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Monday, June 28, 2010

Where Did the Years Go?

I heard a man read this today and as I listened I sobbed! Wow! I'm so guilty!

Dear Ann Landers:
Where Did the Years Go?
I remember talking to my friend a number of years ago about our
children. Mine were 5 and 7 then, just the ages when their daddy
means everything to them. I wished that I could have spent more time
with my kids but I was too busy working. After all, I wanted to give
them all the things I never had when I was growing up.

I loved the idea of coming home and having them sit on my lap and
tell me about their day. Unfortunately, most days I came home so late
that I was only able to kiss them good night after they had gone to
sleep.

It is amazing how fast kids grow. Before I knew it, they were 9 and
11. I missed seeing them in school plays. Everyone said they were
terrific, but the plays always seemed to go on when I was traveling
for business or tied up in a special conference. The kids never
complained, but I could see the disappointment in their eyes.

I kept promising that I would have more time "next year." But the
higher up the corporate ladder I climbed, the less time there seemed
to be.

Suddenly they were no longer 9 and 11. They were 14 and 16.
Teenagers. I didn't see my daughter the night she went out on her
first date, or my son's championship basketball game. Mom made
excuses and I managed to telephone and talk to them before they left
the house. I could hear the disappointment in their voices, but I
explained as best I could.

Don't ask where the years have gone. Those little kids are 19 and 21
now and in college. I can't believe it. My job is less demanding and
I finally have time for them. But they have their own interests and
there is no time for me. To be perfectly honest, I'm a little hurt.

It seems like yesterday that they were 5 and 7. I'd give anything to
live those years over. You can bet your life I'd do it differently.
But they are gone now, and so is my chance to be a real dad.

My "thief of time" may not be a "job" outside of home, but I can think of lots of 'things' that steal me away from my kids. I needed this reminder of just how quickly time goes by!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Summer fun!

It stinks being the little sister...NOT really!
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I was saying, "Just try it,you might like it." She was saying, "NOOOOOO!"
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In my kiddos eyes, there is nothing better than playing with Mamy & MamyK!
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Please remember to pray for my sisters! They are in Ukraine on a mission trip! I am excited for them, but I'm already ready for them to be back in this country, in this little town, with this little family! We kinda really like em' and miss em' a bunch!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

A careful man I must always be...

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A careful man I must always be,
a little fellow follows me.
I know I dare not go astray,
for fear he'll go the self-same way.
I cannot once escape his eyes,
what'er he sees me do he trys.
Like me he says he's going to be,
this little chap who follows me.
He thinks that I am good and fine,
believes in every word of mine.
The base in me he must not see,
this little chap who follows me.
I must be careful as I go,
through summer sun and winter snow.
Because I am building for the years to be,
this little chap who follows me.
Read by Coach John Wooden
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I am blessed with a husband who not only loves me, but also loves his children with all his heart! And who wants to raise his family in a way that will honor Christ! In my eyes, and in two little ones' eyes, we couldn't have any better! We love you and are so, so very proud of you! Happy Father's Day!
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And to my Daddy, Happy Father's DAy! Thank you for loving me unconditionally, and teaching me respect, honor, & character. But above all else, thank you for raising me in a Christian home where Godly values were taught, prayer was essential, and church was not an option! I love you!
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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

11 months


At 11 months Sassy:
*weighs 17 lbs.
*wears size 9-12 months
*LOVES to eat! {most anything}
*has blonde hair
*is a little pee-mite
*pulls up and stands on her tip-toes, but still no walking
*waves bye-bye
*working on blowing kisses
*gives kisses
*wants to be independent
*is VERY sassy!
*very bossy!
*spoiled rotten!
*sings & mumbles when you sing to her
*loves her bot-bot{blanket} just like her brother loves his!
*loves her Daddy!
*loves her big brother!
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I am still in disbelief that my baby is going to be a year old next month!!! It is unbelievable! I feel like literally it was just last week that I was sitting around praying that God would hurry up and let me go into labor!! WoW! Time is FLYING!!!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

87 Years!

I NeEd a new camera...PLEASE!!!
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Granny celebrated her 87th birthday! WoW! She still lives by herself, drives herself around, dresses up so pretty EVERYDAY, and loves her family like no other! She is a sweet, sweet lady who lives her life for Jesus! Everytime I go to her house she has her BIBLE open on her couch right beside her! I love that~ Thank you Granny for your sweet spirit, bright smile, and loving words of encouragement! We love you! Happy Birthday!

We surprised her with a birthday party and had lots of friends and family help celebrate!
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One of Granny's neighbors...
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All of Granny's great-granchildren...Take #1:
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Take #2:
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Take #3:
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Love you Granny!

Friday, June 4, 2010

It's HOT y'all!

Wow! Summer is here!!! It is hot and we are sweating! I have a little boy that loves the outdoors---hot or cold, makes no difference to him! The rain has kept us in these last few days more than usual but we're not complaining. My flowers are lovin' it and so will my checkbook when the water bill comes!

John Luke attended Mother's Day Out one day a week this past year and he absolutely loved it! I was very apprehensive to start with. Don't really know why. I guess the Motherly fear of all the 'what if's' but I'm really glad we jumped in and did it! He has learned soooo much that he wouldn't get here with me. Kids seem to learn much, much better in other people's classrooms. For some reason Mama's Class just ain't always as much fun! And he needed the social interaction as much as anything else. {You know, he's a lot like his daddy in lots of ways, and the lack of desire to socialize is def. one of those ways!} I'm very thankful for such a good program at FBC and for the sweet workers that enjoy my kids as much as they enjoy being there!
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We took advantage of the sunshine Tuesday and enjoyed a fun day on the beach with some sweet friends. John Luke is not a fan of the beach water, so he usually hangs out in the sand. {I can't say that I blame him. I'm not a fan of the beach water either, and it's lots easier to keep my eyes on him when he's right next to me!}
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I was so happy sweet Will was there to play with. John Luke loves the older kids, and Will is one of the sweetest {and prettiest!} little guys I know! Thanks Will!
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Andrew was enjoying getting sand in all his little cracks:)
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This is what we do after one of those HOT days in the sun. Nap! This day he was napping with BABY. I asked him what her name was and he thought for a minute and said "Baby".
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I wondered if John Luke had gotten a hold of her with his rake...
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Hope you all are enjoying your summer and staying cool!