The Ugly Truth About Me . . .

I've had a feel good blog post in mind for about a week now but I wanted to wait until after this past Monday to write it because I just knew the event I took place in on Monday would tie in quite nicely with all my warm & fuzzy feel-good feelings . . . or maybe not so much.

My church has recently started volunteering once a month in partnership with the Hub: Urban Outreach. Last month, we did Grocery Cart night (I was not able to attend). Basically, the very poor or homeless meet at an open lot in downtown Shreveport and church volunteers pass out food. Everyone returned blessed and joyous from the outing! When the opportunity arose this month, I didn't want to miss out on the blessings so I signed up!

We did something different this go-around though, we went to the Fairmont Apartments on Cotton Street, which is basically a need-based low income 15-story apartment building downtown. Interns with the Hub had gone to the Fairmont on Saturday and surveyed several residents on their needs and prayer requests. Our job on Monday was to deliver pre-bagged grocery items to select apartments. We split up into teams of 3 - 4 and received our info sheets that told names, apartment #'s, prayer requests, etc. I'm thinking this is going to be great - knock on doors, hand out food, say God Bless You, go home and feel good about self . . .

Wrong, as we are pairing off, Cassie, the director, tells us to pray over the residents we will be meeting before we leave the lobby to prepare and then she wants us to do more than drop off the food . . . she wants us to, gasp, talk to them like friends and get to know them . . . this assignment is starting to get a little uncomfortable.

My team rides the rickety elevator to the 14th floor and knock on the door to meet Audrey. Audrey invites us in to her very under-furnished apartment. Since we have no place to sit we all stand and stare down at her with beaming smiles! We ask how long she's been here thinking since she only owns a couch and NOTHING else that she'll say she just moved in, but no she's been there months. Audrey is very thankful for the food and the company because since she doesn't have a job she is very bored. We ask if she any prayer requests and she says no, we ask if she has kids and she says no, but then she says well I'm 9 weeks pregnant I guess you can pray for that! I perk up because I love all things having anything to do with babies and suddenly I can sense a common ground between myself and Audrey; maybe we aren't so different after all!

Then I see it - the ash tray sitting beside her feet - and suddenly I lose all compassion for her. I begin to think of friends who are dying for babies, of babies whose mothers did everything right but they are still sick, and then I think of unemployed Audrey waiting for me to bring her food so she can sit in her little apartment and smoke her baby's life away and I am angry. She evens cries as she hugs my mother and says thank you to us all but I can't really see her gratitude or her desperation because all I see is ash trays.

We leave and head to Tracey's apartment. Tracey (a guy) has listed prayer requests - he has broken his ankle and he is trying to help a friend through a 7 day detox program. I am hopeful that Tracey sparks more compassion in me. Tracey is very friendly and seems like a nice enough guy. He's lived at the Fairmont for 7 years after a brief stint living on the streets. He likes to help people and says he takes in quite a few "strays" to help them mend his way. My eyes wander briefly around his apartment and I'm quickly reminded of college - the space above his cabinets is decorated with half-empty liquor bottles. Not exactly helpful when you have been through STEPS or when you are trying to help someone recover from alcoholism. The more Tracey talks however the less I like him. He mentions he just returned from jail recently because of his 3rd DUI offense; he hit a 8.5 month pregnant lady after a night of drinking. Right about now, I'm feeling repulsed by his presence and the smell of his apartment is making me want to vomit. All I can think is what if that would have been me you hit or my friend? What would the family of that lady or that baby think of me for bringing you food?

Finally, our two visits are over, we decide to walk 14 flights of stairs because the elevators scare us. I was actually quite surprised not to find people in drug induced stupors in the stairs. We return to the lobby to meet up with our group; where I'm promptly introduced to Trigger aka Sniper, who tries to hug me more passionately than my husband. As I am walking backward trying to put some distance between us so that I can shake his hand instead, I sense that my mother is about to jump on his back and try to strangle him and I can't imagine what a scene that was cause!

Trigger proudly shows me his tear drop tatoos as if that will somehow boost my opinion of him. He asks if I live in a big house with a fireplace and I don't know what to say because yes, although I don't think my house is huge, Trigger has probably never seen a house so big and I don't want to be rude.

