My Two Cents Worth

Dear Santa...

2011-12-20T09:19:00.000-06:00

This is Leon's third Christmas and he is really into it this year. He's oohing and ahing over all the lights and trees, asking for things, opening presents, and talking to Santa. :) Shelbi and I went to Gulfport (where he and his mommy moved a few months ago) and picked up Leon for a few days. I haven't seen him in three months and it was getting unbearable. On the way home we searched for houses lit up in the dark. He would get so excited every time he saw "Krismus wights." I said, "Leon, you like Christmas lights, buddy?" He answered, "Yeah! and cheese... and cereal." LOL This kid cracks me up! Later, he snuggled up in the recliner with his Poppa and just sat staring at my living room tree. In awe, he looked up and asked, "Poppa, did you make that tree?" Larry told him, "No, Mimi did." Leon looked up at me with the sweetest expression and said, "Mimi, good job on that tree!" Man, this boy melts my heart. :)

Saturday, we went to my dad and stepmom's in Pearl, MS, for their Christmas dinner. Before my stepmom could finish her plate, Leon was under her telling her he was "ready to open pwesents." heehee After lunch, we took him to Bass Pro near their house to see Santa. His first Christmas with Santa picture was pitiful~ a local Santa with an eye infection produced a creepy looking picture. Click HERE to see that one again. Last year, another mall Santa was no better~ he closed both eyes and looked asleep when we got the picture. (Neither mall allowed me to take my own pictures.) Bass Pro let me take my own. I couldn't take many because I didn't want to hold up the hours long line, but I got a couple of keepers. :)

Leon walked right up, took Santa's hand (probably didn't hurt that it had a "canny cane" in it), and climbed right up into his lap. He looks a little stiff in the first picture, but at least he's not crying like some kids. :)

Then, I suggested he tell Santa what he wanted so I could get a "relationship" picture I was craving. He turned and said, "I want a wagon." Then he proceeded to tell the big guy that he has been "peeing in the potty." LOL Santa was very impressed and told him what a "big boy" he is. :)

I LOVE this picture!

One of the gifts he got Saturday was a Woody doll from my sister, Becky. He loved it! He pulled the string several times on the two hour drive back to my house. "There's a snake in my boot!" cracked him up every time. Then, he'd tell me, "You're my favorite dekudee." (deputy)

In case you're wondering if we've discussed the real meaning of Christmas with him, he also piped up with "I love Jesus! I love birfdays, too!" :)

So far, this has been the best Christmas~ and it's not even Sunday yet. This is why two to five is my favorite age span. :)

Urgent Prayers Needed

2011-05-09T22:50:00.002-05:00

I know after neglecting my blog since Christmas, I probably have very few even checking it. :( But the Bible says, "Where two or more are gathered..." I'm sure by now, even if you live far away from me, you've heard about the Mississippi River and all the flooding surrounding it. Towns and cities are being flooded up and down the river. This month is supposed to break records from 1937! My little Louisiana town sits right on the Mighty Mississippi and flood stage here is 48 ft. On the 21st of this month, it is expected to crest at 64 ft! The highest I've ever seen it was when it reached almost 58 ft. in 2008 and it was mainly just up on the riverfront then~ not even to the buildings. Even though officials and the Corps of Engineers believe our levees will hold, our town is frantically working around the clock to build temporary levees around buildings on the riverfront and our water wells. Some towns (in Mississippi and Louisiana) that are not even an hour away are already flooding. A lot of our residents are fleeing for higher ground or, at the very least, are packing up family heirlooms, photos and other irreplaceable possessions. That is where my husband and I are~ in the process of packing sentimental things. No mandatory evacuations will be ordered unless the levee breaks or water comes over it. You can see pictures or read more about it in our local paper http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/.

Yesterday, my Mother's Day was not spent with any of my girls (they couldn't come home). It was spent digging through my closets and cabinets searching for pictures and other sentimental things. I came across my children's old art and work from elementary school and spent hours reading old Mother's Day cards my girls had made and reading sentences formed in Kindergarten and written in little journals. Very sweet memories. In spite of our circumstances, God gave me a Mother's Day gift. :) (I also got a Kindle in the mail today from my daughter, Mallory and her hubby, Daniel. Thanks, M & D! I love y'all.)

Anyway, please pray for all those along the Mississippi and its tributaries. We're just blessed to be given this time to pray and pack up our things. Time that many recent disaster victims didn't have.

Unless God intervenes, it will be a long time before I get pictures of Leon (or anyone) on our Riverwalk. :(

Not that that's important right now, but see what a pretty background our river makes?! Now, between the walkway and those rocks everything has been dug up in order to make a temporary levee. Just praying it helps.

I miss this sweet face! Haven't seen him in two months and won't get to keep him again until we are out of danger. I know all you grandmas out there will sympathize with that! ;)

Leslie and Her New Family!!! :)

2011-04-23T23:48:00.006-05:00

My youngest, red-headed stepchild, Leslie remarried today. The bride was beautiful, the location (in an old chapel) was perfect, and we gained a new son-law and two new grands. :) Omar, the groom, is a great Christian (most importantly) and father to his two kids. We actually didn't meet him until an hour or two before the wedding. lol Everyone there, though, kept telling us how wonderful he is and how much he loves Leslie. He also came with two of the cutest, sweetest, funniest kids! (I sound like a Mimi already. lol) I can't believe my baby stepdaughter is now a stepmom herself! :)

The ceremony.

"I do." He was so nervous! It was cute.

With this ring...

Love the look on her face... pure joy!

Another picture of joy!

Cinderella's slipper ;)

Our newest granddaughter~ Hayley. Isn't she pretty?

The newest grandson~ Gian (John) He wouldn't smile until his dad tickled him! So cute!

The whole family

Leslie, Omar, Hayley and Gian

I LOVE this picture! (and the people, too)

We are very happy Leslie got such a great instant family! :)

The reception.....

The cake was beautiful... and delicious. :)

The bouquet and the rings.

Omar's favorite!

The kidnapped bride~ She's yelling, "HELP!" Hilarious!!!

My absolute favorite!!!! :) What a cast of CHARACTERS!

They should have a LOT of family fun!

CONGRATULATIONS, LESLIE & OMAR!!!

Welcome to our family, Omar, Hayley & Gian! We are so blessed! :)

Updated Photography Blog :)

2011-04-16T11:05:00.001-05:00

It's been MONTHS since I posted on my photography blog. Just been really busy and the only pictures I've taken in forever were of the grands. Those I posted on here and Facebook. Finally took some Senior portraits again. This post is for my niece, Hayley, who begged to be on the blog. LOL Soon, I'll post the other Senior girl's pictures. And maybe a few from the wedding last month and the one I'm doing in a few hours. Busy~ but FUN! :)
Click HERE to see the updated blog post.

Giveaway

2011-04-05T20:32:00.000-05:00

Click on this link to enter a giveaway. :) http://ahomemakershallelujahs.blogspot.com/2011/04/we-are-all-called-to-orphan-giveaway.html

Sanctity of Life~ My Thoughts

2011-01-23T15:13:00.001-06:00

I am more a patriotic person, than a political activist. Politics, other than voting my conscience, turns my stomach. This is my first ever post about a "political issue," but I am discussing it only from a moral, personal point of view.
Before I begin, I feel led to clarify that I have always been and always will be Pro-Life. I am very extreme, even in some Christian circles, in that I do not believe there is EVER a valid reason to justify terminating a pregnancy.   I am fully aware of the arguments that even some Christians give to justify terminating a pregnancy. I've heard them all. Usually, when I state my opinion that I don't believe in it for any reason, I am asked, "What if you were raped? Can you honestly say you could love that child?" No, I have not been raped~ and have utmost sympathy for those who have. But does it justify murdering your own child??? If every child whose father, or mother, committed a crime (violent or not) were aborted, or murdered after their birth~ how many fewer people would our planet have? I have two beautiful daughters whom I love with my whole heart. I won't go into details of what kind of "father" they had before I married Larry, but suffice it to say that if those standards were applied to their lives, they would not be here. I do not love them in spite of who fathered them. I LOVE THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE MINE! I do not love their sister, born of a good man, more than I love them. How, as a mother, could I hold something beyond their control against my own children?
"What about when the mother's life is in danger?" My answer is, "What if it is? I would DIE for my children. Even before they were born~ I would have given my life for them. How can a mother choose her own life over her child's, even if she hasn't met him/her yet?"
"What about a child conceived because of incest?" That goes back to my original argument about the child of a rapist. Again, why should a child be killed because of who his/her parent(s) are? How does putting one through the trauma of an abortion help erase/ease the pain and trauma of rape or incest?
"How do we know when life begins?"   (I haven't heard this one from Christians.) Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I won't answer that one. I will show you. HERE, HERE, and, my personal favorite, HERE. In the words of Forrest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that." :)

In spite of all my arguments against abortion, (here's where it gets political for some) I have an issue with the demonstrations (not candlelight services, not rallies raising awareness), but demonstrations that bring shame and condemnation on ones who have chosen to have an abortion. I know some of you are thinking, "WHAT? You just said you do not believe in abortion under ANY circumstances?!" I don't and never will. I'm not condoning those actions. I am still saying it is sin. I am still saying it is murder. But how does condemning, and not loving, ones that have made that choice help the cause? How does calling someone who, I believe, made a great error in judgment a "murderer" help? How does throwing blood on women outside a clinic, blowing up a clinic, or murdering an abortionist help? Instead, I believe we (the body of Christ) need to show compassion to women who felt/feel they had no other choice. Some actually did not have a choice~ I know some personally that were forced by their parents to have an abortion~ parents who mistakenly thought that a baby would "ruin their child's life/future." Parents who were told their daughter could die giving birth to a baby at their age/size. Parents who panicked because "everyone would know." I am NOT condoning that they sacrificed their own grandchild for any reason. But I hate that these girls (now grown women) are still made to feel ashamed of a decision they did not make on their own. A decision that many are still struggling with~ punishing themselves for~ seeking counsel for. Some did make the choice for selfish reasons. Have I ever made a choice for selfish reasons?! Even though it was not a choice that took a life, it is still sin. If Jesus did not approach people with condemnation, but with compassion and love, who are we (that call ourselves by His name) to think we are justified in condemning them? I am not saying we should not make it known that it is wrong~ Jesus called sin "sin." But as he condemned the sin, he loved the sinner. He told them, "Go and sin no more." Shouldn't we do the same? Aren't we called to do the same? Maybe the best way to cut down on the number of abortions is to love the ones who've had one or the ones comtemplating one.  Wouldn't standing outside the clinic telling these women they have other choices, providing support to unwed mothers, making them aware that God loves them and their baby, be a better way? Obviously, not enough women that find themselves with an unplanned/unwanted pregnancy know the Lord, His forgiveness, or how great His love is. Who's fault is that? (Asked while pointing at myself.)

Promoting adoption and supporting our daughters/sons if they make that decision, may have a larger impact than if Roe vs. Wade were revoked. As much as I would love to see that happen, I also know that if someone wants to get an abortion~ they will find a way, which leads to more death. Do I think it should be legal? NO! Murder should never be legal.  God is the author and giver of life and death and I believe those matters are to be left only in His hands. I don't have all the answers, and won't even pretend to.  Stand by your convictions, while reaching out to hurting people is my best advice. What if abortion could be prevented simply by convincing someone that her life is valuable~ translating to her that her baby's life also has value? That is truly "sanctity of life." Just my two cents worth.

Leon's Christmas Pictures~ Take Two

2011-01-21T19:10:00.001-06:00

After the botched, but funny, attempt at getting a decent Christmas portrait of Leon before the holidays, I did a retake the week after Christmas. Here are my faves.

This time went much, much better. He was in such a great mood! :)

Love the little finger pointing at Poppa or Shelbi. Love the mischievious grin, too.

Showing off his new shoes that help him "kick ball."

Like I said, GREAT mood!

Silly face!

Someone asked him to show his belly. Probably Aunt Shelbi. lol

Love his sweet smile!

Now this is more like it. This one's my favorite.

Love this one, too!

Leon stayed with us the week after Christmas. This is truly one of the sweetest little guys ever! Christmas Day posts coming soon. (I know~ I am SO far behind. My desktop crashed during the holidays and we just got it back up last week. Thank God my brother-in-law got rid of the virus and my pictures were all still there. :)

Merry Christmas~ from Harlee & Mimi

2010-12-25T06:00:00.002-06:00

Harlee was here Thursday while her momma worked and her daddy finished his Christmas shopping. Daddy packed up her Christmas dress and accessories and brought them with her. We had a mini Christmas portrait session. Harlee loved posing. Finally, a cooperative subject. I love how the pictures turned out, but love the model more. :) I am sure you'll agree~ she is adorable!

I couldn't pick a favorite, so I posted my top eleven. ;)

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MY BLOG TO YOURS.,
LOVE, PENNY

You Better Not Cry~ You Better Not Pout

2010-12-24T07:00:00.001-06:00

It may look like I skipped a November post, but these pictures were taken in November~ the week of Thanksgiving.

This is what happens when you try to take pictures of an almost two year old when he does not get his afternoon nap out. (He did have a two hour nap, but normally sleeps for three.) I had to get him up early to meet his mommy to give him back. He looked so cute, I wanted a few Christmas tree pictures because I won't have him here again before Christmas Eve. The timing really did not work for him. LOL

LOVE the fake crying! Not!

When that didn't work, he started fussing at me. This one is blurry because he wouldn't be still~ but hilarious!

