Day 4 -- 30 Days of Gratitude -- My Parents

Thankful today for my parents. They've put up with a lot of crap over the years, but have never let me down. They are always by my side when I need them. Love you both, bunches!

Grace for the Moment--365 Devotionals for Kids--Giveaway

I'm a little behind in my reviews. So this is the first of four giveaways this month. I hope to have them all on the blog by the end of the week.

The first is for Max Lucado's  Grace for the Moment 365 Devotionals for Kids. This is adapted from the adult version Grace for the Moment. You can check out these books by clicking through any of the links in this post.

Each day's devotion has a scripture verse, devotion and kid friendly activity called "Growing in Grace." They are dated so if you aren't consistent or like to use several different devotion books you can just go to that particular day and you haven't missed anything in between.

We have several devotional books that the kids use and they seem to like that this one because it is a quick read.

The winner of this book will actually receive Grace for the Moment for Kids and the original Grace for the Moment for adults.

Here is a link for a glimpse of the kids version Grace for the Moment for Kids.

This link is for the two week challenge which gives you two free weeks of devotionals from each book. They are in PDF and will only take about 15 minutes to do with your family. There are also some great tips for leading devotionals. Here is the link Grace Challenge.

Be on the look out for a book geared to teens plus two other giveaways this week.

I'm trying out Rafflecopter for the first time. I hope it makes it easier for you to register to win. It also gives you more chances to win.



a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclaimer: Tommy Nelson Kids supplies me with a copy of the books that I giveaway. They mail out the winners copies. Opinions are my own.

Happy Father's Day to 5 Amazing Men

I wish I had one picture of the five amazing Father's in my life to head this post with, but alas it won't happen, at least not this year.

I grew up celebrating Father's Day with my Daddy and three Grandfathers and for several years one of my Great-Grandfathers. It was indeed just another day, we saw my Grandfathers regularly and Daddy made me breakfast every single morning for almost 18 years of my life so he was always there for me.
Fast forward a few years, all three Grandfathers passed away within a few years of each other. The last one passed away two days after our wedding. He, Daddy's Dad, promised on Thursday that he would hold on until after the wedding because we didn't need any more stress.

Mikie and I have been married 14 years and have four kids, (in case you're new to the blog). Mikie is a practical joker and likes to in some people's words, "torment" them.

Mikie is an awesome Daddy, my favorite photo of him and the kids is in an album on the bookcase. I guess I should scan it and share it sometime.

Mikie's all about being goofy.

But anyway, Mikie changed diapers, waited patiently in odd places while I nursed when the kids where little. Now he drops them at activities, helps in Royal Ambassadors, holds the puke bucket and takes them to the doctor when their sick. There are many days that we, especially me, take him for granted. Then there are days, like during deployments, that we realize just what he means to us and does for us.

Mikie is teaching our kids to love and to follow the Lord and teaching Michael how to be a Christian man, husband and father.

Michael, Mikie and Paw Mike enjoying the rodeo!

Because of Mikie I have two Father-in-Laws. They are both amazing Grandfathers to my children.

Paw is Mikie's Daddy and drops everything to help his grandbabies, and their parents, when they need them.

Paw is a contractor and hopes that one of these days Mikie and Michael will take over his business so he can retire.




Papaw Larry married Grammy in 2002 after Mattie and Cousin Max where born. He is retired and the kids love swimming with him. Papaw is also a Lay-Speaker at his church and the kids think it's awesome, that he preaches. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of Papaw Larry. Guess what I'll do today when we see him.

The fourth Daddy we celebrate on Father's Day is my brother, also know as Uncle Buddy. I am so proud of Buddy and his wife Melissa. God has given them an awesome calling in life. They are foster parents. Several children have called Buddy and Melissa daddy and momma over the last few years. They currently have two preschool aged boys who have been with them for two years. The boys are adorable and have some issues from their birth home. Buddy is a substitute teacher at the local elementary school, which allows him to be home with the boys when he needs to be. Melissa is a nurse and the boys attend day care but for these boys they need the stability of knowing Daddy can be there when they need him.

