Sunflower Hill

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T22:45:00.003-04:00

A couple of pictures from our weekend... Elizabeth Jo has become quite the little UGA fan this fall, and so perfectly she was a GA cheerleader for Halloween. Cub was gonna be many things before he decided on the cool Wolverine this year... I just can't believe how big the kids are becoming!

Happy Halloween Yall!

Happy Fall Yall!

2010-10-15T21:31:00.004-04:00

Well... I found my way back!

I haven't been far away, usually on facebook these days, and reading everyone else's blog. I am sure I mentioned it before, but it's more difficult to get to this blog now that I have changed my email, and they won't let me change it here even though it's a Google address?!

Don't sweat the small stuff, right?

Right... =)

So, as usual, lots has happened since spring. Too much to try and catch up with here unfortunately, but the good news is all is well... the summer was wonderful, and we went on a lot of nice trips. EJ turned 7, with a birthday trip to the American Girl Atlanta store, and Cub turned 5 with a party at Chuck E. Cheese... our babies are growing up!

I turned around and they weren't babies anymore... Cub even began dressing himself, and doesn't want me to even help him usually. It's nice in the mornings when things are so busy I appreciate one less thing to help do, but then again he's the baby!

I miss him needing my help...

He still gives great big ol hugs though, and kisses too IF his buddies aren't looking... I treasure those! He's a very caring little guy, but ALL boy just the same.

EJ is still such a sweet little girl, but now that she is in 2nd grade I can see glimpses of the teenager she will become... as the firstborn, she is very independent and has a strong will, but she's got a soft side and tender heart. Her prayers at night tell you all you need to know... =)

They are awesome... we are so blessed!

Geoff and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary in September, and my friend Laura and I celebrated our 40th birthdays at Hilton Head beach not long after. She turned 40 in July, and I will be 40 in December... Geoff doesn't turn 40 until next August, so he still has a little while!

We also celebrated in July as our sunflowers once again graced the fields, alongside the corn! After a summer off (due to the economy and increase in the cost of fertilizer), brother Billy planted these beautiful flowers in abundance, and I took the above picture late one day at the height of the crop. We got lots of great pictures this summer, but the sunflower ones are always at the top of my favorite ones... I will have to update the pictures here on my blog soon with some from this summer.

The 16th Annual Turin Tractor Pull was a huge success, and everyone enjoyed the new Turin Tractor Pavilion. We had the biggest crowd ever, and Geoff also got the website up and running. If you would like to check out the fun, go to turintractorpull.com and see all the cool tractors.

I am still playing around with photography, and love taking pictures of almost everything... but the kids are still my favorite of all.

This picture was taken right before Kimberly Grace's 1st birthday (brother Billy and Reynie's daughter, our niece), here behind our house.

Aren't they cute?! =)

Well, tomorrow is coming quick, and we will be heading to Lake Oconee for a family reunion, so I will wrap this post up for now.

I hope to be back soon, but I never know... between trying to stay off facebook, all the many kids activities, church and housekeeping I may be awhile...

But I hope not... I still like it here, and every time I come back I get the writing bug again.

(See Momma and Diddy? I do use my college degree... occasionally!)

Nowadays I just need to know how to drive... back and forth to kids activities and church! Wouldn't change it for anything in the world though...

(Can somebody out there help me change my email? That really will help me out a lot... better yet, why won't a Google based blog not let me use a Google email?)

Either way, Happy Fall Yall!

Spring is Here!

2010-04-07T23:47:00.003-04:00

I am not sure why, but the week before a holiday, or a school break is always the most stressful. Last week was just crazy for me/us, but we made it through, and are so enjoying this spring break week!

Easter was also last weekend, and it was very nice... church, family and friends made up the festivities and celebration of our Lord's resurrection from the tomb.

And, that Sunday afternoon when we got home, I crashed. I think I slept for a hours on the couch... and then later all through the night as well. I was tired yall!

We have had a great spring break so far... from staying overnight at Momma's and Nana's, to the movies and eating out, we have had a nice staycation. Tomorrow we head up to the big city (Atl) and the Ga. Aquarium... the kids are so looking forward to this adventure, and so am I!

Have a great rest of the week yall!

Let it Snow! Yes, yall... in Georgia!

2010-02-17T22:50:00.006-05:00

It snowed!

It really snowed this time too... we calculated it at about 3 to 4 inches, which in our terms is quite a lot of the white stuff. Usually when "snow" is in our forecast we get a nice little dusting and it's over as soon as it falls... this time it snowed all afternoon and into the night, leaving us in a beautiful winter wonderland of white.

Our children were absolutely thrilled... they had so much fun making (and throwing!) snowballs, and creating snow angels...

Did I mention the snowballs?

School was closed on Friday (day of the snow fall) and after spending most of the afternoon playing outside with the kiddos, I was frozen. EJ and Cub were too, but they would never admit to it, and were still ready to get back outside... it was getting dark though, and those little hands and feet needed a break!

Brrrrrrr!

That evening it was really nice to go my brother Billy and Reynie's house for a family supper. They live down the dirt road from us here on the family "compound" as we (semi) jokingly call it. This past August they had a beautiful baby girl, their first child, Kimberly Grace... she is such a sweet baby, and they are such good parents.

We went back early enough to see Kimberly before her bedtime, and then all enjoyed spending time with family. Momma and Diddy were there as well, and we had a nice evening inside, as the snow still fell outside.

The next morning I got up before sunrise to get some pictures... all of the pictures I posted here are from my morning trek... I made lots of them, and posted more on facebook, but for some reason it takes forever for pictures to upload here on blogger?

I know, more of the technical stuff I don't understand, but just accept!

By Saturday afternoon, believe it or not, most all of the snow had melted away... I have to say I wasn't too upset, but did miss the serenity of it. I find snow beautiful and fun to photograph, but I am not a big "cold weather" girl.

I am (patiently!?) waiting on spring... Easter is 6 weeks away, and I am ready for warmer temps, beach trips and the more unstructured days of summer ahead!

Meet Mr. Lily...

2010-02-06T20:24:00.003-05:00

Well, since I have been away from this blogosphere we gained a new family member.

HIS name is Mr. Lily, and trust me, please don't try to explain to our daughter that, yes, this IS a male cat.

You won't get very far.

Elizabeth is so sure that our Mr.Lily is a girl that she named him Lily, after one of her best friends. After trying many times to let her know that her Lily was a HE, I gave up and renamed him Mr. Lily... it's actually kinda funny now.

Yall should have seen the vet when Mr. Lily first went in for shots and such... but I am sure they see a lot of strange names.

Mr. Lily came to us by accident, in the midst of the crazy house remodel. Lee, Geoff's sister, found him in the engine of an old cadillac, at a gas station in South Carolina. She was coming home (here) for Cub's birthday party and had to stop and get gas. As she was pumping gas, a guy pulled up on the other side in an old caddy... while they were standing there, both waiting for their tanks to fill, they began to hear a small "meowing" sound. After pin pointing this to the hood of this old guy's car, Lee asked him to open it up.

Soon as he did Lee saw this tiny little orange kitty pop up, out near the engine. He was covered in oil, and not much bigger than 3 weeks old. She immediately wrapped him in a towel from her car and brought him with her.

On her way home, she called me with the news. She had already saved 2 other cats last summer, and knew she couldn't keep this one. Surprisingly, when I asked (begged) Geoff for the kitty, he said yes!

We had a new member of the family...

Since then Mr. Lily has truly added more fun to our home. He is not really a lap cat like I was used to, but loves to play. We bought some jingly balls that he likes to punt around, and if you can't find him all you have to do is pick up on of those balls and shake it. Mr. Lily will come running!

I still love sunflowers...

2010-02-05T22:42:00.006-05:00

Cub and Elizabeth in Cub's room before bed last weekend...

on the weekend they usually sleep in his room and play Legos until they fall asleep from exhaustion!

Wow!

I really didn't check before I began writing this, but I believe my last post was in the spring of last year. So much has happened since then, obviously, as life does move on... but I so wish I had written down so much of the past year. I stated when I began this blog that I am doing so in order to look back and remember those sweet (and not so sweet!) days of my children's lives, as they do grow so quickly, and I want to remember as much as I can.

But sometimes life does get in the way... and sometimes silly technology does too. In my case I believe it is both!

I use a gmail account for my email, but to write here on this here blog I have to use my old email address. I have tried to fix this "small" issue, but either it is not possible to use a gmail email for a google blog, or I am just not savvy enough to figure it out.

On second thought, it's probably both!

I think my last post was about our remodel in Elizabeth's bedroom. I love it, and we have made some more improvements since then. It's a true little girl's princess room, and Elizabeth has really enjoyed the change...

I just never knew at that time that it was only the precursor to another, bigger remodel coming just around the corner... that we would spend most of the summer and fall living in an all out construction zone.

No, I am not kidding!

Let me fast forward through May... Cub finished his first year of preschool and first year playing t-ball... EJ graduates from kindergarten and we watched as she danced onstage at her tap recital. I was so proud of them both.

Just for reference sake (and my memory) EJ was 5 years old, and Cub was 3...

June brought relief from the structure of the school year, and just as we were getting into the swing of things, the "flood" came through.

Okay, so we live on a little hill of sorts, and a flood would be a stretch here. But after I explain you will understand a bot more. The kids and I went to Atlanta to meet one of my best friends and her son at Olympic Park... we spent the morning there enjoying the water fountain, playing in the park and catching up on life. I am sure I would have stayed longer, but we needed to get back in order to make our church VBS on time, so mid afternoon we began the hour drive home.

As I pulled into the yard and opened the door, I heard the sound of rushing water.

??????

Water? We don't have a pool, and our water garden had not been turned on yet that summer. So, where was that water sound coming from? I headed towards the porch and saw the dogs were having a grand time in a large spray of water coming from the place a water hose should be.

??????

I then wondered why the hose was not hooked up, but slowly realized that this was a BIG "Oh my Gosh" and "What the *#$&" moment... As I ran inside the house and turned toward our kitchen, I came to an abrupt stop.

A river ran through our house.

Yep... hence the reason why we spent the next 5 months living in an unexpected remodel of our home.

Looking back now I feel like maybe it was a blessing. Our home was becoming outdated, and there was a lot we wanted to fix and do, but I hadn't been gathering my ideas yet. I wasn't prepared for FIVE MONTHS of construction and picking out flooring/granite/paint colors/etc.... did I mention that it was the summer? You know, the months when you can sleep a bit later and stay in pajamas until noon if you like.

Not this time, not for us, no sir ree! The guys got there really early, and of course we decided to also take down a wall, and add a room, and more cabinets, among other things. We either left the house every day and found things to do, or lived in our master bedroom.The sheetrock dust would kill you, and I still think I see it as I dust the house.

Geez!

August rolled around and school began. Our now 6 year old daughter began 1st grade, and our 4 year old son began PreK 4... the structure of a schedule began again, and the home construction was still going on. Don't get me wrong... we love the guys who remodeled our home. They also did EJ's bedroom, Momma's house and other projects for lots of folks in our extended family. Our kids call the boss "Uncle Randy" and we think of the whole crew as our friends.

As a side note, EJ had an episode with her heart racing, and after a trip to the pediatrician, then the ER, and later a heart specialist at Emory in Atlanta, we had a diagnosis of chest wall pain. So much better than the other option they thought it might have been... I can't spell it, but it's something like tachycardia.

Next came all the holidays, and then the new year. And now here I sit, trying to write a catch up post. I still have some painting to complete, and lots of decorating, but we are very happy with the results of the redo.

Sigh! I have skipped over a lot of great stuff that happened this summer and fall, but I could never get it all in. Camp Nana was awesome, and a lifesaver for this construction weary family. We took some nice trips and enjoyed our family. Life passed by slowly, yet so fast I find that I am nearly a year behind here... how does that happen?

So, I hope to do much better now in posting again. I make no promises as I seem to get so busy I tend to forget what groceries I need to buy, but I will make a great effort. I do want to look back years and years from now and read these snipits of life when the kids were small, laugh, cry and read it to our grandkids. =)

Of course, I also turned 39 in December... so those days are closer than they used to be!

Pretty in Pink

2009-04-28T10:38:00.003-04:00

EJ is in high cotton... and it's all pink!

I am almost done in her room now, and yesterday after she came home from kindergarten she was grinning from ear to ear! We have moved her furniture back in, and I am slowly putting all her STUFF back in now too.

Can I tell yall a little secret?
Not everything is going back in...
Shhhhhhhh!

She will never know... and I am not going to junk up with too much STUFF.

This is the fun part now though! I sure am glad the painting is over, for the moment anyhow. The rest of our house is calling to me, but I am going room by room, and Cub's is next! He's getting a cool "fort" in his dormer and he wants a ladder....

Hmmmm... I need to get off this computer and get moving. So much to do and so little time!

I'll post pics of her room soon!

Painting and TBall... TBall and Painting

2009-04-21T19:27:00.004-04:00

Quite the pair, right?

Sure, I should/could have added in many other things to my title, but these are the two main things at the top of my head at the moment.

Stay with me, though. I tend not to focus much lately, so who knows where this post will end up? For now I will stick to painting and tball... besides, if anything else does come to mind I will not have any pictures available to upload for show and tell!

For weeks now we have had more chaos in the house than our usual dose. We have been remodeling EJ's room and it's dragged on longer than I expected... here is the color scheme for her "Princess" room, and let me tell yall - it is PINK!

We had Big Randy and his guys come in to put up beadbord, shelves and get it all ready for us to paint. That was before Easter... we'd moved ALL of EJ's furniture and toys from her room into Cub's room, and the upstairs hallway.

Okay, just for a second let me tell yall how unbelievably messy Cub's room is right now! And, everything is now all mixed together too... the Little Pet Shop pets are fraternizing with Buzz Lightyear and Woody. Her American Doll Bitty Baby "Scarlett" is getting friendly with Thomas the Train and friends... I do not know if I will ever get thir stuff all straightened back out.

Anyhow, I am coming to the end of this painting business... one more coat on the beadboard and delicately painting the crown molding and I am done!

Cub is playing TBall this spring for the first time and loving it!

Well, honestly he loves to bat and run the bases, but he isn't so keen on playing in the outfield.
He says that it is "boring because the ball never ever ever comes my way Mommy!"

I am not concerned as he is only 3 1/2, and tball is designed to be an introductory game to playing when they are bigger... besides, he is just too dern cute in his uniform!

See! He was so proud to put it on, the first night he slept in it. The next day he had to wear the shirt and hat to PreK too! At practice he was learning to run bases and the coach said to "touch base" as he went around. My sweet little boy bent down at every base and "touched" it with his hands... it was SO very cute, and my heart leapt, but I was also afraid everyone laughing would hurt his feelings. Cub is kinda sensative, but that boy was so excited about running bases it never fazed him one bit!

Time to go put the babies in bed and paint some more... or, maybe I'll just take it easy tonight and watch American Idol?!

Starting Over... Again.

2009-04-17T23:28:00.004-04:00

It's Spring!
Gracious yall... where does the time go?
Since my last post (3 months ago? Really?) so much has happened I will never catch it up here... but here goes a small try in a nutshell...
EJ's room - remodeling! PINK, pink pink... pictures soon. Hopefully anyway... gonna try AGAIN to blog regularly...
Sis in Law Reynie and brother Billy... pregnant w/ a girl (!) who will join us this August!
Mother in Law, Nana, moving home from Charleston... what a blessing and joy for our family. =)
Another Tax Season done, and my Daddy, a CPA, is now free to go antique shopping with me once again!
Easter and Spring Break behind us now... Geoff played the Roman Centurion in our church Easter drama, "The Empty Tomb" and I was the costume coordinator... the kids loved having their cousin Jeffrey here, as well as Aunt Lee!
The flu hit our house like a ton of bricks. Three weeks of it between the 4 of us. I was last, but it kicked my tail... nasty virus that flu!
Back and forth to town way too many times to count for a thousand trips to the pediatrician, EJ's dance, Cub's pre k classes and now adding in Tball practice/games... taxi anyone?!
Of course there is always Wal-Mart, Target and the grocery store - mini scenes full of kid drama over a toy or something chocolate...
Too many funerals of some well loved family friends. I know they are now at peace with our Lord and Saviour in heaven.
Rain. And then more rain... and more! We cannot be in a drought any longer. Impossible!
And SO much more... it's getting late, and I am tired. I will again make a promise to myself to do better with my blog and I hope that I can keep that promise this time!
Goodnight yall!

