Belle and Scooter's Mama

Randomness... Rock Stars and Dress Up

2009-12-11T07:49:00.000-06:00

Both girls LOVE Hannah Montana and singing on the Wii. Well..throw in an old, ratty Hannah Montana wig and this is what you get. Kinda scary!

More dress up with Mochie!

What's better than an Easter egg stuck to your chin? Not much!

She sat like this watching TV for a WHILE!
She LOVES to pose for the camera!
Dressed up for church...
Grandma and PawPaw with the beauties.

Handmade Tri-fold Card for Annivesary

2009-12-11T07:41:00.000-06:00

As many of you know, I love to handmake cards. I thought I'd start posting some of my creations. This one is a tri-fold card I made for my parents anniversary.

Is this a BUG?

2009-12-11T07:36:00.000-06:00

There was an old olive jar sitting out outside that we use for looking at bugs we catch. Well, the jar caught something interesting all on it's own. I think it is a cocoon for a bug that it designed to look like a bug watching you, but am not sure. Either way, it was cool enough to share...

Annabelle Had Her First Visit from the Tooth Fairy!!

2009-05-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

Annabelle has had three loose teeth for a couple months now, but one just recently got really loose. I kept offering to pull it (with pliers like my dad used to do!) but she refused. While she and Jorja were in the bath on Thursday, May 21 at the age of 6, Annabelle's tooth fell out. She was sooo excited! We thought we were going to have to strain the tub to find her tooth but it was stuck to her chin. LOL.

She insisted that the fireplace doors be left open so the Tooth Fairy could come!!!

Annabelle is usually not a morning person and we have to DRAG her out of bed in the morning for school. But on this special morning she woke up at 5:30 AM to see what the Tooth Fairy had left! The Tooth Fairy gave her one $1 gold coin. She proceeded to wake us up too to tell us what she had received. A bit too early for me! <>

It was the First Presidential, George Washington $1 Gold Coin.

Brave Jorja

2009-05-25T11:01:00.005-05:00

There is such a difference between my kiddos. Jorja is my dare-devil and will try most things. Annabelle is my thoughtful, pondering child that takes a WHILE to muster up the nerve to do most things. Jorja just walked right up to the climbing walk on our playground and started climbing. Here's her progression.

Keep in mind, Jorja would slide down this without help, but the slide just launches her off the end to tumble down the hill so someone HAS to catch her!

A Great Easter!

2009-04-13T12:21:00.008-05:00

We had a great Easter weekend with lots of egg hunts, family time, friends, and fun!

Here is the sweet Easter card Annabelle made us. What a great job she did on it! The drawing is of an Easter basket filled with eggs.

Thought this was a special photo with my girls under the Savior's cross.

The girls digging into their Easter goodies.

Here's what the Easter bunny brought Jorja.
Here's what the Easter bunny brought Annabelle.
The weather outside was extremely rainy and COLD, so we had our own egg hunt inside as well as one at church AND a community egg hunt at another church on Saturday!

Darling sisters with their egg finds.

Build a Bridge

2009-04-12T12:13:00.000-05:00

Mama Mary

2009-04-11T13:16:00.003-05:00

When we get frustrated with Annabelle, we tend to throw her middle name in when speaking to her. Her middle name is Mary, named after my mother's sweet mom Mary, who coincidentally turned 95 yesterday. So, Jorja hears the phrase "Annabelle Mary" quite a bit....

This morning Jorja was a bit upset with me because I would not let her wear the shoes she wanted to a local Easter egg hunt. Next Jorja said the funniest thing I've heard her say in a while... "Mama Mary". And you know the tone I am talking about, when you are calling out to your child adding their middle name.... And she did not just say it once. She repeated it over and over adding that parenting look, too!

Priceless!

Easter Egg Hunt Slash Birthday Party

2009-04-10T06:45:00.001-05:00

Jorja was an Easter baby, two years ago, so it is only fitting that her birthday this year fell on the same day as her Easter party at school. She and her classmates got to hunt eggs on the playground. It was sooo cute seeing the two-year-olds scurry around getting sooo excited over finding a egg. Jorja squealed with each egg she found. You can see some of the precious expressions over her finds....

Look at all the eggs she found. A few of the other kids discovered the goodies INSIDE the eggs before the hunt was over so Jorja was able to hoard a bunch of the eggs!!

Then once the egg hunt was over, we celebrated Jorja's birthday in the classroom. Her sweet teacher Nikki made her a birthday crown which she was not too sure about wearing!

Yummy sweets!!
Jorja and her teacher Ms. Nikki.

After school, Jorja came with me to do some computer work up at the church and Jorja proceeded to convince the church secretary that it was a good idea to eat nearly half of all the chocolate stashed in those Easter eggs! LOL. Jorja woke up in the middle of the night crying "Belly hurt! Belly hurt!" I imagine so!

Jorja's 2nd Birthday Party

2009-04-09T14:43:00.009-05:00

We had Jorja's 2nd Birthday Party at the Lower Dam Park. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, although a little windy (food, cake, and gifts were a-flyin'). We had a nice turnout and a fun time was had by all. I can't believe my baby is 2!!

This is the cool playground at the park.

This is the Dora the Explorer and Boots cake done by Greg at Brookshires. He always does such a terrific job on the custom cakes and they are so yummy! Jorja loved it!

Here is the food spread. We ate hotdogs and chips and veggies and fruits and grape salad and spaghetti salad and dips. I am full just thinking about it all!

Here is Jorja while everyone is singing 'Happy Birthday' to her! She was scared and started bawling! Aw.....

Kyndra had to blow out the candle. Notice the oops.... Jorja is turning 2 not 1! Brain fart while at the store. Whoops!

Uh...duh!!

Jorja digging in. :)
Jorja and her buddies, Beth and Kelsey, playing in the sand.

Some of the party goers. Shaun, Annabelle, Shelby, Peggy, Linda, Jim and Kathryn
Even Grandma and PawPaw and Shaun and Sarah (cousins) were able to join us for the festivities!

Jorja's schoolmates, Carli and Jackson with their parents, Lauren and Kendal.
Kelsey, Wendi and Bailey
Cassie, Sophi and Phillip
Soph thoroughly enjoying the food :)

Faith, Annabelle, and Kathryn
We had a great time and hated to see it come to an end. The kids spent so much time playing and having fun that we didn't even have time to open presents before the sun went down. We saved the gifts for her actual birthday on Wednesday.

