OH. MY. WORD.

Am I ever thankful today!! Last night the kids and I attended the Chili supper with the the "thankful" devo service up at church. It was a great fellowship and the kids had fun running around with their friends. I always love seeing everyone. I really do love our church family here. We all stood around and basically closed the building down and got in the car on the way home. Aaron was interviewing potential engineers for their company so he was out for the evening and it was just me and the sweet kids. The girls were really great at church so I told them that we would go to Sonic and get a milkshake. We were all excited and literally a stone's throw away from Sonic when we got hit. Yes. WE GOT HIT, IN OUR CAR. A little Saturn (we are a big Tahoe) pulls straight out across the road RIGHT in front of us...I swerved and hit the brakes as hard as I could. Thank you Lord that they just hit the front right fender!

Everyone is fine...this morning I'm a little sore, but I think that is just from tensing up to hit the brakes last night. I could see it happening...I even remember telling the kids to hold on because I could see the car pulling right out onto the street coming straight at us. CRAZY!
I'm so thankful that everyone was okay and that the people in the other car were fine. They can't drive, but they are fine as well. They thought that their little niece in the car was hurt (she was fine, just scared and screaming a little too loud) so they called the fire dept., twice. So, not only did we have a police car, but we had 2 fire trucks there on the site, with all their lights on. Parker thought it was all pretty cool. When you ask him what happened last night he says (in his little voice) "The BIG firetruck pulled right there beside me!!" What a blessing that is all he remembers!

I'm so thankful that we have such great friends. I knew that Aaron wasn't anywhere close, so I called the Frost family who had just been at church with us. They were there before the police arrived and took my kids into their car and helped keep them distracted from all the commotion. Then they called our friend, Jill, and she came to the rescue, too. Our friends here are such a blessing. I know I could have called any number of people and they would have been there in a second. We are so very blessed with wonderful and caring friends.

So today, I have many things to be thankful about this day before Thanksgiving:

1. 3, not a scratch on them, sweet kids!! Thank you, Lord!!

2. Wonderful friends that sat out in the cold with me last night when I was scared to death! They helped me feel better, gave me peace of mind, and I was so thankful to have another male there to help me remember what to do....my brain was not working. I just wanted to make sure that my babies were okay. Thanks SOO much, Ron Frost! It gave me such peace to know that you had my back with that kid who kept trying to give me his cash and didn't want me to report the accident to the insurance company.

3. A car that has GREAT brakes!

4. A car that drove home last night and didn't have to be towed to a shop!

5. A nice lady that stopped and waited to give her eye-witness account of the accident. She waited quite a long time and really didn't have to...nice lady. Another car stopped and helped us get out of the busy intersection. They were super nice and helped set a calm tone.

6. Did I say that we are okay? Yes, I'm still thankful for that!

7. An on the ball insurance company. I take the car in at 1:00 for an estimate, already. We love USAA.

8. Friends that call and check up on us....

9. A very concerned Daddy that got to come home today after being gone. He had to go back to the office, but we got to see him for a little while.

10. Sonic, which is where we are finally going to today for lunch....after all, we were on our way there yesterday before all this happened!

Go and count your blessings today and post them at X-Box wife's page. I'm so thankful for her!! She came home with me last night and helped me put my kids to bed!!

Ten Things Tuesday!

It's Ten Things Tuesday...Here are mine! Go to X-Box Wife and post yours this week, too!

I'm thankful....

1. For daddy/ son relationships. Aaron and Parker have so much fun together. Last night after we put the kids to bed Aaron said, "Parker is just getting so big. He just isn't a baby anymore." Ya think?? It is true. He has been talking so big lately and of course, as the 3rd child, he thinks that he can do anything and well....he pretty much can. The other day, he opened the fridge and got out a cheese stick! Susie and Grace have always asked if they could have a snack and I would go and get it out of the fridge...Parker is just cutting out the middle man...ME!!


2. For Sisters!! They might not always get along, but they do love each other. After Susie's school program last week, when we got back in the car, Grace told Sus, "You did a great job up there singing, Susie." I was so proud.

3. Susie!! She had her school program last week and did a great job! This is her last year in Circle of Friends and she is thriving...next year she will be in Kindergarten...all day!


4. Great adult friends who love my kids!! We had a fun night Friday night with some great friends and then Saturday night we went out with all the kids, too.


5. My kids friends...These are the little boys in our small group on Sunday night. They are the cutest little things. Parker prays for his little buddies every night and I'm so thankful for their little friendships. They will all be in the same class at church and at school when they get a little older...sweet boys!

