Summer is coming

Summer is quickly approaching and with Memorial Day weekend upon us, everyone is kicking it off with some water.  At our house, we keep the water down to a small pool when the lakes and rivers are so crowded. 

 

I know it is very redneck of us but we set up a blanket to provide some shade over the pool.  These sweet children of mine are so fair complected that I always struggle to keep them from burning. 

 

Luke was so excited to see this butterfly.  He was even more impressed that it matched my bathing suit.



Luke posing in his hat and shades.  He reminds me so much of his daddy in this picture.



Work has been a bit stressful the last week or so.  As a result, I have been enjoying some wonderful ice cream.  I have also been enjoying more frequent running sessions.  I am loving my time I get to spend running and reaching my goals.  I am getting really close to reaching 100 miles since I began running.  I am also starting a challenge today to run at least one mile a day for 40 days.  Finally, this weekend I plan to run (the entire time) another 5 K! 



I also managed to get a flat time this past week.  It was honestly terrible timing.  We have been planning to get me new tires but have been trying to hold off as long as possible.  On this particular day, I got us up and ready early because I had a parent meeting at one of my schools.  After spending 20 minutes trying to figure out how to make the jack work, my daddy came to my rescue.  He is honestly the best!



Finally, another sign that summer is coming.....TBALL!  Luke wanted red shirts so badly and that is just what he got.  I love this picture of him at his first game.  Sadly, this is the only picture I managed while keeping the books, kids in batting order, and dealing with Evan wrapped around my legs. 

Family time

I love to spend time with my extended family.  It always takes me back to my childhood.  This particular visit was special for many reasons.  1) My cousin Debbie came to visit from Texas.  2) My cousin Kevin has made another great recovery after fighting a brain tumor. 3) My Uncle is recovering well from him battle with Cancer. 

 

Here are my three precious cousins with Granny Coleman.  Granny is starting to get weaker daily as she so gracefully ages.  I know this will be a picture my cousins will cherish for many years to come.



These three are so special to me and I love them all.  One of the interesting aspects of this visit for me is that it took me back so many years ago.  I honestly felt like I would turn the corner and I would see my Uncle Bobby sitting there.  While I knew that wasn't going to happen, I felt as though he was there with us.  He was such a leader in our family and a strong Christian example for us all. 



We went to Crawdad Day's in Harrison.  It is always a super fun time. 



The Dan Benton Band put on an amazing show and the boys really enjoyed getting to watch their uncle up on stage.



Luke was invited to another birthday party for one of his classmates.  After the party, he wanted to visit the firemen.  Fortunately, one of my high school classmates just happened to be standing outside handing out stickers.  He let Luke see the trucks and try on his hat.  Luke talked about this for days.



The birthday party was a superhero's event.  Luke and his friends had so much fun eating, playing in the bounce house and just running around crazy. 

Evans Birthday party

Evan had a great 3rd birthday party.  After it was all over, I realized I had been so busy wish preparing for the party and taking care of everything at the party that I failed to take many pictures.  Regardless, I think he had a great time.

 

Evan received so many gifts and it was so cute that he wanted to play with each one rather than open up more gifts.

 

I attempted to read him his cards but he was not the least bit interested in that aspect of the party.



Evan was so excited to meet Houston and to get to see Killion.  He has missed her so much. 



This is pretty much the only picture I managed to take of the food.  I love to make these chips ahoy sandwiches.  These were made even more fun by adding "Super Why" colors to them.



They sure are messy but they taste so yummy!  They are super easy so here is how you make them:

Ingredients:
2 package of Chips Ahoy
1 package of cream cheese softened
1-2 cups of heavy cool whip
1/2 cup of sugar (sometimes I add a little brown sugar)
dipping chocolate

Directions:

Mix cream cheese, heavy cool whip, and sugar together.  I always beat it to get a good mixture.  Spoon onto cookies and cover with another cookie.  Then dip sandwich into melting chocolate or you can splatter your chocolate all over cookies.  Finally, put into freezer until you are ready to serve.  Its that easy!

Fishing and Fun

Luke caught his first fish and couldn't have been anymore excited.  

He thought he was stuck on some more brush and so he asked for my help.  I tried and I tried to get him loose.  

Finally, Jeff decided to try.  He was in the process of giving it his best to break the line free.  Then, a fishes jumped out of the water. Finally, Like reeled in a great catch.  It was by far the best of the day!

Evan wanted to fish as well but this was about how his fishing efforts went.

I was so proud of Luke because he sat so patiently.  

The boys love the boat rides, and the especially like to go super fast .  I on the other hand do not like going fast.

Evan and I took a selfie!

We asked Luke was his favorite part of the day was and without hesitation he said, "catching the fish!" 

It is quite stressful to take these two out on a boat to do something that takes a great deal of patience; however, it was all worth it to see the joy on Luke's face!  

Baby Brunch

I love going to Bro. Steve and Mrs. Judy's home.  She does an amazing job of decorating her home and adding something special for each occasion.  This occasion was celebrating the birth of a child by one of our Sunday School class members.

 

 

I am only including this picture of myself because I love the colors I have in my hair.  Seriously people, if you don't already use Rhianna's House of Hair, you should!

 

All of my Sunday School girls as well as the precious new addition.



See what I mean about Mrs. Judy decorating and accessorizing.  And if you know me very well, you know I love blue glass. 



Here is the handsome little fellow.  I just love how much hair he has.



Another cute picture of all of us girls.  These girls mean a great deal to me and I love the time we get to spend together fellowshipping and growning in Christ. 

Mother's Day

What a wonderful mother's day I had.  I am so blessed to have these two amazing kids in my life.  While motherhood is a struggle at times, I wouldn't trade it for anything. 

 

Pa saddled up the horse and mule because the boys wanted a ride.  Jeff and Bert tried to ride them to get them calmed down before the boys got on.  The animals were so excited that they just couldn't calm down enough to go for an actual ride.

 

They were able to at least sit on the horse and mule.  The kids loved it so much.



Evan and Jeff had a blast on the swing. 



This momma was a bit nervous but Evan was smiling and enjoying himself.



Luke had to have his turn and he went so very high.  Gotta love this kid.



Here I am with my precious children.  Thank you Jesus for blessing me with these two angels. 

Luke

Oh now for a post for my big boy Luke.  Luke is five now and he loves all things outside. 

 

 

I cant believe that in a few weeks, Luke will be graduating from preschool.  He has turned into quite the ball player. 

 

Now that you are so big, you did such a great job hunting eggs.  You have such a competitive spirit.  You seriously even race your brother while using the bathroom.



You are so big and handsome.  We love this kiddo to the moon and back.  You are strong, strong willed, and you do such an amazing job learning about Jesus at Church.  You are like a little sponge when it comes to learning about things like Jesus and working outdoors. 

Yard work

We have been doing a lot of yard work now that the temperatures have warmed up.  And by we, I mean the men and not me! 

I am not big of any kind of yard work other than sitting on a lawn mower.  But my boys sure like to dig and work. 

It always makes me laugh that they want to wear gloves and don't want to wear tshirts.

Jeff re mulched our trees and I am so thankful that they are all doing so well.  

Jeff was able to find time to plant something's in our flower beds.  It all looks wonderful.

This is an amazing flower bed and I am thankful for a hard working man who build it.  He does a great job!