White boy can dance?

If you notice in the close ups, Rance is really concentrating on turning off/on the baby doll swing. You can tell by his tongue sticking out. First it was head banging, now it's slam dancing.

Rance and Spike

In this video the dog was spazzing out and Rance was too when he saw Spike running around like crazy. It almost seems like they were "arguing" with each other. In the end, a few licks on the fingers and all is well.

Underwater scene: done!

Hallway: done!

Entrance: almost done, minus the 5 foot blow up pineapple.

Added a few paper boulders, seaweed, fishing nets, and a school of blow up fish and sea turtles. Allison, Bri and I spent about an hour airing them up, and Bri hung the fish from the ceiling. Now all we have left to do is the Sanctuary, but we can't get started on that till after morning worship tomorrow. Then it's crunch time. Thankfully we have a few people working on this. I just hope the kids will like it.

My boys

Brothers and best buds hanging out in their room.
Rance was left alone for only a couple of minutes. That drawer is just his size, after he cleared a few things out of the way.
Long day, and content in Daddy's arms.

Moving along

Mrs. LaNell was busy this week making cutouts of fish and seaweed. The phone picture does not do it justice. Everything is coming together.

Rocket

Rance rockin to some Def Leppard in his car seat. Sorry the quality isn't that great, I used my 3MP cell phone.

Off to camp

Bri has left for camp today and will be gone till Friday. How will I ever make it w/o my 24/7 babysitter? Will she be fine so far away from her baby brother? I miss her already and so does Colton. He got a little upset as we were leaving the church. I know she will have a blast at Trinity Pines. Madi Ann is filling in for the next few days. Thanks Madi. I need all the help I can get the week before VBS.

I did the unthinkable!

But it was to help the little guy see better.

Don't worry, I only trimmed his bangs. He still has his tons of curls. Yes, I will have his hair cut... someday. Just not right now. He is growing up to fast and I want to hang on to what babiness he has left. Especially since he is my last. :(

Slowly but surely

Decorations are coming along but it's a slow process. The coral is a three paint technique with a sea sponge and it's taking a toll on my hands. I got another texture roller and will try that. I think things are coming together though. It's just hard making time to go paint this stuff with other activities going on. Thankfully my kiddos are willing to paint.

VBS '08 Progress

One corner of the fellowship hall is being transformed into an underwater scene.
Starting with blue paper on the wall for the water effect, of course, and cut outs for coral. Colton knew right off that the drawing on the cardboard was coral. Probably from watching hours of Sponge Bob cartoons.

Nice hit!

and a 2 run RBI! Way to go Bri.

Briana made blueberry muffins from scratch and Rance thought they were de-lic-ious!

17 months today!

Rance today...

...and one year ago.

(at 5 months)

And what a wonderful 17 months it has been!

Love ya baby boy!

Memorial Day

Today we did what many others chose to do on Memorial Day, take the boat out on the lake. While the brisket and grilled corn were cooking, Trevor, Colton, Bri, Sadie, Rance, myself, and of course Spike, headed out this afternoon on the pontoon boat. We rode around for awhile sight seeing. It has been a very long time since we were able to go out on the lake. I can't remember exactly how long ago it has been, but I know we were able to go out maybe once back in 2006 before the lake went way down. We had a dry creek bed out back. Last year I didn't go at all since Rance wasn't really big enough to fit properly in the life jacket. How can they label an infant jacket for sizes 0-50 pounds? Seriously people. Anyway, it was nice to be on the lake again. This was Rance's first boat ride. He really enjoyed himself except for, you guessed it, the life jacket. Sure, he fits in it but when he tried to sit down, it pushed up under his chin. The water wasn't too bad either. I believe the temp was around 62*. I could stand it only to about thigh deep. The kids swam way out to about chest deep. Rance also wasn't to keen on playing in the water, but seemed content digging in the sand.

Kaitie update

Kaitlin came over this morning for us to take her to school as prearranged earlier this week. I wasn't sure if she would be going to school today, but she did. She told me there was no fracture or concussion. Looks like it was a superficial wound that required a few stitches. She did have to take Advil for a headache though. Please continue keep her in your prayers. Thank you Lord!

Um bite!

Rance had his first taste of a chicken leg for supper last night. As some of you know, when he finds something he likes, he really enjoys it. He also ate some butter beans and boiled squash. I had to take the leg away from him though, when he ran out of meat. He just didn't understand why.

WOW!

The guy is named Louie Giglio and he is talking about Laminin. Not sure what laminin is? Watch and listen.



A response by someone named michaelsean "our God truly is big enough to create the universe and small enough to live within our hearts.

nobody has any excuse because all creations/ everything around us point to God. creations show how mighty, how real, and how evident He is.

God created all these in 7 days and we, creations, including scientists are still learning, studying, and trying to find these things out."

Like I said before, Wow!

Some of you may have noticed my new header. I asked Bri to make me something using what she has learned in her Technical Application class this year. It was called microcomputers when I took it in Jr. High and High School. Anyway, she did a great job. I will eventually have her try more stuff later on. When we were out of town a couple of weeks ago, I gave Bri the opportunity at driving Big Red a short distance, down a rural road. At first, she didn't want to, but with a little coaxing, she tried it. She did very well, though we were travelling no more than 10 MPH. It's hard to believe she will be old enough to drive in 2 1/2 years.

We are currently involved in baseball/softball. Here a few pics from Bri's first game.

Rance did good sitting in the stroller for nearly the whole game. We just kept giving him snacks and a water bottle to keep him busy. This means "I want more!"

Colton likes going to Bri's games for the food and friends. Slushes are great on hot, humid days at the ballgame. Thanks Pa pa.

Baby Dedication and Mother's Day

What a great idea for Mother's Day! Rancy was dedicated this morning at church. He received his first Bible and a sweet certificate along with 11 other little ones. Yes, we will raise him to know and love the Lord. "For I know the plans I have for you" Jeremiah 29:11. "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 11:18,19. I really love this little guy! After a wonderful sermon, Trevor grilled T-bones with baked potatoes, skewered veggies and roasted corn on the cob for lunch. Our parents came to share in both occasions, but mostly to see the grandkids. Here are my great kids altogether, looking sweet. Thanks guys for making me the happiest Mom in the world.

Couldn't resist this one, especially on Mother's Day!