Life in the Manse.

No 'Search & Rescue' Members In This House

2012-01-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

My boys can't find the mayo jar in the fridge, so the chances of them finding a small child in the 100 Acre Wood is slim to none. So, yep, marking that career off their list. They could, however, be Dog Trainers. They've trained me well. If I say, "Clean your room." They know that if they pick up a sock...play XBox....put their pillow on the bed....shoot a nerf gun.....open the closet door....I'm going to march in, scream, "Forget it! Go outside!" and then clean the room for them.

Training is in their blood.

They're really, really good.

As infants, they would whine and I'd drop everything to come to them. No words necessary.

As toddlers, they could bust out a good cry and I'd scoop them up to the Nursery to avoid disturbing the congregation. Only problem was, they were smiling before I made it out the back door.

They've got this down.

So, today, as evidence proved a serious rubber band war goes on in my absence, I thought of our cleaning routine. I tell them what to do. They do it. Next time. I tell them what to do. They do it. When will they catch on for themselves? When will they notice the sock in the floor, the paper on the desk, the pizza under the bed? When will they take the gumption to clean something because they want it clean?

I know the day will come. I saw it in my oldest son. His room was only clean after I'd made a visit in there and then suddenly, he would be vacuuming on his own time. It takes a little bit of maturing and a little bit of getting sick of dirt. And before you know it- you find a good guy where there was a grimy kid.

I think about their souls. They read their Bible when I remind them...they pray with us because we always pray at meals, church time, bedtime, in crisis....they go to church because we load them up and go....they abstain from things because we don't allow them...they partake because we lead them. When will they take the initiative on their own? Have I stunted their spiritual cleaning by doing it all for them?

I pray not.

I pray I'm leading by example. I mop with Pine Sol because I was taught. I wash with Dawn because I've seen it done. I wash with Tide because Mom did. I know bleach will whiten because Maw Maw said it would. I find myself tapping my broom the way my Grandmother did. But it in all, I've found what works. I've what doesn't...and I've made my own 'brand'.

I hear myself praying, and it is the voice of others' in my ears. I raise my hands and I catch a glimpse of loved ones gone. I know the truth is found in the Bible- because my Great Grandfather found it there. Church is a comfort because my family has found it to be so. The way I live, the standards I follow, the joy I feel in my soul....it is not done for me, as a Mother makes the bed for her child. It is buried deep, grown in a well-toiled heart of an honest child. I know my convictions are true. I pray that in spite of all the ways I pamper my boys, they will love the cleanliness of a Christian life and pursue their own path. A path of Godliness and Holiness knowing that while they may have seen their Dad and I live it- they must embrace it themselves and become who God wants them to be. Live how God calls them to live. And work for God like nobody's business.

Who knows, with the amount of 'training' they have under their belts- they just might be the next greatest leaders of our time.

Sweeping and praying,
Sondra

Day 3

2012-01-08T20:33:00.000-08:00

One of my cousins had a sweet little boy, so I painted a banner to welcome him into the world (and our family!)

Actually, I lost the material I bought to make him a carseat tent, so at midnight, I painted this adorable gumball machine to celebrate...my wish for his Mommy & Daddy is that he is as Sweet as a Candy Shoppe!

Welcome William Grayson!

Day 1

2012-01-08T20:27:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from Chance.

Happy New Year

2012-01-08T20:18:00.000-08:00

2011 was a year of change for us. We learned how to live without our oldest son under our roof....we miss him but are SO proud of the husband he has become. Of course, I never doubted he would be anything but a wonderful husband- he has an incredible example in his father.

Larry lost his job in January, but God kept us through a few months of unemployment. During the New Year's weekend, God had prompted us that the upcoming year would be one of change. We had been praying about a ministry in the area of Tuscaloosa for 5 years. This would be the year- but when? After Larry lost his job, we felt the Lord's guidance to jump all in. God opened a job and sent us to work for Him, too. The devastating tornado in April set us to work running full steam ahead.

We haven't slowed down. We are currently waiting on our home to sell and in the meantime are living in an apartment. While we are thankful for a roof over our head we are SO looking forward to a 'Manse' of our own. The Preacher's Home, a place of peace, a place of hospitality....we can't wait to see what it will be like. Until then, I have purposed to make this apartment our home.
No matter how long it takes-(have I ever mentioned that patience is NOT one of my virtues?)

We have a precious group of people who worship with us at Refuge Holiness Tabernacle. God has given us favor in our community and we are so grateful. 2012 only brings me hope. I am super excited when I think of what God is going to do. He has promised us so much, and He is always faithful.

So, from the West home- HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's not every day......

2011-07-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

So I decided to blog more for a journal of sorts.....I'm gonna try.

We have recently moved into a two bedroom apartment temporarily while our house sells. We are learning a lot from this move. The most noticeable thing is that we have too much stuff, or rather, we HAD too much stuff. There are so many things we didn't bring here, knowing we wouldn't have room and I don't miss 'em. It is actually liberating. Now, there are things that we do miss and we will be getting quickly but I am more determined than ever to live minimally (if that is how you say it).

I have learned that I am more girly than I thought. I always considered myself the unfrilly type, and I am too an extent. Having three sons further led me to believe that I was a rough and tumble gal. NOT! We went camping with our best friends over the Fourth of July weekend. We had a wonderful time. The boys (they have two) made some awesome memories....they rode the Sea Doo, the bass boat, watched fireworks, played on the playground, swam, kayaked, caught minnows, learned how to work flint rocks (not my finest moment, there, oooops!) and rode bikes. I think that covers it besides the whole sleeping in a tent and cooking on coals part. They were in HEAVEN....I was so excited to take them since I have wonderful memories of camping with my own family as a child.

Apparently they were pretty good times.

It's ok with me if we start camper shopping. The tent thing is not for me.

Our besties were really roughing it- they stayed for four nights. (But I won't mention that they have a PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER...that should be outlawed....especially if they don't share with their fellow campsite people.

Anyway. I loved being with them and all our kids were there so it was a great experience. But I know that I am a little more girly than I thought. I was a little disappointed at this, but I'm coming to grips with it.

The next weekend, we took the kids to DeSoto Caverns. An amazing display of God's handiwork. I was really shocked at it and especially shocked that I have lived in Alabama my entire life and never gone there. I am making a list of things to do in Alabama and my boys will do them before they are grown. It is my new goal. While at Desoto Caverns, we enjoyed some really cute games. The kids had a great time and it wasn't too expensive. Always a winner in my book.

This week, Jordan stayed with us two nights. It is always a treat to have our 'boy' with us. We love him and miss him when he isn't with us. We went to the Museum of Natural History on the campus of the University of Alabama. It was a neat little museum and the boys really liked it. Peyton and Jordan expressed how much they liked it several times. Gavin thinks he remembers a story that one of his teachers who has passed away told him about a fossil there. All three said it was neat....so I'll give it two thumbs up. Definitely worth the $5.00 it cost us to enter. This evening, we went to Tannehill State Park. We met Christiane, Heidi and Ruby there. Casey & Larry joined us when they got off work. We grilled and the boys fished. Great lazy evening....while we were eating, a doe walked right up to our campsite! Heidi said, "Well, it's not every day you do that!" I smiled at her and thought, every day with you is amazing...but in our effort to keep things 'normal', I refrained. I did think momentarily to the day almost 3 years ago when I saw those four sweet kids walking down the hall to the chapel and I wondered if I would ever see much of them again. These lazy days make me so very thankful that God blessed Larry & I and we are able to spend a lot of time with them. God is SO GOOD! Yes, Heidi, it's not everyday that something like this happens!

