I scream, You scream, We ALL scream for ICE CREAM!

First it was Sonic last night. Tonight it was Baskin Robins!
(it was 31 cent scoop nite!)

So it's a good thing I'm doing Curves (confession: didn't make it this morning - but it was Daddy Lion's fault . . . He had a breakfast meeting this morning with some Bible Study guys!)
AND the treadmill! At this rate I'll be lucky to stay where I am!

We waited until the kids had their baths and pjs on. Then stole them away for ice cream. I think it was a big hit! Happy T Clown was there and he is alway a favorite - balloons and pure silliness!

We won't worry about the fact that Little Lion chose the Lime Daiquiri Sorbet!

Before the excursion we had some wonderful friends out for dinner. Little Pumpkin and their daughter AJ share a birthdate - only 4 hours apart! We've always joked they were twins from different wombs! *smile*

What a fun time we alway have with them. Daddy Lion and Mr. S are so funny together. And Tia S is so sweet! Anyway, they are from Brazil and just by coincidence - actually I believe it's the handiwork of GOD - the owner of Curves put a gal in contact with me who is new to the area and has kids close to my kids ages. She too is from Brazil, so she and her family came over just to meet all of us!

It was so neat - I think - to hear them all speaking Portuguese. That is of course unless they were actually complaining about us! *just kidding* We are all going to try to get together again soon. And hopefully the new couple will come visit the church!

GOD amazes me ALL the time! He cares about the simple details of our lives! Like putting people in just the right places at just the right time! SO COOL! I think I'll go meditate on that as I drift off to sleep.

He's got it figured out!

Okay, so let me set this up!

During dinner Daddy Lion told Little Lion if he ate everything on his plate, then we would go somewhere special. It motivated me to finish my dinner! *grin*

So poor Little Lion was quite obsessed with figuring out what special place we were going to. As was I! Finally, Daddy Lion gave Little Lion some options. As usual there were the crazy ones like going to Brookshire's and eating raw eggs. Then Mikey D's for pickles and ketchup. Or maybe Sonic for a slushy. A local pizza parlor for root beers. D.Q. for blizzards. Or maybe you just want a Popsicle from the freezer.

Surprisingly this was quite the dilemma for Little Lion. Somehow an ICEE came into the equation and that was what he wanted. Didn't matter that the only place for an ICEE is Brookshire's and that wasn't really what Daddy Lion and I were looking for!

We loaded in the car still trying to talk him into a slushy from Sonic, because you know they are the same as ICEE's. That's when it happened. . . my four year old opened his mouth and out came the voice of my 14 year son:

"Okay, Let me get this straight." (with hand motions and all) "First we can go to Brookshire's and get my ICEE, then go to Sonic and get ice cream for you guys."

So we did - just how he broke it down! How can you argue with that?!?!

Ramblings

Okay, I know I promised pictures. And I promise I haven't forgotten.
Our desktop computer has not been functioning properly and Daddy Lion has been preoccupied with moving and work issues. Therefore, I have been unable to access my pictures to upload them.
*frown*

I'm not feeling very interesting. So proceed with caution!

Today was a MOPS appreciation luncheon for the staff at the church where we meet. I'm glad I was there. . . I needed to be reminded of the real reason for MOPS. The MOMS it touches in life-changing ways. Hearing the three moms testimony of how MOPS helped them specifically this year was inspiring. I've got so many ideas swimming around for next year.

The kids did great for being on the go from 11am until 3pm. (I had errands to run and they were so good - of course the suckers from the lady at the credit union helped! *grin*)
I actually got all my ironing from the last two weeks done and I cooked dinner! Yes you heard right I cooked!
For those of you who aren't familiar with me. . . Daddy Lion does most the cooking in this house. Spoiled! I know! *smile* He is honestly just better at it than I am. I can follow any recipe, but to just come up with something out of whatever is in our cabinets, well that's a skill he has - not I.

