to gnome me is to love me

the easter dragon strikes again

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 01:58:00 +0000

last year, we didn't receive a visit from our beloved friend, the easter dragon. but this time he flew in for some fun!!

but before he visited, we had a quick game of kick-ball. it was intense!!

he left papaw paul with the first clue.

the kiddos were mighty quick in solving the clues this year & reading the messages left.

below are the clues he left for them:

“Let them praise his name in the dance! Let them sing praises to him with tambourine and harp!” Psalms 149:3 - World English Bible

1. E-E-E-E-EASTER..E-E-E-E-EASTERTIME! .WHAT DO YOU THINK I SAY? I LOVE THE SONG “WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY?” IT GETS STUCK IN MY HEAD ALL DAY LONG & MY OTHER DRAGON FRIENDS THINK I AM A BIT SILLY SINGING RATA-TAT-TAT-TAT. I HOPE YOU ALWAYS REMEMBER THE JOY THAT CAN BE FOUND IN SINGING, DANCING & WORSHIPING OUR LORD.

MY QUESTION TO YOU IS WHAT DOES THE GOOSE SAY (HINT, HINT)??

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“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-8

2.. OH, LOVE..I LOVE LOVE – DO YOU? A WISE WOMAN ONCE SHARED THAT EVERY NIGHT, BEFORE SHE SAID HER PRAYERS, SHE WOULD PUT HER NAME IN PLACE OF “LOVE” AND ASK HERSELF IF SHE WAS ABLE TO DO THE THINGS IN THE VERSE. I, THE EASTER DRAGON, LIKE TO DO THE SAME & LET ME TELL YOU- I FAIL DAILY. BUT I KEEP TRYING & HOPE YOU WILL TOO. AT NIGHT, ASK YOURSELVES, DARBY, BEN & GRACIE IF YOU WERE ABLE TO BE PATIENT AND KIND.NOT RUDE OR ENVIOUS. IT IS A HARD TASK TO DO, BUT I’M SURE YOU CAN ACCEPT THAT MISSION!

THE NEXT SURPRISE IS IN A SPOT THAT GRANDMA DEEDEE LOVED TO BAKE FAVORITE TREATS FOR FAVORITE PEOPLE.

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THOSE “DRAGON EGGS” YOU FOUND ARE FOR YOU TO DECORATE HOW YOU CHOOSE! (OUTSIDE)

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4

3. THERE’S NOTHING I LIKE BETTER THAN A GOOD BOOK BEFORE BED. GO CHECK WHERE YOU LAY YOUR HEAD & SEE WHAT IS THERE!

ONE OF THESE BOOKS IS VERY SPECIAL, BECAUSE IT IS A BOOK TO BE WRITTEN BY YOU ABOUT YOU! YOU CAN WRITE WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE, BECAUSE IT IS YOUR STORY, MY FRIENDS.

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Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

John 11:25-26

4. I LOVE TO STOP & SMELL THE FLOWERS, BUT SOMETIMES I LET OUT A SNEEZE & END UP CATCHING THEM ON FIRE!

AS YOU CELEBRATE EASTER & THE ETERNAL LIFE GOD HAS PROMISED US, I COULD USE SOME HELP WITH CREATING SOME BEAUTIFUL ARRANGEMENTS TO CELEBRATE LOVED ONES WATCHING OVER US FROM HEAVEN. I STARTED, BUT I KNOW YOU GUYS CAN DO A DRAGONTASTIC JOB FINISHING!

TO FIND THIS, YOU MUST REARRANGE THE LETTERS BELOW TO FIND THE HIDING SPOT:

LLWYHAA ETCOLS

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Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

5. HOW DO WE HAVE A CLEAN HEART?? I THINK THIS IS DONE BY GIVING OUR HEARTS TO JESUS & LIVING OUR LIVES FOR HIM. PRAYER, READING YOUR BIBLE & TALKING TO THOSE THAT LOVE YOU WHEN YOU HAVE QUESTIONS IS A GREAT WAY TO DO THAT.

I’VE HIDDEN YOUR NEXT SURPRISES IN A PLACE YOU CAN WASH OFF...

I GUESS YOU REMEMBER I’M KIND OF A GERM-A-PHOBE, HUH? THAT SANITZER & KLEENEX CAN COME IN HANDY THOUGH!

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.JAMES 1:17

EACH OF YOU ARE A GOOD & PERFECT GIFT FROM GOD & YOUR FAMILY COUNTS YOU ALL AS SUCH WONDERFUL BLESSINGS.

. TO FIND YOUR FINAL TREASURES, USE THE FIRST LETTER FROM EACH WORD: PAUL,AMAZING,TOYS,INCREDIBLE,OLIVE IN BELIEVE, ALWAYS, COOK, KOOL-AID

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DARBY, BEN AND GRACIE,

AS YOUR SCAVENGER HUNT COMES TO AN END, ONE MORE VERSE I WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."Jeremiah 29:11

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE BIBLE VERSES. IT REMINDS ME TO TRUST IN GOD ALWAYS, TO NOT BE AFRAID & KNOW THAT HE HAS A PLAN FOR ME, AS HE DOES FOR EACH ONE OF YOU. I ENJOY WATCHING EACH ONE OF YOU GROW INTO THE INCREDIBLE LITTLE PEOPLE YOU ARE BECOMING. THANK YOU FOR BEING MY FRIENDS!

I LOVE YOU ALL,

THE EASTER DRAGON

the kiddos did an amazing job crating flower saddles to go on mamaw barb's & deedee's tombstones. it was a great to share the love that dee had in making sure to pay respect to those that are no longer here on earth with us. i know i am worn out from all the fun & am looking forward to celebrating Easter tomorrow at One Life & with family and friends! Happy Easter!!

lori & janet

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 05:58:00 +0000

i may be an only child, but have been blessed with family members that i love just as if they were my sisters and know they feel the same. always there for advice, a shoulder to cry on, love and just to listen. some of my favorite memories have been with these gals; be it watching iu win the ncaa way back when steve alford was the coolest dude alive, watching their kiddos grow, having our shopping trips & laughing at the outfits on one another. unlike most sisters, there have only been a handful of disagreements in life- watching a soap opera over sesame street (sorry janet), gentle persuasions on better way to handle situations, etc. i love them so. and my kiddos do too, calling them their aunts. (to those not familiar with our family dynamics, it can be a bit confusing).

the last year has been hard & we've dealt with it together & on our own. talking on the phone or face to face always, always makes me feel better, though tears are usually shed.

i am so proud of both of them. lori & her mom inspired me to go into a male dominated field, mechanical engineering. it was a job that was challenging but i really loved. as long as i can remember, i wanted to do & be whatever janet was. a cheerleader/ a drum major / you name it.

when their mom passed away, janet was working on creating some common core math books for each grade. as a family, we all got to help edit the books & help meet deadlines. it was a added stress for janet, but looking back, it was a great way to focus my grief into something good by helping edit the books. thank you, jl, for having the confidence in me to help out.

