Our Life in Mississippi

...

2012-02-13T08:53:00.000-08:00

This was just before we put their new "big kid" swings up. We kept these waaaaay too long. :) I thought Isaac was so cute, pushing his sister on the swing.

Happy Monday!

Play

2012-02-08T21:10:00.000-08:00

Why I Need an Iphone

2012-02-06T07:58:00.000-08:00

... But not really! ;) iphones do have great cameras though! Here's a couple pics that Melissa took with her iphone at our house last night:

Coffee :)

The sweetest boy in the world.

Happy Monday!

Seven Years and Six Months

2012-01-31T14:53:00.000-08:00

Yep. We've been married 7 1/2 years! We've experienced so much together that it almost seems like we've been together all of our lives. (to me anyway) On the other hand, 7 1/2 yrs feels like such a short time.

Slow down already!

:)

I Love you Joe!!!

Products We Love

2012-01-30T11:52:00.000-08:00

Here are some things the twins have been enjoying lately:

http://www.amazon.com/Phonics-Alphabet-Video-Letters-Fitness/dp/B004SQOODQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327950374&sr=8-1

This yoga dvd is so much fun! And it's educational: it reinforces their knowledge of the alphabet. Each stretch starts off with a letter of the alphabet and the sound it makes. Then we do a stretch that starts with that letter. We also inhale, then we say the vowels as we exhale. It's great for rainy days when we can't go outside, or just to start off the day. It's actually a good little workout too!

http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Deluxe-Standing-Easel/dp/B0002AUWKG/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1327951198&sr=1-1

S & I got this for Christmas - they LOVE it! This easel has everything: a dry erase board, chalk board, tray to hold art supplies, a roll of paper, and clips to hold paper in place. They get really creative!

http://www.amazon.com/My-Pillow-Pets-Tardy-Turtle/dp/B00286IXGM/ref=sr_1_42?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1327951706&sr=1-42

Another Christmas gift that they love and take almost everywhere: pillow pets! I wouldn't have thought that they would love these things so much, but they do. But hey, pillow pets are cuddly and cute - what's not to like?

http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Bake-Ultimate-Oven-2011/dp/B004P9591C/ref=sr_1_2?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1327952165&sr=1-2

I've already mentioned this easy bake oven in a couple of posts, but I will mention it again! This is a fun little oven. They love to bake, so this is great because they get to do everything without much help.

Alright, there you have it! Some of the things we are loving right now! Here is a picture of the twins doing "yoga" this morning:

Silly & Sweet

2012-01-27T09:36:00.000-08:00

I think they were really trying to be sweet for this picture! Isaac has his angelic face on.

They are posing with the impossibly tiny muffins that they baked in the easy bake oven yesterday. That thing is great for rainy days! :)

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!

2012-01-20T09:13:00.000-08:00

(mud-pie)

"Easy Easy Bakin' Oven"

2012-01-19T08:53:00.000-08:00

That is what Savannah has been calling her Easy Bake Oven. They've been having so much fun with the easy bake oven that Mimi gave Savannah for Christmas.

Some pictures from Monday:

Easy bake oven's are all about the process and the fun of making the cookies. These cookies are not even big enough to be called "bite-sized". They practically dissolved on my tongue as soon as I put one in my mouth. Which worked out great, because I didn't like to think about all the finger poking and spit that went into these. There was lots of "tasting" going on in the mixing process! But I couldn't hurt Savannah's feelings by not eating one of her cookies!

I know my mom has a picture of me with my easy bake oven. I got one for Christmas when I was 6 or 7. I loved mine! If I find that picture, I'll add it to this post, just for fun. :)

Monday

2012-01-16T09:48:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, I think these two are the sweetest. I wish I could bottle up at least a little of their sweetness, hilarity, and huggableness, and just keep that jar of wonderful forever. sigh.

I guess that's what all mothers wish for. :)

Little Things...

2012-01-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

...the twins said today:
I'm having a crazy bad hair day. So, I was in front of the mirror in the bathroom, trying to scrunch my hair up into a ponytail. My sweet and encouraging four year old daughter walked into the bathroom and eyed my ponytail attempt. She gave a little courtesy laugh and said very primly "Oh Mama, you are just so silly!"
Thank you child. :)

A few minutes after cleaning it up, I came back into the living room and found toys on the floor once again - so I exclaimed, "We just cleaned up this living room!" Isaac was standing by the couch, trying not to look guilty. He quickly moved a partially unfolded throw blanket to the arm of the couch, saying (in an exasperated voice): "Mama, you already had this 'ranged, and now Savannah came and UNranged it!!"

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Twins in Hats

2012-01-10T21:21:00.000-08:00

Today was very wet. We stayed inside & the twins had a "surprise party" for me. ( I am so blessed)

Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of that. BUT I did find these cute ones from a sunnier day:

Lookin' cute.

I believe Isaac was pretending to be the scarecrow, guarding our freshly raked garden.

He is "hooking" her with his Captain Hook finger. As I have said before, Isaac is very theatrical. :)

Chickens, looking askance at me.

Twins feeding chickens.

Our rooster, dubbed "Mr. Fancy Head" by Savannah, looking at the Crazy Lady with the camera.

Tent Time!

2012-01-09T07:15:00.000-08:00

Building tents is a daily activity!

God Bless the Moon

2012-01-08T20:57:00.000-08:00

~ I see the moon, and the moon sees me

Down through the leaves of the old oak tree

Please let the light that shines on me

Shine on the one I love ~

~ Author Unknown

The moon is so beautiful tonight, and the haze surrounding it illuminates everything. I took this picture, but it isn't really adequate. (neither is my camera at night) Here is a link to the lyrics, music, and a short history of what most people refer to as "God Bless the Moon". Very pretty!

Media Infiltration

2012-01-06T09:45:00.000-08:00

Proof that we watched "Home Alone" a few too many times over the Christmas season: Isaac's new favorite phrase, "Keep the change, ya filthy animal!"
Yep, that's happening, complete with voice impersonation.

Have y'all seen the pillow pet commercial? Savannah has her own version that she sings to our cat: "Your a kitty, your a cat, your a kitty cat!"

Perhaps I should leave the tv off for the next five years or so.

~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

P.S. Speaking of media and such things... I canceled my Facebook account for a while.

Just FYI, in case anyone noticed that they can't view my page. But, I do have "Twitter". I know, that makes a lot of sense, doesn't it?

Wow, I feel like I'm about 15 when I make such announcements. Ha! ;)

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

January 4th, 19 years ago...

2012-01-04T19:38:00.000-08:00

My sweet beautiful sister Kimberly was born! She is a wonderful sister and friend (and Aunt!).

A cell phone pic of Kimberly and me tonight. I love her brunette hair. She is the only one in our family blessed with curls!

We love you Kimberly!!!

HAPPY 19TH BIRTHDAY!!!

Farewell Coffee Shop

2012-01-02T18:47:00.000-08:00

During a visit to our favorite coffee shop last week, I discovered that my camera was in my purse. How convenient! Anyway, I took some pictures because I knew this might be our last visit. This is a great place, but the owners are retiring and closing up shop. Isn't this a cute pic of my sister Kimberly? She was wearing Isaac's hat. Love it!

This is my baby sister Lydia, drinking a "London Fog" - she doesn't like coffee. (gasp)

The ice cream corner, Savannah and Isaac's favorite place!

My coffee cup.

Sister's cute scarf.

Sis Melissa on the left, friend (and cousin in law) Laura on the right.

Beloved espresso maker.

The twins enjoying some gummy bears :)

PJ Pictures!

2012-01-01T12:20:00.000-08:00

Gavin. I think it's funny that they posed the same way.

Isaac. This is becoming his go-to pose.

Savannah :)

Elizabeth :)

Noah. All of the kids played on Elizabeth's rocking horse!

A blur of fun!

To ring in the new year, (before the holidays get too far behind us!) I thought I would post some pictures of these cousins in their pj's. Is there anything cuter than children in pj's? I don't think so!

The Last Day

2011-12-31T11:03:00.000-08:00

Well friends, it is the last day of the year 2011. It has been a challenging year. Time to move on. I don't know what the new year has in store for us, but that is part of the beauty of life. Only God knows what will happen next!

So I thank God for the year 2011, and I welcome the year 2012. I am trying to make some changes. I don't really believe in setting myself up for failure by making "resolutions", but making changes and setting goals is important for my development as a Christian, wife, mother... and just a person.

Here are some pictures from the last couple of weeks:

Cookie making.

Christmas morning. They were very excited about the candy. Isaac would pull out a piece and say "Healthy AND Delightful!" He is a little comedian.

