Montana Here We Come!

I Feel Loved

Coleman: Mommy, take me to the bathroom because I love you!
Mommy: OK, since I love you.
Coleman: I love you!
Mommy: I love you more!
Coleman: No, I love you more!
Mommy: More than what?
Coleman: More than... a monster truck!
Mommy: Wow! You must really love me a lot.
Coleman: Yeah. I really like monster trucks. They're (this is the noise he made while playing his air guitar) ner ner ner ner ner ner!!!
Mommy: And you love me more than monster trucks?
Coleman: Yeah.

Now that makes me feel loved! Then he stood there and watched the pee pee bubbles pop. This is his new thing. Spence was behind him looking into the potty saying, "Bubbles. Bubbles." Then Coleman flushed and said, "Bye bubbles. See you next time!" What a hoot. I think it's safe to say this is just a boy thing. I rarely, if ever, talk to stuff in the toilet.

Look What's Going On In Our Neighborhood Today

We must be the chosen people. Not only did we get power restored a mere 16 hours after the storm, but we're already getting our debris picked up. There are still people without power several neighborhoods over. I feel so guilty!

I took the boys out to watch these guys operate the truck. Coleman thought they were the coolest guys with the coolest truck. He may have chosen a new career path. I got to talk to the guy who wasn't operating the "big claw" for a while. They are from Honey Grove, Texas (close to Sherman, which is between Dallas and the OK border). They own several of these trucks and go whenever they get a call. They've even been to Buffalo, NY. I wanted to ask why our neighborhood was so special to be one of the first to get their services, but I didn't. If you remember, the mayor lives across the street and one house over, so I'm sure that doesn't hurt.

Yesterday we went to the mall to do a little shopping and playing. I had several pairs of jeans and a few shirts hanging from the stroller to take into the dressing room. Coleman, in his not-so-quiet voice, said, "Mommy, why are you stealing all this stuff?!?" What would make him think that? Luckily it was a slow day, so I'm sure mall security was able to keep an eye on me. My mom would tell you that's my payback for something I did probably about 28 years ago. She tells me we were in a store and all of a sudden I yelled, "Please Momma don't hit me!!!" She was horrified. I always thought that was a funny story, but now I can sympathize a little more.

Welcome to Wal-Mart

The pictures below are of our Wal-Mart. Brian says it looked like the Apocalypse! If the Apocalypse smells like rotten shrimp, then maybe it was! I went to a Kroger today that had almost everything. I was able to get milk, turkey from the deli, and frozen chicken. Many people around here still don't have power, so we are extremely blessed. Click on the pictures to get a better view of nothing!

Around Town

Last night we ventured out to the main highway to survey the damage.

For those who are familiar with our area, this is in front of Joann's Fabric and across from Kroger.

This is in front of Dollar Tree and Incredible Pizza.

This is the same parking lot just a little further down.

It looks like Big Lots is safe! They boarded up pretty well.

There were trees like this down in all the parking lots.

Pictures of Ike

I've evacuated (Rita in '05), and now I've sheltered in place. I have to tell you last night was not fun, but it was more fun than being stuck in the car for 16 hours with an eight month old and two dogs, lost in rural Southeast Texas without a map, passing gas station after gas station with no gas, wondering if we would be sitting on a dirt road while Hurricane Rita passed over us. We are so blessed to be safe and have such minimal damage. I know there are others who have lost everything, including a loved one. Please keep them in your prayers. Here are some pictures of our neighborhood.

Yesterday I was out getting some last minutes supplies and had to take a picture of our Petco.

This was what it looked like out our front door this morning.

Our neighbor to the right lost some boards.

This is one side of our backyard...

...and this is the other (kind of dark, one section of the fence is down).

Some siding blew off.

The neighbors rallied together to help the family across the street clear their fallen trees.

Brian working his chainsaw.

Another house on our street with big limbs down.

The following are some pictures from other streets and the lake in our neighborhood.

Ike's Gone

Ike is out of our area, but I'm afraid he's moving on to bother some of my dear friends. I pray that none of you get too much rain and stay safe. Thank you all for your prayers. And thank you Theresa and Jason for keeping everyone updated. Our two main concerns were that a branch would fly through our bedroom window or the boys would be up all night scared. Neither of those happened. Thank you Lord! Please keep the people of the coast, especially Galveston, in your prayers. I'll post some pictures of our neighborhood later.

God Is On Our Side

I chose the title for this post because of the pen I was using to do my Bible study this morning. I didn't even realize what pen it was until I was almost done and just happened to look down and see what was written on it: Nationwide Is On Your Side. Nationwide is our insurance company and that's their slogan. Good to know they're on our side. They actually called yesterday with a message about reporting any damage. But how much greater to know that God is on our side. That's what today's post is about.

Before I let Coleman turn on the TV this morning we sat down to read from his little devotional book. I opened it to September 12, and the title was "Safe at Sea." The thought for the day was "I can trust God to take care of me, just like Paul did when he was at sea." We talked about the storm and how it might rain hard and the wind might blow hard, but we can trust God to take care of us. Then a little later I sat down to do my Bible study. Today's lesson was entitled "My Refuge." The author had me look up some of the most wonderful verses. Here are a few:

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth
give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalm 46:1-3

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy
on me,
for in you my soul takes refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.
Psalm 57:1

Then she asked the question: If you could take refuge in God in the middle of one situation right now, which would it be? At the end of the study she suggested memorizing Psalm 46:1 and repeating it often throughout the day: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Thankfully I have that one memorized! I believe I will be claiming it today!

