Digging

In the past two weeks or so I've practically dug through 15 years of memories. . . oh how my heart is full. . . sometimes a little sad.

As I've seen pictures of me and my dad, I've remembered a girl who desperately longed for her Daddy's approval. . . always seeking to win his heart, praying for 20 years for God to save his soul.

I've seen pictures of my precious Papa who I wish was still here with me.

I've come across 2 young pups on a cruise celebrating 5 years of marriage.

I've seen a hair piece Ash used to carry around, hats she wore when we had to shave her head.

I've seen Alec's silky blanket he loved to hold onto (he still has a silky pillow that he keeps in his bed at night. . .shhh!!!)

Oh the books. . . books galore. . .lots unread. . . made me wonder what I was thinking when I bought them. . . a common thread was . . . JOY.

I've seen pictures of a happy man who once had his mind intact. My heart broke a little as I remembered my precious father-in-law for who he was/is.

I've seen pictures of Disney. . . one at Hoop-dee-doo Review when I got pulled up on stage and got all dressed up as a can-can girl. Good, fun times. Our friends, the Brisendines, were with us that trip. I remember dishing out strawberry shortening for my family and then all of the sudden one of the stars from the show came and grabbed me and told me "to come on, it would be fun. My kids would love it." He was right :)

I've seen a much, much younger me. . . would I go back and trade my forehead lines for how I've grown in the Lord ----- no way. Give me my forehead lines and my growth in Him any day.

I've come across countless prayer journals. I'm so glad I take the time to do that. Not easy when you live at the pace of 0 to 90 as soon as your alarm goes off. . . but thankful. Some of the monsters I still battle with . . . thankfully not as much. . . but they still rare their ugly heads.

One thing made me chuckle. . . I came across a letter to President George Bush (there goes my whole "think I can change the world" mindset **grin**) I had written to encourage him. I guess I never sent it. . . always such good intentions. . .but that whole follow through thing gets me every time.

I came across countless and countless Bible studies. Oh how thankful I am to the Lord for saving me and keeping me.

I came across a Joy Jar from an old friend. I read every.single.paper. I think there were at least 30. Made my heart smile big . . . a very sweet and thoughtful gift.

I came across when my friends threw me a surprise party for my 30th. They had a "who knew Michele the best" questionnaire. What a sweet memory. Jon cleaned the house ferouciously that day. He had given me that as a Christmas present. I took the kids to meet my mom. When I pulled up in the driveway Jon met me outside. He said he had something to show me inside. I asked him did he get me a new comforter (I'd been wanting a new one for our bed). We walked inside and "SURPRISE" . . .everyone jumped out.

I came across pictures of sweet Alec, his boyish hair and chubby cheeks. Now, when I look up at him, I see a young man.

In my digging, as I remembered and remembered, it made me so thankful for this blog. . . made me want to jot down something every day . . .even if it goes like this:

Woke up - such a blessing I take for granted way too much

Hearing my girls tell me they love me out of the blue. - Both did that today and at separate times.

Having Alec apologize to me this afternoon with a hug (rare for him) for being a grouch this morning.

Morning "I love you" texts.

Lunch with Granddaddy.

Walmart with kids and Granddaddy.

Home for a little bit to work on a real estate contract.

Watching the girls on the hammock . . . wishing I had my camera to capture what my eyes beheld.

Seeing my boy cut both our yard and Gigi and Granddaddy's yard today.

Talking to my mama in the morning.

Texting my friends.

Talking to BOTH Melissa and Kristen the same day.

Cooking spaghetti.

Watching Biggest Loser.

Trip down memory lane.

Getting ready for yard sale.

Hugs from Jon.

More hugs from Jon.

Seeing Hanna ride her bike through the yard. Love watching her hair fly in the wind.

So, so, so much stuff to part with. Reminding myself I am only a pilgrim here.

Missing days when kiddos were smaller.
Grateful for the fun and enjoyment and JOY I have with them now. I'm in such a different place. Oh to have the wisdom in my 20s that I have in my 30s. I'm hoping it will only get deeper and better as my forehead lines get deeper too.

Things Unseen

Wednesday night on the way to church I hit a deer. . . I mean this was like deer parts flying everywhere kind of hit. . . the kind that dents your hood all up and eventually causes your van to stop working.

