Night Classes

Who in the world sets up classes for young children after 6 p.m.?

I was really excited about signing Mackenzie and Aiden up for gymnastics classes this summer. I've waited a whole year, watching the schedules thinking that surely, in the summer, there would be some day time classes. Not so.

I signed them up anyway. Aiden’s class is at 6 p.m. and Mackenzie's starts at 6:45. This totally throws the schedule off. When do these people eat? When do their kids go to bed?

We hit Tumble Tots tonight. The class is for kids 18 months to 3 years. It's only thirty minutes long and the parents have to participate. As we went from activity to activity there were kids screaming and crying all around us. Moms were shouting at their children and kids were running wild. Not a good time to have an organized activity for this age.

Amazingly enough, Aiden was the superstar - at least in my eyes. He waited patiently in line for his turn. He did what I asked when I asked. He listened to his instructor and executed the activities wonderfully.

I was so proud of him and I told him so. However, at nine o'clock when we finally got everyone fed and to bed, I was wondering why a nice 10 a.m. class is not offered.

Next Summer...

Last summer at this time I got very overwhelmed. Mackenzie and Aiden had been going to school twice a week and baby Dawson was not old enough to attend. When that ended, I wondered how in the world I would be able to get anything done while watching my 4 year old, 1 year old and 7 month old.

Those feelings combined with the fact that I realized that it was my last time with Mackenzie before she went off to school for real, sent me into a tail spin. I wanted to spend some quality time with Mackenzie before she left me forever (at least that's the way it felt). I also wanted the kids to have a fun summer.

My solution was to hire a sitter one morning a week so that Mackenzie and I could have some one on one time. We also spent a lot of time at the pool. Don't ask me how I did that with three kids who couldn't swim at the beginning of the summer. I think God has removed most of that from my memory. Needless to say, my mantra was, "Next summer it will be easier."

This summer I was actually excited about school being over (okay, a little scared too...but mostly excited). Mackenzie learned how to swim last summer and actually remembered it this summer. Aiden, who used to scream bloody murder (NOT an exaggeration) any time his feet didn't touch the bottom, took off for the deep end in his little life jacket and refused my help. Granted, I watch him like a hawk and he still gets a little scared when he runs into traffic or big splashes, but it's much better.

Last night as I was gathering up the towels and holding on to the squirming boys, another mother said, "I always forget to bring my book to the pool." I just looked at her and laughed.

Going to the pool with the kids is fun. It is memorable. It is also hard work. It is not relaxing. It is VERY far from being able to put my feet up in a lounge chair and read a book. It is easier than last summer though.

And, you know what? Next summer will be easier!

A Memorable Memorial Day

Nelson took the kids and me up flying today as a reward for Mackenzie memorizing all of those scriptures and Aiden having an entire day with no accidents. It was a BIG SURPRISE so when we pulled into the airport the noise level in the car went up about 10 decibels.
They raced to the plane and were still squealing with delight as we took off into the wild blue yonder.
Mackenzie was especially delighted that she not only got to sit in the co-pilot's seat, but she also got to fly the plane.
When I unbuckled Aiden so he could kneel up to look out the window, he took a peek, sat down and said, "Please you buckle my seatbelt now!" He wasn't scared; he just knew he was supposed to be buckled in.

They were all a little disappointed when we landed. However, an afternoon swim and picnic at the pool were enough to get them over it.

It certainly was a memorable Memorial Day!

You've Finished the Race!

Someone just sent me this photo. We were crossing the finish line of the Glory Run. The picture of the end of the race was sent at the end of the school year. I think that God would join me in saying to Mackenzie, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

Award's Day

The last day of school is basically for saying goodbye and giving awards in the elementary school. They start with a school wide assembly and then go to an elementary assembly and finish with classroom awards. Here you can see that Mackenzie was the littlest one out there who memorized all nine monthly scriptures. We were SO proud!
Here she is sitting at her table in her classroom for the very last time. Next year we move up to big desks.
She was awarded for doing Book-It for the six months it was available. This was a reading program sponsored by Pizza Hut. Students who read a certain amount of books each month were awarded with a free personal pan pizza. That was all the incentive Mackenzie needed. She loves pizza!
Her teacher, Mrs. Phillips gave each of her 19 students a certificate of achievement for completing Kindergarten. On each certificate she awarded the students for a character trait she saw in them. The one she picked for Mackenzie was attentiveness. She said that Mackenzie always listened very carefully to her and her fellow students. Included on the certificate was the definition of attentiveness as well as the scripture verse, "So we must listen very carefully to the truths we have heard, or we may drift away from them." (Hebrews 2:1)
I am so grateful that my daughter goes to a school that not only teaches her academically but also spiritually. I am grateful for Mrs. Phillips who loves her almost as much as I do. I am grateful that they rely on the service of parents, which provides me an opportunity to peek into her little world at school. I am grateful for a wonderful experience her first year. And, I am grateful that I get to have her back all summer long.