i was so excited to see these on fb today & can't wait to read all the positive reviews. i truly think these will help parents, teachers, and students better understand the goals of common core in math & how to reach the solutions.

the amazon link to order these books & other awesome books by janet is here: janet's books. another favorite of our home

we loved it since it was just computer sheets of paper. a fun, learning math book for boys and girls!

now, i just need to enroll for a semester in school & study abroad so i can enjoy harlaxton with you!! :)

love you always, deedee

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 02:25:00 +0000

november 4, 2012 is a day frozen in my mind. i still wake up, wishing it was just a bad, bad dream. i lost my hero, my rock on earth, the one person that had always been there and could always make everything better. time has yet to heal the heartache i feel everyday. not a day goes by that i don't miss deedee.
for us, it started out like a normal sunday..daddio had to work, we went to church & then to a ms walk. i forgot my cell phone and when we got home, our answering machine was full. daddio got home a few minutes after the kiddos & i and said "dee is gone." dee who? not our deedee - no way! i could not believe it or accept it. she passed away, selflessly serving others, as she was always doing.
though i pray a lot every day, i still do not have comfort or peace of her passing. i know i was so blessed to have the relationship with her that i had and those memories of comfort with her can never be taken away but my heart hurts. my heart hurts for my kiddos, who also miss her (little g carries a picture with her of deedee everyday). she had so much more to teach us - i never learned the right way to make those sweet rolls & so much other lessons in life we had to learn from her.
i am so thankful for all the time & love she did give to us & everyone. she was the best. (i don't want this to sound ungrateful for my wonderful mom i have or husband or kiddos or other family...we all felt this way about dee).
after her death, i tried to fill the void by working at preschool & trying to do as she did...but i sure couldn't keep it up. she spent her life devoted to her lord and savior, doing for others, loving all in her family & doing it all with great joy.
the kiddos and i made a sign in our home & this perfectly describes dee:

every day, i try. i do. i really do. but i fail. dee will always be my role model & i will keep trying. & hopefully, someday, i won't have to go to the bathroom to hide my tears from my sweet kiddos. i love you & miss you, deedee.

to do's in 2014..

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 09:56:00 +0000

oh, new year resolutions, why can i only keep you for a bit (if i even start)???

some things i just can't quit (my diet cokes and dr. peppers when i really want a treat)...but i do want to become a better me in 2014 & love making lists, so here goes my to do's for 2014:

1. put God first. always.

2. make sure my kiddos and hubby and family know how much i love them every day by my actions and words.

3. listen to my kiddos better. they have a lot to say and if it's important to them, it should be to me.

4. love more.

5. forgive. truly forgive those that have caused hurt.
6. forgive myself.
7. take the time to eat a healthy breakfast in the morning... not just my diet coke.

8. $$$$- save it - i don't have to buy it just because it's a bargain. i repeat, i don't have to buy it just because it's a bargain. (i might need to tattoo this on my hand!)

9. get back to reading "little visits with god" every night with the kiddos. love this book and sharing it with the kiddos.

10. go to bed at a decent hour most nights (i am typing this at 2:12 in the morning).
11. exercise.. at least a little bit - yes, gracie girl may like momma's soft belly to cuddle on, but this gal's gotta get in shape. let's say 1/2 hour a day at least starting out...
12. say "yes" more to my family with my time.
13. visit loved ones more often
14. de-clutter and purge- donate 14 items a week to a new home
15. make it to life group!

16. create more memories with my family.
17. read more.
18. less tv/computer time...
19. play more.
20. cook more homemade meals than not each week (may have to get some new batteries for that smoke alarm)
21. deep clean one room a week
22. sew. and help gracie girl on her sewing skills. how i cherish the memories of learning to sew with mamaw and deedee.
23. call pap at least once a week. and visit with the kiddos.

24. blog. at least the kiddos will have this since their baby books haven't been touched in a few years..
25. work out my brain..on things more challenging than 2nd grade homework.
26. learn to play guitar with my kiddos (daddio is a great teacher:) )
27. volunteer more. continue helping out in g's class, the backpack program & find other opportunities to make a difference.
28. have a date time once a month!

29. have some friend time once a month!
30. organize our craft supplies.
31. organize the bathroom.
32. organize the basement - the bottomless pit.
33. don't take things too seriously or personally.
34. do a good deed for another every day.
35. start new traditions with our family...what they are, i don't know yet.
36. clean out the swagger wagon & keep the mess down to 1 bag (this will be a hard one!)
37. eat lunch at school with the kiddos at least once a month.

38. create a chore chart for our family and stick to it!
39. write letters to friends or family. let them know i am thinking of them.
40. lose weight. the pounds have really packed on lately, thanks to the yummy holiday food and some medication. size 6, how i miss you but will see you again before 2015.
41. enroll the kiddos in an activity they both want to explore.
42. let it go & give it to God.
43. make homemade gifts for special occasions.
44. greet my love at the door with a kiss and hug each evening.
45. recycle more. we pay to do it - but sometimes still put recyclables in the trash.

46. create with the kiddos. they are so creative & there's nothing better than their art in my eyes!
47. clean off the kitchen counter of clutter every night.
48. put the laundry away after i fold it.
49. clean out the kiddos' closets
50. remember to thank God in all circumstances..even those that don't make sense to me. He has a bigger plan.
51. ask namaw to teach me to knit. and learn.
52. continue to pray as a family.
53. worship as a family.

54. clean myself up once in a while..oh, how i love my sweats & tees, but a little makeup and jeans wouldn't hurt me :)
55. make sure daddio keeps his doc appointments.
56. let my light shine!
57. wear sunscreen

58. spend more time outside.
59. make a meal plan for each week.. freezer meals, crock pot?? can i do it? yes, i can!
60. be more patient with my kiddos..
61. provide more opportunities for our kiddos to grow spiritually, mentally and socially.
62. remind myself "what would deedee do?" & remember the great example she always was in my life.

63. keep the flowers nice at mamaw's grave.
64. dance more.

65. don't give up.

some details i still need to work on, but a pretty good start for my to-do's in 2014, if i do say so myself :).

holiday season 2013

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 03:37:00 +0000

as always, the holidays seemed to sneak up on me... i really struggled to get into that holiday spirit missing loved ones that are no longer with us & changes that have happened to relationships over the past few years. but, we forged on & the kiddos had a fun thanksgiving, great 8th birthday for benj (playing laser tag with some buddies), lots of playtime in the snow & a very merry CHRISTmas. for me, this momma had to change her attitude to that of gratitude and realize how truly blessed we are and have been to have had such special people in our lives that i miss so much.

over thanksgiving weekend, daddio got a new to him ride, a sequoia, that is pretty sharp & has the kiddos' approvals.

since this momma wasn't feeling well, i stayed home for thanksgiving. i had the tree set up & ready to decorate as soon as my sweeties got home.

my little guy is now eight years old..he is such a special soul (not just this momma's opinion). he cares for others, smart as can be, and quite a funny little dude. it seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home & i was praying each day we could make it until daddio got home. somehow, we have all survived. :)

the beginning of december brought lots of snow. for once, thankfully, our power didn't go out.

playing at home in the snow..

snow angel in action

we used this picture for our Christmas cards (that i still don't have out...)

and we went sledding, not one day, but two down hills by the kiddos' school. the second day of sledding was basically going down a sheet of ice!

no need for a sled!

i love that smile!!

gracie hit the sticks a time or two, but it didn't stop her!

once they were back in school, preschool for momma got really busy. i love those little jumpstarters & am so happy i get to be a part of their learning and discovery.

momma's stocking had to be refashioned for itsy, our guinea pig. gracie did a fine job on it!