You see the ugly truth about me is that I smiled my best Jesus smiles at Audrey and Tracey and Trigger, but in my head I was telling myself how unworthy they were, how disgusting, how dirty, how lazy, etc.

This isn't really what I signed up for. I signed up for blessings and joy not to see a side of me that I'd rather leave under wraps.

What I'd really love for the Bible to say is "Feed the Hungry, but only if before they were hungry they were law-abiding, tax paying citizens. They are only hungry because they lost their job or have cancer." But all the Bible does say is 'share your food with the hungry.' And that's it folks. Jesus doesn't really care why they are hungry (he actually does, but you know what I mean), he just cares that they are and he wants us to feed them. Even the ones we'd rather not.

I recently read Same Kind of Different as Me about a homeless man in Fort Worth, Texas and one thing I learned from that book is that my gift of time, money, possessions, etc. is not diminished if people don't use like I intended for them to. Meaning if you toss $2 to the man holding the sign on the corner of the road and he spends it on beer instead of food like he said he would then you still get credit. So we can't really use that as an excuse.

That Bible says in Luke that even the sinner is nice to those who are nice to him and if I can't do better than that then what right do I have to be so arrogant?

You see the ugly truth about me, is I'm unworthy of being God's child. I'm inadequate for His service. I judge His children, even though I'm no better. My judgements of the residents of the Fairmont Apartments hindered God's ability to show how much He loves them. If they know nothing of God's love and I'm the only example they will ever see then I have failed miserably.

But the amazing thing is God still loves me anyway!! Just as much as loves Audrey, Tracey, and Trigger! I'm going back to the Fairmont on December 14 and this time instead of going for blessings I'm going back a little more humble and prepared to do actual service for God's beloved people. Maybe one day there won't be so many ugly truths about me . . .

Rewind

October was busy month for the Brown's! And in attempt to be cute & trendy I decided to make a collage of our month; however mine is not so cute and you may need a magnifying glass to see it! Apparently, I do not know how to use Photoshop quite like I thought I did but I'm tired so this is what you get! (Lindsey, if you are reading this, how do I make mine look like yours??)

Melissa & Doug Party
I hosted a toy party (and no, to the one person who asked, Melissa & Doug only makes children's toys not the other kind!). We had great fun and bought lots of good stuff! My sister-in-law, Erica, aka Lil' Cake Diva, made a delicious cake that looked identical to a M & D puzzle! My mom and friend, Sarah, were also there but left before picture time!

Halloween
Mason was a hunter (and no, again, my dad was not dressed up for Halloween he was just going hunting! It was opening day after all!) and Conner was supposed to be a deer but we had some difficulties so he was a bear instead! Both boys had a great time and got way too much candy! Thanks to the Atkins' and the Wallace/Cobb clan for having us over!

I did technically break into my brother's house that night because Conner and I walked over thinking they were home . . . as I snuck out of the half-closed garage and told trick or treaters who asked for candy that I didn't live there, I got same strange glances from their parents!

First and Forever: The State Fair of Louisiana
The was Conner's first year for the fair and he got to ride the Merry Go Round and the big slide. He was so excited to do big boy activities and be just like Mason! Mason wanted to ride everything! He even went in the haunted house twice . . . kept his eyes closed both times but he had fun!

Book Parade
This was actually in November but was originally scheduled for October so it counts, huh? Mason's class did "If you give a Mouse a Cookie" and they all looked so adorable in their mouse costume's with their props! Thanks to Mom for making his tail and for everyone telling me that yes, it was possible for me to a cookie! I think I did a good job!

I'll work on my collage skills later! Any suggestions are welcome!

And Happy 2nd Birthday to Dansby! We had a great time at your party today!

From Good to Bad to WORSE!

The Good . . .

Went on my semi-annual College Girls Weekend this past weekend! We had a great time in Sugar Land, TX!! As usual, it was like we'd never left the 2nd floor of Adams Dorm or Sybil Lane in good ol' Ruston, LA! We always have tons of fun gossiping about people we knew, discussing kids & husbands, and everything in between! This time it was super fun to talk about our secret blog-stalking and to plan Baby Nolan's first birthday party and to have little Will Bozeman be our own toy tester with Holly's Houses! Can't wait to get together a little closer to home in March at Holly D's house in Benton!

