Monday, March 31, 2008
New Project #2
Well, this is what our lovely downstairs now looks like. ServiceMaster was here within an hour to cut out and spray the mold~infected areas. It's amazing how fast they'll jump when you tell them you have children. The area you see is the hall in between the bathroom and the kitchen. The bathroom actually bumps into our pantry, so you can see through. We are getting all new flooring on the whole first floor (including the kitchen!), so now we get the fun task of picking out what we want! I am excited about that part, just not what leads up to it. I don't know if me and the boys will stay here during that whole process. I guess we'll wait and see how bad it is. Poor Andy didn't even bark all day. I was afraid he'd died of a heart attack. Some guard dog. We'll keep you posted!
New Project
Guess what that is?!?! Our new home improvement project! For the grand price of $500, we're about to get a new floor for the whole downstairs, new walls in the hall and bathroom, possibly a new bathroom sink, and our bathroom updated. Not exactly the way I would go about something like that, but hey, not a bad price! I am actually not sure about all the "new" stuff yet, but we're about to find out. The contractor is on his way over to assess the water damage.
We've had a rippled spot on our hardwood floor for a while now, but we'd assumed the cat had peed there. When they had urinary tract infections, they were peeing in weird places. Come to find out, we've had a slow leak for who knows how long, and there is BLACK MOLD on our hardwood floor and in the wall. Could be why I've been having breathing issues. So, this is what I'll be dealing with today and however long it takes to repair all the damage. I told Todd me and the kids were moving out. I want to go live with my Mommy. Not joking....pray for me to have patience. On the other hand, you'd better not. I prayed that God would give me more patience this weekend, and if this is how He answers that, don't worry about praying for me. My patience level was fine. Ha ha...happy Monday!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Another Favorite Song
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
Basketball, anyone?
In the midst of basketball, we'll have coach pitch and t-ball. Todd is the head coach for Jonah and Noah, and they are thrilled beyond words. Plus Andy is on their team, so it just can't get any better. T-ball will be on Monday and Thursday nights, and coach pitch will be on Tuesday and Friday nights. Todd's games are all on Thursdays. So....here we go, my FAVORITE time of year!!!! And don't worry, all you Grands, I will get a schedule to you as soon as I get one!
I haven't been up to much this week except for house stuff (playing catch up from spring break...it's amazing what a huge mess four boys can make!), and helping an old friend get situated a mile away from me in their new house. She's a gal I went to church with in high school, andwe were best friends for three years, until she moved back to Georgia. I'm glad to have her back here, it's been fun catching up with her again.
I had a field trip with Graham yesterday to the Collierville Square, and we walked at least a mile once there. The school kids walked there and back for a grand total of 4 miles! Graham sure did sleep good last night! We skipped church, because there wasn't much going on there, and tomorrow I get to spend the majority of my day at their school. I'm giving Drew's class a compliment/A.R. (Accelerated Reader) party complete with movie, popcorn and juice, then I'm helping Graham's teacher. Ah, back in the swing of things. I don't get to go there much anymore, because they're growing up. :( They just don't need you like they do when they're in the younger grades. Needless to say, when I'm asked a favor, I jump at it, just because it comes so few and far between.
We have a busy weekend ahead of us, but I AM SO GLAD IT'S THE WEEKEND!!!!! We're dropping Graham and Drew off at the Baptist church for them to have a parent~free night Friday night, and we're having friends over while they're gone. PARTY! Until we have to pick all the kids back up at nine, but we're excited! Saturday is my dad's birthday party (unless he's still sick), Sunday is church all day, then Monday we're having a birthday party for Papa, even though his birthday was yesterday. Whew, I get tired just thinking of it all!
Love to all and have a great weekend! I know we will!!!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Something Really Cool!!!
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks so much for emailing me! You must be a very, very busy mom with those 4 boys. :) I'm thrilled that you took the time to send me a note. I'm so happy to hear how much fun you are having re-reading the Christy books. Thanks for keeping your eye out for that teen girl who might need to read these stories. God is going to use you to work in her life!
God bless you and your family too!
