Technology

Wow. I have finally stepped into the 21st century. I just got the new iPhone.

And I'm in love.

Now, if my boys will ever let me have a turn with it.....

Vacation, Part Deux

I am craving something sweet.  Something chocolately.  Like chocolate chip shortbread.  How is it possible that I am out of chocolate chips?  Well, not out of...just don't have enough of....  Sigh.  Quite obviously this is a sign that I need to stay away from sweets.  Or a sign I need to drive to Harp's for a bag of decadent milk chocolate chips.

Well, let's blog and see if the craving passes........

This is the lake house we stayed in.  Have I posted this one before?  We stayed upstairs, the boat house is below, which is actually where the owners [currently] live.

Obviously that's the back side facing the water.  Below is a picture of the other cabin they have.  We went inside it and it is just as beautiful.  By the way, one reason I'm posting pictures of the houses is b/c we've had questions from friends who might stay there.  Just thought I'd post pictures so you can see everything!

Doh Doh had a little bit of trouble sleeping the first couple of days.  On a walk one peaceful morning she CRASHED.  Seriously, how cute is that??

At first, my little fish had no real desire to venture out -- or really even swim -- in the lake.

That quickly changed......

He had no problems swimming around, from raft to raft.  Bruiser, however, never even attempted it.  No big shocker there.

The paddle boat was an ENORMOUS hit.  Which was a huge deal for me.  The summer camp I worked at had paddle boats.  I spent countless hours in them...and also swimming after them after many a rowdy summer storm.

The best part was watching how quickly the boys became extremely comfortable in them.

There's really no way to capture that.  But they would paddle that boat up to the dock, jump out and tie it up.  It quickly became a task as natural as...well, as drinking milk in their sippy cups.  :o)

If you look closely in the pic above you can see the splash in the water where a big fish jumped right out of the water.  They were looking at something else when he (or she...not sure how you tell) surprised us all.

This is Bubba describing the size (ahem) of the fish.  Those fish tales are starting awfully early, Bub.

This was Bruiser's attempt, with probably a lot more accuracy.

This picture's description in one word?  PATRONIZING.  Those precious boys both humoring their picture-taking mother.  Both of them are probably thinking what they'd actually like to do with that camera.....

This picture is here just for the view of the crotch strap.  No real other reason.  Although you can see some of the loot in the back of the boat that my hoarder was collecting.  Yes, Leslie...even in a paddle boat he's a hoarder.

Watching his brother dock the boat....and completely unaware his mother still has the camera.  I think he was getting a little sleepy as well.

More patronizing, right there.  But it's cute patronization, no?

I figure that's all I'll share today.  That's right...almost all paddle boating pictures.  But they were CUTE paddle boating pictures.  Right?  Right??????

Hope you weren't so bored you won't come back and visit again.  Wink, wink.

And yes, I'm still craving chocolate chip shortbread.  Maybe a trip to Harp's after all.

Actually, Bubba just dropped a glass bottle in the garage.  Nice.  Guess I'll be cleaning up glass instead of indulging in shortbread of the chocolatey variety.

It's Radical, Man

As I've told you before, I'm reading Radical, by David Platt.

I'm literally pages away from being finished with the book.  I know, I know.  It normally doesn't take me this long to read a book.  However, since this is nonfiction -- and I'm a total fiction junkie -- I'm trying to read in the quiet hours of the day so that I can soak it all in.  Basically, that means I'm reading only after the kids are asleep.  That's also the time I clean up the kitchen, clean up the house, put away laundry, shower, shave my legs, menu plan, grocery plan, watch Golden Girls, and very occasionally SLEEP.  Oh, and try to prop up my feet.

But that's why it's taking me longer than usual.  I am trying to read and digest the heavy content.

But I want to encourage YOU to read it.  Even if you aren't a believer and have questions about Christianity.  Oftentimes, we Christians aren't the greatest examples of our Lord and Savior.  I've said it before, but this is when I like to say that Christ is our ultimate example.  People will fail you every time.

