Tate just said "MP blew me a kiss during the parade and I didn't like it!"

MP would be Mary Poppins.

Tate's not down with Mary Poppins puttin' the moves on 'em.

Steph

This is a test!

I wanted to blog somethings while on vacation by I wasn't sure this would work. So, this is a test. Hopefully, more to come!

Steph

Hello, my name is Rob and I like to do drawrings......

Thanks for your input on the pictures. I still haven't decided which one to get, but when I get it, I'll post a picture of what it looks like in my house!

This post, however, is dedicated to someone you don't hear much about on my blog..... my better half. I am so proud of him, lately. He has managed to hold down a full time job (swing shift 12 hour shifts, no less) and he will graduate from COLLEGE in MAY! He is getting a degree in Fine Arts from Arkansas State University. I know, I know..... you are probably thinking that getting a degree in art must be a real gravy train. Well, on the contrary, he has been blessed with a gift that he has been unbelievably humble about. Of course I am his biggest fan and his worst critic so sometimes it's easy for me to forget how talented he is--- until someone else weighs in on it.

We joke about when Rob was a freshman in college and we attended the student art show at ASU. When we got out of the car, Rob said, "There's one of my sculptures." I was a bit embarrassed. It was literally a pile of logs on the grass! During the awards presentation, I remember practicing the "it's okay"s and "better luck next time"s in my head. How shocked was I when Rob not only won Best of Show with that pile of logs, but also won 3 other awards and skipped away with a sweet $600 in prize money. I've never looked at his art the same.

This year, Rob entered two shows where your work had to be chosen for show before the show even began. He took third place with a painting (he just got into painting this year) in one of the shows and first place in the Annual Student Show, also with a painting The third place painting is pictured above and is titled "Red Delicious". Do you know why? It is currently hanging on my living room wall and I like to think it wasn't a coincidence that it matches perfectly. Of course, he says it is. A true artist isn't inspired by what will match your living room...... or so he says. What do I know? The green one below is another in that series. I don't have a picture of the painting he won first with.

His emphasis is in ceramics, or pottery. I hate to call it ceramics. It just makes me think of molded greenware owls just waiting to be painted that perfect shade of harvest gold.

You will hardly ever hear Rob brag or even tell others about his accomplishments. He is often too humble. So, I wanted to share his success with you and give him my public "Congratulations"!

I love you, Rob! I am SO proud of your accomplishments!

I need your help!

I finally got some pictures of my kids where they have semi-natural smiles and look most like themselves. I want to get a new picture for my mantle but I've got on my mommy goggles and am having trouble picking one! So, I need your help. Which one, if any (don't worry--it won't be expensive) should I pick to print big for my mantle. I have a very traditional home with traditional colors and want it to also match my decor. Be honest-- but nice ;) I know they aren't perfect (the pictures...... or the kids ;)

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#9

Sharp as a Tack

I've been lax in blogging. I haven't had great pictures to post or any stories to tell that I've even felt like talking about. February has certainly been a month that I'm not sure I want to see come again next year. Next February will be sure to remind us of some extremely difficult times. It's been hard to be optimistic about life on this earth.

But thankfully, this month has done more than just come and go. It has left it's mark. God wants us to remember and that is the blessing in it. Satan would be happy if February 2009 left us bitter and hateful. But God has assured me that this is not His plan. I have seen more grown men gripped in sorrows this month than I care to remember, but God has proven that He is here to be our strength. It's funny how most of the struggles I have experienced I remember more fondly than I can believe. I know that God used those struggles to change my life and I pray, and am certain, that God will not disappoint this time, either.

I've been wanting to get a new lens for my camera for a long time. I've just been using the lens that came on my camera because I wanted to be sure of what I wanted before I dropped that first chunk of change on a new one. I decided on a prime lens which means it only has one focal length. You can't zoom in or out--you just have to let your feet do the work. I'd read that this particular lens will create fabulously sharp images and allow you to control your depth of field and get some very nice bokeh....... am I losing anybody? Because it sounds a little Greek to me, too. This shot is pretty clear all over. You can still make out all the junk in my backyard ;)

I have learned a little bit about depth of field and have learned that by changing your aperature, you can create some clear shots where everything is in focus or a shot where just one area of the picture is in focus and the rest is blurred or distorted. The blurry area in the background is called bokeh. That dead grass behind my daffodil is not clear. Although, it is still there, it is less sharp and all we see are the beautiful details in the focused part of the flower.