Now for the most important Daddy in my life, MINE! My parents have been married 45 years as of June 10th. I believe that is one of the biggest accomplishments anyone can have. So many couples don't make it that far. Daddy has always been here for me. He "flew" in Buddy's words across the railroad tracks when the grocery store where I worked called and told him I was having chest pains in college. He worked odd jobs on many occasions when the plant shut down or he was laid off to make sure we ate.

My Parents

We ate pounds, yes pounds of bacon at Shoney's to celebrate my high school graduation. They even forbid us from getting more. He grounded me when I needed it, helped me to see that some friends weren't really friends and walked me down the aisle.

He took care of his mother during her many illnesses and battle with various cancers from the time he was in high school and for 22 years after until her death at age 60. He cared for his step-dad, dad and step-mom and both of my Mom's parents when they were ill. He takes care of my babies when they are sick on his day off each week.

He drives me absolutely insane most of the time, but I wouldn't trade him for any other Daddy in the world. He has given me so many things throughout life, the ability to constantly talk, be stubborn, express my opinions even when I shouldn't, and drive other people I'm with absolutely insane. He taught me to cook, tried to teach me to drive (remember stubborn), and cried when I graduated from colleg.

I could go on and on for days about my Daddy but lengthy posts don't do well. So from me to you Daddy, I love you and Happy Father's Day!

(Disclaimer: Before Mom thinks I don't love her as much as Daddy, well I do. I was just really busy that week preparing a reception for a special couple's wedding and let Mother's Day blogging slip by. I'll tell you about my Mom soon.)

Hermie--God Listens When I Pray--Giveaway

Young readers often have trouble understanding what they are reading. They also have trouble understanding how God works in their lives. Max Lucado's, Hermie: God Listens When I Pray  is a great book to help them understand how God listens when we pray.

As the Mom of 4, I often forget that they all aren't on the same playing field in their walk with God. While we pray every morning on the way to school, and now during summer break at breakfast, they all pray for different things and people. Depending on which child is praying determines what and who they are praying for. 

Mollie who is 5 always prays for the dogs, ours and the neighbors, which then leads to the neighbors being prayed for too. Mattie usually prays for each of us and our day. Maggie typically prays for friends, classmates, family and other needs she has heard of. Michael always prays for safety, particularly when it's dark and rainy. Mikie and I pray for them as we put them to bed. 

No matter which child is praying, God is always listening. This book helps children learn more about praying. Encourage your children to read and pray with this book.

Want one of your own? Leave a comment below and tell me about your prayer routine. It's okay if you don't have a routine, we have really just started ours the last few months. 

Don't forget to leave your comment by midnight, Thursday, May 31st. I will use random.org to choose a winner. 

Disclaimer: Thomas Nelson sent me this book to review and allows me to give one away. 

BIble Bee 2012/Giveaway

Our family is participating in the 4th Annual Bible Bee this summer. We will receive our study pack the first week on June.

I had seen a link on another Mom blogger's site and clicked through. After looking over the info I believe this will be a great way for the kids to learn Bible skills they can use all their lives.

The program is 12 weeks long with you practicing at home and if you live close enough practice drills before the final contest on Saturday, August 25th.  Below is some info about the Bible Bee from their webpage.

"Our desire is to help your family move closer to God and closer to one another as you learn, live out, and celebrate His Word. Register your children ages 7-18 years for the 2012 Bible Bee and learn how we can equip and encourage a lifestyle of investing in and living out your relationship with Christ.

In return for the $30 Registration Fee, each contestant receives, on June 1st:
 

• 25 Bible Memory Cards. That works out to just over 2 cards per week during the summer, a "do-able" goal for your whole family!
   
• A Bible in one of five translations
   
• A "Sword Study" in-depth study on one book of the Bible leveled for three age groups, enabling the whole family to study the same book at the same pace. Sword Studies don't just teach the Bible, they teach a lifelong skill of how to study and apply the Bible, in just 20 minutes a day.
   
