Game 2...and we now have team name!

7:00 pm came...but there was no coach...thankfully, the dads started going over some helps around the goal...they were ready!  And then...coach came and took over...sort of...

The guys did pretty well...the twins are the powerhouse on the front line...they just never are placed there at the same time!  In order for that to happen...one would have to actually watch what was happening on the field.  It is quite entertaining!  Some guys want to play ball..others want to just play.  Purple-4 goals.  Green-3 goals.  "A guy from the other team said, 'Everybody wins.'  I didn't say nothin...'cause we won!"

Meanwhile...at the other end of the field...

was our goalie!  We guess he was bored!  We weren't...we were laughing hysterically!  It made it funnier because his Dad was the last minute ref (about 7:10 pm or so) and at the other end of the field keeping the game going. 

Our goalie man here is still waiting for his uniform to show up...it is somewhere on a UPS truck here in town.  He blocked several shots...two with his face.  His favorite position to play...goalie..."cause you don't have to run alot!"

We laughed up until the fourth quarter when ball was put back in motion...the clock ticking...our little climber was taken of the field after a foot-tangle-turned-face-plant..."Coach, we need another player...hello...coach..."  There she was doing eanie-meanie-minie-mo with the two benched players...trying to decide who was going to go in as a replacement!

"Mom, only kids do that!  Really!  She couldn't have done the whole thing...it would have taken too long...catch a tiger by the toe." 

Um...it took long enough!  Really and truly it happened...just ask our girls...they couldn't believe it either!  We may have to ask them again...it was too unbelievable. 

We can now call ourselves the fans of the Purple-Eanie-Meanie-Minie-Moers!

Goooooo...purple!

Dad...

this is for you...a still life of fruit!  Sorry, the bananas aren't ready and I ate the strawberries.  We aren't totally amuck in all refined sugars!

A circumspect walk around the yard this afternoon

I say that...because I had opened toed shoes on and it is now warm.  The sun is shining brightly and the threat of rain has blown away.  Our yard is known to have snakes...I do not walk without watching where I place my feet on days like today!!!

The cardinal sang so loudly this morning, I had to go on a hunt to find where he was perched.  I found him right outside the front window...his song sounded like he was saying, "Right...here...right...here..."  I wonder if he was found by that bashful female!

Isn't he soooo cute...laying in the flower bed soaking up the rays.  At least he didn't lay on a plant...or eat it!

The columbine plant is blooming.

The irises are beginning to bloom.

I was excited to see the forget-me-nots came back!  Now to get Cinderella out there to pull out the grass and weeds that threaten to hide the sweet little flowers!

See...I told you the lilac bush would like the rain and warm sun!

The clematis isn't mad at me for trimming the dead branches off in the spring! 

The lupine are popping up everywhere!

The ground cover has taken over...I planted it last year to keep the weeds at bay!  I need to go pull some of it out so the hostas and coneflowers will have a place to stand tall and proud.  It is still too cold for annuals...but I am deciding what color to place in the pots.  Something to match...the dandelions perhaps!?!

Warm weather demands sweet tea

This week's tea...has a twist!  The yum factor increases when you drink it from a pretty glass!  Happy taste of spring!

Washing...with rain

My dad sent this to me today.  Perfect timing...it looks like it is going to downpour any minute!  We'll be stuck inside...thankfully...but it sure made me think again of the words and thoughts that come out of my mouth.  We are teaching our children...in every action...and in every conversation...whether we realize it or not!  Do my words point their thinking to the sovereignty of our Heavenly Father?

NEED WASHING??

 A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have

 been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of

 innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over

 the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no

 time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and

 just inside the door of the Target.

 We waited, some patiently, others irritated because "nature" messed up

 their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in

 the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of

 the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came

 pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

 The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were

 all caught in 'Mom let's run through the rain,' she said.

 'What?' Mom asked.

 'Let's run through the rain!' She repeated

 'No, honey.. We'll wait until it slows down a bit,' Mom replied.

 This young child waited about another minute and repeated: 'Mom, let's

 run through the rain,'

 'We'll get soaked if we do,' Mom said...

 'No, we won't, Mom... That's not what you said this morning,' the

 young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.

