First Day of Kindergarten!

~Sigh~... my baby girl started kindergarten this week! She is having a blast being a big girl... walking to her class room by herself, making new friends, learning, and getting to know her teacher.

When we first dropped her off Monday morning I was so proud of her, "my baby has made it to kindergarten what a milestone". By the end of the day I was missing her greatly! When I saw her coming out of the school with her class and teacher I began to tear up..I couldn't believe it.. it was like I hadn't seen her for years, it was like I sent in a baby that morning and out came a big girl that afternoon! I was teary eyed and all chocked up, for a moment, I couldn't get my words out to tell her I loved her and missed her and was so pround of her!!

and the icing on the cake... I sent my 7th grader to Jr. High! She's having a great time so far...

That's a good idea!

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The other night after we read our Bible and said our prayers, the girls began to talk about when they get married and have a baby. Chloe tells about how she is going to go to highschool then college, get married then have a baby. She tells of a beautiful princess wedding and all about her handsome prince! (Lisa you'll never guess who...) Jordan chimes in just as serious and mature.. "Well... I am going to marry Jesus!" I snicker under my breath and say "well.. you may not be able marry Jesus but you sure can marry someone who acts a lot like him"! She responds, "yeah, that's a good idea!"

It so wonderful that she knows the love of Jesus that she wants to marry Him!

[Before you all freak out on why are these little girls all into the wedding thing....They are all into the wedding thing because it was our 15th wedding anniversary and they wanted to look at our pictures "of when mommy was getting married and was dressed up like a beautiful princess]

Summer Fun

Panama City Beach



Father's Day



Chloe's 1st Ballet Recital

"Millennial Generation"....penny for your thought?

I saw this video this week. I'd love to get your thoughts. How will our children change the world? Are we ready?


I will articulate my thoughts soon. I'm not an incredible writer like my friend Christine! It just takes me awhile to get them just right!

Amen!

My daughter, who recently turned five, asked to say the blessing before dinner the other night. She said the blessing and ended it with "Amen", we all echoed "amen". She then said, "mommy, boys should say "Amen" and girls should say, "A-lady". Too funny! precious!

I love you bigger!

Music to my ears! Words out of mouths of babes!

My 3 year old, out of the blue said, "momma I love you, gimmie a kiss"!. I gave her a kiss and responded, " I love you bigger" and she said "NO momma, I love you bigger!"

Mom's Overture by Anita Renfroe

Word's of Wisdom from a Friend!

Words of Wisdom from a friend regarding a previous post.

This was an awesome comment for me today! It was so good that I had to just copy it into my blog!

"I talk to her openly about how boys view girls sexually, and how it shows respect and love for your friends when you cover yourself.

I've also looked her in the eyes and said, "I know that YOU don't care about your husband right now and don't even want to THINK about that ... so I'll do it for you. Everything that I ask of you when it comes to behavior and dress ... it is because I am already thinking of your husband, and praying for him. I'm praying that his Mom is doing the same thing! So, if you hate what I'm doing, one day you can just take it up with him!"

This came from my friend Christine..
http://www.christinemoers.blogspot.com/ she always has the right words to say, ummm write!

" I Want My Napkin Holder Back"

Now about that Orange Mushroom Napkin Holder...

All I can say is...

Bell bottoms were really cool.Cuttin' glass an' skippin' to school. I 'member packin' that ol' fishin' pole. Skinny-dippin' at a swimmin' hole. Back light, red lights an' strobe lights too,Were all the rage for me an' you. Only one thing I miss more than that: I want my Orange Mushroom Napkin Holder back! I want my Orange Mushroom Napkin Holder back! My ol' napkins, an' my dinner table too. Fuzzy lint loose an' proud. ZZ Top, they're playin' loud. A simple time, that's what I miss. Your shinny metal an' your cute coat of paint. Things are changin' man, an' that's a fact. I want my Orange Mushroom Napkin Holder Back!!!! (words and music inspired by: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1297074360

So you can learn to play on your guitar!!!http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/tabs/b/billy_ray_cyrus/i_want_my_mullet_back_crd.htm
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Living Through Your Child???