At a favorite coffee shop yesterday :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Words From Henry W. Longfellow

2011-12-20T23:44:00.000-08:00

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

ChRiStMaS FuN Updated

2011-12-05T09:24:00.000-08:00

We got our Christmas tree this weekend! Isaac and Savannah were so excited about getting a tree this year! :)

Okay, I added more pictures! These are so cute I just had to post more of them... Do you recognize the pj's? They love these. Their MiMi gave them these pj's last year, and it is hard to believe that they were so loose! Now they fit just right. Savannah is wearing a cute little crochet hair clip. MiMi stitched that little piece, and I just attached it to a bobby pin. MiMi, please make more! ;)

She's whispering something in his ear :)

Redneck Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T10:02:00.000-08:00

Well, it's the Monday after Thanksgiving. Time for the dieting to begin!

Today I am cleaning the house and getting it ready for Christmas decorations. :)

I didn't get very good pictures this year, but here are several random ones from around the camp:

Every year we travel to south Alabama to spend Thanksgiving with Joe's Grandparent's and family. They live in a fishing camp in the middle of a cow pasture, so there's lots of room to run and play and make noise! His Grandparent's are actually from south Louisiana, but they moved to south Alabama several years ago. Honestly, the first time I spent Thanksgiving with Joe, it was really culture shock for me! We enjoy it though!

Karaoke starting. I can't carry a tune in a bucket, so I don't do karaoke. But listening to everyone else is fun!

Savannah, Noah, and Isaac, being goofy. Isaac isn't picking his nose, he's hooking it with his Captain Hook finger.

Cousins!

Noah and Gavin. I wish this picture wasn't blurry. These brothers are so cute!

Gavin, posing. :)

Savannah and a friend.

Sweet Elizabeth and her Mama.

The twins playing with their MiMi.

Savannah :)

Elizabeth and Savannah playing patty-cake.

We had a fun Thanksgiving with our family! (except the part when Savannah threw up all night, but that is another story) I hope all of my friends reading this post had a wonderful Thanksgiving too!! :)

Happy Monday!

A Simple Women's Daybook

2011-11-16T16:12:00.000-08:00

Outside my window...
Thick grey clouds and wind blowing leaves around the house.

I am thinking...
About how nice and quiet it is right now.

I am thankful...
For so many things. At the moment I am thankful for November, and the cool weather and crunchy leaves that this month brings.

In the kitchen...
Greens from the garden.

I am wearing...
Jeans and a black t-shirt.

I am creating...
Not much right now.

I am going...
To visit family next week!

I am wondering...
If it is going to rain out my evening walk.

I am reading...
A few books. When the weather starts getting cooler I always want to read L.M. Montgomery. I read "Jane of Lantern Hill" for the umpteenth time. Also "Blue Castle" and "Anne of the Island." Right now I'm reading another Donald Miller book "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years." Really good book so far.

I am hoping...
That the rain holds off til after my walk.

I am looking forward to...
Hiking this weekend, and Thanksgiving next week!

I am hearing...
The fan whirring...and mostly quiet.

Around the house...
"The children were nestled all snug in their beds..."

I am pondering...
How Mississippians were so easily distracted from the very real battle of life vs. death, a little over a week ago today. I am ashamed that we had an opportunity to stand up and say "We believe that life begins at conception. We will protect the unborn.", and we did not grasp that opportunity. We let it go by in the name of the "what if's"...in the name of our own "intellect." Pondering this verse: "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life..." ~Deuteronomy 30:19-20

One of my favorite things...
Okay, that last one was pretty heavy...so to follow that serious note, I'd have to say that one of my favorite things is my Bible. I don't know it well enough (by any stretch of the imagination), but I can always depend on it to set me straight!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Cleaning, cleaning. Laundry. It never ends. Also making crafty things with the kiddos!

Here is a picture I am sharing...

You can join "The Simple Women's Daybook", right here.

Happy Wednesday!

HaLLoWeeN 2011

2011-11-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

Isaac and Savannah were really getting into their characters for these pictures... Hilarious.

They're being kinda sweet in this one. Although Isaac looks like he's up to something, really. Look at the hand on her hair, and the deceptively sweet look in his eyes. Yep. He's up to something.

Okay, this is more fun. ;)

This is a cell phone picture taken at MiMi's house, right after they got in from trick or treating. Isaac takes his role as Batman very seriously!

After trick or treating, Savannah is checking out her loot.

With MiMi! I couldn't get Isaac to look at the right moment. They both love their MiMi so much, and had fun trick or treating with her!

This is a Halloween morning picture, I included it because Isaac doesn't have his mask on here. He wanted me to paint his face too, since I "painted" Savannah's. It's really just eyeliner, but it worked.

The twins had fun, and I did too! I'm glad for any opportunity to spend time with family and make memories with our sweet chilluns!

Happy November 1st !

Autumn

2011-10-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to a little roadside pumpkin-selling place, about five minutes (or less) from our house.

Really, we already have plenty of pumpkins. This little spot is so pretty, I just wanted to get some pictures. Savannah & Isaac picked out this little pumpkin. Actually, Savannah picked it out. Isaac was more interested in using the pumpkins as drums.

My Little Man. It's hard to get a picture of him smiling, instead of making captain hook poses and saying, "Yo ho matey's away!"

My precious girl. She picked her kitty cat headband.

Sweet.

Crazy.

Love.

Cousins

2011-10-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the sweetest picture? This is Savannah with her handsome cousin Noah. I was trying to take a picture of him with his Spider-man face paint, and she hopped in the wagon. Sometimes the best pictures are the spontaneous ones. :)

Progress!

2011-10-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

Well, after getting discouraged about the "school thing", and taking a little break, I started the "BOB" books with Savannah and Isaac on Monday. They LOVE the BOB books! I am so happy! These books are very simple, very short, and VERY entertaining (to a four year old). I've been working with them individually for just a few minutes everyday.

Today, October 19th, 2011, Savannah and Isaac read their first book. I am over the moon excited. OVER. THE. MOON. It was a very short book. Very simple words, but they read it.

Now, I know they have a long way to go before they can be labeled as "readers", but this is a huge breakthrough for us, and I just have to rejoice over it for a little while! ;)

Officially, the twins are in preschool. But the great thing about homeschooling is that you can do what they are ready for when they are ready for it. So I'm not going to push them or rush them into anything. I am just so happy that I've found something that they both like and respond to, because their learning styles are so drastically different. Anyway, I just had to document this breakthrough moment, so please excuse the shameless excitement!

Here is a link to the books I'm talking about: BOB Books

A picture of the twins Saturday with their cousins & Mimi (at the Pumpkin Patch). L-R: Gavin, Noah, Savannah, Isaac. This is a quick cell phone pic, right before they went on the hayride. They got their faces painted & had so much fun! So Cute!

Happy Wednesday Y'all!

Cell Phone Picture's from the Pumpkin Patch

2011-09-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday was opening day at our local Pumpkin Patch! I usually don't go this early in the season, but my sweet sister Jessica and her husband Daniel were here visiting, so we went together. This was Jessica & Daniel's first time to go with us, I'm glad we had this opportunity! Jessica, we love y'all!! ;)

Isaac was kind of a stinker. He laid out in the wagon and got Savannah to pull him around. She wanted to at first, but after a few minutes concluded that he was just too heavy.

She took the pumpkin picking business very seriously!

Being goofy!

We are so looking forward to visiting again soon! Mimi? Grammy? Are y'all ready?

In other news, I have had a bad cold this week, and haven't felt much like posting. I also cannot find the SD card to my camera, sad day! This is an item that I haven't lost before (amazing), and it has irreplaceable pictures on it. I hope I find it ASAP.

But on the positive side, I am so glad it is Autumn, and I love this cooler weather. I am looking forward to even cooler temperatures! :) :)

I hope everyone is having a great Thursday!!!

Rainy Day Cookies

2011-09-20T15:14:00.000-07:00

Well, as the title of this post states, it rained today, and we baked cookies. I should say, because it rained today, we baked cookies. There is nothing like being stuck in the house for a long time with two energetic 4 yr. olds, or kids of any age, shape, and size. Including adults sometimes. So, we made these Brown Sugar Cookies from Joy the Baker (love her!), and read "Night Noises" by Tony Johnston while they were baking. Yum!

Yes, my table was a mess, and I used fake vanilla :( Still turned out good though!

Doesn't he look sweet?

Last Pictures from Our Vacation (hopefully)

2011-09-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

I thought it was about time for me to finish with vacation posts, even though I have many more pictures! You know me and the crazy picture taking. This is an old Texaco Station in Reliance TN. We stopped in Reliance to have a picnic by the Hiwassee river.