Managed to get one decent (but still whining) picture before he threw his little self on the floor. hehehe

This is his "show me your mad face" face. I love it. :)

Poor baby. He's past faking. Mimi gave him candy after this one.

This is with Smarties in his mouth. Kind of cute.

This is the best I got! Oh well, he is usually so good and laid back, I guess everyone deserves an "off" day.

Just so you don't think I torture him all the time, I'll leave you with a happy picture.

I took this the day before. I love it! (This is Shelbi's car her Aunt Tracey gave her for her

first birthday~ over seventeen years ago. You can not destroy Little Tykes. :)

Maybe I'll take my camera out this weekend and get some more shots of my little guy all dressed up and with all of his cousins. Maybe... ;)

Christmas with my Dad and Stepmom

2010-12-23T08:00:00.002-06:00

Last Saturday, we all gathered at my dad and stepmother's to celebrate Christmas with them. This was the first time in years that all 10 granddaughters could make it. Plus the only two great-grandbabies. Now that I'm a "Mimi," I know how much that means to parents/grandparents when they get to have everybody together at one time~ you know, outside of funerals. It's so hard to synchronize schedules when your children leave home~ not to mention what's it like to coordinate with grown grandchildren, too. It's a true miracle when all the schedules work out. I was so glad my Dad and Margie were able to have everyone this year. Larry and I will have all of our daughters and grandchildren here Christmas evening for the first time in years, too. Two years ago New Year's was the last time they were all here together. I can't wait to get a picture of all the grands together. :)

Here is my Dad (Paw Paw) with my great-niece, Marley Nicole! :)

My pretty girl is so precious in her Christmas tutu outfit her Aunt Courtney got her.

LOVE this booty shot! :)

She tried to help Leon open his coupe car, but then Paw Paw pushed her present over to her.

Leon, with his OCD, was not satisfied until every piece of paper and tape was off the box. ;)

Marley was content to pat her box and play with the bow. Silly girl!

Paw Paw was even more excited than Leon about the car and dumped the contents all over the floor. LOL

Someone didn't hesitate to try it out.

Riding in cars with boys! First picture of the cousins together. Wish my brothers were here to see this! ;(

(We really miss you Ronnie and Keith. You're never far from our thoughts.)

Be careful what you wish for. Leon had been asking to "hold" Marley, but when he finally got to~ he wasn't thrilled! haha Looks like he's pointing for her to look the other way, but I think he was pointing to someone to get her off his lap. ;)

Momma, Lindsey, was teasing baby girl!

And the fake smiling begins~ this is Leon "cheesing" on command. Looks more like he is in pain. Hilarious!

Man, this is a load of girls! My daddy fathered three daughters and between us and his two (step) sons, we gave him and my stepmother TEN granddaughters! (Not even one grandson!) He doesn't look too miserable about it, does he? :) Leon is the first great-grandchild and only boy born into the family so far. He looks so out of place. LOL

Until you start trying to get professional looking pictures, you don't realize how impossible it is to get 16 people to look in the same direction at the same time! (And no, I have no idea what Shelbi is doing! ha)

MERRY CHRISTMAS, DAD & MARGIE! I LOVE YOU!

HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE DAY AS MUCH AS I DID!

Harlee's Four!

2010-12-22T12:56:00.001-06:00

Harlee's birthday is on the 18th of December and she is usually at her Daddy's. This year her momma, Stephanie, celebrated the week before with a chili supper and chocolate cake. (No other kind of cake satisfies this child. Only pure chocolate will do. She even smells candy bars to make sure they are only chocolate. Such a smart girl! A pre-reader has to do what a pre-reader has to do. LOL)

She never would lean in close enough to blow out the candles. (Good thing one of Stephanie's

kids are cautious around fire. Mason melted our umbrella in the heater later that night.)

Momma had to help. :)

If they gave out Academy awards for opening gifts~ this Drama Queen would have be a shoo in.

Wish we'd had a video camera on her. She gasped, clasped her hands to her cheeks and oohed

and aahed over every gift. It was hilarious! We should sign her up for auditions.

She "read" her card. I had to pick this one just because she's called her loved ones

(including me) her "Sweeties" since before she turned two. :)

This is with most of her loot. She was very pleased with herself. I gave her the traditional birthday

"box/bag" and her favorite thing in it was the $2 Princess mirror. Go figure. hehe

She had a blast and her guests did, too! When Harlee's around, who needs cable?! We love you, Harlee. Next up, Christmas at Granny's and PawPaw's. Then, I am officially caught up until the Christmas posts. :)

Wordless Wednesday~ Leon and Marley

2010-12-22T10:57:00.001-06:00

Late Trunk or Treat Post

2010-12-21T10:24:00.001-06:00

Our local First Baptist Church sponsors "Trunk or Treat" for Halloween. Members decorate their vehicles, or just set up a scene, in the parking lot and the kids make the loop collecting treats. Leon went as a rat this year~ reminds me of Templeton from Charlotte's Web. lol

Here he is waving to little kids walking down our street. Sweetest rat ever! Check out his "cheese" bag.

I love this shot of his tail. :)

Especially love this one of him and his Poppa.

Stephanie met us there with her three. Harlee was a fairy princess.

This picture cracks me up... it is so Mason. This is what pirates wear in the country.

John Deere boots and LSU jackets. Shiver me timbers! ;)

This group was awesome!

Our next door neighbor, Junior, aka Noah.

Now if we only had one more rat, he'd fit right in.

Our Noah also celebrated his birthday that night. He turned nine Nov. 4th.

He was really proud of the cell phone his parents gave him.

Noah did go Trunk or Treating, too. He wore his football uniform from the previous post.

November pictures are right around the corner people. Then I'll be caught up. haha

October~ Getting Closer

2010-12-17T18:04:00.000-06:00

The middle of October each year, our area hosts the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race. It is usually really neat. People come from everywhere. Sometimes, we have as many as 80 balloons in the sky. This year the wind conditions weren't perfect, so we barely saw a balloon. :( We did have a great weekend, though, because two of our daughters came from Arkansas and brought with them two of our sweet granddaughters, Lauren and Becca. They came to see Stephanie, my middle stepdaughter, after her surgery. (She did really well.) Since her little girl Harlee's daddy had National Guard drill, she spent the weekend with Poppa, me and her only girl cousins. She loves it when they come down. None of our grandsons were here, so we had a "girls' only" weekend. They had a ball "camping out" in our living room.

Left to right Lauren, Harlee (she lives here), and Becca.

There is also a festival/flea market that comes with the Balloon Race. Harlee loved the rides. She was finally big enough to ride. I love this smile on the carousel. :)

All three girls rode the little cars together.

We sat on the riverfront for an hour waiting on the balloons to start. But we gave up and went home. :(

It was also the weekend after Lauren's 6th birthday, so she opened her "birthday box" from Poppa and me. To read how that tradition started look HERE.

And another visit from Leon the last weekend in October. He had a good time. He's feeding himself very well. (He was 20 months in these pictures.)

He helped Poppa with the yard work. ;)

We took him home after Halloween. Trunk or Treat pictures are coming soon. (I'm getting caught up~ slowly, but surely.) I love this picture of him and his Mommie on their porch. :)

September~ Family and Football

2010-12-05T21:24:00.002-06:00

Leon was here twice the month of September. We took him home Labor Day. Then that Thursday, Sarah called from the ER. She and Leon were both sick~ he had bronchitis. She was also moving to another house. We went back and picked Leon up. The first few days, he was running a fever and felt awful. By the third day he was up and running around~ back to his sweet, happy little self. He ended up staying with us for two weeks. Boy, was it hard to take him home!!!

See him loving on Baby Bop? This boy loves him some Barney. His Aunt Shelbi did, too, and we still have her stuffed Barney and Bop from 17 years ago. :)

My little maestro. This was before Poppa caught him later on top of the ivories, playing with Mimi's Willow Tree nativity scene. (Yes, these are September pictures, but it stays up all year.)

All of the grands love playing peek a boo in our curtains. I think I have pictures of all six doing this at his age.

His cousin, Amber, came over to visit Leon. Sarah and Amber are 12 days apart and grew up very close.

Our oldest grandson played youth league football this fall. Noah played center and did an awesome job. His team won the "Super Bowl." :)

Next up, October Balloon Race weekend and Trunk or Treat. Hey, at least I'm catching up. Give a lazy girl a break.

August Pictures~ Late, I Know! ;)

2010-11-30T21:15:00.000-06:00

I know this is soooooo late, but I just reloaded over three months worth of pictures that I wanted to put on my blog. It's sad that this old desktop is less cantankerous than the new laptop.

Look for a few more picture posts in the next couple of days/weeks. Hopefully, I'll get caught up before Christmas. LOL

In August, my baby (Shelbi) moved into her dorm room. After carrying her belongings up three flight of stairs, (No, for $20,000 a year~ you do not get an elevator.) I only took a couple of pictures. This is the "before" picture. There is no "after" picture, but if you're Shelbi's Facebook friend~ you can see them there. :)

Shelbi (left) and her friend Ashley are a little overwhelmed. ;)

Harlee stayed with me several times during the summer. I finally found a little shirt that matched (well enough) her tutu (Thanks, Mrs. Jami!) and we went outside for a photo shoot. The next two pictures are all I got. :( The lens fogged up when I walked out, but I kind of like the *haze* it gave the picture. Yes, she cooperated and posed, but I had no idea she STILL (at 3 1/2) has texture issues. So she wouldn't sit, or lie, in the grass. Crazy little turkey. lol

Anyway, these pictures are cute, but the other poses would have been even cuter. Maybe I'll find a long-sleeved shirt before she outgrows the tutu and try it again. Somewhere without grass. ;)

Counting my Blessings cont.

2010-11-23T10:26:00.002-06:00

Last year I posted a list of things I am thankful for. You can find the list HERE. Just wanted to add some to the list. Since I am still thankful for the first 32 things on my list, I'll just pick up where I left off. :)

33. My husband and I decided, through a lot of prayer and tears, that he would take his early retirement from the paper mill after 34 years and three transfers and come home. Of course, early retirement is not as much as full, so he had to get another job. Fortunately, when we bought this house it came with amazing, Christian neighbors and one of them offered him a job at his company two weeks before he returned home. So Larry came home on a Saturday and started his job on Monday. God is good!

34. I LOVE my school I teach at and am so very thankful I get to stay. I couldn't ask for a more Christian environment to work in~ and it is a public school. It also has insurance benefits that helped make Larry giving up his job a lot easier and possible. :)

35. My mom had hernia surgery this year and did amazing~ she hardly even took pain medicine after. My stepdaughter, Stephanie, had major surgery this year and God brought her through that as well. :)

36. My "baby" graduated high school in May with honors. She received three scholarships to a Christian college only an hour and a half from home. She comes home almost every weekend, so our "empty nest" hasn't been totally emptied yet. Also, her going to college after struggling with Selective Mutism for years, still amazes me. I am stilled awed by the miracles God performed in her life.

37. I am thankful that I get to spend holidays with our daughters and grandchildren. Three will be here for Thanksgiving and four Christmas Day. The other two will be in after Christmas. This year we might have a day with all six girls and all six grands at one time. That will be the first time to have all six girls together since Christmas two years ago when Sarah was seven months pregnant with Leon. I also can't remember when I had all six grandchildren here together. Yay!

38. My niece, Lindsey, had her first child (my brother's first grandchild) this January. She, Marley, is absolutely beautiful. I wish my brother were alive to see her, but am so thankful he lives on in a new generation.

39. Being a teacher, I get every holiday off. I am VERY thankful for that. :)

40. I have the best friend and friend-in-law in the world! While Larry was working and living in Texas, my ten year old van gave up the ghost and we could not afford to purchase a vehicle while supporting two households. Cristi and Todd not only loaned me their extra vehicle, they signed it over to us! I never expected them to be so generous! When Larry came home, I found a used car at a really great price. We were able to let Larry's mom have his work car so she'd have a way to take her 96 year old mom back and forth to doctor visits. Then, Larry got a great deal on a truck he bought from his uncle. We loaned Sarah the van from our friends after her transmission went out in her vehicle, so she could continue her college classes. A LOT of blessings were shared because of our friends' generosity. As soon as Sarah can afford another vehicle, we will pass the van to another in need. Thanks again, Todd and Cristi. We love you two!

Guess that's it for today. As soon as I can get my pictures transferred from my cantankerous laptop, I'll post the pictures of the grands in their Trick or Treat costumes. Until then, I wish all my blogger friends a wonderful Thanksgiving. :)

What are you especially thankful for this year?

Grandma's Page: Story of our mothers and grandmothers

2010-10-28T21:33:00.001-05:00

Grandma's Page: Story of our mothers and grandmothers: "My daughter sent this to me today, and told me to put it on my blog. I have seen it before, but here it is again. I voted today, you have ..."

Prayer Request

2010-10-10T18:46:00.000-05:00

My cousin, Jeff, lost his wife unexpectedly this morning. Vicki went into cardiac arrest early this morning and my cousin administered CPR, but could not revive her. Neither could the EMT's. She was only 51. Besides being a wife, Vicki was also the mother of three daughters, a stepmother to my cousin's son, and a grandmother to four little ones~ one of whom was at her home when she passed away. Poor little fellow! Her parents and siblings are also devastated. My heart breaks for all of them. Such a tragedy! Please join me in prayer for her husband and the rest of their family.
God, please grant Jeff, Vicki's parents, daughters, grandchildren, and extended family the comfort and peace that can only be found in Your arms. Please surround them with your spirit today and in the coming days. May Your presence, Your grace, and Your love be felt every moment. May they grow closer to You, each other, and in their faith. Strengthen, guide, and protect them. To You may all glory be given.
In the precious name of Jesus,
Amen.

