Wine Virgins

Disclaimer: I'm only sharing this because in one short week our 13 year old nephew will be living with us for the summer and I need to set the record straight: we are not winos!

Okay, I admit we are not drinkers. Just never have acquired a taste for any of it. We've tried a few "fun" drinks on different occasions, but I could never stomach more than a sip. Tonight proved no different. I found a slow cooker recipe for pork tenderloin and really wanted to try it.

(That, and I really didn't want to cook dinner tomorrow, or go out to eat, or go grocery shopping 3 days before we leave for a week!)

So, Daddy Lion ran to the store for red wine:

Now, I understand it may be due to the price - ultra cheap, but pray tell how do you stomach this stuff?!? I seriously thought I was going to puke after the teaspoon sized sip I had. It tasted like drinking the juice from green olives. YUK! I guess people like green olive juice.

Please note if you are a wine drinker there is no condemnation here.

Yes, that is a screw in the top. We don't even own a cork opener. So Daddy Lion improvised ~ good thing he's an engineer or he may have been headed back to the store! *wink*

Well, I hope you all have enjoyed your laugh for the evening. Next time I'm over you can educate me on brand, when, how, with what you drink this stuff! There may be more variables than I realize here. *smile*

I'll let you know how the pork turns out.

Cheers!

Last Day

Yesterday was Little Lion's last day of preschool. They did a great job making it the best last day ever! *smile* Pulling out all the stops: from water slides to water rockets, bubbles to sidewalk chalk, even Popsicles and ice cream! The kids were in heaven . . . well, besides the chattering teeth. *wink* It was a little overcast and still early in the day so after being drenched they were a bit chilled, but not enough to deter them from the frozen treats! AND going back for more water play. Enjoy the pics!

Check out the line! They were so patient ~ amazing what they can do when they really want to!

SO, where's the party?!?
Little Pumpkin was allowed to come and participate too.
They keep asking when they get her ~ another year thanks to fall b-days!


Almost there!

In the mean time Little Pumpkin found some friends to play with in the kiddie pool.
They were getting sprinkled on by a near by water rocket!

Finally! Made it!


Not sure what exactly he is saying, but he is always got something to say!

Good enough for a second, third, fourth, . . . I lost count how many times he went down!

I cannot believe I got this shot! This is Little Pumpkin's first bubble!

She actually blew instead of just putting the wand in her mouth. YEAH ~ progress!


Saying good -bye to Ms. Debbie. She stepped in part way through the year when Little Lion's teacher went on maternity leave. We have thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Debbie.
Yes, you see a some remnants of a melt down. He was devastated that we were leaving while the rest of his class stayed for lunch. Fortunately, a promise to eat lunch with Daddy Lion and being lunch helper resolved our disappointment.

Being lunch helper includes passing out every one's lunch bag to them and saying the prayer. Little Lion was so happy to help out. I think he will have the gift of helps like his Daddy!
What a great note to end the year on.

Wednesday Surprise

Ms. K called on Wednesday and said she had something for Little Lion and needed his help to bring it in. So she gave me a call as she was "pulling in." So I allowed Little Lion to get up from rest time early. As he was putting on his shoes, I looked out the window and didn't see her car. Odd. Then I noticed the motorcycle coming around the corner. So I grabbed my camera:


Papaw (my dad) had come in early from Iraq! He was scheduled to be in on Sunday, but arrived a few days early to spend time with us before we leave for vacation on Tuesday!

Little Lion was so excited to see to Papaw! He had all kinds of plans for them. Beginning with a game of Spider-man & friends match. Little Lion won both rounds. *smile*

Little Pumpkin was very apprehensive at first (who wouldn't be after being awaken from nap with a strange bearded man in your room!). But after a fruit roll-up she was loving on Papaw. (I tell you, this girl is all about food.)

She even enjoyed a game with Papaw too. I'm not sure either one of them really followed the rules, but none the less it was sweet seeing them together.

Thanks for a fun surprise on an otherwise dull day!

Giggles, Grooving, and all Grown up

The Leap Frog Fridge Farm has been a favorite since Little Lion received it for Christmas years ago! Now Little Pumpkin is enjoying it more and more. She occasionally will match the animals, but for the most part she just enjoys dancing to the banjo music!