• An official participant Bible Bee T-shirt and button
   
• Gifts from our ministry partners that support the Sword Study learning
   
• A Parent Guidebook that gives a solid overview of the study and includes a Family Bonfire Guide, so that you can easily lead your family in fun times of learning and sharing what the Lord has taught you throughout the week."

Mattie is very excited about the Bible Bee, she hopes in will help her with the Bible Drill that she participates in at church during the school year. 

I am excited to be able to offer FREE registration to one lucky reader. Even if there isn't a Bible Bee Contest close to you register to win. We are going to participate this year and my host the contest next year. 

Leave a comment below and you will be registered to win a registration. 

Disclaimer: We received a family registration in exchange for blog post about our experience this summer with the Bible Bee.

Contest is open until midnight, Monday, May 21st. 

Titanic Tribute Experience

Last night was the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. It was an honor to be part of this memorial celebration. Mikie had to work so the kids and I took Greta and went for our tour at 4 o'clock. Traffic was horrendous which is typical for Pigeon Forge especially on a Rod Run weekend.
Our family has toured the Titanic in Pigeon Forge before, but this was Greta's first time. She was so excited to be able to attend on this special occasion.

Waiting to board!

We received our boarding pass and listening devices and headed "onto" the ship. Each boarding pass tells the story of a passenger or crew member. We took our time and listened and read everything we saw. The kids were excited to find the people on their boarding passes throughout the museum. Maggie was really excited when she found out that Violet Jessop who was a member of the crew, survived and had written her memoirs, Titanic Survivor: The Memoirs of a Stewardess. 

Out of the six of us four survived only Mollie and I didn't make it that night. Once through the tour we shopped in the gift shop where I purchased our picture memorializing our trip on the Titanic on this fateful day.

Then we walked up the street to Salsarita's for dinner. We had never ate at one before and it was a new experience for us. The food was awesome. I was really glad there was no one behind us in line, because Michael had his usual "I don't know what I want," melt down at the counter. The walk through Pigeon Forge was a first for the kids. Yes, I know we used to park and walk all over Sevier County when we were young, but my kids have never experienced it. As I said earlier it was a Rod Run weekend, traffic was bumper to bumper, radio's blaring, people yelling out their windows, and of course the Rod Run must have burnouts right there in the middle of town. Michael was impressed with all the motorcycles. On our way back to the tribute we stopped for a picture.

 We had white tag VIP seats and it was first come seating, so we were six rows back which were really good seats for those of us who didn't have reserved seating. The kids were excited to see what was going to happen. They passed the time taking pictures and video as we waited. 

At 8 o'clock we literally jumped out of our seats as the Titanic blew it's horn and the announcer asked everyone to proceed to their seats. The cold chills were beginning. As dusk ensued, 8:30 approached and Captain EJ Smith began to tell us about that his final voyage as Captain. That trip was to be his last for he was to retire upon his return home. We met the families of many of those who were on the Titanic that night as they were introduced and seated on the front row. 

First Class Maid, Jaynee Peters was the host for the evening, members of the Grandfather Mountain Highlanders stood atop the ship and played their beautiful bagpipes and drums. The Circle Players presented scenes from Titanic the Musical and Sound Company Children's Choir was joined by a children's choir from Switzerland to sing. Allan Wolf author of  The Watch That Ends The Night:Voices from the TITANIC, read an excerpt from his book. Flares were set off as the stress signal was sounded that an iceberg had been struck. Clergy aboard the Titanic were also remembered by Father Joe Brando, Rev. Tom Sterbens who told of Baptist Pastor Robert Bateman and Rabbi Eric Carlson. 

 As the Eternal Flame was lit a young lady from North Carolina sang a beautiful rendition of My Heart Will Go On. A waterfall of fireworks fell from the deck of Titanic and the flame was lit below. The flame will burn 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

A moving tribute to celebrate the lives and death of those who were aboard the Titanic. We were moved, and honored to be able to attend. Maggie even said she hopes she will be able to attend the 200 year anniversary tribute. She would just be 108 then. Michael tried to put the number of years into perspective by reminding me of a special lady at my parent's church who was 2 years old when the Titanic sank. He said I know she wasn't there but do you think she remembers it? He hopes to see her soon so he can ask her.