The kids were so sweet. Ash was concerned about me. Hanna (my animal lover) was sobbing. Alec was helping me console Hanna. They really were all very supportive and loving of one another. It's so nice to see those rare, yet genuine, moments.

Thursday night Gigi came to our house and fixed dinner for us (Yes, she is that precious. . . yes, she cooks for us on Tuesdays, and yes we had dinner at her house on Monday night too). As we were talking about the wreck I was telling her how bad it could have been. I was on a busy road. If there would have been another car in the lane where I swerved to miss the deer . . . it could have been disastrous. Neither of our air bags went off and Ash was in the front seat. She could have gotten seriously harmed. The hit didn't cause me to lose control of the van. I could really go on and on at all the things that could have happened.

She told me something very powerful. . . something I'd never really thought of before. . . that she often thanks God for protecting her and those she loves for the things unseen. I've since started thanking God for those things.. . . the unseen things. . . the things that could have been, but weren't.

This week as I was studying the curriculum I will be teaching in Uganda I learned that we should ask the Lord to "declare us innocent from hidden faults." (Psalm 19:12) Hidden faults. . . I know I have many. I constantly tell people when they are struggling with a particular sin in their life "Well, at least you know. Knowing is huge." But what about the sin in our lives we don't see?the sin we close a blind eye to? the sin maybe others see in us, but we ourselves don't? We are to ask God to declare us innocent from hidden faults. Wow!

Tuesdays Thankslivings

491. Walk to Gigi and Grandaddy's last night.

492. Discovering they had company. So very thankful Gigi is opening her home to hospitality again. She delights in doing this so much.

493. Watching Cookie "air" pee on every mailbox.

494. Walking hand-in-hand with my hubby.

495. The beauty of spring - azaleas and dogwoods galore.

496. Alec's creative mind and him making a camp stove out of aluminum cans.

497. Hearing Ash make beautiful music with the piano.

498. Having Jon home with us and the "Fab 5" being complete.

499. 12-mile run with Becky.

500. The conversation Becky and I had. Made us both want to keep running.

501. 2-mile run with Ash.

502. Talking with Ash and this, that, the other, and whatever.

503. Homemade caramel popcorn.

504. Hanna asking me to come and cuddle with her several times throughout the day.

505. Laughter.

506. Game of "Family Fun" around the table after dinner.

507. Jon being such a fun dad and making up a game as we walked home.

508. Sound of the birds chirping.

509. Peace.

510. Grin on my face throughout the day just simply because I rejoice in Him for I trust Him. May even the mere expression on my face reflect His glory.

511. Comfy, cozy bed.

512. Jon holding my hand at night as we drift off to sleep right after the sun sets.

513. For "I'm sorry" from my children.

514. For a little time with Jon before he headed off to work on a house.

515. For Alec who makes me laugh and who "gets" me.

516. For love and hugs from my kiddos when they know I'm stressed to the max.

517. For Gigi fixing us dinner tonight - chicken casserole and hummingbird cake.

518. For Tuesday's with Granddaddy.

519. For a littel time to work this afternoon, freeing up my morning.

520. For all the days that don't turn out the way I want them to.

521. For the days and times I cry out to the Lord with a heart of desperation.

522. For Jesus being not just enough, but EVERYTHING.

523. For learning how to say No and learning my limits. . . not having to fit a gazillion things into one day.

524. For encouraging emails, cards, and phone calls from dear friends.

525. For the sounds of the voices of those I hold dear.

Weekend Happies. . . Weekend Saddies

Weekend Happies.. . .:)

The boy who deserves "Best big brother award" for sitting through a fashion show the girls modeled their Easter dresses in.

The boy who thinks he deserves "China Express" for lunch for having to take pictures for his mom.

A sweet Gigi who always buys the kiddos Easter clothes and entered the girls in a fashion show, Saturday.
Beautiful girls.
For the shy one who gave me this face as she walked down the aisle.
For the shy one saying steak was her favorite food and she wants to be a hairstylist when she grows up.
For the beautiful girl with the long pretty hair with a personality to match who then decided, for once, she didn't like all the attention on her.
For saying she wants to be a missionary when she grows up.
For this being the first time I'd ever heard this was her desire at this point in her life.

