Flynn's new thing is to list all the people she loves. Not on paper, just outloud.
"I love you Mom. I love Dad. I love Bubby. And I love myself."
1.15.2007
Ahh, the Smell of New Books...
Nana, being the gift expert she is, got Gabe & Flynn (among many other gifts), a giftcard each for Barnes & Noble.
I've forgotten how much fun it is to both shop & actually know you're going to be buying something and browse a bookstore.
Barnes & Noble has an excellent children's section and even has a Thomas the Train wing with a train table (doesn't matter to my kids that they have one at home they can play with) & every book & accessory to go along with Thomas.
Also, now you don't just buy your favorite book, you buy plush to go along with it, and a CD of songs that go with it, and a keychain (or something weird like that).
Books, books everywhere. And I'm just as nuts about them as they are.
Sandra Boynton is in our top 3 right now and that's what Flynn spent her giftcard on (lucky for us, today Boynton's books were buy 2 get 1 free!)
Bubby chose a chunky board book complete with swinging jungle animals in a bus. He also chose (with much influence from Daddy), Dr.Suess' Put Me In The Zoo, one of Daddy's favs, perhaps his altime favorite. Mostly, he just wanted to run down the aisles & screech a high-pitched, girly scream (we're hoping that tone lowers within the next 14 years).
See how great giftcards are?...you not only buy someone someTHING, but also the experience of going & getting it. I'm not always a fan of shopping, but this time was an exception!
I've forgotten how much fun it is to both shop & actually know you're going to be buying something and browse a bookstore.
Barnes & Noble has an excellent children's section and even has a Thomas the Train wing with a train table (doesn't matter to my kids that they have one at home they can play with) & every book & accessory to go along with Thomas.
Also, now you don't just buy your favorite book, you buy plush to go along with it, and a CD of songs that go with it, and a keychain (or something weird like that).
Books, books everywhere. And I'm just as nuts about them as they are.
Sandra Boynton is in our top 3 right now and that's what Flynn spent her giftcard on (lucky for us, today Boynton's books were buy 2 get 1 free!)
Bubby chose a chunky board book complete with swinging jungle animals in a bus. He also chose (with much influence from Daddy), Dr.Suess' Put Me In The Zoo, one of Daddy's favs, perhaps his altime favorite. Mostly, he just wanted to run down the aisles & screech a high-pitched, girly scream (we're hoping that tone lowers within the next 14 years).
See how great giftcards are?...you not only buy someone someTHING, but also the experience of going & getting it. I'm not always a fan of shopping, but this time was an exception!
1.14.2007
Lots of Prayers Answered
Mystery swirls around abductions...
To those who track child abductions, the mystery surrounding the boys’ discovery stood out.
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, about 58,000 children are the victims of non-family abductions. The vast majority of those children are returned safely.
An average of 115 cases, however, involve children taken by non-family members for long periods, put up for ransom or killed by their abductors. Of that number, about 60 come home safely, said center spokeswoman Joann Donnellan.
But what makes the boys’ case rare, Donnellan said, is the fact that a single abductor took multiple children. The case was made rarer still by the length of Hornbeck’s captivity, Donnellan said.
Investigators who made the incredible discovery turned Saturday from euphoria to some troubling questions.
• A uniquely joyful family reunionJan. 13: Craig Aker, stepfather of a 15-year-old Missouri boy who was found after being missing four years, describes his family's elation.
Nightly News“It’s hard to believe that somebody could be that brazen,” said Craig Akers, whose stepson Shawn Hornbeck was abducted in 2002 at age 11. “This has been going on four years, and he’s been right under our nose the whole time.”
Neighbors said Devlin hardly appeared to be keeping secrets. He had lifelong ties to this middle-class suburb of 26,000, family in the area and apparently no criminal record beyond a pair of traffic fines. He was often seen coming and going from his jobs at a pizza parlor and a funeral home, and nothing seemed odd about a teenager seen hanging around his place.
Neighbors didn't notice anything unusualThe landlord at the apartment, Bill Romer, said he was in the apartment once to fix a plumbing problem and saw the teen, apparently Hornbeck, sleeping.
