how much can fit into ONE PURSE?

I have always laughed and taunted my sister, mother, and friends for carrying a BIG purse. As a young girl, I really wasn't big on carrying a purse as some "fru-fru" girls are; I guess I was somewhat of a tomboy in that respect. But when i began driving and working after-school as a teenager, I found a new need for a purse, so I began carrying one more consistently. However, I have ALWAYS carried a small purse. I have always adored all things compact, and never desired to carry a suitcase of things I may need once in a hundred years like my friend Amy. Or, my sister. Or my mother. ha. That is, until I got kids. Plural. KIDS.

When Jax was born, I continued my small-purse-habit without hesitation. As a side note, I did always carry a larger diaper bag than necessary with all of the things that I may need for baby Jax, but, you see, he was a baby... I don't think I realized it at the time, but that very fact could have been the thing that would eventually lead me away from the small-purse-obsession. Anyway, let's continue with the story...

Then, Joy was born. I found myself carrying her diaper bag (big - she's a baby), a smaller, but still larger-than-my-purse-preference "toddler" bag for Jax, PLUS my purse, everywhere we went. It was too much. So, first I tried condensing but still found myself with too much baggage. I found myself snatching my wallet out of my purse and placing it in Joy's diaper bag when I went out in public, and I'd leave Jax's bag in the car, where I could return for it if we needed it. This somewhat worked, but could get confusing and cumbersome at times, especially when in a hurry - I would forget where I put what. And Josh would just roll his eyes and stand and wait for me to find whatever it was that I needed - even though the task often required complete search of all three bags. He would comment that we should leave something at home, but then the few times that I did leave something behind, he would be the very one to request that item.

Then, Christmas came. Christmas 2009. I received what I believed to be a purse for Christmas. It was a large hobo-style bag that I guess could be either a small diaper bag or a purse. Since it had a large "N" on it, I assumed it to be a purse, so I treated it as such. At first, I sorta set it aside, because it did not meet the "small purse" qualifications that I looked for in my bag selections. But after the holiday hoopla calmed down, I decided to give it a try. It was nothing like a purse I had carried before. Nope, couldn't call this one "compact"; there was no compartments; it was just one big gaping hole. So as I transferred my few purse items into the new bag, it sorta looked pitiful. My belongings did not nearly fill the bag, but I carried it anyway, and as time went on, I found out just how handy a "large" purse could be.
I virtually stopped carrying a bag for Jax, and most of the time, no bag for Joy either. I simply stuffed the few things they needed into my "large purse". It's great. Of course, I don't have a baby anymore either. ha.

So, on to the point of this post. Yesterday, I decided that it was PAST TIME to clean out my large, carry-all purse. It had gotten so cluttered, I was finding it hard to find anything, and I was even resorting to my old trick of just grabbing my wallet and leaving the rest in the car when out and about. What was the point? So, a cleaning/organizing/condensing session ensued. I was amazed at the results! I thought I should just share what all I FOUND in my purse. This could be a paid testimony for large purses... y'all are not gonna believe.... well, ok, let me just tell ya - here's what I pulled out of my purse:

my wallet; my keys; a small make-up bag; a brag book with photos of baby JAX (he's 4 1/2 years old now!); 127963 debit card receipts that had not been added to my checkbook register; 98978746725184 general receipts; 11 old grocery lists; 4 department store sale flyers; a pair of scissors; my date book; 3 months worth of bank statements - still in the envelopes in which they were mailed; two sippy cups - one empty and one with something yucky-looking remaining inside; 4 diapers - one of which appeared to be used due to the apparent leakage of a chocolate milk sippy cup at some point; one package of baby wipes; 2 small packets of kleenex; a small measuring tape; 17 grocery coupons - all expired except 2; 6 Toys R Us coupons, also expired; two envelopes of junk mail; 9 deposit slips; three suckers and one ring-pop; one bag of mini-m&m's; 2 check stubs; 4 paper clips; 4 pens; 1 sharpie marker; 6 pair (yes! 6!) of kiddie sunshades; 2 small bottles of germ-x; one package of disposable placemats; one disposable bib; one pair of socks (Jax's); hotel reservation confirmation; neosporin (my Mom would be proud!); 4 band-aids in original packaging; 1 band-aid folded up, apparently used; Magnolia Power & Light refund check (uncashed), dated December 30, 2009; carseat installation instructions; one empty CD sleeve; 3 Red Box receipts, and 2 Red Box promotional codes for free rentals (almost expired!); 3758 used tissues; 3 stickers; 4 appointment cards; 3 packs of gum, all opened but with at least one piece remaining; one wad of paper, suspected to be the home of some ABC gum; one spoon; about a dozen safety pins; a Walgreens CD of photos; two notepads; a bag of Goldfish - smushed; 736 old "to-do" lists; 5 recipes; 2 invitations - one birthday party, one baby shower, both in early May; 7 business cards; one shoe (Joy's - been searching for it for weeks); small bottle of bug spray; one hairbow; one hair clip; a calculator; and about 84927487620748729768537643195020 crumbs!

CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?!!!!!!!!

So, I now have an organized condensed large purse... but I'm sure it will resume its job of collecting any and everything immediately. Like a magnet - that's how this purse rolls! It's so efficient, how could I ever go back to my previous habit of compact, compartmentalized, small convenient purses?

kids say the darnest things!

So Jax is 4&1/2. He has never been shy in the Talking area, but lately he has really been talkative. I am amazed at the language development of children. Even Joy. She's 1&1/2 (the "1/2" is soooo important, you see) and can say sooooo many words, and understands so many more. It's a really cool process to watch.

But, I'll be the first to admit: sometimes, all the kid talk can get to be a little much. Like, as I'm driving home in the afternoons, worn out from a busy day of work and the run-here-and-run-there activity that is quickly becoming the "norm", when I just really want a moment to think; a quiet moment, uninterrupted with questions like "WHY?" and other things that I don't know. But they apparently don't understand THOSE words, cause they just keep on, and on. And on. Just when I begin to think about saying, "can't we just be quiet for a few minutes?" something happens. Every time. Every single time I begin to think about encouraging a round of the "Quiet Game," somebody says something sooooo amazing or sooooo funny, that I find myself suddenly changing my attitude and wanting more. Their voices, so sweet, I don't want to change muchless stop. They are communicators for sure, and I truly love the conversations we have. Here's some of the latest quotes I wanted to share from my oldest conversationalist:

• We were headed to school. I had just gotten on the interstate, driving along peacefully when suddenly, Jax bellows, "Moooommma!! Daddy said NOT to drive on the weft [left]! WHY are you driving on the weft??" I calmly respond, "There is no need to holler; it's okay. I am driving on the left because I am passing that truck. When you pass, you can drive in the left lane." He canters, "Daddy says you can only drive on the weft when there's four roads [lanes]!" So I explained further, "That's right, we can only drive in the left lane when there are 4 lanes." (bellowing again) "BUT MOMMA! There's only two roads here!" to which I respond, "No, Jax, there is 4. You can't see the other two because of the trees in the median." Then I hear a mumble from the backseat... I'm not positive but I think he said "I'm telling Daddy" but I just let it go, hoping for a moment of quiet before we make it to Co-Lin where I'd have 6 hours of talking non-stop in the classroom. Sure enough, when we got home that evening I heard Jax telling his Daddy all about the morning commute. I didn't let him know that I was listening, but had to step outside to keep from laughing out loud when I heard him tell Josh, "yeah, sometimes Momma don't see four roads, and she just drives on the weft one anyway!"


• Amidst all of the discussion of the roads [lanes] and instructions on how to drive from my four-and-a-half-year-old, he throws this one in the mix: "How fast are we going, anyway? 55? huh? 55 limits??" I could not answer one question before the next one shot out, and then I couldn't answer any of them after he said "55 limits" because I couldn't stop laughing.


