Last night we had our Father's Day dinner with the family. We went to Colton's in Searcy. I was so excited about this because this year we had a great gift for my Dad. I have mentioned before that we planned a cruise and Florida trip last year for this August. Well it turned into us meeting my parents in Orlando with the kids and us all going to Disney World. We were all going to drive. This wasn't going to be so bad for the me, David, Lindsay and Steve. We were going on a cruise and didn't have 4 small kids riding with us. However, for my parents, they were driving down for 3 days and driving back with 4 small kids. Yuck. So we (being the 4 "cruising" adults) decided we would surprise my parents with plane tickets for them and all the kids for Father's Day. Now we are all flying round trip....and all 10 of us are on the same return flight together!!! Yeah! We are so excited now!! We will have more time for fun and less time traveling!
It was so worth the surprise! My parents both got misty eyed! My mom actually said, "Gone are the days of tacky ties!" We figured out that this is our first REAL family vacation. Where we aren't going to a reunion or funeral or wedding....or anything. Just going for fun!!! Whaaa HOOO!
50 more days till we leave!!! Mickey Mouse here we come! Brace Yourself!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Cook Adventure Continues.....
The Latest Happenings:
* The people we were house sitting for (This time) came home earlier than we thought. They lived in their driveway (in an RV) for a couple days while we looked for a new place to perch. They told to stay all the time we needed, but they have been gone for 2 months and we knew they were ready to get back into their home. Sooooo....... the girls and I have moved to Searcy for a small time. We are staying with my sister and her family while David is back in Clinton trying to find somewhere for us to live. :) (He is sleeping on the couch of a REALLY good friend! This is not a problem for the two of them because they will probably stay up late every night watching movies and pretending they aren't both married!) hehe!
*Our house. I am beginning to think that we really aren't trying to build a house and that we are just talking about it. We STILL don't have our plans from our architect. We are going on 2 months of a two week project for him. We are about to be really behind schedule because of him and that isn't making anyone happy. Oh well. We wouldn't be building if it were going smoothly right? :)
* Last weekend we went to an auction for a lighting company that went out of business. We managed to get the majority of our lighting for $103!!! Yeah for bargains! I love finding a good buy!
*Our parenting book is on the back burner. We had a great week last week with the miracle book. However, with us being "dwelling challenged" at the moment, it's been a little difficult for all of us to stick to all the "rules" of life outlined in the book. When we get settled in somewhere, we will make Dr. Leman proud!!! Stay tuned.
*Watch out for ticks!! My sister, Lindsay, found out yesterday that she has Lyme's Disease. She was begging for death a few days ago while running a 102-ish fever. She was still running it three days later and decided to go to the doctor. We are glad she did. A few days on anti-biotics has done her some good and now she is feeling better. Still tired, but better. Crazy thing is she doesn't ever remember having a tick. Weird.
*God is good. Even though I am currently as flustered and stressed as I have I ever been, I can still sit back and see God working. Whew.....what if I didn't? I can't even imagine!!! :)
* I hope that you are finding all the little things in everyday that God sends your way. Talk to him about it!
* I just said a little prayer for everyone that reads this post.
* The people we were house sitting for (This time) came home earlier than we thought. They lived in their driveway (in an RV) for a couple days while we looked for a new place to perch. They told to stay all the time we needed, but they have been gone for 2 months and we knew they were ready to get back into their home. Sooooo....... the girls and I have moved to Searcy for a small time. We are staying with my sister and her family while David is back in Clinton trying to find somewhere for us to live. :) (He is sleeping on the couch of a REALLY good friend! This is not a problem for the two of them because they will probably stay up late every night watching movies and pretending they aren't both married!) hehe!
*Our house. I am beginning to think that we really aren't trying to build a house and that we are just talking about it. We STILL don't have our plans from our architect. We are going on 2 months of a two week project for him. We are about to be really behind schedule because of him and that isn't making anyone happy. Oh well. We wouldn't be building if it were going smoothly right? :)
* Last weekend we went to an auction for a lighting company that went out of business. We managed to get the majority of our lighting for $103!!! Yeah for bargains! I love finding a good buy!
*Our parenting book is on the back burner. We had a great week last week with the miracle book. However, with us being "dwelling challenged" at the moment, it's been a little difficult for all of us to stick to all the "rules" of life outlined in the book. When we get settled in somewhere, we will make Dr. Leman proud!!! Stay tuned.
*Watch out for ticks!! My sister, Lindsay, found out yesterday that she has Lyme's Disease. She was begging for death a few days ago while running a 102-ish fever. She was still running it three days later and decided to go to the doctor. We are glad she did. A few days on anti-biotics has done her some good and now she is feeling better. Still tired, but better. Crazy thing is she doesn't ever remember having a tick. Weird.
