Welcome to Heather's place!

Luke looking at Jeff talking to Luke

2007-09-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my favorite things...When we can talk to Jeff on the cuter. Thanks to Yahoo, we talk free. Usually we don't get video as well as audio, but yesterday we got lucky! They doodle together, play games together, generally laugh for an hour or so. Charlie was about home from school at the time of this picture. He then took his turn playing and talking.

Here is an up close of Jeff on the cuter. He got his packages that day and had already changed into a t-shirt and Clemson hat. That's the look that we are used to and it was good to see it.

IT HAPPENED!!!!!!!!!

2007-09-05T18:19:00.001-07:00

Well, it's happened! Finally! Charlie agreed to get his hair cut! There was a hairstyle he liked from a guy in "High School Musical" and said he would like it. Samantha, or miracle worker, is in the background. He looks sooooooo good!
He stayed out of school due to his fever yesterday but is feeling better today.
Luke had to get his hair done, too. He told Samantha that he wanted it like a rocker in a teen magazine he saw- sticking straight up! She cut it so that he can put it up with gel (super glue) or leave it down. It looks good either way. He did NOT want his picture taken. I told him to hold still so that I could take a picture of his hair only! It worked! LOL!

Luke's birthday- he's 5 now!

2007-09-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at Kiawah this weekend even though it rained all Sat and Sun. Since it was wet already and there was no severe weather, the boys got to swim and take an occasional bike ride when there was a lapse in the rain. We celebrated Luke's birthday on Sunday with cake and presents. He got a skateboard with Spongebob on it as well as all the necessary safety gear, as well as 3 new Monster Trucks...bringing the total to 30. There was a small petting Zoo at one of the farms near Kiawah so I took the three youngest grandkids to it on Sunday afternoon. Here is Luke with a miniature pony. Charlie loved these potbellied pigs and thought he had a real connection with them until he realized that they were trying to get to the apple slices he was holding.....
This is the "bull" that knocked Luke out of the way with his horn to get to my apple. He said quickly, "mom the bull pushed me, but I'm OK"

Charlie got a small jellyfish bite and felt lousy for the ride home. Today he came home from school with a fever! Just like Luke last week. He doesn't want to eat!!!! Something is definitely brewing in him when he loses his appetite!!!!!

See you guys Monday...

2007-08-30T19:33:00.001-07:00

I just love seeing sleeping children. I could sit up all night staring at them. Their breathing so regular and unlabored, their bodies totally at ease. I wonder what they are dreaming of- slaying dragons or swimming in the best pool imaginable or just playing in the yard. I love to imagine fairies dusting their super long eyelashes with sleeping dust, then angels watching over them at night. We've all been in the same bed since Jeff left in June. Another milestone is on the way...Charlie has told me he wants to sleep in his own bed with none of Luke's things anywhere around. He has asked if he can lock Luke out. I encourage him to set up his room his own way and he is doing it slowly, but every night he slips into the "big bed" saying that THIS will be the last night.
Charlie is my early riser. No matter what time he goes to bed, he is up around 7am
Luke is my sleeper. He enjoys sleep like a good book, likes to be in bed around 10 and will sleep soundly until 11am the next morning.

We will be going to Kiawah for the Labor Day Weekend and will be back Monday afternoon. 3 days without a computer....what will the boys do!!!

Back to school!

2007-08-28T20:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Charlie's first day back at school. I was able to catch him before he left. Monday he rode to school with a friend, but today he rode his bike both ways. As you can see, he's thrilled to have his picture taken at 7:15. While sewing some curtains for the preschool at church, Angus decided that the sewing machine was the most interesting thing in the house. Loading the bobbin provided the most fun for him...it was a mess for me! Then he enjoyed measuring as pictured in the first photo.....
Next he found that the needle going through the fabric was the best thing ever....
Getting alittle too close for comfort! He was chasing a stray thread. I love his eye in the picture. I wanted to get a better picture of his eyes which were as big as saucers, but they all came out blurry.

Poor Sadie....

2007-08-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

Poor Sadie! She is such a good sport! Last night as I was blogging, the boys dressed her as a Rapper. They even posed for me! They laughed until they cried. She didn't try to get down or even get away. I have never known a more patient dog!

Charlie giving "rocker fingers" with her....
Luke being pleaded with to stop the insanity!
Luke getting kisses and Charlie actually smiling for the camera!!!

Barbara had given him the tatoo.....thanks Barbara!

