It's movie time

I noticed many upcoming movie trailers when I went to see UP with the kiddos.  Namely, Toy Story 3 (in 3-D, I might add).  I couldn't tell you how many times I've seen the original Toy Story.  When Ryan was young, 2-ish, we would watch Toy Story twice a day.  "Say goodbye to the wife and tator-tots."  Ryan thought that he WAS Buzz Lightyear and he would occasionally dive off the end of the couch.  How we survived without stitches, I'm not sure.  

If life was make-believe and I could pick a movie to live "in".  It would be a very close tie between Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland.  On one hand, flying would be super-duper cool, but so would this tea party.  I'm sure glad that I don't have to choose.

I'm so pumped for this movie to come out.  I read Alice in Wonderland to the kiddos when they were younger.  I have enjoyed the Disney version of it since I was young.  This will be a DVD purchase when it comes out!!!  (Besides the obvious, Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway are the bomb)  Click on the link I have posted.  The stills from the movie are AMAZING.  It is going to be a must-see!!!

Friday night we ate with Rick's office staff.  It was a place called Railroad cafe in Brunswick, MO.  It was "OK".  Nothing to write home about.  We visited with Rick's nurse, Jena and her husband afterwards.  They live in Brunswick and they invited us to see their home.  

We had company this weekend.  Rick's Mom, Dad, his sister, Melinda and our niece, Allie, came over.  We ate dinner, jumped on the trampoline, sat on the deck... basically just "hung" out.  It was nice to have an evening where we weren't running or working.  

Sunday was a completely different story.  We worked on our deck from the time we woke up till sundown.  Such a grueling job.  The sad part is, it's only half done.  I get to begin sealing it today.  Not cool!!!!!  I will be so stinkin glad when that is done.  You have no idea!!!!!  We should have done it last year.  But for one reason and the other, it didn't happen.  I will post pictures of it when it is finished.  I am hoping that will be this week.  I am noticing that our calendars aren't as full as they were a month ago.  I'm VERY happy about that!!!!  :))

Ta Ta For Now.

Coach-Pitch for Gracie/ two 80's legends die

The heat index was probably 110 degrees this evening.  Sweat was pouring off everyone.  I'm not sure how the little ones were able to play.  Poor things :(

As you can see in this picture, Ryan wasn't too thrilled to be there.

Gracie is standing on 3rd base.  One of her coaches is a friend of mine from high school.  He was in my grade from 1st grade (that's when I moved to Hamilton, MO) till our senior year.  His wife is also a friend and fellow Hamilton alumni, Jenny Hill.  

Swing, batter, batter!!!!!  I have really seen an improvement since the season began.  She made it on base every time in this double-header.  We may have a pro on our hands :)

Gracie guarding her base

Between games the team took a "break".  They all sat on a bench and drank their Gatorades.

She gets so serious when she's in the field.  I think it's from watching big brother's games.

In the 80's, I was a HUGE Michael Jackson fan.  I knew all his songs and could mimic his moon walk.  I remember my Aunt Diana having posters of him covering her walls!!!!

In the 90's he was a headliner in the news for inappropriate relations with a young boy.  So, I signed out of the fan-club.  I couldn't support that.  I think that he was a deeply troubled person.  I found out during Gracie's game that Michael Jackson died at the age of 50.  People are calling him the "King of Pop".  I just hope that he knew the "KING of Kings".  One person posted on Facebook, MJ.... RIP.  I hope that he is but somehow, I doubt it.  I saw no evidence of a man that lead a God fearing life.  

Anyway, that's my opinion.  Hope it doesn't offend.

Another legend died today, Farrah Fawcett.  She was diagnosed with anal cancer three years ago.   Such a strange day.

I didn't figure that I would be able to post in the morning.  I'm heading to meet a H.S. friend.  Then I'm off to a office dinner with Rick.  He has told me three times where we are going, but I keep forgetting.  I will let you know afterwards.  Silly me!!!

I am another day closer to getting Ian.  So excited to see my young man.  I found this verse tonight and I wanted to share it.  It would make alot more sense if you read the whole chapter.  (that's your challenge from me)

Deuteronomy 31:13 (New International Version)

¹³ Their children, who do not know this law, must hear it and learn to fear the LORD your God as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess."

God is good

I logged onto Ian's camp web-site this morning.  I found several pictures of him.  They sure eased my worried mind.  Just knowing that he is there, with all his limbs, relieved me.

I have wrote him e-mails at least once a day.  Sometimes twice.  I never know what to say.  I don't want him to think that we are having more fun than him.  So, I play-down everything.  I want him to think that we are bored to death.  haha

So, I tell him about how HOT the baseball games were.  Or how it is raining and Ryan and I can't mow the yard.   You get the picture.  He probably isn't going to want to come home. :)

This must be Ian's group.  When I dropped him off there were only girls.  Sure glad to see another boy there.

