Mourning Puppy

For those of you who don't know, we have one pet in our family and it is Matt's very, very bestest friend...Puppy. Puppy is Matthew's security blanket, and he has had it as his buddy since not long after birth. For almost 3 years now, it has calmed him down, helped him sleep, kept him company, etc., etc. Well, we can't find Puppy. We think that a neighborhood dog might have drug it away from our driveway yesterday. And we are all in mourning! Matthew came in my room last night at 3 am and said with such a sad voice, "Mommy, I can't find Puppy." And he has been looking for him all day. So, keep us in your prayers (just kidding).

On a happy note, after searching in the depths of the internet for over an hour last night, I finally found another one just like it. It obviously won't be Puppy with his stinch and all, but hopefully a good substitute!

First Family Camping Trip

We took a small camping excursion last night-all of 2 miles down the road at Chester Frost Park. Jeff has been wanting to take the kids for some time now but I thought they were still a little small for it. So, just to be safe, we decided our first trip would be not too far away from home. Chester Frost Park is so nice...very clean, alot to do, and so close to home...literally, I think it is 2 miles away. And with the weather as beautiful as it was last night and today, it was a perfect time! And there weren't any bugs out yet! The kids loved it. They loved all sleeping together in sleeping bags in a tent, riding their bikes, watching the sun set and rise, and of course, roasting marshmallows. Being outdoors with lots of space and free roam is def their element. I think we have kindled a new like for them...

Birthday Party

Today we went to Jeff's cousin's daughter's (Caimen's) 1st b-day party. It was such a cute little party, such cute decorations, games, things to do, good food, adorable cake, etc. And she got tons of cute little gifts. Little girl things are so cute. Speaking of birthday parties, we could go to one every weekend I beleive. Between our big family, friends from Addie's classroom, friends from church...there are some months I need a budget just for birthdays!

The rest of the weekend I was at home by myself most of the time (with the kids, of course). Jeff had a s-ball tourney in Alabama. He left Friday right after school, and did not get back until late Sat. night. They lost their first game after the pool play, but the score was 1-0 against Soddy Daisy so he felt pretty good about it. He is on spring break this week, so he will be the one home with the kids all week! And starting next week, I am part-time! I am so excited and can't wait!!

Thankful

Dear God,
I am so thankful. For this beautiful day, for the beautiful weather, for your awesome creation, for my children, for my husband, for my family and the time I get to spend with them, for my church, for the families at church that are willing to give up a year of their life to share Jesus with China, for others in the world like them, for our great country and those serving it, and last but definitely most important, for Jesus. I am so blessed. Help me to count my blessings daily and to thank you for them. Help me to not succumb to the pursuit of the "Great American Dream"...help me not to focus on healing myself so I can have a nicer life...help me to life for you daily. Soften my heart. And as the lady at church said this morning, help me to listen for you. Guide me, my family, and my friends as we start this new week. Help us all to be bold for you, and help us all to be thankful! Praise you! Amen.

Pictures of us enjoying this day outside:







These are 2 of my sisters. I got to go out to eat Friday night while I was home with Heather and Haven. I always miss Holly if she is not with us (or whichever of the sisters is not with us), but we had a great time as always. I love them!

Haven:

Heather:


I also don't have any pictures of last night because they were banned, but we went to see the BBS play, Disney's High School Musical. It was great. They really did do a great job. But getting the kids in bed after 10pm then losing an hour of sleep ain't cuttin' it. I'm going to bed!

Go Giants!

Today was our first tee ball practice for Addie and Matt. They both had a blast! I am so glad we signed Matt up...he is a little young, but there are several others his age on the team.

Addie and Matt before practice (Addie got herself ready, and just had to wear her uniform from last year. I think she thought it would be the same team)


Matt ready to field the ball


Addie and her buddy Haley. They were on the same team together last year, too.


How about that swing!


And that throwing arm!


A couple of other out of the ordinary things we have done in the past couple of days-my sister, brother-in-law, and brother-in-law's brother came to spend the night with us last night. Just a spontaneous trip, and we truly enjoyed them being here. Also, today I treated myself to a Zoom (teeth bleaching) treatment. My teeth are a little sensitive tonight, but definitely are whiter! I think it lightened them 3 shades. So that was neat. Hope everyone has a great weekend. I definitely am going for my mom and dad hug this weekend!

Addie with 2 of her favorites-Holly (my baby sister) and Bailey (my cousin)

Picture of Peace

One of my favorite things to do with my children is right before I go to bed, go into their room and check on them, give them one more kiss, listen to them breathe, lay my hands on them and pray...just precious, alone, quite time with them. There is not a purer picture of peace than a little baby or child sleeping. They truly are little blessings!

We're Done

Just a quick note to let you know that we are done with our "fasting" to concentrate on "us" time. It was an awesome week, and I loved every minute of it. Jeff on the other hand wanted to "cheat" every night. He didn't, but every night said, "can we just watch ____" or "can't we just watch something together". He ended up listening to several b-ball games on the radio. It was nice being old-fashioned. I just had a thought...I think I am very old-fashioned. Seems like all of my blogs reminisce about something in the past. I promise I don't think I live in the past...I truly try to enjoy every minute and each blessing of each day. I guess my yearnings are for the simpler life of the past.

An update on Addie and Matt...Addie spent the evening so concerned about tornadoes. We were talking about the tornado in Alabama and how sad it was. She heard us, and immediately wanted to know everything about tornadoes, where Alabama was, if the tornado was on it's way to Chattanooga, etc. She talked alot about the Wizard of Oz and Dorothy, so I think she thinks that is what is going to happen to us?!? Matthew got a haircut tonight...he is starting to look so much like a little boy rather than a little toddler. He is starting to use the potty pretty consistently (at least at home), which is good considering we have not pushed it or tried at all.

Hope everyone has a good weekend. I haven't decided if we are going to Cookeville or not. I really need a mom and dad hug, though.