Snap!

Lalla, ridiculously cute.

Waylon, 6 weeks

smiling and cooing

Wyatt, 6 excellent helper; Walker, 4 sweet to his core

Life has been. Crazy. And I don't say that to be funny. I am completely real when I say that. We've had boxes filling up more and more space of our townhouse for the past weeks - and they keep growing. 

And stuff. 

Everywhere.

I am one of those people that really is bothered by clutter. Painfully bothered. As in, it affects my heart's condition. Meaning, what flows out of my heart is bad if there is too much clutter. And what flows out of my heart is generally good if things are orderly and in their place.

And that's really sad.

I was thinking about this the other day as I was praying. It had been a while since I had really prayed deeply. Where I have time to give God praise and confess sin and give thanksgiving in addition to all my requests. So I was thinking about how my heart is actually affected by clutter. 

I want that to change. 

I'm not okay with that.

I actually am beginning to hate that.

My heart should not be dependent in any way on the shape of things being in their place. 

I want the Lord to change that about me. Because I have answered a call that will be defeating otherwise. The liklieness of my house having clutter is huge for the next few years. And if I respond in snappy words to my husband or yelling at my children or just passively quiet and angry - then I am asking for a hard season ahead.

And I'm setting up everyone to fail. 

So it occurred to me after this time of praying that something had snapped in me.

Well, that's what I would call it.

I suddenly wasn't bothered by the boxes everywhere. 

The stacks of packing paper on every surface.

The laundry overflowing.

The suitcases packed and filling my hallway space.

The dirty bathrooms

The dirty, stinky carpet.

And even people seeing it!!!

I wasn't overwhelmed by nursing my baby and simultaneously reading to my big boys.

I wasn't bothered by a knock at the door, the dog barking loudly, Lalla crying and the boys rushing to the door. I wasn't anxious about packing details or even the organization of the move.

Something snapped in me.

And while I'd like to say it was me giving everyone, including myself grace in this immense transition. Or even me changing my deeply engraved response to clutter.

But really, I think as believers we call it the Peace that surpasses all understanding has guarded my heart and my mind the past few days. 

Praise the Lord! I feel free!

In the midst of such change and utter chaos - I feel completely free from myself. 

From my anxiety and from my stress. 

"Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving make your requests known to God and the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and minds through Christ Jesus our Lord." Philipians 4:6-7

Baby Waylon

We've been blessed to add to our home Waylon Rex. He was 7 lb 14 oz and he came very fast (for my labors). Nothing about his labor was similar to my other children except for Lalla - in that it was unpredictable. But enough about that - we are happy he his here.

And so I began a phrase that I whole-heartedly believe when Lalla was born and I began to realize some more things about being a mommy. And that phrase has proven true once again with Waylon:

"the more children I have, the more humbled I am." I truly am more and more aware of my undeserving-ness of the gift of each child- but even more so, my incredible sinfulness. My inability to be these precious children's mommy. I am aware all the more of my infirmities and my weaknesses. I am aware of my physical limitations and even more so, my inability to nurture their hearts in the way they need.

And so, the gospel applies to me. In my needyness. In my weakness. In my inabilities. And I am so thankful that Jesus died for me, died for my sin today. Not only yesterday's but todays. I am thankful for this little soul entrusted to Wes and I. 

I pray that we offer him daily right back to the Lord - and that he grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. He is truly precious. I am fully aware of his preciousness. 

God bless you baby boy. I love you deeply. I know that my sin will disappoint and hurt you - and I pray that I am humble enough to ask for your forgiveness and point you in the direction of a Savior whom I need just as much as you do. You are precious to me, daddy and to your brothers and sister.

We are thankful God gave us YOU. May you know from life's first cry that you are loved deeply by us yes, but even more so, by a loving Father who gave you His Son. He bled and He died for your sin. May your destiny be ever sealed in His redemption, in His eternal dwelling place through faith by His Holy Spirit. 

You are a treasure, dear one.

I love you very much, Waylon, 

sweet child of mine.

Easter

Happy Easter!

My, how the meaning of Easter has changed for me in my lifetime.

It almost brings me to tears as I consider my past Easters and how earlier on I was completely focused on my easter basket, candy, my easter dress, easter egg hunts, etc.

And that's just where my children are. Try as we may to teach them well about the death and resurrection of Jesus, they are drawn to the culture.

