Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas preview
Yes, I know I'm a terrible blogger. But guess what??? I received a hand-me-down digital camera!!! So guess who can start posting more pictures??? Here's a quick preview of our Christmas. This is the height of the sugar crash and they are zoned in front of their favorite movie: Prince of Egypt.
Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!
Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Cuteness abounds
"Mom, I need a wash wash, my hands are sticky". Translation= washcloth.
"Mom, I'm done going potty. I need some paper toilet." IE..toilet paper.
"Mom, I want a nola bar". (granola bar) Minutes later the bar is in pieces and all the chocolate chips have been eaten out of it with the granola part strewn all over the table. Hmmmm, must be related to me.
Other reasons I know he is my child....
He can recognize Taco Bell and ask for tacos as we drive past. I love him for that. I often get to use him as an excuse to stop! (as if I ever needed one).
He doesn't like to share his food. Get your own! That's what I'm talking about son. There are things you should share and food doesn't fall into that category. Especially when tacos and chocolate are involved.
He loves Halloween and can't wait to dress up.
Squeeze, hug, kiss, love him.
"Mom, I'm done going potty. I need some paper toilet." IE..toilet paper.
"Mom, I want a nola bar". (granola bar) Minutes later the bar is in pieces and all the chocolate chips have been eaten out of it with the granola part strewn all over the table. Hmmmm, must be related to me.
Other reasons I know he is my child....
He can recognize Taco Bell and ask for tacos as we drive past. I love him for that. I often get to use him as an excuse to stop! (as if I ever needed one).
He doesn't like to share his food. Get your own! That's what I'm talking about son. There are things you should share and food doesn't fall into that category. Especially when tacos and chocolate are involved.
He loves Halloween and can't wait to dress up.
Squeeze, hug, kiss, love him.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Another funny by Laine
So my sweet big boy has pneumonia. I asked him if he wanted to call his Pappaw Laine and tell him about the pneumonia. He looked at me with the strangest look and said, "But I don't have a new mama."
Don't you want to eat him? Germs and all....
Don't you want to eat him? Germs and all....
Friday, September 4, 2009
Missed Opportunities
A very important man in my life passed away a month ago. I've known him for almost 10 years now. However, I never actually met him. Ours was a relationship of phone conversations, faxes and e-mails of the most intimate nature....my finances.
He was my tax man. David Ray was his name.
He saved me thousands of dollars over the last 10 years. He also saved me the headache of itemizing and filing on my own. He had worked for the IRS on one occasion so he knew the ins and outs of what you could claim and couldn't claim. He always had up to date information on new tax breaks that would come about. He was worth every penny I ever paid him and more.
I had an interesting conversation with him last April when we were reviewing my paperwork via phone. We had done this 9 times before. He was always very business-like and to the point. I guess not wanting to waste my time. We never talked much about anything else except the 2 occasions I got to tell him we had another deduction. (Laine and Jackson) I knew that one of his daughters worked in his office with him, but that was the extent of what I knew about him personally.
During this conversation....well let me start by saying the first couple of years he did my filing, he made a comment to me about my claiming what I've given to the church. I don't remember exactly what I said to him. But I do remember telling him that I always gave the first 10 % to God and He always gave me back much more than that. In his very quiet manner he tried to talk me out of claiming it because that is one of the things that sends a "red flag" to the IRS. I told him that I didn't care if the IRS knew I was giving to my God. So what feels like reluctantly, he included it and never mentioned it again...until last April.
He said, "I noticed your giving has exceeded the 10% mark". I told him that as a family we had felt challenged to give more this year. Went on to explain that we were blessed beyond measure and it didn't matter how much we gave...God always gave it back, above and beyond our wildest dreams."
A few seconds of silence followed by these words. "Isn't it great to know the God who gives. And isn't it great when you can actually trust to give up what is tangible for something that is not".
Let me tell you those words blew me away for a minute. Not something I expected to hear from the man who was always business, all numbers, all the time. We talked a few more minutes on the subject of God's goodness, finished our business then said goodbye until next year.
Last month I emailed him our most current pay stubs to see if we were still on the right track for getting a refund this year. He was always quick to answer so when I didn't hear back from him in a week, I wondered about him. I was preparing to call him when I noticed an e-mail address I didn't recognize, but it was his name in the subject line. I opened it and that's how I found the news that he had passed away unexpectedly from complications of pneumonia.
