Dollar General

These are a few of my favorite things

2009-07-11T14:24:00.029-05:00

Piercing Eyes

Beautiful Lips

A little Ear

A Hand Held

A tiny Hand in a Daddy's Hand

Baby Toes

Big Little Feet

Smiles!

and Cries

Silly Faces

Big Yawns

and...

Sleep when at last it comes

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Phil. 4:8 (NLT)

We are PRAISING the Lord for our unexpected LOVELY gift from the Lord. He knows what we need when we do not know! Thank you Lord for Isaac - he is a BEAUTIFUL masterpiece sent from the Lord Himself!

2009-07-09T16:39:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-08T18:07:00.001-05:00

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

Isaiah 26:3

Today's Favorite

2009-07-06T19:17:00.003-05:00

Don't you see that children are God's best gift?

the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?

Like a warrior's fistful of arrows

are the children of a vigorous youth.

Oh, how blessed are you parents,

with your quivers full of children!

Your enemies don't stand a chance against you;

you'll sweep them right off your doorstep.

Thank you Jesus for our WONDERFUL GIFT!!

Introducing Isaac Mincaye

2009-07-04T19:41:00.005-05:00

Isaac = Laughter

You can see our hospital pictures on facebook

REALLY?!?

2009-07-03T11:44:00.007-05:00

I think I need to change my blog from Dollar General to Really?!? Seems like I've said that a lot lately or...WOW...that's a word that I've said a lot lately too!

So the story goes...

We have had a GREAT summer so far! Staying super busy and doing a lot of fun stuff. This past week my friend Delilah (along with Hannah and Ian) spent Monday-Thursday with me because Jason was scheduled to teach at Camp Pearl in Lake Charles, LA (8.5 hours away!). That was all fine with me - planned months ago and since I've never had a baby at 37 weeks - ALWAYS mid 38 we were really fine with the idea of him going...UNTIL...it was time for him to go. We both felt extremely uncomfortable with the idea when the time actually came.

Last week, June 25, was my first visit where they would check me and get an idea of my progress! Well, I was progressing...2 cm - and Dr. Radbill told Jason that we probably wouldn't have the baby but it was not a good idea to go to LA. So, he decided on a "compromise" since in the past I haven't delivered early he would go to LA but be back in time for the Dr. visit Thursday. Delilah would be with me 24/7 "just in case." So, Jason left the camp Wednesday night at 8:30 pm and drove all night...getting home at 6:30 am - Delilah left around 7:30 am and I got up at 8:30 am to start getting everyone ready to leave.

Our plan for yesterday, July 2, was - get up and ready, take the kids to my dad - during my Dr. visit, eat lunch with Jason, get the kids and go bowling!

What actually happened...

Got up, got the kids to my parents house at 10:30 - Dr. visit at 11:00 - around 11:30 Dr. Adcock checked me and I was a "good 4 cm" and in somewhat pain - he said you can go downstairs and have a baby in NO TIME! I was immediately shocked at that statement (and so was Jason) - at 12:00 we go downstairs, break my water...YIKES...epidural...and at 4:05 little Isaac was in my arms!

He is adorable and GOOD! He is a gift from the Lord and I feel so blessed he is ours! I just thanked God for him all night last night!

Pictures SOON to come!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-01T19:13:00.003-05:00

Proverbs 31:10-31

A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden. First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!" Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!

2009-06-29T14:49:00.005-05:00

Our church had a couples baby shower for us Saturday and it was a lot of fun! It was for church members, family, and friends! It was great to see so many people and visit, eat good food, and come home with a TON of gifts for baby Isaac!

Overwhelming Really!!

Another Cute and YUMMY CAKE!! Thanks Delilah!

1st Baby Shower in Honor of Isaac

2009-06-23T19:21:00.006-05:00

This is funny!! Ridgecrest has been planning to have a baby shower for little Isaac. But now we are at RMLBC and they continued to make plans and not tell me about the changes...So, I know it's Monday, I called my friend Stephanie and asked her about the time - she said 6/6:15 - the plan was Costa's! So, I'm at Costa's at 6. First funny thing - no one is there and they said, "We don't know anything about a baby shower!" Called Janna...she said..."Oh, it's 6:30 - Stephanie told you wrong - I'm in the parking lot...I'll be right in" - so around 6:15 - still no Janna or anyone for that matter! Then Stephanie called and said, "Oh, we are at Logans!" So time and place all changed...guest of honor...had no clue!! FUN TIMES!!