Lauren getting some love from Kirby, Will & Holly

Holly D & Missy, my traveling buddies

Sugar Land crew, Kandy & Lauren




The Bad . . .

I had a wonderful time visiting with friends but like normal we stayed up way too late catching up on life - when I got home I was exhausted! Which was bad because I had so much work to do on Sunday!! I finally got everything done around 11:00 pm and took a much needed soak in the jacuzzi tub . . . only to hear tiny little footsteps making their way into my bed! Mason started crying for his mommy so my luxurious soak was done. I got to his side just in time to catch his vomit in my hands . . . nice! This made for a long night because Mason had fever and didn't sleep well. Finally around 5 a.m. he settled down and we got some much needed rest. We woke late that morning and discovered we had no water!! Great (remember I got thrown up on after my bath!)! My dad had hired some people to cut hay in our pasture and apparently they mistook our water well for something that needed to be ran over! Mass amount of phone calls and chaos ensues and finally the water is flowing again! Which is good because then Mason threw up on me AGAIN! At least its bedtime . . . tomorrow is sure to be better . . .

Or not! Since I've been working part-time I'm always a little paranoid that when I come in on Tuesday's that I've missed something everyone else knows or something to that affect and usually I'm wrong but not this time! Long story way short, work drama overflows and I end up working late which leads to . . .

THE WORSE . . .

Stuck in traffic on Bert Kouns Industrial Loop minding my own business trying to get home after a tedious day when WHAM!! My head jerks foward then back and I'm thinking what in the world just happened . . . well let me tell you!! Some teenage boy decides to plow into the back of my car which leads me to the back of someone's car! FANTASTIC!! What a perfect day!

I was very shook up and shaking uncontrollably, my head hurt almost immediately, and I thought I'd vomit on the side of the road which would be so embarrassing! I finally make it home and then my parents and sister intervene and force me to the ER until 12:30 a.m.

The damage is actually worse than the pictures show - there's damage on both sides and underneath my car and inside the back, but the good news is that God is good and everyone walked away!

I literally could not stop shaking for about the next hour after the accident. I drove home listening to K-Love and heard this song (can't remember who sings it!) - "hold me Jesus, I'm shaking like leaf, you have been King of my glory, now won't you be my Prince of Peace?" And it really hit home at that moment - our God is so mighty and thankfully his blessings are new each day because I really needed a fresh start!

Praying for better days!

I'm adding a quick little edit to this post . . . got to work Thursday and my HR rep called and she forgot to approve my time sheet so no paycheck for me tomorrow! And Pat if you are reading this I am not mad! At this point anything bad that happens I am just going to think its comical!

I DID IT!! . . . sort of!

This weekend was the first annual Stonewall Long Haul 5k Health Walk/Run benefiting the Alzheimers Association! It was a first for my family and it was very exciting!! I see now why people do this.

We got the kids all bundled up and we all had on our running shoes bright and early on the chilly Saturday morning! Ryan had decided he wanted to run it to see how he would do so that left me with two strollers and two boys! Thankfully, I had a host of family and friends out that day to support Josh & Erica and Alzheimers who could also help me . . . a big thanks to Granny, Aunt Jackie, Amy, Blake, Mom, Dad, Terry Mac, and whoever else ended up pushing a stroller with a child in it or pushing an empty stroller while some other nice soul walked with Mason!

At about Mile 1, while bringing up the rear, I came to the conclusion that Conner is not a stroller baby! We are not super on the go people so he rarely rides in his stroller and when we do go places I usually either carry him or let him roam free so he was NOT happy to be in the stroller and I was DEAD LAST in the race trying to make him happy! We ended up turning around and quitting mid-race, altogether I maybe did 1.5 miles . . . but not my fault!

Here are some pictures of Conner non-verbally expressing his thoughts and feelings of being woke up early and stuck in a stroller. By the way, yes, this is a public road in a developing subdivision where there are lots of dump trucks and other big trucks who don't really care if a 19 month old is revolting against his mother in the MIDDLE OF THE ROAD!!






If and when there is a #3, he/she will have to learn to love the stroller!

My hubby did place 18th in under 30 minutes - CONGRATS!! He hadn't really planned on running until the last minute so I think he did great!

