Last week, I shared a picture depicting my Best Girl's love and admiration for her daddy. We had the following conversation earlier this week, and I wanted to share it as well (Dad was in Chicago):

BG: Is Dad coming home today?

Me: Yes.

BG: At lunch time or dinner time?

Me: Dinner time.

BG (Excitedly): Okay. Well, how about we have dinner first today!

I thought her reasoning was creative, but I had to explain that we couldn't get Daddy home faster by changing our meal times. She had to be patient and wait.

My daughter has always been a mommy's girl (that's putting it mildly). She still is, but I do love that Daddy is her hero!

Labels: My Best Girl, Small Talk

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Labels: My Best Girl, My Favorite Boy, Wordless Wednesday

Currently, I am reading Finding Stefanie by Susan May Warren. It's a page turner, so I will finish it soon. Be sure to look for my review on the 5 Minutes for Books site in the future.

After I finish Finding Stefanie, I plan to read Just Jane and Mozart's Sister by Nancy Moser. This author is new to me, but after reading Carrie's review for the other title in this series, I decided that these books are right up my alley. I really enjoy a good historical novel.

I also have two nonfiction titles on my sofa table. I don't read nonfiction books cover to cover the way I do novels; I usually read them in bits and pieces over a longer period of time. Those of you who visit my blog regularly know that Disney World is one of my favorite places. In my opinion, the best Disney guide for detailed information is The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. However, I recently discovered The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World, and I am enjoying it as well. The pictures in the guide make you feel like you are there, and the authors mention lots of interesting details and facts that even the most seasoned Disney traveler will enjoy. I like having this book handy to read every now and then; it gives me a little Disney fix.

My final book is by Gary Chapman. I loved his book The Five Love Languages. When I saw Jennifer's review for Love as a Way of Life, I requested the book at my library. I picked it up last week, and I am looking forward to reading it.

Thanks for checking out my book pile! If you would like to share yours, be sure to link up at the 5 Minutes for Books site.

Happy Reading!

Labels: Books

Six years ago, Amberly and her family moved from Nashville to Georgia (they have since moved to Alabama). Amberly and I had gotten to know each other at church. When they left, I was truly disappointed. Although we weren’t best friends at the time, I felt that our friendship was growing, and I was upset that we wouldn’t be able to know each other better.

Thanks to email and cell phone minutes, however, our friendship has grown. I don’t even remember what motivated us to stay in touch so much during those first few months after she moved, but we did. Over the last six years, we have been there for each other during pregnancies, newborns, toddlers, and school-age kids. We have talked with each other about our families, school decisions, our own times of insanity, and anything else you can imagine.

I am so thankful for our friendship.

I hadn’t seen Amberly since last summer, so you can imagine how excited I was to pack up and drive to her house on Friday. We spent the evening eating, talking, getting a pedicure, talking, shopping, talking, and eating. It was the perfect girls’ night! On Saturday, we spent a few more hours visiting and shopping (and eating). Too soon, it was time for me to return home.

Although I am so thankful for our emails and phone calls, getting together face-to-face was such a blessing. I wish we could do it more!

Thank you Amberly for being such a wonderful friend!

Labels: Family and Friends, Fun

A few days ago, I was reading a book with my Best Girl in her room. We were in our everyday clothes sitting on the floor. She stopped me mid-sentence and said, "Mom, wait a minute while I go check and see if I still look so beautiful."

She ran into the bathroom, looked in the mirror and said, "Yep. I do."

The whole scene just made me smile, and I wanted to bottle up that attitude. In no way do I encourage vanity; but as women, we should continue to appreciate our God-given beauty as we age through puberty, motherhood and beyond.

As she makes her journey, I hope she will always remember that the face she sees in the mirror was created by her heavenly father. And, of course, if she has doubts about herself, she can ask for my opinion. She will always be the most beautiful girl in the world to me!

Labels: My Best Girl

I have a review up today at 5 Minutes for Books. Head over there to read about My Heart Remembers. You can leave a comment here if you would like to win my copy of the book. I will draw a name on August 1st.

Also, be sure to read about the What's on Your Nightstand? carnival at 5 Minutes for Books. It's going to be fun; I hope you will participate!




Happy Reading!

Labels: Books

On Monday, we had excitement times three at our house. My nieces and nephew came for a visit. Because they live in another state, we don't see them as often as we would like. My kids were thrilled to spend several hours playing with their older cousins.

