Tuesday, January 31, 2012

January

2012 has started off well!  We have closed on selling our Athens ASP franchise...thank you, Lord for sending us a buyer!

MCC practice is off to a good start.  This is my first year singing backup & I'm really enjoying it.  CW & I are singing in the same song & then he's singing some other songs, too.

MJ: "Mama, my ears are not turned on and they won't turn on until I get to school, otay"?
(One morning while getting ready for school)

Jan. 22 - Hunter asked me to speak to NMPC for Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.  I did not want to as this is out of my comfort zone, but, felt like I did not want to miss this opportunity God was giving me to share my story.  I was SO nervous, voice shaking, hands shaking, head shaking, basically my whole body was shaking, BUT, I did it and God walked me through it.  It was neat looking into the audience and seeing LG watch me.  When I was done she had a huge grin on her face and had her hands ready to clap!  So sweet. I'm glad I did it!  Thank you, Lord.

The girls were playing outside having a ball. It was nice out so I had the doors open to enjoy the fresh air. They came to get me to show me what they were playing--they took lots of small toys outside & sat on top of my car, MJ on the hood; LG on the roof, and had the best time helping each other climb onto & off of the car. While I walked throught the living room a bird caught my attention. Apparently the bird had taken advantage of the open doors. I told the girls & said we needed to be very quiet & still and think of a way to help the bird go back outside. LG immediately went to her room and cahnged into her old bluebird ballet costume (age 4) and asked me if she "acted" like a bird, maybe the bird would follow her. By this point, the bird had somehow made it's way into the laundry room where there is a door to the backyard. We closed the door to the laundry room and opened the door to the yard & LG stood outside chirping & flapping her "wings" while MJ held the door open. The bird flew right out...priceless.

MJ came into my room late one night and asked me if that was me or Dace crying? I muted the tv & heard what she was talking about. I made my way to LG's room & asked her what was wrong? She told me she had a bad dream, we talked through it & I did my best to comfort her. By this point, MJ had made her way into LG's room and joined us on the bed and began comforting LG too. We were both rubbing her back telling her how much we love her and that we were sorry she had such a terrible dream. Daddy arrived home from MCC practice & joined us, too! LG asked if MJ could sleep with her & of course we agreed. I sure do love you girls. We are so blessed to be a family. I love the fact that you care so deeply about each other and hope that you will always have a special bond that only sisters can have. Mama loves you.

We enjoyed a family night/game night on Friday. The girls chose to eat dinner at Moe's and then we came home and played the Princess game, HiHo Cheerio, & the Hungry Catepillar game. While at Moe's, MJ was picking up some napkins off the floor and some how knocked some salsa off the table that landed in her eye! I thought she had just bumped her head on the table, but, when she looked up, it was obvious the salsa had "attacked" her. We made a brief trip outside, cleaned her up (and me by this point), shared some hugs & made our way back inside for dinner :). Other than the salsa escapade, we had a ball! Daddy (of course) won ALL three games!

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Catching up from 2011

We had a great ending to 2011:

October:  We had the priviledge of "babysitting" for a CCS foster mom who had to go to work.  Oh, my...I have found my calling!  I went to CCS and picked "Melissa" up & brought her home.  I must admit, I was a little sad driving away, thinking, this baby has nobody (yet); she has no idea who I am or if I will take good care of her?  Made me thankful for my family.  Of course, Honey came over to meet her.  We fed her, changed her, loved her and basically just stared at her. Once I picked the girls up, they were thrilled! Of course they named her "Hello Kitty"!  They held her, fed her, changed her diaper, they even put her in their doll stroller - did I mention she was only 4 pounds?  MJ said, "Mama, where did she come from, Covenant Care"?  I answered, "Yes"!  She then said, "Oh, where you pay and get stuff like people"?  We made need to work on that answer a little, ha!  So thankful my girls had this opportunity at such a young age and we look forward to babysitting again.  Yes, I did get to see "Melissa" meet her parents for the first time...that was a very special adoption ceremony for me to attend.  So blessed to be involved with CCS - thank you, Lord for giving me the opportunity!

November:  We celebrated MJ's 3rd Birthday with breakfast at BK that also included a donut cake.  Her friends came in their pj's & even Honey wore her pj's!  We also celebrated with her 3K class at FPD & enjoyed a birthday dinner at El Sombrero with Honey, Papa & Unlce P - they came out & sang to mj & me & put sombreros on our head!

Cha-Cha told the girls that they have Cherokee blood and that they are part Indian princess (Doc's great grandmother was an indian princess).  A few weeks later, we were at FPD riding bikes on the track & LG crashed into the fence.  Her knee was bleeding and she would not stop crying.  Eventually she started saying, "I don't want to bleed anymore because I don't want to lose my Indian blood...I'm not going to be part Indian princess anymore"...she was devasted!  We explained to her that she still had the same amount of Indian blood that she originally did and that when she bleeds it not just the "cherokee" blood that comes out.  Love children's minds...

