This isn't exactly "tomorrow" but...

here are a few photos taken last Saturday at Busch Stadium!

St. Louis Cardinal Fun!

Earlier in the year, we had signed up Matthew & Jacob to be in the Cardinals Crew Kids' Club. One of the benefits of being in the club is that they were invited to an end-of-year Fiesta at Busch Stadium. That Fiesta was this past Saturday! So...we headed to St. Louis early Saturday morning and met Paul & Kristi (my brother & sister-in-law) at the Pujols 5 restaurant in Westport Plaza for lunch. What a fun place. Unfortunately, I completely forgot to take any photos. (Scrapbook girlfriends...you'll appreciate this...my husband went back in to the restaurant to pick up a coaster...he thought I might like it for our scrapbook! I did not even ASK him to do that...he thought of it all on his own...can you believe it???)

After lunch we headed downtown to Busch Stadium, Gate 5, at the Ford Plaza area. The party consisted of players signing autographs, a Tony LaRussa Q&A session, free food & drinks, & a 20% off coupon for the Team Store. We listened to Tony LaRussa for a while, then stood in line and got one autograph...Brad Thompson (pitcher)...Matthew got his hat signed on the outside, and Jacob got his signed on the inside of his hat. Other players that were there were Adam Wainwright (his line was VERY long), Josh Kinney, Russ Springer, Ryan Franklin, Jason Motte, Kyle McClellan, Brendan Ryan & Chris Perez. I did get photos of the backs of some of the players...they were just a few feet away!

After that we headed to the Team Store there at the Stadium and we bought each of the boys a little momento...Jacob chose a leather keychain with "Pujols" on it...Matthew chose a bracelet with "Pujols" on it. Are we Pujols fans or what???

After the party, we headed back to the van to rest for a while. We had free tickets to the game that evening at 6:15. We were in Big Mac Land! We were handed foam French Fries to wave, bumper stickers with "BML" on them, coupons...and more coupons. We had a great time...the Cardinals won 8-5. We got to see another awesome Pujols homerun, and two other homeruns...I can't think of who they were...and lot of hits from both sides. It was a great game. Glad the Cardinals won! Great memories!

I'll post a couple of pictures tomorrow...I've got to get back to my Bible Study for Thursday!

Tuesday, September 23rd

Wanted to share a few photos of my brother, Paul, and his wife, Kristi, on their recent trip to the Northeast...Maine, Nova Scotia, and I'm not sure where else. The pictures are just beautiful.

This morning I took Jacob to Dr. Hoffman's for his 5 year checkup. He asked yesterday if he would be getting shots, and I said no. It didn't even dawn on me that he would be getting 4 shots...as the nurse quietly told me as we got there this morning...since his birthday falls in September this will be his last annual check-up before kindergarten. Jacob's little face just looked so sad when I had to tell him this news. Poor little fella. He did great though...it's just always so difficult to see your own child in pain. A little trip to the hospital gift shop to purchase a new little stuffed elephant really seemed to help! He has really been milking it though this evening...and I don't think he really even knows what "milking it" really means! He would hobble down the hall so that Matthew would help him and he wanted me to carry him to the van, and things like that. It is such a relief now that it is over. We won't have to worry about shots now for several years!

A Quote to Share

I just read an awesome post on www.lisabearnson.com/blog about a family sharing the household chores. If you get a chance it's a great one to read...the author is the founding editor of Creating Keepsakes magazine and a leader in the scrapbooking industry. I wanted to share a quote that a daughter of hers shared:

"Thank God every morning when you get up that you have something to do that day which must be done, whether you like it or not. Being forced to work, and forced to do your best will breed in you temperance and self-control, diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred virtues which the idle will never know." Charles Kingsley

Many times I get so caught up in the things that need to be done each day that I don't ever really think about what life would be like if I had absolutely NOTHING that had to get done each day, no responsibilities, nothing. I know, I know...every once in a while it would be really nice (!!!)...but for all the time...life would probably get pretty boring. Just something to think about...

Priceless!

I forgot to mention in Jacob's birthday post about his soccer game Saturday. Jacob doesn't care at all really about scoring a goal...he just kind of runs with the pack of 4 and kicks the ball when he can. He's just happy to be able to play! Well, Saturday, he kicked a goal in and scored! It was just priceless...he turned around and just looked at us and smiled...like he was in complete shock! It was just so darn cute! Something I will never forget!

