Totally Random Tuesday--Water Balloons!

What's wet, pink, lots of fun, and perfect for a hot sunny day???

Water Balloon fight!!!


I had a bag of balloons(that ended up being all pink except for 2 white balloons-LOVE Dollar stores) that I use for the kids in the nursery...they love playing with them...well, Kota found my stash and kept pulling them out. So today, It was so hot, and so sunny...which means water time outside. I got the sprinkler out...and then thought...let's do water balloons.


Kota loved it!! Lilyann didn't know what to do with those heavy balloons, but she knew that they would bust, so she wanted nothing to do with them. I even made her a tiny one...one that wouldn't bust right away (see it in the picture below), but still, she just sat and watched.




After all the balloons were filled, we separated them up..and Kota went to his side of the yard and I, to my side. And then the bombarding started.


Fun, Fun, FUN!!

Therewith to be content

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in
whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Philippians 4:11

Our pastor, Pastor Gray spoke last night using the above verse. Definitely something we all needed. Thank you.
We often loose sight of what we have and don't appreciate it. I, myself, am working on being content with what I have.
I love our van, but when it has it's quirks, I think of what would be better...but I am content.
We have an excellent van that runs, has AC, and no car payments!!

I'm always saying, Our house is too small...but I am content.
It is just the right size with a spectacular backyard for the kids to play.


Sometimes, I say to myself, I wish Jed was home; but I am content.
I am reminded...He is out working to pay for our wonderful house, food in our tummies, clothes on our backs, gas for our wonderful van, and to pay the bills. I love you, Jed.

~May 28, 2004~

I miss my family...and I often think...why do I live so far away? but I am content.
The advantage of living far away ensures that I get to go to Florida for vacation more often than others!!

~March 18, 2007--Mom's 60th birthday get together~

I am Content. I do have dreams of bigger and better things..but I am content with what God has given me. All too quick, it could be taken away.
Appreciate what you have now...and be content.

Kreativ Blogger award!!

I received another award...from Alyson.
Thank you so much.
I am honored that you find my blog interesting and Creative!!



Alyson not only tagged me but also offered a photo challenge.
6th folder, 6th photo & tell the story behind it...

Well, here is Miss Lilyann...taking a bath..I caught her filling up her bath cup and drinking it down...all I can say is "At least, she wasn't drinking the water that she was sitting in!"

I know...not much of a story..but this was the 6th picture from the 6th folder of pictures!! I hope you enjoyed the randomness!! lol

Back to the Kreativ Blogger award...now the rules are to post your award, and then choose 5 other awesome bloggers to pass it on to.
1)The Jones I enjoy reading about the ins and outs of her family...she has a heart baby, too.

2)Bloggie McBlogger Wonderful blog..and love all the ways to save she shares.

3)RUN FASTER MOMMY Great blog about a marathon running momma...very inspiring.

4)Our Life in the Kitchen Visual aids work wonders...especially when cooking. Great blog about cooking with pictures to help you out...packed with yummy recipes.

5)Imma Momma LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this blog. This is Alicia's blog...loaded with everything..from cute stories, to tips to help you take better pictures..an all around great blog!!

Alicia's Photo Challenge #3: Rule of Thirds

Well, it is Thursday again...and that means another photo challenge.

Rule of Thirds
This week's challenge: Play around with centering and off-centering your subject. See what you like best! But try it all! Don't forget to watch for distracting shadows on the face (particularly the eyes).

And now for the sharing pictures:

Here is my entry photo for this challenge...it is kind of a "get in there" "rule of thirds" picture.
And below are pictures I just wanted to share from our day at the splash pad. We were the only ones there surprisingly..usually the splash pads are packed.

Lilyann walked across the splash pad just as the water came back on...SURPRISE!!

And Dakota...before he got completely wet...this is his "trying out the waters"

Totally Random Tuesday- Cameras

Yes!
This is truly a weird and slightly random post...but I thought...I'd share it anyway.

