Memorial Day and every day....

I received this message from Chelsea yesterday. It was really one of my favorite all time messages:) As I read it I thought about all the people who truly make effort to show appreciation to our soldiers. There ARE so many who do that everyday....they don't wait until Memorial Day or 4th of July to voice their appreciation....they do it every single day! I wish I were closer to an International Airport so I too could go and stand.... What a neat way to bless a soldiers return.

""I thought of you today-

We went to pick up Hannah and Neil at the airport and we drive around two times and then decided we would just go in and wait. When we got to the arrival walkway which was so crowded I saw a huge group of people standing down there greeting all the Soldiers.. I assumed it was only because of Memorial day but Bo said there is a group that stands there everyday and claps for soldier's as they arrive home.. Parents were there holding small children and children were holding signs they had made some cool signs some signs only the child's mother would love :) ... each made out of respect. Official greeters stood in front of the group of people and shook the soldiers hands and walked with them for a short time ( I guessed to greet them and make sure they couldn't help them in any way ) I was standing at the end of the arrival walkway and they were at the beginning.. Bo asked if I wanted to get a closer look and I told him no I was about to cry from where I was :) It was very neat and such a special thing to witness :) I would have called and told you but I might have cried.. So I just sent you a facebook message :)

I love you ""

I am so very grateful for the example so many men have given of service. I am, today and everyday, proud of Caleb. That said....This day is about remembering those who gave their all, gave their very lives in the service of this country, for the freedom we all appreciate. I hope that is NOT something Caleb is called to give. I love and respect his time of service, but I want it to be just that....a TIME and then his life beyond...

Our family is blessed with two wonderful young men in service right now, Ben and Caleb. May God always bless them and watch over them!

Boy's State

John left for Boy's State this morning. It is a huge honor and a big privilege to attend! Scott took John to catch his ride today.....he rode up this morning with the Clausel family (JD is also going to Boy's State).

Balls and Bases

Seth sat across from me in the kitchen after we got home from the pool "helping". If I let Seth wear his chef hat he would freely work all night with me:) Our quick and easy dinner tonight was names by Seth....balls and bases. A perfect ball season dinner (and did I mention SUPER FAST and EASY??).

POOL:)

Today our pool opened:) It seems that summer has officially now began! We had a great afternoon swimming! The picture above was taken right before we had annual "horse playing" talk:)





Carlton came home yesterday(thank you Doug for going to pick him up!). He will be here over the long weekend.

Got Brats?

I ask that and I'm not talking about sausage....I'm talking about the whiny, disrespectful, false sense of entitlement....yucky kind of behavior. The kind opposite of the sweetness in the above picture(Goodness I really miss those days!). I rarely take pictures of the yucky stuff!

My ladies bible class has been talking about values, just last week the subject was "Our Obligation of Transparency". The premise is that , as Christians, we have an obligation of transparency toward one another. It's a tough thing. Although perhaps not so tough.

If there is a family who has a child that never has a bratty moment? Well, I have one or three of those too....but, if you live in the real world and have a nice niche of personality in your home? You likely are not surprised that I can say with GREAT transparency "My children are not perfect (rofl...DUH) and it would be evident to anyone who listened to them for more than 24 hours(my kids can honeymoon fairly well)."

I rarely talk about the child who turned up their nose at a free meal because they were mad (mad that they did not do their chores and did not get to choose). Or my child who was disrespectful to the very brother who sat at their game for 3 hours! Or the child who talks back and refuses to do ANYTHING (my goodness, who am I to ask anything of that child?). Or the child who mutters under their breath about mom. Or the children who doesn't mutter, but yells. Or....well, you probably get the point. I live in a realistic Pollyanna world. I would like my blog to be positive:) But I do not always blog positives...life isn't always nice! I hope when you read here that my blog is a transparent view of MY thoughts, of MY hope and MY dreams for my family. But, I sometime spare the guilty. Sometimes, when the issue is BIG(meaning the whole world knows), I don't.