• Jax has been into Monster Trucks lately. He has several toy Monster Jam trucks at home, and they also have some to play with at school, too. One morning on the way to school (this was a different morning from the above conversation, thank goodness) he kept saying "I hope I get there before Bryce," "I hope I get there first," "I hope I get there before Bryce." So I finally asked him why he was saying these things. He explained that he wanted to be the first to get to school so he could have the first choice of the monster truck toys. "Bryce always gets Blacksmith (Monster Truck's name) and I want Blacksmith but Bryce always picks Blacksmith so I want to get there first so Bryce won't get Blacksmith because I'll get the Blacksmith first." Ok, so that makes sense. As usual, all the kids like the same toy, so my child had figured out how he can guarantee getting the crown jewel -- just be the first one there! Everyone that knows us knows that we are always late! I knew this as well, so I figured I better start preparing him for the disappointing fact that he would not likely be the first to arrive. I explained that he should share and ask Bryce or the other children to swap trucks with him after a while, or just simply select another truck to play with. "No Momma, I really really want Blacksmith. Momma, he's the BADDEST aaaaaaaaaand the BONE-EST!" [I'm pretty sure this was in reference to the phrase/song "Bad to the Bone"] Now, what do ya say to that? hee hee hee


• On that very same day, on the way home from school, Jax informed me that he got to play with Blacksmith that day, and he was tickled. He said, "I think I want my own REAL Monster Truck." oh great. I quickly responded, "oh, you'll have to talk to your Daddy about that - I think Monster Trucks are very expensive." He seemed surprised yet genuinely concerned. He said, "oh, well, how much do they cost? maybe... uh... 255 GALLONS??"


• On Fridays, we have t-ball games, so it was one Friday afternoon on the way home from school that we were discussing the evening's t-ball game. He was so anxious and excited about the game, but the clouds were dark, and the forecasters had been predicting rain and storms for a few days now. I told Jax that the games may be cancelled if it rains any more. "Naw, it ain't gonna rain here," he said. "Its waaaaaay over in Texas!" So I now have my own private 4-year-old personal forecaster!


• We were heading to church one Sunday evening, and Jax apparently opened his question box again, ha. "Is church going to be in the fill-up hall again this time?" LOL! fill-up hall. yep, you guessed it; he meant "fellowship hall" And, just for the record, church was indeed in the fill-up hall, and that is exactly what we did that night - Bro. Gene made the biggest pot of jambalaya that I've ever seen, and it was so good too.


• One afternoon, as we were heading home from school yet again, Jax asked me if his Daddy was at home. I said, "I don't know, we'll just have to see when we get there." He said, "well, I sure hope so cause I need him to buh-johnge my nose." WHAT?!! The trek from school to home is about 35 minutes on a good day... it literally took me the whole trip to figure out what he was trying to say. "Buh-johnge, Momma! You know, he buh-johnges it, and it feels better!" Finally I glanced back at him in his seat, and noticed that he was rubbing the bridge of his nose up and down. Massage!-I realized he was trying to say "massage"! As it turns out, Josh has buh-johnge'd his nose before when it was stopped up due to sinus/cold, and it made Jax feel better, so he was wanting another buh-johnge!! LOL


• Another afternoon as we were making the trek home, I commented to Jax, "I could really use a nap!" He never slacked up, and said, "What? You don't have nap at your class?"
  Ooooh, how I wish we did, son.


• Sometimes as we are traveling to and from school/work, I just listen to Jax and Joy have conversations. He's such a sweet big brother; he always talks to her, and asks her about her day. He has even taught her to sing her ABC's and a couple other songs too. They are so funny together. One afternoon, I was just listening. They were talking about the puppies, and Elmo, and what they ate for lunch, and all sorts of random kid concerns. Joy dropped her "Bay" - that's what she calls her beloved Blankie - and Jax handed her his sippy cup to hold, while he bent over in his car seat to retrieve Bay. She held the cup while he stretched to reach the blankie for her. When he finally was able to grab it, he said "here, sweet pea!," a phrase I have used frequently myself. Without missing a beat she responded "here-ah peet peet!" as she passed his sippy cup back to him. Sooo sweet (peet)!!!


• and one more: Yesterday, when I arrived to pick up Jax, he and his classmates were out on the playground. He saw me coming, and as I approached the gate, he told me to "wait right there" because he had to go "tell my dirlfien (girlfriend) bye"! WHAT??!!!??!!! So, he spun around, and there she was apparently. While Jax was chatting with the little girl, Ms. Melissa commented on the new relationship. So Jax said his goodbye's and casually mentioned as he was exiting the gate that they are going to get mare-weed [married]. WHAT??!!!??!!! I said, "oh, when?" and while she stood inside the fence nodding her head in the affirmative, he explained that it would be a while. "Like, when we drow [grow] up!" Soooo... I guess that about as formal of an introduction that I'll get. Yesterday evening, their class had their End of the Year Program, and Jax was so excited. We took the opportunity to have their engagement pictures made after the program. The wedding will be in 30 years, and all friends and relatives are invited to attend the outdoor (playground) ceremony, weather pending.

wintertime birthdays

Being a Type A, I'm a planner by nature. The older I get, the more I seem to "let go" of the need for constant planning, but, still, I plan a whole lot. Or, at least attempt to.