Christmas time was loads of fun. good food, fun time with families and friends.

a guitar!!

beano's favorite gift was his wii u

gracie gal's was her princess bears. she loves her stuffed animals.

the kiddos' had a sleepover that they had been planning since this summer. the little sisters traded homes for the night & played with benj & alaina. they all had a blast & are still recovering today!

it's hard to believe 2014 is right around the corner.. looking forward to the new year, new experiences and making more memories with my family and friends. happy holidays to all our family and friends! xoxox- sara

and miss g's videos..

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 12:56:00 +0000

momma never did post her 6 year old video...

gracie birth to 5

5 to 6

gracie girl, i love you so!!

eight years ago..

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 04:25:00 +0000

becoming 7

eight years ago today, my life changed more than i could ever imagine. life was no longer about me,but about "him," that precious bundle of joy that was born while momma was pushing during the andy griffith show (the doc turned it off right when it was getting good too). since benjo's birth, he has brought me more happiness, joy, love, tears, compassion, worry,fear, panic, pride, heartbreak, and empathy than i could ever imagine. so many emotions this little fella brings out in me! though i may be the momma & he my little man, he has taught me more in these eight years than i could have ever imagined.

this, benjo came down and said,"momma, why are you doing all of this? we just need to pray." & pray we did (while i still moved things around). he is so good at reminding me to pray -- when things aren't going just right, pray when things are good, just pray, i am so thankful that he has such a strong faith and thankful for all those that help him to grow in his spiritual journey..starting back with grandma deedee and papaw paul, the "gurls" and their parents, our preacher and family, our life group friends and kiddos, and those that take the time to show benj & grace how they are both special and our Lord has special jobs just for them to do. we, as a family, continue to grow spiritually and i am so thankful for all the blessings we have received. benj helped me to grow and realize life wasn't just about "me" or "him" but "He, our Savior and King," and we should do all things to glorify him.
i was so worried about bringing this little guy home.. daddio had changed him & washed him & changed his clothes the entire time we were in the hospital. all i did was nurse.. the only thing i felt capable of doing. before we went home, i was coaxed into changing him. pee shot into his face, he started crying & spit up all over the place. it was a mess! & his billi levels were super high, so he was sent home on a light blanket. we would go daily after his dismissal from the hospital to have his levels checked. by new year's, he was looking less tan and the blanket was gone. he was extra special - he had both physiological and breast milk jaundice. being a new mom that had read every "what to expect, " "your pregnancy and newborn," and "pregnancy 411", i wasn't ready for this one. going through that month seemed like forever, but was just a small moment in time.

i was so scared when we brought benj home! i was worried how our doggie would react. but zacky did great with him from the get go. when we brought him home- i made a plan with daddio that i would stay awake the first night & he would do an upcoming night to make sure benj kept breathing. i think it was daddio's turn on the 3rd night. i woke up to benj crying, justin patting my leg, telling me "it's ok, buddy." daddy was fired from that job. and i eventually slept thanks to deedee, mom, and namaw. when daddio went back to work- i would say a prayer to God, thanking him for helping me keep this precious child alive and happy for another day while daddio was at work.

he has taught me a great deal on forgiveness. an issue in the family happened one summer that caused a lot of heartache & things were said in front of him that should never had been said. he was very angry at that person for saying things to his momma, but we talked about it & his actions towards those showed true forgiveness.

i never in my life would have thought bodily functions would be so hilarious until he came. toots are a plenty in our household, as well as big belly laughs & sometimes leading momma to gag.

daddio and i took our vows in front of the Lord, our families and friends... but i learned more about love - agape- after benjo was born. it breaks my heart when he has a bad day, it makes my heart smile to see him excited about something, i get that nervous pit in my stomach before he performs a comedy skit with friends..no matter what, i will always love my benjo.

he has a heart pure as gold, though he likes to talk sweet little sis into doing things he knows he shouldn't sometimes, but he will be right beside her in trouble for whatever it was. he loves to teach her new things and do fun things with his sis, though sometimes he may not want to admit it.:)

he is a sensitive soul & cares for his classmates and tries to help everyone to get along. at the beginning of 2nd grade, he had written on his about him page that "he liked to be bullied." this concerned me (a.k.a. made me cry), so i asked him... he said he didn't want others to be bullied & he could take it, so that's why he wrote it. we discussed this & that bullying is not ok - how i thought it was very kind what he felt, i didn't want others picking away at his happiness. i think he got it. in our conference, his teacher this year was in tears, telling me what a great child he was and how much she loved having him. it's nice to hear they are doing the right thing when you aren't around. :)

there have been times, too many times, where i haven't felt good. benj is the first one there with a bucket, my favorite pillow, a washcloth, a heating pad and anything else he can think of i might need. when there have been times in life (deedee's passing, papaw's health and issues) that i have been really sad, he is first there to hug me, pray, and tell me it will all be ok.

i have so much joy just watching him be a kid and having fun... be it playing with his sister, his friends, me & daddio, or family, playing sports and games, laser tag or our dance offs. he is a fun guy!

& he is a deep thinker... sometimes i have to tell him"i don't know why.." more often than i want & we search together for the answer.

mr. benjo, i am so thankful for being blessed with you as my son the past 8 years & look forward to learning, loving and exploring more as you grow (just try to slow it down a bit!:)) benj, i'll love you forever, i'll like you for always, as long as i'm living, my baby you'll be.

love, momma

no more tundra struck...

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 03:56:00 +0000

oh me, oh my.. what a weekend.. we were heading to a funeral of an amazing relative of daddio's in lexington saturday but never made it. driving on the pouring rain, the truck started to hydroplane & jesus did take the wheel. as we went round and round and up and down, we hit a small pine tree but missed a large tree head on. i had been working on some class work for gracie's class, cutting out papers & noticed we were starting to swerve. daddio said "woah, hold on" & the kiddos started screaming. momma bear turned around to talk to them and have my hands on them - though gracie said she couldn't hear a thing over her screaming. she said she wouldn't stop looking at me so if we died, she would be watching me. broke my heart. eventually, we stopped and the engine was a smoking. a nice man came down to us & said to hurry out & his wife called 911. of course, we didn't have our shoes on, so benj had one croc and one of his little sis's soccer cleats on. & i had heels. so much fun in the pouring rain! of course, in these pictures, it's a bright sunshiny day!

pulling up the truck after the ride..benj's door didn't open & daddio no longer had a window.

but, we were so blessed to be able to run away from the truck with just a few scratches! so, so thankful. i hope i am able to thank those that helped us, they helped calm down the kiddos and a momma here.

