Quote of the Week

I like quotes! Do you like quotes? I keep a running list of quotes in the notes page at the back of my Bible. I know a good quote when I hear one because they usually make me stop, and go "hmmmmm". SO I think I am gonna start a "quote of the week" on my blog. Some will be funny some will be serious, but hopefully you will enjoy them and feel free to add to them.

drumroll please....

"Can anyone tell me what's wrong with our family?"
Actually I found this one funny and noteworthy because it was said by Jessica while the four of us were dining at Chili's and acting a little goofy. If she feels this way at 7, imagine her thoughts at 16?

"We are too busy for His glory"
I have been listening to Beth Moore's Bible Studies online and she said this and it struck a cord with me. God is doing amazing things around me all the time and I often miss it because I am too busy. "Be still and know"

Ok well I know that was two quotes, but you will live.

On a completely different side note: I am sitting here this morning and my house looks different to me, what is it? OH, yes that's it, the SUN is coming through the windows, I forgot what my house looks like with the sun shine coming in. Please: rain, rain go away, come again another day.

13 Years

Today is our 13th anniversary!!! 13 may be considered unlucky to some, but to be honest with you, with each passing year I am more and more convinced that I am the luckiest girl in the world. I think I have been in love with Chris Havard since I was 11 years old and saw him in Mrs. Carnes 6th grade English class. We had to write in our journal about some topic that she put on the board and I still remember that when she asked who would like to read their journal to the class, Chris volunteered to read. This caught my attention because I would have rather had a severe case of the flu than to do anything in front of other people. Just the mere asking for volunteers sent me into a cold sweat and attempt to shrink as small as possible or deep into prayer asking for the gift to become invisible. So yep, that's when I first noticed the skinny little blond boy. I have been infatuated ever since. His first memory of me was in gym class, I think it was the short purple polyester gym shorts that caught his eye!! HA!!! Anyway, 6th grade started a sweet little journey down a road full of blessings, adventures, a deep friendship and a "knowing" that I am extremely grateful for.

If you have any knowledge of Chris then I think you are probably aware of how completely spoiled rotten I am by him. I am not sure why, but the fella is the sweetest thing to me. I don't deserve it, I am moody as all get out and often selfish. Yet he continues to love me unconditionally, speaks nothing but kindness to me, always helps me in any way possible and always always puts me and our children before himself.

In many ways he is still the cute 6th grade boy I knew, he still doesn't mind speaking in public, he is still as funny as ever, laughter is never absent from us, he even still seems to like me in my gym shorts, but with each passing year, he just gets more and more amazing to me. I am blessed to have somehow managed to snag him and keep him for 13 years, here's to many many more...

Anniversary Getaway

Chris and I just returned home yesterday from a fun trip to Newport, Rhode Island. We dropped off the kids EARLY Wednesday morning at my sister's house and headed to the airport. We flew into Boston, rented a car and drove over to Newport. Before I begin the usual "here's what we did" part, can I just take a moment to say, I REALLY don't like to fly. I don't like the waiting, the lines, the searches, the other people that just bug in too many ways to mention. (though I could, but you wouldn't think I am very nice person, if I went on that rant!!) I don't like the take offs at all, Chris laughs at me, but I get nervous. I really really think it would just be a really yucky way to die. Chris tried to lovingly point out, "It would be really quick and over with fast." I just didn't take comfort in that since he pointed it out DURING take off!!

Ok, so we make it to Newport and we find our very nice B&B get settled in and then head to the movies. Kinda funny we went all that way to do something we could have done right by our house, but that's the beauty of it, we can do whatever we want. We saw Oceans 13 and then headed into the harbor area downtown and had a late dinner. Thursday morning we went sailing on this beautiful boat, relaxed on the front porch of our place and then did the "Cliff Walk". The cliff walk is about 3.5 miles of walking trail, some paved some rocky, that runs along the coastline. You have the Atlantic Ocean on one side and some beautiful mansions on the other. Friday we toured one of the Mansions called The Breakers, built by the Vanderbilt family. I told Chris if I had been alive back then I would have worked really hard to marry into that family!! Another mansion was hosting a flower show. This felt like a true Kennedy, Cape Cod, New England experience. We had lunch outside on this amazing lawn over looking the Atlantic with a tall ship moored just in the distance. Ladies in fancy hats were enjoying the festivities while a 5 piece band played. That night we had a nice dinner at the oldest tavern in America. Saturday we got up, checked out and went "trot trot to Boston" (sorry) walked around little bit and then went to the airport (taking a "scenic" route due to a map problem which some might claim was user error, but I say they need to hire a better cartographer @*&^%!!). We got home late, but were greeted with hugs and kisses from Joshua and Jessica.

Monday is our actually anniversary so check back on a post about that tomorrow.