For the tears that welled up in my eyes and the mascara that smeared.

For the gift of motherhood.
For a hardworking boy who works faithfully without complaining.
For girls who help their mom get ready for a yard sale to sell over half the stuff in their house.
For bags and bags and bags of baby clothes.
For cleaning out a garage and having the time to do so.
For the boy who helped his mama clean the garage.

For a trip down memory lane. I found Ash's hair piece (she carried it around and eventually started pulling her hair and eating it). For the shaved head and she had a big assortment of hats. For a mom who was so scared and so desperate to get her baby to stop pulling carpet after exhausting all efforts with the hair that I sewed socks onto her clothing. For ALL the things God taught me, ridden me of, and did in my life through this season.
For 2 movies the kiddos and I plopped down and watched after working so hard on Saturday.

Weekend Saddies. . . :(

For the 5th member of the "Fab 5" missing. He was out of town working so.very.hard. for our family.

It's Almost the End of the Month

I often tease and say the way to a person's heart in our family is through food. I'm half kidding and probably 3/4 truth.

Around here Dairy Queen has been having buy one, get one for $0.99. This goes on for the entire month of March. We first partook of this one Sunday night after church with our friends.

One night we were out and about buying things for the Bungalove (ewwww. . . I bet you're curious). Anyhoo, the kiddos convinced Jon to take us all there. I was all over the Georgia Mud Fudge.

Thursday I had to take Jaimie home from discipleship. Ash kept trying to coerce me to swing by DQ on our way home. I wasn't budging. I honestly didn't want to spend the money.

Hanna then piped up in the back seat and said, "Please, mama, it's almost the end of the month."

It's so hard for me to resist anyone who can make me laugh.

Guess what I did?

Pulled into the DQ and partook, once again.

Good thing I ran 7-1/2 miles that morning.

Why I'm Having a Hard Time Closing my Eyes at Night

I tease often and say I don't sleep long enough to dream. . . some nights that's probably true.

Because of our busy schedule when I lay my head down I'm immediately asleep. No counting sheep for this girl.

I'm thankful.

Anyhoo, Hanna got a new pet . . . a hamster. His name? Toby.

He really is a cute little rat. . . I mean, hamster.

The other night we are all laying in the bed and Hanna lets the thing just crawl all on her. I'll hold him, but that's about the extent of my hamster lovin'.

As I close my eyes the kids are still in our room and I feel something on my chest.

It's the hamster.

"Oh my stars."

I quickly told the children to get him and and get him fast. I may or may not have raised my voice. I'll let you just use your imagination **wink**wink**

After giggles galore. . . including my own. . . we then discovered something else.

The thing had pooped on me!!!!

Now, just imagine the laughter that erupted from that one!

After calming everyone down I then told them I needed my sleep or I would have them all up with me at 4:00 a.m. I may or may not have threatened them. I'll let you use your imagination.

I then close my eyes and start to drift. I feel something else on my chest. This time I'm not as nice, and there certainly isn't any laughter coming from me.

Wanna know what it was?

A zuzu pet. . . . at least with this one I didn't have to worry about it poopin' on me.

Two Things

The grocery store is not my favorite place to be. I tease all the time and say, "I spent too much money and have no fun doing it."

However, there are two things that will get me to the grocery store quicker than a skinny minute.

1. Coffee.

2. Toilet paper.

'Nuff said!

How We Live

Isn't it funny how we try to cover up how we really are? After all, if you were coming to dinner/lunch at my house. . . I doubt it would look like this. . .

I would have it as nice as I get it. . . certainly not perfect, but at least in a place where you feel at ease and at comfort.

Sometimes don't we do that in our spiritual lives as well? We want to smile our smiles, nod our heads at everything the pastor says? Act all "spiritual" and "good" when the truth is . . . we're not. . . we want to put people at ease and comfort. . . not say anything too revealing. . . not speak what is truly on our hearts, but smile and nod and maybe throw in a "praise Jesus" here and there. Is it because the church is so judgmental that we're afraid of being rejected? Is it because we're too ashamed? Is it because we don't want to offend anyone?

