Fishing with Papa

John Parker and Avery spent last week with my parents and had a great time. John Parker loves anything outdoors--especially hunting for "buck deer" and fishing. Here are a couple of shots of the "big catch" on his fishing trip with Papa. He wanted to make sure everyone knew that he caught the big one!

Krafty Kidz

I took off yesterday to stay at home with the kids. I can't believe that school starts in just a few weeks! I bought some craft supplies and we had a great time (and made a big mess)! Afterwards, we went to Pizza Inn. It was a really fun day.

My Girl

I was behind on ordering prints for the photo albums, so I have been playing catch-up this week with over 500 prints starting with Christmas. Last night I saw one of Avery from this past Christmas and we laughed at how much it looked like me. I went through some old pics at my parents last week and brought a few home. This one is from me at Christmas--I'm guessing about 1976? Too, too funny!

July 4th

We had a great July 4th long weekend! Friday, I took the kids to my parents and John Parker got to take a look at the garden and hunt for bugs. Saturday, we went to Weezie and Gumps for Will Hayden's birthday and went swimming and boat riding. John Parker has just become a little fish this summer. He loves the water. That night we met the Wrights at the Braves game. The kids had a blast and the fireworks were awesome. Sunday, Avery and I went to Ryleigh's birthday party and John Parker and John Bret went fishing. John Parker caught a catfish and a 1.5 lb. bass. He was so excited!

VBS 2009

John Parker has been at VBS this week. The theme was "Discovery Canyon"--where they had a beautiful backdrop of mountains, a waterfall, tee-pees, and wild animals. They caught bugs, made a pottery piece (although I'm not sure what it is!), made bread and learned about Native American missions. Today was the closing program where they told what they'd learned and sang. The first song was "My God is an Awesome God" and it brought tears to my eyes. John Parker sang his little heart out. I could hear him from where I was standing! I'm so thankful to belong to such a great church--not only a church--but a community of believers! Our God is indeed an Awesome God!!

Note: I also included a couple of photos of my "2 little monkeys jumping on the bed". They love to do this every night after their baths and I don't know anything sweeter.....

Sandestin 2009

My Sweet Boy

It's always been said that there is a big difference between boys and girls-- and that's certainly true. The personalities of my 2 couldn't be different. Avery is the independent one with the sassy attitude--not in a bad way, but she has a confidence that just shines through and she isn't afraid to be by herself. Her new teacher said she was "spunky" and that fits her to a T. In fact, I've started calling her "Spunky Monkey". John Parker is the sensitive one--always worried about hurting someone's feelings or thinking about things way beyond his years. My Dad's brother has been very ill with liver disease over the past several years and isn't expected to make it much longer, so my Dad flew to Minnesota yesterday to be with him and his other siblings (My Dad is the oldest of 6). The kids have been staying with my parents this week and John Parker told me yesterday that Papa was sad because his brother is dying. My Mom said that he was fascinated by the fact that Papa had brothers and sisters and was asking about why Papa was sad. She told him that he was grieving and he knew that meant he was sad. Always, out of the blue--he'll ask about why people do things and that God wants us to be kind and nice and how one day we'll see Jesus every day. It does my heart good to hear him talk about Jesus and know that he is sensitive to other people's sadness. Both of our children are such a blessing and I thank God everyday for them and pray for his continued guidance as we raise them.