Always beautiful! Joe swam and we waded. The water was really cold!

These pictures are from the Pumpkin Patch Playground on Signal Mtn.

You can tell they were on the move the whole time!

I am looking forward to posting some pictures from our local Pumpkin Patch. It opens soon, and we love going there! Right now we are loving the cooler weather. This is my favorite time of the year!

A few more vacation pictures...

2011-09-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

Once again, I don't have a lot of time, so I'm just posting a few more pics from our vacation. These were taken at Cades Cove.

Cooking Fish...

2011-09-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is. I seasoned each fish and wrapped them in foil, individually. Then we cooked them on the grill.

Savannah & Isaac, waiting for their fish dinner.

Cooked fish.

This picture is a little deceiving. They didn't like the fish. Really, none of us liked it, not even Joe, who loves fish. Joe has had trout many times, but only because he didn't want to waste his "catch". He prefers catfish, and now I know why. No offense to trout lovers, but we are used to catfish, and I didn't expect the trout to have such a "mealy" taste to it. Oh well, we ate it (Joe & I did), and it was all about the experience of catching fish! :) Next time we might just catch and release.

Trout Fishing

2011-09-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

We don't usually enjoy "tourist" activities, but Joe really wanted the twins to catch a fish. So we went to one of those little trout ponds where they were sure to catch one, and they loved it!

Intense!

The man that worked there was great! I can't remember his name right now, but he was really good with Savannah and Isaac.

This is after, when they are watching him clean the fish. Savannah caught one and Isaac caught three. We wanted to have one for each of us for supper. Savannah was really excited about catching her first fish, but after seeing it flop around in the bucket for a minute, she simply stated that she didn't want to catch another one. She really enjoyed watching Isaac catch the rest though!

You see that little lump of something that Isaac is looking at? That's a fish heart. Still beating. This is Savannah's face after the fish guy suggested that they EAT the fish heart. This was not a happy thought for her!

But, they spotted a cat and that made everything fun again!

Sweet chillins'!

Sorry, I don't have pics of them with the actual fish! What was I thinking? Next post I will share some pictures of us cooking and eating the fish at the cabin. I know that sounds exciting! Ha!

Vacation Pictures

2011-08-31T14:35:00.000-07:00

We are back from our trip to the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee! We stayed in a cabin and had a great time! I don't have time to post much right now, so I'm just sharing a few pictures. More to come!

This was the cabin, tucked in the woods. Savannah and Isaac were so excited when they saw it!

View from the side of the cabin.

The twins dancing around. This was the first night.

They were beyond excited! :-)

Running up and down the driveway was one of their favorite activities.

So funny!

Happy Friday!

2011-08-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

One of Isaac and Savannah's favorite things: Their bicycles!

A Simple Women's Daybook

2011-08-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

Alright, it's about time for me to do one of these "Daybook" posts again! If you want to join in, just click here.

Outside my window...
Well, I'm outside right now, and the sun is out. It has been cooler these last few days! Mid 80s to low 90s, and less humidity! Yes!

I am thinking...
About the twins starting kindergarten this year. We are planning to home-school, and I've been looking at schoolroom ideas and just ideas in general. Yikes.

I am thankful...
For so many things! Cooler weather being one of them!

In the kitchen...
Nothing much right now. The twins had cheese sandwiches for lunch.

I am wearing...
Rolled up jeans and a tee-shirt.

I am creating...
A plan for the twins new learning venture, kindergarten.

I am going...
Physically, no where at the moment.

I am wondering...
About many things. Hoping for God's wisdom concerning the whole homeschooling thing!

I am reading...
Still reading "Searching For God Know's What", by Donald Miller. Great book, but I haven't had a lot of time for reading lately.

I am hoping...
I guess I already answered this one! I am excited about homeschooling, I was homeschooled myself (y'all knew there was something weird about me ;)), but the Lord knows I will need His help!

I am looking forward to...
As always, vacation. Creating a little schoolroom for the kiddos. :)

I am hearing...
Savannah and Isaac, playing. The water running onto their slip n' slide.

Around the house...
We are outside right now. Plenty of housework awaits when we go inside!

I am pondering...
Can I skip this today? Thanks!

One of my favorite things...
My camera. I also love old cameras. I'm borrowing an old Ricoh from my Dad, maybe someday I will post some pics from it. Dad used to take really good family pictures with that camera!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Cleaning, Planning, Walking...

Here is a picture I am sharing:

This is a cute one from their birthday morning. This was right after they opened some presents from us, you can see paper still on the table. They had some "birthday donuts" and chocolate milk :) I think Savannah is having water in this pic, that is usually her beverage of choice.
On a side note, Isaac is always taking his shirt off. I guess (to him) it is more of a nuisance than a necessity.

Happy Wednesday Y'all!

Lizzie's 1st Birthday

2011-08-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

This beautiful girl just turned one year old! It almost doesn't seem possible! Isaac and Savannah love her so much, and we are all so blessed to have her in our lives.

She is a sweet "baby cousin." I took a video of her eating her first birthday cake, at her birthday party on Saturday:

Happy Friday! Updated

2011-08-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to add a few things that I don't want to forget!

Today we went to McDonald's, and Isaac pretended to be The Big Bad Wolf. Savannah and all of the other kids really got into it. It was pretty funny. They were calling him "The Big Bad Wolf", and completely playing along the whole time. They had so much fun it was hard for us to leave. :) He also became interested in Ronald McDonald, and asked all of the kids if they had seen "Ronald", or talked to him. I don't know why he suddenly was interested in Ronald, I haven't ever talked about him. To me, he's a tacky plastic figure sitting on a bench. So anyway, tonight when I was putting him to bed, he told me a fantastical story about a Bear, The Big Bad Wolf, Ronald, and Himself. Later he added his Uncle Jesse and Batman. There was a lot going on in that story!

Savannah had several jokes to tell me when I was tucking her in. She started with "Why did the chicken walk on the road? Because he is a chicken!" (giggles) She told a few jokes similar to this, and I laid down beside her while she was talking. I was getting really sleepy, and Savannah got quiet for a moment. Then she said "Mama, if you stay in bed much longer, another joke is going to happen!"

Savannah has such a sweet, loving way about her. Isaac and Savannah are both so precious that I could cry thinking about them. So there. The Mama in me is so sentimental! Anyone else have that happen? Have kids and turn into a sentimental basketcase? It happened to me, but I consider it a blessing. Although tearing up during certain commercials on tv (or at random moments) can be embarrassing. ;)

Things to Remember

2011-08-04T15:49:00.000-07:00

August. Hard to believe it's already here, right? It greeted us with another heat wave! 104 degrees yesterday, and the humidity was worse. But we are alive and well, thank the Lord!

Joe and I did get to go out for our anniversary last weekend. It was so nice to get away, just the two of us. I feel as though I could just cry or laugh, and lately it's been the former. So it was great to just spend some time with my hubby!

I am so grateful for my sweet children! The little things that they say really crack me up. A couple nights ago, Savannah and I were going outside to check on the chickens, but Isaac was still taking time eating his supper. Savannah turned around as we were going out and said "Don't worry, Isaac, you won't be alone. The kitty is still here, and so is God!"

Isaac is such a sweetie, and yet he always wants to play the bad guy. What is going on with that? He seems to think that the "bad guy" is the tough one. Joe tries to convince him otherwise. Isaac insists that the bad guys win. Joe then reminds him of one of his favorite stories, David and Goliath. Who won in that story? David, because God gave him strength. Isaac seems to think that this is just an exception. He wants to be rough and tough, and apparently thinks he has to be a "bad guy" to play the part. Ah well, I think he'll come around. He's really a good guy at heart. :)

Savannah is in love with our new kitten, Smokey. The other day she was holding Smokey, and said "Mama, look! Smokey is looking at you! She likes you mama, isn't that sweet? Oh look at that funny face she's making! She is so funny. I didn't know we had such a sweet, funny cat." She is such a little Mama!!

One day I overheard my brother Jesse tell Isaac that he was a big baby. (this is funny because Isaac is always beating him up ;)) Isaac answered with confidence, "No, I'm not a baby, I'm just Mama's baby!"