We ended our evening with a 45 minute departure from the parking lot and a bathroom/snack break at McDonald's. The kids were in bed by midnight and I was not far behind. As I laid down I thought of what those passengers were going through at that particular time, as the panic was starting to set in. I thought of those who are descendants and the stories that have been passed down. I thought of how Easter had fallen on the Sunday before, just as it did this year. How Mikie and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary on April 11th the day the Titanic departed from Queensland, Ireland, and of the love of Isidor and Ida Strauss. Mrs. Strauss could have boarded a lifeboat but chose to stay at her husband's side, telling him, "We have lived together for many years, where you go I will go." What love, what true companionship and dedication to her marriage and husband. As I prayed for those who are still touched by this tragedy I began to drift off to sleep with a sadness in my heart that this event took place but happy to have been there.

Disclaimer: This post and opinions are my own. As a Mom Blogger, I was given tickets for the tour and VIP tickets for the tribute in exchange for sharing the Titanic with my readers. Thank you Titanic Museum Attraction!

Make Every Day Count--Max Lucado Giveaway

This month from Tommy Nelson Kids, I reviewed Max Lucado's book Make Every Day Count. I felt like since it was a book geared to teens that I should get first hand knowledge of this book from a teen. I gave my copy to a middle school aged friend, Greta, who gave me her own personal opinion. Our church has just finished another study series and Greta felt that Make Every Day Count came at a great time for her.

She says, "It is an encouraging yet convicting piece of writing. It uses personal testimonies and newspaper articles to support the idea. Max Lucado reminds us to treat everyday like it's our last, while still focusing on Jesus Christ. It's a great book for all ages but especially teens and preteens. I enjoyed it and I know you will too."

When Greta finished the book she passed it on to Emily, who said it really made her think and was great for her daily reading time. I'm not sure which one of the youth has it now, but I saw it getting passed around the table at Wednesday night supper week before last. I'm guessing the whole youth group may read it and I'll never see it again, and that's alright with me!

You can check out the first chapter here.

Want a copy of your own? Leave a comment below for a chance to win.

Answer this question: 
Parent's, what is one thing you want your teen/s to know before they leave each morning?
Don't have a teen in your house, but know one you'd like to give this book to? What would you tell that teen if you could only tell them one thing?


As always, I received this book as part of the Tommy Mommy Bloggers program. I don't receive compensation, my opinions are my own (and I have many :). You have until April 2nd to comment and I will use random.org to choose a winner. Have a great end of March!

Gigi, God's Little Princess DVD Set Giveaway

Up for Giveaway today, is a set of Gigi--God's Little Princess DVD's, by Sheila Walsh, from Tommy Nelson Kids. 


The first, Real Princesses Treat Everyone Like Royalty, includes the four episodes listed below.

• The Royal Tea Party
• The Pink Ballerina
• The Royal Circus
• The Pink Surprise

Sometimes it's hard for Princesses to show love to others, even though they know God loves everyone and they are all royalty in God's Court.

The second DVD, God Made Princesses in All Shapes and Sizes, includes these four episodes:

• The Princess Hair Do
• A Trip to the Zoo
• Gigi and the Purple Ponies
• Gigi's Ginormous Sneeze

Every girl is a princesses and sometimes we worry so much about how we look that we forget that true beauty comes from within.

These are favorites at our house!  Each DVD is 90 minutes in length.

Each episode teaches girls they are special and beautiful and how to love people, themselves and God. 

Although they are about Gigi, Michael enjoys watching them too.So you don't have to worry about brothers fussing when sister puts it in to watch. 

If you would like to win a copy of these DVD's from Tommy Nelson leave a comment to the following question below.