Bunco Night

2009-03-31T21:58:00.003-05:00

Ok....I play Bunco a couple times a month and have a blast playing, but rarely win. But it's not about the winning right? LOL. Well, this month was my month to host and guess what? Not only did I roll some buncos, but I rolled the most buncos I have ever rolled...four!

So no big deal to you, but I hardly ever get buncos and certainly not four! And of course it was on my night to host and you can't win your own prizes (which I would have loved to win :)! So, better luck for me next month! Alright Sharla, get those prizes ready! Here I come!

I yelled at my best friend's boyfriend sliding down a hill because my family thinks I am stupid anyway.

2009-03-27T12:25:00.004-05:00

LOL. A friend did this the other day on her blog and I thought it was cute. Leave a comment with yours!
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Type out the sentence you end up with in the TITLE of your note and tag your friends.
It is quick~ and it is good for a chuckle!!

Pick the month you were born:
January-------I kicked
February------I loved
March--------I karate chopped
April----------I licked
May----------I jumped on
June----------I smelled
July-----------I did the Macarena With
August--------I had lunch with
September----I danced with
October-------I sang to
November-----I yelled at
December-----I ran over

Pick the day (number) you were born on:
1-------a birdbath
2-------a monster
3-------a phone
4-------a fork
5-------a snowman
6-------a gangster
7-------my mobile phone
8-------my dog
9-------my best friends' boyfriend
10-------my neighbour
11-------my science teacher
12-------a banana
13-------a fireman
14-------a stuffed animal
15-------a goat
16-------a pickle
17-------your mom
18-------a spoon
19------ - a smurf
20-------a baseball bat
21-------a ninja
22-------Chuck Norris
23-------a noodle
24-------a squirrel
25-------a football player
26-------my sister
27-------my brother
28-------an iPod
29-------a surfer
30-------a homeless guy
31-------a llama

What is the last number of the year you were born:
1--------- In my car
2 --------- On your car
3 ----------- In a hole
4 ----------- Under your bed
5 ----------- Riding a Motorcycle
6 --------- sliding down a hill
7 --------- in an elevator
8---------- at the dinner table
9 -------- In line at the bank
0 -------- in your bathroom

Pick the color of shirt you are wearing:
White---------because I'm cool like that
Black---------because that's how I roll.
Pink-----------because I'm NOT crazy.
Red-----------because the voices told me to.
Blue-----------because I'm sexy and I do what I want
Green---------because I think I need some serious help.
Purple---------because I'm AWESOME!
Gray----------because Big Bird said to and he's my leader.
Yellow--------because someone offered me 1,000,000 dollars
Orange--------because my family thinks I'm stupid anyway.
Brown---------because I can.
Other----------because I'm a Ninja!
None----------because I can't control myself

Jorja singing Twinkle, Twinkle

2009-03-12T07:43:00.000-05:00

Jorja is notorious for acting too cute until the camera or phone comes out to capture it! Here she is singing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. It was taken on my phone so the quality is questionable, but still adorable. More videos to come...

Better Late Than Never 2....

2009-03-11T12:23:00.001-05:00

Don't know how this post from January made it into draft instead of being published, but hated for the pictures not to be posted, so better late than never is VERY appropriate for the title of this post!!!

====

Ok I need to continue that last post here (Better Late Than Never (1)), because it was so long!! I need to continue with Thanksgiving, Christmas and our trip to Disney. I'll put the Disney stuff in a post of it's own...someday...

This was Annabelle's class play "A Teddy Bear's Christmas"... She's the one in the last row, directly in the middle. You know, the adorable one ;) .

Here is Jorja at the Pumpkin Patch. We had a fun outting with friends there.

Me and my sweet girls...

Jorja watches everyone play the Wii Rock Band, and she thinks she can jam along too! She can barely stand up while holding the guitar, but she is a mean drummer!

Umm....someone knows (and enjoys way too much) that she is into something she shouldn't be! The dogs all thank her dearly! Munch, munch.

This is the see saw that my parents gave the girls as an early Christmas present. They LOVE it!

One Proud Mama

2009-02-27T12:15:00.002-06:00

OK...I have to brag on my sweet girl, so if you don't want to hear it, too bad!! She has been doing sooo well in school! She is considered "Advanced" in most everything on her school evaluations, which is not a surprise as smart as she is, being her father's daughter and all .

But she is also a great kid at school. We keep trying to get tips from her teacher as to how she deals with Annabelle because, let's just say, we have a different child at HOME!! (My mom says she knows EXACTLY why, because the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, but I don't believe her for a second!!)

Anyway, Annabelle not only was chosen as the first mail carrier for her school's "Wee Mail" (you can see her and her fellow mail carrier dressed in their mail carrier shirts in a Polaroid on the mail box if you look VERY closely)....

....but she was selected as her class' Good Citizen for the month of February. A great honor where the local grocery store picks a morning to serve all the Good Citizen's a yummy breakfast!! She was THRILLED!

She is learning to read so well and is a part of the "Reading Counts" program where she takes home one book a night and then takes a quiz on it in the morning. She has passed all of her quizzes with flying colors! She loves school, but we still go through the "Do I HAVE to go to school today?" every morning because she is not a morning person (like her mama!!!).

I also had to put this ADORABLE picture in from Jorja's Valentine's Party at school. She is munching on a gigantic puppy dog cookie that her buddy Jackson and Carli's mom, Lauren made for the kids. I could not resist posting this baby!!

4th of the 4th

2009-02-26T12:29:00.004-06:00

Ok... Challenge from another blogger.

Post the fourth picture from the fourth folder of your pictures folder. Here's mine.

Kind of ironic it was a picture of Annabelle playing softball on the Polka Dots last year!! We are starting up softball tomorrow. Except one change....I am coaching!! The other team in her age group all moved up to the older group so they were in need of a coach for the 6 and under other "team". So here I am, having played college ball, but completely and totally out of shape now...

Since the Polka Dots were the existing team in the league, most all of the new girls that signed up got onto my team, so we're starting from scratch with BRAND new players. It should be LOTS of fun though.

We are going to be the Arkadelphia Diamonds (get it...softball diamonds...). While I was researching a team name I came across a terrible one for an Adult League. I mentioned it to Adam as a JOKE and he ran with it, trying to convince teammates of our Co-ed League that it should be our name and I think they agreed!! Hate to even mention the name here!! We'll see how that pans out...

We are happy and healthy...finally

2009-02-17T13:30:00.000-06:00

Okay, so everyone is healthy. Jorja is over the Rotavirus that had her down and out for about 7 days. We kept thinking we were over it and then she'd start throwing up again. She was such a trooper and, praise the Lord, no one else in the family got it. From what I hear, it has been spreading around town like wildfire!