Warmly,
Robin
www.robingunn.com
Okay, well what I wrote didn't come out, but I just thanked her for her writing, and asked her to please keep it up. You get the drift.
Isn't that cool?!?! Such a busy lady, yet taking the time to connect with her readers. Crazy. Hope you all had a great Monday! Mine just got a whole lot better!
Friends
Solid relationships keep us grounded and accountable. If we start to get off course they help keep us on track. So who are the significant people in your life, the ones you spend the most time with, the ones whose opinions really matter to you? These people are your greatest influencers.
The question is, how are they influencing you? To know the answer, ask yourself the following questions: (1) What does he/she bring out of me? Author William Alan Ward remarked, "A true friend knows your weaknesses, but shows you your strengths. Feels your fears, but fortifies your faith. Sees your anxieties, but frees your spirit. Recognises your disabilities, but emphasises your possibilities." (2) What does he/she think of me? People tend to become what the most important person in their lives believes they can be. Indeed, that's what our children grow up to be! We embrace the opinions of those we respect. (3) What does he/she think of my future? Paul tells Timothy, "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young" (1 Timothy 4:12 NLT). Do the most important people in your life understand God's plan for you? Do they help or hinder you? (4) How does he/she behave toward me in difficult times? The solid relationships in your life are those who are slow to suspect, but quick to trust. Slow to condemn, but quick to justify. Slow to offend, but quick to defend. Slow to expose, but quick to shield. Slow to reprimand, but quick to forbear. Slow to belittle, but quick to appreciate. Slow to demand, but quick to give. Slow to provoke, but quick to help. Slow to resent, but quick to forgive.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Ah, Blessed Day #1 of Spring Break
In the way of activities, we didn't do much, but it was an eventful day. My kids and I cleaned out the car, and did some other chores. They got lunch for everyone while I got dressed, then we drove to a carwash. I decided I wanted the outside to match the inside. And I don't care how old they are, they will always love drive through car washes! They were pretending we were in an army storm. I don't quite know what that is, but today we were in the middle of it. =)
We had to do a few other errands, but after that we went to pick up Drew's friend, Nate the Great. I love calling him that. My boys really liked those books, too, so that's where it comes from. He's this precious auburn haired little boy who is more country than a fried potato, and as cute as he is country. He's my favorite of all of Drew's friends. And even Graham decided he didn't want anyone over for him, because him, Drew and Nate all play so well together. This is the little boy who said one time that they would always win, because they were in God's Army. You gotta love a kid like that!
Anyway, they placed their order for dinner, I cooked it, then we all went on a bike ride. It's beautiful weather outside!!! Of course it's dark now, but it was beautiful when we went on a bike ride. My neighbor Travis took a picture of me riding down the street on my bike while humming the tune from Wizard of Oz when the wicked witch is chasing someone. I'll have to hum it for you sometime. I told him not to watch me, in case I drove into the neighbor's bush like I did last time, but he said he would either watch me outside, or hide inside and watch. Nice guy. I did NOT drive into the neighbor's bush, however, I almost ran over Noah. He thought it would be cool to stop dead center of the bike trail, right as I was about to pass him. I caught myself and swerved before I hit the poor kid.
Well, I gotta go play some Wii. I can hear them all playing without me, and I actually hear my little Mii calling my name....gotta go!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
We Survived!!!!!
They all were sleeping soundly, until 4:00 a.m. another hailstorm hit. Believe it or not, it was Noah crying because our cat, Sambo woke him up. The poor 'fraidy cat is terrified of storms, and was walking around in their bedroom crying. Todd went and picked the cat up, and he buried his head in Todd's arms. After that, Jonah and Noah ended up on the floor of our room as well.
Only one boy went home, at 11:00 with a tummy ache, and there were no mishaps, no fights, nothing. They were all angels. And the one boy I was actually worried about...ended up being the quietest boy here!! I kept on asking him, "J.J., do you feel o.k.?" He did, but was just keeping quiet. Go figure. Maybe God duct taped his mouth shut! Ha ha, just kidding!