The Sweetest Things in Life are Made of This

2009-01-28T10:40:00.004-05:00

The kids have taken to sleeping together. At first it was only in Cub's room when he got his Big Boy bed. Now it is either room, and I took this sweet picture of them one night while they were fast asleep in Elizabeth's bed.

Cub will probably get me one day for showing him sleeping so peacefully in such a princess pink bed, but I love this picture.

To me it shows just why I adore this "job" we call motherhood.

Amidst all the extra busy days, trips to see the pediatrician, fussing between each other and pushed deadlines my babies look so peaceful here. When the "lights are out" for the night (or in EJ's case, the "big" light is out and the nightlights are on!) all is calm, quiet and they look like angels. I could go in there and watch them all night.

I am trying to remember that they will grow up way too quickly, and that other things can wait. I tend sometimes to over-commit myself, and I am giving it up! When my current obligations are done, I have decided that I do not want to add anything else for awhile... I want to make sure I do not let the rush of everyday life take away from enjoying the little things with my children.

Sweet times, just like this picture...

Hey Yall! Anybody Still Out There?!

2009-01-06T22:14:00.004-05:00

Tap... tap...
Hello?
Is anyone still out there?
I don't expect many to be checking in with me anymore... I have been away from this blog for almost two months now. Geez! I do hope if you are here, and reading this post, that I will be much better from here on out about updating.

It would be on the top of my New Year Resolution list, if I made one.

But I don't.... because I always feel bad when I can't stick to them, and I always tend to try to do too much anyhow, and burn out. So I don't create more pressure for myself. I've got enough to go around!

So, see? No resolutions, no problem!

Still, I do make plans, and I plan on being a much more faithful blogger in 2009, much like I was in the summer. You see, I really look forward to reading all these spirited adventures and sweet remembrances of my children as they go headfirst through childhood. One day when they have grown up and I will then have time to read again (!), I want to go back through this blog. So, I need to make sure I have written it all down. I may not remember much by the time we get that far!

In the past couple of months lots of cute and funny things have occurred that I already wish I'd written about here... but even the past couple of months are now a bit of a blur. Both EJ and Cub were sick a lot with too many bouts of the stomach bug for me to remember (nor do I even want to!) and poor EJ had it on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Bronchitis, strep throat and all those type things kept visiting our house with one child or another...

Besides all the sickness in December, holiday parties, shopping trips, plays, cooking and eating my parents both decided to take a little fall. Separately, but fall they did. Momma broke her wrist in 3 places, and had surgery right before the new year arrived. Diddy fell on Christmas morning and we all thought he had broken his back... but xrays showed no broken bones, for which we are all relieved. My parents are both 65 years young, so the falls were not from frailty but happenstance. Still, God is good, and the falls really could have been so much worse. We are blessed.

2009 is gonna be a good one... I hope yall are off to a great start (those who may be reading this?) and that I will be back here to share as much of it as I can with friends and family.

Here's to new beginnings!

PS... for those who may read my Sis in Law's blog,
God Do You Hear this Southern Girl Rambling?, I have been given the okay to tell a sweet secret - a baby is coming this summer! Congrats to my brother BB and Reynie... we love you!

Fishing with Uncle BB

2008-12-01T11:03:00.005-05:00

Hi!
I seem to have been away for awhile... for some reason I haven't had much time to blog lately. And, when some time does come that I could sit down to write, well, I'd rather just sit.

It's not that I haven't had a lot to say, or tell about, because the holidays are full of great tales here...

I honestly don't know what the problem is. I'll just blame it on being too busy for now.

Above is my favorite picture from our week of Thanksgiving celebrating... that's right yall. We went to four family gatherings, and loved every one of them. The company was wonderful and the food was awesome... I now need to go on a crash diet, and I don't even eat any of the turkey/meat! Squash and green bean casseroles here are a staple, as well as creamed corn from the fields, mac and cheese, potato salad AND mashed potatoes.

The cornbread dressing is always my favorite - the best part of all the yummy food made during the holidays. Just put some cranberry sauce on top and that's all you really need!

Well, and maybe the creamed corn... but any good Banks child has to have creamed corn.

Back to the picture again... this is my "little" brother Billy. As many of yall know Elizabeth began calling him "Unka BB" when she was itty bitty, and it stuck. So, here he is with Cub, Bella (Reynie's sister's daughter) and Elizabeth fishing at our Daddy's family Thanksgiving lunch. BB and Reynie have it at their house the Saturday after Turkey Day, as BB and Diddy are still out in Kansas hunting pheasant on the holiday.

Don't even get me started on that subject... it's been this way for years. They eat their turkey on Thanksgiving Day at a truck stop somewhere on the way home.

Seriously!

Anyway, it was cold and raining, but we went out for a little fishing. I just thought this picture was too cute not to share. BB and I used to fish right about where they are when we were kids too. Of course we used chicken livers for bait, and I feel sure my daughter won't go near it. Still, the fishing is becoming a family tradition!

I do hope anyone who might still be checking in here had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I hope to catch up on my blogging again soon, and look forward to sharing the joys of our Christmas season here.

Now, back to the laundry!

My Favorite Artwork...

2008-11-19T16:09:00.004-05:00

I treasure the artwork my kids bring home from school. I save it all, which will be a problem when they are older and I have stuff of theirs from PreK 3, but for now I keep everything!

Here are the latest masterpieces from my little "Picasos"...

Elizabeth made this leaf project in kindergarten. I love all the work she put into it, and the pretty fall colors. She said the best part was getting to glue it all together, and I believe it.

Give the girl a bottle of glue, scissors and some paper, and who needs a babysitter?!

Cub came home with this turkey today... it's so cute!

On each feather are things he is thankful for, which I just love! If you will notice, on the last yellow one, at the bottom, it reads "my big boy bed"...

Now, if only he would sleep in it through the whole night!

Cub's New Big Boy Bed

2008-11-17T11:57:00.006-05:00

Time sure does fly doesn't it?

My children are just growing up so fast. I remember nights when I rocked my son for hours trying to get him to go to sleep in his crib... with awful reflux issues (oh, the posts I could write on childhood reflux... both our children had/have it) sleep was a real novelty in our house for years.

As a matter of fact, both our kids "slept", and I use that term lightly, in their car seats, in their bassinet/crib for a good long while. It was the only way I found they would sleep for a couple hours at the time... I think it worked b/c they were sitting upright, and their condition was better when they were not laying down.

Just remembering all those endless, worried nights is making me a bit anxious...

Anyhow, for about a year now Cub has been in his toddler bed, which was really his crib with a side off. It has worked splendidly, and he usually slept well there. I knew it was getting time for him to move into a real big boy bed, but had been putting it off as I want my little man to be a baby forever.

Yes, forever... he's just too cute at 3 right now!

Last week Momma found a great deal on a mattress and box springs at Macy's, called me, bought them and they were delivered Saturday. Last night Geoff went out to our storage and got out his childhood bed. It's a cannon ball bed, and will look great in Cub's room once it has a nice coat or two of navy paint on it!

Plus, it being Daddy's "big boy bed" will be a special touch for him.

Until I paint it, though, we went ahead and set up the frame, box spring, and mattress. He has a nice new set of airplane sheets, and I am looking for a cool quilt to be the cover. Aunt Betty Jo made him the airplane blanket that I threw over the top last night, and both kids decided they wanted to sleep there... together.

Again, "sleep" being the key word... notsomuch.

I put a big damper on that as it was a school night, but maybe I should have let EJ sleep with him... he was up and down the stairs all night, climbing into our bed and hugging up to me.

Sweet, yes?! I think so too, but not good for me getting any sleep, as he has to have his hand wrapped around my heart necklace and he isn't a very still sleeper... I took him back up the stairs twice, all the while remembering those foggy first years of babyhood. Up and down those steps... up and down... over and over...

I even remember very well the places I needed to step in order for the stairs to not creak. Good heavens, I didn't want to wake up EJ too!

Maybe tonight they can have a slumber party in his room... whatever works still applies for this sleepy Mommy!

Another Little Ditty From the Princess

2008-11-08T21:13:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow, my husband Geoff will be ordained as a Deacon in our church. I tell you this because I am very proud of him, and because it pertains to this little ditty that I ran downstairs to write about quickly... Before I forget how precious it was, how grown up my first baby is becoming and how I giggled as I shut her bedroom door.

Tonight, just minutes ago, while putting Elizabeth to bed, I told her to get a good nights rest as tomorrow was an important day for her Daddy.

"Why?" she asked.

"Daddy will become a Deacon in our church, and we'll have lots of family and friends there." I said.

I could see her processing this new word, Deacon... she had listened in earlier as Geoff explained it to her 10 year old cousin Jeffrey, and I knew things were still fuzzy as to what it all meant, and what will happen at church.

"It's a nice thing!" I added quickly, as I saw her brow scrunch up in thought. "Our church likes Daddy and wants him to be a leader and help others."

"Why do they want Daddy to do that?" she asked with the curious tone she now has down pat... "He's married to us already."

Out of the mouth of one sweet little princess, straight to her Mommy's blog!

Good night Yall!

Oh! I Just Want to Keep Them this Age Forever!

2008-11-06T08:55:00.007-05:00

Tuesdays are a tough day for us... it's a school day for both of the kids (and Cub's is at a church in town, 25 minutes away), and then Elizabeth has ballet and tap class... back in town. It's back and forth to town 3 times...

Cub doesn't usually get a nap, which is always a bad situation, and tensions can run high by the time dance class is over.

I usually have a nice headache by this time too, and there is still supper, homework (in kindergarten yall!!!!) baths and bed ahead of us.

Last Tuesday Elizabeth and I were having one of those "Mother-Daughter" moments, and Cub was listening in with full attention. I have no idea what we were arguing over either... but it was becoming a little heated. EJ is very headstrong, and right now if I say "No", she says "Yes"... so we have some trouble in the communication department.

Oh the joys of keeping my cool, and trying not to yell. It's an art form I am perfecting lately.

So, after the whinning, and EJ crying, and my continued effort to keep things to a dull roar, I say that the arguing is over, no more discussion, and that is IT!

Cub pipes up from his car seat "Yall are breaking my heart!" I look back, trying not to giggle, and he has his arms crossed over his chest and his lips are poked way out, like his feelings were just stomped on, yet he wasn't even in trouble!

What a cutie pie!

Momma (my Mother) had a migraine headache over the weekend, and it was a really bad one. Have yall ever had one of these? I get them too, and it's miserable...

Anyway, Elizabeth was very sad she couldn't go see Momma, and so at night when she said her prayers she would ask God "to help make my Momma feel better from the bad 'ol headache".

On Monday Momma went to the Dr., who gave her a shot and some pills to help it go away. On Tuesday she felt much better, and even helped at our local poll location, so the kids didn't see her at all on Tuesday either.

Yesterday morning was like a reunion as Momma came to pick up EJ and take her to kindergarten (I am so blessed to have her help me... she loves to take the kids to school sometimes)... Elizabeth ran over, gave her the biggest hug and said...

"Momma, I prayed to God that your headache would go away. Do you feel better?"

Mom replied she felt great, and how sweet that the prayer was...

EJ then said "Yes, after I said my prayers God helped my words go up to Him, and then right on over to your house to hug you, and make you better."

What tears I felt well up at that!

Halloween Fun

2008-11-04T08:41:00.004-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-28T19:51:00.003-04:00

I took this picture at my friend Candi's house while we were there to watch an airshow... the planes were doing "loop de loops" and all kinds of acrobatic maneuvers right over her house! They live close (as the bird flies) to a local airport that was sponsoring the event, and it just so happens we had great seats in her front yard.

I love that she used an old John Deere tractor seat in her Fall decor - perfect!

Happy Halloween yall, and for more "Wordless Wednesday" participants, go to 5 Minutes for Mom!

A Day Out with Thomas

2008-10-28T10:06:00.007-04:00

Last weekend we went to Cordele, GA to see Thomas the Train... it was a fun day, and the kids were thrilled that they not only saw Thomas, but got to take a ride with him.

We left on Friday night and went to my Grandma's house. She passed on about a year and a half ago now, but my Momma and Aunt Runelle have kept the house. It was nice to be there, even for just a night. She lived in a little town as well, and I have fond memories of this place.

Saturday morning we all got up early and dressed. Then we went into "town" and had breakfast at the one stop mart there. Momma and Aunt Runelle had a time reminiscing with the old men gathered in there for their usual breakfast routine, and I loved just watching it all. Small towns have a charm all their own, and being from one myself, I love that everyone knows everyone, and most are usually related.

Even if it is 8th cousins twice removed!

Okay, so back to Thomas... we left Grandma's and headed to Cordele. When we got there Elizabeth and Cub were anxious to "go ride with Thomas!" Our tickets were for noon, and we were there early, so we headed to the various stations they had set up for the children to play in.

Here EJ is coloring with the markers/crayons provided... this is one of her favorite things in the world to do, so it was perfect for her. They also had Thomas and Friends stamps out for the kids to play with, and she stayed at this table for awhile too.

Cub could care less about coloring (usually), so he ran to one of the Lego train sets there for the kids to play with. At first he was very good about sharing with the other children, but became a bit possesive of the Engine later, so off we went to see if we could find the "real" Thomas!

After a stop for funnel cakes, pretzels, drinks and face painting, we finally saw Thomas coming around the tracks!

While we were waiting for Thomas to take us for a ride we had a family picture made... Cub has on a het he got at an exhibit there, and it's on a bit lopsided...

My parents and Aunt Runelle were with us on this adventure, and here they are with EJ. Aunt Runelle was sitting on the other side, so she didn't make this picture, but we all enjoyed being together and watching the kids excitement as we rode the train.

When the ride was over, and we were headed back to the car, I could tell our children needed NAPS! It was that time of day, and with all the fun and excitement I knew it wouldn't be long before eyes grew heavy. Elizabeth never succomed to the much needed nap, but it took Cub all of about 5 minutes before his eyes closed and he took a little snooze.

Isn't he sweet?

Another successful and exciting fall journey completed, I hope to be home now for awhile!

Anyone Know a Dentist?

2008-10-27T08:33:00.005-04:00

I couldn't resist... this was too funny. But since I am showing you Cub's picture, I will also show yall mine as well.

Scary, huh? Nothing like fair play!

Plus, he'll see this one day, and by then he will probably be much bigger than me.

We went back to Aunt Reynie's house to visit last Friday. She has a toy cabinet that the kids all love to get in and pull everything out... this time Cub pulled out a new box of these play teeth. (I think Aunt Reynie has been shopping!) He was very intrigued, and brought them over to me to open.

As soon as I pulled them out of the package Cub grabbed one... it took a little bit of coaxing, and me trying on the pair you see above, but he put the teeth in his mouth. He got a kick out of it, and thank goodness I'd slipped the camera to Reynie, because she got a great shot of the fun.

Elizabeth came over to the couch, and after watching Cub and Mommy try on some of the teeth, I could tell she really wanted to as well. She got a pair in her hand, and half way to mouth, but it was a no go... there were just too many people watching her. She is very concious lately of looking "silly", or anyone laughing at her, so even though she really wanted to try it, she decided not to.

I have so much to catch up on here! Last week I visited with EJ's kindergarten class again, and this past weekend we went to South Georgia to see and ride on Thomas the Train! I have lots of great pictures to share, and may be back later in the day to post again.

But, at the moment I have to get Cub and myself dressed and head into town to run some errands... it's those priorities again, getting in the way of my storytelling!

