Haley's Day

Last night was the graduation party for my niece Haley. On Sunday she will graduate from Carmel High School with approximatley 1000 classmates. (Thank goodness her last name starts with a B and not a Z!)

I remember very vividly the day she was born. My first niece, my brothers first baby. She was a big deal. It has been a joy watching her grow and change. Didn't hit me till yesterday when I was in the card aisle at Walgreens. First card I read I had to choke back the tears. Crazy.

As I left last night, Kent made the comment that he hopes he can hold it together tomorrow.... my reply.... you won't. The bond between the two of them is probably the strongest father - daughter bond I have ever seen. He has done a great job with her. She's a beauty... inside and out.

Here are some pics from last nights event... Enjoy

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Thinking Thursday...

Thursday again already... wow!

I think time just continues to fly by...

I think I am very excited to be going to Indy tomorrow for Haley's graduation party...

I think it is unbelievable that she is 18 and graduating...

I think I am dreading getting everybody up and out of here in the morning...

I think that Austin's game tonight was great - we won 16 - 6...

I think so far the boys are doing great on their chore lists for the summer...

I think it's crazy that it is 10:00 and I am just now going downstairs to start making shirts...

I think I am tired of thinking!

Holiday World...

Well, today was the Beta trip to Holiday World. For those of you who don't know what happened after last weeks heartbreak, Ethan gave me the ok to go after some friends at school covinced him he would hardly see me. Not quite the way I would have like to have been invited, but I'll take what I can get these days.

It turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day. Not too hot, not too cold and so sunny and bright. The park was not at all crowded, so the kids got to ride to their hearts content with virtually no lines at all.

Austin was my date for the day. I decided, at Aaron's suggestion, to really spend some quality time with him while we were there. Being one of the "middles," as I call him and Jaden, he rarely gets me all to himself and vice versa. We had a great day... We laughed together, rode rides together, and at one point almost hurled together... Basically we just hung out. He is such a great kid and very cool to be around.

I kept my distance from Ethan. When I saw that he was eating a funnel cake for lunch, I fought the urge to go lecture him into getting some real food... When I saw a group of girls from another school asking him his name and then whispering and giggling about how cute they thought he was, I bit my tounge and did not tell them to stay away from my baby... When he whizzed by me and said he was riding the Legend for the seventh time, I did not caution him on the dangers of whiplash... So all in all, I give myself an A+ in self restraint for the day.

So now, at the end of it all, I am exhausted... All my precious babies are in bed sound asleep. For reasons to numerous to mention, this day meant the world to me.

Slim in 6 update...

I am nearing the end of the Slim in 6 program I blogged about a few weeks ago. I only have eleven days to go. So far I have lost approximately 8 pounds and 10 inches. I have literally watched myself shrink. I am sure I have lost a lot more than eight pounds, but have gained a lot of muscle.

I tried on many of my summer clothes over the weekend. It was like Christmas! Clothes that I have not been able to get into for the past few years are now loose. I am amazed at the results I have been able to achieve in this short amount of time. I am also amazed I have been able to stick with it.

I feel stronger... I have more energy... I sleep better at night... And dare I say.. I have a slight bit of upper ab definition.. OMG! Everything the program promised, it has delivered. I still have a few pounds and inches to go before I reach my goal, but I have no doubt I will get there. I plan on ordering another BeachBody product after I finish this program. They have made a believer out of me. Maybe I'll send in my "before" and "after" photos.... or maybe not!

Diving In...

What a great weekend... Took a litle blog vacation and spent some much needed time outside. Also spent a little too much time in the sun and got really burned! So now as I am typing this, I am wrapped up in a blanket shivering.

The pool water yesterday was at a very comfy 85 degrees. It felt great! Ava, the daredevil, was convinced that she should be able to dive right in like the big boys. So there was a lot of screaming and fit throwing till we convinced her she couldn't. One big mouthful of water settled her down a little. Finally, outfitted in her built in life jacket swim suit and pretty pink floaties, she learned to be content sitting on the steps pouring water in and out of cups while yelling "cannonball." At least she was in the spirit of it. She will be a worry all summer. She has no fear.

Jaden was slow getting back into the whole swimming thing, but it didn't take him long to pick up where he left off last year. Austin did countless flips and flops of the board. Ethan spent most of the day on a four wheeler. Too cool to swim these days I think.