*God is good. Even though I am currently as flustered and stressed as I have I ever been, I can still sit back and see God working. Whew.....what if I didn't? I can't even imagine!!! :)
* I hope that you are finding all the little things in everyday that God sends your way. Talk to him about it!
* I just said a little prayer for everyone that reads this post.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
I'm a Proud Mama!!! Not to mention relieved.
In the last year or so, I have noticed my kids getting more and more unruly and disrespectful. And after talking to several other moms, also complaining of the same things, David and I decided it was time to grab ahold of the reigns and be the parents again. I have been praying for the right methods, books, techniques, people.....you name it....to come along that would help me be a better mom for my kids. Tatum is the poster-child for strong willed. ( Not too far off from her mama! This brings it's own set of challenges.) And Eden is so "sweet" that it's hard for me to punish when she needs it because she is just too "cute." (And yes, I do mean she puts on the "innocent" face when in trouble.)
This past weekend while in Branson, I went into the Christian Book Outlet to browse around. I saw this book by Dr. Kevin Leman. "Have a New Kid by Friday: How to Change your Child's Attitude, Behavior and Character in 5 days." A miracle cure....right. But, my mom had told me about Dr. Leman and his funny, no nonsense tips to parenting and I was intrigued. I bought the book and read it in the first 12 hours. NO KIDDING...instant results! My kids have had an almost 180 degree turn around in manners, sibling love and obedience. David and I are amazed. The best part is that we aren't stressed at all. Our family is becoming so much closer because we are aren't yelling or threatening each other! Go figure!
The icing on the cake was tonight at church....and I wasn't even there to witness it! I was feeling bad this afternoon so David and the girls went on to church a little early. Before we parted ways I called the girls over to me (they came on the FIRST call) and I told them that because I wasn't there they needed to be extra good for daddy while he had to give the devotional. "Okay mom! We will. Hope you feel better." Off they went to church. After church, one of our friends pulled David aside and told him that Eden was SO good in class AND Tatum had used such nice manners. (All of this was unprompted! And about "preacher's kids" at that! :) hehe!) David called just to tell me all of this.....he's proud too! I might sound like a babbling mom...but a week ago I was ready to pull my hair out. This week, I have new RESPECTFUL kids. I have always loved them.....but now I LIKE them! :) hehe!
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a way back to being the parent. (It would actually be a good book for teachers too!!!) I am sure that we will continue to have our ups and downs, but for a family that has tried LOTS of "methods" and failed......I found one that has great results! Yeah!!!
Dr. Kevin Leman has several other books that are pretty good. ( I have all of these...but never realized who wrote them until I read this most recent one! :))
Sex Starts in the Kitchen ( obviously a book on marriage!)
The Birth Order Book
How to Make Your Children Mind Without Losing Yours
I hope that you will find time to read some of his books. They really are funny!
This past weekend while in Branson, I went into the Christian Book Outlet to browse around. I saw this book by Dr. Kevin Leman. "Have a New Kid by Friday: How to Change your Child's Attitude, Behavior and Character in 5 days." A miracle cure....right. But, my mom had told me about Dr. Leman and his funny, no nonsense tips to parenting and I was intrigued. I bought the book and read it in the first 12 hours. NO KIDDING...instant results! My kids have had an almost 180 degree turn around in manners, sibling love and obedience. David and I are amazed. The best part is that we aren't stressed at all. Our family is becoming so much closer because we are aren't yelling or threatening each other! Go figure!
The icing on the cake was tonight at church....and I wasn't even there to witness it! I was feeling bad this afternoon so David and the girls went on to church a little early. Before we parted ways I called the girls over to me (they came on the FIRST call) and I told them that because I wasn't there they needed to be extra good for daddy while he had to give the devotional. "Okay mom! We will. Hope you feel better." Off they went to church. After church, one of our friends pulled David aside and told him that Eden was SO good in class AND Tatum had used such nice manners. (All of this was unprompted! And about "preacher's kids" at that! :) hehe!) David called just to tell me all of this.....he's proud too! I might sound like a babbling mom...but a week ago I was ready to pull my hair out. This week, I have new RESPECTFUL kids. I have always loved them.....but now I LIKE them! :) hehe!
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a way back to being the parent. (It would actually be a good book for teachers too!!!) I am sure that we will continue to have our ups and downs, but for a family that has tried LOTS of "methods" and failed......I found one that has great results! Yeah!!!
Dr. Kevin Leman has several other books that are pretty good. ( I have all of these...but never realized who wrote them until I read this most recent one! :))
Sex Starts in the Kitchen ( obviously a book on marriage!)