-Sondra

2011-05-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday, my cousin got married. He married a wonderful, sweet girl and that in itself may be a whole blog altogether. (I'm SO proud of him!) Clint is my cousin on my Dad's side. Both sides of my family are actually very close and I know that is unusual, but it is really special to me. My Mother and her only sister married brothers- so for years ALL of my cousins were Singletons. That is one reason why my families are close...there are other reasons, but they are complicated! We live in a small town so large families in small towns make for many common friends. My Dad came from a family of 13 siblings. They were very spread out and my youngest aunt has nephews and nieces that are older than her. They are a funny, talkative bunch and somehow our children get into the craziest predicaments. Needless to say, we have a lot of fun whenever we are together. My Mom came from a family of 4, two girls & two boys. We have been very blessed and I love my family dearly.

My Dad's Mother was Bessie. She was country born and bred. Ma Bessie, as we called her, was one of those people who was the same no matter where you saw her. I don't know if she knew that Eleanor Roosevelt said that no one could make you feel inferior without your consent, but that was her motto. She was just as likely to tell the Sheriff off as she was the criminal. (And that may or may not have happened.) She grew up poor, and raised her children by the skin of their teeth- but they were her kids and they were just as good as yours. On the other hand, all children at her house were fair game. If her kids got in trouble, yours did, too. I was a grandchild and have witnessed grandchildren and their friends get a swat from the flyflap or a house shoe! There were always lots of kids to play with and something to get in to at Ma Bessie's. With that being said, my Dad often told me that growing up you didn't come home late. You didn't come home at all or came in early because a late arrival meant you wouldn't have a bed. There were always extra children at the Singleton home. Ma Bessie was always befriending the underdog. If someone didn't have family- they were at our family reunion. I have attended many family functions, Christmas get togethers, Easter, etc. where there was a mysterious person present. Sometimes we found out who they were by the end of they day and sometimes you didn't- but you had better offer them something to eat! I suppose I'll never forget when my cousin Pam was bringing her fiance, Todd, up to meet us all for the first time. Todd was from a well-known family in Mobile and we were all told to be on our best behavior that day. Nothing could happen to run Todd off because Pam was really crazy about him. We walked in Ma Bessie's house and she was sitting in a chair between the kitchen and the living room. She loved this perch because she could see both doors and keep an eye on what was going on. We all said hello and chatted and began wondering where Todd was. About the time we were about to ask- we got out answer. Out came Todd from the back porch with a screw driver in his hand. Ma Bessie was grinning. Todd walked up to her and said, "The screen is fixed. Is there anything else you need?" We all stared wide eyed. Had Todd really just fixed the back screen door on his FIRST visit to Chatom? My Dad did his deep sigh and walked outside, some of the sisters poked at each other grinning. "Mama!" one of the girls exclaimed after Todd walked on out the front door to find Pam, "why did you make him work!" "He walked in and asked if he could do anything and it was broke," she stated matter-of-factly. I ran outside with a few cousins and we all agreed that Todd might come back, but he wouldn't be asking if there was anything that needed to be done, especially if she was cooking chitlins. We had learned that a long time ago ourselves. (Todd is still in the family, by the way.)

But that was how she was. When she passed away, close to a thousand people showed their respects....and the crowd ran the gamut from lawyers to the unemployed. Most of them had eaten at her table and another good number had gotten a spanking by her, but they took time out of their day to say goodbye.

She had many grandchildren that were not born into our family, but she claimed them and treated us all the same. I never heard her call any of them her step-grandchildren. When she married my grandfather, he had 3 children whom she raised as her own. She never called them her step children, either. While she never had a heart to heart and talked to me about this, I took this in. I learned from her example and I am so glad. I would miss out on so much in my future had I not witnessed first hand this kind of total acceptance of anyone who is not blood related. My Dad had brought an army friend up to hunt and fish when they were in their early twenties. Johnny Duggar liked it so much he bought land and built a cabin in the woods of Washington County. Since my Dad referred to his fellow Green Beret as 'Duggar', everyone else did, too. Us kids called him Uncle Duggar, because you had to 'put a handle on' any adults name. Around my aunt Renee's table as we were making the official list for the survivors in Ma Bessie's obituary, I remember several cousins who were in their late teens realize that 'uncle Duggar' didn't share their blood. But we all know that blood doesn't make the family, so he's safe. He wasn't listed in the paper, but he sat in the reserved section.

My maternal grandmother, Jean, has the most loving heart. She has taken care of more elderly people than anyone I know, buying their groceries for them or taking them their medicine. She worked for years in the lunchroom at our public school. If we had every dollar that she gave to a needy child- we'd be rich. No one knows how many kids she helped in her years of working, but she made many children feel special as they walked through the lunch line. Maw Maw Jean likes for us to all be together at the holidays. She loves it when we are all in one place and she hates to think of someone 'not having no where to go.' There have often been extra people at our Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve gatherings, because Maw Maw doesn't want anyone to eat alone. She calls me often to ask about people and worries about those who don't have family nearby. When I was growing up, it was very common for several of my Dad's brothers or sisters to come by to visit with my Maw Maw Jean. She had watched them all grow up and enjoyed hearing about their families. When my Ma Bessie passed away, my Maw Maw became a second Mom to many of them. Thus, I was not surprised when I found out that my cousin, Clint, had asked Maw Maw to stand in as his grandmother on his wedding day.

So, there I was, at my paternal cousin's wedding, watching my maternal grandmother be escorted in. I smiled as I watched her. I thought of what a wonderful thing is was that even though my grandmothers were very different, I was so blessed that they both taught me the same principle. They showed me in different ways that blood wasn't nearly as important as we believed. Through their lives, I know that you can and should love others no matter their background or circumstances. It has been a vital lesson to me in the ministry, but even more so in my own home. I have a child that I didn't birth, but I sometimes forget which one. I have a daughter in law that I love as my own and I am so thankful that I can.

This is the gift that my Grandmothers gave to me.

I pray I pass it on.

TRUST

2011-01-07T14:16:00.000-08:00

Last December, our sweet son proposed to a wonderful girl (whom we already consider our daughter) and we began planning a wedding...Not just any wedding- THE WEDDING. I love weddings, I love planning, I love having something to look forward to. So, we began. Christiane's Mom was a dear friend of mine, and we had often talked of our childrens' weddings. Of course, we didn't know they would be marrying each other! Neat how the Lord works things like that out. I had always lamented the fact that I had no daughter, and therefore, would not get to "DO" a wedding. I often joked that all I had to do was buy a ham for rehearsal and we were ready! Well.......fast forward to 2010 and I found myself getting to 'DO' a wedding. Yay! Christiane knew just what she wanted...well, kinda. She wanted a Christmas Wedding. Snow. Royal Blue. Winter Wonderland.Lots of "WOW!" Christiane and Casey's favorite time of year is Christmas. They love the food, the music, the weather and the family-time. They wanted their Day to be just like that- Christmas Dinner, Christmas Music, Snow and everyone they love to be right there with them. Larry and I promised them that we would help them financially and we would WORK OUR SELVES TO DEATH! And that is just what we did.

