Praises and such...

A fun filled lunch at McDonald's after a fun filled preschool field trip to play and tour the kitchen. We munched with the Sullivan clan and only one of my children got into a fist fight in the climber. Overall, it was good. BTW if Dax tells you the secret pass word to his "rocket ship" is "Please. Broccoli, Please" really, he doesn't mean "punch me and come on in". Seems there are some kids who don't like to have to say a password before entering a public place. I would have been one of these kids, but I would have just decided it wasn't worth my time and have found another place to play. Those boys, sigh...

A beautiful day outside! The boys and I headed to the city after our lunch extravaganza to watch Lily and her choir perform on the courthouse square. They did a great job. Seemed like half our town was out there. I think 75% of the 5th - 8th graders from the town were, and parents for many of them. We really enjoyed just talking about the big buildings and soaking up the sun and flowers. Why do we live less than 15 minutes from the city but never really take the time to enjoy the bigness of it? Seems like it's the mall or the shopping that call us over, never the beauty of the buildings or the hustle and bustle of people watching. An occasional trip the riverfront is grand, but why don't we do it more? Mike will love it when I tell him I want to go downtown and take pictures for Mother's Day, won't he? =)

Yard Sale season is officially kicked off. Here, in this little burb in which I live yard sales can be similar to boutique shopping. The kids and I spent some time at a few choice neighborhood sales. Problem is, I like to think before I spend money. I missed out on a Little Tikes workbench with all the pieces in great shape because I felt the need to run back to the van to consult Lily before buying. When I finally got in line to buy it, the guy 2 in front of me asked if it was sold and handed the his $20. I know this means we did not need it, but I can't help being a little bummed...mostly just cause I lost, pathetic, I know! We did find Dax a matching booster to Finn's. We were planning to buy one anyway but they've only had pink at Walmart lately.

Kids who were remarkably well behaved on this long day of adventure.

Following up with an ice cream cone at DQ. Nothing says summer like a face like this!

Playing outside.

American Idol night. It wasn't my favorite. I think I might have grown a bit soft in my old age. I didn't mind Guns n Roses as a teenager, but now I guess I've moved on. Although I must say, Slash was totally not the guy I expected. He seemed almost normal with lots of hair...hhmmm, maybe old age has mellowed him too! Anyway, this prediction is totally and completely against the judges, but I think it might be Adam who gos home tonight. After all it's the 4th place. This is the shock seat. If I'm wrong, I'll simply delete this part of my post! Would want anyone to think I don't know what I'm talking about! Except that you probably already know that if you've been reading long...oh well.

Watching Fringe with my hubby after all were in bed. I think he slept through the last 20 minutes. Oh well, I'm not telling him what happened! Lost and Fringe have become our grown up late at night shows. Nice to have a couple nights a week to be on the same brain wave that is totally out of our normal box, even if Mike doesn't usually make it through a whole episode.

Praises...

Pajama Mondays. Dax was the only one who managed to stay in his PJs all day. If I was playing "Not Me Monday" I might say something like, "That was absolutely not my son neighbors and passers by saw helping Daddy mow the lawn in very mismatched jammies at 6 o'clock this evening."

Getting re caught up on laundry. I'm still not sure how I managed to have 6 loads accumulate in one weekend!

Watching a movie last night with just my husband.

Fresh Sheets on everyone's beds. This is one of those silly things we take for granted but I love when it happens all in the same day!

One super cute 2 year old who can still fit in the sink for a bath.

Two insane little boys who love each other dearly (when they are not fighting!)

Seeing some real work on a history homework assignment from one 5th grade daughter, who is not a fan of hard work when it comes to homework.

Finally getting a few Easter pictures ordered. I was so excited to see that MckMama couldn't get good pictures of her four all together that I didn't feel so bad about my endeavors! I may even attach a few at the top of this post when I'm done typing...

Being here at the end of this day. Living in a place with friends and family within driving distance. Being thankful for each moment we have. None are guaranteed, each is a gift. This weekend my 27 year old neighbor down the street collapsed in his yard while doing yard work. He didn't make it through the night. He left behind a young wife and a one year old little boy. They were here for his work, but are from India. I can't imagine losing my young husband, let alone being in a faraway country. My heart goes out to them.

And again, I sit here taking stock. All is quiet. All is well. This day was blessed.

Praises

Sleeping in after being up a tad too late last night!

