Lemberg Life

Let's Go to Granbury, Girls!

2012-02-11T20:50:00.006-06:00

This is probably where we should have stayed for our girls weekend - if nothing else, simply for the name. I think it was built for us!

Shopping was our main squeeze last weekend as I met up with my two favorite childhood girls for our annual weekend together. Instead of owning every cute thing I saw, I decided to photograph most of it!

Growing up 90 miles from the border, we mange to find it everywhere we go. The waitresses at Ayala's, a yummy little Mexican restaurant in Granbury, thought we were having too much fun laughing together to let us leave without trying on their sombreros for a photo session. I think the back of my hat must have been sat on, or used as a taco at some point. It was squished!

We found a wonderful steak house there as well.

And this was our cutesy little bed and breakfast - The Pomegranate House! And yes, we had pomegranate juice for breakfast.

...just some more cute things we found while shopping.

Our weekend was shorter (for me) than usual, but the time was still valued. Katie and Beth will always be the girls that know everything about me and they will always be the friends that no matter how much time is between us, we pick up right where we left off. No matter our differences, the love and respect we developed for each other will never diminish. I love those girls.

What Made This Sunday Super?

2012-01-29T19:28:00.005-06:00

I had a really good night's sleep. Little to no pain in my hands and arms.

Cannon woke up and turned on his own TV and laid in his bed so we could sleep a little while longer.

Daddy had donuts picked up and delivered by the time I got out of the shower.

We got to church early!

Cannon was the first kid in his class so we got to hang out and visit with his teacher for a minute.

Lance and I had some brief, honest conversations prior to the service...and then Pastor Graham actually commented on exactly what we'd discussed in those particular conversations. One of those God wink/warm your heart moments.

After church we visited, for a while, with a couple we've been acquainted with but not necessarily spent a lot of time talking to. And guess what? Following the conversation it looks like we're going to try their small group class on Sunday mornings at 9:15. If you know anything about our involvement in church, you know this a step I've prayed about for quite some time.

After a quick stop for groceries, we came home and Lance grilled steaks while I got a week's worth of cooking accomplished! I've got fresh cooked green beans, pinto beans, and carrots...I've got sliced strawberries, celery, and cucumbers ready to go as well. And not to leave out any sweets, I whipped up a batch of cupcakes complete with sprinkles. No way any of this would have gotten done had my parents not come this week and my mom finish every load of laundry I had backed up!

When the cooking was complete we played a little back yard baseball until our future Ranger hit every ball over the neighbor's fence in to that neighbor's, neighbor's yard! With our last ball, Cannon worked on his catching skills while bouncing on the trampoline trying to catch every throw Lance lobbed over the trampoline net. He especially loved all the diving from one side of the trampoline to the other.

Husband vacuumed the house and emptied the dishwasher. :-)

I got 5 sets of papers graded and recorded.

We caught Cannon singing in the shower and recorded it. He sang "Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah......praise ye the Lord!" I'm sure he picked this up at church this morning. Love that kid.

We caught a couple episodes of My Redneck Vacation and Undercover Boss and now we're settling down for another good night's sleep.

The icing on my cupcake-kind-of-day? Sitting in my big green fluffy chair watching my belly dance. Lady Bug Leighton is a busy little girl.

Praise God for our super Sunday!

Farming Ants

2012-01-24T18:53:00.003-06:00

I have always thought ant farms were fascinating and having a little boy gave me all the more reason to get one. Lance wanted no part of the project as his cautious self could only envision the ants someday escaping their farm and taking over our home. Since we usually have planned gifts we get Cannon for Christmas and then while shopping we usually each get him something of our own choice (no questions asked), I decided this was the year my personal gift would be an ant farm!

I picked up this gel all-inclusive ant farm at Toys 'R Us for Christmas, but we had to order the harvest ants on line. They finally came in the mail this week! 25-30 huge red ants came in this little vile. After reading the instructions - carefully - we read that we needed to refrigerate the little crazies before taking their lid off. The refrigeration was supposed to settle them down so we could have an easy transfer from the vile to the gel farm.

This cool poster came with our supplies! Cannon was oh so hopeful we'd hang it in the kitchen next to the plant and the ants but, ahem, no.....it wasn't going to hang in our kitchen by the table. Nice try. He settled for letting the poster sit next to the farm in case we needed to reference something.

He was really quite excited and fascinated about the idea of having them in our house; hence the silly grin.

I like the fact that once the lid is on, it's on! The gel provides all the moisture and nutrients they need. We pre-dug the three tunnels you see. Their job (after they get settled in to their new home) is to continue digging, building and "working" as they would in a normal habitat!

Updates and death toll to come. I'm sure they won't all survive. My question is - what do the live ones do with the dead ones???

Hello Heaven

2012-01-14T11:08:00.005-06:00

I imagine as soon as you met Jesus this morning, our family was there to greet you. I imagine your mother, Granny Annie, was particularly happy to wrap her arms around you and squeeze.

(Thanksgiving 2010 Don and Ewell Sessom)

These pictures do not at all capture how I will remember you. You were strong, fiesty, and quite witty - like Gus from Lonesome Dove (as I often told you).

(Thanksgiving 2010, Uncle Ewell, Aunt Cecelia, and Cannon)

Being close to 15 years older than my dad, and me not ever knowing my grandfather (you and my dad's dad) - I always looked to you as a grandfather figure. Christmas time - well, anytime - at your big house in Brady has always provided happy memories.

(Thanksgiving 2009, Ewell and Ceclia, showing his "Sessom" grin)

You are the only family member I've watched age, and now lost - and you are the one family member I've spent the most time with throughout my 34 years. I'll miss you and will always wish I'd known you longer - especially when you were younger. To me, you'll always be Gus.

(Thanksgiving 2009, Uncle Ewell, dad, and Cannon)

While I Was Napping...

2012-01-08T21:20:00.003-06:00

Before I dozed off he asked for a bowl...that he could keep....to use for his rabbit house. Not being sure what exactly this would involve, but knowing how much he loves to create things, I gave him one of my kitchen bowls.

I think I remember him asking what he could use for a fence and I sleepily told him to look through his "art" draw in his desk. Pipe cleaner is what he found.

The actual rabbit house was built with his daddy sometime last year but he moved it from it's original location to this corner of the yard where he was building his rabbit estate. He completed the mansion with a leaf steeple and skull bones hanging from tape.

His rabbit will have a path leading to his home which is padded with leaves and grass.

And when the rabbit feels like getting some (more) fresh air, he/she can slip out to his personal beach.

Cannon did need a little help with the tape on his fence. Just before I woke up from my two hour siesta, he had talked his daddy in to tearing strips of duck tape for him so he could piece together his fence.

As soon as I woke up he asked me to come see his rabbit "estate". My mouth dropped when I rounded the corner in our back yard. I was so impressed!

And where's the rabbit, you may ask? Before he began working on his estate he tied green string to the bottom of a black basket and then hung the basket from a tree in the backyard. His hope is to be outside at just the right time... when a rabbit runs by...so he can cut the string and drop the trap on the rabbit. Again, completely his idea.

I would have taken pictures of him creating and hanging his trap had I known what he'd end up creating the rest of the afternoon - but my recount will have to suffice. I'll add a picture of the trap though tomorrow.

Thanks for delighting in my Little Man's creation. He's got a mind of his own...and I love it!

Big Brother

2012-01-08T14:36:00.005-06:00

He will be THE best big brother ever. He's so anxious about her arrival. He asks questions and says things such as...

"When you're at work and I am in school next year, who will keep Leighton?"

"Will Leighton be here when I'm in the 20th grade?"

"Can Leighton sleep in my room?"

"Daddy, you won't be able to have tickle fights with Leighton. You'll break her."

"Mom, can I share this food with Leighton when she's a baby?"

"Mom, where will Leighton poop and pee?"

I'm quite possibly more excited about Cannon getting to be a big brother than I am about any other aspect of this baby.
There's so many positives about the age difference between these two, which will be just at 7 years.

Cannon is incredibly independent. As soon as he learns to tie is stink'n shoes, I will be able to say he's 100% independent in the mornings before school. I turn his shower water on - but past that he showers, towels off, gets dressed, takes his dirties to the laundry room, and brushes his teeth. I haven't "let go" of combing his hair for him yet and most mornings I cook his breakfast - but he's content fixing himself a bowl of cereal as well.

In addition, we'll get to enjoy the "firsts" all over again while enjoying everything Cannon continues to be involved in. They'll always been in such different places in life. There also won't be the level of competition that would be there if they were closer in age or if they were both boys.

Just as I am so excited to watch Cannon become a big brother, I can't wait to see Lance father a little girl. Raised with a brother and a mother who was a true "boy-mom", having a little girl steal his heart will be quite the show.

Praise God for our growing family.

The Gun Went Off...In the House

2012-01-05T21:46:00.005-06:00

Lance shot this off IN our home. No lie.

In case you don't know guns, let me relieve your tension just a bit.

This is only an air pistol BB gun; however, something still comes out of end of the barrel - and - Lance did fire it off in my kitchen.

In the last year we've introduced Cannon to his own BB gun (rifle style) and he's used it quite a bit. He's actually very safe with it - careful to always keep it pointed towards the ground and his finger off of the trigger unless he's shooting.

For Christmas, I got Lance a 9mm handgun - so to match daddy, Cannon got a pistol style BB gun.

The first pistol style BB gun that was purchased had to be returned because something about it kept jamming. A few days later, after the replacement was purchased, Lance sat down at the table with the new gun and the directions. Upon reading everything carefully and piecing everything together (including loading it with BB's) he took the BB pistol outside to shoot it in to the grass...just to be sure it worked (unlike the first one).

The gun didn't work. Every BB fell directly out of the end of the barrel as though it was a 5 lb weight. Bloop.

Lance continued to shoot each BB so he could empty the gun and then came back in to reread the directions.

What had he done wrong?

He made the adjustments to the BB pistol according to what he understood from the "reread". He planned to dry fire the pistol (since he'd emptied the BB's in the yard) so he quickly turned the gun towards the carpet under the kitchen table (which all sits upon a tile floor) and he pulled.the.trigger.

Let me sssssllllllooooooow down a bit to recreate the scene. We're all three sitting at the kitchen table - Cannon and I both eating lunch. I'm enjoying my mile high sandwich...Cannon is drowning every nugget in ketchup. We're both intently watching every move Lance makes simply because we're all interested in the new purchase.

Cannon and I had both watched the 1st failed attempt in the yard...when the BB's all fell out of the gun. Elsie was even sniffing out all the action.

We continued to watch Lance as he made the necessary adjustments and we were waiting for him to fill the pistol back up with BB's and head back to the yard to once again fire the pistol in the grass.

But we hadn't quite made it that far in his gun assembly when Cannon witnessed a hands-on, hard core lesson.

So, where was I? Oh ya. After the 1st failed attempt to load and shoot the gun, he came back in side and sat down across the kitchen table from Cannon and I. He made the necessary adjustments and made sure the gun was BB free. He then quickly used his right hand and pointed the pistol towards the carpet under the table on his side....and intended to dry fire.

I'll never forget the back and forth ping!-shing!-ding!-ring! I heard around my kitchen as we sat together at the table - Cannon and I with frozen mouths full of food.

We were in shock! Did that really just happen? Cannon jumped up and retrieved the TWO BB's from opposite sides of the kitchen and all I remember Lance saying is, "Well. Cannon. That's exactly why you ALWAYS pretend like there is a bullet in the gun...even when you think you know there isn't".

Cannon began "chew'n" on his daddy as though the roles were reversed! Cannon couldn't believe his daddy had done such a thing!

Apparently what had happened was....remember when the 1st attempt to fire the gun resulted in the BB's falling directly out of the barrel and in to the grass? Well, obviously not all of the BB's fell out. The "chamber" where the BB's are held was empty, so Lance assumed the gun was empty. But two little BB's were still hanging out in the barrel and Lance couldn't' see those.

Lesson learned. For both Lemberg boys!

Intentional Living

2012-01-01T12:57:00.006-06:00

That's my resolution for 2012 - to live intentionally.

I have goals, or resolutions, for the new year, but my focus is for the month of January. Anything I change and "walk myself through" every day for 30 days will become a part of me....or a "habit", if you will.

Usually New Year's resolutions for myself have been directly about myself. Ya know, the usual. Eat better, lose weight, and remain active. With Leighton's pregnancy, most of that has taken care of itself - obviously not for how I will look, but for how I will feel.

This year I'm focusing more on what I can do and be for my family, friends, and those in my life I'm not as aware of. However, I can't be who God wants me to be for others if I'm not intentional about what comes in to my life.

So, 2012's goal #1:

Be intentional about what I see, hear, and consume. After all, what comes in, goes out.

I also plan to focus on finding a balance between what I've already committed to and where I know I need to be. The only trait that will bridge the gap between where I am and where I want to be is grace. Although grace is a trait I was at one time generous with, I know I've changed. I've allowed a relationship and an experience to change my attitude about grace towards others. I'm happy that I've realized the sources of my negativity - but I want my gracious personality back. If you read the right side bar of my blog I state that in 1998 I came to understand God's grace in a way I'd not known it. His grace saved me from myself and because of that "saving grace" I've wanted to live a life showing grace to others. I drifted away from that, but thank God, I'm back. If I didn't have a relationship with Him, I wouldn't know I had let that part of my life change. But I'm back. Thank. God.

2012's goal #2:

Gracefully find a balance between what I've already committed to and where I want to be. Ironically enough, some things I've already committed to are what I let sabotage the grace I used to give...and it will now take giving grace back to those commitments to find the balance I'm searching for.

The only resource in which I know I will find this grace is from the Bible. I have to carve a time in my day to spend one on one time reading the only words I have from my Savior.

2012's goal #3

Read the Bible daily...and pray with intention.

Click on the following link if you're interested. How to read the Bible.

To come full circle, if I don't make an intentional effort these first 30 days to make these 3 changes another year will begin to roll out and the next thing I know it'll just be, another year.

Of course extraordinary things have happened in my life every one of the 34 years I've been here, but imagine what I could be for God if just once I chose to live intentionally for Him. Everything else....all the details that I know are not only my desire, but also God's, will happen if I focus on these three areas of concern.

I share this because I'm looking forward to blogger keeping me accountable.

Instead of feeling "good" as I may have setting previous New Year's resolutions - this year I feel driven. I feel focused. I feel intentional.

According to Cannon 2011

2011-12-31T13:40:00.003-06:00

An end of the year interview with Sir Cannon...by his mommy.

1. What are the important things in life? Tell me 5 things.

giving, sharing, playing, inviting friends over, and playing with you (well said)

2. What are the best foods on earth?

Pizza, plain noodles, steak, and cheddar cheese

3. What are the best games to play? games on the ipad, football, air hockey, and marbles

4. What should everybody know about church?

They should know how to pray.

5. What is the worst thing to have to do at home?

clean up your room

6. What is the worst errand to run with mommy? going to walmart

Why? We stay there so long!

7. What is the worst thing to have to do with daddy? Tickle fights.

Why? Because he hurts mommy when we have tickle fights. (actually mommy just starts screaming so Cannon will come to her rescue!

8. What is the best thing about having Elsie?

Throwing the tennis ball with her.

9. What is the best thing about school? Playing outside.

Why? Because you get to play with your friends. (He's such an only child and suc a people person).

10. How do you feel about Leighton joining our family? She’ll be girly.

11. If you were to interview mommy about when she was your age, what is one question you would ask her? Did you do bad things when you were 6…..like break lamps?

12. If you were to interview daddy about when he was your age, what is one question you would ask him? Did he play soccer?

13. What is the best thing about Cannon? He is thankful. What are you thankful for? My friends.

14. What is the worst thing about Cannon? It’s not good when I sometimes fall on Elsie.

15. What do you like most about your room? That is has all my stuff in it.

16. Have you enjoyed this interview? Yes. I mean no. Why not? Because you ask me a hundred questions.

17. What is your favorite song? Fins!

18. What is your favorite color? Green and blue and yellow.

19. Who is your best friend at school? Mason and Jayden

20. Who is your girlfriend? Sophia Martinez. I mean nobody. Noooo, mommy! Don't write that! It's nobody!!!!

21. Do you like your teacher Mrs. Henry? Uh, huh. What do you like about her? I like that she’s my teacher because gives us work.