Christiane and Casey worked so hard....they planned...they saved....they sacraficed. And in the end-they had the Perfect Day!

In January, we sat down and made a plan of things we wanted to do. Things we HAD to have, things we wanted and things that were options. We made lists, looked through pictures and prayed. Larry and I both felt that God asked us to not go into debt for the wedding. We asked Casey and Christiane to do the same. Of course, they were free to do whatever they wanted, but we encouraged them to stay debt free. I told them how great of a blessing it would be to begin their lives with no debt. We really had not idea how that was going to work, but we agreed. I worked as much as I could to add to the Wedding Kitty. I thought that a job would be the answer. Apparantly, the Lord thought otherwise. I promised Him that I would work as if the Wedding was my job, in an attempt to save money-'earn' my wages by being the Brides' Slave. =)

While praying, I said a phrase that I often say. "Lord, help me to trust You."
I instantly felt the Lord ask me, "What if one of your children needed help trusting you?"

whoa.

I cried.

I cried.

I repented.

I promised Him that I trusted Him.

I changed the way I prayed.

I began praying and telling the Lord that I trusted Him. I know that He knows our hearts better than we do- but I wanted Him to know. Everytime I would pray, instead of begging Him for whatever I needed, I told Him how much I trusted that He would do the right thing would provide in whatever way He saw fit.

He met our needs every time....but not always in the ways I thought....imagine that.

The two main expenses that we had promised were the photographer and the caterer. The Caterer, who happened to be friends of ours, didn't want to tell us a price until they actually 'worked'. We understood, as they didn't want to overcharge, but it made it the day of the wedding before we knew the total. So on Saturday, Larry makes our final withdrawal from our Savings Account. He reminds me that if they need more than that, we will have to get it from our personal savings. Ok...."TRUST"

I suppose you know that when the night was over, we had the exact amount needed. We laid our heads down and owed no one A DIME! We are so thankful. The Lord provided through using others. We had so many wonderful people donate things and many, many family and friends just helped. It was amazing. It was heart warming. It showed us that there are good people in this world. Our Christian family is a WONDERFUL family to be a part of. It taught me a very personal lesson in trust.

God CAN be trusted...and I am forever thankful.

Trigger

2010-08-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a conversation in which one word 'triggers' a chain reaction in your brain and you go off on another completely different subject?.......no...well, ok. I do it and I do it well!

Last night my hubby gets up out of bed...
Me: "Where ya going?"
LW: "This pillow is killing my neck. I'm going to trade pillows with one of the boys."

This statement alone woke me up. Trade with one of the boys- NEVER! (does he know they drool?)

Me: "Uh..OK"
LW: "This pillow is flat and if I put the hiney pillow with it- it's too fat. I can't sleep"
He leaves the room to go do his trading thing.

I begin giggling.

In case you missed it, 'hiney' was the trigger.

We have a temper pedic neck pillow. It is funny-shaped and cream colored and very squishy. We have a son who thinks in a totally different manner than anyone I know. He sees the world like no one else. At a young age, he had an extensive vocabulary and a LOUD voice. He used both VERY frequently. When referring to the temper pedic pillow he chose to NOT use the words, funny-shaped, cream or squishy. He used the word "hiney".....sure enough, after a thorough investigation. The little "Temper Pedic Man" made into the fabric of this pillow is asleep on his side with apparently no clothes on and his you guessed it facing us.

So we now call it the hiney pillow, too.

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em, I say.

So back to why I giggled....it wasn't over the pillow. It was over "Hiney Candy"

Ok. Ok. Here's how THAT story went down.

Every summer, our church has 'Campmeeting'. Every evening before and after church there is a concession stand with hamburgers, candy, chips and cokes. One type of candy that the kids enjoy is these little plastic fruit shaped containers that have flavored powder in them. You know like banana, cherry, strawberry and grape. Cute. So, one evening Peyton is repeating a phrase over and over. My exasperated Mom comes to me....

Mom: "Sondra, WHAT is this child saying!"

(note the exclamation mark-she didn't ask)

Me: "Peyt, what are you wanting"

PW: "Hiney Canney. Hiney Canney"

Mom: "It sounds like he's saying hiney something."

Her voice sounds like she is accusing me of saying bad words in front of my children. By this time, Peyton is crying and getting REALLY loud. (he's really good at it, too)

Me: "Peyton, show Mommy what you want."

He walks over to the candy window. Points. Says, "Hiney Canney....Hiney Canney". I kneel down so that I can see what he is seeing. Sure enough, from his little toddler veiw. The little plastic cherry candy container looked like.........A Hiney.

He got some Hiney candy,

And I got to giggle at midnight!

Love this kid.

2010

2010-01-02T18:58:00.000-08:00

So it is 2010. I'm pretty excited about this year.
I know of 5 weddings we will attend. A few of our friends will become parents! (Yay!) Casey will graduate and Gavin and Peyton will begin new adventures of their own in school. It's all exciting to me.

I don't usually set New Years' Resolutions.....it's just not my thing. This year, I am, however, setting some new goals for our family. Our sons are all growing up, therefore the things necessary to 'grow them' in Christ are constantly changing. What worked last year simply will not work in 2010.

So.....we are challenging our family to minister more. There are so many ways to minister to those around us, and we want to show them to our children. We have lacked in this area, I am afraid. Sometimes we get so busy 'being Christians' that we simply neglect to 'be a Christian.' We don't know how to do it perfectly, but intend on trying until we get it right. We have three wonderful sons with unlimited potential and it is our solemn responsibility to bring it to fruition. I am very excited by the possibilities this year brings us. Very EXCITED!

This New Year brings Hope in the treatment of our Heidi and her fight with Leukemia. During this year, she will finish the current phase of treatment (Consolidation), be reevaluated and begin the next phase. We are HOPEFUL, in faith BELIEVING that all will go as expected and Heidi will soon be Cancer-free! We are so very HOPEFUL for not only Heidi, but so many other brave little souls we have met since October with these dreaded diseases. We constantly pray for these children and ask all our friends to do so as well. Even if you don't know all their names, God does.

We will be welcoming a new member in our family at the end of this year....and not how some might think. Our Casey is getting married!!! We are so very excited about this. Christiane is a wonderful girl, already our daughter in so many ways. She fits into our family wonderfully in a way that only God could have orchestrated. The only thing I dread about them getting married is that they won't be eating supper here every night.It makes me sad thinking about it.

"The Wedding" as it is referred to around here- is going to take place December 4, 2010. We are busy planning and dreaming. Very exciting. We never thought we would have this much input in any of our children's weddings since we have all boys. I must admit- it is SO FUN! We are praying that God will help us to provide for this wedding the way we would like. Marriage is so honored in the sight of God and we are so happy and proud of Casey & Christiane. They are both devoted Christians....and we want so much to honor this on this very special day.

I plan to blog more about this year, so that we can remember some of the crazy times we had planning the wedding.

