tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13613372230840501372024-03-18T22:18:07.602-05:00Enjoy the JourneyLouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.comBlogger153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-41344401338957765272012-09-02T22:26:00.002-05:002012-09-02T22:26:46.110-05:00I'm Back.....<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blogging has been the absolute last thing on my mind for the past year, but I'm going to try and pick it up again. I treasure all the stories that I am able to recall from years past. I need to do it. If for no other reason than to have evidence to show my kids some day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Here's last week's summary...</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andrew and Ethan celebrated six years together outside of the womb. We celebrated their birthday a week earlier and they couldn't wrap their heads around why no one was coming over to celebrate their birthday. They got to pick out doughnuts for breakfast and all was well...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the way home from baseball practice, Caleb said the sweetest thing. He said, "My favorite parts are my head and my heart. My head, because that's where I learn about Jesus. My heart, because that's where Jesus talks to me." God is at work in that little boy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">School started = Happy Kids, Happy Mom</span><br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-42232623415356129002012-04-20T12:47:00.003-05:002012-04-20T15:08:17.216-05:00<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKExN4-3eUtRE5CUGB8Y_ahuy_ns4aO2fDaDdPQ6mUJK2aF8rSZB6-MVi6759GsOqIV6kNM8bkMn2OH6aBKrVsjRM5gUmvnMmPCKkhEQVV5gIkGlchZaq_upbEOXmv4VwWN1wPiz64hSxi/s1600/DSCF2194.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733544138002959218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKExN4-3eUtRE5CUGB8Y_ahuy_ns4aO2fDaDdPQ6mUJK2aF8rSZB6-MVi6759GsOqIV6kNM8bkMn2OH6aBKrVsjRM5gUmvnMmPCKkhEQVV5gIkGlchZaq_upbEOXmv4VwWN1wPiz64hSxi/s320/DSCF2194.JPG" /></a>Christmas was exciting this year! We had a new guest in our house all month. We had finished decorating the tree, and were watching the "Elf on the Shelf" movie. At the end of the movie, to our surprise :), the doorbell rang. On our doorstep was a package from the North Pole! The kids tore into to discover that we had been sent an Elf. The purpose of the Elf is to watch over our house and report anything good or bad to Santa. The kids were a little worried about this elf staying in our house. They wanted to send him back. I must admit, he is a little creepy looking. </div><div> </div><div align="justify">"Elfie" ended up getting to stay. Every morning, we would find him in a new and interesting place. We found him playing with Matchbox cars, playing UNO with some other toys, and hanging from the ceiling fan. One morning we awoke to find that he had drawn moustaches on our faces in a family picture. Since there was some question about Elfie's authenticity, Dad set up a video camera and captured Elfie flying off a shelf during the night. This seemed to end any question about his true identity. Mom was glad when Elfie left on Christmas Eve. She was tired of waking up in the middle of the night, remembering that Elfie needed to be repositioned. :)<br /></div><div></div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-7545150723074833282011-05-13T21:22:00.002-05:002011-05-13T21:46:54.994-05:00Stinky, Stinky, Stinky<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">About two weeks ago, the kids and I were headed to a friend's house for a photography session. I had felt a tad queasy all morning, but that's nothing too unusual. As we pulled up to a railroad crossing, a train starting coming our direction with it's steam blowing. Big E was in the middle row, so excited he was literally shaking the car. I knew it was coming and I just didn't know where to put it. I searched high and low for a plastic bag. There's usually a ton of them lying around - when I don't need them. Under the third row seat, I saw a paper sack, and with all the voice I could muster, asked the kids to hand me the left over Easter bag. It soon held the eggs I'd had for breakfast instead of the pretty kind. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Meanwhile, the train was still rumbling by and we were surrounded by other vehicles. I just kept chugging along, too. When the train had finally passed, I knew I had just moments to dispose of this bag before it completely disintegrated. I pulled over and hid it in the woods. My pants were drenched, and I figured my friend would prefer that I not show up in this state. So, back home we went. I cleaned up and changed. I had spent all morning ironing clothes, combing hair, and by golly we were going to get those pictures taken. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">We were over at her house for about 30 minutes when my episode continued. Homeward bound . We did get the pictures (which I will post at a later date).</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">All this just so you could understand today's predicament. We got in the car this morning and it REEKED!!! Let me say that again. It R-E-E-K-E-D!!! The funny thing is that we had just spent 6 hours in it the day prior and no one noticed anything. Think curdled milk x 1,000. We were on the way to school with the windows down flying down the freeway. It still stunk. All I could imagine was that the previous experience must have some how reached it's ultimate st inkiness. I couldn't even drive it to pick up the kids. I preferred to cram us all in the truck instead. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I finally got a chance to clean it out tonight. I Febrezzed, steam cleaned, and Llysoled until my head started feeling funny from all those fumes. Something kept telling me to keep looking - just to be sure. I lifted each seat. When I lifted Big E's, I almost died. No, I think I did for a moment. Lying under his seat was the nastiest, most rottenest, horrible smelling tomato I had ever seen. I started thinking about when the last time I had bought a tomato at the grocery store and I knew it had been a few weeks. Where did this thing come from??</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">That's when Eric invited the kids to come out and see the object of odor. Pods said, "Hey, that's the tomato Memaw gave to Big E." I'm sure she was joking and said, "Hey, you want this tomato?" thinking it would gross him out. Big E was probably excited to get something. And I almost died as a result of this incident. Rotten tomato! </span></div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-79986991862256622882011-01-29T21:49:00.004-06:002011-01-29T22:02:29.835-06:00A New Year. A New Adventure.Well, now that it's almost February, I suppose I should update the blog for January. <br />Here are the top moments of 2011 so far...