A Boy On A Mission

C decided that he wanted to make a seesaw this afternoon.  He located part of a landscape timber and began dragging it all around the yard in search of the perfect fulcrum.  After a few semi-dangerous choices, I went ahead and suggested using one of our large flowerbed border rocks.  

A few minutes later, these two were thoroughly enjoying their homemade seesaw. 

Of course, it didn't take but about 5 minutes of playing "regular" seesaw before C had to start improvising :)

Heeeeey, batter batter!

Well - it's official. We have joined the millions of American parents spending part of our Saturdays on a baseball field watching THE most adorable little player begin what is SURE to be his long and distinguished baseball career :)

C's T-Ball season started last weekend.  It is pretty low-key.  Once a week, total of 1 1/2 hours (30 minute practice; 10 minute devotional; remainder is "game" time playing one of 5 other teams in the "league").

Honestly, I had my doubts.  I'm not athletic...not even a little bit.  Which means that I don't have a whole lot of interest in sports of any kind.  But I have to say, it was a lot of fun! 

This was just before C started playing in the dirt :)

My favorite part:  how the WHOLE team clears the field running after a ball (leaving the field totally open for the opposing team to run the bases :)

C's favorite part:  after practice snacks!

A Very Different Week!

J spent the week in Atlanta in training so the kiddos and I were on our own.  To the best of my recollection, this is the first time since C was a baby that J has been gone for more than a day or  two.  And honestly, I was a little nervous about how C and G would do - after all these are the same kids who basically jump on their daddy the minute he walks in the door from work every afternoon and don't give him a moments peace until we tuck them in bed. :)

Thankfully, they did really, really well!  Monday - Wednesday, we stayed home and pretty much kept our normal routine with the exception of a few special "treats" - had supper at a good friend's house on Tuesday and supper at Burger King on Wednesday :) 

But the highlight was a trip on Thursday - Friday to visit our family in my (and J's) hometown!  My nephew turns 3 this weekend, so we wanted to spend some time with him...but of course we got in some Grandparent time too!  I know the kids must have had fun because THIS is what happened as soon as we got on the road headed back home to meet J...

AHHHHH!  Not only did it eliminate a good bit of the typical in-trip angst and consternation, it also provided me the opportunity to have a nice long chat with a dear friend who I have't spoken with in a long time...a refreshing conversation and a real blessing!  (And yes, I know I shouldn't talk and drive...but seriously it was too tempting to resist :)

I'm so thankful that our week went well - but we all missed J a whole bunch and couldn't wait to see him so when we found out that he had to drop some equipment off at work before coming home, we decided to meet him at his new office :)  It sure is good to have him home!

A New Chapter

About 5 months ago, J received a telephone call out of the blue from a former co-worker. They worked together back in J's college intern days - 11 years ago...geez we are getting old! :)  Anyhow, he wanted to speak with J about a job opportunity assisting in the start-up of a local branch office for a Systems Integrator based in Atlanta.  J agreed to meet with him just before Thanksgiving to learn a bit more...J was pretty happy with his current job, but figured it couldn't hurt to check this opportunity out.  Looooong story short, J was intrigued with what this company is doing and began the process investigating, interviewing, and eventually (after much prayer and discussion) accepting a job....starting TOMORROW!

It is a little bit bitter-sweet...excited and thankful to the Lord for this opportunity but a little sad because J worked with some really great folks at his former job.  So, starting tomorrow, our life will look a little different, J will be the "New Guy" - a big change from his former "Wise Old Guy" status, he'll be doing some   local travel, and he's finally got a valid reason for getting an iPhone :)

Looking forward to starting this new chapter!

The NERVE of Me!

Little Ms. Independent was VERY offended that I insisted on cleaning her face with a wipe.  "I do it, Mommy!" is a common expression around our house these days.

Note to self:  Taking a picture of a Drama Queen in the midst of her temper-tantrum makes said tantrum exponentially worse...lucky for all I had not yet unbuckled her car seat  :)

A Sweet Reminder

Came across these verses during my Quiet Time yesterday...

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;

your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.

Do not forsake the work of your hands.  Psalm 138:8

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.  Psalm 139:14

On a day when I was feeling like a big 'ol Goober - those were such comforting reminders!  God made me for His good purpose, He loves me, and He's not gonna give up on me!  YEAH! :)

Momma Watch This!

Yesterday, for the first time, C navigated the Monkey Bars - from start to finish - all by himself!  He was so excited with himself!  I'm proud of him too, he's been working on that goal for a long time :)

Unfortunately, that wasn't his only "first" of the day.  As he was showing off his newfound Monkey Bar prowess, he fell and got the wind knocked out of him.  He didn't know quite what to make of that.  I'm guessing that he'll be approaching Monkey Bars with a bit more caution...hopefully!?!?

Another new thing that he's doing that I'm pretty excited about is this...

G loves to swing - so I'll take any help I can get in that department :)