Here are some clips from last nights giggles and grooves!

Notice the abrupt ending to the dance?!?
Someone mentioned food - and Little Pumpkin does not pass up an opportunity for food! *wink*

When dinner time came, she decided she was all grown up and needed to be at the table!

Don't worry, we won't retire the high chair just yet ~
she still wanted in it this morning for breakfast!

Praisn' Jesus!

Faithful, Omniscient, Provider, Patient, Teacher ~ the list goes on, but these are just a few of the attributes of God that I have experience just today!
The lost wallet has been found! All in God's timing of course. I know it was done to teach me that I need to rely more fully on him and have more faith. Just like Peter's friends who were praying for Peter's release, but did not believe Rhoda, the servant girl, when she exclaimed he was at the door. Here I have been praying for the wallet ~ but not believing it could be found so easily. So much of the time I think I know just how it should all happen. (I just knew that it was going to be found early this morning in the trash - NO!)
Only after Daddy Lion had visited the DPS office and paid his $10 fee for a replacement. Just when I had logged on to cancel all the credit cards. . . only then did God allow me to find it. Simply tucked in between Little Pumpkin's car seat and the seat of the car.
Now, that I've totally stressed myself out over this little thing ~ God I give you our "big" things and trust your timing. You see He has a bigger plan, a larger view. I need to trust that He will equip and provide for where He is leading me. Even in the small things like lost wallets, He wants my complete faith not half-hearted!

Thank you to all of you who prayed! I got the best sleep last night after returning to bed ~ I know that God is in control, I just need to live like it!

Can't Sleep - Need Prayer

I'm praying for a miracle and might as well have you all pray with me!
I can not sleep this evening - granted it's only been about 45 minutes. But my mind is just so overwhelmed, I had to get up!
Besides waiting anxiously for the results of the CT scan Daddy Lion had last week - [which honestly I am very at peace about!] - his wallet has been misplaced this weekend.
What horrible timing!
Daddy Lion is mostly concerned with getting a driver's license for our trip - which is only a week away! He could use his passport for the flights, but I think he just really doesn't want me driving the rental car!
I'm worried about our debit card and credit cards! With it being a holiday weekend, I cannot tell if there has been any activity on the accounts thus far.
I'm hoping it was accidentally thrown away ~ long story ~ if this is what happened I'll explain then!
Most of all I'm sick to my stomach for my hubby! He was given a sizable gift card from work for all the extra time and effort he put in the last month and a half! As he was leaving for Home Depot this morning to spend his $$$ with a well thought out list in hand, he realized his wallet was MIA! *frown*
As usual, he is calm and collect about it all and as usual I'm a basket case! So pray for a full recovery of the wallet and peace of mind for me.

FEJUADA

We finally were served our fejuada today! Way back when we met our new Brazilian friends (the Z-Family), the V-Family (also Brazilian) promised a traditional Brazilian dish. So today we all got together for this yummy food. (For this southern girl, it was just like red beans and rice minus the cornbread.) It was black beans not red, had a more variety of meats and put a pico de gallo style topping. Still very YUMMY. So anytime you are having fejuada ~ let us know! We'll be there. *smile*

Tia S will get me for the pic, but you can see the food so well! ;o)

The Big kids eating it up!
Little Pumpkin even loved it -
what's not to love about white rice?!?

The kids played outside in the pool & sprinkler.
Water + Sun can only = Fun!

Little Lion sliding in to the water!

Check out the dimples on Little Pumpkin!
I don't think she's ever smiled as much as when she's in the pool! *grin*

This is what I got when I said "Smile".
The soldier stance from M!

AJ was not so sure about the water!
She finally warmed up to it though.

How many kids can you fit in a kiddie pool?!?

TOO much fun or sun!?!

Mesmerized by a butterfly they all got out of the pool and stood STILL!

Princess S sun bathing - too cute!

I must have stopped taking pics too soon! I have none of the C- Family's Little B! He is just a few weeks younger than Little Pumpkin & AJ! I don't know that I would have been able to get a shot of him anyway ~ he is quite the busy body. Another relaxing day ~ I vow to learn Portuguese though! I've got to find out if they are talking about us! *wink*

Hope you all enjoyed your holiday!
And remembered to be thankful for all of those who serve and have served for our country!
Happy Memorial Day!