I did manage to get Curves in this morning and the treadmill this evening! I should be well on my way to a great outfit for the wedding in August. I'll have to get Big Mama to give me some fashion pointers for the occasion! (Little Lion will be in our niece's wedding.) It just doesn't seem possible that she is getting married - she was a junior bridesmaid in our wedding! And it feels just like yesterday - lol Just seemed appropriate to be a little sappy there! *grin*

Okay if you are still reading my ramblings you are a true friend! Thanks for hanging in there. Off to prep for another day.
G'night

Back to Normal

After sleeping in until 8:45 - I can't believe I got to sleep that late, even Little Pumpkin slept in that late - I slowly got back into the swing of a somewhat normal routine.
Little Lion and Daddy Lion went to the storage building to help Pop get a few large things out. While Little Pumpkin and I stayed home to well, continued to wake up!
I actually folded a load of clothes, picked up the house, swept and vacuumed.
We had a few friends over this evening for a BBQ. We had been trying to get together for our boys to play, but there was never a good time for all of us. Therefore, we decided to make it a family event! It was great fun and food! *yummy*
Jaime and I were able to talk about MOPS and get some details squared away. And continue to be indecisive about others *grin*
Daddy Lion made some great burgers and the boys seemed to enjoy the hot dogs too. It was great weather and we made a bonfire out of an old tree stump we have been trying to get rid of. Of course we had to roast marshmallows! I think we managed to finish off the entire bag . . . but hey there were 12 of us (counting the baby)!
We even pulled in some neighbors from down the street - after borrowing their backyard to check out the noisy cows! The kids loved seeing them so close and moo-ing at back at them. (I forgot to take my camera!)
It was an enjoyable evening just hanging out and fellowship-ing. I wonder if heaven will be like this just sitting around enjoying some great food at the Father's banqueting table and swapping stories! *smile*Here we all are enjoying the bonfire and conversations. The kids played so well together! It was awesome - you know that great kind of playing that really wears them out! *grin*Ya think she had some marshmallow? She managed to clean her own face off! What a sticky mess that was! Have you ever wondered just how many kids will fit in a sail boat sandbox? Well we got 6 in! The see saw was a hit! Thanks Papaw and Ms. K for such a fun outside toy! It's so much more fun when there are other kids to see saw with - so I don't have to! ;o)
If you look close enough there are remnants of hot dog, cheesy potatoes, marshmallow and even some chocolate chip brownie! I promise he got a bath before bed! ;o) I just think this is such a sweet picture of Josie and her littlest guy David! This is right before we said good-byes. He was so tired! Just like I am now! So good night blogging world!

Oh and yes Hazel, the treadmill and I have reconnected. Just in case you didn't see the glow from my face over at your place tonight!

Time for a Good Bubble Bath

Boy, if you haven't noticed, IT'S BEEN A WHILE!

You can tell from my last entry - short and sweet - we were building up to the busy-ness.

Wednesday my parents closed on their house, so the move began full force. Therefore, everything has suffered from neglect - my cleaning, my workout, my treadmill, my blog - it's a good thing we don't own any pets! ;o)

Thursday I had hair & dental appointments. Then more moving/unpacking/organizing.

Friday our play group had a zoo trip! However, I was in charge of organizing it - and like everything else it got second best of my efforts. So, I was a little frazzled Friday morning. However, God is good. All the ladies were gracious and we had a wonderful time anyway!

So there you have it; it's just kind of been non-stop until last night! We came home after the zoo and I'm not even sure exactly what happened - I'm sure I was in some state of vegetation already.

I could sense a nice bubble bath coming on . . .

However, it wasn't for me! ;o) I think they needed it more than me - not so much for relaxation as just undivided attention and pure fun. (not to mention I'm not real sure when the last bath they had was!)

It was good for me too - I needed to loosen up a bit!

Love Story

Have you ever thought about your love story? How you and your hubby met?
I know most of us might think it's not too exciting or you may have a immensely romantic story. Whatever you perceive your story to be, don't take it for granted! Write it out and remember it (some day our memories won't!). Your kids, grand kids and great grand kids will thank you.
And better yet, follow The Park Wife's lead and share it with the blogging world! Go on over and visit her to get caught up . . . she's about to get to the juicy part! ;o)

On a lighter note

I completed my third run on the newly acquired treadmill!
It's a 16 minute mile, but hey - it's a mile! Not to mention it's better than I ever did in school!
So keep asking me - I hope the constant questioning will keep me accountable. Especially since I skipped Curves this morning! *grin*
By the way, Hazel my face was pretty red afterwards - I might just beat you in that department! (no pun intended)

Is it Thursday yet?!?

