Pictures!!

Here are some new shots of the kids.

Grace and Ella are usually ready for a photo shoot, but as you can see, Ella's face is dirty and their room is a mess. Oh well, real life caught on film!

Cool Breeze says "Cheese!"

Ella and her baby, she loves him soooo much!!

Jonathon and Grace getting ready to go to town. He is so tall!

Grace and Daisy- Daisy looks so enthused to be having her picture made! Check out Jonathon's big feet in the background!

Ella loves Daisy

On Halloween, Daisy hung out in the driveway to help give out candy. Ella thought she looked thirsty, so she brought her water bowl to her. Ella loves Daisy- a sweet little girl and a sweet old girl.

In a Frenzy!

Today, I did something I have never done before. After church, we went to Rock Hill for lunch and then went to Lowes to get more gardening supplies. After Lowes, Les wanted to stop at the BP to check the air in the tires. As we were driving to the air pump, he pulled up to the vacuum, and said "is it running?". I said yes and he told me to jump out and start vacuuming the van. So the vacuuming frenzy began! We vacuumed like two Merry Maids on speed!! It was hilarious! I know anyone who saw us must have thought we were insane. The funniest part was we actually got more than half the van vacuumed- for FREE!! Too funny!

Girl Fun

Saturday, I took care of my friend Shannon's girls (she has 3!) and here are some of the camera worthy moments!

Grace, Ella and Draye see how many girls can rock the cow at once while Charlie watches. Whee!!!

Ella and Baby "Almond" lounge on the giant stuffed dog. "Almond's" name is really Autumn, but when Ella says it, it sounds like Almond. Too cute!!

Daddy Time

Les was out of town this past weekend (actually it was Thursday morning until Sunday night, but who is counting) and the kids missed him something bad. Ever since he got back, they have been glued to his side. Tonight they all played video games together, too cute. By the way, Grace beat Dad, 1-0 in Backyard Baseball, but Dad beat Jonathon in Star Wars Battlefront.

Funny Comments

My kids say the funniest things! Last night, Jonathon realized he had forgotten to do one thing of his homework - a pretest for spelling. He said and I quote, "its still R controlled vowels, and honestly, I am getting tired of them." I just shook my head! Then today as we were leaving BSF (Bible study fellowship), Ella and I were walking across the parking lot and she turned to me, with a shocked look on her face and said with all seriousness, "where is MY van?" Once again, I just shook my head.

Mommy's little helper

Ella is going through a phase where she wants to help me with everything from the laundry to making beds. I think it is cute until I have to redo everything two or three times. Here she is setting the table- Ella style.

Birthday Blessings

Yesterday was my birthday- I know that explains a lot! I am a Halloween baby! Even though yesterday was hectic- it always is-, I still found some things to be truly thankful for!

Three things to be exact- Jonathon, Grace and Ella!

Trick or Treat!

We went on the hunt for candy in our neighborhood and had a great time. Les stayed in the driveway with the candy and Cindy and I set out with the 6 kids. They were all excited until at the 2nd house we saw a kid in a scary costume and then Ben and Josh were ready to quit, but thankfully they persevered. After one loop (1/2 mile), Cindy and I passed the older kids to Les and we took over candy duty. I am convinced he has the easier part of the bargain!

Jonathon- the football star!

Ella- the Hershey's kiss! Too cute!!

"Fair Lady Grace" ready for the masquerade ball.

Waiting for someone to answer the door!

Can you say relaxing?

This weekend I got to do something I have never done since having children (my oldest turned 10 in September!). I went away for the weekend with the girls. My friends Laura, Susan and I went to the beach for the weekend- no kids, no husbands. Between the 3 of us, we have 10 kids under 10. We had a great time! We shopped, ate, ordered room service, stayed up late, slept in, got pedicures and massages, and laughed. We laughed so much! We ate at restaurants with cloth napkins and multiple forks. I went to a store and did not have to take someone potty. I ate dinner and did not have to fight with a 2 year old. I woke up because I wanted to and not because someone needed some juice. I watch something on TV that did not involve cartoons or singing men from Australia. Did I mention that I needed this? Don't get me wrong, I love my family and I love taking care of them, but everyone needs to recharge. Some of the highlights were ordering 3 types of dessert from room service last night at 11pm and not caring that you shouldn't eat all that sugar before bed and going in a store and looking in your department for new clothes (I did buy the girls clothes and Jonathon a hat, hey! what do you expect, I am a MOM!). We went to Ben & Jerry's and I got an ice cream cone of Chocolate Therapy. OH MY! Everything good about chocolate was in that ice cream. So good!!! This morning I got a pedicure. I love pedicures, but due to a small budget, they are a rare treat. It felt so good and my toes look great! Thank you to Les for taking over while I was gone- he really did a good job- and encouraging me to go, because he loves me enough to know that I really needed it. As we were getting Susan's stuff out of the car, we decided we would probably make it until spring before we needed to go again- 5 months and counting!!