Where Were You?

2010-09-11T08:08:00.001-05:00

Where Were You?

Like the song in the video says, I was teaching innocent children that day~ 9 years ago. My principal went room to room telling us teachers that the trade center "had been bombed." That was the first thought that morning. I remember watching the news the rest of the day after I got home and the horror and sadness this country felt. It still makes me sad. This video is such a beautiful tribute. Thanks, Linda for sharing this. I'm sure you don't mind that I borrowed it.

From the Mouths of Babes

2010-08-28T14:45:00.001-05:00

I've been meaning to do a post on some of the funny things my grandkids and kindergarten students say. So here it is. Hope you enjoy. :)

Setting: Mimi (that's me) and Lauren are in the bathroom after Lauren's bath. I dried her back, gave her the towel, and told her she could dry the rest of herself because, "You're a big girl now." She said, "I'm supposed to get bigger. I can't get smaller and smaller."

Setting: In the car on the way home. Lauren: Mimi, guess what? Mimi: What? Lauren: Hold on, I'm thinking.

Rebecca (4 or 5) singing in the backseat: "This will be the day I was born. This will be the day I eat corn." I asked her, "Where in the world did you hear that song?" She said, "Y'all sing it at your church." It took a while, but finally my teenage daughter figured it out. "Blessed Be the Name of the Lord????!!!" OMGoodness!

Setting: Pre-K thru 2nd grade Sunday School class on Easter Sunday: Me (the teacher) to two little brothers: Y'all sure look handsome today. (Then, I added, teasingly.) I'll bet your mom is so glad she has such good looking kids, instead of being stuck with some homely ones. Isaac (4): I'll bet she's glad we're good and holy. Me, thinking he misheard me: Good and holy???? Isaac: Well me and Josiah are. (Josiah, 6, is giggling.) Me: Just you and Josiah? Not Amaus? (their almost 2 yr old brother) Isaac leaned across the table, pinched my arm, and said "Amaus pinches like this. What are you thinking???" LOL

Not long ago, three year old Harlee (granddaughter) was knocking on her Aunt Shelbi's bedroom door, hollering, "Let me in." Shelbi hollered back through the door, "Go away." This repeated several times until Harlee got tired of being told to go away. As she walked away she yelled out, "You can't talk to me that way. You hear me?!" Crazy kid!

Last week, I asked my six year old grandson Mason what his new teacher was like. I asked if she is pretty. He ducked his head and said, "Well, I can tell you what kind of clothes she was wearing, but I can't really say what her face looks like." I'm still trying to figure that one out.

When my nephew was about 5, his little sister cried to my mom, "Nana, Aaron took my phone and won't give it back!" (They were playing with old cell phones.) My mom found Aaron with a phone on each ear and asked him why he needed both phones. His answer? "So I can hear me talk to myself." Hilarious!

Over 20 years ago, I took my daughter and stepdaughter to practice for the little cheerleading program at the local high school. When I picked them up, I asked if they had a good time. My five year old piped up, "Well, if you call jumping around and getting hot and sweaty fun~ then yeah." Have mercy!

And this week, from my new kindergarten class and neighboring class~~~~~

I took a broken crayon from a little girl that was throwing it at another child. I tossed it into the trashcan a few feet away. Without missing a beat, the same little girl piped up, "Wow! Great shot!" From scolding to cracking up in 20 seconds flat. hehe

A little boy standing in the bathroom holding the belt from his pants is looking bewildered. Me: Do you need some help, buddy? Him, handing me the belt: Well, this is kind of complicated. Me: stifling laughter: Okay, man. :)

One part of the kindergarten test I administer, at the end of the year or to new transfer students, requires the student to write the letter that the picture begins with. When he told me the sound, but couldn't recall the letter, I made a note on the test. He watched me write and asked, "You don't know, either? That's why you're writing a question?" Dead serious. haha

The teacher next to me, testing knowledge of the five senses, asked one of her little boys, "What do we need our noses for?" He honestly admitted, "Well sometimes, I pick mine." ROFL

Part of the kindergarten readiness test asks the child to write a "message" to someone in order for us to see if they're holding their pencil correctly and understand the concept of print. One said, "Okay, my mom does that on the computer like this." At that point, he was demonstating someone typing. ;)

With 23 kindergarten students, I'm sure I'll have some more of these posts throughout the school year. :)

100th Post~ Worth the Read!

2010-07-30T08:56:00.005-05:00

I know the hundredth post should not have been 18 months in the making, but what can I say? :)

Anyway, I saved my 100th post for something very important! My pastor and his wife (aka VERY dear friends, Danny and Calley) are in the process of adopting and are raising money by selling aprons Calley makes. They are extremely cute and would make the best presents for any occasion. You could get a jump on Christmas shopping~ there are less than 150 shopping days left~ or something like that. You would be helping two of the most wonderful people fulfil what God is calling them to do.

You can find her aprons HERE. They are awesome!

Or you can visit HERE for a chance to win a $50 giftcard and pick you out an apron. :)

You can follow Danny and Calley's adoption on their family blog.
Thank you. :)

More Backtracking :)

2010-07-23T11:19:00.009-05:00

In July, our little one came and stayed ten days. Leon is now 17 months old and the sweetest little ham. Here he is trying on Poppa's hat.

He figured out how to climb in the laundry basket. Don't know what this was about! lol

This is what he does when we ask him where his nose is. So cute!

Talking on the phone.

This is my living room when Leon is here. After a couple of cleanup attempts, I gave up and left it like this until he went home. :) He was being so good, though, and not getting into anything but toys.

Besides, I could never get mad at this face.

Dancing with Barney to the Barney sing-along DVD.

On the 4th of July, we headed to the Riverwalk for the fireworks display. At dark, they shoot the fireworks from a barge in the middle of the river. Don't the new lights set the bridges off at night? Really pretty, but I don't want to think about the electric bill. lol

Leon was fascinated with the water and kept pointing it out to Aunt Shelbi.

Sitting on Poppa's shoulders waiting to see his first fireworks display. I love the smile on his little face. :) He looks like such a big boy up there.

He was so cute. At first, he whined and bucked for Poppa to grab the "ball" for him. Then I guess he figured out they were lights and started saying, "Wow!" after each explosion.

Poppa's helmet makes him look like the little martian man on Bugs Bunny. :)

We have had a summer full of grandkids. All that's left is to get some new pictures of Stephanie's this summer so I can post them too. They are all growing up too fast.

Backtracking :)

2010-07-21T14:45:00.009-05:00

I need to catch this blog up! My desktop has gotten so slow and the internet took FOREVER to upload my pictures, so I got really slack posting. Now, thanks to my new wireless laptop, maybe I'll get caught up and back to regularly posting. :)

Debbie's girls, Becca and Lauren, spent a week with us in June. This is the second summer in a row we've gotten them together. Lauren is only 5 1/2, so she just started staying last summer. a week is a long time to be five hours away from your mommy for a little one.

We had a good week, even though it was too hot to do much. Harlee got to come spend a couple of days with them and we went to a friend's house to swim. It was so hot that the water felt like a warm bath!

Top to bottom: Lauren, Becca & Harlee

This is where Harlee spent most of her time. lol

We went to the riverwalk one afternoon to take a few pictures under our bridges.

This would be my favorite if somebody hadn't strolled through the background.

And no, the culprit wasn't some unaware stranger~ it was their own Poppa. lol

So, I settled for this one. Still just as sweet!

And then some individual shots. :)

This one was on the bluff on the Mississippi side of the river.

Poppa wanted one with the riverboat (not a real one, a gambling boat).

Love these two girls! Wish they lived closer!

Updated Photography Blog... Finally :)

2010-07-05T11:23:00.003-05:00

I finally updated my photography blog~ after about a ten-month hiatus. I took some newborn pictures a few weeks ago. I guess I should post Shelbi's Senior pics on there, too. :) Those are the only professional pictures I've had the chance to do since I got my new teaching job. I'm supposed to do some for the little cheerleaders in the fall for my school. :)

Flashback Friday

2010-06-11T16:57:00.005-05:00

Over three years ago, I lost one of my very best friends. That was my Nannie, my maternal grandmother. I loved this "old girl," as my mom and I often called her. I wrote this post about her and my Mimi.

These pictures were taken in May 2003, the night that my oldest daughter Mallory graduated high school. It was so hard to celebrate Shelbi's graduation with Nan not here.

Nannie and me

This ended up being one of everyone's favorite pictures of her.

Almost everyone in my family has this one framed in their home. :)

This is my favorite because that is the look I loved--- classic Nannie. In a crowd, she could give you this look and make you feel like you and she were the only ones around.

I have lost many dear relatives in my life, starting with my Poppa Dad when I was 21. Too many precious people to list here. Out of all of them, though, my Nan is the one I miss the most. So many of my childhood memories involve my grandparents, especially my best friend, my "old girl." Even her death, strange at that sounds, is one of the most precious memories I have. Many times she and I had laid in her bed together discussing "how awesome it would be to go to sleep and wake up THERE." There, of course, being Heaven. She always told me she hoped she'd go in her sleep. I prayed that for her and on a Friday afternoon in February 2007, God, in His mercy, answered our prayers. She passed away during an afternoon nap. How peaceful she looked, curled on her side, her hands folded in prayer close to her face. It was hard to believe that she was not just asleep. My sisters, my momma, and I sat by her side telling her good-bye while waiting on the funeral home to come. It was honestly the most peaceful time I've ever experienced. But when I think of her, it's the picture above that I see in my mind. Nannie with that twinkle in her eyes and that look that connected you to her, that look that said it all. I miss my Nan. I look forward to the day I'll see that expression again. :)

Flashback Friday

2010-06-04T19:11:00.007-05:00

Twenty seven years ago today my best friend, Cristi, and her hubby, Todd, got married. I was honored to be a bridesmaid. :) Her maid of honor, also named Penny, is the one kneeling. I am the one standing next to the beautiful (and tiny) bride. Such a sweet day. No small feat to be married for that long now a days. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, CRISTI & TODD. Love y'all! :)

Five years ago today I was also honored to share in their daughter Casey's wedding day! She wanted to get married on her parents' anniversary. So sweet! That time, my daughter was the bridesmaid, but I got to serve the cake. :) HAPPY 5TH ANNIVERSARY, CASEY & CHARLIE.

(Sorry, I could not put my hands on a picture of your wedding.)

My Other Graduate of 2010

2010-05-31T20:35:00.004-05:00

My Mason graduated Kindergarten the Monday before Shelbi's graduation. He was so proud. :)

His self portrait. lol

His foot and hand prints butterfly

Their kindergarten class' self portraits are made into a quilt and auctioned off during the next year's Spring Fling as a fund raiser. Word has it, one of these went for 20K one year. *Gasp*

Here are a couple of his poses during the ceremony.

Getting a little comfortable, wasn't he? He was waiting for his turn to recite his poem.

Mrs. Traci handing out his diploma.

Then they danced to Dr. Jean's "Tooty Ta."

This part goes, "Eyes shut, tongue out, bottoms up and turn around." Love this picture!

Notice, by the end, the tie is on the outside of his gown??? He is so funny! I love this kid.

Congratulations, Mason! Who loves you the best? Mimi does. :)

Just Another Girl

2010-05-15T07:30:00.011-05:00

What an emotional week! After Sunday's Baccalaureate and Shelbi's speech at Senior Night, I wondered if the actual graduation ceremony could get better than those two events. But it was even so much more than I imagined! This morning (4:30) to be exact, I just lay there in tears pondering and processing everything.

I shared with Larry that every mother simply wants their child to be loved. That is a mother's heart's desire. My heart's desire was realized last night for Shelbi.

After the processional, the prayer, the valedictorian's and salutatorian's speeches, and scholarships were announced, Shelbi's principal spoke. He talked about how being principal gave him certain advantages. He said he wanted to honor 4 ladies that had inspired him. He proceeded to tell the audience about one student that had not talked to him and how much he had longed for her to. He told the story of the morning announcement and the first time this student had said, "Good morning, Mr. Brown." In tears, he described how moved he was by my daughter. How she was "his miracle." He then called Shelbi forward and presented her with a rose and a big hug. One of the most touching moments I've ever witnessed. This tough high school principal reduced to tears because a seventeen year old had said good morning to him. The audience was in tears. Several of Shelbi's classmates were dabbing at their eyes. I glanced back at Debbie to find tears streaming down her cheeks. The love in that building was palpable. Love for my baby. Our sixth child. I was in tears.

And in the wee hours of the morning, with the events replaying in my mind, my tears flowed freely. Larry wasn't sleeping well either and reached out to hug me. I shared with him that I was finding it ironic that I cried so hard after the ultrasound showed us we were having "another girl." I remember feeling so afraid that, after having three of his own girls and taking on my two, Larry would be disappointed. I knew he'd love her. But maybe he wouldn't/couldn't love another girl as much as he would have a son. This was going to be our only child together, his last chance to carry on his name, our special baby. How, I thought, would another girl be special? I know some people might think that's silly, but it was what I felt almost nineteen years ago. We loved our five girls and I know all kids are special, but I wanted to give him the son he had always wanted. If Larry was disappointed during the ultrasound, he never showed it. When we got home, I called my Nannie like I had promised to give her the news. As the words, "It's another girl," came out of my mouth my voice cracked. I quickly told Nan good-bye and hung up. I recall Larry putting his arms around me from behind and telling me, "It's alright. It's our baby and she will be special because she's ours." I loved him for that. :) However, I guess I needed to grieve the loss of the son I had dreamed about for four months, so I ended up lying in the bed and sobbed for a couple of hours. I felt guilty about that for years. In a few days, I was fine. Leslie and I went through a box in the closet and pulled out Mallory and Sarah's newborn clothes. As I looked at the pink and lace, it started to matter less and less. I couldn't help but start getting excited. Still a little disappointed though, but only until I saw her face. The video of Shelbi's birth shows a room full of smiling, happy people celebrating a new little girl. Not one face looks disappointed.

