WE 3 RIVES

For Father's Day

2008-06-16T12:10:00.001-07:00

When you have no "real" job,........you have to get creative where gifts for Daddy are concerned. So for our Father's Day gift, Rebecca and I finished some of Daddy's weekend tasks for him on Friday, so we could all enjoy the weekend together!

First, we "blew out" (that's what we call it) the garage, the deck, and the porch. This just means that we took the "blower" to get all the dust and leaves out of the garage, etc.

Then we washed off all the nasty pollen that had stuck to the rocking chairs and the front porch.

A lot of water and a little soap made for a fabulous fun time on a warm June day!

Then, on Saturday, we attended the art festival in Cave Spring.

There were lots of vendors selling jewelry, photography, paintings, and various other crafts, but mostly,.........we ATE!

We ate cotton candy and funnel cake..........

Then we ate bar-b-que and roasted corn! Delicious!

We did make a couple purchases. A kitty cat pin that Rebecca decided she didn't like to wear on her shirt, so we are going to pin it to her bookbag this fall, and the "Three Little Pigs" finger puppet set. Rebecca is just obsessed with that wolf!

But the most fun was had exploring the cave, and wading in the spring. The cave felt wonderfully cool (only 60 degrees!) and we fed the trout that were swimming in the stream.

The color in the photographs taken inside the cave didn't turn out very well. I wish you all could have seen how beautiful it really was!

It was a wonderful weekend spent together as a family. I hope Daddy had as much fun as we did. The next day, there was an aerial photograph of the festival in the local paper, and we were in the photo! Even if it was a "where's Waldo" type of search and find, there we were,......in the paper! One of my favorite quotes is, "Today's experiences are tomorrow's memories. Live what you would like to remember". (Anonymous) I love it when I feel that I have really accomplished that!

We love you, Daddy!

Sum - Sum - Summertime!

2008-06-12T13:15:00.001-07:00

We are having so much fun this summer! We've found ourselves at the pool more days than not, and Rebecca is doing so well in the water. She's a little too brave! She forgets she sometimes doesn't have on water wings, and one day walked right off the end of the steps. She sunk like a rock! But I was encouraged; when Mike fished her off the bottom, she was startled and did cry, but she wasn't choked at all! Maybe she'll be ready to put her face in the water "on purpose" soon.

Also, I loved Betsy's story about Owen and his "baby in the tummy" comment. I have a similar one, too! Rebecca and I were discussing her upcoming birthday and how old she will be (three). She asked, "Mommy, how old are you?"

Me: Mommy is 36 years old.

Rebecca: WOW! That's A LOT of birthdays!

Funny thing is, I can vividly remember when my own parents were my current age, and I thought they were old too! Oh, how I now know better!

And now this! My not quite three year old told me yesterday, "Mommy, I want some tennis shoes with a Nike swoosh on the side. A pink swoosh!"

Where could she have gotton that? Oh, no!

A Few Recent Faves for the Relatives

2008-05-27T12:51:00.001-07:00

One of Rebecca's favorite past-times this spring was blowing dandelion "fuzzies".

I just loved this sweet little dress. With her new haircut, she looks like such a little girl.

Rebecca also loves bugs and worms and lizards. We found this fuzzy caterpiller and entertained him for a while. She finally agreed to let him go.

I took this photo right before I stepped into the laundry room to transfer clothes from the washer to the dryer. When I returned.......I found that Rebecca had painted herself and the kitchen table rather than the paper. Now that would have been the more interesting picture, but that was a "straight to the tub" moment!

The Strawberry Patch

2008-05-21T11:44:00.001-07:00

We had so much fun! The strawberries are grown off the ground in pots, without any pesticides, so you can eat them right off the vine! Because of the shallow root system, you have to cut them from their stems with scissors; Rebecca did a great job with that! We "picked" 2 pounds of strawberries and I had grand plans of making a shortcake. However, Rebecca ate probably one pound in the car on the way home, and then we all ate the rest that night for dessert! They were wonderfully sweet, red all the way through. No splenda needed! Isn't God's creation a fantastic delight? We will be back to the strawberry patch several more times before the end of the summer!

Mother's Day Weekend

2008-05-21T11:40:00.001-07:00

What a blessing to be able to spend Mother's Day with my wonderful Mom (and Dad too!). Here is a favorite picture of Rebecca with her "Grammy" and "Da".

Makeover!

2008-05-21T11:05:00.001-07:00

Before...........

After!