Luke has had a fever all day and just threw up. Say a little prayer for him...and that we don't get it!

Yesterday we went to Hard Rock....

2007-08-25T19:42:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I took the boys to the Hard Rock Theme Park Backstage Tour. It's a free tour with a room demonstrating each of the areas of the new theme park coming next summer. It's truly awesome how big this thing will be- all in the old Waccamaw Pottery buildings. The Led Zeplin rollercoaster is visible from highway 501 only 2 streets over from Hwy 501. It has so many turns that loops that it's safe to say Heather Blankenship will never set foot on it! Jeff will probably be first in line! The backstage tour is awesome as well. My very good friend Kelli, Luke's teacher last year, has two boys aged 8 and 6, Cole and Kyle. With Jeff gone and her husband a pilot for JetBlue, we have been taking turns keeping each other's boys for an afternoon here and there. Above is a picture of all the boys in Austin Power's car. All the exhibits are hands on- which is good with 4 boys.

Luke is giving his best "rock star" pose from the Austin Power's car. It was in the British Invasion part of the exhibit.
Charlie in front of a screaming crowd....complete with fainting girls in the front! I always knew he had a great voice which would take him far!
This is in front of the Backstage Tour. I took this picture to have one with all the boys, but also for my mom and dad- a sculpture of Elvis. ALL those little hands wanted to dig in the sand SOOOOO bad! The next one is for Jeff-----

Danger, Will Robinson, Danger.....

We really wish you could have been there, Jeff! Love and XOXO

Having faith in God

2007-08-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

I like to think of faith in very simple means. So many times when my faith is tested, I try to remember the tiny mustard seed that can move mountains. I like to find examples of faith in my everyday life. I decided that one of the most simple of God's creatures would help me this week. Do you see him in the first photo? His name is Chewie (after Chewbacca in Star Wars). He has many babies (don't ask me how) who are names Chewie1, Chewie2, etc. These guys visit my tomato plants near the end of the season every year. They are perfect in their design, have a pointy tail and a set of fake eyes near their tale. I have been known to spend 30 minutes at a time at the window watching them. The first two pictures were taken on Monday. The bush was lush and full of green cherry tomatoes. I think that if an animal so small can have faith that the Lord will supply his food until he turns into a moth, my lesson on faith is all spelled out. We had a storm, baking temperatures, and swords and baseballs by the boys threatening his special buffet, but he never stopped eating.

Don't think for a second that Luke didn't pick the red ones. He only had to see that they had a tinge of red and they were picked all season long!
Here he is today. When I checked on him at 3pm, there were three babies and another adult on the plant too. He stopped chewing immediately when I came near him and went into camo mode.
Here is a picture of the vine today...I always make sure that all of them are off before removing the plant. The boys love to help me make sure they're gone.

Nursery Mural

2007-08-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

I have to show you guys pictures of the nursery mural I've been working on. It's almost done- 3 out of the 4 walls have been completed. I'm just in time because the preschool workers started decorating their rooms this past Monday. I've been trying to get this done for the past month. Probably about 20 hours. I based the pictures on a children's book that I found in a pile to be recycled. The pictures are so vibrant and bright that they had to be the subject. I just finished the curtains on Sunday night. The boys have been great in letting me get all this done without complaining of the long hours when noone is at the church to play with. I hope you all enjoy them.... Frogs in a pond and foxes under a tree. Luke told me which animals to put where. I like the bees under the tree...
The only thing not in the pictures is the bible verses which I have written on the wall...Mark 10:14-16, etc. Maybe I'll get a picture of them soon!
My favorite on this wall is the bluebird which has a bonnet on. Charlie likes the dragonflies.

I've been able to give some of the little girls painted pictures for their walls for their birthdays and have been doing family pictures with my own version of "stick people". I've got some orders for Christmas presents, too. I'm so excited about being able to make a little money for my art! I've sold 3 small pictures so far. I just wanted you guys to see my favorite hobby when I have a few minutes to myself.

Meet Jayne Grace

2007-08-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

I would like for everyone to see our new niece, Jayne Grace Womack. She was born 2 weeks ago today. Jamie and Jay say that she is the greatest thing ever. She has a full head of black hair and huge dark blue eyes. Aunt Ha ( me) will get to meet her in person in October. Jamie is feeling good and loving being at home with Jayne Grace. Man, I love all my nieces and nephews!!! I'm so glad we are all blessed with some of God's little angels. Praise God for each one of them!!