Another thing Isaac has been doing is calling our Sequoia a submarine. He can't understand why it would be called a sequoia, that just doesn't make good sense. So when we go somewhere, he has started asking, "Mama, are we going in the submarine?" I guess that does sound more exciting. ;)

Savannah and Isaac both really enjoy our nighttime ritual of reading books together. They have many favorites. "Frog and Toad", "Curious George", "Night Noises", "The Biggest Bear", and of course Bible stories, just to name a few. But they also enjoy just having a little "one on one" time with me. Savannah says "Alright Mama, just lay right here and lets talk for a little while. Now, there are lots of fun things that we can do tomorrow." And then she launches into a list of plans and hopes that she has thought of for the next day. I think she is definitely a planner. :) Isaac, on the other hand, is a dreamer. When I tuck him into his bed, he likes to tell me stories. He has several versions of "The Big Bad Wolf" stories. He has special voices for each character. He likes for me to play along too, and be one of his characters. It surprises me how well he can change his voice. One time when he was probably 2 1/2 yrs old, he talked to me in a sort of creepy gravelly voice the whole time we were out shopping. He thought it was great fun. The other shoppers probably thought that there was something wrong with my child, but who cares?

Savannah and Isaac have been painting a cardboard playhouse that they got last Christmas. That thing has lasted a long time! Savannah is so creative and loves to paint. Isaac is also creative, but he likes to paint himself. I thought he might outgrow that, but he hasn't yet. So Savannah is busy drawing, coloring, or painting any surface that is allowed, while Isaac is busy trying to paint his whole body, hopefully unnoticed by me. ;) Ah children, the spice of life, you might say. Well, wait until you have to clean up one of these messes! Really, I kid. Children are the spice of life, and I love them!

I hope everyone has a marvelous weekend!

A Simple Women's Daybook

2011-07-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

Outside my window...
The sun is shining. Cloudy. Beautiful hot summer day.

I am thinking...
That this Sunday is our 7th anniversary!

I am thankful...
That I have been married for seven years to a great guy, and it doesn't seem like it's been that long!

In the kitchen...
We had tuna salad for lunch.

I am wearing...
Black tank top and pink capris. They are really comfortable.

I am creating...
I've been doing a few projects lately. Today I've been working on an old bicycle, trying to fix it up to ride.

I am going...
Maybe out to eat or something, to celebrate our anniversary.

I am wondering...
hmmm... What to wear?

I am reading...
"Searching For God Knows What", another book by Donald Miller, author of "Blue Like Jazz".

I am hoping...
To get in better shape before our vacation! I hope we get to do some hiking!

I am looking forward to...
Going out with my hubby.

I am hearing...
It's pretty quiet around here right now, the twins are taking a nap.

Around the house...
Laundry to fold. My babies, sleeping... ;)

I am pondering...
How everything seems different this summer...

One of my favorite things...
My Chaco sandals. I have had them about 8 yrs now, still going strong. Although the soles have gotten kinda smooth!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Well, the week is almost over now! I hope we get to do mostly fun things this weekend. Maybe go out in the boat tomorrow. Hopefully go somewhere to celebrate our (already mentioned) anniversary.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing:

Joe took this picture when he was in Colorado last year.

If you want to join "The Simple Women's Daybook", click here.

Happy Friday Everyone!

Slip N' Slide

2011-07-22T09:16:00.000-07:00

This is what we have been up to this morning! Thank you for the slip n' slide Mimi!!

P.S. The haziness is not fancy photography, it's humidity.

A Simple Women's Daybook

2011-07-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

Outside my window...
Sunny sky, a few rain clouds. It has been raining off and on.

I am thinking...
About things that I have to do.

I am thankful...
For all of the figs I just picked, thanks to my mother-in-love :)

In the kitchen...
Corn, figs, green beans.

I am wearing...
Old t-shirt and pink capri pants. Sweaty and dirty from being outside.

I am creating...
Nothing except this blog post.

I am going...
Nowhere. I just got back from Shop and Save. I went for canning supplies, with two dirty children. Which makes three dirty people, because I am not too clean myself. Isaac didn't have a shirt on, I got a few looks. Oh well! ;)

I am wondering...
What I am going to fix for supper.

I am reading...
"Blue Like Jazz". Finally reading this!

I am hoping...
My preserve making endeavors are successful!

I am looking forward to...
Same thing as last week, my sister coming home. Our family finally getting to go on vacation!

I am hearing...
The faint sound of the tv. Savannah talking to Joe.

Around the house...
Joe tickling Savannah, Isaac playing with the cat.

I am pondering...
Too distracted to ponder.

One of my favorite things...
Paper towels. Paper towels are necessary in our house!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. Making fig preserves!! I have never made them before, but I am really excited to try!

A picture I am sharing:

You can click here to join: "The Simple Women's Daybook"

Happy Wednesday Y'all!

Summertime Fruit

2011-07-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

Isaac and Savannah have been enjoying some good ole' watermelon, one of their favorite summertime fruits. That and strawberries, blueberries, peaches.... But in this picture, just watermelon.

A Simple Women's Daybook

2011-07-11T13:14:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy reading other blog friend's "The Simple Woman's Daybook" posts, so I decided to join in. It might be a good way to keep up with things! You can join in here.

Outside my window...
The sun is shining. My hummingbird feeders have been pretty busy, although right now I don't see a single bird.

I am thinking...
I hope Savannah goes to sleep soon, and stops making excuses to get up. :)

I am thankful...
For two children and a wonderful husband. Also thankful that it is naptime!

In the kitchen...
Corn from our garden. I've been trimming down the cobs to make creamed corn.

I am wearing...
Jeans and a tank top.

I am creating...
A big mess. At least, a big mess on the table. Corn, other garden vegetables, buckets, knife, etc.

I am going...
To shower. Hopefully sooner than later.

I am wondering...
When my hubby will be home.

I am reading...
"The Help". Good book!

I am hoping...
That I get the kitchen cleaned quickly, so I can have some down time... I guess I better get busy! ;)

I am looking forward to...
My sister coming home from England, and (me, our family) going back to the mountains! (East Tennessee) It is never soon enough! :)

I am hearing...
The sounds of silence. Ahhhhhh. And the whirring of the ceiling fan.

Around the house...
Sweet children in their beds. (I hope)
Our grey kitten, Smokey, napping.

I am pondering...
Life and death. My lovely Grandmothers' lives (they both left this world in the past year), and the impact they have had on my life.
A little too serious, but something I have been thinking about!

One of my favorite things...
Pictures of the people I love.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Chores, laundry and such. Picking vegetables. Washing eggs. Walking. Reading the rest of "The Help". Cooking. Playing with my chillin's. :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:

Pictures ~ Updated ~

2011-07-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

( I added more pictures)
Here are just a few pictures I want to share. I had them on my computer from my cousin's wedding last year:

Driving up to the house where they had the reception.

This is the view from the front of the house.

Band at the reception.

Cake!

This was at night, after everyone waved goodbye to the newly married couple, with sparklers!

An old, falling apart house, behind the plantation house.

Looking in through the window.

Mamaw & Savannah, before the wedding. This was May 15, 2010

I have many pictures from our trips to the Delta, and I plan to share more later. This is a place that is close to my heart, because of my family that is so close to my heart.
I know that was sappy, but I just had to say it. :)

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Thursday!

Happy Independence Day!

2011-06-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

Pictures

2011-06-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

Savannah and Isaac are sitting on the steps of a chapel, beside my Grandparent's home.

This is how close the chapel is to their house. Their house is on the left, of course.

The twins coloring with my cousin Sara.

Celebrating my sister Lydia's 15th birthday!

Margaret Anne Inman

2011-06-14T00:06:00.000-07:00

Last week, these words from a song by Lucy Schwartz kept running through my mind:
"Morning comes in waves of sorrow, somber as the day that follows, still morning comes."

Mamaw is gone, and it seems very unreal. I love her so much, and I am glad to know that she is with the Lord, and not in pain anymore. She passed away Friday, June 10. We all miss her.

My Papaw and Mamaw, Andrew and Margaret, with my Mama, Cathy (little girl), and one of her sister's, Peggy (baby). This picture was taken before their sister Andrea was born.

Christmas 2010:

Margaret Anne Inman

May 1st, 1939 - June 10, 2011

"Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast;
There by His love o’ershaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.
Hark! ’tis the voice of angels
Borne in a song to me,
Over the fields of glory,
Over the jasper sea."
~ Frances J. Crosby

Summer Sun

2011-06-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

"Great is the sun, and wide he goes

Through empty heaven with repose;

And in the blue and glowing days

More thick than rain he showers his rays

Though closer still the blinds we pull

To keep the shady parlour cool,

Yet he will find a chink or two

to slip his golden fingers through.

The dusty attic spider-clad

He, through the key-hole, maketh glad;

And through the broken edge of tiles

Into the laddered hay-loft smiles.