I was so hesitant to get rid of her "rocker" hair. It was just so "HER". But her new big-girl haircut is so cute and convenient. Her response,....."I LOOK GORGEOUS!"

Scenes from Six Flags!

2008-05-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

And we're off! Here we are at the front gate. We had told Rebecca she might get to see Bugs Bunny. She was beside herself with excitement. But to my knowledge, she has no idea who Bugs Bunny is!

The first few rides were tame, located in the "kiddie area".

Then she wanted to ride the "balloons". They went up and down and around and around,.........really fast! She loved it! She flapped her arms and squealed "we're flying like birds!" I don't have any pictures of her doing that, because I had my eyes closed,......I was VERY close to getting sick!

Ice-cream for lunch.........

Our favorite ride,.....the sky bucket! Because we all got to ride together!

The ride home. A very good day!

And now, this past Saturday..........

2008-04-28T11:22:00.001-07:00

I just realized, that as everyone reads this, the posts will be in reverse chronological order, starting from the top of the page. So to all my family, scroll down to "Mike's Birthday" post, and then scroll back up. There! That should make more sense!

Anyway,.......this past Saturday, we attended the "Riverfront Festival" at the park. To be a rather small town, Rome has a tremendous amount of opportunities for families to enjoy. The river festival was a small event based around the idea of wildlife, and keeping the rivers clean. There was a fish tank filled with native fish from the river,......(and let me tell you, after seeing those fish, I will NEVER get in the river!)........and there were alligators and snakes (Rebecca's favorite). There were several craft booths, and Rebecca "made" a dragonfly and a monarch caterpiller. It was a beautiful day with only one disappointment,..........no cotton candy!

That boa constrictor was so HUGE, there was no way to get it in the photo entirely! Rebecca was thrilled to be petting the snake; she even kissed it! Then she wanted to know why she couldn't hold the "little baby" rattlesnake! Needless to say, we had to have a VERY long talk about "snake safety".

Meanwhile,......Back at the Ranch

2008-04-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

While we were in Mexico, Rebecca stayed with her Papa and Shug. (Mike's parents) Of course, she always has a great time when visiting grandparents, but this trip was special. While there, Uncle Scott and Aunt Lyndi took her fishing on her first fishing expedition, and she caught her first fish! Actually, she caught a "Daddy" fish AND a "Baby" fish! I hate I missed that experience, but Uncle Scott said she took that fish right off the hook and held it up for her photo without a second thought. Then she carried the poor dead fish around with her all day!

April 11th,......To Mexico!

2008-04-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

We left on Friday the 11th for Cancun. The resort was beautiful! The weather was beautiful! We spent a relaxing day Saturday on the beach,........just reading and napping. Sunday, Mike began to have some trouble with his leg, though we thought at first he had just perhaps strained his knee. However, by Monday night, he could not walk at all, and when he awoke Tuesday morning, his right leg was completely paralyzed. We saw the physician at the resort, who wanted to send us to the hospital in Cancun. We thought it best to take our chances on flying back to the States, so we spent Tuesday trying to get a flight back.

I did manage a few photos the first few days we were there, though they don't do the actual views justice!

We wished so much those first few days that we had brought Rebecca. Everyone else had their children with them, and it was a fantastic trip for little ones. There was a kiddie pool, a splash park, a playground, putt-putt, and of course,.......the beach. And there were lots of "lizards",........Rebecca would have loved them. I took lots of pictures to show her. She would have loved the beautiful flowers, as well. But would have probably picked them all!

April 4th, Happy Birthday, Daddy!

2008-04-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

We had a quiet, family celebration for Mike's 34th birthday. But Rebecca had a blast planning the dinner, choosing the balloons (Mickey Mouse) and the birthday cake (ice-cream)! Our gifts to Daddy were "garden inspired", and included lawn bags, gardening gloves, and a wheelbarrow. Rebecca also declared April 4th her un-official birthday too, and took her turn at blowing out the candles!

Stop!............Rewind!

2008-04-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

We've been out of commission for a few weeks, and I am so behind on my posts! I hope to catch everyone up with what we've been doing. But I first wanted to say "thank you" to all our family and friends who have cared for us through Mike's ordeal and recent hospitalization. Thank you for the prayers, concern, support, phone calls, and cards. Words cannot express how much it means to us! We love you!

To Remember A Dixie

2008-04-07T12:23:00.001-07:00

Constant companion, favorite friend.

Found first each morning,

Tucked in at day's end.

Imagination's main character,

picnic partner divine.