But luckily I didn't miss my sweet shower! We had a lot of fun and Isaac got a lot of cute stuff (despite the immense heat)!

My two favorite things...

My Presents
and
My Cake

Thank you sweet friends!!! I love you all so much!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T21:54:00.014-05:00

Happy Father's Day Jason! We think you are a gift from the Lord and we feel blessed to call you ours! You are so patient and kind to us! Thank you for being our spiritual leader and loving God first - we reap the benefits of that everyday and experience genuine love from you! You mean the world to me and the kids! Thanks for all the time you spend with us, the laughs, the hugs, and the kisses! Thanks for lighting up our days - we always anticipate being with you everyday!

WE LOVE YOU THE MOST!!!!

Yes...even Isaac loves you!! What wonderful days ahead of us!

And to my Dad...WE LOVE YOU TOO!! Thank you for all you do for us! You are the most loving, giving, protective, and yes grumpiest daddy in the world and we love you and manage to make you laugh!! WE LOVE YOU - just the way you are!!

BEACH!!

2009-06-18T08:26:00.008-05:00

SERIOUSLY? That was my first reaction (and my second, and third...and even now the same reaction)! I found out around June 4 that there was a possibility we were going to the beach! Jason became the pastor of Rock Mountain Lakes Baptist Church (in Mc Calla) June 7th and the Beach "possibility" was then a reality! The search committee and deacons sent us to the beach for 4 days! They thought it would be a nice way to relax after all the interviews, socials, the "vote", and also before the baby comes! REALLY?!? SERIOUSLY?!?

IT WAS GREAT!!! We went to Orange Beach, stayed right on the beach, the pool was right on the beach, and the breeze was constant! We did not even get hot until we were packing the van up to leave! The kids got to play non-stop at the pool and then Jason would take them to the beach, and then they would come back to the pool, and then we would all go down to the beach! FUN! FUN! FUN!

It was Mary's first beach trip. She loved the condo! The beach not so much...I think it was a little loud for her and the pool her freedom was minimal - so she didn't like that! BUT the condo...she loved! She has been working on climbing on things so she loved coming in and out of the sliding glass door, she loved the stairs on the pool, and she also loved the beach chair she got to stand in!

These are a few of my favorite pictures!

And these are my favorite pictures of me and Jason...

I'm a super model!

And Jason is a CRAB!

Bowling

2009-06-13T21:08:00.016-05:00

Vestavia Bowl is doing Free Kids Bowl. Two games per day FREE all summer long (weekdays) . Check it out...www.vestaviabowl.com - So a group of us went the other day and it was a lot of fun. And we put 6 kids on a lane and it took them 2 1/2 hours to play 2 games! The adults played too and it was a lot of fun! Then we went to Chickfila for FREE chicken nuggets and WOW...it was crazy but fun b/c we were with friends!

But everything is funner with FRIENDS!

And did I mention...Mary was PERFECT! She sat in her carseat the whole time and watched them play and bounce all around her! HOW!?! She's a GIFT!

***SUMMER UPDATE***Yea...we tried to go to the Drive In again Friday night and a storm came so we got another rain check!! This time we got in, parked, unpacked, ate pizza, the movie started previews...STORM...left! We are scared to know what might happen on the third try! It's very funny to us now!! And we WILL try again!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-10T12:27:00.004-05:00

Psalm 145:4

Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts.

(The Message)

WHEW...

2009-06-08T10:27:00.024-05:00

VBS...Check! What a fun time! I loved the way our church did it this year. They combined classes so there were 4 teachers in our 1 class and each teacher took a night! So I only had to teach 1 night!! Which was enough for this preggers!! But it was FUN! and It was great fellowship too!

The Drive-In to see Up...Check! That one didn't go according to plan! But we still had fun! Which reminds me I need to take the AntBully back...it was a W-I-E-R-D movie!

Alabama Adventure...check! It was the funnest day of the kids lives! They have never been before and they loved it! This particular "roller coaster" was Anna's favorite. Noah said he rode it 20 times before they got off! Friday when we got to the park it was 65 degrees! I had to apologize to the group we sorta went with because I think I prayed that on us!! I was so scared it was going to be miserably hot that we wouldn't stay long! Well, it was a GREAT day for Alabama Adventure...no lines...no waiting - we stayed from 12-8:30pm. Around 4 the sun came out and the kids enjoyed the water park and slides! They just had a GREAT day! All I could do was the lazy river! That was my personal favorite!

