Slippin' and a Slidin'

It has been HOT!!!! My poor children would spend 5 minutes outside and come in begging for a drink and smelling like they hadn't showered in months. I considered a kiddie pool but I have two little boys that I didn't trust to stay out of it when Mommy wasn't right there. So we hit Wal-Mart looking for some way to stay cool.

Insert Slip N Slide.

I purchased the 3 lane because I thought at least two kids could go down at a time. Turns out if they time it just right - all 4 can.

At first Ben wasn't too sure. He spent a lot of time watching Madisyn, Ty and Griffin play. The far end set up to hold water. I carried him to the end and dipped his feet in the spray. Finally he came to the end and started splashing.

Within an hour was was just as into it as anyone else.

I think day 1 lasted almost 3 hours before Momma made them come in.

So, if your in the neighborhood come by and join us. AC for mom while watch from the window and hours of fun in the sun for the rest.

Walter Henry

You are 13 months old!

You are crawling like a mad man.

You are pulling up more and more and even let go for a few seconds.

You are up to a whopping 18 lbs 11 oz. I think you got a little scared your baby cousin was going to be bigger than you! LOL

You wear a size 12 month clothes.

You are in medium diaper covers.




You have weaned this month and love your morning glass of cow's milk.

You eat just about anything you can get your hands on.





What a difference a year makes!

It's hard to believe you were this little just a year ago!

Where does the time go?

Birthday Boy

On Henry's actual "birthday" we had brownies. When the kids birthday doesn't fall on the party day we have brownies with supper. He was fascinated with the fire. I think he's a little fire bug in the making. :)


He wasn't so sure why everyone was singing. He kept looking around at us like we were crazy. LOL

Ty was standing next to him and he thought that was very strange.

Though brownies wasn't a totally new experience (he's had a taste or two), he was delighted with his first pan fixed for him.

I'm pretty sure I can fit the whole thing.

It's sooooooooooo good.

Happy 5th Birthday, Griffin!!!

It's hard to believe that just 5 short years ago, you were our tiny little 7 lb 13 oz boy!

You are the one that started the whole "bigger than normal" family comments. :) We knew right away that if you survived all of Madisyn and Ty's "loving" you were going to be a tough boy.

As each year passed, we have grown to love you more and more.

You've always been our little "class clown". We've often said that Griffin stops to think about things before he does them and then decides to do it anyway - as evidenced by your 2 year old picture.

You've always been a bit dramatic. Why act surprised a little? Go all out!

Yet you know exactly where the "line" is and while you tiptoe on it, you stop just short of crossing it.

You are turning into such a big boy. Reading, counting, riding a bike without training wheels . . . There isn't much you'll let the "big kids" do without you.

Everyday I thank God for giving me such a wonderful son. I am incredibly blessed to be called Moooommeee by you.

Read Me a Story

During our break from school, I encouraged Ty to do some "fun" reading. I came out of my room one morning to find him settled with Henry and a book.


I think Henry enjoyed storytime with big brother!

Holy Sews Work Day

I'm behind on my blogging. :)


About a month ago I was privileged to be able to attend a Holy Sews Work Day. I had no idea what to expect so I loaded up a bag with scissors, a rotary cutter, and plenty of snacks for Henry. Henry and I travelled to Little Rock and prepared to get to work.

Normally the work days are on Sunday afternoons. Since I have a 2+ hour drive, I would get there in time to say hi and bye before heading back out the door to make it to church on time. I was thrilled when I learned there was a scheduling conflict and the May work day would be moved.

Because it was just before Mother's Day, it was a special meeting. Several ladies told their stories of why they are involved in Holy Sews.

Some were recipients of the layettes and wanted to give something back because it meant so much to have something to put their babies in.

Others hadn't experienced loss themselves but had witnessed family members and friends go through the grieving process. They were so affected by the suffering of others that they wanted to help.

Some had children/grandchildren who were preemies or almost didn't make it and wanted to aid others in their time of hurt.

Then there were several like me. Our precious babies went home sooner than we planned and we don't want someone else to have the same experience we did.

The thing we all had in common was that we want to help. We want the grieving parents to know that someone cares. Someone somewhere believes in the sanctity of life. Someone wants to help ease their pain by giving a bit of their time.

Throughout the meeting, there was lots of cutting, measuring, folding, sewing and of course, talking. I had such a great time meeting these ladies and finally being able to put a name with a face.

Walker and Henry provided entertainment. :) Walker is a major mover and shaker in his walker. I think that boy pushed himself for miles and miles. Surely he slept well that night!


I was using a sewing machine and Henry bug sat very contently in his stroller for almost the whole 3 hours. It wasn't until I was finishing my last set for the night that he decided this wasn't the party he planned.

Stephanie's niece, Abby, and Regina's daughter, Torrie, cut ribbons and talked the whole night. I really enjoyed being a fly on the wall for some of their conversations. I think how many days of school are left was the dominating theme. :)

A few of the finished sets. When packaged together, the blankets, layette, teddy bear and card make a wonderful ensemble. Some very talented ladies lend their skills (I just sew but they create) to design beautiful one of a kind set for the smallest of babies.

First Day of School

One of the nice things about homeschooling is that we can set our own schedule. We typically run through sometime in April, take May off and start back up in the summer. This year we decided to start in June.

So, the official first day of school pictures were taken yesterday.

Griffin is now a K-5 -er.

How did my little guy get to be school age?

Ty is our new 2nd grader who looks like a 3rd or 4th grader!


And I really don't understand how this little girl got to be a 4th grader?!?!?!

We don't have all of our curriculum so we're easing into the new year. We hope by starting now we can finish the end of March and have December off. We are also wanting to take a
vacation in September. Essentially, we school year round with long breaks mixed in. What else is there to do when it's 95 degrees the first of June!