Please don't get bogged down in my impromptu photography lesson because, for goodness sake, I do not claim to be anywhere near knowledgable. But thinking about lenses made me realize that February 2009 is still a little too "sharp" all over for me. But, I know that thanks only to Him, next year our depth of field will change and we'll see February as that well focused picture with those sharp images fading into a creamy bokeh that only a good lens can give.

Sorry to leave you in the dark.......but....

Well, my posts were few and far between before, but for the past week, I've had a good excuse. Monday evening we had a horrendous ice storm. If you aren't local, you may have even seen it on the national news. Ice over an inch thick covered every surface after it was finally over following almost two full days of freezing rain. I can easily say it was the worst storm of any kind that I have ever seen in Lawrence County and have verified with my grandparents that it is the worst they have seen in their lifetimes, as well.

My inlaws house

Tuesday morning the power went off at about 8 am. That day seemed like the longest day of my life....... little did I know. At one point, Tate even complained that it was "the worst day of his life." Of course, I tried to gently correct him that a little lack of video games, lights, and TV never hurt anyone and that I'm sure he would live. However, as the days progressed---- in those weak moments, I could sympathize.

That first day we fried bisquit donuts, made homemade playdoh, and played board games and almost got a bit comfortable in the moment. We went to Rob's parents and listened to the limbs start to crack that night. As one crashed down, we would run to the window to survey the damage but we could see nothing but blackness. It was a scary night. I kept wondering about my grandparent's house. They have one of the oldest trees in Walnut Ridge sitting in front of their house. One limb from that tree could completely obliterate their house. Luckily, in our new neighborhood, trees are few and our house was well protected and my grandparents were safe and sound at the time in a "shelter" at the local nursing home.

My mom's

That night we regained power at about 8 pm only to lose it again--for good at 11 pm. We drug mattresses into the living room and took pictures of our little "campout". Oh how fun this would be to remember in the future, we thought. But on Wednesday night, we realized the fun was over. As darkness crept in every night, it was a trick to see how fast you could cook all the food that was spoiling before it got dark as well as light all the candles and figure out what the kids were going to do while all of this was going on. Avery also thought it was so much fun to go around and blow out all of the candles as soon as they were lit.

Night #1

Rodney and Kristi moved in with us on Wednesday. Their help was priceless. We actually cooked up some spaghetti on our gas cooktop (in the dark, no less) and Rob ran an extension cord from the power inverter in the truck to power a lamp! It was a true blessing. We ran the truck for over 4 hours running a lamp and a small tv. We played cards and thought, once again, that this would be laughable tomorrow.

gas lines

By the next day, Rob and I started wondering if buying a generator might be a good idea. We were warm and we could cook (both serious blessings!) but the darkness was enough to send you over the edge. So, on Thursday, we bit the bullet and Rob waited in line for 3 hours for a generator. We ran extension cords that night and wired our house to it the next day. What a dream to flip and switch and see lights, run the washer, blow dry your hair...... the list goes on and on!

Brother-in-laws backyard

Friday, Kristi and I took the kids to Pocahontas to eat at one of the few open restaurants in a 20 mile radius and shop for some groceries to replace all of the spoiled ones. That evening, Rob had to go back to work so Kristi and I decided to take the kids to Jonesboro for some civilization (Rodney was in a meeting at Little Rock). I had found out earlier that day that my grandparents had begged to go home after being ejected from their "shelter" due to overcapacity (long story). Anyway, my uncle put them to bed (he lives just next door) and set out to take care of some other errands. As we arrived home from Jonesboro, we found out that my Papaw had burned his arm badly. I left Kristi with my kids and took off to their house where I had to call an ambulance because his arm was so bad. Neither he nor my Memaw could explain what had happened. He was taken to Jonesboro and Memaw went home with me. He ended up having 2nd and light 3rd degree burns and obviously this was the last straw for them being independent.

