Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Ignoring Technology...
Cyndie loves parks, swings, great friends and blooming hostas!
Not much else to say.
Some days it's just nice to take your shoes off and stand in the grass and ignore technology for a while!
Have a great day!
Not much else to say.
Some days it's just nice to take your shoes off and stand in the grass and ignore technology for a while!
Have a great day!
Monday, April 27, 2009
We survived!
We had a wonderful weekend camping! I have to admit that I think the key is actually having a camper...no worries about rain seeping in the tent; AC at night....in all actuality, it was the most comfortable "camping" I could ever imagine.
Ayden kept telling people we were going "Cheat Camping." He also told us that real camping means you sleep in the woods and only eat worms and leaves. Have fun kid...you can go camping like that on your own! I'll stick to my woosy camper! We are so grateful to our friends for loaning us the camper!
Short of a few arguments between the boys (one of which ended with one boy throwing the other boys' shoes in the lake) all went well. In the end, my good friend offered to take Elle overnight so we ended up just taking the boys (which made life a lot easier)! Thanks Maryann!!!
It was a great weekend and I know that the memories will be with us forever!
Ayden kept telling people we were going "Cheat Camping." He also told us that real camping means you sleep in the woods and only eat worms and leaves. Have fun kid...you can go camping like that on your own! I'll stick to my woosy camper! We are so grateful to our friends for loaning us the camper!
Short of a few arguments between the boys (one of which ended with one boy throwing the other boys' shoes in the lake) all went well. In the end, my good friend offered to take Elle overnight so we ended up just taking the boys (which made life a lot easier)! Thanks Maryann!!!
It was a great weekend and I know that the memories will be with us forever!
Friday, April 24, 2009
New Adventures...
This is a big day for me. No, I'm not putting on my cape and saving the planet today but today is a momentous day nonetheless.
You see, today I am going camping for the first time ever!!!
Okay, not exactly true...I went camping once in college but it was for a class and it was really more like hanging out in the woods all day while we did dumb trust falls with strangers. An absolute blast as you can tell...
Anyway, today we are loading three car seats in my hubbie's truck and headin out to the woods with a camper in tow (that we borrowed from a great friend - thanks Lindsey!) Someday maybe we'll do the tent thing but I'm taking baby steps ya'll.
I must admit; I AM SO EXCITED!
We told Eden the other day that we were going camping this weekend and she got a little worried when she came home last night and saw a pop-up fully erected in the driveway. She came in the house and said, "You've got to be kidding me!"
"What? What's wrong?" Donn said.
"You told me you were going camping but I didn't think you meant in the driveway!"
Oh Eden...thanks for the vote of confidence....we're not quite that hick! A little bit maybe...but not that much! Granted, we are driving a 1992 truck with 3 car seats in the back...hmm...maybe we're more hick then I had realized...uggh. Actually, I think we're okay until we start making the kids ride in the back bed.
And so, say a prayer that no tigers come eat us (that's the only thing Brekyn is worried about...it's his first camping trip too!)
Have a great weekend!! We'll see you on the flipside!
You see, today I am going camping for the first time ever!!!
Okay, not exactly true...I went camping once in college but it was for a class and it was really more like hanging out in the woods all day while we did dumb trust falls with strangers. An absolute blast as you can tell...
Anyway, today we are loading three car seats in my hubbie's truck and headin out to the woods with a camper in tow (that we borrowed from a great friend - thanks Lindsey!) Someday maybe we'll do the tent thing but I'm taking baby steps ya'll.
I must admit; I AM SO EXCITED!
We told Eden the other day that we were going camping this weekend and she got a little worried when she came home last night and saw a pop-up fully erected in the driveway. She came in the house and said, "You've got to be kidding me!"
"What? What's wrong?" Donn said.
"You told me you were going camping but I didn't think you meant in the driveway!"
Oh Eden...thanks for the vote of confidence....we're not quite that hick! A little bit maybe...but not that much! Granted, we are driving a 1992 truck with 3 car seats in the back...hmm...maybe we're more hick then I had realized...uggh. Actually, I think we're okay until we start making the kids ride in the back bed.
And so, say a prayer that no tigers come eat us (that's the only thing Brekyn is worried about...it's his first camping trip too!)
