Bits and Pieces

Happy Birthday Trent

2009-09-06T19:12:00.004-05:00

8 years ago today my life was made richer and fuller with the arrival of my third child. It's hard for me to really grasp just how quickly these last 8 years have passed. Time is really stealing my last baby from me.

Trent has always been so full of life, curiosity and wonder. He's a fun, fun-loving, little comedian. He literally fills our home with laughter! I can't imagine how empty our lives would be without him. Happy birthday, sweetie! You are adored and loved by all who know you!

A sweet baby photo

11 Years Old

2009-08-28T07:52:00.006-05:00

11 years ago I was enjoying my first newborn baby. He was the most precious, perfect thing I had ever laid eyes on. He was such a beautiful baby and a good one too. He ate well, slept well, was always content. I was blessed and I knew it.

As much as things have changed these 11 years, they've stayed the same. Tyler is still a good natured, well behaved (most of the time) kid. He's tall, and stocky now, but just as good looking as ever. He's a blessing to our family. He's such a help to me. He does his chores without complaint and never seems to mind when I ask extra of him. He loves to laugh and his laugh is hearty and loud. Just hearing it brings a smile to my face. He's definitely still a good eater and showers me with compliments of how much he loves my cooking. I feel truly blessed to be his mama.

Happy birthday, Tyler! I love you, son, more than words can say.

No Greater Joy

2009-07-20T21:08:00.005-05:00

I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in truth. 3 John 1:4

No truer words have ever been written. Though written by an apostle speaking of his followers, they are just as true from the traditional parental point of view. Nothing gives me more hope, more peace, more joy than to know that my children love God and want to live for him all the days of their lives. Nothing.

Kristen has always had a heart for God. She could outpray most saints by the age of 18 months. lol Her play church has taken a turn for the real thing in the last few weeks. It's been a beautiful transition to watch. I can't tell you how it blesses my heart to see my little girl singing, clapping and praying during church.

When Kristen received the Holy Ghost, we explained to her the importance of water baptism; how Jesus commanded that we must be born of the water and the spirit. I had many discussions with her about the meaning of baptism, the symbolism involved, what happens spiritually and physically when you are baptized, etc. We discussed biblical examples, as well as personal experiences. She also spoke with her daddy and Brother Little on more than one occasion. We wanted to be sure that she understood the importance and seriousness as well as she could.

I'm so happy to share with you that she was buried in baptism in Jesus name on July 19, 2009. Her name is written in the Lambs Book of Life. Joy unspeakable and full of glory!

Kristen's Necessary Accessory

2009-07-10T10:32:00.006-05:00

I decided that I would spend some time this summer determining why Kristen was having such a hard time learning to read. I really didn't think it was a vision problem, but I felt like that was the best place to start. Once, that was ruled out, we could get down to the business of figuring out what the real trouble was. When I woke up on Tuesday, June 30th, I thought that it would be a great day to concentrate on Kristen, since both of the boys were spending the day away from home. I called and made an appointment with an optometrist.

Her first words to me after the examination were "I'm assuming since she's not wearing glasses that this is her first examination". She went on to tell me that Kristen is extremely farsighted and has been all of her life. She said she would need to wear glasses all day, every day. Wow! I wasn't expecting that. She never showed any of the typical symptons, no headaches, no squinting.

They told us to try on frames and let her pick which ones she wanted. That was fun. They had lots of stylish, girly ones to choose from. She ended up with these cute frames in a beautiful shade of purple, with sparkles on the sides.

She's always been about accessories: purses, shoes, necklaces, watches. Now she has one that she literally can't do without. They're essential for just basic, ordinary tasks, but she looks so adorable in them and thankfully she doesn't mind wearing them. Justin said she looks like a librarian and a good friend of mine said she could give Sarah Palin a run for her money. lol She got a good chuckle from both statements.

I hope they really make life easier for her. I don't see how they can't. I can't see a thing through them- Literally nothing but blurs of color, so they have to make a huge difference for her.

The Kid In Me-- Revived!

2009-06-24T15:12:00.011-05:00

The Kid In Me-- Revived!