Blamed for all mischief,

The one chosen each time.

Soiled gray from many travels,

fur matted and worn.

Blue eyes now white with etching,

a tail that's half torn.

No longer pristine,

but transformed by love's measure.

The sacrifice of being

one little girl's treasure.

The Ice Cream Store

2008-04-05T16:11:00.000-07:00

That's what we call it, anyway. It's our favorite bakery downtown, and we visit often. Rebecca became "obsessed" with the peppermint ice-cream during the Christmas season. (Mostly, I think, because it was pink!)

After Christmas, the peppermint was gone, so we had to began calling the pink bubblegum "peppermint". Luckily, the servers understand our pointing and winking!

On our latest visit, there was no pink! Not even bubblegum! And the strawberry was only just a rose color. So Rebecca chose Coconut.

We just couldn't imagine she would like this new flavor, but after a taste test she confirmed this was the one! We should have known that this child who loves brussel sprouts, calamari and beef jerky would be able to choose her own ice-cream!

The Reason

2008-04-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

I wanted this topic to have it's own post, and not be overshadowed by bunnies or candy or clothes. I don't mind the Easter Bunny, or colored eggs, but of course we want our children to know the real reason why we celebrate Easter. So beginning about 2 weeks before, I began trying to explain the Easter story to Rebecca. Teaching a 2 year old about the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ is quite the challenge, and I found myself struggling to get my point across. I could tell, too, that Rebecca was not comprehending what I was so desperately trying to convey! Finally, I found a lovely book about the Easter story geared toward toddlers. Easter morning, the book took a backseat to the cotton candy and "peeps". But since then, Rebecca has asked me to read this book every night before bed. She is especially fasinated with the scowling faces of the Pharisees, and the cross that Jesus carries up to Calvary.

"Papa", (Mike's Dad) also sat with Kennedy and Rebecca Easter morning and told the Easter story with the aide of the "ressurection eggs". I'm sure you have all heard of this tool. I don't know for what age group it was originally intended, but I'm not sure how much of the story these 2 and 3 year olds understood between the fussing about who would get to open the pink egg!

However, a wise mother once told me, "If you wait until your child is old enough to actually understand, then you have already missed your window of opportunity." (Thank you, Angela).

I heard a wonderful quote today on the radio, and I am sorry that I cannot remember to whom it was attributed.

"Children are the messengers we send into a future that we will not see."

I just pray, and I mean that I literally pray multiple times daily, that God gives me the wisdom to instill in my child Christ's love and message.

Easter Morning

2008-04-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

Of course, Rebecca was excited about the Easter Bunny, and what he might leave in her basket. We left out the eggs the night before, and a carrot for the Bunny, in case he was hungry. She awoke early the next morning, and could not wait to find her basket!

Her basket included paints, bubbles, stickers, her favorite "Backyardigans" character, and yes,.........WAY too much candy! Rebecca definately inherited her Daddy's sweet tooth, and I believe she was most excited about the bag of cotton candy!

Next, it was outside to find the eggs! Our beautiful spring weather from the day before was gone, and it was COLD. Too cold to be outside in bare feet and PJ's!

After church, it was home for lunch, but not until we had all taken some pictures in our Easter finery!

Strawberry Park

2008-04-03T11:15:00.001-07:00

After six and 1/2 hours in the car, two stops, three viewings of "The Aristocats", and one of "The Little Mermaid", we made it to Jackson! It is always MORE of a holiday when you are able to spend it with family. And this Easter was certainly no exception. We began the festivities on Saturday, with an egg-hunt at Strawberry Park. (Isn't that just the perfect "happy park" name?) The weather was perfect! And Rebecca had a fantastic time with cousin Kennedy.

Ready, set,..........wait! See Uncle Ricky's hand on Rebecca's shoulder? She didn't quite understand the concept of "waiting for the whistle". But once the "hunt" began, she looked like an egg-hunting pro. Kennedy had more discriminating tastes, searching out and collecting only the pink eggs!

Of course, there was an Easter Bunny. There was a craft table where the girls made beaded necklaces, and a cake walk.

And what festival would be complete without a hot-dog?

A wonderfully "sweet" day!

WARNING!

