A Few of My Favorite Things

Many years ago, my grandmother gave me a musical box that plays one of the songs from "The Sound of Music." If you have seen the musical and know it well like I do, then you remember the song, "A Few of My Favorite Things." I love that song! That musical box she gave me now has a special place on a shelf in my house where I can see it everyday. It reminds me of the times she took me to musicals at the Orpheum as a child. (I was a complete "Orphan Annie" fanatic!) I share this with you because one of my favorite things in my life is my grandmother. Her life has been a testimony to all who know her. She is a wonderful Christian who devoted her life to raising 5 children in a Christian home. And she is wonderful with children I might add! I have watched my own boys almost mesmerized by her when she talks and reads to them. I wasn't lucky enough to grow up in the same town as my grandmother, so when we went to visit her, I was always happy to go. One fond memory I will share with you is that when she would sometimes call the house and I would speak with her on the phone, she would sing the chorus from "I Just" by Stevie Wonder to me. If you don't know the song, scroll down to my playlist and click on it. I added it to this page because it floods my mind with childhood memories everytime I hear it played, and I especially think of "Jenny" everytime I hear it. Is it any wonder why I named my daughter after her? Here's a recent picture of Jenny, my mom, me, and Mary Claire. 4 generations! This picture is now one of my favorite things! :-)

"I Caught Him!"

These were Jonah's very words as he told everybody standing on the dock that he had caught a fish! (Of course, his daddy helped him reel that big fish in.) I was amazed at how such a large bass was caught and held by such a small, plastic "Lightning McQueen" fishing rod. (as seen in the background of this picture) :-) I laughed at the "big words" he spoke last week of catchin' a big 'ole catfish. Mommy Lesson learned: Don't assume there will be limitations to what your children can or will be able to do. Jonah said he was gonna catch a big 'ole catfish...close enough, he caught a big 'ole bass! Yes, Jonah, you caught him!!

First Night Out

Well, this past Saturday night we ventured out and left all 3 children with my mom while we joined some friends for dinner at a local restaurant. It was the first time we left Mary Claire to be bathed and put to bed by someone else. It felt good to be able to spend a little time with my husband without being distracted by the normal nightly routine of getting 3 little people cleaned up and put in bed. There is life after 3 so it seems! :-)

While the cat's away...the mice will play!

O.K., so I was just in the other room changing Mary Claire's diaper and clothes. Owen spotted my camera sitting on the counter and decided to take a few pics of his own! I guess he's been paying attention to how the camera works! (They pick up alot more than we think, don't they?) When I reviewed the pictures he had taken, I had to laugh. He actually didn't do too bad. I thought the picture of our fish, Otto, was pretty good! Maybe I'll delegate taking our pictures to Owen from now on.

Baby Sister

Today Mary Claire is 12 weeks old. I can't believe how the weeks have passed so quickly. I am happier than ever being at home with her. (And the boys.) I know that these days when they are so small will pass too quickly, so everything else can just wait as far as I am concerned. Right now, I just want to enjoy my last baby. I know that going back to work when each of the boys was about 3 1/2 months old caused me to miss out on so much. And I know that so many moms today have to go back to work in order to survive in today's economical times! My husband has agreed to my being at home for one year. It wasn't possible for me to be at home when the boys were born, so I am thankful to have this opportunity now while they are all still at home and not in school all day. But boy, oh boy, this job keeps me busy pretty much all day. Sometimes busier than I was teaching in the classroom! I am only able to sit down and share this with you at this moment because all of my babies are napping. I know it sounds silly, but don't you just love their "just woke up from a good nap" look? I look forward to it everyday! Special moments...

Fishing Anyone?

Well, I guess Daddy's gonna have to find a good fishin' hole somewhere 'cause his boys are ready to try their hand at "catchin' a big ole catfish!" (According to Jonah) Sunday afternoon we practiced casting and "reelin' it in" out in the front yard. Maybe this weekend we can try it out for real in the pond. Our Sunday School class is having a social after church this Sunday at the Roses' house, and we'll see how the boys do with a fish on the other end of that line.

Olympic Dreams

Watching the Olympics has been fun for us all! The competitions have left us inspired by the demonstration of athleticism and determination of the competitors. John Owen has really gotten into the swimming events. (Who hasn't gotten excited about Michael Phelps?) Here are some snapshots of our own Olympic swim races at Mimi's pool with "Owen Hensley breaking the world record" at least a dozen times! He loves this! Maybe we'll sign up for the swim team next year. Who knows? I wonder how old Michael Phelps was when he started? :-)

My Mom's Love

I sit here tonight with all of my babies in the bed, and I cannot help but think of one person as I review this week and all of its events with school starting. My mom. I have realized in recent years how much love actually went into the everyday actions of my mother. All the little things she did to show her love for me. And I didn't always make it easy for her! I spent a few years as a pre-adolescent and teenager somewhat rebellious to my mom's wishes and expectations for me. (Some of my good friends claim it was because I was fighting the genetic likeness that I possess to my mother.) I cannot go back and change the past, but I can make sure that everyday from now on she knows how much she means to me. When everything else in my life seems to have fallen down around me, she is there. During the moments of joy and laughter, she is there. I am so glad to have had the mother I have. I only hope that I can be half the mother she has been. Thank you, Momma, for loving me.

School Days

School was always a fun time for me. I loved the anticipation of seeing my friends, all of the back to school purchases, getting new books, meeting the new teachers, etc. My boys seem to have the same excitement. (At least for now, anyway!) Today was their first day of school. Well, Owen's first day back and Jonah's VERY first day. Owen woke up singing (literally) about the first day of school. (I am not sure I ever remember being THAT excited as I am not the best morning person and never have been), and Jonah? Well...I think the picture speaks for itself! He had quite a day! Even the wasp sting on the playground cannot break my Jonah's spirit. He is anxiously awaiting his next adventure. :-)

Time flies...(even when you'd like to slow it down)

Oh my...has it been a month since I sat down to add a post to this blog? Sorry, but lots of things and people have needed my attention lately. Mary Claire is 10 weeks old today! I can't believe it. She goes tomorrow for her 2 month shots, and I am so NOT looking forward to it.
Jonah and Owen have been extra busy swimming almost every day and going to lots of birthday parties! Which means that Mommy has been extra busy, too. Hmm... maybe this is why I haven't sat down to update this blog! :-) The boys will start to school next week. My baby, Jonah, will be starting school. I am overwhelmed with emotion when I think about it and when I think back to Owen's first day of preschool. How Jan and I BOTH cried as he turned and said, "Bye, Daddy!" The picture of him holding his teacher's hand and walking in to school is forever etched in my memory. Time has flown by...I am so grateful for the memories made so far and the memories yet to come!