22. Anything else you want to say? No!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-29T16:55:00.006-06:00

I completely dropped the ball this year when it came to getting the camera out. We celebrated Christmas on three separate occasions and on all three I took some pretty random shots. Never once did I get a "family" photo with any one group. The following pictures, though, sum up quite a bit.

Cannon knows we have Christmas because we are celebrating Jesus' birthday. Jesus is so gracious and generous he lets us all exchange gifts for his birthday. Santa Claus is one of Jesus' helpers and he delivers all of His gifts for Him.

In addition to counting down the days to Christmas with random acts of kindness towards others, this year we enjoyed the talking gingerbread boy compliments of Granny Carol. You can see him there on the right. He was motion activated and Cannon had everyone of his little "sayings" memorized in no time. Elsie the Elf was another highlight this year as he was found in a bag of chips, sticky faced from a candy cane, and stuck in the window blinds one morning before school.

Here's Cannon's annual gift for Santa - minus the banana bread he wanted to leave but ate instead!

This year he insisted the reindeer food go on the roof. He had to mix oatmeal with exactly 8 carrots - not sure where he got the recipe - but that's exactly what the reindeer needed to eat.

And even though he was amazed to find the empty bowl on the ground the next morning, he still made daddy lift him up to see if anything was left on the roof. ;-)

And yes folks, it was 30 degrees Christmas morning. It's official. I'm married to an eskimo.

We spend Christmas morning in our own home as we have the last 4 years, but we certainly enjoyed seeing our families in the days surrounding Christmas day. My parents came to town the weekend before Christmas and after I finished three more days of school, our Christmas vacation officially began!

Lance's brother's twins, Andrew and Gia, spent Christmas eve with the Lemberg family - so instead of having them travel to see extended family, we decided to stay in town this year and have the Lemberg Christmas at my in-laws on Christmas eve. It was great to have Cannon and his cousins together opening gifts!

Aside from the traditions we've built in our own home, my priority during our break is seeing family and friends, and the resting and recharging before we head back in to the 2nd semester. Spending one on one time with Cannon and making up for lost time since summer is something else we enjoy doing. Next year we'll have a whole new little bundle of joy to share the holidays with.

Watching your children and enjoying them while they're little is priceless. They too will grow up, start families, and enjoy their little family traditions. I chose to treasure mine while we have them.

I pray your Christmas was a time of family, friends, and love. I pray the New Year, 2012, brings you and yours bliss.

Beautiful Picture

2011-12-19T20:11:00.003-06:00

I finally synced my phone and computer and uploaded this perfect picture to the computer so I could share it on blogger. I will be 19 weeks Wednesday, but this picture was from my 16 week appointment. Cannon's sono pictures were, well - to say the least, unrecognizable. I pulled them out again yesterday and the only good one we had was from his backside. His spine showed up beautifully, as well as his head - but this picture of Leighton. Wow! You can see it all!

I posted this on FB immediately following the visit and I had the cutest comments. One person thought it looked like she is laying in a hammock, left arm behind her head and whistling a tune. I agree. Whatever she's doing, she looked 10 times more relaxed than I've felt!

December 28 marks 5 months so we'll be headed in on the 27th for her full anatomy scan. Can't wait to see you again Lady L!

Hoop It Up

2011-12-12T22:07:00.002-06:00

Kindergarten basketball is a whole other level of fun compared to kindergarten football. I'm assuming because the game is so much faster and there's so many more rules to follow....but one thing is for sure, it's one entertaining 40 minute event to watch! More to come on this "Lil Hooper".

Right Now...

2011-12-10T21:02:00.002-06:00

I just saw this on Allison's blog and thought it looked fun since I am avoiding the laundry...

Right now I am...

Watching: Storage Wars (husband has the remote)

Eating: Nothing. I just polished off popcorn

Drinking: Water. I just washed the popcorn down with cranberry ginger ale.

Wearing: My favorite flannel pj's.

Avoiding: The dryer. If it comes out, it has to be folded...and I'm not getting up right now.

Feeling: Content. I'm snuggled in my green chair, covered in my favorite fleece, with Elsie curled up right by my side.

Missing: How Cannon used to curl up next to me in this chair...along with Elsie...but we no longer all fit comfortably!

Thankful: For the movement I'm beginning to feel in my tummy. I can't wait to meet Lady L.

Weather: 40 degrees

Needing: A really good moisturizer. Not sure what's up with this hormone overloaded itchy dry skin.

Thinking: About shutting everything down and heading off to bed. I'm no longer napping, but when it's bed time....it's bed time!

Loving: The thought of Cannon getting to be a big brother.

What are you doing right now?

He Continues to Grow...

2011-12-08T21:33:00.003-06:00

...and it's bitter sweet.

If he wakes up in the middle of the night, he crawls in to bed with me. He crawls over me, gently pushes Elsie out from between Lance and I, snuggles down and is quickly "out". (At which point Elsie gets on the edge of the bed and curls up behind my legs. It's what you call - a crowd.)

Last night he walked in and stood by my bed. He asked for a drink, screwed the lid back on my water bottle, and then just stood there. I asked him if he needed to use the restroom to which he responded yes...and then I never saw him again. About 3 a.m. I awoke to recall the event and then realized he wasn't in my bed. With a short moment of panic, I jumped out of bed and slipped in to his room to find him buried in his covers and sound asleep.

On the way to school this morning I asked him, "Do you remember coming in to mommy's room last night?"

He said "no".

I asked, " Do you remember needing a drink?"

"Oh yes," he said.

I asked, "Why didn't you get in bed with mommy after you went to the bathroom?".

He responded, "I just wanted to get back in my own bed."

Well, that was a first! And actually, I hope it was a last - if even for a little while longer. My sleepy Pete crawling in to my bed in the middle of the night (on occasion) couldn't get any sweeter. With Elsie smashed behind my legs and Cannon between Lance and I, it is quite crowd. But when we're all four together like that, in the wee hours of the night (with Leighton tucked snug as a bug in my belly) I just couldn't be more content.

I'm well aware these days are short. I'm well aware that there will soon come a time when Cannon alone will stretch out and take up every inch of my bed. I know Elsie won't be with us too too much longer. I also know that as soon as Leighton arrives our world will forever be changed.

That's why I choose now, to savor every sweet moment like this with my family. I'll miss these days when this "season" is over, but I won't regret the amount of time I spent with my family. I want to give them all I have while I have them.

Day 25 Was a Surprise

2011-12-01T19:44:00.006-06:00

We began counting down the days of Christmas today beginning with the "Random Acts of Christmas Kindness" someone shared with me. Cannon was so excited to pick up the bag marked "25" under our tree and get started. The intended gift for today was to put a $5 Sonic gift card in the mailbox for the mailman - but while gassing up at Kroger, we got a different idea.

Today we found out the more "random" the acts of kindness really are, the more special it is.

There was something about the gas attendant's face that caught my attention. You can pay at the pump or Kroger also has one of those little boxes where you just slip your money/card in a drawer and the woman "in the box" retrieves your payment on the other side. We had our "RACK" (see the post below) card with us as well at the Sonic card, so after we discussed it Cannon was just thrilled to hop out of the car and share the gift.

He walked over to the drawer and said "hi" to the woman. He was unsure of how to deliver his gift, but with a solemn face and a strong, aged accent, the woman instructed him to pull the drawer open. Cannon slipped the RACK card and Sonic card in the drawer, said "Merry Christmas", and then jogged back to the car.

I don't think I'll ever forget the look on the woman's pretty, dark, creased face. She read the card, looked up, looked confused.....looked down again. She just looked back up at us in disbelief. It was a simple act that brought fourth such emotion in us both. As Cannon got buckled in, she sort of half smiled and half looked at me as though she was undeserving. I smiled back, and waved and we drove away...me with a softened heart.

Funny how 1 small dose of kindness spreads. Just after this we hadn't been in Kroger more than 15 minutes when a little girl pushing a children's basket knocked over an entire display of packaged nuts right in the middle of the produce section. Embarrassed as I am to say this, I saw it happen and simply said "whoops!". I guess my initial thought was "...her mom and sister will help her". As I'm thinking this, Cannon disappeared from behind me and was right in the middle of helping the family put everything back together as it was. I got to a position where I could "hide" and watch the "random act of kindness" unfold. I watched as Cannon smiled and talked to the little girls while he helped clean up the mess. I teared up as I watched him go above and beyond to try and make sure the right nuts were in the correct slots. That part was too funny and so indicative of his personality. But immediately rushing to some one's aide, that's what kindness is all about.

I knew counting down the days to Christmas by giving to others sounded like a great idea....but to actually see the acts unfold and the light it brought to other's faces, well, there are no words for how it made my heart feel.

Up With the Everyday, Down With the Holiday

2011-11-27T18:48:00.006-06:00

Up in the attic, that is. This year we enjoyed getting Christmas decor out and up while everyone else was going crazy with Black Friday! I honestly thought I had 4 Christmas boxes in the attic...annnnnnd that's what I told Lance as he crawled up there. He ended up counting 13. Whoops!

My favorite, and the highlight of the decor is our nativity scene. I scored with the little wooden sign on the wall this year as well.

The little villages are always one of Cannon's favorite, I just don't have a big enough space to display them all. I settled for two this year and he has fun checking out all the little people...

...especially these two!

Guess who showed up Thanksgiving night! The highlight of Elsie the Elf's visit last year was the night he destroyed Cannon's play room and was found hanging upside down on the fan! Wonder what he'll get himself in to this year! I'm just glad we've got an instant messenger to Santa everyday regarding Cannon's behavior. ;-)

Cannon turned me on to Nutcrackers his 3rd Christmas. I guess that's also how I decided on what to collect for fall decorations - he turned me on to acorns and their "hats" when he was about 2. Anyways, Nutcrackers have been in the spotlight for the last few Christmas seasons. He loves them!

This year we added the Longhorn Nutcracker to remind us of his first season playing Longhorn football!

I've also never purchased a Christmas cookie jar (and that's something we make a lot of during the holidays) so I was thrilled when Cannon's "pick" was also my favorite one at the store.

I'm probably most excited about this year's advent calendar. In the past we've always created the Christmas chain and then tore off a ring each day until Christmas. This year, thanks to blog world, I was super super excited to find a way to count down the days while passing along acts of kindness to friends and strangers alike.

We began tonight labeling 25 bags with numbers. We then enclosed little cards with a message that read:

"This Christmas season our family is counting down the 25 days of Christmas by performing Random Acts of Christmas Kindness each day. You are a child of God and we pray that you find His blessings this Christmas season and always. Merry Christmas!"

I typed the messages on the computer but Cannon (and Lance decorated one too) decorated the cards with Christmas colors. We slipped the cards in each bag and lined the bags next to the Christmas tree right along our living room windows. I then typed up 25 "acts of Christmas kindness" but we decided not to "pre-stuff" the bags with the "acts of kindness directions" simply because we'll pick ideas to do as the days unfold. Some of the "acts of Christmas kindness" directions we've chosen include:

*take donuts to construction workers

*deliver Starbucks hot chocolate to my OBGYN office on my next visit

*pass along a grocery store gift card to our school custodian

*deliver toys to the Samaritan Inn (for kids to play with when they arrive unexpectedly

*leave a Starbucks gift card in the mailbox for our postman

*make and deliver dinner to Cannon's basketball coach's family after practice one night

* buy a hot chocolate for a Salvation Army bell ringer

I'm unsure of which days each of these activities will "fit" best, so we'll sit down a few days at a time and plan as we go.

Best of all - each "gift" will be a daily reminder of what the season is REALLY all about. Christmas is about God's gift of Jesus Christ to us. It's so easy to get caught up in giving and receiving with even your own family and friends - but serving others, people who are surprised by your service and blessed by it...that's what I want Cannon to see. I want him to see and feel the blessing of giving and sharing with people he does and does not know.

May it be a Merry Christmas friends!

Not the Last 5, But...

2011-11-25T22:19:00.002-06:00

I'm thankful for all the goodness in my life - so I can't say these are my "last 5 things to be thankful for" - however, the last 5 days leading up to Thanksgiving left several sweet appreciations in my heart.

November 20 - I'm thankful Cannon has two sets of grandparents...both still married...that love Cannon so so much.

November 21 - I'm thankful for Cannon's unending enthusiasm and energy. His happiness is contagious.

November 22 - I'm thankful I have a sister who, although she is much older than I, we're not so far apart in age that we haven't shared sweet conversations, experiences, and thoughts. I appreciate her advice - even though I know I don't always show it - and I have reflected often on how I should have adhered to her advice more often.

November 23 - I'm thankful for the parents of the student's I teach. They support me and appreciate what I give to their children.

November 24 - I'm thankful not only for my health, but for the healthy baby growing inside of me. What an amazing miracle.

Six Days More

2011-11-19T22:10:00.002-06:00

November 14 - I'm thankful for a husband that knows what I need and when I need it. Not say'n it hasn't taken a lot of communication to get to this point - but I know where a lack of communication gets you. So I guess that takes me to November 15....

November 15 - I'm thankful for the level of communication Lance and I strive to share.

November 16 - I'm soooo thankful for the sweet kisses and hugs Cannon seems to be giving lately. He went through a bit of a "stage" the last couple of years where I thought I'd never get the kisses back - and we were way too young to already be at this stage! But thankfully the kisses seem to be back, if only temporarily.

November 17 - I'm thankful to be teaching 2nd grade. It's a move I wouldn't have thought to make by choice - so I guess I'm also thankful for the events that led to that move.

November 18 - I'm grateful for the new relationships I'm building on my new team. One person in particular shares some of my same fertility experiences - so teaching next door to her this year is a relief. It's nice to know someone that close to you "gets it".

November 19 - I'm thankful I've learned to "let go" of so many things I used to hold on to. In relationships, self perception, and house keeping - I've learned that there are times to just let go. Let go of what you cannot control. Let go of who you think you're supposed to be, and accept who you are. Let go of the stack of dishes and loads of laundry. Rarely if ever does it all get done at once. I've grown so much and felt soooo much better since I've learn to "let go".

November 12, 13

2011-11-13T16:58:00.004-06:00

Nov. 13 - I'm soooo thankful for church - for the opportunity to reunite and "do life" with fellow believers. Realities were revealed this morning at church as we prayed for missions local and abroad. I was shocked by the increase in numbers of Christians killed just this decade simply for their belief in Christianity, compared to the number of people killed in the last century. For more information on this visit the following websites www.persecution.com and www.voiceofmartyrs.com

Nov. 12 - I'm thankful for Blogger and Face Book and the positives ways it connects us all. I've built new relationships and maintained old ones I might have otherwise lost contact with if it wasn't for these two web based connectors. Heck, I'm able to keep up with friends right here in my own community that I just don't get to physically cross paths with on a daily basis.

November 9, 10, and 11

2011-11-11T20:59:00.002-06:00

November 9 - I am thankful for contact lenses.

November 10 - I am thankful for 6 weeks of morning sickness...and I sometimes miss the secure reminder it gave me.

November 11 - I am overwhelmed with thankfulness when I evaluate the reality of living in America, compared to living in almost any other country. I often come back to the question, "why me?". I am so grateful to not only live in the US, but to live in Texas. We've got a little bit of it all right here in the Lone Star state.

I'm 8 Days Late...

2011-11-08T20:05:00.002-06:00

...in taking the opportunity to remind myself daily of all I have to be thankful for. I debated taking on this activity for reasons I can't explain, but have recently decided I needed to take the time to reflect on all the ways God's blessed my life. Big and small.

I'm so thankful...

November 1 - ... for God's timing. HE will always know best.

November 2 - ... that Cannon is my son.

November 3 - ... my marriage continues to grow. No matter the valleys, it just gets better.