So- no resolutions, just LOTS and LOTS of BIG PLANS!

So, you're having a little boy....

2009-12-11T09:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Mom-to-be,
I hear you are expecting a little boy. I feel it is my duty to let you know a little of what you should expect. There is a reason why the older generation called them "bouncing baby boys." They are wired differently than we females. I have no idea what type of infant he will be- but after that stage, they tend to all go the same way.

He will learn to use a spoon wonderfully and yet insist on eating his cereal on the floor like a dog. And this will always happen when your Mother-in-law is visiting.

He will eat the entire bag of marshmallows before you get home from the store and you will only find the wrappers stuffed in the Little Debbie box.

He can wipe out 100 freezer pops in a matter of hours and do the same damage to any candy that you have hidden. If it's on the table for them to eat-he won't like it.

He will sneak a whistle to church and play during choir.

He will refuse to potty train until he is ready and it will be over (by this time you will be so exhausted it isn't even exciting.)

As soon as he's trained, he will take every opportunity to show you his new skill......you will never eat a hot meal at a restaurant again.

He will poke his own eye and cry with all sincerity that he now must be a pirate. (You can't laugh.)

He will handcuff himself to the faucet in the bathtub and cry for you to cut his arm off.

He will fall out of the tree house that is humanly impossible for him to climb into to begin with..

He will sneak out of the house and ride his tricycle naked....in the front yard.

He will use the shrubs as his personal potty but only when people are driving by.

He will ask embarrassing questions loudly in any store while you are checking out.

He will have one innocent word that sounds like a bad word and will always say it loudly in public.

He will put the cat in the hamster cage.

He will have an imaginary friend.

He will insist Jesus told him to shut up.

He will use your toothbrush as a toy.

He will tie the bedroom door to the foot of his bed.

He will use your favorite books to build an awesome ramp for his Hot Wheels.

He will scribble in your Bible.

He will draw a horrible picture of you and will be so proud of it, you will hang it on the refrigerator.

You will spend many hours and lots of money to make him the perfect bedroom and he will sleep in box from the dishwasher and declare it the best room ever!

He will sleep in the floor when you throw the box away.

In Kindergarten, he will change his sad face to a happy face on his progress report because he is quiet sure his teacher didn't mean it. In First grade, he will get in trouble at school but declare it worth it because flipping the peas with his fork was fun. In Second grade, he will innocently declare "Love is sleeping together" on his Valentine's Day project and humiliate you forever. In Third grade, he will tell all the teachers that you and your hubby are going on a date and getting motel and he just doesn't understand why. In Fourth grade, he will take a knife to school and show it off on the playground.

He will go fishing and catch himself or you more often than a fish. He will ask you how cool it would be if you were his Grammy and Grammy was his Mommy.

He will urinate outside, anywhere.

He will declare that you dress him like a baby at age 4.

He will hold such a rowdy boxing match in the shower that will make you check to insure he really is the only one in there.

He will put a red crayon in the dryer and you will have pink underwear for months.

He will put the cat in the cooler.

He will keep a deer leg and play with it.

He will find oysters on the beach and leave them in the cup holders in the van. ....remember it is summer time!

He will wear your good high heels outside to get his football in the rain.

He will never know where his homework, shoes or jacket is.

He will get upset every day because you tell him to brush his teeth.

He will somehow get a sock on top of the ceiling fan.

He will get stuck on the refrigerator.

He will break the child proof locks on the kitchen cabinets.

He will eat your vitamins and when you call poison control, you will learn that they call you back in a few days to make sure he is alive.

He will figure out how to undo his car seats' 5 point harness at age 2 but won't be able to tie his shoes as a teenager.

He will sleep in his rubber boots.

He will exclaim very loudly, in a crowded Wendy's "I can't believe I didn't go to jail when I burned that restaurant down." No matter how loudly you try to counteract that statement, you will totally regret having the personalized tag as you drive away. (You will jump every time the phone rings for a few days)........ He will totally steal your heart....and you love every single minute of it.

Love and blessings,

Sondra

The Mommy Poll

2009-09-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

I shot to the top of the Mommy Poll today. The Poll was started by my oldest son many years ago. He would announce, at various times, "You're dropping in the polls." or "You're rising in the Polls, today, Mom!"

Often, a meal was the proverbial 'Deal Maker'. A favorite was good for you and vegetables could make your popularity plummet. So this morning, I skyrocketed thanks to biscuits and gravy!! Yeah! No one cared that it was ready to cook biscuits or packaged gravy mix....I am high in the polls.....but not too haughty. I am fully aware that I'm one 'sandwich with the crust left on it' away from the bottom of the chart.

I'm on the top in the Mommy Poll!!!

Mom

2009-08-19T12:09:00.001-07:00

I haven't blogged in forever, so I decided today is the day! My mind has been lately on the subject of "Mom".

I love being a Mom. I'm thankful I'm a Mom. I became a Mom when I had no idea what I was doing. (I think most of us do.) I became a Mom to a beautiful 5 year old boy who was asking for a Mom. He thought I was an answer to his prayers. (hee hee) The next year a little black haired boy came to us on Christmas Eve. 5 Years later, another black headed little boy was laid in my arms on a Thursday in February. Every time, I wondered if I could love this one, like I do the rest. Every time, I found a little more love in my heart. Because I'm a Mom.

I get tired, I get sick, I get frustrated and I get worried.
I get hugs, I get kisses, I get High Fives and I get text messages.
I get happy.

I recently lost a friend who was a Mom.

She left 4 gorgeous kids who need a Mother. I get worried about them. Because I'm a Mom. But I found that just like when every child is born, your love just grows to meet the new arrival. I found a little extra 'Mom' to pass around. When they visit, I fix their favorite meal. I happen to have an extra hug when I run into them in town. Somehow, I can fit their names right into my prayer time along with my three children.

It's amazing.... because I'm a Mom.

And I don't think a Mom ever has too many children.......do you?

Hijacked!

2009-04-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been "Hijacked"?

Has someone ever hijacked your blog, conversation, uh birthday card?
You know what I'm talking about.
You begin by talking about say...azaleas, and the next thing you know- someone is going on and on about how the current .....Oh, you get it.

Well, it happened to me today and I've just got to share it with someone. Since I have been on a blog hiatus- now is the time to break my silence. I'll probably delete it in a day or so but I've JUST GOT TO VENT. I'm feeling better already.

Today, I went to the Post Office to retrieve my much anticipated birthday card from people I am related to but share no blood. (are you following me here?)
Birthdays and Christmas are the only two times a year we (my lil ole fam) get any special attention (i.e. $$$) from these relatives- SO it is always appreciated. Larry & I went through a spell in our lives when we didn't even want anything from them but now we are older, cynical and say, "Hey, take what you can get." So, we take.

Twice a year.

So as I was taking, I noticed a handwritten note in the card and begin reading it. I was told Happy Birthday. I was told I was loved. I was told I was prayed for and that my nephew got a blah blah blah blah. MY BIRTHDAY CARD WAS HIJACKED!!!!

So, allow me to turn this into a teaching experience, since I am now older and it is my duty to teach the younger.
If you are having a conversation. Posting on Facebook. Sending texts. Sending Birthday cards, etc. Don't veer from the topic.

