How do we Make Memories?

With LIZARDS!!



Yes, lizards. My boys and I have been playing a "gotcha last" type game with my mom for some months now. And the boys LOVE it. I started it on our trip to the lake this summer. I happened to pack a container of lizards for the kids to play with while we were there. (yes, it was just by chance--no pre-conceived intention at all) Real lizards love the lake...and it gave me an idea. I proceeded to hide a bunch of these cheap, plastic lizards all over the place so my mom would find them. Coffee pots, silverware drawer, her make-up bag, next to her toothbrush. And after a few days, the boys caught on and started playing along. These little characters love it and we have spent a lot of time coming up with new places and ways to get Nana!! And don't be fooled by my ever-sweet and genteel mother...she plays right along with us!!


Making memories is a part of life. Some memories are so much fun and some we would rather leave behind. My mom has tried to teach me that everything has memory-value. Even those things that do not seem fun at the moment. She has said to me in moments of complete disgust: "We are making memories." So, I strive to make as many happy memories with my kids as I possibly can. I am not always very good at it. Because I have found I am not very creative. But it doesn't take much. Sometimes all it takes is a little plastic lizard.


I will even stop here and share a very fond memory from my childhood/teenage years. All it took then was some oddly placed, cheap waterguns. My middle brother decided he was going to start something. Instead of screaming and hollering that the house was going to get drenched, my mom chose to join in! At the time there were only 4 of the 5 of us at home. My oldest brother must have already gone off to college. But the rest of us played water-gun-war in my house that day!!! It was simply a blast. I don't think it lasted a very long time. And I personally don't remember a huge mess. (but I probably wasn't the one that did much of the cleaning either) But the simple fact that my very orderly and good-housekeeping mom was able to let down her clean-house guard and have some real light-hearted fun with us was precious!!! And I will not ever forget it.


I hope that I will remember it enough that it will make a positive difference in my children's lives.

"Don't sweat the small stuff." And go out and make some sweet and fun memories with your children!!





And by the way, mama, we got you last!!!!

Thoughts from A Big Brother

I know I have spoken before about the challenges of sibling rivalry! I face this issue every day. Mostly, of course, between my boys. They (the boys) are still pretty enamored with their sister. And they LOVE to watch her grow and change. It is exciting to them to see the new things she is learning every day. It is fun to watch the three of them interact when there is peace involved!!

Earlier this week Nate and I were talking about his sister. Sometimes we have really neat conversations. But, I asked him what he would do if anyone (a boy) ever hurt his little sister. You know, like made her sad. And without a second thought he immediately said: "I would punch him in the face." It surprised me that he was so quick to answer with such violence!! And of course I told him that that probably wouldn't be the best reaction. But, wow! Still made me smile to think I won't ever have to worry much about my little girl. She has two big brothers that will come to her rescue in a flash! And as girl with two big brothers that is a refreshing thought. I don't think I was ever scared of much of anyone. I knew the "heavies" had my back! And I know I have told you before my brothers never have loved me as much as my boys do their sister!!

So for any of you future potential suitors for my daughter (or at least the parents of those suitors) BEWARE! Her brothers are watching!!!!

Have you ever...

Seen such a sight?

These dogs sure have it all figured out, don't they?!! And yes, they both rode there. This isn't just set up for the picture.

I will give it to the dog underneath. He is my dog and he is 12-years-old. So, he is old and we walked for over 3 and 1/2 miles.
Now, the little dog in the seat is NOT an old dog. Just lazy! (sorry mom!)

Talking to Jesus

My little man! Such a boy. I have not ever known a child like him. And I will not go into detail about the challenges that we have together. I spend a lot of time talking to Jesus about this child.

God is wise and all-knowing. And He knew when He gave me this little boy that we would have some struggles. He isn't at all surprised by anything that this little guy does! However, I find myself very surprised on many occasions.

I know that I couldn't love this little guy any more. And I am SO thankful for him and his zest for life. He is healthy and smart and even, let mommy brag, beautiful! But, he has me on my knees begging the Lord for wisdom. Yes, of course, all children tend to send parents to their knees and for that we are thankful. But, this little person sends me to Jesus in a way that I never expected. So, here I sit, praying for this little man. Praying that God will transform his heart. And also praying that He will change me into the mommy that Andy needs! And that despite my mistakes this little man will come to know and love Jesus.

"Thank you Lord for my precious children. And today thank you especially for Andy. Thank you for the morning we had together, albeit, a hard one."

Wordless Wednesday (Labor Day Weekend In Pictures)

Our "Last Day" of Summer

Today is our last day of summer vacation. So, we celebrated with Krispy Kreme donuts.

Nate starts first grade on Monday and I will say it for the very first time...He is excited! He hasn't ever felt this way about the start of a school year. But I am thrilled to say he is ready to go this year. We went to his orientation last night and he saw a lot of his buddies from last year, so he is ready and willing to go!! I am a little anxious about 1st grade, as it brings new things to our lives. Namely, TESTS! We were told last night that they will have spelling tests on Fridays! Which of course is exciting because he is learning...but I always had testing issues...so I am nervous for him. Hopefully he will be more like his daddy!

Andy starts prechool next week as well and he is counting down the days. He so wants to be like his big brother.

I will give an update as to how things go next week!!

But, here is a farewell-summer picture of the three of them!

Too much fun???

I have had a lot of fun "yearbooking" ourselves! My pictures were not as fun as Adam's. And his were so authentic that I couldn't stop laughing at them. I guess it is because he is just so darn cute he looks good in any era!! Can a girl have too much fun giggling with (at) her husband?? NAH!!! Especially when it is all in good fun!!!

I know I look like the librarian from the 50's!!

And this last picture sure could be the real thing...but it isn't! He did sport a mullet in his time, but not one that was this long and curly!!