But, that said, we (Christians, people as a whole) do not present transparency without trust. My bible class, I sincerely believe, has that trust in one another. Our faith and belief is rooted in a higher moral standard to which we all willingly submit...aka ....GOD. My blog? Well, I can share the joy and I can even share the bratty, but it will never be as transparent. So for all you people who read and think "Amanda has it all together?" ....well, you would be wrong. My blog might be well maintained, but reality is a bit crazier:)

Out a here!

Last night Seth and Tori both had wins...Seth's was a blow out and Tori's was close with a great ending(winning). My trio have had such a good year, but not a single win! They have had more close games than any team I have ever watched. The positive and it is a strong positive, is that this team really IS good! They really have incredible plays, hits, pitches and runs....so the boys do not feel terrible. Although, a win should would be nice!

No electricity!

For several hours our power was out today. I have decided my children just compensate for the sight loss by increasing their volume...Of course I sure didn't loose anyone!

I sat reading my new Kindle (THANK YOU KK!!). I love love love love it! But I still want to turn pages:)

Sarah read to Victoria for a long time. The room is much lighter then it actually was because of the camera flash. Sarah is not bleeding (although her leg looks like it), she spent the day painting her Papa's barn....barn red! I love that she read for so long to Tori....Sarah shared her greatest love with a book loving sister!

Maryville get ready:)

Stuart left today for his summer "job". Stuart will be a summer intern for a church this summer. He is really excied! He texted me tonight...he is already hanging out with some of the kids:)

What a huge blessing to have children grow up and be about the right things, to be willing, able and ready to work in the church. I love that!

How we learn....

I'm having blinking issues with my car. This morning Jacob, and his buddy Ryan stopped in the middle of their "on the way to the river" plans to work on my car. And as it seemingly always is at my house...someone was watching. Michael just eats up work and knowledge. He leaned up against the car and stayed. He soaked it all in:)

I love watching Jacob work, so I understand the draw of brothers and watchful sisters. Jacob rarely gets mad, he just switches route. This morning after checking out the lights and determining my lights are fine and they moved to fusses and eventually to higher help (aka...Johnny Powers). What I love, even in the heat (and it is HOT), even when he takes everything apart only to put it all back together, even when he does everything he can....there is NO whining. No frustration. He told me they were going to get someone to look at it and they did. I did not have to help. I was not called on to do anything. While I really would not mind helping ....lol...I am no help:) But, most impressive always is Jacob's attitude. This morning I read on Cindy Bodie's blog these words....

"Worrying about today is just as pointless as worrying about the future. Remember, either take action or let it go."

They remind me of Jacob! He is my take action guy and when he can't make a difference? He finds someone who cans and lets it go! Great words to live by:)

silly guys...

I've had one small window of "big boys" this weekend. I will have some always...lol:) But this weekend felt a little like "TopGun" at my house "the best of the best" were home. All 5 of my 6 17-21 year old guys who preside on USA soil were in town:) Missing was my soldier Caleb, currently in Afghanistan, I missed him all the more this weekend!

I sat with boys at the family picnic. Funny how the tweens and teens seem to hide from mom and my big guys pull chairs up close to mom and dad. I love that about life. I love the knowledge that they do circle back! That said, they are still such silly guys:) I watched 4 boys giggle over a giant bug attacking Doug (Doug's response was pretty funny). Today Stuart heads East for his summer job, next week Doug will head to Mid-South Youth Camp for his summer job....life. But for one short weekend it was super nice:) Good memories and good times!

I laughed and took these pictures after church of three big guys. I labeled them "John and and Salmon brothers", which I found much funnier than they did! These are the silly side of three of my incredibly well adjusted hoodlums:)

Family Picnic

Our church's annual family picnic was yesterday. The weather was hot, but the impending rain seemed to pass right over. It was a great night. I love lawn chair sitting:) There was a small fishing tournament. Victoria and Michael both getting trophies,of course right after I put my camera in the car because of impending rain...but Denise Rinks (NO surprise there) took their pictures for me, so I will have pictures later.

