Little things

Today I got a reminder that God is concerned about the little things that make me worry as well as the big things. Ella and I were going to Aldi's to get a few groceries. By the way, Aldi's is one of the cheapest places to buy food. Not a huge selection, but definitely great prices. Anyway, I was half way there when I realized that I did not have a quarter. Why did I need a quarter, you may be asking. At Aldi's you need a quarter to use a shopping cart, because they have the quarter thing on the carts so you will return them to the cart corral so you can get your quarter back. I started stressing about how I would get a cart. I realized that I had 3 dimes, so my plan was to go in and ask the cashier for a quarter for my 3 dimes. I didn't have to because God heard my prayer that I didn't even realize that I had prayed. There was a cart sitting there with a quarter in the slot. The quarter is what releases it from the other carts. I was totally blown away. I know in my heart that God will supply my every need, but sometimes my head doesn't get the message. I am so glad that he loves me so much that He will use things like a quarter to show me. I really needed the reminder, because the big stuff is really starting to wear me down. This reminder just lets me know that He cares about it all, big and small.

More pictures!

Here are some random pictures from the weekend and of the girls.

Ella and Grandpa at the soccer field.

Thank you for taking care of me while Mommy and Daddy were coaching. I love you Grandpa and Grandy! Love, Ella

"Can we go home now? I am so hot!!" Poor Ella Bella!

Grace and Charlotte- The Scooter Babes!

"CHEESE!!!"

Soccer Superstar!

Jonathon is playing soccer with Victory Sports this season. He is doing great! Here are some shots from the latest game.

Go Jonathon! Take it to the goal!!

Okay, Dad, I mean Coach. I will try harder.

Good game everybody!!

Ella's BFF

All of us girls know the importance of a best friend. Ella figured that out from the get-go. Ella's BFF is Julianne. Ella calls her "Juli, Juli" and she calls Ella, "Ella, Bella". They are way cute together. They do all the BFF things girls do - they hang out, share clothes, have lunch and fight. Here are some shots of their day at the soccer field Saturday. It was hot, so they took refuge in "Juli's" van. They had air, a movie and cheetos - what else could you want!

Ella- "Did you drop your sucker?" Juli- "No, I think I see something we could eat!"

Ella- "Mom! We are hungry! " Juli- "Giggle, Giggle!"

Ella- "Snack time is the best!" Juli- "I love Cheetos!"

Big week for Big Jon

This morning at church, Jonathon got baptised. It was so cool to see him make such a public statement about his faith. He is such an awesome kid! I was the way proud mama with tears in her eyes. Way to go, Big Jon! Jonathon turned 10 and walked through the waters of baptism all in the same week- I can't wait to see what the next month holds!

My Stroller!!

Ella's latest obsession is taking her stroller with her when she goes to Cindy's. This morning she went out the door at 8:15 to head down the street. Preschool doesn't start until 8:45! I got her to hang around by taking pictures- she loves to "look at it".

Here is stroller, baby and juice-everything you need for a day of fun!

Ella, come back!

Bye, Mom! Love you!!

Ella- "Is it time to go yet?" Mom- "Not yet."

10 Candles!

Last night we had cake for Jonathon to celebrate the big 10. His friend Alec came over and helped us eat half the cake! So much for the diet!

Grace, Jonathon and Alec patiently waiting for me to light the candles.

Look at that cake! It is supposed to be a football. Jonathon said, "It's not perfect but it's still good, Mom" Gotta love that boy!!

Blow!!!! He blew all 10 candles out with one breath, Good Job, Bubba!!

Happy Birthday Jonathon!