We have a new cleaning team!  Mrs. Jackie, Christopher & Ty.  (Now that MJ in school 3 days a week Mary was just cleaning for us (not keeping MJ), but, sent me a text saying she would no longer be able to clean because of her health).  Mrs. Jackie saw that our washer & dryer was old (um, yes, 16 years old in December - wedding gift from Carol & Mike!) & said she had a newer set that a client gave her & she didn't need it & wanted to know if we would like to have it?!?  Are you kidding?  YES & thank you!  What do I owe you?  Nothing...just pay us to install it.  Okay, deal!  After they installed it I asked what I owed & she said "nothing", it was there gift to us!  She told us to pay it forward...we have and will continue.  WOW...thank you, Lord!

Thanksgiving was delicious...we went to Honey & Papa's and stayed ALL day, eating, talking, girls played, eating some more, just enjoyed great family fellowship!

December:  We celebrated LG's 8th Birthday by surprising her with a trip (moms & kids; M-W) to Lake Oconee & the Gunns met us there!  We made a scavenger hunt for LG the morning we left & the last clue was in my car telling her to pack her bags!  She was thrilled and ran through the house...so cute!  Once we arrived, it was so sweet to see the kids reunite.  They hadn't seen each other since the Gunns moved to NC in August.  J & I had an absolute ball catching up!  We woke up on the 21st & celebrated by having a cookie cake for breakfast. Once back to Macon, we celebrated with a birthday dinner at LG's favorite...Moes!  Honey, Papa & Uncle P joined in the fun. Finally once school was back in session, we celebrated her birthday with her class in January!

I learned this month that I need to REALLY pay attention when I'm backing out of the garage (or anywhere for that matter).  I told CW I would take the girls to school (he normally takes them, so nice!) & we were running behind.  CW had exercised that morning & didn't pull all the way into the garage.  As I was pulling out, not looking behind me, of course, afterall, who looks behind them when they're backing up?!? I completely side-swiped CW's car. The 3 of us heard this horrific sound, & LG said, "Mama, I think you just hit Daddy's car"?  I rolled down her window & asked her to check it out..."Yep, you definitely hit it & it does NOT look good".  By this point CW had come out of the garage door looking in horror.  He said, "I KNEW I should have come out here & told you to watch out for my car!  I was sitting in our room having my QT & every fiber in my being was telling me to get up & tell you to watch out for my car; then I heard a REALLY loud sound & knew what had happened"!  He was of course disaapointed, but, was so kind in how he handled the situation.  He even blamed himself for not pulling all the way into the garage.  Seriously? It was completely my fault.  Just another reason why I love CW appreciate him being my rock.  On the way to school, LG sweetly said, "Mama, I think I have enough white paint to cover your car, but, I don't think I have enough silver to fix daddy's".  I love you, LG.

We celebrated Jesus' birthday by waking up & cleaning the house - yes, I'm serious!  The house was a wreck & CW took everything out of the living room, etc. & asked the girls to put it up & clean their rooms and THEN we celebrated Christmas.  Santa's reindeer had left a little mess from their reindeer food on the floor leading to the fireplace.  CW thought the girls had made the mess & almost blew a gasket.  I had to tell him that the reindeer made that mess!  Love you, CW.  CW made hot chocolate, we turned on Christmas music, opened gifts & enjoyed the morning. Santa did leave a note that we need to be on the look out for the perfect dog for our family since LG & MJ are dying for one!  We then headed to Honey & Papa's (Uncle P, too) for a delicious steak lunch and more celebrating & relaxing! We ended the day by celebrating at Cha-Cha & Doc's with Daddy's family. 

New Year's Eve we took the girls to Shogun for dinner at 5:30.  They loved watching them cook our food, but, didn't really eat it, ha!  We were in bed by 8:30...Happy New Year!


Friday, January 20, 2012

January

MJ - "Mama, why do they call it a 'belly button' if it doesn't have a button in it"?

A note I received from a mom in LG's class - "Hope, I just wanted to tell you that Jordan repeatedly comes home from school saying how sweet & kind LG is to him.  As a mom that makes my hert all warm inside, and if it were my daughter I would want to know so I'm passing it along to you".

My 15 minute one-sided conversation with MJ..."Mama, watch this. Was that awesome? Watch, Mama. Was THAT awesome? Watch. Was that an awesome trick? Mama, watch me, ok? Was that awesome? Mama, watch this. I bet you will love this! Awesome? Now watch, Mama. Mama, you missin a part, watch. Ok, now you try it Mama.  I love you, MJ.

