All in the family

I love play dates. The kids have something to entertain them and as long as there aren't any major meltdowns, we mom's get a chance to visit with GROWN UPS! On Monday, we had a great play date at Jaime's with our cousin Jina. I hadn't seen her in forever and it was a great time. I didn't get any pictures of the little ones, but the big kids sure had a blast!

Super Beck

Taxi Beck

Swingin' Scarlett

Hide and Seek Ashlynn

the best shot I could get of the big kids

Scarlett, Beck, Ashlynn and Mark

Let's do it again soon guys!!

A Memoir...Tag

OK Amy, this one's for you!

1. Write your own six word memoir.

2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you want.
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere.
4. Tag at least five more blogs with links.
5. Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play

"You can never have enough shoes"

Honestly, I love shoes. I come by it naturally. My mom loves them and while Jaime is more of a purse girl, she loves shoes too. But, in all seriousness I guess shoes could be a metaphor too, for life and the different roles we have as women and friends. I am not really good at getting deep and philosophical so these thoughts will probably be all over the place and may not even make sense. I guess I am happy I have so many different shoes because I never know which pair I will need...the old gross pair when doing dirty work, or the fun leopard pair when I'm out with friends. These shoes support me and have taken me many different places. I've been to the hospital to visit friends in these shoes, to church in these shoes, on dates with my husband, and on trips to the zoo. I can never have enough because you never know where life will take you and you may just need a new pair to get you through the moment! 

OK  now that I'm done, this kind of sounds like "Life is like a box of chocolates..." sorry~

I now tag: Lisa, Jaime, Shannon and Julie

Scarlett's first love

Scarlett

I have to say one of the best presents I've ever received was this past Christmas from my parents. It was a DVD player for the car. It has saved me in traffic jams and has distracted Scarlett from many a melt down. We don't let her watch it all the time, though, because we like talking in the car. She says some pretty cute things, and without Clark, or laundry, or life distracting me we can actually have a conversation. Here's one we had today:

Scarlett: Mommy, the flowers are so beautiful

Me: Yes, they are Scarlett

Scarlett: God made the flowers

Me: Yes, He did. What else did he make?

Scarlett:CANDY!!

Last weekend Brody needed to go run an errand. Here was his conversation with her:

Brody: Scarlett, do you want to go to Circuit City with me?

Scarlett: YES!! I do want to go. I'm so excited!!

(after getting ready...on their way out the door)

Scarlett: Bye, Mommy, we're going to the circus!

...uh...I think she may have been a bit disappointed. I guess I can see how Circuit and Circus sound alike. Lucky for her, Brody stopped at McDonald's on the way home.

And, on kind of a random note, Scarlett and Beck had the best time playing today. The weather was beautiful and they played outside a lot. They also made playdough. They were having so much fun they were even kind of cooperative for pictures.

making the playdough

having a great time

showing off their playdough (and muffins)

Good times

A couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to meet some good friends for lunch. I taught school with these ladies, and miss their company. I taught fourth grade with Cecilia and Heather, and Katie taught second. After Cecilia and I had Dylan and Scarlett, we quit and ditched poor Heather. Thankfully, Katie moved up and taught with her until they both quit and had their babies. They are a fun group that will for sure keep you laughing. It's funny how four years ago we were childless and teaching and now we have 6 1/2 kids between us. (Katie is expecting her second son this summer) We were missing Heather's baby Bryce who was enjoying a visit with his grandma at home, and Scarlett (the only girl of the group) who was at Mother's Day Out. Thanks for the fun, girls...let's do it again soon!!!

Clark, Daniel, Cecilia, Dylan, Heather, Samuel and Katie

Clark and Daniel are fast friends already

Heavy Heart

Normally I post about the kids or what's going on around here because this really is meant to be my journal for them. However, I have not been able to get something out of my mind and so I think today I will share it.

A while back I got an email about a little boy named Ethan Powell. At his two month well baby check up, it was discovered that he had leukemia. He was not supposed to live past the next 72 hours. He was sent to St. Jude and fought 14 more months before passing away this past Saturday. I don't think I have ever been so sad to hear of a passing of someone I didn't even know, but his mom or dad would update their website daily, so I did feel as though I knew them. Throughout the whole ordeal, his parents never seemed to waver in their faith. I know we are all human and have doubt, but honestly, they seemed confident that God would heal their child on this earth. And, while God answered no, they still seem from their entries to be strong in their faith. I have to say I have been reminded of a lot from this family. 

I am reminded that God provides. Sometimes I get so caught up in material things, that I forget God is enough..but He is.

I am reminded that prayer unifies us. It is amazing how many people from all over the country prayed for this family, and are still praying for them.

I am reminded that God is in control. It makes me feel silly to worry about little things when I think of the big picture.

I am reminded that God can do great things through children. This little boy touched many lives, and even though we didn't get the answer we wanted, God used him and his family in a mighty way. I think in his sixteen months here on earth, he probably brought more people to Christ than I have in my 33 years. 

I am reminded that having a Christian family is an awesome thing. I cannot wait for the party we will all have in Heaven.

This story has just really touched me. You can read more about them at www.ethanpowell.com

or at their church website www.aplace4u.org

Our new favorite

Clark is pretty into these puffs. I don't know exactly how many he crams in, but he sure does like to try.

And, apparently, they aren't just for babies anymore...
I think more made it on his clothes than actually in his mouth, but he had a great time and I was able to get the kitchen cleaned :)