<br /><br />1. Biggins getting upset about having to go to church and looking at me with his angry eyes and saying, "I don't want to be a Robertson anymore!"<br /><br />2. Bubbie: "Mom when I grow up and go to college, I want to be a dad. That way I won't have to go to work."<br /><br />3. After touring the Acme Brick plant, I asked Bubbie if he had any questions. "Yeah, what do brick makers eat for lunch?"<br /><br />4. Biggins and Frijole were discussing the all important birthdays. Biggins said, "I'm six." Frijole said, " No. You have to eat two more birthday cakes to be six."<br /><br />5. While waiting in a checkout line, an older gentleman in front of me turned and faced us and then turned back around to his wife and said, "I don't know why anyone would want to have so many kids." I only had three of them with me. We prayed for his dear soul that night.<br /><br />6. Cinnamon gummy hearts have hit the shelves again. Favorite thing about this time of year.<br /><br />7. We endured one snow day so far....more to come.Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-37279166331489653422010-12-21T19:24:00.003-06:002010-12-21T19:54:44.677-06:00Treasures of the Heart<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hVN_G5kvdGngY8HXTGETsLc7JfCoFufEn8YY5ZvPSEV9qPvBwUkDTGV70LC-WvveIKf5cvd8Pf-eZUxc6nXJZOoHDFaM0FNYKaFWAR8IdFzHYBhHQZqmLcqrgglSmDwuawWeGZ4-kEhh/s1600/maryjesus.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 206px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553319167470747858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hVN_G5kvdGngY8HXTGETsLc7JfCoFufEn8YY5ZvPSEV9qPvBwUkDTGV70LC-WvveIKf5cvd8Pf-eZUxc6nXJZOoHDFaM0FNYKaFWAR8IdFzHYBhHQZqmLcqrgglSmDwuawWeGZ4-kEhh/s320/maryjesus.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="justify">The Bible amazes me. I'm fascinated by the fact that one can read the same story a zillion times and gain new insight every time. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">During the season, I've spent time reading the Christmas story in the book of Luke. The same story that is read every year. However, this year, one little sentence just grabbed me. While in the manger listening to the shepherds explain what the angels had told them, "Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:9). </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">I remembered when I gave birth to my first and everyone was so excited to meet her. The room was packed with visitors waiting to see the new baby. I was so proud and elated! I cannot begin to imagine the emotion Mary contained when unknown shepards appeared and confirmed what she already knew. She treasured the moment, and kept it close in her heart.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Later, in Luke 2:41, when Jesus has grown into a boy, he stays behind and listens to teachers, while his parents begin a trek back home. After realizing that he is not with them, his parents anxiously went back and searched for him. As any parent would do, they questioned why he had done this to them. He answered, "Didn't you know that I had to be in my Father's house?" and then returned obediently with them. Again, (v.51) "But his mother treasured these things in her heart." </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">As a mom, I love taking mental photo's and thinking, "I want to remember this moment forever." Little giggles, silly faces, looks of accomplishment, even pouty faces are among my favorites. When my kids are grown, I want to look at them and have a flood of memories of their childhood - the moments that got them to where they're going. I want to see all of the years gone by, but yet relish the moment of the present. I want to treasure these things in my heart the way Mary did of Jesus. </div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-45910961761105762562010-12-11T21:30:00.003-06:002010-12-11T21:49:32.053-06:00Conversations With the Tooth Fairy<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbsg8brEWPPuA7ry5Mnmeh47li3Hgdm21Pd9NzARArpHBMcZO2WfvZC2GQX8pnnL4tmQqPeNXlfLZwfZNWIWIHU5MzNXdsrSNfn-tCfbAmpV4spORD3q2doiY5db8sNIXzTwF9uNZMKqu/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549637593859902370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbsg8brEWPPuA7ry5Mnmeh47li3Hgdm21Pd9NzARArpHBMcZO2WfvZC2GQX8pnnL4tmQqPeNXlfLZwfZNWIWIHU5MzNXdsrSNfn-tCfbAmpV4spORD3q2doiY5db8sNIXzTwF9uNZMKqu/s320/007.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="justify">Pods lost her seventh tooth. Mom forgot to do the deed. Pods came running downstairs the next morning to let me know that the Tooth Fairy did not come to visit. Mom tried to explain that maybe she was incredibly busy the prior night. Pods explained that she had tried to trick the Tooth Fairy by placing a piece of candy where her tooth should have been. Mom was off the hook. :) And so began the conversations with the Tooth Fairy....</div><br /><br /><br />She carefully wrote the Tooth Fairy a sweet note asking to keep her tooth. The Tooth Fairy wrote back, congratulating her on her "loss" and letting her keep the treasured tooth. She still got her dough.<br /><br /><br /><br />The following night, while turning out her lamp, I noticed another little note to the fairy. So, the good little fairy wrote her back and left a little fairy dust behind while reminding her to brush up. Oh, the excitement in the morning!<br /><br /><br /><br />To my surprise, on the third night, Pods created a little bed beside her own, complete with a note asking the Tooth Fairy for more fairy dust. On the pillow lay a little crown made out of wire. How precious is that? Almost as precious as Pod's face looked the next morning when she found curly hair intertwined in the little crown.<br /><br /><br /><br />Sweet little notes and all sorts of little treasured have been layed out for the Tooth Fairy. She has received Christmas ornaments, money, and crowns of all kinds. Every morning, Pods wakes up to discovered the magic that took place while she dreamt.<br /><br /><br /><br />I think I'm having the most fun! It's like finding a little Christmas present each night and getting to see that gleam on her face each morning.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-45190983313758282312010-10-14T20:07:00.002-05:002010-10-14T20:21:31.414-05:00The Ant Farm<div>Since we are homeschooling, I find it to be the perfect opportunity to let our children experience things "in real life." We needed an ant farm. The kids needed to see how ants live. I needed to see it. In real life. Better yet, I found a whole lesson on how God tells us to be like the ant, and not lazy in our work. This was going to be great! I bought the ant farm and ordered my ants. Not just any ants. Harvester ants. The big ones. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I got my ants and in the "farm" they went. This was one of the most interesting things I have ever seen. Those little critters got right to work digging their tunnels. It was amazing to watch them work. They never slowed down. The kids were fascinated and so was I. </div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528076750642560962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtdoHpAyKcPMbnwPgm2ocLTEyS8i3Ypoqr4D4oKlD5DDC7ahUmiwbb_2rdIolxLV_BEqe-RTWhgFRmiCVAVEWqZVdB61-6hjCuB_SeVha4GDAkjd7Mksgbg0LrnWw6OH36xSae536SA2t/s320/035.JPG" /><br /><div>All was good with the ant farm. Until, I left for the day. I got a "free the mom" day with my sister at Canton. After returning and having a somewhat restful slumber, I noticed a rather large ant walking across my bedroom floor. We don't usually have critter issues, so I just wrote it off to the weather. A few hours later, I noticed another large ant looking confused and alone on the living room floor. This could not be what I thought it was. Oh, yes. Another story to tell in twenty years. The day the kids opened the lid on the ant farm. Thankfully, I was not the one in charge when this one took place.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And by the way, most of the ants were still in the farm. The rest have a very short life span and are probably in my vaccum by now. Let's hope.</div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-14375116668745429322010-10-14T19:45:00.007-05:002010-10-14T20:07:16.751-05:00Fall Fun!I'm getting really good at blogging once a month. That was never my intention, however. Part of my dilemma is that my hubby and I now have separate computers. You'd think that would be a good thing. The problem is that all my pictures are saved on his computer and I HAVE to add pictures to my blog. So, I have to wait until he leaves town to catch up. Unfortunately, by then I have forgotten that moment that I intended to blog about. And that's why I blog only once a month.<br /><br />I absolutely love fall. It is now my favorite season. Life is structured - as structured as it gets, anyways. The kids can go out and run without having a heat stroke. The holidays are upon us. It's all good. Most importantly, it's time for the state fair tradition!<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528070805907952674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5QprMMuUfz-y0-KDAjsVgFtkLrOmYAtRpi4-JRTcJbgAI_LxcZ2fs9Zo7LKGDSggZnAnhC8JcED0dkvL3FZT7uPas9QuVLEQnl9_QWyWFGVgI4sPg0SUZsU8UgMhhyBKiBe2SRPT-zav/s320/lea_robertson.jpg" /><br /><br />Pods drew a picture of herself holding hands with my mom's man and a Ferris wheel in the background. Eric was happy to join us after realizing that he was going to be replaced during this memorable experience. The kids were in hog heaven when they got to sit up on the big tractors. Mommy and Daddy were not in hog heaven when they stepped in the pig poo. Picking out their favorite color car was fun, too. Not for the people trying to keep the car's windows clean.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528072170768627314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQ50SKPuMLPCWl2zekTpGzBiyG6J1txuuM23VOyCvDgj6j45yj9W8Jn59dH0nXt8jzW6-NHZV8xeT-89gl44_0rTJApVBmqFLgoQI22_cRMPCc1UkQ6OrRLFG1f6BbOWMM4yfxHOMEIhZ/s320/076.JPG" /><br /><br />They saw Big Tex and weren't as in awe of him as last year. Everyone had their eye on the Texas Star. It was going to cost us $45 to ride this giant circle around twice. So, the oldest two got to ride this year with their dad. Suppose I'll get to take the younger two next year. :) That should be exciting!<br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528071821506294178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EY83TkPsb0dpSPbDWAGp-HXZkYTR6ALQkJcXkFdtbJlG9Mv8CvHrLYB2XJ848ue9lYkCpa6VzESe0lvUZi0YZ5k3dN2NpstshiUscj0mxF0EC0tPlSZMvuXfoRrj7gopnr-MyEscDfyS/s320/090.JPG" /></p><br /><br /><p><br /><br /></p>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-78815835354081806012010-08-19T22:07:00.002-05:002010-08-19T22:17:52.986-05:00Ready, Set, Here We Go!I've spent the last two weeks making sure the next ten weeks are full of activities. The ironic thing is that we try not to be "one" of those scheduled families. Ten weeks won't kill us, right?<br /><br />Homeschooling allows us a lot of "together" time, which is why I like to give the kids some time to pursue their own activities. Since our days are quite flexible, it also allows our activities to be flexible, too. I love that the kids can be involved and that we can have dinner and evenings together every night. <br /><br />So, here's the extracurricular run down:<br /><br />Pods: piano, soccer, Faith Keepers, and church choir<br />Bubbie: soccer, baseball, church choir<br />Frijole & Biggins: soccer<br /><br />They all get to play soccer because it was going to cost the same whether two or four played. You better believe I signed them all up. Free energy depletion!<br /><br />Baseball is our only evening and weekend activity...but because Bubbie loves it and so does his momma, that will be okay. :) <br /><br />School starts September 10th. Another exciting year lies ahead!Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-91837124084536979962010-08-04T20:39:00.005-05:002010-08-04T21:05:14.187-05:00Where has the Summer Gone?<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This summer turned out to be nothing like what I envisioned. That's probably a good thing... for the most part. June started with a tenth anniversary get-a-way for my Honeymooner and I. We took a quick trip to Hot Springs...nothing fancy. We're saving that one for when we don't have to make arrangements for all the kids - and when I get a new passport.</div><div><br /></div><div>The following weekend, I hosted a baby shower for my new little niece - who will be arriving in the next few weeks. We're very excited to have some pink around!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Eric's big 40th took place the next weekend. It was a fun little shindig. I think he enjoyed it - which made it worth all the trouble. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Our little Podderiffic turned seven one week later. She's growing up so fast! This is a great age!</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bGnowyeMGk4mYwhcXNYEGnE8u4nL4RK2p3OsDrLXXRkxI_r0eKq2vW8bDKDKN37M1fDyzZoLt_l8kH_O4Ay9JNNhLp2VWNwyoeLm_6n0n-7ZiyDmPIrfXaENeWp2O5Ceib3CODDkCeBF/s320/004.JPG" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501739157468177250" /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div></div><div>Independence Day was celebrated next.