How can your daughter learn to be God's Princess from the Gigi stories?

On twitter tweet the following:

My daughter can be #JustLikeGigi thanks to @mommyto4mjs & @TommyNelson mommyto4mjs.blogspot.com

Alright there you go easy peasy. You have until Sunday, March 4th to enter. Tell all your friends.

Disclaimer: As usually Tommy Nelson Kids allowed our family to have a copy of these DVDs. Opinions are mine and I wasn't paid!

An "I Love You" Prayer--Giveaway

This is an adorable book, An "I Love You" Prayer written by Amy Parker and illustrated by Frank Endersby is about two friends, a cat and a puppy, who share the ways that God loves everyday. A mother bird feeds her babies, a turtle finds water, the puppy has a warm doghouse out of the rain, a rainbow and a blue sky appear and God's love is shown.

Teaching our young children about God's love is sometimes difficult for them to understand. This book An "I Love You" Prayer emphasizes the importance of love. It has a sweet rhyming prayer and beautiful illustrations.

Since the book is a board book it's great for even the smallest child, it's written for ages 1-5 years. Parents can start early sharing God's love and teaching their child how to love others.

Now for a chance to win this cute book.

How would your kids answer this question, "God's love is like__________________."

Comment on this post and let me know their answer. Tommy Nelson Kids has given me one of these great books to give away. Contest will end at midnight, February 29th.

Disclaimer: Tommy Nelson Kids gave me a book to share with my kids. The opinions in this post are mine.

2012 Week 1

Welcome to those of you who are new to our family blog!


As the New Year has been around for 8 days now, I've procrastinated about updating the blog. Actually and honestly work and life has gotten in the way and I haven't had time. Anyhow, as it rains outside my dining room window, Mikie is at drill and the kids are in the basement watching a movie and taking naps, I decided to take a few minutes and check in. 

I am going to attempt to do better this year in succeeded at my goals. I don't make resolutions because I know I will break them. I set goals, that way I don't have to feel as guilty for not completing them. Not that I feel guilty over much of anything anyway. 


My goals for this year, 2012 are,
1. Blog at least once a week. Even if it's an update on our week.
2. Exercise everyday physically and spiritually. So far so good!
3. Send at least one card or letter each week. (I'll be sending 2 tomorrow :)
4. Simplify, Simplify, Simplify! Too much stuff gets in the way of serving God and others.
5. Keep the house company presentable at all times. (Yea, I know that lasts about 15 minutes with 4 kids.)


There they are and other than the cards I haven't failed yet.


So now for this weeks update. During Christmas break Mattie, Maggie and I had some doctors visits. 


Mattie's heart murmur was heard by the doctor again a few months ago. She had an echocardiogram and it was discovered that she does indeed have a small hole in between the 2 upper chambers of her heart. She has an appointment with the cardiologist at the end of the month and will most likely have a TEE--trans-esophageal echocardiogram sometime soon. Basically a scope down her throat to make sure there is nothing else going on. At that time will know what we need to do about it.


Maggie visited the allergist for a peanut butter tasting test and PASSED! No more food allergies in our house. Of course she still doesn't like the taste or texture but the pistachios fear her when they see her coming. 


I have an abnormally enlarged goiter which is pressing on my vocal cords. It has given me problems since the summer and I couldn't figure out what was causing me to be hoarse and not able to sing. I see the doctor next week to find out what we are going to do about it. Obviously my constant talking wasn't the cause. It was nice to know that my husband was WRONG for once, it's not all in my head. 


We've enjoyed time with family and friends throughout the holiday season and look forward to a wonderful year of fun.


Mattie and Maggie have participated in the Director's Writing Contest at school and have placed. Mattie placed third in the poems category and Maggie first in non-fiction. There writings will move on to the next level of competition. 


Rec-ball has started and Mattie and Maggie both are looking forward to getting to play this year. Michael and Mollie are justing hoping Paw comes to some games so they can buy some stuff at the concession stand. 