We finally got power late Saturday afternoon....... over 100 hours without power ANYWHERE in Walnut Ridge or Hoxie (except for one gas station that had lines for gas that were LOOONNNGG). Many in our area still do not have power, including my maternal grandfather, my paternal grandparents, my good friend Amanda and her family, my uncle, and my brother and his family. We spent the day moving generators-- again! We have missed a full week of school, now, and don't know when we will go back. Our county has been included in a Federal Disaster area.

I have to say that this has been one of the hardest weeks of my life. I have learned so much, though. To say that some things are "fluff" is an understatement. As I watched the video today of shelters in the area, I remembered how blessed we have been. And, although I have had my Memaw for 2 nights and spent the day with my Papaw in the hospital today-- which has been difficult, I remember how close we were to losing them in a tragic accident on Friday.

The hole over Jon and Hillary's bed..... the branch stuck through a few feet.....eek

This post could really go on and on. I could tell you about the limb that actually pierced the bedroom ceiling of my brother in law and sister in law, about how we kept our food outside in a cooler for over two days, about the threat of losing our water supply and running water into every empty container and bathtub for precaution, about my brother working as a lineman every day and then coming home at night to hook up and unhook generators, or about the burned up shirt that we found at my grandparents' house.......... but I'll leave you with this:

Lord, we are so grateful for Your mercy. We are also grateful for those material blessings we receive from You. But, most importantly, Lord, we are grateful for your Son-- our hope for life after this one. We know the things of this world are not permanent and that only You are powerful enough to offer what we need. Please restore us both physically and spiritually. Bless those who need You in whatever way.

My Rainbow

Avery is going to start the preschool program at Walnut Ridge on Monday. The program is a part of the cooperative that I work for, so it's not like I'm totally sending her out into the real world. I do think she is very ready for it, though, or I would think about waiting until next year. She is definitely a very social child who will do well with other kids to play with during the day.

The birth of this girl was certainly a rainbow in a very rainy season. She causes me a ton of trouble, but she's always worth it. She has the most spectacular personality and is extremely independent. She's has become quite "my sidekick" even when I wish she weren't so attached to me.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Avery!

Tate On Being Culturally Diverse

With a thick Asian accent, the waitress at Fuji asks Tate whether he would like soup or salad with his meal. He turns to my mother with a confused look and she answers the waitress. As she leaves, Tate turns to my mother and says,

"I don't even SPEAK Spanish!"

The Season's Favorite Shots

The only dog Avery's dad will allow her to have. His name is Sparky..... I mean Jo Jo...... oh wait, that's Chinook....... his name changes by the hour.

Rob's company Christmas party at the bowling alley.

Maddox and Logan

Tate and Maddox got Marshmallow shooters but Maddox cracked us up by seriously being most excited by the bag of marshmallows.

This is a family picture we won't forget. Let's just say I had to hone my photoshop skills because SOMEONE decided to make screwed up faces in all but ONE photo. I was a little peeved after running back and forth to the camera timer about 6 times. See if you can guess who got a new head :)

Tate's new 4 wheeler that Santa brought

Oh my...... it's only the beginning.....

Christmas Survey

1. Fresh or Fake Tree

My dad was a freak about fires so we always had a fake tree growing up. I think we had a real tree once and my parents took it down the day before Christmas because it was so dried out and such a fire hazard. I like my fake tree, though. I always know what shape it is going to be. The thought of "the Christmas tree hunt" does sound fun, too.

2. Favorite Ornament

The year that we lost Reese, a co-worker of Rob's sent home this sweet little embroidered piece of felt. Every year when I put it on the kids' tree, I remember. I also let my kids pick a Hallmark ornament each year and as we put them on the tree, I remember all of their outgrown toy fads. It's always very sentimental.

3. Favorite Christmas Song

Okay, here's where I get "grinchy". I don't really care for Christmas music. Something about it seems so cheesy to me. I don't mind to hear it and I'll probably even hum along, but I don't typically buy Christmas CDs or put any Christmas music on my ipod. I know........ bah humbug.

4. Favorite Tradition

Well, traditions change as you get older and start your own family traditions, but I guess my favorite "old" tradition is opening gifts at my mom's on Christmas Eve. My brother, even at 29, gets so stinking excited. He is typically so quiet, but at Christmas he gets a little giddy. My mom is also so much fun at Christmas. I have truly inherited her joy of gift giving. She always goes a little overboard with the gifts, but it's not because we are spoiled or expect it. It's because she loves it.

