Tanner Fail

I'm all about keepin' it real!

I tried a self tanner a few weeks back.
big fail.
I wasn't sure it was actually going on, so I think I got too close and did a few too many swipes in some areas.
aside from the streaks, which were totally operator error, I think the color is nice and *might* give it a try again.
i used L'oreal Sublime Bronze spray. I used it on my face, as well, but sprayed on my hand and applied. much better! thank goodness!!

Happy, Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Ann!
We hope to video chat this evening so the kids can enjoy their Coke "with" you...it's been taunting them in the fridge since you left! I said to the twins "Today is Grandma's birthday so maybe we can video chat tonight." Asa's immediate response was "and drink our Coke?"

A Fishing/Camping Trip

We went "camping" on Mother's Day weekend.

It was our answer to the constant question: when can we go camping again? You might remember that we went camping last fall. They've been asking to go again ever since!

We have friends who own a ranch in Sherman, Texas. They have a converted barn and allowed us to come stay for the weekend. There's a pond that has lots of sun fish. There's also lots of land to explore!We drove up to Sherman on Friday afternoon with our friends Travis and Lisa and their girls, Grace, 9, and Faith, 2. We arrived on Friday evening. After a tour around the property, we enjoyed some smores--made in the toaster oven because there was a burn ban!

Joel and Asa slept in a tent outside. Meanwhile, Lisa and I bunked in the bedroom with Jett and Faith. All the big girls slept in the loft area. The next morning was fishing time! It was the most anticipated part of the trip for the kids.The pond was perfect for their adventures! It has a plethora of sunfish that can be caught in a matter of seconds. Ideal for anyone fishing with many young children!I think each kiddo caught about 20 fish...at least!About as quickly as I could snap pictures was how quickly Jenna tossed her line in, snagged a fish, and reeled it in.The kids had already caught a dozen fish before Lisa and I got down to the pond with the little kids. And, they were so quick at catching that I had to help Jenna hold her line in the water while we waited for the guys to help us get the fish off the hook. I was holding Jett. I had a great excuse for not touching a fish!
Lest you think it was calm and serene...Flying fishhooks! Toddling two year olds...After they fished for a few hours, we ate lunch and took a little rest. Then, we hooked up the sprinkler and let the kids cool off.There was a neat pair of binoculars in the barn and we were situated on a high part of ground with a great view!
We enjoyed a very juicy and sweet watermelon while we were outside. Asa left the evidence on his chin!Once we had worn out the outdoors, we let the girls pile in the tub to get clean. They thought it was immense fun!
Lisa had prepared a lasagna ahead of time that we enjoyed with toasted garlic bread and fruit. Then, we watched a movie and called it a night as we settled into our air conditioned accommodations. My kind of "camping" for sure!

Take The Step

I see you peering down the path.

Wondering, can I do this?

Am I enough?

Yes to both.

And then asking, Do I take this step?

I’ve asked this question too…staring at the ceiling in the night, over coffee with friends, driving in my car.

Then I think of this verse, this bit of wisdom from Proverbs 19:21–

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

If we’ve prayed, asked wise counsel, then we can go with confidence. Even if our first step is imperfect, perhaps not even in quite the right direction, God will align us with His purpose by the end.

But here’s the thing.

You can’t redirect someone who is standing still.

Yes, there are seasons for staying.

This is about the seasons of going, setting out, those times when your heart is restless and your feet are ready.

If that’s you, then go without fear.

God is with you, for you, behind you, and ahead of you.

And even if you lose your way for a bit. Even if you grow weary. Even if you don’t know which direction to go at times. His purposes will prevail.

Take that step, woman of courage.

And know that love goes with you all the way.

Makes You Go "Hmmm..."

I thought the point of this story was too good not to share. Saw it a few times on Facebook.

A worried woman went to her gynecologist and said:

'Doctor, I have a serious problem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even 1 year old and I'm pregnant again. I don't want kids so close together.

So the doctor said: 'Ok and what do you want me to do?'

She said: 'I want you to end my pregnancy, and I'm counting on your help with this.'

The doctor thought for a little, and after some silence he said to the lady: 'I think I have a better solution for your problem. It's less dangerous for you too.'

She smiled, thinking that the doctor was going to accept her request.

Then he continued: 'You see, in order for you not to have to take care 2 babies at the same time, let's kill the one in your arms. This way, you could rest some before the other one is born. If we're going to kill one of them, it doesn't matter which one it is. There would be no risk for your body if you chose the one in your arms.

The lady was horrified and said: 'No doctor! How terrible! It's a crime to kill a child!

'I agree', the doctor replied. 'But you seemed to be OK with it, so I thought maybe that was the best solution.'

The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point.

He convinced the mom that there is no difference in killing a child that's already been born and one that's still in the womb.

The crime is the same!


"Love says I sacrifice myself for the good of the other person. Abortion says I sacrifice the other person for the good of myself..."

Jesus sacrificed Himself for the good of sinners! That's perfect love!

-unkown

**Not that many people read my blog, but for those who do, please understand that I am not a hater of those who have had an abortion. I happen to believe it is taking an innocent life and this story illustrates it well. I also believe the Church should step up and care for the children of those who don't want to continue a pregnancy. Maybe at some point in the future our family will have the blessing of being part of that. But, in the meantime, I don't think abortion is a viable solution. I would rather see people having restraint (not having sex if you aren't ready for a baby), using birth control, and seeing adoption as the truly loving option.

Family Visit

Yesterday was a day of napping. The previous five days had been busy! We were blessed to have my dad and stepmom come visit.
We enjoyed a drive through a beautiful downtown area, riding on the McKinney Street trolley, the Dallas Zoo, live music at Watters Creek, Babe's chicken, playing at the mall playplace, lunch at Steak & Shake, shopping for Rylee's bday gift with Grandma, Potbelly sandwiches and a picnic, laying on the floor playing with Jett, a Cracker Barrel breakfast, lots of visiting, wrestling with Granddaddy, .... It was a full five days!
We packed a plenty in those five days ...and they were lots of fun!