Looks like all the basketball with Dad and Ryan is paying off.

Can't wait to find out what he is reading.

“Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the LORD. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the LORD.”- Jeremiah 23:24

I follow lots of blogs.  Mostly scrapbooking and card making blogs.  They give me inspiration for my own projects.  Welllll...... I have a favorite blogger.  I love the things she writes.  I enjoy getting to know her via computer.  I almost feel like I do KNOW her.  I'm so weird.  Anyway, her name is Dawn McVey.  She is one of the most published card makers in the biz.  She uses cutes sayings like "Hey Peeps", and "Easy Peasy".  That just cracks me up.  Anyway, she has been going through a job lay-off and posted a web-site that she visits often.  It's called www.biblegateway.com.  I have been visiting it often to get the verse of the day.  Usually, I can apply it to something in my life!!!!  As always, God's word is amazing and it speaks to me!!

So, I've been worried about my little EEE-man.  Then I read this verse and remembered, "DUH, GOD is with him".  What better babysitter could you get?  He doesn't need friends from OUR church or counselors from OUR church.  He only needs God.  That is why he is there, right?  I guess I am humbled, once again!!!  So, I feel better this morning knowing that eee is in more capable hands than myself.  Thank goodness!!!!

Well, I've spent way too much time sitting at the computer chair this morning.  I need to get my hiney up and moving.  

After awhile crocodile!!!!!

This Momma misses her boy

The night before leaving for camp, we got a phone call.... The only other kid attending this camp with Ian, cancelled.  His mom had a baby a week and a half ago and he didn't want to leave her.  So, Ian was going to be with complete strangers.  We have always planned camps where the counselors were from our church.  This year, that didn't work out.  

Ian isn't an outgoing boy.  He is bashful and timid.  If someone doesn't speak to him first, they probably won't talk.  To top everything off, when I left him, he was the only boy in his group.  Hopefully there will be another boy show up.  Please, please, please, let there be another boy!!!!   So, needless to say, I'm a little worried!!!

I wanted to love and squeeze on him before I left, but didn't want to embarrass him.  I could tell he didn't want me to either.  So, I said my good-byes and headed down to road.  

It's so hard leaving when I know I won't be able to talk to him for a whole week.  I have no idea if he has made any friends or if he is enjoying himself.  I'm worried about the 109 degree heat and the lake and snakes and..... geez.... I'm worried about it all!!!!!

Saturday morning cannot get here soon enough!!!!

I always enjoy seeing this at the exit every year.  It's a little reminder for me to pray for Ian.  Although, I doubt I need a reminder this year.  As I mentioned yesterday, if you are reading this.  I'm begging you to pray for him.  I am probably worried about nothing.  But he's my baby and I love him.  If it was Ryan or Gracie, I wouldn't be nearly so anxious.  If you know anything about my kiddos, you will understand that.

We picked out his bunk.  (he chose the bottom bunk this year), made a name tag for the bed in the "great room", then found a place for the million things I brought him this year.  Hopefully I am a little more prepared than I have been in the past.  I always forget something.  Last year, I forgot Ian's pillow.  He reminded me just this morning how uncomfortable that was.  (guilt trip)  One year, I forgot to pack Ryan underwear.  I'm sure that will be said at my funeral.  I am reminded ALL the time.  I DIDN'T FORGET THE UNDERWEAR THIS TIME!!!!!!  I did remember snacks.  That should be extra credit points to make up for my past mistakes, right?

On to another topic....  Rhino had a game last night.  It was melting hot, but they pulled out another win, yeah!!!  They all hit well.  I guess we are playing at home Wednesday.  Yippee, no traveling!!!!  It will be a double-header.  Sure hope the temp. drops about 10 degrees.

After awhile, crocodiles!!!!

BUSY...BUSY...BUSY!!!!

There are times when the up-keep on our land is too much for me.  I complain about mowing the yard.  The patches were no grass will grow (yet it's too expensive to sod).   There is always something that could be done outside.  Right now, my flower gardens are begging to be weeded. Branches need trimmed, dead trees need chopped.  However, Gracie and I had a little one on one time the other day, and it made me thankful.  Thankful that I have this place to call ours.  Thankful that I can enjoy a little of God's blessings right outside my front door.

So, I thought that I would start the pictures with my favorite place on the property.  This is a short path to our bottom ground.  The trees drape over the path and connect each other on both sides.  It is shady on even the sunniest of days.  

