Papa and the grandkids
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Happy Birthday, Dad
Happy Birthday to my Dad.......the greatest!
Although it is highly doubtful that my Dad will ever see this - in case he becomes computer savvy one day and checks out my archives, I want him to know that I was thinking of him :)
Although it is highly doubtful that my Dad will ever see this - in case he becomes computer savvy one day and checks out my archives, I want him to know that I was thinking of him :)
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Extreme Heart Makeover
This weekend I had the privilege of attending the Women's Conference at my church. The theme was "On My Way" and was centered around Phillipians 3:12 - I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me.
The guest speaker for the event was Angela Thomas. If you have never had the opportunity to hear her speak, oh - my - gosh! The message that the Lord delivers through her is absolutely incredible. And what a delivery she has, so funny........yet so focused and powerful. Check out her website at www.angelathomas.com.
The Lord definitely set up shop in my heart this weekend. He knocked down some walls - walls of bitterness and insecurity. He took away some of the clutter that I had been hoarding. He replaced the drab and dark paint with fresh new colors of joy and hope. He wiped away the dust of the past - so I could breathe. And it was all free.........by His grace.
It was, by all accounts, an Extreme Heart Makeover.
The guest speaker for the event was Angela Thomas. If you have never had the opportunity to hear her speak, oh - my - gosh! The message that the Lord delivers through her is absolutely incredible. And what a delivery she has, so funny........yet so focused and powerful. Check out her website at www.angelathomas.com.
The Lord definitely set up shop in my heart this weekend. He knocked down some walls - walls of bitterness and insecurity. He took away some of the clutter that I had been hoarding. He replaced the drab and dark paint with fresh new colors of joy and hope. He wiped away the dust of the past - so I could breathe. And it was all free.........by His grace.
It was, by all accounts, an Extreme Heart Makeover.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Richy's Big Birthday Surprise
I couldn't let the week get by without a little blurb on Richy's Big Birthday Surprise! The surprise telephone call went a little something like this:
"Hi, Missy....it's Milly (my chosen name for Richy's mom). What are you doing this weekend?"
"Not sure yet.....trying to find a babysitter so that we can go watch the UT/FL game at Tate and Laura's."
"Well, how would you and Richy like to go to the game?"
"Of course, we would love to, but....."
"We have 2 tickets that you can use, and we will come to your house and keep the kids."
Ummm, did I hear that correctly? They are going to drive to our house from Chattanooga (a 3 hour trip) to keep our children and as a bonus, give us their two tickets? Because I took the phone call, for a brief minute.....I felt like it was my birthday! I was just an innocent by-stander who happens to be married to the receiver-o-gift. As a parent of small children, is there any sweeter sound than that of your parents saying...Go, take a little time and get away for a night or two. We'll take care of the kids...?
And so, we were off to Knoxville......caravaning with our favorite Gator fan, Heather and her "neutral" husband, Paul. For some reason, I seemed to soak in the atmosphere of gameday (which I love so dearly) a little deeper with each breath. I don't know why it felt that way - we have been to quite a few UT football games since we had Richmond - only one since we had Knox - but it was at Notre Dame. Whatever the reason, I was simply relishing the opportunity as though it might be my last.
We were invited to a fun tailgate party hosted by the family of one of Heather's co-workers. Sunny made sure that we all of our tailgating needs were met - she was quite the hostess! We enjoyed our time with Heather and Paul, along with seeing many other friends throughout the day. Then it was on to the game........ if you love college football, the atmosphere was absolutely electric. Our tickets originated from the hands of Duke Hagood, so we were surrounded by Gators and their chomping hands, but even that didn't dampen our Big Orange spirits!
We all know the outcome of the game was in favor of the Gators, but it was a great game! There was a time in my life that I would not be able to say that after a loss to Florida. But under the circumstances, we were determined that a loss was not going to cast a shadow over Richy's Big Birthday Surprise! A big hearty thank you to Richy's parents for making it possible :)
If only the Big Birthday Surprise would have included 2 more points for UT......even my in-laws aren't that good!
Apparently, neither are the Vols.
"Hi, Missy....it's Milly (my chosen name for Richy's mom). What are you doing this weekend?"
"Not sure yet.....trying to find a babysitter so that we can go watch the UT/FL game at Tate and Laura's."
"Well, how would you and Richy like to go to the game?"
"Of course, we would love to, but....."