we've had lots of fun in that black truck..
when we were married, oh the things they wrote on it... brandon m. & "my weiner loves seattle" it was supposed to say cialas. we left if parked at a friends home the week of or honeymoon & the poor wife's name was sara, too. i bet a few neighbors were giving them looks!

one year, the kiddos washed it for father's day. the sponge came off of the handle & one of them made a large scratch down the side of it.

the kiddos always loved decorating it up in the back for daddy to take to work. i bet he had the prettiest chalk drawings of anybody in the back.

of course, in a truck there had to be mudding. daddio actually did this all on a ride by himself, though i think i would have liked it.

the kiddos always loved leaving notes for daddio in there for his work day..

and, the back of the truck has always been a favorite hangout spot for us to talk about the day when daddio would get home.

the kiddos are up and down with how they are feeling. one moment, their thinking of the new ride holiday world could have.. the next- anxiety of someone "falling off the road again." we keep reminding them things happen, but God kept us safe, we are in his hands & it will be ok. it will be ok.

it would really be ok in ben's mind if we were to get this...

i think only one was made.. so i don't think this will be a happening. :)

back to school.. back to school..

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 17:58:00 +0000

both kiddos are now in school. all. day. long. & yet i feel like i am getting nothing accomplished around the home. thanks to the great work ethic my family instilled in me, my part time job at preschool is more of a full-time job. but, i do enjoy watching the little kiddos' eyes light up with new discoveries and being a part of their lives. so, no complaints here. just a bigger realization that teachers are very underpaid!!

of course, had to decorate to celebrate the first day of school..

reading all the notes along the way:)

obligatory first day of school pictures..

walking to the bus stop.

sweetness.

yes, i had props.

& they were thrilled...

i think they were glad for the bus to get there.

big b is now in the second grade.. his first year without his sidekick in his class. but, it has started out to be a great year. he's coming out of his shell at school (hello, talent show - here we come!) and is always full of new factoids he has learned each day. as long as we can keep from breaking a bone during the "soccer" they play at recess - more like clobbering each other - i think we will be a.o.k.

miss g just loooves kindergarten. & she has an amazing teacher (ben's kindy teacher) and class. i am amazed at how quickly she has learned to read, is learning sign language to communicate with a friend (other than the few she knew as a baby) & love hearing about each day's events. this past week, a little friend in her class with cochlear implants got to hear each classmate say "hi" to her for the first time. such an awesome experience for her & the entire class!

if we aren't at home, we are at the soccer field! all through the home, a soccer ball is being kicked around. so glad we don't have too many breakables :). benj would play soccer 24/7 if he could! miss g.. as long as it's not a "real" game, she loves it.

benj on the field, sweating buckets. that boy drinks his big jug of water by halftime!

miss g thinking about her next move...

miss g wasn't too thrilled this game.. it's too much to weemember in the bigger gals league for her.

chllin out - her favorite spot during soccer games :)

ready to kick it in!

after that ball she goes! so proud of her for keeping it up, even though she's not loving it.

we are still trying to figure out what she would like to do. i'm thinking maybe guitar or dance - but big b reminded me she likes to dance to her own beat, so maybe not dance. we'll see. as long as we are having fun & happy, that's all that matters to this momma!

the longest blog post in the history of posts ever

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 07:35:00 +0000

time flies.. that's for sure. i can't believe the last time i posted was in july. so many good times, sad times, awesome times, speechless times, thankful times & hopeless times. i had made a resolution to start back up writing on here for the new year..st. paddy's day is close enough i guess.
an as brief as i can make it recap of the past 9 months:

july
4th of july we had a blast watching the fireworks in the parking lot of the future one life west.

& of course at the scavenger hunt, the reigning champs remained undefeated!!

in our free time, we spent helping update an old brewery into our soon to be new church

then it was birthday time for deedee (the 9th), momma (11th) & gracie gal (lucky 13). as a kiddo, i couldn't wait for the 4th of july picnic at our church, deedee's birthday & of course my own, so much fun in one week! for deedee, we made her a seashell cross similar to one she had talked about since our panama city vacation for her & uncle paul's 50th anniversary.

on my birthday this year, we went out to hear some super duper music by lindsey williams with super duper friends.

gracie became his youngest groupie.

gracie had what i thought were some chigger bites...turns out by her birthday she was covered in some type of poison. but she was a trooper.

ben continued to become the monopoly master..

& gracie's love of frogs grew over the summer. every frog she would find we would create a habitat for at least a day.

as did her love for kittrens. thank goodness we are allergic. this is the one she "had" to have at the humane society! i think it had mange.

we went to an outdoor music festival that was loads of fun. looking forward to jamming this summer!

& woah.. we had a date night...the first one in years. mucho needed!

august
one life west was launched!! the prayers, work, sweat, blood & love that went into making the brewery a place for worship to help those far from our lord experience his love is just unfathomable. prior to the carpeting being placed, a service was held for those volunteering & we were able to write down names of those we were praying for to be touched by God and spend time in worship together. to this day, i'm still praying for those folks i had written down. the excitement when west launched was phenomenal! we were filled to capacity. down in the Kids! area, we were rockin!

there have been many things along this journey i have learned since we started calling discovery church at the movies our home. how our family's faith has grown, the faith my children have & the desire to want to learn more and loving it at the same time is just awesome. giving it all to God has been something i still am working on. my kiddos help me with that more times than they know. thank you, benj & grace. on sundays, i get to be a small group leader for some super cool kindergarteners.

& i can say, even on those sundays when i really wish i could stay in bed, i am so thankful i got to be a little part in the big picture there. i learn, laugh & even cry sometimes (i'm a crier).
big b started first grade. thankfully, some of his best buddies were in his class because it was a really rocky start this year. but, it has gotten much better.

gracie gal started pre-k, loving it & making her list of boys to date in the future..

soccer was going on for both kiddos & of course b was loving it & gracie was loving playing with morgie.

september
what a month! ben had an ent appointment to discuss his frequent bloody noses. the specialist looked at his tonsils (they were a high 3 - 4 is touching) & his history of frequent strep & recommended we get them out. well, that was a tuesday & on friday he had them removed (thinking that being labor day weekend he would miss less school). i think this momma about lost it those 2 weeks. benj wouldn't take meds, drink, anything. i finally took him to the er where he was pumped full of fluids & then continued for the next week to give him 5mL of gatorade every 5 minutes in his sleep. i was a bit cra-cra. thankfully, deedee & paul and melissa came in to help save the day with taking care of gracie. gracie also helped to provide entertainment through it all.

that tonsil removal was one of the most traumatic events ben & i have been though i think. yikes. so thankful that is over. once he was healed & back up to his normal stamina, soccer season was pretty much over.

so that was a bit of a bummer for him.
but, he did still get a medal :)

october
i don't remember much...but we finally had some family pictures taken!

basketball starting up was the big thing for benj.

halloween. we did our usual- a bit around our neighborhood & then to lori & randy's. gracie was a pumpkin (a quick change after she was set on just being herself) & benj was a super hero.