November 4 - ... that my husband prays with Cannon every single morning before school.

November 5 - ... we have family that supports and loves us.

November 6 - ... I have a life long friend I can pick up the phone and call and share anything with.

November 7 - ... for hot showers, soft sheets, and warm pajamas.

November 8 - ... fresh air and warm sunshine

21 more "thank you's" to come! I can't wait.

Crazy Kid

2011-11-06T20:19:00.001-06:00

He couldn't get any crazier....

...and I love it.

He even cracks himself up.

Hope you're enjoying your fall family time as much as we are. Praise God for the cooler weather.

From One Sport to Another

2011-10-29T22:29:00.003-05:00

Alligator tears from 5 and 6-year-old little boys are what followed a tough, tough loss today. But I couldn't be more proud to have shared the exciting game with Cannon's grandparents. Aunt Jennifer escaped the photo. Both Lance and I come from a sport-loving families, so seeing the rest of the family get just as excited (maybe more so) as I did was a lot of fun. We lost our first play-off round to the Pirates, a mostly 1st grade team, but a bad call on the ref's part cost us the game. Cannon ran the ball at least 50 yards and scored a winning touch down with 10 seconds left on the clock. One ref called it a TD, the other ref said his flag was pulled just as he crossed the line. They ended up not giving us the TD we earned, so our Longhorns lost 34-28. It was one of the most exciting games I've seen the kiddos play. Great job Longhorns! I'm so, so so, very proud of you Cannon Ball.

Till next season.....

Now, on to basketball with the same teammates and coaches!

Dear You,

2011-10-23T21:42:00.003-05:00

Dear You,

I’ve known about you for over 4 weeks now. You’ve been in existence for 10 weeks and 4 days. With the exception of one 6-year-old big brother (who can’t wait to meet you), three others have not made it as long as you have.

From the moment I knew you existed, you’ve been a surprise. For the first time in 5 ½ years your daddy and I we’re not trying…planning…or counting the days and ways in which we may have you. For the first time we were completely surprised by a pregnancy.

I’ve seen you twice now! Both sonograms showed a perfect heart beat, two arm buds, two leg buds and a rounded little head. Just last Monday Dr. B said, “I couldn’t draw a more picture perfect sonogram!”. Music.to. my.ears.

The biggest difference with your pregnancy than any other? I have been so, so, so nauseous. Incredibly so. The least appetizing foods? Fried ones and sweets. Yuck! All of this though reminds me that your pregnancy is healthy.

The last pregnancy we lost, just in August, broke me. It broke my spirit. Now, after positive reflecting, I realize my spirit needed a hard core lesson in the harsh reality of the lack of effectiveness of my own planning.

So let me catch you up on the last few weeks….

Immediately following the miscarriage, my mind took a permanent vacation. I settled with the idea that Cannon would be an only child….and what a tremendous blessing he would be. If that were to still end up being the case, I would consider my life more than blessed.

But then, after a couple weeks of wondering when my body would again regulate…I took a test just to rule out the idea that I could be pregnant. I’ve never seen two darker lines. My exact thoughts upon seeing them? “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Because it had been 18 months between all three of our positives, I was stunned to see your two pink lines just 6 weeks after our last loss.

My doctor wanted me to come in the day we found out we were pregnant. I said no. No more pressure. No more blood work. No more stress and worry during the 48 hours of blood work results. If this pregnancy is meant to be, my body will take care of itself. Dr. B suggested I at least take a low dose of progesterone saying even if I didn’t need it, it would only be helpful to the beginning weeks of the pregnancy. I agreed.

Three weeks after getting a positive and living in nausea nation, I just knew it was time to schedule an appointment. We figured I had to at least be somewhere between 8-11 weeks, and if that was the case, we’d for sure see something on the sonogram.

Surprise! I was already 9 weeks 1 day by the first visit.

Of course, I am more than thrilled. However, I am cautious. We’re not looking too far ahead, but instead soaking in the blessings and surprises God’s placed in our life the last several weeks. We’re also simply enjoying the day-to-day growth of you in my belly.

As I reflect on the valleys He’s carried me through the past 4 ½ months, I can’t begin to understand why He’s taken me there. I probably never will. Maybe a reader does and that’s God’s plan.

Tomorrow we get to see you again! My doctor says the appointment is simply for “piece of mind”. He says he wants to settle my nerves and get me through the first trimester stress free. I love him already.

Praise God for you, my sweet little surprise.

I love you,

Mommy

Run 99, Run!

2011-10-02T21:04:00.002-05:00

Two of my favorite shots.

These Saturdays won't last forever. I'm soaking up all they have to offer.

Shutterfly Photos

2011-09-24T21:34:00.005-05:00

I'm loving the Shutterfly account our football team has. All the moms are able to upload photos of the games, schedule snacks, and keep in touch through the team page. I found these photos on there tonight from last week's game. Enjoy!

I love the defense face. It reminds me of a shirt my dad used to where to his coach's meetings....it said, "Offense wins games. Defense wins championships!".

I'm irked that I uploaded the following two photos out of order. They're running the reverse, but this is the second photo in the play.

This was the initial photo of the play. Ryan hands off to Cannon who "reverses directions" and hands it back to Preston. It's awesome watching how these 6-year-olds run that play!

And a couple more defensive shots...

He's so proud to get the flags and they truly are respectful about returning them.

There's is nothing I'd rather do any given Saturday than watch these little guys play football. Cannon plays with some hardworking, energetic little boys! They get so much better every week. Love those kiddos.

Season record? 3-0

Today's score? 44-13...ouch.

P's in the Fall

2011-09-20T05:38:00.004-05:00

These are just a few things I've liked about the fall.

Pumpkins and Peas...

...Pilgrims and Indians...

and a world full of pretend in Halloween costumes!

Burnt Orange

2011-09-01T20:46:00.006-05:00

Who ever knew he'd be wearing his favorite team. The Prosper Longhorns! He was pumped about playing in a "game" (it was actually a scrimmage but that word was beyond him) and he had no idea what was in store for opening ceremonies. I'm learning I can't talk up new events too much or he gets nervous. But when it was show time, he was more than excited!

Cheerleaders. What? He couldn't believe they were there for "him". Ha! Aren't they cute?

Our first scrimmage included 4, 8 minute quarters against 4 different teams. We played 2 quarters of offense and 2 of defense.

He was alllllll about getting the flags, which he and his daddy had practice with tube socks in the living room long before practice ever started this fall.

Cannon also made no bones about "calling the offense".

His first chance to run the ball, which was the first play in one of their offensive quarters, he ran the ball 60 yards for his first TD!

I get the feeling that in a matter of a few years, I might be placing this picture next to an updated one and commenting on how much he's grown. Such an opportunity to spend time like this on the field with your son.

And you can't end the game with out a "speech" in the huddle.

The Longhorns and the teams they play are sooooo fun to watch! Most all of them work so hard - but hey, they've had a practice or two when they act like true 6-year-olds as well! It's a riot!

Most of all, we're thankful to be on a team where the parents and coaches are all very positive. The coaches have high, yet realistic expectations and they make the kids work hard. On the other hand, they have lots of fun with them!

Go Longhorns!

I Know a Knight

2011-08-26T22:04:00.007-05:00

As long as I can remember he's been fascinated with them.

The last two Christmas celebrations have involved Knight costumes, castles, or toy figures.

So when we entertained the idea of Medieval Times in Dallas, he was thrilled!

Here we are being greeted by the King and his Queen...and if you look closely in the background, you'll see one of the royal court's assistants - one of whom we managed to get fired 15 minutes in to our excitement. We caught him stealing money right out of the register, but that'll have to be a whole other post someday. Anyways....

Included in the "royal treatment" Cannon got "knighted"! He was one of only 4 who received the privilege.

The knight and his royal parents....

Our tickets were for the green section so we cheered for the green knight! Cool enough, he was the "bad knight" who, in the end, fought the white knight!

Cannon was happy to cheer for his favorite green knight (which just so happens to be his favorite color). Yes, he booed the other knights as well.

After the show we got to stick around and meet the green knight in person. We got the "back stage" treatment and got Knight Zoe's autograph!!

And what do you think he wanted to do the minute we got home? This kid has an imagination like non other and never gets tired of playing! I love him.

Thanks, Knight Cannon, for the medieval fascination. We loved the show!

Kindergarten

2011-08-23T21:36:00.006-05:00

Pre-K and day care, those years have passed.

today you started Kindergarten,

This first day was your last.

This time will too quickly be only a blur.

May there be no "we should haves..." or "what if I were...".

I'll treasure each minute we spend eye to eye.

We'll be together forever. I'll not harbor that lie.

For someday your last day will again be your first.

When you leave our nest, for independence you will thirst.

2 years old, CPCS

6 years old, Kindergarten

Apparently, I Need to Shave

2011-08-12T21:26:00.004-05:00

I'm just glad Cannon said all of this yesterday without an audience!

#1 My purple and grey, zebra print, stretchy headband on was laying on the bar. He walks in the kitchen, picks it up and says, "Mommy, what is that?".

I told him exactly what it was. "One of my head bands".

He responds, "No it's not! It's your panties!!!!! Ewww!".

I fought back with, "Uh, nooooo. It's not! It's a head band (and I proceeded to put it on my head to prove it".

But then I cracked up when I recognized the similarities he saw in the appearance of the two items. Ha!

#2 When it's time to unload the car or pick up toys, Cannon is often frustrated when he can't pick everything up at once. He hates having to make two trips! But, that's usually what my response is when he asks me to pick up whatever it is that he can't get on his first trip.

Yesterday we had a picnic on the back porch. He went out with his sandwich and left me in the house with a plate and two drinks.

I holler, "Cannon! Come get your drink!"

He hollers, "Can you bring it?"

I holler (a little louder), "No! I've got two drinks and a plate."

He hollers (and I swear giggles under his breath), "Make two trips!!"

I started counting (and yes I was hollering) "One! TWO....." at which point he hurries in with a little grin. He quickly grabs his sprite and holds the door open for me.

He's a ring-tailed-tooter, I tell you!

#3 We're laying on a blanket in the backyard, enjoying the 2 hours of 80 degree weather. I'm on my back with my hands behind my head and he's right next to me, face down, but up on his elbows playing angry birds on my phone. His face is positioned right next to my arm pit (which he calls under pits) and his face gets very inquisitive while his eyes begin to squint.

"Mommy, your under pits look like daddy's face."

I'm completely confused.

"Um. Excuse me? What are you talking about?"

"Ya know, you both have those little bitty white hairs. Daddy has them on his face. You have some on your under pits."

Apparently, I need to shave.

Our New Pet

2011-08-10T15:05:00.002-05:00

Cannon wanted another pet. He racked his brain and made up a list of pets he thought would be appropriate for us to keep in our home. What was at the top of his list? One of these...

I am SO sure. He's awfully cute, however..I explained that we have no where to entertain and safely keep such a precious little animal. To this he replied, "Of course we do! He can stay in my playroom! We'll just keep all the doors closed!"

I can't even begin to imagine what Elsie would think of this new addition.

As if Cannon wasn't already wanting this little fluff ball enough, he saw this picture from the Internet and just melted. We currently have a box in the backyard, turned upside down. One side is supported by a stick and there is a bowl of nuts under the box. He checks it about every 30 minutes or so. I'm assuming he's hoping one of these flying squirrels will be too hot to fly and will be in search of shade...at which point it'll fly up under the box, knock over the stick and become trapped.

Surely not. A dog and 4 fish are plenty!

The Mother Pearl

2011-08-04T07:07:00.004-05:00

The "mother pearl" finally came in. Or, uh, I mean through. It was truly a flat glass rock but somewhere in the discussion of it going in Cannon's mouth, traveling through, and hopefully coming out, Cannon decided it might come out a pearl. It's not a pearl...but it did come out!

Lance did the honors. I had sifted through exactly 8 poops in three days but soon after I left for my team meeting yesterday afternoon a photo popped up on my phone of Cannon and this little blue rock in a plastic baggie. I gasped with excitement when I saw the photo. Had that not happened before Thursday morning, we would have been heading in for X-rays!!!

Needless to say, we are all more than thrilled to see this little blue pearl and I highly doubt anything but food will be going in to Little Man's mouth anytime soon.

Second Grade

2011-08-03T23:21:00.002-05:00

It's going to be a great year...

...with Melissa, Denise, Kristen, Wendy, myself, Kim, and Julia!

Sweet times ahead!

Poops and Pearls

2011-07-31T21:39:00.003-05:00

Today, in addition to swimming, playing on the trampoline, having Bey Blade wars, grocery shopping, and grilling out, we searched for a pearl among the poop. That's what he's calling it now. A pearl. If you're lost, scroll down and first read my post about the "Flat Glass Rock".

Anyway, three poops today caught by my favorite miniature strainer for fried foods (no worries, it will soon be trashed) did not reveal the glass rock Cannon swallowed yesterday.

Praying for more poop tomorrow - specifically before my 2 pm procedure. Juju is coming over to keep Cannon while we're at the hospital and I prefer she not have to sort through his poop with him.

Why is he now calling the glass rock a pearl? Funny, but gross. Two poops were here at the house. But I anticipated one at the swimming pool so I packed up the poop strainer in a target sack. Sure enough - he gave me the "Yay! Let's go poop look!" while we were swimming. He was excited because he's ready to "pass" this thing. He left the bathroom while I "searched" and when I came out he hollers (across the pool) "did you find the pearl?".

What an adventure. Wonder when we'll make the big discovery?

Flat Glass Rock

2011-07-30T17:54:00.010-05:00

Even as a baby, Cannon has never been one to put things in his mouth. He didn't breastfeed. He couldn't suck from a straw until he was about 2 1/2 years old. He never picked stuff up and put it in his mouth when he was a baby, like most do.

He is now 6.

He loves taking a bath in my over sized tub because while bathing he can sit and watch the TV in our bedroom. He also loves putting any and all toys in the tub. His imagination goes in to over drive with all of the pirates, boats, surfers, sharks, and rubber snakes. And one time he spent a few days playing with two 7-up bottles tied together with yarn.

Today he decided to get in the bathtub with a glass rock. Ya know, one of the ones you put in a decorative vase. It was light blue to be exact.

Remember, this is the kid that puts nothing but food in his mouth.

Today he decided to put that glass rock in his mouth. While "lost" in a movie on my TV....while bathing in my bathtub....while rolling the rock across his teeth (his words), he became distracted and swallowed the said glass rock. It was about the size of a nickel.

Lance and I were both in the living room when he came walking around the corner, dripping wet, and sobbing. Of course I jumped up thinking he'd slipped and fell. At first he could get very few words out but he kept pointing at is mouth. I was looking for a chipped tooth or bleeding lip. Much to my surprise it was nothing even close to a fall that caused the anxious tears. With a red face and tear stained cheeks, my Little Red began describing what had happened. Because he recently went through a tonsillectomy surgery in June, his biggest concern was how we were going to get it out. I'm sure gas masks, doctors, and hospitals were all that was going through his little mind.

In case you've not envisioned what I'm describing, here ya go. He did, however, only swallow one.

Per a call back from the on-call doctor, Cannon drank water and ate bread immediately following his glass snack. We confirmed it also had not gone down his wind pipe - so the remedy is to strain his bowel movements for the next three days in search of a shiny...or maybe not so shiny, blue glass rock. If it doesn't in fact work itself out by then, we'll take him to the doctor.

Ya just never know.

If You Want Me To

2011-07-28T23:06:00.004-05:00

The pathway is broken and the signs are unclear.

And I don't know the reason of why you brought me here.

But just because you love me the way that you do,

I'm gonna walk through the valley if you want me to.

Cause I'm not who I was when I took my first step,

and I'm cling'n to the promise that you're not through with me yet.

So if all of these trials bring me closer to you,

I'll go through the fire if you want me to.

It may not be the way I would have chosen,

when you lead me through a world that's not my home.

But you never said it would be easy.

You only said I'll never go alone.

So when the whole world turns against me and I'm all by myself.

And I can't hear you answer my cries for help.