Adam and I are doing well because we went to a marriage retreat over Valentine's weekend. LOL. No, it really was a great time. Our great pastor, Brother Stan Parris led the conference and it was very refreshing. Adam even got me some beautiful flowers, Junior Mints (my fav!) and a sweet card. He is always so thoughtful!

Jorja is loving school and has happily moved up after the new year to the "older" class. She is learning and absorbing it all like a sponge! She loves her teacher, Nikki!

Annabelle has been waiting for today all weekend long. "Mama? Can you wait for Tuesday?" Tuesday is the special day where her daddy is the school Watch D.O.G. A Watch D.O.G. (Dads of Great Students) spends the day at the school helping the teachers out and eating lunch with their kiddos. She was thrilled she would be on the closed-circuit TV with her daddy getting to say "Have a Koalaty Day!" So sweet. Adam said he couldn't stay in her classroom too long because she couldn't concentrate. She had to make sure her dad was standing right beside her chair. Love it!

More to come soon, I hope!!

My Poor Baby

2009-01-24T21:33:00.010-06:00

My baby has not eaten since Thursday at lunch! Jorja began feeling badly Thursday evening and wouldn't eat dinner Thursday night. Of course, her not eating is not unusual since she eats like a bird anyway, but I began to get concerned when she began heaving right after her bath.

We did the bedtime routine as usual, but when I set her down to get out of the rocking chair, up came everything she had eaten at lunch and for snacks all day! All over the rug. Then came the shrieking. No, not from Jorja, from Annabelle. She cannot handle her sister not feeling well, nor can she handle puke! Jorja was fine after she threw up until she saw her sister freaking out!

I tried to put her down in her bed after everyone calmed down and the carpet was cleaned, but after about 10 minutes, Jorja was crying and when I peeking in her bed was covered. Jorja managed to throw up just about every 30 minutes for the whole night, with diarreah too! Poor baby. We attempted pedialite but that just got thrown up too. She was in the pack-and-play in our room so I could stay up with her.

By the morning, she looked just terrible; sunken eyes, dry lips, droopy skin that doesn't bounce back, so dehydrated...very scary to see your baby look this way. She continued throwing up, but by this time it was just stomach acid and pedialite. I called the doctor and they said there was nothing they could do. Just wait it out and give her a couple teaspoons of pedialite every 20 minutes.

We did this all day long and she was able to keep most of it down by late afternoon. I thought she was on the mend by early evening when she finally got up and wanted to color with Annabelle. She went to bed at 8 without a problem and slept most all of the night! Yeah....or so I thought.

We began the pedialite first thing in the morning and it all came back up. Here we go again. Called the doc mid-morning. Same story except we may need to go to the hospital for an IV if she can't keep anything down. We hope it doesn't come to that! Still no food for Jorja going on 48 hours.

She spent the day in bed watching T.V. and napping on and off being woken every 20 minutes for a taste of pedialite. She was soooo thirsty, begging for her "medcin". Doctor's orders, drinks must be limited and NO FOOD!

Here we are now, 10:20 p.m., Day 2. Jorja tucked snuggly in bed with her couple of teaspoons of pedialite in a small sippy cup grasped in her hand. She still hasn't eaten, going on 56 hours, not much to drink. How much longer must she suffer?

This was my baby for the last two days...

Pray tomorrow is a better day. God is still good!

Better Late Than Never...

2009-01-19T14:33:00.015-06:00

I really need to rename my blog to "Better Late Than Never" because that is the story of my blogging! I have such good intentions to keep up on it but it never pans out. Here we are, mid-January and I have not even posted one this year!

So a lot has happened since my last post: Halloween, Annabelle's Baptism, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and a trip to Florida and Disney World.

First...is Halloween. We had a Bride, a Hershey's Kiss, and Minnie and Mickey Mouse.

I was asked by Annabelle's Kindergarten teacher to decorate a pumpkin to represent their class to the school. I chose to make Mike from the movie Monsters, Inc. I think it turned out pretty well!

This is Annabelle with her teacher, Mrs. Garner.

Second, but most importantly, Annabelle made the decision to make Jesus Christ her Lord and Savior. And at such a young age. We are all incredibly proud of her decision. An answer to much prayer, indeed!

Next is Thanksgiving. My parents were visiting from Florida, but we celebrated Thanksgiving at Adam's grandmother's house. This was her first Thanksgiving since her husband passed away Dec. 2007. We missed him.

My dad and Adam spent much of the time my parents were here building the girls a playground. It took a lot of work but it turned out great and the girls LOVE IT!!

More to follow on the other happenings soon....

Jorja...so many sweet things

2008-10-23T11:43:00.009-05:00

My baby is growing up so fast. I can't believe she is already a year-and-a-half! Here is a list of just a few of the sweet things going on with Jorja right now...

Says everyone's name that she meets: "Ah-belle" (Annabelle) "Sissy", "Da-dee" (Daddy), "Mama", "Nina", "Potz", "Kicki" (Nikki, her daycare provider), "Linda" (babysitter), "Car-ee" (Carly, buddy at day care) and the list goes on...

LOVES shoes and will not stand to be without them on unless she is going to sleep or getting in the tub.

Adores the game peek-a-boo; doesn't matter whether you are hiding or she is (peeking the whole time)

Laughs with all her shoulders and arms (kinda like George W. Bush) - hilarious

Hates vegetables and will refuse all food and hold out until she is offered something of which she approves

Squeals with delight every time Daddy comes home

Points at and tells her big sister to "Eeeat" while at the dinner table (think she's heard Mama tell Annabelle this one too many times?)

Talks on the remote control like it is a telephone (and listens to the microphone part of a real cell phone)

Favorite song is Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and sings it quite well (the A,B,C's coming in a close second, but the words begin A,B,G,S,F,T,B, now I...)

Insists on watching a DVD everytime she is in the car

Doesn't mind being dropped of at daycare at all and is very excited to go home afterward, but has a melt-down at home everyday after daycare (after being an angel ALL DAY LONG with them) which is only resolved with rocking in the rocking chair and watching Jo-Jo's Circus on TV.

Has a language all her own and is CONSTANTLY babbling and it appears that what she has to say it extremely important

Loves to be around Sissy, but does NOT like to be picked up by her (and has a wailing scream that is unique to that particular occurance).

