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!

I had to get out the calendar...

to remember what we've been up to the last week or so! We've been doing lots but not too much that I shouldn't remember it!!! My memory is fading...

This past week we've actually kind of taken it easy. We've had two baseball games, been swimming several times over at Shelly's pool, had swim lessons, crop night, and had dinner at the Weber's house tonight. It's been a fun week. And, I also had a Steering Team retreat Friday night and Saturday for MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers).

Oh, and I forgot...the boys and I, along with Shelly & Linda, went blueberry picking Friday morning up near Biehle. So much fun...it was our first time and we picked a huge Tupperware container FULL of berries. After giving some to my mom and sisters, I've frozen some, Rob has eaten a bunch fresh, and I'm going to use some in a couple of recipes this week. I'll share after I've tried them! Check out the photos!

Well, we are headed to Destin in a few short weeks and I can't wait! My brother, Sam, and his wife, Lauren, along with little Maria, will be joining us for 3 days so we're VERY excited about that. This vacation is going to be quite a bit different than what we're used too! Our big vacations in the past have been to Walt Disney World, which we LOVE, but we usually GO, GO, GO while we're there. This trip we are hopeful that it will be relaxing, just hanging out at the beach, and hopefully enjoying a few good restaurants. More to come on this later!

Have a great week...my goal is to post a bit more often this week!

Random Questions...

50 Random Questions

1. Where were you 3 hours ago?

At the Library

2. Who are you in love with?

Rob and our boys

3. Have you ever eaten a crayon?

NO

4. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you?

NO

5. When is the last time you went to the mall?

I can't even remember!

6. Are you wearing socks right now?

NO

7. Do you have a car worth over $2,000?

YES...our Mazda MPV and Chevy 3/4 Ton Pickup

8. When was the last time you drove out of town?

Out of town Jackson...yesterday to Cape.

9. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days?

NO

10. Are you hot?

NO...it's nice and cool in our house right now.

11. What was the last thing you had to drink?

Iced Tea

12. What are you wearing right now?

Black T-shirt and Khaki shorts

13. Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it?

Both. I usually wash the car at the car wash, but not in the automatic wash.

14. Last food that you ate?

French Fry

15. Where were you last week at this time?

Swimming over at Shelly's house

16. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?

NO

17. When is the last time you ran?

Ha Ha...the other night on the treadmill I tried jogging...I made it one whole MINUTE.

18. What's the last sporting event you watched?

Matthew's baseball game Wednesday night.

19. What is your favorite animal?

Cats...but love dogs too.

20. Your dream vacation?

I'd LOVE to go to a Dude Ranch someday when the boys a little bit older.

21. Last person's house you were in?

My sister, Magdalene's, new house...it is beautiful.

22. Worst injury you've ever had?

When I was very little, I slid across the dining room floor in my socks and ran in to the corner of a cabinet...I needed stiches on my forehead.

23. Have you been in love?

YES...Currently.

24. Do you miss anyone right now?

My niece, Maria...I just seen some adorable pictures of her the other day.

25. Last play you saw?

Wicked at the Fox

26. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex?

NO comment.

27. What are your plans for tonight?

Going to Matthew's baseball game.

28. Who is the last person you sent a MySpace message or comment?

Have never done that

29. Next trip you are going to take?

Destin in July...can't get here soon enough!

30. Ever go to camp?

No

31. Were you an honor roll student in school?

Yes

32. What do you want to know about the future?

Whether or not we will actually build a house at our farm

33. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?

No

34. Are you due sometime this year for a doctor's visit?

Already been to my regular doctor in January. Need to go to the eye doctor soon.

35. Where is your best friend?

I have several close friends and they all live nearby.

36. How is your best friend?

GREAT.

37. Do you have a tan?

Actually, yes I do...and it's all natural!

38. What are you listening to right now?

The boys are watching Superman.

39. Do you collect anything?

No

40. Who is the biggest gossiper you know?

No Comment.

41. Last time you got stopped by a cop or pulled over?

Years ago for driving too fast...but I didn't get a ticket.

42. Have you ever drank your soda from a straw?

Yes

43. What does your last text message say?

I don't text message.

44. Do you like hot sauce?

Yes

45. Last time you took a shower?

This morning

46. Do you need to do laundry?

I'm working on it.

47. What is your heritage?

German.

48. Are you someone's best friend?

Hope I am.

49. Are you rich?

In ways that matter.

50. What were you doing at 12AM last night?

Sleeping

Credit Repair Companies

Surveys and Quizzes for MySpace

Good Morning!

I hope you are all enjoying this GORGEOUS weather! It's been in the 80s here this week and it has just been beautiful...it's hard to stay inside.

No reason at all for my absence in posting - we've just been doing normal, summer "stuff". Last week my Bunco group got together for the month and Friday night Matthew had a baseball game. We went swimming over at my friend, Shelly's house, on Friday afternoon...we always have fun there! Then came Saturday morning! Rob & the boys were up bright and early by 6:00-6:30 to go on an overnight fishing trip. One of Rob's good friends from work has a cabin and they loaded up their stuff and went...they fished, swam and ate some yummy food. This was Jacob's first time for getting to go...he did great after a little bit of whining! They came home early Sunday afternoon and fell right to sleep...well, except for Jacob...he just played on the floor the entire afternoon with his cowboys and Indians. When they eventually woke up we went out to eat for Father's Day and then visited my Dad for a while. Rob's Dad was camping so we didn't get to see him.