 This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get

wet?

 'Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer,

 you said, 'If God can get us through this, He can get us through

anything!'

 The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear

 anything but the rain..... We all stood silently. No one came or left

 in the next few minutes.

 Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some

 would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even

 ignore what was said.. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young

 child's life.  A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it

will bloom into faith.

 "Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD

 let's us get wet, well maybe, we just needed washing," Mom said.

 Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they

 darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their

 shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they

 were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the

way to their cars.

And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.

 Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they

 can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no

 one can ever take away your precious memories...

So, don't forget to

make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To

 everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

 I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.

I can't just sit and "do nothing"!

Each of the kids are doing at least one class with me a day...depending on who it is...more than one class is required!  Alisa has been feeling left out...so she did a couple classes with me this morning.  The kids have to pop up and down during drills...so I did too...adding an extra step of opening the oven door.  We have accomplished quite a bit this morning!  The smell of granola bars baking urged us on to morning break.  The smell of cookies baking was a little more than we can bear...but they are not available till lunch! 

I got a call this morning...our MRI scan is scheduled for May 20, 2010.  We continue to be pain free as we catch up on schoolwork, playtime, and sleep!  I continue to be amazed at how tired we all are...maybe it is all the fresh air?!

MMM...I like happy hour at DQ!

Self-control flew out the window as I drove up to the drive-thru window to order a treat for the girls and their friend.  Half priced favorite cold drink during the hours of 2-4 pm just could not be ignored!  I should have eaten lunch!

A bag of blessings

It is not a secret!  The kids are growing.  It cannot be stopped.  Clothes get small and need to be passed on to others.  I am thankful for a friend who passes clothes on to our girls!  And for her friends who pass clothes on to her girls.  A bag of blessing...that keeps on blessing... 

Call me crazy...

but the fresh, green grass with pops of yellow is pretty! 
I say this, of course, because it is not in our yard.  Silly me...dandelions are weeds...but they are pretty.  Our yard is "free of them" at first glance!  The kids are sure to pick those happy, bright blooms off and add them to arrangements they bring to me.  Oh...don't worry...more will spring up for re-picking!  I haven't taught them to PULL UP THE ENTIRE PLANT...ROOTS AND ALL...and I don't know why!?! 
Oh well...I will just look out my window to enjoy the pretty, yellow flowers in a field of green...and hum the song Field of Grace.
This is not a field...but a yard...a place where I daily stand and have contact with others.  It is where God has us right now!  The yards in our neighborhood are all different...some pretty...some need work.  Just like people!  So...yes...the dandelions remind me of the wonderful things that God has done for us.  The blessings keep popping up...where and when we least expect them.  We are placed where God wants us...for His purpose...standing in our simple yard...watching what God is doing in our lives. 
I am still overwhelmed with His grace.  I am finding wonderful rest in His all sufficient grace!

Another favorite from the Victorious Valley Home for Girls...Field of Grace...

Clouds are disappearing.  The skies are turning blue.  Only just awhile ago I told Him I was through. He did not rebuke me, but with arms of strong embrace picked me up and carried me into a field of grace.

Where all is quiet leaning on His breast. He pulled me from a stormy sea to a place where I could rest.
Told me I was loved, told me I was safe, and I could stay till healing came in this holy field of grace.

Had to pass through deserts, had to face strong winds, but I don't dread them all that much. I know He'll come again.  Lead me to still waters, there He'll let me stay till my soul has been restored in His healing field of grace.

Where all is quiet leaning on His breast. He pulled me from a stormy sea to a place where I could rest.

Told me I was loved, told me I was safe, and I could stay till healing came in this holy field of grace.

Told me I was loved.
Told me I was safe.
And I could stay till healing came...in this holy field of grace.

"Hey...I know what we can do..."

