So very thankful!

I am so thankful to document that the Lord has answered our prayers...after almost 2 months of working nights with Tuesday's and Wednesday's off, Andy is heading back to first shift with the weekends off!  We are so thankful that the Lord chose to answer our prayers...not because he had to but because he wanted to.

More to come on what we have learned the last 3 months...

Dreher Island

We experienced a new camping spot this weekend, Dreher Island!  It was our first interstate trip and we were a wee bit anxious!  About 10 miles on the interstate we got into a HEAVY rain storm...that wasn't fun.  Then about 15 minutes later, Andy asked about what else was in the laundry tote other than sheets and towels.  (We has been stocking stuff there for the trip.)  It hit me...that was the ONE thing I DIDN'T pack!!!!!!!!  No sheets, no towels and who knows what else! :-(  However, I am thankful to say that we got there, got set up and then saw this faint little rainbow over the water.  Thank you Lord!  My sweet hubby went 20 miles back into town and bought us a gorgeous set of purple sheets, 5 towels and 18 wash clothes...all for the low price of $38!!!

This was our first 'group' camp.  There were a total of 5 families on this trip.  The kids ages ranged from 16 to 5.  All the kids played extremely well together!  The adults had fun too!  We hiked, took lots of bike rides and even enjoyed fishing!  (thanks to the bait and tackle loaning program at the park.)  The girls all took turns helping me cook breakfast.   We enjoyed delicious French toast with granny's yummy bread.

 Caroline enjoyed her first cup of coffee!!  She was super excited.  (it's the little things folks because honestly, she might have taken 3 sips, but in her world, she had her first cup of coffee)

 The girls kept Andy hopping!!  He was constantly replacing a worm OR getting the line out of the rocks. :-)

 Caroline caught two little fish!  She learned how to take the fish off the hook!  Go girl!

 We took a 1.5 mile hike through the woods.  It was gorgeous!!!!!!!!!

 It was a warm weekend.  However, we were super thankful for the shade of our campsite.  It honestly didn't feel bad outside, unless you were in the sun.

 Saturday night, we had dinner together with the group.  We enjoyed delicious chicken, shrimp and steak tacos.  Oh.My.Stars!  it was SOOOOOOOOOOOO good!

 The gorgeous sunset was breathtaking!

As always, I don't take for granted what a gift it is to be able to experience this season of our life with the girls camping.  I am so thankful for the memories we are making and hopefully will continue to make. :-)

Happy 75th birthday Daddy!

My Daddy's world was always a little brighter with a grand baby close by.  I can only imagine how big this smile would be surrounded by all 10 of them now!  I know that he would LOVE Caroline's love for animals and would have her in the country as much as possible.  I'm pretty sure Maggie would give him a run for his money and he would love every minute of her spunky personality!  I KNOW that my girls would love and adore their Papa George as much as I do!

It's hard to believe that it's been 13 years since he left his earth...13 years without his smile, his laugh, his tricks, his delicious BBQ and most importantly his love and advice.  My Daddy wasn't always an easy man to be around but he did love us and we loved him.  Oh what a day of rejoicing it will be, when we all see Jesus (any my daddy), we'll sing and shout the victory!! 

Happy birthday Jack and Grace!!

 I will never forget celebrating my 20th birthday at a local restaurant with family and friends.  It was such a fun night.  Tomi Jean and Greg came but had to leave before the party was over...why?  Cause after years of trying, Tomi Jean found out she was pregnant and had to go home to take medicine to help keep her baby safe.  We soon learned it was 'babies!"  Along the way we found out she was expecting a boy AND a girl!  These precious children were born a little less than a month before Andy proposed to me.  I am SO thankful that I have been in their life from the very beginning!!

