He did a wonderful job

We returned last night from a quick 2 day/1 night stay in Odessa. I was quite impressed with the town itself and LOVED our hotel. It was very kid friendly and had the most comfortable bed EVER!!!! Penny and Eric have recently moved to Odessa and it was nice to get to see their new home. However, it was a little sad leaving them and I think Clarissa wanted to pack up Gabriella and bring her home with us.

Once we returned, we spent some time settling back in before we went to bed. When the kids were going to bed, Clarissa asked me to read them a story from the Bible Stories book. I read to them about creation. When I finished, Clarissa said Man, God did a wonderful job creating this "Earf" (not a typo). He gave us seeds that grow into beautiful trees and plants for us and he gave us LOTS OF FOOD. He really did a wonderful job. I thought this was so sweet and so true. He did give us a beautiful creation call "Earf" but He did an even better job creating my two beautiful children and I am so very thankful to Him for them.

Maybe we need more Dogs!

I saw this today and thought - "I need to be a dog this year!"

If A Dog Was The Teacher
By Author Unknown

If a dog was the teacher, you would learn stuff like:


- When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

- Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

- Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

- When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.

- Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

- Take naps. Stretch before rising.

- Run, romp, and play daily.

- Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

- Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

- On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

- On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

- When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

- No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout! Run right back and make friends.

- Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

- Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.

- Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.

- If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

- When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

4th of July - 2007

For the 2nd year, we spent the 4th of July in Canadian/Shamrock with my Sister and her family. This year, we actually stayed and watched the Fireworks in Shamrock. Although we thoroughly missed the Santos family, with whom we've spent the last 5 or 6 fireworks evenings with, nothing can compare to family. Hopefully, one of these days we can talk to the Santos family into joining us for some small town fun!

The kids entered turtles in the turtle race and Clarissa's turtle, Sally, won two heats! The competition was fierce and the excitment was unimaginable! We even witnessed two firsts: a turtle false start and a run-off in the finals! You haven't lived until you experience a tutle race!

Her time as a flower girl

As most everyone knows, Clarissa was a flowergirl in a wedding this past weekend. The wedding was a teacher friend of mine. Clarissa's social calendar was full this weekend!

After a busy week of VBS that ended Thursday evening, we were up bright and early Friday for a morning rehearsal. That evening we had the rehearsal dinner. She was so good at both of these activities, ESPECIALLY the dinner. From the dinner we went home to tuck her in for a good night's rest because we knew she would need it.

The big day arrived and thank the Lord she slept in! We went to get her hair done and it took TWO people to do it because she has so much hair! But again, she was so very patient. We left there and went home for me to get ready. When she walked in the front door, the first person she looked for was her Daddy. She didn't say a word to him but wanted his acknowledgement. As soon as he told her how pretty she looked, she went to find Jonathon. He immediately told her how beautiul she was and that is when she smiled. It was so interesting to me how she really didn't care whether or not she had my approval but she certainly wanted her Dad's and brothers! They are so important in her little life!

Once we were at the location of the wedding, she dressed and was one of the girls. She was so excited!!! She did a great job during the ceremony even though I had to remind her to throw the petals as she began walking. So...she threw petals on her entrance AND exit! :)

Even though she had so much fun doing all of this, the reception/dance was her VERY FAVORITE! She didn't miss a dance. She danced with her brother, her Daddy, the groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, family members of Luke's, and herself. She had a ball!! She hung with it as long as anyone was on the dance floor! We left at 12:15 and arrived home about 12:30. Needless to say...I don't think she remembered much about arriving home because she was fast asleep!

I can't express how beautiful she was and how much fun she had. All she can say now is that she wants to have a wedding just like Stephanie's. I can't even imagine that day right now but if her beauty and grace as a flower girl is any indication as to what kind of bride she'll be......LOOK OUT!

Another edition of 'From the mouths of Babes'

While having lunch with the kids at Sonic on Thursday: After a male carhop walks by and gives me a long and endearing look, my son (age 10) profoundly states "Mom, I think he thinks your single!" (I guess once you're married, NO ONE is to look at you like that!)

Jonathon, telling his Dad about the above incident: He tells his Dad and then says "Ooohhh La La!!! It's because she's beautiful! Even without makeup!!!"

Clarissa while attending the rehearsal dinner for Stephanie's wedding: After seeing a bridesmaid visit the bar, "Mom, can I please have a margarita?" Hey, at least she used good manners!

When trying on the dress I was considering wearing to Stephanie's wedding: I asked Clarissa's opinion and she said "It's beautiful but could you please wear some makeup?" I guess she didn't listen to her brother and it's obvious they share differing opinions!

Until next time.....

Adolesence

We've lost our first molar!

Her first lesson

Clarissa had her first lesson tonight in Dating 101. Sal and I have always talked about him taking her out and/or Jonathon taking her out several times before she hits dating age so that she will know what to EXPECT from a date. We want her to settle for nothing less than 100% gentleman behavior. So, Sal had a banquet to attend tonight for MHMR and she was his date. She had a BALL getting dressed for it and was absolutely precious as they left. Her date patiently waited on her to finish getting ready (deciding on shoes) and opened the car door for her. I can't wait to hear how it ends up. AND, like any other proud Mom, I was out with the camera taking many pics. Visit my Flickr stream for more.