Happy 5th Birthday, Jacob!

It is just so hard to believe that Jacob is 5 years old today! We spent a good portion of the day at the soccer fields while Rob had to work yet another Saturday! Jacob is such an amazing little boy...he just loves life and you can tell it! We love you, Jacob!

These are are few of the things that Jacob loves right now:

~ playing Monster Trucks on the Wii
~ riding his 4-wheeler at the farm
~ playing soccer
~ he loves the tv shows Franklin, Arthur & Curious George
~ playing with Matthew
~ going to the farm with Daddy & Matthew
~ being read too
~ going to pre-school
~ riding his scooter

Gas Craziness!

On the 5:00 news tonight, there had been rumors that gas prices were going to go up drastically overnight due to the hurricanes. I didn't think too much of it. I left to go work at Pizza Pro, then at 6:30 headed to a meeting at church. The gas stations were completely crowded. I thought...Hmmmmm...I'm NOT going to stop and get gas...I had a quarter of a tank. After my meeting it was around 8:15, I made a quick stop at Walmart, then headed home. One of the gas stations was at $4.09, one was $3.47, and the other $3.69. When I got home, I talked to Rob about it...wondering if I should go and at least fill up one of our tanks. I decided to go and fill up the van...amazingly at Kidds I only had one car in front of me...but, while I was sitting in line the price on the sign went from $3.47 to $3.69! I thought, man what a bummer. But, when I went to pump my gas, the pump still said $3.47! So...we have one tank FULL of gas...just pure craziness!

Gotta LOVE an Early Fall Day!

Jacob & I are home today and we've got the windows open and the breeze is just blowing thru the house. The cats even love it...they have been sitting in windowsills all morning!

I'm working on cleaning our bedroom this morning. We bought a black, iron bed last year and I would LOVE to add some new pieces to that...BUT...we have to sell our old bed, dresser & dresser w/mirror on it FIRST! If anyone knows of someone that would like a nice bedroom set, please let me know. It's such a good feeling to get things cleaned out and organized! For some reason, our bedroom is usually the last thing I work on. I guess because no one usually sees our bedroom except for us!

Well...gotta go...Jacob is calling me to watch Mickey's Christmas with him!

Have a GREAT day and enjoy this nice, cool weather!

Trying to Play Catch-Up!

We've had lots going on since my last post! For some reason, I've not been in the blogging mood lately...hopefully that will pass! I'm going to share a brief recap of what we've been up to, as well as share a few photos:

~ I hosted our monthly crop night at our house...always a ton of fun.

~ We went to a birthday party and celebrated our little niece, Maria's, 1st birthday! Her mommy fixed her a simply beautiful ladybug cake...it was adorable. Check out the photos.

~ Rob started to take his 70 Oliver tractor that he has been fixing up for a couple of years now, on an antique tractor ride. He and a friend's ride was cut short when a Harley rider crashed and Rob & his buddy went to help him. The rider is okay, except for a broken leg, thank God.

~ Matthew was invited to a birthday party and had a blast. They had water gun fights and stuff like that!

~ Between Matthew & Jacob, we've had 4 soccer practices and 3 games since my last post. Yesterday, Matthew had an incredible game, scoring 2 out of the 4 goals that his team scored. He and his teammates really worked together passing the ball...not worrying about who scored. Jacob is just so happy to be playing...he doesn't care about anything!

~ My friend, Julie, hosted a crop at her church. A blast as usual!

~ Rob's been working 10 hour days plus Saturdays...he's a little cranky at times but still manages to spend as much time with the boys and me as he possible can. He has been going to soccer practices since they're in the evenings and since he can't make the games on Saturdays.

~ Today we served in the 3-year old nursery at church. We teach in there once every 4 weeks. It's not a big committment, but it has been one way in which we can give back for all the years our boys were in the nursery. We simply LOVE that three year old class. We had 15 kids today and they just did great...I actually think they "got" my Bible story...that is such a praise!

~ Today after church we headed to the soccer field for another game. After the game, we went to the park for St. Paul's back-to-school picnic. The boys had fun playing Plinko, trying to dunk teachers/principal in the dunking booth, jumping in the bounce house, etc.

