Monday in Baton Rouge

Well, back to our time in Baton Rouge. Sunday we drove back to BR from New Orleans and left Daddy in NO. He had a business trip. We visited with more cousins at Mimi and PawPaw's house - and the kids went swimming too!! This was the first time they ever swam with floaties and they did great!! No pictures of swimming and our cousins - my battery died on my camera by the time we were half way through the Aquarium. I can tell you there was much splashing, laughing and fun!!!

The next morning we slept in a little because the kids were up late! I decided to let the bedtime go a bit since the kids rarely see each other. I am usually a stickler for maintaining our schedule somewhat but this time it felt foolish to fight that battle on my own! :)

Monday we hung out at the house and then I went to meet with a mentor that I've REALLY wanted to touch base with again! The last 3 years have been a whirlwind at times and I needed some grounding in places. Without someone to guide us we can easily find ways to justify the mindsets we are determined are right! I needed to be spiritually adjusted a bit - I've been wanting this for the past year - I just KNEW it would get me back on track! It did just that! The details would be too much to share but let's just say I heard EXACTLY what I needed to hear and it felt good to have someone guide me!!

After that I picked up the kids - ate some chicken schwarma (woohoo) and then we headed to our home church in BR. One of my friends emailed me about the Ladies Pamper night and I was NOT going to miss it! The year we left was the first year they were doing this and we left before they had it! It was great! Once again - I don't know why but I forgot to take pics!!!! I had a pedi, a massage and a facial! And they had child care for the kids too!!!!

This is one thing my current local church does not do now; they have zero events corporately. Our former church (in BR) has monthly or semi-montly ladies nights. They either have a guest speaker speak or they have a fun pamper night or they have a special something! (They do the same for the men too - just not a pamper night.) I think that makes the church feel more like a family when everyone can come together and interact in periodic events. Of course not everyone WILL participate but the ones who do want to plug in will feel more connected to the body. Just a little something I feel is missing at my church!

It was fabulous!! We went online and scheduled the pampering we wanted to have and then we showed up to have our services done! Of course the pedi was take off nail polish, rub the lotion that softens those feet on, soak in water for a minute or 2, then polish on. Not a true pedi - but there was no time for that - I was impressed that someone would bother to volunteer to do that! The massage was a local business who brought their chairs and gave you a 1o minute massage (kind of like you see in the mall) - then after your massage they gave you their business card. So this promoted their business. Then the facial was a local spa that did a 10 minute facial that left you wanting more I tell you! I've never had a true facial and boy was I wanting to tell her to give me the works! When we left we got a goody bag with a goody from the spa and a coupon for services. They also threw in a girlie gift. They had headbands, bracelets, rings- who knows what else they had! I just know of 3 gifts because of the ones I know of that were opened! WE HAD FUN! It was great to be pampered and doted over! OH - they had sushi too!! Never had sushi and wanted to try but needed to leave. Basically it was a night of indulging a little and taking time for you. It felt good!! Especially knowing your church cared enough to organize something so grand for you. I was able to have a little me time before the week of running began! What a way to start my visit out! I was beyond happy I tell you!! I left feeling like I was cared for beyond what I expected!

I highly recommend any and all churches to do the same!!! (The only expenses were the food - which was discounted for them - and any of the nail polish stuff.) Obviously, there were other expenses but the massages and facials and paraffin wax and eyebrow waxes were all donated time by the businesses!!! It wasn't nearly as expensive as it could have been if they had to pay for those services! The businesses left with potential customers! I know I would have tried them out if I lived in town!! Sometimes it takes trying something out to feel brave enough to indulge. At least for me - I like to know what to expect when I schedule something for myself. My me-time is so minimal that I want to KNOW I will enjoy what I plan. So it was a win - win - win! Church won by ministering to the ladies and loving on us, the spa won by getting potential clients and we won because we left feeling loved and having time to visit with friends! Can't beat a 3 way win!!!!

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Mary, at Not Before 7, is hosting Tiny Talk Tuesday!

Tiny Talk Tuesday is a fun way of remembering the things our kids say. Those things that make us laugh or that mark this time in their lives. Here are the Tiny Talks we've experienced this week:

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As I was rocking JB last night he said "You know Mommy, my Daddy is the best Daddy in the world." I said "Yes, he is. What about Mommy?" JB said "Yeah, I sink so." (Gee thanks JB!) :)

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We were talking about the LSU baseball game tonight and Steve asked JB "Show Mommy how the pitcher throws the ball." JB picked up his leg and threw an imaginary strike! Boy did he zing it!! Well, HC shouts "Mommy Mommy I will show you how the glover catches the ball." (Um... that would be the catcher my sweet girl - but great try!)

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The other night HC and I were singing to my new nephew and then we stopped. Then HC told me "Mom, let's hit the rhythm!!! You know, let's hit the beat!" (that means lets sing again!)