My three sisters have been taking their kids to 6 Flags every summer for a few years now. Until this year, I haven't taken my gang due to various and sundry reasons. This year, I just felt like it was time to go. I knew the kids would enjoy it and that would be enough to make the day for me. I never expected to have one of the best times of my life!

The kids and I got an early start so we could be sure to get there when the park opened. We left at 8:20, picked up Kyle, made a stop at the Donut Shop and were on our way. Traffic wasn't bad at all and we arrived at the park 45 minutes before they opened. We killed time in the picnic area waiting for my sisters and their troops to get there.

They got there right as the park was opening. After saying our hellos and introducing Kyle to my family We got our coupons, bought our tickets, took a potty break and were ready to start having some real fun!

Our first stop was the Sombrero. A great way to "break" us in: a fun ride that's not too scary and one that everyone was able to ride.

Next up was the Conquistador: a few steps up from the Sombrero on the scary meter. Based on their experience from last year, some of the kids opted not to ride that one. You can see the worry on Dylan's, Ethan's and Issac's faces as we waited in line. They even looked a little bit nervous as they watched us ride.

Barely 11:00 and we already need to cool off, so the Log Ride was next!

Three rides down and the regulars are already screaming for the Titan! It's the first ride that was mentioned every time I told someone that we were going to Six Flags. I could see the evil glint in their eyes as they told me to be sure and ride the Titan. I made up my mind before we left the house that the Titan wasn't for me. Call me chicken, but someone had to stay with the little kids anyhow. Always willing to do my part, I kept an eye on Dylan and Ethan who sat on a bench trying to cool off and Trent, Jarrod and Isaac rode the Side Winder.

I was more than a little impressed that Kyle, Tyler and Kristen decided to ride it. Kyle had never been on any kind of roller coaster before and to be initiated on one that is over 255 ft tall, reaching speeds of 85 mph, is perhaps not the best way. Kyle and Tyler were both pumped when they got off. I could see it in their eyes. I think it took a little while for the whole experience to settle in them.

Kristen, on the other hand was shaken up and without question said she didn't like it and didn't want to do it again. That didn't keep her off of the Texas Giant though, which she loved.

One of the things I really enjoyed was all of us, from the adults, to the kids rode exactly what we wanted and no more. We would encourage each other to try something, but never did we use any unethical forms of coercion. lol Although, some of Angie's tactics may have been questionable! JK But, really, even if the kids got all the way to the point of getting on a ride, if they backed out, that was fine. And everyone made time to do what everyone else wanted to do, without one single squabble. We are really a congenial bunch! Mom and Dad, you must have done something right. Either that, or it's just in the blood.

Trent almost backed out of riding the Superman, the one ride he insisted that he was definitely going to ride. I'm so proud of him for overcoming his fear and doing it. He was scared out of his wits up there...(so was I), but when the ride was over and his little feet were safe on solid ground, he said "that was sooo awesome"! Once was enough though. He said he didn't want to ride it again.

Tyler and Kyle both ended up getting a little chicken. Kyle ended up with a headache too, so he decided not to ride any more of the big coasters. I did talk him into trying the Flashback and he really enjoyed it. I told him if he enjoyed that, he ought to love the Batman. He trusted me and gave it a try and he was so glad he did.

Tyler rode the Texas Giant and the Shockwave, but I couldn't get him on the Flashback for anything. He rode the Batman and loved it too.

Another ride that I couldn't get the boys on was Tony Hawk's Big Spin. Angie and I and the older girls (Emilee, Natalie and Kristen) rode it and we all loved it!

The kids loved the Aquaman. Honestly, we all loved the Aquaman. It's probably the shortest ride out there and not much thrilling about it, except for the wonderful, cool, wet water that drenches you as you splash down the hill. With the temperature at 100 degrees, water is a must, on the inside and outside. There were times I didn't think we were going to make it through the day, but after the Aquaman, we all found our second wind. The kids rode the AM several times and stood on the bridge to get soaked a few times.

I lost count of how many times the kids rode the Side Winder, the Bat Wing and Crazy Legs. They just rode and rode those rides and had a blast doing it.

The final hour before the park closed, we were able to fit in the Mini-Mine Train, the Runaway Mine Train, the Yosemite Sam, the Runaway Mountain and the Bobsled. We were absolutely beat, but Tammi was determined to look at the photos they took of us as we entered the park, so we waited until the end of the Glow in the Park Parade when they reopened the photo booth. The photo wasn't too bad, so we all bought one as a momento.