LG's comment to me tonight: "Mama, did you know that I'm famous"?  "You are? How are you famous"?  " Well you know my name is like on refrigerators, microwaves, tv's & remember that policeman we saw at S&S who had 'LG' tatooed on his arm"?!?  "Wow, yeh, you are famous"!  I can't burst her bubble quite yet.  I love you, LG.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Pots and Stuff

Uncle Pi has been teaching the girls Spanish on Tuesdays...He joins us for dinner and then the teaching begins.  On the way home from school today, the following conversation took place:
LG: "Mama, what are we having for dinner tonight?"
M: "Pork chops, green beans & your favorite, baked beans."
LG: "YUM!  (Slight pause)  Mama, why are we starting to have meals that you cook with pots and stuff instead of just sandwiches and hotdogs?"

Busted...

Friday, September 9, 2011

Potty Shakes

This is how we know MJ has to go potty...she does what we have named the "potty shake" (literally shakes)and then says, "I have to go potty!"

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Back to School: 2nd Grade & 3K










Well the girls headed back to school.  MJ has been so excited about getting to go to the same school as her big sister!  They both had great first days and have such sweet teachers!  When I picked MJ up, she said, "Mama, I had a great 1st day at LG's camp!  I did get a lil hot on the playground because there wasn't any air, but, I just sat in the shade!  I want to go back next week, ok, mama?!"  We met H&P for a celebratory lunch at Moes and then topped that off with a trip to La Berry!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Dreams

LG: "Mama, if you dream about a boy, does that mean you're gonna marry him?"
M: "No, why?"
LG: "Whew...I thought I might go crazy!"

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Kanuga 2011

Fans. Open doors. "Tommy Ray." Nature walks. Charlie's Canteen. Gravel roads. Breeze. Fresh, cool air. Slow pace. Streams. Bridges. Freedom. Swim test. Lake.  Rocking chairs. 3 square meals. Independence. Art class. Jumping on beds. Hooker Falls. Kanuga toast. "Boo Boo" Camp. Balcony. "There's a hole...". Reading. Naps. Late summer nights. Swimming. Fellowship. Tye Dye. Rain. Golf. Memories. The Cross. DVD. Carnival. Fresh garden veggies. New/Old friends. Adventures. Fall asleep listening to crickets...wake up to birds chirping.

Saturday:
Barely made in time for dinner - fried chicken, yum!  Unpack & get settled.

Sunday:
Papa re-introduced LG & S - connected ever since.  LG, MJ & S played.  MJ made her way to the playground with H & P.  Met new friend Sara.  LG & S played in forest around lake. Mama, H, MJ "deventure" around lake - "I'll pick the path, follow me!" LG & S filthy - sign on great Kanuga playing!  Lunch, reading, naps, movies, LG/S swim (LG took test), check out books @ library, Charlie's canteen.

Monday:
Off to camp!  MJ took bunny & blankie.  LG skipped she was so excited!  I headed to art class.  Guys played golf.  H read.  When I picked MJ up at noon: MJ: "I had a h.a.r.d. day; my favorite thing was paintin art." Saw snake & turtle at naure center.  Trip to canteen for candy instead of nap - wired, square dance--all well until last dance when MJ asked me to be her partner, then wanted me to hold her...yes, i twisted my foot and we both fell on the parking lot, nice.

Tuesday:
Camp, art, golf, lunch, MJ play hookie & take nap--great call!, CW drove around for an hour trying to find store to buy LG some tennis shoes...no, I did not pack tennis shoes for camp, maybe next year, lol., our cross pic (little boy joined us this year), dinner, canteen, playground, LG bingo with Davis & crew.

Wednesday:
Camp, H & P to town for LG shoes, lunch, "Hooker Falls" with Fidel & Elizabeth, Grandaddy & Kay dinner & carnival, girls to bed.  Chris headed out to balcony and I got in bed to read a magazine...
LG (running in our room): "Mama, I need you, MJ's hurt!"  Goes back to their room.
LG (now panicked running back into our room): "MJ's bleeding, hurry!"
At this point MJ is heading into my room with blood dripping down her face & on her hands, pj's, even her feet.  Lil monkey was jumping on her bed and hit the wooden headboard with her forehead and split it open.  Bennett had split his head open on the stone an hour before at the carnival.  Everyone was so concerned: Beth brought gummy worms & capri suns, Jessica drove CW to get the pediatric ER dr's (tonya & carissa-thank you Lord they were vacationing same week at Kanuga!), Kathryn brought Bennett for moral support & some motrin, Kanuga nurse showed up.  Dr's glued forehead and we called it a night.  The girls and I slept in our room and pulled the beds together while Daddy enjoyed a night in their room.  LG was such a sweet caregiver to MJ.  She sang a lullaby & the 3 of us held hands & prayed to thank God that MJ was ok.  The next morning, LG asked if she & MJ could skip camp?  I asked why and LG said, "I don't wanna be away from MJ for even a second!" She then proceeded to her diet coke & mentos with MJ before their breakfast...priceless.

