Vacation Bible School...

This past week was vacation bible school at our church. We started attending the Methodist Church where I teach and the boys go to pre-school this past year. Here are a few snap shots from the week. Parker really enjoyed himself and took pleasure in learning more about our glorious Father. This past week Parker has brought about so many adorable questions and endearing comments about Jesus! It has been wonderful! Paxson enjoyed playing with two other little ones in the nursery. They work hard to keep the ratios low which is so important to me. He is so hesitant about new people or new situations. But he did very well, it took him a little time to warm up each morning but they girls were great to encourage and distract him. Every time I peeked in he was smiling and having a great time. Which helped me to have an even better time. I was the craft leader for the 4 & 5 year olds. I really enjoyed working with slightly older children. I so enjoy teaching two year olds, but I think in a year or two I would like to move up a little. Two's are great right now while I still have a young one. Ramble Ramble Ramble...sorry
Here are the pics!

(I borrowed the pics from a freind..thanks Steph!)
It was "Camp Edge". They decorated the atrium in a camping/forest theme. It looked awesome. So so so much work goes into VBS.




Paxson after the first day. Riding home from VBS.



Parker in dance & movement class.

Parkers in the morning camp meeting. (Opening session)

Parker in art class.





Parker in science class. He talked about this class with such excitement! :)

Paxson in his new shirt. Preparing to watch big brother sing and dance. On the last day the children preformed for family before a big pizza party. Every child that attended received a VBS shirt. They were cute and Parker was so proud that we all had matching shirts.

A special shout out to Bahama Bucks for the free snow cones! They generously donated snow cones to everyone attending and helping with VBS. Such a great family...thank you!

http://fumcwf.org/archives/category/childrens-ministries/childrens-events

My Handy Helper...

Okay, so anyone that has young children, works with young children , or spends time around young children knows that if there is silence there is good possibility to fear what is taking place. Well, this is exactly what happened this afternoon.

Parker and Paxson were playing in Paxson's room while I was preparing dinner. I noticed that it was quiet.......hmmm I knew I should go and check, but sitting down for a bit was so tempting. There are not many opportunities between 6:30 am and 9:00 pm to simply sit down so ...............................Just as I was about to sit down Parker came running in and said "come look, I fixed things like I thought you would like them. I didn't think you would like how it looked when it was messy." I walked into Paxson's room and saw exactly what Parker meant. He said "Paxson made a big mess all by himself so I cleaned it for you." I passionately thanked Parker, gave him a big hug, and boasted on his accomplishment.

The truck had been outside in the pool, and was filthy. Paxson insisted on bringing it in the house. Choose your battles! The pics don't really show everything, he mangaed to fit inside Paxson's bed. I asked him where Paxson should sleep and he said in a very certain voice " mom, you should just take everything out when he needs to go night night."

Parker Thinking.....

Parker poured a cup of juice for himself today!





Well, I am sure many of you are thinking big deal...........there is more to the story! He has poured himself drinks many times but today it particularly caught my attention and reminded once again how smart my little guy is. He came in the living room and told me he just got some juice to drink. I didn't think much of it because I assumed he just got water and was pretending. He kept reiterating that he got himself a cup of juice. So I looked and sure enough he had gotten a cup of juice. This is when my curiosity really began to rise.... I knew I just opened a new bottle of apple juice. I knew it was almost full so it was still very heavy. I knew it was on the top shelf in the refrigerator. I knew I didn't hear any messes or screams of frustration come from the kitchen.



I really didn't ask many questions, he simply explained that he climbed up the refrigerator and "reached" it. I just smiled and reminded him that I would be happy to help him next time. A little bit later he came from the bathroom with the bottle of apple juice. Again my curiosity began to escalate. I asked him why he had the juice bottle in the bathroom. He explained that he put his cup in the bathtub and poured the juice there, because he doesn't like making messes. BRAVO!!!! Everyday I continue to be amazed with the thinking processes of young children. Such a thinker! Now I know some of you are thinking, really this is not that big of a deal. But all you moms and fans of young children know THIS is a big deal. So much processing, planning, coordination, ingenuity and direction took place in this small task. We call it Parker Thinking around here. :)

Just Another Saturday...

Well it was pretty much a normal Saturday around here. Which was needed, it seems as though we have been pretty busy lately. We started off by making pancakes and sorting laundry. Then we headed for the Farmers Market, it was Black Eye Pea Day. yum yum. They had several different recipes prepared using BEP and fresh cornbread. Parker shelled some BEP and Paxson observed with hesitation (as he does with new experiences). They enjoyed a popsicle and selected some fruits and vegetables for the following week. I will so miss the Farmers Market this winter. Once we got home we had lunch, swam a little and the boys rested. After checking my email (and Facebook ) I attempted to start cleaning and Paxson woke up. Paxson's idea of cleaning is pulling all the DVDs from the cabinets opening them and throwing the DVDs, dumping all the plastic bowls out of the kitchen cabinets, opening boxes and pouring things out from the pantry and pouring out whatever he is eating or drinking at moment. Parker's idea of helping clean is to constantly try and explain that he really should not have to help clean because Paxson makes all the messes, not him. He is a such a good debater. :)


Paxson was pointing out that there was something"NASTY" on the ground. That is his new favorite word. He says it with great enthusiasm and repeats it many times so everyone knows what he means.

