Baseball Time!

I finally remembered to take my camera to the ball fields the other night! It's usually so chaotic on game night in the rush to get out of the house, that I never remember my camera. By the time you pack a diaper bag, round up 3 kids, and grab a couple of chairs, the cameras usually don't make the cut! Weston's team started off looking pretty good, but haven't gotten in a bit of a slump lately. At this point, the team needs a strong pitcher or it can really hurt you. Weston's team is a young team--he's actually one of the older players. He got an infield hit the other night and almost outran the throw....

Getting ready to step up to the plate...

Wait for a good pitch, Weston!

There's the one!

And here comes a hit!

A close call at 1st, but just barely beaten by the throw!

Kylie's team is a pretty good girls' team! However, she is in a bit of a hitting slump for some reason. She was hitting anything that came her way before season started and in the first few games, but now she's not getting many hits. Hopefully she can get back on track soon.


Way to go guys! I love watching you guys play ball!

Cutie Pie!

Well, round two of catch-up blogging...I am trying to get some posts up for all the pictures I have snapped in the last few days. At least I am finding time to do that!!

Landen and Andy had a blast the other day playing in the floor. Landen loves his dog! And I have to give Andy kudos for being SO patient and putting up with Landen's not-so-soft petting!

Anyway, a few pictures of the boys playing!

Puppy Dog Kisses!

Checking out the tongue..he was trying to grab it!

More kisses....

I think this was Landen's way of hugging Andy....he just put his little head down on him!

Those eyes! He's gonna be a heartbreaker one day....

Piece of Cake!

I had the pleasure of making a birthday cake for one of my friends' little girls. And, well, it took baking FOUR cakes before I ended up with one that wouldn't fall apart! I kept trying to rush the process and wasn't waiting for the cake to cool down. So, everytime I stacked it, it would split right down the middle....what a mess! However, the family enjoyed the "mistake"......

Forget the plates and silverware, just dig in with your hands!!

So....Kylie did!!

Nothing says chocolate cake like a glass of milk!

And the finished product...forgot to get a pic before I sent it over there, so she graciously snapped one on her phone for me!

Sleepy Boy

I am at least a week behind on posts! I just can' find a spare minute where I can get to the computer, download pics, type a bit, and hit save. It's constant busy, busy here! Anyway, this picture shows you how hard we go all week long. The baseball games have really helped us get Landen to sleep all night (most of the time). He can't seem to fall asleep at the games, so by the time he gets home, he is WORN OUT! And, last Wednesday (when this pic was taken--told you I was behind) was after we got home from a game. I still had computer work to do, but he was past ready for a bedtime bottle, so I let him feed himself (thank goodness we are to that stage!!). About 10 minutes later, I looked over and here's what I saw!

Bless his heart! I have never seen him sleep so hard--the flash went off at least half a dozen times in his face and he never even flinched. Too cute!! And check out that bottle.....he made sure that he didn't let go of it. He is absolutely addicted to his bottle. I need to get video of him when he sees it....he gets so excited!

School's Back in Session

Well, I officially started my class last night. Online classes are so much nicer--I don't have to waste an hour of drive time, not to mention the information is at my leisure--I read/listen when I have the time, so no missed ballgames, etc.

But I have my work cut out for me. Several papers, discussion questions, etc. And with everything going on in our lives right now, I will definitely have to find the time to work on this stuff. But it will be so worth it in the end to have this degree! Even if that is 4 years from now!

You know Moses? The story of him...the reluctant leader. The one that didn't volunteer to be in charge, but God told him he was going to be anyway. And, what a great job he did. Well, I encourage you to tell my husband thank you. Why? Because for the last several weeks he has been serving as your "acting" Chief of the town and he still has many more weeks to go until the Chief returns from VA. He didn't ask for this responsibility, but he has done so good so far. He has a lot of junk to deal with and a lot placed on his plate, but he has been such a servant to get the job done. He would never tell anyone this. He is not the "pomp and circumstance" kind of leader. In fact, I will probably be in trouble for telling you about all of this. But I am proud of him. He has an incredibly difficult task, but I know he will serve the department well in this interim role. Thank you Richie!