Well...that's my recap...thanks for checking in and enjoy the pictures!

Well, we made it through the first few days of school! Matthew & Jacob both have had a great couple of days...we're praying that it continues!

Yesterday Rob had to work all day over at the University...bummer. I went with the boys to their first soccer games of the fall season. Jacob was so completely excited...especially when he got his shirt right before the game. His is grey and Matthew's is red this year. The highlight of Jacob's game for him was ALMOST scoring a goal from a kickoff! In Pre-K they play without a goalie and when he went to do a kickoff it went all the way to the goal...but, just missed it! He had so much fun! Matthew's game was in the afternoon...it's a good thing we live pretty close to the soccer fields! One of the highlights for Matthew was getting really close to scoring a goal himself...his didn't quite make it either...but he was excited none-the-less. We're off to a good start for the soccer season!

Today, after church, Rob and the boys went out to his Dad's house. Rob is working on rebuilding an old Oliver 70 tractor...he's taking it on a big tractor ride next weekend...the same one he was in last year. Rob took some time off and took the boys fishing for a while at his Dad's pond. Jacob caught tons of bluegill and Matthew caught a 16-inch catfish. The photos are on Rob's phone...I have no idea how to download them here or I would!

I stayed home today and got caught up on laundry, did some cleaning & watched a little bit of t.v.

Thanks for taking the time to check in and have a GREAT week.

First Day of School!

As most of you know by now, we've decided to keep Matthew in school at St. Paul, along with Jacob in Pre-K, for this year. They had a FANTASTIC first day! Matthew is so excited because this year he has his own number...He is #13! He said he has to memorize it. He got a new pencil that says "2nd grade is #1" which he thought was way cool too. But, best of all, he got to play soccer at recess with all of his buddies. Jacob had a great morning as well. He started out at the play-doh table and then he said they had recess, and he ate all of his grapes for snack...but, "Mom...I just wasn't in the mood for cheese" he said! I guess I won't send any more cheese sticks for his snack for a while! He got to play dress-up and he got to play with the "workin' tools". He was quite busy this morning.

Jacob's 1st Pre-K Soccer Practice!

I cannot begin to describe how excited Jacob was this week...he had waited about 2 weeks for this day! His 1st SOCCER practice! On Wednesday morning we went and bought him a new soccer ball, shorts & socks with the shin guards built in. He had a pair of cleats from Matthew so we didn't have to buy those. All afternoon he wanted to put on his soccer clothes...and finally...it was time! He had such a great time even though the sweat was just dripping off his tiny little face. He actually seemed to know a little bit about what he was doing. I guess watching big brother for 3 years now helped him a little bit!

Interview with Matthew

Name: Matthew Thomas Moore

Favorite Color: Green

Favorite Thing I Did This Summer: Went on Vacation

Who Do I Look Up Too: God

Favorite Sport: Soccer

Favorite Hobby: Going to the Farm

Favorite Word: Tractor

Favorite Book: My Star Wars books

Favorite Thing to do Outside: Ride my Bike

What I want to be when I grow up: An Engineer...since I'm good at building things.

Favorite TV Show: Finnius & Ferb (SP?????)

Favorite gift for Christmas: 4-Wheeler

Favorite thing to do inside: Build Legos

Favorite place to go on vacation: Florida

What did I like about vacation: Going crab hunting

What is your favorite movie: Star Wars

If I got to do one thing before school started I would: Go to St. Louis

Who are my pets: Calli & Oliver (cats)

Favorite pet I have ever had: cat

Number one thing I want for this Christmas: Bow & Arrow

My favorite room in the house: my room

A Few Random Thoughts...

~ The other day I got a phone call from a friend of mine from high school...I hadn't talked to him since graduation. He reminded me that our 20 year reunion was in 2009. Just talking to him has brought back so many memories from high school...they've been on my mind a lot lately. Thankful to be where I am at today.

~ A week ago today I turned 37. It's getting harder and harder for me to remember my age. Probably because I don't WANT to remember it. 37 YEARS...it just doesn't seem possible...gets me to thinking about what is REALLY important in life.

~ I seem to have been doing a lot of thinking lately!