2008-04-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest secrets I have found to successful living is to have friends who are much smarter and more creative than you are! So thank you Betsy and Robyn for the super "blurb book" idea! I am more the relaxed, casual, laissez-faire type. (To all of you Type A's, that's lazy and unorganized)! So I do not enjoy scrapbooking. Well, that's actually an understatement! I DON'T scrapbook. But Robyn's blog book has inspired me. I am hopeful, shall I say confident, that if I will step-up this blogging process, that it may, in turn, become a beautiful account of our year. So,.......I intend to do better. I am going to write about all our outings, our adventures. I am going to write about what Rebecca is doing, and saying, and the ins-and-outs of our daily lives. I am going to post pictures ad-nauseum! I'm thinking that probably the grandparents and aunts and uncles will be OK with my newfound enthusium, but this warning is to all my friends! Beware! You may become sick of reading about us, and especially my "exceptional" daughter. So feel free to take a break when you need to. I will forgive you!

So,...........here goes!

Egg Hunt Sunday

2008-03-17T07:31:00.001-07:00

A Worm Hunt!

2008-03-17T07:29:00.001-07:00

I've been lazy!

2008-02-25T11:02:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in a while. I've been enjoying everyone else's comments, but haven't taken the time to upload/download (I can never keep those two terms straight) any photos. So while I should be doing some housework, I'm going to add a few new pictures to our blog instead!

In the picture above, I came into the bathroom and found Rebecca this way. Hoping she wouldn't break her neck before I got back, I ran and got the camera and took the photo before I made her get down. Then I asked her what she had been doing in the sink. Her reply,................" I was practicing my spitting!" She is always coming up with the craziest things! Sometimes I have a hard time keeping a straight face when I discipline her!

In the photos below, I was "pretending" to be Robyn and Betsy! I like the way the pictures turned out. Rebecca was in a photogenic mood, for once! I just wish I had realized she had dirt all over her face before I took the pictures. Oh, well! I know that one day I'll look back at them and smile remembering how much she loved to dig, collect sticks and rocks, and play in the cat's dish!

See the hair? We call it "Rocker Hair". Rebecca calls it "Mogli hair". When I try to pull it out of her eyes with a bow or barette, she will say,.........."But Mommy, I don't want "little girl hair"!

The thanks moms get

2008-02-04T08:48:00.000-08:00

We are experiencing some terrible two's at our house. Some issues I am trying to manage in the most loving, and biblical way I know. I have a beautiful, energetic, very independent, and somewhat strong-willed daughter, who's also a sweetheart too. But I say all that to preface my story:

Rebecca and I were riding in the car and playing games to pass the time. I would ask her, "What do cows give us?" And she would answer "Milk!" Then I'd ask something like, "What do bees give us?" And she would say, "Honey!". And so on. Then she asked me, "What do Mogli's give us?" (That's her nickname for herself). So I smiled and said, "They give us LOVE!" Thinking I would get the same response from her, I asked, "What do mommies give us?" She enthusiastically answered,.......

"Spankings!"

My parents think this is a funny story, but it really breaks my heart! Perhaps I've been too hard on her?

A Wonderful Visit with Papa, Shug, and Uncle Bill

2008-01-28T17:01:00.000-08:00

Some recent photos

2008-01-28T16:57:00.001-08:00

Rebecca's been "tagged"!

2008-01-20T12:35:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by my friend, Cullen, and so I want to tell you just a few things about myself:

- My full name is Rebecca June Rives, named in part after my great-grandmother June Humphries.

- The nurses and doctor thought I was going to be a boy. So actually, my mommy had not chosen a girl's name until I was born. And subsequently, I have a blue nursery!

- I was born during hurricane Katrina.

- I've never called myself "Rebecca", and if you ask me, I'll tell you I don't like that name. Beginning with my first names for myself, I have been "Beck Beck", "Little Dexter", "Donald Duck", "Wiggle", and now I insist I be called "Mogli" after the Jungle Book character. In fact, I call my Daddy "Balou" and my mom "King Louie", so we get a few looks out in public.

- My best friend is my stuffed cat, Dixie, who is really the one who causes most of the mischief at my house.

- Before bed each night, my mom has to spray "monster spray" (aka Febreeze) in all the corners of my room to get rid of all the "scaries" who hide there.

- My favorite pastime is reading. My favorite story is "David and Goliath". Close seconds right now are "The Pokey Little Puppy" and "Dr. Seuss's Alaphabet".

- I hate to wear dresses, and refuse to wear a bow in my hair.

- If I get even a drop of juice or food on my shirt, I have to change it. But we're working on being able to live with a little stain, since I will be starting preschool in the fall.

I don't know if I did this right; my mom is really new to this blogging stuff. So let her know what comes next!