Have a great weekend!! We'll see you on the flipside!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Reminders...
"The squirrel went in the road...then he got dead."
These were the words that made me chuckle yesterday. After a nice afternoon of sitting outside watching my boys play together and holding little Elle on my lap, I was truly counting my blessings. The weather was incredible...the kids were laughing...Elle was smiling. Life was happy and good.
And then I heard the gasps from my boys as they began screaming... "That truck hit him! It hit the squirrel!"
As fast as their little legs could take them, the boys bolted to the side of the road.
There the squirrel lay...blood coming from his head...twitching slowly...then gone.
As Brekyn recapped the situation and spoke the words above to me, I couldn't help but chuckle...
But then I looked at Ayden...
My sweet little Ayden, who has a heart bigger than anyone I have ever known. My sweet little 7 year old who loves geckos and all things creepy.
He looked at me as his eyes filled with tears and his words broke up and he said;
"Mommy....I lo-ve an...i..mals..."
He then burst into tears as I reached out and held him and realized that something which was so commonplace to me, was actually a life lesson for my precious son.
After calming down a bit, Ayden asked if we could push the squirrel to the side of the road so that he didn't get hit by another car. I then stood beside Ayden as he used a long stick and rolled the squirrel to the side of the street.
When we came inside, Ayden asked if he could pray. We held hands as he thanked God for the life that the squirrel lived and then prayed that God would keep other animals from eating the squirrel.
I truly held back tears of my own as I realized what an amazing son I have.
God used something as simple as a dead squirrel to remind me of the heart that God has for all of us. My son was devestated to see this little squirrel killed...how much more is God devestated to see his children hurting?
In these days when life is trying, finances are bleak and families are stressed, I needed the reminder. The reminder that God sees our pain. He sees our hurts and our fears and He is willing to hold us tight in his arms if we will only let Him.
Thank you Lord for a precious son who loves your creation so deeply. Thank you for the reminder of how much You love your creation also.
These were the words that made me chuckle yesterday. After a nice afternoon of sitting outside watching my boys play together and holding little Elle on my lap, I was truly counting my blessings. The weather was incredible...the kids were laughing...Elle was smiling. Life was happy and good.
And then I heard the gasps from my boys as they began screaming... "That truck hit him! It hit the squirrel!"
As fast as their little legs could take them, the boys bolted to the side of the road.
There the squirrel lay...blood coming from his head...twitching slowly...then gone.
As Brekyn recapped the situation and spoke the words above to me, I couldn't help but chuckle...
But then I looked at Ayden...
My sweet little Ayden, who has a heart bigger than anyone I have ever known. My sweet little 7 year old who loves geckos and all things creepy.
He looked at me as his eyes filled with tears and his words broke up and he said;
"Mommy....I lo-ve an...i..mals..."
He then burst into tears as I reached out and held him and realized that something which was so commonplace to me, was actually a life lesson for my precious son.
After calming down a bit, Ayden asked if we could push the squirrel to the side of the road so that he didn't get hit by another car. I then stood beside Ayden as he used a long stick and rolled the squirrel to the side of the street.
When we came inside, Ayden asked if he could pray. We held hands as he thanked God for the life that the squirrel lived and then prayed that God would keep other animals from eating the squirrel.
I truly held back tears of my own as I realized what an amazing son I have.
God used something as simple as a dead squirrel to remind me of the heart that God has for all of us. My son was devestated to see this little squirrel killed...how much more is God devestated to see his children hurting?
In these days when life is trying, finances are bleak and families are stressed, I needed the reminder. The reminder that God sees our pain. He sees our hurts and our fears and He is willing to hold us tight in his arms if we will only let Him.
Thank you Lord for a precious son who loves your creation so deeply. Thank you for the reminder of how much You love your creation also.
Monday, April 20, 2009
FREE!!
The CHICKEN IS FREE!!!!
I came across this promo recently and thought I'd share it with you all. I myself don't spend a whole lot of time at KFC, (I'm more of a Chick-fil-A gal personally) but for free chicken, I think I will plan it for my family next Monday!
See you at KFC (yes, this is nationwide)! No coupons needed...just show up with your mouth!