6. Grace! Grace made the "Battle of the Books" Team for the 2nd year in a row. She is so very excited and feels like an old pro because all the other kids on the team are new! She is doing so great in school and I'm so thankful!

7. Coffee. I know, but I do love it and it's warm on these chilly mornings!

8. Far away family. Aaron's parents sent a big care package for his birthday (it's next week) and it had new and oh so very cute P.J's in it for the kids. They were so excited.

9. The Internet. I've reconnected with some old friends on facebook and it has been so much fun! I love catching up with old and current friends!

10. Pre-School for the little ones. I've gotten most of my jobs done for today so I went and got a real hair cut!! Okay, not a big cut, just a trim...but for me, that is a big deal!! I'm thankful for the Tuesdays and Thursdays that they get to go and have fun with their friends and I can get a few things done...quickly!!

Okay, there is my list....go and do yours!!

Ten Things Wednesday!!

It seems like things have been going non-stop since we got back from our trip a few weeks ago. All of the sudden I looked at the calendar and noticed that today is Oct. 1st! It just seems so crazy to me that this year is running by so very quickly. Aaron is at the dentist this morning and when he comes home we are going to spend the morning with Susie and Parker before he's out the door for something else. I've been neglecting my 10 Things Tuesday Lists, so I'm back today. It's Wednesday, but I'm sure that is no big deal...I'm still thankful, no matter the day of the week! Go over to my friend Jill at X-Box Wife and post a link to your list today!!

This week I'm thankful :

1. Susannah turned 5 this week! Just crazy! That means that we were about to move across the country to Alaska this time 5 years ago. I know my parents thought that we were half crazy moving to Alaska with a 2 year old and a 7 DAY old that year. I'm thankful for all of my babies, but today Susannah gets top bill because of her special day!!


2. I'm thankful that God provided us with great friends up in Alaska and everywhere else that we have lived in this journey that we call life! Friends are so very important to our family.

3. I have a great Family. Many family and friends called SusieQ for her big day and she loved every phone call. One call was from one of our friends at church at 7:15 in the morning (she was up, it was just the first call of the day) and she giggled the whole time that Mr. Steve sang to her. She also really loved the call from her sweet Uncle Cliff. She LOVES her Uncle Cliff so much....it's pretty cute!

4. I'm thankful that I figured out what Parker loves to do outside....He LOVES to turn on the outside faucet and play in the water to make mud! Is that a little boy or what? I was moving clothes from the washer to the dryer and I could hear a noise. It was the water on...who taught him how to turn on the water???? Oh well, now we just have to go out and make sure that he doesn't turn on the water and leave it on!! Two days in a row we have changed his clothes...head to toe....what fun and he is having a blast!

5. I'm thankful that Parker is having a blast at his little school. His teacher stopped me yesterday at said that she loves having him in class. His note that went home last week said, "I was a little mischievous, but I'm just so cute." He also used the potty at school and impressed his teachers, so that was cool!

6. I'm thankful that Grace's teeth are all coming in straight now that we had all of her dental work done in August. The dentist said that her mouth would start to change pretty quick after she pulled that tooth and she was right! They are all starting to fall into place...next step, the Orthodontist on Monday to see what he wants us to do. Grace is now smiling big again in her pictures and I know it's because she is excited that her teeth are getting better!! :)

7. I'm thankful that I have parents that are night owls that I can call really late...My mom and dad are so busy, but I know I can call them at 11 and we can have a good chat! They are the best...I just wish they could visit more often!

8. I'm thankful for all the ladies that have been working day after day up at our church for Give Away Day that is in about 10 days. They have been sorting and hanging up clothes non-stop! I went and worked in the toy room while the kids were in school yesterday and had to leave after lunch because the dust was too much for my contacts. Those women up there are tireless and twice my age! I am just in awe of their hours spent working.

9. I'm thankful for our nice (cooler) weather that we have been having here the past few days! We turned off the air and opened up the windows!! I was even a little chilly this morning and Grace wore her jacket to Wellness Wednesday early this morning. I know Mrs. Brownstone is loving it too...she just loves fall!!


10. I'm thankful for my sweet hubby who takes care of all of us. He never stops giving and I love him so much!

Ten Things Tuesday!

Let's see...

Here are 10 Things that I am thankful for this morning!!

1. School!! Grace is back at school and loving EVERY minute of being there...new books, new teacher and new friends.

2. Supportive Friends. Yesterday a group of us moms went to lunch to talk about the first day of school...many of them had first time kindergartners and had some fun stories to share. I just enjoyed listening and being with my friends!

