at school. 

Love to all.

Look what I found!

I'm just sayin'.  That's all.

Blog Worthy

Our Last Weekend Before Summer

It is a gorgeous weekend.  It was supposed to rain last night (didn't rain a drop...well, maybe 3 drops) and today (still not raining, but maybe it's going to be later?).  And it is warm and sunny!  Hello, sunshine! 

We're spending part of our day at the baseball fields.  All of them have games today, and what a perfect day for it.  The only thing that is NOT perfect is that Todd won't be there.  :(  He's working the BBQ fest all day.  So it's just me and the boys.  After the game we'll come back home for a little bit, maybe I'll let them play in the water, then we're going to Nana's and Big Daddy's for dinner.  And I hope he fixes something yummy.  Since I haven't cooked a great meal all week. 

I am already excited at how fast this next week is going to go-the kids have field day on Wednesday, and they have activities every day.  I think they've titled this week "Student Appreciation Week". 

Fun times.  I'll try to compose myself on Friday as I say goodbye to all the 5th graders.  It's always very emotional.  I had some who cried last year.  And you know that nobody cries alone in my presence. 

Dang it.  I wear my heart right there on my sleeve. 

I already can't wait for our first day of summer-Noah keeps asking when we get to start swimming.  And believe me, I cannot wait either!  I'm ready for all those lazy days!

Our trip is coming up (23 days, to be exact) and will be here before we know it.  I still kind of feel like it's not really happening.  Like it hasn't hit me yet, I guess.  We haven't heard a lot about what we're going to be doing, so you know that's killing me.  I like to know what is happening and when it's all going to happen.  I'm just sitting back and trusting that it will all just fall into place.  There are still some things I need to get for the trip, but I'm waiting for some reason.  Don't know why.  Maybe because of reason above?  Hmmmm.  Who knows. 

Well.  I must go and get dressed.  And the boys dressed.  And started with this lovely day.  I hope yours is great.

still on countdown and a sick boy

My sweet Noah doesn't feel good.  I walked into work yesterday, the ladies in the teacher's lounge told me that he had gone to the office about an earache, and I decided to check him out.  All in about 5 minutes time.  Noah is my child who never complains about a sickness, so I knew when he was almost in tears over his ear that he really felt bad. 

When we got there, we realized it had been 2 years since he'd been seen by our doctor over an illness.  Seriously. 

Turns out he did have an ear infection...only the ear that hurt wasn't the infected one.  Weird, but that just happens.  The poor child is miserable because of his cough and his nose-he's having to blow it every few minutes and it hurts.  So much so that I went and bought him his very own boxes Puffs with lotion when I got his prescription filled at Target. 

And he bought himself a new toy and travel pillow with some birthday money.  And me a diet coke.  I'm just sayin'. 

I'm staying home with him again today.  There's not much going on at school these last few days (6), and since he is miserable-well, you know.  I'm just letting him stay home.  He's never missed a day of school for being sick.  He's missed school-but not for being sick.  So this day won't hurt him in the least. 

So I might clean some since we're going to be here.  Since I seem to not do that anymore.  My house desperately needs some loving attention from me.  And some laundry needs to be put away.  And some more needs to be folded.  And the dust needs to be gotten off all the surfaces.  And the floor needs to be vacuumed upstairs.  And, and, and......

My dad will come over later.  I won't have too long to do all this, but hopefully I'll make a good dent. 

I'm so excited that next week is our last week of school.  I cannot wait to have nothing to do all day.  I hope I don't cry on the last day of school, but I probably will.  I did last year when all the 5th graders were on their way out, and since Graham is one of those this year...well, you get my drift.  I will probably be fighting tears all day.  :( 

Well.  I need to run.  Boys need to get dressed and I need to get started on my day.  Hope all of you have a great one.  Love to all. 

What's Been Going On In My World

I was going to put a new picture of the boys up by the title...but then realized I don't have one with their new haircuts.  Three out of the four got buzzes this weekend.  On the backporch.  By the hubby.  And yes, I might be nuts, but it was all my idea. 

Hey, it saved us $40 so who can complain???  Plus, they've all been begging for a buzz for weeks now.  It's all the rage at school.  HA.  If you know me, you so should know that first, I don't care if it's the rage or not.  And two...what they want (as far as something like haircuts), they get.  They're all old enough to tell me how they want it nowadays, plus, it's THEIR hair.  Not mine. 

