Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! I pray your holiday is filled with laughter and sweet memories....with precious time with your family and friends...with time to rest...with warmth and yummy food to enjoy...with thankfulness for a Savior who was born to die for each of us....with love and joy and peace. Have a blessed Christmas season!!!

trouble but cute!!

I have a child in my house that is now 13 months old....and TROUBLE! But, he is pretty cute, if I do say so myself. This child of mine is the most loving, affectionate baby. But, he also can destroy a room in 10 minutes. He never sits still. He is in every cabinet dragging its contents into the middle of the room while leaving his toys strawn across the floor, unplayed with...just in disarray. His kisses for his mommy are limitless, he adores his daddy and yells for him constantly looking toward either our bedroom or the back door, he giggles at C and S, he is so fun! But, guys....this kid is wearing his mommy out!! I am exhausted by the time he goes to bed. He moves ninety miles an hour. He is into EVERYTHING!! His new skill is to throw the most perfect temper tantrum. He scrunches his nose, whines loudly, falls to his bottom, then lies down on his back to kick his legs. Seriously, he has perfected this little "fit". Then, the phone rings and he says, "heydo"....too cute. He sings and dances. He blows kisses to anyone he thinks is leaving. I have a lot of praying over and work to do with this child of mine. God has crafted him into a spitfire....I have the awesome responsibility to point that passion in the right direction. Awwww....look at that face...the face of an angel baby...
....it is a good thing you can't see the tornado he just made in the other room....hee hee hee....now, that is the look of mischief I have come to know!!

a wild weekend full of blessings

I had an amazing weekend last weekend! My sweet mother-in-law took me to the Deeper Still conference. She and I also went with two of my dearest friends. The four of us had a GREAT time with each other listening and sharing. I had heard Beth Moore before. But, I had never heard Kay Arthur or Priscilla Shirer. I knew Beth Moore could preach the Word, explaining the scriptures with her gift of humor and storytelling added in. I so enjoy her insight. God has gifted that woman with an amazing ability to shine light where the Spirit can penetrate...perfectly touching a woman's heart, meeting her where she is. Kay Arthur was unbelievable! I had heard mixed reviews on her style. I am sure it was the grit of her 77 year old heart telling the truth, boldly. She went through the entire book of Matthew - the entire book - in two hours. I was rivoted. She was so confidant in her Lord's ability to move and in His Word. She was inspiring! Then, there was Priscilla Shirer - wow! The Lord really used her to speak to this mama's heart. Her words echoed in my ears and now have fallen on my heart to move me to a better place. Over the weekend, I was challenged and blessed - a great combination for a weekend meeting with God. The Lord definitely pricked my heart on some things to pray over, to change, to give to Him. He also blessed me....drawing me near Him for encouragement and rest.

Thanks, Mimi! I so, so, so enjoyed our time together with our Creator! You are an answer to so many prayers in my life! My sweet friends...God has truly blessed me with these two - no pretense, just honest,kind, giving. They were not originally going with Mimi and I....funny how God orchestrated their getting their tickets so uniquely. I love to see His plan come together.
Then, on Sunday, our weekend continued with even more blessing. Our church's Christmas program was Sunday afternoon and evening. It was C's first year to be in the churchwide program. Let's just say it was a wild day! But, we can also attest to hearing a beautiful program full of God's love, the story of Jesus' birth. Here is C singing "Noel" and "Shine on Us" (a song from our wedding)...red sweater, first row....there were over 100 1st thru 5th graders...they sounded great! We, of course, had to grab a quick shot in front of the church's massive tree...turned out pretty good for an impromtu "stand here and smile" moment!

so many moments, so little time....

Last night, I downloaded pictures off both cameras. I am behind. So, beware....major blog updating/catching up going on today. So, here we go...