I remember going by their house, before classes at college, to take balloons on their first birthday.   Their sweet little faces captured so perfectly here.  The last 18 years have been a sweet treasure.  We've had vacations together, they were with me when Caroline and I experienced Disney for the first time, we've watched soccer games and swim meets, we kept them 2 whole weeks while Tomi Jean and Greg were on vacation (can't believe they trusted us) and the list goes on and on.  It's crazy to think that this time next year, these two will most likely be separated for the very first time...each at their collage of choice!  WOW!  It seems like that happened super fast!

It was fun to celebrate them tonight!  I am so thankful for these two and the joy they bring to our family!!  We love you guys and look forward to what the Lord will do in your life as you enter this big scary world!! :-)

Carline with Daddy

One thing the girls have really enjoyed about Andy's new schedule is the fact that he can take them and pick them up from school.  Maggie especially loves it because it's one of the few times she can be like the other children at school. :-)  AND we all know that Daddy is way more fun than Momma anyway!!

Somebody is using my shoes...

We have a new epidemic in our house...somebody is 'borrowing' my shoes. For the 3rd time in 4 days, I can't easily find my shoes and it's not my fault...I guess that is what happens when your 11 year old wears the same size shoe as you do!  I've learned to check her room first but sorting through her "organizational' system or the lack there of is rather interesting.  I guess I should take it as a compliment that I have stylist shoes if nothing else!!

I give her a hard time but I love that she loves my shoes.  I love that I have a daughter to share these things with.  For many years I wondered if I would be a momma and yet here I am 11 years later doing life with two precious little girls!  I've got a feeling our fun is just beginning!

Mary Claire's Baptism

 Today was a sweet day for our niece Mary Claire!  Today she made a public statement of her faith in Jesus Christ by being baptized!  As parents and family, it is our great joy to see our children proclaim their need for a savior!  Mary Claire I pray that you always put Jesus first in your life and rely on HIM to meet your every need!!

Matilda

 Last night we enjoyed "Matilda!"  It was a very LONG play but good!  Although both girls were yawning, both managed to stay awake the entire show.  We didn't get out until 10:30!!  It was late but fun.  I'm always amazed by the local talent we have.  Thankful for fun, sweet memories!

Fishing in 5K!

Who knew fishing with peanut butter, pretzels and goldfish could be so exciting??????????

Teddy Bear Tea Party

 Maggie's class is studying the letter T this week.  There is a long standing 5K tradition of having a Teddy Bear Tea Party.  It's always such a special time for the kids.  Maggie loved it!!  Thankful that as the director I got invited to the party...I enjoyed sharing teddy bear trail mix, tea sandwiches, teddy bear gummies and many other yummies.

Enoying an afternoon outside!

 Today was an absolutely gorgeous day!  It was 79 degrees and the breeze was amazing!  We didn't have anywhere we needed to be and nothing that we needed to do at home.  The girls played for about an hour while I read my book.  Then we brought out Caroline's books and such to study for a few tests she has on Friday.  It was the perfect afternoon!!  I was so incredible thankful!!!!!!!!!!

Daddy's arms

We have been trying to watch a few episodes of Little House on the Prairie throughout the week.  Maggie always finds a way to end up in the chair with Andy, snuggled in his arms.  There is something about being cozy and comfy in your Daddy's arms...just like resting in the comfort of our Heavenly Father's arms...so thankful that we can sit with either and our worries and struggles seem to lighten a little.  What a gift!!

Mom's special day!

Yesterday was a special day!  Momma joined the church that she has been visiting for a little over a year.  It's been a good year, she has met a lot of people and has enjoyed all the church has to offer.  It was nice being together with my brothers and their families. After church we went back to Mom's for lunch and lots of laughs!!!  Time spent together with family is always a treat!!

When at Granny's house...