I'll leave on this note... Cub is running around here this morning with his Darth Vader mask and cape, cowboy boots, underwear and play shotgun. He's "shootin the bad guys" and "takin care of Mommy"...

My little hero!

Come On Around to Our Backdoor...

2008-10-23T13:44:00.007-04:00

Happy Fall, Yall!

This is the fall decor that will greet you at our backdoor... the scarecrow at the top was made and decorated by Elizabeth at school. Isn't he neat?! She was thrilled the day her class was to make them, and is very proud of her little guy. He has all of her "goodies" from the pumpkin patch this past weekend in his lap... little white and orange pumpkins, colored corn with husks, etc.

I think she named him Jasmine...

The large pumpkin is Cub's... he made this at preschool, and the pumpkin's face is made from his handprints! When he came walking out of the door with this in his little hand, I could see his grin from ear to ear... he knew Mommy would LOVE it!

I love both the handmade fall decorations I got to use this year - what a lucky Mommy I am!

What a special welcome for our family and friends...

A Trip to the Cabin

2008-10-21T09:38:00.002-04:00

This weekend was our annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch up in the North Geaorgia mountains... for a little bit I was afraid we weren't going to make it.

Last week Cub got a stomach virus that was going around, and missed two more days of "playschool". As usual, I caught it on Thursday, and was in bed all day... if someone you know gets it, run like crazy. It is an awful experience...

I wasn't sure on Friday if I was going to get us all packed and ready, but I kept at it, stopping along the way to sit on the couch to stop the room from spinning around, and around, and around.... ugh!

When Geoff got home, and as we were getting the bags packed into Momma and Diddy's Expedition, Momma got dizzy and nauseous... like I said, just run if you even think someone has it. Save yourself, the sick friend/family member will understand.

Momma was a trooper, and better woman than I, and brought herself a little trash can for the ride up to Diddy's office to pick him up. It was there they decided to take Diddy's car, just in case they needed to go home... the kids were oblivious to the adults plight, and kept asking over and over that dreaded question-

"When are we gonna be there?"

Oh yes, the beginning of this trip wasn't the best as memories go, but it sure wasn't forgettable!

We did make it up to Dahlonega and Aunt Lucy's cabin that night, and settled in. Nana, Lee (Geoff's sister) and her son Jeffrey were coming early in the morning, and it didn't take much for everyone to fall fast asleep.

Saturday morning we dressed, and Momma was feeling better... we met up with the others at the local McDonald's for a quick breakfast, and then off to the pumpkin patch we went.

I must back track a bit to the part where we got dressed. Every year Mom and I look for something really cute for the kids to wear for their pumpkin pictures. Usually I find it at the country fair a couple of weeks ago, but this year we got something from a trunk show at my cousins... adorable outfits. EJ loved hers, no problem... but my world was rocked when I was dressing my son and he refused the collored shirt that went with his matching outfit!

Wha?!

Oh well... I knew it would happen one day, but at 3 years old?! He's still my baby, right?

So, I had to get a turtleneck to put under his jonjon... and when I put on the jonjon, it was inches to short. It was almost more than I could handle, but decided he was gonna wear it anyhow. It looked almost as if it was supposed to be that way... kinda.

As usual Burt's Farm was full of families taking pictures, picking out pumpkins and enjoying the fall weather. The line for the hayride was around the entire back of the place, so we didn't attempt it... the kids were pretty good to take some pictures, but as soon possible they were done with that too.

I surrender! My babies are growing up. Elizabeth was way more interested in her cousin Jeffrey's ipod than I ever imagined she would be, and Cub was thrilled with his Star Wars toys. What happened to Toy Story 2?!

After we had as much fun as we could stand at the pumpkin patch, we headed to the apple orchard. The kids picked apples, watched the honey bees working to make the delicious honey, played in the petting zoo, and shot apples at targets with the high powered apple shooter... they loved that!

We ate supper that night in Dahlonega at the famous Smith House, and then went back to the cabin for some rest. Aunt Lee brought the kids all kinds of nice goodies, and crafts to make. They enjoyed decorating trick or treat buckets, and playing with Jeffrey before bedtime.

At 7am my Diddy woke everyone with an old Army cadence (!!!), and so we were up, dressed and out in time to go to the top of Amicolola Falls for breakfast at the Lodge. We love this place, and go back every time we make it up to the cabin.

From there, it was back to town for the Gold Rush Days festival, and then to the cabin to pack up. We stopped off by Cane Creek Falls, right there by the cabin, on our way out for the kids to play around in the creek and take some more pictures... if you haven't noticed, I am never without my camera.

I was hoping to show yall more pictures of the weekend , but my internet connection (via the lovely satellite) is really slow today... maybe tomorrow for wordless wednesday I will be able to post some more. Some are really sweet, and I love that I got some great shots of the cousins together...

We had a wonderful weekend with our families and have lots of good memories... Aunt Lucy's cabin is full of them for Geoff, and for the past six years I have many as well. I love knowing our children are making some they will remember and treasure as long as their Daddy has.

It is a beautiful and special place...

I am Still Here...

2008-10-14T12:59:00.004-04:00

I've just been taken back on a trip through college, via Facebook! Seriously, that isn't the only thing that has kept me away from this place, but it has taken up some of my "free" time... I found a few of my old albums and have been scanning in pictures to upload on my page there. My sorority sisters and I have been laughing and poking fun at our big hair and bows, huge RayBan sunglasses and choice of clothing.

Hey, it was the early 90's!

This is my best friend from GSU, and also my ADPi Big Sis, Laura. I met her during rush week, and we have been the best of friends ever since. She cheered for Southern, and I was on the majorette line, so we enjoyed many years of great Eagle football games together...

She commented on a picture of us at my Bid Day (on Facebook) that we have known each other now for almost 19 years, which is half of our lives or more! In those 19 years we have hit many of the ups and downs of our lives together, whether across country or in the same place, we have a strong friendship that I am so thankful for. We have laughed, cried, giggled and just been there through it all... when we have the opportunity to see each other (she lives in sunny California now!) it's as if we haven't even been apart, and that is something special that I treasure.

During rush a year or so later, Laura also introduced me to the girl who would become my ADPi Lil Sis, Angie... they are from the same hometown. Angie and I became very close too, and she has also been a best friend to me in college and to this day... she lives way up in Atlanta, but we too can catch up just like it was yesterday.

Our sorority was close, and I have really enjoyed the walk down "memory lane" with everyone's pictures. It's been fun to remember things, and we hope to plan a reunion next year at Homecoming. I was also a Sigma Nu Little Sister, and so catching up with many of those guys has been lots of fun too!

Facebook was not the only thing keeping me from this blog, though.... unfortunately Cub has been sick, and I have still been under the gun with all the things my mouth (and heart, truth be told) said "yes, I'll be happy to do", and my head is screaming "Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!"

I'm working on that... it's a tough thing to say "no" when you really want to help!

This weekend is our trip up to the N. Georgia mountains, Geoff's Aunt's cabin and the pupmkin patch with the kids and our family... I am really looking forward to this trip, and just hope everyone is well by Friday and ready to go!

Revisiting the Old Dream House

2008-10-06T10:59:00.009-04:00

My Momma is awesome... she had the forethought to save my Barbie Dream House, pool, motor home, corvette and accessories. She also saved the Barbie Fashion Plaza and escalator, but that is still at her house being cleaned up.

Elizabeth is sittin' in high cotton right about now.

Actually, EJ is at school, but I just got this all set up for her. She helped Momma get it down from their attic yesterday, and Geoff brought it all over here to our house, so she is already aware of it... but I think when she sees it all spread out she will be thrilled.

Cub is, I know... he's been driving Batman and Spiderman all around the house this morning in the Barbie corvette.

Here it is, in all it's 1970's glory! Look at all that orange and yellow on the house... the furniture is screaming seventies, with striped chairs and sofa, but I didn't get a close up shot of that. I did get a good little picture of all the itty bitty tiny pieces that Momma actually salvaged and kept, though. She managed to keep at least two full sets of the dinnerware - look at those tiny forks, spoons and knives!

I am so impressed, and so thankful!

The shower on this pool set actually worked too, and due to a bit of dry rot (!), a plastic piece that makes it work is broken at the moment... but soon we'll have it back and ready for Barbie to shower off after her swim.

What fun my best friends and I had with this stuff when we were kids... I can't wait to play Barbies again with Elizabeth this afternoon!

She'll Love This One Day...

2008-10-03T10:14:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I went to the elementary school to take pictures for the kids yearbook... oh, how I wish I could post some of those great moments, but I wouldn't dare.

Instead, I'll show yall this picture of my daughter at lunch... notice the Dorito orange colored lips. (I am not a fan of those chips, but my family loves them...)

Oh yes, and of course, that silly apple grin!

This picture shows just a tiny part of the antics I observed while at the lunch table with Elizabeth's kindergarten class. I have been to eat lunch with her on many occasions now, and have been in and out of their classroom taking pictures, so I think they are just comfortable enough to let loose a bit...

Food was switching and swapping around like crazy, and all with no regard to how many kids touched it before they popped it in their mouths... ick! They had not a care in the world... fruit roll ups became sticky balls that got rolled down the table and back up the other side, and one guy tried to stuff his sandwich bread up his nose, but "Miss" Angela had to put a whammy on that.

The teacher's were not falling down on their jobs at all, mind you, but these kids are quick... they know when they can get by with it. I was enlightened by being included in their "inner circle", and began to remember back when I was in kindergarten.

That would be over 30 years ago...

It was actually great fun to sit among them yesterday, listening to their banter and watching the havoc ensue. I giggled like a 5 year old at some of the knock knock jokes they told, and tried hard to ignore the many food swaps.

It was also nice to see that my daughter is participating and enjoying herself at school... sometimes she is so shy, and when around other people she will become very quiet, and hide behind my legs if I am around. I saw none of that yesterday, except for when I had to leave. The tears fell, and she clung to me until I promised her it wouldn't be long before I picked her up from school.

As I walked out of the lunchroom door, I looked back for reassurance that she was going to be okay. There she was, already trading apple slices with her friend. She caught my eye and gave me a big 'ol apple grin as she waved a goodbye.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Happy Friday, Yall!
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! We are going to a great country fair tomorrow, one we never miss...

A tiny clarification: Yes, she is in a princess nightgown in the above picture! Yesterday was "Wear Your Pajamas Day"...

I Am Up To My Eyes in Laundry...

2008-10-02T08:59:00.004-04:00

...and dishes, and kids activities, and a thousand other little obligations I made in earnest, but as a habitual procrastinator (!), and one tired Mommy, I am beginning to feel the pressure.

So, I am just going to get to it... as soon as I finish this one little tiny blog post.

Priorities, yall!

Anyone else overextend themselves and then stress when there is too much to do?

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-30T20:12:00.004-04:00

Our sweet little girl... I blinked and she was five.
She's growing up so fast!
I want to remember moments like this forever...

For more Wordless Wendesday check out 5 Minutes for Mom!

Tag, You're It!

2008-09-29T16:25:00.002-04:00

I have been tagged a few times for this meme, and so here are 6 Wierd Things About Me...
Please do not hold them against me, as it was way to easy to come up with six!

1.) I do not eat meat, yet I grew up in the country, on a "farm" and all the men in our family hunt... I quit eating red meat/pork while in high school, have never really eaten fish (now that IS a long story for another post!), and I stopped eating chicken and any other meat my freshman (sophomore?) year of college. Period. I don't even like chicken broth, or anything flavored/smoked. Icky! But I do not eat tofu either... never have!

2.) I am part of the eighth generation to live in this county where Small Town, GA. is located, and the third generation to live on the same property. But I have also lived in Boston, Colorado, New Jersey, Florida, Costa Rica, and Whitehorse, Canada... in the Yukon Territory - all as a flight attendant for charters or Delta.

3.) I love the show LOST... I do not ever miss an episode, and I will not answer the phone when the show is on. If I did, I might miss something really important, yall... I'm not being rude, I promise! And, yes, I also tivo all the shows and will go back over them later... and, all that to say is I am still lost!

4.) I like my Diet Coke cold, and over ice... so much better that way. Even better if the ice is soft and easy to crunch! When I was pregnant with my children that is what I craved the most.

5.) I don't like it, but I am a sap. I am sentimental, and "cry" at little things... it drives me crazy! I can watch a hallmark commercial and tear up. Oh, and along with this I am soft-hearted, especially for children and animals... very, very much so! Just ask my husband!

6.) Right out of college I went west and worked on a ranch up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado... I didn't have a TV, and seldom listened to the radio. If I had not missed my family and friends so much at home, I would have made my home there. Have you ever heard the wind as it blows through Aspen trees? It's awesome!

Now, I'd like to mention the great pals that tagged me for this fun meme... first was my Sis in Law, Reynie at God, Do You Hear This Southern Girl Rambling?, and then a new, yet familiar friend from The Hinesley House, and last but not least another new pal from The Mommy Rambles.

Here are the rules:
1.) Post the rules on your blog...
2.) Write 6 random things about yourself...
3.) Tag 6 people...
4.) Please pass it along for fun!

Okay, so I tag...

1. Walk on the Sunny Side of the Street
2. Baseballs and Bows
3. Zip and Tizzy
4. Here to There
5. A Mothers Place (Come on Ang! It's fun...)
6. YOU!

Cotton Candy, Ice Cream and Funnel Cakes

2008-09-26T09:11:00.012-04:00

Last night we went to the County Fair... Geoff, Elizabeth, Cub, Momma and myself. It was a lot of fun, and we all enjoyed the cotton candy, bucket 'o fries, ice cream and rides. The kids picked up ducks to "win" a prize, and fished for sharks to win yet another prize.

Oh yeah, and at one game we gambled with quarters, putting them on our favorite colored circles, then a mouse decided if we won or not... he was a cute mouse, but we lost.

We came home with two plastic swords, two princess crowns, a "pow pow" gun and a sheet of princess stickers, but it was the fun they had in winning them that counted. The grins on their faces and sweet laughter was worth a million bucks (probably what we all forked out throughout the evening!)... the fair was a huge success.

The kids favorite ride of the whole fair was the High Jump... Elizabeth said she "felt like Tinkerbelle" she flew so high into the sky, and Cub declared he was "going REAL high like Spiderman"...

In fact, there were so many great pictures that I couldn't choose between many of them... I had to, or this post would have been way too long, so here are the ones that made the cut! Geoff took many of these with a cool setting on the camera...

Have a great weekend, yall - we are going to a family reunion at the lake!

In Target, You Must Obey

2008-09-25T15:33:00.003-04:00

This afternoon I picked up Cub from his preschool class as usual. We have about an hour and a half until Elizabeth gets out of school, so I ran an errand for Momma.

First, let me set the scene a little bit... I dread taking the kids with me in Target, WalMart or anywhere with a toy section. Just the thought of new toys in the vicinity gets them all worked up, and then the pleading proceeds.

"Can I go see the toys?"

This begins as I park the car...

Today I wrangled my growing three year old boy into one of the buggies, and tried to ignore the ever growing chant of "Mommy, please may I go to toys?" At least he was polite as he got increasingly louder with his begging.

I knew it would be a mistake, but we had some time to kill, so I indulged him in a trip to the toy section... with the understanding that he was not getting a toy today.

"Okay, Mommy... I look with my eyes, not my hands!" he says, already spotting the "boy" isle. Even better, I think, as I giggled to myself that he can repeat what I often say in stores with fragile items, like antique malls.

Of course he wants out of the buggy, and immediately begins mashing every button on every toy he can find... his favorite thing was the Incredible Hulk hands that you use to punch folks with. We will not be buying those, ever... it's got "trouble" written all over them, as he'd try to fight with Sissy, who would not enjoy it in the least.

As he went into toy overload, I ask him about his day at school. Usually I don't get too much of a response, except to tell me all about his snack, or the fun he had on the playground.

Today, he says " We must obey."

Wow! I perk up and ask, "That's right, Cub. Where did you learn that?"

"My teacher says we should obey God, and our Mommy, and Daddy."