Veteran's Day was relaxing....sleep in, pjs until lunch, and a trip to the lake to feed the ducks and have a picnic/walk. I had the chance to photograph a very handsome 7 year old.
I thought this scene was a perfect Veteran's Day photo....with the flag in the center of the lake, kind of neat.
Miss S had her Thanksgiving program at school...I am sure thankful for this little pilgrim girl. We also had a great Thanksiving with family in Mississippi. My mom has been wanting a picture of her grandkids in their Mississippi State wear....she got it! And, a little photo shoot with the little man...he is a ham!!

simple enthusiasm

My girl just told her one year old brother (while clapping her hands excitedly), "Chaaaaleeee, you are just going to love it when you are old enough to chew gum! It is sooo much fun!!" Then, she turned to me and said, "Mom, you know, I really like chewing gum because my mouth smells bad and it makes me smell better. Good, huh!"

I love how enthused she gets over the simple pleasures of life...and I like that she wants to smell good too....

our TN mission trip

My husband, my oldest, and I headed to Tennessee for a Sunday School class mission trip a few weeks ago. Our class (around 50 people in all - counting all the kiddos) put on a fall festival for a church plant with the hopes to spread the word about the new church, encourage the members, and support the staff. We had a great time and pulled off a lovely event! God gave us a beautiful day and good attitudes all around. I was so proud of this child of mine...he worked so hard all day setting up games for all the children. And, he played hard too with the multitude of children with our group. Overall, we had a really great weekend with some really neat people doing some really cool things serving a really awesome God!

more from our Fall

The Fall is a busy time of year. I guess you knew that already. Birthday parties, fall festivals, Halloween, school parties, football games....they can make a calendar page look pretty colorful with all the be here's and be there's. They can also make a mommy's camera card pretty full. This post is this mommy's attempt to assist with that little issue. So, here goes....an onslaught of catching up....some memories I have etched into my memory with my Nikon....moments I want to keep in my heart and my scrapbook....

My daughter enjoyed her friend's princess party. She is always up for a little dress up! My sweet hubby did an outstanding job carving our pumpkin with our oldest two at a fun Halloween party. They were hilarious - C loved the slimy innards between his fingers while S snarled her nose and "ooo, yuk'd" a few hundred times. The Coach and his favorite player enjoyed a great season of flag football - undefeated - Yay, Lions!
My baby boy was a precious dalmation puppy for Halloween. I took him to our annual Sweets for Seniors at a local nursing home and he was all about the candy gathering, singing songs, blowing kisses, shaking hands, getting hugged, taking pictures that was involved. My sweet little buddy.... And, the official Halloween pictures....we had the Gastons over for dinner and trick or treating and had SO much fun! The kiddos were wired with all the sugar intake and excitement!
Superman and Alice and our little Dalmation wish you a beautiful Fall!!

germs and manners

Well, my sweet four year old little girl told her older brother the other night (out of the blue - as we were driving down the road) that the next time he burped, he needed to do it into his elbow to catch the germs. Of course, her all-knowing older brother rebuked her by telling her that one was to only do this when one sneezed or coughed. The little girl I call my own again reinforced her previous statement over...."it is just what you have to do, Cade, next time you burp." Back and forth, they went. Finally, they asked for my opinion on this very crucial matter. I gave them my spiel on coughing and sneezing into our elbows and trying not to burp in public or at least excusing ourselves. They seemed satisfied with my answer. And, I was glad to have the chance to share a reminder on germs AND manners. You never know what conversation a ride home in the car will bring.

a day with the Dawgs

We took a little trip to Starkville to see the Dawgs play a couple of weeks ago. We tailgated, and played ball, and walked around campus. We had the best time! I had not been in two years....sooo, a lot had changed! Here are a few pictures from our day trip:My nephew, Jo, was able to go with us for the game....he bleeds maroon and hopefully had a big day keeping up with these two guys. Miss Syd was ALL about the cheerleaders and Homecoming Queen...as you can tell, she was all smiles and thrilled to have some time with each. The Queen was precious! And, she had been in MiMi's 4th grade class....so, Mimi and I took S to see her. She was such a doll to my girl...sat and talked and talked with her. And, my 4 year old was ELATED!! Great food (thanks, Mimi!), great time, great game (we won!)!! Go Dawgs!!!