ben had finished up reading a book on abe lincoln & deedee was telling us the family lineage to him. little did i know that would be the last time i would see her.

novemeber
the month our world changed. in our kitchen, the kiddos & i made a sign with the mother teresa quote: people are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. forgive them anyway.
if you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. be kind anyway.
if you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. succeed anyway.
if you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. be honest and sincere anyway.
what you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. create anyway.
if you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. be happy anyway.
the good you do today, will often be forgotten. do good anyway.
give the best you have, and it will never be enough. give your best anyway.
in the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
these words always reminded me of deedee & paul. dee did for others, that's just what she did & somehow she was there for everyone. i would call her after a night of no sleep with a migraine & they might be in bowling green with janet, but magically take care of me too. when ben was first born, i was running on no sleep & they would just show up & make me take a nap in the basement. i love my mom so & she knows this, but there is a place in my heart & in my mom's that dee had that nobody can replace. the life-lessons she taught us all & continued to were invaluable. just like she was when i was a kiddo, she was my kiddos' babysitter. there was nobody they'd rather be around than dee. it was like having mary poppins be your teacher. lots of love, fun & learning. all from her heart.
on novemeber 4th, daddio was working (very busy at work) & the kiddos and i went to church. after church, we headed to a ms walk to walk with friends. that day, i forgot my cell phone at phone & my biggest concern was finding our friends at this walk. after the walk was over, we headed home & the answering machine was lit up, my cell had missed calls & justin walked in the door. well, back in stendal, the church i grew up in was celebrating 150 or so years. dee went to deliver some leftover food to a couple in town that wasn't feeling well & had a heart attack on that short drive a few blocks from church. i remember asking justin "dee who?"; as i knew it couldn't be our deedee. but it was. and my heart has never hurt so bad. that night, many nights after, and sometimes still gracie would pray for God to please take her to heaven so she could be up in heaven with dee. my course in death & dying was great in college (just what an engineering major needs, right?), but it still prepare me for all the heartache & emotions & anger & hurt & depression & those feelings you never want to have. i was angry at many that i felt didn't seem to care about her death or how it was affecting us, angry at God for taking her from us when we all needed her so, sad that my kiddos wouldn't have more fun times with her & scared. she was that daily phone call, there for advice, there for love, there for anything. there will never be another dee ann. she is who i want to be when i grow up. i am so thankful for the relationship we were blessed with & for paul, lori, janet, the gurls, darby, randy and brad. though i am an only child, i have never felt that way having lori & janet as my big sisters. dealing with death in your mid 30's is hard, watching my children lose a loved one has been heartbreaking but also so amazing. during the funeral, gracie and darby just held each other, providing comfort like sisters. gracie still made deedee a christmas present & plans to place it by her tombstone. benj has a puffle with her name (along with all of our other family members). we talk about what deedee and mamaw barb might be doing up in heaven a lot. we all really struggled with dee's passing & for gracie, it was devastating. towards night or certain times of the day, she would get upset & i couldn't talk to her. our preacher, trey, talked to her one sunday & it just made a world of difference. he told her that God called dee home because she had done all she was to do here on earth & now she was in heaven - but God had plans for miss gracie that only she could do-not me, not her brother or daddy or anyone else & she was here to do those things. his words helped more than he knew. thank you so much, trey.
the rest of november seemed like a blur. i am no longer a full time stay at home mom, but work part time job at gracie's preschool, which has been a very rewarding experience.

december
big ben turned 7. we had a party at the 2 bit bandit on his birthday, on his last basketball game.

pokemon cake & all!

he & his buddies had a pretty good time. i can't believe he is already 7. the cuddles & hugs i hold on to more and more as he grows.
in my little world, i felt like i was just watching the days go by, just doing what needed to be done, wondering how christmas would be this year without dee,

i still felt lost...
gracie was an angel in the preschool program. cute as can be.

for christmas, we stayed home, as daddio had to work. we did other things at the cook christmas to celebrate. but i sure did miss balderdash & dee's notorious "on an island" definition.

2013
january
we didn't stay up to see the ball drop, but we drank root beer from fancy glasses!

i must say here, to my family (especially my kiddos), i've wanted to write this blog for you, as your baby books are a bit of a failure..my plan was to document all the good, bad, crazy, funny times we would have. this just lost priority when things were busy & then i couldn't even write down my emotions, so i'm sorry for the lapse in time. every day will get better, we have that choice whether to be happy or sad..momma just has to get this sadness out of her. i hope through all of this, we've still been making it fun & you know you are loved to pieces by not just me & daddio. you are both so special & i thank God for each of you so many times each day. i could write a book on how special each one of you are..& the gifts you each have. i can't wait to see what you do in this world!

february
big ben brought home a belly bug that we all got. but, there was lots of cuddling & lysol around the house. & lots of silliness. one day in bed, the cartoon had a tutor on it. gracie said, "that's what ben is!!" i said, yeah, he does help teach you things. her response was no... he's a tooter!! oh the things they say. that will be my next post (&not so long) gracie discovered her love for toast at paul's house one saturday. that is her favorite food now. & daddio turned the big 35!! happy birthday, babe!

march
here we are...the weather has been crazy!! soccer has started for miss g & mister b has started baseball. this past weekend, we participated in project engage .a day of service to help create & build relationships between one lIfers, life groups & the community. we served at a school, working on the playground, landscaping, raking leaves, painting& fun stuff like that. i am still sore (today during worship at Kids! when we got down, i could hardly get back up!), but what a great thing to be sore from!

vacation time!!

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 12:01:00 +0000

low & behold, daddio did have time for a vacation!! so we made some quick reservations & headed to the nearest beach. & damaw got to come with us!

it was a long, long drive....longer than it should have been. but we survived- barely.

when we were close, the sunglasses came on.

lots of shells were collected.. whatever we will do with them, i don't know!

so many shells!!

nothing like getting your feet wet in the ocean!

& playing!

& digging holes

he could have been a baywatch dude i think!

in need of a towel, pronto!!

building castles in the sun!

woo hoo!!

boogie boarding

discovering creatures

bummin it

& taking pictures all dressed up

going out to eat

& shopping.. (that wasn't much fun for her)

nothing like the beach...love it!

my pretty little gracie girl

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 11:47:00 +0000

instead of practicing, she would rather have me take her picture clowning around...

i just love that smile!

happy, happy!!

some tball practice at home

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 11:44:00 +0000

benj was all about t-ball this year. & even gracie signed up for the fun. practicing in the yard one day, i got out the camera.

check out that determination!

& check out this silliness!

what a practice!!

here fishy, fishy, fishy

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 11:21:00 +0000

memorial day weekend we went to namaw & poppy's for a good 'ole fishing trip. everyone looking cool as cats in our hats!

here was one of ben's many catches of the day..reeling it in

& got it!

gracie's favorite thing of the day was finding a tiny froggy. one of her newest obsessions.

mr. benj wasn't the only one to catch the fish. here's gracie with her big one!