My nephew and my Favorite Boy play almost like brothers. They have a great time, but they are very competitive with each other. I am not sure about this pose, but they thought it was very cool. Notice my niece in the background as well. It was 97 degrees, so we were amusing ourselves inside.

Alas, the fun came to an end too quickly. We can't wait for the next opportunity to see them. I just wish they would all quit growing so quickly!

Labels: Family and Friends, Fun

For more WW, click here.

Labels: My Best Girl

I don't know about your children, but mine sometimes have a difficult time with sharing. They may not have played with a certain toy for months, but when their sibling picks it up, it becomes the most desirable object ever. I have a feeling I am not alone in this.

However, there is one thing my children share freely - germs. I have two kids on antibiotics, and I am now under the weather. I went for a strep test today, but the quick test was negative. Unless the overnight test comes back positive, I guess I just have a cold. Too bad I can't teach my kids to share their toys freely, but keep their germs to themselves.

Labels: Family and Friends

(These beautiful roses were given to me by one of my VBS students.)
I have decided that my week was a lot like a rose. Most of it was lovely. I taught VBS, and we had an excellent turnout. I had over 30 different students in my class during the week; on most days I had about 26. This class usually has about 14 students, so I was happy to have so many visitors. Although this was a large group, the kids were great, and we enjoyed studying the life of Moses together.

On Friday evening, I hosted a baby shower for one of my dear college friends. After beating breast cancer six years ago, she is now the proud new mommy of a beautiful son. I was able to visit with friends that I rarely see, enjoy some yummy desserts, and hold a precious little boy all in the same evening.

Unfortunately, every rose has its thorn, right? My Best Girl knew I needed complications during this busy week, so she managed to get sick. (My Favorite Boy got sick during VBS last year, so I think they are playing tag team.) With the help of a good friend and a supportive hubby, I was able to cover all my bases, and my Best Girl is much better this weekend.

Because of all these exciting events, I haven't posted or read many blogs for several days. I hope to get back to my regular routine this week!

Labels: Family and Friends, Fun

The winner of From a Distance, my first book review at 5 Minutes for Books, is fortyb4forty. Congratulations! I hope you will all take the time to visit the new site. There are plenty more reviews, giveaways, and other fun posts in the works.

Happy Reading!

Labels: Books

There are some things you don't really expect to say. As a parent, you learn to go with the flow, but you are sometimes surprised by what your children say or what you say to your children.

Here are a couple of things I never expected to say...

"Please don't let your wings scratch against the wall." (Spoken to Tinkerbell as she floated around the house.)

"Be still so I can get the sequin out of your nose."

Here are some things I never expected to hear...

"Mom, what was I like when I was your age?"

"When are we ever going to get a whale?"

I am sure you have had similar experiences at your house. One thing is for sure; children are never boring!

Labels: Small Talk

My Favorite Boy enjoys chapter books. Unfortunately, many of the new series for kids are filled with disrespectful attitudes and sassy behaviors. Finding appropriate books can be challenging.

I recently sampled a few books from a great series about a little girl named Meghan Rose. These books are filled with the humor that kids enjoy, but they teach wonderful lessons without the attitudes present in so many of the books and television shows made for children. If you would like to find out more about Meghan Rose, click over to 5 Minutes for Books to read my full review!

Labels: Books

My Favorite Boy is a member of the Nashville Sounds' Club for kids (the Sounds are the local triple A minor league team). As part of his $12 membership fee, he can go to all the Sunday home games. Usually, he attends these games with his dad, but last week, Dad didn't feel like going.

My Favorite boy was not thrilled about going to the game with me. However, he decided that going with mom was better than staying home. After church, my Favorite Boy and I headed to the ballpark.

First on the agenda was the Kids' Zone where they have inflatables and games.

After leaving the Kids' Zone, we stopped at the concession stand to pick up my Favorite Boy's standard ballpark snack. He loves to munch on popcorn while watching the game.

At some point during the game, I noticed a familiar name, Ray King, on the visiting team's roster. Ray has pitched for several major league teams including the Braves, Nationals, Cardinals, Cubs, and Brewers. The reason I recognized his name, however, is because he played against my husband in college. I decided it would be neat for my Favorite Boy to meet him, so we marched down to the visiting bullpen. In between innings, Mr. King came over to the fence and shook my son's hand. My Favorite Boy was grinning from ear to ear.