3. Birthdays! Yes, my birthday was last week. My sweet family made me a cake and we went to dinner with friends. It was great! I know, when you get past 30, the words great and birthday shouldn't go together, but for me they do. My friends are the best and I loved my birthday.

Aaron and the kids made me this cute cake for my birthday!

Eating dinner with lots of good friends.

4. Women of Faith weekend. Oh my word! If you even live near a conference site, you need to go. It was a great weekend with christian sisters and great music and speakers. Just the best way for us to start out our school year. Loved it and will go back next year!

5. Pizza. Yes, the kids were so tired after the first day of school and they wanted Pizza for dinner and that is what they got!! We all went to bed early last night and it was great!!

6. Good mornings. Grace was up and dressed before me, again this morning. She is a great morning girl and for that I am so very thankful....mainly because I am NOT a good morning person!!

7. Active church family. This past Sunday, we put on a "Back to School Blessing Bash!" and it was great. We had bounce houses, sno-cones, popcorn, outside games and then a devo to kick off the school year in God's direction. The prayer where we circled our kids and prayed for a great year was a tear jearker and I'm so very thankful. Loved it, Byrnes!! I want our children to know that they are loved and supported by a loving church family. The place was packed and we all had a great time!

The sno-cone stand was their favorite! Thanks Mr. Todd!!

Byrnes, you are the best bounce house "bouncer" ever!!

The Parachute was a great time for all the kids.
I took this picture as people were coming in...the place was packed and we ran out of seats!! It was super!!

8. Football season!! The best time of the year!! The kick-off classic is this weekend and I'm going to be watching on Saturday.

9. New toothbrushes...Yes, they are wonderful. Last night I went to the store after we put the kids in bed. I bought Parker a Spiderman toothbrush. Yes, I am now officially the best mom in the world to him because he hasn't put down that new toothbrush and he has been up for 2.5 hours today!! Oh, the little things!!

10. VACATIONS!! Yes, my husband has surprised me with a trip to MAUI and we leave in less than 2 weeks! I can't wait! Aaron's mom is flying down to stay with our kids and love on them while we will be on the beach. We've never been to Hawaii and that is one place that we both have wanted to go....so now we are off!! If you live around here, I'm counting on you to check up on my mother in law and make sure she is okay!! :) It's for our 10 year anniversary and for my birthday all in one and now I'm off to find some fun stuff to do while we are there. Any suggestions???

Now go and link your list on X-Box Wife and share your blessings with others!! Happy Tuesday!!

Ten Things Tuesday!!

It's Ten Things Tuesday again!! Go over to X-Box wife and post your 10 things that you are thankful for this week, too! This has just been such a busy week. Here is a quick 10 things before we head off for our busy day!

1. I'm thankful for my husband. We had a wonderful anniversary celebration this past weekend. FYI, don't go and see the newest Mummy movie. It's terrible, but we found a way to laugh ourselves to the ending. We had a fun dinner on the roof of a great restaurant and walked and talked around downtown. It was the best and so is he.

2. I'm thankful for great families that help us with our kids. Our favorite two babysitters and their parents volunteered to watch our kids while we were out for anniversary celebration. We are so thankful for them!

3. I'm thankful for our new worship center finally getting done!!

4. I'm thankful that we had a great service in our new worship center on Sunday. I can't wait for the Sunday that Parker sits still so that I can make it past the 2nd prayer, too! What will that be...2010, maybe? Oh, boys are so different from girls, but I love the wiggleworm just the same!!

5. I'm thankful for all the people at church that made Sunday possible. The Elders, the hard working and running around deacons, Allan, Lance, the men passing out communion trays, the families the missed the first worship and served in the nursery (love them!) and all the families that helped with the dinner. It was a great Sunday because all the family was there together.

6. I'm so thankful for the families that came out on Saturday afternoon and helped set up tables and chairs. There was much work, but everyone worked together and got it all done in record time! Even the kids were a super big help with putting up the drinks!

7. I'm thankful for all the kids that got baptized on Sunday! There were 7 baptisms, and 6 of the kids have been in our bible class this past year. It was so wonderful to watch them be welcomed into the family with everyone standing around. I'm thankful for the Faith decisions class that Allan, Kipi and Lance did with them last week....they made some great decisions on Sunday, for sure!!

8. I'm thankful for sweet friends. Grace went to the dentist yesterday for some pretty extensive work and 2 different (and wonderful) friends kept Parker and Susie. Then yesterday afternoon, Grace's best buddy and boy-friend (not boyfriend, BOY-FRIEND...gotta be clear) Jack brought her a Sonic milkshake and a cute card. They played MarioKart and enjoyed a little visit. And last night, her sweet friend, Maddie brought her ice cream (and great brownies for us!!) and a bag of books! Her card that she made was so thoughtful. We are so blessed with wonderful and thoughtful friends.

