Ms. Holly's Wedding (and Jonny's)

Colossians 3:12-17

English Standard Version (ESV)

¹²  Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, ¹³  bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. ¹⁴ And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. ¹⁵ And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Another one of those little girls I used to babysit got married today!

So Beautiful!

Congrats Jonny and Holly!!!

Nerf Gun War

The cousins were invited to a Nerf Gun War today for Thomas' birthday.  The Capture-The-Flag War was going to take place in their Sanctuary - set up and rules by Uncle Philip.  Somehow, Philip didn't think it was going to be as chaotic as it was?

Jason definitely got in on the fun - I'm told the Brown Boys dominated using Daddy's plans.

 Jon and the Harris Boys

 And David as one of the kids!

Happy Birthday, Thomas!

Hopefully, my last allergy test to endure!

I've assumed that Mac has the worst allergies in the family, even worse than Daegan.  I've delayed his testing because I didn't want to deal with the emotional trauma (he isn't as tough as the others), I didn't want to deal with the financial trauma :), and I didn't want to take him off of antihistimines for 5 days for the test to work.

In the Summertime, I am the worst at keeping track of medicines at breakfast because everyone eats at different times.  Therefore, Mac has missed his meds for a few days weeks, which doesn't win me Mom-of-the-Year or anything, but is ok since June and July are his least-suffering months.  

On a whim, I called yesterday to see if they had any opening in the next few weeks and they had a cancellation if I could come the next morning (today) at 8:30.  Jason went in late to work and Mom and Heather tagged team to keep the others the rest of the time, so it worked out perfectly.

Mac would not say it worked out perfectly, but he managed.  He screamed bloody murder, but he didn't move during the test and he didn't scratch afterwards - which made me proud and made it go a lot quicker.  We had made a pit stop to get gas on the way to the doctor and he got one of his favorite lollipops (has a lollipop on one end and sour juice on the other?) and he got to enjoy that while we waited the 20 minutes for the test to "soak in".  

Being the sick mother that I am, I snapped a picture with my phone when the test was only half over.

As you can see (if you are familiar with the test) he ended up with a 4+ on all trees, grasses, weeds and a few molds.  Thankfully, he got a 0 on all enviromental (dust mites, cats, dogs, feathers, etc.).

He was happy when it was over and very happy to get a big stack of stickers that he has already plastered next to his bed. 

Daegan and I have finally reached the every 3 weeks point in our allergy shots....back to every week with Mac!!!

The Brown Lounge

The temperatures around here have been 105+, which equals absolute misery with kids home from school.  I don't want them outside playing in the heat, but I don't want them inside either.

Last week, Mollee asked me if she could build a "lounge" in the garage.  I wasn't sure what that meant, but I said sure.  She has set it up with chairs, a book case with a lot of books, a sign in table, hand sanitizer, "carpet" floors, etc.

Check out the front desk:

The kids sit in here for hours during the afternoon.  They get a box fan and color, play cards or read for hours throughout the afternoon.  It is great and they are always discussing changes to make to the "lounge" - it cracks me up!

I think we may have adopted Jonah too for the Summer, because he spends his afternoons in the lounge too.  :)

Battlefiled and Tower Climb

Before Uncle Paul, Aunt Sharon and Dana headed home today, Dad took them to the Battlefiled and I took the kids to tag along.

 If you have never been to our local Battlefield Museum, I would recommend it.  They have a wonderful explanation of the Battlefield in about a 7 minute presentation.

Uncle Paul being silly!

My Beautiful Daughter and My Beautiful Cousin 

Then we decided to visit the Tower too.  It happened to be open and Papa decided we should climb it.  

Uncle Paul and Aunt Sharon were smart not to join in the climb, but for some reason I went.

163 steps in a cast - see me at the top?!  Waving with Mollee!  She was waving, "Look at Me", I was waving, "Does anyone know where the slide is to get down?"

Team Andrew

My little prayer warriors wear their shirts proudly!