Kids and a husband who can feed and dress themselves on a Saturday morning. They might not be able to clean up after themselves, but who would want it to be that perfect? That would simply be no fun if I got to sleep in late and had a clean house! =)

A beautiful sunny Saturday for playing outside.

A birthday party with ice cream cake...gotta love a good ice cream cake!

Kids playing, neighbors laughing, the sounds of spring!

A candle lit Italian dinner for two! Beautiful guitar music and a string ensemble. Twinkly white lights, and yummy food. Amazing service, from beautiful, smiling servers. Nursery care included!

Those many servers, dishwashers, cooks, hosts, and fellow patrons who stopped by for a chat and made the night more interesting!

Our youth earning money to go out and learn, serve and bless others this summer.

Everyone going to bed on time with no fights.

Getting my project sent in just under the wire...whew! Nothing like procrastination. How can I fault my children for a trait I have handed them honestly? Any advice?

Getting the messages on Facebook from some guy I have a little crush on.

The fact that that guy is sitting about four feet away from me on his computer...loving the wireless thing. =)

Praises

Walmart, alone. (really do I need to say more?)

Mrs. Addis. Can I get an Amen? Without this woman there would be no Walmart alone. This woman should be nominated for sainthood. She has been taking care of the church munchkins for years and years. They love her. Many call her simply, "addis". Like MacGyver or Cher, she only needs one name. This woman heard a calling at some point in her life and has followed through big time. I just hope she realizes that God blessed her with one amazing gift and has blessed all of us Mamas in our church with her!

15 minutes of time in my car alone with good music, my journal and no questions or comments!

Cooking with Dax. He is quite helpful. shhhh...just don't tell Finn and Lily that I cook with him while they are sleeping and at school. I'd be in big big trouble!

Warm sun on a cool day.

Crazy kids, in bright colors digging in the mud. "Mud Cakes" delightful! Is this the new and improved take on Mud Pies?

2 year olds who at least acknowledge the fact that the binky is a sad, sad addiction.

The flowers. I know, they come every spring, but it never ceases to amaze me those first weeks when they show up. Beauty and new birth, God's little signs of grace all around!

The colors of the sun setting over the flowers, breathtaking!

Walking around and taking pictures for no reason at all. Being able to record the scenery with perfect color some amazing bokeh (blurry backrounds) with no post production anything. Let's be honest, I have zero clue what I'm doing after I take the picture, so until I find the time for a class in photoshop what you see is what God placed in front of me and I was able to capture ...all His beauty no human hands could even come close!

My little brother, Dosh, and his "guys" who do what they do each and every day so that we can play, dance, watch American Idol, debate the first 100 days of a new administration, go out to dinner, chat with our friends, run to walmart to pick up a few things, or just sit on our porch on a warm spring day not worrying about our freedom, or safety. My little brother lost a very good friend in Iraq yesterday. He gave his life for ours. We are blessed. My prayers are with his family and those who love him.

Bloggers out there who stepped out of their comfort zone and went to those places where things are so very different. One of my favorites went along for the ride. If you are having one of those days where things just aren't going your way, you can't see that joy around you and you're whining about something, again (oh, yes, we all have those days) read this, and suck it up. (I I swear I say these words with love)

Friends. late night laughter, and chats about silly things.

The crazy way God works. The way he just knows who you might need to call you or who needs to randomly (yeah right) cross your path. Sometimes it just blows me away.

My husband, who sent me out again tonight after the little ones were asleep. He told me to go earlier, but I felt guilty, so I stayed. This guy is a good guy, and you know what? He smells good too! =)

Praises

Little bits of sunshine on a gloomy day.

Flowers in bloom!

The smell of Lilacs.

The fact that all those loads of laundry were done and off the floor before last night's rain that sent a little creek through my basement.

Bible Study. Beth preaching on! =)

Taking pictures of my Mini Men playing in the fresh air.

Good friends. Especially those who are getting glimpses of my strange obsessions and not judging me harshly for them. =)

Nights out with the girls.

A husband who puts little people to bed with no complaints.

A brother who serves our country despite the costs and loves God with his whole heart.

Ending the day the same as last night, surrounded by the quiet buzz of the computer, peaceful in the knowledge that my house is filled with family I love, and that the rest of my family is out there in a safe slumber as well. Blessed.

Praises

Getting all my "chores" done before 9 am.

Finally seeing the bottom of my laundry room floor after 13 loads. (really, it's only been a week!)

Starting yard sale planning in advance, and being excited by it!

Knowing that even though I have about 8 back blogs to write I can still throw out a praise post and no one will mind.