Summer is here as far as the Jones' are concerned and we are diving in head first. Cause before we know it, it will be a memory.

School's Out!.....

Well, as unbelievable as it seems... the school year has come to another close. I swear they go by faster every year.

Today, as soon as he got off the bus, Austin did what has become his traditional dive into the pool, fully clothed, shouting NO MORE SCHOOL! (Ethan would have accompanied him, had he not been at baseball practice) Today, the water was acutally warmer than the air, so it felt pretty good to him.

And so it goes... the start to a new summer. I have already printed daily chore lists for the boys, in an effort to keep myself from becoming a total slave. (more than I already am anyway) We'll see how long that lasts...

Awards night tonight. Ethan has moved up to the big leagues you know. Will be interesting to see how that goes. Will fill you in tomorrow...

With Hope...

I am adding a second post for the day. Steven Curtis Chapman is and has always been my absolute favorite contemporary Christian artist. You may have noticed a few of his songs on my playlist. Christy forwarded me a link to his website today. Apparently his 5 year old daughter was run over and killed in the driveway of their home yesterday.

The song on my playlist entitled With Hope, is from his album from several years ago entitled Speechless. Ironically enough it talks about the death of a child and the hope that we as Christians can cling to in the wake of such a tragedy. Click on it to listen. It is chilling to know that he is now living this song. Extremely prophetic.

Kind of puts your life in perspective when you realize the horrors that others in the world are going through at this very moment. I am going to go take a quiet moment to hug all my kids and tell them I love them and most importantly to thank God that I still have them all.

http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/

Thinking Thursday...

I think I am still reeling from yesterday's heartbreak...

I think it is so precious when Jaden and Ava hug eachother over and over first thing in the morning. They really miss eachother during the night...

I think last nights American Idol finale was the best one yet!

I think it is hilarious that both my and Christy's phones went dead from texting so much and that I had to empty my inbox twice during the show...

I think I am a little disappointed that David A. did not win...

I think Bryan Adams looked great, but I am really worried about George Michael. He did not look well at ALL! I fear four letters...if you catch my drift.

I think I am super excited tomorrow is the last day of school!!!

I think this is going to be a great summer...

I think I am a little bummed my small group got cancelled for tonight...

I think I like the new hair color, cut and highlights I got today. Although I think it may be a bit bright and bold and a tad bit short, Ethan didn't think so and said he liked it.

I think I better get off the computer and figure out what I am going to feed all these people...

Till tomorrow.

Heart Break...

Ok, so today... I got my heart broken. I was asked to chaperone Ethan's Beta Club field trip to Holiday World next week. I told the Beta Club sponsor I would go home and find a sitter for the little ones and let him know for sure tomorrow.

I figured out how to make it work with Jaden and Ava, even though it is going to be a 13 hour day... (leaving at 7:30 am and returning at 8:30 pm) So I decided to say yes, and thought it would probably turn out to be a really fun day.

On a whim, I thought I better clear it with Ethan. Just to make sure he was ok with me being there, feeling certain he would say "sure mom, that would be awesome." Quite the contrary. Instead I got a deep sigh and the words "gosh mom, you're putting me in a tough position.... I really don't want to hurt your feelings but.......

Ouch! Dagger to the chest. I smiled though, and said, "gee Ethan, I didn't mean to put you in bad position. I didn't think it would be a big deal." His response..."I just really kinda would rather go by myself."

Double ouch! This is my baby... My firstborn... the one I have the special bond with.... The one that still hugs and kisses me in front of everyone... including his friends! I am the cool mom... not the mom to be embarrassed to have along. OMG. It will take me awhile to recover from this one.

Just when I think I have a handle on this whole growing up thing...I get thrown a curve ball. This one came out of nowhere. I guess maybe somewhere deep down I knew this day would come. Sometimes I operate in denial mode, cause its easier to deal.

This was a breakaway moment between us. I hope I recover before the next one comes along.

Awards day...guitar lessons... ballgames.. oh my

Today was a typically crazy Tuesday. What is it with me and Tuesday anyway. Yesterday was an unusually crazy Monday... That's why there was no blog (Evan!) It is the norm for this time of year.

Austin's awards day program was this afternoon. It lasted a very long time. Austin received awards for all A's in every subject, every grading period all year...except for Reading (drat that B+ first grading period!) He also got an award for all A's in conduct all year. I am particularly proud of that one. He is a good boy.