So many of the things in Radical are things that have been on my mind for a long time.  It's amazing to read them in black and white in front of me.  I promise to give you a more detailed book review when I'm finished.  But let me just share this quote from my brother's blog.  I sure hope he doesn't mind.  :o)

"There are books that are meaningful and then there are books that hit you right where you are and with what you need. As if time stands still, God uses a writer to grab your attention, and in my case, drop me to my knees."

That sums it up for me as well.  Get the book.  Read it.  And then pass it on.  But just a warning:  if you view Christianity as an "accept Christ and then sit back and do nothing" type of conversion, this book will be a difficult read.  But that's exactly why you do need to read it.

Prayer Request

UPDATE #2:

First of all:  Y'all, thanks for praying.

Secondly, evidently baby Glory is plump and beautiful.  That is no shock at all!  Well, the beautiful part!  The extent of her health issues is still unknown.  Lots of tests are still being run.  She is stable now and they are just trying to figure out all that is wrong with this precious newborn.  Her heart is missing the left ventricle and she is on medication to keep the hole from closing up.  They are currently scanning her intestines for air bubbles, which would indicate that at some point her esophagus and trachea are connected. Hopefully and prayerfully that is not the case. 

Keep praying.  KK is doing well and is surrounded by family.  Pray for her today as they begin another day of the unknown.  Please pray that the doctors will see through this little Glory just how huge (or how "Quge" as Bruiser says) our God is.



***UPDATE:***

KK and Baby G are doing well.  No word yet on how G is doing.  Meaning, there is no word yet on how extensive her issues are and what the exact prognosis is.  The heart condition they knew all about.  Her other issues couldn't be determined exactly (basically there was no idea how extensive or even how to treat her) until birth.  They'll run all their tests and make determinations very quickly.  She was immediately taken after birth to Children's.  Her daddy is with her. 

Thank you for praying!!!


I've told you before about my sweet friend KK and her baby G who has the heart defect and esophagus issue.  Today sweet KK is having a C-section.  Actually, has probably had her C-section.  I have no word yet.  But please pray!

Vacation Post...Finally, Part Un

It was so graciously reported to me yesterday that I have failed to post vacation pictures.

Oops.

Seriously, I thought I had.

I'm going to admit something here that is probably TMI.  Are you ready for it?  Pad and paper ready so you can record it? Aand continue to mock me and force me to put the proverbial mirror in front of my face in sheer mockery?????  ARE YOU READY?

I compose many, many, MANY blog posts.  In.  My.  Head.

And they never make it to actual posts.  In fact, after posting Bruiser's b-day pictures yesterday I was in the kitchen composing one in my head.  I refilled 2 sippy cups, went to the bathroom, and then sat down at the computer to begin my post. 

I had already forgotten what it was.

That was 2 hours ago.  I still can't remember what I was going to post.  Yes, it's that bad.  My memory -- no idea.  And so you see, I composed a vacation post in my head.  Probably six or seven of them.  I guess since I usually like to copyright my stuff, and haven't had a lick of time to do that, I just assumed (yes, we all know not to do that) that I had already done it. 

Ok, moving on........So two years ago we went to Orange Beach, Alabama.  We loved our beach front condo so much that we rented there again for this year.  Enter BP and their historic oil spill.  We held out until the last possible minute.  But when they closed the ocean (again, how do you close an ocean???) I was finished holding out.  Driving 13 hours with 3 kids to sit on a hot beach and not be able to dip into the ocean for relief is certainly not my idea of a good vacation.

So we hit the lake instead.  I'm totally a lake person so I had absolutely no objections.  We happen to know some folks who recently built 2 lake houses to rent out.  Not knowing much about them or the lake they sit upon I wasn't really sure what I was getting myself into by suggesting it.  However, we all agreed that knowing the folks who built them we were probably in pretty good shape.

And we were not disappointed.

The place was gorgeous and I have already recommended it to several people.  We are planning a return trip.  I would go today if I could.  It was only a 2 hour drive!!  How awesome is that with 3 little kids?  And, as I mentioned previously, the house was Craftsman style...which happens to be our favorite.  So my man and I just pretended for a short week that we were in OUR home.  :o)

Enough talk.  Let's get to the goods.

The princess, sitting on the front porch (her royal headquarters while we were there).  She's facing two wicker rockers where we spent quite a bit of time.  The water is also in front of her.  To her side is a house-long side porch.  WHICH SHE LOVED.  Her Nona set up a barricade of ice chests to keep her from going down the steps.