I am gearing up for nine weeks of drama. My afternoon school is doing Alladin Jr. My morning school is still in deliberations with me as to what we are going to do. We don't have an auditorium there so staging logistics for a full drama is hard. 


Mikie is working all the time either at the air guard or in the workshop or folding clothes. Usually folding clothes. :)

Kellie came over Saturday and played. The kids enjoyed a picnic in the rain in the backyard. It was a day of missing kids and runaways but all is well now. 


I'm sure there are really more interesting things I could tell you about our week, but I can't think of any right now. 


I'm glad you stopped by and will be praying that you have a fun and blessed 2012!

Giveaway: Heroes and Villians of the Bible

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas season. As we have been packing up Christmas and decluttering and reorganizing the house for the new year, I realized I have a book from Tommy Nelson to give away.

Michael, our 6 yr old, really likes this book. I'm sure the girls will too when he gets finished.

Michael has been using Heroes & Villains of the Bible for his daily bedtime devotion. Each of the 50 stories includes an introduction to the story, Bible text and then a section to think about. It's geared toward kids ages 8 to 12. It is very appropriate for our six year old though.

One of my favorites is the story of Miriam and Moses. It begins by telling about the mean king, and uses Exodus 1:8-2:10 to tell the story. At the end there is a something to think about section. This one tells that heroes aren't always warriors, anyone can be a hero. This one touches my heart because it says, "Heroes know that they must stand up for the weak." Michael is a hero because this is his nature. His closet friend at school is a little boy who no one else will play with, he smells and often fills his backpack with the left over milk and cereal at breakfast. But Michael doesn't care he wants this little boy to have a friend.

If your looking for a new bedtime book or devotional this would be a great book. You can purchase it on Amazon or you can leave a comment below for a chance to win.

Enjoy this book with your children and learn more about how to be a hero not a villain.

How to win 2 chances:
1. Leave a comment below and tell me who you would read this book with.
2. Like my Facebook page mommyto4mjs. Then come back and leave me a comment. If you already like it just leave a comment saying so.

Contest will end at midnight New Year's Day. So while you're trying to keep your eyes open New Year's Eve come on over and enter.

Disclaimer: As always Thomas Nelson/Tommy Nelson Kids supplied me with a copy of the book to review and share with you.

Giveaway, Tommy Nelson Kids Books

As October rolls to an end, we all know what is just around the corner, Christmas! Books make great Christmas presents. Tommy Nelson Kids has two new books now available. Our family has been reading these all month for our nightly book time and they love them.

The first Smack-Dab in the Middle of God's Love is Brennan Manning's very first children's book. Not familiar with Mr. Manning, he is the author of The Ragamuffin Gospel. This book tells children of God's endless love and showcases children from several ethnic backgrounds. Children often don't understand how God can love everyone, but we are always in the middle of God's love. This book is written for children ages 4-8.

Sheila Walsh author of the God's Little Princess Series,  has a new series coming out titled Gabby God's Little Angel. Gabby is geared for girls ages 3-7 and teaches how God uses His angels to care for us. Girls can even color Gabby's adventures with these coloring sheets.

Both of these books have a great message for children and beautiful illustrations. If you aren't familiar with Tommy Nelson Kids these books are a great way to get started.

Want to win  one of these books from Tommy Nelson Kids? You can earn a chance to win by commenting on the questions below, liking me on facebook and following me on twitter. That's 4 chances to win!! Come back and comment that you follow me on facebook and twitter.

Good Luck!!

 Ways to enter review:
1. Post a comment below to this question to win Gabby, God's Little Angel"
"When you're not with your kids how do you communicate that God and His angels are watching over them?"


2. Post a comment below to the following question to win Smack-Dab in the Middle of God's Love
"How do you teach your children to show God's love to the world?"


3. Like mommyto4mjs on facebook

4. Follow mommyto4mjs on twitter

Don't forget to comment below that you follow me on facebook and twitter. Remember your comments must be on this post!!


Contest ends Monday, October 31st at midnight!!!