“As far as I knew, that was his son living with him,” Romer said. “The kid’s bedroom didn’t even have curtains on the windows.”
Rick Butler, 43, said he hadn’t seen anything odd or unusual from the apartment.
Huy Richard Mach / St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Police escort kidnapping suspect Michael Devlin in Union, Mo., on Friday.
“I just figured them for father and son,” he said.
Harry Reichard, 33, who lives in the apartment directly above Devlin’s, said he would hear arguing and banging noises at all hours coming from the apartment.
Alma Rodriguez often saw the teenager riding his bike in the parking lot behind the complex. Her husband, Mario, sometimes saw him throwing a football with another boy. Hornbeck did not attend school during his time in captivity, his stepfather said.
Craig Akers said Shawn had seen benches plastered with his missing-person poster. The boy even told his stepfather that a picture intended to show how he might have aged since his kidnapping was an “insult.”
The case recalls the improbable survival of Elizabeth Smart, the Salt Lake City teen taken for nine months by a religious zealot. After her return, many questioned why she didn’t flee her captors, despite many apparent chances at freedom.
Fear used as a weaponStephen Golding, a forensic psychologist who examined the suspect in the Smart case, said captors often establish control over their victims through fear.
“People are led to believe, through someone taking advantage of their vulnerabilities, that leaving is not an option, that things will get worse for them or will get worse for others,” Golding said.
Both boys were abducted from rural areas of eastern Missouri about an hour from metro St. Louis. Hornbeck disappeared Oct. 6, 2002, while riding his bike in Richwoods in Washington County. Ownby was taken soon after getting off a school bus Monday afternoon in the Franklin County town of Beaufort, a beat-up white pickup seen by a schoolmate the only real clue.
On Thursday night, police in Kirkwood noticed a truck matching the description while serving an unrelated warrant at a nearby apartment.
‘It was quite euphoric’When FBI agents walked into Devlin’s apartment a day later, Ownby asked them, “Are you going to take me home?”, and another teenager in the modest dwelling identified himself as Hornbeck — reported missing 4½ years ago.
“Obviously it was quite euphoric,” FBI Special Agent Roland Corvington said Saturday.
Hornbeck’s parents dealt with their grief over the years by devoting themselves to bringing missing people home. They said having their son back was evidence for parents of other missing children to never give up hope.
“I still feel like I’m in a dream, only this time it’s a good dream, not the nightmare I’ve had four-and-a-half years,” his mother, Pam Akers, said at one news conference, draping her arm around her son.
At the other, Ben Ownby grinned as his mother recalled that soon after his return home, Ownby went to the computer to play video games.
“We’re just ecstatic,” Doris Ownby said. “Don’t want to let him go out of our sight.”
© 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed
To those who track child abductions, the mystery surrounding the boys’ discovery stood out.
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, about 58,000 children are the victims of non-family abductions. The vast majority of those children are returned safely.
An average of 115 cases, however, involve children taken by non-family members for long periods, put up for ransom or killed by their abductors. Of that number, about 60 come home safely, said center spokeswoman Joann Donnellan.
But what makes the boys’ case rare, Donnellan said, is the fact that a single abductor took multiple children. The case was made rarer still by the length of Hornbeck’s captivity, Donnellan said.
Investigators who made the incredible discovery turned Saturday from euphoria to some troubling questions.
• A uniquely joyful family reunionJan. 13: Craig Aker, stepfather of a 15-year-old Missouri boy who was found after being missing four years, describes his family's elation.
Nightly News“It’s hard to believe that somebody could be that brazen,” said Craig Akers, whose stepson Shawn Hornbeck was abducted in 2002 at age 11. “This has been going on four years, and he’s been right under our nose the whole time.”
Neighbors said Devlin hardly appeared to be keeping secrets. He had lifelong ties to this middle-class suburb of 26,000, family in the area and apparently no criminal record beyond a pair of traffic fines. He was often seen coming and going from his jobs at a pizza parlor and a funeral home, and nothing seemed odd about a teenager seen hanging around his place.
Neighbors didn't notice anything unusualThe landlord at the apartment, Bill Romer, said he was in the apartment once to fix a plumbing problem and saw the teen, apparently Hornbeck, sleeping.