I am mourning the loss of my once fabulous camera. The camera that I was able to capture some wonderful memories. This camera will truly be missed.
The Canon had been dropped quite a few times...much to our dismay..and Saturday night, it was dropped for the last time. It fell out of Lily's diaper bag on Grandma's driveway. It still worked but when you would turn it on and the lens would come out, it sounded pretty bad. It worked through the Baby Parade at our church on Father's Day.


And also our backyard fun time on Monday.

The kids playing under the trampoline..they look like partners in crime in this photo


Kota playing outside with the water hose...I got this picture at just the right time..and yes! that was the water hose!!

Mommy and Miss Lily...having fun in the sun

But today, I ran inside to grab the camera....Lily is finally playing in the kiddie pool and not just running around it. I want to get a picture. I turn the camera on and it says "lens error: restart camera". And it wouldn't even pull the lens back in. I was sad to say the least.
Jed came home and gave the camera the once over...and told me...We will just have to wait and save up for a new one.
Thankfully, I do have another camera..I got for Valentine's Day. It is small pocket size Canon. Now, I will just have to do some playing around with it to get the kind of pictures from it that the bigger Canon gave me.

So...may our fabulous camera rest in peace...and thanks for all the wonderful memories that you captured for our family. Your legacy will live on!

I am linking this up with Alyson's Totally Random Tuesday!!

10 Things

Jed and Dakota..just hanging out together (2006)

10 Things

Reminders of why we REALLY love someone...and not just the obvious reasons. And that someone is my husband, Jed.

1. He LOVES me for who I am..even though it requires a lot of shaking his head in disbelief.
2. He gets out of bed every weekday before the sun comes up and works a job to make sure that I can stay home and enjoy our children growing up.
3. He cooks for us...even though I enjoy cooking..he is our Grill Master.
4. He thinks of the little things...like bringing me Mt. Dew or pickled sausage (I know, I eat weird things)
5. He goes with me to Target to dink...even though, I know he would love to be at home playing his PlayStation.
6. He plays with the kids and not just sitting there while they are playing, he actually gets on the floor and plays.
7. He doesn't complain when he comes home from a long day at work and finds the laundry still NOT folded....
8. He knows when I have had too much and offers to watch the kids while I go out--even if it is to run to store or just go for a drive.
9. He is a wonderful father.
   
10. He is just TRULY AMAZING...what more could I ask for?

Jed...as a new father...holding Dakota when he was oh! so small

Dakota is the talker

Lilyann is the listener

Jed...holding Lilyann the day after she was born (Dec 1, 2007)

Dakota says... "I LOVE you, Daddy...bunches and bunches!"

A Bushel and A Peck

I got some pictures of the kids today..and this is what came to mind..

A Bushel and A Peck
~from Veggie Tales CD (Veggie Tales Sing-Alongs-Junior's Bedtime Songs)

I love you A bushel and a peck A bushel and a peck And a hug around the neck A hug around the neck And a barrel and a heap A barrel and a heap And I'm talking in my sleep about you. About who? About you. I love you A bushel and a peck A bushel and a peck And a hug around the neck A hug around the neck And a barrel and a heap A barrel and a heap And I'm talking in my sleep about you. About who? About you. I love you A bushel and a peck You bet your pretty neck I do!

Lilyann wasn't too fond of sitting in the bucket.

But Kota was all about sitting in it...He wanted me to carry him around like a basket of potatoes..because that is what was originally in the basket.
Jed's Aunt and Uncle have a garden and they sent some potatoes for us. Well, today, we pulled them out and gave them a good washing. Dakota and Lilyann helped Jed wash...as you can see from the pictures below.

