Long Time No See!

Hey folks!! I can't believe it's been almost a week since I posted last. Must remedy that now!!! But, in my defense, my lack of posting was not really my fault. We've had 'issues' with our internet connection this week and we were without access for a couple of days. I can't tell you how horrible that was; it was like I was going through withdrawals. It's amazing how accustomed we get to having something on a daily basis, isn't it? I missed being able to click and get online and see what all was happening. I felt totally disconnected from the outside world. It was really strange. The day to day routine I have around here was totally thrown off! But, we are back online now, and I can't tell you how wonderful it is to be back!!!! I haven't done a whole lot of picture taking recently either, so I have to play some catch up. We've been busy this week, as usual! Look for more posts next week! Until then......

Just Had to Share....

some newer pictures. I really want to have a photo session sometime, but these busy busy girls don't seem to be too cooperative. I can't get them to sit still long for anything! There's just too much going on to take time out of the day to have a silly ol' picture taken. Shouldn't I as their mother know that kind of thing? :)

Anyway, I cannot believe how much Reese has grown this summer. I look at her and see a little girl and not a baby. It breaks my heart sometimes knowing that with each day she's getting bigger and bigger and will one day want to have nothing to do with me--you know, during those wonderful teenage years that I'm so looking forward to. Isn't she a beautiful child? I'm so blessed to be her mother--I just hope I'm doing a good enough job. And I hope she will always know how much I love her and love having her in my life. Don't know what I'd do without my Reesie! :)



Doesn't she have the sorority girl picture pose down already? Scary to think about. she has always loved posing for the camera--guess she's a natural! :) Love the sweet smile in this one with her daddy!
My four loves.....my life would be so empty without them. I thank the Lord for these precious precious souls!

*note: Anna seems to be a natural in front of the camera, too. You should have heard her saying 'cheese' the whole time I was taking these pictures. She has a husky little voice so all her words just come out too funny!

Happy 27th Birthday Rich!!!

Yep, that's right, my 'little' brother turns the big 2 -7 today! Doesn't seem possible that he's that 'old.' (just kidding, Rich. if you're old, then I must be really old!) :) It seems like just yesterday that we were running around and playing in our backyard. And it seems like only yesterday that he was a little fella who hit a golf ball into the back window of our mom's car! (never gonna let him live that one down!) All in all, he has grown up into a really nice, good guy and I'm very proud of him. I'm glad to be your sister and you are a wonderful uncle to my girls. They love you bunches!!! Just wanted to wish you a happy birthday and hope you have a really great day! We love you!!!

I don't have a lot of pictures of Rich, but I did manage to find these. The top one is one of my faves--the twins were really little when they were born, and she looks even smaller all laid out and comfy on Uncle Rich. I think he's holding Anna, but this one was taken before we went 'all digital' so my labeling left a lot to be desired. The second picture was from the twins second birthday party back in June. So sweet of him and Ang to come help us celebrate on that really hot hot day!!!

Love you bro!!! You're the best little brother there is!!! :)

EUREKA!!!!

If you read one my last posts, you know how upset I've been over the loss of some special photos. Well, as I was sitting, checking email this morning, I looked down for a minute and noticed my laptop sitting beside the computer desk. (the laptop doesn't get used much, and I'll get into that later).

Anyway, it suddenly occurred to me that some of the missing pictures MIGHT just be on the defunct laptop. When is was working up to par, I was using the laptop as a backup picture file in case anything ever happened to the desktop. I was able to get the thing to power on, and I was so excited to find some of the pictures that I thought I'd lost. Not all of them, which is confusing since I labeled similar ones with the same file name, but I did find the two years' worth of campmeeting pictures that I was sure had been trashed as well as a few of the pictures from the twins' first Christmas. I still can't find Christmas pictures from my mom and grandmother's house that year, but some of those are on the blog somewhere!

Needless to say I'm feeling better, but I do have a technical question for all you computer whizzes out there. Do any of you know if it is possible to charge a Dell laptop battery without it having to be in the computer and plugged into the a/c power? Reason is, the power port on the laptop is loose and it will not hold the power cord in tightly enough to keep running for any length of time. If I hold the cord in the port a certain way, standing on one foot with my tongue sticking out (ha ha), the power stays on, but if I move my hand away from it for a second, it shuts down. It won't charge because of the improper port and I just don't know what to do. Warren asked a guy he works with who fixes computers if he could help, and he said that Dell computers have to be worked on by Dell because of their parts or something and that we'd be better off just buying a new one. Yeah, in a perfect world where money grew on trees. I figure if there was some kind of external battery charger out there that that would be the answer, and hopefully it wouldn't be as expensive as a new laptop! :) If any of you could lead me in the right direction on that, I'd surely appreciate it! Thanks!!!!!

It's Official....