a neighborhood parade

Our neighborhood had a fun parade/donut breakfast last weekend for Halloween. We had fun seeing all the cute costumes and meeting a few neighbors. Bear was highly impressed by the fire truck. It was a good way to start off a fun weekend!

october in review

October has brought us some cooler temps, some rain, and lots of lots of neat moments. Cade is still playing flag football and is really improving and having fun with his dad as his coach. The weather has still been warm most Sunday afternoons..but a nice breeze and big shade trees have really made football watching wonderful. Little Miss had a school field trip to the zoo...she loved exploring with her school buddies. We had a beautiful Fall day to walk the zoo! Little Miss also had a very fun playdate with a sweet friend she does not get to see very often...sweet girls had so much fun together! Bear enjoyed his little friend, Hannah's, first birthday party too....so funny that this little tiny girl is a week older than our big boy!

Bear is One!!

We were blessed with a gorgeous day to play outside celebrating Charlie's first birthday! This mommy was sure proud of her bear! Bear was a little confused about all the fuss....but, his sister and brother were sure excited!
Sweet friends. A beautiful day. And, a fun game of Red Rover, Red Rover....we had a great time! Aren't they cute! Such precious little buddies.... And, the birthday boy sure enjoyed ANOTHER birthday cake...yay, Bear!!

Happy Birthday, Bear!!

My baby boy turned one year old yesterday. He is a joy, an adventure waiting to happen. He goes one hundred miles an hour. He loves his brother and sister. He really gobbles up cheerios and all fruits. He thinks a Ritz cracker is a treasure. And, he is all about playing ball with his mommy. He sleeps like a champ and eats like a bear!

This was taken a year ago yesterday...on the day he was born. Our first family picture...This was his first ride in the car on his way home from the hospital...sweet boy. This is C-Bear at his family party at my parent's home....he was pretty excited! You think he liked his cake?...he did, promise...
Enjoying even more cupcake at his one year portraits... Happy Birthday, Bear!! We love you, buddy!

not about me...

My dear, wise husband taught our Sunday School class this past Sunday from the book, Radical, by David Platt. We have been talking about how our lives are so tied to materialism, to worldy things....to things that please us. We have been talking about how our purpose in the world is to glorify God with all that we are. We are talking about how blessed we are - not by chance but by the divine hand of God. With blessing comes responsibility. As Americans and as Christians, it is our responsibility to vote, to care for the widows and orphans of this world, to spread His word, to teach our children that our lives are not our own. We are blessed. We are blessed in order to bless others. We have a purpose. Each one's purpose looks different...but, it is all the same...we are to glorify God with all that we are, all that we have. I refuse to take the next ten years figuring out where, when, how He wants me to serve. The fact is that He has told us already. We are to serve those that cannot help themselves. So, to go, to tell, to love, to give is a command...not a request for when I have a little more money or a little more time or even when my kids are older. God will take care of the details...I just have to obey. We are responsible for so much....I do not want to end my days here and have neglected my responsibilities...it is just not about me...it is just not about me....it is about Him....

I'm amazed....

I have been reading this blog for a while now (link to the right on my sidebar)....her heart is so purely devoted to Christ and sharing His love to the "least of these"....I am amazed at her strength and obedience....I am in awe of His love for all of his children....and I am humbled how He can use a 22 year old girl to change the lives of so many...including mine.

Look, Mom, no hands!!!

He is standing all by himself....whoo hoo!!! And, he is soooo excited!!

it's the little things in life....