This is for you, Lyndi!

2008-01-18T17:39:00.001-08:00

I just feel more "me" with short hair. I do feel like, after viewing these photos, that I need some highlights and that I should wear a little more make-up. But all in all, I like my new cut!

First Snowflakes

2008-01-18T17:29:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Shug!

2008-01-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

Shug,

I'm sorry; these aren't the best pictures we have ever taken. Mogli and I have both had horrible colds since New Year's and you know she's never quite in the photo-taking mood, anyway. But her Christmas clothes have been adorable this season and we thank you for all your hard work. She wore the pink New Year's night to the neighbors, and I guess we'll have to retire the top, at least. But we plan on wearing the snowman dress until spring. Lots of love to all!

Thank you, Aunt Joanne!

2007-12-25T14:56:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

2007-12-25T11:26:00.000-08:00

New Wagon / New Raincoat

2007-12-25T08:56:00.000-08:00

More Santa Pictures

2007-12-25T08:51:00.000-08:00

Santa Pictures

2007-12-25T08:43:00.000-08:00

Making Jesus' Birthday Cake

2007-12-25T08:39:00.001-08:00

Tis The Season

2007-12-25T08:33:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas! We Miss You!

2007-12-25T08:01:00.000-08:00

Interesting Web Site with Great Ideas

2007-12-21T12:10:00.000-08:00

Tim’s Top Ten Family Times & Traditions
Holidays

10. Christmas Card Prayer Box – have your kids decorate a shoebox with
Christmas wrapping paper and homemade art. Place this in a prominent spot. As
you receive Christmas cards, place them in the box. Before meals, take out a
card and pray for that family when you thank God for the food. (FT 61)

9. Holiday De-stress Plan – The holidays can quickly become over-scheduled.
To avoid this, have a family meeting in the late fall. Ask each family member to
write or draw on 3 x 5 cards two events or activities they would like to do during
the holidays. Collect the cards and say, “We want to plan the holidays to be fun,
but relaxing. We can’t do it all. Let’s decide, as a family what our Holiday Plan
should be. Go through the suggestions and place a cross on the ones that help
us focus on Christ at Christmas, and place a smiley face on the ones that are the
most fun. Choose a number that seems like a balance between the two
categories and display them on green construction paper as “Our Family Holiday
Plan” in the shape of a Christmas tree. (FT 60)

8. Thanksgiving Corn – Give each person five kernels of corn, reminding them
that the pilgrims did the same thing at the first Thanksgiving with the Native
Americans. Each person is to come up with a thank you God for each kernel. Go
around the table, before the meal and share. Record these in writing as people
share. (FT 67)

7. Mom & Dad’s Anniversary – Kids get birthday parties. The parents should
get one too to celebrate their wedding day! This teaches our kids the importance
of love and commitment. Have a “We’re Still In Love” family party. Bring out the
wedding album, videos of the wedding and memorabilia from your big day. Serve
a candlelit dinner at home. Tell a story about how you met and the qualities that
first attracted you to each other. If you have teenagers, they’ll complain; but be
amused and re-affirmed internally. Serve a small wedding cake and verbally recommit
your vows in front of the kids. (FT 89)

6. New Years Eve Family Party – Set the clocks way ahead and get ready to
celebrate with the kids when the clock strikes “midnight.” Serve chilled sparkling
apple juice in plastic champagne glasses and propose a toast to your healthy
family. Present certificates of achievement for the old year like “learned to ride
bike,” etc. (52 FTI – 152)
Everyday

5. Family Creed (or mission statement) – Develop a short, memorable phrase
that captures the top values that you want to define your family. Display this in a
prominent place in your home, or paint it on the walls. Ours’ is, “Grace finds
beauty in everything.” Thanks to Bono of U2 for the inspiration!

4. Restaurant Spying – Waiting for a table can be trying for kids and parents.
Here’s a lobby game you can play, “Who’s Next?” Try to guess the age, gender
and type of clothing of the next person to enter the door of the restaurant. (FT
107)

3. We Need Reminders – grab a Bible and ball of yarn and gather your family.
Read Deut. 6:6-9 and say, “It’s easy to forget good things. We need reminders.
Today we are going to remind each other of what we appreciate about each
other.” Stand in a circle and say, “Hold on to yarn. We are going to make a
Spider Web of appreciation. Say something nice about a person, then throw
them the ball of yarn. They do the same thing until we have a huge web.” (52 -
17)