Measuring Bigness

Alternate Title: Kids Say The Darndest Things

2nd Alternate Title:  How To Teach Kids When To Lie  :)


For some reason, when we moved in, our scale landed in the kitchen.  And it is still there.  Probably, not such a bad place for it. 

I don't normally strive to weigh myself in the mornings, or ever, but this morning, it was there, no one was around, so I thought I'd step on the scale. 

Then, I was startled by a little voice, "Whatcha doing?"

I looked around to see Mac's big grey eyes staring at me. 

I sarcastically said, "What does it look like I'm doing?"

He said, "Measuring Bigness".

I replied, "Why does it have to be measuring bigness, it could be measure how small I am?"

He innocently said, "Nope, your definitely measuring bigness!"  And he ran off, back downstairs.

Little rat.

*sigh*

Cross Clan 2012

I am not sure of the numbers yet, but I wanted to get this posted on the blog so that I don't forget to have it/edit it later.

This weekend we had our Cross Clan Reunion.  Many of you know the story, but for those that don't - my Grandma J is one of 11 children.  Every other Summer we try to get together.  There are over 350 in the group, but usually 100-150 get to come to the reunion.

We met for dessert Friday night and then some went to play Gooney Golf.  Saturday they had a Bible Study at 10:30, then lunch.  Some did tourist thing in the afternoon. Some went to Becky's to ride horses and some went swimming.  We went swimming and I hope to get a video of Mac's Dive Show up some time soon.  Everyone met for dinner Saturday, more games and more stories.  Then some went bowling afterwards.

Kuddos to this years MC, Aunt Sylvia.  They played a video of the family history, told by Uncle Paul Cross, with scanned pictures.  They had stories told of the 11 siblings, how they met their spouse and how they made a living.  (Key word: Fisher's Club).  They had Minute-to-Win-it Games (Uncle Paul J won the fastest to eat a Twizzler with no hands and someone needs to ask Aunt Carol how to move an Oreo down her face). 

I hope to steal others photos at a later date.

A different version of Uno Flash?

This is what was set up in my living room today?  The boys had made a pathway with the Uno Flash Game.

For their stuffed animals.  Not sure how the game worked?

 But they had a blast!

The Place To Be

Apparently, is Mommy's Office/Mac's old bedroom.  

Yes, it still has a lot of his toys in it.  And, yes, it still has his dresser and clothes, but I don't remember them playing in this room quite so much.  

At any given moment in the day, while I am working, you can bet someone is in there playing

 or reading?

And almost always still in their PJs - no matter what time it is!

I had a hankering

We were supposed to have plans today, but they got cancelled.  Fortunately, I had not told the kids about our plans, so they were not disappointed.  For some reason, I was antsy to get out of the house.  

So, we got pizza and ice cream!!

Hot Weather Entertainment

Capps and Mac are the best of friends.  During the school year they are glued at each other's hips on Saturdays.  This Summer, they have continued to be perfect playmates.

Today they decided to play on the deck, in the shade.

 They also had a box fan on.

 And they were giggling like a bunch of girls.

 Doing?  Who knows what!

But having a blast!

Happy Daddy Day!!!

(They gave me about 30 seconds for this photo shoot - I take what I can get)

Jason wanted wings for lunch, so we stopped and got KFC on the way home from church - I know how to treat my man!  ;) 

We got to be home for lunch and relax while watching NASCAR, baseball and golf all at once.

Another Week of Summer....Gone in a Flash!

It looks like my Summer posts are going to be once a week updates with our weekly activities.  Hopefully, they will not all be picture-less.

This week was another full week.

Monday, like all Mondays for me, I worked a very full day.  Jason was home sick with a 24-hr stomach virus and the kids played inside, outside, inside, outside. 

Tuesday....I already don't remember Tuesday.  I do remember that we really, really miss Kids-Eat-Free-Tuesdays at Chik-fil-A.  :(

Wednesday I had to run a few errands for work, so the kids grabbed their favorite toys and hopped in the van for a few hours of running around delivering papers, changing signs, retrieving lockboxes, etc.  Wednesday afternoon the Bonds came over for a brief one-hour visit.  Then we grilled some chicken and I remember a very silly (and much needed) family dinner.

