Bless His Heart

So, I'm sitting here folding laundry when my cell phone rings. I run to answer it thinking Brianna or Brian may need me. It's Robin and I had already talked to her one time today, so I think something is wrong. I answer the phone and she is dying laughing. She is on her way to a meeting on Providence Road in Charlotte and has just passed a man who is walking on the side of the street and he is wearing nothing except a glove on his left hand! I start laughing, because she called me, not the police to report the naked man. She calls to give me some comic relief! Then she started trying to figure out if there may be a mental facility near by where he could have escaped from. Thanks for the laugh today Robin!

Last Couple of Days

I am loving having Alex to myself this week. We are missing Bri, but it's been so long since I've had him to myself. He was just a baby the last time we spent this much time together. He's become such a big helper, he helped me clean the kitchen and bathroom this morning. He has also been helping me cook. We haven't done anything overly special, we've just been spending time together playing, talking and reading. Can't wait to have some time with Bri in a couple of weeks!

Alex Funny

Last night we had a bad storm. I had stamp club at Sharon's and Brian stayed home with Alex. Our power went out and here's a text message I got from Brian:

"Alex said he was scared. I told him not to be scared that Jesus will take care of us and he said or Santa Claus."

Camp Stuff

Camp was an awesome experience for me this year. I couldn't volunteer to be a host home or to be a full time volunteer, so I volunteered to make lunches and it turned out that I could be there for supper as well. My kids are such troopers, they were so good about helping straighten the bathrooms, emptying trash, and refilling soap, paper towels and toilet paper. Alex had the job of telling the campers to "take a bag, and a sawich." Wednesday was sloppy joe day and Alex aruged with Jimmy. Jimmy wanted two sloppy joes and Alex wasn't going to let it happen. Alex kept taking the extra sandwich out of Jimmy's hands. Jimmy had to trick Alex to get away. It was hilarious. Alex wasn't intimidated at all. Alex is also terrified of Travis' dad. Mr. Bush told Alex he was going to poke him with his cane and Alex busted into tears. He still hides behind me whenever he sees Mr. Bush coming. I really need to borrow that cane! Brianna had a great time playing and hanging out with the kids. The youth made a point to thank Brianna for helping. Thursday night we went to Jennifer's house with her girls and joined in their devotion time. Brianna got involved in the conversation and added a lot. Whatever we asked her to do, she did. She even got bit by fire ants and didn't complain as much as the big kids did. Alex had his first dinner date with Maranda. I have a ton of thoughts on the sermons, but won't bore you with them.

I saw this verse on a t-shirt yesterday and thought it summed up the week: "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." 1Timothy 4:12

Let It Go!

I had a conversation on Thursday night that seriously tore me down. I can not seem to let it go and move passed what I allowed to happen. And I did allow this to happen, I did allow what this person was saying tear me down. I keep replaying the conversation over and over in my mind. It also amazes me that some people get such satisfaction out of tearing others down. Anyway, I decided on Friday night to work on my self-doubt and self-consciousness.

Weekend Update

This weekend FLEW by. I don't really know where it went. Friday was the last night of Thirst Camp. So, that meant getting home late and hoping to sleep in late on Saturday.

Saturday we got up fairly early to get Brianna packed up for Camp MawMaw's. We took her to Sonya and Amos in Harrisburg. The we had to run some errands. We had to go pick up Brian's tag at the Toyota place, propane refills from BJ's, a trip to the new Wal Mart. They just opened up a Wal Mart over near Concord Mills. I really liked the layout of the store. The shampoo, soap and medicines are over near the groceries.

Sunday was church and a much deserved nap. Alex decided to nap on Brianna's bed. He really misses her. I need to find some stuff for us to do this week.

That's about it for the weekend. I didn't cook at all over the weekend, I was tired of cooking. I have already made blueberry pancakes with Alex this morning. I am looking forward to cooking supper tonight: okra, squash, zucchini, cantalope! I will post a camp update tomorrow. Alex and I are heading to the Splash Pad in Kannapolis today and maybe another day this week. It's a good place for him to play around.

Quote

I heard a quote at camp today that I fell in love with. Lonnie has been telling the girls on his team this week that they are powerful and beautiful. Lonnie, if you don't mind, I'm going to start reminding the girls of this when I send out their weekly e-mails. Actually I am going to start reminding myself and Brianna that we are powerful and beautiful!

Camp

Sorry I haven't posted like I normally do. We have been so busy. I am helping out with lunches for Thirst Camp. Last night Jimmy and Travis declared that camp was over and revival has started. On Monday we had about 60 kids and adults, last night we had 300! It's amazing what's happening. I am wordless. I'm so glad it's happening in our community. It's much needed. After service on Friday the next job begins, how do we follow through with these kids and help them when school starts back to live the lives they are pledging to live this week. I have some notes to post later, but still need some processing time. I have been sitting in on the discussion panels in the afternoons for the last two days and the questions are blowing me away. The pastors are fielding the questions and are doing a great job answering them. They are being VERY patient with the kids. Can't wait for the adult sessions!