~ I had a bit of time to myself this evening. Rob and the boys went to help Fred "cut calves"...if you know anything about farming...you'll know what that means. I won't go in to detail. I finished another Nicholas Sparks book that I had been wanting to read. I also cleaned off our shelves in the living room...I'm wanting to do a little rearranging. I've always got to be in the "right" mood...the "cleaning & organizing" mood...some of you may know exactly what I mean.

~ Tonight I am thankful for a relationship of mine that seems to be on the mend. That's all I can say...I'm just very thankful.

~ That's all for tonight...I have some friends traveling home tomorrow from Gulf Shores...please pray for safe travels.

Interview with Jacob

I COMPLETELY stole this idea from my friend, Heather's, blog...fabulous idea...thanks!


Name: Jacob Austin Moore

Favorite Color: Camoflage

Favorite Thing I Did This Summer: Went Swimming

Who Do I Look Up Too: God

Favorite Sport: T-Ball

Favorite Hobby: "What's a hobby, Mommy?" After explanation, he said, "Baseball"

Favorite Word: Poop

Favorite Book: My Monster Truck Book

Favorite Thing To Do Outside: Probably Fishing

What I want to be when I grow up: FBI

Favorite TV Show: Man vs. Wild

Favorite gift for Christmas: Guitar

Favorite thing to do inside: Watch T.V.

Favorite place to go on vacation: Texas (we've never been!)

What did I like about vacation: Going in the swimming pool.

What is your favorite movie: Indiana Jones

If I got to do one thing before school started I would: Go swimming

Who are my pets? Calli and Oliver

Favorite pet I have ever had: a cat

Number one thing I want for this Christmas: a Shotgun

My favorite room in the house: the basement



Coming up next...Matthew.

Matthew's Birthday Get-Together!

Yesterday, instead of having a birthday party, Matthew chose to spend the day with a couple of his best friends (he missed you, Jed!) doing some fun stuff! We started the day by going to Creative Ewe where each of the boys got to pick something to paint. They had a GREAT time. Matthew chose to paint a dolphin...Jacob chose a dinasaur...the other boys chose a semi-truck, squirrel & spoon rest. We then headed to Pizza Inn...man, can some of those boys eat! After lunch we had a little bit of time to kill before the movie started. We stopped at my parents' house where the boys all played kickball in the backyard for about a half hour. They were completely hot and sweaty after that...typical boys! Then we headed to the movies...Wall-E...it was a really cute movie. Matthew had a great day being with his friends and celebrating his 8th birthday!

Destin, FL Vacation Recap!

Just a warning...this is gonna be long...I'm journalling so that when I scrapbook our photos I'll remember everything!!

As most of you know, we were in Destin, FL from Friday the 19th-Friday the 26th. We had planned to leave out Saturday morning, but Rob was desperately needed at work so instead of driving during the night Friday night, we left Friday morning instead.

On the 19th we left at 10:00 pm and drove all night. We had never done this with the boys but wanted to try. This time it worked out perfectly...they watched a Star Wars movie for 2 hours, then slept until Mobile, AL, where we stopped for breakfast and also to tour the U.S.S. Alabama and submarine. That was amazing!

We headed in to Destin...it was absolutely beautiful! My brother, Sam, and his wife, Lauren, and their 10-month old sweetie, Maria, joined us on Saturday and stayed thru Tuesday morning. We had such a nice time just hanging out at the beach and pool with them. That was the only time we actually went IN the ocean. The seaweed & jellyfish were just to much to bear! I'm not kidding...the jellyfish were EVERYWHERE. While Sam & Lauren were with us we went to dinner at Pompano Joes and we also went to Destin Commons...a really cool outdoor shopping area (I returned there later in the week to pick up some chocolate-covered marshmellows for Matthew's 8th birthday!).

On Monday we enjoyed more beach & pool time. Sam & Lauren were gratious enough to offer Rob & me a night out by ourselves. We chose to just go to dinner because we wanted to get back in time to take the boys crab hunting! We went to Old Bay Steamers...we ordered a huge plate of steamed shrimp, crabs, etc. etc. Rob was just chomping away...he LOVED it...me, on the other hand, ate shrimp...but then the "fishy" smell kind of got to me. The rest of dinner I ate potatoes & corn! Thanks, Lauren & Sam...for watching the boys that night!

When we got back from dinner, we headed to the beach for crab hunting. We absolutely had a blast...we continued to do that nightly from then on! That was what we probably enjoyed most about our trip...the nightly crab hunts & just walking on the beach at night...oh, and seashell hunting!