Wants to be doing whatever her big sister is doing, which usually results in "Ah-belle, Ah-belle, Ah-belle!" when she has been locked out of Annabelle's room

Loves to work on the computer like Mom (keyboards are her friend) and loves the beep, beep, beep that follows turning the Caps Lock on and off over and over and over again

Lays down and goes right to sleep most nights after several kisses through the crib bars (back and forth along the crib bars)

Loves to "Tick-oo, tick-oo, tick-oo" you

Is very brave and a dare-devil and will has already far surpassed her sister in this area of bravery

Loves to get on the floor and wrestle and tackle people

Is very independent (insists on walking by herself and ahead of you) and wants what she wants, when she wants it (what 1 year old doesn't!)

Is a very polite little girl. Says her pleases ("peas"), thank yous ("day-do"), you're welcomes ("Elcome"), Bless Yous ("bess ooh") at the appropriate moments. "Dink, peas" (drink, please). She often says "Elcome" when you tell her to say please. Very cute.

Really enjoys books

Will only drink milk if it is Chocolate Milk!!

Is a great traveller (it's the other child we have to worry about :)

Just figured out that she loves to just sit on the kiddo potty (without "doing" anything, just sitting) and much prefers this to taking a bath, which she used to LOVE...

Enjoys standing on her head (like she is about to do a forward roll)

Cannot stand for the front door to be open and shuts it no matter how many times Mama opens it

Likes to play ball with the dogs "Kochie" (Mochie), "Gaggie" (Maggie), and "Bobo" (Bailey)

Likes to immitate any sounds she hears anyone make

Likes to color with crayons

Enjoys peeking her head out the doggie door

Is very good at sorting and organizing

Is the sweetest, cutest little girl you will ever meet (right up there with Annabelle!)

The Next Survivor Series

2008-10-23T11:40:00.001-05:00

Cute email I received...

THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks.

Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes. There is no fast food.

Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, and complete 20 science projects, cook, do laundry, and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money.

In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each week. Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives, and send cards out on time--no emailing.

Each man must also take each child to a doctor's a appointment, a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment. He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the Urgent Care.

He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a social function. Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house, planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times.

The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.

The men must shave their legs, wear makeup daily, adorn himself with jewelry, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes, keep fingernails polished and eyebrows groomed.

During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or slow down from other duties.

They must attend weekly school meetings, church, and find time at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.

They will need to read a book to the kids each night and in the morning, feed them, dress them, brush their teeth and comb their hair by 7:00 am.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information: each child's birthday, height, weight,shoe size, clothes size and doctor's name. Also the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of labor, each child's favorite color, middle name, favorite snack, favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear and what they want to be when they grow up.

The kids vote them off the island based on performance. The last man wins only if...he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment's notice. If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over and over again for the next 18-25 years eventually earning the right to be called Mother!

Slackin' Mama

2008-10-08T12:22:00.005-05:00

Ok - so a few posts back I said, "I'm baa-aack." Well, I've been gone for a while again. Slackin' mama, I know! My poor babies are unblogged. They are deprived. Well...at least compared to you other blogging moms that are great about it.

Life has been moving along quickly. I cannot believe that it is OCTOBER! Halloween is only 3 weeks away! My girly-girl Annabelle wants nothing more than to be a bride!! Oh dear, Nina you must be so thrilled. LOL!

I have posted a few random pictures from the past few months...

This is a shot of a couple of our hummingbirds on our front porch. For about three days, I had three hummingbirds feeding at the same time, which is quite rare since they are so territorial. Of course, the pictures with three feeding came out blurry, but here is a good one of two.
Here is Annabelle back in the spring playing softball. She loves it!!
Here is Annabelle right before the first day of Kindergarten! Can my baby be in KINDERGARTEN already?? Jorja was still sleeping at this early in the morning when this picture was taken. It has taken us a while to get used everyone up to get her to school so early! And it wouldn't be Annabelle if she didn't HAVE to wear a dress and church shoes!!
Here is Jorja hamming it up, as usual...
Here is a chicken breast that I thawed and I swear it looks like a shark. Random, I know, but interesting enough to share with you.

I will TRY to keep up a bit better... maybe I will post another before the girls graduate from High School!

Growing with the girls

2008-07-24T12:10:00.003-05:00

My parents bought Annabelle a tree when she was born (a Japanese Snow Bell that flowers just about right on her birthday every year) and Jorja a rose bush when she was born. It has been fun to see Annabelle grow along with her tree. We take a picture of her each year with it on her birthday. As you can see, she's goofing off in her RAIN BOOTS on a beautiful day! Annabelle absolutely LOVES to hold her sister.
Jorja's rose bush blossomed beautifully this year!

I'm ba-ack!

2008-07-23T07:30:00.002-05:00

I know it has been a long time since I have posted. I have been so busy, doing what I am unsure, but the time sure seems to fly by. Summer is half over and I can't believe it!

Annabelle starts Kindergarten in less than a month. She is very excited! She is at Henderson State University for summer session (where she has been attending for the last two school years) and loves seeing her friends every day. She graduates from "college" even before turning 6! ;) She is taking swimming lessons every evening for 8 days. She was dreading it and I could barely stand the incessant whining up until 5:30 pm Monday when she actually got in the water with a big smile on her face!

Jorja is walking and talking like crazy. She has really developed into her own unique person, with a BIG personality. It is fun to watch her develop. She loves her big sister but HATES to be pestered by her. Although she will be a much smaller version of her sister, she can already hold her own. She loves to tackle Annabelle and pull her hair. She is always thrilled by the squeals of pain Annabelle lets out when she has a handful of her hair! Jorja lets you know what she wants and when she wants it (NOW)! They are both so much fun!

The golf course and restaurant are doing well, but Adam is so busy we rarely see him! He is loving every minute, but we miss having him home. Maybe in the wintertime we'll get to see him more!

Well, I will publish some posts that are long overdue within the next day or so to catch you all up. Sorry to have been gone so long!

Oooh...do I LOVE that spaghetti!!

2008-05-11T15:02:00.005-05:00

Jorja REALLY got into her dinner on Wednesday night. She wasn't interested in eating any of it but sure had fun playing in it!!

Oh no!! In the hair, eyes, ears...everywhere, but oh, so fun!

Annabelle's 5th Birthday Party

2008-05-03T21:04:00.002-05:00

Annabelle's preschool lets out early each summer because they are on the same schedule as Henderson State. We wanted to catch all her classmates before they went out of town on vacations, so we decide to hold her birthday party right after the last day of school at DeGray Lake Lower Dam park. But the weather didn't cooperate (tornados and severe thunderstorms) and we had to post-pone her party by one day.

