Kitchen Science

Seth has fun with with baking soda and vinegar.

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Friends

Seth finds friends every where he goes. It doesn't matter whether he knows their name or if he will ever see them again.




Some friends are furry!



Some are beautiful!








Big Brothers can be crazy friends:)




Some Friends pray for you!

Queens Contest

For weeks Elizabeth has been practicing for the Queens Contest at the Atchafalaya Bit and Bridle Club. Today was the big day. The Contest was not a beauty pageant. Had it been, I would not have allowed her to participate. The Contest was an exhibition of horsemanship.

The Duties of a Queen: Represent and be proud of your club. Always be kind and willing to help others. Wear your crown and banner to every event you could possibly make. Ride in Parades, Ride in grand entries. Help to raise money for next years contest.

Winners will be announced at the first ABBC Horse Show in March. Will she win? I don't know. What I do know is that she did her best. Regardless of the out come, she is my Queen. Whether she wins the contest or not, I pray that she exhibits the traits worthy of a Queen.

Don't Judge By The Cover

Don't judge a book by it's cover. Heard that a million times. In regards to people, what about first impressions? In a job interview, the first impression is so important. How you present yourself, how you dress, how you speak, not say too much, not say too little, be yourself, sell yourself.

I was thinking lately about family and friends and what makes them who they are. If you are looking at their covers, you might see covers that are skinny, fat, gray-haired, funny, insecure, boisterous, wealthy, blue collar, or needy. Underneath these covers are some beautiful people.

I would like to zoom in on one little boy for a minute. He comes across loud, ADHD (not actually diagnosed), and mischievous. He has two speeds; full throttle and crash. He gets fussed at lot. He gets lots of rolled eyes. I get lots of looks from others that I interpret as, "Cant, you do something with him?" But all these things are just his cover. Underneath, there is a soft hearted little boy that can't stand the thought of people being mad at him. A little boy that wraps his arms around me every night and tells me, "Mommy, I love you as big as the earth!" A little boy that cried his heart out while watching "Letters To God". I just have to add that this little boy is only 6.

Remember as you go about, don't judge people by their covers. Look deeper.

God Bless,
Leslie

Remembering Mom

All three kids have been sick. Not fun. For me or them. Caring for them takes me down memory lane a bit. Mind if I reminisce a bit? I think I will anyway:)

When my brothers and I were sick, Mom would have us sleep on the sofa in the den. She would pull Dad's recliner over so she could be close to us just in case we needed her during the night. Being a light sleeper, she was right by our side should we make a move, cough, sneeze, or just need to know she was still there.

When we would feel better, Mom would ask us what we felt like eating. Nothing would be too much trouble even if it meant she would have to make a trip to the grocery.

Mom would keep us home one extra day from school just to make completely sure we were well enough.

I can't say I have my kids sleep on the sofa and me in a recliner. I did keep the kids near me when they were babies. I do sleep lighter when I know they are sick should they need me. I do take food requests for when they are feeling better. Since I home school, the kids don't get that extra day off from school. I guess you could say I did learn a few things about nursing the sick from my mom.

I hope my walk down memory lane helps you take one too. I must go now so I can attend to that cough I just heard. A trip to the grocery might be needed as well.

Already?

It's a new year already. I feel as though the past year has zoomed past. Did I accomplish the things that were most important? Did I keep my priorities in order?

As I reflect 2010 and look forward to 2011, I pray that I not cry over spilled milk but rather keep my focus on what is most important. God, family and friends.

I would like to share a few high lights from the year.

Thanks for viewing!

Traditions aka Memories

Building memories with my family is very important to me. I want Lizzy, Anthony and Seth to have stories to rehash over and over when they are grown up. As much as I want them to stay my little ones for ever, I know we will all laugh at stories that begin with, "Hey guys, remember when...?"

At Christmas we build memories by having our own special time to exchange gifts together. We build memories with special friends when we attend Christmas Eve service in Decatur, IL at Grace Methodist Church. The past few years we begin our Christmas season with a stop in Mountainburg, Arkansas to visit with Uncle Joe and Aunt Gina.

Some of the activities each Christmas is dependent upon schedules, and travel time. However, there is one tradition that takes place every year. It's our annual Christmas Date Night. Each Christmas my husband takes Elizabeth out for dinner and a night of shopping. Anthony Jr. and I have our night out to dinner and shopping too.

We began this tradition when Lizzy and Anthony were about 5 or 6. It began as an opportunity for me to finish shopping for daddy and Lizzy without them being with me. Then, we learned from a parenting program that the best way teach your kids about dating is take them on special dates. That way they learn how to treat and be treated.

Tonight was date night for Anthony Jr. and I. I have to mention that since he has been earning his own money for the past couple years, he pays for these dates out of his own money. This year was special as Anthony was able to really escort me properly having his driver's permit. We took our night out on the town to Houma. Watching Anthony pick out presents for his sister and younger brother just makes me so proud of him. Every year is more special that the last.

Realizing that Seth is now 6, I am going to start making these yearly memories together as well. With his out look on life and unique personality, I should be able to blog a book as we make and share the coming years together.

I end todays ramblings with a word of encouragement to my family and friends to make some memories this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas!