Trip to the Coast

What a week! Last Friday night Cricket (my sister), Madison (my niece), Possum, Squirrel, and myself started out for Gulf Shores, Alabama. We drove all night long (but it was a very peaceful ride). When we arrived Possum was just waking up and was a little fussy. I told him not to be upset because we were finally on vacation. He looked up at me and said "Mommy, I don't see any water though." After we got to our rooms I took him out on the balcony. He looked out at the ocean and sand and said "Look at all that snow." I figured that it was just because it was still dark out, but the first thing he said when he made his first step in the sand was "Look at all the snow."

Squirrel took right to the ocean. She was our little dare devil. We had to be constantly watching her. She would run right into the waves. Squirrel loved playing in the sand and of course she loved eating whatever she could get her hands on. Our last night in Gulf Shores, Nana and Poppa treated us to a sunset dolphin cruise. We had just got on the boat and I'm not even sure if the boat had moved out of port yet, I turned my head and there was Squirrel sitting in Poppa's lap eating. Since eating is one of Poppa and Nana's favorite things to do I guess she fit right in on their vacation. Wednesday morning when it was time to leave, everything was packed, and we were saying our good byes, Squirrel was the last one in the car. She sat in her stroller buckled in and said she was staying at the beach. I believe that she would become a beach bum if she could. I have even caught her since we have been home imagining that she was back in the sand. She put on her brother's sunglasses and sat in the floor with a sand bucket and shovel pretending to be making a sand castle (that she of course tore down).

Madison loved the ocean as long as Poppa was holding her in the waves. Possum was fine as long as you were holding him and the water didn't splash him. He was very worried one day that the wind was very strong. He made it his personal job to hold down our umbrellas. We also got to spend a day with Mama Barb and Aunt Gina before they left to go home and the kids got to meet their great great great Aunt Lois (Mama Barb's aunt). I had a great time with my sister Cricket (who is expecting a baby boy in July). We laughed so much it hurt. There are many more stories that can be told. The week was wonderful. Thanks Poppa and Nana Bama for our terrific vacation. It was a hit with the kids and I'm sure the trips will only get better the older they get. It is very exciting to see the kids explore new places. We love you both!

The New Golfer

Possum already had plenty of interests such as hunting and fishing, but now we can add golfing to the list. Joel took an old golf club and cut it down to fit Possum, and now he thinks he is something. He putts around the front yard as much as he can. He is actually pretty good for a two year old. Possum informed me that when we got to the beach that Poppa and Nana would take him to play golf. We will see about that! Only one more day to go and we will find out.

Uncle Tommy

Uncle Tommy (Joel's brother) is visiting with us for the week. He is preaching revival at our church. Tommy pastors the Hamilton Free Will Baptist Church in Hamilton, Alabama. As you can see, Squirrel has warmed up to her Uncle Tommy. She likes for him to read her books. I think the kids will miss having him around the house when he leaves at the end of the week.

Story Time

We are having another rainy day and the kids are stuck indoors. Thankfully, we have the excitement of packing our suitcases for the upcoming beach trip. Only 2 more days to go now! I captured these cute pics of Possum and Barkley. Barkley is a very lazy puppy and it looks like he was enjoying the book being read to him. Squirrel is just being a prissy girl as always.

Happy Mother's Day

I am very thankful that God has allowed me to be a mother. Possum was not sure if he wanted to say "Happy Mother's Day" this morning, but once he got started he has told me over and over again. Squirrel told me "Happy" and that was all. That was good enough for me. The sweet hug and kiss from her was all I needed. Possum made me a card in Sunday School. His teacher had helped him make a flower by tracing his hand on a piece of foam. When he gave me the card after Sunday School I was so excited. I said "Possum that is so pretty. That is your hand print." He replied, "No Mommy. That is not my hand. It is a flower. And Mrs. Regina did it. Not me."

Well, thanks Mrs. Regina! He has been learning about King Solomon and making good decisions in Sunday School the past few weeks. While I was getting lunch ready Joel asked him what his lesson was about today. He didn't really want to respond (he has been in a bad mood today). Joel prompted him a bit and he told us all about how King Solomon could haved asked God for all kinds of toys and stuff, but instead he asked God to make him wise. He really had learned quite a bit, he just needed some encouragement to share it all. Again, thanks Mrs. Regina and Mr. Bill for being such good Sunday School teachers.

Squirrel is being such a good girl today. She took about a twenty minute nap in the nursery at church this morning and has been going strong all afternoon. She will eventually crash so I am not concerned. As always, I got her ready for church this morning and she looked at herself and said "I'm pretty." Then she was off to get her little purse to put her money for Jesus and her Bible in.

Just want to wish to wish Nana, Nene, Nana Bama, Mama Brasseal, Mama Franks, Mama Gilbert, Mama Overton, and Marshie a very happy Mother's day. I love each one of you and appreciate you all.

Rainy Day Fun

Today has been a rainy spring day. Rainy days are not favorites at our house. This means no playing in the dirt or riding four wheelers. No splashing in the kiddie pool or "hunting" for critters. On rainy days we have to use our imaginations (Possum's imagination is huge!) inside or become chefs. Today it was Fruity Pebble treats and balloon fun. We survived the day and thank goodness it is almost bed time!

Barkley

We are really enjoying our new puppy. If you have ever had a puppy that you were training to stay in the house you know that there can be accidents. Joel is an excellent dog trainer and so he knows exactly what to do. This is a very frustrating time for me, but I know from experience with Joel and former dogs that the end result will be a great hunting dog and pet for the kids. Right now we are in the process of potty training a dog and a Squirrel!!
This picture was taken this morning. Possum came running for his Daddy to come look where he found Barkley sleeping. I couldn't resist taking a picture. Thank goodness it was a basket of dirty clothes and not clean or I would not have been so ready to take a picture!