Happy Birthday Graeson

Today Graeson is 3! It seems like only yesterday he entered this world. He's such a sweet little boy. Very thoughtful & kind. Always says thank you and is helpful. That's not to say that he's not determined, strong-willed and opinionated. He's the only 3 year old that I know who can carry on a complete conversation with you and you think you're talking to a little adult. We spent the day with him today and had a full day of birthday celebration. The boys had a great time! Once the candles were lit, he said, "ok, sing Happy Birthday to me!" We had a great time at his 3 year old celebration!!! We love you BUNCHES Graeson Stone

Rocks For Sale

Yesterday Clay went home with a friend to play for the afternoon. They always have a great time together. It seems they set up a business along the roadside. I am totally cracking up at their sign..."big sale ends soon...closes at 4 o'clock" and they even had a bargain too..."buy one get one free". Such businessmen...I guess little boys don't sell lemonade just rocks & sea shells. I don't think they had any customers but certainly had a great time.

What are little boys made of?
Snips and snails & puppy dog tails.
That's what little boys are made of.

Clay's Baseball

Clay's been practicing with his baseball team...the Cubs. He plays in a 9-10 year old league this year. This will be his first year with live-arm pitching. He's been taking a few pitching lessons from Chandler's pitching coach, Dwight Turpin, who pitched for the Angels. Dwight is such a nice, encouraging guy, and he's very conscientious of the kids and their safety. He's been a blessing to us for sure. Clay's been enjoying practice and meeting the new kids. His league coach is a really nice guy and focuses greatly on fundamentals. We'll keep you posted on Clay's progress.

Atlanta Super NIT

Last Thursday, we set out for Atlanta with Chandler's baseball team to play in the USSSA Atlanta Super NIT. This was a huge tournament with over 300 teams. We had an exciting, eventful trip. Just before reaching Forrest City, Tom, who was in his traveling office working, said...my computer isn't plugged in. So he began looking to see if the inverter was working, plugged into the cigarette lighter, etc. We began smelling something hot, like burning wires. Suddenly, smoke began billowing from the inverter. We had to roll down the windows to get the smoke out of the car. Chandler was wondering why the smoke detector & sprinkler system didn't work. We stopped of in Forrest City to exchange the inverter..all was well.

We traveled on & were almost in Birmingham, AL, when we suddenly blue lights were behind us pulling us over. Now let it be said that if I had been the driver, we would have gotten a ticket because I really do not have the gift of gab like my extremely friendly husband. The trooper told us that the reason we were pulled over was because we were weaving and crossed the white line a couple of times. He wanted to know if we'd been drinking. I burst out laughing & said...nope...we don't drink, smoke or chew...or go with girls who do. He thought that was funny. Then Tom begins talking to him. He looked just like Stephen Curtis Chapman so Tom told him that. The conversation continued to church, playing guitar, traveling, and on to flamingos. He gave us great directions to cut off about 30 minutes on our trip. Now we sat talking to him for about 20 minutes...so I guess it saved us 10. But we didn't get a ticket.

We finally arrived in Atlanta. The tournament wasn't a success. We lost 3 games badly. The guys couldn't hit...and without hitting, a baseball team doesn't win. But we did get a t-shirt...or Chandler did anyway. You'll have to see all of the teams listed on the back of this shirt...amazing.

We had a great time and traveled home on Sunday. We have this week off and play in Southaven MS next weekend. We'll see how that tournament goes...until then...

Parental Rights in Danger?

Watch the video & then go to www.parentalrights.org and sign their petition.
It seems if we don't stand up for our rights we soon may not have any.

Living Life Upside Down

This song has come to mind several times here lately...especially when I watch the news...Hope it speaks to you!

Good-bye Old Blue

This week, we sold our Blazer. It's been our 4-wheel drive in the snow, play around vehicle for a long time. He's been sold this week to a 17 year old boy who's dad wanted him to have a vehicle that didn't go really fast. Well he's received the perfect gift. We'll miss you Old Blue...you've been there for us forever. Hope your new owner loves you despite your leaky sunroof, stinky smell, lack of radio since it was stolen, and I hope he figures out quickly that if the gas guage says 1/4tank...he's walking..to the nearest gas station; since Tom forgot to tell them the gas guage problem! Thanks for the many years of service!

Happy Birthday Chandler

Thirteen years ago today at 2:01 p.m. and weighing in at 9 pounds 3 ounces and 22.5 inches long a really sweet baby reluctantly entered the world. He was born wearing a size one shoe & never could wear those one-piece feeted pajamas due to his height. Today he's 5'7.5", wears a men's size 13 shoe & weighs a lot. And thankfully, He still doesn't wear the one-piece feeted pajamas! It doesn't seem that long ago, and I must say, time moves quickly. Chandler is the coolest kid...uhhmmm...teenager. He's extremely funny, sensitive to others, obedient, trustworthy, reliable, and loves God. As I think about his attributes and who he is, I am very glad he's my kid and extremely blessed that God chose me as his mom!

Through the years, we have endured colic, countless ear infections, surgery, broken nose, broken finger...and many other things, but God has remained faithful and kept him & us through it all. We are very thankful for you Chandler. You are an awesome person. We hope you have a great 13th birthday! We love you very much!