Potato washing

Dakota helping

Lilyann helping

One Lovely Blog Award

I was taken by complete surprise when I opened my inbox this morning and read the email from The Wellens Family
I won a Blog award. I so enjoy going from blog to blog and reading about all the goings on of different families. Some blogs share cleaning tips and saving money,and some are written by mommies just like me...dealing with the same things that I am. I have learned alot from them and continue to learn...whether it be a tip to getting your child to eat a new food, or photography tips, or even just learning how to keep a smile all day long no matter the circumstances.
So, with this award comes the responsibility of letting other Mommies know that they have a wonderful blog, too.
Here are some great blogs that Highly recommend:
1.Bloggie McBlogger
2.Our Life in the Kitchen
3.7th HEAVEN
4.The Griffin Family
5.~~Lily's Angel Heart~~
6.Imma Momma
7.4 the Love of Family
8.Baby Number 8
9.Life...
10.RUN FASTER MOMMY!

Thanks again, Alyson!!

Alicia's Photo Challenge #2

Alicia's Photo Challenge #2: Get In There!!

The Challenge: Practice taking pictures capturing details and getting up close to your subject. Practice getting up close to eliminate distracting backgrounds. Don't forget to watch for unwanted shadows and continue practicing in different light.

I LOVE this picture...you can see the sheer thrill of when she finally figured out how to get the water hose to spray. And the upcloseness (is that a word?) lets you see that even the mosquitoes love my "Pretty Girl".

Another entry...Just a refreshing moment...still enjoying spraying with the water hose.

My husband, the thinker...He was sitting outside with us reading/studying for his class. I love this shot...truly captures my thinker!

**All pictures are shots straight from the camera...no photoshop was used in the making of this post**

Alicia's Photo Challenge #1

This is Alicia's Photo Challenge. She is a blogger that I follow regularly and is teaching us (followers) some different techniques on taking pictures.

Here is Photo Challenge #1: Lighting

The Challenge: Practicing taking pictures using the light around you. Notice the difference it makes in a photo when you take them in direct sunlight vs. filtered sunlight (i.e. overcast, window or in the shade). If you have a source of controlled light, play with it. Use it to highlight the focus of your image. Lighting is the key to an image, so we're starting here.

I am behind on this by a week...so you will see photo challenge #2 tomorrow as well...trying to catch up and improve my picture taking skills.

Blue Buddies

On the way to church with Grandma...shades on, Bible in hand

When Dakota turned 3 yrs old, he moved up from nursery to sitting in Big Church with Mommy, Daddy, and Grandma. What a transition that was for all of us!

So, when my mom asked me what to get Dakota for Christmas, I asked for a dress shirt. My thinking was that if he was dressed for church, he might sit up better and behave like he was in church...as opposed to wearing his nice play clothes for church. Well, it worked. (he still has a bit of a wiggle worm but who doesn't?)
Then one day, he gets dressed and tells Grandma when she comes to pick him up..."Look, I am wearing a belt like daddy and a shirt like Bro. Bob." Ever since then, he calls his dress shirt " my Bro. Bob shirt". I made a joke with Bro. Bob about changing up his style, because all Dakota would wear was his white "Bro. Bob shirt".
Well, Grandma found a blue dress shirt for Kota, and Kota and Daddy told Bro. Bob about his new shirt...and the plans were made...On Sunday (6-14-09), they would wear the blue shirts together. Kota was so excited.
Sunday morning came...Dakota ready for Grandma to come pick him up for Sunday School....Kota pulls out his shades, his cell phone, and his Bible...all ready.

Dakota and Bro. Bob...I think, February 2006

Dakota and Bro. Bob (Pastor Gray) now...June 14, 2009

Bro. Bob was Jed's Youth Pastor growing up..and now he is our pastor while we are still growing up.

Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character.
~William Arthur Ward~

From our Kitchen to Your Computer

Pepperoni Pizza

Homemade Pizza...well, as homemade as Pillsbury Pizza Crust can get.

After our trip to the gym today, I decided to run by the store and pick up some pepperonis to make "baby pizzas" (as Kota calls them--> flattened biscuits with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperonis).