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpK0FcpSoMvWl8oUUNZqrIEE76A3DVnnTtzQYkuwfdXXviIfKZYFOeY1hd19ewOl7nnQLpvx2VgKI3xIqP8IXGG70T3s9HeAJN4aJVYE5R9gO5O6yiRJmL4AgVCCwuEOwYaHy6RqD8Rdwm/s320/July+4,+2010+131.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501739542322546706" /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Twelve days later, Bubbie celebrated turning five. He's getting so tall and is becoming quite the gentleman...well, except with his brothers. He must reign "King of Boy-ness" over them.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYxVOucDGRzVh8TOf32h5iwre0HG3YTV-_OlugCKFyKhccZAFMFYAaD98783eEX7JVH5x95prC3Bxoz1_FFBkm-TMQ5H-KThq_xIZdbXwLV-oNozZJX-sOCn15oFUjnnz8wGskdT5tK6z/s320/IMG_1711.JPG" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501740312602134706" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Followed by a week of VBS.</div><div><br /></div><div>Throw in a few days at the water park, visiting museums, playing in the sprinklers, friend's birthday's, cook-outs, library visits, and a garage sale and there went our summer.</div><div><br /></div><div>The month of August is going to be used to get us back in the swing of life. And the kids just started sleeping a little later.. 7am.... Oh, well. We just started a new curriculum and the kids are loving it! They all got to learn the meaning of their names. We have studied the Vikings, Leif Erickson, and Eric the Red. Today we read about Christopher Columbus and made boats out of foil. Our very own <i>Nina, Pinta, & Santa Maria. </i>Then, we sailed them across the bathtub blue. It was so fun and what memories will the kids have!</div><div><br /></div><div>And that's where summer has gone....</div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-55041179248124787032010-08-04T20:35:00.002-05:002010-08-04T20:39:12.810-05:00Why do I do this to Myself?For some reason, every time I get around to posting, I think, "Oh, it would be so fun to freshen up the blog again." Aaarrrrggg!! One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I had designed this adorable little background. Has the kid's pictures and all. I followed the cut and paste directions to a "T" with no success. I have spent days on this with no luck. So, until I get this current issue resolved, you get to look at this festive fall background with an un-centered header. I apologize.<div><br /></div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-59424071080539638062010-04-14T21:09:00.002-05:002010-04-14T21:19:14.497-05:00Baseball Season Has Arrived!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHh_2PHS07NG-6Fzuzgq50YEBaFa0JlA3BWPraD21rAKgAJkmvPC5uUNdrfMqZ-Thy5HGtaJ3jjvDyEbFJ-SKnrZQ9U4ns3mkROpf731wJaCvP910oZlWRncHDOEmzu5Uk4g2Bfrt1qrn/s1600/049.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHh_2PHS07NG-6Fzuzgq50YEBaFa0JlA3BWPraD21rAKgAJkmvPC5uUNdrfMqZ-Thy5HGtaJ3jjvDyEbFJ-SKnrZQ9U4ns3mkROpf731wJaCvP910oZlWRncHDOEmzu5Uk4g2Bfrt1qrn/s320/049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460182886168805426" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is the first year Bubbie has had the opportunity to show us his skills. Blastball is our newest addition to the family schedule. It's a chance for the little ones to learn how to play baseball. Very basic. They have to hit the ball and make it to first base, which is like an over-sized whoopie cushion. What little boy doesn't love that? Bats, balls, and obnoxious noises.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bubbie has his dad's baseball skills - which are actually quite good. In fact, we have to make sure he lets the other kids have a chance to catch the ball. If no one seems to be reacting (fast enough for him), he takes care of it no matter what his position. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At his last game, he hit the ball and somehow it came back toward the line between home and first. He just kept running, hopped over it, and made it to second - no problem. I guess the fact that there's always flying objects in our house is finally paying off. :)</div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-20333899711945930162010-04-12T16:34:00.006-05:002010-04-17T21:17:35.516-05:00Bon Jovi, BABY!!!!<div style="width:500px"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/rockyou.swf?instanceid=157262472&ver=102906" quality="high" salign="lt" width="500" height="375" wmode="transparent" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/?type=slideshow&refid=157262472"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/logo.gif" /></a><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/slideshow_create.php?refid=157262472&source=cyo"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/create_own.gif" /></a><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery.php?instanceid=157262472"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/view_all.gif" /></a><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/link/link9.php"><img width="84" style="border:0px" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/link9.gif" /></a></div><div style="width:500px"><br /></div><div style="width:500px"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">Seeing how I'm about to turn 35, I think Bon Jovi is a great </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">way to kick off my midlife crisis. I can't believe April 10th </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">has already come and gone. I really need it to come again </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">and soon!</div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">Here's the 4-1-1....Sixteen momma's gettin' all hot and ready </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">to rock all night. It takes a lot of prep work at this age. Got </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">to get the tan, nails, hair and all the other fake stuff </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">into position. Hoppin' in the mini van and heading to Big D </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">for a night of fun!