So.  That was Saturday.  After that, we spent the rest of the afternoon at baseball games.  And I got a sunburn.  :(  I know, I know.  I am old enough to know better.  I'm not the only one, though...I'm just sayin'. 

Yesterday was a glorious Mother's day.  I cried most of the morning.  First over my cards, and the overwhelming feelings of feeling so loved and cherished.  Seriously,  I could not turn the water works off.  Graham looked at me at one point like I was losing it, and I had to promise they were happy tears.  We had a great church service, then we had lunch at my sister Lisa's house. 

While we stayed home and caught up, all the other people (big people and little people) went to the park to play baseball. 

Fun times. 

We ended the day at home, relaxing with the fam.  And I'm thrilled that we're doing just that again tonight.  It's been rainy here all day, and before Jonah even got out of the car this morning he wanted to know if we could get in our jammies after school and watch movies.  A boy after my own heart.  :)

That's about it--I know it's not very exciting, but this is my life.  I love it and am very thankful for the many ways God has blessed me.  Yesterday was just one example of how deep His love for me is.  I praise Him for each and every moment I get to treasure with my family.  I am so thankful. 

I hope you all have a wonderful, relaxing evening at home with your families...and if you still can, hold your kiddos tonight.  I just realized I can no longer hold two out of my four.  :(  How time flies. 

Cherish the moments.  Love to all.

Mother's Day

church
hugs
homemade items (which are THE BEST)
kisses
thank-you's
smiles
manners
flowers hand-picked from the grass
feelings of gratefulness that there is family to celebrate with
time with the Mom and the Sisters--well, two of them, anyway
good food
better company
laughter
jokes
chit chat after lunch
maybe a prank or two
laughing till we cry
maybe a movie
snackin' for dinner
last episode of this season's Amazing Race
home early
kids to bed early
relaxin' with the hubby
ahhhhhhh--the perfect mother's day

Happenings At Our House

 Baseball.  Lots and lots and lots of baseball.

Tornado sirens, texts from a very concerned friend, and phone calls from family members that scare the daylights out of me.

Sleepovers in my room while the Daddy is out helping people.

An awesome friend here to keep me company through the storms!!!  Not just an awesome friend...my best friend ever from my teenage years.  And her sweet kids.  :)

Election day stuff.  Lots and lots and lots of election day stuff.

Cereal for dinner.  And sandwiches.  And McDonald's last night...thank you, Nanny!!

Middle school information...meetings, paperwork, second guessing...ya know. 

Movies.  I love movies.  When they work.  From Netflix, I mean.

When the movie didn't work, Todd and I sat and listened to Alan Jackson sing hymns. 

Church.  Praise and worship.  Good stuff.

Devotions with the kids--and searching for a new yearly one, since we just finished the one Pappaw and Grandma Sandy gave us. 

Moments of extreme thankfulness.

Moments of intense prayer.

Moments of grateful praise. 

Digging through the OPI addiction box, as I've now titled it, searching for the perfect color for a friend--and then her leaving it here.  :(

Soccer at the kids' school at night. 

Laughter over sillyness and clumsiness.

Watching in wonder, as Jonah beats all his brothers at soccer.

Watching them all race to see who's fastest.  And discovering that it's Noah who's the fastest, then Jonah.  And not knowing between Graham and Drew because they were too tired to run anymore.

Then laughing because Daddy is THE FASTEST EVER.

(((He's my hero.)))

Having fun with my Mom when she came over to keep me company yesterday afternoon.  Thankful for having her in my life. 

Enjoying the surprise of a really sweet class bringing me flowers at school yesterday.  :)  From the class of a really sweet friend.

Moments of peacefulness at home--enjoying my quiet time and thankful for it! 

Gladness--at my life and where we are at this moment in time.  Proud of my husband and his work ethic, and proud of my kids for doing so well in everything.  All A's and B's in school, all year, every year since kindergarten.  Proud of how good Jonah and Noah are reading.  Proud of Drew for going outside of his comfort zone and sitting beside a boy at school who doesn't have friends---then watching him make that his new, daily habit.  Proud of Graham for his display of his faith at school. 

Proud of my sweet Noah, who's amazing teacher awarded him the Citizenship Award.  :) 

God has richly blessed me.  Not in the monetary way, but in the blessings way.  We have a Savior who does just that...saves us from this world and ourselves...and He loves us.  We have our health.  We have a roof over our head, cars in our driveway, food in the refrigerator.  We are blessed.  We have His love in our hearts, and I pray we never take one day for granted. 


My cup overflows with blessings.  Psalm 23:5