LUKE'S SECOND BIRTHDAY PARTY . . .

Saturday in Texas was a beautiful day and an especially wonderful day because we celebrated our little man's 2nd birthday (actually his birthday was Wednesday) with his Mom, Dad, sisters, grandmother (me), great grandmother, uncles, aunts, great aunt, and cousins. All in all there were about 15 people who came to our house on Saturday afternoon to see a little boy so excited he could hardly contain himself.

It was a Mickey Mouse theme since he can't see to get enough of Mickey.



My mother had gotten him a tool table for my brother to give him and since it was unwrapped he saw it first and couldn't wait to get his hands on the tools.

From what I could tell he loved everything he received. He loves cars and race tracks and could hardly wait until my son had put it together so that he race those cars.

The big hit of the party was the the battery operated Yamaha that I got him. I wish I had gotten a picture of his face when he saw it. He immediately jumped up from the floor and hopped on it and started to ride around the house. I think he loved it (and so did his cousin, Austin.)

Surprisingly they shared it very well (even with Mom.)

They also loved the T-ball game that Beejee (my mother) got him and the boys took turns hitting (or trying to) the ball.

Before we knew it, it was time to light the candles, blow them out and call it a day.

Thank goodness for all the new toys because the week started out so cold and wet and they couldn't go outside to play. That makes for a long day. We put together the water play table that Aunt Mel and Uncle Quincy got for him and they loved pretending that they were sailing their boats. Children really do love a party and so do the adults. There is always another one right around the corner.

PICKY EATERS & SLEEPY GIRL. . .

There are picky eaters at my house during the day and I am having such a hard time trying to figure out what to fix that they will eat. I have tried everything but nothing seems to wet their appetite. I have gone on-line to see what others are making for their children/grandchildren to eat but my grandchildren just turn their nose up and refuse to even try a bite. Then one beautiful day my son's girl friend, Amy, told me about some turkey meatballs that she use to fix for her boys so I decided to put them to the test.

The big girlie only wanted to have her picture made with her crowns and wasn't interested in eating anything much less meatballs. She actually pictures herself as a princess.

Look at the little man and you will see just how much he loved the spaghetti and meatballs. It is written all over his face (and clothes.)

This little man has his mouth is so full he looks like a chipmunk.

Wouldn't it be nice if they ate like this every day and I wouldn't have to worry about them not getting enough of the good things to eat.

Little Miss Wesley received the gift of a " from her great grandmother and the first time she sat in it she fell asleep. Of course, now she will only sit in it for a little while and then start crying. 

She is going,

going,

gone.

Oh to be able to fall asleep like that.

SPRING FEVER & POTTY TRAINING . . .

Spring has finally arrived in North Texas and the trees are starting to bud and leaf out, flowers and herbs are being planted by neighbors and some are even getting their gardens ready for the planting season.

When I looked I could see that my holyhocks were starting to form buds and I can hardly wait to see the gorgeous blooms that appear.

Neighbor's columbines are in full bloom and seeing them makes me long for springtime in the rockies.

After a year of trying to entice the big girlie into going to the potty she has decided that maybe it is now time. She was just not interested before - not one little bit. We had purchased all kinds of potty seats - the one that fits over the big toilet, a regular potty chair and then (thanks to my mother) the potty chair that sings when you have gone to the bathroom. Nothing seemed to work.

Then a few months ago a miracle happened - she took an interest and is now well on her way to becoming a BIG girlie.

After seeing his sister use the potty, our little man has wanted to experience the joys of sitting on the potty so we have been letting him try it out. What a little man he is and, by the way, he turns turn two years old tomorrow (birthday party at Lyly's house Saturday. Lots to do to get ready.)

This little guy can always find joy and excitement in everything that he does.

While I have a hard time entertaining everyone during the day our little one is growing up so fast and loves just watching her brother and sister.

These are the moments of a grandparents day that makes it all worthwhile.

ART REACH 2011 . . .

Once a year, in March, our church holds an Art Reach and invites artists from our church and the community to exhibit their art. The members/attendees of our church are invited to view this artwork in the family room. This year there were over 100 artists who elected to show their artwork. I couldn't help but marvel at the talent that God has given to these individuals.

One of the local artist, Ron Cheek, was invited to be interviewed during the church service by our Senior Pastor, Ted Kitchens. He has done the most beautiful painting of the feet of Jesus as he hung from the cross. It was so life-like that it took my breath away. It made me realize all the pain and suffering that Jesus endured so that you and I could be saved. What love He has for us.

As I sat and listened to the interview I couldn't help but wonder how this would tie into a sermon and the Bible but I soon realized that the Bible talked about art and artists all through it. The first time was in Genesis 4:20-22 where it talked about forging all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron. The Bible also mentions agriculture, artistic expression, metal work, and fashion design.

• Art should be as important to us as all other aspects of culture
• We should use art to help facilitate worship
• Christians should be missional with their artistic expression
• God has called us to excellence within our gifts and skills
• An artist is a Christian first - find life in Christ rather than in your work
• Art is a powerful medium for testifying to who Christ really is

Art Reach is designed to encourage Christians to develop their skills and influence the culture. No matter what talent God has given you we should always remember to use that talent for the Lord.

Then I couldn't help but think that God was actually our first artist and that everytime we look at the beauty He created for us we need to remember to thank Him.

Remember that "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." 

 Genesis 1:1.

SEEMS LIKE FOREVER . . .

It seems like such a long time since I last posted but we have all been sick. First it was the little man, then the baby, then the big girlie and now me. I just love springtime in Texas because it makes all the pollen come alive and everyone's allergies are flaring up. After a week on antibiotics you would think I would be feeling better but no such luck.

The grandchildren had their pictures taken at Mother's Day Out a few weeks ago and they were finally ready on Thursday. I have to say that they turned out really cute and they look so precious.



They took one of them together and then one by themselves.

As we were driving home on Thursday after picking up the little ones Kylie was looking at the pictures very intently. I asked her what was wrong, didn't she like the pictures . . .

Kylie - "No."

Me - Why?"

Kylie - "Because Lukie is a bad boy."

Me - "Kylie, Luke isn't a bad boy."

Kylie - "Yes he is, he is a bad boy 7 days on the week."

Wonder where she has heard this???

I have so many things I want to blog about and hopefully once I start to feeling better and get some energy I will feel like sitting down and doing several long blogs.