Stories about my talkative, always-up-for-fun daughter are easy to come by. Just this week, she was telling me she wanted to be Barbie or Hannah Montana when she grew up....what? She has only one Kohl's no-name barbie type doll and is not allowed to watch HM just yet. I'm not quite sure about where that afternoon's declaration of future aspirations came from...never a dull moment with my little girl. She also spent three days last week planning a birthday party for her stuffed puppy, Abby. She decorated with streamers. She actually called friends to come over. She has her other animals ready at the table in her room. Three days - she planned and talked about her pretend party. My daughter is my joy. She just makes me smile...when she is silly, when she is spunky, when she shows her caring side....like when she found this rock in our yard, wrapped it in a blanket, built it a house, gave it a ride in her bike's basket, and asked me to babysit while she had to potty. Now, that is good stuff...it is the little things, the daily conversations, the pretend play, and the little dances she does as she gets out of the car....that sweeten each day...that remind me to enjoy life, to make the moments count.
Then, there are my boys...."Buddy" and "Bear" are my nicknames for them. Oh, their mommy loves them. My big buddy - I love to hear his thoughts, his reasoning, how he explains life. He reads and reads and reads. He had a fever virus all last week...which was bittersweet to him...he felt bad...but, he got to stay home. I would go to check on his fever and find him engrossed in a book. Oh, my heart smiles at how he loves to learn. He would look up at me and begin his synopsis of his story...so animated, so interested in the details. Oh, dear Father, what have you got planned for this child? If I did not find him reading, then he was asleep...so peaceful. I would stand over him, remembering, amazed at the time that has passed since God placed him in my belly....even longer, since He placed him in my heart. It is the little things like his grabbing my hand on our way into a restaurant today, it is how he explains what words mean to his sister, it is watching him do the robot dance, it is hearing him analyze a chess game...it is his quirky, silly self putting his football stand on his drink last Sunday at his football game...Oh, that is my boy...he reminds me that all of us are created in God's image for His purpose. God has a plan.
Then, my baby Bear...that baby of mine is hilarious! There are many moments, many little things with a baby that make you marvel at God's gift of life. His giggles, the way he smiles all over himself in the mornings, the repetitious games, those sweet baby noises, watching them explore their little world. My Bear is adventurous and strong and confidant. He is pure angel baby. Tonight, he was playing, looked over at me with the biggest smile, dropped his toy, crawled over to me, pulled up, and planted the sweetest/wettest kiss on my cheek. Oh, those moments...those little things....they make you want to give to others because you are so thankful for all you have been given. You know that today is a day that you are shaping a little heart and that you get to join in on God's miracle making. My Bear is my ray of sunshine...my baby boy...that lopsided grin makes me want to be better.
The little things in life are amazing aren't they? With my sweet husband and oldest at the game tonight 2 hours away and my youngest two asleep, I have had some quiet...to sit, to pray, to think on the moments that make my days, to think on the blessings that have decorated my memories....God is good...in all things...big ones and the little ones too........

my big girl's first day of 4K

She is sooo big and is loving her school so far! She began last week and has really enjoyed her new friends...except one that pushed her on the playground the first day. Whoo!...that was a rough experience for the little sweetheart. It broke her heart that he did not say he was sorry or check on her when she fell. I am not exaggerating when I tell you I have heard about this little boy a few dozen times since last week's first day. She has forgiven him, but she is keeping her eye on him. When he pushed a new little friend this week, she shared my advice of asking him to stop and then trying to ignore him and walking far away. She and the new little girl bonded through this "trying" experience....facing the dangers of four year old preschool together....the bonds of preschool sisterhood are strong this week....facing the perils of energetic little boys that move like bumper cars!

Here she is last week on her first day and with her new teachers.....

He is 11 months - really??

Charlie Bear is eleven months old today. Ok, I said it. I can't believe it. But, I said it. I don't like it either. But, I am accepting it....my baby is almost one. (enter audible sigh and a few sniff, sniffs here)

Here he is......Mr. Bear - The Eleven Month Old!