Parker shelled almost a whole bag of black eye peas from their pods. Were pretty city I suppose. It's kinda sad huh, he has never participated in removing beans from their pods. So I do love opportunities like this. He wanted to buy another bag (BEP in their pods) to take home for cooking. Mommy selected the bag that was pre-shelled. You gotta take the shortcuts sometimes. :)


Now do you really think Paxson did this all by himself? Paxson's room was completely clean prior to this explosion. Believe it or not this only took about 15. Things were even pulled from the closet shelves. (I know you mothers understand how quickly this can be achieved.)

Spending time with PaPa

We desperately enjoyed our quick trip to Perkins. The boys don't get see my dad to often so it was especially sweet to get to see him. We made homemade ice cream, cooked out, swam, stayed up late, shot fireworks, played basketball, made our usual stop by Mexico & Eskimo Joes it was a wonderful visit. You know how when your with family everything is fun, well that's just how it was!

Parkers new goggles from Gammer. They have binoculars on them. They actually work very well! :)

Jumping off the "jumping board"!

Paxson's latest exploration. He insists on drinking out of water bottles. He generally pours it down the front of himself and screams when he gets all wet, but he still wants to drink from them.

Coming up after jumping in.

Cranking the ice cream maker!

Family Visit

The boys and I made a very quick trip to Oklahoma this past week and we stopped in Edmond to see family for a bit. Parker and Paxson enjoyed the chance to play with three 1/2 (Precious Prielle mostly laid in mommy's lap and looked around, she is a sweet delight) amusing angles! The boys haven't had many occasions to spend time with them (I think 2nd cousins, maybe?) so they really enjoyed this opportunity and already asked to visit them again! When we got to Gigi's, Parker said "Gigi we met daddy's cousins." I captured a few pics to share and show how much they all enjoyed their time together!

Pressly, Parker & Paisly reading together.

Paxson and Paedyn discussing what they are going to build with the blocks.

Payden , Paxson and Pressly

The whole bunch playing in the chair- saying their good-byes!

We had a very special and enjoyable visit! We must do it a again very soon!!!

Freedom is a gift.......

It is easy to get distracted and forget what July 4th really means. I to look forward to all the traditions. Cooking out, enjoying the sun, fireworks, and relaxing with friends and family...These things would be impossible if it weren't for all the men and women serving our Country. Freedom is a GIFT and should constantly be viewed as a privilege and right in America. Men and women continue to stand up for America's voice and we should be eternally grateful! Thank you to all men, women, and families that have devoted their lives to keeping our freedom! God Bless!!!

Festive with red, white and blue or as Parker says

rojo,blanco, and azul (thanks to Mrs. Connel)

Let the swimming begin...

Daddy & Uncle Jesse making a wave pool. The waves knocked Parker over.

Gigi brought Parker & Paxson new water squirters. Gigi and Paxson were on a team and Parker and Jesse were on a team. Who do you think won???

Uncle Jesse showing how strong he is. hehehe

This is after I "saved" Parker from the wave pool.

Paxson pouring water on Meme's head. I think he could have done it for hours.

Fireworks with Meme, Dandy, Uncle Brady, Gigi & Uncle Jesse

...Until it started raining. Then daddy, Parker, and Uncle Jesse played in the rain. After the rain stopped they drove around and watched fireworks......till midnight!

Thank you for this Freedom! I can't imagine the fear and excitement that must take hold once one receives orders for deployment.

Deuteronomy 31:6Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Daddy's Birthday

After making smoothies for breakfast we made Daddy a Brownies and Cream Cake. Then we met him for lunch. The boys and I went to school for little bit in the afternoon for a water day. Then we headed home to cook a special dinner for Daddy. We had a nice dinner and went swimming and celebrated with Daddy's birthday cake.

























Daddy isn't much on cake so we tried a little something different this year. It was a big hit!
































Waiting in line is so hard!






Paxson barely made it for the cake. He watched Casey blow out the candles and had a little bite, then headed for night night. It was a full day for everyone!

Daddy's little helpers...

I just about cried when I looked out the window and saw three lawn mowers going this evening. It was truly a precious sight. Something about little boys looking up to their daddy's. I immediately grabbed the camera and video camera because I knew I would want this treasured experience remembered. It think back to when Parker first started helping daddy mow and now Paxson has joined them. It made them both seem so grown up. They both walked around the yard with their lawn mowers following daddy in aw. One of those priceless moments every parent has! Arn't we all so fortunate!!!

Parker is showing Paxson how to put gas in the lawn mower. (He uses water and grass. :) )