At birth, I knew we loved her. At sixteen months, when she was being tested for leukemia, I knew we would die for her. At six, diagnosed with Selective Mutism, we cried for her when she couldn't get the words out. The wondering, "Will my child be loved?" came back. "Will she be accepted?" It was hard to send my baby off to a school with 400 other children and not worry. If she were bullied, who would tell? If she couldn't talk, how would she make friends? All valid concerns, but one by one God calmed our fears. One by one, He chose her teachers. One by one, He chose her friends. He protected her. She was never bullied, never tortured, and her teachers and other school employees loved her. Each step of progress was celebrated.

All any mother wants, really, is for her child to be loved. To know her child is loved. Last night, my child was loved. Not just by her family, not just by her friends, but by our town. It was beautiful. Just another girl? I think not.

Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart

2010-05-13T22:29:00.005-05:00

My heart was in my throat Tuesday night as I watched my daughter give a farewell address to her Senior class at their Senior night. Beautiful testimony from a beautiful girl. I love you, Shelbi. You were so brave!

Walking out with her roses for the Rose Ceremony. She gave one to her best friend/cousin, one to me, one to her daddy, and one to her MawMaw. :)

Some sweet girls she's been in school with since Kindergarten/Pre-K. This part was where they shared students' memories of their school years.

Shelbi's English IV teacher, Mrs. West, introduced her with, "Remember when Shelbi spoke over the intercom for the first time?" (I blogged about that HERE.)

I don't know how she did it, but her voice was strong and clear. So was her heartfelt message.

One of her dearest friends, sweet Ebony

Shelbi and my niece, Hayley

More dear, and lovely friends: April and Dara

Here is her speech:

Dear the class of 2010,

My class of 2010, I realize now that in August 1997 most every one of you became a huge part of my life. You were the people that I was going to be spending eight hours a day for five days a week with for the next 13 years. You guys were going to be the people that really knew me. If only in August of 1997 we would have known I would not talk to most of you. For all of you who do not know, it is called selective mutism and considered to be an anxiety disorder. It never had anything to do with being anything against you. In all reality, you were the class that made it easy for me. You were the ones to accept me the way I was. Over the years it has been hard to deal with the pressures from people wanting me to talk but one important detail is that I cannot remember any specific moment where anyone in our class extremely pressured me. Even when a substitute called role and almost marked me absent, almost every one of you would suddenly say “she’s here.” It was appreciated by me more than you could ever realize.

Now in the year of 2010 I am proud to say that I grew up with this class, I learned from this class, and spent my time with this class. April 30, 2009 was an excellent day for me, maybe even for you too. Many of you thought that the day would never come; I never even thought the day would come, I only dreamed of it. Little did we know, it came and was absolutely one of the greatest days of my entire life. I am so proud of you guys for being so good to me over all the years; you may not realize it but you did make an impact. Saying farewell to you guys will not be the hardest thing to do but it will not be the easiest either. It will be hard for the fact that I probably will not see over half of you ever again after spending so much of my time with you. It is also hard to leave because I know that I’ll be leaving high school without actually bonding with my senior class. In all reality, I’m leaving here without everyone knowing who I really am and me knowing who everyone else really is; it does not settle well with me. I always wanted my senior year to be the best and filled with too many memories to remember all of them; it did not turn out that way for me though. I know that the reason for that is mainly because of the fact that I did not talk for the first 12 years we were together so most everyone is used to not having me in such a big part of their lives. Leaving high school may be good for most all of us though. It is time for a fresh start. We have been living in our comfort zones and with the people that make us most comfortable for a long time now so it is time to start over. I am one person to know that getting out of your comfort zone will not kill you. It honestly made me a much stronger person.

This is to all the friends I’m leaving behind, or becoming distant from, who shaped me along the way. I would never be the person I am today without each and every one of you coming into my life even if it was only for a season. There is always going to be a reason you came into my life at that exact moment you all did. You affected me greatly so I love every single one of you for that. Some of you made me stronger; others showed me what my breaking points were. Whatever kind of friend you were, you were never bad for me; I thank you for being you. I just want you to know that I love you; I miss you, right now and forever will. It does not matter where or how far life takes me from you, you will always be a part of my heart and never forgotten. So here I say to you, and my class of 2010, you all have grown in my heart. I would never want there to be any other people in my life. All of us may not truly know each other but when we hear each other’s names we will all remember something. I love you all, I’ll miss you all, and I congratulate you all for making it this far in life.

Love always,

A 2010 graduate,

Shelbi

It completely and utterly overwhelms me when I realize how God truly answers our prayers "above and beyond all we could ever hope or imagination." I always knew God would deliver Shelbi from the bonds of Selective Mutism, but never in my wildest dreams thought a year later she would be a public speaker. GOD IS SO GOOD!!! My heart is overflowing and I will forever give Him the praise for this.

Beginning Our Busy Week :)

2010-05-09T22:06:00.006-05:00

Shelbi's Baccalaureate Service was this morning at 8:00, so my Mother's Day got off to a bright and early start. :)

Larry's mom (aka MawMaw) came too.

This was my view of the graduates for most of the ceremony.

My best friend's husband Todd, also my former pastor, spoke at the ceremony. He and Cristi are also the proud parents of the valedictorian, Joshua! =)

Todd is in the blue shirt behind the podium (and the ill-placed microphone). On his right is Shelbi's friend Gabby's Daddy, also a minister.

Shelbi and Joshua

Larry, Shelbi, and yours truly after the ceremony

Dara, Gabby, and Shelbi :)

Shelbi and her princiPAL, Mr. Brown~ We love this guy! He looks tough, but he's a real softy. ;)

And last, but not least, Shelbi and her proud Daddy!

This is already starting to be an emotional week. We are not only ending a chapter in Shelbi's life, but ours also. This is our sixth daughter to pass through this school system. This next fall will be the first school year that we don't have a child in the local schools. :( I absolutely can NOT say enough about the teachers in our local public school. They've not only been wonderful to Shelbi, but to all of our girls. We are going to miss being a part of that community. They will always be dear to us for many reasons, but especially for the kindness, compassion, and love they showed a little girl who didn't talk to them for twelve of her thirteen years with them. And the group of kids she's graduating with~ well, they are all part of Shelbi's miracle. A miracle that is speaking publicly again Tuesday at Senior Night. Would someone please pass the tissues?????

Shelbi's Senior Portraits!

2010-05-01T09:16:00.007-05:00

The day after Easter, Shelbi and I went to take her Senior portraits. We took some at Church Hill in front of the old Gothic style church and some at an antebellum home, Melrose, that is now a National Park. I was pleased with how they turned out. Now that the invitations have been sent, I am posting some of our favorites. I still cannot believe my youngest is graduating in thirteen days.

This one is Shelbi's favorite. :)

Here she is looking just like her big sister, Leslie! =)

Now, all I have left to take are the cap and gown ones. I still need to post the Prom ones, but they are still not edited completely. I took the prom pics just the Friday before these and these needed to be edited for grad invites, so these got priority. I'll get back to those as soon as possible. So much to do in the next twelve days. We've got family coming as far away as eight hours for this child's graduation, so lots of cleaning and decorating to be done. Hope to post some more soon. =)

I Blinked

2010-04-15T00:00:00.002-05:00

My BABY is 18!!! Whoa!

Above: Senior Prom April 2, 2010

Below: Senior Portrait April 5th

It seems like just yesterday that I held her for the first time. *Sniff, sniff* (After my third and longest pregnancy that I thought would NEVER end. ;) Now, she's ready to graduate high school in four shorts weeks and head off into the hard, cruel world. Sometime, somewhere, along the way, I must have blinked.

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY, SHELBI LAYNE!

WE LOVE YOU,

MOMMA & DADDY

Wordless Wednesday (Practically)

2010-04-07T18:22:00.004-05:00

Cheerios ---- not just for breakfast anymore! Apparently, Leon thinks they're also good hair accessories. =) When he's sleepy, he rubs his hair. Well, he must have been hungry and sleepy this snack time. lol

Mallory grabbed the camera and snapped these last weekend. =)

Leon in His "Pretty Boy Clothes" (according to Poppa:)

2010-04-03T16:11:00.007-05:00

Shelbi's Senior class met up at a local antebellum home last night to take prom pictures. (That post is coming soon as I get them edited. I promise. :)
Anyway, I've been dying to take some of the Leon at one of these homes so after I took Shelbi's pictures we changed Leon into an old outfit that belonged to my brother, Leon's Great-Uncle Ras. Ras wore this outfit for Easter when he was a year and a half. He's now 29 years old. (A very young great-uncle.:)
At first Leon wasn't too sure about the outfit or standing in clover. :)

He quickly overcame the reluctance.

Poppa let him stand on the bench. That made him happy.

This is his delighted squeal. Silly boy!

Sweet, sweet smile. Awww.

Then he posed himself. :)

I LOVE this picture!
And this one, too!

An eyelash profile shot, just for Mrs. Jami! ;)

Poor tired, hungry boy had had enough. So, we headed home.

That concluded this photo shoot. :)

He must have been already starting to feel badly. He took a milk bottle and passed out before 7 PM. He didn't wake up until 5:15 or so this morning and had a temp of 101.9. He was pitiful. I gave him a couple of doses of Tylenol before he left. Then his Aunt Mallory and Uncle Daniel drove him home to his mom. I'd had him since Sunday afternoon for my Spring Break. He was supposed to go home today anyway and I'm sure he was glad to see his Mommy. Hope he's feeling better soon.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-31T17:07:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-24T20:24:00.003-05:00

A Spring Visit With Our Arkansas Girls

2010-03-21T16:18:00.005-05:00

Debbie, our oldest daughter, came down to visit this weekend and brought our two beautiful granddaughters with her. While Mom (Debbie) made a Wal-Mart run, the girls and I had a little photo shoot in the backyard. I told them not to tell her so we could surprise her with some early Spring pics~ no formal attire required. =) Hope I have time to squeeze in a few of them all dressed up next time they come down in May to attend Aunt Shelbi's graduation!!!

Becca & Lauren together

Becca loves to pose! =)

Lauren actually cooperated! ;)

Totally into the "cheerleader" poses! lol

My favorite one of Becca!

And a natural one of Lauren. =)

I so enjoyed getting to see our girls this weekend! Debbie and these two haven't been down since New Year's weekend. I got to spend time with Leslie, Mallory, & Daniel last weekend in Texas and am looking forward to Sarah and Leon coming next Sunday! Of course, I was glad to spend time with Stephanie and her three this weekend too. Mason's birthday is tomorrow and Steph had his party yesterday. That was the main reason Deb came down this weekend. =)

Looking forward to May, when all six daughters (and grandkids) will be here at the same time! Yay! First time since Christmas 08!

A Chocoholic is Born

2010-02-26T05:00:00.002-06:00

Leon's first party was Tuesday, the 16th--- his actual birth day. This was his "guest cake."

He wasn't excited at all about getting stripped down to a bib and a diaper on a cold February day. Not too sure about the fire, either. :)

At first, he just tried to pick off the candy hearts. Hey, he had just eaten his first mini m & m a few minutes before this. That was his first chocolate and it wasn't brown. Anyway, it didn't take him long to figure out the sprinkles weren't the best part of the cake.

A few bites later, he's in Chocolate Heaven and on his way to a chocolate coma. I love it! ;)

He's laughing at us, because we are having to eat a yellow Pooh Bear cake.

This is focus!

"To share or not to share? That is the question." hmmm
He decides Mommie should get a taste and offers it.

She's going to be the "fun mom" that all the other kids taunt their mom with. hehe

Mommie and Baby high five. Awww!

"Hello, my name is Leon and I am a chocoholic!"

"Easter is how far away????"

Loving his bath and all the attention!
And this, sweet blog friends is what we drove 6 hours to see! Worth it, so worth it!

Since this post contains so many pictures, the birthday present ones I'll share another day. =)

Harlee and our Louisiana Snow Day

2010-02-25T05:00:00.001-06:00

It snowed the 11th and 12th of this month. I think we ended up with 5 inches. Friday the 12th was declared a Snow Day. To have a Snow Day in Louisiana is rare, but to have it actually SNOW on a Snow Day is virtually unheard of! =)
Three year old Harlee came over to spend part of Friday with Mimi while her mom worked and we enjoyed the snow for a few minutes. (She was just getting over a bad case of tonsilitis and an ear infection, so we didn't stay outside long.) She was completely in awe, though, to see the yard covered in snow and a mini snowman in the neighbor's yard.

The view from my yard.

Our house. The snow was still falling, but already melting into slush.
We had no mittens, so I stuck socks on Harlee's hands. She whined, "I don't wanna wear these."
Next to the snowman our neighbor's teenage son built.
Love this one!
And this one.

Friday afternoon, heading to Texas, I found this on the side of the road. I turned around and went back to get a picture. This is Trustee the Snowman. I put this on yesterday for my Wordless Wednesday, just explaining where I found him. =)
And that, dear friends, was about as much as excitement as a wet, melting, Louisiana Snow Day held for me. It was nice to get a surprise long weekend. Then President's Day was the following Monday, so it made a nice four day weekend for me. :)
Leon's birthday cake pictures coming soon, so stay tuned.