My two fish

2007-08-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a birthday party for Ashley from Luke's school. It was in THE FARM, a neighborhood in Carolina Forest. They have the coolest pools!! They have already built 3 pools in their neighborhood in the last 3 years! Thats how big the neighborhood is. The big pool that we were in had a mushroom water shower, fountains spewing water every way, and a progressive entrance, all in the shape of a shamrock. It was really impressive. Luke LOVES the progressive entrance. The rope behind him marks the end of the 2 foot pool. He played and played for 3 hours with his friends! Charlie was very busy playing with my friend Kelli's son Cole. I slathered them both down and they were fine....I forgot to do my own sunscreen....Ouch is the word of the day for me. I look like a cooked lobster. For the last hour, Luke played by himself in the first section and I got to sit in the chairs talking to my friends!!!!! They are both getting so independent.

At the end of the three hours, they were both so tired that they just pooped out! They slept very well last night.

Well, maybe this time.....

2007-08-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

A little birdie told me that I needed to post some pictures of the boys. Here is a picture of a cougar who likes to be petted. If he is petted, he will stay nice. If not petted, he gets mean. The sofa is his cage. Did you know that cougars can turn flips on the sofa? Mine can. The cougar named Luke told me today that he comes from Australia and that he needs to go there as soon as possible. Here is his stalking pose. Fierce, isn't it! The cougar said that this picture would scare Pop!
Charlie staying as far away from the cougar as possible. He loves his legos. He will mix and match to get all sorts of ancient warfare arms and armor vehicles. He did not want to smile for the camera! LOL!

We went to the bowling alley yesterday with Barbara and her niece and grand nephews. Luke beat everyone!! Charlie and I really tried our best and we couldn't catch him! I want to know how a ball going 0.0000001mph can knock down 9 pins all at once. If he didn't get a strike he got a spare on almost every try. Here is the bowling stance used by Luke after he has sent the ball down the lane.
Here is my big boy goofing off...I don't get many of these shots. He gets shy as soon as the camera is out. I'm glad he has these silly moments.

Hello, I'm still here friends!

2007-07-01T19:01:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, it's me.

I have been having a really bad time with my computer

and trying to upload pictures.

I also agree to the blog challenge.

For today, here is my contribution:

cute, huh?

I do enjoy reading all the blogs

every night.

Make sure you look below for the rest of today's blog...

Here is one!!! One for Charlie

2007-07-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it!! I downloaded a picture, my computer then left the internet as it has been doing lately but kept the picture first! YEAH!!!

This picture was taken as we finished putt-putt. The sign says not to touch the teeth, so we did everyting but touch them. I have so many pictures to post...Ya'll just better be warned for when my computer is back up!

Jeff, are you out there?

2007-06-26T17:30:00.001-07:00

Dear Jeff,
I just talked with your mom and she stated that you haven't gotten my emails every night. If it's a glitch in the email, maybe we could talk over this blogsite. I still read each of them every night. The computer problems I've been having will not allow me to post any pictures of the boys. Please, if you check the blogs, please let me know. I am always praying you're safe and that we will get to hear from you. We will be going to Clinton tomorrow for PaPa Joe's funeral on Thursday, but I will be hurrying home on Friday to check the email again. I hope to hear from you soon.
Always, Heather

This one is about Luke...

2007-05-19T18:20:00.003-07:00

Today will be about Luke...

Luke was really surprised to see our neighbor, Todd, on a new Harley. With it being Harley week, both boys are motorcycle wild. Luke wanted a short ride. They went up the street and then in a cul-de-sac clinging to Mr. Todd. He loved it.

Nana, do you see his crocs? They haven't been off his feet since he got them. :)

Luke got to play first base today at T-ball. He was also given the option to be thrown the ball by Connor's dad or use the Tee. Luke opted for the throwing, of course. He hit it hard- one of the only kids who connected with the ball!! It surprised Mr. Jeff so much he had to hop off the ground to not be hit. The head coach for Carolina Forest Cougars has a daughter on the team and was really eyeing Luke hard!!!

I think he has the baseball stance down pretty well...:)

Wednesday's new Geese!

2007-05-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

Look at these little ones!

They are new to the pond yesterday.