Disclaimer: Tommy Nelson Kids has supplied me with the books for this review. This review is my opinion and I was not paid.

Cars 2 Review

Today, the kids and I took my parents to see Cars 2. We had given Papaw handmade tickets for this movie for Father's Day so we were making good on our IOU. Let me say, we woke Papaw twice in the first 15 minutes of the movie. Of course, bless his heart, he had eaten a tub of popcorn during the 20 minutes that we sat in the theater waiting on the movie to start, so a nap was imminent.

We didn't see it in 3D, although I don't think it would make a difference. The beginning is slow, so slow that I was thinking the entire time of how much money I had wasted compared to if we had just waited and bought it on DVD. I must say, however, after the action started I was pleasantly surprised.

It's nothing like the first movie, so lower your expectations before you go. But if you like suspense, drama, and spies you should enjoy this one. I don't want to give away too much about the plot. Mater is the primary actor in this movie and there are several new cars. There is a lot of action, some of which could be scary for the younger crowd.

It does have two good morals. One, no matter what people say or think about you, what you do and think is more important. You can always do good for others, even if they don't think so. Moral two is that the dents of friendship are more important than being perfect.

The kids talked about how good it was and were glad we had went to see it. I had high expectations for it to be as awesome as the first so I was a little disappointed.

Would I watch it again? Not at the theater. Will I buy the DVD? Of course, cause the kids liked it. Would I recommend you run to the theater and see it? Only if you go during the $5.00 matinee time.

Disclaimer:
This is my personal opinion. I was not given any kind of payment for my review. Actually I paid quite a bit to be able give my personal review.  :)

Chaos in the Sanctuary

I told myself I wasn't going to do this but it is far too funny to let it pass.


Our two oldest daughters had the pleasure of spending Saturday night with the Worley family. The Worley's have five children ages two through eleven, four girls and that sweet little two year old boy. 


When me and the youngest two arrived at church this morning, I sat in our usually pew, (Mikie was at drill), and the kids went a pew back to sit with part of the Linsley family.


The choir made its way through the hall as the Worley crew, plus my two and another young lady shuffled into the pew behind, in front of and beside me. We joked about them beating the choir into their seats. 


The worship part of the service was fairly calm, other than sweet J turning her pocket inside out to drop her change in the offering plate. Then deciding that she only wanted to give a dime. I can't tell you who the deacon was at the end of the pew waiting on the offering plate because I was laughing so hard. 


As Pastor Bob started into his sermon, I hear this sound, singing, talking, maybe a cell phone, I couldn't tell. I notice my youngest was under the pew and the four kids sitting on the pew where she was supposed to be were giggling. While everyone around was checking their cell phones, I'm snapping my fingers to get her attention. Her stuffed animal that she swore was broken and didn't make a sound had suddenly revived itself with some French love song. Once it was passed to me I realized the switch had been broken off and had to make a not so discrete exit to the hallway to leave the animal. 


Back in the sanctuary that sweet little two year boy of theirs got upset and very loudly informed his mom that his dad had told him not to talk. Dr. C. got up to take him to the nursery and my pew of girls and I thought they were going to meet the floor. We still aren't sure what happened but there was a pretty good lunge and sudden straightening.


Michael asked to go to the potty so I let him go alone. In a minute J (same age as Michael and possibly a little too flirty together), needs to blow her nose. So K let her go out to the restroom. Six minutes later Michael and J return with grins on their faces. I asked if they had been in the bathroom together, which I was told no, that she had waited on him in the hallway.


After service Dr. C told me he only needed little C potty trained not J, (Michael has helped potty train 3 little boys in the last year. Were thinking about starting a potty training business.) 


Pastor Bob does an awesome job at ignoring the chaos on the first three pews, and so far hasn't asked any of us to move to the back.  


And in the words of the oldest Linsley child, "when your family, my family and the Worley's are together, the best you can hope for is a scene."