Sunday Small Group Party

Our small group decided to get together for a BBQ on Sunday due to work schedules. This actually worked out nice . . . we had a great evening and still had today to relax and enjoy the holiday!

We had 6 couples and 13 kids! Here are some pics of the kids:

R-Family's Little A enjoying some extra protein!

R-Family's Big A & Little Lamb playing in the pool.

Magnum - the slide keeper!
(Looking great after less than two weeks post-delivery!)

Gator in the fortress!

Little Lamb pushing Doc! How sweet is that?!?

W-Family's newest addition - hum? no nickname just yet!
I'm sure we'll come up with one soon!
Give him a break; he's only been here for 12 days!

Z-Family's Princess S and Little Pumpkin checking the water temp first!

Z-Family's Captain M with the gun!
Little Pumpkin anywhere dirt can be found!
And D-Family's S supervising!

Most the gang - just chillin'! Isn't the fortress awesome!?
Kudos to D-Family's daddy - he built it himself!

Gotta have a fire for S'MORES! ;o)
That's the best part of any BBQ.

Little Lion, Gator, D-Family's B and Z-Family's M on the third(yes third) level of the fortress!

D-Family's R.
Always great to have around ~ thanks for your extra eyes!

D-Family's B ~ loving the mask!

D-Family's S ~ so GQ!

Just like his dad *hehehe*

Finally D-Family's K!
Hilarious!

I had to include this shot just because of the sacrifice I made to get it!
My poor feet were planted in a fire ant bed! (too bad it's not a better picture!)

Little Pumpkin letting her diva out!

Little Lion played so hard and well that I really didn't many pics of him! ;o(
Anyway, here's his attempt at the slip 'n' slide:

I know it's not the great video, but it was too funny! He would run all the way down to the end then plop on his backside! Not quite brave enough to just fall down. So I don't think sliding into home-plate is in his future! *smile*

GOOD FRIENDS! GREAT TIMES! FUN MEMORIES!

Epic Inspiration

Last night Daddy Lion and I actually got to go out to dinner and a movie! THANK YOU Ms. K!!! We had a great time ~ just talking about nothing really.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian was our chosen film ~ I just love these. I'm not a movie critic, but I did really enjoy the movie.

Towards the end Lucy and Aslan have a conversation that really stirred me! He asks her why she did not come to Him earlier. Her answer was she was afraid to come alone. How true is that of me and how silly is that of me. I may feel lead in a direction, but because no one else is moving in that direction I decide not to. Lucy then asks the question we all tend to ask: "what if?" And I just loved Aslan's answer: It is not for us to know what would have been, but we can know what will be. (remember I'm paraphrasing all of these!)
So here I am, pondering all my "what if's," and realizing God cares about what I'm doing now! My prayer is that I be more bold and not use anyone as a crutch or rely on others to decide for me what I should do. Instead go first to God and obey his leading and guiding. Such big revelations from a movie! *SMILE*

A trip in the attic to find my Chronicles of Narnia collection is next: I want to start reading them to Little Lion!

It's all in the toes!

That's where my vanity lies! ;o) I love my toes . . . my favorite part of my body. I love having my toes painted, preferably by someone else.
Today I was tired of my bright pink toes, and decided to paint them red. 'Friar, Friar Pants on Fire!' red from O.P.I. to be exact. *grin* My only available time to do this was after dropping off Little Lion at school and before Little Pumpkin was down for nap. . .
She was so intrigued by what I was doing. Any time Mommy Lion gets down on the floor you worry! lol I quickly realized I wasn't going to accomplish much if she wasn't distracted. So I did it! For the first time I painted my little girls toes!!! **GRIN**


I've wanted to many times, but was scared of the mess. She did so good! I left her sandals on and painted only what I could see (hence the unpainted pinkie toes!) Then she was preoccupied with her toes and let me paint mine! She only tried once to touch and obeyed when told to leave them alone. A girl after my own heart!

Showing Daddy her pretty toes.
Daddy thought they looked pretty . . .

Pretty YUMMY! *lots of giggles*

Here's to many more years of painting toes together!

More Often???