Can I speak to Grace?

Today we entered a new era in our home. The phone rang and it was a little girl and she asked for Grace. I thought it might be one of the girls in the neighborhood(there are tons!), but it was one of the girls in her class, Gabriella. Grace was adorable walking around the house talking on the phone! They talked twice for a total of 45 minutes! Grace told me after she was done that she would be saying things like, "Mom! I'm on the phone!" Sadly, I think it will be a lot sooner than I want.

A Hug

I am sitting in a playroom that is in total disarray looking at things on the computer when I should be cleaning the playroom and I hear a little voice. It is Ella singing Twinkle Twinkle to her baby doll. She sings off key and with a southern twang, but I have to say it is one of the sweetest sounds I have heard all day. After a hectic morning- running late as usual, and a fight with Les over the phone that ended with him hanging up on me, God knew I needed a hug and today He sent it in the form of a sweet 2 year old serenading her baby doll. He couldn't have picked anything better!

SOCCER!!!!

The Comets- Isaac "Hammer", Coach Amanda, Lizzie, Rylee, Christopher, Justin "Batman", and Mackey. We are missing a few in this picture- Amy and Lana.



Yesterday was the last day of soccer at Victory Sports. This season I head coached a 5K team (the Comets) and assisted coached a middle school girls team (Sweden). What a great season! The older girls improved so much! They also, more importantly, learned to work together as a team. My little guys were awesome. They tried their best every game and by the end of the season they were playing like pros! It totally blows me away that God uses 5 year olds to touch people! What an awesome group of kids! I will miss them, but I am sure I will see some familiar faces when basketball starts in December!

Happy Birthday, Ella!!!

Today, my Ella Bella turns 2! I can't believe it! This has been the fastest 2 years of our lives. Ella was a surprise, a true gift from God. But she has made our family complete. We love you, Ella! Happy Birthday!!

One year ago! My how you have grown!!

Ella was a little unsure about her hairdo. Too cute!!

Ella's favorite phrase is "Hold you!". Too bad she will grow out of that. :(

Such a joy to spend the day with!

Our big girl! We love you, Ella!!!

Telling the Truth

Yesterday, Jonathon had a school project where he had to do a commercial for a section of the library. His section was Religion. He was so excited and immediately knew what he wanted to do- share about Jesus! We worked on it little by little for a week and yesterday was the big day. He got up and talked using a microphone and speaker ( I know some of you are laughing because no child of mine would need a microphone to be heard :) and told his class about the Bible. He told them that it is God's word and it is TRUE! Can I get an Amen? He also told them that it was about the life of Jesus and it told us how to be Christians. He then proceeded to read them verses about being a Christian. He started with John 3:16 (For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him would not perish, but have eternal life.) Then he read John 14:6 (Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me."). His last verse was Romans 10:9 (If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved). He ended by asking if anyone had any questions and letting them know that they could talk to him anytime. I am so proud of his boldness for Jesus! It takes a lot of courage to present the Truth to your friends. He was a little discouraged that no one asked questions, but I told him to be ready, the questions may come weeks down the road. For him one of the coolest parts of the whole experience was all of the people that prayed for him. God is so good and it blows me away that He wants to let us be a part of something so big!! Jonathon taught me a big lesson about listening and obeying the Holy Spirit. We not only need to hear that little voice but we need to do what it is telling us.

Being Thankful

Over the last few days, things have been hard. My husband and I know that God is stretching us and that He has a plan, we just don't know all the details. But, going through things like this makes you realize what is important and what you have to be truly thankful for.

I came up with a Top Ten:

1. A husband that understands it is more important for me to be at home for the kids than to be working outside the home for more money.
2. A son who is a beam of light in a sometimes dingy world. Jonathon loves life and enjoys every minute of it. I guess Mom could learn a thing or two!
3. A daughter, Grace, who is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Today she wanted to take a walk so we could talk like me and Cindy do in the mornings.
4. A daughter, Ella, who needs me. She uses this phrase as an excuse to not do things, but I know she really needs me, and it touches my heart.
5. Friends who love me and know me well enough to see through the "everything is fine" face I put on. It is easier to talk about it if someone else starts.
6. A dad who always took my side and loves me so much that he understands why I have to live so many miles away.
7. A mom who has become one of my best friends. I never understood what being a mom meant until I became one and now I know how much mine loves me.
8. A house to raise my family in. God gave us our house. No question about it.
9. A church that is exactly where God wants us to be.
10. My Lord and Savior- He gave all for me, someone so unworthy!

Sleeping Beauty

Ella goes to Cindy's while I teach preschool and on this day, she decided to catch a few ZZZZZ's. Cindy said she climbed up in the chair with her "lankies" and went to sleep. Too cute!!

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!