I'll remember the suffering your love put you through

and I will go through the valley if you want me to. ~ Ginny Owens

Click in the right margin on "Nothing Poetic, Nothing Planned" or click here to read more.

Scooby-Doo, Wiki Tiki

2011-07-20T21:14:00.006-05:00

I know a little someone in my home who used to be obsessed with Scooby-Doo. Since it's been 180 degrees outside, we've tried to do all of our outdoor playing before lunch and then while I've enjoyed my afternoon naps, that little someone has been catching up on all his Scooby-Doo reruns.

One movie in particular - a surfing Scooby-Doo movie - is all about a group of natives dressing up as "Wiki Tiki's" to scare tourists away from surfing on the natives' island. As with all Scooby-Doo movies, Scooby and his crew end up solving the mystery of who is actually scaring the tourists away.

He's seen this movie a million times, but this time he wanted to act out the movie. Like he does with a lot of books or movies, he'll take characters - become one - and then act out his own version either through a puppet show from sock puppets he's made or with a costume and himself as the character.

Following a couple of reruns with Scooby-Do, Wiki Tiki this week, he asked Lance to make him a surf board and a hatchet (that's what the island natives carry for their weapons). They found some boards in the garage and the next thing I knew Cannon had a hand held hatchet and a miniature surf board.

This morning when Lance went for his run, Cannon asked him to leave a map of the route he'd be running. Lance did, and once he left Cannon came up with a plan. I just followed instructions.

We put the map and the hatchet in a gallon zippy, took off on our bikes and went to "hunt down" the Wiki Tiki aka Lance. Once we spotted him we ditched our bikes, hid behind a fence and then Cannon jumped out and attacked the Wiki Tiki with his hatchet.

Now mind you, it's Wednesday morning....9:00 a.m., and we're ditching our bikes in people's yards and hiding behind their fences to "jump" Lance. I'm sporting my only-in-the-summer-look with my hair in pigtails accompanied by a bandanna. Cannon has nothing on that matches and bed head hair.

I wonder if anyone was looking out their windows.

I could care less if they were. Cannon's giggles and bright eyes were all that mattered at the moment.

Summer memories are special. There's a carefree spirit in the air that can't exactly be replaced any other time of the year. 3 1/2 weeks left for random fun and yes, for naps too!

My Day Vs. Their Day

2011-07-19T13:06:00.003-05:00

Me: Benefits/Insurance meeting at school.

Cannon and his Daddy:

1. tennis at the neighborhood tennis "corks"

2. park on the way home from tennis to play tag

3. ride bikes back to the park to run through the obstacle course

4. ride bikes to the pool

5. swimming at the community pool

6. dinner on the grill

Me: Come home fully insured and eat dinner.

My day, slow.

Their day, jam packed.

My day, full of AC.

Their day, hot hot HOT!

Great Wolf

2011-07-18T22:22:00.002-05:00

We enjoyed another couple of days this year at Great Wolf Lodge with my parents. Due to the fog created with in the facility, I didn't mess with my camera as much as I have in the past. Cannon had a ball as always and there wasn't a ride he couldn't do this year. He even went on a few of them solo! Thanks again for the mini-vaca stay in Grapevine!

We're Feel'n HOT HOT HOT!

2011-07-17T12:04:00.004-05:00

And when the going gets hot...the "hot" watches movies!!!

It's the Scooby Doo marathon!

And when we get tired of movies...

...we paint!

I'm telling you, if I'm not out the door by 6:00 for my walk - I just can't bring myself to do it once the sun is up and blazing. We've committed today to staying indoors alllll day. Let me rephrase that, I have committed to staying in doors allll day today. Lance has already been to run, they've both been swimming, and the Mr. is now picking up some groceries. However, I'm only a step above pj's and the biggest news of the day??? I went to bed at 10:00 p.m. and didn't get out of bed till 10:00 a.m. It's been years since I've done that. I was awake, and sneaked a couple bowls of Cinnamon Toast Crunch in bed for Little Man and I - but other than that, I was snuggled in!

We'll miss church this morning, but I'm convinced the past two days of working in and on my classroom have caught up with my pregnant self. I'm exhausted!

Stay cool!

He Holds My Hand

2011-07-10T19:18:00.003-05:00

Before I got married I imagined all the dream-like daily "traditions" we would establish once our "happily ever after" begin. I imagined pillow talk, good night kisses, cooking dinner together, etc.

Rarely is there anyone talking on the pillows that lay in my bed unless there's a few questions regarding the next day's meals. You might also hear my occasional complaint about the volume of the blaring television.

Good night kisses are also a rarity as I'm usually close to asleep before Lance is really settling in.

Cooking together? We sorta hit that expectation....only he's pulling something off the grill and I'm preparing side dishes. We're not exactly getting lost in our homemade Italian cuisine and then burning the food because we are emotionally and physically side tracked in another room in the house (like you may see on the movies.)

Some of the daily marriage "traditions" I imagined didn't exactly pan out.

However, some daily marriage "traditions" I never dreamed of have been established and mean more to me than I could have imagined.

I can always count on Lance for a laugh. Always. He finds humor in most anything.

I can always count on him to know when something is bothering me. He picks up on it immediately (try as I may to hide it), and regardless of the tangent he knows I may go on - he's never afraid to ask what's wrong. He always wants to know.

I can always count on Lance to reach for my hand during any prayer at church. That means more to me than he'll ever know.

The things he does do sooooo outweigh what I might have expected him to do because what he does do is done not because it's a "tradition" but because his heart moves him to do it.

I love that more than any expectation I might have imagined.

4th of July Hometown Goodness

2011-07-04T16:50:00.004-05:00

We kicked off our 4th of July weekend at church yesterday. I truly appreciated the Armed Forces Melody that our music crew sang and the recognition that was given to the men and women in the congregation that have served our country! It was a tear jerker!

The McKinney downtown 4th of July parade would have met most of your "small town parade" expectations had you been there to see it.

Good friends, mister fans, chairs and the heat and all part of 4th of July fun.

The motorcycles were my personal favorite. At one point, that's all I thought was in the parade. The varoom-varoom was never ending!

Classic cars were next and a car show followed the parade.

Along with the current firetrucks, we also got to see one that was used in 1939.

We're headed out in a few hours for snow cones and McKinney's Red, White, Boom celebration - only we're going to enjoy the fireworks away from the crowds of people. Looking forward to hiding out in a neighboring parking lot with my two boys and taking in all there is to celebrate!

Super Summer Sunday

2011-06-26T19:30:00.005-05:00

Yummy, greasy breakfast tacos at a table set "celebration style" (Cannon's term) together as a family. Church, with a sermon that seemed to be exactly what we needed to hear at the exact right time. Laughter and fun as Lance playfully chased me in the parking lot with Cannon's Sunday School class sticker (I hate sticky things like that). The best marinaded deer steaks, Nonnie's mashed potato recipe, avocado salad, and cheesy garlic bread - again, together at the dinner table. Moving in to my new classroom with two hard workers right by my side. Shaved ice snow cones. Early showers and being in bed with my Little Man watching Lonesome Dove. Alllllll of this = a Super Summer Sunday!!!

SPI

2011-06-23T21:11:00.005-05:00

This was my 5th trip to SPI with the Lembergs, Cannon's 3rd trip, and well - Lance has been going to South Padre Island as an almost-annual vacation for close to 30 years. I enjoyed listening to my father-in-law describe how the trip had changed over the years.

When my husband and his brother were little, it was all about the waves and of course the sand. As they became teenagers, my father-in-law described the fun he and my MIL had watching the boys flirt with girls on the beach. The boys were always able to bring a friend or two each - so watching them all act like - well - teenagers, was quite funny. At that time, the trip became all about the "night life".

I first joined the trip the summer Lance and I were married and we went again the summer before we got pregnant with Cannon. Then it was all about relaxing and doing what we wanted - when we wanted. Those two trips were quite different from our first trip to SPI with a 13 month old. And this trip, our most recent, was a trip all itself. In addition to our family and my in-laws, our good friends Chris and Shannon and their two children joined us. It was all smiles from the kiddos!

We had to peel the kids out of the water every afternoon! Carter and Cannon were the perfect age to jump wave after wave and ride their boogie boards (or just ride the waves by themselves) to shore over and over until their suits were full of sand. Shannon and I lathered layer after layer of sunscreen on the kids and ourselves and the guys spent most of their time making sure we didn't lose children in the waves. After all, if there was a wave come'n - there was a kid in it! Juju and Slim enjoyed some rays as well - but most of their time was spent making sure all was well with the trip!

He'll always be my beach baby!

Carter and Cannon having all the fun there is to have.

Carter taught Cannon how to eat crab legs.

My crazy kid....

...ended up on stage at Louie's Backyard. Carter is on the tambourine and Cannon is on the "beach drums" with Louie V. as the lead singer!

And with a band that good, how could we not dance?

The band members got tickets for every song they played. The tickets went in to a drawing and what'd ya know? Both of these kiddos were winner winner chicken dinners!! They won these ever-so-awesome caps!! Cannon thought his was so cool, he wore it allllllll weekend. On the plane ride home. And, he's worn it since we've been home. He LOVES it!

My fav-or-ite event of the trip...hunting for sand crabs!!

'Till our next trip - where ever and when ever that may be.

Gaudalupe River 2010

2011-06-16T21:25:00.003-05:00

Mystery photos. That's what we'll call the ones of Cannon fishing with a long stick, rope, and a cheese ball for bait (It worked!). We'll also give the "mystery" label to the pictures of the kiddos dancing on the stage at Gruene Hall, floating in their tubes from one daddy to another, and passed out on the cabin couch from all their playing!

The only two river photos I'm able to locate after transferring all of my photos from one computer to another are the ones below. I know they're on here - I'm just unsure of how everything is organized. Glad I've got all summer to figure it out!

Lance and I have floated both the Frio and Gaudalupe Rivers since we've been together - almost 10 years, and I spent a little time on the Frio as a kid. I love everything about being near these places, but I was sad to see how dry everything was this year. Not only was the water low, but the surrounding greenery was so dried up. The kids were big enough this year to play by themselves most of the time. They loved catching frogs and watching minnows attack cheese puffs! (The adults found the cheese puffs entertaining as well!) This was our second trip with the Renfro's and our third with the Hollingsworths. Great friends=great times!

Gueeeeeees WHAT?!?!

2011-06-12T17:47:00.001-05:00

You gotta read this post!!!

Tonsil Departure

2011-06-05T15:06:00.003-05:00

Yes, I used that camera. The one that won't let me load pictures right side up when I'm working on blogger. Anyway - good camera or not, the tonsils still came out.

We arrived at a nearby hospital Thursday morning at 5:30 a.m.

He was "juiced" up and acting silly by 6:10 a.m. and wheeled back for anesthesia by 6:45 a.m.

The nurses were all soooo nice and very informative. Our ENT, Dr. Peiffer, took great care of Cannon and answered all of our questions. His souvineer bag included doctor's and nurses's hats and masks and the mouth peice used to administer anesthesia on little people.

He was out of surgery by 7:05 a.m. and we were headed back to the recovery room by 7:15. I got to crawl in the hospital bed with him while he was sleeping so we'd both be right there when he woke up. By 8:15 a.m., we were wheeled, together, in a wheel chair to the front door and we were on the way home! He was so happy to be out of surgery, but he was mindful of saying "thank you" to the hospital building as we drove away. Annnnnnnd, he loved adding the hospital attire to his costume collection. Since we've been home, he's taken out all of his stuffed animals' tonsils!

Boy Birthday

2011-06-03T21:38:00.006-05:00

All little boys need is each other...

...and a pool, some pizza, and cake come in pretty handy as well! Check out the ham on the far left! These boys are a trip. Wednesday, Cannon's actual birthday, we had four friends from his class come over right after school. The boys swam, laughed, ate pizza, dunked each other, laughed, ate cake, shot water guns, laughed, dove for water missiles, and acted like 5-year-old little boys!!! I loved watching them play.

What party is complete without presents? The new summer toys, stomp rockets, and Legos were a hit!

Cannon got his Cannonball Splash last weekend. We wanted him to enjoy it before he was "down" from his tonsillectomy (the day after his birthday).

Ya know that Brad Paisley song, "Water"? Closely describes my son!

Happy 6th birthday, Cannon Ball! Here's to another summer together as a family!

Exactly 6 Years Ago...

2011-05-31T22:17:00.003-05:00

...at this exact time (10:18 p.m.), give or take a minute, I was checking in to the hospital in Ft. Worth getting ready for this little guy to arrive. Tomorrow is actually the big day, but I've been reminiscing all evening about he day's events that led up to his birth. This is the first year he "gets it", so he's been very interested in stories I've told about cleaning the house, mowing the yard, washing cars, and shopping....all before my "water broke" and it was time to go to the hospital. I couldn't wait to hear the questions when I referenced my "water breaking" but it didn't seem to phase him. I'm sure he'll think to ask about it when he's school - at which point he'll probably ask his teacher what "water breaking" means in front of the whole class. Ha!

Here's a little shot from last Friday's field day (one of the posts I'm behind on). Tomorrow afternoon, we'll celebrate Cannon's birthday with four of his classmates at our neighborhood pool. We decided to keep his little party low key this year for several reasons...mainly because all these crazy boys want to do is get together and play! They could care less about decorations and hoop-lah! The plan worked out great because we found out last week he would need to have his tonsils out ASAP. That little operation is scheduled for the day after his birthday...bright and early....at 7:00 a.m.

While we're home together Thursday and he's resting from the surgery, I plan to catch up on several posts. By then I'll have birthday pictures and I'll also share pictures from our annual Great Wolf Lodge trip with my parents.

Please say a prayer for Cannon as he anticipates Thursday's operation. He's a little anxious based on a few stories he's heard from other kids - but, for the most part we've tried to keep him focused on his birthday!

Thank God for the little angel I've been blessed with.

Adios PreK

2011-05-26T20:32:00.006-05:00

I can't begin to count my blessings one by one. We've had multitudes of them concerning Cannon and especially his preschool experience. Two sweet women in Seguin kept Cannon until we moved from there - when he was 11 months old. The next year (our first year here) he went to a true day care. Ugh. The next three years we were sooooooo incredibly blessed to attend a private Christian PreK, thanks to the mother of one of my students. Cannon spent those three years with 2 teachers in his classroom and 11 classmates. Aaaaahhhh. The one-on-one time he spent with those ladies was refreshing and reassuring.

This year Cannon got to attend the public PreK at my school! We were able to "give" him an extra year in PreK so when he begins kindergarten next year, he'll be 6-years-old. At this point, we feel this was the best decision we could have been afforded. His class size was a little more "normal" this year with 22 students and 2 teachers - but it was definitely time for him to experience "big" school and learn all the procedures and expectations that go with that. Not to mention, Cannon had a superb teacher, Mrs. Kruse, who we just happened to have a relationship with from a previous year. It's.been.a.fabulous.year. Mrs. Kruse loves and cares for those kiddos! Mrs. Doke, her assistant, is a God send. Both ladies have been angels in our lives. Seeing Cannon in the hallways, having him play in my room before and after school, and getting to pop in and eat lunch with him have all been things I've literally dreamed about the last 4 years.

Below you see three PreK classes. There is one 4/5 year-old-class, one 4-year-old class, and one 3-year-old class. It's "awards" day!!

My Little Man...

...singing a contemporary version of the "A,B,C's".

He's not near as "audience shy" as he used to be!

This was their tambourine song...

...and it's finally awards time! It wasn't too much of a surprise that he got the PE award. I kinda think if he could have gotten 2 awards, it might have been the writing award. He loves, loves, loves the writing center at school and there's no stopping his interest in creating books at home!

Good buddies...(left to right)..Ty, Cannon, Reid, and Trevor. Where's Mason?

Everyone is proud!!!

We're sooooo proud of our "shining star". He's such a joy to us both. We thank God every.single.day for sharing him with us!

Adios Prek. Hello Kindergarten!