Wow... God's really teaching me a lesson on letting go! I want so much for my tween daughter to be all that God wants her to be (or should I say what I think God wants her to be). I want so much to tell her how to act , what to wear, what to say etc....ect...ect.... That I forget that my responsibility is to guide her and teach her but I have to let her fly!!! Learn and live! I have to remember if I am faithful in guiding and setting the example that God will take care of the rest!!! So today I am going to let her fly!
While i'm On my knees!

My most recent Quote o'the mom:
Don't worry about boys right now concentrate on running the race God has set before you and when you are old enough,(like 30 ha ha)look beside you to see who's running with you..that young man God has for you might just be right next to you encouraging you to go His way!

Life w/ Girls as tweens

I came across a really great workbook from our youth group which has really helped me guide my daughter regarding the whole boy thing. It is a disciple now workbook "Attraction Love Dating and the truth about Sex. www.sosforstudents.com. The title might scare some moms.. but we are very open and honest with our kids about sex. This book really helped me "chill-out". Of course, with my daughter I'm cool on the outside and screaming on the inside "Lord help me get it right"! She is tons of fun and it is an incredible privilege that God has entrusted us to guide her in the right way.

This weekend, my tween went with a friend to The Revolve Tour www.revolvetour.com .. it is a really great tween/teen girls conference The Tour talks about things girls want – and need – to hear, including:Keeping It Real: Inside & Out; The Truth About Guys ; Secrets to Real Beauty; The Inside Scoop on Relationships there's a concert by Natalie Grant and others.. It just reinforces what we are trying to teach her at home... PTL!

I'll let you know how she liked it!

Mom of a tween!!! How Awesome!

Life just cracks me up! It doesn't matter how many books you read or how much advice you get...sometimes you just aren't ready to embark on what lies ahead! But God gives you grace!!

I have a tween.. and well the whole "boy thing" is hitting!!! It just socked me right in the face..last year when the boys came around the neighborhood and the girls giggled and talked about what boy likes what girl.. I was cool and knew it was very innocent... but this year I am freaking out!!!!! My tween is cute and fun-loving and can hold her own when it comes to sports and such and the guys kinda like that....but what has me stirred up is the boys are asking the girls to go to different things away from the neighborhood.... not a date or anything like that.. but still away from Momma-hawk-eyes!!!

We've talked long before, when boys had cooties, that we would not allow our girls to have a "boyfriend per say" and how they couldn't date until they were 30.. ha! I've been reading, praying etc.. to determine the best thing for our girls... and it is hard. We want to do what is right for our daughters in every aspect..foremost, spiritually then emotionally and socially. We've talked about the whole "group hanging-out thing" and when they can date..So far this is what I discovered how it is today..not saying it is wrong or right... just research..
Most Middle School students [7th & 8th] group hang-out, mall, movies, starbucks, youth functions or at someones house..some have a parent tag along "the invisible mom", there there but with a birds-eye view of it all. High School [9th-10th] sorta of do the same thing.. but they have games, dances, parties and parents are usually only the "hosting parent". [11th & 12th] usually parents allow "dating" at this point... but a friend recently shared with me that a group of guys committed to only group dating until college... I really liked that idea. And as a mom of girls that really relieved my heart.. the question I have is if they hang-out, is it ok for the girls [four or more] to go to the guys house or is it better for the hang-out time be at the girls house? And what if you know the boy but not the parents.. but you know the reputation of the family and it's all good and the guy just so happens to be the boy that likes your girl.. do you go and introduce yourself to the parents or what.? It seems sorta awkward. it's not like they are "dating" or as they say in middle school "going out" they are just interested in each other... What is the best thing to do?

Here's another issue...swim suits... we decided that at age 1o our daughter would longer wear a two-piece in a public setting [only in our neighbors pool with the girls only.].. we decided to make that change before her body began to develop so it would be just how it is, kinda of things...she's been cool with it for the most part...and she totally gets why she needs to dress modestly but not all her friends parents have the same conviction..therefore it creates a bit of an issue from time to time...because she says.. but ALL my friends are wearing them...don't take me there!! I know at her age it is totally a social issue and not another...but you want so much for them to understand and REALLY get it! It is for love ...not just to make life miserable....

just another day in the life of 007 mom!!!

In Memory of...My Favorite Boss

I planned to post this a few weeks ago.. but I wanted to get it just right..not to mention that everytime I sat down to write I'd tear up and cry!