I was shocked. He couldn't have been older than 60. I was very saddened. Not only because of the great role he played in my financial life. But because I was reminded of the "everyday relationships" that I have with people that I know nothing about them. Not really. And not the most important thing to know. Do they know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Looking back, I view that last conversation with David as a gift from God letting me know David was one of His. Now, I look at the people I see all the time and wonder why I haven't told them of my love of Jesus. It could literally save their lives. You know the people I'm talking about. The post office workers, the grocery store clerks, the people at day care that I trust with my kids well being.
I've been praying for boldness in speech and opportunity to share. Will you pray that for me, too? I don't want to miss any opportunities to share the love of Christ.
He was my tax man. David Ray was his name.
He saved me thousands of dollars over the last 10 years. He also saved me the headache of itemizing and filing on my own. He had worked for the IRS on one occasion so he knew the ins and outs of what you could claim and couldn't claim. He always had up to date information on new tax breaks that would come about. He was worth every penny I ever paid him and more.
I had an interesting conversation with him last April when we were reviewing my paperwork via phone. We had done this 9 times before. He was always very business-like and to the point. I guess not wanting to waste my time. We never talked much about anything else except the 2 occasions I got to tell him we had another deduction. (Laine and Jackson) I knew that one of his daughters worked in his office with him, but that was the extent of what I knew about him personally.
During this conversation....well let me start by saying the first couple of years he did my filing, he made a comment to me about my claiming what I've given to the church. I don't remember exactly what I said to him. But I do remember telling him that I always gave the first 10 % to God and He always gave me back much more than that. In his very quiet manner he tried to talk me out of claiming it because that is one of the things that sends a "red flag" to the IRS. I told him that I didn't care if the IRS knew I was giving to my God. So what feels like reluctantly, he included it and never mentioned it again...until last April.
He said, "I noticed your giving has exceeded the 10% mark". I told him that as a family we had felt challenged to give more this year. Went on to explain that we were blessed beyond measure and it didn't matter how much we gave...God always gave it back, above and beyond our wildest dreams."
A few seconds of silence followed by these words. "Isn't it great to know the God who gives. And isn't it great when you can actually trust to give up what is tangible for something that is not".
Let me tell you those words blew me away for a minute. Not something I expected to hear from the man who was always business, all numbers, all the time. We talked a few more minutes on the subject of God's goodness, finished our business then said goodbye until next year.
Last month I emailed him our most current pay stubs to see if we were still on the right track for getting a refund this year. He was always quick to answer so when I didn't hear back from him in a week, I wondered about him. I was preparing to call him when I noticed an e-mail address I didn't recognize, but it was his name in the subject line. I opened it and that's how I found the news that he had passed away unexpectedly from complications of pneumonia.
I was shocked. He couldn't have been older than 60. I was very saddened. Not only because of the great role he played in my financial life. But because I was reminded of the "everyday relationships" that I have with people that I know nothing about them. Not really. And not the most important thing to know. Do they know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Looking back, I view that last conversation with David as a gift from God letting me know David was one of His. Now, I look at the people I see all the time and wonder why I haven't told them of my love of Jesus. It could literally save their lives. You know the people I'm talking about. The post office workers, the grocery store clerks, the people at day care that I trust with my kids well being.
I've been praying for boldness in speech and opportunity to share. Will you pray that for me, too? I don't want to miss any opportunities to share the love of Christ.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Out of the mouths of babes....
They say the best things when they are learning to express themselves. I wish I could record them all. Here's a couple of examples:
Laine: Can we go to the park?
Mom: We will go later when it's not so hot.
Laine: When's it going to stop hottin?
Laine: The farmer in the bell. The farmer in the bell. Uh-oh spaghetti-o's. The farmer in the bell.
Laine: (when wanting to hear his favorite song "The 10 Commandment Boogie") I want the "Take the Manna Boogie".
He was trying to say something the other day and I can't remember what it was but I corrected him. He said, "No mama. Look at my mouth: it's....."
May all time favorite that he announced everywhere we go:
"I tooted!"
Fun times. Fun times.
Laine: Can we go to the park?
Mom: We will go later when it's not so hot.
Laine: When's it going to stop hottin?
Laine: The farmer in the bell. The farmer in the bell. Uh-oh spaghetti-o's. The farmer in the bell.
Laine: (when wanting to hear his favorite song "The 10 Commandment Boogie") I want the "Take the Manna Boogie".
He was trying to say something the other day and I can't remember what it was but I corrected him. He said, "No mama. Look at my mouth: it's....."
May all time favorite that he announced everywhere we go:
"I tooted!"
Fun times. Fun times.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Please Explain
How did this....
Turn into this.....