So...what did I do while the guys were away??? Well, I ENJOYED myself! Saturday morning after they left I sat my rear right down on the couch and read the rest of "The Choice" by Nicholas Sparks - I couldn't put it down and before I knew it, it was 11:30! I did do several loads of laundry during that time too...so time wasn't just "wasted" while reading! That afternoon I headed over to Shelly's to swim a bit. It was nice to just lay on a raft for once without having to constanly watch out for the boys in the water. Matthew has gotten to the point where I don't really have to watch him, but Jacob still needs watching!!

I picked up supper on the way home and enjoyed a couple of movies...movies that I wanted to watch!

This week we've been to the park with Jacob's pre-school, had swim lessons, haircuts, swimming, and had a ballgame. Not much going on today...the boys are still sleeping and I'm headed upstairs for some coffee!

Enjoy your day and remember WHO gave us this beautiful day!

A Firetruck Party and Sprinkler Fun!

Yesterday Matthew & Jacob were invited to William's 5th birthday party at the park...and boy did they have fun! A fire truck showed up and gave all of the kids a ride! They really loved that...then they played in the park and had pizza and cupcakes. It was so much fun!

Today I got out a huge rubbermaid container and filled it with water and let the boys play. They got out their boats, divers & water toys and had a blast. Then, when Rob came home for lunch he hooked the sprinkler up for them...that occupied them for the rest of the afternoon!

Simple pleasures of summer...we have so much to be thankful for.

I've started a prayer journal to help me remember all of those times when I've told someone that I would pray for them...or times when someone has asked me to pray for them. I'm jotting them all down...and will consistently pray for each and every request...including my own.

Thanks for checking in...have a great Tuesday!

The Last Few Days...

have been fun! Thursday morning we headed to Cape to run a few errands. We had a little bit of time to spare before we headed to Shelly's to swim. We stopped on Mt. Auburn by the bike trail...I had never taken the boys on the trail so I thought we'd just stop to check it out. I had brought PB&Jelly sandwiches for lunch so we just sat in the van and ate. A man that had just been walking on the trail came over to his vehicle to leave...he was parked next to us. He was kidding a bit with the boys and said that they weren't getting any exercise by sitting in the van. Next thing, he handed Matthew a box of Rice Krispies thru the window and said that that could be our dessert, but that we'd have to take it home and get some milk! Bizarre!

We then headed to Shelly's for an afternoon of fun...swimming in the pool! We had a great time!

Friday morning a few people on our street were having garage sales so I decided to set a few things out. Matthew and Jacob really wanted to have a Kool-Aid stand so I let them...they had so much fun...and, they made $5.00!!! They're saving all of their money right now for our trip in July!

Friday night was a ballgame. Jacob and I packed his Superman lunchbox (Thanks, Uncle Paul & Aunt Kristi! - he's getting his use out of it!) with grapes, animal crackers & Root Beer. He practically sat thru Matthew's entire game and ate snacks! Matthew got to be catcher for an inning so he was thrilled!

Today we had a birthday party to go to...Rob worked today (for his real job!) and then after that he stopped to move hay bales. He is SO busy right now since the weather has been good. We kind of had a lazy afternoon and then this evening we went out and the boys played with chalk...check out the creations below!!...and bubbles.

Have to tell you one more thing...it's a cat story! I typically use my swiffer and go over the floors about once a day. Calli absolutely LOVES when I get the swiffer out and she follows me everywhere. Well, this evening I was using it and she jumped right on top of the part that's on the floor and rode around on top of it while I swiffered!!!! She wasn't on long...but long enough for me to get a good laugh out of it! Can you believe that?????

Have a GREAT night and Sunday!
~Becky

Check out my Slide Show!

Finally...Swim Lessons!

I have been on the lookout for someone to give Jacob & Matthew swim lessons this summer...it's always nice to "know someone" as opposed to just picking a lifeguard out at the city pool. I had almost signed the boys up for semi-private lessons thru Healthpoint, but we had decided it was just too expensive for us. Well, lo and behold, I was in the checkout line at Walmart the other night and Malerie, the gal who had given Matthew private lessons two summers ago when he was 5, was there with her mom. I went up to her and asked about swim lessons, and YES, she was going to give them again this summer (last summer she was in summer school)! Jacob had his 1st EVER swim lesson today and he did FANTASTIC...and Matthew, he remembered everything from two summers ago! I was excited...I can swim...but by know means could I probably save myself, let alone someone else...and I just feel that it is important for kids to know how to swim...especially since a lot of the summer activities revolve around swimming. So, if you need someone for swim lessons, let me know and I can get you her info...she is quite flexible with her time...she gives them mornings and evenings.

After swim lessons we headed home for lunch and then the boys played great together this afternoon. I needed to go to Siemers late this afternoon for a bit so I promised the boys that after I was finished we would go to Safety City. I walked while Matthew & Jacob rode their bikes twice around the lake. We had a great day!

Rob took a chance this evening and is mowing some hay down...please pray that it doesn't rain! It's funny...we need the rain for our corn crop...but not for our hay right now!

Tomorrow we are headed to church to drop by some food for a funeral dinner. Please keep the Schultz family in your prayers. Their infant son, Jude, went home to be with the Lord this past week. We do not know the family but I'm sure they would appreciate your prayers for comfort tomorrow during this difficult time.

Jacob's Prayer

Rob, Matthew & Jacob left around 5:00 or so this evening to go to Fred's for a little bit of fishing. He just lives outside of Jackson. They just now got home and it's a bit after 9:00. As they were sitting down to eat, Rob had prayed, and then Jacob said, "and Lord, thank you for giving me the strength to pull in that bass." It WAS rather large for his little size!!! Too cute!