It turned out perfectly because the weather was absolutely perfect on Saturday! Sunny, 75 degees with a little wind which was great because we were going to fly kites at the party (the kites were the party favors).

Annabelle decided at the last minute that she wanted a Hannah Montana party, so the best we could do on short notice was a Hannah Montana birthday cake.

Colson, Maegan, Abigail, GraceAnn, and Lizzie

Drew and Graham

The wind kept the candles from being lit, so I think she got to blow out maybe one candle!

Mark, Adam, Jorja, and Jason
Staci (who is expecting twins due in August) and Mary

The chaos of Annabelle opening all her gifts...

Look what I got, Ma!
The kite flying fun has begun. Shelby and Annabelle have theirs in the air. Great job!

Maegan, Lizzie, Shelby and Abigail are having fun!

Go Shelby!

Mark and Kerigan - Wow!!! Look in the upper right of the picture for their kite.
Abigail, Olivia, Ben and Annabelle in the tree. They said it was a castle.
Miranda having fun in the sand.
Isabel and Tess swung for hours, I think!

Back to Front, Left to Right:
Dave, GraceAnn, Shelby, Annabelle, Abigail, Olivia, Maegan, Lizzie
Drew, Graham, Hannah, Ben, Kerigan, Miranda, Colson, Haley

Jorja wants the camera!
Annabelle's friend, Abigail is moving next week so I wanted to grab a picture of the best buds.
Annabelle just doesn't want to leave!!
Jorja and Annabelle were so exhausted after the party that they both crashed on the ride home!

Jorja's First Birthday Party

2008-04-12T23:51:00.000-05:00

For Jorja's First Birthday Party we just had family and friends over for a cookout. We grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, had cold spaghetti salad (which Jorja LOVED), chips and dip, cookies and, of course, birthday cake. We had the bakery at Brookshires design the cake just like the napkins and add some cute hand prints. It turned out cute and tasted delicious.

Shelby, Annabelle, Haley, and Jorja enjoying dinner.

Bethany in Jorja's Johnny Jumper

Jorja did NOT like the party hat on her head. As soon as I took it off her head, the crying stopped. Dig in!! Yummy sugar! So this is what I've been missing!

Did I make this mess??

Opening gifts - her attention span did not last long. Annabelle even got a "non-birthday" gift from Grandma.....of course!
Zoe looking too cute.

Jorja sharing with Zoe.
Overall, it was a great first birthday party. Jorja really enjoyed herself and everyone else seemed to as well. After Jorja went to bed, some party guests stayed for some evening games.

Annabelle Playing Softball - That's My Girl!

2008-04-12T16:56:00.002-05:00

Annabelle is playing softball for the first time this year (4, 5 and 6 year olds) and is getting the hang of it pretty quickly. It is a sport she really seems to enjoy. Since I got a full ride to pitch softball at the Colorado School of Mines, I am happy she is taking up the sport as well!

She is playing on the Polka Dots. Too cute. Their socks are polka dotted and they look like Dr. Seuss characters (some of the kids wear their socks pulled up to their thighs since they are so long!).

She is warming up to bat.

My cute super star!

Annabelle was so surprised that she hit the ball that she just stood there and watched all the action. :)

Annabelle played third and appeared to be ready for anything.

Jorja's 1st Birthday

2008-04-08T16:38:00.000-05:00

Jorja's First Birthday is already here! She has grown up so fast. We are all so proud of her. She has been a WONDERFUL, happy baby and a joy to everyone around her. She has just begun to sleep through the night. Hurray!! Adam was out of town for her birthday so it was just the three girls.

Jorja showing me her present.

Cars from Nina!! Jorja LOVES cars and balls!

Jorja exhausted after the festivities.
Annabelle hamming it up, as usual!
Annabelle playing with Jorja's loot while Jorja rested.

Alabama with the Smiths

2008-04-02T16:09:00.000-05:00

After we stayed with Shane, we spent the rest of the trip with Lane, Kate, Grace Ann, and Blake Smith in Birmingham. They just moved to Alabama but we already miss them!! It was a real treat to get to be with them for a few days.

Annabelle and Grace Ann picked up right where they left off. They had a ball!

They had a fabulous park right nearby...
Princess Mary Katharine :)
Jorja had a long day and fell asleep in the infant swing..
The following day we went to the Birmingham Zoo. It was a great zoo and we had lots of fun!
Annabelle, Grace Ann, Kate, and Blake on the Zoo Train

Wild-man Blake in the tub

Rub a dub dub, 3 men in the tub...wait...4
Annabelle could barely get out of the Flinstone Car after she squeezed in!
The Smith's home was gorgeous, inside and out. And no surprise that only two weeks after moving in (when we visited) their house was beautifully decorated and furnished, even with flowering plants potted outside the front door!! Can you believe the garage door used to be Banana yellow?

Alabama with Adam's friend Shane

2008-03-29T18:29:00.000-05:00

Adam had to go to Alabama for a continuing education PGA Course, so the girls and I decided to join him. Adam's best friend, Shane, lives in Alabama, so the first part of the trip we stayed with him and his family (and timed it perfectly to coinside with his son, Jackson's birthday party).

Jackson riding his John Deere Gator.

Annabelle riding Jackson's 4 wheeler
Annabelle and Jackson
Jackson's fake cry - aw......
Shane, Jackson and Susan
Jackson had his birthday party at a Children's Museum called Early Works.

Adam milking the cow in Biscuit's Backyard

The party crowd
The talking tree
Annabelle and Jackson fishing
Jorja looking adorable!

Easter in Connecticut 2

2008-03-25T14:08:00.000-05:00

Annabelle, Aunt Keebyn, Jorja, Kyndra, Nina, and Potz Annabelle, Jorja, and Kyndra
Beautiful Annabelle in her Easter dress
Beautiful Jorja in her Easter dress with her basketballs!
Sweet Sisters
Jorja with her Easter basket after the COLD Easter Egg hunt in Groton
All the girls bundled up after the hunt

Kyndra and one of her best friends, Anna Annabelle dressed up in MY grandmother's clothes I used to dress up in while visiting Gram in Vermont!
Kyndra and Annabelle

Annabelle sandwich!!
Keebyn, Jorja, Annabelle, and Kyndra
Keebyn, Mom, and Kyndra
Jorja loves Connecticut!!

Easter in Connecticut

2008-03-25T11:44:00.001-05:00

Not quite Christmas in Connecticut (the movie), the girls and I spent Easter with my parents and sister back home in Connecticut. It was a great time and was so nice to see everyone!