Kelly & I relaxing after the run

The Williamson clan walking in memory of W.N. Williamson, Sr.

Sisters in Christ (and one little brother) supporting each other,

Mom, Conner, Margie, Renee, Megan, & Donna

The Williamson girls, Aunt Cheryl, Aunt Jackie, Granny, MeMe, (Conner), & Mom

Cheryl & Brian

Adventures in Jean-ology!

Saturday I had a rare shopping day in "town." I was supposed to have a massage and facial that morning . . . supposed to being the key word here. When I arrived at the spa there was a note with my name on it taped to the door saying my appointment was cancelled! And apparently, sometime between Saturday and the last time she cancelled my appointment she "lost" my number and couldn't call me.

So there I was dressed and ready to go with nothing to do . . . I decided for the first time in 4 years I'd go blue jean shopping. Currently, I wear mostly hand-me-downs from my super fashionable sister and her super fashionable co-worker, which suits me just fine because they buy nicer clothes than me and it saves me money. But I needed a pair of jeans bought just for me.

Off to the mall I went - first stop Dillard's . . . there I just got a little overwhelmed with the vast amount of jeans and the departments I'd have to stop in to try them all on. I just left without trying any on.

Surely, the Gap will have a jean for me!! Nope, somehow between my size in regular length and my size in average/ankle length we lost about a foot - I felt like Goldilocks - one was too big and the one was too small, except unlike her I didn't find any "just right."

My last jean purchase came from New York & Company so I knew they'd have the perfect fit . . . perfect if I was a plumber! This momma cannot do super low rise!!

To prove I was still hip, I tried Abercrombie, ultimately that just proved I'm almost 30 and shouldn't shop there! The music was loud which is the usual old lady complaint but that didn't really bother me. What bothered me I couldn't see!! It was so dimly lit that I had to basically get on the floor and gaze intently at the labels to figure out what size they were! I guess they were trying to save money on electricity since they spend all their profits on pouring bottles of cologne everywhere. My head hurt so bad from the smell. Still determined that no amount of light shortage or headache inducing smells would stop me I decided to try on the Emma Bootcut jean. Not really sure what "Emma" looks like but they was no way in Hades that a boot was going to fit anywhere between my leg and the pant. Finally told the ultra-cheerful sales girl I was too old to shop there I left!

Ugh, four stores down and still no jeans!

I go to the Buckle and stop at the first table to look at jeans, I just figured my strategy would be to pick up every style in my size and camp out in the dressing room. Well-meaning sales girl approaches and asks if I've tried on their Stella fit before, I say no, she polites explains that its their ultra low rise jean and is that what I'm interested in. I'm thankful for her help but really all I hear is "there is no way your post-baby C-section body is fitting into ultra low rise jeans!" A little discouraged I allow her to suggest some styles - word to the wise if trying on Culture, go two sizes bigger than what you normally would! That was my first style to try and I was still a little discouraged by the fact Savannah (super helpful sales girl) could tell I didn't need ultra low rise so the fact that my first jean only had room for one leg made it ten times worse!

I ended up leaving the Buckle broke (seriously, with jeans at this price there is a reason I only by a pair every 4 years!) but with fabulously cute jeans!

Maybe jean shopping isn't so bad after all! After all, along the way I picked up three tops and a pair of shoes!

mindy

10 Things I love about Rain!

10. The smell

9. Finding frogs in my living room! Thanks to John Ryan & Nora for giving Mason a butterfly net for his birthday. I was the crazy lady chasing a frog around with a net last night!

8. Rainbows

7. Its provides a good excuse to lay on the couch and do nothing all day!

6. The fascination I still feel when the creek floods in our road - there is just something exciting about driving through a flooded road!

5. The sound the rain made on my second story bedroom under my parents tin roof. Love it!

4. When it makes the power go out, except on hot days or days I HAVE to be somewhere. I love holding my family hostage and making them play games with me or curling up with a book and a candle!

3. Sitting in the living room beside our big window and looking for worms in the puddles(you know looking out the window - we may have frogs but not worms!) with Mason and Conner!

2. Singing Rain, Rain Go Away with my kids!

1. The delight on two little boys faces when the rain stops for a brief moment and I announce its time to put on our boots and go outside - PRICELESS!