"That's great son... did she read you a Bible verse about that?" I ask, very pleased he is learning about God at school, and remembering some of the Bible verses.

"Yes... but I think I am not going to obey today. I looked with my hands and I want that "Credible Huk man".

Oh well, at least he was listening, and he sure was cute as I put him back in that buggy, without the Incedible Hulk man, and went to the front of the store. To his credit he didn't pitch a huge fit, but crossed his little arms and stuck his lips way out.

I did get him a little pack of gum at the register for his restraint in throwing that huge fit brewing inside of him...

In Target, we must obey...

I Guess I Must Be an Addict...

2008-09-24T15:38:00.010-04:00

Ahhh! Our internet is again up and running... I understand the modem was not working properly, and so if we got any internet access at all, it was S-L-O-W and very unreliable. And, mind you, we have a satellite, so it's not usually all that fast to begin with.

I can deal with that as I realize we live in a small place... if we really wanted cable it would cost a lot of $$$ ($12, 244.00) just to get it to the house.

Yikes! No thank you.

I learned through this ordeal that I have come to depend on the internet... not in a "I am tied to it all day long" kinda way (as if that is even possible with two children wanting/needing attention), but since beginning this blog I have enjoyed having a place to put my thoughts, and share what the kids are up to. Not being able to communicate through this outlet was surprisingly more than a bit frustrating, and I am glad to have it back again.

Thanks for all the well wishes on our anniversary last weekend... Geoff and I went to the mountains while my parents kept the kids. This is where we went on our honeymoon, to his Aunt's cabin, and this is a place he has grown up going. All the pictures on this post are from our trip, and the pumpkin patch we take Elizabeth and Cub to every year. We discovered it during our honeymoon, and have returned every October for family pictures. That fun trip is in a few short weeks!

We scouted out some of these big pumpkins for our yard this year. Now, if they are still around when we return it will be a miracle!

Last week I also joined Facebook, after a lot of nudging from some of my friends and family... now I can't believe it took me so long! Talk about something addicting... I highly reccommend it for getting back in touch with friends from high school and college. My ADPi sorority sisters and I have enjoyed it so much we are getting a reunion together ... we had a close group of girls and seeing what everyone is up to now is wonderful. Not having a reliable way to check that was frustrating too, especially as I had just signed up...

My Momma got a new car last week as well - a 2008 King Ranch Ford Expedition. The kids are so excited that they want Momma to drive them everywhere... I'm gonna milk this for all it's worth! Not that she minds anyway, she would go to the moon for them, but it's kinda nice to not be running them around to everything.

In all my rambling I forgot to say thank you to my husband for the previous post... he made up the sign and "hijacked" this blog (with my blessings!) to post of our internet troubles... maybe I'll make a blogger of him yet?!

I look forward to catching up with everyone!

Pardon the Interruption.

2008-09-22T10:29:00.009-04:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to my wonderful world of internet difficulties... We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you. Please know that the experts at Sunflower Hill are working diligently to rectify the problem.

Ya'll have a great day (week, depending on HughesNet!).

Our 6th Anniversary

2008-09-19T15:21:00.002-04:00

Wow... it's been 6 years this Sunday that Geoff and I finally tied the knot!

We have actually known each other, well, forever really... and as most know by now, he was my high school sweetheart. We started "going together"when we were 13 years old! We also dated some in college, and then a little after as well... there for awhile our paths took us in much different directions, but 2001 was a turning point in our lives. A year later, on September 21, 2002, we said "I do" in front of our family and friends in his childhood church, and the name I practiced writing on all my high school notebooks, yearbooks and letters was actually mine!

We both cried as we said our vows, and I have never been so sure of making the right decision in my entire life.

Happy 6th Anniversary Hon... I love you!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-17T07:08:00.008-04:00

If you don't know this one by heart, go check it out... it's a beautiful message that could really change your life!

For other mostly wordless pictures, visit 5 Minutes for Mom!

I Love My Refrigerator Art!

2008-09-16T09:49:00.002-04:00

Cub's Glass of Fun

2008-09-15T09:56:00.005-04:00

On Saturday night Geoff and I went to a Trisha Yearwood concert with our great friends, the Curtis's... it was a lot of fun, and we really enjoyed the evening.

When we packed our cooler for the concert, Geoff tried a new experiment... he got a huge hunk of dry ice to put in the bottom of the cooler to help keep the ice we put on top of it from melting. This particular cooler is a backpack type, and when the ice melts it tends to get messy for whoever carries it.

For the record, he liked the dry ice idea... it worked great, and our beer was ice cold, just perfect!

But, the real fun came yesterday afternoon. When Cub got up from his nap, Geoff got a glass of water and put a little of the dry ice in there. When it first bubbled up and the smoke began, Cub was a bit scared ... but after he saw Daddy blowing on it and making it look so cool, he wanted to try!

He had a great time with that glass of water and dry ice!

Disclaimer!
Okay, yes I know... dry ice is dangerous, and is not a "toy"... he was monitored at all times while holding the glass, and was told twenty million bajillion times by Mommy and Daddy not to touch the ice or the water.

(But he was such a good boy, and absolutely loved the smoke effect!)

Please, don't let your kids try it alone...

There, I feel better!

Thank You Miss Bonnie!

2008-09-15T08:56:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was a difficult day for many of us at church... it was Miss Bonnie's last day, and as she was our long time Nursery Leader, we are going to miss her very much!

She has loved on our infants and toddlers for many years. She was with us as our babies began to crawl, cruise, walk and talk...she also helped them transition from her class to the "big boys and girls" Children's Church. Elizabeth was in her room for a couple of years, and Cub has been in her care since his birth.

To show her our great appreciation, the kids in nursery made a handprint garden to give her, and gave her flowers. Then, all the children who have ever been in her class, plus the current children, sang "Jesus Loves Me" in front of the congregation.

Well, they attempted to in any case... but most stood with wide eyes, looking at all the people, or decided to try and climb on the pulpit...

Still, they were cute anyway!

Thank you so much Bonnie - we love you very much, and wish you well!

Bonnie is the wonderful lady on the left, with the black shirt...

Where Did the Week Go?

2008-09-12T08:43:00.004-04:00

It seems like it was just Friday, but yet here it is again... it was a busy week, but looking back all I remember was all the car swapping and "umpteen" trips to town and the "car doctor", as our kids call the shop. My Jeep suddenly decided it needed lots of attention. I guess it thought the best option would be to quit cooling us humans off with air conditioner (which is not so funny in Georgia... even in September it is still hot), and also make the windows in the back fall off their track, down inside the door frame.

Needless to say the operation to fix these issues was not cheap. I nearly passed out when the car doctor gave me the news...

I think Geoff did.

But wait! There's more! I was sharing my Mom's Honda while I was without mine, and while I had both kiddos in the car it just up and quit on me. Yes it did... in the middle of a busy road, right after EJ's dance class.

That made twice it quit on me... the first time being in a long line of Mommies waiting to pick up their preschoolers. I finally got it going that time just as it was time for me to move up in line. Thank goodness for small miracles!

After I got it going again, we took it on over to the car doctor too. I think my Momma is going to start looking for a new car, which I wholeheartedly agree is high up on the agenda.

Especially as the car doctor himself just grinned as we drove it up to his shop...

Well, we've lots going on this weekend...

Tonight my Aunt and Uncle are taking us out to my favorite restaurant, Olive Garden... Geoff helped them move some furniture around, a couple of times (!) and they wanted to treat us. It certainly isn't necessary, but who can turn down Olive Garden and great company?!

Tomorrow is work day at our church, and then one of my best friends little boy, Walker, turns 1 with a birthday party at the Old House. She is actually my 3rd cousin too, making Walker my 4th(!)... It will be the first function there without cousin Fred, except for his funeral "celebration" lunch.

Tomorrow night Geoff and I are going to see Trisha Yearwood with our good friends... it will be a fun night out, and we haven't had one in a long while. Momma and Diddy are keeping the kids!

Sunday is church, and then hopefully I can catch up again on laundry. It's piling high, again. I think laundry and dishes are my least favorite job, but it has to be done all the same. My GeGe would roll over in her grave for my doing chores on Sunday, but Monday will be here soon enough with the start of another busy week...

And, Nana is coming to visit from Charleston, SC on Monday!

Have a wonderful weekend yall!

9/11/01

2008-09-11T17:09:00.005-04:00

Update: I have had a few folks ask me where this picture came from... my husband worked in NYC, at Time Square, on 9/11. He was great friends with his coworkers, and when one gal got married in 2004, Geoff and I went up there to attend the wedding. We had both been back to NYC many times during and after 9/11, but this time one of us took this picture when we visited the Ground Zero site.

"Wordless" Wednesday... our Growing Puppies

2008-09-09T22:08:00.008-04:00

I am trying on the "wordless" part, but there is always too much to say!

The kids got puppies from Nana for their birthdays in July. The pups are about 5 months old now, growing so quickly, and full of personality.

This is Jesse, Elizabeth's puppy... he is named for the cowgirl character in Toy Story II. EJ wanted a girl name, and a compromise was made on a name that could be either. It helped she loves Cowgirl Jesse.

Now meet Buzz, Cub's puppy. Buzz is named for Cub's all time favorite super hero... to infinity and beyond, Buzz Lightyear!

Some of yall have seen them before here on my blog (haven't they grown?!), but I have not had a picture of them recently... they are too active to get a very good shot!

For more "Wordless" Wednesday, go to 5 Minutes for Mom.

She is Growing Up

2008-09-08T16:43:00.003-04:00

We are playing dress up this afternoon while Cub takes his nap. A little bit ago she put on her Barbie cheerleading outfit, and was jumping all over the room yelling "Yeah Cheerleaders!"... when she stood in the doorway of our bedroom, and paused for a brief second, I quickly caught this picture... now one of my current favorites.

This was the next moment...

I love our girl time...

Scenes from the Hunt

2008-09-08T09:45:00.008-04:00

I mentioned before that this was the opening weekend of dove season here in Georgia... yesterday was the hunt here on our families land, and after church the first order of business was lunch. Many of the hunters had already gone out and made their "cover" by now, and I'll show you a couple of those pictures in a minute...

Everyone gathered at the tractor pull site, and after prayer and a few words on safety (!), the hunters had deer tenderloin, black eyed peas, fried okra, cornbread and dessert.

Here is a picture of Geoff and Cub on our Gator... they are heading off to get limbs for a friend to use later as cover. It took some doing, but I got Cub away from all the excitement to leave with us shortly after... I believe in the next few years he will be out there with the rest of them.

Be still my heart...

This is my Diddy's spot, right in front of our house... see his bucket under all the limbs he cut and placed? He also had a chair out there, and probably a cooler full of lemonade... his favorite.

My husband sat in our rock garden, which is great as it has a lot of shade... probably the most envious place as it was HOT yesterday. And humid too... the really sticky humid, as it had rained on Saturday and made it wet outside as well. Ugh!

Here is my Uncle Milton's cover... he sat in rows of sunflowers not yet plowed down, and put an office chair out for comfort. That's a new one, I believe... only Milton!

Momma, the kids and I went shopping... first we stopped at one of our favorite places, Cracker Barrel, for a veggie plate lunch. Then we made the rounds. Momma got all of her returns made, we bought a new car seat for Cub as he has outgrown his, and then we took the kids to the town's water works park.

It was a nice afternoon, and once again we avoided the sounds of all those shotguns for another year!

Dove Season Begins

2008-09-06T16:15:00.010-04:00

It's opening day... and the men are all in their camo's, guns in hand and sittin' in a friend's field... waiting to take shots at all the dove flying around.

I just can't think about it.

Poor, pretty birds... fly away while you still can!

As a matter of fact, tomorrow these same men (husband, Diddy, brother, uncles, cousins, the preacher and half the community) will be setting up their cover here, in our fields. After church they will converge for a meal, and then they will set out looking for tree limbs and brush to cut down for their hideouts from the unsuspecting birds.

Remember those pretty sunflower fields from July?

Well, let's just say that dove love sunflowers, and here are pictures of BB and Uncle Milton plowing down the now very dead sunflowers, plus some of the corn stalks. And, in doing so, spreading the seeds all over the ground... for the birds.

Are you following this plan?

Yeah, me too.

It is the way of life here, and I am used to and even proud of, the men (and some women) and their hunting. They do eat the birds, usually the night of each hunt, so it is not for just sport. The hunt is law abiding and the hunters are gentleman... just good 'ol boys having fun and enjoying a dove supper, or two, or three, or ten...hanging out, telling tall tales of who shot how many bird, who almost shot who, and so on.

Momma, the kids and I usually vacate the property. Reynie and BB's house is far enough back she can't really see/hear all the shooting, so she has a lot of craft things planned for her weekend. But we stay long enough to get some pictures, visit a bit with everyone, and then we head on out for another adventure somewhere else. I am proud of the boys, but I do not want to hang around to watch, or hear, all the action. Our house sits in the middle of the hunt here on this property, and my parents pretty much is too. In the past, when we stayed home we would hear gunshot pinging on our roofs, and the sounds of 70 or so shotguns firing... all day.

Not really my idea of a relaxing afternoon...so tomorrow we will gladly go shopping. I know, they twisted my arm, but we have to go somewhere... why not the mall?

Now, the next issue is how to get Cub to come with us this year. He wants to shoot the toy rifle we got him for his birthday...

Come join us at The Blog Train...

Celebrating Cousin Fred

2008-09-05T08:09:00.007-04:00

This has been an emotional week. As we reflect on a special life that was lost many years ago (see post below), we also remember and celebrate a life that passed into the hands of God early Saturday morning.

My cousin Fred was a diabetic, and was in need of a kidney transplant. He had a variety of medical issues in the past years related to that situation, but one thing about Fred was constant.

His infectious, kind smile.

For many weeks he had been in the hospital with some of these diabetic complications. Due to infection, they first had to take two of his toes, and then amputate the bottom part of his leg. After this, Fred was up and down medically. He was in a coma like state for much of this time, but many times when he was aware he had visitors he would give them that smile. Early last Saturday morning, after a hard fought battle, Fred closed his eyes and God welcomed him home.

His passion in life included growing things, the University of Georgia "Dawgs" and last but never least, his family and friends. You could usually find him at the "Old House" preparing for a gathering, or driving his truck around our small town to visit with his friends. God gave him the gift of a green thumb, and he worked with his youngest brother in the landscaping business. He was not a church going man, but knew and believed in Him. He was saved.

Yesterday over 200 people gathered at the Old House to celebrate his life. This is not where he laid his head at night, that was just around the bend at the family's main house. But the Old House is a very special place. It is the oldest building left in our county, and is a part of their side of our family's history.

Fred had become the main caretaker of this old place, and it was where many of us had birthday parties, baby showers, wedding showers, graduation parties, huge Halloween parties, hunting breakfasts and cookouts... and where folks gathered just because it was a Friday night. He loved being with all of his family and friends, and welcomed everyone.

As we stood under one of the tents yesterday afternoon, right outside the Old House, my cousin and best friend Dixie, his niece, said it best. Fred is everywhere there. His legacy is in the newly planted flowers that he tended so carefully, his brothers and their families, and he is a big part of the long and treasured history of that special gathering place.

After everyone left, the immediate family stayed for one of the things that Fred wanted most. He was cremated, and they spread his ashes among the flower beds around the old house.

I am certain Fred is smiling still, now reunited with his parents and no longer in any pain.

In Memory of Papa Jerry

2008-09-03T14:09:00.007-04:00

21 years ago today, on a beautiful early fall afternoon, Geoff's daddy, Mr. Jerry, was doing one of the things he loved to do most in the world... fly airplanes. In a Pitts Special, he was getting ready for a Labor Day airshow, practicing an aerobatic maneuver called the Lomcovak. As Geoff and other pilots tell it, in this maneuver the airplane is purposefully going end over end, wingtip over wingtip.