They are drawn to the candy, the fun, the gifts.

We had a wonderful Easter with our family, don't get me wrong. We enjoyed our devotions leading up to Easter - we enjoyed discussing what the children learned in their classes at church approaching Easter Sunday - we enjoyed the Palm Sunday and Easter worship anticipating a crucified and later, RISEN Lord.

But...

I am in a place of reflection today.

As I consider the week ahead, my tasks ahead today,

I am caught up in truth that I live today in light of a RISEN Lord.

He fought death...and won.

He bled, freely for us, and He died horribly, horrifically.

He took all my shame with Him to my cross.

And then everything said about Him and that He said about Himself came true when He rose from the dead.

He conquered death.

And I am free.

This IS the guarantee for my own resurrection.

I will not stay dead when the Lord calls me.

I will live again in His presence. Forever.

and so my prayer for my little ones is that they, too grasp this wonderful truth in our Christian faith. That they embrace the knowledge of Jesus as Risen Lord. In the Lord's perfect timing. As their sweet little hearts get there in their unique ways...as the Lord patiently and graciously lead me there.

Happy Easter to you and yours.

May you live today in light the one and only Risen Lord!

The Past Months...

why apologize?

we've been here before. I've made apologies before but there is no reason to. ultimately this is simply a blog about someone's life.

its been busy b/c its just been life.

And life with a family is very busy.

we celebrated walker's (4th) birthday a month early as his birthday is a week after baby's due date. instead of a party we took he and wyatt to a pirate show at myrtle beach and stayed at wes' folks' place down there.

he loved the pirate show!

he felt very special and loved as we don't do 'big' things like this hardly ever.

i also made him a pirates' ship cake.

he was so grateful for it.

(my middle child has gratefulness in his heart that both convicts and encourages me.) I suppose it is the grace of the God and his disposition in life - always having a sibling. I am so thankful for him. he is precious to me.

happy birthday, sweet child of mine!

in preparation for a family of six, God provided and blessed us with a mini-van. i have had friends that have gone through "the crisis" with becoming part of this population that says "we are family" but I did not experience that.

I expected to and so I was waiting for the grieving.

but it never came.

i suppose it is because we squeezed as much use as we could out of our crv without putting future baby on the roof that to say that we were "ready" for this van would be a completely understatement.

entry into our van goes like this:

doors open by themselves

Wyatt buckles Lalla, then himself.

walker can now buckle himself b/c he can see his buckle.

none of my children are touching.

who wouldn't want that!?!

my little girl is growing up fast. she is 19 months. oh my prayer for her is that she would transition well to not being baby anymore. even that her transition would be fast from baby to older sister and taking part in caring for the baby.

all in all, our days are pretty much the same. this particular day (above) walker was getting over being sick and all 3 were watching a video together. As my children get older I treasure them partaking in the same activities together. I am thankful for Wyatt's leadership with his brother and sister. In his first homeschooling year he has grown tremendously as an older brother - he has grown in responsibility/independence with his school work as well initiative with household work. I am so thankful for his disposition.

We are anticipating baby boy.

We are deciding between 2 names: William and Waylon.

His middle name will be Rex.

He will have the same initials as his older 2 brothers, his father and his grandfather.

We have not been able to make a decision about his name and decided to wait and meet him before we decide.

Those are the highlights - theres been plenty of hard/sanctifying days as my body feels older in this pregnancy and the demands of being a stay at home mom and homeschool teacher can be overwhelming. But I look to the Lord to lead me. To patiently guide me in my being a wife to Wes and a mother to my 3 children. He has been so faithful to me in both the good and the bad days.

I am thankful most of all for Jesus.

that He has saved me.

that He knows me.

and He still loves me anyway.

Christmas Cards

I love receiving Christmas cards. We have begun streaming a ribbon around our large entry way and clipping the cards to the ribbon - we see them at each meal and the children will share stories about their experiences with the other children and adults in the pictures.

One thing a good friend shared with me - as she takes each card down after the season - is the pray for the family before putting the card away. I love that. We did that last year and it connected us with the many families that adorn our dining room. :)

But I must say.

This year, there was one card that I kept pondering all Christmas season long. I could not stop thinking of it. I even cried about it a few times.