Our New Orleans Adventure

Being raised in the New Orleans area and then landing in the Baton Rouge area most of my teen and young adult life - New Orleans was always there whenever we cared to visit. It was a break from the ordinary day and it was always just enough of a break. Last Sunday was the first time we brought our kids to New Orleans. We were going to try to make it to the Audubon Zoo; but after we arrived and had to walk the River Walk so we could eat lunch - and heard 3 mini moans saying "I'm too tired. I'm too hungry. My legs hurt. Hold me." We soon realized that taking the zoo off the to-do list and going to the indoor Aquarium was the best choice of all! Here is a shot of the Mississippi River Bridge in New Orleans. Something I've seen hundreds of times and there is an identical one in Baton Rouge that I've seen thousands of times. But now - it is great to have a picture of something so familiar!! Here are our 3 mini moaners after eating lunch. They quickly became adventurous again!! Is it sad that we told them this viewer was broken??! haha
WOW!! "MOM, wook at this water!!!"
The view with a River Boat - another thing I rarely see these days!
Well, I made an awful choice on our day to New Orleans. I usually do not carry a purse in NO but this time I did. Not only did I carry my purse, but I put my video camera and my camera in there! That sucker was heavy! JB often told Steve "Dad, give dat purse back to Mommy." He didn't like that Daddy was toting it. But it was a necessary thing due to my silly decision to load it up with the kitchen sink. Here is Rob on the left and Steve on the right carrying my beautiful RED bag! Rob and Steve are cousins!
The kids: Em, JB, HC and Rose. My kids LOVE seeing their cousins!

Here is a picture of my best friend from high school. Summer and I grew up together and then married into the same family - not expected since we both met our husbands way after high school. It was just how our life went!! Pretty neat story, isn't it?
Wow! Can we see NEMO yet??
This first glimpse of the Aquarium can keep you interested for quite sometime! Even though I've seen it several times - it is still amazing and pleasant to stand and watch! The kids were amazed.
Here is the way it looks without a flash on - Cool huh?!
They were feeding the fishes and we saw the stingrays everywhere!
AHHHH!!! :)
We saw a real live trolley! The kids were ready for naps and home after the Aquarium, although I really wanted to stroll around New Orleans a bit more! {frown} Oh well, it will happen next time.

There were many more pictures - between Summer and I - I believe we took over 100 shots. I didn't think you would want to see ALL of them. {smile} We pet the stingrays and a baby shark - the kids had a blast! I am glad we brought them to the Aquarium. Maybe in the fall we will try for Audubon Zoo.

Sunday was a full day - after having fun walking around New Orleans we landed at PawPaw and MiMi's house! The kids ate and swam with MORE cousins; they had fun being around family! There is nothing like having family around to hug and laugh with! I love when all the kids get together! The laughter is contagious! Day 1 on the road - done!

We're Baack!!

We've been visiting family and friends in Baton Rouge this past week. Hubby had a business trip to New Orleans and we tagged along. I was unable to get online much - so my posts were few. Here is a sneak peek into what I was doing this week:
Here are HC, me and JB loving our newest family member!! He was even more precious than I expected!!!!! Here he is smiling and cooing at us but my camera was too close since the flash was on so it isn't the best shot ... but I love it!
Here I am visiting Ben at "school"! HC and JB used to go to this very "school". It is daycare - but HC always called it school and she still does! It's the best "school" ever ever ever!! We miss those teachers and friends we left behind!!
Don't you just want to kiss his little cheeks off??!!!?? I wanted to squeeze and hug him to bits! What a precious little man!!
And finally, this morning - after we were dressed - HC asked "Mom. Will you please take my picture?" I said "Sure, where do you want to stand?" I thought she may want to remember something by taking a picture before we left - she said "NO silly Mommy!! Take a picture of me at home next to my bed! I missed it SOO much!" We all miss home! It is good to be back! AHHH!! This picture was one of the first things we did when arriving home!

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Mary, at Not Before 7, is hosting Tiny Talk Tuesday! Tiny Talk Tuesday is a fun way of remembering the things our kids say. Those things that make us laugh or that mark this time in their lives.

Here are the Tiny Talks we've experienced this week:

HC: Mom!! {insert smacking lips sound} I have a GaREAT idea! What if we PAINT!! We haven't painted in days and days and days! (According to HC we haven't done much of anything in days and days and days! It is her signature phrase of 2008!!)

HC: Mom, (whispering) I'm still bigger than JB but... let's just not tell him that he is little because it will make him cry. Let's keep that a secret for just us! (Very thoughtful HC)

HC: Mom, I just noticed that JB's Pop bear is bigger than his CooCoo bear. Just like I am bigger than JB. I think that is very interesting. (I see)


JB: Mom, last night when Daddy rocked me... he told HC to wait in her room. Then when he wanted HC to come to my room he said "HC get your butt socks in here". That' so funny Mom - Daddy said Butt Socks! (I think he means buttocks!)

JB: Mom, kisses are yuck! May you stop holding me Mom? (I wish he would let me hug him when I want AND stop wiping my kisses off! Oh well, he's growing up!)