</div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">We all met in the West End - it's been at least a decade</div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; "> since I've been down there! Dinner was served up at </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">TGI Friday's. It was a fabulous night to sit outside! </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">We ladies had ourselves a blast sitting outside enjoying</div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">the perfect evening. </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">After dinner, it was time to hop on the Gator bus. This </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">was definitely the most fun bus ride ever! It was covered </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">top to bottom with autographs, and we made sure we</div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; "> left our marks. Jovi was blasting and we were rockin' </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">all the way to the American Airlines Center. </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">We knew we had some cheap seats, but we were not </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">expecting to be in the VERY top row!! We were split </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">into two groups because of the way we had to purchase</div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">the tickets. The other girls were about ten rows ahead </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">of us. hands were literally grabbing the cup holders. </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">How were we going to dance without falling on </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">our heads?? The concert started and we adjusted. You</div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">gotta make the best of it, right? </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">Early in the concert, a lady came up and asked us </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">how many were in our group. Eight was our lucky </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">number! She had eight tickets down on the floor!! </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">Talk about some ecstatic women!! We ran, screaming </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">all the way, down to our floor seats! Doesn't get better </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">than that!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">That hot 47 year old Jersey boy can sure put on </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">a great show!! We rocked. We swayed. We were </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">so sore by the end of the show!! He is a classic! A </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">great performer and I can't wait to go the next concert! </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">As for me and the girls, we're still recovering. It takes </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">a little longer at our age, but that's okay. We just relish </div><div style="text-align: justify;width: 500px; ">it longer!</div><div style="width:500px"><br /></div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-79481180890952821662010-03-21T21:18:00.002-05:002010-03-21T21:29:32.886-05:00Snow?? Seriously??Today was the first day of the season of which I live for it's arrival. Spring. The kids and I have already refilled the flowerbeds with new dirt, preparing them for a bounty of flowers. Thankfully, we delayed buying them because the vacuum fell on my foot. Long story, but basically my foot hurt so bad we didn't make it to the store before it hit. Yes, ANOTHER snowy day here in Tejas. That's our fifth snow of the season. I am tired of snow and ready for sun. <div><br /></div><div>It's kind of humorous because I spent four hours one night two years ago, trying to figure out how to make it "snow" on my blog. This year I got it, but now I can't figure out how to turn the darn thing off. That's why in July, it will still be snowing on here. I'll probably like it then.</div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-63560882704077655892010-03-11T21:20:00.003-06:002010-03-11T21:30:22.452-06:00March Update<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm really getting behind on this whole blogging thing. So many funny things are happening and I am neglecting to keep record of them. Here are some recent stories that I can still recall after <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">indulging</span> my red wine ice cream float....</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bubbie</span> has been refining his back-talking skills lately. He walked away from me the other day mumbling some choice words. I called him on it. In the sweetest voice a four year old boy can have, he said, "Oh, it was nothing mommy. I was just talking in Spanish." Se <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">habla</span> red bottom.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pods has lost her second tooth (3/10/10). She is looking quite holy these days.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Biggin's</span> speech is coming right along. His speech therapist was working with him the other day. She was verbalizing the activity he was working on and evidently he had had enough. He looked up at her with a mean face, teeth clenched and told her to "STOP IT!" Never interrupt a man when he's working. Potty training is moving right along, too!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Frijole</span>, well, he just thinks everything is funny. "Is that funny, Mommy?" He's also been very talented with the Expo markers lately....carpet, walls, bookshelves. He likes to color outside of the lines.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-59556520555251966682010-02-02T20:50:00.007-06:002010-02-02T21:21:42.153-06:00Happenings & Mishappenings<div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>There have been loads of changes going on at our household. That's the explanation I have for not blogging more anyways. </div><div><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Our sweet little Bubbie, who is now four years old, has learned to write his name. I am thrilled, except for the fact that he has labeled the house. Each step leading to our upper level has been graffitied with his name as well as his bunk beds, dresser, and wall. To welcome his friends to his room, he even included a "mat" so they would know they were in the correct place. Unfortunately, he chose a permanent marker as the weapon of mass destruction. I've researched, googled, and basically tried everything to remove it. It has become lighter, but that's about it. I love going to web-sites only to see..."that's why they call it permanent." Really... He did survive the consequences. And yes, his future wife will see it someday.</div><div><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433847952007150482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyKkgg7FXFykqkOjjcf1HNYWRxWNyNeAzxM0v5Swqdm1nzzcnTKK3yjJVsnsIvZTU7WAKjsm0Hi8TdIYjZsC8hx4LHqZ2HaRWZvwESGNQ7X1bDF5Ai0mxxdPkaaoQhkfnPbfOc3x5hyphenhyphen2s/s320/023.JPG" /> <div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I can report that Big E has been doing a great job in underwear. Hallelujah!! There is hope! He's been very proud of himself! And I am so proud of him, too! Still likes to push buttons...real ones and mine.