This maneuver also causes a lot of G's, which is the force of gravity... it is said that Mr. Jerry probably pulled approximately 8 G's, which for a 100 pound person would be 800 pounds. Mr. Jerry weighed more than 100 pounds, so he would have felt even more force. It was during this time that he "G'd out" (gravity induced loss of consciousness), and basically lost his sense of what is up, down, left or right. He was "flying blind".

Tragically, at the age of 43, Mr. Jerry crashed into woods not far from here, and instantly passed away.

Geoff and I had just begun our Junior year of high school, and at the time we were broken up... it wasn't our first break up, or the last (as teenage romances seem to go!), but it was one of the most memorable for me.

Geoff had only been 16 years old for a couple of weeks, and we had not been out of school long for the day when the news came. We live in a small town, and word travels quick here, good or bad. This time it was the worst.

Since it was a Thursday, we had marching band practice scheduled for that evening, under the stadium lights. Geoff was a drummer... he played the Quads, and I was a majorette... everyone was so upset, and I can remember standing at attention, looking into the sky through tears as the sun was setting. It was beautiful. It was as if God was trying to give comfort, sending a gorgeous sunset to say that Mr. Jerry had flown safely into his arms, and was in heaven.

Geoff came to that practice for awhile and sat in the stands, and he was at school the next day. That night was our first football game of the season, and Geoff was in uniform, playing his drums with the band, in the stands and on the field. My heart broke for him, and I stammered at trying to find any words to tell him how very sorry I was. His family was like mine - his Momma is so sweet and kind, and his sister Lee, was (and still is), someone I looked up too. At this time she was a sophomore in college, and had been a majorette at our high school too.

Mr. Jerry was friends with my Daddy growing up, and our families know each other well. The whole community was in shock, and so saddened by this terrible accident.

Mr. Jerry was a pilot for Delta Air Lines at the time of his passing, and I will never forget how many uniformed Delta pilots and flight attendants were at the funeral. Not to overlook his large beloved family, childhood friends, Navy buddies, and other friends in the community. The old historic Methodist church was overfull, with the balcony sitting way more than it should, and people standing outside. I sat in the balcony with my family, and along with most there, cried through much of the service.

At the cemetery, a graveside service was held and a Missing Man formation was flown over us by fellow Delta pilots and good friends. What a touching and honorable remembrance for Mr. Jerry, his family and a community of friends who all loved him. He was buried with his Navy wings, medals and Delta wings pinned to him.

I have many memories of my own that I could share of Mr. Jerry, but one stands out in my mind more than others. I had just turned 16 years old, and had a new Pontiac Firebird. Since Geoff is 8 months younger than me, I drove down to his house to pick him up for our date that night. Mr. Jerry had just come in from a run, and hoped right on in my car, getting in the backseat. I looked at Geoff as he leaned up to the front and said "Where are we going?". He was a smart man, with a sense of humor... he knew that as soon as we left the driveway I'd pull over and let Geoff drive. He didn't go with us of course, but he made his point!

Many years later I too began my career at Delta Air Lines. As a Lead Flight Attendant I was always talking and joking with the pilots in the cockpit, and when many found out where I was from, they would always mention Jerry. Especially when I married Geoff, and had the same last name. I learned many great stories from those guys as they reminensed about layovers and flights they flew with him.

When Geoff and I got back together, got married and then had children, I remembered thinking to myself way back at the age of 16 how we'd name our son after Mr. Jerry (don't all teenage girls dream of the day they will marry their high school sweetheart and what their kids names will be?!)... I was so sure back then that I would marry Geoff. Our paths did take different turns for awhile, and at one point seemed all but lost, but somehow I knew then what our future would hold.

On that July afternoon in 2005 when our son was born, we named him Jerry Lee T. II. It was a special moment, and I like to think that Papa Jerry was looking down from heaven, soaring with pride.

"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth...
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
From High Flight, By John Gillespie Magee, Jr.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-03T13:51:00.003-04:00

Here Kitty Kitty... this is my cat "Booger". Isn't he beautiful?!

Geoff named him when he was a new kitten, and if you look close enough you'll see why... it kinda looks like he might have one!

Seriously, that is really how he got his name...

For more Wordless (or not so wordless) Wednesdays, go to 5 Minutes for Mom!

School Days for Cub

2008-09-02T11:00:00.005-04:00

This morning Cub began his first day of school! He got up ready for the day to begin, and was so excited at the prospect of going to school "like Sissy does". Of course he wanted to bring his new Batman action figure, pirate sword, and eye patch.

After understanding the I would take good care of these precious items until he returned home, he was ready to get dressed and have his usual "cereal and milk" for breakfast.

Momma came over early with Elizabeth... she spent the night at their house last night, and after she got dressed, they headed off to kindergarten. It really helped out this morning as I wanted to love on Cub as much as possible!

I just couldn't stop hugging him, as if I was gonna squeeze him back to being a baby.

Seems like just yesterday he was learning to walk, and now he is a big 3 year old and going to PreK...

When we got to the church, he hopped out of the Jeep... ready to go in. I grasped his little hand in mine and we started toward the doors. As Elizabeth went to this Preschool last year, Cub is pretty familiar with everyone, and they were all calling out a good morning to him as we entered.

That was when he gripped me like his life depended on it, and decided he might not want to be there after all. Oh, the look in his eyes almost had me running out those doors, back to the Jeep and safety of the keeping him at home... just one more year.

That is when his wonderful teacher, Miss Jennifer, came over to save the day. She somehow coaxed us both to the room, and when Cub saw the construction toy in the middle of the floor, well... he was hooked. He leaped from my arms and headed over to play with all the trucks and tractors.

When I got home it was so quiet, I really didn't know what to do. There were no fights to break up between my kids, or boo boos to kiss and make better. No one to watch Toy Story with for the millionth time. I am sure I will come to understand that I have a good 2 or 3 hours to get something accomplished three days a week... but today I am just taking it in.

And watching the clock until I can go pick up my babies!

Join the Blog Train!

It's Friday!

2008-08-29T07:55:00.009-04:00

Whew!

What a week... I am so glad to see Friday. Whatever these drugs are that the good Doc gave me to attack the bronchitis are working just fine, and I feel soooo much better than I did a few days ago.

Plus... yesterday, though way too busy, was very productive, interesting, fun in parts and best of all - over.... thank goodness for small miracles.

My article is completed and turned in. Done. I did survive.

Cub likes his teachers, the room, and especially the toy fire engine you will see in the pictures below. He immediately laid total claim on this toy, and I foresee trouble surrounding that situation... I noted from the birthday calendar that he is by far the youngest 3 year old in the class, so I am a tad bit anxious about that.

Maybe it had a little to do with all the yelling he did when anyone tried to touch that little fire engine?

Next, he lined the alphabet blocks up so very nice and pretty, only to take that yellow hammer and pound them all to "time out" and back.

In all seriousness, he was a bit shy when we first arrived, and I know come Tuesday we will both be in tears as I have to leave him for his first day. I really did like his teacher, and she was very convincing for me to give this three day class a try.

But I'm gonna miss him so those three mornings!!!

Ahhhh... motherhood! Who knew how it would tie up your heart strings?

Elizabeth's Open House was last night as well, and she was thrilled to show her Daddy around. As I have said before, she is a "Daddy's Girl" in the making, and boy, I know all about that!

Elizabeth is excelling in kindergarten, of which we are very proud. Her teacher sent home a progress report last week, and EJ is doing very well. She is consistently bringing home "three star work", and we are very proud!

One thing I am wondering about... I understand why the teachers want the children to color inside the lines, but what is the big deal about making sure the picture is completely colored in, without white spots in the coloring?

Regardless, EJ has been practicing a lot, and I can say her coloring is beautiful!

Still, I miss her too... it's that motherhood gene again!

Yall have a wonderful weekend!

Come join the Blog Train!

Just Rambling On and On....

2008-08-28T07:27:00.005-04:00

Today is full of stuff to attend and take care of...

Cub's 3 year old class has Orientation this morning at the church in town... EJ attended Pre K here last year, and I love the school, but am anxious about Cub going three days a week. I'd prefer a two day program so I could have more time with him - he's just 3! I will make a decision after meeting with the teacher and seeing how it goes...

From there I head over to another town close by for an interview and photographs. I have an article deadline today, and getting this silly bronchitis has set me back some... not to mention that I am a procrastinator about such things! I always do better under pressure, but this is really cutting it close!

After school, I am taking EJ (Elizabeth) to meet with her best friend Kate at a nearby Chick-Fil-A. It has a nice indoor playground, and so they can play while her Mommy and I catch up on the latest. Kate and EJ went to Pre K together and hit it off fairly quickly... thing is she lives on the other side of the biggest town in our area, so they attend different schools now they are in kindergarten. Elizabeth misses her friend a lot in school, and vice versa, so her Mommy and I make play dates in order for the two to play! Elizabeth woke this morning very excited about these afternoon plans...

Last but not least, EJ's school is holding Open House this evening, and I am to be there to help at the yearbook table. I am excited to go and meet many of the other families of the children in EJ's class, talk with her teacher, as well as be a part of the yearbook volunteers. Geoff is meeting us there, and EJ is very happy Daddy will be at her school!

I will be glad to get home tonight!

Come join us on The Blog Train!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-27T09:51:00.002-04:00

Cousins Cub, Addyson and Elizabeth the night before the tractor pull, at the volunteer supper. Part of the 9th generation of our family to grow up here in this place we call home!

Under the Weather

2008-08-27T08:26:00.003-04:00

I almost feel as if I have missed a deadline for one of my articles, but I have comfort in knowing there are no deadlines here... it's my own silliness in not posting anything yesterday.

Truth be told, I wasn't up to much of anything at all the past couple of days, and as I told my husband Tuesday morning, "I think I am dying".

Well, maybe that is too extreme, but I sure felt as bad as the weather was outside, and let me tell yall, it was scary.

I began to feel icky Sunday night, but just thought I was tired from all the recent activity, which is silly as it never slows down much around here... but by Monday morning I knew I had at least a cold. Monday evening I spent on the couch, and even "slept" there, sitting up as much as possible because I could not breathe. I also had a sore throat, and could feel lots of pressure behind my ears... yesterday morning is when I told Geoff I felt so horrible.

He's a good man, and made sure I was comfortable as possible.

Life does go on in these circumstances, and he had to go to work, so I drug myself up to get the kids awake and dressed, and EJ to kindergarten... when Cub and I got home I didn't make it past the couch all morning, and my sweet boy snuggled with me most of that time... I let him watch the Disney channel, play with his pirate ship, and I slept.

The weather outside was dark, thunderous and pouring down rain... I could see the hanging fern on my porch being blown almost vertical, but I thought little of it, which is most unusual as I have a BIG phobia of bad weather. BIG. Fay's remnants have still been passing through here since the weekend, and our house could have been washed/blown away, but I could not get up from that couch for anything.

Not even the safety of our hall closet, much less BB and Reynie's basement.

I did eventually find the energy to call the Dr., who made me an afternoon appointment. Momma had been with my Great Aunt at the hospital, but rearranged her whole afternoon to come home.

I instantly felt a little better, just knowing she was there... I am 37 years old, married with babies of my own, but Momma always makes it better. She took control, put us in the car, went and picked up EJ a little early from school, and off we went to the doctor's office.

It was still raining, but the sun was beginning to peek at us from the clouds...

The good Dr. checked me out and declared I have bronchitis. I wasn't prepared for that, as I thought he would say it was a bad cold, but am so glad I went now...

He gave me some drugs and an antibiotic to take for the next 7 days, so hopefully that will kill that bad bacteria, make the pressure in my ears go away and tame my flaming sore throat. I already feel less congested, which is a huge relief.

As for the weather outside, we did have some sunshine again late yesterday afternoon, but it has been raining a lot during the night and this morning. I will not complain about the rain... we have been in a drought for awhile... so the rain is welcome.

It's the stormy part I hope is behind us!

Since I feel some better, I am no longer in that groggy "whatever" stage I was yesterday... the closet is ready, just in case!

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

2008-08-25T14:30:00.003-04:00

For the past few days we have experienced Fall like weather, which is more than a little strange for Georgia in the dog days of August. Fall doesn't usually show around here until the end of October, sometimes into November even. We have the hurricane/tropical depression Fay to thank for this interlude in the sticky, sweaty and almost unbearably hot days that August usually brings, and I for one am thankful for a this break. It has been a long hot summer!

It's also been raining off and on since Saturday, and today has brought the most downpours. I can handle the rain (and boy do we need it), but it's the high winds, loud thunder and cracks of jagged lightening that cause my heart to stop in fear... I hate stormy weather!

I've always been a little afraid of bad weather, but after living through a tornado that came right through our pasture, well, now. I. am. terrified.

There are tornado warnings in effect right now for the counties to our left and below us, and I have cleaned out our hall closet... just in case. I may even pack up the kids and head on back to my brother and sister in laws basement...

As a matter of fact, this may not even post until who knows when, as we lose our satellite service when the first rain drop falls...

Gotta love living out in the boonies!

So, Hon, if you are reading this up there from the office in Atlanta (or on your IPhone even!), be careful on your way home, it's a little windy! Okay - the trees are blowing and bending a bit, and the kids yard toys are down the road toward Grandma's spring...

I may not answer the phone for awhile... we don't get very good service in the closet.

Our Afternoon Together...

2008-08-22T15:40:00.008-04:00

Oh, what a little stinker! His laughter is music to my heart, and I'm really enjoying this new Cub and Mommy time together...

Writer's Block

2008-08-22T12:10:00.005-04:00

EJ at her school's Spirit Night last night

I have nothing to talk about today, really. That is unusual, but here I sit thinking...

I guess I'm all blogged out for the week...
Plus, I am washing clothes, dishes and throwing out stuff we no longer need/use/want...

Oh yes, and I'm still on potty training duty, though the new model (see below) is working wonders!

So, I won't bore you anymore with my idle chit chat!

Yall have a wonderful weekend!

A Present from Nana

2008-08-21T07:58:00.010-04:00

I am proud to report that Cub's potty training has been going great this time around. Still, I'm almost scared to say it, so I feel the need to "knock on wood" before he comes in here to tell me he had an accident or something...

It certainly wouldn't be the first time, but all in all he has excelled this go round, and gets "three stars" like Sissy does on her papers from kindergarten.

He is so proud!

And, oh my goodness, so are we!

Being potty trained assures him a place at 3 yr preschool, which he is so intent on going to, even though I have some reservations. It's three mornings at the church EJ attended PreK last year, and would give me the opportunity to go grocery shopping in daylight hours, or clean the house, or even substitute teach. But he is my baby, after all... and after watching my first born head off to kindergarten this year (be still my heart), I want to keep him right here with me. Forever.

Ahem. Sorry... I lost my train of thought for a minute.

Oh yes, potty training. Yesterday Cub even took a nap with underwear on, though it was because I forgot to change him into a diaper. He was dry when he got up, and that is usually when when we would have an opportunity for the most "accidents". He gave me a high 5 when he realized what he had (or really, had not) done!

So, yesterday a present came from Nana, just for Cub.

Have yall seen these? It's called a Peter Potty (no joke, and I am not being paid for this... I just had to share), and it is great! See that green button on top? That is the flush, and it really works, which is the best part for Cub (you have to refill it with water every so often)... The one downside is I have to empty the green drawer after he "goes", but it is teaching him how to stand up and tee tee.

Did I just write that?

Sorry, yall... I wouldn't usually say such things in public, only to my girlfriends while our kids played. But I feel comfortable enough here to talk of my baby's potty training, so there it stays. Still, this is a neat way to help potty train a boy, and he thinks it's so cool he remembers to go when he needs to. And sometimes when he doesn't!

Any little bit helps!

Come join the Blog Train!

Wordless Wednesday...

2008-08-19T21:50:00.004-04:00

I am still pretty bad at the"wordless" part... I must talk too much!

Though this picture seems to scream "SUMMER FUN" at me, I feel the need to explain...

This is a "new" battery operated car we inherited from friends, who inherited it from friends... it has been through lots of summer fun along the way, and our kids are adding their mark to it as well. When they are too old for it (and if it hasn't been destroyed!) we will pass it along to the next family...