When the day started out, I planned on just enjoying the day for the kids and enjoy seeing my family. But as the day went on, I found myself enjoying the whole experience for myself! I found the kid in me again. It's still in there and doing quite well. At the end of the day, I realized that even if I was there alone, I'd enjoy riding those rides. It was fun! It was thrilling and almost empowering! I loved it. Every minute of it and I can't wait to do it again! Thank you, Tina, Tammi and Angie for everything! I wouldn't have done it without you guys!

This is 23 of the 113 photos I have of our day. I hope you enjoy them.

Angie and Ethan waiting to ride the Sombrero.

Isaac and Jarrod waiting for the Sombrero to start.

Morgan and Dylan also wait for the Sombrero to start.

They're not waiting any more!

If you click on this photo you can see all of my family that's riding. (I think)

Dylan, Ethan and Isaac ponder the conquistador.

Ethan, Jarrod and Isaac watch as we ride the Conquistador.

Tina, Tammi, Natalie and Kristen on the Log Ride.

Dylan cooling off while the big kids ride the Titan.

Ethan taking a break too, trying to find a little bit of shade.

I don't have actual pictures of the Titan. It was too far away to get good photos of.

The kids decompressing on the Side Winder after riding the Titan.

Kyle and Tyler on the Side Winder.

Jarrod and Isaac.

The kids standing on the bridge after riding the Aquaman.

They can't get enough of the water!

We all felt just like Morgan looks at some point during the day!

We all get our second wind about 3 or 4 o'clock though.

Kyle and Trent going up on the parachute.

Kyle and Trent up in the parachute!

A photo I took while Isaac and I were up in the parachute.

Natalie cooling off in the sprinkler.

Ethan has so much personality!

I wonder if it has anything to do with his namesake?

I love this picture of the kids walking.

This was a vision that we saw all day: kids running, laughing, talking, and playing!

May 29th, Our Annual Zoo Trip

2009-06-20T21:03:00.005-05:00

I love the zoo! I'm already ready to go back, although now that summer is here in all its glory, I don't think it would take much to talk me out of it. One step out the door will more than likely be enough to change my mind!

We had a really nice time this trip. The kids were all well behaved and their enthusiasm really made it all worth while. We always stop in the Texas section for a shower at the Oil Rig, and a Blue Bell ice cream cone!

Janie has been posing the kids on the alligator since my three were babies. This year's photo isn't great, but it's better than nothing!

I think the kids' absolute favorite part was feeding the parakeets and cockatiels. I had to practically drag them from the building so that we could see the rest of the zoo before it closed.

Here are some of my favorite photos-

Elie Spends the Night

2009-06-20T20:12:00.003-05:00

Elie has been asking to spend the night and go to church with us on a Wednesday. We were able to make that happen on May 27th. I managed to have the girls ready in time to snap a few shots of them before we left. I love the ones of them sharing secrets! Girls...ya gotta love 'em!

Real Live Bobble Head Doll

2009-06-20T19:55:00.003-05:00

05-26-2009 I was practicing a photography technique and as usual when Tyler is my model, he started acting goofy. I decided that I could act goofy too! I widened my lens and changed my angle to emphasize and distort his head. The results were even funnier than I anticipated. When I looked at the LCD and saw his photo, I literally cracked up, showed Tyler and he cracked up. We shared a good hearty laugh and then showed Trent, who immediately started begging for one of his own bobble-head doll photos!

Going To Grandma's

2009-06-20T15:42:00.008-05:00

I had been telling Grandma for a few years that I was going to come for a visit. The only thing that kept me from keeping my promise was the 9 hour car trip. Well, that and my relentless habit of procrastination. It's been over a month since I made good on my promise and I'm just now blogging about it. Just one more piece of evidence against me in the procrastination case. Like any more was needed. ;)

We really had a great time visiting with family and catching up with everyone. We stayed at a really nice hotel in Baton Rouge, just a 30 minute drive to Grandma's house. We spent most of our time just visiting and eating, but that's what families do when they're together, right? Well, that's what our family does!

