More birthdays

Last night we got together to celebrate Scott and Julia's birthday.  By "we" I mean all the usual suspects, the Fuqua's, Boverie's, Zickafoose and Jones'.  My sister LaToya and her husband came by later and unfortunately my other sister Melissa does not live close enough to pop in for a mid-week dinner on short notice.  Daddy made a giant pot of delicious gumbo and we had cupcakes and coffee ice cream dessert.  YUM!!

After eating and visiting until 9-ish we headed home.  Walking home the boys were comparing notes on who got to consume the most dessert.  Landry only got two cupcakes, and Ash had 2 cupcakes and some of the ice cream.  Seriously unfair, I know this because it was announced loudly and with feeling.  Why would I ONLY allow 2 cupcakes per child? Why did Ash also get ice cream?  Truthfully, this 2 cupcakes and ice cream thing was because I wasn't paying close attention.  Anyway Ash told Landry if he hadn't been so busy playing with Jacob (the Jones' 15yo son) he could have gotten both desserts too. Landry promptly informed him that "Jacob is cooler than chocolate cake!"

How cool is that?  I would love to be cooler than chocolate, but that is a dream I will likely never realize.  This is just an example of the blessings that God has placed in the lives of my children.  Jacob is a young man who impresses me constantly.  He demonstrates such patience and concern for my boys it often brings me to tears. He makes them feel special and important, yet he makes sure he doesn't intentionally or inadvertently expose them to anything potentially harmful to keeping them close to God. 

Thanks Jake for being such a Godly young man and for keeping the hearts of my boys as near to Him as you can.

Friends!

I have been richly blessed with dear friends. I have known many enjoyable, fun people in my life and hope to meet many more.  Many of the people you encounter never become more than acquaintances, some become occasional pals, few are considered chums, and fewer still become close friends.  I have a wealth of chums and am blessed with many close friends that are willing to sacrifice much for my benefit.

I have introduced you to, Dawn and Jenny.  Now let me introduce Kendra.  During the last two years I have developed a precious relationship with a fellow homeschooing mom, Kendra, and as luck would have it she lives right across the street.  Kendra is loads of fun even if she is way younger than me and I simply adore her delightful children.  Ben, her hubby and Scotty are golfing buddies and if only time and finances allowed they would be able to date more often.

I would love to tell you that Kendra and I were drawn to one another through our mutual love of the Lord and  a great desire to please him through our marriages and raising our children.  It was more like we share similar neuroses and because of that link discovered we also share other common goals.  I love the way she encourages me and reminds me that my purpose is to honor God through the tasks He has charged me with, my husband and children.  Her children are a testament to her and Ben's commitment to God.

I love that she helps me laugh at my weirdness and chuckle at my quirks.  I think it is grand that she can acknowledge her strengths and is very willing to confess her own faults.  I'd like to think that since I am so old I am something in the way of an example to her but she is certainly an example for me.  I appreciate who she is and the blessing of our friendship!

This would be last summer at her fondue b-day dinner with the girls!!!

A follower!

So I have my first blog follower!  It's Dawn and she is awesome.  Many of my thoughts involve her or her family.  I often think everyone should be able to know her and then I realize that if everyone I know tried to spend time with her there'd be none left for me.  So since everyone can't know her...Allow me to introduce you.....

  My friend Dawn is funny, smart, courageous, faithful, dedicated, committed, honest, hard-working, selfless, thoughtful, and most importantly filled with a love of the Lord.   When I need advice guess who I call?  (Jenny too but I'll introduce her later.)  Once, Allye had to write an essay on her hero, Ms. Dawn was it.  My boys have complete adoration of her son, Jacob, but really if Jake wasn't there they'd move in with Dawn because she plays all the lego WII games too!  She LOVES my children and their salvation is as important to her as that her own children.  She has endured loss and heartache and never ever considered walking away from the God who holds all power.  She strives to be more Godly daily and that is reflected in her spirit, her marriage, her children and her service.  I love her, Steve, and all of their children, my family has been richly blessed by having her in my life.  If you are fortunate enough to know her try and not take up too much of her time cause I will be needing it.......

As you can see she is lots of fun and my boys adore her!!