We went out to feed the geese and looked down the pond and saw these little ones. They wouldn't come down the pond for a pic, but today mama goose brought them down. We watched as mom and dad both surrounded them and didn't leave their side. I'm sometimes scared of the water being in the backyard, but know the boys have a healthy respect for it. The best thing about the water is all the wildlife. We have had so much fun.Here is Bubba this afternoon feeling much better after the stomach flu. I'm sitting in a chair with my head back taking the picture. I had been ill all day and didn't feel like being out of bed, but Luke wanted to play outside as well. Since I can't let him out alone, I sat in the shade watching the impromptu ball game.

Please note the lack of shoes...he IS my child!!!

What a preppy man!

2007-05-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

This is quite a preppy man. He got some hand-me-downs from Christian this weekend and he went through them like the proverbial kid in a candy store. They all had to be tried on, the big ones put away for later and the ones that fit were worn to school today. He got so many whistles and comments when he came in sporting his blazer and button down shirt. He was so proud.

I had to take Charlie to the MD today due to 2 tick bites on his rear end which I saw in passing this morning. They were the size of silver dollars with huge welts. That and the fever /vomiting over the weekend had me seeing Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or Lyme Disease. Dr. P said that he'd rather be safe than sorry and put Charlie on Keflex and measured them to ensure they don't get any bigger. I wanted to post a picture of the bites, but Charlie completely refused. I told him it was for Science, but he said the answer is still NO. I guess that's just the nurse in me. He feels as right as rain right now. Going back to school tomorrow DEFINITELY!

I'm back!!

2007-05-13T18:52:00.002-07:00

Here I am again! It feels like so long ago that I blogged! Almost a whole month! Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there. I have had a great day with my two and my great hubby. We drove to Greenwood yesterday after the games for Mother's day and my mom's birthday (5-14). All the grandkids posed for the picture with mom and dad. We managed to get a few good ones between us all. The great lady in the green top is mom's cousin, Bonnie, who has been around us three girls our whole lives. She is our honorary mom. She was not blessed with any children, but loves us and our kids like her own. I could not believe how much Lucy, Harris, and Chris have grown! Such beautiful children!
This is one of my favorites from the weekend. My two sisters are my link to this world. The only one missing from the picture is Mamie. She is our sister now, too. When I said that all the grandkids were there, there was one missing from the picture. She is "Tiny Tigress", growing inside MiMi. She is feeling well, is just starting to show and is a beautiful blooming new mom-to-be. Jay wasn't able to come, but she flew out anyway. It was so good to see both sides of my family this weekend.

On the way home, I counted some of my many blessings and was very comforted to know that when Jeff is away I have such a great family behind me for support. God is SO good!

Yesterday's news.....

2007-04-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

This is yesterday's newspaper. The Sun News has a Neighbors section every Thursday. Luke is in the picture in the bottom Left. We don't get the paper, so Haven, my friend, showed this to me. Now he is the local celebrity in the neighborhood!
Here is an enlargement of the picture. It's a little fuzzy, but it's the best I could do.

Sorry I'm not able to post during the week as much as I used to, but somehow 3 boys in the house is a little more work than two. I welcome the work just to have Lt here!

Lions and Tigers and....Llamas???

2007-04-09T18:29:00.000-07:00

This is sort of a cheat since these shots didn't come from today, but they're recent. The other day Heather wanted to go shopping...ALONE....so she dropped me and the boys off at the Waccatee Zoo in Socastee. It's a small little zoo that is pretty cruddy in my opinion (I tell Heather that it's exactly what you would expect from a group of rednecks that had some extra 2x4s, and chicken wire and decided to start a zoo), but the boys like it. The end result of the day was that Heather had some great alone time and we boys got to hang out together.

Here is a cattle egret. There were thousands of these things nesting around a little cypress pond.

This is the Southern Copperhead. How do you tell it's a Southern Copperhead? Because it hisses with a drawl. There are about a dozen fish tanks filled with snakes like this as you walk in the front door. Our neighbor, Barbara, won't go there for that very reason.

If there was one peacock, there were a thousand. I wanted to get a good closeup of one of the "eyes" but the blasted things wouldn't hold still long enough. I remember Mama Mixson used to have peacocks around her house. I recall them being mean, but that was a long time ago.

I like this picture for the black and white patterns and that doleful black eye in the middle of it all.

I took this one for the boys because of their favorite video. When you get a minute, go to www.youtube.com and search for "The Llama Song". Charlie and Luke watch this for hours. It's pretty funny about the first two times, then it's just annoying. About two seconds after snapping this picture, Charlie found out that llama's have a taste for hair. Luke thought that was even funnier than the video. Charlie??....not so much.