A very sweet blogger who sent me a great award! (That "8" meme is in my list of 8 back blogs to write, I'll get there!) It was a good reminder to me that it's time to get back to business around here and quit stressing so much about the above mentioned back blogging.

The Great Attitude/Spirit of Gratitude Award

Working on a scientific sibling name compatibility list (oh how impressive that sounds!) for a friend who will be happy to know there are only a few "C" names and I did it in Excel. =) I haven't done one of these in a while and I must admit it brings me some weird giddy joy. (laugh, it's ok, my family does!)

Finding I actually have more than 1 follower, crazy!

Finding that if I create challenges and I spy type games out of cleaning up the toys, my kids will actually think it's fun. Why did this take me so long!

Learning to twitter my husband. Having him tell me they go right to his cell phone. He bumped MckMama for me, I feel so honored! =)

A 4 year old who seems to be in that "in love with his Mama" phase. He actually sat beside me with his arm around me the other night when we were out to dinner. It's totally cracking me up!

Kids who love to sing and dance to God music.

Youth who have the most beautiful smiles! Tonight there was just not enough time to chat, but I enjoyed seeing them!

Successful God time with no one jumping on me or yelling. Daniel and Esther, I enjoyed spending time with you today!

Knowing that this day was the day the Lord made. I have a God in Heaven, a wonderful family around me, a roof over my head, food, clothing, and the freedom to live and study what I believe. This was a blessed day.

In our house we are...

And the back blogging begins...

I'm behind. Really behind. If it was any other time, I'd just move on. However, it happens to be birthdays, family visits, and holidays, so therefore the back blogging must commence. I apologize for the confusion it might cause my three readers!

We finally meet...

Mom came and spent a few days with us over her spring break. She brought with her a new friend. This friend was of the soft furry verity. We have heard lots about this little girl. We had seen pictures of her since the day she was born. I had gotten to meet her mama and grandmama, I even got a glimpse of her as a tiny puppy, before knowing she would become a member of our family. This was the first time she had met the grandkids.

I must say, Elly Joy, was a delight! There was no growling, no nipping, no attitude. She is totally a big dog stuck in that little body. She loved the boys, even with the torment. She handled being carried, squeezed, kissed, hugged, fallen on, and over, and lord knows what else we didn't catch! She just kept coming back for more!

Do you think she is begging for mercy?

We hear she was a little bored when she went home. I guess Mom just can't keep up with all the excitement she found here! Sophie and she become BFFs and I'm sure can't wait for the next visit!


Welcome to the family, Elly!

A Mrs. Robinson of our own...

I love the little love story blooming over at the Sullivan Sitcom with Dax's buddy, Max. Although it may be almost all one sided, it is super cute. I was a bit relieved that Dax stuck to girls his own age. He tends to prefer blonds. He first set his eyes (at a very young age) on his good friend Claire. I was excited by this. Who could ask for better in laws? After Claire and her family moved to Indiana, Dax quickly set his eyes on another cute little bow topped blond, Tess. This was another great choice on his part. I think the boy has been blessed with great taste! Although we pray for sweet Tess daily, since her family changed churches and Dax stopped seeing her weekly she seemed to lose her top spot in his heart. It seems since preschool has started his heart belongs to a sweet little girl named Bethany, whom I have not really had the chance to get to know! He occasionally switches to our cute little neighbor, Eme, and I figure once summer comes Eme will be heard about more and more, but for now, it's Bethany. Seems though, that no matter what woman comes along Claire has marked him, as he insists when he gets married his wife will be named Claire, as is his Webkinz Jaguar, and several Happy Meal type stuffed animals. Even with this bit of oddness, at least this guy stays in his own ball park.

My sweet sweet baby son is another story. He has a crush. A big big crush on a woman in her 20's! A woman, it seems will in the future be his aunt.

On how many levels is this weird? Oh, it's sweet, don't get me wrong! Listening to him swoon, "Jessssssyyyyy, Jesssssssyyyyy" all weekend while we were in Indy was too stinking cute! It was even better at the top of his lungs through a parking garage. The way his little eyes lit up when she walked in. The way he responded with a crooked smile and "lub Jessy" when Lily asked him if he loved Jessy. It was just precious. But Buddy, she's gonna be your aunt! Well, at least he and Dax both have great taste, because we totally love Jessy. Watch out Uncle Dosh, this boy might just be sending some irresistible pictures of himself doing a monkey dance while you're deployed! Come home soon!