Recorder Karate

At our school the 5th graders learn to play the recorder as a prerequisite to starting band in 6th grade. The program of study is Recorder Karate. Each level has a belt - just like karate. Here is Stephen playing his blue belt song - When the Saints Go Marching In:

GO Dogs!

Our doggies REALLY like to GO. In fact, there is no other word in the English language that gets them as excited as the word, "GO?!" Well, unless it's cookie or squirrel!

paralyzing!

I made a quilt top! Not the one I planned to make first. But, I had a bunch of flannel pieces left over from all these super fun ZSQs I've been making. So, I started cutting them into 2 inch strips and then I thought, "Hmmm, I'll sew these strips together." And I really like how it turned out, so it is officially my first quilt top.

BUT, I'm scared to do anything else to it. I'm avoiding it...it is paralyzing! It is so pretty how it is...what if I mess it up when I try to back it and quilt it and bind it?? I've never done it and I'm am SO scared. Silly? Perhaps... I'll keep you updated! ~ @my

Remembering when...

Does that look like a 70s photo or what? That's me on the front of the horse, my cousin Kay Ann sandwiched in the middle, and my big brother, Doug, keeping us safe. We are riding Ike, the horse my brother saved his money to buy, and then nursed to health and spent countless days riding across the pastures of our family farm. He was always willing to give me a ride.

I remember Doug buying me cow- girl boots, wranglers and a red and white gingham western shirt...wish I could find a picture in that outfit! Boy, did I think I was something else!

Doug was my hero and my protector. He did his part to ensure that I, the youngest of 6 children, was good and spoiled. My big sis, Carla, helped a great deal in that endeavor as well. Ok, so did Tony, and Scott and Jill!

My brother left this earth in January of 2003. He had lived a tumultuous life. Addiction ruled his world off and on from the time he was 17 years old until his death at the age of 42. I missed my brother long before his death, and I miss him now. It saddens me to think of the struggles he - we all- went through over the coarse of his addiction. But, I'm thankful I had him. My big brother - who loved me, protected me, spoiled me, and cried when I got my long, brown hair cut for the first time. He was a good soul and I loved him.

Things I love about Stephen

I love being a Mom. I really, really do!
But, sometimes I need to remind myself!
You see, my son is 11, a pre-teen, MOUTHY! 

So here are some of the things I particularly LOVE about being a Mom:

1. I love that I can still go into his room while he’s sleeping, sit by his bed, say a prayer and he never knows I’ve been there.
2. I love how we laugh together – we totally “get” each other’s personalities.
3. I love that even when I fuss at him, he knows I love him.
4. I love that he still likes to be tucked in at night.
5. I love seeing that dawning light of understanding in his eyes when he wraps his head around something.
6. I love that he knows how to wash clothes.
7. I love that he still likes to cuddle…(as long as no one knows) oops!
8. I love his love of animals.
9. I love that he looks so much like his dad.
10. I love that he likes to wear Chocolate Axe spray.
11. I love watching him play football and basketball.
12. I love hearing him say prayer.
13. I love that he is ticklish.
14. I love that he tries so hard – most of the time!
15. I love that he doesn’t like to play baseball!!!!
16. I love that he usually is interested in what I’m up to.
17. I love that he enjoys my interest in him.
18. I love his kind heart.
19. I love his caring nature.
20. I love that God entrusted him to Virgil and me!

What we've been doing

So, V and I decided we need to start walking. And we did! And Stephen goes with us. Every morning!

The alarm goes off at 5:45 a.m. We get dressed and we walk for 30 minutes.

It is a start!

be blessed

~ @my