In Romans 2 Paul is talking to the Jews and he's saying, "You who teach, do you not teach yourselves? You who preach that you should not steal, do you steal? You who says one most not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?"

As a faith family our church has been going through a money series, both Sunday School and Pastor David. Todd teaches the students and then we break into groups for questions.

Today we talked about greed.

I was nervous, more nervous than usual. My hand was shaky. My voice was quivering. I could not stand before these girls and tell them not to be greedy, not to be selfish with their money. I had to confess my own guilt . . . my own sin. . . my own selfish pursuit of the American dream. I would not even stand before them as I normally do when I teach. I had to sit down . . . to lower myself. I've been deceived and I have fallen hook, line, and sinker. I take all the blame. I desire nothing less than God's wrath.

I've spent money on yet another pair of blue jeans when 5 pair already hang in my closet. I bought another pair of shoes because those are the ones that are "in" this season. I live in a 3300 square foot home in the nicest neighborhood in my town. And really my list could go on, and on, and on. . . . I stand convicted.

Yet, there are mothers in the world that are giving up their children because they don't have enough food to produce breast milk. There are mothers in the world selling their children for a meal. They are so hungry they are delusional. There are children starving to death. There are mothers washing their pots and pans in sewage waste (I've personally seen this with my very own eyes and at times wish I could stop seeing it. . . but many, many more times I'm so thankful that NOW I know). There are people who need to hear of a Savior who took on God's wrath for their sin. There are unreached people groups who have never heard the Gospel. There are brothers and sisters in Christ being persecuted throughout the world because of their faith. There are little girls who are being prostituted out in order to provide a way of living for the family. And really, the list could go on and on and on . . .

But, I have sat here looking all pretty in my big beautiful home, inviting my friends and family to come in and enjoy.

All I could do was pour out my heart to these girls. Tell them where Jon and are I. Tell them where we've been. Tell them where we're going. Tell them of how God has lavished His grace on us, yet again and again and again. . . providing a way out. . . a way out we don't deserve. Oh how I truly, from the very deepest depths of my soul, praise Him for providing a way. . .

Pretty Toes

One-on-one time is precious with my children. Today I took $10 and my baby to go and get her nails painted.

She just loves doing this. She is so funny. The little Vietnamese lady came near her and Hanna attaches to me like peanut butter on jelly. I told Hanna before we left I was going to let her pick out my polish (no pedicure here folks, just a painting and it was more to be "doing" something with Hanna than anything. . . pedicures mess up my running feet). She rubbed her little hands together and said, "This is going to be good."


She picked this pale purple. I'm a dark polish girl. . . hence my yellow toenails because of the years and years of dark polish. She said she picked this color because she knows I don't ever wear this color on my toes.
We then went and got groceries and then to the office. Just the two of us. While walking in the parking lot the following conversation took place.

Hanna: "Mom, what day is today?"

Me: "It's Friday, why?"

Hanna: "Because today has been the best day of my life."

466 to 490

466. Reading through my Guyana prayer journal this morning and the tears that swelled up while reading it.

467. Seeing Hanna sitting in a tree.

468. Seeing Hanna run to go and meet Jon when he got home.

469. Watching Hanna ride her bike.

470. Listening to the children giggle as I was trying to take a 30-minute cat nap. My flesh would normally get angry and get onto them. Instead, I quietly thanked the Lord they were giggling, and they were here with me.

471. My Passion "White Flag" CD that came in the mail today.

472. Reading to my children.

473. After lunch time of studying God's word together.

474. Hearing Alec pray.

475. Hearing Hanna pray.

476. Hearing Ashley pray.

477. Seeing Jon in the Word in the mornings.

478. Jon sharing with me a scripture he read this morning. Job 19:17. Look it up. Hope it will make you chuckle too.

479. Remembering my first Sunday at the church in Guyana. To really know what it is like to surrender all.

480. Watching Cookie interact with Toby the hamster.

481. The beauty of spring.

482. Bradford pears.

483. Kisses from Jon.

484. Hanna always hanging out with me, helping me do whatever.

485. Ash and Hanna making oatmeal chocolate energy balls all by themselves. Very yummy.

486. Alec's sense of humor.

487. Eating dinner together as a family.

488. Staying home from church tonight to study for our Uganda trip (lots to read).

489. A good sweat and a good run this morning.

490. Ashley loving me the way she does.

A Different Kind of Tuesday

Well most of our Tuesdays around here are the same. . . time at Granddaddy's. . . they each are unique on their own, but we know every Tuesday where we will be.