9. I'm thankful for a great children's dentist that did a great job on Grace's mouth yesterday. She had a tooth extracted, a pulpotomy, a crown and 2 cavities filled. All from one tooth coming in wrong, the dentist assures me....she said it's NOT from a lack of brushing. I hope that is true and she's not just saying that to make me feel good...just kidding. She is the greatest dentist and if you live around here, I will be MORE than happy to give you her name!! We are going back at 11:00 for the rest of the job to be finished. I know Grace will do great...she is a trooper! Look at her little puffy mouth!!

10. I'm thankful for the rain!! We have had RAIN for the past 2 days and we are so very thankful for the cooler weather and being able to watch it fall and thank God for yet another wonderful thing that He blesses us with every once in a while here in Texas!! :)

Ten Things Tuesday!

I know, I know....I have been busy and off the blog thing for a few weeks. Before I get too busy with my day, I wanted to slip in a Thankful post to start off my day the right way! So, make your list of 10 things that you are thankful for and go over to X-Box Wife and post a link to your list, too!

Here is mine:

1. I'm thankful that we have the ability to travel. Not everyone can get in their car and drive 400 miles to go and see family when gas is so expensive. Not that we can do it all the time, but it was a nice little summer get away, without spending too much money.

2. I'm thankful for my family that let us come and visit for 10 days! The kids love going to Arkansas to see all the family. We are the only part of my side of the family that doesn't live in AR. So, we get to see everyone when we go and visit!

3. I'm thankful for cousin playtime! Growing up, we weren't really close to our cousins because of the age differences and distance differences. I love that my kids get to see and play with their cousins when we go to visit. They all love being together and I think it is so sweet to watch...except for the occasional biting and hitting episodes, but that can happen at home. Well, the biting better not!!!

4. I'm thankful for great books that keep Grace entertained. She just finished reading, Matilda, by Ronald Dahl and loved it. Her Aunt Jess got her this incredible book made by the American Girl Doll company that is called, Tear Up This Book!. It is full of little boxes to make, little letters to write and activities that all are hands on, of course. It is still keeping her busy! By the way, how do you underline in blogger? You know for book titles and such?

5. Lazy days of summer. The kids are running around upstairs playing hide and seek. Parker LOVES playing with the girls. He thinks he is a big kid.

6. Bed rails. Why bed rails, you ask? We got home Sunday night and Parker climbed out of his crib 3 times. So, we moved him to the bed in his room. His room is also the guest room because Aaron turned our 5th bedroom, a.k.a. the guest room, into Aaron's Man Media room. Yes, Aaron has a room to retreat to and play his video games. Oh, wait...I was talking about bed rails wasn't I? I'm thankful for bed rails that keep my little one from rolling off the queen size bed in his room. Anymore talk about that subject of the man's media room is just going to get me in trouble, so I'm going to stop!

7. I'm still thankful for my morning coffee. This morning I'm just drinking plain old Maxwell House. It doesn't take much to make this gal happy at 7:30 AM!

8. I'm thankful for my friends that call and e-mail while I'm out of town to check on us. It just makes you feel good when you get a e-mail that says, "When are you coming home? We miss you!" Just makes you want to jump in the car! I love my friends so very much. Ya'll know who you are too, ladies!!

9. I'm thankful for Girl's Night out with those ladies. We went to see "Mamma Mia" on Sunday night. Yes, our family did just pull into town from being gone for 10 days, but that would not keep me away from a Girl's Night Out. I missed the dinner part of the evening, but met the gals at the movie theater. The movie was AWESOME! Of course, I am a child of ABBA lovers...that sounds weird. I meant to say, my parents both love ABBA and we listened to it growing up. I wanted to just jump up during the movie and sing along and dance (which I did quietly from my seat, by the way...sorry Jen Mall...I know you had to put up with my singing!) because it was so catchy!

10. I'm thankful to just be home. I loved being with my great family, but I'm also glad to be at home in our bed and in our house! Love visiting the little town and the little town life, but I'm thankful to be back in the big city.

Much to do and suitcases to finish unpacking! I'm off for a day of fun and adventure as a wife and mom!! Go to X-Box wife and make your list today, too!

Ten Things Tuesday!

It's Ten Things Tuesday...I know, I've been off and on this summer so I'm not going to make any promises about staying constant, I'm just thankful to find a few minutes to post!!