Noah's favorite was the Rampage! Jason convinced him to go with him on it. I would have NEVER done that at 7 years old. He did almost cry when Jason asked him to ride it again but now...it was his all time favorite ride!!

And finally....

For those of you who only read the blog this will come as "news" to you but for all those who have prayed us through this process...CHECK!!! Jason is the next pastor at Rock Mountain Lakes Baptist Church! Thank you for all your prayers family and friends! At times it was hard to make this decision and by your prayers we are rejoicing! The church is full of amazing people ready to see God work and move in their midst...ready for the Lord to use them to make a difference in their community and world! Thank you Thank you Thank you! We are SO EXCITED and feel extremely blessed!!

Really?!?

2009-06-03T10:56:00.007-05:00

WOW...

VBS this week has been fun...BUT...we decided that we would skip VBS last night and go see Up at the Drive In - you can get a carload in for $10! We can't beat that with our family! We have talked up going since Sunday to our kids and the Hootens were going with us and it was gonna be so much fun for kids and adults alike!! Notice I said WAS!! That's right...we get there and we are second in line. Everyone is so excited and then one other car pulls behind us...then about 15 minutes after we get there a man comes out and says they aren't gonna play the movie tonight because they don't play movies unless there are SIX CARS!!!! You should have heard Anna have a come apart! I felt horrible for her! I wanted Jason to roll the windows down so all of Argo could hear her disappointment!

So EXCITED...

But instead we end up on a pallet in our living room watching Ant Bully!! NOT FAIR!! But we have pretty sweet kids!

Summer Summer Summer

2009-05-31T13:00:00.013-05:00

What time is it?
Summertime
It's our vacation
What time is it?
Party time
That's right, say it loud

What time is it?
The time of our lives
Anticipation
What time is it?
Summertime
School's out, scream and shout!

Yea...we like HSM2

YAY! It's summer around here and we are starting with a BANG...probably because we only have the first half of the summer before Isaac is here! Then we will all be adjusting to him! Can't wait! So far it's been a lot of fun - we have VBS this week, and we are going to the Drive In to see Up, and we are going to Alabama Adventure Friday (wow...33 weeks pregnant...we'll see just how fun that is), and we have free bowling passes...I told ya...BUSY! But all of it is going to be so much fun!

School ended on a GREAT note! Anna had a program at school and she was so cute dressed as a Lady Bug Car - it was a Good Samaritan play during the Kindergarten Graduation. And then Noah got 4 awards on awards day! We are so proud of both of them!

And Mary...she's not doing anything but being cute!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-27T12:16:00.004-05:00

Psalm 33:1

Good people, cheer God! Right-living people sound best when praising. Use guitars to reinforce your Hallelujahs! Play his praise on a grand piano! Invent your own new song to him; give him a trumpet fanfare. (The Message)

Funny to Me

2009-05-20T15:46:00.009-05:00

We got home late last night and Noah was pumped...I think from too much sweet tea! I know I shouldn't have let him have any...but it was a special night - so anyway, he was full of energy!

We got home and put all the kids in bed and about 30 minutes later he comes in my room and says..."I've got a loose tooth and Anna said I should tell you if it comes out! Can I just pull it?" It's 9:30 pm, so I said..."Can you pull it now?" And he proceeds to pull it right out of his head, right in front of me!! THANKS NOAH! So we get him cleaned up and he goes and tells Jason and shows him the tooth and I put it in a plastic bag (easier for the tooth fairy to find) and hand it to him to put under his pillow and he looks at me with the cutest expression and said..."I was gonna see if the tooth fairy was real, but I thought, Nah...I want to get rich faster!" So today he is a dollar richer! I was thinking today...we are praying Mary gets teeth while hoping Noah loses some!

This morning I go to get Mary out of her bed and she obviously had already been awake because I found her like this...

That's right...she thinks she's funny! She took her shirt off all by herself! I couldn't believe she did that and didn't even cry! She doesn't enjoy putting on or taking off shirts...anything over her head can get her flustered! I really wish I could have seen her do it but she was just so happy and slinging it around and smiling so big! She's growing up!

I told you so...I told you so...I told you so!!