The First and the Last Day of School

This is the only place I've found that I can freeze her for just a moment in time. Great year! Great achievements! Great girl! I am PROUD of you!

Busy, Busy, Fun, Fun, Fun!

Still crossing off my "to do" list. Almost there! It's been BUSY but it sure has been FUN! The swim party was great. Field Day was hot but memorable.

I can't believe the year ends tomorrow. Didn't I just send her off to her first day of school? In fact, wasn't it just yesterday she made me a mom? And, before I know it, she'll be graduating and gone. I guess time really does fly.

That is why I keep this. So that I never forget how excited she was the morning of her swim party. How glad she was that I was there. That she was so light it took her forever to get that balloon to pop. So little that she got squished in the big tug-of-war. So hot that her angelic face was sweaty and her cheeks flushed. She is my baby girl. She is beautiful. She is mine.

I love you Mackenzie...all the way to the moon...and back!

Dirty Little Handprint

We went to a cookout this evening and boy, oh boy, did the kids have FUN! So much fun that all were covered in dirt from head to toe and then drenched by sprinklers. It was a MESS, but they were having too much fun to stop them from getting dirty.

As I was changing into my PJs, I noticed some spots on my shirt so I took it into the laundry room to treat the stains. When I turned the shirt over, there it was. One perfect little handprint right over my shoulder.

It was so cute that I took it out to show Nelson. "This is my own Shroud of Aiden," I told him as he laughed with me.

Then it hit me as I sprayed that little handprint. There it was. Right on my shoulder. The hand of an angel. The hand of Jesus. Patting me on the back. Protecting me. Comforting me.

I am so thankful for dirt, for little boys, for Jesus.

Isn't She Lovely

Some Day...

I knew I would be crunched for time today between a shower for my brother at Evans High, cooking dinner for another family and having Nelson out of town.

I was being smart though. I dressed the boys for the shower this morning before we did carpool and went to mass. A risky proposition I know but, I figured we were going to the grocery store and then home. I hoped to get them down for an early nap. How dirty could they get?

The plan worked beautifully until I picked Dawson up out of the crib to find that he had soaked through everything. I quickly changed him wondering how a kid that small fills a diaper to overflowing so fast.

We picked Mackenzie up and changed her in the back of the car and still made it to the shower in time. I was very proud of myself.

Midway through the shower though, I picked up Dawson and put him on my lap only to have him pee down his leg onto both of mine, my shoes, my feet and the floor.

As I discretely cleaned up the puddle and prepared to take Dawson out to change him, my mom said, "Some day you'll remember this and laugh."

Then she looked at me. She quickly added, "Not today, but some day."

One "Yes" Too Many?

It's been incredibly busy here at the House of Parris lately. I've fallen into my old habit of saying yes to everything and now am paying for it.

Over the past week and still to come this is what's going on: throwing a shower all by myself for my brother's fiancé, attending an ordination, signing kids up for summer programs, gathering thank you letters for a retiring principal, organizing the 25th anniversary celebration of our school this Saturday, cooking dinner for a recovering friend, chaperoning an end of year swim party, helping at field day, attending a shower for my brother, getting teacher gifts, first round of gymnastics classes, last day of school...and oh yeah, taking care of my kids, husband and home.

See what I mean? This was my life prior to marriage up until baby #3. Truth is I love to serve. Other truth is I hate to say no. I gained some wisdom after Dawson that allowed me to turn down a number of things. Somehow, when he turned 18 months old, I lost that ability to know when it's too much.

Here's the positive side. I feel like I'm making a difference in a small, tiny, tiny way. Everything on the list is fairly short term. And, there's not one thing on that list that I regret saying yes to... I just wish I would have spaced them out a little better.

Ah, live and learn...sometimes.

BUBBLES!

Me: At the party store buying things for the shower I'm giving tonight thinking, "Bubbles will keep them outside and busy for hours."

Boys: At the same place thinking, "BUBBLES!"

Me: At home knowing that I've got to get this stuff made for the shower saying, "Who wants to go outside and blow bubbles?"

Boys: "BUBBLES!!"

