The Hills Are Alive...

Kayla and I went Friday night to see a local production of "The Sound of Music." It was put on by the local Methodist Church and we both had friends in it. Dad was out of town, Jordan went to the Middle School dance with friends, so Kay and I had a "girl's night."

IT WAS WONDERFUL!

Everyone did a fantastic job. The food was great and it was fun watching and singing (in my head, of course) all the songs. We had a very nice evening.

Of course I had to show you the YUMMY food we ate.

Maria

The kids and Maria

"going on sixteen..."

Mother/daughter night...FUN!

They really did do a wonderful job.

****

For those of you who read my last post and are praying for my hubby... THANKS!!!

He is doing a little better, but his head is still spinning like crazy. This may be God's way of letting him rest, but it is frustrating him because he has so much work to catch up on. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Thanks again for the continued prayers.

Hubby's Home!!!

Kevin has been gone all week "Cruisin'" the high seas. He and another adult chaperoned seven graduating seniors from our church on a cruise. They left from New Orleans and stopped at Cozumel and Progresso, Mexico. They had a really good time. Here are a few snapshots of their trip...

Beautiful...

They went to the Mayan ruins and had fun climbing around.

The kids dared Kev to sing during karaoke night. He got up and sang "You Raise Me Up," in front of about 400 people. He said probably half of them were drunk, but he did get a standing ovation when he finished.

They had fun on the beach. They went snorkeling, but I will have to get his film developed before showing any pictures of that part of the trip.

They ate well...






I am thankful he had a good time with his kids before they start a new chapter in their lives. It is always sad to see them go, but yet exciting to see what great plans God has for each one of them.

He brought back souvenirs, which is always a big treat. But mostly we are just glad he is back home.

On a side note, please pray for Kev. He had an excellent time, no problems. He felt good the whole trip. However, since he has been home he has had vertigo. I told him maybe he was suppose to live on a boat. :) His week is going to be busy planning for an upcoming mission trip. please pray for healing and strength.

Have a beautiful weekend!

She makes my heart smile...

I have a ceramic message plate sitting in my kitchen. It was a Christmas gift from my sister a few years ago. At first I didn't think much about it, just thinking it was a pretty version of a whiteboard. However, I started writing verses on there, little reminders for me to hold on to while going about my day. Then the hubby would write me a little love "note" every once in a while that would make my day special. Then the kids started getting involved...

The latest word on the plate is a scripture written out by my daughter, the princess of my heart. She wrote one of her favorite verses and it makes my heart smile every time I look at it. I love how she signed it "Your Heavenly Father," as if He wrote it there himself, just for her. I love the idea that she too, has come to find scripture as tokens of love from the Heavenly Father, encouraging words to help her through her day.

As a 14 year old this is where she is right now. Looks mean everything in junior high. Girls are caddy and careless with their words even to their best friends. School has become a war zone of the heart of a young teenager finding their place in this world. I may never know what made my baby doll write that verse that day, but I am thankful she has already found wisdom and peace in the Word. I pray everyday that she continues to hold God's word close to her heart.

As for today, I write with a thankful heart. For you see, I was having a "feeling frumpy and fat, nothing fits or looks good, bad hair day," kind of day and as I was racing out the door my eyes made contact with a certain message written by a young girl with a big beautiful heart. Thank you, Lord. Maybe she didn't write the message for just herself after all. :)

Out of the mouths of babes...

Please say a little prayer for Kayla. She has had a rash caused by an allergic reaction to "we have no idea what." She is on medication, but it is taking it's sweet time to go away. If she is not better by the end of the week, we will have to go back to the doctor.

Have a beautiful week, friends!

"Barn Party"

Every year for Kevin's birthday, I throw a big birthday bash for our teenagers. It is kind of a celebration not only for his birthday, but the end of the school year and welcoming the new 7Th graders to the group. It is always a theme party. Two years ago I did the 80's, last years was a luau and this year we went western. We had a GREAT time. 70 plus kids showed up. We had brisket, cheese dip and cake. We had a little karaoke. We had a costume contest and we had a few small door prizes too. We even had a little weather watching as the storms blew through that night. Overall it was a GREAT night. Here are a few pictures...

Welcome sign.

The decorated corner of the room.

The cake. It was sooo... YUMMY!!!

Kevin in his overalls and "Bubba Gump" cap and one of our youth leaders in his crazy costume. It was too funny!

Jordan. Isn't he just the cutest?! He is growing up so very fast. He found Kevin's old boots for the night. He also had a bandanna, sheriff's badge and some toy guns and took home second place in the costume contest.

My sweet girl. Oh how I love her and her big heart. She enjoyed the karaoke.

A hug and smile for mom. Gotta take them as I can get them. They are so busy and growing so fast...oops! I already said that didn't I? Well, I just don't like it, can you tell?

Hope you have a great holiday weekend!

Out at the ballpark with Chicken Little...

Last Saturday we went and spent the day with my sister and her family. My youngest nephew Tate was playing in a baseball tournament. It was a fun day.

Batter up!



Cousin time and slush puppies.

Kev and Kayla

Sisters...


Kayla waiting for the next game.

Tate aka "Chicken Little" played great!!!

Craftiness or Yumminess?!!!

Yes, I know "yumminess" is probably not a word, but it should be. Friday was the hubby's birthday, so his mom wanted to cook him a birthday feast. She knows the way to her son's heart...cook his FAVORITE meal.

Crafty Crescent Lasagna.

The recipe is long, so I will not type it out tonight, but if you have not tried it and are interested, just Google "Crafty Crescent Lasagna." His mom has been making it for him since he was a kid. It is yummy. We substitute Turkey sausage for pork, since Kevin can't eat pork and it is still really good. This is what it looks like coming out of the oven...

And this is what the birthday boy looked like enjoying it...

We also had...

And MY FAVORITE...

Of course there is a hug for the cook...

And Papa...

It was a nice end to a good birthday for the hubby.