& here's momma!

mine was so big it needed 2 pictures!

these are my favorite pics from the day...

daddy & big b fishing away

3 generations

man, was it hot! i was glad gracie was hot, so we could go back to namaw & poppy's & chill in the ac. but, we did make several trips out to the lake.

the crew taking a break.

one time, ben thought he was ready to go home. but then, he got that fifteenth wind & went on to catching some more.

after daddio & uncle rocky saved this snapping turtle from some line, both kiddos were ready to skedaddle. & we did!

i won't mention what happened to that beast after they saved him...

preschool program

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 10:56:00 +0000

of course, i didn't get any good pictures from during the program & my video camera ran out of batteries (thank goodness we have 1 more year to miss g graduates from pre-k). but, she was as cute as ever!

after the program, running up to give daddio a huggie.

with her friends.

at home with momma & bubby.

& benj doing what he loves best..nintendo

i'm surprised he didn't sneak it into the program..
miss gracie gal, we are so proud of you & your sweet, beautiful heart & strong spirit (those sometimes i wanna pull out my hair). we love you to jesus & back & will always love you. keep on learning, loving & leaning on God!

big splash!!

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 10:47:00 +0000

well, this year daddio is workin over shutdown & a vacation didn't look like it would happen. but, low & behold, groupon had a great deal close to home that we were able to grab for a weekend trip with some of our bestest friends. (i think gracie sometimes would really like to become a part of their family, we all love them so much)..

to big splash adventure we went after church on sunday. it was the perfect time, as the place was clearing out so we had the waterpark to what seemed like just ourselves.

lots of fun splishing & a splashin

oh, the ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah!

the kiddos loved it! especially getting to go on a vacation with friends!!going out to eat was even fun! but of course, benj didn't want to smile...

we see it in your eyes, buddy.

we had a round of mini-golf & some rides on video games (without any coins, but they didn't mind).

i love this picture with the little sisters in control!!

& fun in the game area. tickets a plenty, tickets galore!

all the kids can't wait to go back, it was one of the "best times ever!!"

easter weekend

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 05:11:00 +0000

to catch up the past several months, things may not be in order, but that's ok. not everything around here is always in order.

when i was a kiddo, easter was one of my favorite holidays & i think because of the fact it was my mamaw's. i remember getting up what seemed so early for sunrise service & the wooden cross filled with daffodils that the luther league (& my grandma & deedee) had picked throughout stendal. different songs were sung during that service, picked out by the teens since they were "running the show" for the morning. & they were always songs i loved. & then yummy breakfast, sunday school & church with trumpets! how amazing! how joyous of a celebration! after church, back to mamaw & papaw's for lunch with all the cousins & a big egg hunt- which sometimes turned into an egg fight, but fond memories.

now with a family of our own & some of our puzzle pieces not quite fitting together right now, traditions have changed. earlier that week, the kiddos & i made an easter egg tree & took it to pap in the nursing home. grandma always would decorate up a tree outside with eggs. we spray painted a branch & added some plastic eggs and ornaments the kiddos painted. made me all teary-eyed doing it.

a few years back, we found a church home closer to our home now & started attending church there. our "movie church," as the kids called it, then merged with one life & we go down over the twin bridges each sunday with gracie yelling "twin bridges alert" each time we are near. one life has been a change, but an amazing one for all of us. to get to work in the elementary classes is a blessing - wow what these kids know! & to watch my kiddos' grow each day; asking questions & growing in their faith due to what they are learning at church is just cool beans. they teach me a lot about love, forgiveness and grace from our heavenly father

on saturday, damaw came down early with the dogs & we had some pizza for lunch & hung out. that afternoon, we got to go to the dry run of the easter service for one life that was held at the victory. the victory is a very cool historical building in downtown evansville. now crossing the twin bridges on easter!

i am so glad they held a dry run for those helping out in other areas. it was great to worship with our kiddos & other volunteers. during the service, melissa whispered in my ear to look at gracie. she had her hands up worshiping, which was just so sweet. made me cry (again).

ben was not so sure about going to church on easter & even prayed that night that God would keep us safe in the building, as he was worried about a fire & everyone making it down the steps. everything was fine on easter & i think ben enjoyed the elementary worship service so much, he forgot all about worrying about a fire. when i talked to him about it later, he said he was just focused on doing what had to be done... singing, praying & doing what he was told. oh, that boy.

after an awesome easter sunday service, we headed on the road to namaw & poppy's for a late lunch & egg hunt.
driving in our orange.

i was at first being a bit too competitive & after seeing monica's basket, decided to rehide my eggs for the kiddos. thank you monica, for being a good influence on me! :)

& on the way home, we discovered miss gracie can fit an entire egg in her mouth.

& benj is in need of some dental work..

t-ball time!

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 04:53:00 +0000

oh, this poor blog... momma has not been keepin up with the family fun!

t-ball has commenced with both kiddos playing for the leprechaun team (the kids got to pick out the name).

ben this year is quite focused on all he does, taking everything so serious & trying his best.
miss gracie is enjoying herself to say the least.

one sunday evening we decided to practice.

as you can tell, mr. b is all business.

miss g thang said she was taking all her anger out on the ball. i never knew she was so mad- or so something!

she got a bit tired of all that ball stuff & decided to just be cute instead. pretty good at that!

i just love the happiness shining in her eyes!

& here are some shots from one of their games. again, you can see who is into the game & who is out there being her spunky self!!

she really looks like she's focused here! go grace!!

love these kiddos!!

the easter dragon!

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 03:08:00 +0000

i figured i'd start back up with new beginnings- easter time with the easter dragon. this sweet dragon made his first appearance about 3 years ago, leaving a trail of bubbles behind so the kiddos would know he had visited. this year, he visited at deedee & paul's, with lots of good hiding spots for the scavenger hunt.

the dragon always lets you know he was there by leaving a trail of bubbles behind.

it was awesome to watch ben read the clues this year & all 3 work together to figure out where the next surprise & clue was.

finding the prizes was such fun!

here were the clues (along with bible verses) the dragon left at each stop & the surprises they found:

Hell

1.Hello my sweet dragon friends, it’s the Easter dragon back again! My, how I’ve enjoyed watching you grow this past year.. All 3 of you are amazing- growing up, learning so much and remembering to do the right thing! Watching you all grow and learn is so rewarding for me. & while you are learning, you remember to try & do the right thing. That makes this dragon happy! Speaking of growing…. Your first surprise is where blossoms bloom next something that rhymes with “tight roast.” I’ve added Bible verses at the end of each clue to help you remember God’s love for us.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

“You are young, but don't let any person treat you like you are not important. Be an example to show the believers how they should live. Show them with the things you say, with the way you live, with your love, with your faith, and with your pure life.”1 Timothy 4:12

these treats were some dragon flowers to plant next to the light post..

2. You kiddos do a great job of letting your light shine for Jesus – the real reason we celebrate Easter. In the next spot, go to your mommies’ old favorite hiding spots as kids that have 2 ways in & out. These goodies will help you to remember to let your lights shine for Jesus!!