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Check out my big boys at the Imagination Movers this weekend! So much fun!

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Happy Birthday Sarah!!!

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Thoughts to ponder . . . be looking for a future blog post about "What would you do if you weren't afraid of _____________?" Fill in the blank yourself!
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Mindy

Do a Good Thing!!

Register today for the 1st Annual Stonewall Long Haul!! It will be worth it just to see me do it!! Think about it for $15 (if you register NOW) you get a free T-shirt, 100% of your race fee will go to the Alzheimer's Association, the satisfaction of knowing you completed it, and free drinks & snacks after the race, plus bounce houses for the kids and a concert!! Seriously people all that for $15!! And if you bring your race # in to Anytime Fitness in Stonewall you will get one free workout or one free month, if you decide to join!

Hope to see you there! For more information you can call Erica at (318) 775-5474!

GREEN SMILEYS ALL AROUND!!

Conner & I couldn't resist the beautiful weather yesterday so we threw on our shoes and headed for the great outdoors! Then a "melt your heart" moment - he picked me flowers for the first time!! How adorable is that! In his cute tiny little hand were 4 yellow wildflowers (I REFUSE to call them weeds!)!

It dawned on me that the day before Mason had picked flowers for me and it really touched me that Conner was able to follow his big brother's example and give his mommy beautiful treasures!!

I spend so much time asking Mason not do things so that Conner won't imitate him that I forget what a splendid example he can be!



I was a little apprehensive about my oldest angel on Wednesday though . . . I was definitely up for worst mother of the month!! Saturday we had pizza, Sunday Mason asked for pizza, Monday Mason asked for pizza so when I saw that the cafeteria was serving pizza on Wednesday I assumed it was a no-brainer - of course, he'd want pizza!! Think again - he complained the WHOLE way to school and in the parking lot and in the hallway and demanded to go back home and get his lunch! When we finally made it to his room he ran away twice and wouldn't go in his room because HE DID NOT WANT PIZZA!! HE HATES PIZZA! (Why didn't I know this???)

He has done absolutely wonderful at school but I feared my pizza fiasco would ruin our record of green smiley faces . . . but it didn't!! Turns out he doesn't hate pizza that much after all because he ate the whole lunch and got a month's worth of green smileys!! HOORAY FOR MASON!!

He did however tell on me this morning to my mom that I "forgot" to make his lunch and said that he never wanted to eat in the cafeteria ever again!! So keep your lunch suggestions coming because I'm going to need them!!

**Off to Canton this weekend so I'll be sure and take pictures of all my fabulous finds!!**

mindy

I AM BEYOND BLESSED!

Its been a while since I've blogged! Had some internet issues and had to switch ISPs. Hopefully this will go much faster now!


Saturday I had the opportunity to go to a Melissa & Doug toy party at my friend Kalli's BEAUTIFUL home! The party was a fun time to visit with friends and make new ones plus buy toys for the little ones for Christmas! The stuff was so great that I decided to have a party myself on October 24! I never have parties like this but I am excited about this one - mark your calendars! After the big Stonewall Long Haul 5k that I mentioned in a previous post you can come buy toys for your little ones!


Although, I have lived in my house for a little over 2 years I still have LOTS of decorating that needs to be done! So now I am in "decorating" mode which is fun and exciting and a little daunting!


But little doubts have started to creep in . . . maybe my house isn't fit for a party? Its not as big as Jane Doe's . . . and maybe not as nice as Sally Sue's . . . and, and, and maybe I can just make lame excuses about my decorating skills.


And then I read a hopefully life changing blog entry -- a little background, my wonderful friend, Lauren, has started her blog, Team Huss, and through it I found links to her sister, Kim's blog and from Kim's blog I have found Kisses from Katie! Following Kim's advice I started reading Katie's blog at the August 14, 2009 post and then to the most recent - since then I've gone back and read all of 2007 (the start date) and I will slowly make my way to where I started. Its amazing and a must read! Come be a blog stalker with me! Katie is younger than me and has from all appearances left a priveledged life in TN to be a missionary in Uganda. You just have to read it to understand the love she has for our Savior and for his people in Africa. I don't know her and don't even know if I know anyone who knows her but her love for Jesus is so apparent in her words that I have no doubts about her authenticity!