I even got Dakota to help me cover the pizzas in pepperonis. He did a great job and was very proud of his creations but not to happy that they weren't immediately ready to eat.
(as you see in the picture below)

Showing off the pizza

Definitely proud!!


I'm not sure what makes pepperoni so good - if it's the pepper or the oni.
~Ulrik Stephens

One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating. ~Luciano Pavarotti and William Wright, Pavarotti, My Own Story

Thankful (email)

I got this e-mail from a friend about 7 years ago...and I came across it the other day...and knew this was something to share and pass on!

I am Thankful for....


The Partner who hogs the covers every night, because he is not out with someone else.

The Child who is not cleaning his room, but is watching TV, because that means that he is at home and not on the streets.

For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed.

For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.

For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.

For my shadow that watches me work, because it means that I am in the Sunshine.

For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means that I have a home.

For all the compliments I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.

For my huge heating bill, because it means that I am warm.

For the lady behind me in church that sings off key, because it means that I can hear.

For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means we have clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard.

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means that I am alive.

And finally......
For too much e-mail, because it means I have friends who are thinking of me.

Spending time with family

The family is one of nature's masterpieces.

~George Santayana

Last weekend, we set our for our quick trip to Mississippi. My mom and dad (and sister, Tammie) were going to be in Mississippi for my mom's 44Th high school reunion. My mom grew up in Mississippi and all of her family lives there. Since Mississippi is a shorter drive (8.5 hours) than Florida (16 hours), we decided this was the best time to see my family.

Friday evening, we climbed into the van and embarked. For the first few hours, Jed and I questioned ourselves on whether to turn back and just enjoy the weekend at home. Why...you ask? Because both Lilyann and Dakota were not in the best of moods. By the time we hit Monroe, LA, Lilyann had had enough!! She was ready to be out of that seat and sleep in her own bed. No matter what we did, She cried and cried...all the way to Jackson, MS. That seemed like the longest part of the drive.

Once sleep set in for both children and for Jed, it was nice quiet ride for all of us. I plugged in my iPod and enjoyed the drive. Mapquest sent us up the Natchez Trace Parkway for about 60 miles...later I found out that I could have avoided that 60 mile drive that would only allow me to drive at 50mph..but it was a nice drive. The full moon made everything gorgeous..I saw some deer, rabbits, and of course, opossums.

On Saturday, we went to my Aunt Peggy's house and we ate and spent time with family. My cousin, Mark and his family were there...Lilyann and Kota played with their kids. Lilyann and his daughter, Merritt (I hope I spelled that right) are just a few weeks apart..and both as active as ever. They enjoyed sitting and playing with the rocks. In the picture below, they were throwing them around.
Lilyann and Merritt

After all the eating and catching up, mom and dad headed off to the high school reunion (and silly me didn't even think to offer them a camera so that mom could have some pictures of the event)...we headed back to the motel to spend some time in the pool.

The water was cool but it was enjoyable. Lilyann got in for a little bit..and Kota mastered climbing up and down the pool ladder. He had fun splashing Aunt Tammie..and he giggled when Aunt Tammie would swim underwater "like a shark".Me and Kota in the pool

Lilyann holding on for dear life...she wasn't too thrilled with the pool unless she was outside the pool

Saturday was a fun day...but all fun must come to an end. We said our goodbyes to Poppers (Kota's name for my dad), Grandma, and Aunt Tammie that night. And got a few pictures in as well. When Kota found out that Aunt Tammie was leaving (going to sleep in mom and dad's room) he ran to put his shoes on so that he could go with Aunt Tammie. And things didn't get better the next morning. He was NOT happy that Aunt Tammie didn't ride home with us. But Aunt Tammie promised that she would come visit us soon...or at least send something to Dakota in the mail.

Kota giving Grandma hugs goodbye

"Poppers", Lilyann, and Grandma