Wordless Wednesday--- Trustee the Snowman

2010-02-24T05:00:00.000-06:00

A Year With Leon

2010-02-21T22:00:00.000-06:00

Tuesday marked the anniversary of one of the sweetest days in my life. It's hard to believe we've had this baby for a year! Then again, it's hard to believe we've only had him one year. I can't imagine our lives without him. It seems like he's always been a part of us.
I wanted to have this post done early so I could schedule it for his actual birthday, but I spent the weekend before visiting Larry in Texas, got home late last Monday night and drove three hours Tuesday to see him eat his cake. All that traveling didn't leave much time for blogging. So here's his birthday post a few days behind. As sweet as he is, I'm sure he won't mind. :)

Here's my little honey on his original birthday.

And with his momma just 5 days old. Poor little fella was sooo jaundiced.

March--- one month old.

April--- two months old.

May--- three months old.

June--- Four months old.

July--- five months old.

August--- on his 6th month birthday.

September--- Seven months old.

October--- Eight months old and sporting his first tooth.

November 1st--- Eight and a half months.

Just threw this one in because I love it. :)

November--- 9 months old. Poppa

is giving him computer lessons.

December--- Ten months--- Christmas night.

January--- eleven months.

And his first mohawk

courtesy of Aunt Shelbi.

I am so thankful for this year with this little sweetheart. He is one of the greatest blessing in my life and his mommy's. I can't wait to see what God's going to do with the rest of this little one's life. He has already used him to change lives around him in this first year.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEON!

WE LOVE YOU!

I am going to post the messy cake covered birthday party pictures soon. I just wanted to be sure I put his birthday post up first, even though it is five days late. Good thing he can't read yet. ;)

A "Happy" Birthday Preview

2010-02-11T18:46:00.013-06:00

Guess who's first birthday is coming up??

Leon's pretty excited about it, too!

My favorite pose.

Sweet boy!

The smile lasted until the bib went on. Apparently, wearing a bib while NOT eating is not an option. :)

Last Friday, Shelbi and I decided to try his birthday outfit on. It was a little snug, but I wanted some pictures before I had to exchange it in case I couldn't get it in a bigger size. (Little chunk weighs 21# 10 oz!) Sarah is supposed to take him Monday and get some professional poses.

Anyway, there's you a little sneak preview of the birthday boy. Birthday post coming Tuesday and party pics after that. Oh, how I love first birthdays. =)

I Left My Heart in Texas

2010-02-07T18:54:00.008-06:00

I've been meaning to post these pictures of our new (new to us) camper. This is where my husband is residing until Shelbi and I can move to Texas this summer. It's parked in an RV park ironically called Just Like Home. ha

Shelbi and I went up three weeks ago to spend the weekend with Larry. He's only off one weekend a month (thanks to shift work), so he came home this past weekend. I'll go again this coming Friday through President's Day. Due to my work and his schedule, we'll only see each other twice a month until my Spring Break. :(

Look how tiny the bathroom is. I have to step in facing the tub or I have a hard time turning around to sit on the toilet. The tub is the size of a large dishpan. No kidding. I feel like Dorothy in Munchkin Land. =)

The living room/kitchen/dining room.

The master bedroom and Shelbi's "room" (the door is a curtain) below. It has two sets of bunk beds, but there were only two mattresses so Larry is using the other side for storage.

And there's my sweetheart sweeping the floor. He didn't stop grinning the whole time we were there. I think he had missed us a little. The feeling is mutual.

They say, "Home is where the heart is." If that's so, this little RV is my new home.

Inspiration

2010-02-07T09:39:00.001-06:00

My friend, Linda, posted this video today on her blog. It is an inspirational story of a little artist that, through her paintings, led her family to Christ (including her atheist mother). What could be more inspirational that that?! If you watch it, please leave me a comment.

The Last Single Digit Birthday for Becca

2010-02-05T18:35:00.007-06:00

Rebecca Ashton is nine today, born on her Poppa's 46th birthday. It's hard to believe that it's been that long since Becca made me "Mimi." I wrote a whole post about my feelings on that HERE.

When she was a baby, her daddy was in the Army, stationed 2 to 3 hours away from us. Her Momma Debbie, and her Aunt Leslie were about the only people Rebecca would let hold her. For the first year of her life, her Poppa and I were resigned to be worshippers from afar. Around 15 months or so, all of that changed. Becca decided she loved us and it was intense! She is such a lovable, loving, compassionate girl. At seven, Becca donated her ponytail to Locks for Love. Becca is beautiful, bright, and extremely funny with an infectious giggle. She keeps us all in stitches. I'm pretty sure she was born to be a performer. Hairbrushes become microphones. She invited herself up on the platform one Sunday in church to sing for us. (Not shy.) She is a lover of all things girly; the color pink, Miley Cyrus, High School Musical, jewelry and accessories. Lately, I've been on Facebook only to see my chat pop up. "Hi, it's me Becca." I have that same message on my answering machine from at least a year ago. Can't bring myself to delete it. :) Becca loves to talk and loves to read. Yep, that's MY granddaughter. lol

Here are some pictures of my favorite FIRST granddaughter.

Becca and Mimi having our first talk just an hour after her birth.

This is one of the sweetest two month pictures ever!

Becca at 1 1/2. One of my all time favorite pictures. Her sweet little personality really shines. :)

Two

At three, she became a big sister to Lauren. She was so excited when Lauren was born and has been such a good big sister.

I love this portrait of her at 4 1/2.

Her first official school portraits. Kindergarten- Fall 5 1/2

Spring- 6
This is typical of her silly side. 7th birthday party.

Second grade spring picture- 8
Becca and Lauren sharing secrets. Becca- 8 1/2 and Lauren- almost 5.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, REBECCA ASHTON!

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH.

MIMI, POPPA & AUNT SHELBI

PS Hope to see you soon.

Good Things Come in Threes

2010-02-04T20:49:00.002-06:00

My first granddaughter, Rebecca, my hubby, Larry, and my best friend, Cristi. All share the same birthday! I took this picture at Larry's 50th birthday party, five years ago. Each of them deserves their own post, and will get one soon. This one is just a quick one size fits all

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THREE OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE EVER!

I LOVE YOU,

PENNY

Let's Play Catch

2010-01-26T19:23:00.010-06:00

Catch up, that is!

Where do I start? Has it really been over a month since Christmas?! So much has been going on, but I guess I need to post a few Christmas pictures and work my way up to now.

Leon's first Christmas stash!

Mommy (Sarah) helps go through the stocking!

Think Santa came a little too early? ;)

Shelbi got new slippers from MawMaw. Thought this was a pretty good picture of her. She rarely lets me take hers.

Poppa and Mason sharing the love! Aww!

Harlee loves her "Bubba" (Noah)

Her pouts are looking a little gangster rapper. LOL I think Shelbi was aggravating her.

Christmas night Smiley Boy wore his new Sponge Bob pajamas from Aunt Bambi. So sweet!

Two of my favorite guys! Noah spent the night Christmas night and he and Leon enjoyed some male bonding time. :)

Miss Priss decided to model her new clothes her Mommy gave her and her bright green boots Mimi and Poppa gave her for her birthday. What a ham!

Mason and Harlee posing for Mimi.

Harlee is not so sure about this babysitting gig. Look at that staring contest our babies have going on. I forget who won.

Still getting around "commando style" at 10 months. He is not really in a hurry to walk.

Becca and Lauren got to come for New Year's weekend to open presents. This was one of the few pictures we got after they got here. Spent all our time visiting and the camera was put up. Happens a lot--- we live 5 hours apart and haven't seen them since July. Then, when we get together, I don't get pictures because we just focus on them and their Mom. That'll change when Larry and I get settled in Texas. We'll be half as far from them then and should be able to see them a lot more often! That's a huge positive out of this move. We love our nutty, loud little girls and hate to go months without seeing them. This has been a rough, busy year for us, but also for Debbie. She just bought and remodeled a house this fall and is still trying to get settled. We want to go up and see it soon, just rearranging our life right now.... Hoping to get up there to visit and take some pictures!!! They're coming down for sure in May for Shelbi's graduation, so I know we'll see them then if we can't go sooner.

Lauren thoroughly enjoyed being with Leon. They are two really easy kids. Just look at him laying there with her watching cartoons. Doesn't he look like such a big boy there?

Debbie's Belated Birthday Post

2010-01-26T19:23:00.000-06:00

My oldest stepdaughter Debbie's birthday was the 13th and I am just now getting her birthday post up. I know, I know---- two weeks late (13 days, to be exact)! Bad stepmom!!! I'm sorry, Debbie!

I'm not sure if Debbie has hit the magic age yet where she wants to stop announcing the years. So... I'll just say that she was thirteen when Larry and I married almost twenty years ago and I'll let you do the math. LOL I hate math, don't you?

If you remember some of my previous posts about Larry's and my marriage, you might recall that I met Larry and his family ten years before we ever dated. So, I've known Debbie since she was two and a half. Yep, met her during her terrible two's (honestly, she was a really good two year old). Then married her dad when she was thirteen. Any potential stepmoms reading this take note!! Thirteen is not the ideal age to gain a stepchild. ;)

As the teen years raged on (and the hormones), battle lines were drawn and crossed many times. However, after maturing and becoming independent, I can honestly say that Debbie became one of my best friends and greatest blessings. I love her with all my heart. These few pictures are some of my favorites taken over the last couple of years.

This one was taken Nov. 2007. Her oldest, Becca, will turn 9 in a few days and Lauren is now 5.

This is one of my favorite pictures ever. All of our girls look so pretty. I took this in our backyard Dec. 2008. They are in birth order from left to right.

Debbie, Stephanie, Leslie, Mallory, Sarah, and Shelbi

HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY, DEBRA KAY!

WE LOVE YOU!

DADDY, PENNY & SHELBI

***Disclaimer: I did not forget Debbie's birthday! I texted, called, mailed her a card and gift, and FaceBooked her! Only the birthday post was this late. Maybe, I'm not a totally terrible stepmom. =)

Meet Marley Nicole

2010-01-10T16:43:00.004-06:00

I became a great-aunt this week--- for the second time! My niece, Lindsey, had her first baby Wed. the 6th. Marley Nicole weighed 6 lb. 13 oz. and is perfect. Lindsey had a really long, hard labor. From what I heard, she had quite a few witnesses in the delivery room. Her husband, her mom, and her sister were in there. My stepmother Margie, Lindsey's Granny, was able to be in there also. Lindsey is my brother Ronnie's oldest daughter and the first grandchild in our family.

Lindsey was only 20 when her daddy, my brother, was killed in a car accident almost 6 years ago. He and Lindsey favored a lot, so Marley not only reminds me of her mommy, but also of her grandfather.

Mommy and Marley

This is the picture that reminds me of Ronnie and Lindsey's baby pictures.

She passed out after her bottle.

Isn't she one of the prettiest newborns? She is so tiny and dainty! I can't wait to get a picture of her next to Leon! He'll look like a giant. =)

Lindsey, your daddy would have been so happy over your beautiful little baby girl!

CONGRATULATIONS, LINDSEY AND CORY!

MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP THIS PRECIOUS LITTLE GIRL!

WE LOVE YOU!

AUNT PENNY, UNCLE LARRY, AND SHELBI

Christmas Jammies and Santa Hat

2009-12-24T08:00:00.005-06:00

We love our sock monkeys around here. Love this little monkey even more!

Not too crazy about the Santa hat.

Still pulling on it.

Determination still going strong!

Victory!

Merry Christmas Eve Everybody!!!

Wordless Wednesday-- Santa and Leon

2009-12-23T13:36:00.002-06:00

Senior Portrait

2009-12-19T16:32:00.002-06:00

My baby, the Senior! I can't believe Shelbi is graduating in less than five months! Where did the time go??? I LOVE this picture. Shelbi is glowing and simply beautiful! The photographer took the drape shots for the yearbook. I bought a small package and will be taking some casual portraits over the next few months. =)

Harlee is Three!!!

2009-12-17T21:40:00.005-06:00

Harlee is our third granddaughter, fifth grandchild, and second to the baby. She was originally due around the first of January, but came December 18th. Prettiest early Christmas present ever!

I got my first digital camera when she was 7 months old, so I have quite a few favorites of her.I took this one in my back yard. She was only 7 months old. Not really sitting well yet, so she fell over right after I took this shot, then screamed because she touched grass. Serious texture issues back then. =)

This was 9 months. She was in a local beauty pageant. Isn't she a doll?

First Halloween. My little bumblebee.

First Birthday!!!

Second Christmas, but only 1 year old. =)

This was around 15 months. She was laughing at her Aunt Shelbi that she loves more than life.

One of her famous silly faces! She had many!

One of my favorites. She had just turned two.

This was taken at a local festival just a couple of months ago. I love the dogears.

HAPPY THIRD BIRTHDAY, HARLEE RAE!

WE LOVE YOU MORE EACH DAY!

MIMI, POPPA, & AUNT SHELBI

O Christmas Tree (Times Three)

2009-12-16T19:44:00.011-06:00

Yes, I put up three trees. We put up our "sentimental," "this is our life" tree first every year. It sits in our dining room window on the front of our house. On it hangs our children's childhood ornaments and family ornaments. The first two are the oldest on the tree. As a teenager, I collected unicorns and my mother gave me this ball around 1980. You can see the cracks in it. In 1984 I had a baby girl and my cousin Tammy, who is Mallory's godmother, gave her this gold one.

