Before and After

Oh my little Coley Moley is such a sweetie. There is just something about those little twinkling eyes and that melt your heart smile. I love him. And I guess that's why I didn't really mind when he reorganized my pantry and left the mess for me to clean up. I never knew syrup was so difficult to clean up. Will the stickiness ever go away?

Happy Valentine's Day

For Valentine's Day we have started a new tradition at our house. Since we are all book lovers, I decided that is what we will buy as gifts for Valentines Day. A book from Claire to Cole, Cole to Claire, Claire to Daddy, Daddy to Claire...you get the idea. We had 9 presents to open the night before Valentines. (We will save the actual day for a romantic date for Chad and me.) After mowing down on homemade pizza, we all plopped on the living room floor. Claire had fun passing out the gifts. Her sweet little face lit up with every book. She sat on the floor for a long time thumbing through her new treasures. Her collection included Curious George and several Level One Readers from Mardel on prayer and manners. Chad even liked the book I bought for him: The Politically Incorrect Guide to Hunting. Valentine's morning started early for us- about 5 am...but not because of Cole! Chad was up bright and early to tape the dogs for a day of quail hunting. Only in my house. Valentine's Day was special this year- it was a time to celebrate our love as a family. I hope the roses Chad bought for me will stay fresh a long while.

This Family Thing is So Cool

A Typical Day for This Stay at Home Mom (Is there such a thing?)

We have fun everyday. Once we eat breakfast, make our bed, get dressed, brush our teeth, brush our hair and have Bible time...we can play or watch a little tv. Cole goes back down to nap around 9:30. That is when I have time with Claire- just the two of us. We color, do puzzles, read books, play babies, have a tea party...whatever she wants that day. Then, I let her play by herself for a while and I can do something...like laundry. Woopty woo. Actually, I usually take advantage and check FB and make phonecalls...then I get to my chores. He, he. Don't tell Chad. Cole wakes up about 11 or 11:30. We all do lunch and play some more...maybe run some errands or meet with friends until Claire's naptime at 1:30. I have 1 1/2 to 2 hours to get things done or have some time to myself. I feed Cole about 3:00 so one on one time with him is part of that. Once Claire wakes up- we all play some more. Cole usually goes back down to nap around 4:30...leaving more time for Mommy and Claire. I try to start putting supper together during this time and Claire loves to help. I feed Cole again around 6 and let him play with Claire while I cook supper. Chad usually gets home around 6:30. Then, it's all about Dad...and a little break for me. We eat about 7ish. The rest of the evening is Family time. Cole goes to bed about 8:30 and Claire goes to bed about 9. After that, it is Chad and Paula time. This is a typical day...but usually something is going on to make our days not typical. You know, things like Small group, Pokeno, Chad gone to Fort Stockton, waking up early from naps, tornadoes. You get the idea. We sure do love this life- God is good.

Cuppies and Joe

Last night was so fun! I went out for a night with the girls...much needed night with the girls! We ate at Grand House Asian Bistro. I ordered the vegetable fried rice with chicken and an eggroll. It was tasty, but not as good as My Thai in Amarillo. I did try some of Angie's "California sushi.(My first sushi venture) It was ok. Just not me. Did you know that sushi is wrapped in seaweed? Ick. We finished the night at Cuppies and Joe- a new little cafe that a family from Council Road has opened. I had a Sasaphras cupcake (red velvet with buttercream frosting) and a mocha latte...delish! It was packed- mostly with college students. Being there made me feel cool. We had a wonderful time! We talked and talked and talked. I decided we need to have a slumber party. We're not too old for that, right?

Iced In

One thing I have learned about Oklahoma since we moved here is that we get ice, not snow. And everything shuts down. Everything. I think it is a good thing- I dread driving on ice. Thankfully, my kiddos are still so little that I don't have to get out in this. I am loving this season of life...it is my job to play with my kids all day. Someday they won't want to play with me so much, so I am going to take advantage of this special moment. Chad loves playing too. Last night he spent a great deal of time making an elaborate ferris wheel out of Claire's Tinker Toys. (Such the engineer.) I made a bed for Goofy and Mickey.

We returned from Odessa about midnight last night. It was a long drive with the kiddos but worth it. We joined my family in celebrating my Grandma's life. Robbie Nelle Hamilton was an amazing lady- a true servant and follower of Christ. She lived life to the full- her entire life. She was involved in ministry and various social groups all the way until God called her home.
The sun warmed the side of my face as I looked around at all the pretty flowers that decorated her graveside. 16 grandchildren and 16 greatgrandchildren. Spouses too. It was a beautiful sight. All influenced and affected by this one woman. That is how I want it to be when God calls me home. I want others to see his glory in the fruit he produced in my life. Wow. I am so blessed and I am so thankful for my Grandma's Godly influence. God is good all the time.

The pictures above: Bottom GG- Great Grandma and Claire . Top- Paula, Doris, Claire, Grandma, and my mom (Susan) looking down at us. (Spring 2007)