Tough Guys and Gals

Wouldn't want to run into these three in a dark alley. They were miserable to remove, but fun to enjoy!

Weekend in Indy

Graduation Day

Today was preschool graduation for Clay. When his name was called, he walked across the stage and yelled, "rock on"! What do you say to that? Rock on, Clay! Congratulations...onto kindergarten you go.

Memorial Day..a day of rememberance.

"The willingness of which our young people are to serve, in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."
-George Washington

Happy 90th Birthday, Bachie!

My Grandma turns 90 this weekend. What an incredible milestone for an incredible woman to reach. There are so many wonderful attributes that she has. I have never met someone so dedicated to Christ and her family. I have been given so many wonderful times with her. I'm proud of all that her life its journey has accomplished. Plus, she happens to be very cool! What 90 year old can talk to you about the designers from Fashion Week, still puts a full face of make-up on, wears pumps at all times, accessorizes with jewelery, knows who is on Oprah, Larry King, and Hannity. The love she has for her friends and family is so incredible. Here's to you Bachie!

1) allowing me to have Coke and Frito's when I was young
2) salmon colored geraniums
3) my daughter named for her Sarah Lane Hill Powell. Sarah Margaret Zentz Perry
4) loving her 10 great-grand babies to pieces
5) sharing the same favorite Christian hymn...In The Garden

Helping The World Out...one loan at a time.

A couple of blogs back I wrote about giving back to the world in one form or another. I happened to find this really cool organization that is based on the idea of micocredit. In an effort to teach the kids about the world as a whole and appreciate what they have, Trav and I are going to implement this system. What it does is creates loan for entrepreneurs who live in poverty. It allows them to improve their business and in turn, their lives. Kiva allows you to make a loan to the entrepreneur of your choice. They use the loan, repay the loan, you receive your money back and then can reinvest it all over again. For as little as $25.00, the kids can choose to help a lady in Ghana buy peanuts to make peanut butter for her village, or to buy a man in Azerbaijan two cows so he can start up a dairy business.

1. Giving back
2. Showing God's love
3. Helping others in a fun and creative way.

www.kiva.org

I Can't Break the Habit..I Won't

I just can't do it. I've tried many times, failed twice as many. I am addicted to Coca-Cola. I've tried to stop and then when I think about it, I truly don't want to stop. There is something about taking that first sip in the morning of that sweet and cold mixture that just makes me smile. We blame my parents for the addiction. I can remember them always having a TAB with them at all times. My sisters have the same addiction, but theirs is to diet. I love the full leaded kind. Cameron actually stopped drinking it a month ago for health reasons. While Allison and I thought we could support her like good sisters should, we failed after one week. Now, I have cut back to about two a day. Folks, that is huge for me. That Styrofoam cup(not eco friendly, I know), the crushed ice. I know about every Coke served at every restaurant. So, even after the dentist recently told me that my teeth were rotting due to the sugar, and the neurologist said to stop so my migraine meds would work, I CAN'T and I WON't. Now, I have to go....my Polar Pop awaits. Sorry, my dear sisters.

All I want is a CAR WASH!!

For those of you who know me, I am very brand and company loyal. If you have great customer service or a product I can't live without (i.e. Chick-fil-a, Bounty paper towels..select a size) I will travel to the ends of the Earth to support it. I hadn't gotten a car wash since I moved here and thought as much as I loved the "MOM" written in pollen all over the car, it was time. I searched and searched for a gas station with a car wash. The search ended quickly when I realized they didn't exist in Holland. Where is my fave car wash at the Rushco gas station at exit 33? Oh, how I miss the Chick ladies who welcomed me every morning and greeting me by name. So, I finally found a drive-wash and the attendant even gave me a free wash because I was new to the area. Thank you Harold(car wash attendant).

Crowning CHAOS State Champs!