Jorja sees the background of my mom's computer which is a picture of her and Annabelle.

My sister Keebyn and Jorja playing.

Jorja was fascinated by my dad's mustache!

My mom is so proud she finally has grandchild that likes basketballs!!

Can you find Sleeping Beauty?

2008-02-11T16:40:00.001-06:00

Annabelle is such a wiggle wart in bed. Many mornings I find her upside-down or cross-wise. I never know what to find! On this particular morning, February 3, 2008, I walked in her room and didn't even realize she was still in the bed!!

Take a look...

She moved right before I took the picture because she heard the camera turn on....so her foot gives her away in the photo.

...

...

Can you see her?

...

...

Here she is!!!

Jorja's 10 months old!!

2008-02-11T14:53:00.001-06:00

Jorja is 10 months old now!! Can you believe it? She is such a doll. Since having the stomach bug and a cold a two weeks ago, we are still struggling with eating. She hates to sleep and miss ANYTHING, so naps and bedtime are a chore too!! But she is still such a happy baby, none-the-less! A joy to our world!

She has two teeth on the bottom and LOVES Cheerios. She has a great time with her big sis and is growing and changing daily. We adore this addition to our family, although it seems like she has been with us forever! What a blessing!

Surgery Recovery Update. WARNING...heebie-geebie photos

2008-02-11T14:44:00.001-06:00

Adam is getting better and better each day after his surgery. Although the cough from his lingering cold had made the recovery that much harder, he is almost there. He even wanted to play golf yesterday, but refrained (as far as he told me!!).

The incisions are healing, and although the photos give me the heebie-geebies, I have posted them here. He had a total of four incisions. Three across his belly and one in his belly button. Ew....

Successful surgery! Sore patient...

2008-02-05T16:04:00.000-06:00

Well, Adam came out of his gall bladder surgery this morning just fine. The doctor gave a thumbs up and said the laparoscopic surgery was a success. Adam is very sore but is enjoying being waited upon ;) He is a very good patient!

He had four incisions and one started bleeding when we got home, but all looks okay now. Praise the Lord!! Thanks so much for everyone's prayers!

Back from Dallas, but brought germs with us...

2008-02-01T19:52:00.001-06:00

Every time we go to Dallas we seem to get sick. This time Jorja and Adam got the stomach bug! Annabelle and I had it last time we went to Texas. I am sure we brought it with us down there, but sure seems like a coincidence that we have it when we are there!

Not only did we have the stomach yuck, but Adam and I have the crudy croup - yuck, yuck, yuck. I have lost my voice (which Adam doesn't seem to mind ;) Jorja still has the "residual" effects of the stomach bug and has such a raw, sore bottom ... need I say more. Poor baby. Not eating really well, only nursing, but still such a sweet, sweet girl!

Annabelle is always such a good sick kid too. We sure have been blessed in that sense! PTL!

Fishy Faces with Soph

2008-01-24T12:20:00.001-06:00

Friends came over for dinner and their adorable daughter, Sophi, wanted to give fishy kisses. So sweet...

Jorja was too busy thinking about "food"......you'd think she never gets to eat!!

Annabelle and her "boyfriend"

2008-01-22T13:10:00.001-06:00

Annabelle and her other 4 and 5 year old girlfriends are already talking about how they have "boyfriends"!! I cannot believe it is starting already. Well, over the Christmas break, Annabelle wanted to play with Colson, the friend she considers her "boyfriend" (but he has no clue!).

He came over and they bounced in her bouncy house and played cars and trains all afternoon. They had fun! 4 years old going on 13! Slow down!!

Our Web Albums are finally updated

2008-01-22T12:21:00.001-06:00

At least I am making a little progress:

Our trip to Disney world in December

Annabelle's Album

Jorja's Album

Jorja is pulling up on EVERYTHING!

2008-01-21T11:44:00.001-06:00

It is so fun to watch her achieve all of these milestones. Thought I would share some cute pics of her FIRST pulling up in her pack-n-play.

Jorja is growing up too fast

2008-01-15T10:46:00.001-06:00

Jorja is now over 9 months old and is hitting many milestones at once! Jorja is crawling, as of just before Christmas. She now has her first tooth!! She is pulling up on everything on her own. She waves and says "bye bye". She says "Da da" and "Ma ma" and loves her sissy!

She is eating all sorts of fruits and veggies and meats (in liquid form of course :). She LOVES Cheerios and goldfish. She hates naps and sleeping at night but loves to play pee-a-boo and giving sugars.

Jorja Crawling...what a big girl!

2007-12-24T20:02:00.000-06:00

Since Jorja started crawling, I wanted to post pics of the actual event. So here they are.....

She is at Grandma's house just before Christmas.

Playing ball with Mochie...

"Hot Air Balloon" Lift-off

2007-11-12T20:31:00.000-06:00

One of the HSU Practicum Teachers was teaching on transportation and taught the kids about hot air balloons. They each got to let their own "hot air balloon" go out on the playground. Fun stuff!!

Up...

And Away...

Aviation Field Trip

2007-11-12T19:59:00.000-06:00

Annabelle's class took a field trip to the HSU Aviation Building where they have flight simulators. Each kid got a chance to "pilot" a plane in the simulators, although the one she got in was broken at the time! She still loved it.

Annabelle and Shelby - together again...

Best Buds

2007-11-09T17:44:00.000-06:00

Friends Jennifer, Shelby and Bethany came over for a relaxing afternoon of play. The girls had lots of fun!

Jorja really wants to play with Bethany!!

Bethany gave Jorja a big, slobbery kiss!

Annabelle and Shelby are best-est friends :)

Darling picture of Jen and Bethany.

Grandma and Paw Paw's Visit

2007-10-30T17:02:00.001-05:00

Annabelle and Jorja had so much fun when Grandma and Paw Paw came for a visit and to watch Annabelle's last soccer game of the season.

Grandma and Jorja at Annabelle's soccer game.

Annabelle and her soccer trophy. She is sooo proud of it! Made all the soccer-suffering worthwhile!

Annabelle and Grandma at Cancun Restaurant.

Paw Paw and Jorja having fun.

Annabelle at Magic Screams with Friends

2007-10-30T16:44:00.001-05:00

Annabelle, two friends (Grace Ann S. and GraceAnn C.) and Mom and Dad went to Magic Springs ("Magic Screams" at Halloween) on Sunday for their last operating day of the year. We all had a blast!

Video of the Bouncy Kiddo Ride. Watch the look on Annabelle's face...priceless.