Turn into this.....
Turn into this?????
It just seems like yesterday when he was born and now we are preparing to celebrate his 3rd birthday. What a fast, wonderful, and glorious 3 years it's been.
Happy Birthday Laine Anderson Davis!
Your Momma loves you more than you will ever know.....
Turn into this.....
Turn into this.....
Turn into this?????
It just seems like yesterday when he was born and now we are preparing to celebrate his 3rd birthday. What a fast, wonderful, and glorious 3 years it's been.
Happy Birthday Laine Anderson Davis!
Your Momma loves you more than you will ever know.....
Monday, August 3, 2009
To blog or not to blog....
So obviously, I suck at this whole blogging thing. I have many ideas that I think would be funny, or informative, or encouraging, or to just let you know what's going on with me. But somehow they never get put to writing. If you check this often, just to be disappointed....I'm very sorry.
Short synopsis on life at our house:
It's summer in Arkansas. I'm expecting baby #3. It's hotter than hades. I'm nauseated all the time. The boys are growing big and fast. It's sweltering. Laine has pooped in the potty 3 days in a row! I'm melting away with sweat. Jackson still has chunkalicious thighs. I wanna puke most of the day. I'm cleaning out closets to sell stuff in the fall consignments sales coming up. I get to take naps 4 out of 7 days a week. It's humid. Brushing my teeth makes me want to vomit. Anything on earth makes me cry. Did I mention it's hot?
Hope your summer is going well.
Short synopsis on life at our house:
It's summer in Arkansas. I'm expecting baby #3. It's hotter than hades. I'm nauseated all the time. The boys are growing big and fast. It's sweltering. Laine has pooped in the potty 3 days in a row! I'm melting away with sweat. Jackson still has chunkalicious thighs. I wanna puke most of the day. I'm cleaning out closets to sell stuff in the fall consignments sales coming up. I get to take naps 4 out of 7 days a week. It's humid. Brushing my teeth makes me want to vomit. Anything on earth makes me cry. Did I mention it's hot?
Hope your summer is going well.
Friday, June 5, 2009
A good God story.....
"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" Jeremiah 17:9
So this is the verse I prayed when I didn't know what I wanted to do between working full time, part time, not at all. Some days I wanted to be a stay at home mom. Some days I wanted to work full time. Others, I wanted part time work. I knew that God knew my heart better than I did. So I prayed He would help me decide. And help me, He did! Remember when I went down kicking and screaming?
My biggest worry of all was the financial part. Why in the world I would pick that to worry about is beyond me. I mean, "consider the lilies of the field" and all that. I wanted to share with you the small and large ways He has helped us in that arena.
First I received a gas bill with a $400 credit on it. It appears they have been over reading our meter and we have payed that much extra. We won't have to pay that bill again this year.
Second I discovered that a doctor's bill that I thought would be directly out of pocket will be covered after all. Remember when I was literally physically ill in Seattle when I was trying to run from God? We payed nearly $300 for a visit to an urgent care center. We will be getting back all but our co-pay.
Third and most amazing....We have an adjustable rate mortgage that is due to be adjusted next month. We have been looking to refinance, but nothing made sense because we didn't have closing costs saved up and we don't know how much longer we will be in this house. Got a letter last week letting us know what our new payments were going to be. It is 2 whole percentage points less on the interest rate and the payments are $160/month less.
How Great is our God!
Lord, forgive me for not believing. Thank you for blessing me beyond what I deserve. I eagerly look for the next blessing as I know one will come as long as you are my Father. You know what we need Lord and you know the desires of our hearts. Thank you for always showing up.
So this is the verse I prayed when I didn't know what I wanted to do between working full time, part time, not at all. Some days I wanted to be a stay at home mom. Some days I wanted to work full time. Others, I wanted part time work. I knew that God knew my heart better than I did. So I prayed He would help me decide. And help me, He did! Remember when I went down kicking and screaming?
My biggest worry of all was the financial part. Why in the world I would pick that to worry about is beyond me. I mean, "consider the lilies of the field" and all that. I wanted to share with you the small and large ways He has helped us in that arena.
First I received a gas bill with a $400 credit on it. It appears they have been over reading our meter and we have payed that much extra. We won't have to pay that bill again this year.
Second I discovered that a doctor's bill that I thought would be directly out of pocket will be covered after all. Remember when I was literally physically ill in Seattle when I was trying to run from God? We payed nearly $300 for a visit to an urgent care center. We will be getting back all but our co-pay.