You've seen this one before...but with the plaid shorts, striped shirt AND CROTCH STRAP, it's definintely worth repeating.

Chuck and his little fisherman.  This was literally moments after we arrived.  Patient Bubba is NOT.  Thanks Chuck for bringing your boat!

How priceless is that grin?  Oh, man.  I love that boy.

Her Royal Highness in her bikini.  Showing a little skin.....and some rolls.

It took a little convincing, but Bruiser finally got on board.

And this is what little Doh Doh did while the fellas were out fishing.  Do you think she needs a haircut??  Sheesh.  Who is this kid's mother?

I love this picture.  She was looking up at the doorknob.  I swear she was trying to figure out if she could open it or not.

And we've all seen this classic as well.  But quite honestly, it deserves a second posting.  (And probably a third or fourth down the road.  I have no doubt this is making it on the Christmas card this year.)

We stayed close to the house all week.  Daddy ventured into town to replenish our milk supply.  My in-laws went into town one evening.  They probably just needed some peace and quiet.  :o)  But we had a blast just hanging out and swimming, fishing, boating, and lounging around. 

It was a great vacation...and although we've had some enjoyable days lately here at home, I wish I was still there..............

This concludes Part I of Vacation 2010.  Aren't you glad this wasn't a slide show???

THE Momma's Boy Turns 4

It's official.  My Momma's boy is 4.  Sniff.  Sniff.

If any of you doubt my boy's Momma-obsession, dig this:  we had to pick him up at 9:30 the other night from my parents' house.  He just needed to snuggle with Momma.  (Or, in Bruiser talk, he needed to "fuggle" with Momma.)

Yes, you guessed it -- this Momma is NOT complaining.  I.  LOVE.  IT.

The music that is coming from his birthday motorcycle I ain't really lovin' right this minute.

In fact, he just had to ask permission to turn it on.  Earlier I was trying to make a phone call (an almost impossibility with 3 kids) and I had to veto the usage of said motorcycle. 

Two days of noise-making birthday toys, one baby with an ear infection, & several sleepless nights makes for one very tired Momma.

So back to the birthday festivities:  for Bruiser's birthday he wanted cupcakes and pizza.  In that order.

Now, I know that one should indulge one's self on one's birthday.  Indulgence to me is pizza and cupcakes.  And so he was made -- albeit a very small portion -- to eat his pizza FIRST.  Then he could partake of said cupcake.  (Bruiser is one very HUGE sweet eater.  This is NOT something I encourage.  Even on b-days.)

Can you guess our theme????  Here's what's hilarious:  Bruiser even wanted MOMMA to make his cupcakes.  No super spectacular bakery confections for this lad.  Oh, no.  He wanted Momma's sweetness to ooze into his eateries.  I think the boy needs help.

Oh, how we LOVE our "Fubbub."  That's Bruiser for Spongebob, y'all.

This is the shy birthday boy.  Cracks me up.  He was just not really that in to his party.  Unlike his big brother, who nearly wet himself in anticipation.

He finally, after the candle was extinguished (which I missed b/c someone told him to blow it out...I was not that person b/c I was waiting for my camera to reset...but I'm not bitter, no...definitely not bitter) perked up and began to enjoy himself.  Sweets do that to this kiddo.

After scarfing down 2 cupcakes (one chocolate, one vanilla respectively) he then began to ask about presents.  FINALLY!  Little interest was shown up to that point!  Seriously?????  Who is this kid?

Ok, I wanna know -- who turned his shirt around????  One of the things I love about this boy is how he can NEVER ever get his shirt on the right way.  He picked his own outfit for this day (obviously) and the shirt was on backwards.  I purposefully did NOT turn it around.  Who is the culprit who had to right this hilarious wrong?

Do you notice the Spongebob birthday ribbon?  Being worn by the UN-birthday boy?

How much do I love this picture?  Chewing on that lower lip, staring at his very own CD.  He calls all the CDs they listen to "Bubba's CDs."  It was time for him to have his very OWN.