Annabelle in her Children's Choir Performance at Church

2007-10-28T23:51:00.000-05:00

Annabelle was so brave. She got right up in front of the whole church and sang so wonderfully!

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

Be Careful Little Eyes What You See

VERY CUTE!! Close up of the kiddos

Annabelle and her friend, Shelby

Jorja making a mess of the bathroom

2007-10-27T16:42:00.000-05:00

Boo at the (Little Rock) Zoo

2007-10-26T21:24:00.001-05:00

We went to Boo at the Zoo in Little Rock on Wednesday night and had a blast! I found a cute flower costume for Jorja a few months back, so then Annabelle HAD to be a flower too. However, I couldn't find a flower costume big enough for her. So then began the assembly. Felt, pipe cleaners, hot glue, a wooden bee, some colorful fringe, a green sweatsuit and even a slat from plastic blinds! Annabelle and Jorja won SECOND PLACE in the costume contest! They won a stuffed sheep. Annabelle was thrilled!
Shelby, Annabelle's friend, was an adorable cowgirl (her Grammy made her costume too!).

Who is who?

2007-10-26T11:11:00.000-05:00

Ok - which one is Annabelle at 6 months old and which one is Jorja. Submit your response via the Comment link below.

Jorja in her new favorite place...

2007-10-23T10:18:00.000-05:00

Jorja just figured out how to jump around in her Jumparoo. Now will she ever stop :)

Our Little Burrito Baby

2007-10-11T20:51:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago we finally broke down and bought "The Miracle Blanket" since Jorja was still waking up every 2 to 3 hours every night!! A couple of friends had suggested we try it and we were willing to try anything.

Well...over night her sleeping habits changed. She is now sleeping in her crib every night and only waking up once (usually) if at all during the night. A true "miracle".

She is going to bed between 8 and 9 every night and Mom and Dad are happy to have their bed back to themselves!

We call Jorja Our Little Burrito Baby in her blanket. :)

Jorja in her Johnny Jump Up

2007-10-11T12:15:00.001-05:00

She has so much fun in her jumper. She is such a cutie.

Spinning around...

Bouncing...

Manchester Pumpkin Day

2007-10-11T11:20:00.000-05:00

Pumkin Day at Hunter Christmas Tree Farm is always lots of fun!

We were able to pick out some pumpkins, eat some yummy food and see lots of good friends, all while taking some cute pictures!

Face painting - first she didn't want to do it, then her friends Olivia and Lily were having their's painted. Then she wanted two; a pumpkin and a rainbow.

Annabelle and Lily on the old fashion fire engine

The family

A Man Fell in a Hole

2007-10-10T12:31:00.000-05:00

A modern parable, this insightful clip examines the life of a man searching through the false promises of other religions and finding his salvation in Christ.

Anita Renfroe's Mom's Overture - Really Funny

2007-10-03T09:27:00.000-05:00

Jorja Sitting Up

2007-09-27T12:29:00.001-05:00

She is growing up sooo fast.

Belle playing soccer

2007-09-22T23:51:00.000-05:00

She is getting better every time she plays. She is still quite timid about it, but in practice she is kicking and running and really liking it (she HATED it at first, crying to daddy to take her home). We are making progress!

Throwing the ball in...
The two other girls on Annabelle's team sitting in the middle of the field DURING the game!
Pep talk by the coach, Glen Manning.
Annabelle says this is her boyfriend, Colson. He had to hold the coach's hand during the game.
Annabelle and Colson talking.

Here is a cute video of her kicking off during the game...

POWERFUL Lifehouse Everything Skit

2007-09-20T10:54:00.000-05:00

Belle swimming on her own!!

2007-09-12T10:28:00.000-05:00

Annabelle learned how to swim this summer, thanks to Nina giving her lots of lessons!!
This was Sept. 7, 2007 at our San Antonio time share.

Then Sept. 9, 2007 at Grandma's house in Rowlett, TX.

Jorja Rolling Over

2007-07-23T12:08:00.000-05:00

Belle is four, going on five - wow!

2007-07-19T16:29:00.001-05:00

Some precious photos

2007-07-19T16:10:00.001-05:00

She is finally here!! Easter Day 2007

2007-04-10T16:09:00.000-05:00

Born: April 8, 2007 @ 2:30 PM
Height: 19 ¾
Weight: 8 lbs. 0 oz.

Only 3 Weeks Left!!

2007-03-13T09:15:00.000-05:00

The pregnancy has been a smooth one, except for the PUPPS (itchy bumps), heartburn, pressure, swelling, and LOTS of weight gain. Feeling pretty well, although the last week, I have felt the best. Seems kinda backwards to me! No high blood pressure this time, so no bed rest. Yippee!

I think we have settled on a name, Jorja Hazelyn. We'll see if that changes within the next 3 weeks :)

Madame Zaritska's reading:

The day you deliver, outside will be warm. Your baby will arrive in the early evening.

After a labor lasting approximately 3 hours, your child, a girl, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 7 pounds, 3 ounces, and will be 21 inches long. This child will have green eyes and some very fine hair.

Hmmm. Let's see how right she is....

Belle is sooo excited to become a big sister! She will be a great one.

Progressing Nicely - It's a GIRL!!

2007-01-30T21:02:00.000-06:00

Found out today that 100% it is a girl. Now 31 weeks along, she is moving like crazy. Here are the sonogram pictures from today.

Her head...

See here, for sure a girl ;) ...

Face profile (eyes, nose) with what looks like her hand in front of her face....

Prayers Answered So Far, Keep Praying

2006-08-23T09:10:00.000-05:00

After the last Drs. visit, all looks AOK!! "This should be a great pregnancy," said the doc. Hurray! God is good!

5 weeks

6 weeks

7 weeks

Almost 4!!

2006-08-14T09:57:00.000-05:00

Prayers Needed

2006-08-09T08:59:00.000-05:00

We are 5 ¹/₂ weeks pregnant - due date April 6, 2006. Although I am already having complications with my body trying to miscarry (again). Please pray for the safety of our baby and Belle's little sister or brother!

Cute Quote

2006-07-31T11:30:00.000-05:00

Mom: Don't get off the chair [in a restaurant] with your bare feet.

Belle: They aren't bear feet, they're Annabelle feet.

Moms - you are amazing

2006-07-28T09:39:00.000-05:00

MOM - JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION : Mother, Mom, Mama, Mommy, Ma JOB DESCRIPTION : Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required. RESPONSIBILITIES: The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be in dispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility. POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION: Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE : None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis. WAGES AND COMPENSATION: Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more. BENEFITS: While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right. Forward this on to all the Moms you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis, and let them know they are appreciated !