Got awhile to wonder...

Have you ever woke up and felt like the day just didnt feel right? I spent 30 minutes trying to find something to wear....I never do that. I just had an unsetted feeling and nothing looked or felt right. Then Richie told me about 730 am that my phone was ringing...it was my boss. Weird. She never calls before 8 unless it's important. She texted me and said we had a mandatory conference call today. I told myself it could only be good news...everything seemed to be going so good! Inside somewhere that unsettled felling crept up. When I called her back I realized why...we are going to have a layoff in mid-June. My heart raced and then sank. I am scared, yet trying to remain positive. I am nervous about the future. But I tell myself God has a plan no matter what...I have to believe it. But the next month is going to be so hard not knowing for sure if my job is in jeopardy. Please just pray, not only for me, but for everyone else I work with. I hate to think that people close to me could lose their jobs. It's so hard to process. My heart is heavy, my mind is so preoccupied....but I have to remain strong in my faith, in my beliefs.

Happy Mother's Day!

I know I am a day behind, but that's why I get to celebrate Mother's Day....because I am a Mommy and I am sooo busy that nothing is posted on time!

We had everyone over to the house for mother's day and grilled hamburgers! My MIL bought a cake that appropriately honored all 3 special occasions...it had a graduate cap, balloons, and flowers to mark the graduation, birthday, and mother's day holidays and simply said "Happy Days to All!"

I got some sweet gifts for mother's

day.

Kylie made this poster for me with her picture and a few tidbits about her....it was so cute!

Weston made me a great recipe card holder. He kept saying, "Mom you probably won't like my gift, it's ugly." I told him it was great! He did such an awesome job on it! Landen and Richie bought me Mad Men Season 1....I haven't watched any of this show yet, but my Mom keeps raving about how good it is, so I wanted to watch it (at my leisure of course). This was also my first Mother's Day as a mom of three....I kind of had "Westonitis" (see his birthday post) because I guess I felt like the day came and went and it wasn't really "Mother's Day"....something about it just made it seem like any other day. I guess I just looked forward to it and then it wasn't what I expected? Don't know, but felt like it wasn't what I thought it would be....Anyway!

I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day!

I have several posts from today documenting all the weekend's events, so be sure and look back!!

Happy 10th Birthday, Weston!

Weston has officially hit the double digits! And the day brought with it some unusual feelings and emotions for us all. Saturday night I think Weston started regretting his decision to not have a party. When I picked him up from his Dad's he seemed in a weird mood. I asked him what was up....it took awhile, but he finally told me (with tears running down his little face) that it just didn't seem like a birthday. I felt so bad for him. Your birthday comes once a year and that's it! You don't get a second chance to turn 10! He said that some of his Friday night plans fell through and that he didn't feel like he had a chance to celebrate. I told him that it was his choice to not have a party and we were all just doing what he had told us he wanted. He totally agreed, but I don't think it made it any easier for him. I offered to call a friend for him and have them come over, I offered to have a party next weekend, to go shop with his birthday money...anything! But he didn't want to do any of it. He was officially bummed. So, when we got home to change and go watch our movie at Grammy's, he just got in the biggest funk. So, we had a big talk and he realized what great presents he had gotten and that he still had some hours left in the birthday to make it memorable. He opened his new electric guitar from us and spent the rest of the evening playing on it and having fun. I was so glad because it broke my heart to see him so upset! I hated that he didn't have a good birthday--I had been looking forward to the day too, so I got bummed out when he was sad. Before he opened his guitar, I gave him his birthday card from me. Inside of it I had included the words to a song I heard on the radio the other day. I told him that the next 10 years are going to have some of the best memories of his life and some of the hardest times as well. It will go fast, but if he keeps his eyes on the Lord, things will work out.

The song is called "The Words I Would Say" by the Sidewalk Prophets and I told him that it says everything I would want to say to him as he goes through life's journeys. I am sure he thinks I am a cheeseball right now and have flipped off my rocker, but I hope that he pulls out these lyrics when life gets tough and remembers how much I love him....then maybe I won't be so cheesy! :)

Here are the lyrics:

Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say

Happy Birthday Wessie Poo! (That's probably the last time I will get to call him that, he's a BIG boy now)! I love you!!