After Christmas I swore I was NOT buying anymore Legos.  Oh, how I heart Legos!  But we have PLENTY.  And I mean plenty.  But what have my kiddos played with EVERY day this summer when the sweltering heat has driven us inside from our beloved outdoors?  L. E. G. O. S.

And when I found this set I knew we had to have it.  I cleared it with Daddy-o first.  Because although I love putting together Legos,  I knew with this large set our awesome Daddy would be the one in charge of assembly. 

And two hours later we had a house.  With a garage.

Might seem odd to you that I chose a house with a garage for boys.  As a kid, one of my favorite toys was a Legos set I got in Dallas from a very enormous Toys R Us.  I can remember it exactly.  And the set was a mom/daughter in an all-white bathroom complete with hair dryer, towel rack, toilet, sink and tub.  I hearted that set.  So house Legos seem very girly to me....but every day -- EVERY DAY -- my boys build garages and houses out of blocks and Legos.  Bubba is garage-obsessed.  He can tell you how big EVERYONE's garage is.

This three bedroom, two 1/2 bath house (totally kidding, folks) comes complete with a one-car garage, 1 lawnmower, 1 basketball goal, and one gorgeous apple tree in the side yard.  You might even notice the satellite dish above the garage.  J'adore the details the Legos company includes.  It's the best part.

If you were to see the boys' closet and armoire you would see my slight (ahem) Legos obsession.  (Doh Doh even has some big ones for her!)  I probably need to seek therapy.  12-step program even.  But I promise...this is the last one.  Until Christmas....b/c today at Target I saw a Legos set with a school bus and even.....  Get a life, Amy.  Get a life.

I probably need to reread Radical.  (That's only funny if you've actually read the book.  If you haven't, then here's a hint:  the author goes seriously into "sell your possessions and follow [Christ].")

So what did precious Bruiser ask me midway through his party?  This is priceless.

Bruiser:  Momma, am I "fee-yuh" now?  (That's 4 in Bruiser-speak.)

Me:  Yes, you sure are.  You are 4!  A big, big boy!

Bruiser:  Do I have to stop sucking my fingers now?

Did my heart melt?  Yes, it did.  Did my plan to make him stop sucking his fingers at 4 fall by the wayside?  Yes.  Yes, it did.  Am I ashamed of that?  Nope.  Not at all.

Not Stuffy Stuff, Just Stuff

What a week!  We came home from vacation with a vengeance!  I haven't spent one day at home this entire week.  And I'm not sure I'll get one!  Unless I force myself to stay put tomorrow.  We shall see......

I really am a homebody.  I love just being at home.  I don't like "busying" myself so that I'm out of the house.  My kids are a scheduled lot:  we eat at the same times (a necessity with a 14-month old...the princess does NOT like to be kept waiting), we nap at the same times.  (Ok, she naps at the same time.  I hate only have one napper....)  I'd like to say we clean up at the same times, but I am not that scheduled of a person.  Ahem.  Anyway, having an entire week where we've gone and done something every day is reminding me more of the month of May than July.

So just a few random things:

* Bruiser turns 4 in 3 days.  3.  Count them.  Uno, dos, tres....  I can't believe it.

* And speaking of Bruiser, I noticed today that one of his fingers leans to the side.  It almost looks broken at the knuckle.  It's one of his sucking fingers.  Probably ought to stop that pretty soon......  I can't make any promises there.

* I am in the process of "sprucing up" my house.  Hence the reason we've been gone every day this week.  I'm finally taking my house out of the 1980s de-brassing my house.  We moved in 11 years and 2 weeks ago. (Side note here:  Don't move in July.  In Arkansas.)  I said when I moved in de-brassing was of upmost importance.  Numero dos on the renovation to-do list.  Right after stripping the wallpaper that looked like an EKG report.  It was blue and mauve...so it went quick.  Quicker than quick.  But the brass...well...did I mention we've been here 11 years? 

* Why the spruce up?  For one reason, I'm tired of NOT fixing it up.  And also, whenever we do decide to put it on the market it needs to be ready.  I keep saying I'd like to enjoy some of the sprucing up instead of doing the spruce-and-move.