I heard that and peeked out the door...Phew!  Somedays, I guess nervous when I hear them say that!  They were just swinging and playing nicely...planning what the swingset was.  I didn't stay to hear if it was a boat, spaceship, or house. 
Dare I say it out loud...?  They have played so nicely together this week!  We do better when we don't have a crazy schedule all the time.  We are content to be at home...imagining and playing with neighbor friends.  I think our children are more content with this...they can relax and just be kids!
I think, we as parents, put too much pressure on ourselves and spend entirely too much money on things that we think our children need or want.  We create selfish individuals who think the sun rises and sets on them...and what they want.  They are never content...because Mom and Dad are never content.  We look around at everyone else's schedules and plan our family life based on others. 
Why not take a look and listen to what your children are doing and saying...it may surprise you!  And save you a bundle of money!  But then...Mom and Dad...that means you have to be content at home too.  You may just have to say NO to some things to find out what truly is most important in your life!  And what God says is most important! 
God gave us a big responsibility when He gave us children.  We will answer to Him for how we rear them... our peers will not be there to answer for or with us! 
Am I doing what is best for my children?  Am I doing it to the best of my ability? 
What do I need to change?  What do I need to give up?  What does God expect of me...as a parent?

Told you...I've been thinking alot about what is important!  I think we get all mixed up in our thinking pretty easy...and we don't stop to think about it...or change it till there is a crisis! 
We have had special times sprinkled into daily life...but we are really enjoying hanging out at home. Our focus is on getting our schoolwork done...and doing it well!  Work first...play after!  We want our children to learn all they can while they are young...it's our responsibility to make sure it happens...the right way!


We are thankful for our nice yard...and the chance to take breaks and enjoy the beautiful days of spring!

Beam removal is easier than dealing with splinters!

When you go through a trial, God shows His mercy, love, and grace!  It is true.  Those trials also bring to light areas in your life that need some improvement.  You think differently about many things...there are things in this life THAT DON'T MATTER!  There are things in this life THAT SHOULD MATTER MORE!    
This morning...Teddy was right in Alisa's face for some reason and ended up whapping her right by her eye.  Being a Monday morning and whiny, she expressed great distress loudly enough for the neighbors to hear it.  There was no blood.  Her eyeball was not in danger.  I told her to be tough...well, actually, I think I said something about not being a baby.  She didn't care to hear that her response was just as mean.  Teddy apologized.  Alisa...grudgingly forgave.  All she could see was what he did to her.
It is easy to yell loudly when you feel discomfort.  You want the world to know you are in pain.  You want everyone to know who caused you the pain.  You want sympathy...or some sort of justice (Revenge is probably more accurate.).
If we happen to be the one that caused the pain, we work quickly to "shush" the noise and make the person feel better.  We want to hide from the embarrassment we feel for being the reason for the pain.  Sometimes, we try to push the blame off on to someone else.  We don't want others to know we did it.
After this morning's incident, I was reminded of some of the things I have been shown in these last couple weeks.  I want to yell loudly about what the other person did.  Get the focus off me...poor little me has had it rough lately...give me a break.

It is easy to see the weak areas in other's lives. Makes us feel better...we surely aren't as bad as that!!!  Last week...I saw how I do exactly the same type of things...just not to the same extent.   Yes...I have seen the beam in my own eye.  But I feel better when I see the little splinters in others...you know, the ones that annoy you.  They are easily seen.  And the whole time...you focus on the pain of the splinter...you do not even notice the beam right in front of your nose!  Beams give off splinters to those who have contact with it.  Hmmm...so the splinters that I can pick out in other's lives...must come from the same type of beam I have.  Different kinds of splinters...more than one beam?!  Hmmm.  And Satan wins when he can keep us focused on all those splinters of everyone else. That way we aren't dealing with and changing the beams in our own life...that are splinters in the lives of others!

So...I am dealing with beams.  With one beam out of the way, my vision is clearer and my line of vision is broader...and I see another beam.  Beams can do alot of damage...fast!  Splinters irritate and then fester infection. 
Just doing some thinking these days...I need to more concerned about my beams...and I had better not holler too loudly about other people's splinters!

Ohhhh...how cute!

Yes, he is adorable.  He also likes packaged brownie mix and taco shells...without all the other ingredients added.  He doesn't mind the taste of cardboard box as long as the inside plastic bag opens easily.  He is not fussy about where he eats this delicious variety of food...kitchen floor, familyroom floor, and our bedroom floor.  When you don't have fingers to grasp the box firmly, I guess you are at the mercy of wall and furniture placement as you bite and tear through packaging.  We fall for it every time!  He is so cute cuddled up on the couch or chair when we get ready to leave...we start letting him stay out of his cage.  This time...we forgot to put the baby gate in front of the "pantry shelf".  Back to locking him in his cage...and looking for door ideas for the shelf unit...a fabric curtain does not stop a naughty dog!