2. A Peaceful Family – Help balance the stress in your family. Gather 2 small
slide lock plastic sandwich bags; a pants hanger with clips, masking tape, pen
and fifty pennies. Read to your kids John 14:27 about peace; and say, “In this
bag (marked ‘Worry’) are going to be some of the things we are worried about.
Grab a penny, share your worry and put it in the worry bag.” After each person
has done this; say, “See how lopsided it is? If this is our family, we are very
worried and stress. So let’s balance worry with God’s truth. Let’s put a penny in
the bag marked ‘Truth’ for each person.” Repeat process. (52 FTI -120)

1. Cheap Shopping Spree – To challenge the ever-growing sense of
entitlement that is common with our kids; take them to the dollar store. Give
each person one dollar and say, “Buy something, just for fun for someone else in
our family.” (Draw names for assignments.) “Find something that fits your
person. It can be silly or useful. Keep it a secret until we get home.” When you
return home, take turns sharing the gifts and why it fits the recipient. (52 FTI -
105)

©2006 Timothy Smith
Adapted from books by Timothy Smith:
Key: FT = Family Traditions (Cook Communications/Focus on the Family; 1998)
52 FTI = 52 Family Time Ideas (Bethany House; 2006)

OUR NEW CHAIR!

2007-12-15T16:23:00.000-08:00

Rebecca and I had the most fun week! We spent 3 days repainting and redecorating our play room as an anniversary present for Daddy. (Happy 5th, honey)! We painted, bought new bookshelves and storage bins for all the toys, mounted a light fixture in the dark corner, and hung some pictures and four original finger paintings by a very promising budding young artist! There is even a "football" wall for Daddy, complete with big screen TV, (thank goodness I finally have that monstrosity out of the family room!) and a display area for Daddy's high school football helmet and a football signed by the one and only Joe Willie Namath.

Daddy was impressed, and loved what we had done, but the room was missing something. With only one old sofa against a long narrow wall, we felt like we needed a snug little reading chair. So we went shopping for the most fun, comfy, and affordable (cheap) chair we could find. Rebecca knew she had found the one as soon as we passed the window at Pier1. Maybe it was the red color, but she thought it looked like a nest, and when she climbed up in it, she turned to scream, "I want this one!" And how could anyone have resisted when she smiled and said, "We can all fit in here together!" So now we are the proud owners of one very bright red, round, cheap, but very, very comfy papasan chair. And guess what, I think it did turn out to be the perfect chair; just look at that face. Happy all over! And that makes me happy too.

THE HORSE KNOWS THE WAY TO CARRY THE HAY!

2007-12-14T11:20:00.000-08:00

Well, actually, a TRACTOR pulled the hay wagon, but not having a horse-drawn sleigh in no way deterred our fun! Rebecca had a fantastic time! Her favorite part of our evening was the actual hay! She dug in it, jumped in it, and threw it. Though covered in hay (Rule #426: do not wear chenille on a hayride), she was none the worse for wear for having inhaled millions of dust particles. Her daddy and I, on the other hand, woke up the next morning with swollen eyes and runny noses. I guess her little body hasn't developed "hay" antibodies yet! Then, in addition to viewing what I'm sure were millions of lights and lighted displays, we got to feed goats, sheep, and even a camel. (We decided to take the E. coli risk). Rebecca was delighted, having learned all about camels from one of her "Wiggles" videos. (Can anyone else out there sing "Wobbly camel walking by.............")? There were also reindeer there at the farm, but they were such sad looking creatures that I didn't take a photo. One had lost one of his atlers, and they were so much shorter and dumpier than I expected. Another childhood delusion shattered!

Grandaddy,......"Man of the Year" (Of course!) And Grand Marshall of the Christmas Parade!

2007-12-09T15:26:00.000-08:00

WE'RE PROUD OF YOU, GRANDADDY, AND WE LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!

Decorating the tree with Braxton and Addy at Grammy and Da's house

2007-12-09T15:22:00.001-08:00

Look closely!!

2007-11-28T10:29:00.000-08:00

Last week my BABY asked me for some pink panties. I explained that she couldn't wear panties until she learned to put her tee-tee in the potty. So she did. Yesterday, she wore her panties all day with only one accident. She is so proud of herself, and I am so proud of her. But seeing her in those panties makes me want to cry, because suddenly, my baby seems so grown up. So much a little girl.