* I'm listening to the Tweedle brothers (Dum and Dummer...and yes I realize those are misspellings.  I went with the original Dum spelling from Alice.) clean up the living room.  I have a feeling that more than Legos are making it into the Legos box.  Doh Doh is trying to...um...help, yeah that's it...help.  And something just now went flying across the living room.  No idea what it was.  It didn't hit anything (therefore I'm letting it slide), and Bruiser sure thought it was funny.

* I scored two rugs ON CLEARANCE that were perfect to replace the rugs that were showing some major wear and tear.  I bought both rugs cheaper than my budget for one.  Yeehaw.  Don't you love it when that stuff happens?

* I'm still reading Radical, but I can already recommend it.  If you get the chance, snag it, borrow a copy, whatever.  It's a good, and very easy, read.

* I am amazed at God's goodness.  His blessings astound me.  I am truly humbled.  I feel like I should say more in this category, but that simply says it all.

* I am one of those rare people who actually likes the heat.  Heat, ok.  Humidity, ugh.  Today the humidity was just downright ick.  I literally just came in from outside, opened the fridge to refill my 9 millionth milk sippy cup of the day, and just stood there...allowing the what-is-normally-frigid-air-but-is-right-now-just-plain-ole-cool air to soothe my sweaty soul.

* Now you all know why I wear dresses every day.

* A neighborhood friend who moved far away just stopped by to visit.  I have a light fixture just inside the front door literally dangling from the ceiling, old rugs rolled up sitting behind the couch, a day's worth of blocks/Legos/cars littering the entry, a kitchen filled with Walmart shopping bags and birthday items yet to be put away, and just plain ole daily life strewn about.  And I loved every minute of having them here.  I'm just not one of those who cares about all that stuff.  And I'm glad they didn't mind either!  My house never looks like a magazine...and I like it that way.  Anyway, thanks Amy for stopping by!!!!

* I just went outside.  And stepped on a slug.  I rarely wear shoes.  Imagine that squishy feeling.

* One last tidbit of info.  A priceless story.  (First, for those who don't know, my dad is a prison chaplain.  A few days a week he is in the jail ministering to the inmates.  Every Sunday he and my mother have morning worship services in the men's and women's prisons.)  We've had a neighborhood burglar hitting homes on our street.  I haven't, for obvious reasons, spoken of it, but it has been an eery feeling.  Last week the burglar was caught.  And he confessed.  When my sweet Bubba asked where the man is now, I told him he was in jail.  And do you know what his sweet response was?????

"Oh good!  Now Grandad can tell him about Jesus!"

Doesn't that just say it all? 

Let the little children come unto me.......

A Boy and His Blankie...

My Bruiser is a true blankie boy. He is all about that blankie.

And it looks horrible. Honestly. I promise I wash it. Although someone once suggested perhaps it was the reason he kept having ear infections via colds.... Not a comment I appreciated, I can assure you.

But probably not unwarranted.....

As long as Bruiser has his blankie...and his Momma...he's good.

Not only is this shredded to bits well worn blanket a prized possession, but Bruiser also has a special corner of his beloved.

This corner, recently deemed his "chewer" or at times his "chew," is a long piece of one of the ripped corners. He chews on it, he slaps his face with it, he waves it around...he even uses it as a weapon.

It's wet.

It's disgusting.

It stinks.

It's adorable.

There are times, when he's really sleepy, that he'll ask me, "Momma, will you find my chewer?"

It melts this Momma's heart.

In this picture you can see him picking up his chewer.  That's how he would do it.  He'd lay out his blankie, just so, and then pick it up.

And though you can't hear my sniffles, I'm sure you have guessed.  Since my last pargraph was written in past tense you probably have it all figured out.

The beloved chewer is no more.

Not sure how it happened.  Probably came off in the washer yesterday.  We've searched all over.  I was not above pinning or even sewing it back on.  But alas, it is with us no more.

And I'll admit.  I cried.

I was standing in the kitchen and this pitiful little raspy voice was calling me.  He came and stood right next to me.  His voice even raspier than usual.  He buried himself into me...his chewer had come off.

Blast it.  I'm crying now.