Before I had children, I always said that IF I got the choice, I'd prefer not to have a child born in December or January, and November and February were the next "least desired" months on the list. Why? Birthday parties! Fun birthday parties in the winter months are scarce. Plus, the winter calendar is pretty much overtaken with Holidays and holiday celebrations.

So, fast-forward a few years. We decided to grow our family. What'd we get? A boy born January 9, about two and a half weeks after Christmas. And then, three years later, a girl born December 9, about two and a half weeks before Christmas.

I had a miscarriage before Jax, and another miscarriage between Jax and Joy. Those babies were "due" in August and May, definitely not winter or Holiday-dominated months! I guess God definitely has to show us who the real planner is from time to time!

Soooo, since both of my kids have birthdays in the midst of the winter and Holiday hoopla, now maybe you understand why I'm just now posting birthday party pics... in APRIL!!!

Let's begin with Joy. Her first birthday. I'm still in shock over how fast that year flew by. When I went to the hospital early that morning (Dec. 9, 2008), it was nearly 70 degrees outside. I am NOT hot-natured by any means, and I can remember pushing the sleeves of my long-sleeve t-shirt up while I was filling out paperwork. When we left the hospital two days later, it was SNOWING. And I do mean SNOWING! in Mississippi!

Since we have this unique story of bringing Joy home from the hospital in the snow, AND since she has a winter birthday that is not exactly conducive to a cool pool party or outdoor fun, I thought it would be neat to go with a snow theme for her party... a Winter ONEderland!

Honestly, I ran out of time and wasn't able to carry out the theme as thoroughly as I had planned, but it was sufficient. We had snowflake sandwiches, snowman soup, and hot chocolate at the party, among other "snow"-themed edibles. We decorated the house with pale lavender, turquoise, lime green, white, and silver snowflakes. It was actually fun planning the Winter ONEderland. But the best part of all wasn't actually planned. Not planned by me anyway. SNOW. Real snow. Yep, it actually SNOWED -- in Mississippi -- AGAIN -- just in time for Joy's Winter ONEderland party. How cool is that?!!!

First, here's a few pictures of the snow. Joy wasn't really interested in getting in it. She had been woke up for this?!!?!!! ha ha, she stayed out long enough for a few pictures, and a quick look at the snowman greeter Jax built!

Inside, it was warm...

It took some warming up, but she loved her cake!

Joy has lots of friends her age. We were happy so many of them could join us for the celebration. I regret that I was unable to get a picture of ALL of her friends together at the party. I guess you have to be SUPERMOM to get a group shot with these busy toddlers these days! Of course, BAY (blankie) was invited and attended the party.

It's my party, and I'll cry if I want to... You would cry too if you were this tired! LOL

Joy's party was held on the 5th; here's some pics taken on her actual birthday, Dec. 9th:

Opening her cards - she already LOVES mail!

Ok, so one winter birthday party was a success. Now, on with the seasonal festivities - it was such a busy time! I'll post a few pictures of Christmas and the Christmas festivities in another post. Let's move on to Jax's birthday party since we're in a "birthday party" kind of mood.

Jax made the big "4" on January 9, 2010. He was super-excited about his party. We opted to have his party at our church so we would have plenty of space for the kids to run around and play. My house was just not up to another event after Joy's party and the Christmas celebrations. Jax and his Daddy love to watch UFC fights on t.v. Jax has watched it since he was a small dude. I guess it may be the quick movements that catch his attention, I don't know. His Daddy thinks its the coolest thing; his Momma does not. I fear that my son will learn aggressive behavior from the experience, or develop a fear of injury or something - hey now, there IS some blood on there. However, Josh assures me this will not happen; they have discussed that it is a professional sport, and that Jax is not a professional fighter and therefore will not try to mimic the behaviors he sees. We wanted to do something different for the birthday party, but had limitations for activities due to the cold and unpredictable WINTER weather, ugh. So, I got the idea for a boxing party! Josh did not agree with the idea at first --can you believe it?-- but I did a little research and planning, and he came around to the idea. I ordered a pair of inflatable oversized boxing gloves for every child, and let them play with them at the party! It was a little wild, and maybe somewhat scary, but the kids LOVED it! Plus, the boxing gloves replaced the traditional party goody bag -- they got to take them home, and box until their little hearts were content at home. LOL You're most definitely welcome, parents!!! ;-D

