Blessed Beyond Measure

When B took his current job, we were living in Oklahoma and I was teaching 8 th grade Algebra there. So, long story short, he moved and Nixon and I didn't. We lived apart for almost five months and it was really tough! N missed him so much that she wouldn't even look at him when we had a rare weekend with him. She was just plain mad at him! In trying to ease her pain, I started waking up an hour earlier every day to spend quality time with her before I dropped her off at the sitter. This became such a special tradition and we both LOVED our time together! Well, I am still waking up extra early and cuddling with Nixon every single day. B thinks I am crazy- he remembers rolling out of bed, dressing, eating, and leaving for school. Sometimes I wonder if she would want to start sleeping later, so today I decided to ask. She quickly informed me that she WON'T give up her cuddle time. She said, "Mommy, I love you. I love cuddling. We have to." I know all too soon she w...

Lookie, lookie! This is what my brother scored for me at midnight. Sure am glad that he is used to working nights. He's my new best friend. (Don't tell him he had already made the list!)

Strong Girls! N's big fish Nana and Papa Miss Terra and Nixon Papa telling us the story of a Dogwood blossom Silly girls! Couldn't resist the chance to stop and take a picture at Nixon St. I don't usually read road signs, but this one caught my eye and Papa was kind enough to turn around. Pretty cool! Found this guy on Nixon St. and he really wanted his picture taken. Thursday we spent the day playing and shopping with my niece Terra. She lives in the Dallas area and we don't get to see her much, so it was a treat to get several days with her. Nixon LOVED her time with her and didn't leave her side except for bedtime. Thank goodness Terra has a little sister and has practice with the exhausting pace of little ones. On Friday we woke up and headed off to Davey Dogwood Trails in Palestine. It was beautiful with all of the trees in full bloom. I can't believe how fast our time has gone by! ***DISCLAIMER*** I assure you that these pictures were indeed take...

Today we took in the Tyler Zoo. This is my personal favorite zoo ever! I have to admit though, spring break is NOT the time to go to the zoo. We were one of thousands of people with the same idea. I couldn't believe how many people were there. We still had a great time seeing all of the fun animals- especially the giraffes! I am only adding this second part because some day I am certain Nixon will have children of her own and I hope they bless her with laughable moments like these! Thanks to Nana and Papa, we have the new movie Madagascar 2 on DVD . We love, love, love this movie and have managed to watch it a million times in the last three days. This is one funny movie and has lots of hilarious moments. Nixon has picked up on one of them- not exactly my favorite one either. So she has said the following thing at least a hundred times. "Bring me my nuts on a silver platter." Can't wait until she takes this one to school with her!

Today we enjoyed the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center- also known as the Fish Hatchery. Or, the Fish Factory, as Nixon calls it. Nixon was so excited to see all of the fish and get the chance to feed them. We loved the dive show and liked the trolley ride so much that we did it twice! We also had a great time out at "Papa's Lake" picking flowers and blowing LOTS of bubbles.

For some odd reason, B's school chose to have their spring break at a different time than we did, so N and I are off having fun with Nana and Papa in Athens. We arrived today and immediately took off to enjoy the Arboretum. N especially enjoyed the stage they had built in one of their gardens. We watched lots and lots of performances- all based on Bolt, of course. I think she may be a famous dancer someday. Definitely interpretive dance though. Nothing too graceful!

Following my cousins lead on this one. Took this list of questions and asked Nixon for her answers. Some were kind of funny: 1. What does mom always say to you? I love you. 2. What makes mom happy? When I am around. (So true.) 3. What makes mom sad? When I am not around. 4. What does mom do to make you laugh? Be funny. 5. What was your mom like as a child? Like me. (I highly doubt that! I couldn't have kept up with her!) 6. How old is mom? 25 (God bless you sweetie!) 7. How tall is mom? about 30 ( hmm , 30 what?) 8. What is mom's favorite thing to do? Play with me in the sandbox. (We don't have a sandbox.) 9. What does mom do when you aren't home? Work. 10. What is mom really good at? Piggies and Paws. 11. What does mom do for a job? Teaches bigger kids. 12. What is mom's favorite food? Spicy chicken. 13. If mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? Bolt. 14. What do you and mom do together? All things. 15. How are you and mom the same? We are. (Nice vague ans...

I found this blog on another blog I read. I was so touched by their story that I had to share it. Only read it when you have a little time to cry. Their commitment to Christ and their willingness to share their pain is so touching.

Heard this today and couldn't resist sharing. We all need to stop and smell the dandelions! When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard. My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on. When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away. My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back. When I hear music I love, I know I can't carry a tune and don't have much rhythm so I sit self-consciously and listen. My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words. If they don't know them, they make up their own. When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing. When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that. My kids say, "Hi God...