However, Gigi and Grandaddy are out of town right now.

So, although we didn't spend Tuesday with Granddaddy. . . we did get to spend it with a very special person.

I guess she would be called my 4th cousin by marriage? Who knows? The bond we share is stronger than any human blood anyway. . . she is my sister in Christ. . . and she is precious.

Her name is Laura Lee.

Her mom, Lynn (who is just as precious) is James' cousin. A few years back at our first cookie bake Laura Lee and I instantly bonded (our bond in Christ, I'm telling you). She missed the cookie bake this year and I was really disappointed. However, Lynn gave me her cell and told me she was going to Passion. I was stoked.

So we decided to meet up there. Let me tell you, this was quite a chore. . . when I was free she was in community group. . . when she was free, I was serving.

However, we did manage to meet up and spend some time together.

You'd thought we talked every.single.day the way we instantly bonded (I LOVE relationships like that)

Well back in late January she texted me telling me she wanted to see us during her spring break.

Yesterday it worked out that her mom had a meeting nearby and we got to meet up with both of them.

Time sure did fly in the presence of these two ladies.

We did the usual catching up. . . what we've been doing here, there, and yonder . . . and then from there our conversation centered around the Lord. It was wonderful. One of those times you just walk away feeling so full.

Another special thing is that I got to talk to Kristen extra long. We don't get as much phone time as either one of us would like, but when I get to talk to her, it is always so good. I love her so much and I'm so very proud of the mother she is.

Then, to boot, the kids got a cookie at the Great American Cookie Factory. That was probably the highlight of their day.

My kids are so sweet. They sat there for such a long time while Lynn, Laura Lee, and I talked.. . . although they were included in the conversation. They didn't fuss or whine or say "when are we leaving". They were patient.

Then after that we had to go and open up a house. We were there for over an hour. Again, they were so patient. I'm so thankful for the grace my children given their working/homeschooling mother. They are precious and definitely an overflow of God's grace on my life.

Spartan Race

Now, let me just start off this post by saying I am a runner. . . and I run because I have no other athletic ability whatsoever.

This weekend proved my point exactly.

A few months back Lydia found this really fun Spartan Race. . . obstacles, trail running, the whole works.

Well, the 20-year-old that still lives inside me signed up and signed up with a bang. Oh yeah, I signed up my husband too (we are the ones that when we watch college football we think we're the same ages as the players and cheerleaders).

A few days before the race I decided I better do some investigating.

My investigation scared me.

I was scared even more when I had to sign the waiver that said there is a risk of death from fall, getting hit by a vehicle, or drowning.

Sure. . . sign my life away. . . no worries.

I was so delighted to get to share this experience with Lydia, Jon, and the sweet Davis boys (young men actually)

Lydia and I before the race. Check out my race get up. I'm such a weenie when it comes to the cold. I texted her that morning and asked her not to disown me because I looked like a bad impersonation of Pippi Longstocking (shoot, she's probably way too young for Pippi).
Jon doesn't like cold either. He stayed in the car while these boys were posing.
We then wrote our names on the Wall of Valor. I did so terrible in this race my name doesn't need to be written anywhere. . .



The wanted you to write your race number on your arm and across your forehead. I half jokingly said, "like the sign of the beast". . . no way. Lydia did get hers written on her neck. The 35-year-old in me wasn't letting any ink but makeup touch my face or neck.
Me and my hunny.
The three of us. Jon kept teasing Lydia telling her he was either going to hate her or love her after this race. . .
This race was crazy. Here are some of my favorite memories.

Looking at the first 6-7 foot wall you had to hoist yourself up over. Jon asked me if I wanted help. "No I want to try it first". I moved my arms and legs as fast as I could, put my hands on the top of the wall and couldn't even get my leg up. . . shucks. My sweet husband then proceeded to hoist me over that wall, as well as the 10-15 more throughout the course. He certainly got his workout in lifting me up so many times.