The next three ornaments chronicle mine and Larry's first three married Christmases. We married in 1990, got pregnant in 1991, and had Shelbi 3 days after our second anniversary in 1992. Busy, busy years. =)

Shelbi's first ornament. The little heart behind it came from a dear friend in 1983, who has since gone to Glory.

I love the next one on the left because it represents our first year as grandparents and our newest grandson's (Leon) first Christmas ornament in on the right.

Then there are those that captured our fun memories, like Sarah's princess one from our Disney World vacation in 2004. And the famous lamp from Larry's favorite Christmas movie.

Shelbi's got tons of sports ornaments from years of summer softball and basketball. The second one I gave her the year she started texting like crazy. It actually is a symbol of her overcoming selective mutism, too. She started texting friends that she wanted to talk to and worked her way up to verbal communication. This year Shelbi is a Senior, so I was tickled to find a little graduating snowman. His robe even matches Shelbi's school colors. =)

Finished product. I love my gingerbread tree skirt.

Just threw a picture of my Willow Tree nativity scene in because it's also in the dining room. I leave it up year round just because I love it.

I put this wreath together for my dining room/kitchen archway. I love gingerbread decorations.

When we bought our house nine years ago, I did the living room in moss green, cream, and mauve. That's when we started doing two trees. All of my traditional ornaments really clashed, so I bought a lot of Victorian style ornaments in my color scheme and added some gold. I LOVE this tree, even though I threaten every year not to put it up. It takes forever to do the lights and get it decorated. This year, I skipped the balls.

These are a few of my favorite ornaments.

This frame holds copies of mine and Larry's baby pics. I absolutely adore it!

Lots of crosses. I love the nativity scene etched into the one on the right.

This picture is of my Nannie and Poppa when they first got married. It was taken in 1937 (scanned copy, also). The pram on the right is typical of most of the other ornaments.

The one on the left is special because my Aunt Nancy got it for me. It was handmade and she bought it at a yard sale. I loved the fact that she thought about me, but also love the way the beads sparkle in the lights on the tree. I think it looks like a miniature chandelier. And the tree at night! Yes, I like lots of lights. :) I do have a pretty tree skirt, but forgot to put it on before I took these pictures and I am too lazy to take another picture, download it off the camera, and put it on the blog. ;)

Of course, every teacher also has to decorate their class, too. This tree is so special because it contains ornaments my students gave me since my first year, like the Santa on the left from Tre in 2001 and the right is from Skylar in 2007. =)

Bradford gave me this apple one last Christmas and I bought the one on the right a couple of years ago because it sums up what teaching means to me.

Usually, my class trees have been big and covered with student made ornaments, but because of the number of children and lack of space I downsized and now just have my little "teacher tree." They're taking their ornaments home for their trees.

This concludes my tour of trees. Soon I'll be posting pictures of grandchildren ripping open their gifts. =) Merry Christmas!

Please Keep the Prayers Coming

2009-12-14T21:25:00.003-06:00

My sister, Becky, and I just got back from visiting my Uncle Harold in the ICU. His breathing situation is not any better and they asked him if he wanted to be put on a respirator. He has a DNR order which states not to put him on one if it would be long-term. The doctors said if he was put on now, it would be permanent and he'd have to live in a nursing home. Uncle Harold declined and says he is prepared to go. They allowed his granddaughters 11 and under to see him today. The hospital is also allowing my aunt to sleep on a cot in his room. Becky and I went to the hospital tonight knowing it would probably be the last time we see him alive unless God intervenes miraculously.

When we walked in, we could hear him picking at the nurse. I was reminded of when we first met him. My Aunt Thelma is only 14 years older than I am and met Harold in college. I was probably 6 or 7. When she brought him home to meet my grandparents, the grandkids should have scared him off. Instead he pretended to eat worms in front of us, which grossed me out, and picked at us. Later, he would torture us by tickling us to tears. So I wasn't surprised to find him on oxygen, struggling to breathe, and still giving the male nurse a hard time. Then he made sure the nurse knew he had been kidding, then added, "You might have to come in and help my wife tonight." He talked about Heaven while we were with him and how he has loved ones he looks forward to seeing again. It seemed like he was reassuring us, and himself, that he would be alright. I told him I hear a lot of complaining from people, then hear "Well, that's life. It beats the alternative." Well, that depends on what your alternative is. Uncle Harold seems to be looking forward to the alternative, even though it breaks his heart to leave his wife, children, grandchildren, and his parents. Yes, he still has his parents. They were there visiting tonight. It breaks my heart that his mom has to lose her child and my heart breaks for my aunt, my cousins and their children, too. Saying goodbye to your loved one is NEVER easy. Please pray for God's peace and comfort over my uncle, aunt and their family. Thank you.

Praise and Prayer Request

2009-12-10T22:47:00.005-06:00

PRAISE REPORT

Debbie sent me a text tonight that I just read a few minutes ago. She said that Rebecca, our almost 9 year old granddaughter got saved tonight!!!!! I don't know any details of where and what transpired and it was too late to call, but I am in tears just from reading the text. Becca's always been tenderhearted and spiritually minded, asking lots of questions about God, Jesus, Heaven, etc. Just look at my sweet girl! Now, who wouldn't want to spend eternity with her?!

Rebecca, this is THE most important decision you will EVER make and the fact that you made it at only 8 shows everyone how smart and special you are! =) I am SO proud of you. I love you, baby!

PRAYER REQUEST

My Dad called today and said my Uncle Harold is in ICU on a ventilator. He was diagnosed several months back with "hardening of the lungs." (I don't remember the technical name for it.) Anyway, he's probably only 60 years old and has a wife (my aunt), 2 daughters and 6 very young grandchildren. Please pray for Harold and Thelma Allgood and their family. Thank you.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-09T18:46:00.003-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-25T17:00:00.001-06:00

Count Your Blessings, Literally

2009-11-20T18:56:00.004-06:00

Since hearing that Larry's job will be ending soon, I've really been overwhelmed with all the decisions we are facing regarding our future. So much is up in the air. Still, I have much to be grateful for. I also made a promise to praise Him through the storm and that's what I intend to do. I decided to make a list of my blessings, some new and some old, that I am so very thankful for.

** Disclaimer** They are NOT listed in order of importance or value. :)

1. My salvation at ten years old (well, this one IS number one.) More importantly, I'm thankful for, and to, the one that made salvation possible. He who first loved me.
2. My husband who is willing to sacrifice what he wants in order to provide for us. The fact that he is a great father--- and his children realize it.
3. Our six amazing, beautiful, brilliant daughters.
4. My mother and sisters that have ALWAYS been there for me.
5. Our sons-in-law that we love and, more importantly, that love our daughters.
6. Our six amazing, gorgeous, brilliant grandchildren. =)
7. My awesome network of extended family. I love my aunts, uncles, and cousins. And my stepmother, father, and nieces and nephews. And most of my in-laws. ;)
8. That I grew up surrounded by six loving grandparents. They gave me roots and also sowed the first seeds of faith in my life.
9. Our church family. I've never been to any other church where everyone genuinely loves each other. And they will know you by the love you have for one another.
10. My job, especially now. ;-) And the awesome women I work with.
11. Babies! (enough said)
12. Leon's sweet disposition and his precious belly laugh. I'm thankful that I can have him the whole week of Thanksgiving. Yay for me!
13. Yesterday, when my husband was asked if he hunted, he replied that he doesn't have time because his family is his hobby. :)
14. I love that Harlee says she loves her Poppa the best. Aww.
15. I love that Mason says he loves Mimi the best. Still melts my heart. :)
16. I love that Noah says he loves Poppa and Mimi. Such a diplomat. lol
17. I love that Becca looks for houses with for sale signs (and reports to us when she finds one)because she wants us to live near her.
18. I love that Lauren is comically quirky.
19. I am SO thankful that God completely delivered Shelbi from Selective Mutism this year!
20. My little sister's MS is in remission! Yay!
21. Larry's job offer, even if he decides to turn it down. It's good just to know you're wanted. I know that from experience.
22. My house is warm in the winter, cool in the summer. I have food in the cabinets and the fridge and when I don't, Wal-Mart is .4 miles away.
23. I have the means (right now :) to sponsor two Compassion children, Latifa and John Dave.
24. Every month, when I put my St. Jude withdrawal in the checkbook, I'm grateful Shelbi did not have leukemia 16 years ago.
25. I have friends that know me and still love/tolerate me anyway. =) Mind boggling, I know.
26. Grants, scholarships, and even the loans that helped me return to school 12 years ago.
27. Computers, Internet, and cell phones that keep us connected to our loved ones.
28. Cameras that capture beautiful, treasured memories.
29. Seeing my daughters in gorgeous wedding gowns/bridesmaid/prom dresses. =)
30. Watching my husband in his tux when he gave four of them away.
31. My grandchildren are my favorite little people on the planet. I hope we are best friends when they grow up like my Nannie and I were. I hope they never stop missing and loving me, even after I'm gone.
32. I own old black and white (and more recent) pictures of family members that are gone.

I love that things are going to pop into my head later and I'll have to add to this list. I am trusting that this list will get longer each year.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Don't forget to GIVE THANKS! =)

Noah is 8 Years (and one day) Old

2009-11-05T18:58:00.008-06:00

Our second daughter, Stephanie, had an ultrasound on 6/1/01 and we found out we were getting our first grandson. When she came by that afternoon with the sonogram pictures, Larry said, "I'll believe it when I see it!" LOL At this time we had our six girls and our first granddaughter was 4 months old. Larry couldn't even wrap his head around the possibility of not being the only family member with testosterone.

November 4th, Kenneth "Noah" arrived.

Boy oh boy, we were headed on a new adventure. We wondered if we'd even know what to do with a little boy. People say girls are harder to raise, but when you have nothing else, it's kind of hard to imagine any different. Of course, everyone know babies are all the same, right? Not true of this one. While most infants prefer women over men, Noah was born to be all boy. He was a sweet baby who loved all of us, but would tremble with delight when he heard his Daddy or Poppa talk.

I LOVE the look of total adoration in this one as he looks up at Poppa. =) He's six months here.

About a year and a half. This one was SO Noah! You could never take your shoes off when he was around without him jumping into them. This kid had a shoe fettish early on. That, he gets from his Momma. ;)

At his 2nd birthday party. Long before this picture, Noah was a funny kid. He kept us entertained with tricks, antics, and funny faces.

At 2 1/2, he became a big brother to Mason. Look at that little ham!

At three, he still loved putting on other people's clothes. :)

At four, he was the ring bearer in his Aunt Leslie's wedding. That's a whole 'nother post. LOL I always fall for a man in a tuxedo! Doesn't he look handsome?! And Becca looked like a little princess! Such adorable grandkids--- I'll bet everybody wishes theirs were as cute as ours. ;)

Here's one of my favorites of him with his little brother, Mason. They were 5 and 2 in this one.

Six years old, with his Mommy at his Kindergarten Graduation reception. You think they are kin? If he were a girl, he'd be her clone. :)

Last year, at his seventh birthday party. He had to have a "John Deere" tractor cake. (Yes, Nicki! lol)

He's a great big brother to Harlee (almost 3)! He will do anything for this bossy little sister, except take his eyes off of the Nintendo DS. hehe

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NOAH!

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

MIMI, POPPA, & AUNT SHELBI

Sorry this is a day late! So glad you had a great day yesterday! =)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-28T18:25:00.006-05:00

Processing, Praying, and Praising....

2009-10-27T20:15:00.009-05:00

Thursday evening as I was heading home after a LONG work day, I called my sister and asked if she and her husband needed help at their deer processing business. A church friend had just told me Wednesday night that her husband was laid off and I thought Becky might need some help since deer season started. An hour later, I'm calling her again. This time I tell her to save a spot for Larry, too. Right after I had arrived home, Larry asked me to sit down. I took one look at his face and said, "Did you lose your job?" Yep, that's right. The paper mill he's worked at for the past 6 1/2 years is closing its doors on Dec. 26th. His supervisor had called him that morning and Larry carried the burden alone until that night. He'd even been to my school that day helping set up for the Fall Festival and never let on. He said he didn't want to tell me while I was at work. Here he was--- sick over this news, but more concerned with how I'd handle it. Such a good man! I was sick for him. He's been with this same company for almost 34 years. The local mill closed July 2003 and that's when he transferred to this one. He's been driving back and forth 70 miles each way, each work day.

Everyone I told asked, "What are y'all going to do?" Good question! =) Though it's kind of hard to answer that just an hour after you've been told. lol We're praying, weighing options, and trying to wait patiently for an answer. (I said "trying"--- no promises. We're talking only 2 months warning, people. Not much time for patience.) He can put in for a transfer again, which he might do, but all the mills, like everything else, are struggling so there are NO guarantees that they're hiring or that they'll even be open much longer. If we do move, the school system has to be taken into consideration because I'll have to change jobs again, too. (Which I really hate to think about. I'm just getting settled.) He can get some retirement, but not enough to cover bills and health insurance, which will now have to come out of my pay. He's not old enough to really retire, even if he does qualify for AARP =), so he'll find something to supplement that income.