Meantime his golden face around

He bares to all the garden ground,

And sheds a warm and glittering look

Among the ivy's inmost nook.

Above the hills, along the blue,

Round the bright air with footing true,

To please the child, to paint the rose,

The gardener of the World, he goes."

~by Robert Louis Stevenson

Funny Poses by the Pool

2011-06-03T13:29:00.000-07:00

Apparently, when it comes to posing (and making their Mama laugh), these children need no prompting!

On a Lighter Note...

2011-05-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

Some pictures from Easter, when we had our first crawfish boil of the season! I couldn't get Savannah and Isaac to cooperate for pictures with their pretty church clothes on. I will have to get them all dressed up and take pictures another day!
This was my attempt at taking pictures with their "fancy" clothes on:

This was the closest they came to smiling!

Goofy faces. These faces say "We're bored. We would rather be stuffing our faces with candy and running around wild and shirtless."

Mimi and Lizzie! Lizzie was chewing on a plastic egg - she did not want to give it up! :-)

Crawfish, potatoes, mushrooms, corn, sausage. You can't see it all here, but this was just one batch.

After the egg hunt!

Isaac cracks me up. :)

"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
~ Ephesians 2:4-9

...

2011-04-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

As everyone knows, we have had enormously devastating tornadoes this week. Our family is so blessed to have escaped harm, but there are so many people so close to us that have not escaped this tragedy. Prayers are needed! We live between two places that have been completely torn to pieces. Smithville, MS, is about 45 miles north of us. Tuscaloosa, AL is about 55 miles east. There are several other places that have been hit as well. My sister, Melissa goes to school at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and was there during the storm. I am so grateful that she is okay!

Normally, I don't like to post prayer requests on my blog, but this has been a hard week for so many! I also ask for prayer for my Mamaw (My Mother's Mother), who has been fighting lung cancer since last September. We found out this week that she has cancer cells in her brain. She is receiving radiation treatments. Please pray for my Papaw and my Mom, and her two sisters. I thank God for her and for our family.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
~ 2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/04/tornadoes_kill_over_200.html?p1=News_links

Isaac and Savannah Are Four Years Old!

2011-03-01T09:45:00.000-08:00

I did easy cakes this year. Isaac has been asking for a tractor cake for months! It looks like the tractor is in the mud, because the icing is a chocolate ganache. I put cookies under each tire so that the tractor would not sink down further! It is a new, freshly washed tractor, by the way! :) Savannah wanted a Strawberry Shortcake, this is supposed to be Strawberry Shortcake's hat. It was cute and very yummy. I love strawberry cake! I made a bow for her cake and for her hair, from the same ribbon.

They are so sweet! Isaac had a goofy face for every picture!

These are cell phone pictures from my sister's phone. Thank you for getting these pictures, Lydia! They are priceless! We sang "Happy Birthday" to them separately for the first time this year. This is when we were singing to Isaac, and he just loved it!

This is when we sang to Savannah, and they were looking at each other so sweetly, I could cry! :)

There you have it! The twins are FOUR!

Birthday Tomorrow

2011-02-25T08:13:00.000-08:00

The twin's birthday is tomorrow! It is hard to believe that they will be four years old.

Savannah was "camping", she packed everything in her backpack. Isaac was camping too, but I guess all he needs is Thomas the Train.

Happy V'day Y'all!

2011-02-14T14:52:00.000-08:00

The twins love to look at the giant cookie cakes when we go to the mall, so when they went down for their nap this afternoon - I made a giant sugar cookie and strawberry icing! (and of course one for Joe,too!) They should be awake any minute, I am so excited for them to wake up! Also, I am turning into a big baby. I teared up at a funny, sweet little rhyme that Joe wrote in a Valentine's card for me. He's the best!

Out For a Drive

2011-02-14T09:18:00.000-08:00

I snapped some pictures while we were out for a drive the other day. Most are taken from the comfort of the car, through the window. :) We are getting a lot of snow this year!

The Question

2011-02-03T14:26:00.000-08:00

"Mama, lets talk about, where do babies come from?" This is a topic that Savannah has been very interested in lately, to my surprise. When I first heard her ask this question, I thought, where did this come from? I'm not ready for these questions! But I realized that she wasn't talking about the "birds the bees", she is just naturally curious about this strange phenomenon. I mean, hey, it is pretty amazing how a baby can be inside a women's tummy and then just appear one day! So I talked to her and Isaac about how God puts the baby in a safe place inside the woman called a "womb", and then one day when they are big enough to live on the "outside", he brings them out. I also talked to them about when they were born, and what a special day that was.

Then one evening Isaac was talking to his Daddy about how he was born. I don't think I had mentioned that we had been talking about "where babies come from", but Daddy decided to clear up this mystery for Isaac. Joe said "Yep, we found you outside, in a tomato can. I said, 'Mama, do you think we should take this little possum home with us?' She didn't really want to, but I talked her into it. We already had Savannah, so I thought we could take care of you too. We brought you home and have been taking care of you ever since. You're one of the family now, just my own little possum." Isaac grinned and seemed okay with that idea. I interjected "Isaac, you know how you were born! Tell Daddy where you came from!" He just grinned really big and said "I came from a tomato can!!"

Sharing a Couple of "old" Pictures

2011-02-01T10:40:00.000-08:00

Isaac is blowing me a kiss. This is one of his first times on a "big kid" swing. :)

Savannah has always had a camaraderie with animals!

It is February, Isaac and Savannah's Birthday month! I love looking at cake ideas and making plans. My "Sweet Babies" are turning 4!

Snow Day

2011-01-11T19:10:00.000-08:00

We had a big winter storm Sunday night, very unusual in our neck of the woods! We had so much fun!

Making snow balls! She was throwing them at everyone! :)

He went from making a snow angel, to snow swimming.

More snowballs!

Snowball making.

Joe helped with the snowman! I was so glad he could play in the snow with us! It is kinda yucky looking, with some mud and stuff mixed in. But hey, we live in the south!

I had to put in some pictures of Lizzie, my niece that we kept this weekend! She is such a sweet, beautiful baby.

Isaac is so sweet to her. Yes, his shirt is inside out. : p

This is a funny one. :) I wish I had taken some pictures with Savannah, she just dotes on Lizzie! She helped me out so much, and is so sweet! I will try to get some more next time!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week! Happy Winter!

A Jumble of Christmas Pictures

2011-01-01T21:44:00.000-08:00

Isaac and Savannah helped decorate this gingerbread house a few days before Christmas. The candy did not last long!

This is on Christmas morning. It actually snowed in Mississippi on Christmas morning!!! We had a white Christmas, which almost never happens. The first that I remember. Savannah and Isaac wanted to run out immediately, but you can tell by their faces it was too cold. :)

This is just the beginning of the snow! On Christmas Eve, Savannah told me that we couldn't open presents on Christmas morning until it snowed. She was absolutely sure that it was going to snow. I told her we might have to wait a while, because it didn't usually snow on Christmas where we live.

But it did snow, and they were SO EXCITED. They put on their new raincoats and wanted to go back out!

After we opened presents and had a big breakfast, we went to Mamaw and Papaw's house. We opened presents at their house too, but there was a lot going on, and I didn't get pictures! Isaac and Savannah are set for life in the toy department. Or at least until next year! We are very blessed, with wonderful family and friends most of all!
Isaac wore his pj's all day. If I had a pair as cozy as those, I might have worn them all day too!

My sweet Papaw and Mamaw. I love them both so much!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve Pictures

2010-12-29T12:20:00.000-08:00

With the cousins! I didn't get many pictures because it was so chaotic at our house! :)

Baby Cousin

2010-12-06T12:45:00.000-08:00

Savannah says that when they grow up they can have tea parties together. :)

Isaac is so gentle with her. :)

Savannah & Isaac love their baby cousin Lizzie!

Red and Green...

2010-12-02T11:33:00.000-08:00

We made some spice cookies the other day. Savannah & Isaac can really pour on some sprinkles!

Some things we've been doing...

2010-11-24T09:29:00.000-08:00

Tracing letters. This first one is Isaac's. He likes to color over everything after he trace's the letter.

Savannah's. They are both left- handed, although I think Savannah is ambidextrous. She starts with the left and switches up often.

Painting on the concrete patio. (with water)

Smiling!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

The "Mad Face"

2010-11-18T13:15:00.000-08:00

Savannah and Isaac were tracing their letters, and I heard Savannah giggle. She had turned her paper over and drawn a face on the other side, complete with "angry eyebrows". She said, "Mama, she is not happy, she is MAD!" (another giggle) Then she embellished the eyebrows a little more. :)

A Nature Walk

2010-11-11T12:57:00.000-08:00

We had a picnic the other day, at a local state park. After our picnic we took a little walk. I was excited to get some good pictures! I love these beautiful fall days.