Here are some pics from the trip:

It's The Thought that Counts

HMMMM! I am really starting to think it isn't the thought that counts, at least in some areas of life. I learned last night that a friend is moving away very soon and I started to have some regrets, which of course set me to thinking. How many times do I "think" about getting together with friends, but never seem to get around to it? How many times do I "think" I need to call someone, yet the sun goes down on another day and I haven't done it. How many times do I "think" I should email that sweet friend in another state, yet I waste my time writing blogs or reading the paper online. It really is kinda pathetic to think that I have more and more tools available to me to connect with friends, yet I still manage to procrastinate or get busy etc. I am missing out on something when I choose to remain self-centered or "too busy" Last night when I learned that my friend is moving I realized, I grew complacent in the idea that I could see her when I wanted instead of actually following through on it. My loss.

It's the "tyranny of the urgent" getting caught up in what must get accomplished right now instead of trying to also remember to do that which is important.

What's the solution? I am not sure, but I think I will call a friend and see if she wants to meet for lunch to chat about it...

My Dad is cooler than your dad!!!

Now before you go getting all miffed at the title, I was just kidding around. However I still will say I have a very cool dad!! Here are just a few things that I love about my dad or things that he has taught me over the years:

I love the fact that he survived in a house with all chics! No easy task, I am sure his doctorate in psychology paid off in ways he never expected.

I love the fact that my dad is the most honest person I know. Growing up, my mom and sister enjoyed making up things to tease me or try to make me believe something. All I had to do was find out the truth from dad, he wouldn't lie!! This really irked my mom and sister!

I love the fact that my dad doesn't do anything half way. When he wants to learn or do something, he throws himself into it. Over the years, what he is into may change, but never how he attacks the process wholeheartedly.

I love the fact that my dad was overprotective! This use to drive me crazy, but now I understand!

I love the fact that I NEVER left the house without hearing him say "I love you" often more than once.

I love the fact that my dad is completely crazy about my mom, always has been, always will be and never afraid to show it!!

I love the fact that my dad is full of corny jokes and puns!!!

I love the fact that my dad takes really good care of his mom.

I love the fat that my dad is extremely generous and there are never "strings attached"

I love the fact that my dad likes my husband.

I love the fact that I could call my dad right now at this moment and say, "I need your help" and he would immediately do whatever he could.

I love the fact that my dad loves me unconditionally. This one gift has done more to shape me and give me the confidence every girl needs growing up. I have never for one moment felt unloved by my dad! Thanks Dad!

And lastly, I am glad that my children get to have the coolest grandfather around.

Happy Father's Day Dad!!

Just thinking

With Father's Day approaching the kids and I had gotten a little gift for Chris and it set me to thinking "What's it like to be a dad?" Never really thought about it before, I guess I get caught up in what it's like to be a mom. I know that I will never really know the answer to that, but it was fun to ponder. I thought things like:

How did he feel when I uttered the words "we are gonna have a baby" the first and second time? What did he really think of me big and pregnant? What was it like to be in the room when they were born, I only have the perspective as the one pushing. What's it like to be the hero in the house, the one that can fix what's broken or makes them feel safe when a storm comes? What's it like to get on the ground and wrestle with your boy, while I stand back and wait for someone to get hurt (ha ha) What does it feel like to tuck your little girl in at night and know that at that moment you are her main man? Watching that exchange between the two of them is one of my favorites as a mom! What's it like to be the one that can answer any question about any sport? That one really amazes me. Really he can answer just about any question they come up with. They think dad is super smart! What's it like to feel the pressures of work and also the pressure to leave that at work when he comes home? What is it like to know that you have these kids watching you and learning more from what you do than what you say? (That's true for moms too I know) What's his favorite part of being a dad, what's the hardest part?

I guess I was trying to "step into his shoes" for a moment and think about life as a dad. Empathy is always a good thing and helps us to understand and to think beyond ourselves. Bottom line, I know I can't fully understand what it's like to be a dad, but it was good to try.
Made me very grateful for the amazing dad that my kids have.
http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/sea/singles/628/What-Dads-Cant-Do
check this link out, it's very cute and clever.

All is right with the world again (at least my world)

Jessica woke up this morning and said, "Bubba comes home today!" We were both pretty happy about it. If you didn't read my earlier post he has been at his first camp with our church this week. Now I know I sound a bit neurotic and I guess I am, but by yesterday I just needed that boy home. It was time.

Chris made a "Welcome Back Joshua" sign for us and we joined all the other excited parents outside of church standing in the heat, waiting for the buses. The first bus went by, 3rd grade girls, not what I was looking for, then the 3rd grade boys bus went by and sure enough my "mom radar" spotted that cute little kid easily through the tinted windows. He hopped off the bus with a big grin, looking a little older than when I left him on Thursday and hugged us all.

I love that kid!

Funny Things Overheard

I finished keeping my neices and they were returned to their mommy and daddy safely Friday night. My neices are well known for the very clever things that come out of their mouths so I kept a mental note of some of the things I heard them say and thought I would share it with you guys. It's my mommy equivalent to Letterman's top ten list. (except my mental notes fail me at the moment and I only have seven)

"my mommy always..." followed by something I wasn't doing just like my sis does! I tried to explain I was the closest DNA match to her mommy that she was going to get at the moment.