My niece Ashley plays rugby. I know, it's painful to watch but she loves it.(she also happens to be very good!) She plays for the Noblesville Chaos and yesterday they defeated North Central to become Indiana Girls State Rugby Champions. We all are very excited for you and your team!! You have more guts than I do, by far.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thank Heaven for Hand-Me-Downs

Just wanted to give a big THANK YOU to all my friends who graciously passed down their children's' clothes. Today, Sarah wore a dress that belonged to my friend Alyssa's little girl. We thought of Alexa and her dimples as we twirled around in it. We miss you all!!

Movie Magic

There's something about just hanging out on the weekend, totally disregarding any household work that needs to be done. Today we went and picked up $.59 McDonald's cheeseburgers and sat down to watch ET(Extra Terrestrial). I was seven when the movie came out, Trav eight so we thought the boys would enjoy it. I began to tear up during certain scenes and when I looked over at Trav, he even had a few. It was neat to share something with them that we remembered as kids. Pass the Kleenex.

1) childhood memories
2) pickles on cheeseburgers
3) your kids telling you not to cry

Reflection

I cannot fathom at this moment the world in crisis. While my day continues and my gripe about the price of gas, the latest political endorsement, or the rude bank teller will just fade into another day, there is devastation throughout the world. With the cyclone in Myanmar and the earthquake in China, I find it absolutely impossible to get my thoughts around the fact that possibly over 100,000 people have died. I wish we were more globally minded. I wish our culture wasn't so egocentric and self-absorbed. I feel like there is a moral obligation to help, in some way. While we sleep tonight in our warm beds, in our beautiful homes, eat great food, go to work at great jobs, have access to health care and education, the world goes on. The devastation goes on. Trust me, when it is all said and done, we will wish we had done more.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Mom, Happy Birthday to you! What a wonderful year it has been. I am so proud of you. Like I said on Mother's Day, it is an honor to have you as my mother. The gifts that you give to so many around you is so inspiring. Your love for those who need your talents never ceases to amaze me. Here's to you on this day and to another year being blessed with God's love and grace. -eden

More Party Pics

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! What remarkable women I have to admire. They have each taught me so much about being a mother, a wife and a woman. Here's to all of you and the beautiful example that you set. You all walk in the light of Christ and therefore your lives shine. Thank You!

Birthday Bonanza

We hosted a birthday party for both Clay and Olivia. They share the same birthday and some of the same qualities! We cooked out, played outdoor games and visited with all of the grandparents. The kids played with all of their cousins and even the newest member of the family, Ginger, Livi's new puppy.
1) Family get-togethers
2) Grilling out and beautiful weather
3) Celebrating b-days of two remarkable kids!

My Little Boy

Clayton, Happy Birthday! You continue to amaze me and make me laugh each day. I always look forward to our days together. Your are so inquisitive and curious! I can't believe how fast time has gone. You may always, "come back home". I love you my little boy.
1) your adorable freckles
2) your infectious laugh and giggle
3) your love for your brother and sister

Spring Arrivals

Everything is in bloom here. Signs of Spring are everywhere. I have found it to be quite difficult to identify all of the species of flowers and trees in the yard. I've never been known to have a green thumb. I thought some of these new blooms were pretty. We also have a momma bird nesting in the topiary out front. Baby birds and flowers in bloom, just a few of God's gifts of Spring.

Backyard Baseball

Nothing like a nice Spring evening! We have been enjoying bike rides, time outdoors(hard to believe)and backyard baseball. We like to wait until the course sprinklers come on at eve. Sarah likes to run in..tonight she did "sans" diaper. The neighborhood will never be the same.

Friends

Oh, how I miss my NC friends! Oh, what a horrible job I have done keeping in touch! A friend who is there whenever and wherever you need them. A shoulder to cry or laugh on. All those days I hopelessly and helplessly sat in the house waiting for the "time" to move. If I only had those moments back I would make the best of them, making memories with those friends I love. Thank you...you know who you all are. A friend to begin the journey with turns into a family to follow you along the way.

...more derby