Third and most amazing....We have an adjustable rate mortgage that is due to be adjusted next month. We have been looking to refinance, but nothing made sense because we didn't have closing costs saved up and we don't know how much longer we will be in this house. Got a letter last week letting us know what our new payments were going to be. It is 2 whole percentage points less on the interest rate and the payments are $160/month less.
How Great is our God!
Lord, forgive me for not believing. Thank you for blessing me beyond what I deserve. I eagerly look for the next blessing as I know one will come as long as you are my Father. You know what we need Lord and you know the desires of our hearts. Thank you for always showing up.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Words
My 2 year old's vocab has really taken off. This is not always a good thing. Totally makes you rethink how you react to different situations when you know the little one is going to mimic and repeat your words. It makes you proud when they show compassion to others. Makes you sad when you see yourself as they react in anger. Makes you love more than you thought possible. And gives you a new perspective almost daily. The following are my favorite things that he says:
"MOMMY!!!" That's after coming home from work or any other absence even if it is only 10 minutes.
"I love you, too mommy!"
"Bye, I'll miss you."
"Let's go walk and go on the blue slide"
"Does your back hurt? Can I kiss it and make it better?"
This past week he said something that made me cry and revamp the time I check e-mail, blogs, etc.
"Stop checking your e-mail mommy and look at me."
OUCH. I haven't been on-line during his waking hours again. It's not that I camp out at the computer. The lack of blog entries should speak to that. But his little mind perceive's that I spend a significant amount of time staring at this screen which in turn takes time away from him. Never again.
Gotta go.....I hear little feet coming up the hall.....can't wait to hear this:
"Mommy, I had a good nap!"
"MOMMY!!!" That's after coming home from work or any other absence even if it is only 10 minutes.
"I love you, too mommy!"
"Bye, I'll miss you."
"Let's go walk and go on the blue slide"
"Does your back hurt? Can I kiss it and make it better?"
This past week he said something that made me cry and revamp the time I check e-mail, blogs, etc.
"Stop checking your e-mail mommy and look at me."
OUCH. I haven't been on-line during his waking hours again. It's not that I camp out at the computer. The lack of blog entries should speak to that. But his little mind perceive's that I spend a significant amount of time staring at this screen which in turn takes time away from him. Never again.
Gotta go.....I hear little feet coming up the hall.....can't wait to hear this:
"Mommy, I had a good nap!"
Friday, May 15, 2009
Seattle Pictures
My mother-in-law paid to have family pictures while we were in Seattle. Here's a couple of our favorites.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day, Mom
I only had you for 23 years. 23 birthdays, Christmas', Mother's Days. I know I told you a thousand times that I loved you. We shared private jokes. I understood you and you understood me. Probably more than I acknowledged or realized at the time. We laughed, we cried, we argued, we prayed. We shared happiness, worry, fear, shame, joy, boredom, soap operas, m&m's, mmmm velvet, knowledge spoken and unspoken, stories, memories, hopes and dreams. I ran from you. I ran to you. I hated your nosiness, but longed for you to know what was going on with me. Thought you were stupid, but wanted your expert opinion on boys, money, life in general.
In the 12 years I've spent without you, I've really come to understand on a much deeper level who you really were. Especially in the past 3 years. Being a mother myself opened up a whole new can of worms. I see you more clearly now. A woman who loved deeply. With her whole heart and more. A woman who wanted to give me the world, but couldn't and it broke your heart. A woman who wanted to teach me to do things differently than she did, but didn't know how. A woman whose heart broke everytime her child grew more and more independent. First from fear of losing that child, then from fear of not giving the child what she needed to survive in this world. A complex woman who didn't always know how to express her hurts, wants, fears, expectations. Who was afraid of reaching for the unreachable for fear of failing. A woman who wanted it all but didn't know how to juggle it all. Didn't know how to have time for herself while giving her family the things they needed. A woman who sacrificed her own dreams while watching the dreams of her children become fulfilled. Yes, a woman who loved with her whole heart.
I know these things, because I am that woman now.
I want to tell you my fears and hear your advice on how it will all work out if I put God first and family second. Because what really matters after those things? I wanted to see your face when I said I was pregnant that first time because I know how shocked you would have been to see your little drifter settling down. I know how happy it would have made you to hold your first grandson. I want to hear that laugh when I call and tell you that Laine keeps telling me "no" and Jackson keeps eating the newspaper. I want to see the pride in your eyes when you are telling your friends about my family. I want to feel the safety of your warm hugs and hear you say "Girl, baby!" But most of all I want to say I'm sorry for being such a difficult child. For not giving you enough credit where credit was due. And I want to let you know that if I'm half the mom to my boys as you were to me, then they will be loved beyond measure. I appreciate all you did for me, all you sacrificed, all you taught, all you soothed, all you loved for me.