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433851552360885650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlW1hucWdMf9b8EvXuyxoO4frYYhKZLXijsetYjrd3l5a8YyDUgeiTj2U8qqf_hGNzCqgu6yoQjOykgM-6u9dZCmmwgpQiZHCeUOE4Z46Zs2AfoLShducHqNX3DpYZXJNtKjXABol6FNt/s320/045.JPG" /></div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Holy Man...could care less about potty training. All this kid wants to do is play UNO and identify letters and their sounds. No kidding, the first thing out of his mouth each morning is, "Mommy, play UNO game?" He knows every letter and their sound. He even tried to write some of them during school the other day. I'm going to work on spending more time with him and maybe he'll be reading soon....in diapers, of course.</div><div align="justify"> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433848235138034642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xyks6eTiesYLdK44CkPAMCC7QkedOtLiCJ3knMtM4QE5jDy8PhoFFSPmELi4GEbr6vCiCDq3j52-H_I2RCs2_XUZPCpbdxnJqFYI-IYz0vWmKMWwhRGlxM_yeM-GLR4fz-y6SIBnAbQC/s320/044.JPG" /><br /><div align="justify">Our little Podderific is growing up. :( She lost her first tooth on Saturday. She was trilled! We were happy for her. We had made a tooth pillow a few days earlier and she was so excited to get to use it. She's a big girl now!</div></div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433848751711813362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EWdHad_Gz9HNMjVai_JvNYbse9lpvxrAZ4j716-vbf6rZwhNfgu3AQ1VeLJqdb-VixSkXUjQKwcsM-Ox9sW0JMO_oPPZgeDUYqdSO_DJ0JRd50ZUuqTmOJcN74njuwfnfbPVnAWVG6FY/s320/048.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433848611297537378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfzB1aJlNaanuoMQFXPRJedObalXcsA3DYeA5PbygWviOMw0rlnPtJ0S0Bb5u6weU0PLmzcOEBBhkWmRsVNKmRzKvj_c06qjcDoeR7GbiPXwGNeWcNWm4k6kJA-_51B7p79x2zvEgkzw4/s320/054.JPG" /><br />I have more stories to tell, but after looking at that last picture of Pods, I'm going to do the same.</div><div>Nighty Night!<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-42129502921205703152010-01-26T20:04:00.005-06:002010-01-26T20:31:57.083-06:00My New Year's Addictions<div><div><div>So, instead of making resolutions this year, I have opted for addictions. They seem to be a lot more fun, anyways. I've never really been addicted to anything, so this is a whole new territory.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>Flair. Who would've ever thought tiny little "buttons" would be so addictive! There's cute ones, symbolic ones, and ones that make me laugh out loud. I think they are such a fun way to showcase your personality on Facebook. These are a few that I have..</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7tHmjsqjz1AdGxZVbwBhqYwxMUdg-M027bPz3ks9hMztvIN3-vvoFywhtYsUx8QhpOLxIwdGwjeVKKPOmOT8PKk1_BQ3Bk3N6j36cX8qNnODI1D6uqNcdIZaHarstjvKpnhZ4Tah-xlT/s1600-h/app_full_proxy.jpg"></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvyUiu_JhH9pYlOB3oqLXX6TTwvWwkHUefitUwvBLWYobBCQx0O4_qQrR_ccqHY3g2WhsRee96QeyvS2iFjEzYE_opamfmI6hQANprBBx5plF1c0si3fvPV-HflkJCeE2TBHFEFP9eo3K/s1600-h/0fff7153705b4266a40095e85da0cc4731983e46.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 110px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 110px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431236311940290850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvyUiu_JhH9pYlOB3oqLXX6TTwvWwkHUefitUwvBLWYobBCQx0O4_qQrR_ccqHY3g2WhsRee96QeyvS2iFjEzYE_opamfmI6hQANprBBx5plF1c0si3fvPV-HflkJCeE2TBHFEFP9eo3K/s320/0fff7153705b4266a40095e85da0cc4731983e46.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSpJXk9rXmkMqHHmqqjXAaP8NqVLo1umqGeo8fLwt5XjTCiclkjBiuLLEzvR1V8lKbelLCQUrlsd4IGz52-2ytsEkfnISauCbdQsJmMAH2AzCDgdpLBj1AIshVYaeL4YTZFZF-ZK_v1uW/s1600-h/5c66e1eeca63187ba1bdd9ff6303c852e4c70251.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 110px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 110px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431237122700863650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSpJXk9rXmkMqHHmqqjXAaP8NqVLo1umqGeo8fLwt5XjTCiclkjBiuLLEzvR1V8lKbelLCQUrlsd4IGz52-2ytsEkfnISauCbdQsJmMAH2AzCDgdpLBj1AIshVYaeL4YTZFZF-ZK_v1uW/s320/5c66e1eeca63187ba1bdd9ff6303c852e4c70251.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7tHmjsqjz1AdGxZVbwBhqYwxMUdg-M027bPz3ks9hMztvIN3-vvoFywhtYsUx8QhpOLxIwdGwjeVKKPOmOT8PKk1_BQ3Bk3N6j36cX8qNnODI1D6uqNcdIZaHarstjvKpnhZ4Tah-xlT/s1600-h/app_full_proxy.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 110px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 110px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431237313026137650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7tHmjsqjz1AdGxZVbwBhqYwxMUdg-M027bPz3ks9hMztvIN3-vvoFywhtYsUx8QhpOLxIwdGwjeVKKPOmOT8PKk1_BQ3Bk3N6j36cX8qNnODI1D6uqNcdIZaHarstjvKpnhZ4Tah-xlT/s320/app_full_proxy.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvyUiu_JhH9pYlOB3oqLXX6TTwvWwkHUefitUwvBLWYobBCQx0O4_qQrR_ccqHY3g2WhsRee96QeyvS2iFjEzYE_opamfmI6hQANprBBx5plF1c0si3fvPV-HflkJCeE2TBHFEFP9eo3K/s1600-h/0fff7153705b4266a40095e85da0cc4731983e46.jpg"></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvyUiu_JhH9pYlOB3oqLXX6TTwvWwkHUefitUwvBLWYobBCQx0O4_qQrR_ccqHY3g2WhsRee96QeyvS2iFjEzYE_opamfmI6hQANprBBx5plF1c0si3fvPV-HflkJCeE2TBHFEFP9eo3K/s1600-h/0fff7153705b4266a40095e85da0cc4731983e46.jpg"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvyUiu_JhH9pYlOB3oqLXX6TTwvWwkHUefitUwvBLWYobBCQx0O4_qQrR_ccqHY3g2WhsRee96QeyvS2iFjEzYE_opamfmI6hQANprBBx5plF1c0si3fvPV-HflkJCeE2TBHFEFP9eo3K/s1600-h/0fff7153705b4266a40095e85da0cc4731983e46.jpg"></a></div><div><br /> </div><div><em>The Bachelor</em> has also found it's place amongst my latest endeavors. I've never been a fan because I'm not one to enjoy watching people make out over and over on TV. However, the latest bachelor is from my town and went to high school with several of my girlfriends. Yes, I have asked them, "How on earth did you ever pass him up???" He also seems to be a "gentleman" compared to the previous men. I have to tune into Jake every Monday night just to see the drama unfold. Rumor has it around here that he ends up with no one. We'll just have to wait and see...</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431241363784744978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9z_KrohLYcUOBTDwqpFBPGYrBqZeriulACCvzqZUrorv-AJOkQgLaRf0jxPfG90-RnypoEA5SANc2LESwCww4NfxNVOO2CRdGjRj8w8HYxcbbuCk6xFyjA_nNpIOMxzKVAikMO0uZYLP/s320/3465121_61326b08-fa06-4856-abe6-2a5c9cbe4e91-118340-004-pre-web_400_400_16384.jpg" /><br /><div></div>Can't wait to see what other addictions this new year holds.....<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvyUiu_JhH9pYlOB3oqLXX6TTwvWwkHUefitUwvBLWYobBCQx0O4_qQrR_ccqHY3g2WhsRee96QeyvS2iFjEzYE_opamfmI6hQANprBBx5plF1c0si3fvPV-HflkJCeE2TBHFEFP9eo3K/s1600-h/0fff7153705b4266a40095e85da0cc4731983e46.jpg"></a></div></div></div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-40534676329761552712010-01-02T20:44:00.003-06:002010-01-02T21:00:09.491-06:00Pricey Pedi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9dsxGrXsD0hTmc1p0HsLBWhyobS4otAwDnt_WOLyJDvAsexNWuku3LqwNcxOKpVMiNVdZ-0EAb5yHF62qnCXCTS_qvyVLKYFRFEUJ-FzojPU4u2i5p2gn-LF658WuM2LuP0KAbFnp7Ov/s1600-h/hmn05026.