We found some really pretty mushrooms. They reminded me that mushrooms are poisonous, unless we buy them from the store. We have had these discussions before, since they love to eat mushrooms. But NOT outside ones! I remember reading that orange ones are very poisonous.

Mushrooms are very interesting and pretty to look at.

He "climbed" this tree - just the very lowest branches. I got several cute pictures.

I love this one!

Goodbye, October - Part 2

2010-11-05T21:31:00.000-07:00


"October gave a party; The leaves by hundreds came - The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples, the leaves of every name. The Sunshine spread a carpet, and everything was grand, Miss Weather led the dancing, Professor Wind the band." ~~~~~~~~~~~ George Cooper, October's Party

Goodbye, October - Part 1

2010-11-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

We spent the last weekend of October with my Aunt Glenda at her house on Signal Mt., close to Chattanooga, TN. We had a great time!! These are a mixture of pictures from the Halloween party at Aunt Glenda's house, and our outing to downtown Chattanooga. I forgot my camera (gasp), so my sis Melissa took most of these pictures. Thank you Melissa!

Glenda's house.

My sister Kimberly made these yummy cupcakes, which were actually German chocolate brownies with cream cheese icing. Yum!

Princess! I let them pick their costumes, and she loves the girly stuff! I'm not really sure she knows what a princess is, but she knows they get to wear pink frilly clothes! After I helped her get into her costume, she said "Oh Mama, now I feel like a lovely princess!"

Super Grover!!! He thinks Grover is hilarious, and loves Super Grover. Everyone thought he was so funny. :) He ran around saying "I'm SUPE - ER GWOVER!!! He loved being blue and having a cape! I made his cape out of a sheet. :) Savannah said "I am the princess, and he is my Super Hero!"

Downtown Chattanooga, close to Rembrandt's Coffee House. We love going to Rembrandt's, and it is in a beautiful part of town! These pictures are a little mixed up, but that is how they uploaded - oh well!

Beside Rembrandt's.

Yummy pumpkin spice latte and tomato artichoke soup at Rembrandt's.

They actually asked if they could go swimming!!

They were fascinated with this sculpture.

Being goofy, their favorite way to be! Isaac, where do you come up with these faces?

Goofy Art

2010-10-27T23:56:00.000-07:00

Painting Pumpkins

2010-10-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

This glitter glue is so fun to "paint" pumpkins with, and Savannah & Isaac were able to do this by themselves! They loved it!

Silly faces!

I had some buttons already, and we decided to use those too.

The pumpkins we have decorated so far - they will probably work on the big ones some more. This activity is all about the fun, not the finished product! :)

Some Pictures from the Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

These pictures are from two different days at our local pumpkin patch. This is my sweet little niece, Lizzie.

This is Lizzie with her beautiful Mama, Leigh. (my sis in law)

Isaac is saying "cheese", but he looks like he is getting ready to chew down a tree with his teeth. I love'em.

Savannah was 3'5", and Isaac was 3'6"

Isaac's favorite!

They had so much fun at the Pumpkin Patch! I have more pics that I will probably put up later. I am hoping to take some in the evening when the sun isn't in their eyes! :) I hope everyone is having a wonderful October!

Vaca Pictures 2, Cades Cove

2010-09-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

Ruby Faye

2010-09-08T22:37:00.000-07:00

Thinking about my sweet Grandmother, Ruby Faye Duncan.

August 8, 1930 - September 7, 2010

"Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace."

~ from "Amazing Grace" ~
John Newton

Vaca Part 1, Clingman's Dome Hike

2010-08-31T08:20:00.000-07:00

Little gift shop on the mountain.

Views from the trail.

Isaac said he was going to climb to the top! :)
Climbing the rocks on the side of the path.
After climbing the rocks. Don't look so excited! I'm not sure what they were looking at.
Eating wild blueberries.
S & I right before we went up the observation deck.
This is after we walked up the observation deck.
Some berries Isaac found on the "trail".

More of a paved walkway than a trail.
From the "Observation Deck".
Observation Deck from the ground.
Our family at the top. The only family pic we got on our vacation!

We went to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee last week for our vacation. I have so many pics that I am just going to post them in segments. :)

Best Friends

2010-08-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

Isaac and Savannah love to play on their beds. This is on Isaac's bed the other day, just after I gave Isaac a haircut.

I will be linking to "Wordless Wednesday" at the Miller Racing Family's blog!

Happy Wednesday! :-)

Baby Elizabeth

2010-08-08T15:50:00.000-07:00

This is my precious niece, Elizabeth Nicole! Her Mama is my sweet sister in law, Leigh. Elizabeth (or Lizzie) was born Saturday, August 7, 2010. She was 8 lbs, 10 oz!

This is Elizabeth and her Uncle Joe (my hubby). :)
The cousins & their proud Mimi! (Joe's Mama) :-)

Six Years Together

2010-07-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

Our Wedding Day.

Tomorrow, July 31st, 2010 Joseph and I will have been married 6 years! It is strange how long and how short that seems, all at once. I can truthfully say, even though I know this is really sappy, that we are even more in love than we were on our wedding day. However, we definitely don't get as much alone time as we did then! We are going on a short over-night get away, without the twins! They will be having fun with their Grammy & Grandpa.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Today, Rain is a Good Thing

2010-07-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

We got caught in a rain shower today. Instead of wanting to run back in the house, Isaac and Savannah shouted excitedly "Mama, rain RAIN rain!!!" And started running around, throwing their heads back and laughing. It made me think of when I was a little girl, wearing my swim suit with the purple flowers that I loved, saying "Mama, can I go outside in the rain?!" :-) Mom would usually say yes, if there wasn't any lightning. ;) So, anyway, we played in the rain today. Isaac ran around with "reckless abandon" and Savannah did an impromptu rain dance. Then, of course, I had to take some pictures!

A Couple of Pictures & Blueberry Picking

2010-07-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

Picking "booberries".
Picnicking on the 4Th.

This has been a busy summer! Isaac and Savannah are growing like weeds, and getting funnier by the day. :) Last week we picked blueberries & they had so much fun! Isaac picked for about 30 minutes and then exclaimed "Mama, I'm ready to go to my home now!" I told him we couldn't go home yet, we had to pick more berries. Savannah and Isaac both asked me if we were picking berries to put up for the "long winter". We have been reading "Blueberries for Sal", and they think we are putting up berries for the winter, just like Sal and her Mother. Hopefully I will be able to pick enough to freeze/can for us this year! S & I are kind of wimps though, and they can't stay out there long. ;-) We were out picking for about an hour, and they started asking to go home and get in the pool. Then Savannah spilled about two big handfuls of blueberries out of her bucket. She had been picking very intensely, but I think that kind of took the wind out of her sails! Isaac gasped and said "Mama, those booberries are gonna die!" Anyway, we picked up what we could out of the thick grass, but we didn't stay long after that. Isaac got hot and flushed, sat down under a bush and started crying. Savannah tried to console him at first and then she started crying. Usually when one of them starts the other is soon to follow! Ha! So then I carried my big babies to the car & we went for ice cream, the "cure all" remedy. :-)

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! :)

The BEST Blueberry Muffins

2010-07-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

We have been eating a lot of blueberries lately, and this morning I found the BEST blueberry muffin recipe yet! I am very picky about blueberry muffins, and don't often find a recipe that I like, so I am definitely excited about this one!

This recipe is from Ina Garten on foodnetwork.com

Blueberry Coffee Cake Muffins: (now you know that this isn't a "lite" recipe)

Ingredients:

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature*
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
8 ounces (about 1 cup) sour cream
1/4 cup milk
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 half-pints fresh blueberries, picked through for stems

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place 16 paper liners in muffin pans.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs 1 at a time, then add the vanilla, sour cream, and milk. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer on low speed add the flour mixture to the batter and beat until just mixed. Fold in the blueberries with a spatula and be sure the batter is completely mixed.

Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin pans, filling each cup just over the top, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the muffins are lightly browned on top and a cake tester comes out clean.

*I used salted butter, because that is what I had on hand, and the muffins did not taste salty.

I hope everyone is having a great Wednesday!

Kiddie Pools: One of the Greatest Inventions of All Time

2010-06-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

Isaac & Savannah have been having the best time in this pool!! Unfortunately, my cell phone pictures are not uploading to blogger right now, and I was only able to post this one picture. I will try to post more later!