Me: Happily cooking away hearing the excited giggles of boys blowing bubbles thinking, "Ah, thank you Jesus."

Boys: "BUBBLES!!! UH OH! MAMA!"

Me: "What happened?"

Aiden: "Look it Dawson dood! He spilled his bubbles! Just like this," he said as he did the same to his laughing hysterically.

Me: "Okay let me get some water and rinse them off before you fall."


Me: Inside filling up a pitcher with water hearing the pounding of little hands against the kitchen door wondering, "What now?" Walking over to the window and looking out and seeing two sets of big blue eyes staring back at me.

Aiden: "We're washing the door for you mama!"

Ten minutes of blowing bubbles. Fifteen minutes of stomping in the water and making hand and foot prints in the driveway. Ten minutes of handwashing the kitchen door. Fifteen minutes of cleaning up the porch and the boys. Almost one hour of memory-making fun!

What?!

I just read a post by SFO Mom about Planned Parenthood's plans to open express clinics inside of malls. Can you imagine?

Instead of dropping your kids off at the mall this weekend, why not take them down to the local abortion clinic and stand in prayer and protest? I did this with all three of my kids on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. It was not easy. I'm not much of a public protester. While we were there, it rained. The rally was much longer than I expected and the boys had had it by the end.

However, I am glad that I did it. I believe that there is something very good about physical sacrifice. Just look at all that fasting that went on in the Bible. It reminds us of why we pray. It reminds us to pray. It provided me with an opportunity to talk about the value of life in all of its forms with my children.

Jesus, help me never forget to fight the fight for innocent, unborn souls. Help me to teach my children that life is precious at every stage. May I never take for granted the miracle of being able to co create a life with you.

For all you 80's Fans

Test your luck. You're sure to do better than me!

Time for a Little Bragging

She did it! Whoo Hoo and Hooray! I am so proud of her.

Nine months of school, nine monthly scriptures, ALL MEMORIZED, as of ten minutes ago.

This is an optional activity for the elementary students at Mackenzie's school. All have been pretty sizeable scriptures - at least 8 verses. It may not sound like much but open up your Bible and take a look. When's the last time you memorized that much scripture at one time?

For me it was today, since in order for her to learn it, I did too. Besides, I figured it wasn't very fair for me to ask her to do it if I couldn't.

I must admit that when she brought the first one home I wondered how in the world they expected the little ones to memorize something that long. Couldn't they shorten it for the younger ones at least? Then I wondered if it was worth the effort because believe me, doing this took A LOT of effort on Mackenzie's part.

Then the Holy Spirit gave me an inspiration. Mackenzie loves to sing. Why not put the verses to songs that she loves? It worked like a charm and the best part is that she can still recite most of them even though once we turn it in (always on the last day possible) we never practice it again - with the exception of showing off to the family.

Now I see the benefit. Spending that much time around scripture can only bring positive fruit. When you work on something almost daily it stays in your mind. Even if she doesn't fully understand all of it, it is becoming a part of who she is. And, on more than one occasion she has taken in a situation that is going on and recited part of a verse to me that fit it perfectly. What more could a parent ask for?

So now my little angel, the smallest one in Kindergarten, has accomplished a mighty feat. Not only is she is the only Kindergartner to memorize the verses, but she is also one of only a handful of students in the entire elementary school to do it!

Let's hear it for Mackenzie! Hip, Hip, Hooray!

As a foot note, I promised her a REALLY BIG SURPRISE if she did all 9 monthly scriptures. Any suggestions for something special and out of the ordinary as a reward?

Awww!

Aiden running into the kitchen holding up the little school house, "Look mama, this mines!"

"Why don't you take that back out to the living room so we don't lose any pieces," I replied as I cleaned Dawson up from breakfast.

"Hey Dawson you want to play with dis?” asked Aiden sweetly.

"Yesh," was Dawson's emphatic reply as I lifted him from the highchair.

"Okay," said Aiden walking towards him, "you hold my hand and come with me."

The two grasped hands and started off for the living room.

An uncontrollable, "Awww," escaped from my mouth and Aiden, still holding Dawson's hand, turned his head and smiled his cute, dimpled smile.

CRASH

We attended a Cinco de Mayo party on the 5th. We had a great time. The fair was simple Mexican - chips & salsa, margaritas and beer. We had tons of fun but I think I was the ONLY one at the party who did not drink. I hate tequila and am not fond of beer.