On the positive side, I did just get a job that doubled my previous pay, remember? And has insurance benefits! I'm so thankful for that! Our vehicles are old, but also paid for. Our house has actually appreciated! That's a biggie nowadays. We do not have a short term savings, but we do have a 401K that we can cash in 5 years from now without a penalty. And we can take it out and pay the penalty, if worse comes to worst. I guess going through it six years ago (when he lacked 2 years getting even a small retirement) made it easier this time. We survived through the closure, the demotion, the decrease in pay, and him driving 3 hours a day. This time we are more confident that "This too shall pass." Today, Larry posted my favorite scripture on Facebook. This scripture got me through a rough situation eight years ago. Almost every Christian can quote it or, at least, is familiar with it. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We usually stop there, but the next two verses, though seldom quoted, are even more important. Jeremiah 29:12-13 "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

"Praising through the storm" has become a popular phrase lately. I'm going to put that into practice. Hold me to that, okay? ;) Oh, and it is perfectly fine with me if you want to pray for us and the others going through this. I'm sure they won't mind. Some of them have a lot more to lose than we do.

Speaking of praise--- if you enjoy Angie's blog Bring the Rain, head on over there. And praise your little heart out!!!!! If you haven't read her blog before, then you're way over due. =)

PS One more praise---- if you can stand it! Tomorrow I get this little guy again for four whole days! YES!!! Now, don't be jealous! ;)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-21T18:05:00.004-05:00

Lauren Turns Five!!!

2009-10-11T20:41:00.000-05:00

Our second granddaughter (and fourth grandchild), Lauren Elizabeth, was born 5 years ago today. We got a phone call at 6:37 am that Debbie's (her mom) water had broken. They lived 5 hours away, so I got dressed and started packing while waiting on Larry who was an hour away on his way home from work. Needless to say, we "flew" to the hospital and arrived in plenty of time to meet Lauren. This is her sister, Rebecca, meeting her for the first time. So sweet!

Four months old

First Birthday!! This mess left a nice brown ring around Debbie's tub. ;)

Two years old

This is her signature sign that she needs a nap. She rubbed her tag every time she got sleepy!

Third birthday party. Love the static hair! ;-)

These two pictures were taken during their week long visit this past July.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAUREN!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!

MIMI, POPPA, & AUNT SHELBI

Happy Birthday, Ma (aka Doris E/MawMaw)

2009-10-11T20:39:00.001-05:00

Lauren's not the only one celebrating a birthday today! Larry's mom, my mom-in-law, has one too! I won't put her age on here--- she'd hate me! If you've seen my previous family birthday posts, you'd know we have several double birthdays in our family! Lauren's sister Becca shares hers with her Poppa (Larry) and my stepdaughter, Leslie, shares hers with my sister, Becky. Anyway, Lauren was born on her great-grandmother's. Thought that was pretty neat.

This is one of the few fairly new pictures I have of her that I think she'd approve of. This is her with her favorite son at his 50th birthday party.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

LOVE,

LARRY, PENNY, & SHELBI

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-07T23:06:00.003-05:00

Remind Me Again, Lord~~ WHY Am I A Teacher?

2009-09-26T09:18:00.005-05:00

The first several weeks into this new school year, I was overwhelmed, frustrated, and exhausted. Implementing behavior/discipline plans, learning a whole new curriculum, learning a new school and their systems takes a toll physically and mentally. Some days, I really felt like throwing in the towel. I was questioning my decision to teach, and my abilities, for the umpteenth time. Going from 6 students to 19 is not a piece of cake or walk in the park. lol

For some, teaching is just another career choice. Chosen for the time off or convenient hours. (Almost NEVER for the pay, though. LOL) It is sometimes considered the "perfect career for a mom." (Don't get me wrong--- those are very legitimate things to consider before choosing a career.) For most, however, it is also a calling-- a ministry. That's the way Ann Hanna, my favorite elementary teacher, approached it. That's the way MANY of the excellent, caring professionals I've loved most of my life, approached it. They're the reason I wanted to teach. I never wanted a "job." I wanted a "life calling." When Shelbi entered kindergarten, I went back to school to accomplish that. That was 12 years ago. The first time I set up my own classroom, I felt I'd made it. I was beyond excited! I was going to change the world--- one student at a time. Talk about delusions of grandeur! HA Little did I know how much my students would change ME.

That initial enthusiasm waned over the next few years, even though I know, for some kids, I DID make an impact. I get hugs from 6 feet tall former students when I see them. Usually, I get hugs from parents of those kids, too. I remember most of them. I love all of them. But sometimes I get discouraged and that was going on this year.

Honestly, I hadn't been considering the ministry side of my job very much lately. I was more focused on the "not enough hours in the day" side of it. Until this past week.

For the first several weeks of school, I'd been struggling with a student with discipline issues. The behavior escalated and I made contact with the mother. She told me she'd get on to him, but added that his Daddy had been in the hospital out of town for the past three weeks, was still in there, and she wasn't able to be with her children much. (He had behavior issues long before this, but it explained why it wasn't improving.) Later the principal told me she'd talked to the child's grandmother. The dad had bone cancer and wasn't expected to live! The mom was trying to be with her husband as much as possible, while at the same time trying to make sure her five (repeat FIVE) little boys were taken care of in her absence. So, here's this little boy with a sick, dying father, and an absent (NOT by choice) mom. What a load on a six year old! Several days later, we were told the Daddy lost his fight and a little boy had lost his Daddy. The other children and I wrote him messages and drew pictures. We made it into a book and the custodian dropped it off to him at home. He came back to school the day after the funeral. He was so sweet, hugging on me all day long and me on him. Poor, poor baby. In his homework folder, I found the book his classmates and I had made him. He was safekeeping it! Awww. Helping this child through such a tragic time ~~ what an opportunity for the person he spends 7, almost 8, hours a day with, to show compassion in action! (That person would be me.) What a reminder that my "job" entails more than drilling ABC's and 123's, and that yellow and blue make green. I can teach ~show~ love, mercy, grace, compassion and many other things that WILL make a difference, maybe not change the whole world, but maybe make someones little corner of it better. Pray I continue to grow and learn and that I notice and take every opportunity to minister to my students.

Yesterday one of my students walked beside me, smiled up at me and said, "Mrs. Craft, I just love being in your class." I hugged her, swallowed the enormous lump in my throat, blinked back my tears, and sincerely replied, "That's so sweet. I love being in your class, too."

Thanks, Lord, for the reminder.

Two Days Behind

2009-09-13T16:05:00.005-05:00

I've got to get better at this blogging thing! I have not done a "real" post, except for a quick prayer request, in three weeks. This has been a really busy month for me. Going back to public school has been a tremendous adjustment--- to say the least. For the past several years, I was home by 3:30 every day. So far, this year, I don't think I've left my classroom before 4:00 and then it takes 30 minutes, at least, to get home. There is just SO much more preparation time with 19 kids. And I'm learning a whole new curriculum. I had the other one down pat and could have just continued it forever. Anyway, I come home and read everyone else's posts and then I'm too tired to write on mine.

The main topic this week has been 9/11, of course. I am not usually a very political person, opinionated, just not political. That is slowly changing. However, one thing has remained the same since I was a little girl. I am VERY patriotic! I love my country, my troops, and leaders that I believe have our best interests at heart. Like many other bloggers, September 11 has been on my mind, too. I do remember where I was--- in my second grade classroom, when my principal went door to door telling us that the Trade Center had been bombed. (That is what the news people reported at first.) I'm almost embarrassed to admit I didn't even know where the Trade Center was located. Wish I still didn't. Now, unfortunately, I am quite familiar with Ground Zero. Anyway, in keeping with the name of my blog, I thought I'd put my two cents in.

I try hard each year to instill patriotism in my students. It is sadly lacking in our schools today. Shockingly, sometimes the opposite is being taught to our children. How can we expect them to love and defend our country if we don't teach them to? If we don't set the example?

Two years ago, I talked about that fateful day as part of my kindergarten graduation program. Below is part of what I shared with the parents that day.

OUR HOPE

When I starting thinking about a graduation theme, the pictures I took of a patriotic mural came to mind. It was painted on a church wall as a memorial to 9/11. I thought about that day in our country’s recent history. All six of your children were infants that day. Two of my grandchildren were also born that year. When I look at this generation I don’t see the helplessness and hopelessness we felt that day. I see the hope of this nation, and our future in their faces.

Every morning we said our pledge and we stood straight and tall like soldiers and placed our hands on our hearts because “we love our country.” I hope they’re always proud to be Americans. I hope they never take our freedom for granted. I hope they are always grateful for the sacrifice of others that guarantees our right to the pursuit of happiness. I hope they never grow weary in well-doing and that they’ll fight to preserve our freedom of worship. I hope they realize they can make a difference and that they can change this world. I believe we’ll be in good hands.

We know they can be anything they want when they grow up, because we live in the greatest nation in the world--- the United States of America.

This is what we should be teaching our children, not by mere words, but by our actions. God first, then family, and then our country. Well, that's my opinion and on my blog, my opinion rules.

I hope I gave you something to think about, especially now, when some leaders in our country want to "play nice" with suspected terrorists. In the words of John Stossel, "Give me a break."

My sweet friend, Casey, did a great post on that! You can read her insightful words HERE. I loved it and agreed wholeheartedly.

Heartbroken

2009-09-05T12:35:00.004-05:00

A dear friend of mine, Lisa, lost her precious mom this morning. She was a sweet, funny lady. Every time I saw her, she made me smile. She recently line danced at her granddaughter's wedding. What a precious memory that left Emily with! She and Emily already shared the same sense of humor. =) Mrs. Nell worked in our public library for many years and will be missed by everyone in our town. I will surely miss her. I was sick this morning when I found out. Please pray for the Arnold and Cater families. Thank you.

Random Post and Pics

2009-08-26T06:10:00.000-05:00

Larry and I spent this past weekend with Mallory and Daniel. We had to wait until I could get home from work to finish packing before we could leave. We stopped for supper in Monroe, but on Friday night at 7:00 every restaurant was packed! We went on to Ruston and ate at Ryan's. Not my favorite place, but it was quick. We got to Mallory around 8:30 or 9:00. We went to School Aids, and another teacher supply store, the next day so I could get a few things for my classroom that I can't get locally, then went out to lunch at a retro burger place that specializes in cheeseburgers and milkshakes. It's called Cheeburger Cheeburger in Shreveport, if you like a good burger. (Yes, I spelled it correctly. lol) We are broke right now and Mallory said they were between paychecks, so we just rode around a little while and ended up stopping at a manufactured/mobile home park. Larry has a cousin that just bought a $100,000 mobile home and I'll admit, I was curious to see one of those! The salesman met us at the car (BIG surprise, huh?) and told us to go on in--- the prices are posted on the refrigerators. The first one we went in was over 2,800 sq. feet (1,000 more than my house) with cedar siding and a porch! It was as nice as any brand new house I've seen. The kitchen/dining room/ living area was all open and so beautifully decorated I wanted it! It was like no "mobile home" I know of. They're not even called "mobile homes" any more. I can see why! I know that touring homes we don't plan to buy may seem dorky, but it really was kind of neat to see. I might have to get me one! =)
Mallory cooked for us Saturday and we ate it again Sunday for brunch. We had to get back Sunday afternoon. I needed to chill for a while. After the day (felt like dayS) I had Friday, I wanted to rest up for Monday. Friday was the first day I had my whole class of kindergarteners. The week before, we tested each one on one. That was nice, but when all 17 (some were absent) were there Friday, it was chaos. Actually Monday and today weren't bad at all! My kids are really sweet, it's just a new school, new routine, new curriculum, new paper work and all I have to get used to. I have to have a routine, or I can't even think straight.
Anyway, here are some recent random pictures.

Shelbi's first work pictures. (These were actually taken her second day of work, because the pictures Larry took the first day didn't turn out. The flash card was fulled and it distorted them.) She was hostessing/cashiering the past two weekends. She's working this evening,too.

Here is my favorite baby, Leon, two weeks ago. I love the way he's studying his Poppa, while playing with his toes. =) He LOVES his Poppa. I think it's mutual! Poppa elected to keep Leon in the sanctuary during church Sunday, even though Mimi had nursery duty. All because I reached for him and he turned back towards his Poppa. He has always reached for me, so Poppa was smitten. Now, who wouldn't be? Just look at that face! ;)

He was here for his 6th month birthday, so we had to go out and get his first outdoor photos. Poor baby was sick with another cold. Crappy daycare germs!! He was still sweet as ever, but didn't sleep as much as usual. :(

Okay, this is deceptive, but funny! Shelbi propped him up, let go, jumped out of the way long enough for me to snap this. I think he's in shock that he was let go of. =)

Since he's not sitting up yet, we laid him on the swing and this was one of the sweetest expressions. He was looking back at his Aunt Shelbi, who was whining that she was hot! ;)

Trying to talk to us. Awww!

He just started teething and sucks on his lower lip. He is so sweet!

I tried for hours to upload my little video of Leon eating. It is so cute, but Blogger won't let me. I even left it loading last night when I went to bed and, this morning, nothing. Stupid Blogger!

***Brag Zone***

I've been working late after school this past week and stressing about all of the new paper work. Yesterday, I only had time to eat one fruit cup while the kids were eating their snacks, so I texted Larry (because he was off) to please make something good for supper. He went to the store and I came home to grilled pork chops, baked potatoes and sweet corn. OMG, it was good. Thanks again, baby. I love you. =)

Just To Keep It Interesting!

2009-08-14T20:52:00.002-05:00

The last week of July was supposed to be my last child free week of the summer, and ended up being the opposite! Let me explain. I teach kindergarten and teachers start cleaning, organizing and decorating their classrooms for the new school year. Contrary to popular belief, teachers do not get three months off in the summer. We are lucky to get June and July off--- if we don't have any workshops or conventions/conferences over the summer. What to do with that last week off? Well, see all the grandkids, of course. Saturday, the 25th, we met Debbie in Arkansas and picked up these two cuties. We were excited to get to spend some quality time with these two. They live five hours away. :(

Rebecca (8.5) and Lauren (4.5)

We spent Saturday and Sunday with just them. Then Stephanie brought her three Monday morning and we kept them while she worked. (Okay, that's 5 on Monday. Keeping up?)