I miss you so much. I love you, Mom.
In the 12 years I've spent without you, I've really come to understand on a much deeper level who you really were. Especially in the past 3 years. Being a mother myself opened up a whole new can of worms. I see you more clearly now. A woman who loved deeply. With her whole heart and more. A woman who wanted to give me the world, but couldn't and it broke your heart. A woman who wanted to teach me to do things differently than she did, but didn't know how. A woman whose heart broke everytime her child grew more and more independent. First from fear of losing that child, then from fear of not giving the child what she needed to survive in this world. A complex woman who didn't always know how to express her hurts, wants, fears, expectations. Who was afraid of reaching for the unreachable for fear of failing. A woman who wanted it all but didn't know how to juggle it all. Didn't know how to have time for herself while giving her family the things they needed. A woman who sacrificed her own dreams while watching the dreams of her children become fulfilled. Yes, a woman who loved with her whole heart.
I know these things, because I am that woman now.
I want to tell you my fears and hear your advice on how it will all work out if I put God first and family second. Because what really matters after those things? I wanted to see your face when I said I was pregnant that first time because I know how shocked you would have been to see your little drifter settling down. I know how happy it would have made you to hold your first grandson. I want to hear that laugh when I call and tell you that Laine keeps telling me "no" and Jackson keeps eating the newspaper. I want to see the pride in your eyes when you are telling your friends about my family. I want to feel the safety of your warm hugs and hear you say "Girl, baby!" But most of all I want to say I'm sorry for being such a difficult child. For not giving you enough credit where credit was due. And I want to let you know that if I'm half the mom to my boys as you were to me, then they will be loved beyond measure. I appreciate all you did for me, all you sacrificed, all you taught, all you soothed, all you loved for me.
I miss you so much. I love you, Mom.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
2 Words
Someone asked why I haven't posted beach pictures yet. I have 2 words for you:
Digital and Budget.
I have not gone digital therefore I have to get pictures developed then placed on a disk so I can upload and post in my spare time.
I have not gotten my pictures developed yet because of the new budget in place with my new part time job. The one that allows me so much more spare time.
Don't worry, I dropped them off today so sometime next month you will get to see the good times had at the beach.
Laine asks me daily, "can we go to the beach house and play in the sand".
He has no idea how much I want to jump in the car and go. Someday soon, little buddy. Someday soon.
Digital and Budget.
I have not gone digital therefore I have to get pictures developed then placed on a disk so I can upload and post in my spare time.
I have not gotten my pictures developed yet because of the new budget in place with my new part time job. The one that allows me so much more spare time.
Don't worry, I dropped them off today so sometime next month you will get to see the good times had at the beach.
Laine asks me daily, "can we go to the beach house and play in the sand".
He has no idea how much I want to jump in the car and go. Someday soon, little buddy. Someday soon.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Happy Birthday Jackson!!!
I'm so behind on posting pictures, updates and thoughts. I do have a lot to share. Now that I'm part time, expect more updates. And if you don't find them....e-mail me and tell me to get to it.
These photos are actually a few weeks before his actual b-day when we were visiting Colby's family in Seattle. As you can see....the cake was a total hit. He is his mother's son, after all.
These photos are actually a few weeks before his actual b-day when we were visiting Colby's family in Seattle. As you can see....the cake was a total hit. He is his mother's son, after all.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Beach Time!!
I love the beach. I love the sand, the sea, the smells, the sun....It's safe to say I'm a beach girl. So I'm excited to be leaving tomorrow for a week at one of my favorite beaches. I've been packing for almost two hours now. Things that used to take me no time at all have taken way longer than I deem necessary. Let's blame that on the kids. I mean...seriously. This is how I packed for the beach 10 years ago....
And this is what I've got so far....and I'm positive I'm forgetting something.....
Something tells me I won't get to drink Fuzzy Navels before noon and read trashy romance novels either. Oh well...these faces are worth it......
Wouldn't you agree?
PS...Be thankful I didn't show you the bathing suit comparison.
And this is what I've got so far....and I'm positive I'm forgetting something.....
Something tells me I won't get to drink Fuzzy Navels before noon and read trashy romance novels either. Oh well...these faces are worth it......
Wouldn't you agree?
PS...Be thankful I didn't show you the bathing suit comparison.
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