Summer is really drawing to an end at our house. When I checked the mail Sunday afternoon, (yes, Sunday--we visited Warren's folks most of the day Saturday and didn't get home 'til late and it was bedtime, so we didn't get it then!), there was a letter from Reese's 'school' with information for the start of the school year.

Our first piece of business is to attend the parent meeting on AUGUST 30! (where did the summer go?). They do not suggest bringing your child to this meeting because it's a lot of sitting and listening and paper filling out, and what four year old can sit through all that, right?

Second, we'll go to an open house on September 4th where Reese can meet her new teacher (she's gonna be in the big kid classroom this year!) and moms and dads can ask questions, etc. The official first day is SEPTEMBER 5TH!!

This is all pretty much old hat for us since she went to this same school last year. I just hope she'll be as excited this year as she was last. Warren sneaked out of work for a few minutes her first day last year, and she just walked right into her classroom as big as you please. Like she didn't need us at all. It was sad but relieving as well. Now, we did have some moments of tears later on in the year, but all in all it was a great experience for her. This year she's going to be going three days instead of just two. So her first day isn't until September 6th.

She has been so cute the last few times we've been in WalMart. She keeps asking me about her supply list and she tells me the things she needs. She was rattling stuff off to her daddy the other night, and it was too precious. She sure is growing up on me!

WHAT??!! Was I Thinking....

I am such an idiot! Today I was going through some cds that have a lot of our pictures on them, you know, to kind of file and label (I didn't do a very good job of that in the beginning) so I'd know what kinds of pictures we have. Well, as I was looking through them, it dawned on me that I didn't see any campmeeting pictures from 2004 or many from 2005. And, I could not find any pictures of the twins' first Christmas-of '05. I KNOW I burned those onto a CD, but I cannot locate them anywhere. Now that I think on it, I was straightening the computer desk a while back, and there were some cds just lying on the desk. Those were the ones that didn't burn correctly, so I was planning on tossing them out anyway. I thought I had done an okay job about putting the correctly burned ones away in a case, but I'm beginning to think that the cd in question might have made it to the pile of throw aways and that's where it went! I cannot describe to you how utterly stupid and foolish I feel. I am so upset with myself that I could have done something so silly. I'm telling myself that they're just pictures and it's not like I lost something vitally important, but those photos held very special memories. I know that my campmeeting pictures included some of my late grandmother with her great granddaughters and other family members. And, the twins' first Christmas---those are ones that I can't get back either. Needless to say that once the pics go from my camera to the computer, I erase them from the memory card. And I don't delete them from the recycle bin until I know the disc I burned is working. I know I did all that with the 'missing' disc. Guess I really shouldn't call it missing--it's trashed! How dumb and careless can I be!?? Just wanted to vent......

Humbled.....

I couldn't think of a title for this post, and then I remembered that Warren used it to describe how he felt last Saturday, and I wanted to share this story with all of you---don't really know why, except to say that even though I know that God is taking care of me everyday, I really do like the 'in my face' signs that he gives me. The subtle ones always seem to slip right by me.

Last Saturday, we decided to have a garage sale. I haven't done one of those since I was in high school. Always seems like so much work goes into it, and you don't always do as well as you'd hoped. I am desperately wanting to get rid of some of our stuff! After three little girls, we could open our own clothing store, and when we eventually upgrade to a bigger house (yes, my friends, it seems as if we've outgrown our house already) I am NOT moving a bunch of junk. Ask Warren's dad---we have a lot of it! :)

We did sell some things, and it was shocking to me that Warren moved more things of his than I did. I think he sold about 4 or 5 polo style shirts that he no longer wears. He sold a pair of my old shorts and some baby clothes, but if we kept a tally of whose clothes sold best---his would come out on top!

After waking up at 6am to get everything moved into the driveway, we were exhausted by the time the evening came. He had suggested earlier in the day that we all go to Harvey's for dinner. He had received a gift card there for his birthday, and we were excited about using it since we'd be getting a nice meal as a treat from someone else. Well, the girls decided to be absolute tookie and their behavior throughout the afternoon was horrendous. Therefore, our plans were short lived. I then decided it would be fantastic if Warren and I could go alone. I didn't think about the absolute short notice and I hoped that someone could help us out.

Then I called my cousin's 18 year old daughter. Turns out Sarah was working her real job and wouldn't be able to help. When her mom, Betsy, returned my message, I gave her the lowdown and she immediately said "Amy (her youngest daughter) and I would love to do it. We're coming." I kept telling her no, no, no; she had worked some during the night and I didn't want to inconvenience her in anyway. She kept telling me yes, we're coming. They arrived at our house an hour after that phone call! She even told Warren to take me to a movie! It would have been way too late to do all that!

When we returned home about 2 1/2 or 3 hours later, my children had played outside, had doughnuts as a snack (Betsy tipped me off to this quick way of making homemade doughnuts) AND Betsy and Amy had bathed all three girls. Plus, she washed up the dishes we cooked the girls' supper in that night and cleaned up my kitchen. I just couldn't believe she had done all that for us. I HATE washing dishes, and there they were, all clean for me!

