Siblings Can Be Fun...

More Mary

Mary LOVES the kitten. The kitten is not so sure....

Mary has been obsessed with "Hush Little Baby" lately. She asks me to rock her "like a baby" and sing it before bed. I wonder how much longer I will be able to do that!

Horay for Tomato Staking!

I have been reading "Raising Godly Tomatoes" . I had read through the website years ago and was thrilled when Elizabeth compiled the great wisdom from the website into a book. Very helpful! Mary has been my "strong-willed child" but "tomato staking" is making a difference!

Little Bow-legged Boy

I'm afraid to tell me northern family and friends that we've succumbed to the southern staple of little boy clothing - "John-Johns" and rompers. Still not up for the smocked boy outfits and definitely not getting any of these outfits for Jack ( I have seen them in his size!!) but I think Jude looks pretty cute in them.

Notice the major bow-leggedness!

The Blessing of a Good Father.

I have been a slacker lately. At least as far as the blogging goes. So many things to post about, so little time. I had planned to post on Father's Day about my Dad. It is a little late, but the sentiments are the same all year round!

I am so blessed to have a wonderful Dad! In this day and age, I know that that is no small thing. I have often heard comments on how impossible it it to please your parents, to "live up to their expectations" etc. I could never relate to that. My parents were the 2 people on earth that I never had to doubt their love or acceptance. Because I have experienced that, I can believe that God can love me and accept me. I am thankful to have avoided that baggage. I pray that I can be that kind of parent.

Just a few of the things I love about my Dad:

Dad is so COMPASSIONATE.

Dad is FUNNY and FUNLOVING. No drab,boring family life for us, that's for sure. Joy and fun have been a great glue, keeping all 11 of us close to this day.

Dad is a THINKER . Always pondering something whether it be a new song, or an idea or a commentary on some current event, his mind is rarely idle.

Dad a SERVANT. Always willing to give a hand. The first in line to work ,the last in line at a potluck. ;-) Quick to put others needs first.

Dad is STABLE. No drastic changes. As long as I can remember, he has been a man who loved God, loved Mom and his kids, loved music, loved jokes and laughter, was kind to those he came in contact with. This was a great source of security. No matter what craziness was going on in this world around us, if we could hear Dad playing his guitar, singing into the night, all was well.

Well, there is much more that I could write. Suffice it to say, that I am THANKFUL to have the DAD God gave me.

Super Mary!

My funny girl, Mary, wore this outfit for the first time and morphed into "Super Mary".

For some reason she thought it looked like a superhero (can you tell she has an older brother) and she would strike this crazy pose whenever anyone commented on it!

I have to tell you another another funny thing about my exercise partner, Mary. The other day when we were getting ready to start the workout, she asked me "What should we do first, Mom? Should we do upper body first? " She keeps us laughing, that girl.

Mary's New Years Resolution.

Like a large majority of Americans, Mary decided that 2008 was the year to bite the bullet and start exercising, to shed a few pounds and firm up - oh wait, that's me! We'll sweet Mary IS my faithful exercise partner and I thought I'd share this video of her in action.