Faith Builder Friday

Galatians 1:3-4 (Amplified Bible)

Grace and spiritual blessing be to you and [soul] peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), Who gave (yielded) Himself up [to atone] for our sins [and to save and sanctify us], in order to rescue and deliver us from this present wicked age and world order, in accordance with the will and purpose and plan of our God and Father-- To Him [be ascribed all] the glory through all the ages of the ages and the eternities of the eternities! Amen (so be it).

Short but sweet today! I pray your day, and your weekend, are peaceful and true rest for you! Have a blessed day!!

SO bad.. but so good I forgot the bad!!

What do you see?? I see two little humans who were a nightmare in the grocery store but.... they managed to be such little darlings at the hair salon that I forgot about the kids I had in the grocery store! Here they are sporting their fresh cuts (and HC's style - french braid. Mommy doesn't know how to do much with her hair!) While we were at the hair salon the ladies there went on and ON and ON AND ON about how great my kids were. They sat still for their cuts AND they were quietly waiting while the other one had their turn. To be honest - I was proud too! We do have these type of moments on a fairly regular basis, the kind where they are beyond good. It means so much more when others can't stop raving about them too! (Too bad those in the grocery store could not enjoy the same version of my kiddos! haha I guess you can't win them all!!) JB has two cowlicks on the front of his hairline - so that is why his hair appears uneven but.. it isn't! Finally we found a stylist who could understand English and did not cut his hair too short!! I took the kids to the lady who cuts my hair. It is a little more money, but it is worth it to have a good hair cut!
HC looked at herself in the mirror when we arrived home and said "Mom, I don't think I look like myself with my hair like this!" But boy was she beyond thrilled with her hair length!! She sat in the mirror turning her head side to side so her hair would swing! It was precious! JB gets his hair cut about 3 times before we have hers done. I think she enjoyed the pampering! Who wouldn't!?!

WARNING - Saving $ May Have Side Effects!

Is it wrong that I literally come home with a buzz after saving money???? I mean - I need an hour or two after unloading and putting away to dare try to sleep!! Last night I bought a few deals at CVS. They began their new rebates and I spent about $14 actual dollars for items that were then giving me Extra CVS bucks. I left having saved over $20 AND I left with about $23 Extra Bucks too! I love it!

Then I went to the grocery store; our local store made a printing error in their ad this week. They printed a sale of buy name brand products and they will give you our same product for free (a different twist to the BOGO). I am already evaluating where I can make the most of that opportunity! I am counting down till Wednesday (when the sale begins!!)! In the past, when stores have offered this deal - I've thought - "EW - not some store brand!" (I used to be SO brand loyal!) But NOW - I am trying to evaluate my best options for making the most from my savings!!

In our last Strategic Shopping small group class we discussed how difficult it is to NOT buy the products we will get full rebates on - the product is basically free! Why would we pass up these items (even when we do not need them- because of our growing surplus of these items)? It just seems foolish! Then we thought of something! Our local church is starting up a Dream Center for those in need. We now see how the shopping wisdom we now have can begin to bless beyond us! It feels foolish to continue buying toothpaste when you have about 10 in your cabinet - but if it is free or less than 50 cents it is MORE foolish to NOT buy them! How great of God to bless us with this tool to save - even better that our overflow of savings can continue to enrich the lives of others! Talk about multiplication!! That IS what this is all about! The buzz we get from following God's lead is way more incredible than any lame substitution! His buzz never leaves you with a hang-over!! :)

Struggling to Grow

Over the weekend I made JB a pair of pants. He had to take off his shorts so that he could try the pants on - that way I could see where I needed to adjust the pants. We did this several times, and although JB has been dressing and undressing himself for sometime, I really noticed the struggle it was for him to do this simple task. It took so much effort and so much concentration. Something I do not even think about any longer is so much work for him. We had to battle with him a little on Sunday because he didn't even want to try to take off his shoes. He knew we were more than able and we wanted to show him how to do this for himself.

His desire for ease versus our desire for him to grow and learn. To develop skills that are basic skills. It made me stop and think. First of all - how often do we all want the easy way out. We know someone else is more-abled than we are in an area and so we don't want to even bother trying - let them do it! Why should I go through all this effort and struggle when they can do it without a thought. I sat and watched my little guy wrestle his will with ours. I watched him finally give a meager try with success. The success didn't please him, but over time - before we know it - he too will be dressing himself without even needing any of our help. HC needs our help less and less each day! As much as I enjoy my kids at their stages today, I know it will not benefit them one bit to keep them bound to needing me for the mundane tasks.

Thankfully, Father God keeps drawing us to grow and stretch too! I am one of those people who LOVES learning! I love to accomplish things and scratch them off of the list! I am also one of those people who drags their feet when change approaches me. I do it - but I do it scared! I doubt myself and I am not eager to change. How boring would life be if we stopped growing! I love the details that God added when He created heaven and earth! He knew the joy we would experience at each level! He knew that we would need the challenge of growing! What details!! He didn't leave a thing out!