It was after midnight when I took the sitter home. It had been raining and there are no street lights by her house. Sitting at the top of her hilly driveway I looked both ways and backed out...right...into...a black truck. I swear it was invisible to me. It blended with the night, was DIRECTLY behind my car, and much lower than my SUV. To make matters worse, it had a car alarm so not only did I have to withstand the humiliation of having to tell the owner, but also the whole neighborhood that was awakened by the alarm.

Me to myself: STUPID, STUPID, STUPID! HOW DID I DO THAT?

I have never done anything like this before and I am still kicking myself about it. It wasn't that the damage was terrible, just the fact that I did it. Thankfully, I have a very calm and understanding husband who would rather make light of the situation than yell at me.

Why did this happen? Did I do something wrong? Here I was, the only non-drinker at the party and I'm the one who runs into a parked car! Is God punishing me? Do I need a lesson in humility? Why? Why? Why?

Today my husband came home because his license had expired and he wanted me to take him to get it renewed. I rarely back out of our driveway because I back out of the garage and then drive out forward. Today, however, I had just unloaded groceries in front of the kitchen door when he came home. We loaded up the boys and I backed out...right...into...my grandfather’s...car...that we were...borrowing!

This time it was BROAD DAYLIGHT! He parked directly behind me. When he got in the car I was just thinking, he needs a ride somewhere, there must not be a car here. STUPID, STUPID, STUPID!

Okay, so I've never, ever done this kind of thing and now I've done it TWICE IN ONE MONTH. What's wrong with me? I mean really, am I doing something wrong? If it's a lesson that needs to be learned, can't we find a less expensive and humiliating way to teach me?

Some days I feel like I get to look at the bigger picture and it helps me to understand why about a lot of things. Today I just wondered, what's the point of this?

Honoring the Mother of all Mothers

May is the month of Mary. It makes perfect sense that Mother's Day falls during this month. Mary is the model for all women and mothers. She provides daily inspiration for me and she's who I go to when I need the kind of help only a mother can give. I can not think of a better focus for Mother's Day than crowning the Mother of all Mothers. So, of course that's what we did.
What a blessing it was to have the child who made me a mother honor Mary while I and my own mom looked on. It was truly beautiful.

In all of the princess pretending that goes on around here I am so thankful to be a part of a faith that honors a true queen. Participating in the May Crowning at church today was a great way to drive that home to Mackenzie. She was so excited for the opportunity to honor Mary. She did it so beautifully. I am so proud.

Mackenzie, I pray that you will always bring your gifts to Jesus through Mary. May your life emulate her humble service to Him. Thank you for making me a mother. I love you!

To My Mom

Playing outside on my swing set and her singing "You are my Sunshine" to me out of her bedroom window.

Getting to lick the beaters AND the bowl when making cakes.

Refusing to wear a veil on my first communion, her being a bit disappointed but putting flowers in my hair and telling me I was beautiful anyway.

Having her at every out of town dance competition, every recital, and every band concert, basketball and volleyball game.

Her tender hugs and reassurance every time I came home crying and saying, "I'm never going to get married."

Sharing the births of all three of my children with her as well as her gentle reminder during my surprise natural delivery of Mackenzie that "We don't talk that way. Let's try to pray instead."

These are just a few of the precious memories I have of my mom. I am so thankful for every one of them. I have always felt loved. I have always been supported. I have always had a place to go when I needed anything at all.

Thank you mom for all that you have done, all that you continue to do and all that still lies ahead of us. You are a true hero and I love you.

Happy Mother's Day! Amy

Last Day of School for the Boys

The boys ended their school year today with a singing program and pizza party. Dawson had a rough start and refused to hit the stage without his juice. In spite of that, he did pretty good and Aiden hammed it up as usual. In fact, he was the only kid actually singing and he knew the words to every song.
Here, the apples are in.

Singing "I'm a little teapot" to which my husband's reply was, "Can't they be a coffee pot or something a bit more masculine?" I though it was precious.
Teddy Bear was doing something in this picture, but I'm not sure what it was.
Now Teddy Bear is saying his prayers.

Here is three generations of Parris men. What a blessing to have both sets of grandparents there!

Many thanks to Ms. Cheryl and Ms. Theresa who taught them so much. It was a great year. Two more weeks of Mackenzie's school and summer time here we come!

Amen

We were saying our morning prayers this morning in the car on the way to the Y. Each boy listed his petitions and then said, "Amen!"

"Okay guys, can mama have a turn to pray?"

"Sure," was Aiden's reply.

I began my regular list for our family and reached myself. "Please help me to be a good wife and mother..."