"KFC Declares Monday, April 27 “UNFry Day” and Offers Free Taste NationwideKFC is so confident consumers will love the new Kentucky Grilled Chicken, it’s inviting America to sample the newest mouth-watering menu item on “UNFry Day,” Monday, April 27. Consumers are encouraged to stop by KFC throughout the day on “UNFry Day” and receive a FREE piece of Kentucky Grilled Chicken. A full page advertisement will run in USA Today on April 24 to remind Americans to stop by and grab their free piece of Kentucky Grilled Chicken. See www.unthinkfc.com for more details."
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
My email...
My heart is heavy today. There's just no other way to say it.
I just received an email from one of our Liberian friends. I love receiving emails from the friends we made while in Liberia. Though the trip ended one month ago, our hearts continue to be bonded with those whom we met on this life changing experience.
I look forward to our weekly emails that typically come from those whom we were closest to while in Liberia. When I see the messages in my inbox my heart literally pounds as I quickly click to see how our "family" is doing.
Today's message was hard for me.
It spoke of the love that our friend feels for Donn and I and of how much he prays for our family. It spoke of the ways that we changed this young man's life and how He praises God that we were ever able to meet. It spoke of how he hated that he couldn't write us last week but he didn't have enough money to get to the internet cafe (a total of about $1.50 American money).
It then spoke of the reality of life in Liberia. It spoke of how scarce the food is and how they are praying for God to meet their need for today. Our friend then went on to say that, although he had hoped to enroll in college in the Fall, he had turned that dream over the Lord and would trust that if God wanted him in college, God would provide the way.
Never once has our friend asked us for anything the entire time we have known him...he has asked for nothing but prayer.
And so, I sit here...at my computer that I have at my immediate disposal after having run to Kohls this morning to buy Elle some summer clothes. I just opened up my cupboard and whipped up a healthy lunch for the kids and topped it off with some Easter candy for a treat. The TV is squaking in the background even though no one is watching it and the lights in my house are all on (despite the fact that it's the middle of the afternoon). The biggest issues that I've had to face today are what to make for dinner and whether or not Elle really needed all three dresses that I bought her....
Uggh...
When will we understand?
When will we understand what it is like for our Liberian brothers and sisters?
When will we catch a glimpse of the faith that they have when they can look starvation in the eye and say that they trust God to provide.
My heart is heavy. These are not just people over on the other side of the world anymore...they are my family. They are a world away and yet as close as my heart.
I just received an email from one of our Liberian friends. I love receiving emails from the friends we made while in Liberia. Though the trip ended one month ago, our hearts continue to be bonded with those whom we met on this life changing experience.
I look forward to our weekly emails that typically come from those whom we were closest to while in Liberia. When I see the messages in my inbox my heart literally pounds as I quickly click to see how our "family" is doing.
Today's message was hard for me.
It spoke of the love that our friend feels for Donn and I and of how much he prays for our family. It spoke of the ways that we changed this young man's life and how He praises God that we were ever able to meet. It spoke of how he hated that he couldn't write us last week but he didn't have enough money to get to the internet cafe (a total of about $1.50 American money).
It then spoke of the reality of life in Liberia. It spoke of how scarce the food is and how they are praying for God to meet their need for today. Our friend then went on to say that, although he had hoped to enroll in college in the Fall, he had turned that dream over the Lord and would trust that if God wanted him in college, God would provide the way.
Never once has our friend asked us for anything the entire time we have known him...he has asked for nothing but prayer.
And so, I sit here...at my computer that I have at my immediate disposal after having run to Kohls this morning to buy Elle some summer clothes. I just opened up my cupboard and whipped up a healthy lunch for the kids and topped it off with some Easter candy for a treat. The TV is squaking in the background even though no one is watching it and the lights in my house are all on (despite the fact that it's the middle of the afternoon). The biggest issues that I've had to face today are what to make for dinner and whether or not Elle really needed all three dresses that I bought her....
Uggh...
When will we understand?
When will we understand what it is like for our Liberian brothers and sisters?
When will we catch a glimpse of the faith that they have when they can look starvation in the eye and say that they trust God to provide.
My heart is heavy. These are not just people over on the other side of the world anymore...they are my family. They are a world away and yet as close as my heart.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Mexican Fiesta!!!!
So, for Spring Break Day 4 we decided to have a Mexican Fiesta day!!