"We have 2 tickets that you can use, and we will come to your house and keep the kids."
Ummm, did I hear that correctly? They are going to drive to our house from Chattanooga (a 3 hour trip) to keep our children and as a bonus, give us their two tickets? Because I took the phone call, for a brief minute.....I felt like it was my birthday! I was just an innocent by-stander who happens to be married to the receiver-o-gift. As a parent of small children, is there any sweeter sound than that of your parents saying...Go, take a little time and get away for a night or two. We'll take care of the kids...?
And so, we were off to Knoxville......caravaning with our favorite Gator fan, Heather and her "neutral" husband, Paul. For some reason, I seemed to soak in the atmosphere of gameday (which I love so dearly) a little deeper with each breath. I don't know why it felt that way - we have been to quite a few UT football games since we had Richmond - only one since we had Knox - but it was at Notre Dame. Whatever the reason, I was simply relishing the opportunity as though it might be my last.
We were invited to a fun tailgate party hosted by the family of one of Heather's co-workers. Sunny made sure that we all of our tailgating needs were met - she was quite the hostess! We enjoyed our time with Heather and Paul, along with seeing many other friends throughout the day. Then it was on to the game........ if you love college football, the atmosphere was absolutely electric. Our tickets originated from the hands of Duke Hagood, so we were surrounded by Gators and their chomping hands, but even that didn't dampen our Big Orange spirits!
We all know the outcome of the game was in favor of the Gators, but it was a great game! There was a time in my life that I would not be able to say that after a loss to Florida. But under the circumstances, we were determined that a loss was not going to cast a shadow over Richy's Big Birthday Surprise! A big hearty thank you to Richy's parents for making it possible :)
If only the Big Birthday Surprise would have included 2 more points for UT......even my in-laws aren't that good!
Apparently, neither are the Vols.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Happy Birthday, Richy
Happy Birthday, Richy! I know the angels in Heaven must have been dancing in their high heels the day you were born! You are blessing to all who are honored to know you. I am so proud of who you are as a man and consider myself to be the luckiest woman in the world to walk along side of you. I love you!
As a side note......I am so glad that we no longer measure the "Happy" in your "Happy Birthday" based on the outcome of the UT vs. Florida game! :) I had such a fun time losing with you this weekend!!!
As a side note......I am so glad that we no longer measure the "Happy" in your "Happy Birthday" based on the outcome of the UT vs. Florida game! :) I had such a fun time losing with you this weekend!!!
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Dinnertime Drama
Every once in a while, I decide that I am going to lay down the law on my children's eating habits. I spend the day psyching myself up for it - making sure I can be strong, stand my ground. "Tonight I am only cooking one healthy meal," I tell myself proudly. "They will eat it, and they will like it!" I feel like Richy and I make mostly healthy choices about eating, why would our children be junk food junkies?? Okay, maybe junk food junkies is a bit strong, but Richmond does love some Cheetos! I try not to keep too many unhealthy foods around the house, but I do let him have Cheetos for lunch with his peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Is this bad? Should I discontinue the Cheetos buying, and work through any withdrawals that may occur? Maybe that's the answer, but sometimes I think, "Can't a boy have a little Cheetos while he's young enough to burn off the calories in a matter of minutes?" When it comes to dinnertime, Richmond's choices are limited - fishsticks, spaghetti, hot dogs, hamburgers, turkey and cheese sandwiches accompanied with mandarin oranges or grapes. What about chicken? What about veggies?? I just want him to eat a little chicken and broccoli. Is this too much to ask? And then.......there's Knox. Basically, its bananas, yogurt, raisins, french fries, chicken nuggets and peanut butter on a bagel. Um.......yeah, that's it. No vegetables (unless you want to count the potato that is a french fry) and only one fruit. Nice diet for a growing boy!
So in an effort to convert my children to the healthy eaters that I want them to be, last night I fixed a nice meal of baked chicken, broccoli, and roasted red potatoes. About half way into the preparation, Richmond begins asking, "What's for dinner?" So, I tell him what we are having. To which he replies, "No, what am I having?" So, I tell him again, and that's when the whining, the bargaining, and the rebelling begins. He assures me that he is suppose to be having spaghetti because that is what he wants. I respond with, "I would like to have seared ahi tuna, steamed asparagus, and a caesar salad, but we are having chicken, broccoli, and potatoes." Nice, mature response, huh? Richmond, sensing that this is a "healthy" thing, begins to think on his feet, "How about I have grapes, oranges, and raisins?" I tell him that he can choose one of those fruits to go with the rest of his meal. "Noooo Mommy, I don't want that stuff!" And the whining continues until the meal is ready. Knox would have been whining too, if he understood what was coming his way.......