And, the really humbling part---they wouldn't let us give them any money for their time and trouble. We kept trying and trying to get them to let us do that for them, but they refused. I mean, how many people would do that. After they left to go home that night, Warren and I couldn't help but just smile at each other and that's when he said, "I'm so humbled right now." And we truly were and still are when we think about it! :)

So, Besty and Amy, if you're reading this----we cannot thank you enough for your help. Reese is already asking when y'all are coming back! :)

Silly Girls

The other night during bathttime, Warren 'fixed' the girls' hair. They have a lot of hair, but it's still really fine, so the 'ponytails' Warren made for them wouldn't stay standing up. You can tell by their sweet faces that this was a fun thing for them. And, of course, I had to run and get the camera! Love these sweet babies! How precious are those little faces?

**the first two pics are Anna, the third is Maggie

We Are Family

I LOVE this picture--Reese and our Uncle Charles. He's one of my granddaddy's 'little' brothers. I'm sad to say that he's the only brother that's still with us. Hallelujah for that!! Out of my gran's seven siblings, there are only three remaing--Aunt Frances, Uncle Charles and Aunt Toots (whose given name is Gabie, but I've never called her anything but Aunt Toots. Have to find out how that name came about!) Anyway, back to the picture.....Reese just walked over to Uncle Charles' tent one day while he was sitting in the swing, and she just climbed up there with him and colored her picture and talked with him. I think he was upset that I took his picture, but I don't care. It's a great shot to add to my ever growing picture collection. I love you, Uncle Slick!

Four sweet girls--Abigail, Avery (who are each others' first cousins) and Reese and Lauren (who are each others' first cousins, too). Avery and Abigail are my mother's first cousin's grandchildren, so I'm not sure exactly the kind of cousins they are to me. We just go around the campground telling everyone we're all cousins, 'cause we all are! It's too funny and not to mention too hard to try to explain!

Reese and Hayley Atkins---yet another cousin, moments before hitting the line at the ice cream supper. Yet another reason for y'all to come to campmeeting--after Thursday night's worship service is the annual ice cream 'supper.' Each tent makes a freezer (or two or three and even four) of HOMEMADE ice cream. All flavors are represented--the classics: vanilla & chocolate, and others: peach, strawberry, lemon ice box flavor, orange sherbert. You get the idea. It's a wonderful evening!!

In Sweet Memory....

This floral arrangement was done by my mom in memory of my grandmother and my great Aunt Alice, and it sat in front of the pulpit in the church arbor. This was our first campmeeting without both of these wonderful ladies, and all in all, this campmeeting was a very different experience for me. Since both of my grandparents weren't there, it was just a strange feeling. They were with us in spirit, but I so missed seeing my Gran walk my girls around the circle (the majority of the campground is laid out in a circle and a gravel road goes around the tents) and doting on them. My grandmother got the chance to dote on Reese a lot and some with the twins, but my gran didn't. I picture them together in my mind holding my girls' hands and watching out for them. I miss them so!! I just thank the Lord above that I had as much time as I did with my grandparents. I was blessed to be able to see them everyday of my life, and that is something that I try not to take for granted. I have loads of friends who only saw their grandparents at Christmas time or during the summers. My gran came to my house every night after he finished his supper and stayed, usually, until it was time for us to go to bed. Then, my sister, brother and I got to see him and my grandmother every morning on our way to school. My grandmother would make extra at breakfast, and we'd take a biscuit or some bacon and toast and eat it on the way to school. What wonderful memories I'll treasure forever.......

Meeting Stella....

My cousin, Julie, brought her parrot/parakeet (not sure exactly what kind of bird Stella is) to the campground. She was a BIG hit with the kids--not just mine! Seems like folks from all the tents came by to see her. Julie was so great at sharing Stella with everyone. (And I must say that her turning 20 in a few weeks makes me feel VERY VERY VERY OLD!!!! I remember when that baby was born and how I was so excited when her mommy let me hold her! I'll never forget it!) She showed Reese just how to pet her, and then Reese showed me by holding out her two fingers and stroking Stella's back ever so gently. She did great!!!! When asked, though, if she wanted Stella to sit on her shoulder, she quickly replied NO!














Julie asked Anna if she wanted to hold her, and I believe she said no, too. But, Julie very gently talked to Anna and even more gently and calmly placed Stella on her shoulder! She did a great job---until Stella started falling off her shoulder, and she got a little nervous. And that made Anna panic!! This second picture of Anna is just before Stella started trying to grab onto anything she could with her little beak. I don't think Anna knew exactly what to think of the whole bird thing; I bet she was relieved that we don't have one at home!














We tried to get Maggie to hold her so I could get a picture of her, too. But, I told everyone that there was NO WAY that was going to happen after she saw Anna getting upset. Maggie would think we were nuts for trying to get that bird on her! :)