And, please note yall - they are playing together, and laughing together... now that really makes me smile!

What an awesome toy - thanks friends!

For more Wordless Wednesday, go to 5 Minutes for Mom...

Playing Princess

2008-08-18T22:11:00.007-04:00

Elizabeth came home the other day from Momma's house with this dress on. It is one I used to wear when I was a little older than she is now, and Elizabeth saw it in Momma's "save" closet and wanted to try it on... I can't hardly get it off of her now!

I remember when I wore this particular dress I always felt kinda like Cinderella, and it appears that EJ gets the same feeling. All afternoon she twirled and danced, watching herself in the mirror as the pleats in the dress made for the perfect "princess effect".

While Cub was taking his nap, EJ and I went outside for a little bit with the puppies. She had the time of her life out there pretending to be Sleeping Beauty when she met Prince Phillip in the woods while picking berries.

I just had to sneak inside for my camera, and I got a few pictures of her before she knew I was taking them... then a posed one of her curtsy to the Prince at their ball. I love her imagination!

Then off she went to Momma's house, the Fairy Tale Castle she called it... a little Princess in my old green dress.

A Pullin' Kind of Day

2008-08-18T09:23:00.016-04:00

Well, we made it through another tractor pull here in this little town... it was actually a nice day weather wise, especially in comparison to other extremely unbearable HOT years. Saturday was still in the high 80's to low 90's I guess, but rain was also coming, so it wasn't the usual "middle of a Georgia August 100 degrees" hot.

Thank goodness for the small things in life...

The day begins with a Tractor Parade through "downtown"... and below is a picture of my Diddy driving one of his old International tractors, and pulling a manure spreader. He usually drives a John Deere in the parade with a seat for Momma beside him, but it was being cantankerous Saturday and wouldn't start.

You may notice that the family is sitting in the old manure spreader (!), and it works as Diddy made wooden seats years ago for us... the kids and I are in front with our cousin's wife and their son. Then Momma and Aunt Runelle are in the middle, and some of our good friends are in the back. They go to our church, and she sang the National Anthem beautifully at our opening ceremonies.

Here comes my brother BB and his wife Reynie... he is driving a John Deere 4040 that he and my parents went all the way to Kansas to bring back here. I hate I missed that trip!

Before there were tractors, there were mules and horses...

Thanks to my husband we have all these pictures, and here is a good shot of some of the trophies for the top pulls of each category...

Many people like to bring their tractors to show, and don't really want to pull. Here is a picture of a nice Ford tractor on the Show side. Diddy thinks we had about 94 tractors in all for the day!

Cub couldn't wait for the pulling to begin... he was so excited!!

Opening ceremonies include Prayer by a local preacher, Presentation of the Colors (raising the U.S and Ga. State flags) and our National Anthem.

After one of the larger classes of tractors completes their pull, we have the kid's Pedal Races! They LOVE it, and line the sidelines waiting for their turn to race down the track... here are a couple of pedal race pictures to give you an idea. In the first Cub is ready to start down the track... if only he would get his feet on the pedals! (He is third in line from the left, and a friend and myself are behind him, getting the kids in line...)

Elizabeth has done this before, and was excited to be racing down the track!

As I showed yall last week, we also have a tractor dance performed by my Uncle, and a slow race... we had no takers this year for the Powder Puff race, but one lady entered the real pull and was awesome! She did as well as most of the men!

Here is a shot of the "pull back" tractor. It isn't in the competition, but is used to pull the sled back to start after a tractor has pulled it down the track. Both my kids loved riding in there with Mr. Matt... plus, it's air conditioned! Best seat in the house!

The last two pictures are some from the actual pullin' during the day. The first is of our friend Joe on one of his International tractors, and then BB on one of his John Deere...

So, there it is... another pull behind us! Not long after this picture was taken we were ready for some supper, a long shower and bed!

I thought it was a great day, and successful one for lots of tractor pullers. Besides all that, I got to see lots of folks I haven't in awhile, people watch (!), and be with my family.

Next year will make 15 years!

Go meet other bloggers and join the Blog Train...

The Tractors are Coming!

2008-08-15T13:16:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow is the tractor pull - See yall on Sunday or Monday, after all the crazy is over!

A Sweet Song of Thanks

2008-08-14T18:18:00.010-04:00

When EJ was in Pre-K last year she learned a new prayer to say before they ate lunch. It became our favorite, and I absolutely tear up now when both my kids sing it before we eat. It's the sweetest thing to have my children sing a prayer of thanks to God, in harmony no less...

First we all sit down at the table, and hold hands. Geoff and I both grew up with families that made supper an important family gathering, and we want to have this special time with our children too.

Next comes the prayer before we eat... I am afraid this will be lost a little in translation, but I am going to try to write how it sounds... Cub is great at communicating, but his "baby talk" is still prevalent, and simply adorable.

Add in their southern twang, and with EJ's lead they begin...

(Feel free to sing along, it's to the tune of the lullaby, "Frere Jacques"...)

"Tanks you Fadder, Tanks you Fadder, for our fud, for our fud."
(Thank you Father, Thank you Father, For our Food, For our Food")
"Man e man e bessings, Man e Man e bessings, Ah ah men, Ah ah men"
(Many many blessings, many many blessings, Amen, Amen")

Oh goodness, it pulls at my heartstrings every time...

Come join us at The Blog Train!

37 Years Today...

2008-08-13T21:56:00.005-04:00

Happy Birthday Hon!

I thought to help celebrate your day, I would post some pictures of you doing what you love best... flying.

I know, it's in your blood. I get it, and I love you very much... just be careful doing all those "loop de loops", okay?!

Wordless Wednesday - A Local Landmark

2008-08-12T20:44:00.005-04:00

Starr's Mill

I know this is supposed to be "wordless", but I have to ask if you have seen the movie "Sweet Home Alabama" with Reese Witherspoon?
This mill was in that movie, as the place that cute guy she ends up with showcased his glass art...

For more "wordless" participants go to 5 Minutes for Mom.

A Tractor Dance

2008-08-12T07:23:00.008-04:00

This is my Uncle, doing his thing...

Uncle Milton is a Bobcat "expert"... and a very entertaining personality as well. So, at our Tractor Pull he and our great friend Jim, the announcer, are the comic relief. Uncle Milton's infamous Bobcat Dance to Kenny Chesney's "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy" is a huge hit with the crowd, and people ask about it every year.

And, as I was going through photos last night I came across this great picture of the pull site from the air. My husband took this as he was flying over one year. I know, don't get me started on the fact that he was flying the plane, and taking pictures...

We have actually moved the track from where it is in this shot to that pea patch you can see in the bottom of the picture, but this is an awesome photo of what Saturday will be like.

Add in that good 'ol Georgia heat and humidity, extremely loud tractors roaring by me every few minutes, plus the red dirt, and it will be a blast . I can hardly wait!

Oops! Did I say that?

I kinda have a love/hate relationship with the pull. There, I said it. All in all, though, I really do enjoy it and get to see lots of folks I haven't in awhile.

Plus, I can do lots of people watching yall! Trust me, that can be very interesting at a tractor pull!

We're Tractor Pullin' Yall!

2008-08-10T21:05:00.010-04:00

Soon the familiar sounds of approximately 100 plus tractors and the aroma of good food will once again fill the air in our little town. Next Saturday this rural "map dot" will increase in number by hundreds as folks gather for the 14th annual Tractor Parade, Pull and Show.

My family has been involved with this event from its inception, and work very hard to help make it a success every year. The men in our community have been improving on the pull site for a few years now, and yesterday (Saturday) they made more changes to make the pull a safe place for everyone. They worked most all day to set up the big tents, put in new fences and get the track ready for the tractors. All in the old pea patch.

Yes, that statement is true, and I just couldn't resist adding it in... we aren't really as "country" as that sounds (really!), but hey, I am telling yall about a tractor pull, right? Why not tell it all?!

This is a picture of my brother from last years pull. I will try to explain all this pulling stuff, for those of you who are wondering what in the world I am talking about... don't worry, it's not at all difficult. And, it's not just for the men! We have a "Powder Puff" race for women, and a kids race with peddle tractors. My Uncle Milton does a tractor dance with his Bobcat, and I'll show you that later this week... he is very entertaining.

The Tractor Pull is actually a lot of fun too, so here we go...

Basically, the tractor is weighed and is put in a class depending on that weight. You can add weights to the front if you wish to pull in a different class, and many do. In this particular picture BB has no weights on his John Deere.

Now, below is a picture of the sled. It is what the tractors actually pull. In the above picture of BB you can see it behind him as he begins one of his trips down the track. The blocks on the back slowly move forward toward the front of the sled to make it harder for the tractors to get down to the end...

The idea is to see which tractor will make it all the way down the track, and the one who goes the farthest wins that class, and a nice trophy. There are around 12 classes of tractors throughout the day. It kinda sounds like I am explaining a school yard game, but this is serious business yall!

See all that Georgia red clay? After a few pulls, it turns into a fine red dust that covers you from head to toe... it's mighty hard to get that out of clothes, and believe me, after a day of sitting by that track you may as well just throw away what you had on. A bath is first thing on my list for everyone, and usually the kids get a dousing off with the hose in our yard first!

Next time I'll share some pictures from our tractor parade, which is actually my favorite part. I'll leave you with the sign by the main road "advertising" the event!

Three Years of Cub...

2008-08-08T08:21:00.015-04:00

This post is a little late, but I wanted to make sure I did one for our baby boy... he has been feeling a little left out this week I think, as Sissy has gotten lots of attention with her first day of kindergarten.

Yesterday he got lots of attention from Mommy, as we started Project Potty Training. For real this time yall... Mommy means business. He is doing pretty good, and loving his Buzz Lightyear underwear. Now I just need to go get enough Buzz underwear to make it through the process... the others just won't do, or so he thinks! The pirate ones worked well yesterday, but now he is all about Buzz again. I think whatever works, I'll do it!

On July 21st he turned 3 years old, and was excited to have a Buzz birthday party at a big "jumpy" place that weekend. As Sissy (Elizabeth) had a birthday on July 5th, and they share a lot of the same friends, we have done their parties together the past couple of years. We also had a Spiderman cake and family get together on the actual day...

So, here is a look back at our sweet boy as he became a 3 year old! Our son is full of laughter and delightful giggles, he has an endless store of energy, and has the biggest and sweetest hugs. We have been blessed.

The Kindergarten Kid

2008-08-07T11:55:00.007-04:00

Well, it's official. I lovingly packed her back pack, stocked her lunch box and dressed her in a cute outfit for day one of kindergarten. Check, Check, Check!

The short drive to the elementary school is usually only about 5 minutes, but yesterday? Man! It was a zoo to get on the main road, much less into the school parking lot. A policeman was directing traffic, along with many of the support staff at the school. This all in an area that doesn't usually have traffic issues, except for when a tractor is slowing down the cars behind him on the road to town.

Momma came along and helped with Cub, and as we finally got parked to go inside I thought Elizabeth might be getting a case of the jitters? If so, she sucked it up quickly and hopped out of the car. I had a case of the jitters, but decided if my little girl was gonna take it in stride, then I would (try) too!

EJ walked in the door and remembered which hallway to take all by herself... she followed the correct "color" on the floor right to her room. I only had a brief moment at the door to hug her and tell her "I love you - you are such a big girl!" before she was swept inside to color a cowgirl picture.... I could see all that because I looked in through the window. I must have looked like she sometimes does with my head pressed up to the window, looking inside with wide eyes to see what is going on. Except she usually makes faces at me when she is doing this, and sticks her tongue on the window... I wasn't that distraught.

She shed not one tear, and had a grin from ear to ear. I was a mess myself... I had tears streaming down my face as I turned to head back down the hall. It's not I don't want her to be there, not at all. It's just I am not so sure when she got old enough to be there.

As I looked around, I was comforted by the fact I wasn't the only one... it was if for a moment we Mommies had switched places with our kids. They were fine and dandy, being "big girls and boys" and trying something new. We Mommies were all crying in the hallway, trying to get a grip on things and not doing a great job at it.

Momma, Aunt Runelle, Cub and I went to Cracker Barrel to have breakfast after, partly to keep my mind off of it. Then we did a little antiquing (found nothing of interest) and came on home.

Cub needed a nap, so Momma stayed with him when I went to pick up EJ. As she came out the door for car riders I saw my sweet girl with that great ear to ear grin, obviously still loving her new school.

I got out of the car to open her door as she ran over to me. She held her arms up like she has since she was a baby, wanting Mommy to pick her up for a bear hug... she may be a big girl now... a kindergarten kid even... but she's still my sweet Elizabeth, my first baby, and such a part of my heart.

"Mommy! Mommy! Let me tell you what we did today!"

I am so proud of her!

*** I am participating on the Blog Train over at My Sweet Life with this post.... I'd post the cute train "button", but again, I am a technical dummy. Go check it out!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-05T21:13:00.004-04:00

I have to say that I am not sure whether my husband took this photo or I did, but I love it. It is located close to my late Grandma's home place, in the heart of Georgia. Great sign with an even greater message...

Check out more Wordless Wednesday participants at 5 Minutes for Mom!

EJ's Kindergarten Orientation

2008-08-05T16:33:00.005-04:00

Okay, first of all, when did kids begin getting "jipped" out of a real summer vacation? I am just now really coming to the realization that tomorrow is Elizabeth's first day of Kindergarten. Yep, on August 6th! When I was growing up, right here in this same school district no less, we started school at the very end of August. Then we had a little break at Labor Day.

But August 6th?

As there is nothing that I can do about it at the moment, I did what any Mommy with a 5 year old would do... I freaked out. I spent the morning looking for other alternatives to a full day of kindergarten that begins tomorrow, but at this late date she is on a bunch of long waiting lists.

So, I gathered myself together and got everyone dressed for orientation to be held at noon.

After I dropped Cub off at Momma's, EJ and I headed to the elementary school down the road... we had a bunch of supplies that are required of the students to bring, and so with 3 bags of that in hand we walked into the school.

I have to say I was impressed... as we neared her teacher's room, EJ began to cling a bit more to my legs, but I could see she was interested. The teacher was excellent and very nice - she immediately understood EJ's shyness, and tried to put her at ease. The decor/theme of their class this year is Cowboys and Cowgirls, which is a hit at our house anyhow, so EJ was thrilled with that. I could see her taking it all in, and not soon after she was grinning from ear to ear.

Tomorrow morning will be one of those milestones in her life, as well as my life as a Mommy... I am excited for her, but sad that she is really old enough to go to real school and is such a big girl now. I am praying the length of the day will work out just fine, as I want her to enjoy her after school activities too.

Anyone else out there having issues with back to school? Is everyone starting this early, or is it just us?

A New Look!

2008-08-04T10:31:00.002-04:00

I just have to say THANK YOU to Reynie, my Sister in Law, for fixing the layout of this blog while I was away! She is the one who helped me start "blogging", and I appreciate her help very much! I am a technical dummy, so I am thankful that someone knows what to do...

Southern Sun, Sand, Pirates and a Lighthouse

2008-08-04T08:41:00.009-04:00

Last week we went on a beach "get away" before the school year begins again. This is a milestone in the life of my daughter, as she will begin kindergarten on Wednesday, and though she is beside herself excited, I am not as thrilled. I just can't believe she is old enough for this!

Anyhow, we left on Tuesday morning, after a couple of false starts the day before. Finally on our way, I could tell it would be a nice week, but it wouldn't be very relaxing in the true meaning of that word. The kids are at the right age to play well together, but when they are on each others nerves? Well, lets just say mine are shot! The ride down was long, even though it wasn't all that far away in distance. I was praying for sanity (or some medication) when we finally rolled into "town" at the beach shore of Tybee Island, which is not too far from Savannah.

Tybee is a little over 4 hours away from our home, but it used to be a "second home" to me while I was in college. I went to Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, and on any given day during spring and summer quarters, my friends and I would find ourselves headed to either Tybee or Hilton Head, SC.