The girls and I came to Mom's yesterday to spend some time with her.  The girls slept in their room last night but not on the soft, cozy bed...instead they slept in the 'cave' under the bed on the hard floor...oh to be little again!  I did notice Caroline found a body pillow that she put under the blanket to give her a little 'extra' padding.  This morning Mom cooked them their favorite cinnamon rolls and sausage.  Two funny stories:

• Both girls started with 2 cinnamon rolls each.  Caroline went back for a third.  Maggie quickly protested "How come you get 3 cinnamon rolls?"  Caroline responded "Cause at Granny's house we can have as many as we want!"  So guess who followed behind with a 3rd cinnamon roll.
• Sadly when Maggie went back for her 3rd roll, she accidently broke one of moms plates.  After getting it cleaned up, she asked Caroline "does Granny have any plastic plates or just breakable plates?"  Caroline said "Nope, Granny doesn't have little kids so she doesn't need plastic plates."  Maggie said "But Granny does have little kids, she has us!"

All I want for Christmas is...

my two front teeth!  This sweet girl worked and worked until she got her tooth out...only she didn't pull it.  She reached down to get something and it just FELL right out! :0)  She is so excited and thinks it's hilarious to see such a large gap!

11 Year Old Well Visit

Yesterday afternoon Caroline had her 11 year old well visit with Dr. E.  Oh how times have changed...instead of bringing books and things to pass the time, Caroline brought her bookbag and homework to do while we waiting.

Dr. E sat on the exam table beside Caroline and asked her questions about life-what do you do for fun?  What life skills are you learning?  How are your eating habits?  It was fun to sit back and watch her so her independence.  Dr. E was very impressed with her cooking skills and encouraged her to continue.

He asked her what her favorite thing was this summer.  She said "going to the eye dr."   I knew she was excited about glasses but seriously that was better than camping or swimming?  He chuckled and said "You have got to explain that answer."  She responded "because after the eye doctor, we always go to the water park!"  :-)

11 Year Old Statistics:

• Weight: 85.5 lbs (60%)
• Height: 60 in (85%)
• BMI: 16.6 (30%)

Celebrating with the Family

Tonight we celebrated Andy and Caroline with the family!  Tomi Jean and her family, John and Tookie and Ms. Susan.  It was a fun night!!  The food was yummy and the company even better!!  Sadly there was a window right behind the birthday peeps so I didn't get a great picture!  However the smiles on everyone's face makes it worth it all!!

Dependence on others

We live in an era where dependence on someone is looked at as a negative thing...especially if you are a woman who 'depends' on a man to help meet your needs.  As women, we are supposed to be able to do ANYTHING a man can do and maybe even BETTER than a man!

Over the last few weeks I have taken a hard look at the role my husband has to take on as the head of our house.  His current work situation isn't easy but his family depends on him to provide for us-his income, our health benefits, etc.  He puts his 'feelings' aside and steps up to the plate every single day!  He loves us so much and he KNOWS we depend on him for these things.  Last week I forgot something I needed for school.  I didn't have time to run home so I called and asked if he could help me and he did!  He didn't complain...instead he gladly packaged what I left and handed it over with a smile!  What a blessing to know I can depend on him to help me in situations that aren't his...and to do so with a smile!

You see depending on others isn't always a bad thing.  When it enables us to function, it's a problem.  However, when it's more of a team effort, it's a beautiful thing!  Thank you Andy for all that you do for us!  We love and appreciate you so much!

Happy 11th birthday Caroline

It is an absolute joy to know and love this sweet girl for 11 years!  She teaches me daily about true contentment, servings others, seeing good in all things, being brave in scary situations and how to love unconditionally.

She wanted homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast and crock pot lasagna for dinner.  After dinner she opened presents and of course loved everything she got.  After that things went downhill fast.  Charlie ate not one but BOTH of her Milky Way candy bars that received for her birthday.  That led to a terrible potty accident in her room.  Her new squishy ball filled with purple liquid and glitter burst and spilled all over her brand new unicorn pjs.  At this point, she burst into tears and was devastated.  I helped her clean things up and put her pjs in the wash.  A little bit later we were sitting on the couch and I told her how sorry I was that this had happened.  With a sweet smile she said "I could be worse...at least I had a birthday celebration...some kids don't get that."  I was floored because I was still sad this had happened and it wasn't even my birthday!  I tell you, this kid is special!!