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12

some little finger lights & a cool led light toy in the closet between the 2 bedrooms

3.April showers bring May flowers. & that water makes it hard for me to fly. These would help me keep dry. You will find a surprise in the spot where someone might hang up raincoats. After you are all done with the hunt, you can personalize what you found! (ben & gracie – you did this for church, but now you can make some just for yourselves!)

Ask rain from the Lord in the season of the spring rain, from the Lord who makes the storm clouds, and he will give them showers of rain, to everyone the vegetation in the field. Zechariah 10:1

umbrellas to decorate for the kiddos

4.This dragon doesn’t like being sick one bit. You can discover these next little somethings to help keep you healthy in a place you get clean.

O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health. You brought me up from the grave. O Lord. You kept me from falling into the pit of death. Psalm 30:2-3

Be Joyful! A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22#2

some hand sanitizer in the bathtub & tissues

5.I love to read & write. & I know you do too! Go look for your next surprises in a cozy spot to read some books. You can write your special thoughts with some very special tools & read some new stories!!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance," Proverbs 1:5 ESV

a pencil & some books we had

6. Who loves their sweets? Go to the place where Grandma DeeDee always makes her goodies. They are in a cabinet that has items in it that rhymes with underwear.. & remember when licking that lollipop to share peace on earth!

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

But all who listen to me will live in peace,

untroubled by fear of harm.” Proverbs 1:33

peace lollipops in the kitchen cabinet

7.God made us all – all people, all creatures big & small- even icky- creepy bugs (which I think are delicious!). Don’t tell her, but I hid them on a pillow of an arachnophobe.

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do -Ephesians 2:10

some bugs that walk down the wall

8. & last but not least, some special things I’d like each of you to care for. You can crack open the big ones, but the smaller ones are for you to have. I have laid them under a tree near an object that rhymes with ring. Please take care of them & remember to have a wonderful Easter! Jesus has risen! Hip Hip Hooray, or should I say Roar?!?! I Love you all & remember to keep doing the right things, show love to others, stand up for what is right, say your prayers, thank God for everything & enjoy being kids! Pray for those to come to know our Savior, Christ Jesus, so that they may have eternal life & joy.

Peace out, my little dragon buddies!

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. John 11:25-26

“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son. God gave his Son so that every person that believes in him would not be lost, but have life forever.”

John 3:16

at the last stop, the dragon left some special dragon eggs & bubbles just for the kiddos.

they decorated their umbrellas after the hunt.

each one unique & beautiful, just like them!

fun, fun end to spring break & to start the easter celebrations!!

sticks & stones may break my bones..

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 02:52:00 +0000

& words can break a heart.

it's been a long, long time since i've posted anything on our blog. i've been in a bit of a "drut," i'd say- depression mixed with being in a rut. my intentions with the blog have been to document our lives, the good & the bad, so the kiddos can look back someday & "remember the good ole days."
i would post some random pics of our family, just to keep a bit up to date. & then i quit even doing that. but i have really been letting life fly by & not living each day to the fullest. (how ironic i write this now as i have been a bum all week dealing with kidney stones) so now it's time to blog again; as benj & miss g sure haven't slowed down on their shenanigans or just enjoying life's little joys. in fact, every day they amaze me more & more at their love for their God & our world & others. what a difference they are making already in this world of ours!

well, back to my "drut" -it's time to get over the hurtful words & start living life & let it go to God. i kept telling myself i was over all the drama, but it continued to weigh heavily on my heart. what i & my family were doing for papaw was out of love for him. he was, is & has always been my concern - as i and my family his. he walked me down the aisle on my wedding day & i held his hand all night when mamaw died. he's my papaw. i am grateful for the times we have been able to be there for him & he for us. i likely will never understand some extended family members' intentions & stories that they had told to pap, but in the end the truth will come out & that is what matters. i pray my kiddos remember the sundays after church going up to pap's to eat & "help out" & play, the sacrifices they made (even at an early age) to help take pap to his treatments & care for him, working in the garden & the great love pap has for them and they for him.

through the past several years, many times i could only imagine what my mamaw is thinking looking down on our extended family right now. mamaw, i hope i am making you proud. i love you & miss you. you helped keep everyone on the right track & things got so derailed since you went to a better place. i know God has a master plan, but man, right now it is so confusing!

christmas cards

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:02:00 +0000

i've tried to get ahead of the game for some things this year, as we are often in such a hustle & bustle time around here this time of the year (holidays, birthdays, etc.) we had the tree up before thanksgiving - something i thought i'd never do. oh, never say never. & oh, it was so nice to come home saturday night after thanksgiving & plug in those lights to our decorated tree.

tonight, the kiddos dressed up & gave me their best poses for our christmas cards. these 2 are hams, it was fun & i think we got one that works. here's ~~some~~ several of our outtakes:

hello, tall man (her middle finger stuck up).

wishing you peace this christmas.

hark, the herald angels scream!

i don't know what to say about this one..

ben is the funniest brother in the world!

rockin around the christmas tree

huggies!

mr. muscles

this was a contender

big cheese!

peek-a-boo!

you wanna mess with my brother? i don't think so.

she's choking me!

throw your hands up!

& the winner for this years card is...

just beautiful i think!

graditude is an attitude & contagious as can be..

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:33:00 +0000

that little ditty from our kids' worship @ one life in the month of november has been stuck in my head. how true that song is. it has helped me to focus on the good this past month & thank god for that instead of my too often complaining.
on facebook, i tried to list what i was thankful for each day.. didn't make it every day, but here are the things that came to mind (in reverse order i posted on facebook):

getting to share thanksgiving & the weekend with family & friends

our swagger wagon (our minivan)

forgiveness

love, laughter & fun that fills our home. someday, i know i won't be stepping on that hot wheel that was left out going to bed & our home will be clean - but i will sure miss the excitement & joy the these 2 kiddos & their friends bring to our home.

our teachers, my kiddos have some awesome ones this year! i love that they are keeping that love for learning alive in my kiddos. it has been amazing to watch ben's eyes light up with each new word he learns to read & spell. i am thankful for the teachers i have had in school that helped me with more than just book smarts, but were there for me when things were bad. don't know what i would have done without them. & my teachers outside of school to help me learn about life.

thankful for our friends Melissa & family. i don't know what we'd do without you. in any moment of need, you guys are right there for us! (like yesterday & many days with the kiddos). we love you guys so much & are blessed to call you all our friends! so thankful for you!!

finding my cell phone

for my dayquil & the kids being on a short round of antibiotics/ steriods to clear up the junk they have. hoping for some healthy days soon!

our "dance parties" at home. even though my kids are already telling me i don't know how to dance. just wait till i get to chaperone one of your dances, mr. ben & i will really bust a move.

our veterans, past & present for serving our great country. thank you.

extra super thankful for kate & dave's new bundle of joy today!

my 2nd cousins/big sisters/best friends/mentors, janet & lori. i don't know what i would do without either of you. i love you both so much. thank you. & happy birthday today, janet!!

our freedom here in the united states of america. the right to vote, to worship, freedom of speech. things we often take for granted.

being a stay at home mommy. i love watching our kiddos grow and discover new things every day. these moments are priceless & am so glad i've got to experience each & every one. i am grateful for a hard working man to make this happen.

our church family, One Life West / One Life Henderson, our small group we meet with & our church leadership. kitten & trey: i don't have words to describe how thankful we are for you. i am also thankful that my cousins lori &randy sponsered us 3 years ago to go on a tres dias weekend - what a life changing time that was for us! thank you.