Then we flew to guitar practice, then flew home and changed, threw down some food and hustled to the ball park for pictures and a game. We made it on time and won the game. Bonus.

Then it's a mad dash home to make it in time for American Idol! David Archuletta should be the winner hands down. I was disappointed with David Cook. Bad song choices on his part.

Now it's bath and bed time. Then up early for Austin's mock trial at the courthouse for the LEAD program. Then back home to make shirts.

Three more days of school.... three more days of craziness.... then we can all take a deep breath and relax....Or maybe not.

Battle of Wills...

Isn't she sweet... Isn't she precious... Oh look, how cute... Boy does she have you fooled!

My Ava is the most strong willed child I have ever know. It is her way or the highway. I have not raised her any differently than my three boys, but she is a different breed. She is a girl!

Today we butted heads for 45 minutes... FORTY FIVE MINUTES! She demanded pop. I said "say please" she said "uh.. no" I said "say please Ava".. she said "NO" I said "you have to ask nicely Ava and say please" she screamed with arms crossed "NO!" This went on and on... I went to the bedroom, she followed me screaming. I went to the kitchen she followed me screaming... I went outside, she followed me screaming! I told her calmly she could have the juice that was in her sippy, but no pop until she said please. This only ticked her off more. She threw herself to the ground kicking and screaming until she could hardly catch her breath.

By this point it had become a battle of wills. I knew I could not back down from her and give in or she would have won the battle and the next time, she would expect to have her way. All three boys tried to reason with her to no avail. I have never in my life seen a child as stubborn as her.

Finally, over an hour later, she came in from outside in a better mood and said "pop mommy please." (deep sigh) I won this battle... but it will take years before we see who will win the war.

Ready for Summer!

Finally! A nice day. It was about time. May not be so nice tomorrow, so we will enjoy today.

Today we turned the heater on in our pool. It is open and ready to go as soon as the temp. comes up. We love this time of year. The anticipation of the summer... the pool parties... vacation... the cook outs...

Usually we have already been swimming by this time. This has been such a cool, rainy spring. Hope that doesn't mean an extra hot, dry summer!

Here are some pics that really put me in the summer mood! (click on the bubbles to see them:)

Make a Smilebox postcard

First Dance...

Tonight is the end of the year 5th and 6th grade student council dance... That means the first dance for my Austin. Seems like only yesterday, I was dropping Ethan off for the same occasion. I must admit... I shed a tear or two on the way home.

Austin is a pretty laid back kid. Hasn't talked about it much and doesn't have a "date" (thank the lord). I am sure he will have a great time with his buddies, eat a lot of snacks, and come home sweaty and wore out, just like Ethan did.

This is the beginning of a whole new set of "firsts" for Austin. Thankfully, I have been, or am currently going through, the same things with Ethan. That makes it a little easier. Still, these are my babies, and with every passing "first", they need me a little less. Scary.

My boys are growing up way to fast. I am trying really hard to savor these moments. Tonight, as I watch him walk away from me for his first dance in the multipurpose room,... try as I might... I am sure I won't be able to help but think about the fact that one day... I will be watching him walk away from me once again.... to his "first dance"... in a reception hall.

Thinking Thursday...

I think preschool graduations are the cutest! Jaden's was today. Since he has one more year of preschool, he didn't "graduate" but his BFF Levi did... and it was very sweet.

I think I can't take much more of this rain!

I think Ed is the greatest cause he fixed breakfast for supper and started a trend.

I think my Slim in 6 is really working! 5lbs and 5 inches in 2 1/2 weeks!

I think I am very excited that tonight is the season finale of Supernatural!

I think it is crazy that there are only 6 days of school left.

I think it is even crazier that my boys are going into the 6th and 8th grades!

I think I can't wait till my mom comes down next week.

I think Christy is awesome and good for my ego!

I think I have the tiniest, cutest, little orange headed girl in the world

I think it's pretty cool that my dad calls quite often and tells me how proud he is of me (I love you dad!)

I think it's time to put babies to bed...

Till tomorrow.

20 years and 4 kids later...

For those of you who don't know the story...When I was a senior in high school, Aaron was in the eighth grade. I used to make fun of him practically on a daily basis, usually in the cafeteria or as I passed through the band room 7th period. Funny... even though I know he wasn't the only little geek I made fun of, I remember him vividly.