It was a beautiful hand painted card. 2 beautiful ornaments. I have no idea how long my friend took to paint these two beautiful water color ornaments. Then she adhered it to this folded card. As the card is opened - a very simple statement reads:

"God and sinners reconciled!"

Merry Christmas!

Still, I am left pondering the magnitude of this promise and truth that I have in Jesus. That babe born 2,000 years ago in a manger. Born to two lowly people. Whom kings sought after for months in order to go and worship Him and bring Him gifts proclaiming His sovereign, ordained God-given roles - to be our King, to be our Priest and to be our Savior.

This babe - this past Christmas -

brought forth a man,

God in flesh,

to reconcile me,

a sinner

to a Holy God.

I can't help but cry.

Fall Festival

RTS had a fall festival last night! Its first ever Fall Festival!!

My friend, Jenni (a female student along with her husband Andy) pulled the whole event off - she is a natural party planner - she delegated it well into several committees all of whom are friends as well - and they did a fantastic job with RTS's first ever Fall Festival. The young married couples and single folks really served the families in allowing us to fully engage and enjoy our kids with the games and activities.

It was so much fun.

Walker - pilot; Lalla - ballerina; Wyatt - Spider Man

**on a funny note. Recently we were in the car and Walker mentioned super heroes. Wyatt came back with an interesting comment...this is how the conversation went down.

Wyatt: you know, there is one problem with super heroes

Walker: what?

Wyatt: they don't pay attention to their jobs.

Walker: huh?

Wyatt: Peter Parker is supposed to be working for Mr. Jameson and instead he's out goofing off defeating the bad guys.

the night of the Fall Festival, he did not mention anything about missing work, he was all about defeating the bad guys. :)

Staying.

We found out some wonderful news this past week. With having found out recently that we will be having another baby in the Spring, knowing Wes graduates in May, etc we had begun praying about our future, specifically Wes' job in a church.

Our elders interviewed Wes last Monday night. They interviewed me as well. It was a unique experience in that I've never been included in a job interview for Wes in the past. They asked some really wonderful questions. My favorite was when they asked how I best saw myself supporting Wes in his role. I shared with them that my vision of supporting Wes was largely taking care of our home and our children. I elaborated on this a bit and they loved and affirmed me for this answer - which gave me great hope and assurance in our call to this wonderful church. They asked some other wonderful questions.

So later that night after Wes and I left - our elders voted and unanimously they voted in favor of hiring Wes for the position of Assistant Minister of Youth and Families. Our pastor, Tom and Associate Pastor, Dave came over to our house after the meeting that night (10:45) and excitedly offered Wes the position.

We are delighted to accept this position and consider it a humble privilege to remain with this church body we have grown to love deeply. We are so thankful for the Lord's gracious and gentle timing - that He has brought forth this blessing, early.

His position will begin June 1, 2012.

"He is before all things and in Him all things hold together." Col 1:17

Adding On...

I just realized how long it has been.

We've been busy and I've not been feeling well.

That is due to the fact that we are going to be adding to our family.

We will have another Andrews baby in our home April 21(stsh)

We are delighted.

Shocked at the Lord's timing.

But thankful for His good and perfect ways.

We will find out the gender in early December.

For those of you who have had babies, you know the survival mode?

That's my way of living.

I am trying to do more than necessary but my energy is low and my tummy is sick.

So I know that there is grace for this season and there is good in the rest and the stillness that comes with abruptly moving at a slower pace.

I don't want to miss out on these gifts. I will miss them when I get my energy back and (hopefully) begin feeling better. I will miss the naps in the afternoon.

I have really experienced the depth of God's grace in tangible ways.

While I've not had much motivation to clean my house or clean up after a meal, I've had motivation to continue kindergarten at our same pace. I am so thankful for this. Wyatt and I are still really enjoying pretty much all things about homeschooling.

Wes is very busy with his midterm studies and papers. We are in the full swing of the Fall. We are so excited about the Tigers. They have been such fun to watch (except the first half last night). Walker really loves his preschool. Lalla is still crawling and sucking her thumb a lot - still not walking... but I'm in no hurry.

Overall we're well.

And tired.

And living by His grace.

And trying to rest.

ps - I know the pic is cheesy.

The Birthday Babies

Lalla, 3 weeks; T, 1 week

Hard to believe these babies are 1 year old.

T and Lalla

Our mom hosted a family birthday party for these little ones - She was delighted to hold such a special event in her home and she prepared in such tangible and loving ways...

she made Lalla and T their own birthday placemat and

she sewed them each their own bib.

T and Lalla are hilarious together. They touch each other and test each other - taking toys from one another, pulling on one another, all the while staring.

I had the job of making the cakes. Which I was delighted to do.

A blue polka dot one for T-man

and a pink one for Lalla girl

all the grandparents came which I thought was really special.

To have Thomas' parents, my parents and Wes' parents all in the same room together. It was a picture of God's grace to me in many ways. The three couples had no idea when they married many years ago what the Lord would provide and allow...

Mom also made birthday hats for each birthday baby.

All the grandchildren were delighted to celebrate such a wonderful day - it was such a fun day. I loved each minute of it.

Dad and Mom even had special drinks for Kayne and I. She and I both love glass-bottled Mexican coke. And they had tub of ice with many of these chilling in the middle.

Such a special day.

Thank you mom and dad for your love for Kayne and I - you love us so well. Thank you to the grandparents who travelled to be with these children on such a special day.

We love you deeply.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31

Homeschooling

We have 14 successful kindergarten days behind us.

Homeschooling for me has been different that I expected or suspected.

Both in regards to Wyatt and me.

He has responded differently.

And I have too.

All of that to say, I am really enjoying it.

And Wyatt really is, too.

Our first unit was on the sun.

Wyatt (and Walker) painted suns, made sun badges, learned a lot about the letter "S", did a blind-fold experiment from a wonderful curriculum called "My Father's World" - it came highly recommended by my Clemson friends and I am so thankful they shared their love for it with me. I am absolutely loving it. LOVING it!

We made a sun dial...

did you know that the shadow of the stick/pencil matches the time of day it is? (i didn't!)

the boys and I came outside each hour between 10 and 2 and traced the lines of the shadow and saw how it matched the time on the clock. Amazing.

Then. we made raisins!

from grapes. The grapes have been drying for 5 days and are just now beginning to be crinkley and brown. I overheard Wyatt tell a friend today:

"Did you know that just like a caterpillar turns into a butterfly a grape can turn into a raisin?"

So we're doing this fun curriculum - Wyatt and I are in a new place in our relationship - he truly loves learning and enjoys me teaching him. We did not get that much this summer (time for me to stop and give him some time to teach him something) and our relationship was distant. This has been a neat answer to my feeling so distant from him over the summer. He told his daddy that his favorite subject is Math. That was a shocker! I love our Math, too - also highly recommended from my Clemson friends - Math U See Primer. It has blocks that they count with and Walker truly covets the blocks. He can't wait for the day he gets to "play" with them.

Walker will be in preschool 3 days a week beginning next week but I've enjoyed his being a part of "kindergarten". He told someone the other day "I just help out with kindergarten". Wyatt told him one day

"Walker, you are the biggest preschooler I know.

You are doing kindergarten stuff." A few minutes later Walker said.

"Yeah, Wyatt. And did you know that I can kill bears now, too?"

Wyatt concluded the conversation by adding:

"Yeah. And did you know that I can kill a lion with my bare hands?"

I've enjoyed learning new things about Wyatt. Things I never knew about him. Like the way he learns. He is a rule follower. I taught him how to count the blocks on day 1 in Math - and he's not deviated from it since. I've enjoyed seeing Wyatt enjoy learning and being a good student. I've enjoyed Walker's eagerness to be a part of whatever Wyatt is learning/doing. I've loved Lalla being a part, too. Though that is the trickiest - she's been a part of some days. And it's actually gone well.

I know there will be hard days.

But I am so thankful for a very good beginning.

"All things are of Him and through Him and to Him.

To Him be glory forever.

Amen."

Romans 11:36

One Year

What a difference 1 year can make.

We are thankful (me especially) to be here and not a year behind.

We have our daughter.

We have journeyed through another year of seminary.

I can't believe how much difference a year can make. I am thankful to have a one-year-old Lalla. She is sweet, smart, a good eater, loves her brothers, and they love her. She says "Da da, uh-oh, na na (mama) and duh! She's a wonderful sleeper.