It sure feels like I've already been through half a week! And it's only MONDAY! WHOA!
This morning was another MOPS morning. Which just makes for an early out of the house with two kids by myself, not to mention trying to remember all the responsibilities I might have for the meeting. (and I think I can coordinate one of these?!?)
Anyway, we made on time, even a little early. Surprisingly, I only forgot one thing - the 'thank you' card for the speaker! Luckily, I remembered her basket of goodies and I put the card in the mail this afternoon.
Afterwards a trip to Sam's. Which included lunch if you ask Little Lion. I was so proud of him. He was so sweet and gentle with Little Pumpkin in the double cart - it made the whole screaming like she fell out and scaring the old lady giving samples seem so minor!
Then home to nap. About half-way into naps the doctor's office finally returned my call about Little Lion's ear (the one that's been hurting to touch, this morning now "burns inside").
The phone triage nurse said we need to bring him in. "I have an opening with the P.A. at 3:45p today!"
mind you it's 10 'til 3 now! I accepted and immediately made phone calls. Finally, Daddy Lion was able to come home early, so I didn't have to wake Little Pumpkin (that would have been a disaster for sure!)
At 5, yes over an hour after our arrival at the doctor's office, we were headed to Wal-Mart for the RX's. It was an ear infection. However, if I could only have had the guts to whip out my camera phone and capture the look on the nurses face when she asked Little Lion to tell her what was going on and he replied: "I have a rock in my ear" I truly believe she thought he had put a rock in his ear. She still in shock asked me what I thought. I answered very calmly I think it's an ear infection. (I should have had some smart remark like yeah, I find rocks everywhere okay that's not very witty, but if I was it would have been fun.)
Anyway, after all this we had dinner with Lolly and Pop. A dinner I had planned, but my wonderful, ruggedly handsome, engineering genius of a husband had to fix for me! (That's all true by the way!)
So after all this, I feel like it should be Thursday or at least Wednesday!

- - page break - - ( I couldn't come up with a better transition- sorry grammar majors!)

I want to share about this small incident. Just because it is something I believe was what Pop (my step-dad) would call a "God-wink." You see this year I have been responsible for coordinating the speakers for our MOPS meetings. I did all of the leg-work in the summer before we even began meeting.
My last speaker (which was scheduled for today) had informed me of a family issue that may prevent her from fulfilling her commitment. However, we were both willing to go ahead and plan on her speaking. She was scheduled to speak to our group last year and was unable to follow through, so we really wanted to have her come this year. About a month ago, she called to let me know that as she had feared she was needed with her family and would be unable to speak. So, I began my back up list. Another gal we did have come last year (ironically the one who filled in for the above mentioned speaker) we absolutely loved and just ran out of meetings to have her come this year. So she was first on my list. Very excited that she was available on short notice last year and so entertaining I called her with great anticipation of a yes.
However, after checking the date, she was unavailable. What was I to do??? This is not what I had planned! I had worked so hard! I didn't want to look like a flop at the last meeting! (Did you notice all the "I's"? - I didn't!)
So, I called a local gal who was very comfortable speaking to large groups. In fact she does it every Monday eve for BSF. Again very excited to have someone local and enjoyable to listen to I was thrilled when she agreed to pray about it and call me back in a few days. However, I wasn't praying about it! She did call back - with a 'no'.
While I awaited the return call we had our retreat. Which you all know how God worked on me there! One of our mentor moms from our MOPS group was there and she introduced the speaker for the retreat. She did a great job and was easy to listen too. My wheels started turning. I just wasn't sure.
The next MOPS meeting our Steering Team Mentor mom asked if I had a speaker yet. I told her I had gal #2 praying and was hoping to hear back from her soon. Then God gave me his second wink (I didn't catch he first one when he had the first speaker cancel). She responded with "Great I hope she can do it, but if not have you thought about Cheryl?" I was shocked. (this is the mentor mom who spoke at retreat.) I said actually I have.
That same day was the call from #2 saying 'no' and I called Cheryl to pray about speaking. And I began praying too!
Today Cheryl spoke to our group! God's third wink for me. She did a great job; open, honest and sharing from her heart. So many of the women stopped to tell me how much she touched them with her talk! I hope they told her the same.