His cake was a "boxing ring," complete with his picture! We LOVED the cake - sooo creative, Mrs. Lisa! She also made Joy's cake - both were perfect, and yummy yummy!

The gloves were tons of fun, for both boys and girls, of all ages... even a few parents got in on the fun!

Boxing can wear a little fella out! Hey, now, Boxers sleep sometimes too!!! :-P

THANKS to everyone for taking the time out of your busy holiday schedules to help my Sweeties celebrate their special day!

a unique dwelling...

NO! It's not a mouse! look again...



NO! It's not a rat... It's a SQUIRREL. An adolescent squirrel, I'd say...

... who happens to have taken up homestead in...

OUR MAILBOX!!!!

We have already evicted him once, but he's baaaaaack!

and, this time, I didn't stick my hand in the box to get the mail without looking inside first! :-)

that's right, squirrelly... fooled me once, shame on you; fool me twice?, no way!!!

no t.v. = even better times

I am so disappointed that I have missed nearly all of American Idol this season. I have not been an American Idol fan from its beginning. As a matter of fact, I have never watched a whole lot of t.v. at all. But I did discover American Idol and became somewhat addicted the year that Jax was born (2006). Jax was born in January, which happens to be the month that the new AI season begins each year. Since I had a newborn in the winter months, I did a lot of "just staying in," rocking, and watching t.v. during that time. Each year since, I have tried to make it a point to watch AI, even if I didn't get a chance to watch anything else. I like the audition phase as well as the competition phase. This year, I saw the first two shows of the season (the first week) and then... our satellite went out! It's been "out of order" ever since. Josh attempted to readjust the satellite, but he's not really a Mr. Fix It - in other words, his attempts didn't help. Obviously. I have been hesitant to call the company because 1) it's never a quick call - and screaming children always seem to work their way into the picture when I get on the phone with this type of call, and 2) we will have to be home when they send a technician out to look at it -- and, that's hard to plan! The only guarantees they will give is that someone can come between the hours of 8 and 12 or 1 and 5 during the week. Well duh, that means either Josh or I would have to take off the entire day. I'm trying to hold out until summer.

Anywho, Jax was just starting to get interested in some television programs just before we lost our signal and all connections to planet T.V. When we lost the service, he was disappointed at first, but now it seems that he has adjusted to NOT having t.v. access... just like some of the rest of us. The withdrawals were not that bad at all, ha. As a matter of fact, we've had some pretty good times around this house with no t.v. lately. I'm wondering if I should really make that call to the satellite company when Summer arrives....???

We haven't been tempted to forego the family suppers at the table in exchange for a perching spot in front of the t.v., as we have been guilty of in the past. I think we've all really enjoyed discussing each other's day during the meal, and, surprisingly, I have been more apt to actually cook with no t.v. around. One night, we did pick up some yummy Chinese from our favorite Chinese Restaurant in McComb (China Palace) and then returned home where we had a picnic in our living room floor -with NO t.v. It was nice, very nice.

Josh taught Jax to play Go Fish! one night - that would have never happened if the t.v. had been available. Jax has really gotten into "games" since the satellite service died. He got Gator Golf for Valentine's Day, and Hungry Hungry Hippos for Easter, and he's been practicing up on his skills with those; and he's also learned some jump rope skills too.


Jax and Joy both have been enjoying the great outdoors more --heck, what am I saying? -We have ALL been outside more since the t.v. doesn't have us tied up inside. We have all enjoyed playing with the new puppies (those pictures and the story coming soon in a separate post), back-porch sittin', riding the 4-wheeler/rhino, and the kids have re-discovered the swing set.

We have read so many books! And, this is great! I wish we had time to read EVEN MORE but I am proud of the times that we have had, thanks to the failure of the satellite.