“As far as I knew, that was his son living with him,” Romer said. “The kid’s bedroom didn’t even have curtains on the windows.”
Rick Butler, 43, said he hadn’t seen anything odd or unusual from the apartment.
Huy Richard Mach / St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Police escort kidnapping suspect Michael Devlin in Union, Mo., on Friday.
“I just figured them for father and son,” he said.
Harry Reichard, 33, who lives in the apartment directly above Devlin’s, said he would hear arguing and banging noises at all hours coming from the apartment.
Alma Rodriguez often saw the teenager riding his bike in the parking lot behind the complex. Her husband, Mario, sometimes saw him throwing a football with another boy. Hornbeck did not attend school during his time in captivity, his stepfather said.
Craig Akers said Shawn had seen benches plastered with his missing-person poster. The boy even told his stepfather that a picture intended to show how he might have aged since his kidnapping was an “insult.”
The case recalls the improbable survival of Elizabeth Smart, the Salt Lake City teen taken for nine months by a religious zealot. After her return, many questioned why she didn’t flee her captors, despite many apparent chances at freedom.
Fear used as a weaponStephen Golding, a forensic psychologist who examined the suspect in the Smart case, said captors often establish control over their victims through fear.
“People are led to believe, through someone taking advantage of their vulnerabilities, that leaving is not an option, that things will get worse for them or will get worse for others,” Golding said.
Both boys were abducted from rural areas of eastern Missouri about an hour from metro St. Louis. Hornbeck disappeared Oct. 6, 2002, while riding his bike in Richwoods in Washington County. Ownby was taken soon after getting off a school bus Monday afternoon in the Franklin County town of Beaufort, a beat-up white pickup seen by a schoolmate the only real clue.
On Thursday night, police in Kirkwood noticed a truck matching the description while serving an unrelated warrant at a nearby apartment.
‘It was quite euphoric’When FBI agents walked into Devlin’s apartment a day later, Ownby asked them, “Are you going to take me home?”, and another teenager in the modest dwelling identified himself as Hornbeck — reported missing 4½ years ago.
“Obviously it was quite euphoric,” FBI Special Agent Roland Corvington said Saturday.
Hornbeck’s parents dealt with their grief over the years by devoting themselves to bringing missing people home. They said having their son back was evidence for parents of other missing children to never give up hope.
“I still feel like I’m in a dream, only this time it’s a good dream, not the nightmare I’ve had four-and-a-half years,” his mother, Pam Akers, said at one news conference, draping her arm around her son.
At the other, Ben Ownby grinned as his mother recalled that soon after his return home, Ownby went to the computer to play video games.
“We’re just ecstatic,” Doris Ownby said. “Don’t want to let him go out of our sight.”
© 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed
1.12.2007
Surprising Discovery
The song, Daniel, by Elton John makes a really good lullaby, when hummed to Gabe.
1.08.2007
Oh The Nerve
Jeff & I spent Saturday evening on a date, which consisted of a movie & dinner.
After the movie ended, a packed-tight theater VERY SLOWLY exited...very slowly. The few bloopers there were, were over & absolutely NOTHING was on the screen but the blackness with the white credits rolling.
So, we were standing, creeping step by step toward the end of the aisle, when we heard a loud & somewhat ogre-esque voice behind us, "Hey, you make a better door than a window!"
Immediately assuming someone was joking, or that I'd turn to see someone I knew, I whirled my head to the man who LOUDly sat behind us through the entire film.
"We can't see through you."
My reaction was a much nicer than it should've been, "We're trying to leave."
"Well, you aren't getting too far, are you?!"
Jeff then chimes in, "Have fun watching the credits..."
"We're trying to, but we can't see them."
I could quickly see this was an ignorant low-life just picking a fight & wanting to have an exhange with someone, so I ended it by pulling Jeff in the other direction & squeezing our way through the crowd toward the exit.