Have you ever had one of those days when life seemed to just stand still. One that makes you think about life and why God has you here for this time?

On June 30, 2007 my boss, Jim Ward, who i worked with for seven years went to heaven! He was like a father away from my father. He was an incredible boss and a true gentleman. He was a great example to me, a man of integrity and godly character. He displayed great wisdom and faithfulness. [he stayed the coarse to finish out our beautiful Criswell Center, which when you walk through the halls you see his touch all over] He was a good listener {he would listen to all my crazy mommy stories about the girls}. He was a man of much grace and patience {he had to deal with 4 pregnancies and a "royal wedding"(it was beautiful) in our office}. He had a great sense of humor {we were always laughing about something}. It was a true joy serving him!

Jim was a very generous and giving man. He was always helping some one in need. He even orchestrated the opportunity for my husband and I to go on a mission trip to Ukraine.. that has forever impacted my life! He loved missions! His own daughter is on the mission field now.

He loved the staff...he had an open door policy..many times when there was a decision (big or small) to be made he would be in his office with his door slightly ajar (that was to let me know if someone needed him he was available) he had his Bible open, praying the Lord's will be done.

He loved his family greatly. He cherished his wife far above rubies. He was so proud of his son & daughter (they are incredible, serving the Lord). Yet, he & his wife still had room for others to be part of their family.

I know as soon as he hit heavens gates...Jesus took his hand and the Father said "well done thy good and faithful servant". As one friend said..he's in heaven managing some other mansion under construction now! Though I will miss him.. I know he is in heaven and will see him again! (how about you?)

As this chapter in my life closes, I will forever be grateful to the Lord for allowing our paths to cross and to share a wonderful ministry at First Baptist Dallas.

Jim, you and your family will always have a very special place in my heart!

Da-svee-da-nay (until we see you again)!

Little Bitty Baby!

My middle little miss is helping me with my blog today. She wants a picture of when she was a baby! Too cute!! She liked this one, big sister holder her! She adores her big sis!

My three Girls!!!

Lights.. Camera... Action

My oldest was in the Spring play/musical a few weeks ago. Her role was "Joan Waters" (aka Joan Rivers) in Once Upon a Time. She was a red carpet diva interviewer. She was wearing a divine SusanW original, a dark teal metallic organza long gown, with straps with gold stitching, her hair in an updo with gorgeous black diamond flats and to top it off she wore a brilliant green tiny clam shelled choker... just beautiful! (ok so the description is a little over the top ... but hey, moms prerogative). If I do say so myself... she stole the show! She was absolutely hilarious... she's a natural!! Unfortunately, I only have a few still pictures.

Bravo! Marvelous!!! Awesome job little miss!!!!

All about the Drama Queen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My daughter is the biggest drama queen I have ever meet! She loves to act and sing but best of all she has a great personality!

Super Models

Recently, the girls went to a b-day party for my friends twins. They had a great time celebrating their 1st b-day!!. About a week later we went to visit them at home...The twins received darling handmade dresses, hat & purse.. but... we were not sure what size they were.. it was perfect timing, for my girls were ask to be super models for the dresses.. to size them up that is...They had fun! so.. without further ardor.. here are the super models!! THANKS K, k & s... we had a fun time.. we'll have to do it again!!

[for those of you who are wondering, we think the dresses are size 24 months]

My Three Beauties!

WONDERS never cease.. TOP 3 QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK...

3. Why does it rain?



2. Where is heaven?



1. Where was I when you and daddy were married?

Boy, my 4 year old sure has me on my toes these days.... I love how she ponders the world around her and asks questions so she can learn......

Here are my answers to her questions....3]. Why does it rain? Because God needs to water the plants so they can grow. 2] Where is heaven? Where God is. {I thought that would provoke additional questions.. but that satisfied her}. and the number one answer to the number one question is.......1] Where was I when you and daddy were married? You were in God's secret place. { I had to really think about this one.. she was born almost 10 years after we were married.}.. Her response was precious...eyes wide with a big grin in a sweet tender voice.. W00 0w wW! (I'd love to know what was in her mind)!

Here are a few fun pictures of us discovering the world of gravity and static electricity......