So, I was impressed as we drove into this little beach community and found it to be in much better condition than what I remembered. (I heard it was... supposedly Sandra Bulloch has a beach house there somewhere?) It was once a sleepy little place that all the college students would flock to for the beach, and then leave. In the years since I have graduated from college, Tybee has been in a process of restoration, and there were many families there on vacation. The cottages have been remodeled, and the pier was rebuilt as well.

On this trip were Momma, Aunt Runelle, the kids and myself. We enjoyed the sand and sun in the morning hours, and then after lunch we went out for other activities. One afternoon I stayed at the condo while the others went to Savannah to see Kung Fu Panda, and that was a "real" relaxing afternoon. I read a book (!!!) and sat by the beach, and watched people.

Here is a sweet picture of Momma and Cub one morning while we were walking down the beach.

The next afternoon we went to Savannah again, and this time saw WALL E... I liked it well enough, but the kids didn't get it. They loved the robot WALL E , but the plot of the movie was lost on them. After leaving the theater, we went to River Street. Now, I can tell yall LOTS about River Street, but we just do not have the time. I will have to save those college tales for other posts, but stay tuned as they are doozies! Suffice it to say it is a nice place to go with friends, and watch out on St. Patrick's Day. They turn the river, and beer, green!

We decided to go eat at The Pirate's House, which was a huge treat for the kids. I have been there a few times with my parents, and once on an elementary school trip, but it was so much fun to take the kids. It dates back to 1753 as an Inn for seafarers, and quickly became a place where blood thirsty pirates met and stayed telling tales from their adventures on the Seven Seas. It now is a great restaurant, with awesome fried green tomatos, and a Pirate who gives tours of the place... a very interesting "must do" if ever in Savannah.

On our last afternoon there, we went to see the historic Tybee Lighthouse on North Beach. Another beautifully restored piece of history, the lighthouse still welcomes ships today. It is the oldest and tallest in Georgia, and has way over a hundred steps to the top, going in a winding twirl all the way up.

Momma, the kids and I climbed it, and the view from the top is amazing. All of the historic support buildings are still there, intact on the 5 acre site. Below is EJ as we were going back down the stairs... I was a bit worried as the steps were steep, but the kids didn't seem to notice!

Saturday morning we got up early to pack the car and leave... we hoped to get to Savannah early enough to eat at Paula Deen's restaurant, The Lady and Sons, but by the time we did arrive she was booked up for the entire day! Momma has eaten there with Diddy, and said it was delicious, so we will put that back on our "to do" list!

As Savannah is really busy on a Saturday in the summer, we decided to go to Statesboro and eat there. We ate at a 'Boro staple, El Sombrero, or "The Hat" as it is known... it was as good as I remember from my college days, and being back in Eagle Country brought back many good times. Things have changed a lot, but not so much that I can't feel the roar of a Simply Southern Saturday (famous GSU football games) and the chants of "Our House", "One More Time", and the Marching Pride Band playing "Brown Eyed Girl".

We had a wonderful time and I enjoyed the break... now it's time to focus on EJ's first day of kindergarten, and really getting down to the nitty gritty of potty training Cub!

A Little Break - Back to the Beach

2008-07-27T21:38:00.005-04:00

The kid's bears, CB and Cocoa, at our favorite place, Cocoa Beach!

We are headed back to the beach for a few days... I will be without a computer, which will be both a wonderful thing, and a frustrating thing at the same time. You see, I will have my camera, and I love to take a picture or two. Or a hundred... or two.

I need a computer to download the pictures on, so that I may take a few hundred more. We only have one card, which I can get about 350 pictures on, but I know I'll need more... we'll be at the beach for goodness sakes!

Before we go we may need a destination... my Momma is at their house right now looking for us a condo on a nice quiet beach somewhere. I just am not sure where it will be! I love little surprises like that. This is a "Girl's" trip, with the exception of Cub... he'll be our token little man.

And, I'll also need to wash the kid's clothes, pack the kid's clothes and "stuff", as well as mine. I've not even done that yet. I like to procrastinate, hmm? I can almost hear the laughter from those of yall who know me. I am laughing with you, because if I don't I might begin to stress out... but, probably not. It'll get done!

Oh, yes... and we also have a birthday party to go to tomorrow morning! EJ's best friend from PreK is turning 5 and is having a swim party... we actually showed up for it on Saturday, but then I realized it was tomorrow. Silly me! That bought me a trip to Burger King and their play area to appease two very sad kids who wanted to swim and see the birthday girl... I am not a big fan of this particular play area, or the food there (I am a vegetarian - long story!), but it made the kiddos happy. And that made me happy.

So, I hope everyone has a wonderful week. I'll be back the beginning of next week, right before my big girl begins her first day of kindergarten... I can't even think about it right now, but she is so excited!

God Painted Us a Picture

2008-07-24T14:07:00.004-04:00

This was our view over the old pasture between Momma and Diddy's house and ours last night... it was so pretty! BB had picked corn and we were all down at Diddy's barn as they shucked it. It was getting late, and a storm was brewing, but the sky was gorgeous.

Yesterday was also my Momma's 65th birthday - Happy Birthday Momma!

Yes, we do have a lot of family birthdays this month... as a matter of fact, I call it the birthday season around here. Both of our kids have a birthday in July, along with Momma's and Aunt Reynie's . Geoff's is in August... and Diddy's is then right around the corner in September (beginning of dove season!)... right now we are all on a sugar high from birthday cake!

Big Fat Worms

2008-07-24T08:10:00.005-04:00

EJ loves it when we put up corn for one reason - the worms Grandiddy pulls from some of the husks!

Here is a picture of this years "crop"...

Of course we always sing that wormy song "Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, guess I'll go eat some worms! Big fat juicy ones..."

I'd go on, but I think yall get the drift.

EJ is at her dance camp this week, so it's been a bit busy here, as usual! The camp is in town, and so it is a little drive to get there and back. Today is also (hopefully) catch up day with laundry and house cleaning, and grocery shopping (which I usually do at night, when Geoff is home and the kids are in bed!)... it's gonna be a full day!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-07-23T08:08:00.004-04:00

This is my first time participating, but I love the idea. You will find other Wordless Wednesday participants at 5 Minutes for Mom...

Just This Morning...

2008-07-22T15:49:00.002-04:00

A Fairytale Princess and a Knight in Shining Armor visited our house!

Ahem...

Meet Princess Sassy "I'm 5 now", and our Knight in Stinky Diapers.

There. Just keeping it real yall!

A Tub for Two

2008-07-22T07:55:00.005-04:00

Elizabeth and Cub always end up in the tubs for a "swim" on the days we put up corn... it reminds me of when I was a little kid and I went "swimming" at my best friend (and 3rd cousin) Dixie's house. They had a dairy, and we would get in one of these galvanized cow troughs, much bigger than this tub, but the same idea. I wish I could round up a picture or two of that!

When we got older, her parents built a pool in their backyard, and my parents did as well. We no longer needed the cow troughs, and wouldn't have been caught dead in one as we got older anyhow. But, it was perfect when we were kids!

Too Tired To Tell...

2008-07-21T16:38:00.003-04:00

We put up a ton of corn this weekend, and I know there is more of it to come... we also had the kids birthday party on Saturday, and family in town. Today is Cub's 3rd birthday, and tonight is his family get-together... I will be spending the rest of this week cleaning up from house neglect!

I am too tired to even think much today, but I will try again tomorrow. That is if I can find the computer again under all this clutter!

Happy 3rd Birthday Cub!

A Field of Corn

2008-07-18T10:11:00.009-04:00

As I told yall a couple days ago, the corn is ready. I fully expect tonight we will be covered in silks and the kids will have found new pet worms... if not tonight, then Sunday will be the magic day. Tomorrow is the kid's birthday party, and that is all this Mommy can take in one day. It'll be at a "jumpy" place in a town close by, and there will be kids in age from 2 on up to jump and bounce as we celebrate EJ's 5th, and Cub's 3rd birthday.

Yesterday we went over to Uncle Bud and Aunt Betty Jo's house for lunch. Family is in town from South Georgia, and a lunch was prepared. Garden fresh sliced tomatoes, corn, and green beans, along with a huge ham. For dessert, a lemon zest coconut sprinkled cake that was delicious, and I am not a coconut fan. But this was awesome...

Bud and Betty Jo, along with their son Kirk and his new wife Stephanie have a family owned dairy. Above is a picture of one of the corn fields, by their house. You can see the dairy in the background.

Now, this is a corn field yall. Sure, it is for the cows, but I always love seeing it nonetheless... it is really an awesome site as you stand by it. Really!

Never one to be without the camera, Aunt Betty Jo, Nana and I decided we'd get the kids picture by the fence, in front of the corn. It took a little coaxing, but we got my nephew Jeffrey and EJ out there without much trouble. Cub was a different story... he wanted to go in the corn, not sit on that silly fence! He was very adamant about it too, and cried me a river about why he was not going to have his picture taken on the fence.

He was going in the corn... got it?

So, I have no cute pictures of Cub, except his for the one of his back, as he heads into the forest of corn below. I did manage to get a couple of EJ and Jeffrey, but they were headed into the corn field themselves!

Happy Friday! I hope yall have a great weekend!

The Road to "Momma's House"

2008-07-17T22:01:00.004-04:00

For some reason, we call my parents house "Momma's house"... Diddy lives there too, of course, and they built it together 38 years ago this coming October.

Good thing it was completed then, as I was born a week early that December! The fact that I will be 38 in December, I will just overlook for the moment...

Anyway, this road is great as it is the short way to "Momma's", and now that my kids are old enough to walk over, it is a well worn path. They have to ask the adult in charge (usually me or Momma) if they can walk to the other house, and then off they go...

Elizabeth doesn't usually tarry along the way. She is on a mission to get to Momma's, or back here, and will keep her pace. Little usually stops her, except maybe if an animal catches her attention.

Cub is gonna be my day dreamer... he ambles along at a snails pace, stopping to pick up rocks, sticks or even venture through the corn rows before he remembers where he is going. By the time he gets to the other house, he has had many little adventures along the way.

Catching Up

2008-07-16T18:33:00.006-04:00

I never got around to posting anything about our visit to the lake on the 4th of July. I had a lot of pictures to show, but have condensed it to three in view of time. For some reason it takes me a long while to post pictures here.

Here is Elizabeth on "Big Bertha", the innertube, with her cousins Olivia and Aiden. Their Mom Karen is my first cousin, and her husband is Mike. They live in San Antonio, Texas, and were at Karen's parents lake house (my Aunt and Uncle's) at Lake Oconee for a long summer visit.

Karen, her brother Bob, BB and I were close growing up. Sure, they lived in Atlanta then, which is an hour away, but our family finds all kind of occasions to get together. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, sunny days, rainy days... you get the picture.

FYI... one thing I miss about my job as a flight attendant are the nice layovers. (Notice I said nice layovers... there is a difference. I'll save that for another post one day) I always loved my nice layovers in San Antonio, as I got to spend time with my family!

Elizabeth loved riding the innertube - loved it. She cried when it was time to get out... Cub wasn't so sure to start out with, and then decided he wanted to give it a try. So here we are, Cub and Mommy, taking our turn.

He didn't like it. He wanted back in the "big boat" pretty quickly...

Another thing this family does well is talk, and eat. It was supposed to be a sandwich fixin' kind of lunch/supper, but that never really happens with all these cooks around. Look at the counter on the right... it goes on from there too! Food for days, and the yummiest caramel cake you will ever taste.

We had a great time and enjoyed seeing everyone... the kids always love being with their cousins, and playing together with the toys from the "toy closet" at the lake house. There are toys for days in there, and the kids know it well!

It's Time!

2008-07-15T22:26:00.009-04:00

Oh boy... Diddy just called me to let me know.

The corn is ready for picking, shucking, silking, creaming, blanching, bagging and freezing. And, of course, eating. I can not wait to get some of the first batch... there is nothing like fresh corn from the field, creamed or on the cob.

We eat it like it is ice cream here...

Diddy was on his way in from a late night at work, and decided to check the corn in the fields as he drove down their driveway. Sure enough, it's show time yall! You may think I am playing it up, but I kid you not - sometime in the next few days we will have ourselves a "party" of sorts. Probably a few of them... Our entire family gets involved, like it or not, and gets a job. I usually silk, blanch and bag it. Our kids play with all the worms we pull from the shucks, get real muddy from the Georgia red clay we have here, and see who can eat the most corn... uncooked at that.

I am not surprised to get the call tonight... I knew it was about ready, as it usually falls the very same time each year, depending on when planted of course. For the past few years it has been the same weekend as the kids birthday party. It just makes the whole process that much more crazy, and is only par for the course.

My brother Billy (otherwise known as Uncle BB, the Rock Star here at our house) and Uncle Milton are the ones to thank for planting it all, and so here is a BIG THANK YOU!

I will be sure to have the camera, as some of my favorite pictures happen at corn picking time. Tall tales get told, sweet tea and beer get passed around according to preference, and bags and bags and bags of "gold" are stored away in all our freezers for the year ahead.

Come winter, as the corn is cooking on the stove and the aroma fills the kitchen, I always remember these sweet summer days, and the family gathering together to make it all happen.

And, the red dirt from the fields in the kids clothes, big fat worms that my kids will deem as their new pets, and endless barrels of corn to silk.

Precious memories are made of this.

The Family Reunion

2008-07-14T16:56:00.006-04:00

We survived the trip to Tallahassee, but it sure did take us forever to get there. I never in my life dreamed we'd make it Friday night... the kids were tired and fussing with each other (and me!), the Suburban (though large) was cramped with all us in there, and we decided to stop in Dawson for supper at a Huddle House.

Oh my word was that a long wait! There was only one waitress, bless her heart, and one cook... bless his too. There weren't really that many folks in the restaurant, but it was a lifetime before she even got our drink order. EJ was sulking because, well, she's 5 remember? And Cub was pretending to be Buzz - trying to get up on top of the booth and fly from the top, all the while loudly announcing he was going to "infinity and beyond!"

I would have gladly boarded any spaceship available at that time myself.

We made it to the hotel, and it was late. The kids had gotten about a 5 minute snooze just as we pulled into the city limits of Tallahassee, so of course they were now wide awake.

The next morning we got up early and went to the pool, then the hotel's continental breakfast, went back up and got dressed, re -packed the bags and took off for the reunion. I was exhausted from it all by the time we got to the event center, but it was great to see everyone. There were a lot of family I had not seen in many years, some I don't think I have ever met before, and EJ and Cub were the hit of the show. EJ drew pictures for her cousins, and Cub charmed them with his flying skills...

This is a picture of our branch of the family tree... not nearly everyone was able to make the trip this year, but the three siblings all made it with their significant others. On the front row is my Aunt Runelle (Momma's sister), with Uncle Gene behind her. Then my Momma, Betty, with my Daddy, Bill, behind her. EJ is in her lap. Then there is me, with Cub in my lap, and my Uncle Melvin (Momma's brother) behind me. His wife, my Aunt Sarah , is sitting next to me. My Grandmother died last May, or she would have been there if physically able.... she loved her family more than anything. Well, except Jesus of course!

Our trip home was less eventful than the way down. We avoided the infamous Huddle House, and in turn went to one of our favorite places, Cracker Barrel. The kids were still fussing, but hey, who could blame them really? It is a long ride for kids, regardless. We watched two Veggie Tales movies, and began Return to Neverland twice before I think I dosed off. The kids kept awake the entire way home!

One interesting thing we did do on the way home was stop at Mack's Melon Market... we got a great watermelon to eat this weekend. The kids loved the kids swing sets, and they had sunflowers in their field too!

Look at those huge watermelons!

Just Because...

2008-07-14T15:56:00.004-04:00

My husband took these pictures on Sunday... this hummingbird loves my pink petunias! I have two baskets of them on our back porch, and Geoff was quick with the camera when he got these shots.