Uncle Mike took us to see the house he just purchased. It is beautiful and huge, with so many closets and rooms we almost needed a map to find our way out. It is in a wonderful location with great big trees in the front yard and a constant breeze sweeping over the sugar cane field that lies across the street, bringing much needed relief from the usual heat.

Uncle Ronnie took us out on his boat for an alligator hunting trip. Maybe I should call it an alligator search, as hunting might give the wrong impression. None of us had any guns (that I know of) lol. We really just wanted to see these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. They are very elusive animals, not to be seen, unless they want to be seen. We did see a baby with just his eyes and snout peaking up out of the water but nothing else. The whole trip was something memorable though. Just being on a small boat, exploring the winding arms of the bayou, seeing it change from big open water, to tiny green swamp land and back again and back again, all the while secretly hoping Ronnie knows the way back to the boat ramp. Amazingly, he knew exactly where we were at all times and pointed out the places where they hunt and camp.

We toured a beautiful Southern Plantation, The Nottoway. The weather was unseasonably cool which allowed us to tour the grounds at our leisure. It was such an experience to get a tiny glimpse into history like that. Even the kids enjoyed it!

I didn't get to take as many photos as I would have liked, but here are a few of the ones I did get.

7 Weeks

2009-05-15T07:17:00.001-05:00

May 11- And Trent's cast is off. He had anxiously waited for this day for weeks,but I don't think he expected it to be such a stressful experience. He was a little concerned about the saw used to cut his cast off, especially since the nurse had to try several times in different spots to cut it all the way through and the sight of his arm being so skinny and frail looking was almost enough to send him over the edge. As we walked back to the holding room (for lack of a better term) to wait to talk to the Dr, Trent informed me he was feeling ill and might need a bathroom. I had him lay down and breathe slowly and deeply. He was really shook up, but thankfully did not end up needing a bathroom. He cried a little as we were leaving to go to our car, but it didn't take him long to start feeling a little more optimistic. A Sprite from Sonic and a trip to Kyle's was just what he needed to get his mind off of his current state.

On a good note, the Dr said his bones had healed nicely and everything looked good. He just asked that Trent were a brace on his wrist during periods of activity for the next four weeks. Trent has gotten so used to having something on his arm that he's glad to wear the brace.

Decatur Grasslands Nature Walk

2009-05-15T06:57:00.003-05:00

May 04- Katina and I decided to drop everything and take the kids for a nature walk. We're always so busy just trying to meet our responsibilities it seems that the extra stuff, the fun stuff, always gets put off. This day we decided not to worry about our houses or laundry or any projects we had hanging over our heads. We loaded up and drove to the Grasslands in Decatur and just enjoyed nature, each other's company and our children. It felt really good to slow down for a little bit!

Our Way of Welcoming Spring

2009-05-14T08:12:00.004-05:00

It has become our tradition to visit the Bedford Boys' Ranch every year at the conception of Spring. It started a few years ago as we studied a couple of Five in a Row books: Make Way for Ducklings and The Story About Ping. The main characters in both books are ducks so after reading these stories we had to find some real life ducks to observe. We enjoyed it so much, that every year the kids ask to do it again. Spring doesn't seem official until after our visit there.

We usually start the day off at our favorite Chinese restaurant and end it with ice cream cones, but this year, our day was too full. We weren't able to do Chinese food, but we managed to fit in everything else.

We took our time feeding the ducks and exploring the grounds. The kids found a creek across the street from the pond and a small playground with swings. The boys spent a good deal of time swinging and seeing how far they could jump out of the swings, measuring their success by the footprints in the gravel, while Kristen sought out the shade of the nearby trees and the cool of the creek.

Art Show

2009-05-13T07:41:00.006-05:00

The kids were so excited about the Art Show at their school on Thursday April 30th. Even with the threat of Swine Flu, I couldn't resist taking them. It was worth the trouble too. It is such a satisfying feeling to see your hard work on display and I know it made the kids feel proud. I was sure proud of them.

I made this page to showcase some of their art that was on display. I think it's kind of neat to combine my art with theirs. The fact that it cuts down on the clutter hanging on the refrigerator is just a bonus.

