Memorial Day Trip to the Lake!

We wanted to do some thing fun together on Memorial Day so Anthony suggested a trip to the lake. I asked him to invite Shelly, my sister-in-law. She came along with us and I'm so glad she did. We stopped by the cemetery to visit my Mom and Dad-in-law's grave first. We didn't arrive at the lake until 7:00 pm but it was perfect since the temperature was bearable and the water was nice and calm. We had an absolute BLAST for two hours out there! I grew a fondness for the boat (lol) and now see it as "ours" and not just "his". =) Although I didn't pack extra clothes for myself, I couldn't resist getting in the water and Shelly wasn't far behind me. We rode home wet but it was worth it! Jameson was apprehensive about almost every thing- backing the boat into the water, (He thought the truck was going in the lake!) the nose of the boat tipping upward during the ride, me being in the lake, ("No, Mom! You're gonna float away! I'll rescue you!") and getting in the water was another story! He told us he wanted in, but as soon as Anthony lowered him to me and Shelly, he FREAKED out, thinking he was going to sink. I'm hoping he'll get over his fears and I might try using a float next time to ease his anxiety. Landon, on the other hand, couldn't get enough of all of it! You should have seen his smile when the boat took off. He LOVED it! We had to keep a close eye on him because he was fearless. He loved being in the lake with us and complained when we made him get back in the boat. We did some fishing but none of us caught any thing. The riding was probably the most fun part but that water sure felt awesome! My arms a little sore today from swimming but I can't wait to go back. We're planning an overnight trip later this year, maybe to Rough River. Shelly and I are already thinking of what to buy and bring along with us this time! (including water shoes....flip flops didn't work so well! Ha!)

Enjoy the pictures!

Michelle

                                                           Ready and excited for take off!

                                                            Landon was loving the ride!

                                                              Good-looking driver!

Good-looking wanna be driver! 

 

Cute fisherman!

 Cute wanna be fisherman!

It all started with a dip..........

......and ended like this!

Our little water baby!

I love this one!

Wee!

I recently showed Jameson how to do this and he has since grown a bond with his trike! = )

Pieces of My Day....

I found these and put them in a vase. I also mowed the pretty lawn you see in the background! LOL =) Since Anthony was up to elbows in grease, he asked me to do it for him while he went to buy a part for his boat trailer. That way, he wouldn't be rushed getting ready for the assisted living home service this evening.

One of my favorite flowers, these tiger lilies gave my dining room a Summery feeling. 

The best part is I picked them in my own yard!

I caught this big bass from our pond literally as soon as I put my line in! Come on out to Young's Pay Pond and you won't be disappointed! LOL =) I guess I could've grilled him up for dinner if I didn't already have barbecued ribs in the crock pot. By the way, Anthony is pretty jealous about this catch!

I watered my little okra and pepper plants. Come on, little guys! 

Grow, grow, grow! I'll transport you to your new home soon! 

"What's taking so long with getting those grapes, lady?" =)

  

Look What's Blooming Over Here!

I just love Spring! I recently found a bush of these beautiful flowers growing in my yard. They appear to be carnations but I'm not exactly sure. I couldn't resist picking a few to make a nice little arrangement to sit in my kitchen. They smell nice, too. They're not as fragrant as roses, but still pleasant.

About a week and a half ago, I also planted our very first vegetable garden. Our neighbors, Bobby & Debbie graciously offered the upper portion of their garden to us for planting this year. Debbie and I went shopping together to get what we needed. This was all brand new to me. She had already planted some squash and beans for us. Then she helped (and taught me how to) plant tomatoes, (3 different kinds) cucumbers and more green beans. The okra and green pepper plants will go in the ground later when they get a little bigger. For now, they are residing on my porch where I'm hoping I don't kill them! LOL! I know it will be a lot of work come harvest time, but SO worth it when our table is full of delicious things to eat! I'll post the progress! (I'm trusting there will be some...lol)

Mother's Day 2012

I hope all you wonderful Mamas out there had a good Mother's Day this year! I know I did. Anthony set my cards out on the ironing board for me to see Sunday morning when I got up. There was one from him and one from the boys. They were both so perfect and sweet! I didn't get my gift until today since it wasn't finished yet. He took the boys to "I Made It" last week where they made a very special gift for me. I love it so much and I hope it never breaks! I also got a few things at Church that I loved. Jameson's Sunday school class gave their Mommies flowers and adorable cards. I love what Jameson said about me in his! Kids are so comical and sweet. All the Mothers in the Church received nice cups as well.

