Camping on the Hill

Donkey Hill is the perfect place to camp and early Spring was the perfect weather to camp.

It was March but felt like May.

Bradley and Bryce set up the tent for a Father/Son night of camping.

I groomed Cajun while the boys were setting up their camp. Like clockwork...I finished grooming him and then this...

Our neighbor dog, Barney, came down to check things out.

Bradley had a flat tire, so he didn't hesitate in borrowing Karah's pink bike. One of the luxuries of Donkey Hill is being able to ride a pink bike without anyone seeing. You can also shoot your sister's gun and nobody will know.

 Karah was too busy posing in trees to notice.

Our neighbor buddies came over to play and roast hotdogs and marshmallows. 

We are lucky to have such fun neighbors.

Cute kids!

The kids had a blast. 

Cajun enjoyed some free time grazing out in the front pasture and didn't seem to mind the commotion that surrounded him.

The sun finally set. It was worth waiting for.

The kids gathered in the tent for some bedtime mingling. 

The grown ups continued to talk by the fire.

Darkness fell and it was time for bed. The neighbors went home and Karah and Mama headed back for their girls night at the house. 

They were snug as bugs in a rug and slept the whole night through.

Mother's Day 2013

This year, for Mother's Day, I invited Tom's mother to come for a visit. To celebrate, we went with my parents to Crystal Bridges for the Norman Rockwell exhibit. It was so amazing to see all of his paintings in one exhibit. It was touching to listen to the audio presentation and hear the background of each of his pieces. It really brought them to life.

Tom loves his mother and was happy to have her in town to celebrate all she has done for him throughout the years.

On Sunday, the kids surprised both me and Grandma, with breakfast in bed. I think it's my favorite part about Mother's Day. I love seeing their proud faces when they march in with a tray with their offering of love. This year it was a blueberry yogurt parfait, toast, and juice. They never forget the flower.

Post Toast. 38 and I still reject the crust.

The kids brought me this beautiful plant that lasted for a day - until Piper ate it when it was sitting on the deck. 

The cards. How I love the cards. Precious.

From Karah  

From Boo: Notice the fresh flowers taped to the front of the card :)

I asked what he meant by Office Mom. He said it's because I love to go to Office Depot and get pens and notebooks. I'm also Egicatid. Don't you forget it.

From Bryce:

He drew me our house.

Tom's mom even made me a card :)

I love these little people. They are so fun to be with. Crack me up.

Got ready for a great afternoon at church.

Tom brought me a Diet Coke after I got out of the shower.

It's the little things :)

Speaking of Tom. Can I just say that I love that he makes me feel like every day is Mother's Day? He always makes me feel special, beautiful, needed, and appreciated. He is a good man...raised by a good woman. He always encourages me to take time for myself...to enjoy time alone or with friends...and doesn't wait for birthdays, Anniversaries or Mother's day to bring me flowers or shower me with love and praise. It makes Mother's day that much more meaningful...knowing that it isn't just "my day" ---but it's my life...my daily blessing of being loved well by my husband and children. I hope they feel equally loved and cared for in return.

I love my calling as a Mother. Nothing brings me more joy than the moments I share with them.

I'm so thankful for my mama...for raising me with love and for teaching me the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She is an amazing woman who loves and serves the Lord and serves unceasingly. I think back to when I was a young child...doing aerobics with her in my black leotard...dancing to "Oh what a Night". I remember her saving all of her empty cereal boxes and egg cartons so that she could keep my make believe kitchen well stocked. I remember standing next to her in the front seat of the Suburban with my arm around her neck....and the forceful forearm she would slam against my chest when she had to hit the brakes unexpectedly. I remember her always being there when i got home from school. Dinner always on the table by 6 pm at the latest. Clothes I would throw down the laundry shoot would magically be washed and folded in my basket by the time I got home from school. I got in a pudding fight...PUDDING, people....with my best friend in our living room - on nice new couches. She didn't do what I have done if it were my child. I remember hugs in the kitchen on Sundays after church and her telling me how proud she was of me. The list goes on and on...but above all...I remember growing up KNOWING I was loved. To me, that is how success in Motherhood is defined. There are so many "things" we may feel like we need to do in order to be a "good mom"but when it comes down to it...those things don't amount to much. All that matters is that we love these little spirits with everything we have and that they KNOW that we are their soft place to fall.

Thanks bear cubs and Tommy T...for such a joy filled Mama's Day. I love you all.

Bryce Preschool Program

It's a rite of passage. The end of year Preschool Singing Program.

It was his time to shine.

He played it cool because it would be anything BUT cool for a boy to come in all giddy to sing for a large group of people.

 

We sat in the front. I turned around to see a chapel full of parents with cell phones and cameras. I was one of them, so I didn't judge. I felt like a member of the Paparazzi trying to get a picture of an overweight movie star on the beach. His eyes begged me not to take the pictures...but I just had to do it. He tried not to smile.

His hands were secured snugly in his pockets. It was his passive way of telling us all that we could stop anticipating any hand movements from him.

It didn't take much. The music got the best of him and before he knew it, his body was moving and his lips were singing. 

One highlight of the concert was when he turned to the boy next to him to show him a cut he had on his finger. The boy turned at exactly the wrong moment and Byrce's finger went UP the boy's nose. 

The program was short and sweet. The sacrifice of public humiliation was all made worthwhile when he got hugs from Grandma.

We returned to the classroom for dessert. This is the same classroom that all three of our children attended Preschool in. It was fun to watch the alumni file in. We love this Preschool and the amazing teachers we have enjoyed over the years and will miss it dearly. 

CONGRATULATIONS BRYCE! WATCH OUT KINDERGARTEN! HERE HE COMES!!!

Donkey Hill vs. Mother Nature

Last night, as we were all hunkered down in our basement, Donkey Hill was battling Mother Nature. 

Tom waited for daylight to go survey the damage.

At first I was saddened to hear of the loss of these trees...but I soon realized that these are all the tree we likely would have to cut down when we build our house. I chuckled when I realized the limbs that were lost were the ones Tom and I recently talked about needing to trim.

There were a couple of trees that we lost that were a pain to mow around with the tractor. The roll bar would always catch limbs...pull them back...and I had to duck to avoid getting whacked in the head. 

So it looks like Mother Nature was trying to lend a hand and help us out with our To-Do list. She thought she would be funny and move our horse trailer and shift the roof of the well house as long as she was visiting Donkey Hill.

So thankful that all of our family, neighbors, and friends stayed safe in last night's storms. Our heart is broken for all of the people affected by the Moore, Oklahoma tornado last night  and the loss of so many sweet, innocent lives. We hope those affected will feel the concern and prayers of our Country and receive strength from the Lord as they try to heal and rebuild their lives.

There are no guarantees in life. We just have to rejoice in every day we are given and hold our loved ones tight.