So, here goes:

1. I already named my #1...I'm thankful to find a few minutes in my day to post my thankful list.

2. I'm thankful that I get to spend my days at home with the kids. We have been having a great summer full of fun and activities. I love my life!

Grace and Sus posing at the Water Gardens...

3. I'm thankful for summer birthdays! Grace and Parker have their birthdays pretty close together and we have enjoyed stretching them out over the past 2 weeks with friends and family.

4. Speaking of family, I'm thankful that Aaron's mom, my mother-in-law, DD, as the children call her- came to stay with us for the past week. We had a wonderful visit full of eating out and shopping!! We took her to the airport late this afternoon so that she can fly home to Aaron's dad...I know that he is missing her.

The kids (and Grace's doll) with their DD!

5. I'm thankful that Aaron and I got to go out to the movies together this week while DD was visiting! We saw "The Incredible Hulk" one night and we rented "The Bucket List" last night to watch here at home together. I love date night with a bucket of popcorn and a big Coke!

6. I'm thankful that Aaron loves his job and that it is so flexible. Today we drove downtown to meet him and went to lunch with him at Joe T's....It was great food (I'm still so full and not even wanting to think about dinner!) and we took the kids down to the Water Gardens. It was neat and a perfect afternoon before his mom had to go to the airport.

The kids playing in the fountain at Joe T's and standing in front of the "mountain fountain" at the Downtown Water Gardens.

7. I'm thankful that all the kids from our bible class are having a great week at camp right now. They have been looking forward to camp all summer and now they are having a blast!

8. I'm thankful for Sonic and Happy Hour!! I love going to Sonic between 2-4 pm!! Aaron's mom has been treating us to Sonic all week...now I need to get back on track and back on to drinking more water!! I love Sonic, but not the extra pounds that a Coke a day brings...hello water!

9. I'm thankful for nice and quiet evenings at home. Tonight we are going to enjoy some time out on the trampoline and being together here at home...I love it!

10. I'm thankful for trips to see family! We are trying to plan a trip to see Nana, Papa, Aunt Jess, Uncle Cliff, Uncle Jer, Aunt Jen and Jesse and Jonas in the next few weeks...I can't wait!! I've been missing all of my Arkansas family and church extended family!!!

There is my list! Now, go over to X-box wife and make your list!! Happy Tuesday!

Ten Things Tuesday!

It's Ten Things Tuesday time! We are in the middle of Vacation Bible School at our church and the kids are having a complete blast! I'm going to get my list done and then get to doing some VBS stuff. Happy Tuesday!!!

Today I am thankful for......

1. My husband, the VBS play ACTOR!!

He is in the VBS play this year and he is having a great time!! Parker sat on my lap last night during the whole play (an hour AFTER being in his VBS class for 1.5 hours...) I was just so glad that he sat there still and watched his daddy! They put make-up on him (he is an Egyptian-right hand man to Pharaoh) to make him look more...I don't know, Egyptian like?? Thanks, Suzanne for all the eye make-up!!! he he he

Aaron is the guy on the right...I know it's dark, but if you click on the photo you can see it a little better. I was holding Parker and my pictures from my little camera that far away aren't the greatest. LT had his fancy camera there last night and I know he got some good ones!!

2. VBS teachers and helpers! We started calling people to help and not one person that I called said no. Everyone has just jumped right in and helped where ever that they can. The teachers have decorated rooms and gotten lessons together so very quickly this year and have all been so great. It's so much easier to want to do things when you have great people helping you get things done!

3. The kids at church....Last night we would stand in the halls and watch their little faces as they would go into rooms and walk in their little lines (can you tell that I'm on the pre-school hall?) They LOVE VBS and everything that goes with being there. It's so great to see the excitement on their faces.

4. The "Theme Room" decorators and actors! There are 3 "Theme Rooms" for the pre-school and 3 for the Elementary group. This year, the rooms are showing the plagues (2 of these rooms), the passover, the parting of the Red Sea, the Holy of Holies and then there is an awesome Carnival room. The wonderful people that have taken on decorating these rooms and then acting in them are just the "cream of the crop!" I'm telling you, the kids walk in these class rooms and the stories just come alive!! Last night Grace went to the Holy of Holies room that had an huge replica of the Ark of the Covenant behind a veiled wall. She loved it! I just wish that I could see their faces when they walk into these rooms...I just love how everything comes together and is so amazing for our kids!

