Luke's first T-ball practice

Here it is! Luke's first baseball practice. His coaches are Coach Brody, Coach Paul, Coach Phil, and Coach Vinnie. 4 coaches and 8 on the team. First you start with stretching--very important! You should have seen the contortionists as the tried to copy Coach Brody. Very cute!
Next is the running around the T ball field 3 times. It's very exhausting! Luke came to the fence and said, "Mom I need some water" between laps. Practice was about 30 minutes long. Too cute! ( I wish I could have gotten a better shot)
Lastly was batting practice. Luke did very well knocking the ball into the fence. The coaches were very impressed with his throwing and batting abilities. Hopefully we will have 12 full years of baseball with this boy as well. I think he's a natural, like his brother, but I'm a little biased!

After practice, Brody told them their team Bible verse, Philipians 4:13 "I can do all things through God who strengthens me."
I thank the good Lord for this outreach ministry of the Carolina Forest Community Church!

My two young Princes

I don't get many photos of the boys with smiles and embracing. Usually the smile is due to one of them one-upping the other and the embracing is some sort of wrestling match. The way I got this one is because I asked them to say "Daddy likes Barbies" before I took the picture. It's a running joke in our house. Most of the time Luke is saying it to Charlie when Charlie's friends are around. Charlie doesn't think it's funny then. Sometimes they are more alike than they would like to admit.

I have Sophia again this week, so my posts might have lapses between them. Sorry. I had no idea that it would take so much energy to manage one more little one! Between that and getting the house ready for Jeff's arrival on Friday, I have not had the camera in my hand as much.

The old and the new

This is a picture that shows the old Myrtle Beach and the new Myrtle Beach. Downtown Myrtle Beach is changing daily, so I have been looking for a way to show some of the old Myrtle Beach. Here are some old houses which were probably beach front in the 50's. They are all along the beach from North Myrtle to Garden City. Most are really run down and very trashy looking. The towering hotels are in front of all of them. The mom and pop motels are becoming rare, most renting rooms for extended stays. Times, they are a changin'.
This is the Gay Dolphin. It is a locally owned gift shop which has EVERYTHING under the sun. I can remember seeing the shop when I was little, on vacation to Myrtle Beach. Then there were beads that looked like they were flowing down to the bottom of the glassed-in area. I had to take the picture while pulling over on the side of the road, so I didn't get a very good picture.
Here is a picture of the beach at High Tide. I like the fence and the old tree which have not been removed for further development. After taking the first few pictures, I found this piece of beach near one of the piers.

Charlie and his Geese

This morning before church Charlie told me his geese were outside wanting their breakfast. I gave him all the bread I had. (today is grocery shopping day) Today there were only 9 geese, but last year he had 44 geese which would come to our yard. They seem to recognize Charlie. He sits down to feed them and waits very patiently until they come to him. They will come out of the water slowly and eat from his hands. He is not afraid in the least. The peck at his clothes and at his fingers and all he does is giggle at them.

As most of you know, I am an animal lover. It gives me a warm fuzzy mommy moment when I see him being gentle to animals and in turn them trusting him. He is like this with all the animals we see on a daily basis, from his dogs to the salamanders and lizards which he must rescue from the cats. He has asked me many times not to disturb a zipper spider's web because they are so interesting to him. He is even kind and tolerates my cats without complaint, almost as well as Jeff does. Angus has taken up residence on his pillow many nights and all Charlie did was move down and not use the pillow! Don't tell Jeff because the pillow and spot on the bed where Charlie is sleeping right now is Jeff's spot. Jeff will be in that spot on Friday night. Angus will be out of luck then.

Hurt not the Earth, neither the Sea, nor the trees. Revelations 7:3

Saturday Birthday Party

Today we went to a birthday party at Jammin' Jumpers. The boys had a great day. The place is full of air filled equipment which is a kid's dream. The air conditioning wasn't turned on, so the kids were all red-faced when we left. Both of mine ALMOST took a nap when we returned home, then got their second wind. The weather is just too pretty to be inside!

Sorry, guys, a little busy here this week...

This week has been busier than usual for me. I have been babysitting a 2 year old girl. Her name is Sophia. She is Indonesian/American. She is as cute as a button, sweet as pie, and a joy to keep. The reason for no blog Tuesday and Wednesday is simply because I am EXHAUSTED at the end of the day (my blog time), well, that and American Idol on Tuesday night and Church on Wednesday night. Not an excuse, I know.

Not many pictures taken while I make sure that Sophia and Luke are safe and happy, but I did get a few. The first is of Sophia the first day- there were no tears when dad left, only beautiful smiles. The second is of Sophia blowing bubbles outside. She speaks little English as her mother is Indonesian. We have been getting along very well with signs for her needs. I expect that she knows more English than her dad thinks she does because Luke and she can understand each other perfectly. She also knows the word MINE.

The next pictures are of my all stars. Baseball season is upon us and I can't wait!