But to the point, she blogs about going to the small one room "shack" of one of her students and they proudly welcome her into their home and make no apologies for its appearance or for all that its lacking, they simply praise Jesus for providing shelter!!


How awesome is that??? And how humbled am I? I have a beautiful home filled with everything I truly need - love, family, laughter, and basic things such as water and electricity - and yet I have only thanked God in my quiet time! When I have visitors I ask them to excuse my mess or pardon that I don't have many trinkets when what I should be saying is LOOK WHAT THE LORD HAS PROVIDED FOR MY FAMILY!! WE ARE EXTREMELY BLESSED!


I challenge myself and each of you to realize how blessed we are - even in our darkest hour - I doubt any of you have ever wondered about having a roof over your head or whether you could afford groceries to feed your children or if the mosquito bite on their arm would kill them before morning - we are BLESSED and to God be ALL THE GLORY!


So if you come over and find that there are toys scattered everywhere (which there usually is) and breakfast still on the table even though its lunch time forgive me for not apologizing - I am simply thankful my children are healthy enough to play and that we were able to provide them with food!

Love, Mindy

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** Congratulations to my fabulous friend, Elise, on the impending arrival of Blessing #4, Stinson Walker Toms, due March 6, 2010!! **

Mickey the Mouse and Much More!

Fun times in the Brown household lately!! I am about to put my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee on the market, if anyone would like to buy it! On Wednesday, Conner and I were vacumning it out while I was simultaneously talking to my sister-in-law, Erica, on the phone . . . then came my OMG moment --- there was a mouse on top of the light fixture in the garage starring at me!! So I calmly tell Erica that if I begin to scream that it's because a mouse just fell on my head! But seriously - how does a mouse climb a straight, smooth wall and then walk upside down on the ceiling to get to a light fixture??? There is no way he could have jumped from anywhere! Conner & I go on about our business and then its snack time so we go inside . . . I left my car doors open because I knew we'd be coming right back and then I FREAK OUT and sprint back outside to close my doors . . . I'm reminded of a story my friend, Kandy, who is a preschool director at a school in Houston, told me . . . a man came to pick up his kids from school and then ran into her office claiming a rat had jumped off the curve and into his car and could she please get it out! That's right - a male police officer asked her to get a rat out of his car! Long story short, it was concluded that the rat came from his car and it jumped out of his car not in. I just couldn't risk pulling up to school and a mouse jumping out of my car in the pickup line!! That would detract major points with the PTA I'm sure!

Mickey in the top corner of our light

That night Mickey the Mouse was in the light fixture just hanging out. Being the good PETA person I am I tried to fry him by turning on the lights but that didn't work because he's still up there somewhere! So any ideas on how to get a mouse out of light fixture???




first haircut

My sweet little Conner was being mistaken for a girl way too many times lately so it was finally time for the dreaded first haircut! Right before your eyes your baby drifts away and emerges a little boy - it's horrible! I wasn't really looking forward to the experience for that reason and also because Conner never ever sits still and I could just imagine the work I was going to have on my hands! Mason got his hair done first and set a perfect example for Conner and surprise, when it was Conner's turn he sat still and ate his Dum-Dum and was just the best baby anyone could ask for! My mother is so mad at me for cutting his hair but I think he looks absolutely adorable!!

Mason showing Conner how it's done!

Sweet Conner being such a big boy!

The boys showing off their new haircuts!

old lady moment
Had to take Mason to the dentist Friday and my cousin, Mollie, came over to babysit Conner. I feel especially old when Mollie comes over because I used to rock her to sleep!! Its really bad when your former "charges" are now old enough to watch your kids!! Then I complimented her fabulous gold sandals and asked where she got them and she responded that her mom got them at some "mom store" like Ann Taylor Loft!! Until that moment I had been thinking I was looking super cute in my green Ann Taylor Loft skirt . . . but suddenly I just felt old!


Ashly & Baby Sam
Robin, Kelly, Melody, and Ashly came over today for a light lunch before Ashly has little baby Sam in a few weeks! We all went to high school together and had a great time catching up and watching our kids play! It's always fun to have lunch with the girls!