Fast forward three years.. I had graduated from college and was back home. I had been riding around town most of the evening on a Saturday night. Just as I was about to head home... a brown cutlass pulled up beside me and rolled down the window. I could not believe it was Aaron. He and the guy with him asked if I wanted to take a few laps. I said sure and squeezed in between them in the front seat. By the time the night was over... I had decided that maybe Aaron wasn't such a little geek anymore.

Now... 20 years and 4 kids later, here we are today... on the 20th anniversary of our first date. TWENTY YEARS! I can hardly get my mind around that. I have now spent literally half of my life with this man. God brought us together... of that I have no doubt.

We have had way more than our share of ups and downs. There have been times when either one or both of us have wanted to throw in the towel. But, prayer is a very powerful thing, and thankfully, we worked very hard to get past the dark years to get where we are today. And where we are today is better and stonger than ever.

So Aaron, I know you are reading this, I love the life we have together. I would never have believed twenty years ago that we would end up here. Blessed beyond belief... watching our FOUR gorgeous children grow. I am so excited to see what the next 20 years will bring and am so incredibly thankful I get to spend the rest of my life with you!...... I love you this much <> on a backwards scale :)

Winding down...

The boys and I always countdown to the end of school.. First we guage it by how many Monday's we have left. Usually we start when there are about 6 to go. Then as the time draws closer, we count the days. We started this week with one more Monday and 9 more days! Wow! This year has been a blur.

I love the last day of school. I know a lot of parents dread it. Even though my work load will most definatley increase, as will the noise level, and the food bill, etc... I love summer vacation.

This summer, my goal is to spend more time with the kids doing fun things. Last year we were so busy with the business the summer went by before we even realized it was gone. We are actually twice as busy with the business this year than last, but are much more organized and time efficient. We have our family vacation to Florida coming up in 3 1/2 weeks, but I also want to make a trip to the Louisville Zoo and Holiday World, and a couple of trips to Indy to spend time with mom (aka Mamaw Gregory).

So here we are in the wind down phase of the school year... music programs, honors programs, awards night and such. It is an exciting time. Think back to your own school years and channel that excitement and share it with your kids!

Nothing is more important to me than my family. Here are some pictures that mainly came from my phone. Isn't technology the greatest!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Mother's Day!

I spent the better part of my Mother's Day without power. Went off about 4 or 5 in the morning, came back on around 10:30, went off again around 1 and came on again about 6:15. My family and I had a lot of quiet time today. And it turned out to be kind of nice.

Without the usual distractions, we all worked together to clean the house. No complaining to speak of from the boys, cause they had nothing better to do. We talked a lot. Laughed a lot. And except for the sudden panic by my two oldest at their realization that we couldn't use the stove and or microwave to fix any food, it was a great day.

I talked to my mom on the phone. Wish I could have seen her, but she will probably make the trip down from Indy next week.. I was glad to hear that she got to go out to eat with Kent and his family and that she had a good day also. I know she is reading this... I love you mom! And when you tell me what a great mom you think I am... it's only because I have a great example.

Tonight I will give my step mom a call. I am sure she is having a good day because my little brother is home for the weekend. She will most likely be reading this also....I love you Jules, you are the best!

Mother's Day is pretty cool.... the parade of cards, the extra attention, the extra effort to make mom happy, the extra hugs and kisses and I love you moms.... All in all, even though the weather was yucky and the power was out... It was a lovely day.

Freaked Out Friday...

This morning started out crazy. Had a deadline to meet for work. Got a frantic call from Austin about 8:15. There had been a pretty serious accident in front of the school. Barely able to talk, he said "mom, there was a bad wreck at school" I said ok... do you know who it was. He said...after a long pause... "Mom, it was Becky." You know that sick feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when something bad happens...That was me at that moment.

It took a long time for him to get it all out... but eventually I figured out that Becky was not in the car, but her son (Austin's best friend) and her little brother were. Her step-dad was driving them to school.

Long story short... the day was filled with worrying and praying and praying and worrying. I felt much better once I had been in contact with Becky. The injuries to the boys for the most part were not too terribly serious... Certainly not as bad as they could have been. Her step-dad on the other hand is still in the hospital.

Today has been a stressful day for Becky... but she is strong and her faith will carry her through. Today, she and the rest of us, were reminded that life can be forever changed in an instant. And we should never take that for granted.

