Finally!! #3 is Outta' There!!

Alysa has been somewhat troubled for quite a while now that she is going on 9 and has only lost 2 teeth! It doesn't make it any easier when she gets on the Youngsville Blog and sees Katie loosing teeth left and right! I've been noticing how her mouth is growing and her teeth are spreading out. So I figured it was bound to happen pretty soon. And tonight it finally did! She was chewing a piece of gum and I looked at her and noticed her tooth was way over to the side and a gaping hole was there. I said, "What's with your tooth?" Well I guess my question struck a chord of fear in her little heart because she got this frantic look on her face and broke out in a run to the bathroom to take a gander for herself. Of course when she saw that her tooth had moved over, she just would not be content until that puppy was outta' there. She worked and worked and low and behold, she eventually appeared in the dining room, holding the little pearl in her hand.....all smiles (with a new hole). I think she looks absolutely precious with that little space in her grin and I smile myself every time I see it. Ah, the simple pleasures of being young!

The Girls

OK, I've just been dying to introduce you all to my new gal pals. Our routine has become: YMCA pretty much every morning, then water park/pizza on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In between, we fill our time with all kinds of activities. But we usually have a full on "girls night" every couple of weeks. Thanks to all the supportive husbands who help make this happen! We've also done game nights at someones home, which have proven to get loud and rowdy, but so so much fun. Of course, there are always tasty treats involved. But I must say, we're all trying to be health conscious these days. So the treats are tasty and healthy as well. We are only missing one in this pic, Jenny, who was MIA this day (she's pregnant and sick, but also had a toddler with tummy troubles). In this picture is....Me, Niki H., Shantell, Niki T. (with Benson) and Cari. They are all loads of fun. If only we could have all the Louisiana girls and the Kentucky girls together! Now THAT would be awesome! I'm just so thankful for all my dear friends, wherever you may be.

Oops! Print Error

Seems there was an error concerning where mom is going on her mission. Instead of San Diego, she will be going to Sacramento, CA. Bless her heart, she just got it mixed up during all the excitement! I don't know much about either place. But I'm sure she'll be great wherever she winds up!

Simple Pleasures

For the longest time Alysa has been wanting one of these swirly lollipops. Usually when we see them, we are at Cracker Barrel and they're kind of pricey. So last night Mark and I were in Wal Mart (date night) and found this jumbo thing for $1!!! That's right! One buck!! So we surprised Alysa with it and you would have thought it was Christmas. We both got a good chuckle when we saw her licking on it.....it was as big as her head! She's just such a cutie and I'm so glad simple pleasures still make her happy.

Drugs = Ibuprofen + A Nice Cold Coca Cola!!

You Belong in 1967

You are a free spirit with a huge heart. Love, peace, and happiness rule - oh, and drugs too.

What Year Do You Belong In?

My Best Friend

Can I just say how crazy I am about my hubby? He has been soooo overwhelmed by work, figuring out all the specifics and weighing the pros and cons of building vs. buying a home and all the other "activities" life throws at us. Today we had a family "crisis" so I called him in the middle of his hectic day at work to cry on his shoulder. He asked if we needed him to come home and I told him no. Nevertheless, only a few minutes later I heard his key turning in the lock and there he stood, arms wide, to "check on his girls" and make sure we were ok. What a blessing he has been in my life. He is always right by my side, ready to lend an ear, a shoulder or whatever else might be needed at the time. I just cannot imagine life without him. I love you, sweetie pie!

All She Wants to Do is Dance

As a Ya-Ya, some of the greatest joys in life are seeing your grand babies grow and change. We were in love with Skylar from the second we laid eyes on her. It's so hard to believe she's changed so much these past 2 years. She's 3 now and certainly has her own cute little personality, mixed with a pinch of attitude. OK, maybe more than a pinch. But it just makes her so much more her own person and we absolutely LOVE her just the way she is. It's been discovered she loves to dance, although still a little shy at times. She fits right in with her Auntie Alysa, dancing, singing (she also loves Hanna Montana) and dressing up. These pics are a prime example of what I'm talking about. Is she cute or what?! Love you Skylar!!

New Perry News

Just thought I'd let everyone know the latest on Perry. He calls fairly often (not often enough, of course, for my preference) to let us hear his voice and take another sigh of relief for one more day. You may have heard about the Ambush in Afghanistan a couple of weeks ago (while we were on vacation). Well, Perry was the lucky guy to receive that call and submit it. It was a bit of excitement for him, and sadness, of course. But they are all forging onward and he's doing well and looking forward to coming home, hopefully, late October/early November. He sounds wonderful.....he likes to reminisce about the more carefree times of his life and mentally taste the foods he misses so much. I've sent him 4 care packages so far, jammed packed with comfort foods and other fun things, and he's receive several others boxes from friends and family. He is so thankful for every single one of them and all the prayers and inquiries over his welfare. I'd say he's developed a healthy appreciation for the good ol' US of A and how wonderfully blessed we are here. He continues to amaze us with the giant leaps of growth and maturity he's made. It's obvious to us that the Lord has his hand in Perry's life and we love what's happening.
P.S. These pictures still take my breath away - to think my baby is doing such grown up things!

Cal-i-forn-ia, Here She Comes!!!!

To everyone who knows my mom, she received her mission call yesterday! She'll be going to the San Diego, California mission. She is set to leave July 28, headed for the MTC in Utah. She's been preparing for some time for this and is so excited. California is one place none of us even thought about. This is her second mission. Her first being 12-13 years ago to Cape Town, South Africa. This is a work she truly loves. I think, given her choice, she'd serve a mission continually for the rest of her life. She's a beautiful person with a great love for her Lord and Savior. Congratulations, mom. We love you!

Happy 4th!!!

Although I am most grateful for this special day of the year (even more so now that I have a son in the military), our 4th this year started out waaaaay yucky. My sweet little honey, Alysa, woke up promptly at 7 a.m. complaining of having a stomach ache. We played it off because she'd been complaining for a couple of days because she'd "stretched" a little too much while dancing with some friends, making the muscles along her sides sore. That was most definitely NOT the case today (boy, did we feel like heels!)! Let me just say the situation went downhill rapidly. She was sick as she could be the entire day.....no breaks. Finally, I got wise and "introduced" some medicine for just such a problem and she quickly fell asleep and slept peacefully the rest of the night. We tried to rouse her to watch the fireworks, but she just wasn't in the mood. However, she was regretting that decision the following day. Speaking of the fireworks........Richmond does the 2nd largest pyrotechnic show in the state, just across the street from where we live, over Lake Reba. We were going to watch from a blanket beside the lake, but under the circumstances, we watched from our back patio instead. We are located up on a hill and had a perfect view. It was beautiful and truly tugged at our patriotic heart strings. We'd invited friends over and grilled burgers and dogs and even had angel food cake with strawberries and blueberries and whipped cream (creating a yummy red, white and blue dessert)! We even heard from both boys, Wes and Perry (via internet). Just to hear Perry's voice from so far away and know he's doing well eases my heart and mind tremendously. I have always been a crybaby when I hear the National Anthem. But I boo-hoo'd through every comment and song during church on Sunday. My heart is so full of gratitude to live in this wonderful, free, blessed country and for all those who made and continue to make it possible to have all that we have. I love my family more than words....each one of them....and feel so tremendously blessed to be able to share my life with them. And I'm so grateful for all the wonderful friends I've made throughout my life. I thank the good Lord for them all every night. May God continue to bless America!