Slim

2011-05-16T20:34:00.005-05:00

These two, well, I can't exactly describe the relationship between these two. Slim most certainly pushes Cannon's buttons and doesn't let him get away with anything. He usually has some unexpected trick up his sleeve and Mother's day weekend was no exception. As soon as we got out of the car, Slim bombarded Cannon with water balloons. After a couple of good splats, he passed Cannon his own bucket of balloons and let him fire away. Cannon loves Slim.

I guess the best way to describe their relationship would be more of brothers than grandfather and grandson.

Cannon was all about getting his daddy wet!

And then he turned on Slim!

I couldn't help but to include these trampoline pictures as well. Cannon's uncle has a wake board rope tied to the barn which extends over the trampoline so you can practice tricks before hitting the lake. This is where he learned to do a flip.

He calls this pose "mommy's cheerleader jump".

This doesn't have a name, but it's cute!

This is the squirrel...

...and this is our little monkey! He's such a fun kid!

Smile. There's so many reasons to.

Summer's A Coming

2011-05-13T19:43:00.003-05:00

Good friends, ice cream, playing, and the outdoors...what more could you want?

I'm HIS Mother...

2011-05-09T18:52:00.003-05:00

...and there is NO ONE else's mother I'd rather be.

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful mommies we know!

Katie and Beth

2011-05-02T21:05:00.005-05:00

I miss 'em. About this time every year I get the I35 South itch. I'm ready to get away from all the concrete, commitments, and chaos and submerge myself in the Guadalupe River. In conjunction with this annual river trip with other friends, we spend a little time with my childhood best friends, Katie and Beth, on our way. Both live close enough to Austin to claim it as home so we slip right off a South Austin exit on the way to New Braunfels.

We've experienced all sorts of outings the last few years as we attempt to fight the miles between us. Golf tournaments, 10ks, river trips, 80's concerts, ghetto bars in Plano, Willie Nelson, unplanned road trips throughout DFW, and backyard cookouts in Austin have been just a few of our get-to-gethers since we've all been married. But by far, my favorites have been spending time with their families at their homes with no agenda.

I can't wait until June. I need a belly laugh like no other. I love those girls.

The Middle Finger

2011-04-28T05:08:00.009-05:00

Imagine this....
In the kitchen, he's building the tomb scene (as captured in the previous post) while I'm studying the directions to a new recipe (boxed Cajun food). Somewhere between the words craw fish and saute I hear him say "...and the middle finger means you hate Jesus."

Saute the craw fish in 2 T. of- ahem -"say what?" I replied.

**Let me interrupt this story for important background info.**

I've NEVER, or at least we'll say rarely, been one to adhere to any kind of advice. Growing up my motto was, "It may have been that way for you, but it'll be different for me. I want to try it MYSELF!". After too many lessons learned the hard way, including a very young divorce, I gradually began to listen to others.

One piece of "mommy" advice I'm so proud to have adhered to since Cannon was little bitty is "Don't react". Meaning, no matter what he tells me he's done or what kind of story he's brought home from school, I make no facial expressions nor comments. I simply listen.

Best I can recall, it was Keir Burke I remember first giving me that advice....mother of two boys. Her thought was that the less she reacted when her boys initially told her something surprising, the more her boys would share with her through the years. Her boys are now in middle and high school and this little theory has so far proved true. Maybe teaching school has erased a lot of the surprise factor as well. Teaching 1st-7th grades, I've had a front row seat to "Kids Say the Darndest Things".

Some of the things Cannon has said about certain body parts, he's probably getting too old for me to share on the www. But a kid's perspective on life and all things familiar to us as adults is simply fascinating - and comical.

**Aw-ite, where were we? Ah, the middle finger and craw fish.**

While measuring the butter and watching him, out of the corner of my eye, complete Jesus' tomb, I ask, "What was that about the middle finger?".

Without pausing he replies, "The middle finger means you hate Jesus." His playing halts and he walks over to me, searching for a response.

I ask, "What's the middle finger?".

As he proceeds to flip me off I mentally cringe and think, yes...that was a bad question.

I continue, "So who said that was what the middle finger means?"

"Bob said the middle finger is dirty and if you use it it means you hate Jesus."

Hmmmm. What a way to keep your child from flipping people off? The mental tennis match begins - the fastest decision making volley of the day - as Idetermine which direction to go with this conversation.

I plop Mr. Cannon up on the kitchen counter, at which point he realizes something is serious. After a little prodding I gather that Cannon, while sitting at a class table with his group of friends, was pointing to the Promethean board in response to a teacher question with yes, his middle finger. Dennis (yep, the Menis) who has on older brother, notices and whispers "Psssst. Cannon. You're pointing with the dirty finger! Baaahahaha!". Of course Cannon, not knowing what the "dirty finger" is, and being the child who loves to entertain, decides that the dirty finger must not be that dirty. It's making people laugh! Finally, after Cannon "points" out several other things in the classroom, his friend Bob (who also has an older brother) says "Cannon! Don't use the middle finger. If you do it means you hate Jesus."

Ahhhhhh. So that's how it all happened.

"Cannon, look at your finger. Is it dirty?" I asked.

"No. What doooooes 'dirty finger' mean, mom?"

"If you point your middle finger at, or to someone, that simply means you think they are an awful person and...." I continued on with a vivid description of how mean it is to "flip someone off".

"So, do you understand why you're are not supposed to show that finger sign to people?" I summarized.

His response, "Yes. I'm only going to show it to Devin when he's being mean." (Devin is a boy who has been in great amounts of "school trouble" and who occasionally terrorizes other children.)

"No, Cannon. You don't show that sign to anyone.

"What if they show it to me first?"

"Nope. Because then that means you're being just as mean as they are."

"Oh. Okay." was all he said.

What more can I do or say? Time will tell. My prayer is that he will simply continue to talk to me. It is my job to lead, guide, and protect him - but I can't do that if he constantly feels judged, or that he's going to get in to trouble. He's going to make a million mistakes, some of them many times, but that's the process of learning. If he doesn't talk to me, I can't do my job. I've got to keep him talking, which means listening anytime he wants to talk.

Come to think of it - another wise mommy (I believe it was Leanne Self) told me the following about parenting (and the exciting part is that I listened).

Kids won't always talk to you (especially teens), so when they are ready to talk, stop whatever you're doing. Listen to them. Rarely will they respond to the "How was your day?" question. But if they stop you and want to talk while you're paying bills, or while you're headed out the door to run errands, or while you're grading papers or meeting some other deadline that has to be met....STOP what you're doing and listen. That may be the moment they've collected all of their confidence and "guts" to tell you something big.

In preparation for the teenage years, while kids are little, the more one-on-one quality time you spend with your kids the better. You're setting the stage for the level of listening they believe you're willing to commit to down the road.

I've not hit the teenage parenting years yet - but thanks to Keir and Leanne, and thanks to God for answering my own parent's prayers that I would begin "listening to advice" - I'm proud of the foundations being laid for trust between Cannon and I. I have no idea what lays ahead, but for now I'm happy to hear about the "middle finger" and other such stories...

PS: To protect the privacy of others, all children's names have been changed.

Reenactment

2011-04-24T22:31:00.005-05:00

This evening, after a long and eventful Easter Sunday, Cannon gathered a few items from around the house and told me he wanted to "make the hill where Jesus died".

When he found the rocks on the back porch he said he wanted to make the tomb where Jesus was buried. He chose Super Man as Jesus. Perfect choice.

Next, he made sure Jesus was covered up...

...before Jesus's friends checked the tomb Sunday morning and found an empty grave!

Cannon continued with Jesus's resurrection...

...and ended with "someday He's going to come back and get us and take us to heaven with Him."

I LOOOOVVVE this kid. Happy Easter!

Missing Puzzle Pieces

2011-04-11T19:48:00.003-05:00

I'm title-less. I really have nothing to say, so how do you come up with a title for that? Actually I have A LOT to say, but as I've stated in a couple of posts over the last year - it's not my business to share. I internalize at a deeper level than some - so my heart continues to stir. We did, to some degree, receive some peace today getting to see old friends and meet brand new ones. Brand new baby ones. Moving on to things I can write about... I watched my baby overcome a mental obstacle last weekend. Crazy as it sounds, my eyes filled up with tears when he finally took the soccer ball and dribbled all.the.way. down the field - in and out of other players and then kicked it across the field for a goal. The keeper intercepted the kick, but for the first time Cannon was confident enough to apply the skills he's been working to perfect. Coach (and us) had noticed that he was trying to quickly to get rid of the ball in games. After quizzing him and noticing a pattern, Coach put him in game scenarios in practice where he HAD to dribble. Together, we all patiently (yet sternly) coached him through the expectation of taking control of the ball when you get it and low and behold, he showed up at the game to SHINE last Sunday. He was all over the field and very proud of himself! We've just completed another season and we're now headed in to another indoor season. We'll also play in five 3v3 tournaments this spring and summer just to get more "touches" on the ball and stay "experienced". Our first 3v3 tourney? April 30 in Keller. Every day with Cannon gets better and better. Every summer, there's more to look forward to because there's more that he can do. This summer we also plan to try another sport with a round ball - only this one you bounce. We're closing in another school year. 7 1/2 more weeks will conclude my 12th year. The first graders I taught my first year of teaching are now seniors in Uvalde CISD. I would have never imagined my life so perfectly perfect, yet so every-day and normal. It's all about embracing change, clinging to constants, clear and concise communication, and patience. Getting to know Cannon and his personality is bliss. He carries my heart in the palm of his dimply little hand and he forever will. Lance and I are the missing peices to each other's puzzle. A perfect fit - but certainly one in which we're continually working to ensure our "pieces" are linked together in just the right places. When we're sometimes "off balance" we may rub sides in the wrong places and not fit together. But we continue to work and connect until we find exactly how it is that our pieces connect on that "issue". That's it!!! That's my title!! Missing puzzle pieces!!! There's pieces missing I can't discuss and when I internalize and ponder too long on them, my other "half" picks me up and completes me. I'm either exhausted and therefore delirious - or that's the perfect place to stop.

Bing Bong

2011-04-04T20:53:00.003-05:00

Look who's counting the days until summer break?

No. Not me. I mean, well -yes, I'm looking foward to all the time I'll have with my family. Early morning runs with my new running buddy will kick off each day of freedom...and I can't wait to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee without having to reheat it in the microwave 2-3 times before enjoying the first 8 ounces due to a set morning routine!

Noooo, I'm not referring to me who is ready for summer. The little person who knows there's only 9 weeks before summer vacation officially begins is bouncing his little heart away on OUR new toy!!!

And while we're getting a taste of what's to come, why not get the little dipper out and take a cooooooold swim?

These are Elsie's favorite toys as well!

Carter, Cannon - here's to the summer goodness we have planned! Glow sticks make everything brighter!

Spring Sideways

2011-03-27T19:18:00.003-05:00

With the time change we usually "fall backward" and "spring forward". For convenience, I bought a little point-and-shoot Nikon and it's doesn't automatically position my photos on blogger; therefore, we're "springing sideways"!

Cannon took part in the annual yard beautification this year. He had to have his own solar lights, porch flowers, and...

...a red bird in the window!!!

You should see the colored-ball solar lights. When the sun sinks, we love to watch them glow and turn different colors.

If Juju and Slim's wasn't already fun, they got a trampoline this spring! Cannon can't get enough and Lance and I are sore! I tried to bust out a few cheerleader jumps and my legs are feeling it!

Date night with husband.

Words just can't highlight the relationship we share. I love life with him and it just keeps getting better.

Oh! And my favorite news to share. Our church, Prestonwood North, is thriving through their "Generations Campaign" where we're building our church for generations to come. Cannon was sent home with a "seed bag" that included $5. All of the children were charged to see how creative they could be about earning money for the campaign. His idea, from the get-go, was the sell cookies and lemonade. (He loves lemonade stands.)

Yesterday afternoon he got everything together, made his grocery list, and set up his stand.

His investment? $5

His return? $10.50.

Pure bliss.

He had a conversation with two particular car loads of people.

Their question - "Why are you having a lemonade stand?".

His answer - "I'm raising money for God's kingdom."

Their reaction? One car donated more money, the other car load for of highschool kids were touched. Little man share his faith with them!

That was completely unrehearsed and from his precious little heart.

Again, pure bliss.

This morning at church all of the children returned their "seed bags" at the alter in the front of church. The whole process of learning how and what to give to God was such a blessing for us all.

We're loving the sunshine and looking forward to the weeks and months to come.

God has been sooooooo good.

9 Straight Days

2011-03-17T22:53:00.005-05:00

I don't remember a Spring Break when we stayed home the entire break. Soccer for both Lance and Cannon is what kept us here, but with one canceled practice we've haven't spent very much time kicking a ball.

Cannon discovered this little "green guy" hat at Kroger this week and we couldn't help but bring it home. He STILL loves dressing up and anything like this can be put to use in an elementary classroom (as soon as he retires it!). Needless to say he's worn it most all week, most everywhere we've gone!

Can't believe he'll soon be 6.years.old.

Having some fun at daddy's soccer game and loving that there was a baseball game going on right behind us. We had the best seat for all the activity!

Mr. Cannon is quite persistent. Of course there's pros and cons about most everything (including that character trait!). So when he got a new dog house on his mind for Elsie, he wasn't letting it go. I at least talked him in to a house for something a little smaller. He decided to propose to Lance we build a rabbit house instead. We were already on the way to HD for our annual spring-break-spruce-up-the-yard-trip, so why not? What's a few pieces of plywood, nails, and paint?

3 bent nails, 1 whispered 4-letter word, and lots of little kid help later......

...the boys built a rabbit house. For what rabbit you ask? Good question. I guess Cannon wants to provide a home for the 10 or so rabbits that try to escape Elsie's teeth on a weekly basis.

Finished off with a coat of paint, Cannon patiently waited over night for everything to dry before he set it up in the back yard (pictures to come!).

Clinton and Lance finished their high school season tonight!

And Slim and Juju came to watch...and,er, play with Cannon the entire game!

There's no one I love more.

3 more days...and we're love'n it!

Which Team Are We On, Anyway?

2011-03-14T22:15:00.003-05:00

Back where I come from, we're ALL Broncos. Okay so you call yourself a "Colt" during those few awkward years when you're not sure what you are anyway - but other than that, everyone is a Bronco.

The game of soccer has been a learning process in which I'm currently in the middle, but understanding how many different levels, teams, areas, tournaments, etc. one can play in still has me in a state of confusion.

No sooner do I understand and begin to get involved in club soccer, specifically with the Texans, the same coach of the team we've joined asks us to also be on another team call the Galacticos. Huh? Didn't we just join this team...the Texans? Yes. Well, ahem, this is another team in which the kids get more touches on the ball aaaaannnnnnnd, a series of tournaments leads up to a final tournament which just so happens to be in none other than Disney World. Uh, ya! We'll be a Galactico and a Texan!

So in a matter of a week we decide to let Cannon also play with the Galacticos in addition to the '05 Texans team he's on. The Texans' level of soccer is on a big field (not quite high school size) and there's 6 on 6 plus each team has a goalie. The Galactico team plays on a much smaller field (also outdoors) and there's simply 3 vs. 3 on the field. It's must faster paced.

The Galactico team has been together for over a year and some of the players also came from the '05 Texans' team. Cannon and another little boy are rookies on both teams. Coach Arturo is the coach of both teams.

If you're interested enough to still be reading, Cannon played in his first 3v3 tourney with the Galacticos this past weekend. Blue Sky, in the Colony, hosted the tourney.

I'm not sure if he wasn't awake, or was trying to decide what he's gotten himself in to....especially when he saw the green mohawk his teammates sported!!!

I absolutely adore this picture. Early in the game, the referee and Coach Arturo were making sure they had the same understanding of Blue Sky's rules while the boys hold a stance that seems to say, "Can we just play?". You can also tell the two coaches on the top right, opposing team of course, know her call is wrong. But you think they're gonna bring that to her attention???