And, if you are in a situation where you know you (or your hubby or your kids) aren't "the favorites"- hold your head up. Make it your special mission to let them know they are YOUR favorite. I do.

And boy, is it fun!

What TODAY means.

2009-02-23T08:18:00.000-08:00

The 22 day of February.

02-22-00 Tuesday was a horrible, horrible day. Though most of the day is a blur, I do remember the hopeless realization that we would never know our precious baby on this Earth. The pain was unbearable. But the heartbreak has never completely gone away. I can't even begin to describe it so I won't try.

02-22-01 Thursday was a wonderful, beautiful day. Though most of the day is a blur, I do remember the glorious realization that we were given a precious, tiny soul to love!
Peyton Charles West @ 7lbs 15 oz was a perfect black headed bundle of joy! His eyes were so dark they were hardly blue like a newborns. They are still the darkest eyes I've ever seen! I saw him for a second and the nurse took him to the other side of the room to weigh him. I asked Larry, "Who does he look like?" He replied, "Papa Charles." and he still does. He was rightly named. I whispered into his ear, "Jesus loves you. There is but one true God. Mommy & Daddy will always love you but Jesus will always love you more." Everyone who saw him that day fell in love with him but not like his brothers. He grew to be so funny, so stubborn and so very smart. He gave his heart to Jesus this June and has a true desire for God. The things he talks about and the questions he asks are unreal. He is such a blessing to our family and I can't imagine life without him.

02-22-04 During a routine Sunday Night service, God reached down and simply touched me. He healed me of the horrible Depression that had lingered in my life that began in this day in 2000. I cannot explain it. I just know that God touched me ever so gently and I felt Hope that I hadn't felt in 4 years. I felt Joy and I felt that God REALLY, REALLY loved me. I am amazed every day that a few minutes in the presence of God took away 4 years of pain. I praise Him for this wonderful gift. Why, I will never know.

02-22-09 God allowed our church to feel His awesome Love again tonight when He touched a wonderful Saint of God in our night service. It is wonderful to know that God is ever mindful of us and He always wants to heal our hearts, not just our physical bodies.

If you feel or have ever felt the awful hopelessness of Depression- just remember God has a day for you. I don't know the day-but He does.

Hang on.

It is so worth it.

-Sondra

A Tiny Glimpse of Springtime!

2009-02-07T14:13:00.000-08:00

I just LOVE days like today....I've got the radio on while I straighten my kitchen,

The dryer is humming with the last of the hunting clothes to be put away
for another year.

The weather is perfect today, I've got the back door open! Yay! It makes me feel so cheery to have the door open, sun shining in- I hear the birds chirping, the squeak, squeak of Peyton's boundless energy on the trampoline and a dull thud of Gavin's arrows making their way to the bulls' eye.

I just love Spring. We are planning what we want to plant- flowers, tomatos, peppers-can't wait.

Enjoy your springtime- whatever it means to you!

Let's Catch Up!

2009-01-25T13:39:00.000-08:00

So, where do I begin? God has been so real to me since the beginning of this year. I know He hasn't changed- I have. I have purposed in my heart to read my Bible more, pray more and just keep my mind on Him more, and it is working. God is so faithful to meet us wherever we are willing to meet Him.

This weekend we had so much fun with Jordan & Heidi. Christiane & I invited some of their friends over and boy, was it wild! But it was worth it because they had such a good time. There were four 7-year olds, a 6-year old, an 11 year old and the 'Old Guy', Gavin who tormented them all! Actually, he is exactly who you want around when you have younger kids. He can entertain them like no other- he has a gift when it comes to kids. When he was younger, everywhere we went, the children we were visiting would cry and cry for us not leave because they wanted to play with Gavin for a few more minutes. We tell him he has a gift for friendship- and he does. He can make a friend wherever he is and it is a gift. We pray he will use it always for God.

We (Larry & I) are leaving in the morning for Pigeon Forge to attend the Minister's Conference. We are so excited, especially since bro. Troy & sis. Robin are going with us. They have never been and it has been so long since we were there that is going to feel 'brand new' to us, too. My Mom & Dad are keeping the boys. They are the best, because I really never ask them- I just call and say, "We are going out of town so I'll bring their clothes!" Isn't that horrible? Yeah, I hope my kids do me the same way. (I think!)

So she gets to put up with Gavin's not wanting to get up. Blow drying his hair forever, insisting on walking home so that he can go to BP and get a cappuchino with the Gang and his doing his homework (if ever) at the last minute. She gets to endure Peyton's OCD ways when he won't let her sign her own initials to his homework sheet because it CLEARLY states "Parent's Initials", his panics over a snack every single day, his now PROMPT (am I kidding, Christiane?) bedtime of 9:30 and asking you at least 4 times "Is my hair sticking up?" before he will walk out the door. Oh, and if you take him to school- he always thinks he is late. I have gotten on to him so much for accusing me of running him late that he won't say that anymore. Now he just asks over and over, "I wonder if they are still in the Lunchroom?"

Oh, have fun, Mom, have fun!!

Let's don't even go to Casey's quirks. I won't embarrass him but he is a load of fun, too. I will ask this question, How in the world can you wake up EVERY SINGLE DAY with only one sock on? Just wondering?

I will miss my boys and my girl, too. I might even (gasp) be ready for a game of Monopoly when I get back. But more than likely, a good Phase Ten run will do me just fine!

I will miss all of that, though and be ready to return, but for today-

I am SO EXCITED!!

Conversations With Peyton

2009-01-19T14:19:00.000-08:00

Peyton enters the living room with an apple in one hand and a pop gun in the other.

Peyton: Are you gonna eat this apple?
Me: No
PC: Good (tosses it in the air and catches it) I'm gonna eat it.
Me: Ok
PC: When I was outside playing basketball, I saw the lid to the water meter and I opened it and then I smelled my hand and it smelled just like Possum. DEAD POSSUM! So I washed my hands with soap because soap makes you smell good and there is no telling how many germs were on them leaves and stuff.

He then walks out the door crunching on his apple.

So now I'm wondering how he knows what possum smells like.
And how does this kids' mind work anyway?

2009-01-12T08:41:00.000-08:00

I so enjoy reading the blogs of others. As I read them, I always imagine the grand things I will post on my own. Funny snitches from my boys, poignant tales from my marriage or spiritual encouragement from my Lord- alas, when I sit to write, my mind goes blank and nothing of substance is ever posted.

So with this new year, I am renewing my blog goals. I am really, really going to try to post more often and with more 'grit'. So you successful blogger friends, send me some Bloggy Fairy Dust or something so I can do it.

I still haven't decided if I want a journal approach or letter form so today I am going to experiment.

If I were writing a Journal...
Friday, Christiane (my sons' girl friend) got an awesome job. The Lord Himself worked this out for her. She needed a job with decent pay, benefits and good hours and that is just what she got. She is solely supporting herself since her Mother's death thus the need for decent pay, benefits, etc. We prayed for a job with no weekends so that she can visit with her younger siblings. Since I am on the subject, please pray for them. They are doing well, but it is a tough adjustment as I am sure you can all imagine. So that was our good news for Friday.