Today, I am thankful once again. Thankful for Brandon, and for Jondavide and for John, and for Becky.

Thankful Thursday...

Still a little overcome by yesterday's "God Moment" as Christy calls it... Today I am thinking about how thankful I am....

I am thankful for a loving God who guides me and gets me through each day...

I am thankful that He hand picked the person I would spend my life with...and that person came with wonderful parents...

I am thankful for healthy, beautiful, happy, loving children...

I am thankful for teenage drama and tiny red-headed spitfires and everything in between...

I am thankful for my mom and my dad for loving me no matter what...

I am thankful that I have the two greatest step-parents ever who love me like their own...

I am thankful for my grandma who has prayed for me every single day since before I was born...

I am thankful for a big brother I worship and a little brother I adore...

I am thankful for wonderful friendships...

I am thankful that all of these above mentioned people are healthy and happy...

I am thankful I live in a country where I am free to be thankful...

Take a moment today and think about it... There's so much to be thankful for.

Perfect Profile...

This morning as I sat at the computer having my morning coffee, my little Jaden came tip-toeing into the room. Hair a mess, blankey in hand, eyes barely open he says, "mommy would you lay with me."

I carried him to the bedroom, lifted him up into my bed, covered him up to his neck, and snuggled in beside him. He smiled and closed his eyes, and was soon back to sleep, safe in mommy's arms. As I lay there looking at his precious face, I thought about the first time I saw it.

Ultrasounds are very exciting. I should know... I have had about 50 of them. Out of those 50 or so I had four favorites. Not what you would expect though. It wasn't the moment the tech said "It's a boy!" "It's a boy! "It's another boy!" "No wait... this one is a GIRL!" With each of my kids, my absolute favorite moment was at about 16-20 weeks when they find that perfect little profile shot. The one where you say to yourself... "oh my gosh... that's my baby in there" The one that makes you realize how miraculous what is going on inside you really is. The one where you fight back tears and are in awe of the power and majesty of God.

This morning as I watched my baby Jaden sleeping, I fought back those tears once again. Such a beautiful creation he is. What an awesome gift he is. What an unbelieveable responsibility God entrusts us with. No matter what I have going on in my life or how busy I am, my most important job is raising this tiny boy the way God intended when he gave him to me. I believe I had this quiet moment this morning so God could tell me just that.

And no matter how big or how old my baby Jaden gets...whenever I look at him, I am sure I will always be able to see... that perfect little profile. And I am thankful...

Daily Rules...

Received this as a forward in my email this morning. Since Tuesday's are my crazy day, I thought it was an appropriate way to get things started...

1. Wake Up!!
Decide to have a good day.
'Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.' Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up!!
The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.
'The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart.' I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!!
Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.
"He who guards his lips guards his soul.' Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!!
For what you believe in.
'Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good...' Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up!!
To the Lord.
'I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.' Phillippians 4:13

6. Reach Up!!
For something higher.
'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path.' Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up!!
Your Prayers.
' Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING.' Philippians 4:6

Till tomorrow...

Slim in 6

Pressures on.... Weather is getting warmer..... Summer clothes not fitting...... Looking pretty flabby...

If you are anything like me, getting out the tote full of summer clothes is a bittersweet moment. The prospect of warm days, cool summer outfits, and lounging by the pool brings with it a harsh reality. The moment I slip one leg into my favorite shorts I realize "Man, I really over did it this winter." Happens every stinkin' year.

I love to eat when I want and whatever I want. In the winter it's easy. Throw on a big sweatshirt and you are good to go. Who wants to think about consequences when all that holiday food is in your face. Unfortunately, when you are hidden by all those layers of clothes all winter you tend to not realize what is happening underneath till its a little to late.

I am under the gun now. Thirteen of my family members and myself are hoping a plane to Florida five weeks from this past Saturday. I refuse to buy a new wardrobe and I really don't want to feel self conscious the whole vacation. So.... I have started a new program called Slim in 6 (six weeks that is)

I rarely let myself watch infomercials, but this one sucked me right in. Told me exactly what I needed to hear and promised exactly what I needed to happen. It is a huge commitment though, not a take a pill and lose weight kind of thing. In this program you have to EXERCISE... for up to an HOUR a day....SIX DAYS A WEEK! PLUS follow a diet.... Oh my gosh.

