We are still here...

We haven't dropped off the earth...

Will be back from vaca tomorrow and I have so much to catch you up on. Hmmmm..... let me see....

- surprise birthday party
- surprise birthday getaway at a bed and breakfast
- vacationing at the beach
- Brooks' reaction to the water! This one is for Rebecca...

More later!

Scary part 2

Anyone know what this one is? :)

Scary!

Any one know what kind of spider this fellow is?

He was "guarding" my hummingbird feeder.

Swim classes started today!

Before class.

Love this one!

To start, they took each of the kids out to see what they knew and what they were afraid of.

Kate keeps saying that she jumped off the diving board! Well, she KINDA jumped off the diving board - but she still gets credit!

Some funnies to remember

I try so hard to remember funny things the kids say, but usually forget. But, here are some that I have managed to remember:

Kate: "Mama, can you do me a favorite?" or "Let me read the corrections (directions)"

This morning Scott presided over communion. When Brooks saw him, he whispered (or rather chanted): "Da-dee, Da-dee, Da-dee"

Kate: "Mama, you stink." Thanks, dear.

Last year, the kids started asking us to "spank" something that hurt them - like, if they fell and hit their head on the chair - we would have to spank the chair. Lately, Brooks tells me that he doesn't want me to spank it, because it might break... (perhaps this is a reflection of how many spankings he is getting lately?)

Fun at the Park

Hope you enjoy some pictures from our day at the park!

What?

While out shopping, Kate suddenly stopped.

Kate: "Mama, I need to scratch myself."

Me: "You need to do what?"

K: "I need to scratch myself."

M: "OK..." (bracing myself for what is about to come)

Kate quietly leaned over and scratched her legs below her knees.

K: "That's much better, Mama!"

Guess who is home!

While we loved the quietness,
we are happy that the noise is back home.
They had a fantastic time!

Fun weekend

This week, the kids went to Mobile to visit Gran Gran and Paw Paw. They are having the best time in the swimming pool! I can't wait to see them tomorrow after church (although, ask me tomorrow night when these tired children come home! HA!)

So, I had Friday..... ALL TO MYSELF!!! I had the very best day. Got the house straight, watched Wimbledon (Go Roddick!), went to a flea market in Wetumpka, then Scott and I went shopping when he got off work.

Saturday, we got up early, (Yeah, when that alarm clock went off - WHAT were we thinking?!) and headed flea market shopping towards the B'ham area. Actually, we ended up hitting more thrift stores than flea markets, but it was a fun day anyway. We got to eat lunch with Rick and Brooke, and stopped by their house and saw the fabulous job Rick has done with their master bath.

So, pictures below are the treasures from this trip:

1. A delicate teacup and saucer with an "E" scripted across the side. For my mother! I posed it atop my cake plate, which I love and got from TJMaxx last summer.

2. The cutest small chair. See how beat up the paint is? I LOVE IT. This is my favorite look. So, I was thinking I will use it as a side table in the guest bedroom. What do you think? The height is perfect. Both Scott and I were thinking, "Uh, is it sturdy enough if one of the kids crawls up on it?"




Beautiful teacup.

Great chair!

Now, that is some character!

Happy 38th Birthday!

1. I love how you put God first in our marriage.
2. I love how you put God first in our family.
3. My favorite thing about you is your smile.
4. I love how your smile is always on every time you come home!
5. I love to see you play with our kids when you get home, most of the time before you even sit down for dinner.
6. It makes me laugh how sentimental you are about Rudy. Just like me.
7. I am thankful that we agree with parenting styles.
8. Thank you for working so hard to support me through Vet School.
9. One of my favorite memories is you texting me "333" on clinics.
10. I love how much you make me laugh!
11. You have made me a better person by teaching me how to finish arguments.
12. I am proud of the hard work you do, and the pride you take in it.
13. I love that you love your job and your customers so much.
14. I love hearing people ask me, "Is he always in a good mood?" or "Does he have any brothers?"
15. Your frugality is rivaled only by my own.
16. Who can forget your waking up from anesthesia?
17. I admire your love of reading.
18. Even though you aren't that handy, I appreciate it when you try.
19. Thank you for always supporting me in everything, especially the kids.
20. The word "divorce" is never spoken as an option in our marriage.
21. I love how you tell me you love me in church every Sunday.
22. I love how much Brooks looks like you.
23. I love to see how much Kate and Brooks love you! (really, I do)
24. I love that our kids have at least one "cool" parent, and you can be silly with them.
25. Did I know that your favorite KK doughnut is "Raspberry filled"?
26. I love our home and the tone that you help create.
27. I love that you are smarter than me at word games... "Name a word that starts with Cr..."
28. I love that you sing in church even though you can't.
29. I am grateful for the example you set in church for our children.
30. I am THANKFUL that your (and my) priority is our family's salvation.
31. You are 100% red blooded American man. I wouldn't want you any other way.
32. I love watching you swimming.
33. I am proud of how much you worked with the Bible Bowl teams. You take responsibility seriously and do your best.
34. P.A.T. the bowling ball.
35. "Patel".... (need I say more)
36. I miss watching you play tennis.
37. Your dedication to the GA Dawgs makes me smile!
38. Thank you for loving me.

I hope your day is wonderful! We love you so much, Daddy!