Saturday, Casey sang in a wedding of two of our wonderful friends. It was a gorgeous Themed Wedding. A "Winter Wonderland". I didn't photograph this wedding and actually got to sit with my husband!! I come home from every wedding that I do photograph and tell Larry how they always make me fall in love again. This one was no different. Seeing young, pure Love is so refreshing. And Casey did AWESOME, by the way. We celebrated Christiane's job afterwards at one of our favorite Seafood Places.

Sunday, We had a great service at our home church and Larry preached at a neighboring church in the evening service. We enjoyed fellowship with our friends afterwards. Larry's sermon was on "Listen". I am often so busy telling God what I want that I forget to listen to Him. I pray my needs and fail to ask God's opinion in my life. Then I get upset when things don't work out. What is my problem? My goal for this week is "Listen". Casey, Gavin & I are reading the Bible through this year. It is so exciting to be doing this with the boys. Each day they encourage me to 'be caught up.' I am so sure we are going to finish the goal, thanks to their prodding. And we all can use some healthy prodding now and then.

This past week also brought Report Card Day! Gavin & Peyton brought home all A's YEAH! Peyton also signed up for the Spelling Bee. Second grade is the youngest you can participate, so I'm sure he won't go very far, but I can't tell him that. He is also going to be VERY upset if he doesn't win. He is so competitive. It is good to be competitive, but we have to work very hard on keeping him level. Speaking of Peyton, I am getting together a post in my head about his unique little ways that I contribute to his being Left Handed. My brother, a lefty expert, says that Left Handed People think differently and I must agree with him on this.

So, I leave you with one of my favorite scriptures, " I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." Psalm 27:12-14

Believe.

Christmas Cards

2008-12-13T10:15:00.000-08:00

Since most of you "Blog Friends" won't get a Christmas Card from the West Gang (only due to my not having your address) consider this your "Official Christmas Card!"

We decided to have a "Blue Christmas" (with a little brown) this year instead of our traditional Red & Green frocks.

We, like so many of you, have had the unfortunate experience this past year of saying goodbye to friends and family so dear to us. Our prayer is that these events have made us more loving

and caring. May the true meaning of Christmas "Love" "Hope" & "Joy" be evident in our lives in this year to come. May we do God's work and show someone a glimpse of our Saviour, born this day!!

Merry CHRISTmas!!

Would you like to help?

2008-11-29T20:23:00.000-08:00

As a Christian, I share the burdens of my fellow brothers and sisters. I know that most people that read my blog are Christians, also, so I have a request. My dear friend, who is also the precious Mother to Christiane (my son's girl friend), went to be with the Lord early Saturday morning. Christiane is in the lovely pictures in a previous post. Please help us lift this family in prayer. Right after Becky was diagnosed with cancer, she and her husband divorced. There are four precious children without a Mother today.

It is said that joy shared is doubled and sorrow shared is halved. This saying is mostly used at weddings, but I feel it can be applied here. Please help us share this burden. While we rejoice that Becky is no longer in pain- we are going to miss her so very badly.

Please add these names to your prayer list.
Christiane (18), Brandon (16), Jordan (11) & Heidi (7) The younger children must adjust to not only life without Mom, but move to a new home. Just please pray. God has not forsaken them. They know He loves them and are trusting Him to help them in the days to come.

Thanks for helping share this burden. With a Christian family we don't have to bear our burdens alone and I am so very thankful.
Sondra

Christmas, Christmas, Christmas with a capital 'C'!

2008-11-14T18:43:00.000-08:00

I know that Thanksgiving isn't here yet. I know. I know. But I am SO in the Christmas mood this year. I want to decorate. I want to cook. I want to eat. I want to entertain. I want to make memories with my boys. I want to relive the Nativity as I remember my little Christmas Babe. I want to sing "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem." I want to hear Whitney Houston sing "Joy to the World." I want to remember when a little boy named Casey sang, "Happy Birthday, Jesus!" I want to go outside and breathe in a cold, cold day. I want to read "The Tale of Three Trees" to Peyton. I want to giggle with my boys as we sing "Nothing Ever Happens to a Shepherd" (because we know that something DOES!) I want to give someone a gift. Oh- I want it all!

Can you tell I'm excited? Well, I am. I have no idea why. We didn't win the lottery or any such like. I can't explain it. I would like to think this is how excited God feels when He thinks about us. I hope He gets excited when He thinks about spending time with me, hearing me sing, remembering times past or when He is just about to give me something totally unexpected!! It's just gotta be.

For some reason, last year after Christmas, I got a wild hair about decorating my house with three trees in a cluster. I wasn't sure how it would turn out, so here are some pics so you can see for yourself. I'm rather pleased. Even my husband said, "I never thought brown could be a Christmas color." I don't have tree skirts around them because I wasn't sure if I would keep them all together, so I didn't buy anything yet. I'm working on it.

So, enjoy a peek inside our home as we begin to celebrate Christmas with a capital 'C'! If you haven't heard GoFish sing this kids' song, you really need to check it out. It's wild but the elementary aged set will be singing it in no time. I'm planning a post on traditions that we enjoy at Christmas. I wish everyone would leave their favorites, too.

Til next time,

Sondra

What a Difference a Day Makes

2008-10-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

This phrase has been on my mind all day today. Fourteen (yes, 14!) years ago today, I awoke Sondra Kaye Si***ton- enjoyed a gorgeous, wonderfully happy day- and went to bed Sondra Si***ton West! Whoa. What a difference a day makes.

When my handsome hubby called me this morning. Yes, called because he is OUT OF TOWN!! I shared this pearl of wisdom with him. We laughed, we got a little choked up and we wished for the weekend. What a difference a day truly makes.

I have had a few other days of note. One, when I was 12. I awoke a stray lamb and went to bed washed in His blood. A few years later, I awoke a hungry Christian, seeking God's presence and slept that night peacefully being filled with the Spirit. I also rested that night a little deeper in His will- having a glimpse of what He asked of my future. Since I got a wonderful wedding gift in the form of an adorable little boy- I became wife and mother in one day. But on another day, I awoke the Mom of one and slept that night in happy delirium as a Mom of 2 precious souls. Five years later, I hardly slept at all when the responsibility of yet another future man of God was laid in our arms. What a difference a day does indeed make!

I have known other days, when sorrow made the difference, but that is another post. Today is a happy day. I am so blessed to be loved by the one who LOVES me. He is a wonderful husband, friend, inspiration, lover, confidant and father. Some say I got it all- the perfect package (home, husband, child) but nothing comes without a price. Our life isn't all rosy or without sorrow, but for TODAY it is!

Today we celebrate what we vowed to God before those who loved us the most. I pray every day that we honor those vows as seriously as we did that Saturday. Sometimes I forget how sacred they are, sometimes my marriage just seems like something that is 'supposed' to be. But it isn't promised to me and I know it. A few years ago, the videographer at a wedding asked different ones to tape a statement to the Bride and Groom. Weeks later, when the DVD was delivered, I watched as MY husband stood in front of the camera saying his congratulations and then his eyes watered, his voice caught and he said, "Cherish your marriage, protect it, fight for it. In the end is the most precious thing you will ever have." I felt so very small. He tells me he loves me numerous times a day. He works very hard and provides for us. There is nothing, when I look around my home, that I can ask him to do-it has already been done. He prays for us and with us. But hearing him tell a happy couple to fight for this precious gift opened my eyes. That is the only way I can explain it. Through all our ups and downs we have enjoyed the precious gift of marriage. A lot of this is due to him knowing how to fight for it. (I'm a slow learner) I am thankful, honored really to have such a great one. I have never gone to bed (even while he was away) wondering where he was or who he was with. Sure, I want to be whisked away to an island for a spa weekend (hint, hint) but that isn't what makes a great marriage. Deep dedication, deeper love and a devotion to the One Who is the lover of all of us. These might scratch the surface to the secret.