I am desperate, so I started it last Wednesday. Which gave me less than the full six weeks. So far I have not missed a day. Tomorrow is my day off and I kind of wish it wasn't. Turns out it is really working. I can see a difference already. I have more energy, I am sleeping better, the routines that were almost impossible for me last week are a breeze now. Goes to show if you commit to something and work at it, you can achieve just about anything.

So... four weeks and five days to go. Is it really possible to be Slim in 6? I will keep you posted.

Growing pains...

My Ethan is getting ready to turn 14 next month. Fourteen! My precious first born baby is not my baby anymore.

I have a very tight, special bond with Ethan. Maybe because he was my first... I don't know. But we have always been extremely close. He is very open with me. He is an all around great kid and I am extremely proud of him. I often get comments from teachers and parents about how much they like him or what a fine young man he is. There aren't many his age these days quite like him.

He has been a little quiet lately... a little sneaky. Obviously didn't want me at last nights track meet, although he didn't come right out and say it. So I'm thinking...There is a girl in the picture. OMG! Well, come to find out, mother's intuition was right on. I found out this girl is from loogootee, but all I knew was her first name. Now I am in detective mode, right. So I call my friend Carlye... and I ask if she knows a jr. high girl with this first name. She of course knew immediately and assured me it was a good girl from a good family and to calm down and quit freaking out. Then come to find out, this girl and her family go to church with Christy who also says they are a good Christian family. WHEW.... So I did not stroke out or have a heart attack. Crisis averted.

Today, i am having growing pains. Me... not Ethan. He is changing before my eyes and i am so not ready. Time to find the right balance between holding on and letting go. I am new at this and I am clueless. Today I will put it in God's hands and have faith that He will take care of my baby and give Aaron and I the wisdom to deal with everything that is coming our way. Probably by the time I come to grips.... Austin will be turning 14...then Jaden... then Ava.....!

My girls...

I would venture to say that a little over a year ago... I did not have "close" friends. It was kind of sad actually. I remember on a couple of occasions my step mom said "you should have your girlfriends over and..." or "the next time you have your friends over..." I didn't tell her only one or two people came to mind. And out of those two, we only talked on occasion and rarely got together. I had become pretty isolated. My how things have changed...

Over the past year, and especially over the last few months, I have developed a network of friends... good friends... close friends. Friends I can share with, laugh with and grow with. They are an answer to prayer. Each one brings something different to my life. I cherish each one of them. I value their opinions, look to them for guidance, laugh with them and cry with them. Some are new, some I have known a long time. Each one is a godsend.

One is a lot like me which is very cool cause she gets me. One is like my sister from another mother.. and no one can make me laugh harder... One is my comfort zone, we can really be ourselves together, so relaxing... One is my role model, I hope to one day be like her and have her knowledge and faith... and one is my work in progress, she so does not see her worth and potential.. I am working and praying real hard for that one.

Aaron and I talked about it this morning and as I wondered out loud how all these wonderful women have become such an important part of my life all of the sudden, he said very simply... "you opened yourself up." Wow. He is right. I did not realize how closed off I had let myself become.

It's easy to let that happen you know... especially when you have kids. I have learned very recently that in order to be the best wife and mother I can be, I have to take care of myself. And I'm not talking about my health. I am talking about my spiritual health. These ladies help me do that. They aren't just friends... they are My Girls!

Thinking Thursday...

I am following Christy's lead for the day and opting to go with a mind dump on this post.
My mind has been busy today...

* I think pedicures are the best... Today was guilty pleasure day and Becky and I had one after our traditional lunch at Applebees. She even bought me an ankle bracelet to mark the occasion since it is was the first trip of the year... I love ya Beck!

* I think I am very fortunate that my extended family is "normal"

* I think my little brother Evan is awesome. He has called me twice today. LOVE to hear from him. He is smarter and worldlier at 20 than I am at 40. I look up to him and admire him and can't wait to see what God has in store for his life... It will be unbelievable!

* I think I am so lucky that I get to go to the movies Saturday!!

* I think - scratch that - I KNOW I am so lucky to have a husband that does anything and everything to make sure I am happy and taken care of.

* I think the smell of my mom's meatloaf is awesome.... I think that cause there is one in my
oven right now!

* I think that prayer is a powerful thing and cannot get over what God is doing in my life these days.

Till tomorrow.....