"Uncle Chris you look silly" this was stated first thing in the morning when Leah saw Chris without his glasses.

"I was a baby in my momma's tummy" this was uttered to every person she met. It was so cute, a little FYI about her. I soooo wanted to explain a little more of the birds and the bees to her so she could have more to add to it next time she said it around my sister, that would have been hilarious, but I was scared of the paybacks!!

"I miss my mommy" now this was to be expected, but when this was uttered a mere two hours into their stay, I was scared!!!

"My mommy can hear me crying from here." This quote came at the park when she was so tired. She was crying then just stopped and said that! I had to keep from laughing and just reassured her that yes, I am sure mommy knows you are crying.

"Do you want to play Rich People when we get home?" I heard this one in the van on the way back from somewhere. I have NO IDEA what this game is, but count me in. Maybe they sip pretend lattes while getting pedicures and the maid is home cleaning!!!

"You're brave Aunt LeRay" this was the quote of the week, because the little one said it when I was helping her in the bathroom. HA!!!!

Kite Strings

I have sometimes felt like this parenting thing is sorta like flying a kite, just not as easy. I feel like everytime my kids reach some sort of new level of independence I have to let the kite string out a little bit more and then a little bit more. I cognitively understand the point is to let all the string out eventually, and I also know that if I refuse to let the string out it's gonna snap off anyway. Either way, the kites gonna go up and up.

Well today I had to let the string out a little bit more. Joshua left this morning for church camp at The Heights. It's his first time to go to a full fledged, over night, for 4 nights, camp. Boy was he excited!!

After almost a week of him having to listen to me say things like:

• remember to brush your teeth


• try to keep up with your stuff


• I am only an hour away if you need me


• you gotta eat well


• hang up your towel after you shower so it will be dry


• don't go near the lake without a grown up

The day arrived for him to head off, and I know that it won't matter if he doesn't brush his teeth, loses a few things, or never hangs up his towel. He is going to be just fine, and I think I will too because the kite sure is pretty the higher and higher it goes.

Can't a girl get a break

OK can I vent for a moment? Yes I can because it's my blog! This has not been my best day. I know in the grand scheme of things life can certainly be ALOT worse and yes in my rational moments I know that. However, I don't want to be rational at this moment so go ahead and picture me arms crossed, pouty faced and stomping my foot.

So I had the day planned out (shocker I know). I currently have 4 children under my roof ages 9 to 3 and all goes best when you have a little something for them to do. So we hung out at home all morning had an early lunch and then headed out for the afternoon. NOW some of you motherly types might be thinking, "Hey what are you doing taking a 3 year old out AFTER lunch doesn't she need a nap?" Hold you horses because in my expert planning I had already thought that through. We were going to the dollar movie at 12:40 where she would either sleep during the movie or at least relax and then crash on the way home. So we head out the door (no easy task) and I even picked up a 5th kid to go with us, so Joshua would have a buddy.

We drive to the movie and this is where things started to go awry.

We all pile out of the van (I think this is quite a sight to those around) get up to the ticket counter. I ask for 6 tickets to Firehouse Dog, thinking I should get a group discount or something. Ticket girl smiles and says "It's sold out" SCREEEEEEECHHHH crash (that was the sound of the wheels coming off) I almost pulled out the $50 from my wallet and said "listen chic please please go take 6 people outta that movie and put us in, do you see what i am dealing with here?"

So now we gotta get to plan B. I decide to go back near home, run by sonic and get them drinks then head to a nearby park to let them play and eat the candy I had pre bought and was sneaking into the movie. (quit judging, you know you do it too) While at sonic I get a route 44 diet vanilla coke and I am thoroughly very excited to get to the park and sip on my drink while I eat my hot tamale candy. (the two are quite dreamy together) So we arrive at the park and we all again pile out of the car. I set my drink down to help Leah (3 year old) down from this small retaining wall so she can go play and PLOP, there goes the lovely diet vanilla coke on the ground. It was like slow motion "nooooooooooooo". I threw away the busted cup with a lump in my throat and had a small pity party for a moment. Well it didn't last too long at the park because the little one was soon reduced to an exhausted puddle on the playground and we had to head home. So much for planning!

I think we ALL need a nap. I know I do.

WOW!

I am taking care of my neices for the next 3 nights while their parent are away on little getaway. See it works out well, I will put in my time this week and then Chris and I get to escape for a few nights too, while my sis watches my kids.

So I picked up the girls bright and early this morning. Leah is 3 and Morgan is 6. They were very excited and chatted the whole way home, I did my best to keep up considering I hadn't had my cup of coffee yet.

So these two cute critters have been affectionately named the "Texas Twister" and the "Texas Tornado" and I thought I would show you a little of their handy work. They work with speed and diligence, and leave a path of destruction wherever they hit. I think this might rank as a F4 or F5.

This is a before and after shot of Jessica's room, approx 20 minutes after touch down occurred.

Impressive. I am hoping that by the weeks end that the Red Cross will pitch in and help rebuild, or maybe FEMA will show up with a trailer, or even better the Texas Baptist Men will show up to help put it all together again.