F.A.R.T. class social

Tonight our Connect Group (aka Sunday school class) had a class social scheduled. We were to meet at the Pettet's house, eat and load up to go to the concert on the square. Well, as we were loading up to go eat, the weather sirens go off. After much debate, we decided that we would rather be with our group than home alone, so we went. The weather wasn't really that bad where we were. Just lots and lots of rain! We partied to the sound of the siren for about an hour. LOTS of fun, and needless to say, the concert was canceled. Here are just a few pics of the kiddos at the party.

What we did all summer

We have become pretty good friends with the neighbors next door (and no it is not just for their pool, although that is a great perk!) We are over there swimming almost every sunny day that we can. She sent me these pics from a few weeks ago and I thought they were good so here you go.

Water balloon fight

Yesterday we decided to have a water balloon fight with the neighbors. Poor Ben got the brundt of the ammo.... the moms had the cameras so they couldn't get us....:)

Sidney's Haircut

Here is the before picture. I like her little slight curls but the uneveness was bugging me for a while. I figured, hair grows so why not.

Cute I think. She was watching Dora so she didn't even realize that I was messing with her. Gotta love Dora...




No I don't let my kids drink coke but it was empty and she was interested.

Conner's new sleeping position

In typical Conner fashion, he fell asleep about 10 minutes before he was allowed to get up. Atypical however, was the position in which he fell asleep. He is actually standing on his left leg with his right leg curled under him, resting on the bed. I thought he was pretending when I came in, but after poking and prodding him, I was convinced he was sound asleep!!! I took the picture, left his door open and went downstairs. He slept for about another 15 minutes like that.

A few Sidney videos.

Not much going on this week. Last week however, we had a time with Sidney and her teeth cutting. Yes, you read right, she is FINALLY cutting more teeth after cutting her first 2 SIX months ago. She is 1 1/2 (practically) and only had 2 teeth! I was genuinely getting worried. Anyway, she has cut 1 on top and I am sure there are more to come. I have never been so happy to have a cranky girl... They had lots of fun playing with this box.


Conner is listening better to some extent. He is still trying to "be the boss" at times, but his daily spanking tally is down dramatically right now. He even let me camp out in his room last night on his bunk bed! fun!

The kids had a blast 2 weeks ago at Nana and Papa's house. I just realized that I hadn't posted anything about that. I took the week off from everything that week. ALL 3 went. Ben and I were back to DINK days (double income no kids). It was great. What freedom. I did miss them, but I didn't miss having to wipe down counters 3-4 times daily or having massive amounts of laundry to do. I even allowed myself to sleep in one morning!!

anyway, here is another video for Ava to enjoy!

Linlee's Big Day

On May 20th (my 9th wedding anniversary), I was putting the kids to bed. We read a story about a little boy who decided to ask Jesus into his heart. I had talked with Linlee about this a few time and had told her that if she ever felt like she was ready to do that, just let me know. I was putting Conner in his room and Linlee had gone out into the hallway. When I came out to put her to bed, she said she had something to tell me. I said ok and she said that she had just prayed to ask Jesus into her heart. I was so excited for her but also a little hesitant due to the fact that she is only 5. How much could she really understand right? Even though we had discussed it at length. We talked for a while, but she seemed sort of embarrased. That is one thing that I never want her to be is embarrased to talk to me so I just dropped it for the night, not wanting to push her. We talked briefly about her decision over the next few days. One night I decided to just push for the reason why she was embarrased. She told me that she thought that she might be too young to make such a decision. "that is something that older people usually do..." I was thinking to myself, "that answer tells me that she understands and is more mature than I thought." I reassured her that she was ready and that it is the most exciting and important decision she could ever make. She shouldn't be embarrased, but excited and anxious to tell others. The next day she told me that she had prayed the prayer again and wasn't as bashful this time!! We rejoiced!

She attended a backyard Bible club a few days later at a friends house. After the Bible lesson, Linlee raised her hand and said that she had something to tell everyone. She proceeded to share her exciting news with a few friends that she knew, some she didn't and some of their mom's. I wasn't there, she did it all on her own. I was touched that she felt that joy and wanted to share it. Since then I have observed her confessing a sin after I got on to her for not listening (which is rare.). She did it very discreetly, but I noticed. That really did my heart good. My doubts about her age are gone and my heart rejoices.

We met with the children's ministry leader and she went through all the in's and out's with Linlee, after that we set a date for baptism. She was baptized July 5th and both sets of grandparents were able to attend. I was able to help her get ready and it was a really special time. I was in awe of her bravery and excitement. I would have never been able to do that in front of that many people when I was her age or even older. Thank goodness she is not shy like I was!!

Here are a few pics from her special day!







Afterward, we went to eat at Jason's Deli (her new favorite place) and the next morning, I sadly and happily sent all three home to Nana and Papa's house for the week. Oh what to do with myself!!!