All the boys had a great time, from what they're saying. And I get the Super Mom of the year award. Just joking. Love to all! = )
Friday, March 14, 2008
New Love of Video Games
Tonight is Graham's sleepover. I said a special prayer over J.J., the one little boy I'm worried about. They're all really excited about all these boys coming over. Once again, we'll be eating pizza. Blah. I am so sick of pizza. I may just skip dinner and go straight to dessert, which is that YUMMY CHOCOLATE CAKE FROM COSTCO! I think I'll just have that for dinner. Even Drew was craving cake, and he's my meat and potatoes boy. If you've never had that cake, you have not lived. It is so good, it should be considered a major sin to eat it! Yummy!!!
We're coming up on my favorite holiday of all, Easter! I was listening to a c.d. this morning and was moved to tears. I had church in the kitchen. Listening to songs like, He Lives, He's Alive, how can one not get emotional over that?! And our Easter program is this weekend, and the words to the music are beautiful. I have never been this excited over a program. It's not a play, but a dinner~theatre type program, with four dramatic readers. The songs are awesome. It's all very simple, and casual, but the words are what gets me. I love to listen to the words of music. I can't wait to see what God does! I will sing to Him a new song...
Happy Friday!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Blue Walls
O.k. well I am just sore everywhere. I actually limped in church tonight. My everything is aching. We definitely got our workout today! We even moved all the furniture back into place, and let me tell you, bunk beds from the 1960's (or 70's) are NOT light. Those are some stout beds. At least I know they're not going to give way when my kids jump on them. Except I don't know if they can stand up to Jonah and Noah (Noah mostly) jumping from the top down to the bottom. He asked me if he could do that today. I have no idea if he's ever done it before, although I'm guessing he has since he said how much fun it was. Hmmm...
Do you ever feel like you have no control over things? You can tell the kids no, they do it anyway? Boy if I'd ever caught him doing that, he would have been in TROUBLE. That could be why the wooden supports under Drew's mattress were broken. Oh well, now he knows. I very sternly told him we are NOT to jump off of things in this house. Especially since he's Todd's son. The same Todd of all the broken bones. Or stitched up places. Or drilled~through hands. You know...that one.
Well I am going to sit and watch my husband play golf on the Wii. I am too tired for anything but sitting. Bon soire.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Quiet
We got a Wii!!! Graham and Drew were screaming hysterically, and they jumped up and down saying, "thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!" Drew said that all he wanted was 2 things...a Wii, and digital watch. And he got both. Although his actual birthday is not until April, and this was such an expensive gift, this was for both their birthdays. And I gave him the choice of receiving MOST of his presents now or on his birthday. He chose now. Imagine that. He will have some things to open on his actual birthday, though. Since he's little, it's hard for him just to sit back while his brothers get all sorts of cool things. So, however and whenever he wants to get his gifts, I leave up to him.
I don't know who had more fun with the new toy...Daddy or Graham or Drew. They all played baseball, and while Todd and Drew were playing, every time Drew pitched, he pitched a fastball at 93 miles per hour. Todd got to 85. Hmmm, we may have a future pitcher on our hands.
After all the excitement, we got to empty Graham and Drew's room. Tomorrow while they're at school, my sister and I will be painting and rearranging their room. Oh, joy. How I love to paint. Hear and feel my excitement?!?!?! Not really. I like painting as much as I like visiting the ob. But, whatever it takes to make my boys happy. Actually, this is my Mom's birthday gift to them. They offered to give them a more big boy room, to which they said, "Yes!" I thought it WAS a big boy room, but, they were ready for change. I'm painting the walls blue. It was a color they picked out called, Americana. It will look great with the new bedding and curtains. I have some really cool ideas, but not all of them will get done tomorrow.
O.K., well I'm off to read and unwind and relax before the thoughts of my long tomorrow totally exhaust me. Good night, and happy painting to Trish and me!!! =)
Happy Birthday Graham!!!
I wish I was one, so I could have some fun.
I wish I was two, so I could have some shoes.
I wish I was three, so I could be free.
I wish I was four, so I could have some more.
I wish I was five; oh I really want a beehive!