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 211px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 119px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422339782453833682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9dsxGrXsD0hTmc1p0HsLBWhyobS4otAwDnt_WOLyJDvAsexNWuku3LqwNcxOKpVMiNVdZ-0EAb5yHF62qnCXCTS_qvyVLKYFRFEUJ-FzojPU4u2i5p2gn-LF658WuM2LuP0KAbFnp7Ov/s320/hmn05026.jpg" /></a><br />I had a gift certificate to get a manicure and pedicure. Well, it had actually expired a week prior, but thanks to a conversation with my husband, I was actually going to get to use it. I decided that since my fingers and toes were going to look pretty, I should try to make the rest of me match...just for the day. So, I waxed my eyebrows, shaved my legs, did my hair, and make-up...all that vain stuff. I left the house with just a tad more self-confidence.<br /><br />Forward to the beauty treatment. I'm sitting in the chair while a lady works on my fingers and a guy is working on my toes. The lady starts telling me that I have beautiful nails. What? I think I've had this nail polish on since Halloween and my cuticles were peeling off like my boys on their big wheels. Anyways, she goes on to tell me that a French manicure would look beautiful and make my nails look longer. Since I was having a vain moment, I said, "sure." Next thing I know, she's staring at my eyebrows. She said, "You need eyebrow wax. Your brow all messy. I clean them up for you." Seriously?? I had just fixed them! Within five minutes, the guy asked me if I wanted to have my heels scrubbed for an extra $5.00. Isn't that part of a pedicure? After finally catching on to this little game, I told the lady I wanted regular paint on my nails. She goes, "Fine. Whatever you want." <br /><br />That was my relaxing get-a-way for the day. I do have pretty nails now. :)Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-72635089682526753712009-12-26T19:46:00.002-06:002009-12-26T19:54:05.161-06:00Redemption through AdoptionThis was posted on my mom's loop. I know it's long, but what an incredible story of redemption! What an amazing adventure to truly follow the Lord's calling, even when it makes no sense to us... <br /><br /><br />I wanted to share a blog post written by Derek Loux as he sat in Ukraine last year during the process of adopting three of the beautiful Reece's Rainbow children. <br /><br />This morning, Derek was killed in an automobile accident in Nebraska, leaving behind his wife and 11 children (after adopting the three boys from Ukraine, the couple almost immediately adopted two more from the Marshall Islands). Please keep them in your prayers. <br /><br />Friday, December 12, 2008<br />Renee' and I are sitting in the office of a telephone company in Novograd Valenski, Ukraine, using wireless internet. We are in the middle of adopting three special needs boys from an orphanage here. Two of the boys have Down Syndrome. Roman is high functioning, energetic and happy. Dimitri has serious mental retardation, failure to thrive, and though he is five years old, he is the size of a 1 year old. He has sores on his face, a distinct smell of death on him, and yells out if we try to do anything with him other than hold him. Because he has less ability to respond and learn, he naturally gets less attention and care from the orphanage workers in this world of limited resources. The harsh reality of the "survival of the fittest" principle is a life and death struggle that this little boy is losing fast. Our third boy Sasha, is a brilliant six year old who has Spina Bifida (the condition our son Josiah died from in 1996). He is like a learning sponge that can't get enough! He is happy and alert and thirsty for knowledge and experience. So with two of our boys, we get an immediate return on any investment we make. With Dimitri, there's not much immediate gratification. In fact, it's unknown when and if there will be a return at all. This is the kind of situation that makes the carnal, fallen, human reasoning think, "Why try? What's the point? What will this produce? What good will this do? Why not select a boy who has more potential? This looks like a lost cause. <br /><br />Two days ago we drove for hours into the Ukrainian countryside to the village where Dimitri was born. We met with officials there and signed papers and answered their questions. We also went and saw Dimitri's house. The day had been long, we were still recovering from jet lag, I was beginning to really miss my six daughters at home and all the familiar things our fragile human hearts entangle themselves with in feeble attempts to feel secure. Sitting in the dark on our very long drive back to Novograd that night, the Holy Spirit began to whisper to my heart, and new understanding about redemption began to take shape.<br /><br />I was thinking, "Man, adopting this little boy has been so much work. This is exhausting, expensive, uncomfortable and it doesn't feel very rewarding right now." What am I doing in some little Soviet car in the dark, in the middle of rural Ukraine in frozen December, as the driver dodges cats and potholes? What if Dimitri doesn't improve at all? What if we get "nothing" out of this? Ahhh, there it was; that dark, fallen, unreedemed, selfish human love, rooted in the tree of the knowledge of "good and evil". The love the Greeks called "erao" love. The love where we treat someone as precious and treasured for what we can get out of it. This is unlike "agapeo" love, the God kind of love that treats someone as treasured and precious for their good, not for my good. It's when I love a person in order to meet their needs, having no expectation of them meeting any of my needs. At a whole new level, God is working His kind of love into my weak heart, and He's using little Dimitri to do it.<br /><br />On the drive home that night, the Lord whispered in my ear, "This is Redemption. Derek, do you know how far I travelled to get you and bring you back? I had to be separated from my Son, in order to get you, just like you are separated from your children in order to get these boys. Do you know how expensive it was for Me to purchase you? It cost me everything. Do you know how broken, sick, damaged, twisted, dirty, smelly, and hopeless you were? And at the end of it all, you had nothing to give me or add to me. I did it for you. I emptied myself and became nothing so that you could have it all. This is redemption.