Me, Ashly, Robin, Nora Jo, & Kelly

randoms

Anytime Fitness in Stonewall (btw the owners are WONDERFUL) are hosting/sponsoring the first annual Stonewall Long Haul 5K Health Walk/Run on Saturday, October 24, 2009! Yes, I'll be entering so if anything you should come watch that! All proceeds go to the Alzheimers Association. You can call the gym or get the information here! Hope to see you there!


We've got our tickets for the Imagination Movers at the Strand on Saturday, October 10, do you? Parents of preschoolers your kids will thank you!! Mason is so excited that he asks us everyday when the Movers will be here! Call the Strand or go to their website or Disney's for more information!

BTW, Mason's class will not being showing Barack's speech on Tuesday so yes to all of you inquiring minds he will be at school!

mindy

Sound the Alarm

In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:3

This Sunday at church the message was about how we are supposed to DAILY spend time with God . . . confession time - I find that SO HARD to do! But the Bible is pretty clear on the daily part . . . see Luke 9:23, Numbers 28:3, Luke 11:3, Proverbs 8:34, Psalm 86:3, Acts 5:42, and Acts 17:11. Aside, one day I'll learn how to do a hyperlink to the verses on Bible Gateway but today there is no time!! If you know how to do it - leave me a message or comment!!

Then I received my new Better Homes & Garden magazine on Monday and it had this fantastic quote from some designer named, Alexandra Stoddard, "What I've always been able to do is give myself time, but I've found you can't do that if you're unwilling to set the alarm clock."

So I'm selecting you all as my "accountability partners" - call me in the a.m. and ask if I've been up studying, reading, praying, etc. and if not then give me some good encouragement!!

Random Thoughts . . .

Copying a post from Kandy . . . fun in the pantry!

Mason, June 2006, playing with the chips

Conner, the little muncher, in our much nicer pantry

Well it's pickup time at school so I've got to run . . .

mindy

Chronicles of the Flu: Day 4

Last weekend I went into a mild panic when the news reported a case of the swine flu at Mason's school but I talked myself out of it and sent him to school on Monday anyway and now we have the flu!!

Wednesday Mason came home from school feeling fine and playing then one minute he's curled into a ball on the couch shivering under a pillow and telling me he's freezing. Three hours later, Conner is curled up in my lap (which NEVER happens) with 102.7 fever.

Thursday we journey to the doctor and sure enough both boys have the flu! Friday, Conner still has fever but is running around and playing; however, Mason just lies around with weepy eyes, a horrible cough, and a fever that does nothing but rise.

For the first time ever in his short little four years he asked to go to sleep last night and then woke up this morning at 7:30 and then went back to bed even though the sun was up!

Today we are running 103.2 with Mason and 101 with Conner. Poor little babies! Just hoping and praying Ryan & I don't get it too!

As an aside, Wednesday I called our doctor and talked to a nurse who encouraged us to come in the next day. I made an appointment with a doctor of our choice since our normal doctor is off on Thursday's. We went in to a nice, clean waiting area and waited for appx. 20 minutes or less and then saw a very nice doctor, Dr. Cockrell, who spent an ample amount of time talking with me and the kids. Then we went about our merry way with a sucker in each hand! A very pleasant healthcare experience! We were not told that we weren't sick enough to come, we didn't have to wait hours for a doctor, the doctor spent more than 5 minutes with us, and the results of our visit were not public property of the US government . . . so if you enjoy medical experiences such as ours then it would be in your best interet to contact your elected representatives and tell them to VOTE NO TO OBAMACARE!!

Mason attempting a feeble smile

Conner feeling better but keeping Teddy Bear and Tylenol close by!

Wednesday's Ramblings

One week into preschool and we have survived!! Mason loves school but hates waking up in the morning!! Trying to achieve just the right balance of letting him sleep until the very last minute possible but also giving him time to adjust and not rush through the routine of getting ready.

He's been so cute - coming home everyday singing songs and beaming with pride at his smiley faces on the conduct chart! I did hear from Kelly that he ran away from Natalie on the playground . . . sad that he ran away from Natalie but three cheers that Mom is still his favorite girl!!