Leftovers from the weekend

A new favorite salad/dessert!  Aunt Lindsey shared her recipe with us just in time for our potluck meal at church yesterday.  We were able to bring some home!!!  Spring or summer in a dish...mmmm!  Frozen strawberries, a can of crushed pineapple, Cool Whip, package of cream cheese, sugar...mix and freeze.  We didn't have the exact ingredients...we used fresh pineapple and extra strawberries and a small container of Cool Whip...it was still just as yummy.  I am thinking it will be fun to experiment with other berries!

More family fun for Saturday supper...DQ's special deal on blizzards BOGO for $.25!  Mocha Chip is a good one!

Enjoying the hugs and cuddles from a man who knows when I am tired!  He spoils me...rotten!  Saturday night supper was another example.  Tonight...I am spoiling him with supper at home...BBQ pork.

A beautiful flower bokay from one little girl who enjoyed playing outside yesterday afternoon. 

These leftovers are best enjoyed with a good cup of coffee on a sunny Monday morning! 

Playing with Uncle James

Aunt Lindsey and Uncle James came by today to say goodbye.  He flies out in the morning...back to work in VA.   They will be getting ready to leave sometime in May...on the aircraft carrier for regions beyond.

DAAaadDDEEEEE

"You can't get me ...I am not ticklish...really, I'm not!"

Ahhh...DAAaddee!

No...no...

It is bound to happen when you bounce around and tease!  Thankfully...I was in control of the computer and camera...and escaped...for now!  Hope your Saturday is full of fun too.

My lilac bush is blooming!

Today...I am the "Nice Mom"!  I have allowed the kids to play out longer this morning.  The rain is going to move in this afternoon/evening for the next couple days.  We will be cooped up...and forced to deal with inside activities...one of which can be schoolwork!  They need to be outside and enjoying the lovely weather for as long as possible...or maybe I need them to be outside so I can walk out and enjoy the partly sunny morning! 
The birds have once again built a nest in the eaves at the corner of the house and get a little nervous when I walk around looking at how everything is growing.  I walked around the corner...and the smell of lilacs filled the air!  What a treat!  They will love the coming rain and open even more!  Then maybe...I can bring some in the house to replace the fake tulips and daisies.  MMMM...spring smells good today...rain on the air, fresh cut grass, lilacs, dirt...

"The Game"

"Ohhh, boy, it is just what I thought..." he said as he came across the field.  Home team supplies the ball and the ref.  Visitor team supplies the line judges.  And the coaching was done from a consensus stance, "Who wants to be the goalie?" Me, me, me... "Who wants to sit on the bench for the first quarter?"  Not me, not me...

Oh for crying out loud!  Who does that?!  Oops...only 90% of American MOTHERS!  I sat down...in shame...because I have done that...and didn't realize how pathetic it is!The entire fan section for the PURPLE team.  Thanks for coming everyone and cheering for everyone!!!

Teddy sat for the first quarter.  He watched and was ready to play when it was his turn.  He did a good job and ran hard.  The teams in Teddy's age group are made up of 6-8 year olds.  I think team orange had several eight year olds...they also had had four practices!  Team purple was able to keep up with them...and that was fun to watch!

One of the goals that was scored!  Team purple lost...but not by too much!

Last quarter, Teddy played goalie.  One got by him and he stopped another.  Daddy helped him to know that he could use his hands, body, face...whatever...to stop the ball.  Ted and the ref helped the guys to know what to do and when to do it.  They didn't just know!

  I think our coach was texting during that time, or maybe holding her friend's baby.

Shaking hands with the other team!  Let's go home...the wind picked up and it was cold!  Teddy had fun and he is looking forward to doing it again...next week!  The Moms and Dad finally got the coach to decide on a place to have a practice...next Tuesday night...so we are ready for Thursday night.

After a shower and two bowls of cereal...our little purple team member collapsed into a deep sleep!