Thankful

2007-11-27T10:09:00.001-08:00

These are only a very few of my favorite photos I took this past weekend. I just love Thanksgiving! I am moved to tears when I meditate on God's grace and his love, and I love that there is a day dedicated to the celebration of thankfulness. There is absolutely nothing like being surrounded by a loving family and fellowshiping together. I enjoy seeing our parents and grandparents enjoy Rebecca, and I enjoy seeing her enjoy them, the same way I did as a child. She is beginning to understand holidays now, and she could repeat when asked that Thanksgiving is a day to "thank God for all our many blessings." Of course, when asked, the two things she was consistently thankful for were "Dixie", and "Pink Kitty", her two favorite stuffed animanls!

The holiday season is especially exciting this year; experiencing the wonder and promise of this season through Rebecca's eyes is like being a child again! I think back upon my family's tradtitions now with nostalgia, and I look forward to making new traditions of our own. Which leads me to pose this question to my family and friends: What special traditions does your family practice, either now, or when you were a child, that are especially meaningful to you now?

Oh, Mexico!

2007-11-18T12:54:00.001-08:00

Surprisingly, there's not much to take a photo of in Mexico! But the scenery was nice, and we had a wonderful relaxing week on board the ship and in the ports of Progresso and Cozumel. As much as I didn't want to go, it was an enjoyable time and I met many new friends.

Won't you let me take you on a sea cruise.........

2007-11-09T10:48:00.001-08:00

We'll be out for a week. So pray for Wiggle's safety and ours as well, and I'll be back to blogging next week!

Much Love!

Where Have I Been?

2007-11-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

Those of you who know me well know that I am technically deficient. I mean we JUST bought our first digital camera in June (that's right, 2007), and I ONLY got internet after we moved here (October). So please forgive my absolute joy over discovering digital photography and computer manipulation! I wrote a disc, just ONE DISC, of photos I had taken of Rebecca and others from August to October. Those photos would have filled 5 albums, at least, and taken up space I do not have! Why didn't you guys tell me sooner? This is amazing, fantastic, miraculous! Well, maybe not all that, but at the very least it is convenient!

(Pictured above, my wonderful mom, dad, niece, newphew, and of course, Wiggle. If it weren't for the poor lighting, awkward shadows, and improper subject placement, I'd be a regular Robyn Barnett or Betsy Emerson!)

Getting ready.

2007-11-03T05:53:00.000-07:00

Rebecca had a blast! It would have been fun to see what costume she would have come up with on her own if I had just put a box of dress up clothes in front of her, but she had her "horsey" suit left from last year, and since she doesn't remember last year, she's been wanting to wear it for months! The candy eating lasted longer than the actual trick-or-treating, and Mommy carried the horsey most of the way down main street. The highlight of the night for "Wiggle" was passing out candy to all the little boys and girls who visited our house. Like Robyn, I wish I had taken some pictures of them.

Trick or Treating on Main Street

2007-11-03T05:40:00.000-07:00

More "scary" photos........

2007-11-03T05:36:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Grace-Pointe Friends!

2007-11-02T04:58:00.000-07:00

OK, this takes precedence over any cute Halloween pictures I was going to post! What wonderful friends we have in Alabama! Rebecca received this wonderful gift/keepsake yesterday, on a day Mommy particulary needed a pick-me-up. So, which one of our dear friends was the creator/orchestrator/facilitator of this wonderful idea? (Shea, Martha, Jen........)
Please identify yourself/selves so we can thank you profusely! Of course, I cried and cried the rest of the day, but it was a good cry, thankful for you all and our time and ties to GP. For those of you simply reading the blog, Rebecca's GP friends sent her a pillowcase with her initial on it, decorated with the outlines of the handprints of her friends from church. (With names to identify the hands). Rebecca was thrilled. She remembers everyone from nursery and playing together. The rest of the day, she wanted to place her hands in the outlines of her friends' and wanted me to identify whose print was whose, and then she would talk about each particular friend. So sweet! What a wonderful keepsake, not only for her, but I will treasure remembering each precious child at this particular stage and age. Perfect timing too, guys, as we are preparing to transition to a "big-girl" bed and redecorate! I love and miss you all so very much! Thank you for keeping us in your hearts and prayers! What a blessing to have such wonderful friends!

Hi, Aunt Joanne!

2007-10-31T10:47:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few pictures from our recent visit with our Aunt Joanne. She lives in Martinez, CA, so only gets to visit once or twice a year at most. I've actually only gotton to visit with her 3 times, I believe, since Mike and I married. But I have grown to love her dearly. She has known and loved Mike and his brothers since birth, and now loves my little "Wiggle" just as deeply. She is a wonderful woman with many talents, and we hate she is so far away. I hope you are reading this too, Joanne, and know that we love and miss you already. We had such a fantastic time and cannot wait to see you again!