My little brother graduates from college!

Congrats Jordan! You are now a college graduate! I am so proud of my little brother for completing his degree. I know he's had plenty of late nights, close calls, and stressful weekends, but it is all worth it!


And one hour earlier, my cousin Chad also graduated from the UofA! Chad has been on the track team the last few years and has really enjoyed and excelled at pole-vaulting. So, congrats guys! Great job!

On my way to graduation, I was running late (as usual). I frantically grabbed my camera bag and rushed out to the truck. Our driveway has a slight dip to it, so when I set the camera bag in the truck, my newest lens rolled out of the bag, out of the truck, and yes, on the concrete. It's toast! I was SO mad at myself! I haven't had a chance to really use it yet at all! Oh well, it could've been much, much worse.

Well, many more posts--a very busy weekend!

Lunch Dates

At the end of last week in all of the RV hoopla, I didn't get a chance to write about a great lunch I had. I met a friend of mine that I have ran into a few times at our new church, but really haven't had a chance to talk to since I left my old job. I think part of me was afraid she didn't like me anymore since I had left. And part of it was that we just didn't cross paths at the time. But, we started talking at church and realized we both were in need of some girl time! So, we made some lunch plans and then had a great lunch date! I didn't realize until then how much I missed talking with her! What's funny is I have known Becky for a long, long time. She probably doesn't remember it, but she gave me a little book at church camp one year when I was in junior high school and has never failed to be such a great Christian role model to me as I have ridden this roller coaster called life. I thought she was so awesome when she gave me that book--she was 2 whole years older and just seemed so mature and like she had it together (and she still seems that way!!). Anyway, years later when we ended up working together at the same place, she once again was there when I needed some kind words of wisdom. In fact, I am at my new church home today because of a talk we had 3 years ago. She had heard a sermon from her preacher about how God hates divorce, but not divorced people. She thought of me and the stress I was experiencing at my workplace at that time. I listened to that sermon and yes, my toes were stepped on a bit, but I also realized that I was still important to God. Now, 3 years later, we have reconnected once again to just enjoy each other's company and hang out! Becky, thank you so much for such an awesome lunch the other day--I loved chatting and hanging out! Here's to that chick flick we have our sights on! :)

Here's a great way to help feed the hungry and involve the kiddos! On Saturday, May 8, the National Association of Letter Carriers are accepting donations of canned foods. Just place the cans in your mailbox and they will pick them up when they drop off your mail! Spread the word and donate a few cans!

Tri-Holiday Weekend Ahead

Three big holidays/celebrations this weekend! It's kind of nice to have just one dinner/cake/gathering, but I hate taking away from everyone's special day....First, it's Weston's birthday Saturday (the big 1-0), then my brother and my cousin are both graduating from college at the same time on the same day, but at different colleges, and then there's Mother's Day Sunday. So, we are having one celebration on Sunday at our house.
Weston has decided he doesn't want a "kid" party this year. Says he's over that and would rather have the presents instead of wasting the money on the party...smart kid. He's getting it! So, he is staying at his Dad's house Friday and wants his cousin TG to spend the night. Then, he comes home Saturday afternoon and we are going to go to my parents' house and watch a movie in the movie theater and have snacks. My parents bought him a new bike for his birthday and I had put it out in our 3rd garage for safe-keeping until Saturday. Well, last night Kylie decides to go in there and get her bike out....and she sees the other bike. So, she calls Weston over there to show him. I am witnessing the whole thing from the kitchen window. It's funny to watch your kids when they think they are being sneaky and no one is watching!! So, I went outside and told Richie and we decided to go ahead and let him get his new bike out and try it out to make sure it wasn't too big. So, there's one present that won't be a surprise. Then, from us, he is really wanting an electric guitar. He is really loving his guitar lessons! So, I am working on getting a good one that's gently used for him. So, there's 2 presents that aren't a surprise! But, I guess that's what comes with big boy gifts.....
I am so proud of my brother and cousin for finishing college! But I am not looking forward to watching the commencement....with a baby in tow. May have to step in and step out to catch Jordan's name....
Baseball season is in full swing I can tell...no free time at all during the week. In fact, I took off work Tuesday to clean house! Didn't get very far, such deep, deep cleaning that needs to be done.
As if that's not enough to tire you out, my first summer class in the MFT program starts Monday...I ordered my books yesterday. Taking only one class won't be too bad. I am actually looking forward to it. The class is Brief Therapy and it centers on solution-focused therapy....basically getting to the heart of the problem and coming up with reasonable solutions....should be interesting! I am glad I am finishing this degree. When I switched a few years ago, I really felt like I had left something undone in my life. I really wanted this degree, but at the time it just didn't make sense to forego switching to a degree that my previous employer would help pay for. And it has all worked out in the end now that my new employer covers this degree! Thank you Lord for such an awesome opportunity to learn!