Thank you Jesus that even when I plan my course you, you determine my steps!

Proverbs 16:9 "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."

My Boy

Little Lion did not eat well last night. In fact he didn't eat well this morning either! Anyway, it was a struggle to get him to finish his Frito Pie last night! Little Pumpkin & I, both being good eaters, had already gone outside to play, letting Blake finish in silence. Not to worry, I check in on him from time to time.

Back to the story. Little Lion ended up not finishing, which always means no dessert (snacks, treats, goodies, gumballs, etc.) , but is always O.K. as he normally always eats something, if not everything. We know he's really not hungry when he's ok with not eating the rest of his food and missing out on goodies!

Little Pumpkin & I, on the other hand, were enjoying a lovely, if not slightly cool evening outside, eating a popsicle together on the tailgate of the truck in the driveway. FYI This might be Little Pumpkin's new favorite place, activity. Little Lion put his plate away as instructed and came to see us, quietly muttering "I wish I had a popsicle" under his breath.

I explained to him that he didn't eat all his dinner, and so he couldn't have a popsicle. He was O.K. with that, but still wanted it known that a popsicle would "be really good right about now". He quietly climbed up my trucks' wheels, over the side of the bed, and stood right behind us, just watching every bite that Little Pumpkin took. A pathetic sight to say the least, but he was managing his consequences well.

There are times when a dad just has do what a dad just has to do! Little Pumpkin got a bite and I handed my bite to Little Lion. He looked at me, asked if he could have some and then took a modest bite, handing it immediately back. It was just after he swallowed that my often poor excuse for fatherhood was validated.

"Daddy, you just showed me grace!" Little Lion proclaimed. Not to make you think that my child is a genius, this is something that Mommy Lion & I work on regularly with him. It's the foundations of his and our faith, an often intangible concept that we attempt to recognize and deliberately portray in significant ways.

As a test, I asked Little Lion "what grace meant". He gave us the stock answer . . . "grace is getting something you don't deserve."

Some days I feel that way about getting to be his daddy.

Friday's Food for Thought

Just hear me out. I need to vent! I know it was my fault, but I still need to complain.

Little Pumpkin is 18 months old today! Yeah, she has survived. Our next goal . . . 21 months! *smile*
Because of this great milestone, you think I kid? Have you seen last Friday's Food for Thought?!?
Well, and because I did it with Little Lion so I really am trying to be equal.
I made an appointment at Sears for a portrait sitting. I had a coupon and thought I just want one 8x10 of the child at this stage in her life. That's all. So my $4.99 package and no sitting fee was perfect. JOSIE! Don't let me ever do this again!!!
I'm always up front with these people, but obviously not enough. I ONLY WANT one pose of the child. I understand they have a quota to meet, but please!!! My child is screaming and the other one is about to pee all over the floor. BUT she had to get two more shots in! AHHHHHH!!! Please, just take a picture of her crying then - oh no!
OH MY P'S - (heard that today on word world - loving it).
Mind you there are two yes two people sitting, waiting to have pictures made! I'm thinking: Why? Why are you making me take pictures I don't want when you have others waiting???!!!! AHHHHH!!! Then the other chick comes around the corner and says
"Could you walk around for about 30 minutes?"
Um, NO!!! (I didn't say that, I was nicer believe it or not)
I did say "Can I just come back another day?"

I'm undecided if I'm even going back. Except I think she might have gotten one good one. And that's ALL I wanted!