We love our Lalla!

this is an excerpt from my journal (a year and 2 days ago - 8/8/10)

"I honestly thought I'd be in labor by now or even have a baby! Wes and I spent the entire night in the hospital only to be sent home. How disappointed I am. I mean really so. I don't even feel many non-painful contractions at the moment. Mom came all the way here, Mary came over - both of which lost a good bit's sleep. And here I sit - labor - LESS. I am so confused - having had many painful contractions work towards...nothing. Ugh. I feel foolish - unaware of what my body is doing and over anxious. Even more so, as if I've inconvenienced everyone! Lord, I'm asking boldly for You to bring labor - real labor - upon my body today! And that this baby would be delivered today!

The Lord brought Lalla into our lives 2 days later.

On her due date.

8/10/10

Here We Are...

Life has been so busy. Its been a really fun summer and there have been lots of things for our family to do - which has been such a gift from the Lord. I thank God for that, too. Again and again. He has provided this unique season in the middle of Wes and my life together - for him to be full time seminary student and devote himself to his studies - and yet provides a summer where the demands of his 2 jobs don't hold him down all summer - we got to travel! With both of our families and it was truly a gift.

That being said, Wes is devoted to a 3 week intensive course - Greek 1. He has been doing well - I'm very proud of him for his hard work and devotion, though I miss him. Its given me time to visualize a little more what our homeschooling days will look like. We've done a little learning time and a lot of play time during the day.

I do look forward to the hope of routine once the fall months arrive - and am trying not to waste away this time of flexibility with my children.

The good news, and the best news is that while I've been neglecting things like this blog, and been busy with my family, I've begun really reading my bible (like I did in college). Where I have t.i.m.e. studying the word. And journaling. I had met with my prayer triad and we asked questions about our bible reading - I left convicted and really determined to change my bible intake. Wanting it better, deeper. So I set out to have 2 really good times like this during the week. Where I get about an hour of prayer, reading God's word, taking notes and journalling. I'm thankful for that. He has provided the time. And the benefit of studying His word.

I'm also happy to report that I'm memorized more of Ephesians (with my friend, Lia). We've completely Eph 4, Eph 5, Eph 6 and we've begun Eph 1. So we're up to having memorized 97 verses. This is an absolute huge accomplishment for me. I never thought I could do it - and I'm encouraged that the Lord has provided this old brain the valuable words of His truth. And they are hidden there and in my heart.

So while I've been gone completely from this world - The Lord has enriched me through His word and through His promises (though days are hard and challenges remain).

He is good.

And always will be.

The McInvilles

We had the treat of spending a weekend with a family we hold dear to our hearts.

We met them (Andy and Rita) a few years ago when Wes began youth ministry work at First Pres in Florence. They have remained faithful friends through the good, the bad and the ugly. They and their daughter, Caroline made the trip up to see us this past weekend!

Rita so lovely documented our time together- that her words for me just say it all.

We love you, McInvilles!

http://hisplanourjourney.blogspot.com/2011/07/hanging-out-with-wes-sage-and-their.htm

The Good and the Bad

playing in the creek (Wyatt)

pre-crawling (Lalla)

after a "Hungry Caterpillar" party at school (Walker)

I believe it was Job who said to his wife after the Lord sovereignly allowed things to be stripped away from his life, of great value (health, children, possessions) when she questioned her husband's faithfulness to the Lord despite His taking away things - it was Job who responded to her by saying...

"Shall we accept the good from the Lord, and not the bad?" (Job 2:10)

I write about the good. No problem.

I don't write about the bad. All that much.

Well as believers (and any person on earth for that matter) there is the good and there is the bad. As believers, we are being sanctified by the Lord with each and every step, crawl and movement we make towards the cross. And it hurts.

I don't like to write about the bad.

Namely, my own bad.

The truth is, I'd rather stay away, not write anything at all on my blog than to write about my bad. Why would anyone want to say "I didn't like the way I did life today."

I didn't like the way I loved my husband. I didn't like the way I parented, or spoke to my children. It's much easier to just not write anything than it is to post about what a terrible person I am. I work hard (and am pretty sure we all do) to uphold an image that is just simply, not true. We are fallen. We are sinful. And we never graduate from grace. (as Rev Dave Kulp put it this morning in his sermon).

We are reliant on God for our salvation.

And we are reliant on God for our sanctification.

Friend, I will tell you. I am sinner being humbled my sin, still. I will never escape that this side of heaven. And my soul longs for that place, heaven, where we will no longer sin, be sick, or sad. I long for the perfection that only being in the very presence of the Father and His Son, Jesus can bring. I strive each and every day for perfection on earth and am disappointed. I cannot be the perfect wife. And I cannot be the perfect mom. I do and will continue to fail. But it is not hopeless for me. Jesus is my hope but He is also my means by whom I humbly rely on.