Charlie's Mongolian Barbeque. & that we got to see some of our favorite friends, the Chaffins, there today!

my mom, dad, extended family & my in loves.

the 2 precious kiddos god has blessed us with. never in my life could i have imagined how awesome being a momma could be. they bring so much joy, laughter, silliness & love into our home. i am so thankful that whenever somethings wrong with anyone gracie will say "let's pray for them/that." & we do. i love who they are & watching them grow more awesome every day. benjamin & gracie faye - you kids rock!

justin. my super duper husband & best daddio to our kiddos in the world. he has taught me so much through the years & am so thankful for his blessing in my life. i love you!

there is so much that i often take for granted & this month has been a good one to actually reflect on things with our family & share in the blessings we have.

it's been a while..

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:50:00 +0000

since i have written anything down. the poor blog has been neglected. let's see what has happened since my last post.
beano & gracie had their last soccer games. hurray!

beano was a scoring machine & gave it his all. good job, buddy!

with his crew after the game.

now, for miss g's last game...

she was a body on the field

attached to her daddio's leg.

i thought it was cute.

we had a super fun shower to celebrate the upcoming arrival of kate & dave's baby. we are all looking forward to that bundle of joy- any day now!

the baby blanket i made for their little nutbrown.

game on lock shirts - justin's idea. don't ask - i don't get it.

the happy parents to be & all of us!

justin & i had our 7th wedding anniversary. not a day goes by that i don't love you more, my love. i can't put into words my love for you.

we've been sick. a lot. i think that's the big reason why the blog has been on hold. the late nights up with coughing, wheezing kiddos can do that.

one day during their illness, we went out to get some fresh air. benj wrote me the sweetest note.

i love you too, buddy. forever & ever.

playing outside that day was lots of fun. the kiddos were striking poses for me.

these are their "angry" faces.

yes, benj, you are bigger!

i love the look grace is giving her big bubby here. too sweet.

halloween happened.

the kiddos were mario & tinkerbell. i curled up miss g's hair & put on some makeup. she was loving it!!

visiting neighbor john's house.

mario was bugging tinkerbell.

& she let him have it with her fairy wand. don't tink her off!

i was just a mom for halloween. a tired one.

& this was ben at the end of the night. a self portrait he took with my camera. lovely.

the leaves have been coming down & down & down in our yard. gracie gets very upset when i bag them up. they are to be jumped in & slid into & played in & thrown up in the air- not trashed! they are indeed fun!

that's been the goings on lately..

where is thumbkin?

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:05:00 +0000

miss gracie had her speech evaluation with the school this week & passed their testing no problem. so, no speech with evsc at this time. but momma is working with her the best i can & will look into other options. i am very thankful that she herself is not concerned about the fact that some can't understand her. but i want her to be able to sing one of her favorite songs "where is thumbkin?" without sounding like she's saying the f-bomb. i'm sure the music teacher at her preschool church blushes when she hears that being belted out! & those tricky k sounds (that sound like a t - kitty with a t is said quite often) & gr sounds (her name is not tracy, folks). momma & daddio both had to take speech when we were little & she's kinda destined for it i guess. not a biggie. she'll get those words. she's one smart cookie & doesn't give up.

the goings on lately..

noreply@blogger.com (sara) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 03:55:00 +0000

soccer. big surprise!
after gracie's triumphant return, the next game was against the team she played the first time. & that team was why she didn't want to play anymore.

i think the girl standing next to her was one of the shorter ones on that team. they were good. really good. and aggressive. really aggressive for a 4-6 year old league. they never let up & bit much i thought, but that's momma bear here. i was proud of our girls for not giving up though.

that game caused her breathing issues to flare up in a major way. friday, the day the kids had out from school we were planning on something super special while ben was at a birthday party. it ended up being a doctor visit. not too special. by the time we getting the prescription, reality set in that we weren't going to the fall festival or to chuck e cheese (the special things we were thinking about doing). she was mighty upset about this fact & started crying in the drugstore that turned into a cry you just can't stop. i was holding her while in line & talking to her, trying to make her feel better. a lady in her 60's got in front of us in line & told gracie to be quiet, she was being bad & nobody wanted to hear her. really?? i told my gracie girl it was ok, she is a good girl & i was sorry she was sick. & i did then tell the lady that my daughter was sick & upset. quite the drama scene in walgreen's. another lady about the same age then offered gracie a piece of candy from pocket (that kind that my grandma always carried). god bless her.

we've put up a soccer goal in our yard & ben wants to play all the time. he's getting pretty radical (one of his new favorite words), i must say. he just kept scoring & scoring on saturday.

at one point, coach daddio told him to pass it to another teammate or wait for them at the goal to let them score. & he did. he had taken that ball down the field & kinda stood in front of the goal, dribbling, waiting on a teammate. he wasn't showing off, he was really trying to do what coach said. the other team eventually kicked it away, but that was ok. he was trying to share. daddio said he gave him a big smile after that. i love that boy.

miss gracie was sporting the tie dye dress we made for ben's soccer games & my sunglasses. too cute if i do say so myself.

we've started some "chores" around here (help with bed, clothes, teeth, dishes in sink or dishwasher, help with picking up). the kiddos will get either a quarter or a treat if they do what they are supposed to all week. of course, benj was immediately trying to negotiate a better deal of a daily payment.

here was the list ben created of his to do's:

what they are.. i'm not quite sure.. those first words no clue... but make my bed was the end of the first one.

gracie's list she helped make included 5. have fun 6.feed froggy 7. patience 9. pray 10. bed

they did get a "treat" for completing their first week of helping more around the house. the game Guess Who? from the basement stash of toys. & they love it! (they love every game - especially ben)

today, we went for a scooter/trike ride in the neighborhood.

check out their new shirts.

it's a picture ben made in art class & they sent home paperwork to have it made into a shirt. we scanned his artwork & ironed it onto shirts we had.

this yard decoration is at a home in our subdivision. it just doesn't seem safe to me...

it's right by the road. i'm all for shabby (a bit too much daddio would say), but rusty spikes just don't seem like a good idea to me.

1/2 way through, gracie just left her trike to the wayside & then ben did.

pretty typical for our walks.

gracie had a wipeout too. she said she wished the roads "were made of pillows to soften her landing."

racing time.

someone got a head start!

worn out time.

she just plopped right down on the road. silly goose. she got carried / pushed most of the way back, as she was wiped out & couldn't breath. at least now we have an inhaler for her. get strong lungs, grow strong!

& i have to add another going on... toots. i guess it's a boy thing. i asked ben if he had to go to the bathroom yesterday. he replied,"no, i just like to toot a lot." what a stinker.