Whew! okay. All better.
The little ones are in bed for much needed naps now. I think we are battling some kind of infection for both of them. Little Pumpkin has had the green nose and rosy cheeks (fifth disease possibly? no fever though). Little Lion woke up around 3 am with an ear ache. I figured it was an excuse to get out of bed, but he has continued to complain throughout the day. Of course it's Friday and no more appointments available!
I think today was a lesson in Patience - I failed miserably!

Friday's Food for Thought:

Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew. -- Francis de Sales

Did you miss me?

Hello blogging friends!

It's been a little crazy around here lately and this was my "slow" week!
Let's see Tuesday included house cleaning, laundry, and a treadmill swap. Yes, my friends I now have a lovely treadmill in my bedroom to hang my clothes on, I mean to run on! *smile* So Park Wife, have you used yours lately?!? Now we can encourage each other to get the clothes off it and run on it! Hazel is my inspiration - you're going to hold me accountable right?!?

Wednesday a little more house cleaning and Little Lion had J.H. come home with him after B.S.F. The two of them played so well together! No fighting, no arguing, no whining; I'm not sure what J.H. did with Little Lion, but I'm sure he had him under some kind of hypnosis! *giggle* Okay, maybe not, but I sure enjoyed the peaceful play.

I admit there was the occasional "She's trying to take my bucket" whenever Little Pumpkin came in 5 feet of their play area. But then that too became a game as they started calling her "Violet." Not sure where that came from. And when questioned, the boys couldn't tell me either. J.H. is expecting a sibling soon, maybe that's a favorite name choice?!?

Last night, we continued the gradual move of my parents. Daddy Lion and Little Lion went to help load up some things to be stored at our place. I guess while there, Little Lion expressed his aversion to "gwrils" (not to be confused with grills, because they sound very similar). I'm not sure if this stems from the Violet episode earlier in the day, but he evidently has decided that "gwrils" are not on his 'A' list. Unless they are "gwrils" with cookies. A true male - the way to his heart his is stomach!

I worked with Lolly in her closet today. WOW! That woman has some clothes. And some attachments to them! I broke through the 80's, but I'm just not sure she's ready to move entirely into the 21st century just yet. lol Love you mom!

We've started the kitchen and making great progress there - as long as she goes to goodwill before Pop gets home! Two pack rats just isn't a good thing. Here's to down-sizing. *smile*

Well, that was completely boring post, so if you've made it this far you must really love me! THANK YOU! I hope to have some pics of the kids for you tomorrow.

So, tell me, are you a pack rat? What area of your life is it in? i.e. pictures, clothes, kitchen supplies, scrapbook supplies *giggle*, every area? Leave a comment and let me know, I'll come rescue you when I'm done with the parents. (Well, unless it's scrapbook supplies . . . I might be more of an enabler in that area!) *BIG SMILE*

Making Memories

Yesterday was backwards day!

Why?

I'm not sure, other than my little calender from MOPS said it was. It was the first day in a quite a while that we didn't have anywhere to go or errands to run so, I thought it sounded like a great idea and we went with it. I couldn't bring myself to do dinner for breakfast, so we started after breakfast! ;o)

We began by taking baths (which is an evening routine). And to make it even more backwards they took them in my garden tub with bubbles! They really enjoyed this and I even got my bed made while they played in the tub!

Next was getting dressed! Yes we (and by we I mean Little Pumpkin and Little Lion) wore our clothes backwards! Honestly, I don't think Little Pumpkin even noticed!And she wasn't very happy to be taking a picture instead of getting into her high chair which I moved to take the picture! Such a food fanatic!

We did eat breakfast- waffles, bacon, and eggs - for dinner. But that was the end of our backwards -day. Something small, but I pray that it makes a memory that last.

You know one of those memories that seems so real, like it was yesterday. Something that you did everyday, when in reality you only did it once or twice! ;o) I know my kids are still young, but I want to begin now making those memories for them. The ones they will want to remember and enjoy looking back on, even as teenagers, and think WOW she was a fun mom.

Another memory maker from yesterday:

We are in the process of helping my parents (Lolly and Pop) pack up for their move (not far just a few miles from where they live now). While outside trying to work the combination lock on the gate, I hear this:

"I wish with all my might, that we'll have ice cream tonight" and a then big blow. Little Lion had found a dandelion.

