School trip to the Nashville Zoo . .

Our church school visited the Nashville Zoo on Monday. Matthew, Erin & I went along for the day. We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather. The kids were great.

I think I enjoyed it as much as they did.

Kaylee, Matthew, & Erin - 3 of the greatest kids I know!!!!

Braelyn, Kaylee, & Erin

Matthew and the goats - he liked the goats so well that he happened to stay behind when our group left the petting area. We hadn't gone far when I noticed him missing. Paula returned to the goat pen and found him conversing with the zoo keeper. :-)

The whole school group.

Best friends!!! Kaylee & Ethan

"Hannah" . . .

Hannah joined our family just this week. She is a very sweet one and a half year old Golden Retriever. She is great with the kids!

Life is too busy! I just need about 10 more hours in a day. Spring has come to TN - finally - and there is so much to be done.

My adventuresome kids!

Lovin' that ice cream!



Hiding in the cupboard.

Erin getting into trouble.

Kaylee planting flowers.

Just a few random pictures to let you know we're still around. LIFE IS GOOD!!!

Alan & Kara

Alan Gordon & Kara Shelly of Colorado to be married July 2009

Jeffery & Gavan are thrilled with their "new mommy."

Can God really do anything????

Just tonight I was telling Kaylee - "sugar and spice and all things nice" is what little girls are made of. And boys - "frogs, snails, and puppy dogs' tails" . . . . . . . she looked up at me and ask "How does God do that??" I had to laugh.

Yesterday, Kaylee had a helium balloon outside - with many firm warnings that on a windy day it wasn't a good idea. The balloon wiggled its way to freedom and was soon out of sight above the trees. She cried - it was her daddy's birthday balloon. I reassured her that it was gone for good, we couldn't get it back and we'd never see it again. Then she dried up the tears and very seriously asked me to pray that Jesus would bring back her balloon. My response was negative - that wasn't exactly possible.

She said "but mommy, you just told me that God could do ANYTHING." (Leave it to a child to remind you of deep spiritual truths). I swallowed hard and prayed a simple prayer that Jesus would reward a child's faith (since I was seriously lacking in faith just then). :-)

I am really tempted to be the answer to her prayer by going to the balloon shop and getting her another one - - - but I think I'll just wait . . . :-)

Valentine's

HE LOVES ME!!!

And I Love him!!!

(purple is my favorite color)

My new hobby . . .

Well, I can't believe that a whole month has past since I blogged last. We are gearing up for the TN Bible Methodist's Youth Retreat this week end. Our church here in Ethridge is hosting the event this year. Todd is planning to spend Friday night at the gym with the teenage boys and I have opened our home up for some of the girls. We don't have a number of how many yet, but I have agreed to take up to 14 girls for over night - (oh what was I thinking?!?) I will try to let you know if we survive the night - we're not so young as we used to be. ;-)

I also might mention that we have been having some really great services at our church. We have had several visitors in the last month - and that is always encouraging! Our pastor, Bro. Wes, is really pouring his heart into his messages and I believe that God is really using him.

ANYWAY - on to what I was originally going to blog about - my new hobby. I have been trying my hand at a new craft called TAGGIES.

It’s a TAGGIE! Based on the idea that babies and kids
love to rub satin edges, clothing labels and tags.

Promotes motor skills and sensory stimulation.

Makes a great gift babies and toddlers alike
-the perfect gift for any occasion.

My new venture - 'Buttons, Bobbins, & Beyond'

The taggies are made soft fleece - one side solid and the other print.

The ribbons on the edges are satin solids or various prints and textures.

The Pooh print - various scenes of the Hundred Acre Wood friends

Yellow rubber ducky with aqua/blue - my favorite!

The taggies are approx. 11x11 (plus the ribbons). They are great size for travel, church or bed. The cozy fleece is comforting to cuddle with and your baby or toddler will enjoy many hours with their unique 'Taggie. I have some other prints/patterns that I hope to have finished soon.

This idea began around Christmas - when I made some taggies for my kids. I am selling these items locally and also some on ebay. Anything to make a few extra dollars while staying at home with my kids. It has been an enjoyable project so far. In the near future I hope to venture into sewing embroidery.