Camping Out

We got the tent out. We may not ever get a chance to actually go camping, but it's been put up at least. Corwin was very, very, very excited. In fact, so excited, it got him into trouble. In and out, zipping and unzipping, running, jumping, etc. Ugh. It is a nice tent. Owen made his way around the floor of it himself.

Tonight Jason and Corwin are "camping out" in it. When I left them there was a huge grin on Corwin's face and his mouth was going ninety-to-nothin'. It'll be a miracle if he ever shuts his mouth and actually gets some sleep tonight. We may have a cranky boy on our hands tomorrow.

I can hear the conversation in the tent now...

A dog barks. "Daddy, what was that?"

"A dog barking."

"What was he barking at?"

"Probably a rabbit or something."

"Why?"

"I don't know why, Corwin."

An owl hoots.

"What was that, Daddy?"

"An owl, Corwin."

"Why did he hoot?"

"Because owls hoot, Corwin."

"Why?"

"Because God made owls hoot."

"Why?"...

I'm a huge supporter of male bonding. I'll be sleeping well in the bed I'll have all to myself tonight. Good night.

Memorial Day Mayhem

Well, we just returned yesterday from Texarkana, from visiting Jason's family. His cousin, Jared, is graduating high school next weekend and we aren't able to attend his commencement, so we decided to gift him with our presence this weekend. :) Our boys were starved for attention the entire time (as you can see below).

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, especially Corwin. It was all about him this weekend, much to our demise today. We were able to spend a lot of time with Uncle Mickey, Aunt Donna, BoJo, Shannon, Mimmy, Pappy, Uncle Bob, Aunt Lorna, Jake and Jared.

Corwin got to play "Guitar Hero"...

Ride the tractors...

Go swimming (his favorite)...

Watch movies... Eat junk food... Walk the dogs (I think the dogs walked him)... Eat ice cream...

..and do pretty much whatever Corwin wanted to do.

Owen got an unbelievable amount of attention, which he enjoyed very, very much.

Unfortunately, now we're back to reality. No more, "Whatever you want, Corwin...."

We are proud of Jared (the one graduating...the one this weekend was supposed to be about). He's a good guy that God has big plans for in the future. And, thanks to all of you in Texas who made my boys' lives a dreamland this past weekend (even though I'd like to kill you now).

Sorry, no District Champ picture. Iberia lost 7 to 1. They played okay; they had a couple bad innings where they couldn't catch the ball, but I think Jason was pleased with how they played, overall. Now, a 10-day break before summer ball begins.

I recieved my daily Proverb email today, and this is one of my favorite verses, so I thought I'd share....

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gainsunderstanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yieldsbetter returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies;nothing you desire can compare with her.

Proverbs 3:13-15, NIV

MAY, Week Three

Well, here we are, and May is more than halfway over. Where has it gone?

This week Jason is in his District Tournament. They play in the finals tonight at 5 p.m. I'm anxious for it to be over. This has been an interesting year. Many people didn't expect much from this group of players, but they've surprised this community and done pretty well. I heard one grandparent say that she thought these boys thrived under Jason's style of coaching. Kudos to Jason! :) We'll see how long that mindset lasts, though. People are fickle, especially when considering sports and their children.

This weekend I practice with the "Camp Band." (For those of you who don't know, I am participating in the worship band at the state Free Will Baptist teen camp again this year. This is year two for me.) It went well. We have a new drummer and bass guitar player. They are doing well for being so green! I so enjoy playing and singing with that group! And I can't wait until camp now. I love seeing all those kids lifting up their voices and worshipping God. It's something I've wanted to do since I was in camp, and now God is allowing me that dream. And I am sincerely thankful.

Oh, we bought a tent and some other gear this weekend at Bass Pro. I'd rather camp in a trailer (with a/c and running water), but thought it wise not to go into debt gearing up for something we might not want to do often. I can't pay out the wazoo for a camper when we might only go once or twice a year. Anyway, now I'm anxious to use it, I think. Of course, now Jason is in the peak of his baseball season, so who knows when she'll have her maiden voyage. It's an 8 person tent, so we can have guests. (Why an 8-person tent? It was cheaper than the 6-person, and 4-person looked too small for all us and Owen's junk.) If you're interested, let us know. We're 20 miles from The Lake. You're welcome to join us.

Sorry, no pictures today. Hopefully I'll be able to post one tomorrow of the Iberia Rangers, District Champs. Have a good day, folks!

Just Hangin'

Took some pictures today of the boys hanging out at home. Nothing special, but I thought they were cute. They grow up fast. Corwin has been busy, busy flying his airplanes today (and yesterday). Owen is enjoying being back in his routine. Too bad we'll be messing it up again tomorrow. (Grocery day!!!)

Next Generation Pilot

Corwin, Owen, and I spent this past Saturday at an air show for the Branson Regional Airport. (We went with Mom and Dad.) It was a beautiful day, and couldn't have asked for better weather.

Corwin was enthralled with all the planes--both on the tarmac and in the air. This is a picture he took with a pilot of the A-10 Thunderbolt II. (You may recognize them because they have teeth painted on the nose of the plane.) The pilot gave him a sticker and a post card with some information and a picture of their plane. He asked them all to sign the postcard, then asked if this guy would take a picture with him. He was happy to oblige. I heard a lady in the crowd giggle and say, "Look there. The next generation Air Force pilot."

When we were headed home I asked him which act was his favorite, and, with no hesitation, he replied, "The one that shot the bombs!" The man in this picture was a pilot on that plane. The A-10 Warthog is a "ground patrol" aircraft. It aids the troops on the ground by shooting and creating diversions on the ground. (I think that's right.) In the air show they shot "bullets" down the runway, then for their final demonstration they blew up the entire runway in a HUGE explosion of fire. It was truly awesome, whether you're an awestruck three-year-old boy, or not.

We came home sunburned and exhausted, but thoroughly enjoyed the day. I think we all slept long and hard that night.

P.S. Jason hosted a varsity baseball tournament ALL DAY Saturday, so that's why he didn't accompany us. We had a TON of rain Friday morning, and was afraid he'd have to call it off. But, true to the claims that he's a little "off his rocker", he worked diligently Friday with shop vacs, fans, and heaters to get the field playable. I think there are people in town that think "that baseball coach is insane." I know I do, but that's why he's good at what he does.

HALLELUJAH

If I knew how to attach Handle's "Messiah", I would, but I'm not that blog savvy yet. So...

"Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah, hallelujah, halle-lu-jah!"

Many of you know, we had a little scare this week. Owen went for his 6 month check up this week and Dr. Russell could feel his left kidney (which is not normal). He said you could feel a kidney in about 30% of children. So, we did an ultrasound to make sure the boy was normal. There is a history of kidney disease on Jason's side of the family, so I was a little worried, but I had peace about it. So, I called on many family and friends to pray, and the results are AWESOME!!!

Owen has two, perfectly sized, perfectly functioning kidneys. Thank you God!!! And thank all of you for your prayers. I have had such a peace about this, and I know it is due to your prayers and support. Love you all!!!

Calgon, Take Me Away

Anybody have any suggestions on how to undo the spoiling Corwin experienced last week in Arkansas? This has been a very L-O-N-G week. Corwin's fit throwing & inability to obey, along with Jason's "poor me" attitude because he's not been able to play ball is about to do me in. I think I'm due a vacation. Just me. Thanks, Brett.

We were able to get out and swing on the new swing set for a little bit yesterday evening.

Owen, didn't know what to think at first...

...Then he started to think it was pretty funny.