On a mission to pack the best lunchbox ever . . . so far, according to Mason, the winner is Bagel Bites, strawberry yogurt, frozen grapes, marshmallows, and water. This month's edition of Parents magazine has some great kid-friendly but yet healthy suggestions . . . such as, celery stalks w/peanut butter and raisins, leftover pasta, hardboiled eggs, melon balls, popcorn, etc. Any thoughts?

Speaking of lunch, is it Mason's school or just his teacher that won't let him have chocolate milk? He loves chocolate milk but has told me twice that "chocolate is not for daytime" and he has to drink "pink milk." Is this some sort of obesity issue or a please nap after lunch issue?

moving on . . .

In my pre-baby days, I never started Christmas shopping until the day after Thanksgiving but yesterday I found myself wanting/needing to look for Christmas presents! (maybe just b/c its been a long time since I've ordered online and I miss the UPS guy!) Has anyone else started shopping? I've never shopped this early so I'm a little fearful that I'll change my mind and then end up over-buying . . .

Along the Christmas lines, in 2007 I bought everyone in my family games, in order to start a family game night tradition. We have only played like twice but we are working on it!! Last year, everyone got monogrammed Santa bags stuffed full with presents. I need a good idea for a family gift theme this year too . . . put on your thinking caps and send some ideas or things that you have done!!

Well I've about wasted away nap time without dusting so I'll end with a new easy recipe!
Chicken Alfredo
1 lb. chicken breasts
2 16 oz jar alfredo sauce

Put ingredients in crock-pot, season to taste, cook on low for 5 - 6 hours. Serve with noodles! Super yummy and super easy!

HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY TO MY LITTLE BROTHER!

CONNER AND HIS TEDDY BEAR

MY LITTLE WATER BUG

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mindy

Tears and Cheers: Mason's First Day of School

Tears for Mom and Cheers for Mason - he is so happy to be going to school today! I am crushed and sad but excited for all the new possibities that have opened up for him! He rushed out the door this morning and never looked back!

Conner has gone up to his pictures and pointed at him like "where is my Mason?" That only makes me cry!

He told me this morning to "please try not to cry" and that he'd "always be my sweet little baby!" He's grown up so big! I can't believe he is 4 and off in the world by himself without me!

Enjoy some pictures of him over the years!

Getting ready for his big day!

I love my babies!!

P. S. To my parents - one day back in August 1984 when I went to PreK and was only supposed to go until right before lunch . . . and when Dad came to pick me up and I told him I wanted to stay all day and so he let me . . . I AM SORRY!!

Fun Family Recipe of the Week

My boys are SO PICKY therefore its extremely rare to find something the whole family will eat. I saw this recipe in Taste of Home and had to try it! It's very easy and bigger kids can certainly help!
Easy Stuffed Shells
1 box Jumbo Shells
appx. 36 meatballs, thawed
1 jar spaghetti sauce
mozzarella cheese

Cook noodles according to package directions, drain.

Grease casserole dish and spread 1/2 c. sauce on button. Have an adult or a "helper" stuff each shell with a meatball and place in casserole dish. Pour on remaining sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bake covered @ 350 for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Mason who never eats more than 1 T. of anything asked for thirds and Ryan & I enjoyed them as well!

I made in the morning so I just let the meatballs thaw after I had already put the dish together and then baked in the evening. It would be an easy make-ahead dinner the night before and just throw it in the oven when you got home the next day!

The next time I make it I'll probably add some extra loose meatballs because they were a big hit!

More recipes and kitchen tips to come! And I'll do better at remembering to take pictures too!!

** Crazy Kids Story **
I bravely took my two little ones to the DMV yesterday and it went very smoothly until I looked over and saw Mason upside down in his chair checking for gum under the counter!!! Thanks Dad for teaching him that neat little trick . . .

Getting Started!

So Kandy & Holly have mentioned I should start a blog but I'm really not sure I'm that interesting!! Here, however, is my attempt! I've decided this will be a blog about the things I'm passionate about . . . all my soapboxes, per se - politics, religion, cooking and recipes, parenting and kids, saving money and coupons, and whatever else catches my attention on any given day!

Give me some time to establish my rythym and hopefully you'll find it entertaining and perhaps informative! And I'll be sure to add pictures of and gush about my kids too!

Please feel free to pass this along to friends and family and if you stop by leave a comment so I know I'm not the only one reading it!