Skunk Screen?

That is what I said- Skunk Screen! That is what Gavin called the sunscreen I needed to put on him! "But I don't want skunk screen". After some correction and explanation as to what sunscreen was for and that it would enable him to spend much more time outdoors he was all for it.

My mistake? Never leave a boy alone with a bottle of sunscreen and the promise of more time outside. I guess he thought the time he got outside would be proportionate to the amount of sunscreen he put on because here is what I caught:


I am sure I don't have to tell you that his feet were not burned that day!

Memorial Weekend

Although almost a week late here is a run down of our Memorial Day weekend events.

We have been waiting for a good time to make Mamaw her "rock" for her garden to go along with all the other grandkids so this was as good a time as any to get to it. We also had one to make for our flower bed. Here are a few pics of the process and of the finished product.


It was really HOT so I decided to get out G's new pool that I (thankfully) got on clearance last year. Luckily we have an air compressor or we would still be blowing air into that thing! Once up and running there was no stopping the boy. He loved the ladder and the slide and the basketball goal.


Unfortunately, so did Jack. After an entire 3 days, the entire thing is nothing more than a pile of memories waiting to be taken to the trash dump (can anyone say carbon footprint?). It was fun while it lasted! Mostly for Jack and Gavin!

The Signs of Summer

Nothing like a little warm weather and lots of water thanks to this seasons "monsoon" to bring out every form of bug life imaginable. It just so happens that the bugs like Gavin as much as they like momma. Even with a layer of bug spray he still managed to get quite a few bites- especially on his face. Never fear! Calamine lotion aka "dots" helped out greatly. And of course made for a great photo op!


And what little boys scrapbook album would be complete without the requisite "undies" pictures to torment him with later?

Should I Stay or Should I Go Now??

Ok- you must think my whole life is a continuous montage of lyrics running in my head but I can't help it.
Here is my perdicament: K and G are going on a fishing/camping trip with my dad tomorrow and I am conflicted as to whether I should go or not. On one hand the thought of getting some me time and some things done that are a bit harder to accomplish with the boys here is very inticing. On the other hand, missing out on G's adventure and being away from the 2 of them for 2 days and nights makes my tummy hurt. What is a girl to do?? Comments not only welcome but in this case needed!!

Great Gift!

The last day of preschool was May 21st, and it was bittersweet. I had so enjoyed getting to know Gavin's teachers as well as my time in the Bible Study that was also going on on those Thursdays. But, at the same time the fact that Gavin has made it through his first year of preschool for those 2 days a week and had such a wonderful experience I didn't want his time to end. He LOVED school!
We were so blessed to have been given and end of the year gift from Mrs. Virginia and Mrs. Carrie. It was a wonderful scrapbook of Gavin's year. There are some FANTASTIC pictues in there. I kept everything that was sent home in a 3 ring binder as well and to have both of those to give to him when he is older means a lot to me. I am so thankful that they took the time to document his year in a way that I couldn't.

Lunch with Mommy and Daddy (and Clifford?)

Kris and I got to eat lunch with Gavin at school. Of course, we brought Wendy's! It was the next to last day of school and also (unfortunately) the book fair. Let's just say they made some money off of momma!
That morning at drop off, Gavin spotted Clifford. He was so excited but when I asked him if he was going to talk to him and he let out a resounding "NO"! Luckily by lunch time he had gained enough courage (probably due to his friend Jake) that he was ready for his close up with Clifford. Even though the picture looks a bit like they were super-imposed, I am so glad we got one!

What's Up With that Look??

Love this pic and had to show it- boots, clothes, hair, but what is with the look??

At the Car Wash yeah!!

As many ATV's and ATV type vehicles that Gavin has, I guess it was just a matter of time before Gavin would turn our backyard into his own miniature car wash. I am all about cleanliness but he is taking it to a whole new level! He washes them for what seems like hours and then washes Jack (the dog). Now, if I just just harness some of that for the future......

End of School Garden Party

For Gavin's end of the school year party for preschool, we had a Garden Party. Here are a couple of the different invitations that I made to send home to the parents.


We had such a great time! First we decorated our sunglasses, because you HAVE to have on shades to work in the garden.

Then the kids got to plant a flower after decorating their clay pots and the mess was FANTASTIC!! Some of them were afraid of making a mess but once they got going there was no turning back!

We finally got to the pinata and I never knew it would be so hard! That thing just did not want to burst open. I finally had to start tearing it a bit each time becuase after 9 kids each getting to hit it 3 times, we were ready for the goodies to hit the floor!