"Amen!" shouted Dawson from the back.

Muffins for Mom

Today I ate muffins and fruit with my boys at school in honor of Mother's Day. I received two hand painted glass bowls complete with votive candles (which Dawson was a bit reluctant to give up) and two homemade cards with a class picture and each boy's hand print. No paint is in the lines. The class picture is hysterical. The day was priceless and the gifts beyond measure.

Mother's Day, I'm discovering is not about the gifts you get as much as it is about the people who give them. I love my bowls but the hands that painted them are much more precious. It's great to be a mom!

More Kudos for the Kids

Today I made my weekly Wal-Mart run with both boys. Usually these trips are quite lengthy. Today, however, the list was fairly short (although the basket fairly full) and we did it in under an hour.

We meandered down the cereal aisle picking out some favorites. Each boy happily held a box in their hands chatting away with each other and me. A lady stopped us and said, "Boy! You sure are happy boys today. And, you're being so good."

"Thank you," I said.

"Thank you," chimed in Aiden.

"Tan choo," Dawson added, not to be out done by big brother.

We continued merrily on our way. Aiden managed to knock a few jumbo packs of diapers off of the shelf and when I asked him to put them back, he actually did it. It took him awhile, as the packages were as big as he was, but he did it. An employee watched with a grin. "He sure is one motivated little boy," he observed.

"That he is," was my reply.

When we reached the check out, both were still pretty happy and fairly well-behaved.

Aiden was helping the cashier spin the wheel of bags when he looked at her and asked, "What's your name?"

She stopped dead in her tracks, stared at him and began, "Oh no, you didn't just say that!"

My mind raced with all the things that could come next. Was she offended by his question? Had he spun the wheel too many times and agitated her? Did she hear something other than what he said?

She looked at me and asked incredulously, "How old is he?"

We continued the conversation. She told me that she has six children of her own and that she knows kids. She was amazed at his verbal ability and asked me what I did with him to make him so smart. Everything he did and said from that point on amazed her.

"Really," she continued, "what do you do? My boy is Pre-K and doesn't talk like that."

Sometimes I get so focused on our failures - like potty training - that I forget about our successes. Aiden, for all the little things we work on, really has a lot going for him. He is very friendly. He is an excellent conversationalist for a 2 year old. He can count objects correctly. He loves his brother and his sister. He also loves me and his daddy and he doesn't hesitate to tell us. He has a contagious laugh and a beautiful smile complete with cute dimples.

Not everyone who sees me out with the kids always has such a positive encounter. And yes, often I'm the one who attracts the attention because someone is crying or out of control. But today, and in fact, yesterday as well, we experienced great things.

God has a way of patting us on the back every once in awhile. He seems to know just when we need a little motivation to keep on keeping on. I'm so glad He did that for me today.

A Day at the Dentist

Today I toted all three kids to the dentist. He's actually next door to their pediatrician so they call him the other doctor. His office is heavenly for all of my kids.

It's design is like a giant northern cabin in the woods. Leading up to the doors are bear tracks. Aiden and Mackenzie jumped out of the car anxious to get in. They asked if they could walk up the ramp while I carried Dawson up the stairs.

They were such a silly sight to see. They waddled and hopped from paw print to paw print until they reached the cabin doors and entered into the glorious waiting room, where the bears and bald eagles loomed overhead.

The main waiting room is lodge-like in appearance with a grand fireplace and cozy chairs. When I put Dawson down to sign the other two in, they all took off in different directions. Mackenzie skipped to the nature room that has a mountain of stairs and a video playing. Aiden ran to the video game area and Dawson shuffled into the play room.

This is the best office in town. The kids are free to play and always entertained so much that they hardly realize they're waiting. Although mine were excited, they were really being good and kind to the other kids.

While I sat in the waiting area watching the kids happily float together from one room to the next playing so great together, my eye caught another mother in the room. She had a 3 year old asleep on her shoulder, a 6 year old dressed like a toddler and crying like a baby about being at the dentist, and a pregnant belly. Her crying son would not settle down and never left his mother's side to play.

The hygenist came out and called, "Mackenzie and Aiden Parris!"

Aiden stopped dead in his tracks. "It's our turn mama!" he screached in his typical high, excited pitch. And took off running with Mackenzie to see who could be the first in line.

Aiden had X-rays, both had flouride, cleaning and a check from the dentist while Dawson and I watched. I could not have asked for them to be better. Each excitedly waited for their turn to lay on the table. Both kept their mouth open when told to. Neither complained or wiggled. They loved the hygenist and leaped for joy when Dr. Baker came in to check them out.