I cut up the chicken (which is quite tasty I might add) and put it on a plate for Knox which he promptly throws in the floor while Richmond continues to whine. "See, Knox doesn't like it," he says. Well, duh.....Knox doesn't like anything. You'll be happy to know that I didn't say that one out loud. So in defeat, I make him a peanut butter bagel. Score: Knox 1, Mommy 0. But I am determined to defeat my eldest, even if it kills me. I cut up the chicken and place it on his plate along side a dollop of ranch dressing for dipping, a little stalk of broccoli to start, and one roasted potato. I even begin the meal asking the Lord to help Richmond eat his broccoli and chicken, that his heart may be opened to all that broccoli and chicken have to offer. What was out of seemingly a total sense of obligation because it had been prayed over, Richmond quickly took a bite of ranch-covered chicken. He seemed no worse for wear as he swallowed it. But after the second bite, it was straight to the trash can spitting and gagging.......reminded me of my reaction to tasting my first bite of seafood after I became pregnant. Yuck! How in the world can a bite of chicken make someone spit and gag (unless they are pregnant)?? Oh, the drama....... Needless to say, not another bite of chicken was consumed, and Heaven forbid if the broccoli or potatoes should touch his lips. So after a half of a can of mandarin oranges, his dinner was over. What to do? Will these children ever eat the healthy fare that I long for them to love? Will it be hotdogs and chicken nuggets at their wedding receptions, instead of shrimp and asparagus?? Who knows what tomorrow brings?
But for this night, it was......'Da Boyz 2 - Mommy 0.
Yet, I live to fight another day!!
So in an effort to convert my children to the healthy eaters that I want them to be, last night I fixed a nice meal of baked chicken, broccoli, and roasted red potatoes. About half way into the preparation, Richmond begins asking, "What's for dinner?" So, I tell him what we are having. To which he replies, "No, what am I having?" So, I tell him again, and that's when the whining, the bargaining, and the rebelling begins. He assures me that he is suppose to be having spaghetti because that is what he wants. I respond with, "I would like to have seared ahi tuna, steamed asparagus, and a caesar salad, but we are having chicken, broccoli, and potatoes." Nice, mature response, huh? Richmond, sensing that this is a "healthy" thing, begins to think on his feet, "How about I have grapes, oranges, and raisins?" I tell him that he can choose one of those fruits to go with the rest of his meal. "Noooo Mommy, I don't want that stuff!" And the whining continues until the meal is ready. Knox would have been whining too, if he understood what was coming his way.......
I cut up the chicken (which is quite tasty I might add) and put it on a plate for Knox which he promptly throws in the floor while Richmond continues to whine. "See, Knox doesn't like it," he says. Well, duh.....Knox doesn't like anything. You'll be happy to know that I didn't say that one out loud. So in defeat, I make him a peanut butter bagel. Score: Knox 1, Mommy 0. But I am determined to defeat my eldest, even if it kills me. I cut up the chicken and place it on his plate along side a dollop of ranch dressing for dipping, a little stalk of broccoli to start, and one roasted potato. I even begin the meal asking the Lord to help Richmond eat his broccoli and chicken, that his heart may be opened to all that broccoli and chicken have to offer. What was out of seemingly a total sense of obligation because it had been prayed over, Richmond quickly took a bite of ranch-covered chicken. He seemed no worse for wear as he swallowed it. But after the second bite, it was straight to the trash can spitting and gagging.......reminded me of my reaction to tasting my first bite of seafood after I became pregnant. Yuck! How in the world can a bite of chicken make someone spit and gag (unless they are pregnant)?? Oh, the drama....... Needless to say, not another bite of chicken was consumed, and Heaven forbid if the broccoli or potatoes should touch his lips. So after a half of a can of mandarin oranges, his dinner was over. What to do? Will these children ever eat the healthy fare that I long for them to love? Will it be hotdogs and chicken nuggets at their wedding receptions, instead of shrimp and asparagus?? Who knows what tomorrow brings?
But for this night, it was......'Da Boyz 2 - Mommy 0.
Yet, I live to fight another day!!
Monday, September 11, 2006
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