Thursday I had thought about taking the kids to the library, that didn't happen.  We were also invited to go to the free 10:00 movie at the theater, that didn't happen.  I worked thru the morning and by 1:00 it was obvious the kids needed to burn some energy, and not just by climbing trees and riding bikes.  We packed a quick, very late lunch and headed to the pool for a few hours.  On the way home, I picked up my niece, Abby, to play with Mollee for the rest of the afternoon.  Then Tavis had his math tutoring from 4-5. 

Friday I had invited Reba and the kids over to swim with us.  We decided to wait until the twins were ready for a nap, which worked out perfectly.  They slept for 3 hours, so we had a very long swim.  The Harris cousins came too for part of the time and the kids all had a blast.  We got pizza for dinner and were all sun-kissed and exhausted by evening. 

Jason had asked for a low-key Saturday that involved sleeping-in.  No matter how hard I try, I don't sleep in very well.  Since I had played at the pool for two afternoons, I decided to get up (about 7:45) and do some paperwork.  The kids got breakfast and watched cartoons downstairs.  We were able to let Jason sleep in until 11:00, which I love b/c he loves to sleep-in and, even not working Monday, he has had a very long week.   After lunch, Tavis and I ran to Target and Jason cut the grass.  I took a nap in the afternoon and we had cereal for dinner.

And now I am sitting on the deck with my laptop, listening to the mixture of many different birds chirping, someone cutting their grass, the interstate hum and the fan whirling next to me. 

Ahhhh, Summertime!

Things we've learned while Mommy is on crutches

First and foremost, I hate crutches.  I am trying hard to have a good attitude, but "trying" doesn't always work.  So, I am praying for a good attitude

My arms aren't as strong as I wish they were.  And my bad ankle (now my good ankle) is not as healed as I thought it was.

The kids are lazier and less self-sufficient than I thought they were, but they have stepped up and been very helpful.  (oddly enough, Tavis has been the most helpful)  I am wondering if this is something the Lord has put in our life for me to realize the kids can do more.  Apparently, I walk around and pick up behind my children a lot more than I thought I did - which really shows up when I only move around as needed.

Money might be saved over the next few weeks because running errands is completely unappealing to me.  I had to go make a return to Old Navy and Kohl's today.  My plan was to go to Target also for a few items, but I just couldn't do it. 

Also, we will be saving money in the hot water department - my showers are really short as it is hard to stand there on one foot.

I've learned to cook sitting down.

Things I am learning to be thankful for in this current situation:

Thankful that my kids are older and can help.  This would be very, very difficult with little ones around.

Thankful for my hubby.

Thankful my job is from home and my bosses have been willing to help out with my "around town" duties.

Thankful that the dr put me in a boot that I can take off to shower, sleep and swim.  If I didn't get a break from this "big shoe", I might go crazy.

Thankful for family to help out.

Thankful for meals in the freezer.

Thankful for prayer!!!  How do non-believers handle stress without out?

Not the Summer apparel I was looking for?

So, I fractured my foot.  Not in the Summer plans!

Embarrassingly, I was just walking.  I had recently gotten back into aerobics and went on a brisk walk Saturday morning.  My foot hurt, but I figured I was just being a wimp for being out-of-shape.  I kept walking and the pain intensified.  I iced it a few times over the weekend, but was not going to pay an ER bill for a sore foot.

Monday I went to the local Walk-In Sports Clinic.  They said the 5th metatarsus was fractured.  I have a boot (thankful they didn't give me a cast and I can take it off to shower and swim and sleep) and I have to use crutches as my pain guides me.  He recommended using them for a week or so until foot not sore and then keep the boot on until I see him in a month.

So, this wasn't the plan, but I'm getting creative!  This is how I cooked last night - thankful for a freezer with a lot of options for easy meals.  