I greeted my Mama with a hug before Sunday school and we all went out to Denny's for lunch after Church. I gave her cash and a few small items that said, "Buy me for your Mom!" at Wal-Mart. (Caress body wash, Funyuns and a nice dish towel:)

On the way to Denny's, a song came on the radio that I love entitled, "Homesick." At first, Anthony and I were singing along. But as I listened and looked down at Mom's gift in my lap, the tears came rolling. My heart ached to see my sweet Mamaw and Mother-in-law, two very special Mothers in my life who were celebrating in Heaven. I would give any thing to be able to hug them both! 

Homesick

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

 Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

 In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

Losing loved ones has taught me to cherish the time I have with those around me. I feel so very blessed to have my Mom. She is very special to me and always there when I need her. Besides God and my husband, she's my best friend. I don't know what I'd do without her. She is such a blessing to so many. I love the burden she has for her Sunday school class. She loves those kids with all of her heart! I'm so thankful for a godly, praying Mother. I love you, Mom. I hope you enjoyed your day.

I'm also thankful for the privilege of being a Mom myself. I consider Motherhood an absolute honor. There is nothing that compares to carrying a child. There is nothing compared to the moment you meet them. I'm thankful for fertility, smooth pregnancies, uneventful deliveries, and healthy children! Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above! I am so blessed.

Here are some pictures,

Michelle

 Opening my cards with my little men!

CHEESE....and flowers :)

Me and Mom at Denny's

My stuff!

My plate! ("I Made It" gift from the boys:)

My boy! (I couldn't leave this one out!)

10 things I did today... (from 5-7-12)

* Fixed the GI Joe guy's leg and put him on his motorcycle (Lately, this one is repeated numerous times a day.)

* Changed a poopy diaper (I got lucky today and got off with one!)

* Tickled my boys and enjoyed their contagious giggles

* Received treatment (of baby wipes all over me) from "doctors" Jameson & Landon

* Enjoyed the swing and the breeze with Landon standing in my lap

* Watched my three men ride the lawn mower together

* Made spaghetti & garlic bread

*Put a band-aid on a hurt little toe

* Listened to Anthony read John 3:16 to the boys and listened to them say, "For God so loved the world"

* Prayed with my little family

: )

  
Happy Birthday,
  Aunt Manda!


            Love,
Jameson & Landon



 

If they're following me....

then Lord, I need to follow you!

4~29~12

The Smell of Summer

What scents come to your mind when you think of Summertime? I think of sunscreen, chlorine, and freshly mowed grass. I've been picking up these scents lately and they sure do beat propane and hot chocolate! Today the boys got in their new swimming pool for the first time and they loved it. It was such a hot day that the water tempted me and I joined the fun. When Daddy got home, he couldn't resist either and beckoned Mommy to get back in. So all four of us were in the little Wal-Mart pool but it was so much fun! It was refreshing to spend time together as a family. Lately, Anthony's been gone quite a bit fishing so we needed to catch up. We all know that swimming makes a body ravenously hungry. So for dinner, I made barbequed chicken, fried potatoes, creamed corn, pasta and biscuits (The best in the world- Sprite/7up Biscuits! Thanks, "More Ketchup Please" :) We also had ice cream and watermelon for dessert. Tomorrow we're planting our very first garden while Anthony's off work. I smell Summer in the air! Don't you?

 Dressed and slathered in SPF 50! Jameson is wearing 

his "new" water shirt from the Polka Dot Alligator Sale.

It's actually pretty big for seventeen bucks! It's perfect for them. 

Jameson loved "swimming" and tried to convince Landon to join him.....

......but the lawn chair was his favorite spot! He fell a couple of times and it's 

pretty deep on a little guy like him! I think he felt safer in his little chair.

 

Snack break! They love grapes!

  We just bought this mini picnic table at Big Lots for $20 and 

I can see them getting a lot of use from it this Summer!

 

Jameson was beyond excited when Anthony decided to get in!

Daddy did all sorts of tricks that Mommy didn't do!

Like the dead man.....

Shoulder ride....

and lots of splashing!

These 3 good-looking dudes are taken! ; )

A great way to end the day! lol

What?! Doesn't every one else wear this kind of

    get-up during their daily devotions???