Besides games and books, I feel like Jax and Joy have fostered their lurking creativity skills too by being forced to play with each other and their toys - without the background noise and sometimes-distraction of the t.v. These boxes, for example! Who would have ever thought two young'uns would have soooooo much fun with just a plain ole box! It never cesases to amaze me how children prefer the "make-shift" toys over the pricey REAL toys.







Let the imaginations run WILD!- there is no t.v. service here! And, who ever said that t.v. is a necessity?!! I'm seeing that t.v. is not THAT important afterall. Not even American Idol!!

Great American Postcard Swap

We are so excited to be a part of the Great American Postcard Swap (GAPS). For my readers who are not familiar with GAPS, let me explain: Aimee over at Adventures and Pursuits has coordinated a fun postcard exchange with one family representing each of the 50 states. Each state rep-family will send postcards to all the other GAPS members over the next year. The postcards depict each state's uniqueness, so this is a great learning opportunity for the kiddos. We have already received Alabama, Alaska, and Arizona postcards. Jax has so enjoyed getting "mail" and getting to see the pictures on the postcards. He's only 4 years old, so maps are still a bit arbitrary for him, but this opportunity is still so beneficial in helping to promote the development of spatial skills. We have a small U.S. map that we are looking at each time we receive a postcard. We talk about the location of the state and compare it to our own state of Mississippi. We have also been talking about the differences in weather (like, Alaska) and terrain (like, Arizona), etc. He is coloring in each state on the map as we receive the postcards. This is soooo much fun!
We send our postcards in October, but we are already talking about what kind of postcards we want to send. Any suggestions? We want to send postcards that share the really cool stuff about our state! What should be the Mississippi postcard theme? Help us decide!
I hope to post some photos soon. Stay tuned.

a little Josh-er (pun intended)

Well, well, well. We have a little JOSHer... just like his Daddy!

Jax was getting ready to take a bath, and I walked into the bathroom and saw this! I had to look twice! Here, you need to look a little closer, too:

That little stinker! At 4, already a purdy gud prankster!

It is so true: the apple don't fall far from the tree!

lil' Popeye

Jax has become interested in "healthy" eating, thanks to a change in the daily menu at preschool. It's amazing that his teachers can get him to eat things that he wouldn't dare touch at home! I won't say much about that because I can very specifically remember doing the same thing when I was a child. But, I still admire his teacher's ability to get him to try some of the things on their "new and improved" lunch menu because many of the items I would never touch in a million years myself, regardless of how many stickers, praises, treats, and prizes are offered!

So, now that Jax is a "health nut", a grocery shopping trip is EVEN MORE interesting with him tagging along. Just this week, he pitched a fit as I was loading a 5lb. bag of sugar into the buggy. He was screaming, "MOOOOMMMA! SUGAR IS NOT GOOD FOR YOU!" All of the other shoppers just strolled by, as I attempted to explain that some sugar is okay. He just got louder.

A few aisles over, he found the canned Spinach. Yuck. I tried to ignore his suggestions that we buy some. How was I, the totally-non-healthy-eater, going to tell him that I wasn't going to buy it? He told me all the reasons it is healthy - it is green, it is a bedge-able {vegetable}, AND- it is what Popeye eats, and HE is really strong and healthy.... Ok, yes, you got that right - we are now the owners of this:

So, I held my breath as I unloaded the groceries and put them away at home that evening; I hoped he would forget that we bought the stuff. And, he did. For now, anyway.

So here's the dilemma: What in the world am I going to do with this stuff??? I have NO IDEA how to prepare it (or are you even supposed to do that?)!!!! SUGGESTIONS? Please! How do you cook this?!!! help!!!!

raising a big heart

This year, Jax and Joy BOTH are participating in the Trike-A-Thon at school, to raise money for St. Jude's Childrens Hospital. It is such an educational experience, even for the little ones like Joy. This will be Jax's third year to participate and he is already looking forward to raising money "for the sick kids" and riding his bicycle in the event on campus. With each year, he is understanding more and more about helping others. Plus, our little friend Felder and his experience with leukemia has helped Jax to understand even more that he/we are very blessed. I love these teachable moments! (p.s. - if any of my faithful blog readers would like to help them with their efforts to raise money "for the sick kids", you know how to contact me! I'd love to come by to pick up your donations! :-) )

As we have begun preparing for our Trike-A-Thon fundraising efforts, I began to think about the last cause that we supported - the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society with the Light the Night walk, back in September! It was a family event for us - yes, even Josh walked! The festivities and service were great, and although they didn't understand everything that was going on, both of the kiddos had a blast!