The Birth Order Book
How to Make Your Children Mind Without Losing Yours
I hope that you will find time to read some of his books. They really are funny!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Huh?
This past weekend we went to Branson, just the four of us. About the time we were pulling onto 76, the girls were getting pretty antsy in the back seat. Apparently, Tatum was bugging Eden and then all of a sudden we hear Eden yell at the top of her lungs...." I hate you Tatum! I wish I had a brother!" Other than the obvious, "You don't hate anyone, especially your sister" speech, David and I didn't really know what to say. It was really funny. A brother? Do brothers not annoy you as much as a sister?
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
I've Been Tagged
Stacy Stacy tagged me...so here you go.
*Maybe I should...exercise more.
*I love the smell of.. ha ha. I don't have a smeller so anything would be cool!
*People would say that I...am very crafty.
*I don't understand why...Clinton seems to get the shaft in the weather department.
*When I wake up in the morning...do the same thing as yesterday..and the day before
that....and...
*I lost my will power to...refer to question one.
*Life is wonderful with...my family, friends and faith in God. Nothing else matters.
*My past made me...never underestimate the power of a good friends' shoulder.
*I get annoyed when...I don't get alot accomplished in a day.
*Parties are....really fun with a big group of church people....crazy I say!
*Dogs are...slobbery, hairy, smelly, a waste. ( I am not a fan.)
*Cats are...making my eyes itch these days.
*Tomorrow I am going to...start our family vacation to Branson....can't wait!
*I have a low tolerance for...lazy people who expect "us" to take care of all their $$$ problems.
*I'm totally terrified of...someone stealing my kids. It's a phobia I have.
*I wonder why I thought my life would be...glamerous.....it's not really. :)
*Never in my life...would I guess I would be living in a SMALL town.
*High school was something that...I was glad to finish.
*When I'm nervous...I get sick at my stomach
*Take my advice...finish college before having any children...but if you don't wait...FINISH...you
will be glad you did. I was!
*Making my bed is...a must in my house. I can't stand to look at unkempt beds. (It only take a
second anyway.)
*I'm almost always...thinking of how to change the decor in the room that I am in.
*I'm addicted to...my computer, decorating and orange juice.
*I want someone...to build my house....like on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition! :) 7 days. please.
I tag Shelley, Jamey and Nat!!! Have fun!!
*Maybe I should...exercise more.
*I love the smell of.. ha ha. I don't have a smeller so anything would be cool!
*People would say that I...am very crafty.
*I don't understand why...Clinton seems to get the shaft in the weather department.
*When I wake up in the morning...do the same thing as yesterday..and the day before
that....and...
*I lost my will power to...refer to question one.
*Life is wonderful with...my family, friends and faith in God. Nothing else matters.
*My past made me...never underestimate the power of a good friends' shoulder.
*I get annoyed when...I don't get alot accomplished in a day.
*Parties are....really fun with a big group of church people....crazy I say!
*Dogs are...slobbery, hairy, smelly, a waste. ( I am not a fan.)
*Cats are...making my eyes itch these days.
*Tomorrow I am going to...start our family vacation to Branson....can't wait!
*I have a low tolerance for...lazy people who expect "us" to take care of all their $$$ problems.
*I'm totally terrified of...someone stealing my kids. It's a phobia I have.
*I wonder why I thought my life would be...glamerous.....it's not really. :)
*Never in my life...would I guess I would be living in a SMALL town.
*High school was something that...I was glad to finish.
*When I'm nervous...I get sick at my stomach
*Take my advice...finish college before having any children...but if you don't wait...FINISH...you
will be glad you did. I was!
*Making my bed is...a must in my house. I can't stand to look at unkempt beds. (It only take a
second anyway.)
*I'm almost always...thinking of how to change the decor in the room that I am in.
*I'm addicted to...my computer, decorating and orange juice.
*I want someone...to build my house....like on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition! :) 7 days. please.
I tag Shelley, Jamey and Nat!!! Have fun!!
Monday, May 19, 2008
10 Things I Began Loving Recently
In No particular order......
10. The Movie "PS: I Love You." -This was such a suprise. I had never even heard of this movie, but David's q'ed it for our NetFlix account. WONDERFUL!!! WATCH IT!!!
9. Finn Comfort shoes- I have really high arches, and after years of wearing very cute ,but cheap, shoes, my arches were finally giving me fits. I have paid dearly for them..to the tune of $205 ....but my feet are thanking me. NO nails being driven in the soles of my feet! Life is good.
8. Sewing purses- Okay, this isn't that new, but I love being able to sew a bag to match any outfit in a matter of an hour. Fun and economical.
7. NetFlix- Hello? Who would have thought? This is such a fun thing. You get movies almost daily. And who doesn't love getting fun stuff in the mail instead of bills? And besides, we were spending tons on rentals from the Movie Gallery and Direct TV thing.