Now, I might not be brilliant but those who know me are aware of the gift I have of quick wit & the ability to humorously embarass someone in about 2 seconds. In a moment, I had that guy sized up & had remembered that HIS cell phone rang in the middle of the film & that he commented (quite loudly) how his 3 & 5 yr olds would've loved the movie. So, it would've been nothing for me to insult his size, his poor wife & made him embarassed about some aspect of himself that was made obvious to me so quickly.
But I didn't.
Five years ago I would've put him in his place.
10 years ago, I would've publicly humiliated him.
And 15 years ago, I would've used such brash & downright mean criticism that he would've no doubt left the theater with a need for therapy & plastic surgery.
I guess I took the high road...or the God road.
That...
and...
Jeff said to him as we were leaving,
"Do you have a ride back to the home?"
After the movie ended, a packed-tight theater VERY SLOWLY exited...very slowly. The few bloopers there were, were over & absolutely NOTHING was on the screen but the blackness with the white credits rolling.
So, we were standing, creeping step by step toward the end of the aisle, when we heard a loud & somewhat ogre-esque voice behind us, "Hey, you make a better door than a window!"
Immediately assuming someone was joking, or that I'd turn to see someone I knew, I whirled my head to the man who LOUDly sat behind us through the entire film.
"We can't see through you."
My reaction was a much nicer than it should've been, "We're trying to leave."
"Well, you aren't getting too far, are you?!"
Jeff then chimes in, "Have fun watching the credits..."
"We're trying to, but we can't see them."
I could quickly see this was an ignorant low-life just picking a fight & wanting to have an exhange with someone, so I ended it by pulling Jeff in the other direction & squeezing our way through the crowd toward the exit.
Now, I might not be brilliant but those who know me are aware of the gift I have of quick wit & the ability to humorously embarass someone in about 2 seconds. In a moment, I had that guy sized up & had remembered that HIS cell phone rang in the middle of the film & that he commented (quite loudly) how his 3 & 5 yr olds would've loved the movie. So, it would've been nothing for me to insult his size, his poor wife & made him embarassed about some aspect of himself that was made obvious to me so quickly.
But I didn't.
Five years ago I would've put him in his place.
10 years ago, I would've publicly humiliated him.
And 15 years ago, I would've used such brash & downright mean criticism that he would've no doubt left the theater with a need for therapy & plastic surgery.
I guess I took the high road...or the God road.
That...
and...
Jeff said to him as we were leaving,
"Do you have a ride back to the home?"
1.05.2007
Proud of my Nieces
Mattie gives to Locks of Love.
My nieces are so generous. They have sweet & giving hearts.If you needed anything, they'd give it to you (including their hair.)
Last year, KK donated 12 inches.
And my sister says that Hannah says she's going to grow to donate her's.
1.04.2007
Happy 32nd Birthday Jeff
First of all, look at how gorgeous he is. I know, I know, you're all thinking, 'How did SHE get HIM?' And lest you forget, I didn't always look like this. I was once with a girlish figure, being without child. And my wardrobe consisted of stylish clothes, mini skirts, tight pants...not mom jeans, pj pants & baggy shirts.
Secondly, Jeff has this gift, this miraculous disposition, in that he sees inside. Can you believe he constantly tells me that I'm 'hot'?! He truly does act like he's more in love with me now, than when I was that chic with a girlish figure.
Thirdly, he has to be the BEST husband & father, out of all the ones God created (& I realize there are some pretty great ones out there, as my Dad is a terrific father.) He is so patient with the kids, so understanding with me. He does far more than is expected of him & does it as Colossians encourages, just like he's doing in for God.
Did you know that every single night, initiated by him, we pray before going to sleep? So, that's my way of saying what a Godly husband & father he is. Takes his family to church every week. And demonstrates, to the kids & me, what it looks like to walk in the light of Christ.
Jeff, last year was a rough year. We went through a lot...and we also experienced a ton of very cool things...an awesome vacation, our kids growing & thriving in health, Bubby turning the big one, my new job at the church. I know this coming year is going to be one of great favor. You deserve it. I hope your 32nd year is the best yet. We love you.
Secondly, Jeff has this gift, this miraculous disposition, in that he sees inside. Can you believe he constantly tells me that I'm 'hot'?! He truly does act like he's more in love with me now, than when I was that chic with a girlish figure.