5. I'm thankful for organized people that make these wonderful VBS things happen...from the baby hall coordinator who puts up with babies that cry the whole time to the ladies that figure out how many juice boxes need to go to each room. The ladies in charge this year...you know who you are, June, Lorie, Steph and Bette....Ya'll ROCK!!! I'm thankful for each one of you and all of your hard work and many many hours!

6. I'm thankful for sweet and talented friends....from all of you that are just breaking your backs with your VBS rooms and decorating to my friend, Danna, my club sister from HU, that made the girls these darling dresses. You have to take a close look at them...they are hand made and hand smocked with love, by Danna!! If you want to see more of her wonderful creations, go to her business page, "Little Show-offs" and check them out!! Her prices are so great...I'm about to go later this week and order another set of dresses because we love these dresses so much!!

Okay, not the greatest picture of either one of my girls, but it was after church and lunch and they were both ready for Sunday quiet time...But look at the cute dresses!! I love them and all of Danna's great work!!

7. I'm thankful for my mom! She was here for a whole week while we went on vacation with our friends. She took the kids to swim lessons, out to eat, to the store and to church in a town that is not even her own! My mom...she ROCKS and I just love her so much! Can't wait till we see you again, Mom!!

8. I'm thankful that Aaron got to fly to Tennessee last week to be with his family for Nana York's funeral. I wish that we all could have gone, but there is no way that we could afford to fly 5 people at the prices the airlines charge for last minute flying. Really, you want us to pay $1000 a ticket and those are your bereavement fares? Yah, no thanks, we'll use our frequent flyer miles and just send Aaron. I know he was glad that he went to Tennessee with the family and I'm thankful that we had the miles to get him there.

9. I'm thankful that we had a safe and fun vacation with our friends. This is the first "friends vacation" that we have ever been on and we are signing up for another one next year (that is, if we get invited back!) already!! We all had a BLAST and are planning our next vacation spot! I'm so thankful for great friends...for the ones that got to come and for the ones that had prior comments and couldn't come...I'm just thankful that ya'll put up with me and my crazy family!!

This is just one of the pictures from our trip...I'll have to do a whole post later this week on all of our fun that we had with our friends!

10. I'm thankful for my babies....who aren't really babies anymore! Now that Parker is 2, Grace's 7th birthday is next week!! WHOA...where does all the time go? We are having a great time with every precious minute that we are given so today we are off to the library and then to get Parkerman a much needed haircut before it's time to head off to church for VBS tonight!!

NOW.....it's your turn!! Post your 10 things on your blog and then go to X-Box wife and share your link with everyone over there!! It' s such a blessing to see just how thankful everyone is (and should rightfully be!) for everything that God has blessed us!!

Ten Things Tuesday!

I know, I know....I have been busy and off the blog thing for a few weeks. But before we go on vacation, I wanted to slip in a Thankful post to start off my day the right way! So, make your list of 10 things that you are thankful for and go over to X-Box Wife and post a link to your list, too!
Here is mine:

1. I'm thankful for my sweet mom. She flies in this afternoon to be with us for a little while so that Aaron and I can go on vacation with some of our friends. I'm so excited to see her and for the kids to be with their Nana. We miss her bunches!!

The pictures this week have nothing to do with my post...they were just fun so I thought I would add them. The kids love playing out in the pool out back, but I think that filling up the pool is their favorite activity!

2. I'm thankful for friends to do fun things with in or out of town. This past week was so busy with fun events with our church family friends. Wednesday was our normal play date with the kids little friends, followed by Thursday and Friday dinners with different families. Our church family is one of our greatest blessings.

3. I'm thankful for the kids starting swim lessons. Their teacher, Jody, went to Harding with me and she is just the sweetest. Susie was a little scared to take lessons this year, but she loved every minute of her lesson yesterday and can't wait to go back and see Miss Jody today!! Parker is a little fish!! I had no idea that babies could be that great of swimmers...really...I'm going to have to get some video of him because he just amazes me. Grace is having much fun as well. She's an old pro that this swimming thing so she made up her own swim stroke this week. It's called the dolphin and it looks like the butterfly, but your hands are by your side. Pretty cute!

4. I'm thankful for the library. We have a brand new library here in town and we love it! We went yesterday to get some new books and Grace has already read 3 of them in one day. She is half-way through Ralph S. Mouse. I loved that book when I was little so I knew it would be a winner for her. I'm so thankful that she loves to read so much.

5. I'm thankful that Aaron took off last week to stay home and get some "house chores" done around here. He designed and built some scone lights to go on both sides of the T.V. and they look great. He even put in a dimmer switch on the lights so we can turn them down when we watch movies! He is my handy man!!