I got so many compliments on my three angels that instead of feeling overwhelmed by trying to keep them near me, I felt free to let them roam because their contagious smiles and friendly chatter were a great witness to my family of little angels.

At the check out counter we were next to the 6 year old boy, his brother and mother. He was still whimpering even when his mom said, "See that wasn't so bad was it?"

Mine instead were beaming and asking the receptionist when they could come back again. She was having so much fun with my crew that she wanted me to bring Dawson in for his first apointment sooner than the other two's next one.

As much as I loved it and as good as they all were, I did not want to press my luck. "No thanks. I'll just keep him on the same schedule so that we can get it over with in one fell swoop."

We marched out the doors and hopped down the bear tracks to the car.

Score one for the three best kids in the office today. And, one more for one proud mama.

A Man's Potty

We pulled up to the house site after church so Nelson could put away a ladder he left out in the rain. He got out while the kids and I waited in the car right in front of the port-o-let.

"What's that mama?" the questions from Aiden began.

"It's a potty," I said.

"Oh. I need go potty," he returned.

"You can't go potty in there buddy. You'll just have to wait. We'll be home in a minute," I told him.

"Mama, please I go potty," he begged.

"Aiden please just wait until we get home," I said knowing that the novelty of using that potty was greater than the need to actually go.

Then from the back Mackenzie chimed in, "Aiden you can't go potty there. That potty is just for men."

There was a pregnant pause.

"Ohhh," came the revelation from the back. "I guess you can go in it," Mackenzie told him.

National Day of Prayer

Tonight I took all three kids with me to our city's National Day of Prayer Service. Nelson was working on the house so I had to go it alone.

My dad called to say he saved us seats and we arrived just as it was starting and the color guard was presenting the flag.

We stood for the National Anthem and made our way to our seats. Dawson wanted to take off with the soldiers and I wouldn't let him. I grabbed him to keep him from being marched over.

There I was with a screaming child in the first moment of silence. Before I could even take my seat, I ran from the room with Dawson screaming all the way. I had to stand with him out in the rain to calm him down.

The Mayor was present along with other government officials and lots of area pastors. I'm sure it was a prayerful, powerful event for most. I spent the whole two hours on my feet chasing and trying to keep two little boys quiet. And, to tell the truth, I exhausted most of my prayer time praying that the service would end so I could get them home and to bed.

I think I understood Mother Teresa a little better tonight. There I was in a room full of people praying for big, national type things. I was praying for myself and my boys (and for the speaker to shorten the program). Maybe this is what she was talking aobut when she said that charity, prayer, and service should begin in the home...which is where I should have stayed tonight.

Dateline: House Project

Ah, the house..or rather the house project, since as of yet, it is certainly not a house. The last update was the delivery of the steel beams along with the news that our builder was no more. That was Holy Thursday.

Since then we have had three attempts to set those beams.

Attempt #1 - Just as work began, the machine hit the gas line that we had turned off when the excavation began. Apparently, someone didn't get the message. Two families had to be evacuated and noone on the block was allowed to start his car for an hour. Well, that's one way to meet everyone in the neighborhood. Thankfully, nobody was hurt.

Attempt #2 - Machine operator, along with his machine, failed to show up.


Attempt #3 - In this case, the third time was a charm. Everyone showed up, no gas was released and all three beams were set in place. Thank God!




Of course I was there to document it all with video and pictures. The two boys found multiple ways to amuse themselves other than dodging the beams. Like making sand angels. Don't ask me where Aiden learned to do this. I guess it's just a Southern boy's substitution for snow.

At times I feel as if the only thing we're making is memories and the only thing being built is our character. But today (and yesterday) I will celebrate some progress of the physical kind.

Happy Birthday Nelson

I find it hard to believe that I can love you more than I did the day you asked me to be yours. More than I did the day I said I do. But, I do.

It seems that after living with someone for almost eight years you would probably love them less. Living with people is hard work. You see each other's faults. You learn their imperfections. You love them anyway.

However, with you I love that I love you more today than I ever have. I love that I know you better than anyone else. I love that I learn more about you all the time. I love knowing that you feel the same.

I have never doubted for one minute that I made the right choice when I said yes to you. I have never thought that life could be better without you.

You are the answer to my prayers, the fulfiller of my dreams, the father of our children and the best friend I will ever have.

I can't wait to see what the future holds. I'm so glad that I'll be spending it with you.

Happy Birthday. I love you!