Thursday:
MJ went to "boo boo camp with Rebekah & Catherine, Golf, art, lunch. camp, lake social/dam swim, cabin social, canteen

Friday:
Last day, finish artwork, camp, bought sweatshirt b/c so cold/rainy, kanuga follies, MJ busted lip when she threw herself to the ground when she didn't want to leave the follies.

Saturday:
Last breakfast, hugs, see everyone next summer!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Girls Trip to Tybee


horse carriage pic

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Destin 2011

Saturday:
Daddy finished IHCC MG around 5:00, came home & threw clothes in a bag & off we went.  We arrived around midnight.  Due to our late arrival, we missed the annual "pizza" dinner, but, low & behold, when we arrived in our condo, there were 3 kinds of pizza waiting on us...wow!

Sunday:
Beach, pool, shopping, nap, MJ slept 2-8 (may have had something to do with the fact that she and LG went to bed after 1 am on Saturday)!  C&D's condo for Father's Day celebration.

Monday:
Beach - red flag, great waves to ride, MJ floaties, Pool, Nap, Louisianne Lagnappe - few stares from other tables...that's what happens with a party of 15, open bedroom door, fall asleep to waves.

Tuesday:
Beach, MJ/LG big waves, girls and I took an afternoon break from sun, while Daddy enjoyed some beach time, Datenight at Dewey's Destin, C&D kept all the kids & played games galore with prizes & watched movies.  According to Chris, "the special that night was especially terrible."  Atleast the pirates punch was good & we enjoyed great fellowship.  Montgomery was listening to everything we said.  Phone call that our alarm was going off...cops showed up & everything seemed "ok."

Wednesday:
More shopping while daddy took girls to beach and pool.  relax.  Moes for dinner - Yes, LG "spotted" Moes on the way to LL.  She said she was "keeping her eyes peeled for Moes."

Thursday:
Guys enjoyed a day of golf, while the girls & I headed to the pool.  Once Daddy made it home, I went out for a little more shopping, while Daddy took the girls back to the pool for some "cousin" time.  That night, all the cousins (except baby Tye) stayed together while the adults enjoyed a delicious dinner at Ruths Chris...yummy!  Cha-Cha requested a private room and we shared many laughs.  Summi even requested a "vote" and Chris was forever proud of her :)

Friday:
Last day...which means hanging out at the beach and the pool ALL DAY!  No naps, no breaks, just good ol' time with the whole family.  B, L & LG enjoyed that "water park" that was out in the ocean.  We left when the "beach chair" boys finally loaded chair/umbrellas up.  Still couldn't give in, so, we headed to the pool to make a few last memories.  That night Daddy headed back to Moes to pick up dinner.  We were all exhausted.  Everyone fell asleep by 8:30, and yes, I openend the door to fall asleep listening to the waves for our last night.

Mrs. Rosa - "Prayer Warrior"

Have I mentioned that I love what God is doing at North Macon Presbyterian Church?  I am so thankful that the Lord has led us (back) to this Church.  Back in March, we received a letter to let us know that our girls had been assigned a "prayer warrior" from our church family.  I was overjoyed when I read that their prayer warrior is Mrs. Rosa.  C, the girls, and I have been to visit her and she is such a delight.  She loves having visitors and we have found out some interesting facts about Mrs. Rosa's life.  She is 93.  Was #6 out of 12 children & born in Canada (She even has a sister who shares my same name - which does not tend to be a common name).  She told us that due to her neuropathy she is unable to write.  She also told us (with a grin on her face) that her dad was a minister and, "that at age 9 she became a Christian and has not known a day since without Jesus!"  W.O.W.  She is widowed and has two children of her own.  She is so sweet when the girls visit - not much bothers her & that's good when you have a 3 & 7 year old :).  She comes to Sunday School & Church and even on Wednesday nights...what a Godly example she is to us.  She is full of life, loves the Lord, and loves to share what He has done for/through/and with her.  Thank you, Lord for Mrs. Rosa.

July - Today while visiting Mrs. Rosa she said, "All you need is Jesus.  He will give you contentment.  I am willing to be an example (by having cancer) of the fact that Jesus heals all...not so I can get attention, but, so HE will get the credit and use me." 

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Locks of Love

















Well, I am happy to write that LG has been growing her hair out for one year (yes, you read that correctly) and finally reached the 10 inch "mark" so that she had enough to donate to Locks of Love.  When it was LG's turn at Great Clips, I told the stylist that she wanted to donate to LOL.  She started measuring and said, "it's going to be close."  I looked at her with a grin on my face and said, "make it work, please."  The week prior I had cut a h.u.g.e. mass of tangle out of LG's hair that she had walked around with for a couple days...it was becoming unmanageable.