In 1997, I gave birth to the sweetest baby boy. He was big- 8lbs. 10oz- and looked just like his dad. Tomorrow, that baby turns 10. He is still big -5 ft. 1 in.- and still looks just like his daddy. It makes me a little sad that my little boy is growing up. I think it is that way with all moms. But with each bit of sadness comes a lot of pride in the young man he is becoming. He is kind. He is one of those kids who wants to be friends with everyone and it makes him sad to see kids left out. He is the first one to invite people to stay for dinner (usually without asking me first, so I freak out about enough food, when I should be learning from his example). He is a wonderful big brother. Sure, his sisters get on his nerves sometimes, but he loves them and protects them like a big brother should. October of last year, he gave his heart to Jesus. Wow! Talk about a moment for a mom! It is so awesome to know your child is also a child of God and his eternity is set. I realize that his time left at home is shorter than the time he has already spent here, but no matter how old he gets, (or how big!) he will always be my little boy!

Jonathon loves science! When we went to the beach, we went to the aquarium and he was totally in his element. We had our own tour guide!

As you can see, they really do look alike!

Jonathon makes us laugh so much! He enjoys life! My dad used to tell me that I had a tickle box and sometimes it would fall off the table when I couldn't stop laughing. I think Jonathon has one of his own!

I thank God every day for the three wonderful children he gave me. Jonathon, we love you very much!! Happy Birthday, Bubba!!!!

Wal-Mart

As some of you know, I have boycotted Wal-Mart after my awful checkout experience and my husband sent my tirade to the corporate head quarters. I thought nothing would come of this and once again I was wrong. (I can say that to you, not to Les!) I came home on Monday and had a message on my machine from the assistant manager at Scary Wal-Mart. She wanted to speak to me about my experience a few days ago at their store. I was floored! Don't get me wrong, this does not change how I feel about the SWM, but I was a little impressed that all of this had gotten back to the right store and they were doing something about it. I couldn't call her back at that moment and honestly forgot about it until she called me back later. She asked me to tell her what happened, so I did. She was very apologetic. I told her if the cashier had made an effort to apologize or assist me in righting the bag she dumped out, I would have been fine, but none of those things happened. She asked me if I would reconsider shopping at their store and I told her that I honestly didn't see a reason for me to come back. I told her that my experience was so bad, that I didn't think I would be returning. She didn't really know what to say. I honestly think she thought if she called and apologized that I would forget everything. I am all about forgiveness, but this may take me a little longer. She asked if I had my receipt, but I have already threw it away (who keeps a receipt that has already cleared the bank and you don't intend on returning anything?) I do not want this lady to lose her job. I would like for all of their employees to be more aware of how they are treating the customers who in the end are paying their salary. I may return to the SWM one day, but I will more selective of my choice of checkout. And if something like this were to ever happen again (God forbid!!!), I won't be leaving the store until the manager and I have a conversation, crying Ella or no crying Ella!

High School Musical 2

My kids totally love both High School Musical movies! Right now, HSM 2 is their favorite. Ella, more than the other two, is obsessed! She asks to watch it every day. Today, I was putting a CD in the DVD player downstairs for us to listen to during lunch and she started jumping up and down and clapping because she thought it was HSM2 movie! She even knows the order the songs come in, because today we were listening to the sound track and Charlotte tried to go back to "Fabulous" -side note, you should see Grace sing this, she thinks it was written for HER!- and Ella had a fit! She knew the order of the songs! I guess there are worse things my kids could be watching and listening to. If you haven't seen the movies, you need to come out from under your rock and watch them, they are really good to be kid movies. I can hear my brother and dad now, GROAN!!

This picture has nothing to do with this post other than it a great shot of a "Fabulous" Grace!

I can't believe he did that!

Les came home yesterday and told me he sent a copy of my Wal-Mart rant to the corporate office! (See earlier blog, "Stupid People, Once Again!") I can't believe he did that! One, I didn't think he really ever read my blog and two, he is Mr. Easy Going, so things like that just don't get to him like they do me. He said he even added his own comments. The one that he told me that I wish I would have thought of was, "I didn't realize that low prices meant low service". You go Les!! It times like this that you realize your day to day grind really does matter to your hubby. I feel really loved, almost cherished!

Ella Bella

I was trying to get a good picture of Ella for the blog (for my mom!), but who knew it would be so hard!