So, Happy Anniversary to US! I am so thankful to have experienced a day that made such a wonderful difference!

Love to all,
the MRS. Larry West ;)

Praise for a Powerful Weekend!

2008-10-14T21:20:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was our 2nd Youth Retreat at the church. It was AWESOME. I dare say, better than last years. (And I didn't think it was possible)

Bro. Michael Switzer preached Friday night on "Living Without The Anointing". It was a timely sermon and I truly, do NOT want to live ONE day without knowing God is in my life. I can't imagine the people who have walked away from the Love of God. While I was praying Friday night for different kids in the altar, my mind went to some that I know who did not walk away on their own. I thought of those whose parents had made that choice for them and my heart was broken. Lately, I have had 4 people talk to me about missing what they were raised with- a good, spirit filled life centered around Christ. Those who walked away on their own- I pray that God calls to their rememberence every time they felt the anointing. For those children and teens who had no choice- I pray God puts people in their paths who will witness to them and lead them Home. I prayed that this weekend and tonight (Tuesday)- met ANOTHER person who fits that description! Isn't God good?

Saturday morning, bro. Michael preached on "Being A More Than Average Christian" Oh, it made me want to go that extra mile. As an adult, I thought of all the people who had influenced my life FOR CHRIST when I was a teenager. I recalled pastor's and their wives, fellow friends and other adults in my church. When I was growing up-I went to revivals, Campmeetings and just fun trips with many other people. I want to be THAT PERSON to other young people. I want to be not just another average Christian. It is funny. Average in school is a C. I stroke if my kids bring home a B- so why am I settling for less in our spiritual walk?

Oh, the fun stuff- our teen's blacklight show was OFF THE CHARTS!!!! We played volleyball, basketball, ping pong, foosball, slid on the slide, rode hayrides and ran our mouths!!! It was awesome, good old fashion, bonding FELLOWSHIP. And it was just what our kids needed. I think everyone left better for it.

Sunday morning before we even got to church, I felt the Lord while praying. Larry did, too. So we got to church and He was there! "When We All Get To Heaven" got real for us and boy what a day of rejoicing Sunday became. We had several in service with us who have not made that statement of faith and don't worship like we do, but I looked up one time and saw tears streaming down 3 of their faces! Praise God! I am so glad He finds the time to show us that He cares. He hasn't forgotten one single person who seems to have forgotten all about Him.All morning, I just felt like my heart was screaming-"I AM SO THANKFUL TO BE SAVED!" I can imagine all kinds of horrible sin, but the truth is none of us knows where we would be without God. One family who came didn't have a vehicle and were calling their friend to borrow hers. The little boy said, "Where does she live? I will run to her house and ask her so we can go to church." How precious is that? God loves tender souls.

So-that's my praise.
God is moving.
God has not forgotten one child whose parents' walked away.
People are hungry for peace.
I want to show them His Love.
Do you want to help me?
Love***Sondra

Meet Mingo

2008-09-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

Gavin is participating in "Through the Eyes of a Child" at St. Stephens Park in October. "Through the Eyes of a Child" is an annual event where select children dress in period clothing (1818) and act out a few moments in time. Gavin was chosen to play 'Mingo', chief Pushmataha's son. Although he was a Choctaw Indian, Mingo learned to speak English. He attended school with the white children but often slept. (Great part for Gavin :)) Gavin is going to be the very first Mingo. They haven't had this part before. We are busy researching the life of a typical Indian child and mixing in the facts that Pushmataha educated his children and wanted them to learn English although he never did. He saw the changes coming to his people and wanted his children to be ready for them- can't we all learn from that. I think he looks rather like a child from 1818.
Mingo inspecting his arrowhead.

Mingo 2008 (Gavin West)

Old St Stephens' Day is interesting to me because when you walk out among the trees deep in the forest, it is so hard to imagine an entire settlement now gone. There was a Hotel, Pony Express route, Mercantile, Smokehouse, etc. Now, there is nothing. So, for one day in October, residents can roam the woods and hear a whisper of the past...."Through The Eyes of a Child."

Come if you can.

Oh- I forgot to add that my Mom made his outfit.

Nothing like a sewing Grammy! Thank You.

Finally Friday.

2008-09-26T10:41:00.001-07:00

I realy wasn't rushing Friday to get here- that just sounded good.

So, we are getting ready for our Youth Retreat. Oct. 10 & 11. We are excited. Praying for a powerful move of God. Bro. Micheal Switzer is preaching so his name is going before the throne daily that he will deliver the messages we need. God is always ready for us- we just have to get in tune with Him.

Gavin & Peyton will be baptized Sunday night at our home church. I am so excited about this service. We have been reading scriptures about what baptism means when we have family devotions. Both boys have expressed their understanding, although Peyton's is a little unorthodoxed. He is 7, so I know God is loving his childlike faith. Sometimes our childrens' interpretations of spiritual things are much more intune than we like to admit. I am praying, seriously, that Peyton won't panic at the baptism. It is a possibility that I want to avoid.

I have an opportunity to go to a Ladies Retreat in Indiana. I really want to go, but I don't want to leave my kids for someone else to take care of even if it is their Dad. He can 'do' whatever they need but he can't cook. Also, the nature of his job is a problem because we never know where he is going to be from one day to the next. So, I just don't know what to do.

Well, I have a meeting to go to so I must sign off- I'll post more later!
TaTa

Soaked on Saturday

2008-09-20T20:27:00.000-07:00

Well, we just returned home from a trip to Mobile. Larry, Casey & I went out to eat and do a little shopping. It was so wonderful to get out of the house. I haven't been shopping since June. I think that is against the law, surely!

Right when we were going inside to eat- the bottom fell out. I got soaking wet. The restaurant was cold, of course, so I froze the entire time. After we ate, we went to the mall to thaw out! I was literally shivering. So- super exciting I know- but I had a great day. Now my bed is calling my name.

"What went on."

2008-09-18T19:16:00.001-07:00

Borrowing from my Blogger Buds, I too, shall post What Went On (since it is now after 9 p.m.) on Thursday and they do it on Wednesday.

I took my two little boys to school this morning since Gavin had made an edible cell. This project turned out to be really fun- and sugary! We went with the chocolate chip cookie cell with a bluberry muffin nucleus. Jelly beans, sprinkles & twizzlers were various other parts to our 'cell.' Peyton, my OCD child, does not like to be driven to school. He feels he is late because he isn't in his classroom as early. It takes many explainations that we are ON TIME and still, he does worry. He does not belong to me! (J/K)

When I returned, I cooked hubby & myself a nice little breakfast. I don't like to eat as soon as I get up- so I don't eat breakfast with my kiddos.