Family Get Together at Mom and Dad's

2009-04-21T08:13:00.007-05:00

We made the 11/2 hour drive to mom and dad's this weekend. We don't get to go nearly as often as I'd like, but I'm thankful for each and every time we go. Each visit I'm reminded of the wonderful family bond that we've been so blessed with. The ladies spend their time in the kitchen preparing the food and even after we've eaten, we sit around the table laughing and catching up. While the men usually sit in the Living Room flipping the channels between the History Channel and whatever sports game is on. The kids busy themselves playing in the bedrooms designated for them and exploring Mimi and Poppa's back yard.

Here are some photos of the kids playing on the porch. The first one is blurry, but I think that shows the movement of the game they were playing. Tyler was giving the signals for Red Light Green Light.

Dylan, Jarrod, Isaac, Ethan, Trent and Morgan

Ethan, Dylan, Morgan

Jarrod

Isaac

Ethan

Emilee

Dylan

As Tammi was getting ready to leave, I asked her if it was a good time for us to see her new house. She's been living there for several months, but it never seems to work out that I'm able to go there from mom and dad's. She said that it was fine with her, so we loaded up and drove there.

She has a beautiful home. It's all the things you would expect from Tammi- warm, cozy and spic and span. They have beautiful acreage with a pond, ducks and chickens, a wide front porch complete with rocking chairs and a more modern touch- a swimming pool surrounded by a beautiful wooden deck.

Tyler, Jarrod and Trent

Mom

Natalie

Never a Dull Moment

2009-04-17T16:41:00.005-05:00

Trent has a way of livening things up. He takes the most mundane tasks and turns them into something we all enjoy. He's really silly. But he's more than that; he's funny, comical and witty. One day last week, he was running around the house with his coon skin hat tucked into the back of his pants, with only the tail sticking out pretending to be a raccoon. I'm sure Davy Crockett would be proud. lol

A few days ago, for our math lesson I was reviewing the months and seasons with him using a Disney work book. There were 4 pictures on the page each one representing one of the four seasons. Of course he got all the seasons correct until we got to the final picture featuring Bambi. When I pointed to the picture and asked him what season the photo was, without batting an eye, he said "deer season". It took me completely off guard, which really tickled him. He loves surprising us with his wit and humor.

Our Spring Garden

2009-04-17T09:26:00.005-05:00

I wish I could say that I love to garden. Sometimes I even think I do. Like yesterday when the kids and I got out there with our shovels and garden rakes and played in the dirt for a few hours. I love the smell of the freshly broken ground and the hopes that we have when we put those tiny seeds in the ground of the rewards of our labors that we are sure to reap. I always start out with high hopes and good intentions. I'm going to stay on top of the garden, not letting the weeds take over and making sure the plants are watered and fed according to their needs. But too many times, when summer's sun begins to bear relentlessly down burning with a fierce, merciless heat, I find my self retreating in the comfort of my home far way from the sun and my poor vegetable garden is left to its own defenses.

I know I say it every year, but this year I'm hoping that I will be able to overcome and keep my resolve through the summer. Maybe by posting this confession online, I will be spurred into action. Maybe now that the kids are older we can bolster each other up and encourage ourselves to stay with it. In the mean time, I'll keep hoping and dreaming of the wonderful, bountiful harvest that is sure to come if only we continue to work hard through the summer and nature cooperates with us. Sometimes even when you do all you know to do, nature refuses to cooperate. I've had times when my tomato plants refused to grow even though, I watered them and cared for them like a mother for her newborn baby. Let me also say in my defense that I have had successful gardens in the past. Some years, I have had more squash and zucchini than I could give away. One year I had more tomatoes than any one else. But more often than not, by midsummer my plants are wihtering and the weeds are taking over. Here's to hoping for better gardening this season!

Here are a few photos that I took between raking and planting. They are not at all as good as they should have been, but I'll blame it on my dusty hands and my aching back. Hopefully, I'll remember next time to close down the aperture so that the entire photo will be in focus!

Today's Blast from the Past--Chocolate Gravy

2009-04-13T20:33:00.003-05:00

The first time anyone hears the words chocolate and gravy together, they wince and proclaim "Chocolate Gravy"? And with good reason. I love chocolate and gravy, but the idea that they could be one and the same, does take some getting used to. Even my adventurous kids weren't real excited about the prospect, but all three were converted instantly with the first bite.

