Trip to the Fair

We made a very quick trip to the Mid-South Fair which was held for the first time at the Desoto Civic Center in Southaven.  It is much closer for us, but man was it expensive!  We had a good time.  The kids really didn't do much- mostly just liked walking around looking.  Nathan is scared to death of rides, but Mari Morgan likes them.  I get dizzy, so this means Brian gets to ride with her.  Have I ever mentioned my son and I have a lot in common?  We're no fun!! Ha!  But, Daddy and MM love us anyway!

They are excited!   

Nathan in front of the Bass Pro Shop tank

Mesmerized by the rides

He looks so big!

Nathan hates loud noises

Riding the swings- don't know if Brian could have fit on this one. Ha!

Riding the Sizzler. Brian said this was rough.  MM said she LOVED it!

Their favorite part- ICECREAM!!

Mari Morgan's First Dance Class

We told each of our kids they could choose one extra-curricular activity during the year.  Mari Morgan chose dance/gymnastics.  We went for our first lessons today.  She LOVED it and keeps asking when Tuesday will be here again.  Mari Morgan is growing up so fast.  Three years ago I would have never believed these days would come so fast!

Kinda blurry, but she is smiling!

Stretching before ballet

She has one other little girl in her class- Darcy. Aren't they cute???

Gymnastics time!  Balance beam

Watching directions for bars

Yes, she had to pull herself up...and turn a flip!

I didn't take many pictures because people were looking at me like I was a crazy mom.  No one else had a camera! Ha! Oh well!  I will post later about Nathan's choice.

Get Your Tissues Handy!

In the next post is a video a friend sent to me.  I sat on my couch today crying as I listened to her read this book.  God, please help me treasure EVERY moment!

Just a few thoughts....

This week has been a HUGE week for my husband and I.  Do you ever wonder why God chooses to do things the way he does???  We asked "why" this week when we were struck with a major disappointment.  I was crying uncontrollably, and my husband said these words.  "Paige, the Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord!"  It was at that moment that I realized that God does His will regardless of our desires.  Better yet, it is always for our good!  The fact is, God does not have to answer to us.  He does His will regardless of our thoughts and fears.  We don't see into the future, but our future is His.  He knows what is around the corner.  He is an omniscient God!  It has taken most all of this week for me to soak all of this in.  I'll leave you with a few verses that have truly defined his Lordship over my life this week.

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord."

Psalm 27:14

Job said,

 "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there.  The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord."

Job 1:21

"Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things"

Philippians 4:8

 

Need toilet paper?

I went to a coupon clipping class on Monday night.  This man had amazing stories of how much money he and his wife saves and things they get free.  I learned many things I didn't know about coupons and the couple gave us many great websites and FREE coupons.  Tuesday, I attempted to use my coupons and save us some money, and start stockpiling items, so they call it.  It took me about 2 hours in Wal-Mart just getting my mind in the mode and trying to keep the coupons from falling all over the floor.  I definitely need a better organization system while I shop.  The biggest deal I got was a Healthy choice meal for 32 cents.  I also stocked up on some toilet paper.  I don't think we have EVER had this much toilet paper.  I also bought 10 loaves of bread, and had to clean out a spot in our garage freezer to put it all.  It was a lot of fun, but a lot of work.  Maybe it will get easier the more I do it.  I am excited about saving money, and really hope I can keep this up.

Party Time at Aunt Janes

When our family has a get together it is usually held at my Aunt Jane's house.  Nathan informed me yesterday that he loves Aunt Jane because she always has parties!  Many members of my family went to  her house today for Labor Day.  Many of them I have not seen in quite some time.  It was great to see everyone, and thanks to Aunt Jane for hosting.

Some of the ladies!  Carlee, Aunt Jane, me, Emily, and Anita. In the wheelchair is my 92 yr. old grandmother, Mama Sue.  

Nathan enjoying some Rotel and chips!

These two are sisters, Anita and Emily.  We grew up together and have so many memories!!  It  was great to see them.   Notice my crazy brother in the background! 

Best cousins, best friends- Edie and Mari Morgan

Carlee and Cole- still newlyweds! So sweet!

Brad the birthday boy!

The boys playing -Michael, Nathan, and Hogan

Anita and me

Kids playing

All the kiddos- Nathan, Banks, Hogan, MM, and Edie.  My dad and Aunt Jane joined in the picture.  She loves them like her own!

We had a blast!!!!

Love my Dogs!

One of the highlights of my Labor Day weekend was getting to go to the season opener of Mississippi State football.  With a new coach, and a new season, it was such a fresh start for the Bulldogs of MSU.  My mom and I decided we would go Saturday morning.  My Aunt found us tickets, and we caught the shuttle bus at Starkville Daily News downtown and headed for the stadium.  The place was packed and you could feel the excitement.  We walked all the way to the top of the stadium, and it started raining.  We did not have a poncho or anything.  We got soaking wet, but shortly after kick-off the rain let up.  We had so much fun cheering them on.  GO DOGS!!  MSU 45, Jackson State 7.  Who Let the Dogs Out????????

Our view!!!

Mom and I after the rain

Mom waiting in line for the shuttle

We had a great time staying with my parents.  The kids LOVE going to the country!

Check out this pose!

Mari Morgan and Rosy.  Grannie made them dresses to match!(Brian's grandmother)

Grandma's swing. We spend a lot of time here!

Grandma and my kiddos

Mari Morgan loves to ride the tractor with PaPaw.

My mom made this Bulldog birthday cake for my cousin.  Isn't it cute?

Where did my time go?

I feel like I have been living in a whirlwind this week.  Work started off fine, then became increasingly frustrating.  My son is starting to FEEL the demands that third grade has to offer.  So hard for those kiddos!  I am starting to feel the pain of having to let go of him, allow him to make mistakes, console him while he's crying, assuring him I will always be there for him.  This is especially hard for my Nathan who is SO clumsy, unorganized, and as far from independent as you can get.  My afternoons I have spent doing about an hour of homework, meltdowns in between, and then supper.  Then, helping Mari Morgan with some of her work.  AUGHHHHH!  I feel like my head is going to explode- not ready for these kinds of actions.  I have worried myself sick this week for no reason.  God promises me that he can carry me above the storm.  But, it's times like this, when I want to crawl in a cave and just let the storm roll on over.  Wow, did God know what he was doing when he did not give me a full time teaching job! But, He always knows what is best.  I'm hanging on, knowing He never lets go of me!