What is happening to me?

2006-07-13T13:26:00.000-05:00

Adam and I went to a member's house for steaks and shrimp the weekend before last. I drank my one alcoholic beverage for the year (Corona) then switched to Gatorade. Within an hour of arriving, my left foot began aching. I didn't think anything of it.

An hour or two later, I was hobbling around in pain, but it was still bearable. By the end of the night (about 5 hours after we arrived), my foot was throbbing horribly and I could not even stand up! I would have walked out (or hobbled) if there was any way I would have, but since it hurt to hop since it shook my foot, I had to have Adam carry me out! Not without a snide comment, however; "You didn't weigh this much when we got married." Rude!!

I was in such excruciating pain when I got home that I laid it bed trying to get comfortable. Unable to get comfy I asked Adam to call his mom, a nurse, to see what it might be. He called with a huff. She said it might be tendinitis and to wrap it in a comfortable position. Considering I couldn't find a comfortable position, we wrapped it anyway. While Adam went back to work for a while, I called my sister (a PT). It think I scared her to death calling that late (12:20am) but she said it might be due to a insect bite (since there was no swelling) or a blood and suggested I go to the ER just in case. I didn't argue since I was considering it anyway!

Once Adam returned from wrapping things up at work, we drove to the ER. Not another patient around, but ended up having to wait 45 minutes... The doctor came in for about a minute and diagnosed it as Gout (without even doing a blood test!). He said it was not the old people's form of arthritis.

He sent a nurse in to give me a cortosone shot (which would help my poison ivy that I had gotten the day before too). Right in the heinie. Yow! Was not immediate relief and I had to leave the hospital on crutches, but within 12 hours I was hobbling around and within 3 days was back on my feet, as good as new! What a miracle drug.

Luckily, Belle had stayed at her grandparents for the night so did not have to be hauled to the ER with us! One blessing for sure!

I did some research on the net the next day and came to some interesting conclusions. The cause of Gout is really unknown, but some believe it is due to alcoholism (! - guess my one beer a year is over the limit!) and red meat (that darn steak - guess I will have to stick to the shrimp!). It is a build up of some form of crystal in the joint the causes excruciating pain and is usually recurring over months or years - yippee :-/ Although the joint afflicted by Gout is usually the big toe, mine was in the middle-outside of the left foot. Hope it doesn't come back any time soon!

Belle and Mochie

2006-07-12T11:25:00.000-05:00

Think Belle loves her new puppy, Mochie???

Belle and Mochie Video

2006-07-10T10:58:00.000-05:00

Belle's New Friend

2006-07-10T10:36:00.000-05:00

Belle got a puppy today. She named her Mochie after my sister's dog, Mocha (whom Belle LOVES). She is such a sweetie. Belle just wags her all around and Mochie doesn't mind. Mochie bugs the heck out of Maggie which she hates, but is hilarious because Maggie did the same thing to other dogs when she was a pup.

Hole-in-One

2006-06-22T10:38:00.000-05:00

Adam hit a hole-in-one yesterday on hole 10 at Turtle Pointe, so we went up to the club to celebrate. I was coaching Belle on the way there on what she would say, "Congratulations, Daddy!" As we practiced, she would say, "Gradulation Daddy!"

When we arrived at the club she ran up to him and said, "Happy Birthday, Daddy!" What a cutie!

Aquatic Park

2006-06-16T16:01:00.000-05:00

Belle and I, Kate and Grace Ann, and Emory and Abigail all went to the Arkadelphia water park today. All the girls had a blast! It was very crowded for a Friday early afternoon. Belle would not go down the Froggie slide, but Grace Ann just went over and over and over. I know if she just tried it she would love it.

It was a gorgeous day. Only about 85° or 90° today with a breeze. Can't beat that! But I think I will stick with the Turtle Pointe pool. Much calmer and more relaxed. I'll be able to keep a much better eye on her.

Nina and Potz left for their trip to Alaska today. Very excited for them! Check out their Travel Blog.

Well Belle is sleeping so I should go and get my scrapbook stuff together for the Girls' Get Together!

VBS

2006-06-12T11:10:00.000-05:00

Today Belle starts VBS. They wisked her off quickly which felt kinda weird, but okay. No goodbyes this morning. She'll love it! She refused to put on the bright green tee, but once we were going to leave, she thought it might be okay. :-)

Left Bwee out back and he was waiting at the front door when I returned. Must fix that fence!!

First Two Years

2006-06-01T09:25:00.000-05:00

Strawberry Picking

2006-05-30T12:38:00.000-05:00

5K Farms, Donaldson, AR

May 13, 2006

Read even if you're BUSY!

2006-05-30T12:30:00.000-05:00

SATAN'S MEETING:
(Read even if you're busy)

Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.
In his opening address he said,

"We can't keep Christians from going to church."

"We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth."

"We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their
saviour."

"Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken."

"So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish
dinners, BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a
relationship with Jesus Christ.."

"This is what I want you to do," said the devil:

"Distract them from gaining hold of their Saviour and maintaining that
vital connection throughout their day!"

"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.

"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable
schemes to occupy their minds," he answered.

"Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow."

"Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work
6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty
lifestyles."

"Keep them from spending time with their children."

"As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from
the pressures of work!"

"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small
voice."

"Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive." To
keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see
to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music
constantly."

"This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."

"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers."

"Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day."

"Invade their driving moments with billboards."

"Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes,
and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products,
services and false hopes.."

"Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands
will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become
dissatisfied with their wives. "

"Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night."

"Give them headaches too! "

"If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to
look elsewhere."

"That will fragment their families quickly!"

"Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the
real meaning of Christmas."

"Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and
power over sin and death."

"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive."

"Have them return from their recreation exhausted."

"Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send
them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies
instead."

"Keep them busy, busy, busy!"

"And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and
small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences."

"Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power
from Jesus."

"Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health
and family for the good of the cause."

"It will work!"

It was quite a plan!

The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere
to get busier and more rushed, going here and there.

Having little time for their God or their families.

Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.

I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?

You be the judge!!!!!

Does "BUSY" mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?
Please pass this on, if you aren't too BUSY!

Cutie Patooties

2006-05-30T12:23:00.000-05:00

Cutie Patootie on the swing

3 cuties - Belle, Rose, & Grace Ann

Belle's First Two Years Video

2005-05-08T11:58:00.000-05:00