Okay, most of you know me. And I'm a little compulsive about my house being clean. Okay maybe a lot. But I'm no Martha Stewart . . . and would NEVER pass a white glove test ~ I absolutely hate dusting. So don't look next time you're here! ;o)

I try my best to do my cleaning while Little Lion is at school. That's my excuse I mean explanation for the following episode:

After picking up Little Lion from school today, he immediately got on the computer to play Clifford. He had a GREAT day a school ~ he even fell asleep at rest time (that's happened 1 other time this entire year!). So, I was okay with the game. Plus it keeps him quieter for Little Pumpkin's afternoon nap!

I had cleaned most of the house this morning, but just had to finish vacuuming the living room. As I finished up and was putting away the vacuum Little Lion passed through. He looked at me and at the vacuum, then asked "Who's coming over tonight Mommy?"

Now this is not an unusual question. I kid you not, he asks this every other night! So I replied nonchalantly "Nobody." And this is when I realized his confusion . . . "Oh, then whatcha do that for?!" (referring to my vacuuming the floor!)

I guess I need to vacuum more often! That's what I get for picking out the awesome carpet that hides everything! ;o)

AWANA Awards

Okay, after sweet Park Wife blogged about forgetting her camera for the AWANA awards, I vowed I would not forget.

Well, um, you see, . . . I forgot!!! We got half-way there and I realized I forgot the camera. So, like any good mommy I asked friends to take pictures. Honestly, the whole acknowledgment took about 13 milliseconds! (not sure how I came up with that number - but it was short!?)

It was so cute. When they called Little Lion's name he went running up there (from two rows back) and did a little stance with a thumbs up, took his bag and ran back to his seat! I'm not sure I would have caught it with my camera unless I was videoing!

SO, I'll stage a picture later with his vest and his new patches! (thank goodness they are iron on patches or we would be in a lot more trouble~ however I do have some liquid stitch that gets the job done when needed!)

With his first year of Cubbies under his belt, he is sad to be done and ready for next year! But that's how he feels about anything . . .

Praisn' Jesus for my Little Lion's enthusiasm about life in general!

Mud Balls and more

I'm not sure where the term came from, but that's what Little Lion was making today as he played in the mud! Our 3 foot ditch in front of our house became a 6 foot swamp thanks to the 6+ inches of rain we got in 24 hours! But on the bright side . . . I didn't have to remember to water my newly planted flowers! *grin*

Okay, before I go on, I must explain Little Pumpkin's attire! I've admitted openly before that I am not a fashion guru ~ not even a novice! But I do try to dress my children in updated clothing.
Shockingly, Little Pumpkin is already beginning to express herself ~ mostly through accessories since she really has no choice in the actual outfit yet!

This morning while I was fixing my hair she got into my "hair accessories" drawer and pulled out every headband she could find and had them around her neck as necklaces! I really need to get a picture of it . . . this was not the first time!

After dinner tonight, I was working on last minute MOPS stuff (our meeting is in the morning!), so Daddy Lion was taking the kids outside to play. She refused to put on her shoes or even walk past the threshold until I put this pink headband on her head. . . she already had the ponytail with the yellow bow in!

The rubber boots were a must because of the mud!
Poor little rag-a-muffin. Even Daddy Lion asked me not to take a picture!

And Little Lion looking stylish himself!
He gets those GQ poses from his daddy.

The swamp!

What team work! He even helped her up and out when she fell in!
Such a great big brother!

My first words to Little Lion were "you can go in the mud with your boots on, but don't get your clothes muddy". Can I even believe those words came out of my mouth! I mean WHAT was I thinking?!? Besides the fact that this was the first day he had ever worn the shirt and shorts! *sigh* Loving boys! Keep saying over and over ~ it's washable, it's washable!

Oh, a present for me?!? I'm pretty sure she said "baull"!

Speaking of newly planted flowers, (way back in the first paragraph ~ welcome to my mind) *giggle* Check out how well they are doing! I'm so ecstatic about my butterfly bush!

The blooms are so much bigger than I expected for this year! I'm really praying I don't kill this one ~ I think this may just be my favorite flowering bush.

Even a few of my Indian Hawthorns are blooming! I thought their season was over ~ praisin' Jesus for sweet blooming surprises!