What I've Learned From My Pictures

Hanna has good taste in boys. And, as a side note, even at 2 and 4, they can't take their eyes off of the t.v. Some things just never change!

My cat sleeps in weird, contorted positions.

My eight (almost 9) year old is not too old to see the Easter bunny and wear bunny ears around the mall!

This is apparently what my husband and our friend, Melvyn, think vacation means.

My 3 1/2 year old is as tall as my 5 year old and she weighs more than her too!

You can sure learn a lot when you really study your pictures! Hope you smiled today!

Smelling the Flowers...

This is one of my most favorite pictures. I have noticed that Hanna, who is a mere 3 1/2 years old, takes the time to actually stop and smell the flowers. I do not! I took some time to reflect on this. How can she know to do this? Why don't I do it?

Sadly, I have no grand ideas or answers to these questions. I am so glad though, that she can appreciate the beauty of these things, despite her mother's lack of teaching her. I should really take the time to learn a few things from her. What a tender girl. Take a look at her hand gently cupping the flower. She didn't destroy it, but rather, took great care in holding it! Precious! May we all stop and smell the "roses" and take the time to appreciate all of God's gorgeous creation. As I write this, I am spending my last night in Pipestem National Park in West Virginia. I took the time to look at all of my surroundings and appreciate it all! It's beautiful! If you ever get a chance, come check it out!

Funny of the Day

Tonight, we took the kids to eat for free at McAlister's. Towards the end of dinner, Meghan and I were sitting at the table alone. The song "Some Like it Hot" was playing overhead. I started to sing it quietly when all of sudden Meghan announces, "I like it hot...in the bath! I like a hot bath!" Oh my! The table across from us looked over. I just put my head down and laughed.

Hope that little story brightened your day!

Grandma cut my...ummm....wire thing

About a week ago, I was having a conversation with Meghan and the topic of her birth came up. I told her that her grandma cut her umbilical cord to which she responded, "Really! Wow! How do you know that?" So, I told her I was there, that's how. Then, I asked her if she knew what an umbilical cord was and she said, "No!" I just laughed and then briefly explained what it was. She wasn't as impressed as I thought she might be. End of conversation.

Fast forward about a week, and we're at home having lunch with another couple after church. Meghan randomly declares, "My grandma cut my, umm, wire thing!" Our friends weren't exactly sure what it meant and kindly reacted by saying, "Oh, really?" From the kitchen, laughter! I howled! I quickly explained that we had recently discussed how grandma cut her umblical cord and the light bulbs went on.

Lesson: You never know when a topic from weeks or even months ago might be revisited, so be prepared!

Kids

Last night I dropped my girls off at Noah's house. For those of you who may not have been following my posts until now, Noah is Hanna's declared future husband. If you scroll down this blog, you will find a picture of him. So, back to the story. Hanna was wearing her sister's orange soccer jersey. If it's out, she's gonna wear it! Noah arrives with his dad, and as he walks up to the house I notice he is wearing his orange Clemson football jersey. I do declare a match made in heaven!!!! Great minds think alike, so they say.

Anniversary plans

Fifeteen years ago today, I married my best friend. It's been a wonderful 15 years and I couldn't imagine life any other way. It's a pretty big milestone in my opinion. You might guess that we have some big huge way we'll celebrate this anniversary. The irony of it all, is that often times, this day takes a back seat to life. I'm not complaining. I have simply come to terms with that fact. It started with the birthday celebrations.

Do you remember when you were a kid and how excited you were for your birthday to get here. The party, the gifts, feeling like the most special person in the world (even though there were others celebrating that same day). For some reason, along the way it still a special day, but you realize that for the rest of the world, it's just another day. As I write this, I am beginning to see the reason. As a child, we are soooo self-centered. Everything revolves around us (or so we think). As we grow, we (hopefully) begin to see that is doesn't.

So, what are our plans for this big day? Erik gets the privilege of working today, while I have the privilege of taking care of the house (mainly laundry) and kids. Tonight, while Erik finishes with his last appointments of the day, I'll be joining my wonderful worship team for practice. We'll reunite tonight sometime after 8:00. I can't wait!

Features

Have you ever taken the time to really look at your children? I don't mean to just take a passing glance, but to really study them. One of my favorite things to do, is to just sit and watch my girls' face. I love to look at the their smiles, and the shape of their noses. The way they get this shy little smile when they catch me staring at them. I marvel at the fact that we all have noses, mouths, eyes and yet none of us look the same. I took this picture of Alyson at the doctor one day and I still cannot get over her beauty. She's going to be 9 soon and before we know it, the boys will be calling and the "dating" will begin. Ugh! So, while you still can, take a moment to really look at your child and enjoy the beauty that God has given them!