As we were leaving, I asked, "Did you have fun even though you had to come with mom?" He replied, "Yeah! You helped me meet a Major League player!"

I was so glad that I hit a home run in his eyes; I had so much fun with my Favorite Boy. I bet Dad, however, is still the favorite when the next game rolls around!

Labels: Fun, My Favorite Boy

Labels: Disney

My first book review is up today at the new 5 Minutes for Books site. I would love for you to click over and read about From a Distance by Tamera Alexander. While you are there, be sure to read the reviews from the other contributors. We are all very excited about the launch of this new site, and we hope it will be a wonderful resource.

If you are interested in From a Distance, you can win my copy by leaving a comment on this post. I will draw a winner on Friday, July 18th.



Happy Reading!

Labels: Books

The ladies at 5 Minutes for Mom are launching several new sites today. One of them is 5 Minutes for Books. There will be book reviews, giveaways, and other regular features. I am especially excited about this launch because I am one of the contributors. I know that many of you love books as much as I do, so I hope you will make 5 Minutes for Books one of your daily reads!

Labels: Books

There are some things that come easily for my son. Swimming is not one of them. My Favorite Boy is very cautious; he is not a risk taker. Every year, swimming lessons have been torturous for him (and me).

I am happy to say that he has come a long way this summer. Yesterday, he passed the swim test! At our Y, the swim test includes swimming 25 yards and treading water for 30 seconds. After his lesson on Tuesday, he passed the test with flying colors. Passing this test means that he can wear a green bracelet that allows him to swim in the deep end of the pool and to use the rock climbing wall and slides. As I mentioned before, he is very cautious, so he hasn't done any of these things yet; but, he sure is proud of his bracelet!

My Favorite Boy worked very hard for this and overcame his fear. I am very proud of his effort!

Labels: My Favorite Boy

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Labels: My Best Girl, Wordless Wednesday

As we were driving to the doctor's office this morning (my kids visit the doctor a lot), my Favorite Boy asked, "Mom, are we getting off at exit 68?" As many times as I have used the exits around the doctor's office, which is in the middle of our local mall and shopping area, I didn't know the exit number. I did, however, know the names for all the exits in the area.

I am more of a word person, and my Favorite Boy is a numbers kind of guy. I found it interesting that the way we recognize and remember the exits matches our preferences in other areas.

So...what are you? Are you a numbers gal or do you prefer words? I would guess that lots of bloggers are wordy people, but I am sure there are a few math wizards out there too!

P.S. My Favorite Boy has a sinus infection. My kids have frequent illnesses, but they aren't serious.

Labels: Fun

Every year on the Fourth, we celebrate with friends from church. Our friends invite a large group over to their house, and we grill hot dogs, eat, and play. Our friends live on a hill; we watch the local fireworks display from their driveway. It is so much fun! This year, our friends rented a HUGE water slide for the kids and had other water areas set up in their yard. As you can imagine, most of the children played and played from our arrival until just in time for the fireworks to begin.

My Best Girl was a little intimidated by the size of the water slide. She played in the kiddie pool for a little while and then decided to put on her regular clothes. Yes, she's my Yankee Doodle Princess...

On Saturday, Grandma and Papa Don came to grill burgers with us. The kids enjoyed playing with their grandparents. My Favorite Boy played the piano pieces he has learned since beginning lessons this summer. He is also working on riding his bike without training wheels, so Papa Don got to see that first hand while my Best Girl kept Grandma busy.



We had a wonderful holiday. I hope you did as well!

Labels: Family and Friends, Fun

I am afraid Christmas may be a little different at our house this year. My Favorite Boy is changing his beliefs about whether things are real or not. For example, when we were at Disney World last September he said, "Mickey sure is busy! We keep seeing him everywhere!" Last week, he disdainfully told my Best Girl, "Mickey and the princesses are just people dressed up in costumes." (Don't worry, she didn't buy that for a minute!)

Much to my dismay, my Favorite Boy recently asked, "Is Santa real?" I answered with my typical response, "What do you think?" He said, "Yes...or, Santa could be you and dad." Again, I responded with "What do you think?" He replied, "I think Santa is real."

That sounded good to me, but I guess my little boy is growing up! Of course, Santa will still be visiting our house this December no matter what. At 34, I haven't grown up enough to have Christmas without him. Hopefully, my little boy will let the magic live on a little longer as well (like until he's 40 or 50).

Labels: My Favorite Boy

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Labels: My Best Girl, Wordless Wednesday