On Tuesday, Sam & Lauren & Maria left out early...they had about a 6-hour drive back to Atlanta...I think by that point Maria was ready for her own bed! After they left, we had breakfast and drove to the Okaloosa Pier...we didn't fish just yet...it was extremely hot and the guy working at the Pier said that they weren't catching much. We hung out there a bit...saw dolphins!...and then headed to the Bass Pro Shop. When we got home me and the boys hung out at the pool while Rob grilled some burgers. Later that afternoon, Rob & Jacob went back to the Pier for some fishing...check out the photo of Jacob below with the fish that "HE" caught...the Pier is quite a ways up from the water...he definitely had a LOTS of Daddy's help! While they were fishing, Matthew & I went to one of the Outlet Malls. After shopping for a bit, we went and picked Rob & Jacob up and headed to Fudpucker's for a late night supper in Okaloosa.

Wednesday morning we headed to the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin and ate at "Another Broken Egg Cafe". More relaxing in the afternoon by the pool, eating at Fudpucker's in Destin for supper, and crab hunting/hanging out at the beach in the evening. While at Fudpucker's, we tried feeding the baby alligators but they weren't much hungry. The boys did get to hold a baby alligator...they thought that was really, really cool.

On Thursday, we celebrated Matthew's 8th Birthday! We took the boys on a Pirate Cruise which they really enjoyed! After that, we ate a late lunch at AJ's. We then headed back to the condo and swam for quite a while. The most amazing thing happened that night when we went to the beach. There was a huge sea turtle that had crawled up to the beach and was laying eggs! Someone there had said that in the 30 years that they had been coming to the beach, they had never seen that happen!

We left then around 10:00 am on Friday and had a leasurely drive home...Rob drove the entire way while I read a complete Nicholas Sparks book...the boys watched video after video...they were tired and content doing just that! We safely made it home around 10:00 that night.

We had an AMAZING time, and are so thankful that Sam, Lauren & Maria were able to come spend part of our vacation with us! If you ever need a beautiful place to stay while in Destin, let me know. We can lead you in the right direction to a locally-owned condo...you won't be disappointed!

Destin Photos!

Happy Belated 8th Birthday, Matthew!

We celebrated Matthew's 8th birthday while we were in Destin on July 24th...check out the above photo's. We love you, Matthew.

Thankfulness and a Slide Show!

I just wanted to take a minute to thank a few of my best friends...Julie put together the awesome-est binders filled with all sorts of mazes/games/coloring pages/etc. for the boys to take on our trip...Linda for letting us borrow the "thing" for the top of the van...Shelly/Jayne for all of the beach stuff...Misty for the DVD players...my Mom for the yummy coffee cake & zucchini bread & tomatoes to take on our trip...hope I haven't forgotten anyone...you guys are the BEST!

Check out the slide show below of some of the fun Matthew has had this week at Boy Scout Camp!

Check out my Slide Show!

Just a Quick Post...

to share that Matthew had an AWESOME day at camp! I prayed for him this morning that he would make some new friends and keep the old ones that he already knew...well, you know what???...it worked! He was so excited when I picked him up today that he couldn't stop talking. The highlight of his day was the paintball slingshots!

Jacob got to go to Grandpa & Grandma Mueller's today...I had kept it a secret so he was really excited when I told him this morning. He took his new scooter along and rode on that most of the day.

Tomorrow Jacob & I will be at camp with Matthew...pray for a cool day!

Weekend Update and This Week!

It just seems like the time just flies by...last time I posted was, I think, last Wednesday, and I had intended on posting more often!

Last Thursday evening the boys had their VBS family night uptown at 1st Baptist Church. Unfortunately, Rob was working so I went with the boys by myself. We had fun anyway...hotdogs & root beer floats for supper...(RIGHT up Jacob's alley!!) then a time of singing and sharing in church. Friday was the last day...Matthew & Jacob really enjoyed themselves this year.

Both Thursday & Friday afternoons we went over to the McCoy's to swim. It's nice because all the boys will swim for a while...then they'll just play outside...Shelly & I (and whoever else shows up!!) can then just enjoy the peace and relax!

Saturday we went over to our nephew, Aaron's, 14th birthday party. We had some yummy bass that my brother, Mark, had caught...and LOTs of other yummy food.