After some dirt cake with worms the kids were treated with a goody bag that contained a metal bucket, gardening gloves, 2 metal gardening tools, a packet of sunflowers to plant and a water bottle.
I was so proud of how it turned out and how much fun the kids had. I was just sad that the school year was over!

Changes...

I am sitting here trying to figure out how to start this post. The truth is I just can't think of a good way.
I have been going to NorthPark Baptist for over 2 years now and LOVE it! I taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, did anything I could do and still have time with my family. But Kris didn't go with us and it made me miserable! I prayed and prayed about him going and then realized I was the problem. I was not letting him be the leader and at the same time I was being selfish by wanting to hold on to all the "things" I did at NP. So now, we are attending Heritage Methodist where Gavin goes to preschool and it has been such a change. It has only been a few weeks so it will take time to get into a routine and to even decide if that is the place for us. But we are going as a family and that means the world to me!

I miss NP and all my friends and "family" there, but I also know that they have been praying for this too and sometimes God doesn't answer in the way we think he will or should. I know we will keep in touch and still see each other.

April Books

So, here it is May 16th and I am just now posting the books I read for April. I have been so behind on blogging... both reading and "writing". But I did keep up with my reading. Got to have some relaxation mixed in somewhere!

Freakin' Fabulous by Clinton Kelly. LOVE What Not To Wear with Clinton and Stacey so I had to read this when they got it at the library. It obviously doesn't fit in too well for this area but I was not disappointed!

How to Behave So Your Preschooler Will Too by Sal Severe. I really got a lot out of this book. The author really did a good job of explaining the workings of the preschoolers mindset. It also helps you to remember why you love being a mom in the first place!!

She Said Yes by Misty Bernall. Get the Kleenex out on this true story written by a mother of a Columbine victim. At the time I checked it out I did not realize it was around the 10th anniversary of the Columbine shooting. What was so awesome about this book is the fact that the girl had come from a very similar place that the shooters were at. The lengths that the Bernalls went through to get her out of that place was incredible!

Lucky by Alice Sebold is another heart wrenching read. It is a memoir in which Sebold tells about her rape and eventual recovery as well as all the in between. Very hard to read at times.

Hypoglycemia for Dummies Maybe because I had to lighten up the reading a bit or because I felt like I needed a refresher course (since I suffer from low blood sugar).

Sunday's At Tiffany's by James Patterson. Let me preface by saying I have never read anything by James Patterson that I didn't like. Let me also say I have never read any of his thrillers. Having said that, I really don't know how I felt about this book. It was ok, not the worst thing I have ever read-as some people have said after reading it- but it was a bit kooky. Basically, a little girl has an imaginary friend in her childhood, a somewhat miserable mother, and ends up that the "friend" was not so imaginary after all when they see each other when she is an adult. Without giving anything away that is all I can say. So, I wouldn't buy it but if you've got some extra time on your hands.....

The Middle Mom

I am ashamed to say I thought I already posted this! (issues anyone??)
Anywhoo, you need to check out Southern Fried Girl's post titled The Middle Mom for a giveaway and some great information for anyone thinking of adoption or becoming a foster parent. Honestly, I hope I win, but I will spread the love and spread the word just the same!

Let Me Introduce You to My Friends!

I have 2 new friends in my life as of Friday and I must say I couldn't be happier! They are quiet, they clean, and they make my life easier! With that let me introduce them to you:


Maybe not quite what you imagined but let me tell you, they are fantastic! We really only needed a new dryer but the difference in our old set and this new High Efficiency Amana is incredible!
Thanks to my hubby for taking care of the "details". He even washed a few loads of laundry in the process!

Green Living

I am not as green as I would like to be but I am trying. In the spirit of living green I wanted to share with you a contest to enter from HGTV for the Green Home Giveaway. I get the HGTV newsletter and I LOVE the ideas and great giveaways. Click HGTV and enjoy!

Great Coupons!

I LOVE coupons! I LOVE getting a deal and finding the cheapest prices. It is almost an obsession. I stock up on things for baby showers, bridal showers, birthdays, you name it! So I was really pleased to find this great set of coupons to print and I wanted to share with you. Click here to go to the Kraft website.

The things a Man will do for His Kid

If these pics can't tell you how much my hubby loves G then nothing will. Kris had something just come over him and he had to create this "carnival ride" in our backyard.
First, he had to climb the 2 trees to put up the rope.

Then after G patiently waiting- finally: THE RIDE!!



After a long hard day of swinging and thanking daddy for the new addition here is what we ended up with!

What a great day!