<br /><br />My friends, adoption is redemption. It's costly, exhausting, expensive, and outrageous. Buying back lives costs so much. When God set out to redeem us, it killed Him. And when He redeems us, we can't even really appreciate or comprehend it, just like Dimitri will never comprehend or fully appreciate what is about to happen to him, but he will live in the fruit of it. As his Daddy, I will never expect him to understand all of this or even to thank me. I just want to watch him live in the benefits of my love and experience the joys of being an heir in my family. This is how our heavenly "Papa" feels towards us.<br /><br />Today, settle your busy heart down and rest in the benefits of redemption. Enjoy the fruits of His goodness, and stop trying to "pay Him back". You'll never get close, you goofy little kid.Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-83536548958987790332009-12-24T20:29:00.002-06:002009-12-24T20:31:06.136-06:00Merry Christmas!!!<div align="center">It's a white Christmas...in Texas! Dad's home for a few days. We're warm, bellies are full, healthy, and so very blessed. Thank you. Lord for a great Christmas and a great year!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Merry CHRISTmas!! Rejoice! The KING is born!</div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-33313151590473510272009-12-10T20:18:00.003-06:002009-12-10T20:28:59.949-06:00Four Little Amigo's Looking for Mexican<div align="justify">So, we decided to continue the annual family tradition of packing up the mini and heading out to look at all of the beautiful lights. Since the kids are older, we thought we'd drive them into the big city and see all of the fancy lights. Our poor children are never out after dark, so this was a big experience for them. We caught the end of rush hour traffic and the kids were fascinated by all of the cars and lights. I told them we were stuck in traffic. Bubbie asked, "Does 'traffic' mean 'cars' in Spanish?" That's my little amigo!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Later on the trip, as we went way up high on a mix-master, Bubbie said, "WOW! We can see the whole city up here." My little know-it-all daughter responded, "NO it's NOT! If it was the whole city, we'd see Mexican. Do you see Mexican?" We have so much work to do.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Finally, we did arrive at the lights. Biggins was fast asleep, but I wasn't going to let him miss it. Gradually, his eyes started to open and when he finally figured out what was going on, all he could do was shout, " LOOK AT DAT!" "Do you see it?" His enthusiasm made it so worthwhile!</div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-7159091876822770662009-12-08T15:15:00.000-06:002009-12-08T15:16:40.172-06:00Here with UsHere's a little Christmas Joy for you! Enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="http://%3cobject%20width=%22425%22%20height=%22344%22%3e%3cparam%20name=%22movie%22%20value=%22http//www.youtube.com/v/om5-95_Byjo&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00%22%3E%3C/param%3E%3Cparam%20name=%22allowFullScreen%22%20value=%22true%22%3E%3C/param%3E%3Cparam%20name=%22allowscriptaccess%22%20value=%22always%22%3E%3C/param%3E%3Cembed%20src=%22http://www.youtube.com/v/om5-95_Byjo&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00%22%20type=%22application/x-shockwave-flash%22%20allowscriptaccess=%22always%22%20allowfullscreen=%22true%22%20width=%22425%22%20height=%22344%22%3E%3C/embed%3E%3C/object%3E">http://<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/om5-95_Byjo&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/om5-95_Byjo&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></a>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-21529079448369277012009-12-02T21:52:00.002-06:002009-12-02T21:54:11.623-06:00No Comment<div align="center">Tiger's family Christmas card....</div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydj5lx9TijZObOuBWbLDKsI06xIYTdRnnyKPOlgsP3pQ17PMABql0MwHpI9yNR6wyg-RThwG_QcGodKee3jdA_NOBrVinJDIVo6MMm7C17mVqUvoStgw8V-2V8Exg5FLPBVtOryIkyZPM/s1600-h/Tiger.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410852973638081410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydj5lx9TijZObOuBWbLDKsI06xIYTdRnnyKPOlgsP3pQ17PMABql0MwHpI9yNR6wyg-RThwG_QcGodKee3jdA_NOBrVinJDIVo6MMm7C17mVqUvoStgw8V-2V8Exg5FLPBVtOryIkyZPM/s320/Tiger.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Saw this on Facebook and had to share. Don't know where it came from...</div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-44423392660899363642009-12-02T21:46:00.005-06:002009-12-02T21:54:55.771-06:00Because I'm Bored...<div align="center">A friend started making these adorable dresses out of pillowcases. As usual, I got the "I can do that" thought. Here's my first two...</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8x3CrA1f33Y3m8gP9SElxb0koTnxehS9EhFaGv9byHpRcS66sdf89mO8LnIZ0HQ0C0UXpQc1LvLBHTEtcav9QJ9Tfwdkh6fuqPA0qQXxJLeCn6EPxBiOQdofmgwzkFoDx1CzY3CieAFYM/s1600-h/074.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 131px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410851915242855138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8x3CrA1f33Y3m8gP9SElxb0koTnxehS9EhFaGv9byHpRcS66sdf89mO8LnIZ0HQ0C0UXpQc1LvLBHTEtcav9QJ9Tfwdkh6fuqPA0qQXxJLeCn6EPxBiOQdofmgwzkFoDx1CzY3CieAFYM/s320/074.JPG" /></a></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 169px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410852548909625682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5STk2bvjdNgII1kGWBbn77kZqAGmjBGKw5y2rmrKUn8UhrMLYQsjxONaxYMmgvmaoLjgqkyCilrfJ4KzvIN04YLUXTrvohwx2UAnpH5qv17t-M2SA1Tdzlsgt896qTbUhndoHgq4XWfr/s320/072.JPG" /> <p align="center">Got some more cute ideas and can't wait to see how they turn out!<br /></p><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361337223084050137.post-39437429322622188062009-12-02T21:41:00.002-06:002009-12-02T21:46:34.771-06:00SNOW!!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_up8loD_eBulHU1HPbgT-GRv6Qlz3BoKI0X5LYL7BC_hJ2VUCbQB4Wr9Vd12CgL3p5Cx3Ega_XhI9KrtyAENEwyXx2sC0ma3LXDWsfWTpBQTsX9uAgWHVA2VyahTuQVD6vLE0bAdnioGM/s1600-h/090.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410851189371906978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_up8loD_eBulHU1HPbgT-GRv6Qlz3BoKI0X5LYL7BC_hJ2VUCbQB4Wr9Vd12CgL3p5Cx3Ega_XhI9KrtyAENEwyXx2sC0ma3LXDWsfWTpBQTsX9uAgWHVA2VyahTuQVD6vLE0bAdnioGM/s320/090.JPG" /></a> A Holy Snow Man<br /></div><div align="justify">So, this morning at 6:15 am, Bubbie comes flying into my bed. "MOMMY!! Wake up!! It's SNOWING!!!" Does this kid automatically wake up each morning and look out his tightly closed blinds or what? We spent 40 minutes running around finding warm clothes, gloves, etc. The kids did have a blast for the five minutes they stayed out in it. A nice way to start the winter season, for sure. </div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04567929734666739589noreply@blogger.com1