One obstacle we had to pull these heavy concrete blocks with chains like Spartan slaves. I got so tickled at Jon. He is covered head to toe in mud and he has a speck of mud on his tooth. I laughed so hard I could hardly contain myself. It was one of those moments when some sort of emotion was going to hither forth. . . it was better it was laughter than tears.

We had to carry a 50-pound sand back on our necks/shoulders up this steep hill and back down. A girl said, "Ok, this is just like carrying a baby." I said, "None of my babies ever weighed this much." A man replied, "I have a 10-year-old that doesn't weight this much."

They had Spartan sized monkey bars. I attempted every event because what you couldn't do you had to do 30 burpees. I HATE burpees. I got all the way to the end until I had two more bars until I was at the end and I fell. I joined Jon with the burpees, as I listened to him laugh at me. (He was cheering me on just moments before . . I heard the "go baby" as I was swinging my legs while hanging from the bars to get momentum).

The mud pit was 400 feet. You had barbed wire above you. It was a belly crawl and very, very gross. I kept thinking, "I hope no one has peed in this stuff." It was really disgusting.

Oh yeah, all the young-uns (everyone minus Jon and I) didn't stay with us long. They all have their youth to motivate them. They inspire me.

Seeing Jon take a wrong step and fall pretty deep in the muddy river/water. It was really funny.

Jon and I finished at exactly the same time. It really was a blast.

Lydia was amazing. She got like 20th overall woman. I'm so proud of her.
Her knees did suffer quite a bit.
The three Spartans. . . or maybe Jon and I should qualify more as fartans because we both felt old doing this race. It kicked our tails.
Our crew. . . love these guys!
Jon was so ready to get the icky mud off him.
What a great day and great memories. I'm so glad I got to experience it with such dear people, especially Jon and this sweet thing - Not only do I have the honor of studying and memorizing God's word with her every week, but we are friends, we get to experience life together. . . although many years separate our ages, our hearts are very close.
I guess I should note Jon and I's time . . . 1 hour 59 minutes. . .

Giggles Unheard

One of my favorite sounds is laughter. . . especially the giggles of my children.

All 3 of my babies can get to laughing and just make me laugh. . .even though I have no idea what they may be laughing at. . . just a contagious giggle each of them has.

Last night I sat up in bed as we all watched American Idol together. I purposely did this because I'm one of those gals that as soon as her head hits the pillow I'm out.

I wanted to watch the end of American Idol and then was hoping we'd read "Kisses from Katie" (our family read right now).

I'm not quite sure at what point I feel asleep sitting up, but I did. All I remember is Jon woke me up and said, "Are you going to lay down?" To which I don't think I answered. I just smiled and laid my head on my comfy pillow.

This morning Jon informed me that all the kids were laughing at me as I had fallen asleep sitting up. You'd think I would have heard their sweet/mocking laughter?

Guess they were just giggles unheard by their tired mama.

In Two and a half days

Having laundry caught up. . . and when I say caught up. . . I mean all laundry washed, dried, folded, hung up, and put away. . . it's a rarity. . . and I do mean, rarity, around here if ALL of that is done.

I felt so accomplished last Saturday. The kids and I had it all done. I really thought we all deserved a medal. . . hee!hee!

Thankfully though it was all finished because my dryer went caput. . . wouldn't even turn on the poor thing. He must've been tired and broken and just wanted to be left alone because he wouldn't turn on for anything.

No biggie. . . this happened right when I got back from Guyana, and after seeing those precious women wash our laundry by hand with a bucket and washboard, adn then hang the clothes on the line dripping wet, and that hot Guyaense sun drying them for us. . . the last thing I would ever do is complain about my dryer being broken.

I just figured I'd take the laundry over to Gigi and Granddaddy's on Tuesday.

However, this is what piled up in just 2-1/2 days. . .