Thank You

Two simple words that when said the right way mean so much. When you give someone a heartfelt thank you, it can make their day. So, say it often and REALLY mean it. (People can tell when you don't mean it.)

Weekend Update

Sorry this is a little late. We have been super busy this morning.

Friday night was our Rock Group meeting. We had such a good time. We were missing several, but had a good time anyway.

Saturday I threw a baby shower for Sonya and Amos. Everything was beautiful. Jennifer did all of the decorating. She always does a great job. I will post some pictures soon! Brian, my dad, and Alex stayed home during the shower. Alex had a great time playing with PawPaw. After the shower, I was wiped out, so we went out to eat. Then we went to Kohl's to get Brian some shirts for work. He has to wear button up shirts and likes the short sleeved ones. They were on sale for 50% off! It's nice to get stuff you need on sale. Thanks to Amy I also got the kids some fall clothes at 50% off. Kohl's is having a great sale. I like to go there for Brianna, they always have clothes that are appropriate for her to wear. Then we came home and went to bed.

Sunday was church. Jimmy gave a sermon on the story of David and Goliath. I have several thoughts about his message, but am processing it and will post those later. Travis gave a good message in 252 and I am looking forward to hearing him speak this week at camp. After church some of us had an encounter with a dying cat. It was hard to get the kids to leave it alone and die in peace. After church we just hung out at home. We needed a day off to prepare for this week.

This morning I have been a busy bee. Got up at 7 and started laundry, cooked breakfast, Brianna cleaned out the dishwasher and we went to the church we are using for camp to clean. We couldn't clean the kitchen, but got the bathrooms scrubbed down. The kids and I are having some quiet time. We are headed out in a bit to buy groceries for the campers this week.

Ending/Beginning

You regular readers know that I have been keeping an extra child for the last couple of years. Olivia has been with us for two years. Friday was her last day. I felt it would be best for me and the kids if she wasn't here anymore. The kids, especially Alex needs my full attention. We will miss her, but we are looking forward to what lies ahead for us.

Thirst Camp 09 starts tomorrow night. I'm so excited to see what is going to happen this week!

Choices

I was thinking today about the choices we give our kids. These two sprang to my mind: When do parents make their kids stop going to church, especially when they don't "like" going? When do you start giving them the choice? Is it middle school, high school, college? I think mine was late high school. Just something I'm wondering about today. If you have any answers to these questions, comment.

Funny

I got up this morning and made breakfast. I made biscuits, livermush and eggs. I had a biscuit and a piece of livermush leftover and just left them on the pan on the stove in the kitchen. I've been cleaning all morning. Brianna was making up her bed and came through the house with a half eaten biscuit. She said she found it in her room under her pillow. Alex said, "Hey that's my biscuit." I asked him why he put it under Brianna's pillow and he said, "So you wouldn't get it." He had also eaten the last piece of livermush.

A Challenge and Swim Lessons

Last week a challenge was made. Brian told Brianna that he could beat her in a race. She said no way. So, he challeged her to a race the next night.
Here they are waiting for me to say, "GO!" Brianna kept starting before I said go. And the winner was Brian. Brianna was disppointed, but admitted that Brian is faster than she gave him credit for.

Alex with his teacher. They were teaching him to float on his stomach and his bac. Brianna kicking with the barbell. She passed her class this time and was promoted to Level 4! She was so excited.

Alex and Olivia sitting on the wall kicking.

I've got a ton of stuff to do today. Being sick this week put me way behind. I'm looking forward to Rock Group tonight. I am also looking forward to Sonya and Amos' baby shower on Saturday. I have had people offering to make things all week. I couldn't have done it without them. I will post some pictures later.

Pictures

Here are some pictures from Memorial Gardens on Sunday. I always seem to take a BUNCH of picutres while we are there.

Tuesday Stuff

I'm starting to feel some better. I think I let myself get dehydrated. I am downing Vitamin Water today to help. I hate the taste of Gatorade, so Amy was telling me about the Vitamin Water.

Tuesday we had swim lessons and then after nap we went to swim with Amy and her girls. All the kids did a great job swimming.

Last night for supper I made some satued corn. All I do is pour a little olive oil into a pan, heat it up. Add sliced onion and saute for a couple minutes. Then add frozen corn kernels. It's super easy and the kids love it.

That's about it. Between laundry and swimming, there's not a lot going on around here.

Weekend Update

I know it's a day late, but you will find out why.

Friday after work we all went to buy groceries. I do love those days when Brian doesn't have to work late.

