Thank You

To all of the servicemen and women who keep us safe each and every day.  This weekend we pay tribute to those who put their lives on the line for our freedom. 

Thank you! 

We are forever grateful. 

As a mother, I think about the parents of the servicemen;

As a wife, I think about the spouses;

As a daughter, I think about the children of those serving who have not seen their parents in months.

I cannot imagine the amount of faith you must have. 

God Bless You and God Bless America!

I am PROUD to be an AMERICAN!

Jesus Calling

I LOVE the daily devotional Jesus Calling. It is always applicable in my life. I wanted to share today's message. This was speaking directly to me. Oh, and there's an APP for that! I just read it on my iPad each day. 

Here is the icon since several folks have e-mailed me asking which one (apparently there are more than one).  It isn't free but it is well worth the money!

May 25
THE WORLD IS TOO MUCH WITH YOU, My child. Your mind leaps from problem to problem to problem, tangling your thoughts in anxious knots. When you think like that, you leave Me out of your world-view and your mind becomes darkened. Though I yearn to help, I will not violate your freedom. I stand silently in the background of your mind, waiting for you to remember that I am with you.

When you turn from your problems to My Presence, your load is immediately lighter. Circumstances may not have changed, but we carry your burdens together. Your compulsion to “fix” everything gives way to deep, satisfying connection with Me. Together we can handle whatever this day brings.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
ISAIAH 41 : 10

"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
ZEPHANIAH 3 : 17

"A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all."
PSALM 34 : 19

Goody Goody Raindrops!?

Daddy is home!

Which is what Ann Charlotte says instead of "Goody, Goody Gumdrops" (I say this a lot apparently-gumdrops that is).

Trey has been in Spain for work and we were so ready for him to get home! 

Welcome home Daddy! 

We missed you!

Ha, Ha, Ha

There are moments when you wish someone else was with you just to laugh.  Today was one of them.  Ann Charlotte and I went to the Zoo after school.  We stopped to look at the ostriches and their eggs.  Are they real? Who knows? I guess they are but that is strange.  Do they dispose of them or do they eat them?Will they hatch?  Sorry, I digress.

So, it went something like this...

Mommy:  "Ann Charlotte, look-it is an ostrich-a giant bird."

Ann Charlotte:  "Mommy, I have one of those in my mouth?" (sounding very confused)

Mommy:   "What?"

Ann Charlotte:  "I have an ostrich in my mouth (pointing).  It hurts!"

Mommy:  "Oh no, Ann Charlotte you have an ulcer in your mouth."

Me laughing so loud and wishing someone else was there to chuckle with me!

Pink is My Favorite Color

Ann Charlotte's favorite color depends on the sun and the moon.  How is that possible?  Well, if you ask her during the daytime what her favorite color is "pink" comes out instantly! However, she sings a different tune at night. 

Here is the scene at our house almost every night: 
Bath taken, teeth brushed, two books read in bed, prayers said...

Ann Charlotte:  Whimpering begins, tears start, "Mommy, don't leave"

Mommy: "Ann Charlotte I have to leave, it is bedtime"

Ann Charlotte: More tears, more crying, "But Mommy PLEASE stay"

Mommy: "Ann Charlotte, what is the problem"

Ann Charlotte:  More tears, holding onto my arm or whatever she can grab-sometimes my neck if I have leaned in for a kiss, "Mommy, I don't like my room."

Mommy: "What?"

Ann Charlotte: Tears streaming, "I don't like my bed Mommy" whimper, whimper

Mommy: "Ann Charlotte, we have talked about this-it is bedtime and you are a big girl."

Ann Charlotte: Sad face, tears coming down,  "Mommy, I don't like pink"

Why, you ask?  Why doesn't she like pink after 8:00pm? 

Well, because her sheets are pink!

The First Weekend of the Year...

at the cabin.  

Ann Charlotte LOVES the outdoors

Skipping (throwing) rocks...

 looking for lizards...

bubbles...

and planning a lady bug party!

 Yup, you read right-Acey and Ann Charlotte planned and held a lady bug party in their PJ's

(first thing in the morning).

The Ballet Performance That Wasn't

You read right.  We were so excited about Ann Charlotte's ballet performance (let me rephrase that-"I" was so excited!) 

All of the grandparents were in town, Laura-one of my best college friends was in town, the flowers were ready to present, the video camera was charged and we were waiting anxiously!   Ann Charlotte had practiced, practiced and practiced her ballet.  She was ready!  

Tendu, Releve', Plie', Eleve', Arabesque...

Until....she realized that over 100 eyes were on her. She turned around...looked at us...her lip started quivering...

and that was the performance.  She jumped in my lap and didn't do one more move with her class.  At first I was disappointed but then I realized-she is only 2 years old.  I don't blame her.  Goodness, what pressure for a 2 year old!  

We realized afterward that she just wanted to do a solo performance.  So, we saw her moves after the official recital.   She was too cute!  

Here she is with her teacher Miss Janice-

Why Easter?

Ann Charlotte: "Because Jesus died on the cross for our sins" (so proud of her!)

Alleluia! Praise the Lord!