We got back on our project we started last night- putting together my computer desk. I am so excited about it. Not only is it going to look great in my kitchen/den, but I can actually have a place for my 'stuff.'

We started this project last night and told the boys they could see it when they woke up today. Well, it didn't work out as planned, but it reminds me of recent warblings of Peyton. He is so into using his new vocabulary words. I think it is so cute. Here are some recent conversations.

Peyton gets quiet the other evening.

Me: Peyton, where'd you go? (you have to ask this if he is quiet- he is his own soundtrack if you know what I mean.)

Peyton: (with head resting in his palm): I'm just sitting here being tranquil

Me: Well, you sure are.

So today....

ME: No, the desk isn't finished and let's not touch it because it isn't very sturdy.

PEYTON: Oh, I see. It is fragile.

ME: Yeah- you could say that.

PEYTON: Well, I'm just wondering if there is going to be any precipitation today.

ME: The ground already has a lot of dew- so that should do it for today I hope.

Is that hilarious or what?

So, I worked on organizing my little area. I cooked lunch for us. I delivered some photo buttons I made for various folks. I picked Peyton up early from school. He hates this also, but he needed it today. We ate a smoothie and had some Mom & Me time. When Gavin got home, he and Larry worked on planting green fields to feed the deer. They worked very hard and got home in time to scarf down my supper. Hamburger steak, mac and cheese, Northern beans- in case you were wondering. I continued to work on my kitchen. (I have a lot of stuff apparently.) Casey came home from his night class and now we have brushed our teeth, said our prayers and they are reading which turns into bedtime.

In the morning we are having a Chicken and Dumpling Plate sale at the church. We will be cooking/delivering around 100 plates to various businesses in town. We are raising money for our Youth Retreat that is coming up. We will also be checking in on my best friends son who is having a minor heart procedure in the morning.

So, I guess my busy day is over. I love to stay busy without feeling frazzled. Tomorrow will be frazzled. I'll let everyone know if I survived!!

Today we praise the Lord for :

a good report from Bro. Bill's heart cath,

great grades for Casey & Gavin,

a wonderful day yesterday and today with my hubby

Nighty, night!

Recent Raves

2008-09-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

A few Recent Photos worth Raving about- or at least to me they are worth it!

I have a photographer whom I greatly admire and this picture is almost worthy of her page! She inspired me to do something fun with the rings at a ceremony. Since I don't wear jewelry, I usually forget about the "Ring Picture" ooops. So, I decided to not leave out the rings this time and look at this shot. The Bride & Groom had the rings tied to this pillow at the podium and they untied them when the time came for the vows. It was very sweet and beautiful.

I need to work on this lighting a little, but I'm getting closer to what I want- anyway Constance & Randall are simply adorable getting all smoochy 'hiding' under there!

Country people require country photos. Yes, those are live sheep grazing in the background!

A little Bulldog Pride.

I know I've posted it below, but just in case someone can't scroll down.....- here are two awesomely gorgeous kiddos in love.

I'll be posting some fun photos soon. These were 'for real' ones!

September 11,

2008-09-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

Bro. Bobby Smith, my Dad, and Casey during the Pledge.

Peyton and his flag and button proclaiming "I LOVE THE USA!"

Our county/town had a small ceremony commemorating Patriot Day. Larry, Casey & myself attended it while Gavin & Peyton were in school. Here are a few pictures from our day. I want to never forget September 11, 2001. It is truly a day our world changed and could have changed greater than we can even imagine.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

I'm Bored...

2008-09-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

I can not stand to hear one of my children proclaim, "I'm bored." In my opinion, it is a sign of bad parenting (not all the time, of course). I feel that if my children had enough work to do whether it be fun work (play) or real work (chores) boredom would be banished FOREVER!
Alas, I hear it every now and then but this morning was a new one for me. Peyton has had a bout with insomnia latley. I'm not sure what has brought it on, but it is here and with a vengence! Sunday night, he fell asleep in church (which I don't like, but happens nevertheless) so of course he had a hard time falling asleep at home. I did my usual 'keep him up a little later' routine but he came in our room twice during the night. I finally went in his bed with him so we could sleep. I felt so sorry for him, espcially when he proclaimed, "I didn't even think about it when I fell asleep in church that I couldn't sleep at home!" He was pitiful, so I just held him and he did, eventually fall asleep. I let them sleep in a little later and drove them to school. So, I haven't let him take naps in the evening and put them all to bed a little earlier thinking it would help- it did. Until last night. Peytie got out of his bed around 2:00 a.m. I heard him (how can I when I can't hear the alarm?) So I woke up hoping it was just a bathroom run. He stood by my bed and said words I have never heard at 2:00 A.M.

ME: "what's a matter, Peytie?"
Peyton: "I'm bored."
ME: "You're bored? You are supposed be sleeping- it's not very interesting."
Peyton: "Well, I'm bored tonight."
ME: "Go talk to your Dad."

So, he goes on the other side of the bed and Larry, naturally, just pulls him in the bed and there we slept. (Or rather, attempted to.) Casey said all this counting sheep is sooo boring! He's such a kidder. I have no idea what is means, I suppose it seemed a better answer than the usual, "I can't sleep."

So- sleeping is boring now. Who knew?

Saturday

2008-09-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

Today Dove Season began. Around our house, that is how time is measured. How many days till ____Season or how many days until it goes out, etc. So, starting at lunchtime- my home is full of dove hunters. They have practiced and got the guns sighted in so today is reckoning day. We will see if birds will be on the grill tomorrow or not!
I just finished up a photo shoot with three small children. It was exhausting, but not as bad as some. I can't wait to get a good look at the pictures. I LOVE photographing children. It is my favorite 'job'.
We had a fun family night last night. It isn't often that we are all together with Casey working and going to school, so last night was a welcomed treat. We just played some card games and joked around with each other- but that is top notch entertainment to me. Our boys are so stinking funny! We laughed last night until I thought I would cry. Maybe soon I can post a few of the crazy things they say so you will know what in the world I'm talking about!
Well, I need to sign off here and decide 100% what I'm cooking for supper. Our friends are in to visit and we can't wait for a wild night with 4 boys- age 2-12! Oh, what fun!

Casey & Christiane

2008-08-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

Casey & Christiane's first "real" portrait session.

Here are a few pictures from Casey & Christiane's last weekend together before college.

Casey's Senior Portraits

2008-08-12T15:53:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of our oldest son. He is a joy and a wonderful big brother!

I decided to post some of Casey's SR Portraits so that I could learn to post pictures on here.

I hope you like!

A Lazy Day

2008-06-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

This is my first blog on here. I am really trying to see what all this is about, so the blog isn't going to be too terribly interesting. Casey is gone to Camp in Illinois. Gavin is gone to 4H camp. Peyton is the only one home, so it has been relatively quiet around here. We kept our neighbors 9 month old for an hour. It was soo sweet to have a little one around- I actually miss it. Peyton thought it was great! He wanted him to spend the night. Larry didn't have to leave, so we have just spent the day hanging out. On the bad side, I didn't do a lot of housework- only dishes and clothes, so tomorrow will be busy. My floors need mopping, etc. Well, that is it- we are getting ready to go to church!!