Thirdly, he has to be the BEST husband & father, out of all the ones God created (& I realize there are some pretty great ones out there, as my Dad is a terrific father.) He is so patient with the kids, so understanding with me. He does far more than is expected of him & does it as Colossians encourages, just like he's doing in for God.
Did you know that every single night, initiated by him, we pray before going to sleep? So, that's my way of saying what a Godly husband & father he is. Takes his family to church every week. And demonstrates, to the kids & me, what it looks like to walk in the light of Christ.
Jeff, last year was a rough year. We went through a lot...and we also experienced a ton of very cool things...an awesome vacation, our kids growing & thriving in health, Bubby turning the big one, my new job at the church. I know this coming year is going to be one of great favor. You deserve it. I hope your 32nd year is the best yet. We love you.
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1.01.2007
Grandma Weldele
Jeff's grandma, Anita Weldele passed away Sunday morning.
He's so blessed to have had two grandmothers all these years.
He has so many memories of her.
We visited her a few weeks ago & took the kids.
She said, "Let me see these 'little people'" (referring to Flynn & Gabe) & Flynn sang her a song.
Of course, I'm so glad we saw her recently and am beating myself up that I don't have a picture of her with Gabe. I guess there can always be regrets.
She was pretty neat, made sure we each got a beautiful wedding quilt when each grandkid got married. And she was quite proud of the paintings she had done before she went to live at Delmar Gardens.
Jeff has a chair in his classroom, from when she moved from her house to Jeff's aunt's house. It's a swivel rocker & we call it "Grandma's chair."
It's quite broken down at this point & getting dirty.
But I have a feeling he'll keep it a while longer.
He's so blessed to have had two grandmothers all these years.
He has so many memories of her.
We visited her a few weeks ago & took the kids.
She said, "Let me see these 'little people'" (referring to Flynn & Gabe) & Flynn sang her a song.
Of course, I'm so glad we saw her recently and am beating myself up that I don't have a picture of her with Gabe. I guess there can always be regrets.
She was pretty neat, made sure we each got a beautiful wedding quilt when each grandkid got married. And she was quite proud of the paintings she had done before she went to live at Delmar Gardens.
Jeff has a chair in his classroom, from when she moved from her house to Jeff's aunt's house. It's a swivel rocker & we call it "Grandma's chair."
It's quite broken down at this point & getting dirty.
But I have a feeling he'll keep it a while longer.
12.30.2006
A Rough Holiday Week
So we've had a bit of a rough week...
One week ago, Flynn was getting over a virus...103 temps, etc. Puking, etc. And Gabe was finishing up his own little thing w/ some high temps.
Then Christmas.
Then Jeff's appendicitis.
And surgery.
And now, Flynn has strept. Sheesh. And on the way to the dr's office this a.m., she puked all over everything she was wearing.
And the carseat.
I've heard a few comments. Jokes about our "luck" & our illnesses & how when we do 'it', we do it all the way. What, w/ my crazy medical, unhealthy year last year & our crowns, appendectomies, infected throats.
Here's some silver linings to our clouds this week:
Jeff having his appendicitis the day AFTER Christmas & not the day before.
Flynn having a 3-day 'sickness break' over Christmas.
We have insurance.
Everyone is here with us now.
That's a lot to thank God for!
And tomorrow, we all get to spend the day together.
That's more to thank God for!
Happy New Year!
One week ago, Flynn was getting over a virus...103 temps, etc. Puking, etc. And Gabe was finishing up his own little thing w/ some high temps.
Then Christmas.
Then Jeff's appendicitis.
And surgery.
And now, Flynn has strept. Sheesh. And on the way to the dr's office this a.m., she puked all over everything she was wearing.
And the carseat.
I've heard a few comments. Jokes about our "luck" & our illnesses & how when we do 'it', we do it all the way. What, w/ my crazy medical, unhealthy year last year & our crowns, appendectomies, infected throats.
Here's some silver linings to our clouds this week:
Jeff having his appendicitis the day AFTER Christmas & not the day before.
Flynn having a 3-day 'sickness break' over Christmas.
