A nice breather

This past weekend, Dale and I had an opportunity to attend the FamilyLife Marriage Conference in Franklin, TN. It was a nice breather for us to get away, relax and focus on our marriage and on each other for a few hours. Before we left for the conference, I would have said that our marriage was pretty good. Now, I would say that our marriage is going to be better than ever. Not only did we grow closer to one another, we also both grew closer to God. If you've never taken a weekend to attend a conference like this, I encourage you to do so. It will enrich and refresh your relationship with God, your marriage and help you be a better parent. Some of the topics we studied included: why marriages fail?, how we should communicate, God purpose for marriage, things every marriage needs, resolving conflict, intimacy in marriage and how marriages thrive. You won't be sorry if you make a commitment to attend a conference together, whether this one or another, to focus on your marriage.

Our next project

Since spring has officially sprung here in Tennessee, Dale and I feel the need to work on some outside project. This year, we are going to tackle re-landscaping our front yard. We've added on a new porch, which you can barely see here. And Dale worked all weekend on jackhammering the sidewalk and building the walls of Jericho. Now, we just have to haul all of this off, bring more dirt in, redo the sidewalk, buy all the new plants, rock, etc. , plant them, stain the porch and we'll be done. Exhausted yet? I'm guessing this project will be finished by October - just in time for winter. Whew!

Superhero?

You don't have a superhero at your house? That's a shame because everyone should have one that looks like this! : . )

Its always scary when it gets Quiet

So, when it got really quiet in the house today, I thought I'd better start looking for my two little ones. Here's where I found them. Curled up in Dawson's bed, reading books. WOW! Not only were they doing something constructive but they were doing something together. I love seeing them like that. But, of course, it only lasts for a few minutes. Time treasured, either way!

Take Advantage of Tender Moments

If you follow my blog, you know our family recently went through the tragedy of losing a dog. Nicki had been a part of our lives for a long time. So, needless to say, it was a little traumatic on all of us. However, in the midst of this pain, we've had the opportunity to have some tender moments with our boys.

I don't know if there will be animals in heaven or not but for the purpose of this event, we told our boys that Nicki had gone to heaven. In our opinion, that was the easiest way to explain to them what happened. And, wow...it has opened a lot of doors for conversations especially with Caiden, our 4 year old, about heaven and dying.

It is tender moments like these when we are hurting as a family in which we need to take advantage of to help further teach our kids about our incredibly awesome God. I know it is hard to do that sometimes but in the midst of explaining things to our kids during this moments, we come to rely upon and give ourselves more completely to our Creator. I think we become less self-focused about the pain we are feeling when we are teaching, praying and encouraging others through theirs. So, take advantage of tender moments, good and bad, with your kids and students to help them learn more about God and what He wants for their life.

All About Me...

...according to Caiden. This is borrowed from a few of my other blogging pals as well as Facebook. I guess I'm in need of some good blog material but this is funny. Enjoy!

1. What is something mom always says to you? to make snow cones (pay attention...there's a theme going here).

2. What makes mom happy? me



3. What makes mom sad? when you have to take toys away

4. How does your mom make you laugh? I do something funny

5. What was your mom like as a child? You made snow cones.

6.How old is mom? I don't know.



7. How tall is your mom? 23 tall



8. What is her favorite thing to do? play on the trampoline (we don't own a trampoline)



9. What does your mom do when you're not around? I don't know



10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? Monsters



11. What is your mom really good at? puzzles



12. What is your mom not very good at? cutting



13. What does your mom do for her job? color



14. What is your mom's favorite food? broccoli

15. What makes you proud of your mom? your heart (augh!)



16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? a puppy



17. What do you and your mom do together? play



18. How are you and your mom the same? we're not the same



19. How are you and your mom different? you're a girl



20. How do you know your mom loves you? because you tell me



21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go? to the movies



22. The best thing your mom cooks: snow cones

In Memory of Nicki

Nicki, our dog of 13 years, passed away on Saturday. She was a feisty Jack Russell terrier who was an extremely loyal companion. She never left your side wherever you were in the house. I know this is cheesy but we really miss her - the tapping of her nails on the hardwood floor and the rattle of chain as she would come down the hall. Our home will never be the same - all because of a dog nicknamed Poops.

Two Twin Beds Complete

Dale finished the boys' beds a few weeks ago. They love sleeping in their new digs. Dawson got a new comforter since this was his officially first "big boy" bed. He's sleeping better at night too, finally!

Huh? Spring?

These flowers are blooming in our yard despite it being 40 ugly degrees today! We had temps in the 80s last week. That was just a teaser and no one told the flowers they shouldn't bloom!

Pirate Caiden

The kids dressed as pirates at Caiden's moms-day-out program a few weeks ago. For a kid who doesn't usually like to dress up, he actually enjoyed it. Thanks Ms. Connie for the outfit!

Catching Carrie's Time Warp

Where has the time gone? I've caught Carrie's time warp and have now finally returned. More to come soon!