Peace Wall

This is the Peace Wall in Myrtle Beach. It surrounds the park and playground that the kids visit when we are in town. It was done in 1995. I find all the images fascinating. Most of the tiles were done by children around town, some classes, and some independent artists. The entire playground is elevated off the ground with this wall enclosing it. The tree covered swings line the other end of the park. This is where most of Myrtle Beach's homeless persons spend their days. The public library is on the other end. This is where I went today while Luke and Charlie were at school.
Another view of the wall. My favorite tile so far is the blue tiles with the red house, tree, and a person reading a book. I don't know why this is my favorite. It just always catches my eye.

I just had to put in a picture of Luke I got today. One coming of Charlie tomorrow. Everyone pray for Charlie to have a great trip to Columbia tomorrow to the Zoo. He's so excited!

Is that a Mustache on my Husband?!?!?!?!?

This is a picture that Jeff sent me from his phone. He sent it to me yesterday, but it took me almost 24 hours to figure out how to get it on the computer! I'm not the one who is technically minded in our family. He could have probably done it in 5 minutes!

Anyway, he has been in the tank 7 days straight, no showers. PU! He told me that he had decided to grow a mustache---I thought, OK. Never has Jeff had a mustache! It will be strange to see him with facial hair! Looking more like Poppie every day!

Luke's first field trip

Here is a picture of Luke at his first field trip. He and his entire preschool from our church went to Coastal Carolina University to see Mr. Al. He is a one man show geared just to preschool kids. The entire auditorium was filled to capacity! The kids were so enthusiastic...except Luke. He approached the show with his usual trepidation. If I tried to dance or sing, I was instantly shushed (sp?) Too cute!

We had to sit in the balconcy, and he is looking over the edge to the stage. In the background is his nursery playmate, Emerson, who has enough energy and enthusiasm for both of them. She calls me Miss Heder and calls Jeff "him". She never hesitates to bring Luke out of his shell.

Moms had to transport the kids, and I had not seen a true "caravan" until today! There must of been 20 minivans in a row! I love mine- it holds everything!

Here Birdie, Birdie, Birdie....

It is definitely a cat's life here on Harvest Drive. My two outdoor cats, Angus (black) and Seamus (orange/white) were "helping" us today out in the yard. They offered us a great photo op, but little other help. These two are brothers, adopted from our animal shelter Christmas before last as a gift to me from Jeff. I had lost 2 cats both 12 years old that year due to age and illness. They say to never give animals as gifts, but I am the exception. As long as it is feline!
Here Angus shows off his beautiful sleek black coat in the neighbor's yard. Our yard is not good enough for him. He is watching Seamus stalking a pinecone.
I think it's true that they rule over all they see, for you can just tell they don't have a worry in the world.

Our Wed. evening at chruch

Tonight was our Wednesday church night. We had a supper of spaghetti pie and salad, then I had all the kids while team meetings were held. I usually have only my two boys and Becky's girls, Harlie and Hannah. Tonight I had 7. Our church will hold an Easter Eggstravaganza March 31. The kids and I decided to "stuff" the eggs which are already there with candy. We stuffed 200 eggs with candy. The girls were very industrious about getting them done, Charlie and Quinn, both 9 y/o were more interested in finding defective candy pieces. Luke (center) decided to get in the middle of the candy and be a backhoe/forklift. He may have managed to stuff 1 or 2 eggs. After we got them ready, we went outside. The girls tolerated Charlie and Quinn's attempts at dodge ball all of about 3 minutes before attacking the boys with an attack worthy of a veteran Army. The only boy left standing was Lukie, because he was in his own little World, switching sides as it suited him. There was high drama, mostly in the form of tears, reported to the adult (me). It was so much fun. Each child in our church is so special and so different. We never have a dull time.

Sorry, but you will have to turn your head to get the full effect of this picture. It is the cross in our church parking area with a blooming pear tree in the background. It reminds me of Easter and Spring and Rebirth!


"Where there is love there is life."- Mahatma Gandhi

Happy Anniversary, My Love!

Happy Anniversary to my husband. I wish you were here with me to celebrate with me. Even though we're apart and can't read this at least for a couple more days, I need to tell you how much I love you. You are the sunshine of my life, you are a treasured gift from God. I look at the picture of you and me from 13 years ago today and think, "Has it really been 13 years?" It seems like a long time, but it has passed so quickly, in the blink of an eye! All we have and share together tends to blur the passage of time. I look forward to being your wife until the end of time..come what may! I think of the the words dad spoke at the end of our ceremony..."What God has joined together, let no man put asunder." I love you, Jeff.

Myrtle Beach in March

Here is another picture from yesterday's trip down to the beach. I'm standing in the shadow of a mom and pop motel ready to be demolished so another huge one can go up. The whole of the beach is covered with taller and taller hotels. The great thing about MB in the winter is that a great hotel room on the beach with a hot tub is only $35 per night. Just about all of them have lazy rivers and it has become a great place to have kids birthday parties, just rent the room.

This is the Pavilion?