Many Saturday mornings, my mom would make homemade biscuits, chocolate gravy and bacon. And let me tell you, it is a wonderful combination! There's something so good about soft, buttery biscuits, covered in hot, rich chocolate gravy with crispy, salty bacon for a side. It is the quintessential Southern comfort food combination.

Today I made the entire meal for the kids and all three loved it! I was afraid that it wouldn't be as good as I remembered it. A lot of things are for more enjoyed in the memory than they are relived, but not this time. The chocolate gravy was every bit as good and as scrumptious as I remembered.

Food Memories Too Good Not to Share

2009-04-13T20:13:00.004-05:00

I've been thinking lately about how my kids are missing out on some of the food pleasures that I enjoyed as a child. There are a lot of things that I ate on a regular basis growing up that my kids are totally missing out on. We were poor, but mom was a really good cook and always made sure we had something warm, filling and yummy to eat. It just wouldn't be right if they grew up and left this house without eating a single fried potato (tater) sandwich or trying a fried bologna sandwich.

I have many fond memories of roasting hot dogs on a fork over the flame on mom's cooktop. My kids would love to be able to do that, but it's quite impossible with my electric range. We've roasted them over the fire in the fireplace, but it's just not the same. But there are some things that I can make sure they have the opportunity to try. In the next few months, I plan on making some of the things that I remember mom making that for whatever reason I don't make now. Here's the list I've compiled so far (if any of my family members want to remind me of something I've left off, please do so). I'm sure there's more, but this is all I can think of now.

Fried Potato Sandwiches
Fried Bologna Sandwiches
Sandwich Spread (I loved this stuff as a child. Do they still make it?)
Bread Pudding
Jelly Roll
Chocolate Gravy

Celebrating 34 Years

2009-04-12T17:27:00.005-05:00

I guess it's time to officially end my birthday party this year. It has been over a week that I've been celebrating. Well, I didn't celebrate the entire minute of every day, but I've had several small bouts of festivities that have really helped me to embrace the beginning of my 34th year.

It all started the Friday before my birthday, let's see that was April 3rd. Janie kept the kids over night, which was a huge gift in and of itself, so that Justin and I could go out for a night on the town. If you know me, you know that that would consist of being gone by 5 and home by 9. I am by no means a party animal! lol My idea of a night on the town starts with dinner, an early dinner preferably, and in this case at one of my all time favorite restaurants. It's on the expensive side so we don't go unless we have a good coupon, which I did, a free dinner! It doesn't get any better than that. Of course we had to pay for Justin's dinner and the two slices of chocolate cake that we ordered, but it didn't really average out to be all that bad and birthdays only come around once every year or so, right?

After our lovely dinner at Texas De Brazil, we walked to Barnes and Noble. It's only a half a dozen blocks from the restaurant and a very nice walk. I love downtown Fort Worth. It's so perfectly alive with people walking to and fro, trees lit up with ornamental lights lining the vintage brick roads and a live bands playing at corner grills. Fort Worth is a mixture of old world charm and every modern amenity imaginable.

We spent some time at B&N browsing the books, found a couple we wanted to view a little closer, and located some cozy chairs overlooking the Bass Performance Hall across the street. We took turns looking at our books and watching the people in and around the Bass Hall. From there we walked back to the truck and went home. I think we made it before my bed time. It was such an enjoyable evening!

My actual birthday, April 7th, was filled with things that I love: baking, trying new recipes, long chats on the phone with friends and family, sweet e-cards full of birthday wishes, and a perfect ending to it all, dinner at Posado's.

I made Chocolate Covered Coconut Macaroons that were divine! With the egg yolks that were left, I decided to make a Chocolate Cream Pie for John, as a thank you gift for tilling my garden. We also dipped Strawberries in the ganache that was left over from the Macaroons. That was Kristen's idea. She wanted to surprise me with it, but decided it would be better if she had a little help- Smart girl!

The next and final little celebration took place on Saturday. I didn't plan it, but being the opportunist that I am, when I heard that the kids' Sunday School teachers planned an outing for the kids in town that day, I figured I may as well spend the $100 Janie gave me for my birthday. I've been in a food mood lately (surprise) and Williams Sonoma is a short drive from the church. I probably wouldn't have another chance like this for quite some time.