Saturday we went baby shopping. Sonya and Amos are having a baby shower this weekend, so we had to go get some stuff. We were gone most of the day. Then after supper we went to the coffee shop to listen to Darren sing. We had a great time hanging out.

Sunday was church. After church I took the kids to get haircuts and then to Memorial Gardens to take more pictures. We had a great time. After pictures it was ice cream time. So, we headed to S&I in Concord. After we got home, I wasn't feeling all that well. I laid down for a little bit, then it hit. The stomach bug from a very bad place. I was so sick Sunday night/Monday morning. Brian really jumps into action when I am sick. He cooked supper for him and the kids and took excellent care of me. He kept asking if there was anything he could do or get for me.

Yesterday we skipped swim lessons, I didn't think I could sit there that long. Instead we laid around and watched movies. I'm feeling some better today, we are making it to swim lessons and I'm actually going to wash the laundry. Brian will be excited to have clean clothes!

I will post some of our pictures from Sunday later.

Funny

I saw this on GMA this morning and it cracked us up!

Oldie but a Goodie!

Funny

This is the conversation that took place in the car yesterday and shows how morbid Brianna is. We were on the way to the orthodontist and listening to the radio. They were talking about how Michael Jackson's brain is not with his body because it is still being tested by medical people. Then they started talking about his death being a publicity stunt that he was really alive and trying to sale tickets to his concert. The car is quiet, the kids are worn out from swim lessons, and Brianna says, "If he's alive he can pop out of his coffin to...What's his zombie song Mommy? You know the one from 13 Going on 30." I told her it was Thriller. She said, "Yeah Thriller. He could pop out to Thriller." I thought it was funny, people are always saying the Elvis and 2Pac are still alive, why not Michael Jackson. I do have to admit that I watched the memorial service yesterday and cried at the end when Paris spoke. I realized that he was not a moonwalking superstar to them, he was just Daddy.

Shove It

My Pawpaw and I used to sing this when I was little. I heard it again today and thought of him.

Weekend Update

We had a great weekend. Brian was off work on Friday. Friday night we went to the Harrisburg 4th of July celebration with our Rock Group. It was a beautiful night. We had a great time. We didn't stay for the fireworks. The kids were wiped out and I don't think Alex could make it that long.

Here's Barney Fife.

Sherry and Donnie had a booth promoting Studio Impact and she grabbed Brian and danced with him. It was too funny!

Notice how red Brian's face is.

Saturday we headed to Forest City to visit. We stopped by Sonya and Amos' to see the baby's room. It looks so good! I love visiting with them. Conversation is so easy when we are all together. Then we headed to visit with Nana for a little bit. Brian got a straight drive car and was teaching me to drive it. I felt like I was 15 again, getting a driving lesson.

Sunday was church and then we did nothing. It was so nice to have some down time.

Swim lessons started today. I was so proud of Alex, he went under water and didn't cry or give his teachers a hard time.

''Life's tough......it's even tougher if you're stupid.''
-- John Wayne

Ice Cream

SOMETHING TO HANG YOUR HAT ON-ICE CREAM


Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good. God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!"

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice-cream! Why, I never!"

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?"

As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer."

"Really?" my son asked.

"Cross my heart," the man replied.

Then in a theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already."

And that's something you can hang your hat on.

Just some pictures of Brian and the kids catching lightening bugs.

Shut Your Mouth

Why will the governor of SC not keep his mouth shut?! He just keeps on having press conferences and revealing details of his affair with a lady in Argentinia. It was released today that he said his mistress was his soul mate but he wanted to fall in love again with his wife. Seriously!!!!!!!! What woman wants to hear that her husband wants to fall in love with her again or that her husband's mistress is his soul mate? Not me. This is a private matter, deal with it that way. Don't keep dragging your dirty laundry out for the world to see. Please don't keep embarrasing your wife and children.

Crappy Tuesday

Tuesday started off REALLY bad. Brian called and said he had been in a wreck, he was fine, the Jeep was not. One more phone call from Jeff telling me Brian had been in a wreck but seemed to be fine. Brian was also calling about insurance, do we have a place to tow the Jeep to and such. We finally went to pick him up. One of the guys involved was very nice. Him and his mom wouldn't leave Brian standing on the side of 49 by himself, they waited for me with him. Brian worked from home yesterday, I think he got caught up on some "office" work.

I learned something about myself yesterday. You can tell me you are fine all you want to. I don't believe you until I see that you are indeed fine. I guess it's because I'm the type of person that will tell you I'm fine even if I'm not.

The day ended pretty good, with us outside catching lightening bugs. That's becoming one of our favorite summer activities. The kids are pretty good. I was so ready to put the day behind me that I went to bed at 9 last night.

My aunt is having a heart cath today. She had some heart trouble a couple of weeks ago. I know she reads this, so Carolyn we are thinking about you today. Praying you get some answers today.