2009-05-17T15:33:00.021-05:00

Recital was GREAT! Anna really enjoyed herself this year - she said she LOVES being on stage and hates to wait for it to be her turn! Mary Poppins was the theme this year. Anna's class danced to Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

My camera lens got fogged up when we first went outside...it was muggy but I love her face in this picture!

And for those of you who don't know...I'm always trying to convince Shalita I'm a GREAT dancer...yes...even at 30 weeks pregnant...I will not let the dream die!

We are so proud of her!
All the Mary's were escorted out by a Penguin...

Anna and her Penguin Annabelle - we loved the Penguins!!

Then came Anna's all-time favorite dance..."Come on let me see ya shake your tail feather!" She showed her true dance ability and personality in this one ;)

This is just an example...writing in a spin and showing her hind-end!!! I just love to see her have a good time!!

Can you see how excited Anna was about getting her FIRST trophy...3 years of dance...WHOO HOO!!

Roses + Trophy = one happy little girl!

Mary absolutely loved the whole show! She would raise her hands and try and dance and she would clap...she will be a BEAUTIFUL BALLERINA one day but right now she's still our baby!!

Are y'all ready for this...

2009-05-15T16:55:00.004-05:00

It's recital!! I can't wait to post pictures of Anna's recital...it's tomorrow! Tonight we have all the rehearsal stuff and tomorrow is the big day! Y'all are gonna love her costume!

Reason Number 1,624

2009-05-13T11:46:00.006-05:00

Here is just another reason why Anna steals my heart! She is definitely one of a kind, free spirit, all her own, full of joy and life! This is just another thing she enjoys doing in her dance outfits!!

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-10T20:12:00.015-05:00

We had a GREAT day...I woke up in somewhat of a bad mood - only because I always feel so rushed! I hate that feeling! I guess that could be my 3rd regret! Anyway once we get to church I'm always ready to sit and relax, sing that stress away and soak up the Word!

After church my sister and her family and my mom and dad came over to hang out. That's what we've come to love...that's what we love best! Just hangin' around the house letting the kids play and be loud and eat brownies...They love it and we love it! Lots of laughs too!

Jason took me and the kids to Logan's for dinner! I had a feeling Noah would LOVE it - and he did! He loves peanuts so that was the greatest thing to him...FREE PEANUTS! And not only that but they let you throw the shells on the floor - amazingly fun! Anna said her favorite thing was the bread and butter. We found a new favorite "family" place to eat!

Here are some pictures from the day...

Noah of course gave me his great gift Friday at school - here is Anna's - it's her handprint - painted in gold. And this flower too! Very sweet and cute!

This is an impossible picture to get...after 6 tries you just go with it!

Noah and Will...lovin' to spend the day together!

Francie and Anna had a tea party

I do have a few regrets...

1. My mom made brownies and brought them to my house today...yea...I think I hate 5 - they were so good with chocolate chips inside!

2. LOGAN'S! I ate WAY TOO MUCH! WAY TOO MUCH! But it was a lot of fun!

That's all...it all centers around food! My only regret! And I may not regret it so much if I didn't have to weigh in tomorrow at the Dr.

I WON!

2009-05-08T18:35:00.027-05:00

Who knew? My friend Michele sent me this, isn't it funny! Thanks Michele, made me laugh!

http://news.cnnbcvideo.com/?nid=xPzmpW1vgqIKbiqwRzhLxjExNDY3MjA3&referred_by=15693945-1.yfjox&p=moveon

In other Mother's Day News...We had a luncheon at the school today (hosted by the 1st grade) it was fun and funny! They made a booklet called "Alphabet Soup" all the kids wrote how to cook their favorite dinner. Noah's recipe was Chicken Pot Pie, and here is what he wrote...ENJOY!