I wish I was six, so I could pick up stix. (the game that they play with Pappaw)
I wish I was seven, so I could see Heaven.
I wish I was eight, so I could be great.
But I'm glad I'm nine, because I am fine!
Out of the mouth of my babe, I kid you not. I'll post more later. For now, I have to go get ready for our special lunch today at school with the boys!!! Love to all!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Happy Birthday to Jonah and Noah!!!
We let them open their presents this morning. They were so precious coming downstairs in their jammies! Graham was waiting with the camera, ready to take a picture! I sang happy birthday to them and hugged them both, all the while answering their one question: "Where are the presents?!?!" I figured I'd never get through the day hearing that the whole time, so they went ahead and opened them. Graham and Drew got them a little something, too, it was so sweet how they all hugged each other and Jonah and Noah thanked Graham and Drew. I am so blessed to have such compassionate children. Everyday, I thank God on the way to school while I'm praying with them, for allowing me to be their Mom. His face truly shined upon me when He gave me these little treasures. I don't ever want to take them for granted.
I remember with fondness the first time they saw each other. I had just delivered them, and they were across the room from me, crying in their separate incubators. This sweet nurse went over and picked Jonah up, got him quiet, and laid him in Noah's incubator. They looked at each other and stopped crying. It was almost as if they were saying, "Oh, so you're the one that's been kicking me for the last nine months!" It was one of the most amazing moments I've ever witnessed. They were all snuggly in their bed, wrapped up and just gazing at each other. They are a miracle to me.
I will wrap up with a funny story. On Saturday we were getting ready to go Nana's and Big Daddy's for the afternoon, and while we were getting dressed, Jonah and Noah decided to wait in the 'burban. Todd didn't know that their presents were in the back of my truck, and let them go out there. When we were getting in, I had to go put something in the back, and noticed that the blanket that had been covering the presents had been tossed aside, and that one of the boxes was partially open. Noah had found all the gifts and had shown everything to Jonah! I will admit that I was upset. I couldn't believe my stupidity in leaving them in the truck, for one thing, but then they'd gone and snooped. My hubby reminded me that they're just little boys, and they're very curious. We ended up laughing about it later.
Anyway, they were getting in the bath at Mom's, and all of a sudden, Jonah says, "man, I want that green monster truck!" Mimi and Papa bought them each remote control monster trucks, and that was what Jonah was referring to. I told him to forget he saw it, and to act surprised when he opened it. With his eyes big and bright, and his dimples showing, he said, "What truck?! I already forgot!" Smarty pants.
I like what the Bible says about friends that are as close as brothers. May they always be as close as Jonathan and David.
1 Samuel 20:42 Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord..."
Sunday, March 9, 2008
SNOW!!! In March?
The craziest snow in the world happened on Friday afternoon, on into
the night, and ending in the wee hours in the morning. I think I took a great shot to possibly use as a Christmas card photo next Christmas! Who'd have thought?! The boys LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the snow! I don't think they've seen that much in their lifetime. I know it's been a long time since I've seen that much. The much anticipated party did get canceled, but all was well. Andy and Carly came over and played with the kids, while all the mommies and daddies played some Phase 10. Andy was supposed to spend the night but ended up going home because of a lack of sleep. David thanked us for not waking him up in the middle of the night.
Saturday brought more of the same...outside getting wet, coming in to warm up, going back outside. Those boys wore my dryer out. I just left it empty and had them strip as they came in and threw it all in the dryer. I am now going to spend half of the next few days playing catch up. It was worth it!