The crowds must get a late start on Saturdays because we were able to park right in front of WS with plenty of empty spaces all around. We browsed WS, then walked down to Crate and Barrel. By the time we finished there we were famished. We decided on Italian. I think it had something to do with the spice-filled aromas coming from the restaurant. Like a hand, they reached out and grabbed us, forcing us to come in.

We enjoyed another great meal. Justin ordered a grilled pork chop with mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus. I went with the lasagna. It was all very good. They have the cutest, tiniest desserts served in espresso cups. There was several to choose from and since I couldn't make up my mind, I asked the waiter for a recommendation. He said if it was him, he'd go with the Key Lime Pie. I followed his advice and wasn't the least bit disappointed. It was deliciously rich, creamy and tart enough to draw your face up into all kinds of contortions, everything you'd expect from a good Key Lime Pie.

Our last stop was WS to make the purchases that I mulled over while we hit the other stores. I ended up with a brand new Pepper and Salt Mill set. I have a cheap set that I bought from Bed Bath and Beyond a few years ago, but they don't work that well. I wanted something that works like they work in the restaurants when the waiters grind a little for your salad. They came highly recommended by the ladies who work at WS, as well as by a very wise friend of mine.

I fell in love with a cook book entitled, Southern Cakes by Nancie McDermott while I was there, but after comparing it to the price on Amazon, I figured I could wait a couple of weeks for it. I've already ordered it and should get it some time this month, I hope. I ordered another cookbook, A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table by Molly Wizenberg, a few weeks ago from Amazon, but it has yet to arrive. I don't think there's a single picture in it, but it sounded so interesting, I couldn't resist.

Wow, I feel really spoiled after this week. 90% of what I did to enjoy myself revolved around food. 2 new cookbooks, a fancy Pepper and Salt Mill and 3 awesome meals that I didn't have to cook! This has been a really, really nice birthday week. Getting older is a GREAT thing!

Here are some photos of the things I picked up Saturday as well as one of the macaroons and the strawberries the kids and I made on Tuesday.

Here is an All About Me page that I made to show where I'm at in life at 34 years old. It says, "I love to read, to cook, and to take pictures. My family is the most important thing on this Earth to me. I'm far from perfect, but with God's help, I'm still trying." I really feel like the word strips sum up the things that I've had on my mind lately.-- pressing onward for the prize, becoming more, faith hope love.

Trent Finally Got a Cast

2009-04-01T13:15:00.003-05:00

He had to wear his arm in a splint for 8 days before he could get in to see the orthopedic surgeon. His appointment was Monday morning and everything went very well. There was no need for new XRays, no need to set the bone and no need for surgery! Thank God!!

He has to wear his cast for 6 weeks and it's scheduled for removal on May 11. We're already counting down the days! In the meantime, he's having fun letting everyone sign and draw pictures on it. I feel very privileged, as I was the first one to sign it! You can see my "I Love U, Mom" signature towards the front, close to his hand.

Happy Birthday Kristen

2009-03-31T20:36:00.005-05:00

9 years ago today a miraculous event occurred in our life. The little girl we had been waiting to meet for nine months was finally born and placed into our arms. She was so sweet and precious and we were all absolutely enamored with her. Even the nurses were immediately taken by her. She was the only little girl in the nursery that day and they really spoiled her. They brushed her hair into one little curl on the top of her head and placed a tiny little bow in it. It was so cute, I left it there for a few days.

I am holding here only a few moments after she was born.

Here are the three men in her life, both of her grandpas and her daddy, doting on her already.

Here she is the day we brought her home from the hospital, bow and all.

Country Cool

2009-03-31T14:53:00.004-05:00

Kristen insisted on wearing her new American Girl western outfit to church Sunday morning. She and Emily make the most beautiful cowgirls, don't you think?

Reliving A Good Memory Part 2

2009-03-31T11:53:00.003-05:00

Day two of Kristen's weekend long birthday celebration meant a trip to her grandparent's for dinner and birthday cake. She decided that she wanted an ice cream cake. I made an easy ice cream cake by layering ice cream sandwiches, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, hot fudge sauce and pecans. It was a little bit messy, but oh so delicious! I let the girls decorate it with candy hearts, sprinkles and pastel m&m's.