"All things are of Him, through Him and to Him. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." Rom 11:36

I have thought about blogging several times, but when I'm reminded about the kind of morning I had with my children I quickly think to myself "I don't want to listen to me". I'd rather glean from the Word of God where my hope comes from or from others who are humble and striving for the cross each and every day.

This morning in church we sang these words:

"I take, O cross, the shadow for my abiding place

I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face

Content to let the world go by to know no gain nor loss

My sinful self my only shame, my glory, all the cross."

Upon finishing these sweet words, Wyatt leaned into to my ear and whispered,

"Mommy, that song makes me cry tears.

Happy tears."

We never graduate from grace.

Lately...

we've been busy!

My three little monkeys are keeping me very, very, very busy. In a nutshell since summer began (memorial day weekend) we dropped our little ones at my parents house and took off to Black Mountain for our 10th annual Clemson college friends reunion. This year there were 9 couples that came (sans children - which would have been around 37 kids). It was a very fun and encouraging time for Wes and I. We love our college friends so much. They are all believers and they are all funny. Truly, truly great.

We were home 1 day and then took off to the beach with some dear friends from Florence - the Severance family. Our children played very well together and the parents laughed and encouraged one another. It was a lot of work as family vacations are, but very very fun - the dad took the older kids crabbing one morning and they came back with crab and flounder, which of course we cooked and ate. We went on bike rides, played games, and talked, and laughed.

We were home a few days then took off to Florence for a long weekend (sans kids) to love on Melissa and Tyler for their wedding. Wes and I got to stay with the Marchettes our on their farm with our dear friends, the Finleys (long time friends from Clemson). Such a treat to spend time with so many dear people that weekend. We worked our tails off and had a wonderful time! Wes also helped officiate the ceremony and I was very proud of my man. I was so encouraged hearing him share the Word of God.

We drove back late Saturday night and were home one day before VBS at our church began.

I was able to be a really fun role this year. I had a blast teaching songs, movements, bible verses and bible points to the kids. My own 2 boys were so fun learning the moves with me - Wyatt came up one day and helped me with one of the songs. Walker preferred to stay in the pew, which was completely fine. We all had a blast at VBS and were very encouraged, and very tired afterwards.

We were home for 2 days and Wes left us to lead a mission trip (in Charlotte). He and the youth are staying at our church each night and serving in various organizations and ministries each day. They have FULL schedule and my hubs was tired when I spoke with him but he is having a wonderful time serving together alongside of some awesome students and leaders. They began their first night making 800 sandwhiches. I am still wrapping my head around that.

The kids and I are here in Charlotte this week while Wes is "away" and we are leaving to go to Greenville tomorrow to celebrate my mom and her life. She is having a birthday this week and I feel honored to get to be with her on her special day. I love you, mom. Happy early Birthday!

So that is a bit of what has been up with us. It will slow down next week and I look forward to posting some catch up material. :)

Wink. Wink.

Walker's Question

Today at church, just after we finished our last worship song.

Our worship leader, Jeremy lead us in some responsive reading.

After the congregation responded for the last time, Jeremy began to pray for us...

Just as he was finishing going to the Lord, he said Amen.

In that little silence part before the next part of worship

Walker softly says...

"Mommy, do pirates pray?"

I love my 3 year old named Walker.

Wes' Snake Tale

Because I think the world of my husband and really only for that reason am I going to share this story.

I am not by any means fond of snakes.

I don't even like to talk about them.

But

I have a very manly, masculine husband

and again, I think the world of him.

I think he is brave and I think he is an excellent decision maker when it comes to pressure and stressful situations.

He also has an adventurous heart, which I love.

That being said, his snake tale begins.

So Wes and a few other men took the Uptown church youth boys on a camping trip.

(For what its worth, I was with the youth girls at a hotel having our overnighter)

The boys were hanging out by the water at night doing boy things.

One guy, Patrick is playing with a frog. He spots a snake swimming closely by.

It is a brown water snake (not poisonous).

Wes, moves everyone back away from the water and (because he is who he is) chunks a large rock at the snake.

The rock hits the snake directly and chunks it under water.