My favorite tradition with my kids is making and decorating cookies for Santa. We always just use some good ole slice and bakes or those prerolled sheets of sugar cookie dough, but the kids love it none the less.

5. Favorite Gift Ever
Hmmmmm....... this is hard. (I heard that Kristi) My most used gift ever is a fuzzy blanket I got from my grandma when I was in the 4th or 5th grade. I wore mine out, but my brother got one the same year and I am still using his. I sleep with it under the sheet.

My most favorite gift ever would probably have to be Tivo. We got it from my parents just a few years after DVRs came out and I don't know how I ever watched TV without it. We have had to have it repaired or replaced a couple of times and when we do, I refer to it as if Tivo was a good friend going into the hospital (of course only kidding).


6. Favorite Christmas Meal
Ham, turkey, dressing, sweet potato casserole, Sister Schubert rolls, hash brown casserole, green beans, and strawberry salad. Mmmmmmm...... I looooovvvvve dressing.


7. Favorite Christmas Cookie
Okay, this is a new one. A co-worker, who also happens to be Rob's sister-in-law's mother, brings these iced sugar cookies that her sister makes to work and they are TO DIE FOR. I think she gave me the recipe last year, but I can guarantee I could never replicate it. There's also something special about cookies when someone else makes them. I also love those little shortbread balls with pecans in them that are rolled in powdered sugar. I've tried to make those and I have never gotten them to taste right. Leave it to me to have a whole long paragraph about food ;)


8. Favorite Place to Be
My mom's. The kids get crazy, but it is still fun. I love my family because we can always just be ourselves.


9. Favorite Memory
The year Tate was two and we had just moved into our house. He was just beginning to talk (yes, he was late) and when he got up on Christmas morning, he opened all of his gifts and just gushed about each and every one. He got a Viewmaster and I remember he tried to reach out and grab the air as he was looking through. It was precious. Rob and I were in tears with joy.


10. Favorite Christmas Movie
Okay, I'm going to get "grinchy" again. I'm not big into watching movies repeatedly. Once I watch it, I'm usually done unless I happen to see it on TV when there is nothing else on. I guess I would have to say the old Dr. Suess How the Grinch Stole Christmas, seriously.


I'm hoping to start some new Christmas traditions with my own family this year now that the kids are older. If you have any ideas that have worked nicely for your family, please pass them on! This year we got an "Elf on the Shelf" and it has been really fun. I can't wait for Christmas break so that I can put together some more thoughts on things to do. Happy Holidays!



(What is up with blogger that every time I publish a post it messes with my spacing! It drives me crazy to look at it all messed up but I can't fix it)

Calgon, take me away!

I'm trying to keep my cool today, but it has been hard. I've been on the verge of tears or a breakdown all day. But this takes the cake........ This will explain why a quiet almost 3 year old (who is not asleep) is a BAD, BAD thing.....

That is lipstick. In the lovely shade of Mary Kay Downtown Brown. She gets her artistic abilities from her dad and her cosmotology skills from her mother.

Avery also ran away from home 2 times in the last two days. Luckily she ended up at my mom's.

I got about 20 gray hairs today.

Where did Baby Tate go?

This weekend we celebrated the birth of our first born, Tate Aaron. He is a great kid. He has caused me a mountain of worries, but has also seen me through some tough times. He doesn't always listen, but seems to hear everything. He makes me cry my eyes out and laugh my head off. He can't remember where he left his shoes, yet, he knows the lines for every infomercial on TV. He's weird enough to be interesting and a nonconformist. He cries often because he's sensitive--like his dad.

Tate has grown into a wonderful boy. His innocent belief in the Lord makes me crave a theology where God is my Superman. I worry often that I will "mess him up" and I pray like crazy that he will be fine. He loves his family and finds his "best friends" within it.

Happy 8th Birthday, Tate!

I love you,

Mommy

Now, Tate will also share his birthday week with a dear friend's second born, Aaden Isaiah. Aaden was born on good ole Black Friday (the 28th) at 5:07 am. I got to be there!!!! After having 3 c-sections, a good old fashioned delivery was a new experience for me and I was thrilled to get to be a part of it. Welcome, Aaden! And Happy Birthday to you, too!