I turned my back for just one moment, and Jax got a tattoo!

And, Joy, well, she continued her teething activities, using any prop that she could get her tiny little hands on.... doesn't this look like a billboard ad? LOL
Actually, this "fan" that she is chewing on was passed out as we entered the Braves stadium, where the LLS walk was held. I had actually joined the efforts to "donate life" by becoming a member of the MS Organ donation registry just about a week before.

They had many balloons for the service that took place that night. They were winners with the kids, of course! Jax continued to play with his, even after we got home. The things these kids can come up with -- and to think we have "wasted" so much money on trendy toys!


We are looking forward to "helping" more people through the upcoming Trike-A-Thon... it's a different cause, but we hope to foster the same giving spirit with this opportunity. I hope our efforts will help not only the "sick kids" but also my own kids... I want them to see the many daily blessings that have been bestowed upon them... not by their Daddy and I... but by their Father above! I hope to post some more updates on our St. Jude Trike-A-Thon fundraising efforts as the big day draws near (March 11!). Yay!

Joy at Mountain Joy

I just realized I forgot to post a photo of my sweet girl in my last update, "Dreaming of Spring". She was asleep when we toured through Cade's Cove, but we had a slight photo session back in the cabin later on, just after her bath - she loved the furry rug!

Dreaming of Spring

Lately, it's been really cold and wet, followed by teasers of semi-warm, only to be followed by more rain, cold, and SNOW... and, not necessarily in that order.

Typical.

Mississippians know that the Mississippi weather forecasts should be taken with a grain of salt, because its... well... it's Mississippi Weather! You didn't realize "Mississippi" can be used as an adjective, did you?

Well, all of this cold, wet, rain and snow has just made me realize one thing more: I'm ready for Spring, no, make that SUMMER!

So, in the back of mind, I've been contemplating summer routines, vacation, VBS, warmth & sun, among other things "summer".

And, then I begin to feel overwhelmed. OMG, where will be our 2010 summer vacation destination?? I have GOT to get on this!!! I'm late getting around to research, research, research and that could ultimately cost us, and you all know how thrifty I am, ha ha. Sooooo.... what are your suggestions for a summer vacation destination? We are interested in places that are not over-the-top, over-priced, or overly-crowded. In other words, KID-friendly. Suggestions, everyone!! :-)

Meanwhile, I'll continue to dream of SUMMER and I'll let you know if it helps to speed the process any. Here's some photos from our wonderful summer vacation last summer (Aug '09) in Townsend, TN - the Great Smokey Mountains. It was fabulous... my only complaint is that we didn't have more time to stay.

Our cabin, "Mountain Joy":




View from the front porch of the cabin:


We enjoyed seeing the wildlife, and even got a few photos of some creatures... the bear, unfortunately, was much too swift for this photographer as it ran across the road in front of us and off into the woods. So, our photo memories shall consist of the lovely deer, and this woodpecker, who apparently wants to be a model in his next life.





Jax and Joy both enjoyed the "shows" in Pigeon Forge, much to my surprise. The Comedy Barn was a favorite of the whole family.


No Smokey Mountain vacation is complete without a trip to Cade's Cove. Love it. It's serene, it's beautiful, and it's free! Most of the wildlife that we saw were inhabitants of Cade's Cove. We also like the history - I love the old cemeteries and churches, and we even helped ourselves into an old house too. I sorta felt like Goldilocks, sneaking in while the 3 bears were gone. But there was no porridge; not that I would partake had we found some there, ha. Well, whoever lived there left a great place for photos of the kids... too bad mine weren't exactly in the mood for an impromptu photo session! Just my luck. Anyway, we also enjoyed the gift shops, which had some great educational items, and some, well, unique items. Jax purchased his very first compass there, with his own money, and Josh found the funniest book there, although we didn't feel the need to purchase it this time (we already knew the answer, ha)



And, I think we'll end this post on that note.

How do we top the '09 laid-back, yet fun-filled vacation? Don't forget to send me your suggestions!