Pretty much, that means we told the kids we were spending the day in 'Mexico' and that everything had to do with the Mexican culture!
So, what did we do?
Well, of course we went to Plaza Fiesta!! The new kids playplace that costs a whopping $4 for kids to play in this HUGE play center!
We then walked over to the soccer store (because, as you know, Mexicans LOVE soccer - I mean "futbol") It just so happens that Daddy loves Futbol too so that worked out quite well!
And of course, we then rounded out the afternoon with lunch at El Cancun! Yummy yummy nachos!!
And what would any Mexican Fiesta Day be without a little carpet removal...okay, stretching it a bit but we also had today planned as demo day before we put down new flooring tomorrow. Can anyone say "Carpet Removal" in Spanish?? 5 bonus points if you can!!
With any luck we will have a little time for a good ole' fashioned siesta to round out the perfect day!
Hope you're having a great day too!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Spring Break 2009!
In light of the fact that the economy is not so hot and we just returned from a foreign country; spring break this year is a "Staycation" at our favorite place in the world - HOME!
Granted, Elle and I spent the first few days of Spring break having "Girls Weekend" with my Mom and Sisters. We had an incredible weekend of hanging out and just being together!!
Now that we're home, we are planning an event-a-day to celebrate this fun week!
Yesterday was a party with some friends and their kids. Today was a trip to Ikea (which might as well be Disney World for how excited we all are to go there)!
What will tomorrow hold???
Don't you just want to know...Dum, Dum, Dum....
Truth be told; so do I....got any ideas? :)
Happy Spring Break!
A Few Pictures of our first few days of Spring Break 09!
Elle with her cousin William during "Girls Weekend" (we decided to let William stay).
Granted, Elle and I spent the first few days of Spring break having "Girls Weekend" with my Mom and Sisters. We had an incredible weekend of hanging out and just being together!!
Now that we're home, we are planning an event-a-day to celebrate this fun week!
Yesterday was a party with some friends and their kids. Today was a trip to Ikea (which might as well be Disney World for how excited we all are to go there)!
What will tomorrow hold???
Don't you just want to know...Dum, Dum, Dum....
Truth be told; so do I....got any ideas? :)
Happy Spring Break!
A Few Pictures of our first few days of Spring Break 09!
Elle with her cousin William during "Girls Weekend" (we decided to let William stay).
The "New Girl" Emma Claire!! She's adorable!!!
Ayden and Brekyn at DisneyWorld having lunch (I mean Ikea). By looking at Brekyn please tell me that you understand why I collapse into bed each night exhausted!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
The Difference Between the North and the South...
As I've said in the past, heading to the "North" can be a bit like going back in time. When I head to Donn's parents I say goodbye to my cell phone reception and my internet connection. I have gotten used to that fact and even relish in it a bit. :)
But; when I head to my parent's house I don't have to give up cell phones and internet. Nope, at my parent's place they still have all those things...but there's one thing they just don't got. (how d'ya like that lingo)?
Oh, my Chick-fil-A....how I will miss you!
But; when I head to my parent's house I don't have to give up cell phones and internet. Nope, at my parent's place they still have all those things...but there's one thing they just don't got. (how d'ya like that lingo)?
Oh, my Chick-fil-A....how I will miss you!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Grrr...
Little miss Elle came down with another double ear infection yesterday. Her last infection was about two weeks ago. I think it's safe to say that we may be heading down the path to tubes.
Of course, to make matters worse, Mommy is now feeling under the weather and Elle and Mommy have a girls weekend planned in NY with my Mom and Sisters. Go figure....I can't tell you the last time I flew to NY to see my sisters and Mom and now Elle and I are stuffy as all get out.
Okay, venting over.
No deep thoughts today but I sure would appreciate prayers for quick healing and a safe and uneventful trip tomorrow.
Have a great weekend!!
Of course, to make matters worse, Mommy is now feeling under the weather and Elle and Mommy have a girls weekend planned in NY with my Mom and Sisters. Go figure....I can't tell you the last time I flew to NY to see my sisters and Mom and now Elle and I are stuffy as all get out.
Okay, venting over.
No deep thoughts today but I sure would appreciate prayers for quick healing and a safe and uneventful trip tomorrow.
Have a great weekend!!
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