We worked with a very sweet and hardworking coach with recreational soccer in McKinney for two seasons before we tried a couple of other clubs through guest practices. Coach Arturo, with the Texans, is second to none! Everything he does with the kids is so age appropriate. I knew he was good but watching him against several other coaches this weekend was so affirming. Coach Arturo gets kids and of course, he knows soccer.

Cannon and his team won their first three games which put them in 1st seat going in to the finals. They then won their 4th game. Actually these soccer games are "called" if a team gets 12 goals and that's just what happened. :) However, the championship game was neck and neck. We pulled it out towards the end with a 6-4 victory! Gotta say, 3v3 soccer is pretty exciting!

Cannon finally took part in the green hair spray, but you're not talking him in to a mohawk!

We made the "school" decision this year to give Cannon an "extra year" before he starts kinder. He has a late birthday and being an August birthday myself, I know how that can effect you in high school. I truly believe in the benefits of this decision for boys, mainly for the effects of the decision years down the road. There is an aspect of the decision I never thought about effecting us that has revealed itself in sports at this age.

Not only is he the youngest aged boy on his team, most of his teammates are in kindergarten or first grade. Those boys are much more experienced in taking instruction, keeping their attention for longer periods of time, and simply being aware of things I can't begin to explain.

Coach Arturo is such a motivating coach and like I said, he gets kids. He sees a lot of potential in Cannon or he wouldn't have picked him up for the 3v3 "circuit" with the Galacticos. However, these boys are older than he and they have played together on this team and worked together in practices for over a year...some two years. We've only been with Coach Arturo for two weeks! We are oh so proud of the improvements he's made and the instruction he's received in these 2 weeks. We will just have to be patient as he catches up with his current teammates in a few areas. He's so dramatically improved in two weeks, I'm sure it won't be long!

I cannot tell you how proud Little Man is of his gold medal. Here's to the days ahead. Go Texans...or, er Galacticos!!!

Cowboy Day at School

2011-03-09T20:57:00.002-06:00

I'm so sad because for some reason I can't get older pictures to upload to blogger. I've got "cowboy day at school" pictures from 2008, 09, 10, and now 11 - but, I guess you won't be seeing them on this post! Grrrrr.....oh well.

Cowboy Cannon looks more and more like his daddy's twin every year.

Dallas Texans

2011-03-08T05:50:00.003-06:00

Without taking too much time to write, I at least wanted to update with some photos of Cannon's new soccer team. I believe we've landed one of the best coaches in the metroplex for his age group and hes already picked up more skills in two weeks than in 2 years! The Texans is most likely the biggest soccer club in Texas and at Cannon's age he is part of the "academy". We've done most everything we can do to expose him to other sports, but so far he's lu-ving soccer.

Sunday was his second game with the club and he scored his first goal!!! He's only played rec 3v3 and indoor 3v3, so learning field positions and concepts such as "off sides" has been new to him. He's picking it up quick and will soon be applying the skills he's learning in his practice sessions.

I happened to have the camera up and ready at the right time and got a shot of his first goal - tongue hanging out and all!!!

Good game Cannon Ball. Keep having fun!

Little Man Is Earning His Title

2011-02-24T21:17:00.007-06:00

I've called him Little Man forever - but he's truly beginning to own that name. It's just the little things, ya know, that make the difference.

He prefers to make his own jelly sandwich. He spreads the jelly - everywhere. Including the floor. After smooshing the two pieces of purple bread together, he cuts each side of the crust off. I'm telling you - he does it ALL by himself. Makes his plate, grabs a drink and then heads for the cartoons. I love to watch.

At one point I wondered if he'd ever put the right peddle up at just the perfect angle and push just enough with his left foot to get his momentum going so he could take off on his bike without a push from us. He started doing that last week. Seeing the smile spread across his face was so cool.

Just this week he found the push-pull rhythm of a swing. When he throws his head back, laughs, and gets drunk with dizziness as the clouds float by with the back and forth motion, I just stare.

Getting dressed is one thing. But dressing yourself including shin guards, soccer socks, and cleats is a whole other "dress yourself" level. When Cannon gets quiet, he's hardly ever "up to something" but rather, he's usually doing something he's about to "show-off". This week, the 30 minutes before we left the house on both of our "soccer days" the house got extremely quiet. I rounded the corner ready to holler "Caaaaanon. Are you rea-" to find him dressed head to toe in his soccer attire. He was so proud. Tying his shoes was causing a bit of frustration, but I waited until he asked for help.

Fostering the independence is easy now. It's fun. But I can't imagine what it'll look like when he's 16. I want to continue to foster the independence as well as let him know I'll always be here for him. Sure, Lance and I will always have our lives together and we both have things we enjoy doing by ourselves and with friends. But our lives will always be about our children first. From now until I leave this Earth, God and my family come before all others. I know I'm here to serve, but I believe my family is who I serve first. In this day in time, by serving my family first - I'm serving others. By serving each other, and serving others together with my family, Cannon will learn to serve too. I can't imagine it any other way. I can't imagine putting others in front of my family.

Until we reach that day, 16 I mean. I'm going to continue to marvel at all the the "big boy" milestones he continues to reach.

Oh ya. One more. Becoming a part of the Texans soccer club has been the highlight of his soccer journey. Practices are fun, yet more intense than the other teams we have "guest practiced" with. My only request of Cannon before each practice is that he #1 Does what Coach Arturo asks him to do and #2 always works hard and hustles. Watching him mature from his first soccer practice one year ago, to now, is very rewarding. Even when it takes Cannon a few tries to learn a drill and even when he has to slow to a walk to learn the drill before he can fly through the moves like the more experienced players - he has patience. He perseveres through the "trial/error" stage and works hard to be successful. Seeing how proud he is of his success following the hard word, overwhelms my heart with joy.

I get more joy out of watching my kid discover what he can do as opposed to showing and doing everything for him. The sheer pride he displays when accomplishes his task fulfills my heart.

My Cup Is Full

2011-02-20T21:27:00.003-06:00

My cup runneth completely over. I don't know how or why I've always seen my glass half full, but I'm so glad I do! Not only is it half full at the moment, it's spilling out all over the place.

It's not full of money - although we have enough to make ends meet and beyond.
It's not full of fame - although my 4th graders think I'm a celebrity when I see them in town.
My cup is not full of stuff; however, we're not short on shoes, toys, or gadgets.

All of this is nice. I enjoy it. Really, I do.

BUT, my cup runs over with love for my son, my husband, our health, and friends and family that enrich my life daily. Although these people fulfill my time, my heart and my life - a relationship with Jesus Christ is what fulfills my soul. A relationship between my family and Jesus Christ just completes that picture.

I thank God daily for many things. He has never failed me, and it's true - looking back over the last 9 years there are many times where I only see one set of footprints. It wasn't because he wasn't there, but instead, He was carrying me/us.

9 years ago I never dreamed our relationship would be where it is now with Christ. I never dreamed Lance would lead us in the ways he now is. I will say, though, God gave me small glimpses of promise along the way that led to where we are now. I recognized the small gifts as God gave them to me (answered prayers), but I still never dreamed they would lead to us finally getting plugged in to a small group Bible Fellowship at church and building relationships with new friends there.

I could go on about each small step that got us here, but the point is that God never fails us. Everything is in HIS perfect timing.

Part 2

2011-02-06T19:49:00.006-06:00

A while back I wrote this post.

I guess you could call this evening's post, Part 2.

Since then husband and I continued to be indirectly involved in this situation. However, our thoughts and feelings about the situation have evolved and gravitated in a direction I never predicted. Most all specifics of this situation will be in place in the near future, but the emotional roller coaster has only begun.

The last 11 months the relationship between husband and I has moved quicker (it sounds like we just started dating) than any other time of our marriage...because of this situation. I don't suppose "quicker" is the right word - but our relationship has grown deeper.

Ya know Sugar Land's song "Glue"? Sometimes it takes a lot of "sticky stuff" to create a stronger bond. I have no idea what the future holds - but I pray we'll allow God to work through us and in us no matter how sticky the situation is.

************************************************************************************* I promise, the childhood lesson really is true. Honesty is the best policy. There will always be repercussions for the alternate choice. There's simply no substitute for the truth.

Swimming/Snow Toys

2011-02-05T21:06:00.005-06:00

We found this unclaimed tube towards the end of the summer at our community pool. Who knew we'd get more use out of it this winter?!?

The crater left behind from bulldozing dirt for the new neighborhood school's foundation made for great Texas-styled "sledding"!

Little Man spent a lot of time getting thrown down the hill and then running back up.

He repeated this pattern over...

...and over....

...and over!

Little Man LOVES the snow and of course husband always has to try/show him something new! Yes, he is intentionally sliding down the hill on his back. :)

My turn! However, not on my back. Little Man and I took the tube.

Then I was hooked!

I know the hill doesn't look as steep as my expression shows, but the snow and ice was packed

to make the perfect slide!

One more time! Back to the top!

Dad's turn on the tube! (BTW, at this point we made a plan to buy several of these this summer and pack them away for our "ice/snow week" next year!)

Glittering snow is nature's diamonds and early morning icicles are last night's ghostly artwork. I love love love living just far enough north to experience such beauty - but far enough south that a snow "dump" only comes 2-3 times a year!

This is our front street this morning still packed with snow and ice after 4 days of winter weather! Beautiful sunshine and 40 degree temps finally brought relief this afternoon.

Thank God for such beautiful snowy weather and the QT with my family during our 6 day weekend! There is no one else I'd rather be snowed in with.

Fluffy Goodness

2011-02-04T11:47:00.003-06:00

Our six day weekend began Tuesday with the closing of many area school districts due to record low temperatures and layers of ice on the roads.

It made sense to stay home again Wednesday (because the temps weren't getting out of teens in order to melt the ice) but who knew we'd be out of school the rest of the week!!!

Our driveway was an ice slide!

He may be a water/beach baby - but he seems to love the snow just as much.

I love the little "snow caps" left behind on my solar lights.

And this face plant occurred just 30 seconds after walking outside!

When simply walking around in the snow isn't enough fun, find your big wheel and a tie-down. You might need your daddy as well....

...until he swings you around so much you flip off of your big wheel for your second face plant of the hour!

Two hours of "big wheeling", walking the block, shaking trees that dropped snow down our backs, and losing Elsie in the snow - brought us right back to our warm home for fried venison and baked potatoes.

Get out and enjoy it and act like a kid again! Just consider the ice. Between husband and I we've taken a total of 5 falls! HE has the winning record in that.

My winning record this week revolves around checkers. I'll stop there. I won't gloat at all about my 4 wins to his 1. :)

I just looked out the window. It's snowing A-gain!

Quiet

2011-01-31T19:28:00.006-06:00

Have you experienced complete silence? True silence. No TV, Ipod, computer humming, or keyboard clicking. No A/C running and no fridge edging the silence.

Of course most of us could get past that, but eliminating outside noise would be next to impossible. Cars cruising by, planes descending to Love Field (and our community airport), as well as dogs harassing each other through fences that block their view, have all become part of this blur-like noise I account as "normal". It's almost like "white noise" (if you've read any good baby books lately). We're so used to hearing this "blur" we don't know what true silence even is!

I like silence (when I'm not talking, of course). By choice, I've gone many evenings without turning on the TV. Husband, on the other hand, appreciates a constant connection to the news. But on the occasional evening when I'm home without him the TV is off and as soon as Mr. Giggles is tucked in bed I savor time spent listening to the clangs an bangs of household chores.

There's something to be said for the soul searching, mind shaping experience of labor...in silence.

Noise is distracting. Noise drives you away from a reality most of us would rather not face. At first, a specific noise seems forgein and possibly uncomfortable, but the more we hear it the more comfortable we are with it. Therefore, the more comfortable that noise becomes, the easier it is to accept that noise as normal. Once it's normal, it's something that becomes a part of you.

Think about that.

What noise are you most comfortable with? Does it encourage you...or provoke a chain of thoughts and events in your life that are potentionally...well, potentially not the most encouraging noise you could hear? Think about that.

I don't think we think enough about what we hear.

And while I'm on noise, the next time you make some...why not make it positive noise for others?

Be careful little ears what you hear.

He's Packing For College

2011-01-17T20:39:00.004-06:00

Toy Story 3 has made yet another impact on Little Man.

**Rewind just a bit - almost a year. **

Toy Story 3 has just come out and Little Man begins begging for the characters. His fascination with Woody, Buzz, and Jesse progresses through the next several weeks as we become more familiar with the characters while watching the Toy Story series for the first time, but backwards.

The next 6 months are spent listening to Cannon try to persuade me to change his "sports" room to a "cowboy" room....all because of Woody. At first I refused - sure that Toy Story was simply a phase. Little Man took matters in to his own hands and drew a picture of a cowboy standing next to a astronaut. He titled the picture "Space Cowboy Room" and taped it to his door.

After a few "scores" at a garage sale, I decided not to wait until Christmas, but instead I transformed his "sports" room to a cowboy room. This was the first major change to his bedroom since he was a baby.

We moved along in to Christmas with a few TS gifts. Okay. TS exploded in my living room Christmas morning! After this, I truly thought we were TS set.

**Okay, fast forward to now.**

Saturday morning, Little Man decides to watch TS 3 (for at least the 20th time) while I trek a few miles on the mill (dad's gone for soccer). I'm in to about mile 3 when he parades in the office and yells over my ipod "I NEED A SACK FOR MY TOYS!! I'M GOING TO COLLEGE!".

I forget what he's watching and I'm sure I misunderstood him. "Say what? You need a sack for what?".

I proceed to pause "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" on the pod and welcome to moment to plant my heavy feet on the side rails of my imaginary jog through the misty woods as he repeats,

"I need a big trash sack for my Toy Story guys and a box so I can pack for college!".

Ya. That's what I thought you said.

If you haven't seen Toy Story 3, Andy is now going to college and he has to decide what to do with his 15 year old Buzz Light Year, Woody, Jesse...and the other million dollar money maker characters that were invented following Toy Story 1 until my child adopted his fascination for each one of them after seeing Toy Story 3.

At one point in the movie, Andy packs a box and writes "college" on it. He also sacks up some toys which mistakenly get carried out the he garbage...anyways - this is what has been sitting in various locations around my house since Saturday.

More comical than the boxes marked for college is the conversations he's been having regarding his new goal. He's packed and ready to go, but he doesn't want to leave until he's "10-years-old". In addition he said he wanted to bring Elsie so that way "2 family could stay home and 2 family could go to college".

He also wanted to make sure he could come home everyday and visit while he was away.

As soon as we're through paying for college, I'm going to have some work done on my camera to get that BLACK DOT off of the inner mirrors. Grrrrrrrr!

Wonder what TS will inspire next? As long as it doesn't involve Barbie and Bo Peep, we're good!

Snowfalls and Snowballs

2011-01-11T20:17:00.005-06:00

One of the many things I love about living in North Texas is the true experience of 4 seasons. We have trees that actually change colors and loose their leaves in the fall. I know. It's really cool. The experience of 4 seasons is nothing in Texas, compared to the Northern states, however; teaching the 4 seasons to my students in Del Rio (South Texas) was almost comical. What a difference 9 hours North makes.

We've enjoyed beautiful snow the last three years, enjoying a white Christmas last year. The 10 plus inches we received then was like a postcard. I believe I remember taking at least one "snow day" from school every year I've lived in North Texas.

And as anything with Little Man, every year gets better and better.

Cannon LOVED the snow.

He's always been fascinated with it, but this year we couldn't get him to come in!!! We went out with him three times on Sunday - built our lime/jalapeno/cowboy snowman, surprised daddy with a snowball reserve, and watched our fluffy white Elsie get lost in the snow. But even on Monday before we left for our delayed school time, he played in the backyard for a good bit.

The best idea yet was taking our swimming tube to the "perfect hill" just above some waterfalls near our home. Between the tube, the beach boogie board, and cardboard, I've not seen this kid's eyes quite so wide!!! Little Man is somewhat apprehensive about all of his "firsts", but he held nothing back. If he crashed "mid run", he'd almost jump up and fly through the air to jump back on his ride! Sometimes he'd roll over, turn a somersault, and fall apart in giggles. Sliding this hill yesterday after school was some of the biggest fun I've seen Cannon have!