On the Road Again

2008-07-11T07:23:00.005-04:00

We are headed out for another little adventure this afternoon. I am not prepared, and before I can get us all ready, we are going to the city park with the Mom's Club I am in... I signed up to be the craft coordinator for the summer, and so last night I came up with something I hope the kids will enjoy.

For those of you who may not know me, I am a procrastinator... I do my best work the later it gets. Some things never change!

Then, after the park, we'll grab some lunch, go home and I will furiously pack a bag or two! We are headed out to Tallahassee, Florida and a large family reunion, on my Momma's side.

There will be my parents, Aunt and Uncle, two kids in car seats and myself in a Suburban, charging down the road this afternoon... my husband has a busy day tomorrow with church activities and some tractor pull preparation (plus looking out for the puppies!), so he won't make the trip this go round.

It will be a quick little jaunt, as we will be back late Saturday night... so, I leave you with these pictures of Buzz and Jesse until then. They are getting the potty training business better now we changed our strategy, thank goodness!

Yall have a great weekend!

Froggy and Our Princess

2008-07-10T10:21:00.011-04:00

Last night I went over to pick the kids up from Momma and Diddy's. When I walked in the door, I was greeted with a big grin from Cub, as he yells "MOMMY!", followed by a huge hug. He is always so sweet - he'd only been there an hour or two, but he doesn't care... he treats it like it has been forever, every time!

Elizabeth held up a container. I knew it must have some new pet in there, but there was just no telling what it might be this time. She loves animals - all kinds. We just got over the loss of her "newest" pet wormy who mysteriously disappeared from it's home, a pink insect house, that stays on our porch. It never ceases to amaze me how such a girly girl can also love slimy worms and the like. But, I guess she comes by the "loves animals" part honestly... it's the "girly girl" part I wonder about.

Anyway, in this tin container was a cute little frog... a very jumpy one at that. We got it home successfully, and after introducing Froggy to Daddy, they transfered him to the pink insect house. Then Daddy stuffed in leaves for him to use as cover.

All was fine last night. This morning, first thing, she went to the porch to check on Froggy.

"What will he eat?" she asked, as we watched him jump, jump jump...

I tried to explain to her that frogs need insects to eat, and that he liked water. I also suggested that it was great to have him as her pet, but he might be very happy out in our rock garden. With all the million other froggys... who talk to each other every. single. night.

She pondered this for awhile, cried a bucket of tears, and determined all by herself that she was gonna "let Froggy go".

Somehow, through those lingering tears, she transfered him back to the container she caught him in, and we walked over to Froggy's new home.

(Just overlook the unsightly black lining/low water in our little lily pond... we are in a drought, and besides, the pond has a leak somewhere! We fill it back up for special occasions...)

Froggy was a bit resistant at first, surprisingly, as he sat there on the container handle... maybe he was deciding his next move. He was probably unsure of what to do with all the silly humans watching him so closely. Oh, and one little princess was trying to hold back tears again as well...

He eventually jumped and began to swim, free at last. I sighed a breath of fresh air as we had made it through yet another animal saga. Princess Elizabeth was pacified with the fact that Froggy was happy, close by and with his friends. And, she can see the rock garden from her bedroom window.

Here he is, sunning himself on that green leaf... I am so proud of our sweet girl for making such a difficult decision, all by herself. She loved that frog more than I can tell you, though she'd only had him less than a day. That's just the way it is for her. I was really prepared to go find insects to feed the frog. But, after learning he'd possibly be happier in the pond, where he could find insects and play in the water, she listened to her heart and decided to let him go.

What a beautiful morning it has been!

Just a Few More...

2008-07-09T07:30:00.006-04:00

Okay, so I lied. I didn't mean to, it just happened that way!
I was done with sunflower pictures, I really was... for the year anyway.
Until yesterday. Yesterday was a test of my patience here at the house... no naps for the kiddos and lots of "boredom".
So, what does any self sacrificing Mommy do in that situation?
I picked out some clothes, got the kids dressed, grabbed our camera and went outside to see what we could find.
At the moment, sunflower fields are what we find, along with corn just about ready for eating...
I also got some pictures of the kids in the field between our house, Momma and Daddy's and BB and Reynie's. I'll share some of those along the way too, but I always love the sunflower ones best.
Even when my son moves so fast he is usually blurry, it just reminds me how active he is. And when EJ gets moody and doesn't want her picture taken... well, she's 5 now. She knows it, as she reminds me hourly. I just move on, and then she usually forgets her little mood, and joins back in the fun.

Five Years of Joy

2008-07-08T10:51:00.018-04:00

Happy 5th Birthday Elizabeth! You have brought us so much, taught us so much, and we love you so very much...

There's a New Sherriff in Town...

2008-07-08T06:39:00.001-04:00

A Little Time Out

2008-07-07T15:44:00.002-04:00

Today has been a lot of things, but productive is not one of them.

I want to post some pictures of our weekend, and I will, but it takes a while to pick out the better photos... and time I do not have. I also have something to post for EJ's birthday, but as before, that will have to wait as well....

So, I will show you a new picture of the puppies for now. (Aren't they cute?!)

The laundry is staring at me... as well as a thousand other tasks that I try to begin, but cannot seem to complete with my children vying for attention as well. And, I will look back one day and not remember the messy house, but the laughter and joy on my babies faces, right? I know I will, but this house is in dire need of the attention too...

So, onward I go to clean up the playroom with the kids... well, what I really mean is, onward I go to clean up the playroom. The kids do sincerely try, but become distracted with whatever toy they have found to play with when they get in there. Honestly it works for me... at least I know where it all goes and get it back to the correct basket/area. I do get them to pick up certain things, but for the most part, it works well this way.

I know, it seems I have a touch of OCD? Maybe... but if you saw my house you wouldn't think so!

Happy July 4th Weekend!

2008-07-05T08:46:00.004-04:00

Today is Elizabeth's birthday - she is 5 years old! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BooBoo!

We are celebrating tonight in the rock garden (rain permitting), but since Cub's birthday is in 2 weeks, their "friend" party is together, in a weekend or two at a big jumpy place. We always celebrate the "real" birthdays with a small family gathering.

Yesterday, we packed up the Surburban (Nana's car is still here with us from our Cocoa Beach trip!) and went to my Aunt and Uncle's lake house at Lake Oconee, about an hour and a half away. I was going to post some pictures, but I took so many the battery is dead (!)... after it is recharged, I will have to show you my brave girl as she rode Big Bertha (the tube) with her cousins on the lake... of course, it was behind my Uncle's pontoon boat, of which my son was a huge fan!

Happy 4th of July!

A Family Gathering

2008-07-03T09:24:00.015-04:00

Last night we gathered up in the front sunflower field, by Aunt Betty's house. Taking family pictures is sometimes a tiny bit stressful, and really it is more because of the kids not wanting to, you know, stand still! (Even for just a little second!) Or, look at the camera for goodness sakes, and just try to smile for me at all... but, I've come to expect that, so I just go with it.

Kudos to Reynie for taking this photo of Geoff and me... have I mentioned I do not like pictures of myself? I love pictures of Geoff though... ain't he cute?!

Here is the family picture... Momma, Diddy, BB, Reynie, Me, Geoff, Elizabeth and Cub! Cousin Karla took this picture for us, so a big thank you to her too - we are actually all looking in the same direction and everything!

Now it wouldn't be a good post if I didn't include one of our babies, though I post one of them most every single day... I captured one of them both still, looking at the camera, and grinning! Actually, I really took a better one, but I just loved Cub's expression in this one, so I decided to share it instead.

This is Momma and Diddy... I think yall know I am a BIG Daddy's girl, but my Momma is one of my best friends. I am very blessed.

This is my brother Billy (BB) and Reynie. They just celebrated their one year wedding anniversary in May... congratulations!

I am so glad Geoff took this picture of the three of us... though I still don't like pictures of myself, I will probably frame this one too...

This is a picture of us, along with Aunt Betty, and cousin Karla... we had a lot of fun taking these family pictures. The kids were just happy to run through the rows and play with the dogs, but I am happy with the results of the evening. We'll have lots of pictures to share, and frame for our homes.

This is my cousin Renee (Aunt Betty's daughter) and her husband Evan, with their 4 month old, Addyson. I took their pictures the night before last. Sunflower pictures around here are popular!

Are yall on sunflower overload yet?! I think we are too, for the season... I will be taking some more of other family/friends - but unless I just can't stand it, I promise the sunflower posts are done!

Sunflowers at Sunset

2008-07-02T08:37:00.012-04:00

We went out last evening to take some pictures in the sunflowers, and will again tonight.

Since I am running out the door to take the kids to a library activity, I am just going to post these pictures for now... tomorrow, or sometime soon, I will post some with more of the family in our sunflower fields.

The first picture is one with Elizabeth, Cub and "our cousin baby sister" Addyson!

VBS Makes a Difference!

2008-07-01T09:45:00.006-04:00

Vacation Bible School was awesome... except for the two days I caught a bug, and had to go to the doctor, but otherwise, it was really exciting. Five children decided while there to accept Jesus into their heart, and that is absolutely wonderful!

Um, no... our Youth Minister does not dress like this everyday ... he was into character of a nerdy scientist! The kids LOVED it!

And, here they are singing out praises to the Lord... what a blessing!

Sunflowers, Butterflies and Bees

2008-06-28T08:23:00.007-04:00

I took some pictures yesterday of the sunflowers.... the fields are not yet in full bloom, and it was mid-day (the sunlight is too bright for the best photos...) but I thought I'd go out and see what I could capture. I will start taking pictures of the kids in them this week...

This butterfly happened to sit down on the very sunflower I had my camera focused on!

This picture with the bee was not so spontaneous... for every sunflower out there, there must be about 5 bees. In fact, to get a few pictures of the sunflowers without bees on them, I always have to shake them off!

Have a great weekend!

I Want To Go Back!

2008-06-26T22:23:00.006-04:00

My babies at Cocoa Beach in May...

Big Boy Underwear

2008-06-26T20:03:00.004-04:00

This is my Momma with the kids at her house... the kids were playing in the sandbox over there today. Cub is showing me (and the camera, so I will take a picture!) his big boy underwear, and is very proud of them... can't you see?! I have been trying to potty train Cub for awhile now... not seriously, but I am trying to get him interested.

Now, I am serious! He has gone naked a lot this summer while we are outside, and that has payed off. And, don't worry, we live so far away from "civilization" that no one sees him but me, EJ, Momma and whatever animal is in the yard. He's now much more aware of his bodily functions, and is adamantly wanting to wear big boy underwear... so, off came the pull ups, and on went the Spider Man underwear.

Anyone know where I can get Buzz Lightyear ones? He has told me a thousand times that is what he wants...

Anyway - I'll see how this goes for now. I am sure I'll have a few good stories from this experience to write about!

Grumps and Ferocious

2008-06-26T07:44:00.004-04:00

Buzz and Jesse are now about 9 weeks old, and bouncing off the walls. Whew! The other night one of them chewed through a power cord that is part of Geoff's Mac laptop, and also ate one of EJ's most favorite pink crystal embellished flip flops. (And, no, I haven't told her yet... I'll cross that bridge when we get there...)

I am just glad that they weren't electrocuted or choked... but believe you me, before leaving the room we now make doubly sure that there isn't anything of value in their area. The crate works great, but if we are leaving for any stretch of time, I now put them in a bigger pen that my Great Aunt is letting us borrow... they have more room to play around, but they are still contained. This also helps with any "messes" I might have to clean up when we return, but for the most part they will not "mess" in either the crate or the pen... and I love the puppy pads! What a wonderful invention...

This is Buzz... his ears are too cute, and he reminds me of a bunny at this age. His ears stand as tall as he does, and he is our "grump". When you pick him up he never fails to start that low growl, like he is trying to say something, or as if he is grumpy... but he loves it when you rub his belly! He sleeps on his back usually - and the opportunity to love on him then is just too great!

Now, Jesse has a ferocious growl for such a little ball of black hair and eyes, but he's the cuddly one really... he will let you pick him up and hold him more, and he likes us to turn him on his back in your arms, and rock/pet him. The ferocious bark thing is just when he is playing and is really into it - he wants us to think he is bad, but even the kids know better!

Their personalities make them all the more lovable and cute... they have been here 3 weeks now and fit right in our little family!

New Beginnings

2008-06-25T10:17:00.008-04:00

Lots of things are happening here! Our church is in a flurry of activity as our Pastor of over 27 years, Dr. Mills, retired last Sunday. Dr. Wallace, our new Pastor, joins us this week.

Dr. Mills is like family and will be missed greatly... he is now on a trip that will take him through many foreign countries, and will be gone about a month. When he returns we all hope he will come back to visit regularly and soon!

About a year ago, I was asked to be on the search committee, and was involved in the daunting task of finding a new Pastor for our church family. We all prayed very hard for His guidance, and everyone's patience as we began that search when Dr. Mills announced his retirement plans. After hundreds of resumes, visits to listen to other preachers, and watching DVD's from folks far and wide, we were surprised to find ourselves listening to a man we all thought might be that person. Our committee was diverse in many ways, but we were all intrigued, and after interviewing him were all in agreement to present him to our Deacon Board.

The church family got to know him through a series of Sunday morning sermons, Wednesday night suppers, and a church wide picnic... he was later voted in, and Sunday is his first official day as our Pastor.

I am excited about this new beginning for our church - our community is growing daily here in what used to be such a sleepy little place, and our church is in position to help bring the word of God and his love to many people. We are a small church (150 -200 regulars), but we have a big heart, continuing to share God's grace with our community.

Bible School is also in full swing this week, headed up by Pastor Drew, our associate preacher. We have an awesome group of kids there learning more about God and his word. Our pre-school children are also involved, and it's exciting to see all the children as they grow in his love.

On Monday the lesson dealt with Thankfulness, and as the littlest ones had snack, we went around the table and asked them what they were thankful for.

As you might imagine, the answers were all very cute, but one 3 year old boy said, very sweetly, "For Jesus!".

Amen!

Mark 10: 14-16
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
And he took the children into his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed them.

Standing Tall

2008-06-24T07:48:00.003-04:00

The sunflowers are beginning to bloom! They will be short again this year, due to the drought, but still beautiful when the fields are full of them at their peak.

This one is the talk of our family... it stands tall and proud, way above any of the other plants.
Everyone notices it, and so I decided to share it with yall too. I took this last night as I was coming home from VBS with the kids, so maybe I will get a better shot of it today... there will be many more sunflower pictures to come!

The Cat Food Bandit

2008-06-23T08:02:00.005-04:00

Meet Bandit, our cat food napper. He steals up to our porch most every night, lights on or not (he's very brave, this raccoon!) and opens the cat food bin. He's also very smart.

The cats don't mess with him really... they must have some pact about when he can go get into their food, and he's safe?

The other night Geoff grabbed the camera, and went out to get his picture. We both thought as soon as he opened the door, "Bandit" would run away.

Nope! That raccoon kept eating, only pausing briefly to check out my husband and the contraption that kept flashing every time he took a picture.

We aren't strangers to wild animals here... living out in the middle of nowhere (well, it used to be nowhere, but now somewhere is getting closer...) we see deer and wild turkey like we see our cats. Coyotes are all around these days too, as well as many other creatures big and small. More snakes than I care to think about, I am sure... But rarely do these animals allow us to get that close... they are still wild, of course.

But then there was Jasmine, the squirrel.

Geoff found this little guy watching him while cutting grass, and when he called us over to show the kids, that squirrel went right up to him, ran up his pants leg, all the way to sit on his shoulder! Jasmine was so friendly, we considered keeping her as a pet, but with all our cats we thought better of that idea. We ended up taking her to the closest wild life preserve, where they could take the best care of such a trusting little animal.

I am not sure if I know what is going on around here, but we love animals, and so they are coming to the right house. With two new puppies, two country cats and two children under 5, we aren't really in the "need any more pets" mode right now... but I can sure find them a great home.

Except for Bandit... he can stay. He is obviously able to take care of himself without us interfering, and I love watching him during his nightly visit to our back porch.

Besides, he is just plain adorable!