How cute was that!?! How could I not let that come true? So after loading up to go home, I surprised him with a trip to Shakes, a frozen custard place that I had a coupon for! (come on I have to be frugal) After realizing where we were, I asked him what did you wish for today? He says with a smile "ice cream". Then with hands up in the air "my dreams come true"!

I pray he never stops dreaming and that they all come true!

One Two Buckle My Shoe . . . or NOT.

I'm not 100% sold on the outcome, but it was fun to take the test! Go find your shoe! *smile*

You Are Bare Feet

You are a true free spirit, and you can't be tied down. Even wearing shoes can be a little too constraining for you at times! You are very comfortable in your own skin. You are one of the most real people around. You don't have anything to hide. Open and accepting, you are willing to discuss or entertain almost any topic. You are a very tolerant person. You are accepting and not judgmental. You should live: Somewhere warm You should work: At your own business, where you can set the rules

What Kind of Shoe Are You?

Ms. K's House

Saturday we went Ms. K's house to hang out with her and Brit. The kids love the two of them, mainly the spoiling and undivided attention! ;o) "Someone's got to do" - I'm positive this is what Ms. K is saying right now! I'm not sure if Little Pumpkin really liked the trampoline. But she sure enjoyed it when in Brit's arms! Of course there's not much Little Pumpkin doesn't enjoy while being held.

Little Lion and Daddy Lion enjoyed the reunion with the dune buggy. It had a short stay out our house while a home was built for it. Plus with all the development going on around us, there is not as many places to ride it anymore. At Ms. K's there is lots of trails to follow or make! :o)
Switch! Little Lion really enjoyed the trampoline. Especially Brit doing flips - forwards and backwards! I think he was really waiting for her to flip off like all the other people he has seen on AFV! he he he However, he did figure out he could get enough static by running around to shock his Daddy pretty good! It became a game: run in circles, fall down, call for help, shock Daddy, laugh hysterically! Good clean fun!
Now to the spoiled part! I didn't bring Little Pumpkin's booster chair, no good excuse other than I figured she'd get held anyway. So just a little special treatment at Ms. K's - she got to sit on the table to eat! She was loving this. I believe this might have been a bit of a diabetic coma. I know she got more chocolate than she had ever had before - well, that I know about anyway. ;o) We all had a fun time just hanging out. Thanks again Ms. K! We'll do it again soon.

Spring Fashion Fiesta - Pictures Added!

Let me begin with the disclaimer! (I've had a lot of these recently)


I DO NOT claim to have any fashion sense or creativity. I decided to participate in this fashion fiesta to . . . well, I'm not really sure what motivated me. And finally, I think my friend at Rocks In My Dryer has telepathy, because I'm sure she read my mind while writing her post!


Maybe it was boredom, or diversion (the dryer is beeping at me), or inspiration after reading BigMamma, BooMamma, Everyday Mommy and the others. Or maybe I'm just a glutton for punishment! Whatever the reason, I ventured into my sad little closet and found . . . I have no style!


I do not have 10 t-shirts that I love, I do not wear the same style jeans, I don't think I even own two of the same cut shirts. So, I guess I'm a bit of an eclectic . . . but not trendy!


I'm usually in a pair of jeans, a some style 3/4 sleeve shirt. (I'm cold-natured, not to be mistaken with cold-hearted! You know ~ cold hands, warm heart!)



My favorite t-shirts are my MOPS shirts, mostly because I want to share my passion for MOPS!


So, if you want to secretly video tape me and send it in to "What Not to Wear", just let me know and I pretend like I really love my stuff so they'll pick me and I'll get that cool $5ooo make-over! ;o)


Be sure to go check out Big Mamma for more fashion tips and fauxpauxs.

Friday's Food for Thought

I'm not feeling very talkative . . . I know, I better go check my temperature! ;o)

Anyway, I noticed on some of the blogs I've been checking out (which is a lot more now that we have high speed. . . maybe this wasn't such a great idea . . . nah! ), some of the blogs have special days like, Wordless Wednesday and well, I don't remember the others. But since I'm kind of blah today I'm going to start my own Friday's Food for thought.

