What Would You Do?

The tornado sirens are going off. It's after 11 pm. Both kids are sleeping like angels.

Option A: Wake them up and huddle in our downstairs bathroom while Landon thinks it's morning and asks for a bowl of cereal. He would totally do that!
Option B: Figure it will all blow over and leave them alone.
Option C: Figure it will all blow over, but second guess this decision and decide to stay up until I know we are all ok. Eat chocolate Chex Mix and blog several irrelevant posts- which I guess should be the name of my blog, aren't they all irrelevant?

I Always Got Picked Last

The other day I was directing a group of kids. "Go that way, down the hall-all of you". I raised my left hand and made grand gestures... like an air traffic controller. As I did this, I noticed a certain jiggle of my muscles in my arm. (Well, I guess technically I should NOT call it "muscles".) "What in the world?! Why is my body doing this, I'm so fit. This is surprising!"

Lucky for me, my coworker Mr. Holt - who also owns a local gym was standing nearby. "Oh," he said, "I've got just the thing. Sit on the edge of this chair." So in front of all of 3rd grade he demonstrated how I should do these arm exercises.

Tonight I did 10 of these exercises.

That should do the trick. Right? Cause I don't like to sweat.

Baby Corban

This picture would be much better if I had Photoshop. I actually do have Photoshop, but can't load it onto my computer. Grrrrr. Please God, send me a new computer in the mail. I promise to stop cursing at the neighbors for parking on my new grass and I will make meals on wheels for all my wonderful friends who have recently had babies.

Who Needs A House On The Lake When You Have This?

Here is our family kickball game (5-6 families participated). Last year we played it with mattresses as bases. That was fun. Nobody could remember the rules so we decided plain kickball would be fine. Here is an example of how seriously Rob takes his sports. I don't think anyone was remotely near with the ball- and yet he felt the need to slide home. Drama Queen.





Sure, a house on the lake would be nice. But there are some things money can't buy. Our cabin is the one place we can go, spend no money, and have the best time.

Whatever You Do, Do Not Fall Asleep

One hour before bedtime, he falls asleep for twenty minutes in the bike stroller.

How do you think that turned out?

Finally The Boy Gets A Job

Now Mama can get a new outfit from Ann Taylor Loft.

And Once Again The Neighbors Rolled Their Eyes

Why do I buy toys when my kids would rather play with office chairs?

Dear Mama Bird

I see you in your nest. WIth your feathers all so pretty.
You've been with those babies a long time.
Days and days.
In. That. Same. Nest.

Do they ever get full?

I know, gas is so expensive you may as well stay home.
No other birds have come to see you in a long time.
Your bird friends should be ashamed.

How many times can you do the laundry and dust until it starts feeling boring?
While Daddy's gone "working".
I mean "finding worms".

They are cute babies.
So cute.

But your friends should come visit.
You'd take pictures and feed them well.

Wouldn't you?

Mama bird, you remind me of someone.
I just can't put my finger on it.

Love, Shannon

For My Friend

My favorite book is the updated version of Streams In The Desert. I read this today, it's from March 1.

Your situation is filled with uncertainty and is very serious, but it is perfectly right. The reason behind it will more than justify Him who brought you here, for it is a platform from which God will display His almighty grace and power. He will not only deliver you, but in doing so will impart a lesson that you will never forget. And in days to come, you will return to the truth of it through singing. You will be unable to ever thank God enough for doing exactly what He has done.

Miracle Baby

Born at 25 weeks- doctors said Evaya had a 5% chance to live. They were wrong. God had other plans. Today I got to take her picture and smell all her sweetness.

Why Yes, That Is A Wet Suit

... and I served rice right out of my pink frying pan. What's it to ya?

Please Pray For Crissy

Please be praying for this little girl from our town. She's been through so much.

Priceless

What is it about a campfire?

In a couple weeks our campfires will begin again for the season. And I can't wait.

Snap goes the burning log as a friend makes yet another inappropriate confession.

Woody tells about the time he took an egg to catholic school.
Jan confesses love for Craig Jr.
Mel recounts teenage rebellion.
Craig remembers wearing moon boots to gym class.
Someone split their pants.
Someone sings off key.


The stars shine brightly in the Indiana sky. The kids are sleeping. Life is good.

Landon the Big Boy

Landon officially graduated from preschool yesterday.
Here's my interview with Landon.





S: What do you want to be when you grow up?
L: A dinasour hunter
S: Where will you live when you grow up?
L: California
S: But that's not close to Mommy.
L: I know.

Olivia's Extreme Dog Makeover

Tomorrow little Livie is getting her hair styled. Stay tuned for exciting before and after photos. My family is begging and pleading for me to please not cut her hair. But I'm ignoring them. It's time for that dog to get some class. Who cares if she eats her own poop-if she has a fancy haircut. Smoke and mirrors people.

While Olivia was grooming her own self tonight Landon asked, "Mom- is Olivia eating her babies?" I just giggled. That's what I'm gonna do when he asks about the birds and the bees. Just giggle.

In other news, Spencer came home asking if he could get his hair highlighted. 8 years old. Next thing you know I'll come home and he'll be reading, "Are You There God, It's Me Margaret".

Not One More Thing

Craig asked me today, "What do you want for Mothers Day?"

For the first time ever I didn't already have a list prepared. With underlines, numbers, specific directions. I didn't have a "wish" list.

"What do I want?" I thought. "If I went around the world tonight and asked other Mothers- what would they ask for? I bet many would have a list much different than mine."

In Haiti, famine fills the land and mothers today are feeding their babies cookies made out of mud. At Riley Hospital tonight a mother waits as her daughter sleeps in severe pain, not knowing what tomorrow holds. Mothers in Africa hold sick children while they fade away because of political unrest and unavailable medical help. Mothers in my neighborhood raise their kids alone because the father has found somewhere else to live. The list goes on and on.

Tonight while I write this, I have two healthy little red head boys snug in their beds. Tonight, I do not know why God has chosen to bless me in this way. Thank you God for my blessings. For our health, food, shelter, freedom, and opportunities. We are richly blessed.

I don't want one more thing. This is a happy Mother's Day.

I Told You Coon Hunters Are Sensitive

Luckily, I most always have my camera with me. Here, in Exhibit A, I almost ran off the road to get this shot. This was way before my blog days. I knew it would come in handy eventually. Great instincts.

See the sign, "Proud To Be A Coon Hunter". And then notice the scented candle on the dash. What do you think- cinnamon apple or midnight rain?