It was really rough.  I'm sure it sounds silly to some.  If you only knew.....  Our little Bruiser has been our one with repeated ear infections.  Three sets of tubes.  Basically no hearing for awhile.  As a result, his speech has been slow.  He even speaks with a speech impediment.  We did speech therapy for 9 months.  Probably will have to have more therapy.

And through all his infections, his pain, etc. he's had that blankie.  And his chew.  But no more.

I held him on the couch for I don't even know how long.  I found several other corners for him to make a new chew.  It didn't help.  But as I snuggled with him last night in bed, encouraging him to make this one area his new special chewer, he somehow drifted off to sleep without it.

So farewell, chewer.  Oh, how we loved you.  You will be missed.  But perhaps this is the proverbial cowboy riding into the sunset.  Perhaps this is a growth tool for my boy.  Perhaps, as we near his 4th birthday in 5 days, this is a step towards maturity.  And perhaps my ultimate Momma's boy will soon allow someone else besides Momma to pour his milk, to tuck-tuck-tuck him into bed at night, to snuggle with him while watching "Fub-Bub," to put his shoes on, to do everything else for him.  Perhaps.

Or perhaps I can just keep him my little Momma's boy for awhile longer.  Like maybe forever.

Who knew a blasted chewer would produce this many tears from Momma?

Miss Me?

I know y'all missed me.  C'mon....admit it.

Didn't realize I was gone?????  Hmph.

Well, whether you missed me or not, we've been on....VACATION!  Woohooo!  Yes, we've come home nice and brown...

...with mountains of laundry.  Which I'm doing now.  And will be doing tomorrow.  I'm only on load numero uno.  Le sigh.

Doesn't that picture just SCREAM vaca?  I mean, check it out.  Fishing pole?  Check.  Plaid shorts?  Check.  Striped shirt that doesn't match?  Check.  Life jacket with a crotch strap?  Double check.

We had a great time, although in the picture above that's debatable for Doh Doh.  Spent most of our time on the lake.  Nothing real exciting.  Just hanging out and spending time as a family.  It was wonderful.  I'll share more later and (of course) more pictures.  I haven't even uploaded all my photos yet.  Maybe while doing load of laundry numero dos.  But I ain't makin' any promises.

So all you get now are the two cute ones above.  Pretty cute though, right?  Right??

So just a few things:

1. I've come home dizzy.  Not sure if it's a virus, too much time on the water, exhaustion, or what....but it's already annoying.  And just when I think I've overcome it, a wave hits me and I just want to lie down.  Ugh.  And a wave just hit.  So blogging is no longer a top priority.
2. Y'all crack me up asking questions about the decorating pictures I posted a post or two back.  The staircase picture probably received the most comments.  Primiarily, "Do you really like that?" and "Would you really decorate like that?"  Answer:  You betcha.  I love color.  However, I don't tend to stick with "looks" like that for long.  If I lived alone, which thankfully I do not, I would probably be changing things every month or so.  I tire of looks like that easily.  I'd also probably be broke all the time.  I tend to stick with my "traditional style with a kick" b/c I don't get tired of looking at it.  And it makes my man happy.
3. I'm in the process of reading a new book.  I finished two while on vacation.  My first Agatha Christie murder mystery, which was a fun read, light and easy and not gruesome.  I don't do gruesome.  And another Christian fiction historical romance from a debut novelist.  It was really good.  Also an easy read -- aren't almost all romances??? -- and what's funny is that it tied in a bit to the book my man was reading, which I'm now just beginning.  You've probably heard of it, as a lot of Christians are catching on to it:  Radical, by David Platt.  I'll soon be doing a book report on it.  I know you're clutching the sides of your flowy summery dress in anticipation.

4. I would say my posts on decorating get the most attention.  (Well, besides my posts on my adorable children in all their adorability.)  And someone recently asked what my favorite house style is.  And so I'll share.  In another post.  Mean, isn't it?  Sorry, but this blasted dizziness has taken its toll and I feel the need to lie down.  I'm sure it doesn't help that I'm watching the World Cup final.  Those blasted horns drive me insane.  And they keep showing aerial shots...not really what a girl with severe motion sickness needs to look at.  In HD.  On the big screen.  Nice.  So here's a little picture of my dream Craftsman home to tide you over until I can get my wits about me.  (That'll never happen, will it?)  It just so happens that the home we stayed at on vaca was also a Craftsman.  My man and I were taking lots of notes.

