Our Kindergarten Crusader

C's Kindergarten class has been studying America - the flag, the pledge, and about lots of famous American people. On Friday, the children had to go to school dressed as a famous American and tell his or her class about the person they chose. Well, we had much debate and much internet surfing in helping our kindergartner decide his person. We didn't have the right helmet for Neil Armstrong. We didn't like the idea of drawing Orville Wright's mustache on his face. He did not want to be Paul Revere or Daniel Boone. So, my son chose Billy Graham. He listened to all I could read to him about the man. On the way to school, he wanted me to tell him all I knew again. From the reports I heard about his presentation, he got on stage and said "I am Billy Graham and I have taught millions, and millions, and millions, and millions of people.....(as he was leaving the stage - what did you teach about, Billy?)...."I don't know".....(sure you do)..."JESUS!!!!!" So, our little Billy Graham made it through his first school presentation...his own personal crusade (to get off the stage as quickly as possible).

cookies, lobster, and a horned melon

My children really like the grocery store...especially our new Publix. We have a few activities that mark each trip - they always ride the "rocket" carts, they ask for a free cookie to enjoy, we check out the lobster tank and count how many/which one is bigger/etc., we pick things out to weigh and guess which will weigh more, and we always have to pick up the horned melons. They are strange little pieces of fruit. I actually had never seen one before this store opened. C and S ask to hold one every visit to the store. We talk about what it feels like. We talk about what it would taste like. Finally, yesterday, we asked the produce man about the horned melons. We learned that they have a thick membrane. To eat it, you have to slice it like a cucumber and peel it...it even has edible seeds like a cucumber. We still didn't buy this tropical little fruit...the mystery of it is still too fun. But, oneday, we might just buy one to eat at home. Until then, we are going to keep weighing our bananas and tomatoes and feeling the spikes of the lovely, horned melon....

Our Valentine's Vacation

My sweet husband and I took a little getaway weekend this past weekend, and it was wonderful. I love my children. I really like Birmingham and am blessed to have a home to come home to here. But, three days away with my honey was just what this lady needed. He needed to visit a client and property in New Orleans...so off we went. Now, New Orleans is not my favorite vacation destination. But, a trip is a trip....let's be honest. Of course, the fact that it was Valentine's weekend and Mardi Gras in New Orleans did make things a little more crowded and a lot more crazy. Every time we headed out to dinner, we had a parade marching down a street in front of us. Every time we went window shopping, we had to step over the beads on the ground. But, all in all, it was a terrific getaway of sleeping in, watching movies, walking around the city, and eating/eating/eating. The kiddos stayed with my parents...so no worrying about them...they had a blast playing with their cousins. Down by the river - about to watch a street show with some break dancers...pretty amusing....And, a trip to New Orleans is never complete without a plate of beignets and a cafe au lait from Cafe de Monde...hmmm...only a crumb left...

I'm off to wash dishes and put away the groceries...ahh, reality is so very harsh...hee hee....Happy Valentine's Day...a few days late.....

a week in review

Last weekend, our church held a women's getaway...it was amazing! There were eight of us from my Sunday school class that went together. We had a great time getting to know each other better while listening, worshiping, and resting. We were only gone about 24 hours... but, when we returned, I felt like a new woman. The theme of the event was "My Story - God's Grace"...how all of us have stories that are ever evolving as God works in our lives. With each testimony that was given, God touched my heart...what a wonderful weekend!!!On Friday, C's kindergarten class had a Valentine's Tea for the moms. It was precious! Each child greeted his/her mom at the door with a rose, he served my plate and drink, he had written a story about me that he read to me, he had made me a card and pretty little box that he had filled with candy, the group sang songs to us, and each child danced with his/her mommy. This mom teared up on more than one occasion...my little boy was so sweet and so big. And today, S had a princess birthday party to attend...she dressed up like Aurora and had a ball with all the other little princesses. Her favorite thing was decorating the fairy wings she was given..so fun! There was even a visit from Cinderella and the real Aurora...the little girls were quite mesmerized. Then, this afternoon, we enjoyed a beautiful Spring-like day. Wasn't the weather gorgeous? The kids were filthy and exhausted! As Eric and I cleaned out the basement, they grabbed every box we threw out. They built all sorts of contraptions...train, rocket, fort...this picture is their racecar. As I took this picture, they were chanting "we're in the lead"....priceless moments with my children becoming each other's favorite playmate, best friends...precious times when an afternoon stands still listening to their laughter and their discussions on where a shoe box would fit best...

fruit chews and goldfish

Some days...you just have to have a snack break with a two year old to put things into perspective...after a few fruit chews and some goldfish....the day just doesn't seem as cold, the floor doesn't seem as dirty, the laundry pile even seems a little smaller...

Time with my sweet girl is such good medicine for my "woe as me" attitude...her giggle is infectious... I am so very thankful for the joy she shared over our mid-morning snack....I pray God sends someone into your life today to share a moment with you that will remind you of all your blessings...

a time to stand

I am having an issue with our new President. I respect the office he holds. I think he could do amazing things for our country. But, I am scared of his beliefs, to put it nicely. I have been praying for him. I pray that he is surrounded by wise council that will seek our Lord's face...I pray his family is safe and that they look to God for wisdom and refuge...but, mostly I pray that God changes his heart. I pray God uses him...the talents and charisma that He gifted this man with...what a power he has over this country - not only in law making and money spending - but in heart shaping, life leading changes...He could be used in a mighty way in the country....for the good or the bad. The issue heaviest on my heart is not the 9/11 trials being halted...although that is hard to hear. The most crucial on my heart right now is the fact that he is such an advocate for abortion. He has already decided to send our taxpayer money overseas for medical help for women in poor countries...mainly to cover abortions. The next thing for him to do is the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) that would, if signed by Obama, would nullify all that is protecting unborn babies from abortion in our country. I am convicted to take a stand for this cause....those unborn babies have no voice....we are called to be the voice that cries out for them. I ask that you take a minute to visit http://www.lifeissues.org/FOCA/petition.html and sign a petition there to halt this bill from being signed. thanks...