(Sorry the picture is small. I copied it from my phone).

Beach baby has officially gone snow bunny - at least until it warms up!

1 Why Mommy 2 Boy Stuff

2011-01-05T20:27:00.007-06:00

Part 1
I have a name many of you may not be aware of. My name used to be No Mommy. That was short lived - 2 years I believe. In the last 6 months my name has changed to Why Mommy.

Just a couple years ago everything I said was followed with a head strong,"NO, Mommy!".

Now, at 5-going-on-6 years old, there's only a short pause as he contemplates what I've just said before he follows it with "Why, mommy?".

It wasn't until I was named Why Mommy that I realized my previous name of No Mommy was simply a phase and it had truly ended. Internalizing this concept gives me hope after the millionth time a day that I hear my new name. :)

With that said, I hope "why" is a question he never stops asking. It's just the frequency and relevancy of the topics in which he asks "WHY?" that I know are a phase.

I say every bit of this with a giggle.

Don't misunderstand, there are times when he hears the good-ol-trusty "because I said so!". But I try to conscientiously explain cause and effect scenarios when he asks "why mommy?" I want to promote his curiosity in a positive way.

I was a "why" kid myself. In fact, I can still be a "why" adult. I like to know the cause behind the effect. I have a need for things to make sense. Working with kids and their parents within the relationships in which we all form during a school year, I've spent a lot time trying to understand why people act and react the way they do. I suppose for my understanding it's more nurture that makes the person than nature. That's just me and my experience.

Part 2
Being a girl and growing up with girls who did not have brothers, I thought I'd inform my "girl" readers of a few "boy" lessons I've learned from my ever-so-entertaining 5-going-on-6-year-old son.

1. The knees of boy pants must be made thinner than on girl pants.
2. Wearing a cape any and everywhere is a necessary accessory. Just like my jewelry.
3. The only way you get little boy kisses is by engaging in a wrestling match in which you're tickling the boy into hysterics and he cannot scream "no kisses!!!!".
4. Little boys can pee almost aaaaaanywhere.
5. As long as its blue it matches. Shades of blue make NO difference. That goes for any color. Except pink. It goes with nothing.
6. If it's paper, it can be made to fly.
7. Excreting bodily noises should be an art.
8. A dog may be "man's" best friend, but no where does it say a dog is "little boy's" best friend. There's a reason for that. I can't believe all that Elsie endures.
9. Boys are rarely cold.
10. Little Boys love their mommys more than they let anyone else know.

I love all that I learn from my "boy".

Indoor Blur

2011-01-02T14:34:00.003-06:00

This non-soccer playing mom has found a new appreciation for the soccer world. Indoor soccer. And Little Man seems to think it's pretty cool, too.

We kicked off 2011 with his second indoor soccer game with the Liverpool Little Red academy.

This 3 v 3, fast paced 40 minutes was packed full of running, falling down, tackles into the side wall, and yes - of course - goals!

Cannon is fast and tough. Indoor seems to dish out it's fair serving of collisions with the wall and each other and each time he pops right up and heads on down the field.

Like I said, my title is fitting. The combination of indoor lighting, the net, and the speed of the game will offer it's own challenges for my camera skills!

He had a lot of fun and worked really hard! He was exhausted post-game.

Never mind he's playing 2 years up and the kids he played against are 2nd graders, he still scored THREE GOALS!!! We're so very proud of Little Man - for so many reasons.

Coach Rusty and "New Year" announcements. You can see #2 there to his left.

Way to go #2 and the rest of the Little Reds! Fun game!

Early Bird

2010-12-31T07:09:00.003-06:00

Ooooooh my little Early Bird, how I love you! Every, I mean every, morning you are in my ear no later than 6:30 so sweetly whispering, "Mommy? Mommy? Will you wake up with me?" Of course when I say this occurs every morning I only mean mornings on which we have NO WHERE to be! Most school morning routines look a little more like me peeling him out bed.

Seriously. I can count on one hand the number of mornings he's slept past 7:30 in the past five YEARS, 6 months and 30 days! And ONE of those mornings he slept until almost 9:00 a.m. But that was only once.

And just so you get the complete picture, my Early Bird doesn't wake up just wanting a "snack". He's ready for the entire worm! He's full force from the time he flips his good morning switch until he melts in his bed each evening. This very morning, at 6:30 a.m., he was in my ear whispering "Mommy? Mommy?...." and asked if I'd play soccer with him. See? He's full force from sun up to sun down!

Something new he's in to - and I guess it's carried over from our school morning routines - but as soon he's up he asks for a shower. He's become independent enough to follow through with these steps completely independently:
1)go back to his room in the dark and pick out play clothes
2) come back to our bathroom, undress, and jump in the shower I turned on for him
3)bathe himself and wash his hair
4) I usually help towel him off but then he dresses himself
5) comb his hair
6) brush his teeth with the vibrating tooth brush and find sugar bugs I missed after I've brushed his teeth with his regular tooth brush

Yep, my little Early Bird never misses a beat. He's moving, talking, and laughing from the time his long blonde eyelashes flutter open very early every morning until they lay softly on his face as he closes them to sleep. I wouldn't have it any other way.

It's a Toy Story Christmas

2010-12-25T23:36:00.007-06:00

Our house was already bleeding Toy Story...and then Santa came.

And yet another round of Toy Story exploded around us...in addition to the cool Kasky Kids soccer and football guys.

The castle was also one of Santa's pick and so far it's a toy he hasn't parted with.

In 5 years, the first toy I've seen him just go crazy for?? The toy he begged and pleaded Elsie the Elf to make sure Santa brought him??

A Pillow Pet!! You've the seen the commercials I'm sure. He's been set on one of these things for several weeks. He'd forgotten, however, to write it on his list to Santa.

He was, therefore, quite convinced Santa would not know to bring it. That's why he's spent so much time talking to Elsie the Elf about it.

His reaction to finding the puppy Pillow Pet (specifically) by the fire place was repetitive non stop hugging!

Included in the excitement that surrounds Christmas morning and the discovery of the birthday gifts Jesus has shared with us, it's sweet to watch Cannon find the "true gift of Christmas". This year it was in the fireplace. I think next year this sweet little gift will arrive with Elsie the Elf as we begin our celebration of Christ's birth and it will stay with us the whole month of December. This small purple bag containing baby Jesus will be Cannon's last gift of every Christmas season as well as Elsie hides it among the gifts Santa leaves. But just before Elsie makes his final departure Christmas day, he'll take the gift with him and return it the next year.

I love memories we're making with Little Man duirng the holiday season with family and friends. McKinney's parade of lights, hosting a Christmas dinner with mom's wonderful recipe's, the church's Christmas journey, Frisco's musical lights, Kerens Christmas, spending time with grandparents, donating items and time to those less fortunate, and Elsie the Elf. Next year I'm looking forward to adding something new! Birthday cake for breakfast on Christmas morning! Thanks Cara for the idea.

I know these days will pass faster than I can ever imagine. "Traditions" are a sweet idea, but I also realize time changes many things. While Little Man is under my roof, I choose to treasure every moment we have with him.

Merry Christmas, from the Lembergs!

T'was Several Weeks Before Christmas Eve...

2010-12-24T23:51:00.007-06:00

...and all through our schools

parties were hopping - no kids follow'n rules.

Reindeer shirts made to match.

Aren't they a site?

These boys couldn't be more exited

about Christmas Eve night.

7 more days they'd have to wait

from school parties to Christmas day.

But before the party ended,

"smile for the camera" I just had to say!

Promethean board fun,

before the "bell" rings at 3.

Then we headed home to get ready for some company.

Dad and Little Man built the sweetest Gingerbread home.

(Note to self: Use a generous portion of icing under both flats of the roof.)

Then we got everything ready for a "feast".

While my parents were still here, we invited even more company for good cheer! Husband's parents, husband's grandma, uncle, and aunt all came to dinner. Husband's cousin and husband's childhood friend, wife and daughter were all there as well.

Little Man has always been impressed with setting a nice table so you can only imagine the elation when he found out I'd be putting his playroom table by the big dinning table. He decorated it himself and even requested a candlelight!

Juju's house was our next stop.

Spending time with Nonnie and Lisa, Slim's sister, is always an adventure. Lisa is in her 50's and has down syndrome. She is the sweetest little lady I know. She loves hugs and her greatest concern (and most asked question) when we're all together is...."Right here?!? You're staying right here?!?!". She doesn't ever want anyone to leave. :)

I completely "cut him loose" this year on cookies. Little Man iced and sprinkled them..and the cabinet...annnnddddd himself.

Lots of giggles in our house tonight!

Cookies are out, milk is poured, letter is complete! Now it's time to drift off in to a deep,deep, sleep! Merry CHRISTmas eve everyone!

Oh! But wait! Now that he's all tucked in,

I'd like to share a special Christmas treat of mine! Updated family photo cards!

Getting updates from old, old friends... (these I've not seen since the oldest was just months old)

(ad this little lady - well, it's been longer than that!)

...and keeping up with current ones...

...seeing the precious faces of children I've taught and families we've spent time getting to know.

I truly look forward to each and every Christmas card from the first to arrive just after Thanksgiving, to the last few that trickle in close to New Year's.

Merry Christmas to you all! And to all a good night!

Elsie the Elf

2010-12-16T20:22:00.004-06:00

Elf of the Shelf moved in with us this year. Since the day after Thanksgiving, Little Man has had a whole new reason to rise before 6:00 a.m. As if he needed another one. :)

Cannon named him "Elsie the Elf" after none other than his favorite little sister. Ahem. I mean, his favorite puppy.

Every night "Elsie" heads North to fill Santa in on all of Little Man's happenings. Cannon's first objective was to write a letter to Santa ensuring that every character from Toy Story 1, 2, and 3 was included on his "I want..." list. He sent the letter back to the North Pole on "Elsie the Elf's" first night with us.

Every morning, Cannon wakes to find the new spot in which "Elsie" will rest throughout the day until he takes flight again.

Elsie the Elf has been everywhere from the refrigerator for a late night snack to Cannon's stocking.

One morning we found him hanging from my rooster collection.

Another morning he was in my kitchen plant.

But the best is when he took Woody and Jesse for a ride through the house and landed on the kitchen table!!!

We couldn't quite get the camera fast enough, but Cannon's convinced we heard "Elsie the Elf" riding Elsie (the dog) around the living room one night.

We'll have to keep our ears open and see if we can catch this little guy coming and going. He'll only be with us 8 more nights and then he'll move back to the North Pole until next year.

Now that we're beginning our Christmas break, I wonder what else Elsie the Elf will get in to? We've heard as it gets closer to Christmas, Elves on the Shelf begin to bring their other Elf friends home with them at night to play. We've heard of these Elves destroying little kids' playrooms by scattering toys EVERYWHERE and refusing to clean up before they leave. Hmmmm.

I wonder if Elsie the Elf is that mischievous?

I wonder what little children think when they wake up to find that their Elf has been playing with all of their belongings?

Gone, But Not Forever

2010-12-14T21:55:00.004-06:00

Heavens. I never thought I'd be one of "those" bloggers. I didn't anticipate the day I just could NOT make time to sit - if only briefly - and share Little Man's latest. But it just seems like August was here and time blew straight in to Christmas break.

Starting a new job in a new school district 45 minutes earlier each morning than I was used to is my partial excuse for my blogging "leave of absence". Having Little Man in school with me and therefore helping him each evening and morning be the best that he can be has something to do with it also. But, the biggest time thief has been soccer...a whopping 2 nights a week, plus games on Saturdays!!! A 20 minute drive one way, plus an hour practice, plus the planning that goes in to the afternoon to assure that everyone stays on schedule truly keeps those two days busy busy.

I'm so enjoying the level of intensity at which this school year has paced. Watching all the fascinating things Cannon has gotten himself in to and the personality traits he's buidling have brought a smile to our faces and more laughter in our home every single day. Because I keep this blog as a "journal", I hate that I haven't had the time to record memorable events as I have the last 2 1/2 years.

Little Man's anticipation and anxiety of new situations has begun to fade. He's always a little skeptical, ever so cautious in new surroundings - but once he's comfortable, look out!

He's a leader in his classroom and with his playmates and we're working towards learning how to use those leadership qualities in the most positive ways and at the most positive times. In other words, he luuuuuuuuves to make people laugh. :) Cannon is very playful.

Mr. Smiles with a sensitive side. He's very concerned about others who are hurting. Like I said, he wants to make me people laugh. He wants people to be happy. If someone is sad or hurting, he's very concerned.

He's a HUGE helper. He'll help you with anything you ask and typically looks for no recognition afterwards. Sometimes, though, he takes the initiative to see what needs to be done and he does it...especially if he finds the "job" meaningful.

Little Man "dudn't take nothing off of no one". Yes. That's how I said it. Don't mess with this little guy. He'll give you the benefit of the doubt, but once you push too far and he knows you're up to something...he'll dish it right back out to you and he'll hold nothing back. When we're all "play wrestling", if he senses daddy being too rough he'll run to my rescue.

He's a creator. Artistic just isn't a word I'd thought I'd use when describing my child. He loves to make things out of, well, anything. And it doesn't take him long to make it once he has a vision. I've seen Little Man clean out my pantry (and trash) and make a space ship. He's pretty much always asking for things out of my junk drawer and usually puts it to good use. Speaking of creating...
After making a wreath out of paper plates, tissue paper, and red dots at church last week, he insisted I stop at the store and buy the necessary items to create 8 more...one for each person in our extended families. I thought he'd get distracted mid-project and possibly not finish. After an afternoon in his playroom, rubber cement on the carpet and red marker on the table he proudly displayed 8 beautiful wreaths complete with homemade bows and fuzzy balls for berries. I've never been so proud as he's anticipating passing them out in the next couple of weeks.

He is smart. I know. Everyone says that about their kid. I'm just amazed daily at the connections he makes and the level at which he retains what he's learned. He's learning to read and read his first book to me this week! He BEAMED with confidence and my heart swelled with pride knowing the nightly stories we've shared since he was a baby in addition to the amazing PreK teachers he's had the last 3 years all played in to that exciting moment. The book was called "The Cat". He recognizes words all over the place and reads them as sight words - but "The Cat" was the first book he's read TO ME in it's entirety. It's not so much the reading as it is the connections he makes. That's what blows my mind! His inquisitive nature and his enthusiasm will carry him far.

Little Man loves the outdoors. He loves pretending he's on a secret mission. Cannon really likes soccer, football, and baseball. He LOVES being with friends and having people over to his house! He loves Chic-Fil-A, hotdogs, sweets, pickeld corn, cucumbers, sweets, broccoli, pancakes, sweets, and sweet tea. His playroom bleeds Toy Story. He's obsessed with spandex athletic shirts under his t-shirts and the only time he wears jeans is to church. Cannon loves Elsie. He likes Jimmy Buffett and "rock" songs and he still loves me reading to him at night. He likes Bible stories and he prays with Lance and I before he goes to sleep. He still obsessed with caps, gloves, and wrist bands but not as much as last winter. He's so funny. He's such a cool kid.

Cannon seems to ask fewer questions about God this year. I wonder if it's because he's not in a daily Christian environment in public school like he was in private preK, or if it's because he's simply at a point in his faith where he "gets it". We continue to have conversations about what it means to love Jesus and have Jesus live in your heart. He said a prayer with me once this summer where he asked Jesus to come and live in his heart. We talked about being baptized and what that meant - but he's just not ready for that part. It'll come. I'll admit, since he was born our church attendence was very consistant but this summer we decided to move churches (one that was much smaller) and for a time he was not attending a children's class. Once the school year started we joined a new church and although he's been to the children's class several times, he doesn't seem as attached to this church as he was the MFB...the only one he'd known since he was 2. I'm not concerned, I'm just ready to get more involved in our new church.