A few seconds later the underside of the snake slowly rises to the water.

Dead.

Again, Wes makes sure all are standing back and (because he is who he is) pulls the dead snake out of the water (with a stick.)

Chops the head off.

Buries it (wasn't sure if it was poisonous at this point - it closely resembles a water moccasin)

And wouldn't you know it.

2 frog legs are sticking out of the throat.

Wes (of course) pulls the legs out.

A frog goes hopping off.

It was alive!

Looking more inside of the snake, another frog (alive) is pulled out and hops off.

This continues until a total of 4 alive frogs go hopping off.

Still. more.

There was a dead frog.

Then another one.

And THIS continues until a total of 5 dead frogs are pulled out.

So this snake had eaten 9 frogs before it swam near my husband and his life, would drastically end.

So what does one do at this point?

Well, if you're Wes Andrews you skin it.

So all of the boys skinned this pour snake.

Then what does one do?

Well they each took a section of its skin.

For their keepsake.

And then what?

Wes coiled it up.

Cooked it over a fire.

And they ate it.

A Caterpillar Tale

A few weeks ago, Wyatt caught a caterpillar.

He faithfully fed him fresh leaves each day.

And eventually he named him Walkey.

"Why Walkey?" I asked him one day

He thought it over and gave me a great answer:

"Because he has so many legs."

I thought each day about letting him go. But Wyatt was really treasuring taking care of something he fully had responsibility over. He sought out this creature for his bug kit - and now had the privilege to care for him.

Walkey remained in the bug kit, eating (as the jagged-edged leaves gave away) and seemingly...happy.

One day I asked Wyatt how Walkey was doing

"Oh. He's a cocoon."

Perplexed, I asked more about that when Wyatt brought his bug kit over to me and sure enough, that little creature had buried himself under a leaf and indeed, the beginnings of a cocoon was revealed. Bits of a cotton like substance was on top of the leaf and under it.

Well, we watched and watched. Each day I'd ask Wyatt how our little Walkey was doing.

"He's still a cocoon today."

We placed his little home near our dinner table so that we would not miss his big performance, metamorphosis, transformation!

2 weeks went by. I thought about googling several times to see how much time a cocoon needed.

This morning Wyatt was checking on Walkey and sure enough...

a brown little moth had stepped outside of the "cocooned-leaf".

We all sort of just watched him. He wasn't moving. Almost as if he was catching his breath before his journey continued.

Wes took the top of his container off and said that we should put him outside for when he takes his first flight.

Wyatt grinned and said.

"I'm going to change his name."

"To what?" Wes and I asked

"Flappey. That's his new name."

A few hours later I went outside to check on him.

Flappey was gone.

T and Lalla

A few weeks ago cousins T and Lalla were able to play together. They are sooooooo cute together. I must say.

It's been sweet to get them together at their growing stages. I believe this one so far has been the cutest.

Though I've thought that with each of their meetings :)

They were very curious about each other this time...

Sweet little cousins and friends.

Born 3 weeks apart to the day.

Gentle Friend

For those of you who are close to me,

you know my relationship with Brighty has been

strained

since Wes and I have had children.

But.

As I have taken moments lately to watch this dog with my children.

I must say, he has been a faithful companion in our family.

When Wes and I have been frustrated with him, he has been patient.

He is gentle, in every way.

He lets our children tug, pull, squeeze and rid him.

He welcomes a petting.

I chuckle as I think back to when I was first pregnant with Wyatt and Wes and I read a book on boxers - and how they respond to their owners' babies...

"Boxers will admiringly look up at their owner with the new baby in arms."

That became a phrase I often remembered with each additional child we brought into our home.

Brighty truly is a guard dog. He acts instinctively to this end. In all circumstances.

With each baby we have brought home to our home.

I recall that his guard instincts "heighten" for a few weeks.

It truly is awesome and precious.

How did this furry animal become a part of the family?

I'm not quite sure. But nonetheless, he has.

As much as I've tried to fight his place here, he truly has been a loyal, faithful, kind companion to our household.

I apologize to all of my animal-loving friends. I mean no harm in any way, I am just not that much of a dog person. But I have come to a new place with Brighty.

And I'm thankful that he has remained a very good dog.

Truly. We could not have ever asked for a better animal.

Brighty was Wes' and I's first Christmas gift to one another.

9 years ago.

:)