Happy 4th!

Ok, so happy 4th a little early!

I love the 4th of July.  Probably b/c it's a summer holiday...and we all know my passion for summer.

But I'm also an extremely patriotic person.  I love my country.  I love those who have fought to defend my country.  I'm not always proud of country, but I'm thankful everyday to live in a FREE country that is like no other in the world.

As you're guzzling your root beer tomorrow, holding a red sparkler, chomping on corn on the cob schmeared with oodles and oodles of butter, tearing your teeth through a juicy BBQd rib (ooh, ick) then please remember how our country came to be FREE.  We fought hard.  A group of men who knew the value of freedom.  Who knew the long-term benefits of their sacrifices. 

These men and women were not concerned with instant gratification.  They were planning ahead.  For the future generations.  And by the grace of an amazing God, their actions were honored.  Their prayers were answered.  And today we're a free land.

We still have to fight to keep our liberties.  That will probably never end.

Thank a solider.  Thank a veteran.  Not just b/c it's the 4th, but b/c it's what they deserve.  Let's show them honor, respect, courtesy.  They do way more for us.

I'm grateful.  Not just to these brave men and women who've gone before us and who fight today, but to my Lord.  If you've never traveled outside of our country, plan a trip.  If you don't come home grateful for what you have then take another trip.  Reality is always the best eye opener. 

Thank you, Lord, for giving me all You've given me.  I'm always grateful.

Keeping Up Appearances

Like the changes?  Well, it's hard to say b/c as of press date (teeheee) I'm still tweaking.

Any time I use the word 'tweaking' I think of You've Got Mail.  Anyone else?  The coffee shop scene?  Tom Hanks spells it out?  Anyone??  No?  That's fine.

Today we had FYI at church.  We weren't able to sew, so everyone just brought projects to work on.  Is it hilarious to anyone else that I took my laptop?  I really just wanted to surf the web.  Unfortunately, by the time we figured out how to connect to the wireless connection almost half our time was gone.  Sigh. 

Anyway, thanks to my sweet friend L who helped me use scrapblog.com and make the banner.  Unfortunately it doesn't quite fit in my template.  Still trying to figure that out.  Sigh.

My problem is never computer literacy.  My problem is 3 kids.  What little free time I have is usually spent cleaning...or guzzling caffeine by the gallon.  In fact, as I type, my middle blessing is pushing the Lego Mack truck creation I made for him and asking me to come to his "house."  And even though I've asked for 5 minutes of "alone" time, he quiets for about 5 SECONDS and then starts asking for Momma to come to his house.  Again.  And again.  And again.  And now he's whispering it.

Seriously, if he weren't so stinkin' cute I'd be pulling out eyelashes by now.

It's amazing what I can accomplish in 5 minutes.  And it's amazing what would normally take 2 minutes usually takes me 45.  Or two days.

And my middle BLESSING just came in with a flashlight and a sticky foam creation that he made "just for Momma."  He also informed me I have 10 minutes...which in Bruiser talk means I have about 2.2 seconds.

So thanks, sweet friend L, for taking the time to "splain" it to me.  (That's Ricky Ricardo for "explain" for those who've never ventured into classic Black & White TV.)  I know you had other stuff to work on today!  I appreciate it!

So enjoy the new background.  And please be patient while I work out my kinks!!!

And now I'm off to play Legos.  Not sure what it is about those plastic shapes, but I love them.  The creations the boys come up with are priceless.  And while I've typed all of this I've heard about the bird pooping outside the window, how a flashlight when shined on my chest -- yes, I said CHEST -- shows the light, how his house he built out of blocks for his Mack Lego truck has a 4-car garage (that's something he learned from my oldest blessing) and many, many -- and I do mean MANY -- other things.

What a wonderful evening.

Oh, and just so you know (for my friend who recently asked how I have time to blog!  LOL!!!), it took me 1 hour, 42 minutes to do this post.  After typing the first sentence, I gave 3 kids baths, built Legos, folded up a tent, sent 2 text messages, fixed sippy cups of milk, cleaned up toys, and gave smooches.  Good times, people.  Good times.