He still calls a trash can a "crash can". And I'm not changing that. I can't. He still thinks Star Wars Clone Wars is Star Horse Chloe Horse. Not changing that either. Granola bars are Olie bars, pajamas have recently become chibamas (? IDK why), and Dr. Pepper may forever be Papa Dector.

At least two nights a week he still crawls in to my bed about 4 am-ish, but now he insists I move to the middle. In the wee hours of the morning, when all three of us - plus Elsie - are in our bed just before the morning rush begins...my world is at peace. I love my family.

Speaking of family. This Friday will be 9 years ago I met Husband. 7 1/2 years ago we got married. 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, or even 3 years ago I never would have dreamed life would be so sweet. Our relationship has always grown, but it's truly been the last 2 1/2 years or so that I've seen certain answered prayer regarding specific areas of our marriage. Some of that may have to do with how long it took me to start praying about certain things! - but God has been so good - working so many things out in HIS time. We are finally a complete unit, the three of us - Lance, myself, and God. Honest communication, trust in all things, grace and faith in each other have brought us to a new level in our marriage. Don't misunderstand. We continue to have obstacles and we do not know what the future holds, but I know that because of how we handle, accept, and encourage each other there is no one I'd rather face those obstacles and celebrate life's joy with.

Did I mention I don't know another dad like him? Cannon is so lucky.

So yes, I've been gone...from blogger. I'm sure I've missed posting more than a few of you have missed reading my blog. But for those that do, I'm bummed I haven't had time to update it more often. I've read many of your blogs more often than I've posted on my own and ohhhh how I love keeping up with you and your families that way. I've been gone - but it won't be forever. All of the "new" in my life this year has just had me on my toes. For now, it's time for me to tip-toe off to bed!

The BLACK DOT Christmas

2010-12-04T20:57:00.010-06:00

"Black dot" is not referencing to a bargain from Black Friday.

"Black dot" is not a theme for my Christmas tree.

A "black dot" is currently ruining all of my Christmas photos! As I take you on a decoration tour of our home, see how long it takes you to spot the "black dot"!

Baking is something I love during the holidays. I'm hoping this unique door canvas will inspire a sweet smelling kitchen tomorrow afternoon.

On the menu? Ranger Bites, Nutter Butter Santa Cookies, Sugar Cookies, and Ritz Delight! Most all of it is freezable.

One of my favorite nativity scenes was a "give-away" from a friend as she cleaned out her classroom a couple years ago. Isn't it beautiful?

The willow tree nativity accentuates my love for these Demdaco angels. I have them all over my home and classroom.

Nutcrackers are Cannon's pick. I didn't begin my collection until his fascination with them last year. I'm looking forward to hosting a family Christmas dinner at this very table on the 21st. Both of Little Man's grandparents will be here as well his great grandmother, great aunt and great uncle.

This little piece in our entryway was passed down from Nonnie (great-grandmother). Notice the little nutcrackers on top? The "Elf on the Shelf" didn't come to our home until this Christmas. We're having soooo much fun with it - a post on the suprises that accompany "Elsie the Elf's" visits will coming soon.

I started a lighted village collection several years ago, but since we've been in this house I haven't seemed to find the perfect place for them and therefore haven't expanded the little town. I tried spreading the decor out a bit this year and found the perfect place for it in the office.

My mom finds some of the cutest ornaments. This is one of my favorites - not only because of the details - but take note of the signs she's holding. See the one that says "charge it"! Mom gave it to me the year I "got real with my credit". It's a nice reminder of what's worth spending money on this time of year. :)

I love love love my photo ornaments of Little Man. 5 years has flown.

And another sweet one from mom - to go with my Willow Tree collection.

Just a basic, but the coloring I love.

Again, the Nutcrackers were Little Man's idea. If I'd picked them up they wouldn't have meant near as much, but because he loves them I have reason to call them my favorites! The next several are all ornaments in honor of him...

Woody and Buzz are his current "roommates". They go and do almost ev-er-ree thing with him!

So why not have ornaments to remind us of the "Toy Story" phase he's in?

This big blue beauty is not only in honor of the pirate phase he was in just before Toy Story took over, but it's also a sweet reminder of our Disney World vacation and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Last year's ornament...

Santa's front door to our house! Notice the family of 3 Nutcrackers? He picked out one for each of us.

He said this one is "him".

His stocking is so big, I could seriously put Little Man in it!

Now, the rest of the decor includes Little Man's personal picks for his room. He loves having his "own", well, everything. He loves his little nativity scene. His favorite part is manipulating all of the figures.

The year Cannon was in a "doctor" phase, Gig-ga-goo found this little Santa. Isn't he precious?

Oh and how could I ever leave this guy off? Husband made him in a teacher inservice the Christmas I was pregnant with Little Man. Is he not just the cutest? And is husband not just the most creative?

His OWN tree in his OWN playroom!

He's quite proud of his advent bell used to count the days until Christmas. First thing out of his mouth every.single.morning....."psssst, mommy. Are you awake? Let's take a ring off of my reindeer chain!".

His dresser...

Cannon's personal favorite? The cowboy nutcracker!

Merry Christmas!!! THE reason for this season!

How many black dots did you see? Yes, good answer. There's one in EVERY photo. I've cleaned everything I know to clean so tomorrow I'm headed to Wolf so they can hopefully help me out.

I don't want to BLACK DOT Christmas 2010 forever!

Thanksgiving at Lake Ivie

2010-12-01T17:23:00.009-06:00

One of his favorite things to do, with one of his favorite people....

My dad has experienced several hobbies throughout the years. Some he's been involved with his whole life and some he's revisited when his schedule allowed him to. Chuck Wagon cooking and cowboy poetry and singing is an interest he's currently able to spend more time enjoying... thanks to a good friend's donation of an authentic covered wagon.

Dad has used this wagon as part of his ministry at Lake Ivie and Millersview Baptist church, but we had the pleasure of enjoying a dutch oven meal prepared especially for us when we arrived Tuesday afternoon. Cannon loved the front seat best....as well as Woody, Jesse, and Buzz. Woody and Jesse were the perfect companions for this Little Cowboy's adventure.

Dad involved Lance in some of the chores that go along with Chuck Wagon Cooking. It's crazy to imagine all the cowboy cooks used to go through just to prepare a meal. And to think....meals back then really didn't have much taste or enjoyment. They simply provided the necessary (somewhat) nourishment the men needed.

Dad's dinner, of course, was quite tastey. I'm sure it had a "cowboy" name but it consisted of hamburger meat, beans, tomatoes, onions, and a cornbread mix dumped on top.

Dad then used coals from the fire to cook the meal.

While dad and Lance cooked, mom and I prepared the "living quarters". :)

But the only people willing to sleep in the tent were mom, Little Man and I. It was QUITE a night. Notice I didn't say a QUIET night! Little Man's first night in a tent was memorable to say the least.

I'm proud of dad and his hobbies. There's rarely a dull moment at Lake Ivie. :)

After dinner we took a little ATV ride in to the sunset. I guess that's what you might call redneck romance!

See! It's dark and he's still not through with dinner! I'm telling ya. Those cowboys had some hard work'n times. Wonder what they would have thought to see golden arches on the praires and plains?

One of Cannon's favorite past times is Papa Don and Gig-ga-goo's is ATV hide and seek.

It's usually him and daddy on the 4-wheeler and mom, dad, and I on the gator.

This is what we're looking for...

...and this is usually where we find them!

Just a few of mom and dad's backyard friends...

...literally 6 feet from me.

Mom ALWAYS makes an amazing spread at Thanksgiving. (Actually, anytime we're there. Lance usually jokes about gaining 5 lbs. a trip.) And carving the turkey is no easy task as well.

We enjoyed time and stories shared with loved ones.

Aunt Jane...

...and Uncle Ewell and Aunt Cecelia have come to every Thanksgiving at Lake Ivie.

Ewell is dad's brother. Aunt Jane is their sister-in-law. My dad and Ewell are two of the last three living Sessom men. Guess you know what that means. The "Sessom" name is nearing it's end. A couple of my cousins and I have something special in the works to preserve as much of the J.O. and Annie Sessom history as we can, though. More on that soon.

I never knew my dad's dad, J.O. I know his name was Joseph Oscar and that most people called him "Spec". I've heard he adopted the name because of all his freckles. My dad was the youngest of 5 and there was close to 20 years difference between him and his oldest brother, Douglas (Aunt Jane's husband). Therefore, Uncle Ewell always seemed a Grandfather figure to me. He is the only relative I've see age in my 30 years. I used to call him Gus. He's become so frail, yet his spunky "Gus" (from Lonesome Dove) spirit still remains.

So glad for the time we shared this Thanksgivig.

Hopefully this time next year we will have compiled a sweet reflection of the J.O. Sessom family history and stories. Until then...

Work In Progress

2010-11-29T23:00:00.001-06:00

Christmas Music. Can you hear it? Done.
Christmas background. Can you see it? Done.
Thanksgiving post? Um, that's on tomorrow's list.

Cannon Ranch

2010-11-22T21:27:00.006-06:00

A place we love to be...but too far away to be there often enough.

Named after, well, one crazy little red head.

So far, the biggest buck killed on the place...
Mr. taxidermist said it was the biggest bodied deer he'd processed in a few years. Wonder what Cannon will think when he wakes up one morning and we've mounted it on his bedroom wall while he was asleep. My parents did that to me when I was a kid.

Nothing like the world of pretend that the outdoors allows. Each trip up to the farm we've spent time working on his fort. The latest addition? A door frame. :)

About the only physical trait this kid got from me is his hair color.

Other than the hair, he's his daddy's twin!

Great times at Cannon Ranch. Nerves and impatience got the best of me. I wish I'd have waited for a bigger buck. Happy for husband, though. His was awesome! Can't wait to watch Little Man get his first one some day too.

So very thankful for the freezer FULL of meat these two guys provided!

Now, if I could just figure out where the black spot on EVERY PICTURE is coming from!!!

I'm a Little Turkey, Look At Me

2010-11-17T20:15:00.004-06:00

I'm a little turkey, look at me.

I'm as fat as I can be.

Don't you try to catch me, no sir'ee!

I'll hide behind the old oak tree.

Husband and I marveled over the variety of personalities we saw yesterday at Little Man's Thanksgiving feast and program! The first song, the one I wrote above was their introduction song. Then they sang:

Turkey dinner.

Gather 'round.

Gather round.

Who will eat the drumstick? Yummy yummy drumstick.

Turn around.

They spent days on all of their table decorations and costumes. He chose to dress as an Indian and his fringed vest and headress were decorated with pride!

Reid and his mom (Little Man's friend)...

Jaime, Little Man's precious teacher from last year is now a Pre K teacher at our campus. Wendy (right) is his teacher this year. Both, precious woman. Both, talented, smart, genuine, and loving ladies. He's been so incredibly blessed with teachers.

I love sharing a campus with Cannon and getting the opportunity to be a part of such special memories.

He is MY Little Turkey.

First BFF?

2010-11-15T21:05:00.004-06:00

Don't get me wrong. These two will always be "tight".

But, remember those friends you started school with and may still be friends with?

I'm wondering if Little Man has met a few of those as he's started "big school" with me.

Ty, Trevor, Cannon, and Reid are in the same class together at school and their parents are all employed at the same school district.

Reid and Trevor even came home with us after school one day last week. Whew! That was a busy afternoon! We rolled the windows down and belted out "Move It, Move It" all the way to Sonic. Then we headed to our house to check out every.single.toy. After they rearranged the playroom, the three of them made their own game of backyard baseball. All 3 were dissapointed when it was time to go home.

Little Man's whole class (and his daddy) went on a field trip a few weeks ago. All 5 kinder classes and 3 PreK classes boarded a bus and headed out to the Aubrey pumpkin patch. Husband took more pictures than I could review and a sack lunch for the two of them to share.

Not sure how long these boys will get to be friends, but for now, Cannon couldn't be happier!

Ten Positives

2010-11-08T21:32:00.003-06:00

Sometimes we need to consciously focus on the positive in our lives. No matter what's going on, we need to find all the positive and bathe in it with the intentions of blocking out the negative. Without a lot of thought, these are the first ten positives in my life that come to mind...

10. My bed is the best bed ever. We have THE BEST pillow top mattress and padded mattress cover. We rotate three sets of sheets, one of which is to-die-for soft! Pefect pillows and fleece blankets make it oh-so cozy. So cozy, in fact, that my treadmill isn't near as inviting at 5 a.m.
9. After a long road of learning, we FINALLY have a much better handle on our finances. We have the occasionally hiccup (charge!), but we know what it takes to recover from it and we take care of it immediately. After the depths in which we've been regarding this topic....I can't express how grateful I am for the support we had from others in order to learn how to prioritize our finances.
8. I'm so incredibly grateful for the amazing Christian women I work with that encourage me every.single.day. Jaime, Shelly, Shelly....have professed their faith and it feels so good to be surrounded with women such as these while I'm at work all day.
7. I love the church we've been attending and recently joined.
6. My marriage never seems to stall. We're always learning and growing together. I think our biggest accomplishment has been learning to communicate....to talk and to listen to each other and respect each other's views.
5. I'm Cannon's mommy. Enough said.
4. The lounge in my school building, the one with the Keurig coffee maker, is RIGHT.NEXT.DOOR to me! So is the staff bathroom!! If you're a teacher you know those are two HUGE perks!!!
3. One day a week in the mornings I get up and while SITTING and drinking my coffee, I quietly study a lesson from my bible.
2. Each one of my teammates is at a different stage of life. I love getting to hear Meredith's "I'm not married, but I'm in-love" stories. Shelly keeps me rolling with her recollections of raising her 3 children and her oh-so-southern style. Morgan is a brand new mommy and Sherry has had enough life experiences that she takes care of and mothers us all. Sherry is a huge support peice for our team.
1. When Jesus returns, I am going with Him. I will not be here for the 7 years of horror that will follow the rapture. I will live with Jesus eternally and "all of these things of this life will grow stangely dim...in the light of His glory and grace".

#1Kinda trumps it all - but hey, 2-10 are certainly noteworthy. ;-)

Happy Monday

Personality, Personality

2010-11-02T18:08:00.008-05:00

Mr. Personality usually has a plan. May it be last minute or an idea he's pondered for more than a minute...he has a plan. Even cooler, he actually puts his plan on paper. Wow. Wish I could think that far ahead.

Of course he's great at organizing and then delegating the work, but he's an even better helper. I can't complain about his abilities as both a leader and a great helper.

Cute pumpkins, daddy! We always have fun with this. One year we had a pumpkin carving contest. I voted for husband's over mine because I fell in-love with his trade mark pumpkin eyes, stars. This year my focus was the roasted seeds. Pretty good, they were, but there just still seems to be something missing. My goal for next year? More crunch!

Rec soccer is almost over and our first season with the Liverpool Club starts in a few weeks! He improves almost every game and this one was no exception. 6 goals to be exact!

He's building a large fan base as well! Slim, Papa Don, Gig-ga-goo, Uncle Joe, and Juju.

The chocolate mustache is the only reason I make him hot chocolate. His new game? Tic-tac-toe.He would rather the "kitty cat" win before his opponent does.

Lots of similarities between these two - especially in this picture. You agree?

Gig-ga-goo has worked with him on Go-Fish, too.

After a few days of looking and more than I care to admit of spending...we finally found the perfect, much anticipated, WOODY costume!

Wait. That's not WOODY!

It's a GHOST!

A real, "old school ghost"!

About an hour before heading out to trick-or-treat, Little Man waltzed in the living room and announced he's made a change in his costume.

He wanted to be a ghost. And, well, he wanted DADDY to be Woody!

I knew husband would dress up and play around before we headed out, but I had no idea he remain in full costume for the FULL night of trick-or-treating.

Thank goodness for old karate pants and extra white sheets!

Little Man was more concerned about scaring others than he was being scared himself. He even got in to the "ooooooooooooooohhhhhhh's" by the last few houses!

For two years his favorite part has been hosting Halloween Trick-or-Treats at his own house. He loves passing candy out to the kids.

Mr. Personality, you keep me going. You're such a treat and YOU love tricks!

You make us laugh.