Landen is 7 months!

Oh, this year is flying by! I can't believe he is already 7 months old. It makes me so sad....I wish he could stay a baby forever (one that sleeps all night, but still a baby!! Ha!) In the last month, he has refined his bye-bye wave, he is starting to sleep a little better and has a had a couple of nights where he has slept until around 6 a.m. or so (hallelujiah!!), and he is starting to eat little pieces of food that he picks up with his hands. He is getting such a personality--he loves attention (I guess that comes with being the baby in the family??).....

I thought I would post a couple of pictures from our salvaged weekend away...I didn't take my camera, but did get a couple on my phone. We really did have a good time after all of the water leak drama!

Such a cutie pie!!

Sometimes it's harder getting a shot of the big kids than it is the baby!!

Me and Kylie-Bug after a ride on the swings!

Landen's first picture in the SDC coffin! I have one of me when I was around 6 years old! Too cool!

Landen's first visit to SDC....

Why? Now I know!

Well, when I woke up yesterday morning, I was a little refreshed from the horrible evening Friday night. And, if you know me, then you know that I don't give up too easy. So, I decided to call my Papaw and get some advice. Richie had fixed the leak under the kitchen sink, but now we were up against a bigger battle in the bathroom. The sink in there was leaking and looked like it would require a bigger fix. Papaw is so sweet. If you haven't met my Papaw, I promise you are missing out--he would move Heaven and Earth for anyone. When I called, he assessed the problem (going to require an entire new sink faucet in the bathroom....great). He told me where to find a couple of RV repair shops, however both were closed, so now to Plan B. He thought that maybe, just maybe it would be a faucet that was "universal" and we could find one at Lowe's. So, he told me to go get the faucet and he would drive ALL the way up here, fix it, and get a hotel for the night!!! Talk about a servant's heart! Friday night, I was asking why this happened....today I know! Why? Because Friday night, Richie was on his own to fix the kitchen sink and he did it....ALL BY HIMSELF! I was so proud that he took the time, stayed calm and patient and figured out a way to get it to work....and at the end he said, "thank you Lord". Wow! My heart melted at that moment. Then, when the bathroom sink was broke, too. I learned that I have people in this world (like Papaw) that will stop what they are doing, change their entire weekend plans, and move mountains to help me. It just broke his heart that we were going to have to come home Saturday morning and not get to go to SDC.

So, I went to Lowe's (all by myself I must say), bought a sink and a few "plumbing tools" and managed to find my way to and from the store! When I got back, Richie replaced the sink which saved my Papaw from having to make the trip up here. And guess what? The new faucet worked! No more leaks! And so we got ready, and headed to SDC for the day for World Fest....and the weather was absolutely PERFECT! Sunshine and cool breezes all day! We had a lot of fun. We were only able to see one show since it was late by the time we got there, but that's OK. We learned a lot this weekend--we are a team, we can weather any "storm" together, and we can do a few things now that we thought we couldn't do!

While we were at Silver Dollar City, we saw the CEO of Silver Dollar City! Joel Manby was there to celebrate SDC's 50th birthday yesterday! Did you see the episode of Undercover Boss that featured him? When I saw him, I wanted to get a picture with him, but figured that Richie would think I was a goofball! But I did see him and he was in jeans and a t-shirt and seemed to be the way he was represented on the show--very laid back and easy-going. Pretty neat!