With our hands full of dishes bearing birthday cake, potato salad and rolls we made the short trip across the street to John and Janie's. We were greeted by the smell of delicious grilled ribs. John had worked his magic once again and dinner was perfect. This is one birthday tradition that I hope Kristen keeps alive.

Reliving A Good Memory Part 1

2009-03-27T21:39:00.006-05:00

Kristen enjoyed her 8th birthday celebration so much that she wanted to relive it all for her 9th, right down to the tiniest detail. Just like last year, Kali came to stay a few days with us, starting with Thursday night.

I bought them both cute and comfy pajamas which they put on after a long soak in a bubble bath. I braided their hair so that it would be wavy the next day, kissed them goodnight and put them to bed. I'm sure their dreams were filled with all things pink and girly in anticipation of what the next day held for them.

Trent's Trip To the ER

2009-03-22T15:11:00.003-05:00

Tyler has been to the ER twice, once when a liquid-filled toy burst in his eye and once when he tore open his arm climbing a barbed wire fence. We were lucky the first time. The toy was non toxic and other than giving us all a good scare, no harm was done. The hospital didn't even charge us for that visit. The second time required stitches and a Tetanus shot.

A little more than a year ago, Kristen made her ER trip when she broke her arm. After meeting with the Orthopedic Surgeon, it was decided that she would need to be sedated while he set the bone, with the possibility of surgery. Once in the operating room, the Dr. decided that she did indeed need a metal plate to stabilize the bone in her arm.

Maybe Trent felt left out or maybe it was just his turn. I don't know, but I sure hope we never have to see the inside of an ER again. I don't know how my parents raised 5 kids, all of whom played sports, ran around town, played on the Railroad tracks, climbed and played in the train cars, jumped on trampolines, and did all manner of things, without one serious injury. Not one! I told mom today that her grandchildren are making up for it. lol

The kids love to play on the hammock. I know that sometimes they swing on it and play in it in ways that were never intended. Yesterday they were playing outside and swinging in hammock when Trent fell out. He landed, stomach down, catching himself with his hands. Apparently, his left arm took the brunt of the fall.

He came in the house and laid down on his bed. I wasn't even aware that he had been hurt for a while. He finally decided that the pain wasn't going away anytime soon, and came and found me. He was crying, sobbing. I'm not the type to panic and Trent is very dramatic, so we took the wait and see approach. His arm wasn't swollen, it didn't look or feel strange, he could wiggle his fingers and make a fist. But, he was in pain and he was scared.

I felt sick. I was cold, clammy, nauseated, dizzy. It was an uncontrollable reaction that took sensible me completely by surprise. I don't know why it affected me that way, I guess after the experience with Kristen, I knew how bad it could be. That and the fact that Trent was so upset and in so much pain.

I gave Trent some pain medication, put his arm on ice and laid him in his bed. He dozed off after a little bit and I went and took a nap myself. I felt better when I woke up and it seemed that I was thinking straight again. His arm still wasn't swollen and he wasn't in any pain. So, we decided we would wait and see how he felt in the morning.

He woke up crying at about 3:15 a.m. I gave him more medicine, more ice and we both went back to sleep. Kristen and Tyler went to Sunday School with their grandparents and Justin and I took Trent to the ER.

I warned him how much waiting would be involved. Waiting to be admitted, waiting on the nurse, then waiting on the Xray, then waiting on the Dr, then waiting on the nurse again. All in all it wasn't too bad. We were there for right at two hours.

The Dr. showed us the Xray and said that he has a Torus fracture, also known as a buckle fracture. It is common in children and usually in the forearm. His arm is in a splint that he has to wear for a few days before they put a cast on.

He's not in any pain now and for that I'm thankful. I've also had time to reflect and think about how fortunate I am that I've only dealt with broken bones and cuts. Things that don't really have long term affects and aren't life threatening. I have a lot to be thankful for. What if Trent had fallen on his neck or head? As aggravating as it is to deal with a broken arm, I'll take it and without complaint.

Here's a picture of the little invalid, looking rather proud of himself.