This was a conversation I had tonight at our church fellowship event:

Amber: Laurie, um, here's annaleigh.
Laurie: OK
Amber: Well, I brought her over here because she was over at the food line and I helped her...
Laurie: Helped her do what?
Amber: Well, when I walked over she was taking a fork and eating butter straight from dish on the food table.
Laurie: (Blank stare. Mouth open. Speechless. Mortified.)

I have a few things to add in retrospect:
1.) Thank you Amber!
2.) My kid is going to get coronary artery disease because of my lack of supervision.
3.) I think Ranch Dressing and Ketchup are now the least of my concerns.

Ranch Dressing and Ketchup

I am sure those of you with picky-eating toddlers can relate to this...but if you are like me, you will do ANYTHING to get those kiddos to eat their fruits and veggies. Lately A has taken to reallllly liking ketchup and ranch dressing....so, if she wants to dip her green beans or broccoli in ketchup, I am all for it! (It does have lycopene, right?) We have seen her dip mandarin oranges in ketchup, cheese in ranch dressing, toast with jelly in ketchup (I choose my battles.) Well, tonight at dinner I had to draw the line. We had Garden Salad, Breakfast casserole, and Blueberry muffins. When I looked over and she was drenching her warm blueberry muffin in ranch dressing and scarfing it down, I almost gagged! Make me feel better. What weird things do your kids eat??

Goodbye Summer!

Today is the last official day of summer. As long as I can remember I have hated when summer was over. I remember as a kid having feelings of dread when "back to school commercials" came on TV because I knew those long care-free days would soon be gone. I know a lot of people love the crisp autumn air and the cold weather of winter, but I am NOT one of those people! Here are several pictures we took at the pool a few weeks ago...wishin' those days will come back soon!

Children's ER

Yes, I know. I look rough. I had just spent my first 12 hours working in the ER at Children's Hospital Dallas...It was an experience, to say the least. Let's just say I REALLY need to brush up on my Spanish!

Funny

Republican or Democrat, you gotta admit this is funny!

09/11/01

Where were you when it happened?? I was a Senior at Lipscomb University and lived about 1 mile from school so I would get up and walk to class every morning. I arrived a few minutes late for my World Literature class and the Prof was already talking. She said " I guess everyone knows what is going on by now, so I think we should pray and then I am excusing class for the day." I was completely clueless to what she was talking about. I remember a girl said "a bomb went off at the world trade center in New York and also at the Pentagon." I was just stunned. Obviously, at that point, the events of the day were still unfolding and the facts were still fuzzy...after that I went to the student center with my friend Becca. The usually bustling place was like a tomb when we walked in with all eyes peeled to the TV. I was shocked and horrified to witness the second plane crash into the second tower. I will never ever forget how scared and violated and sad I felt that day. I went home and called all the people I loved the most....

Grandmas on Facebook

So, I have had a Facebook account for a few months now...mostly to lurk around and see what High School and college friends are up to. Lately I have noticed I have been getting a lot of friend requests from my friends MOMS-(and a few dads)! I love it! These empty-nestin' grandmas are embracing the culture and getting connected! Way to go ladies! Are any of your moms on Facebook???

Free Chicken and the first day of school

If you know me, you know I am a big, big fan of Chick-fil-a. I have to have it at least once a week or I'm just not right. Annaleigh has caught the fever too but she calls it Chicky-a. So cute. You may already know this, but last Monday (Labor Day) they ran a promotion to get a free box of chicken strips if you wore college football gear...well, Russell usually isn't up for, um..."fun"stuff like that, but I convinced him to participate with the promise of free chicken and the argument that we were showing love for Louisiana since it was the same day that Hurricane Gustaf hit. Tuesday was A's first day of school for the year. She is in Ms. Stormey's class and lovin' it! She was especially excited about her new Hello Kitty lunchbox to match the thermos Grama got her!

Growing up too, too fast! Next thing I know we are going to be sending her off to college!

As a side note, I am flying to Georgia in the morning for Uncle Raymond's funeral. Please continue to keep us all in your prayers as we go through this difficult time.

Uncle Raymond

I am saddened to say my family suffered yet another loss yesterday. My great Uncle Raymond had a massive heart attack on Monday and passed away yesterday evening. Raymond was my grandmothers brother and mentally handicapped. He lived with my mom and grandmother. He was one of the most sweet and pure people I have ever known in my life. He taught me so much about how to love and treat people who are different than me the same as anyone else...and that we are all God's children and equal in importance to Him. Raymond loved people and loved to have fun. These pictures were taken just 2 weeks ago during our trip to Georgia. They brought a big big smile to my face today.Annaleigh in her cool sunglassesMom's dog, Presley Parker sporting the shadesAunt Rachel was looking good too!

Uncle Raymond had to get in on the fun too! What a precious soul. I rejoice in thinking about the special place the Lord has prepared for him in heaven!

Labor Day Weekend

Russell's mom and dad came up this weekend for his brother's first game of coaching at John Horn in Mesquite. We also got to do some shopping, cook out, and just relax! These pictures are the ones my mother in law sent off her camera from the weekend. They are a little random, but at least current! At the football game on Friday night. A kept shouting "Go Uncle Brad, Coach." I don't think she got the concept that we were supposed to be cheering for the TEAM.These were taken Sunday after church. Notice the cute orange dress A is wearing. Russell brought it back from Nicaragua. Way to go daddy!

Rita (MIL) snapped this one out of her car window as they were leaving our house. "Bye Mimi and Pop, we love you!!"