Noah (7.5), Mason(5), and Harlee (2.5)

Tuesday, Larry and I took Becca and Lauren to see Leon. We ended up bringing him home with us. (That's 3 on Tuesday.)
This is Leon (5 months) enjoying his supper of sweet peas. More on that later. =) WHEN Blogger decides to let me download the video. Tried tonight and two hours later--- nothing.

Wednesday and Thursday, we had Steph's three again. (That makes 6!) We set up the wading pool for the older 5. Then, Leon woke up from his nap and Mimi thought he might want to join in the fun. He liked it on his toes and feet, but this is what happened when he got splashed in the face. Poor baby!

It didn't take him long to come around. I knew he would like it--- he LOVES his bath!

Thursday was the last day we'd have all six together. With all the thunder storms and the unbearable humidity all week, Shelbi and I took the oldest 5 to McDonald's for ice cream and play time. They had a blast!

Mason (aka Curious George) promptly jumped up, grabbed the top net and turned himself upside down. Lauren was amused.

Harlee doesn't get to play with girls often, so she was tickled to spend time with Lauren. They played so well together all week and were so good! (Our baby girls!!!)

Thursday evening, Harlee, Noah, and Mason went to their Dad's. Friday was the first day with no thunderstorms, so Mrs. Betty (a church friend) let me bring the girls and Leon to swim in her pool. Shelbi was babysitting Brayden, so we had the girls and two babies.

Leon LOVED it! Sarah should take him swimming every night. He slept 11 hours after we got home. =)

"Mimi, you're blocking my rays! Can't you see how pasty I am?" LOL

This is the best picture I could get of these six little monkeys! Harlee, who had not cried ONCE all week, was bawling in every group shot. Leon was tired and looked at everybody BUT the photographer. I'll try again. The next time they're all together will probably be Christmas, though! :(
Saturday, I drove back to Arkansas with Becca, Lauren, and Noah. (Noah spent the week there with his other grandparents.) Sunday, Shelbi and I returned Leon to his Momma. Monday, back home. Phew! What a week!

I posted some more "professional looking" portraits of Becca and Lauren on my photography blog. You can click HERE to see those.

The Firsts of the Lasts & Lasts of the Firsts

2009-08-09T23:34:00.008-05:00

A new children's book, Let Me Hold You Longer, was published recently. It speaks from a mom's point of view when she realizes she's always focused on and celebrated all of the "firsts" in her child's life, but never stopped to notice the "lasts." Nicki Glenn posted about the book on her BLOG not long ago.

A lot of the Seniors' (high school Seniors, not elderly) moms have been talking about the many "firsts of the lasts" we have to face with our teenagers this year. Most of them were thinking about how bittersweet it is to watch their child grow up and get closer to the day where they leave the nest. Their musings were both sentimental and full of mixed emotions. I'm no different.

Tomorrow is Shelbi's last "first" day of high school. Just last week I bought Shelbi school uniform pants for the last time. Many more "lasts" are coming. Last high school homecoming dance, last prom, then her first graduation.

I'm choosing to focus on the positive "firsts and lasts" Shelbi will have this year. For example, this will be her first year to drive herself to and from school, in her own car. This will be her first school year to have a part time job.

If you read my previous posts, HERE, HERE, and HERE, you know Shelbi recently overcame her battle with Selective Mutism. Every year since first grade, her teachers, principal, and I met to discuss an "individualized plan" to meet her needs at school. Accommodations were made to help Shelbi with her anxiety disorder and protected her from being penalized for not participating orally in class. Every year I signed the form hoping she wouldn't need it the next school year. Last year, without realizing it, I signed the LAST one! This year will be Shelbi's FIRST year with NO special accommodations. Do you know how long we've waited for this???? Well, if your Math skills are rusty, ELEVEN YEARS!!!

If that's not something to shout about, then I don't know what is!

Have a great school year! I'm sure Shelbi will! =)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-05T17:53:00.005-05:00

Twenty Five Years Ago Today...

2009-08-01T00:12:00.002-05:00

I fell head over heels in love. The purest, unconditional love I never knew existed. The most beautiful baby girl came into my life and my heart would forevermore beat outside of my chest.

When I found out I was pregnant I was only eighteen, had just gotten married, and already had two stepchildren. (For those that are getting confused, this was a previous marriage.) I was nervous, but excited beyond words. Being the oldest child and grandchild in my family, it seems like I grew up with a baby on my hip. All I ever wanted was to have a baby of my own. They say every little girl dreams of her wedding day, but the only reason I wanted to get married was because every time I said, "I can't wait to have a baby," my Mimi told me I had to get married first. (I guess I could have argued with that---- since the first test tube baby was born while I was a teenager.) LOL

Anyway, I took her advice, got married and the next month I'm sitting in the doctor's office and the nurse is confirming what I already knew. I was pregnant. My response? "OK, now what?" =)
Eight months and ten hours of all natural labor later, there she was. August 1, 1984 at 12:12 AM weighing 7 pounds 12 ounces. I was alone in my hospital room when, just before dawn, the nurse brought her to me. I laid her on my legs, pulled back the blanket, and just took her all in. I marveled at the tiny fingers and toes. I kissed the brown fuzz on her head. I whispered her name and her eyes met mine. She was so perfect, so delicate, so beautiful it literally took my breath away. That sweet time remains one of the most spiritual experiences in my life.

That was just yesterday, right?!

Mallory at 3 months. See what a pretty baby!

Mallory was the sweetest, best natured baby. Her oldest cousin used to tell me all the time, "When I get married I want only one kid and I want her to be JUST LIKE MALLORY!"

She didn't sleep much, but made up for it by rarely crying. I'd have to remember to feed her every four hours. =) Once when she was about eight months old, she'd been throwing up all night with a virus. The next morning I went to pick her up out of her crib. She just lay there too weak to sit or pull up, but still trying to smile at me. I took her to the doctor and the poor thing was dehydrated! Even painful teething didn't bring tears. If it hadn't been for the poop running out of her diaper and down her leg, you'd never have known she was teething. Gross, I know, but true!

She was the funniest little kid! I never knew what was going to come out of her mouth. (Still don't know. She is the entertainment at every family gathering!) It was a little embarrassing at times, especially when Larry and I started dating. She started calling him "Aunt Larry" and discussing bodily functions with him. Joy! He married me anyway. LOL

Mallory at 3 1/2. So cute!

Here she is at ten with her sisters. Mallory is on the right, Sarah on the left, and Shelbi in the front.

As a teenager, she gave me no cause for concern. She was active in the church youth group and got up early before school so she'd have time to read her Bible. Some mornings I'd go in her room to find she'd fallen back asleep--- her Bible still open beside her. I never got called to the school by a teacher or principal. From pre-K through high school, her teachers always said they wished all their students were like her. That's music to any mom's ear, but especially if that mom's a teacher herself. LOL

Senior Prom with her best friend, Casey. Mallory is in the blue dress. They looked so pretty.

Graduation Night!!!

All too soon, she headed off to college. Even though she was only two hours from home, Miss Homebody was miserable. After the first term, she came home and enrolled at the local junior college. There she found her soul mate Daniel, and they've been married three years. (Click HERE and see their wedding pics.) They live three hours away, where Mallory is taking classes while also working full time. She's working toward an elementary education degree. I'm so proud of her! Before I know it, she'll be a mom and teacher herself. :)

Twenty five years later, I still catch myself looking at her and thinking, "This came out of me?" This beautiful creature that still takes my breath away?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MALLORY!!!

ALL OUR LOVE,

MOMMA, DADDY, & SHELBI

Whatcha Doin'?

2009-07-19T21:07:00.005-05:00

This weekend MckMama asked her readers what they've been "up to." I didn't link mine to hers, but was going to explain my blogging absence anyway. I actually had a busy week. Unfortunately, not "fun picture taking" busy. LOL
Monday Larry and I packed up my personal things in my old classroom and hauled it over to my new school. Who knew I'd have a whole van load of stuff in just three years of teaching kindergarten?? My new principal said teachers never throw anything away and are pack rats by nature. I caught up on things (well, I tried) around the house Tuesday. Then spent Wednesday and Thursday cleaning in my new classroom. Stephanie had no babysitter Wednesday, so Shelbi and Harlee went with me. Harlee helped a lot! Actually, Shelbi spent most of the time putting back things Harlee got out. Two year olds! ha We didn't go Friday, because Shelbi had to get her wisdom teeth cut out! Poor thing--- she still looks like a chipmunk! That is picture worthy, but she won't let me! =)

Saturday, I got to love on this sweetheart! This is two month old Jayla, my cousin's baby.

My cousin, Lee Ann, came to town for me to take Jayla's first portraits. I posted more of Jayla's pictures on my photography blog. If you want to peek at them click here .

Today, of course, I went to church, Wal-Mart, and then back to church for a Sunday School teacher's meetings. That was my week in a nut shell!

I'll spend most of this coming week getting my classroom together. Saturday, Larry and I are meeting Debbie in Arkansas to pick up Becca and Lauren for a week! They've been wanting to come spend some time all summer and this is the first chance we've had to get them. Scheduling a time between their summer visits with their Daddy, and Larry's days off, made it hard to find a week that worked for everybody. Next week is also the last week Larry is off before school starts back. We haven't spent time with them since March, so we're excited about seeing them! We'll probably have Steph's three most of that week, too. It's gonna be Family Circus around here! ;) Be prepared for a grandkid picture overload!!!

Transitions

2009-07-08T20:59:00.003-05:00

I started teaching eight years ago, at the ripe old age of 35. I taught 3 years in the local public school system, but I've been working at a small private school for the past four years. Now I'm heading back into the public school system. There were a lot of advantages to teaching at a small school. I'm definitely going to miss the smaller class size, less paperwork, and less stress due to the first two things. I will also miss my fellow teachers and administrators, my students' parents, and watching my students grow up. In a public school system, the kids left my class and continued on. When I taught second grade, that meant they headed to another school. I only saw them if I ran into them in public.
The private school is pre-K through 12th grade, so the farthest my students moved was down the hall or to the next building. I loved the idea of watching them go from pre-school, across the hall from me, to watching them graduate. So why am I leaving?! Financially, I just can't afford to turn down the pay increase and benefits that public schools offer. Even though teaching is not a high-paying career by anyone's standards, public still pays a lot more.

This will be my fourth school to work at in my eight and a half year career. During that time, I've also changed grade levels three times. Second grade, fourth grade, and kindergarten for the past three years--- and that's the grade I'm teaching at the new school. Thank God, at least that's the same. LOL God willing--- this will be my last transition--- for a long while.

This school is also in a town about 30 miles from my house. Driving over 15 minutes to work is another change. I'm nervous about learning a whole new curriculum. At the same time, I'm excited to make new friends and meet new kids and parents. A lot of prayer went up before and after this job opened up. I feel confident this is where God's leading me to teach. I would still, however, welcome prayers for an easy transition. ;)

There Came the Bride...

2009-07-07T09:28:00.000-05:00

Leslie and Joseph got married July 7, 2006 in a park in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Believe it or not, the weather was nice. It was actually cool (for July) and there was even a breeze blowing!
This first picture is my favorite of Leslie in her dress. She looks SO beautiful, happy, and calm. Shouldn't all brides look like that?!

This is Larry having his "you don't have to do this talk" that I mentioned on Mallory's anniversary post. (Leslie was our 4th bride and got married only 13 days after Mallory! I KNEW that would happen when they both got engaged New Year's weekend that year. Talk about stress! LOL)

Here is Leslie with our newest son, Joseph. Joseph gave us one of our greatest gifts ever and I doubt he realized it! When he and Leslie came down for New Year's weekend, Leslie knew he was going to ask Larry for her hand, but she didn't know that he was going to propose in front of our whole family! We didn't either! Leslie's parents divorced when she was only three. Leslie and her mom and stepdad moved over 6 hours away from Larry when Les was four. Needless to say, Larry missed SO many "firsts" with Leslie. He missed her first day of Kindergarten. Even after they moved back to our town a couple of years later, he still missed her first date, getting ready for prom, getting her first car, etc. So that's why getting to see her expression when Joseph dropped to one knee, was such a gift... a wonderful, unforgettable gift! Thanks, Joseph! We owe you one!

There were two other bridesmaids, other than Leslie's FIVE sisters. It was a little confusing for the photographer when she asked that all of the bride's sisters step forward for a picture and only two girls stayed back! ;-)
Here are all of our girls and the oldest two grandchildren. L to R: Sarah, Debbie, Leslie, Mallory, Stephanie, and Shelbi. Rebecca (5) was the flower girl (and "perfect princess") and Noah (4 1/2) was the ring bearer (more like "wedding clown"). ;)

During the ceremony, Noah repeatedly called Becca's name (She ignored him. Good girl!), sat down and "chilled" on the steps, ate his shoestrings, talked to his grandmother, and proclaimed (rather loudly) that he needed to use the bathroom! Too bad the videographer got NONE of this on video--- we could have easily walked away with the grand prize on America's Funniest Videos. LOL
In spite of all of Noah's antics, and the wind blowing out the unity candle, it was a beautiful ceremony!

HAPPY THIRD ANNIVERSARY, LESLIE AND JOSEPH!!!

WE LOVE YOU BOTH!

DADDY, PENNY, AND SHELBI =)