Sunday we headed to church and then after that Rob & the boys headed home while I did some last minute shopping for our trip...mainly food. I also bought some kites for the boys to use on the beach...thought that might be fun.

This week Matthew started Boy Scout camp...it's from 9-3 each day. Today I was fortunate enough to be able to help so Jacob was able to go as well to Pee Wee camp. Matthew had a GREAT time...they made these cool water bottle holders, shot BB guns (Matthew didn't get to today but he will tomorrow), bows & arrows, did some Tae Kwon Do (sp???), played Tug of War, had a talk on nutrition, and stopped at the Nature booth for some worm and roly poly education! Matthew wasn't in Boy Scouts last year but really wanted to go to camp. So, we signed him up for that and then went ahead and signed him up for next year. We were really unsure as to whether to let him join or not...a lot of the outdoor activities Rob has already, and is doing, with Matthew & Jacob both...especially the bb guns & bows and arrows...they each already own their own bb guns (that's what it's like when you have a husband that grew up with hunting, fishing, outdoor stuff, etc.!!!). Matthew got pretty hot this afternoon and at one point he said he really didn't feel too well. So, we'll see how tomorrow goes. Jacob had a GREAT time at Pee Wee camp...they played in water, sand, had tug of war, played on the slides/swings at the park, etc. Jacob was so cute today...I had bought them each a new water bottle at Dents Make Sense (if you've never been to this store here in Jackson you should definitely go!) for $1.50 (the same water bottle at Target was $4.50)...it had a strap on it...Jacob would NOT take the water bottle off his shoulder...he kept it on ALL day...he was so proud of it!

Thanks for checking in! We're headed to bed!

Just "Stuff"

I'm not really in the "thinking" mood tonight so my title is a bit boring! Sorry...

Matthew and Jacob are having a great time at VBS this week. They are going uptown to 1st Baptist since we will be gone the week of ours at our church. The theme is Outrigger Island and it's a tropical theme...just perfect for right before our trip to Destin! They are learning about God's unshakeable TRUTH. Rob & I both have good memories of Bible School so we make a point of having the boys attend at least one in the summer...usually the one at our church. This year we're going to the one at Fruitland Community Church too...but it's not until August.

I picked up our Destin vacation package today! Lots of GREAT info...I'm trying to soak it all in! Rob just mentioned the other day that he doesn't want our days all filled with stuff to do...he just wants to relax and if we feel like doing something, we will. He has really been worn out lately...he's been working about 50 hours a week...that includes leaving at 1:30 in the morning some days...this vacation will be good for him...not to mention for me too!

This afternoon we spent most of the time in Matthew's room...he and Jacob were building this "contraption" that was like a pulley system. They have a string attached in the closet that goes to the opposite end of the room on the ceiling. There is a cup attached to it and it works like a pulley...pretty cool. They have quite the imagination and it kept them busy for hours!

As I was vacuuming this evening, I peeked out the front yard to find a snail castle! The boys had found this tiny snail that was alive. They built this "castle" out of sticks and the snail was just kind of hanging out there. After this day today I wonder why in the world we even NEED toys!!!

Have a great night and thanks for checking in!

Just Checking In...

for the evening...since I said that I would post more often this week!

We've had fun this week with swim lessons and swimming...a baseball game last night...and The Bee Movie at the library this morning! Tonight I was able to enjoy some adult conversation with friends at Bella Italia...some of the moms from kids in Matthew's class. We usually get together once a month for dinner out and I look forward to it each month!

I don't believe that I've mentioned this before but Rob & I are really considering homeschooling next year...it may be a shock to hear for some of you! To avoid the debate of homeschooling vs non-homeschooling, I won't go in to our thinking and reasoning for our considering this. I've really been worried about our decision, and just wanting to make the RIGHT decision for US as a family. I filled out one of those questionnaires yesterday by email from a friend that asks you random things...one of the questions to answer was "what are you worried about right now"...or something like that. Well, I responded with our homeschooling consideration. It is amazing how God works...just today in my devotion the topic was "worrying" and that God tells us to "not worry about anything"...that he will provide. My reason for mentioning this at all is that I would like to ask you, my friends & family, to pray for us as we try to make this decision.

Thanks for praying...and have a happy and safe 4th of July!