Party!

Boy...it just doesn't seem like Jack and Chloe ought to be as old as they are! And as much as I love birthdays...I'm glad this one is over...I've said before we like to drag birthdays out...a couple of parties stretched out over a week...Jack nearly worried me to death about his presents...and now he's already planning what he wants for his NEXT birthday...he's got me plum tired out...Chloe let the week pass without even acknowledging she had a birthday.

Sunday birthday party at Nannie and Poppy's! We always have a blast!Shanna did a great job on the cakes, even if the clothes about melted off the doll cake on the way over! :)Went to Mom and Dad's the next Saturday and had a party with family in mom's garden. It was so pleasant outside. We roasted hot dogs in a washing machine basin ...LOL. Spare me the "You Might Be A Redneck" Jokes..okay? It worked didn't it? Enjoyed a bit of guitar playing with dad...but my fingers are paying for it this week!Was so glad my grandmother got to be with us! Here she is with 2 of her Great grandchildren and as fiesty as ever!Notice the dainty way in which she attempts to blow out her candles...it took her a while but she finally did get them extinguished.Jackson got his in one shot...Lord help us!Mimi and TylerWho says a tub of water can't entertain three of the cutest girls on the planet?Momma did a great job with the decorations...Thanks to Hannah and Kasey for the colored water! :)The kids (and some of us adults) had a blast with this toy! Thanks Jean!Kinda Creepy...The inevitable fallout! THanks to Shanna for making the cakes on Sunday! Thanks to Mom for letting us turn her garden into a romper room. Thanks to all the family and friends that came out and made these birthday celebrations so much fun!

Have a Blessed Day!

Some Food for Thought...

This was my devotional reading this morning....

"It came to pass . . . that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” Genesis 22:1"

I can hardly imagine inviting special friends over for dinner and then throwing a few leftovers into the microwave to serve up to them. But if I were to do that, it would speak volumes about how I really feel about them.

Giving God the leftovers of our lives speaks volumes about His true worth to us. When God asked Abraham to give Isaac back to Him as an act of worship, Genesis 22:1 calls it a test. A test to see if there was anything in his life that he treasured more than God.

It’s no different for us. There are times when God requires something really important to get His work done. He’ll ask us to give up our natural instincts to seek revenge so that we can communicate His forgiving love by forgiving our enemies. He may call us to sacrifice portions of our time or money or comforts to advance His cause. Or He may require us to allow our sons and daughters to go to a far-off land to tell others about His saving love. The way we respond to what He requires says volumes about how we really feel about Him.

Anyone can offer the leftovers. Only those who love God more than anything else will serve up the very best for Him.

“Take up thy cross and follow Me,”
I hear the blessed Savior call;
How can I make a lesser sacrifice
When Jesus gave His all? —Ackley

No sacrifice we make is too great for the One who sacrificed His all.

Happy Birthday Jack and Chloe!

Six and four years ago today, I was given Jackson Cole and Chloe Madeline. I am so very thankful for them! They keep me on my toes and , though there are days I could easily pinch their heads off, I really must admit they're good kids.

Jackson is growing up so fast, it seems. His physical size one day is going to be something to behold. He loves to wear a suit and tie and carry his Bible and "preach" before church. Loves to draw and to sing. Loves his BB gun to the point of idol worship and is scary smart. He's my miracle boy (one of them).

Chloe is the funniest kid I've got, hands down. Her mouth gets her into more trouble , but it often gets her out of it just as quick. She has a gift for saying something really cute in the thick of me being angry and just ruins my bad mood. She eats Ranch dressing all the time...dips almost everything in it. Her hair is hopeless most days but she's got the best smile.
I'm such a sucker for old pictures so I am forcing my obsession onto you...my apologies up front for the barrage of cuteness about to hit you... and yes, they are out of order but you'll hardly notice.

I LOVE this picture of Jack...he looks like he's plotting the takeover of the world.

Chloe eating chalk...without Ranch dressing...My Favorite Ultrasound picture out of all I've ever had...Chloe's little hand. Go on...AWWWWW, you know you want to.

So happy 6th birthday to Jack and 4th birthday to Chlo-Chlo! Momma loves ya'll!

Have a blessed day!

Happy Mother's Day , Momma!

I just wanted to take the time to wish my Mom a Happy Mother's Day! I am so blessed with a great momma! She's invested the last 30 years sacrficing for me and loving me and being someone I could come to no matter what! She loves her family fiercely and never was a Mimi so devoted to her 9 grandkids. As a mother, I can truly understand the hardships and sacrifice and times of heartache she's endured, yet I believe she could look back and say it's been worth it. I love you mom, thanks for the mackarel cakes as a kid (best ever), the weekend movie marathons, the tons of costume jewlery you used to buy me at Claire's, the support and help you've given me and the advice and laughter. Have a Happy Mother's Day!

Easter...