I Quit.....

2007-04-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

I own several hundred dollars worth of fishing equipment. I know how to tie 100 different knots. I can cast a 2/0 Dahlberg Diver 50 yards into a 20 mph headwind. I know what a 2/0 Dahlberg Diver is.

Today, alas, I threw all my gear in the trash and considered my years of study and labor in the fishing art wasted time. Why you ask? Because of this...

She caught a 7 pound bass on a #2 bream hook (barbless..no less) with a 50 cent bobber and...wait for it.... A PIECE OF CORN!!!!!!!! AArrrggghhhh!!!! My soul was ripped from its core. Surely there could not be a God. If there is, he is playing some terrible joke on me. I found out later that there is, in fact, a God, and, yes, he has a horrible, sick, twisted sense of humor. Because not 30 minutes later, this happened....

Yes...that's a bluegill that easily was 1-1/2 pounds. Notice that she couldn't even fit her hand around it. It was so fat, I was concerned that it would die of a heartattack before we could get it back into the water. And what technologically advanced piece of hardware did she use? Same hook, same rod, same 50 cent bobber, but this time it was a wadded up piece of bread that was the coup de grace. *Hangs head in disgust*

So there it is. I quit. Maybe I can take up crocheting or something. By the way, she's giving a seminar next week at the Bass Pro Shops in town entitled "How to Handline Blue Marlin with a Coathanger and Some Hot Dogs". I encourage all the mullet fishers in Beaufort County to attend....one of your own has made it big.

-LT

Our Saturday before Easter

2007-04-07T14:31:00.000-07:00

Our day started early this morning. My hunters started at 5am. This was Charlie's first turkey hunt. He was very excited to go. I immediately went back to sleep. They came back around 10 am having heard some turkeys, but my telepathic messages to them worked...they didn't get any. Oh well, there's always next week.
We took the boys down to the backside of the neighborhood for some BB Gun shooting. Charlie is an excellent shot.
So is Luke...Pirate eye and all.
Here are our crazy Easter Eggs! Luke picked out the package of decals that he wanted. He had the most fun coloring them. Bubba enjoyed it too, but not as much as in the past...he's growing up I guess... I wish I could keep them little forever!

Easter Color

2007-04-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

Heather showed me how to do this, so here goes. These are a couple of pictures that I took at our church last Saturday at the Easter Egg Hunt. I liked the color. I always liked Easter because of the color.

Our take on the Old Burnt Church

2007-04-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

Here is our take on the Old Burnt Church. The picture in the top right is our B/W reminder of the church we see every day. I have great memories of the church when I first came to see Jeff during the summer of 1989. I was on the church's road with directions to get to a little town named Sheldon. I was amazed by the canopy of trees over the road and then came upon this church. It was a special moment when I realized that I would love the low country for it's beauty.

Notice the two oval frames with Charlie's silhouette and the three of us taken at Disney World. Of course there is a picture of Jeff and Pop and then Luke's footprint. (see the photographer?)

This is my B/W wall. I have started collecting any church pictures which are B/W since receiving the Old Burnt Church picture.

He's Home!!!

2007-04-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

Here is how boys say hello after being away from each other for 3 months. This picture was taken before Jeff could get in the door.
Here is another way to say "I love you"
Here is how boys say "I missed you tons!" *****Please note how shiny the top of the head is...hehehehehe*******
On Saturday we had an Easter Eggstravaganza at church. Luke is showing Jeff the egg he found under the slide.
Charlie at the Easter celebration. We had all prayed for beautiful weather and we were granted a gorgeous spring day! It was very warm. I think we had around 150 kids overall from the community! Jeff and I came home at 2pm wanting a nap, but the kids wanted to play outside with Jeff. I helped him get an hour nap before they couldn't wait anymore. I think he is almost caught up with his sleep. We are so happy to see him!!!

Luke's first T-ball practice

2007-03-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-28T06:18:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

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...

2007-03-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

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?!?!?!?!?

2007-03-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

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....

2007-03-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-03-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-03-10T16:34:00.000-08:00

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...

2007-03-09T18:44:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-03-08T16:26:00.000-08:00

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

2007-03-06T23:40:00.000-08:00

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

2007-03-05T16:33:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-03-03T18:02:00.000-08:00

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

2007-03-02T07:23:00.000-08:00

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

2007-03-01T10:18:00.000-08:00

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