Disclaimer: 
1. I used initials for the other families because I didn't ask permission to pick on their kids. 
2. It probably isn't as funny as it was if you were there! 
3. Mollie found her singing dog on the table in the hallway. I didn't throw it in the middle of the road like someone had figured I did. 

My Royal Wedding

Ok, I have to admit, I only watched about 5 minutes of the entire Royal Wedding television event of the 21st Century. My girls on the other hand watched longer. They questioned why Prince Philip is not King and how the whole monarchy thing works, and why we Americans care in the first place. None of which I understand either, maybe someone can enlighten us all. Anyhow, we were pleased to see that Kate looked just like any other woman on her special day. Beautiful!

It got me thinking about my own wedding 13 years ago this month. It had been planned for 14 months and had grown from a small, simple affair to a much bigger, longer, more expensive gathering. It would have been much easier to have eloped or gotten married in my parents back yard (where I wanted to). Being the only daughter, my mother wanted everything in my wedding that she didn't have in hers. She and Daddy were paying, I obliged on everything except the dress.

The last few weeks became very nerve wracking. My soon to be husband was on a deployment and cutting it too close for comfort on his arrival back home. But nonetheless he made it home just in time. Our very talented soloist delivered her child early and was still able to grace us with her beautiful voice. The church's new carpet, pew coverings and wall paint were finished the week before our ceremony, a little behind schedule, but done. I appreciated them wanting to have it done before our ceremony, but everyone was a little nervous it wouldn't be. The new electronic grand piano had been ordered to replace the old organ and was late on delivery, so I spent the day before the ceremony playing and recording all of the instrumental music to its computer memory. Papaw had been placed back in the hospital, and bless his heart, promised me he wouldn't die (like he had a choice) until after our wedding if I promised to reserve him a "missing man" position on the pew. I did and he didn't, the Lord took him home to be with Mamaw two days later.

The day of the wedding was pretty laid back thank goodness. We didn't follow most of the wedding etiquette that Ms. Post would recommend in her books. We took almost all the pictures beforehand including the ones of Mikie and I. We let people in the door as they arrived, some out of town guests arrived extremely early.  My piano students and the children from the church's children's ministry (where I was working at the time) were honorary bridesmaids and groomsmen. They wore their Easter outfits and sat on the front pew in front of the family, because all children love weddings and should be able to see what's going on up front. No one stood as I walked in or out, because we both had Grandmothers who were not physically able to stand without assistance at length and we wanted them to be able to see.

The maid of honor hurt her foot the week of the ceremony and so she hobbled down the aisle way. Daddy and I slowly walked down the aisle to where my mother and Nana were seated when I realized I had left their roses in the back window of the church. I stopped, turned around, motioned to the wedding director to bring them to me. At this point the flower girl was heading back down the aisle when she stopped and crawled in Mom's lap, so she handed her off to the wedding director when she brought the roses. After giving the roses to Mom and Nana, I took a step and heard this extremely loud, air being sucked out of the room gasp by the 300+ people in the Sanctuary. As I attempted to take another step I felt my dress pulling behind me and thought that the wedding party would be viewing something they didn't need to be seeing. I had managed to get my train caught on the bottom of the candle holder fastened to the pew. As I had stepped the candle holder had tipped and my quick on her toes cousin had managed to catch it before it hit the new, just installed the week before carpet, or my dress.

We made it to the alter, where the Pastor proceeded to preach a 15 minute sermon before Daddy gave me away, he asked me if I took Mikie as my lawfully wedded wife, Mikie plighted me his "trough," I got really nervous and Mikie had to hold my music book while I sang to him (but it kept him occupied), it lasted 45 minutes and we exited to the "Hallelujah Chorus." Mikie let out a big, redneck whoop on the front porch of the church as we went out and half of the Hell's Angel's Motorcycle group must have been passing by.

Yes, it was a wonderful, eventful, hard to forget wedding, that will never be seen on national television or talked about for decades to come, but it was my day of royalty and no one else mattered. Well ok, maybe Mikie did. And my children love to watch the replay with Mom and Dad and have vowed if they get married it won't be anything like ours.