3 baskets O-V-E-R-F-L-O-W-I-N-G

Tuesdays Tidbits

• Woke up at 4:00 a.m.
• Headed downstairs and spent time in prayer.
• Got a cup of green tea.
• Started work.
• Ran 8 miles with Lydia.
• Finished work while kids started school.
• Went to Granddaddys.
• Greeted by Grandaddy with "I love you" - precious man.
• Read Gigi's Tuesday note to us.
• Got everyone's plates fixed.
• Ate lunch.
• Girls pulled weeds for Gigi. Talked with Granddaddy.
• Called girls in to finish school.
• Read to girls. Grandaddy slept sitting up.
• Studied my Bible (in Romans right now).
• Grandaddy and kiddos played basketball outside.
• Gigi home.
• Got home and took shower and got ready.
• Fixed dinner.
• Lydia and Josh came over for a "Fiesta" night of tacos, salsa, and cheese dip.
• Enjoyed their company around our dining room table.
• Ate Lydia's yummy cake balls. . .so thankful we ran 8 miles that morning.
• We all played Kinect.
• Hugged Lydia and Josh goodbye.
• Time for bed.
• SLEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Summing Up the Weekend

The weekend started out with the kiddos and I making soap. Ang. H. makes her own soap and I love the way it makes my dry skin feel. She was so sweet to let me borrow her soap making tools.

It was really funny when I went into Ace Hardware to buy the lye. I looked and looked and couldn't find it anywhere, so I asked the lady at the desk. Mind you. . . I'm looking as below. . . like either a stay at home mom who wants to make soap or white trash. . . I asked her why they keep it behind the counter. She then tells me people make meth with it. I promised her I was just making soap. I hope I looked more like the stay at home mom type . . .hee!hee!

After adding the lye and water, that baby got hot, so then I added our oils. . . coconut, vegetable, and olive oil. The kids wanted me to put on goggles because it was splashing up.
Ash was a trooper and hung out with me the whole time. Alec and Hanna went to do their own thing.
Next we poured the soap into these molds.
Then put lids on them.
Then covered the lids with towels.
Let it dry overnight. Take out of the molds. Cut into bars.

Voila!!! Soap. I put oatmeal, barley green, cinnamon, vanilla, and peppermint into these bars. You have to let them sit for six weeks. I can't wait to try them out.
That night Jon came home and we went to the Hawks game. His work is a big sponsor so we got free tickets. . . in the nosebleed section. Hanna was so funny. She frequently has nosebleeds especially in colder weather. She said, "Here we are in the nosebleed section, and my nose hasn't bled one time."
That's okay. It was still fun.

We took Granddaddy with us.

Jon was sweet and bought everyone a Hawks hat. . . that is everyone but me and Granddaddy. Granddaddy could have honestly cared less. Me??? I don't like being left out. So, he went and got me one. . . knowing I probably won't wear it again. Hey. . . now he has 2 hats. . .
Ash was so sweet. She has such a compassionate heart. She walked arm and arm or hand and hand with Granddaddy. . . making sure he didn't get lost or left behind.
We got home at 11:30 that night and I was exhausted. I slept in until 8:45 the next morning. Rare around here folks, but oh.so.nice. Jon and I cooked pancakes and bacon together. After breakfast Cookie was in desperate need of a shave.

See what I mean?
Bless his heart. He hates this, but he is so very obedient.
I cleaned house for most of the day while Jon worked on our master bathroom. That evening I picked up Ash, Maddie, and Alexis from Julie's b-day party. . .took each girl home, and crashed into the bed.

I usually get up early even on Sun. mornings; however, I slept in until 6:30. I was beat.

After church we went and celebrated Ang. L. Doug pulled off a last minute surprise birthday party. I have lots of pictures, but am only posting a few. I'm doing good to get a post up today. . . Ha!ha!

Me and my precious, precious friend Lisa. I love her so much. She was talking about how she and Tim will be 40 next year. . .wow. . .we have been in our 20s, 30s, and will be soon entering 40s together. I'm so thankful to God He has allowed us to remain close after all these years.

Happy Birthday Ang! You are loved by many!

I had to skedadle skedoodle because I had a Uganda meeting. More on that in another post. Let me just say though oh what a blessing these people in this team are to me. I am beyond grateful and so amazed to be apart of such an amazing team. We spent time talking about what we would be teaching and spent a precious, precious time in prayer.

I then met my family at church. After church our crew of friends headed to Dairy Queen for blizzards. So grateful. So blessed. So in awe of God's goodness and grace.