We went to Nana's and Big Daddy's for dinner on Saturday and the boys made "snow forts". Notice the quotation marks. I'm glad they could see it in their little imaginations! All the snow is now gone, well except for the shady spots in our neighborhood, but it was crazy seeing snow on a 60 degree, sunny day! I enjoyed it while it lasted, but I'm ready for it to go into hibernation until next winter. Come on spring and nights filled with warm weather, family, friends and baseball!!! Oh, and did I mention that Todd will be playing three~on~three basketball?! With David, and Rusty on a team called Fatter and Sadder. Should be some pretty interesting games, filled with more of my favorite...laughter in the company of best friends. Enjoy your Monday, I'm going to try and not cry over the fact that when I wake up in the a.m. my babies are going to be 5. =(
Friday, March 7, 2008
S.O.S. Prayer
Of course, we'll deal with whatever is handed to us, I'll just feel bad for the little ones. I hope you all have an awesome weekend! We'll see how much hair I have left when this weekend is over. Oh, and Todd can't wait for Graham's birthday because we are giving him and Drew (and Daddy) a Wii. They're getting lots of games and cool controllers to go with, so it should be a fun week next week. It's probably not a good thing that I am going to be gone almost every night next week. Todd'll probably let them all stay up way past their bedtime playing games! Oh, well, who cares, you're only young once, right?! Well, unless you count the child~like phase you go through in your thirties! Ha ha, love you Todd!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Cool Quote
She was talking about friends, and how we are all sisters of God (or brothers!), and that we should NEVER talk bad about our siblings in Christ! Or siblings, period. Anyway, at the end, to give us a visual, she had us all stand up and stand shoulder to shoulder. And this was the cool thing she said:
"Ladies, when we all stand this close to each other, shoulder to shoulder, we do not allow the enemy to slip in between us."
Powerful, huh? I will admit that after hearing that, I had some wrongs to right. I did so, and all is well in my world, once again. Thank You, Father God, for family and friends. Especially when they love us when we're not loveable.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
How God Made Snow
It's snowing! We had a very enlightening conversation on the way home from taking Graham and Drew to school this morning. Jonah and Noah told me how God made snow. This is what was said:
Jonah: "God had a bucket. He poured water in. He got little white balls and put them in the water. He poured some sugar in, and that's how He made snow."
Noah: "God got some water in a bucket. Then He got some snow and poured it in the water. Then, He, um, He got some stems off some flowers and put those in the water. Then He got some grass and poured it in the water. Then He poured the bucket out, and snow came down. And that's how He did it."
I didn't even have to ask this question. We were just driving and Noah said, "Mom, do you want me to tell you how God made snow?" And off they went. Very active little imaginations! And pretty creative, too!
Well, it's official. Jonah and Noah have grown up. They learned to ride their bikes without training wheels this weekend. I was outside with them last Thursday, and noticed that their training wheels were so bent, half the time, they weren't even using them! So, fast forward to Saturday night (completely dark outside, I might add!), and Todd took the training wheels off. All he had to do for Noah was hold the bike steady while he got on. Then he just took off. Like he'd been doing it forever! He was already turning in circles and everything!
Todd had to work with Jonah a little more, but he got it almost immediately, as well! I cannot believe my babies are so grown up! :( Drew was still 4 when he learned to ride, too, but I swear he was bigger than they are. They look so little to be riding so well! Todd took them on a bike ride Sunday after church, and Jonah came in saying, "Mom, I only had like 3 wrecks!" He was so proud of himself! He had not yet mastered stopping the bike.
We spent on and off all day yesterday outside (it was 70 degrees outside!), and he mastered the turning and stopping. Yesterday was a tease, though, because like you saw from the top of this, it's cold and snowing. Burrr, I am ready for some sunshine and warm weather!!! Love to all! Stay warm!!!
Saturday, March 1, 2008
The Go Fish Guys and Diego
Jonah and Noah were completely mesmerized at Diego! I heard that it was Broadway~quality, and that everything was beautiful. There was only one part they didn't like...the dancing coconut trees. They said they were "weird and dumb". I'm quoting them. Turns out the tickets they won were worth $40 each! They had fabulous seats, too, down front in the orchestral section.
I am enjoying a nice, quiet morning. The boys are with Mimi and Papa still, and Todd is doing a Memphis Maps outreach with the men in our church. I got this really great d.v.d. yesterday from Proverbs 31, entitled, "What Every Wife Should Know", and have already watched it. I am praying that God will lay on my heart who He wants me to pass it on to. Lisa Tyrekurst talked about the 8 Needs Of Every Man. It was really interesting.
Well, we're having friends over tonight, so I am off to clean. Have a great weekend!
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