Grill burgers and hot dogs, yummy desserts, fellowship, awesome singing and a devotional by one of the neatest young men, Bradley Gean! A very good night:)

revamping

I find myself every summer thinking that "this summer is going to be different"! lol:) This year it is, this year it has to be. Our summer will last a full 3 months, until after Labor Day. We will have more than 90 days at home.... 2,160 hours....and I am NOT counting the minutes and seconds. So this summer I intend to get things done, to have a reading program, to play lots and spent a great deal of time on a few of my children's behavioral needs (...aka...revamping some attitudes!).

Today Tasha was slightly miffed that I would actually ask her to do chores. Good grief, what was I thinking!? After sending her to her room she came to the end of the hall twice to ask "Can I come out now?". I, each time, said, "Why?" Her reply was a simple whiny, "I'm bored". I would say "No you may not." The last time she said to me, "I was in my room doing fine, I came out and you made everything bad again." Mother's everywhere likely see the need for behavioral modification....mainly ownership, respect and ATTITUDE. For now, she can think I am crazy. I understand, better than her, that I am going to be making lots of life "Bad" until she catches on! I am certainly fine with that:)

Words?

I am at a lose for words pretty often (I know that would surprise my children). I find, as I get older, things can literally take my breath away. Things can bring tears to my eyes and make me stop to "gather" myself. Just two seconds ago as I sat at the computer trying to upload a picture Stuart walked over, gave me a big hug and told me he loved me. I love those breathless moments. I love my kids.

This morning I got a message from Caleb. I am going to quote him ...

i bought a kindle..for me and for you too. Consider it the birthday present i never really got you cause i was too busy being a lousy son. HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY!!!??(partially because im not sure if i will have Internet around your birthday)

Words? They fail me .....briefly:) Part of my response was :

You have never been a lousy son Caleb. You were a teenager for several years, that in and of itself says it all:)

I am so very very blessed with children who love me. I have the tough ones whom I may never reach, ones who likely will always be self centered. But God has blessed me so richly with children who love greatly, children who use their words and actions to make me smile, to make me proud and to just plain tickle me pink!

So, on Monday two of these neat toys will be at my house:


My sweet friend Denise Phillips has already called (she is my Kindle-smart buddy which makes great since...she is a librarian!). She will be headed over to help me charge and get Caleb's Kindle up and going with a few loaded books. She is kindle savvy enough to even know we can download some free (boy, I love that!). So hopefully Caleb's Kindle will be on it's way to him the first of the week. Then I will be have all summer to play with mine:)

All in a nice day....

Jacob had Bronte's hair cut....someone said Bronte ought to be really mad because Jacob buzzed it all off:) I think Bronte is likely enjoying the cool....he is a furry monster!! He does look a lot different with short hair!


Stuart is home from the beach (sad to him and glad to us!). It is nice just seeing him in the house:)


Doug is home, lol, well he has been home all week but is in and out since he is taking a short course. He will be at Mid South youth camp next week for a 5 week period. He has missed Seth's last two "teeth pulling" events, but was home today to pull yet another tooth.




Today is Paden's birthday. He is in a good friends wedding today. I met Sarah half way between Henderson and home this morning to pass her the shoes she forgot at home. I had a whole 40 minutes of quiet:) I think Paden's family is grilling out tonight...lots of fun!

Scott has spent about 4 hours today working on lawnmowers. I sure do appreciate all he does for this family, but sure hate he spends so much time fixing what other people break! I am sure all the neighbors are very appreciative of his efforts too....the consequence of his work is that our jungle is transformed into something that resembles a yard!