Anyway, this pool has been the best! In the mornings, we go for a walk, then they get in the pool. Then lunch & nap time. It has been so hot and humid, this is the only activity we really wanna do! Until evening, anyway. Then we work on the garden & yard. Aren't summer evenings the BEST? Everything is hazy and beautiful. I love summertime. :-)

Just a Couple Cell Phone Pictures

2010-06-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

This is at home, I just love Isaac's grin!
This is more recent of Savannah - today at church. This is VBS week & they have been having so much fun! I hope to take more pictures tomorrow.
Those kids have been keeping us busy this week! Or we have been keeping them busy. Either way, we are all worn out - in a good way. :-) The house work has definitely suffered though. I see lots of dishes and laundry in my weekend! I guess I should stop procrastinating & get a move on it!

A Medley of Summer Pictures

2010-06-10T17:18:00.000-07:00

Joe caught this fish "grabbing". His hand was in that giant, gross catfish mouth. Catfish definitely taste much better than they look!
Savannah & Isaac have been loving this sprinkler that Mimi gave them!

The chickens looking at me today.
We are letting roots grow on these tomato suckers so we can plant them. Some of the tomato plants in our garden died, hopefully these will be a good replacement.
My (easy) version of strawberry shortcake. I love strawberries! I bought a cheap strawberry cake mix ($0.88), and added to the batter 1/4 cup of sour cream & 1/4 cup pureed strawberries (maybe a little more). Then, of course, baked and topped with fresh sugared strawberries and whipped cream. Yum!
We had a crawfish boil the Sunday before labor day. It was so much fun, but we didn't get many pictures!
This was on Memorial day. No, I don't let them drink soft drinks. This was a thirst emergency! Aunt Melissa shared. :)
At the park. :)

Me, Savannah & Isaac. I don't know why Isaac has been scrunching his nose in nearly every picture lately. :)
Melissa took these pics at the park. We had a fun picnic!

Black & White

2010-06-02T14:24:00.001-07:00

A small Methodist Church, very close to our house.
I am linking to the Miller Racing Family's "Wordless Wednesdays", be sure to check it out! :)

Flower Girl & Ring Bearer

2010-05-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

Savannah & Isaac were in a wedding this weekend. Actually, all four of us were in the wedding!
Savannah was the flower girl and Isaac was the ring bearer, of course. They did wear shoes, just not in these pictures. :) They did really well, I was proud of them! Isaac chewed on the pillow and wandered a little as they went down the isle, but oh well! They were cute!

Isaac & Savannah at Pawpaw's

2010-05-17T17:37:00.001-07:00

Playing in the dirt - you can see Joe's Grandma's house down the hill.
This is at Joe's Dad's place. Needless to say, the 4-wheeler wasn't on.
Isaac didn't want to let go of his strawberry!

Funny Moments...

2010-05-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

So, my husband has an abundance of chest hair, but is losing hair up top on his head. That may be a little too personal, but it is important to this little story. Anyway, a couple of weeks ago or so, when Savannah and Isaac were on the floor playing with him, he told them that the hair on his head was falling out onto his chest, and regrowing there. S. and I. were amazed.

Today I was getting Savannah and Isaac dressed and I said "Savannah, come in here and let me fix your hair!" Savannah promptly answered, "Mama, I don't have hair anymore! It all fell out!" I said, "what are you talking about, Silly?" She responded "Yes Mama, it all fell out, and it's right here." She then grinned and pointed to her chest. Ha! Then of course I had to tell y'all about it!

Silly Girl

2010-05-11T20:47:00.001-07:00

She is so sweet and funny...
Did I ever mention how she chipped her tooth? She fell at the Library, of all places!

After this last face, she said, "can I see that picture??" Such a ham!

A Birthday Party at the Park

2010-05-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

This sweet little girl had a Birthday party on Saturday! Isn't she precious? :-)
She is 3 yrs old.

Savannah got a little chilly in this outfit Saturday - it ended up being unseasonably cold!
This is one of the birthday girl's sweet brothers. He is a yr old & so cute!

They had fun making rock castles. :)

These are only a few of the pictures that I took. You can tell that they had a good time!

Just a couple SWEET pictures...

2010-05-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

I was doing a little "photography" practice today, mostly flowers and things, but just happened to capture these sweet expressions at the right moment... I am so glad they are finally feeling better! :-)

Peyton's Visit

2010-05-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

I have been planning to put these pictures up for Joe's Mama (Mimi) for a couple of weeks now! This is at her house, all the kiddos had fun messing up everything!

Peyton. Isn't he a cutie? :-)

Isaac & Peyton had so much fun "building" things with crayons.
They love to hula hoop! Isaac looks so funny in this picture!
These are pictures from a couple weeks ago, when Joe's cousin Amber came to visit, and brought her sweet little boy, Peyton. These cousins are so cute together! :-)

Happy 101 Award

2010-05-01T22:38:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to do this post for a little while, but hadn't gotten around to it yet. So...here it is!

Caroline, from "She Walks in the Woods", sent me this fun blog award! :-) Thank you Caroline!
I love reading her blog & looking at her great pictures! Check it out!!

Ten Things that Make Me Happy:

1. My family! I love my Hubby, Savannah and Isaac so much!

2. Hanging out with my husband. alone. We haven't gone on a "date" in a while, and I'm about ready for one!! However, we did get to watch a movie while S & I were asleep last night! We watched "It's Complicated" - great movie! Hilarious!

3. Hanging out with my sisters. We have so much fun just laughing together!

4. Down time. I feel cheated if I don't have a little peaceful quiet time during the day, like during nap time. It is nice to be needed, but it is also nice to just have a little time NOT doing anything really...

5. Bible & prayer time. ( I don't mean to be a copy cat, Caroline) Since having the "babies", it is hard for me not to worry, and reading God's word helps me to have peace - and I hope it helps me to be a better mother & wife... But, I would be lying if I said that I absolutely read my Bible everyday. I am "striving" to have that quiet time with God & draw closer to Him, but I definitely fall short in many ways. Also, I have to clarify that "Bible time" & "downtime" are not in the same category , because when I finally get down time, my brain needs a rest too, and I am not absorbing much mentally. I try to do Bible time in the morning, downtime is in the afternoon.

6. Baking. I love trying new cake & icing recipes. I also love decorating cakes, I'm just not very skilled at it yet!

7. A fresh cup of good coffee in the morning!

8. A hike or a good brisk walk. And I strongly dislike treadmills.

9. Coffee shops or bakeries. (I know, those baked goods don't help my figure) S & I love going to these places too - especially when it means doughnuts!

10. A good book.

Okay, I am going to add an eleventh - it just seems necessary.

11. A creative outlet. Right now I am practicing with my camera, trying not to use my automatic settings... I also love to paint, but haven't been able to do that in a while, unless you count finger paint! ;-)

Alright, I know this is getting ridiculous, but I am adding a 12th.

12. Taking S & I to just about anywhere. I love the excitement and enthusiasm that they have!

I could add more, but this is getting really long!

Anyone who wants to do this 10 favorite things list is welcome!! Consider yourself tagged!

Bad Weather & Under the Weather

2010-05-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

I'm including these two fun pictures taken when we weren't having bad weather, and we weren't "under the weather". I don't like to be overly negative, and I know how blessed we are!! :)

That said, I just want to say, we have been feeling a little poorly this week. Specifically, Isaac and Savannah have had a fever, and now have developed a sore throat and some congestion. Isaac got it first, and I didn't realize it was a virus. Yes, we did go and get ice cream while he had a low fever. Later Thursday night Savannah came down with it, and last night the hoarse cough with congestion started. Needless to say, long night! We have been doing lots of cuddling and watching "Jungle Book".

As everyone in Mississippi knows, we have been having bad weather lately. My heart goes out to the people that lost loved ones in Yazoo City, and Choctaw County last weekend! We spent last Saturday afternoon in the hallway with tornado alarms going off (several times). It is both a blessing and a curse to live right by the volunteer fire department, and hear the siren go off so loud! It is hard to keep 2 small children calm when the alarm goes off! But, needless to say we were (and are) very blessed, and didn't have a tornado touch down close to us! Unfortunately, we are having bad weather again today, with a chance of tornadoes. I hope and pray that it isn't a repeat of last weekend! Anyway, keep Mississippi in your prayers! Also, please pray for those families that lost loved ones last week!

"For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." ~Romans 5:6-8

Ice Cream...

2010-04-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

It has been a nice sunny day today. We were outside most of the day & needed a diversion or excursion, whichever. So we decided to go to a local store/gas station, for some ice cream.

Maybe it doesn't look so great...
But Isaac and Savannah liked it! Isaac chose "orange", Savannah chose "pink".