We have insurance.
Everyone is here with us now.
That's a lot to thank God for!
And tomorrow, we all get to spend the day together.
That's more to thank God for!
Happy New Year!
12.28.2006
Daddy's Appendectomy
Well, what a crazy last few days....ugh.
The day after a wonderful Christmas, Jeff started having some serious pain in his stomach & side, which I passed off as 'overdoing' it or as a virus. When he moaned & complained for about 12 hours, I was afraid of appendicitus & rushed him to the ER.
The next day after a long night in an ER folding chair, they decided to remove it.
And thank God, tonight he got to come home.
We're so excited...the kids were thrilled to see him.
And he's this happy.
Click it, you won't be sorry.
The day after a wonderful Christmas, Jeff started having some serious pain in his stomach & side, which I passed off as 'overdoing' it or as a virus. When he moaned & complained for about 12 hours, I was afraid of appendicitus & rushed him to the ER.
The next day after a long night in an ER folding chair, they decided to remove it.
And thank God, tonight he got to come home.
We're so excited...the kids were thrilled to see him.
And he's this happy.
Click it, you won't be sorry.
12.25.2006
Flynnisms
Flynn was eating clementines when she started choking. I said, "Flynn...oh!, you scared me!!"
She said, "Mom, I scared myself."
I asked her what her favorite Christmas song is....she told me it's Jingle Bell Rock.
She was singing in the bathroom & Daddy said, "Flynn, are you going to go to Julliard?"
She said, "No Daddy, I'm not Julie Yard."
We've been working with Flynn on her manners.
And I think she's doing pretty well with please & thank you.
"Flynn, are you ready for nap?"
"No thanks Mom."
12.22.2006
12.19.2006
6 Socks Left
There are only 6 socks left on the sock-advent countdown.
How can Christmas be just around the corner?
We have a very busy-holiday week. And are counting down the days 'til Daddy is on break (perhaps we should have a countdown to daddy vacation break chain).
I got my Christmas present a little early last week...
What every girls wants...
a
$650
CROWN
and I don't mean a princess crown...
I mean the kind you have put in
while spending 2 hours
in a
dental
chair.
And Jeff, got his Christmas present last month.
A
$1,050
glorified
oil change.
Gotta love those German cars.
All in all, how can we complain?
We are together, unlike some families this year.
Our children are healthy, some kids aren't.
We have a home, a warm home, and our bills get paid each month.
Not everyone has this luxury.
We know firsthand, the reason we all celebrate December 25th.
And we know firsthand the gift He gave us.
Doesn't get much better than this...
Merry CHRISTmas.
12.15.2006
The Gold Box
This is an awesome story that made me cry when I read it. We've all lost our patience with our kids. This will make you think twice next time you do....
The story goes that some time ago a mother punished her five year old daughter for wasting a roll of expensive gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and she became even more upset when the child used the gold paper to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree.
Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift box to her mother the next morning and then said, "This is for you, Momma."The mother was embarrassed by her earlier over reaction, but her anger flared again when she opened the box and found it was empty.
She spoke to her daughter in a harsh manner."Don't you know, young lady, when you give someone a present there's supposed to be something inside the package?"
She had tears in her eyes and said, "Oh, Momma, it's not empty! I blew kisses into it until it was full."
The mother was crushed. She fell on her knees and put her arms around her little girl, and she begged her forgiveness for her thoughtless anger.
An accident took the life of the child only a short time later, and it is told that the mother kept that gold box by her bed for all the years of her life. Whenever she was discouraged or faced difficult problems she would open the box and take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.In a very real sense, each of us, as human beings, have been given a Golden box filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children, family, friends and GOD.
There is no more precious possession anyone could hold.
12.14.2006
Santa is comin to Town
12.12.2006
'Tis the Season
How can this not be your favorite time of year?
You know,
Santa Claus, 
and ho-ho-ho, 
and mistletoe... 
and presents to pretty girls...
11.28.2006
Little Bit O' Blog Is Better Than None At'all
I keep not blogging because I'm so busy....I think, I don't have time to upload pics, etc.... so then I find myself not bloggin at all.