I really like spaghetti the best but my mom likes Chicken Pot Pie so I'm gonna tell you how to make that. First you probably make the inside of it first. You take some peas, about fourteen of them. And then carrots, about ten of them...there's not much of them. Then add those, what do you call them? They are the green straight up things and you can eat them and they got seeds in them. What do you call them? It's a vegetable...GREEN BEANS ya that's it but not string beans. That's probably the most so you put in about fifty of them. Actually I bet chicken is the thing that is the most in there. Let's see...there are about four thousand of those in there...not really, probably only seventy eight I guess. Okay now for the outside. I think she put these pieces of bread or something...like about ten pieces of bread...no five...five pieces of bread...and my mom loves the bread so she'll eat most of it. Take the bread and you put it on the pot pie pan and then you pour all that other stuff in and then you put the crust on top...that's where the crust is. I don't know if there is crust on the bottom or not cause I've never seen the bottom...no wait, there is a crust on the bottom. I HAVE seen it before. She likes squash too so she would eat it with it but ya don't put it in the pot pie thing. And I hate squash so she would never put it in the pot pie and we might have a little corn with it...not IN it just WITH it. Then you put it in the oven at about up to twenty something degrees. You know it's done cause the stove goes BEEEEEE like that 'sept I can't make that noise but it's something like that. And you know it's done because my mom says, "Come and eat!" 'sept sometimes my dad says it too. And one time I ate three tacos without stopping. But chicken pot pie is really good and all my family loves it...'sept maybe not my sister...I don't know 'cause I never asked her, 'sept my baby sister would love and want more...and more...and more, even when it's all gone. And that's how ya make Chicken Pot Pie.

His was the LONGEST recipe in the book. It had us laughing so hard! Then they wrote a short story about their mom and how much they loved her - we had to go sit in a chair on stage while they read their story. I'm a little unsure about my "goodness" - most kids read about how their mom was the greatest, she makes them yummy breakfasts, tucks them in at night, makes them laugh, and gives them hugs and kisses.

The first line of Noah's...

My mom is so good that she gives me homework to do when I don't make a 100 on my tests.

here is the whole thing...

My mom is so good that she gives me homework to do when I do not make a 100 on my tests. My mom doesn't let me just play. She makes me just do homework she does let me put the clothes in the hamper. But I still love my mom very much. Sometimes my mom lets me go and play my favorite games all most Friday but every time I make 100.

(My sweetest daughter Anna just said..."This does not look a thing like you! It sorta looks like Dad when he used to have hair! Why did he draw you like this!" - did I mention she's my favorite *wink*)

And the picture he drew of me...I'm scared! I feel I must explain about my Nazi homework approach. He was making really bad grades on his spelling tests so I made him do spelling whether the teacher made it homework or not...AND, he's made a 100 ever since then...so maybe I am good for that!

Silena and Will

The boys with Granny!

Will reading to Silena about how wonderful she is...and how she takes him to Granny and Grandaddy's house...blah...blah...blah...she's a great mom! Just Kidding ;) His was so sweet!

My rascal with his novel!

And continued progress on Mary's walking...

I'm sure more Mother's Day funnies are on their way, it's not even Sunday yet! But today was filled with love and laughter!

Isaac's got a buddy!

2009-05-07T10:13:00.010-05:00

My long time GREAT friend Macie had her first baby yesterday - John Reed...I've been waiting on this sweet thing since Noah was born 7 years ago! I could not be more happy for Macie and Patrick! Everything went smoothly and he is a healthy...tiny baby - 6 pounds 4 ounces! SWEET!! Yea...I'm hoping him and Isaac are tight!

Look at that passie bigger than his face!

And that is a SWEET face! He smelled wonderful too!

And in Dollar news...look who is up on her feet! She is pulling up! Is this a sign she will be walking soon? She is just learning so much and understanding so much it's a little weird. She turns one and she is on her way to being a big girl. Not only is she pulling up but she got her first tooth this week, she can tell you what the cat says, and she calls for Noah - it is so cute! I think she into that mimic stage and it's fun because she will mimic not just us but Noah and Anna too! She is too cute for words really! I'm proud! Just plain Momma proud!

Yea...and I think she will soon be able to master the dishwasher...it's never too early right? It will become her best friend I'm sure! ha...

Contend

2009-05-02T21:40:00.005-05:00

It's now available for preorder! Jason and a former student of his Bradley Pinkerton wrote the book Contend...check it out on Jason's blog - you can read select chapters and order from there! May more teens and young adults have a reason for the hope within! To God be the Glory!

Dollar General

These are a few of my favorite things

Wordless Wednesday

Today's Favorite

Introducing Isaac Mincaye

REALLY?!?

Wordless Wednesday

More

1st Baby Shower in Honor of Isaac

Happy Father's Day

BEACH!!

Bowling

Wordless Wednesday

WHEW...

Really?!?

Summer Summer Summer

Wordless Wednesday

Funny to Me

I told you so...I told you so...I told you so!!

Are y'all ready for this...

Reason Number 1,624

Mother's Day 2009

I WON!

Isaac's got a buddy!

Contend