Disclaimer

2007-10-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

Everyone has asked me if these photos are staged? Or if I dress her first. No! I find her this way and make her stand still until I get a picture! It's so much fun to see the ways in which she entertains herself. She called the pink ruffles her "wings" and went running through the house pretending to be a bird.

The Older I Get, The More I Understand "The Good Ole Days"

2007-10-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

Thank you, God, for my messy house. Thank you for scattered toys, plastic fruit underfoot, and missing shoes. Thank you for crumbs on the sofa, and juice on the floor. Thank you for those nights "Wiggle" wants to rock, even though there is laundry that needs to be done. For I know, all too soon, these days will be gone. The house will be orderly. There won't be any chocolate milk stains to remove from any pj's. I won't have to end my day looking under the chairs and coffee table for any "little people" zoo animals that might have gone astray. And I may get in bed earlier. Maybe sleep a little later. And I'll remember how it felt to hold that precious little girl against my chest and sing "Love Lifted Me" just "one more time." Thank you, thank you, thank you...............

FALL FAVORITES

2007-10-13T14:03:00.001-07:00

The leaves, of course!

Snuggle up mornings.

Soup for lunch.

Riding with the sunroof open.

Singing in the car at the tops of our lungs!

The sound of football on the television.

Forgoing housework because it's just too beautiful to stay inside.

Homemade roasted pumpkin seeds.

New Blessings Every Day

2007-10-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

We've been blessed with some wonderful neighbors. We've already met more neighbors here than we did in Deer Creek! Everyone has been super, and helpful, and they've done their best to fatten us up with several delicious desserts. But we are exceptionally thankful for our friend across the street. She is in the sixth grade, but mature beyond her years in many ways. "Wiggle" absolutely adores her; she is so great to come over and play and she really knows how to keep Rebecca entertained. Today, she came over after school and played and I was able to clean the bathroom, organize the upstairs and downstairs baths, and cook dinner! Talk about a God-send. She is extra special to us already, and has such a sweet spirit! (You can just see how sweet she is,.........view picture at right).

What a Fun Week!

2007-10-07T19:37:00.000-07:00

We've had such a grand time exploring our new city. Last Wednesday, "Wiggle", Daddy, and I went to the Coosa Valley Fair. "Wiggle" had such a fantastic time! Of course, we rode the carosel, .....several times. We also rode the choo-choo and a spinning "bear". She wanted to ride lots of others, but didn't meet the 36 inch height requirement. (Try explaining that to a 2 year old!). We had corn dogs, and funnel cake, and lemonade, and she "won" a stuffed octopus playing pick-up ducks. She is still talking about how much fun she had.

Friday night was spent at a pizza/game arcade and then Saturday we did lots of shopping downtown. Found an absolutely wonderful children's consignment shop and bought a pair of shoes for Wiggle that I had seen in Montgomery for $50,......and got them for only $16! (I, like Shea, LOVE to get a great deal. And I won't feel the least bit sick when Wiggle falls down and scuffs the toes!) Then Sunday we visited a new church where everyone was very friendly. I was worried Rebecca would be hesitant to go into the nursery where she didn't know anyone, but she went right in and was having a blast when we came back to pick her up. We'll visit other churches, but today's experience was a definate positive. All in all, I am enjoying Rome, and I am looking forward to getting out and doing more exploring!

Learning as I go

2007-10-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

Being a mommy has taught me that it's ok "not to know" everything. In fact, not knowing is the perfect excuse for learning. So inspired by all my Montgomery friends I've had to leave behind, I am "learning" how to blog. This is much easier said than done for this 35 year old who just this week subscribed to the internet FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME! However, in this attempt,.......I feel a connection, or a kindred spirit to those dear friends in Alabama. It may take some time before I have any photos to view, or a "blog list" of my own to read, so please bear with me. Indulge me. And please DON'T LAUGH! (Well, I guess I wouldn't know if you were laughing or thought this the stupidiest thing you've ever read, now would I. And perhaps THAT is the beauty of this whole thing. I have to admit, I can't imagine why anyone would care in the least about what I have to say. But I am just enthralled by the posts of my friends and I love peeking into their lives. So thank you to Robyn, Martha, Betsy, Shea Lea and Jennifer! Here goes....................!!!!!