6. Blogging- Obviously, I have gotten pretty addicted to the blog world. :) I love to read and catch up on my friends lives. ( Have to admit that I get pretty sad when there isn't much update for a few days! :))
5. Direct Buy- Yes, we were suckered into going to sit through a Direct Buy presentation. But, much to our suprise, it really wasn't a rip off! So we bought into it and are saving literally tens of thousands on our house building adventure! Yeah for us! (Note: Wouldn''t be worth it unless you were doing some serious furninture buying/renovations/ home building.)
4. OTHER People's Babies- I love that tons of my friends are having babies. I personally have no interest in having anymore of my own. ( I am complete!) But I do miss buying baby stuff. Now, with the recent baby boom, I get my "baby-stuff-buying" fix. Thanks to all you mommies!!
3. Watching dirt movers- Okay, kinda nerdy about this one. I LOVE watching the big equipment out at our land digging and grading the dirt. I haven't decided if it's because I know it "progress" or if it is really just fun to watch! :) Maybe a little of both.
2. Funny Quotes from my kids- This one I have loved the whole time, but they have been doing and saying some really funny things lately. I love it.
1. The anticipation of my week- This week I have a spa day, a sale at my mom's school, and then three day mini-vacation in Branson. I am so EXCITED! This is going to be a great week. Hope you all have a great week too!
10. The Movie "PS: I Love You." -This was such a suprise. I had never even heard of this movie, but David's q'ed it for our NetFlix account. WONDERFUL!!! WATCH IT!!!
9. Finn Comfort shoes- I have really high arches, and after years of wearing very cute ,but cheap, shoes, my arches were finally giving me fits. I have paid dearly for them..to the tune of $205 ....but my feet are thanking me. NO nails being driven in the soles of my feet! Life is good.
8. Sewing purses- Okay, this isn't that new, but I love being able to sew a bag to match any outfit in a matter of an hour. Fun and economical.
7. NetFlix- Hello? Who would have thought? This is such a fun thing. You get movies almost daily. And who doesn't love getting fun stuff in the mail instead of bills? And besides, we were spending tons on rentals from the Movie Gallery and Direct TV thing.
6. Blogging- Obviously, I have gotten pretty addicted to the blog world. :) I love to read and catch up on my friends lives. ( Have to admit that I get pretty sad when there isn't much update for a few days! :))
5. Direct Buy- Yes, we were suckered into going to sit through a Direct Buy presentation. But, much to our suprise, it really wasn't a rip off! So we bought into it and are saving literally tens of thousands on our house building adventure! Yeah for us! (Note: Wouldn''t be worth it unless you were doing some serious furninture buying/renovations/ home building.)
4. OTHER People's Babies- I love that tons of my friends are having babies. I personally have no interest in having anymore of my own. ( I am complete!) But I do miss buying baby stuff. Now, with the recent baby boom, I get my "baby-stuff-buying" fix. Thanks to all you mommies!!
3. Watching dirt movers- Okay, kinda nerdy about this one. I LOVE watching the big equipment out at our land digging and grading the dirt. I haven't decided if it's because I know it "progress" or if it is really just fun to watch! :) Maybe a little of both.
2. Funny Quotes from my kids- This one I have loved the whole time, but they have been doing and saying some really funny things lately. I love it.
1. The anticipation of my week- This week I have a spa day, a sale at my mom's school, and then three day mini-vacation in Branson. I am so EXCITED! This is going to be a great week. Hope you all have a great week too!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
I'll Fly Away.....In the morning.
Sometimes I wish that I could just set up a hidden camera on my row at church. Because David is preaching, I am on my own during church. Many times I have to remind my girls to sit down and don't wisper...wispering is generally louder than talking with them. But sometimes, in those sweet moments I catch them worshiping our God just as if they were just small adults. Well, today was NOT one of those days, however, I got a good little chuckle at Eden.
We began to sing "I'll Fly Away" and her little face lit up because she knows that song very well. Because we were standing while we sang (it was "the song before the lesson" you know! It's scriptural!) she tugged on my shirt, and in the most grown up voice a four year old with a lisp can use, she said, "Oh mama, I know this song, I have been singing it for years." Then she turned back towards the front and began singing again. I laughed to myself. She is such a funny kid.
We began to sing "I'll Fly Away" and her little face lit up because she knows that song very well. Because we were standing while we sang (it was "the song before the lesson" you know! It's scriptural!) she tugged on my shirt, and in the most grown up voice a four year old with a lisp can use, she said, "Oh mama, I know this song, I have been singing it for years." Then she turned back towards the front and began singing again. I laughed to myself. She is such a funny kid.
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