So here ya go, a catch up on the past week's events minus any extras.
Thanksgiving was great. A great meal & the entire family together -- the ENTIRE family together. (pics will be posted on that, just not now...sorry).
Flynn's b'day party was Sat nite. How cute was it to see a long table w/ her & all her friends at it!! I could have scooped everyone of them up on a spoon & eaten them.....it was THAT cute!! How can she be big enough to have friends, let alone friends at a party. Aaaahh!!! (again, pics will be posted).
A long weekend with a wonderful hubby. If that's all I had & nothing else, I'd be content.
So here ya go, a catch up on the past week's events minus any extras.
Thanksgiving was great. A great meal & the entire family together -- the ENTIRE family together. (pics will be posted on that, just not now...sorry).
Flynn's b'day party was Sat nite. How cute was it to see a long table w/ her & all her friends at it!! I could have scooped everyone of them up on a spoon & eaten them.....it was THAT cute!! How can she be big enough to have friends, let alone friends at a party. Aaaahh!!! (again, pics will be posted).
A long weekend with a wonderful hubby. If that's all I had & nothing else, I'd be content.
11.21.2006
THANKSGIVING Acrostic
Three (Flynn's new age)
Health
A new church (since last year) that we love
No surgery this year
Knowing Christ
Sissy
Gabe
In love with my hubby
Volumes of blessings in my life
I have so much to be thankful for!
No hospital stays (for anyone!) this year
God (last but not least)
Health
A new church (since last year) that we love
No surgery this year
Knowing Christ
Sissy
Gabe
In love with my hubby
Volumes of blessings in my life
I have so much to be thankful for!
No hospital stays (for anyone!) this year
God (last but not least)
11.19.2006
Happy Birthday to my Baby Girl
How did this happen?
How did that tiny baby that grew inside of me, become an independent, smart, witty little girl?
How did a helpless little baby, turn into a little person? Someone who makes sentences, makes art projects, makes her name, makes her own drink.... and makes me crazy.
Little Flynn,Today you are three. And what you've done is given Mommy & Daddy the best three years of their lives. Before you, we thought we were happy. We thought that because we found love in each other, it couldn't get any better. Then you came along. And you taught us the real meaning of love...and happiness. And every day since, you've exercised our emotions. And made us laugh and cry and everything between.
This past year, you learned so many things. You learned how to write your name ... you learned your colors & shapes ... you learned prepositions and how to bite really hard. You learned what a spanking is and how to stomp your foot & say, "NOT FAIR!"
You are so beautiful. I know this because every stranger we see comments on you. You love to put on Mommy's make up ... but I always remind you that you were pretty before you put it on. Your big dark eyes are framed by long black eyelashes. Your turned up nose gives you the most precious profile.
In church you've just learned about Moses. Last week I caught you retelling the story about him striking the stick on the ground & it "turned into a snake." You also learned about Jacob. And most importantly about Jesus. My prayer is that you learn more about Him. And the best day of my life will be the day you make a decision for Him to be your savior.
I pray a lot of things for you....
I pray that you always know your value, that you never settle in life.
I pray that you're always surrounded by family, and friends, the kind that I've always been lucky to have.
I hope you always do things because you want to, not because of what people will think...or what you think they'll think.
I hope that you wake up every morning, thanking God that He's given you another day to live for Him. And that when you wake up, you know no pain or discomfort.
I pray that you'll always know how much you are loved. No matter what you go through, you'll never feel alone.
I pray that you have confidence and when you go for what God has planned for you, you know you'll achieve it.
Those are the things that come to my mind right now. While I sit here awake, thinking of how this past year -- and the two before that, have flown by. While you lay in your bed & quietly sleep.
Daddy helped you make a birthday chain & everyday he & I would comment that we couldn't believe that our baby was going to be three. You 'graduate' from "Parents as Teachers" & it makes us laugh, you shouldn't be too old for anything yet.
Keep making us laugh. Keep loving us & loving Bubby. Keep singing & dancing. Keep that zeal that you have right now -- your ambition & outgoingness are a couple of the many reasons that so many love you.
I love you more than you'll understand for a long long time.
Love,
Momma
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