There is a shallow, rocky creek in our bottoms.  You can hop across the entire width by using the large boulders.  I took a friend's sons senior pictures here and it's gorgeous!!!  

A shot of the creek.  Someday....I want to clear the old, dead debris.  I think this would be a wonderful "thinking" spot.  

I imagine that fairies and trolls come out of hiding at dusk here.  Don't you?

I wish that this spook had stayed in hiding.  Gracie and I found him underneath Rick's old John boat.  Why in the world would I lift that up?  I was asking for a fright, I guess?  I have probably mentioned that I HATE, HATE, HATE snakes.  I put Ryan on snake patrol after I found three in one day!!  When he told me that he killed one, it made me a little sad.  WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!  So, I told him,  "I don't mind if you kill them, just don't tell me about it from now on."

Strangely, I don't mind frogs or turtles.  We found Mr. Toad and we decided that we better be nice to him.  He may be Gracie's future Prince Charming after all.  

So, I'm off to take Ian to church camp.  I'm a little worried, as always.  I'm going to miss him terribly.  He doesn't come home until Saturday.  It seems like such a long time.  But I know that he will form many great memories.  Hopefully he will come home a little closer to the Lord.  If you are reading this, please keep him in your prayers this week.  

Pam and Macy playing put-put

Nate the Great.  Or Nater-Tator as I call him.

I went last Friday to visit with my family.   My cousin, Heather, kept the four older boys (Ryan, Ian, Colten, Trey).  While my Aunt Pam, Uncle Mike and I took the three little ones (Gracie, Nate, and Macy).  We had so much fun!!!  Our first stop was mini golfing.  Have you ever taken 7, 5, 3 year olds golfing?  Boy, let me tell ya, that was a treat.  The adults just "helped".  However, independence must run in the Howe veins, because none of them really wanted help.  As a matter of fact, we had kiddos running all over the course.  At one time, Nate was hitting fours holes in front of us!!!  Good thing the course was empty.  We considered the bumper boats but then decided, nah!

We then went shoe shopping and bought Gracie and Macy some super d-duper high heels.  Then let them prance around the city in them.  We got a few side-ways glances, but oh well.  To top it off, Gracie had on this glitsy sequined t-shirt.  She was stylin'.  Macy had Princess Leah side buns.  Diva city!!!!!!  Nater got St. Louis Cardinals sandals.  That's what he wanted and they had full rein over the shoes...... so, that's what he got.

We rode the carousel two times at Independence Center.  Nate and Gracie rode the "spin ya till you throw up" thing, and Macy and I rode an "up and down", as she said.  That girl is so stinkin' cute.  I seriously could take her home with me.  Josh and Leanna are having another soon, they wouldn't miss her, right?

So Saturday morning came and Pa and Grandma came down.  We went to a few garage sales (with the same three small children).  Needless to say, we have a few more smelly stuffed animals to get rid of now.  

In the pictures below, I let Macy have the camera.  She wanted to take pretty pictures.  So, here is the result.  I enjoyed them.  Thought you would too.

Macy's MaMa and PaPa

Macy's Bob-Bob  

Grandpa?  What kind of face is that?  Are you frightened?

I took over the camera for the mini-golf.  Gracie did very well.  We might have a pro on our hands.

My beautiful Boo-boo.

I love spending time with my family.  We talk to them often but it isn't the same as being together.  Sure wish that they would all pack up and move to Chillicothe!!

Tootles for today!!!!

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:10-18

I'm feeling so down after hearing of the loss of a local boy and the injury of another.  The boy who passed was Ryan's age.  That just always hits home to me.  

My greatest fear is losing my family.  Hearing of things like this hits home.  It makes me understand how fast and fleeting our lives are on this Earth.  I question within myself what I'm living for.  Is it the next vacation?  Is it getting the new dining room furniture?  I need to prioritize!!!  I mentioned to Ryan two nights ago that we don't do our family devotions as often as we used to.  I need to do better.  Because my only goal on this planet is to prepare my children, my husband and myself for the next (far better) life.

Trent Moore and Ryan before a game in Alma, MO.  (which was later rained out).  Trent....love the hair man.  Ryan, you are a goober.

Grandpa and Uncle Tom came out to fish in our pond last week.  The kids were excited to fish with them.  They ended up with quite a few blue gill and crappie.  They threw all the bass back.  

I was sure impressed at how Gracie could work her Barbie pole.  She caught six fish.  ALL BY HERSELF.  Of course, Pa was super proud.

While all the normal people where fishing for FISH.  Ryan was catching bull frogs.  He would dangle the hooks in front of their faces and catch them.  I thought it was cruel.  Poor froggies.