Here are some pics from last weekend.
Mark was out for the evening and I decided to be the fun parent for a change! So OREOs it was. Here you can see the results of the enjoyment.
.
I believe this was Little Pumpkin's first OREO!

She will be a true girl: purses, shoes and chocolate!!! Aahhh, the life.


That is


until


someone


takes


away


the


chocolate!




Friday's Food for Thought:

Anger always comes from frustrated expectations. - Elliott Larson

A Day at the Park

I'm honestly not even sure when my last BHS post was (that's before high-speed) ;o).

But I've got to tell you about our super fun adventure yesterday!

My cousin and his wife live on a state park. (The Park Wife is the one who got me blogging!) Lolly, the kids, and I loaded up and headed out for an adventure. We had a great time with the Buckaroo's and even Cousin C was there to visit too.You try getting a picture of 5 under 5! ;o)

(L to R) Little Buckaroo, Little Pumpkin (she's easy to spot), Cousin C, Littlest Buckaroo, and of course Little Lion. (Little Lion is not crying ~ it's just a very intense "CHEESE!")

The first thing they did was empty every toy container the Buckaroo's own! The floor was covered with toys and the boys were in heaven! I think Little Pumpkin was trying to figure out what I had done to her; this house full of big boys!

Little Buckaroo is way into dinosaurs!

Here the dinosaur is eating the snake!

Once the bedroom floor was completely hidden from view, the boys moved out into the living room to camouflage that floor too!

That would be Little Lion in the fireman outfit! I think he may have enjoyed himself . . . ya think!?! ;o)

After lunch, we all headed outside. All the kids managed to find something with wheels!

From the four wheeler rides and building with blocks to finding caterpillars (which he is still talking about that thing turning into a butterfly!) and feeding the horse; our time there was way too short. We didn't even make it into the park! Little Lion had a great time as evidenced by the tears when told it was time to load up.

Thank you so much for hosting us and showing us such an enjoyable time! We hope to be there again real soon!

Oh, and Little Pumpkin has recovered fully from her walking off the deck. You guys, it was like a cartoon she stepped right off, and I'm sure she was suspended in air for 10 seconds! Then straight down! But all is well now!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah,Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Okay, so maybe the angels aren't singing with me and honestly I'm not even trying to sing. But I'm sure celebrating. Yes, we are connecting at high-speed now! ;o)
There is just so much to do, so many places to check out, so many blogs to read! I'm a little overwhelmed by it all. You'd think this was my first introduction to the world wide web!
Here's to more blogging! (and surfing, and purchasing, and . . .)
Can you tell how excited I am?!?

To all my admirers

I've had several requests for details involving my April Fool's Day prank! Glad to know it was such a hit.

The image originally looked like this:


I found it by searching for "twins ultrasound" on Altavista.com. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you have your safe search turned on AND don't forget the 'ultrasound' part.

The link takes you to: http://www.obgyn.net/ultrasound/ultrasound.asp?page=/us/present/0403/monotwins_9weeks. You'll need your medical dictionary to make any sense out of it.

I changed the name of the practice and the date of the image using Photo Shop.

To all the women . . . I am perfectly aware that a pediatrician DOES NOT do ultrasounds. I take comfort that nobody caught on to this until after they were told of the hoax (this means you Red!)

You will note on the original image that the patient's name is blacked out (top left corner). This was carried over into my adaptation. Those of you who know Mommy Lion and read somewhat daily, know how fanatical she is about anonymity. You all can also see that a majority of the letters in Mommy Lion's real name are present in the 'before' image. I could have put her name in, but didn't. Mommy Lion thanks me.

Oh, and I am WELL aware of my wife's cycle.

I'll also note that the first comment on the 4/1/08 blog is from me, stating CLEARLY and PLAINLY that the due date is next April first. Simple math dictates that Mommy Lion either has the same gestation as a camel, or something is wrong! Moral of the story, people write great comments, check them out sometime.