Here is all that remains of the famous Myrtle Beach Pavilion. It's really sad for all of us locals in MB to only see the remnants of the "Hurricaine" roller coaster. The swings, the carosel, the kids rides---all gone. The company who owns all of MB, Burroughs and Chapin, has finally told us all what will become of the rides we love. The carosel and a couple of the more famous rides will be put in a mini-Pavilion at Broadway at the Beach, one of their shopping areas. I don't know how it will go over with all us locals...it can never be the same. I've heard that the prime real estate that was the center of MB will be an upscale shopping area. Boy, we need one of those here!
This picture is of the area which housed all of the arcade games, the famous "dipped cones" ice cream, and the Magic Attic. Back to sand. Oh well, the beach is still here. It seems that the Pavilion destruction hasn't deterred many visitors because it took Luke and me 40 minutes to get to the beach. The roads were bumper to bumper from the factory stores on in. The road out was deserted. I guess Spring is here in MB!

Their favorite things...

I decided that I would let you guys see some of the things my boys like the most. Luke and his Dunkin' Doughnuts and Charlie and a Nerf type rifle. Luke must have plain doughnuts with white frosting and sprinkles, no other kind. Charlie loves to play "weapons" with his friends. This afternoon I had 6 boys ages 9-12 from the neighborhood and my two in the front yard playing weapons and dodge ball. Yesterday we had 8! Barbara, my next door neighbor, asks how I can stand it- I say that I am glad that I know where my two are at all times. I can't seem to let them out of my sight. It's not so bad, they are all outside and not in my house! We are really looking forward to Daylight Savings Time on Sunday...more time to play in the evenings!

School isn't so bad!

This was a fine day for Luke. He went back to school today after having no fever for 24 hours. We walked in to "Pet Week"! The kids are all looking at a turtle brought in by one of the teachers. They were fascinated! The next picture is of Ms Brandy. She is a teacher who keeps their attention for the entire 3 hours. She always has a song for anything from washing hands to picking their job for the day. She is from the North, loves MB, and has more energy than they do. The next picture is of Ms Kelly. She is a warm embrace to each child. I have never seen either of them having a bad day. They inspire the kids and keep them thinking and on their toes. Ms Brandy calls Luke "PaDuke" and Ms Kelly calls Luke "LukiePadukie". They have been great with his adjustment issues this year. I thank God they are a part of our lives.

A boy and his cars

This is Luke playing with his cars. These are the toys which never get put away, only lined up in front of the TV every night. This picture was taken yesterday around 6pm. He was seen by the doctor at noon yesterday and was diagnosed with the Flu. The doctor said he should bounce right back ...I didn't think it would be only 6 hours! He is as right as rain today, but told me in no uncertain terms he was "too sick" to go to school today. Lucky for him he was still within the 24 hour quarantine for the fever. I can't wait for tomorrow's reason he "can't" go to school. If no fever tonight, he's going tomorrow! I'm standing firm! I AM the mommy! :-}

A boy and his dog

Anyone who knows Charlie knows that his dog is not far away at any time. Her name is Sadie. She is a chocolate Lab we rescued almost 2 years ago at the animal shelter. She has assumed the role of gaurd dog for both my boys. She is ever watchful of them, barking when an outside door opens, whining when one of them is calling me, even barking when one leaves the boundary of our yard. Sometimes I have to remind her that they are my boys and not her puppies. :) I grew up with cats. To discover a dog's love for a boy and a boy's love for a dog has been a heart-warming experience. Jeff tells me he felt the same way about a black Lab, Sam, when he was growing up. He tells me this is an important time in a boy's life to have a good dog. I believe him.

Spring is in the air!

Aren't these lovely? I saw them today in a neighbors yard. She said they have come out early this year. Just another example of God's splendor!

Our Family Picture

Here is our family picture taken by a dear friend around Christmas. Jeff was at home for the holiday. Our friend had taken care of the dogs while we visited family. The kids were very happy to have Sadie and Ruby back after the trip. I look at this photo many times during each week and remember having us all together. It goes without saying that the boys and I miss Jeff very much while he is training.

"Other things may change us, but we start and end with family." Anthony Brandt

My husband, My Soldier

Here is my Hero. My husband, my soldier. He is away in Kentucky finishing Officer Training. He is in the SC Army National Gaurd. When he is done, he will be a second Lieutenant. After that will come a long deployment.

I met the love of my life March the 28th, 1989. We were both freshmen at Clemson University. He was very dashing that night, even playing the guitar for me. He played a Spanish Lullaby for me which melted into my soul. Somehow I knew that we were destined to be together, come what may. We dated through college and then graduated, him in Physics and me in Nursing. We were married by my father on March 12, 1994 in the church I grew up in. Both our families were there, including all 8 of our grandparents. It was a great day and a great start to our marriage. Every day that we are together he shows me how much love can fill the human heart. He is my Rock, my support, my encourager, my confidant, my best friend. My life has only been better because he is in it. The way he loves me and our boys is a testament to unconditional Love. He stands firm in his convictions- from being a Christian, to Husband, to Father, to Army Leader. I thank God every day for the day we met.

"Life is the first gift, love is the second..."-Marge Piercy