We are so very thankful for Mr Doug who babysat while Scott and I took Stuart out for dinner. He will be leaving Monday for his summer internship...it was super nice to be able to sit and be with him tonight. Thanks to John too who picked up Mercedez from her friends house. I love my great helpers!!

Graduation 2010

Tonight John worked hard to handle the tasks of his new office. Scott and I smiled watching him and decided he looked a whole lot like he was in the Secret Service:)


He had several tasks for the evening, one of them was to help the girls off the stage....these are a couple of our favorite girls:)



John, 2010-2011 Student Council President, accepted the challenge passed from this past years President and spoke to the graduating class. He did a great job!


His speech? Short and sweet:

I accept the challenge as the new Student Council President. I will strive to make our senior year one of the best ever. My mother has a quote by Abraham Lincoln hanging up in our kitchen. It says, "Whatever you are, be a good one". Congratulations senior class of 2010. Whatever you do….be a good one! Thank you.

What words?

What words do we use when life isn't fair? What words do we use when bad things happen to awesome people? I do know that there are no words of mine that will ever change history or give eternal comfort. But, the words of God? The promises He makes? The peace He brings? The healing, the strength, the love, the hope....the ALL of this life is in His hands.

Aaron Bell is an 8th grade student, a classmate of my children, the son of our teacher/librarian and dear friend Kristie. Aaron is also a cancer survivor. He is a champion among fighters. He recovered from his brain surgery (having to start anew, learning to even walk again), he made the high school golf team and is also on the traps shooting team, he is an honor student and he is a GREAT kid! Truthfully, one of the best you will ever have the privilege of meeting. And this past week he found out his cancer is back. What words can describe such a blow? It is a time that words need to be spoken, spoken to God on Aaron's behalf. I am asking all that read this to please stop, say a prayer, ass God to cure Aaron and ask God to give Aaron the strength to fight and win once again!

If you would like to read about Aaron you can do so here at his Caring Bridge site. And please leave him a comment, a note, a short "we are praying for you" message.

I have said before (and it will likely always be true) that my tears seem to be attached to music. Kristie, Aaron's mom, suggested her readers listen to a song. It will make you cry while it gives you hope. Why? Because the words, the thought, the understanding belongs to God. The Impossible Dream Isn't Impossible....keep the faith!

So much for breaks....

I laughed as I jokingly fussed at John. There are only TWO years between now and 2020 that I don't have to be at Hardin County High School for a graduation. This year was one of those years, and John just went and messed that up by being elected Student Council President! I will be there tomorrow night taking pictures and beaming proudly as John accepts the challenge of his new office from this years Student Council President.

John is in charge of arranging people to greet and hand out programs (several dozen) for both baccalaureate and graduation. He is also in charge of finding young men to help the graduates (girls) walk up the steps the the stage.

Tonight Mercedez was pretty tickled that John included her in his "helpers". They both looked great as they were headed out the door:)

Inclusion..

Inclusion is a big word. Today it applied to Seth. Jacob allowed Seth to be included with the workers (Michael and Daniel). Jacob had been working and needed some helping hands to pick up. I helped Seth find long blue jeans (we are already pretty embroiled in shorts here), put on old tennis shoes and answered his questions about working.

"Will I get paid? What will I be doing?"

I explained that Jacob sometimes paid people in Sonic drinks or meals, and sometimes with money. I also explained that since this was his first time to be going he needed to just worry about listening to Jacob and working hard. We talked about making yourself valuable. Seth so sweetly(to me) nodded seriously and was out the door.

The boys arrived home looking a little dirtier and a lot happier! Dr Pepper's in hand and an adventure with Jake. Oh the lesson's learned at the hand of others!

Still got it:)

I laughed as Chelsea got ready (and sisters and brothers lined up in the yard to watch)show Bo her back hand spring. She looked at the pictures afterwards and bemoaned her form and all those things that people who know what they are talking about talk about. Me? I am always impressed that she actually did a flip in the air:) lol! Mom's can be easy to impress.