Finally, if I could get the username and password of everyone's blog, I've got some other pictures I'd like to upload. I won't tell you what they are, that would ruin the surprise, but I promise to post them very early on Mother's Day for all the grandmothers out there.

It's Not Easy Being Green

Last night was "Crazy Hair Night" at AWANA. Since Little Lion got his hair cut last week, we couldn't do much with hairspray or gel. He got to pick a color, red, green, or purple.

Fortunately he picked green! It matched his shirt and the overspray looked great on his eyebrows. He was so proud!

We would have posted this earlier but our modem is officially dead. That's right, we can't even get dial-up anymore. I bought a replacement at Wal-Mart, but it stopped working too. Hopefully high speed will be on it's way soon.

New-birth of Spring

Today was not the most beautiful spring days, but it was dry enough to trudge through the muck with our "mud boots." Little Pumpkin received hers in her Easter basket this year (thanks Mer!). They are SO cute. You can't really see them in the pic. She is chasing after Daddy Lion and Little Lion here. With her purse in tow of course!

They are headed to check out our newest addition. Behind our shed, right on the property line Daddy Lion noticed this new little pine tree (or something that looks like it anyway). Upon approaching it the other day a bird flew away . . . you know what that means:

Sure enough, three little eggs tucked into this small little nest inside this little sapling tree. I hope we didn't get too close! They look like robin's eggs to me. But keep in mind my bird egg identification comes from the Crayola match game, you know the robin's egg blue card with the speckled blue eggs! ;o)

Just too cute these two guys ready to get started in the yard! Daddy lion weed eated, weed ate, uh . . . weed whacked. (However you say that is past tense.) Upon getting close to our air conditioning unit (where the grass was at least 3 foot tall), he found a rabbit's burrow! Unfortunately, we lost a bunny to the weed eater. But there were two more, so hopefully they will go back to the burrow and mommy will come back. Daddy Lion was so sad.
I'm praying really hard now, we have had a lot of "death" experiences lately. I hope it's not a foreshadowing of something to come.
Even so, the sights of new birth with the tree, the eggs, the bunnies, and even the weeds are still invigorating. And as I'm reading through the Mission of Motherhood, (YES, I'm still reading the book) God is continuing to open to my eyes, mind and heart to areas He wants to grow me. So my prayer today is that this spring will bring more than nature's new birth, but some spiritual growth also.

Disclaimer

Okay, let me begin with my sincerest apologies to those of you whom my husband deceived with his hoax yesterday! Here's my disclaimer ~ I had ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with it! I only found out about the post from a good friend in Oregon. Thanks again C for calling!
However, I must say I'm shocked by the number of people who did not even question the thought. Let me assure you that in MY plan, there will be no more sweet babies. ;o) Now I know God has bigger and better plans than I, but I have faith HE also knows what I can bear and will not give me more than Little Pumpkin, I mean more than what I can bear!
If you are joining the ranks of those now praying for triplets, let me append this request for a miracle: that it be Mark that conceives them!

E-nnouncement

Remember a few weeks ago when Mommy Lion was pretty sick? Daddy Lion even took a day off and came home to help?

Well, things seemed to get better, not a lot better, but there were ups and downs. Something was definitely going on. Thursday, we made a trip to the doctor and everything looked great except for one very tiny thing he seemed concern about.

Saturday, Mommy Lion made a 'special' trip. We didn't tell anyone, but she HAD to drive to Women's Retreat so she could sneak off for a visit to a specialist. Note the date on the image below! Not one thing, but two.

We've always come up with creative ways to "Tell" in the past. Little Lion wore a shirt that said "I'm The Big Brother" to church when Little Pumpkin came around. I honestly don't recall how the word about Little Lion got out, probably Aunt 'D'.

Anyway, in the interest of fairness, we wanted to again try to tell EVERYONE at the same time, and figured the Blog was the best way as all our good friends read and catch up. It will be exciting to see who reads and comments on our newest additions.

We haven't told Little Lion yet, and Little Pumpkin obviously won't get it! We've got to come up with more Little names.

The Lions