They weren't dressed matching, but we were out in the yard all day, so...yeah. You can see that we didn't have to dress cute to go get ice cream either. ;-)

Laura's Bridal Shower (ok, LOTS of pictures)

2010-04-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

This is the lovely bride-to-be, Laura.
Pretty pinks. this picture should be after the next one, but oh well.
The yummy Strawberry cake I made for her shower. I got the recipe from "All Things Heart and Home", and it is delicious! Click the blog title for the recipe! Definitely a keeper!! Thank you for this recipe Robin!
Delicious punch.

One of the hostesses.
Ms. Kitty, also a hostess, and owner of this beautiful house! She is tremendously talented!!
Just some details...Melissa took most of these pics & did a marvelous job!

I brought Savannah, and she just loved Ms. Kitty's bulldog!
Laura & Michelle.

I took these, you can tell it is a different camera...

I'm adding this picture because this door is so creative and beautiful! Kitty collected some pretty plates & had them turned into this "stained glass" door! Love it!

My lovely and talented sister Melissa.
This is not a great picture of us, but I still like it! Left to right: Laura, me, Melissa.

More Easter Pictures...I just couldn't help it!

2010-04-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

Doesn't Isaac have a sweet face in this one? And Savannah is so funny playing peekaboo! I took a lot of pictures in front of this door, because the sun wasn't in their eyes so much. Even though some were better than others, I really like different things about all of these pics!

They both loved this sweet dog! Especially Savannah, who has always loved dogs!
Notice Isaac's bunny ears have fallen to the side in this one. His MiMi put those on him, and he loves his MiMi! He just kept wearing them on the side of his head & wouldn't take them off! (until they finally fell off & I put them away)
You can tell they were getting hot and tired! About the bunny ears again, Savannah put hers on this way - she liked wearing them around the back of her head better.
More door pictures! I thought Savannah was sweet in her little hat.
Isaac rudely pushing Savannah away. I said "Isaac! Don't do that! You love each other!"
This is what they did after I said that! Hmmm, I wonder if they think love always means kissing? It was sweet anyway!

The sun was in their eyes, but these are still cute!

Okay, I think I'm done now! Maybe y'all won't have to look at more Easter pictures! :-)

Easter!

2010-04-05T13:27:00.000-07:00

Dying eggs.

Part of the Easter cake I made - butter cake with butter cream icing. Yum!
Their MiMi gave them the bunny ears. :[)
Making silly faces.

Counting the loot. Isaac was really intense with his egg hunting! Both of them did well, but he loved it! And Savannah was so sweet - once when they spotted the same egg, she was closer to it & picked it up first, but turned and gave it to him. :)
Savannah definitely took note of the ones that had chocolate in them. :)
Hunting for eggs! This picture should have been before the last two.
Maybe he knows how hilarious he looks...
Savannah loved this cute little dog!
Happy Easter!!

"Said the angel, 'He is risen!'
Tell it out with joyful voice:
He has burst His three days' prison;
Let the whole wide earth rejoice:
Death is conquered, we are free,
Christ has won the victory!"

~ Cecil F. Alexander

Not much to write about...

2010-03-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

This has been a good week so far. My Birthday was Monday, and I turned 26! Sunday my family had a little party for me & my sisters made a cake. It was really good, hopefully I will get some pictures soon. I didn't take any pictures myself. Monday night we went out to eat, just the four of us. It was nice!

Tuesday morning I went to MOPS for the second time. That was good, except that Savannah had two "accidents", and I only had one extra pair of pants for her. And Isaac had to sit in time out most of the time for bad behavior. :( I am working on that! Although he is very sweet, he is also very aggressive, and I am having a really hard time training him! After MOPS, we went to Walmart & I finally got some paint for the door in the living room! I have been wanting to paint that ugly brown door since we moved in! (almost 3 yrs ago) That evening some friends came over, and they brought a cake for my Birthday! I am really being blessed with cakes this year!! It isn't helping my weight loss efforts though(what efforts, really?).

Yesterday I painted the door in the living room a buttery color called "touch of gold". We have a lot of wood in our living room, so it goes well & adds some color. It was a beautiful day, so we were outside most of the day! :-)

Yesterday evening, though, was not quite so pleasant. I was busy making supper, and they were just getting up from their nap. Isaac came into the kitchen, apparently grabbed the sunscreen off of the counter, and a few minutes later I heard loud wailing and crying (and screaming), coming from their bedroom. I ran to the bedroom, and Isaac came out with a face full of sunscreen. It was everywhere, including matted up over his eyes! Savannah also had it on her face, although not as much, and not in her eyes. You better believe they got in trouble for that stunt, because they know that the sunscreen is a "no no"!! Isaac was miserable for a long time, it took awhile to get all of that stuff flushed out of his eyes! Anyway, he is fine now, his eyes haven't bothered him today!

We enjoyed the sunshine yesterday, and although today is rainy, we are looking forward to more sunshine tomorrow! Thank you Lord!
I hope everyone is having a great week! Happy Thursday!

I'm loving...

2010-03-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

...these cheesy smiles!!! And that I found Savannah's dress for $5 dollars at a consignment shop!

I'm joining Tidy Mom's Friday blog party "I'm Lovin It". Y'all should head over and check it out!

Happy Friday Everyone! :-)

The Morning Walk

2010-03-15T22:04:00.001-07:00

When Anne and I go out a walk,
We hold each other's hand and talk
Of all the things we mean to do
When Anne and I are forty-two.

And when we've thought about a thing,
Like bowling hoops or bicycling,
Or falling down on Anne's balloon,
We do it in the afternoon.

~ A. A. Milne

I know it is a little late, but my sister (at Newly Wed Life) Jessica's Birthday was today. I just wanted to post this poem because it SO reminds me of her, and us growing up together. I love you Jessica Anne!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday! Part 2

2010-03-03T14:57:00.001-08:00

This is the face she made before the sweet smile that I was able to get a picture of!(former post)
This is what Isaac was doing while I was taking the picture of him smiling. (former post) He is on top of Uncle Jesse (my little brother). Isaac is always trying to pick a fight with him!
Savannah's cake. I wasn't fast enough to get a pic of Isaac's in this light.

Blowing out candles. You can tell she is really trying!
He blew his out immediately!
This is a great pic of S & I with my sis Melissa. They are wearing new presents. Isaac's hat & Savannah's cute tutu are both from her. :)

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!! For the sweet Happy Birthday wishes! They were/are greatly appreciated!

Our Life in Mississippi

...

Play

Why I Need an Iphone

Seven Years and Six Months

Products We Love

Silly & Sweet

Happy Friday!

"Easy Easy Bakin' Oven"

Monday

Little Things...

Twins in Hats

Tent Time!

God Bless the Moon

Media Infiltration

January 4th, 19 years ago...

Farewell Coffee Shop

PJ Pictures!

The Last Day

Words From Henry W. Longfellow

ChRiStMaS FuN *Updated*

Redneck Thanksgiving

A Simple Women's Daybook

HaLLoWeeN 2011

Autumn

Cousins

Progress!

Cell Phone Picture's from the Pumpkin Patch

Rainy Day Cookies

Last Pictures from Our Vacation (hopefully)

A few more vacation pictures...

Cooking Fish...

Trout Fishing

Vacation Pictures

Happy Friday!

A Simple Women's Daybook

Lizzie's 1st Birthday

Happy Friday! *Updated*

Things to Remember

A Simple Women's Daybook

Slip N' Slide

A Simple Women's Daybook

Summertime Fruit

A Simple Women's Daybook

Pictures ~ Updated ~

Happy Independence Day!

Pictures

Margaret Anne Inman

Summer Sun

Funny Poses by the Pool

On a Lighter Note...

...

Isaac and Savannah Are Four Years Old!

Birthday Tomorrow

Happy V'day Y'all!

Out For a Drive

The Question

Sharing a Couple of "old" Pictures

Snow Day

A Jumble of Christmas Pictures

Christmas Eve Pictures

Baby Cousin

Red and Green...

Some things we've been doing...

The "Mad Face"

A Nature Walk

Goodbye, October - Part 2

Goodbye, October - Part 1

Goofy Art

Painting Pumpkins

Some Pictures from the Pumpkin Patch

Vaca Pictures 2, Cades Cove

Ruby Faye

Vaca Part 1, Clingman's Dome Hike

Best Friends

Baby Elizabeth

Six Years Together

Today, Rain is a Good Thing

A Couple of Pictures & Blueberry Picking

The BEST Blueberry Muffins

ChRiStMaS FuN Updated

Happy Friday! Updated