Report Cards 2011-2012

Last year I vented that there are no longer report cards, everything is on the computer now.  I have printed out the reports, but who knows how long those will stick around, so I figure it would be good to document the report cards here (for whenever I can print a book).

Capps, 1st grade, Mrs. Farlett, Absent = 2 days

- He got a S+ on everything except penmanship, which he got a S on.  :)  For "Character" grades he got a S+ on everything (Respects Authority, Follows Directions, Encourages Others, Is Considerate, Cooperates in Group Activities, Is Responsible with Assignments, Uses Time Wisely) except "Is Self Controlled".

Teacher Comments: Capps is smart and energetic and is always willing to add to class discussions.  He is a delight and eager to learn.  He is simply a joy to teach!  Thank you for sharing Capps with me this year.

Daegan, 2nd grade, Mrs. Bates, Absent = 16 days

- He got a S+ on everything except Language Arts, which he got a S on.  He also got an S on all the Character grades.

Teacher Comments: Daegan is a good student and a self-motivated learner.  He is a delight to teach.  He is very bright and considerate of others.  He is very well prepared for 3rd grade.

Tavis, 4th grade, Mrs. Levenger, Absent = 9 days

- He got an A in Art, Bible, Music, PE, Reading, Spanish, Spelling and Technology.  He got a B in Language Arts and Social Studies and he got a C in Math.  Character Grades, he got an E (which is same as S+ in lower grades?) in everything except for a S- in "Responsible with Assignments"

Teacher Comments: Tavis is a bright young man with a great sense of humor.  His creativity is an interesting addition to our class.  His struggle to keep up with his assignments has been ongoing, although he has done better at the end of the year.  I am proud of his effort in math, which is evidenced in his level of confidence.  (he has had a math tutor the last quarter)

Mollee, 5th grade, Mrs. Gordon, Perfect Attendance!

- She got an A in Art, Bible, Music, PE, Science, Social Studies, Spanish and Technology.  She got a B in Language Arts and Reading.  And a C in Math and Spelling.  Character Grades were all E!!

Teacher Comments: Mollee has worked very hard this semester.  She contributes to class with a positive, willing attitude.  She tries her best on everything she does.  Mollee has been a bright spot in our classroom and I know she is ready for middle school.  She has progressed in her reading, but I think it would benefit her to keep up with her reading this Summer.

First Week of Summer

I like to be Fun Mom and plan a lot of things to do during the Summer, but I didn't know how that would go for us with me working from home. I'm still not sure how it will go, but I know this week has been plenty busy.

Monday was Memorial Day.  Neither Jason nor I worked at all - so nice!  We went to the pool and then the the Gregory's for dinner.

Tuesday I worked about 7 hours straight, then a few more hours in the evening.  We are still trying to figure out the boundaries for the kids while I am working.  The kids have a big playroom and the boys bedroom to play in, but they always seem to hover right behind me while I'm working.  Some like to just sit in the corner and read, another likes to make exploding noises constantly and then others seem to find my office as the place to bicker.  Like I said, working on those boundaries.

Wednesday I had a dr. appointment in the morning and Grandma kept the kids.  Surprisingly, the appt didn't take long so I ran to Wal-Mart sans kids before heading home.  I was able to get a couple hours of paperwork in before we headed to the pool.  Tavis' math tutor, Eric, had invited us over to his pool for the afternoon.  I knew Jason was going to have a long day, so we went - I may or may not have worked a little via the iPhone while we were there.  Somehow, I didn't get any pictures, but the Harris cousins also got to come.

Thursday was another long work day for me.  I hope that Thursdays will become our library day at school.

Friday, I was able to get a few hours of work done in the morning.  We then met Aunt Heather (Brown), along with Dusty and Chloe at McDonald's and then over to the $2.50 theater to see the Dr. Suess Lorax movie.  The kids, especially Mac, have really wanted to see it for awhile, so this was great fun. 

Today is Saturday.  The week has been full.  I look forward to 10 more full weeks!!!