6. I'm thankful for my working washer and dryer. The dryer gave us a scare last week with a loud bumping noise. Thankfully Aaron was home and we took it apart together. There was much change in the dryer, but nothing big so we put it back together and now it is working fine.

7. I'm thankful for Facebook. I know, it's a online thing but I love it because I get to keep in touch with some of my high school, college and even more, my kids that were in my youth group when I was their youth intern the summer that Aaron and I met. I love those kids so much! That summer that I spent in Gainesville was so wonderful and life changing and they were all a big part of that!! They are all now grown up and on their own all over the country and even the globe! I'm just so glad that there are ways for us all to keep in the loop!

8. I'm thankful that our old church in Graham found a great Children's minister. They have been praying and searching for a person that would fit their needs and they have found it for sure in the one they selected! Great things are in store for them in Graham!

9. I'm thankful that Aaron's mom is safely in Tennessee with Aaron's Nana York. She hasn't changed much health wise. They are keeping her comfortable with different pain medications, and we are thankful for that as well. I'm just praying for comfort and rest for Aaron's mom and uncle. They are the main care givers right now for Nana York and it is hard watching the person that you love so much be in pain. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.

10. I'm thankful for all of my friends that are busy planning for weddings (Reagan and Cassie) and for those that have new babies (Sandy and Laura) and grand babies( Miss Tammie!!) Every time that I look up, there is a new sweet baby being born or a great friend getting married!! I LOVE it!! Those are wonderful blessings indeed!!

Now, I'm off to pack for my vacation with my sweet hubby. I'm so excited!!! But first, we have swim lessons today and a trip to the airport to pick up Nana James...fun times are coming our way!!

Ten Things Tuesday!

Now that it is officially summer vacation, things are off and running with activities and our family. It's GREAT! Now I'm going to stop and list my 10 things! You go and make your list and link back to my good friend at X-Box wife...it will make your day!

1. I'm thankful that we live in a town where there are great parks in almost every neighborhood. We have a really nice park right down the street from our house and we love it. Our playgroup from church has been going to a different park every Wednesday and it's been so neat to find new and different parks for the kids to play.2. I'm thankful for friends who help me raise my kids. Last night we went to Harding Night at Ranger Field. It was so great! There were over 1000 people there representing Harding, either alumni or future students or just family. We took 60 people from our church and we all sat together. We had 3 full rows and the kids had a BLAST. I am convinced though, that I wouldn't have had near as much fun if 2 families hadn't have gone with us to help us with the kids. Aaron was playing in a golf tournament and met us at the game (much later than he expected) but I was totally fine with that because we had 2 super families there to help us. REALLY, if the Brightwells and the Flemings had not have been there, I would have taken the kids home in the 2nd inning. We all met up at church and carpooled with the Mallory family as well. It was such a blessing. Parker loved being with Paul and Steve. The bigger girls loved being with Jenna and Bethany. And I enjoyed the conversation and support of Andrea and Renee. It was a fun and enjoyable evening. Parker just ran up and down the isle and played with all of his friends from church. He made a new buddy with Collin that he will have to fight Kendall for, but other than that...we all had a great time.

Parker with Paul and Steve (he woke up this morning and said,"Paul? Steve?" )

3. I'm thankful for Daddy's that get to have their time. Aaron loves to play golf. But he hardly ever gets to play because he would rather be at home with the kids (and me, I hope!) When company tournaments come around he gets to play and loves it. Yesterday he won 2 $100 gift cards because he made the shot closest to the pin and the other card because he won a drawing. But, he wouldn't have won either if he hadn't have gone. So, I'm thankful that he has a sport that he enjoys playing and is good at, even though he doesn't play that often.

4. I'm thankful for my sweet sister. She sent me 3 big bags of clothing a few weeks ago with most of them being very nice dresses for our summer trip that we are taking in a few weeks to share with my friends. We've all had fun going through them and trying them all on....I love my little sister so much! She is always thinking of others (and us all the way over here in Texas!) She and her sweet hubby get to move into their new house this next week and I can't wait to go and visit and see them and the new house!!!

5. I'm thankful for bible class teachers. Young and Old!! I was reminded this week of a special bible class teacher in my own life. Miss Latina Dykes was my 2 year old bible class teacher and was still teaching 2 year olds until her death this past week. She had Grace and Susie in her classes when we would go and visit Mom and Dad's church in Arkansas and was going to start having Parker this summer. She taught the 2 year old class for over 30 years on Sunday mornings. What a great lady that will be missed by many in the Searcy community.

6. I'm thankful for my kids bible class teachers at our church. Grace has a really special set of teachers this year in second grade that we all just love and respect so much for their commitment to that grade. We had promotion on Sunday and Grace was so excited to get to move up to that class!! Of course, we are so excited that she gets to be in the Swafford's class, too!! All of the wonderful people that teach are children are a blessing in our lives!

7. I'm thankful that school is out for the summer for Grace. She has been home for almost a full week and things are running smooth, so far. She goes in her room to read every day during Parker and Susie's naptime for family quiet time and she has been a good help around the house about keeping her things picked up. Of course, we are all thankful for that!! Aside from her fit last night coming home from the Ranger's game at 10:30, things have been great. But don't ask her about the Wii, she is grounded from it for the next 24 hours and is not happy about that!! :) We will see how the rest of today goes with that!!!

8. I'm thankful that we get to sleep in a little later now that it is summer vacation!! This morning we slept until about 8:45!! That is way over our normal time and it was so refreshing to not have the alarm going off at 7 am!!

9. I'm thankful for Curious George on PBS kids. Really, I am. Parker doesn't watch TV, but he will sit still (well, kinda) to watch Curious George every morning while I get to drink my coffee and have a few minutes at the computer. If you see him, ask him to say it (Curious George) it is sooo funny. Cute kid!!

This is Parker hitting the ball in the "kids area" at the Ranger's game. Make the picture bigger by clicking on it and look at his face...he LOVED this part of the ballgame!!

10. I'm thankful for my husband. He works a great job (that he loves!) so that we can live in this super city that gives us so many opportunities with church and friends. I get to stay at home with our kids and we have a church family that supports and loves us. We went out Saturday night with a big group of friends to dinner and had a great time. I love our life here in Texas!!

Ten Things Tuesday!

It really does not feel like Tuesday already, but the holiday has most of the blame for that....or that is what I'm saying today!! After you read my 10 things for today, go over to X-Box wife and leave the link to your 10 things. You never know how your thankfulness could help someone else today!!
Here is my list:

1. I'm thankful that we stayed home for the Memorial Day holiday. We did lunch with a few friends, but it was low key and so laid back. My kind of holiday and just what we needed.

2. I'm thankful for my friend, Reagan!! She is now ENGAGED and I'm so excited for her and Nate. We are headed to Searcy on November 1st for the big wedding! It will be one for the society pages in Searcy because it is going to be one fun and happening wedding for sure!! Wait, does Searcy even have a society page? Well, we can make one for Reagan!!

3. I'm thankful for healthy kids. Grace has a little cough, but it is from allergies and it's nothing that a little dose of Claritin doesn't clear right up!

4. BIKES! I'm thankful for bikes? You bet. We went down to the park last night and the kids all rode and rode...I'm surprised that Susie still has her little legs attached because she did not want to get off her little bike! That $7 garage sale bike from Alaska has done us well, although, I don't think that Parker is going to be riding it...Aaron said he gets his own. I did take a picture of him on the Barbie bike with the princess helmet to remember, though!! Oh, don't you love the hair in the face picture, Dallas and Danna?? Yeah, she rode her bike like that all the way home from the park!

5. I'm thankful for family. We just had a great time being together this weekend. We love to travel and see things and friends, but really I just love being at home with my husband and kiddoes!! They are great little cuddle-bugs.

6. I'm thankful for my sister who sent me 3 huge bags of clothes via a super nice college student at our church! Collin Swafford is such a wonderful guy...does anyone know any nice college age girls that are looking for a great guy?? He's at Harding, single ladies!!

7. I'm thankful for girls night out!! A huge group of girls from church (like 16 of us!!) went to Uncle Julios for dinner and then out to see Made of Honor Saturday night! It was so much fun and I got to know some other gals better...I love GNO!!

8. I'm thankful for sweet husbands that let us have GNO and stay at home with the kids!! Sunday morning in our bible class, we all re-newed our wedding vows to end our marriage class and it was so neat. We had wedding cake, punch and everything. Thanks George and Sheri...we loved it!

9. Tonight is our date night! Yes, I'm thankful for date night because I get to spend some time with my hubby...dinner and Indiana Jones!!! YES! I can't wait!!

10. I'm thankful for willing and able babysitters. We have a gem in Jenna. She is great and we are so thankful that she loves our kids and loves to come over and play with them. You don't get that in every babysitter, you know? She is going to be a senior this coming year so we only have one more year with her and then she is off to experience Harding to it's fullest (and I know she will have a blast!) Can you tell that we just love her?

Okay, there are my 10 things...I'm off to get some stuff done before my date night tonight!!