What a mighty God we serve! That He would make a point to have me in this Bible study and make it so relevant for what is going on in my life today just amazes me. That He cares for my small children and wants to comfort them. His hand is on this storm. He can choose to calm it, or be with us as we endure it, just like any storm that life brings.

Thank you for your prayers. Remember, if we lose power I'll try to get a message to Theresa to post on her blog.

Pik the Penguin's Pee Pee in the Potty

This is the potty that is on the floor in the Pik boy's bathroom.

This is the penguin that sits on the potty that is on the floor in the Pik boys' bathroom.

This is the pee pee that came from the penguin that sits on the potty that is on the floor in the Pik boys' bathroom.

These are the proud parents who saw the pee pee that came from the penguin that sits on the potty that is on the floor in the Pik boys' bathroom.

Yea Spence! Just know we don't expect it to happen again soon, but we are very proud of you! What a big boy! And thank you Coleman for being such an inspiring big brother!

(In case you can't tell, that's a penguin towel he's wearing.)

Uh Oh

Well folks, it looks like we're about to get hit by a hurricane. We live far enough from the coast that we are not too concerned about flooding. We could have some wind damage and worst of all lose power. I had a doctor appointment this morning to have some bloodwork done (just to see if my thyroid medication is helping). As I pulled up to the office, men were boarding up the windows with plywood. Then inside, one of the doctors was taking all her diplomas and certificates off the walls and loading them into her car! I began to realize this might be a serious storm! After I left the doctor, I stopped by the grocery store to buy some extra water and a few snacks. (Brian will be eating freeze dried lasagna, but I'll be eating M&Ms and Oreos!) There were people waiting by the door for shopping carts. I decided I could stuff my snacks in my reusable Kroger bag and carry a case of water, case of Coke, and bag of ice. Sadly, not one single man offered to help me to my car as I walked out loaded down with all of that. I guess chivalry dies in the face of impending disaster.

I joke around because life would be a bore without a sense of humor, but in all seriousness, please keep the Texas coast in your prayers. There are mandatory evacuations for those who live on the coast, but our area has been told to "shelter in place." Please keep my parents in your prayers too. They live in Matagorda County probably about 20-30 miles inland from Matagorda Bay. Ike is projected to make landfall between Matagorda Bay and Galveston Bay. They boarded up their windows yesterday and plan to stay there if they can.

I also cannot let today pass without making mention of the date: September 11th. My prayers go out to all the people who lost someone on this day seven years ago. I am especially thinking of our military and their families today and thanking God for their sacrifices. And it also makes me remember to say a special prayer for our upcoming presidential election.

I know so many of you are keeping us in your prayers and will want to know that we're alright after the storm hits. If we do lose power I'll try to get a message out to my friend Theresa and see if she'll post on her family's blog for us. Click here to link to their blog. Thanks so much for all your prayers! Gotta go "hunker down!"

***Just overheard on the local news***

"Be sure to have a handheld can opener because if the power goes out, your electric can opener will not work." I hope they keep those life-saving tips coming all day!

Coleman's Good Ideas

It is H-O-T here. It's expected in the summer, but I feel like come September 1st, a cool front should come through and not leave! Oh well, I should be used to this by now. Coleman wanted to go to a park that has a soccer field today after school. It was so hot, that we only played soccer for about 5 minutes, then played on the playground for about 3 minutes. I think I got 3rd degree burns going down the slide with Spence. As we were leaving Coleman said, "They should put that in a building." My thoughts exactly! We also discussed another option:

Mommy: You know where I want to go to the park?
Coleman: Where?
Mommy: Montana!
Coleman: We should go when we're at Grandma and Grandpa's!
Mommy: What a good idea!

Poor Spence was too lethargic from the heat to comment.

These Little Boys of Mine

Coleman had his first visit to the dentist today! He told Brian tonight that the dentist was cool. That's good! He did really well. At first I didn't think he was going to open his mouth, but the hygienist was really good and finally got a smile then a wide-open mouth from him. He didn't even complain when she took the little pointy tool and scraped off plaque. No cavities! Spence enjoyed watching, so hopefully he'll be ready in a few years. Speaking of Spence, he's really turning into a little talker. He can tell me what he wants to eat, which is usually bowl chereal, daddy (cookie), or a mess bar (messy bar is what we call the Zone nutrition bars because they are covered with chocolate and make a big mess). I got a cute video of him today asking for mo mess bar. I'll see if Brian can get it posted for me soon.

Mommy and Spence singing the hits at bedtime!

Mommy: This little light of mine
Spence: Mine!
Mommy: I'm gonna let it shine
Spence: Shine!
Mommy: This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
Spence: Shine!
Mommy: Let it shine
Spence: Shine!
Mommy: Let it shine, let it shine.
Spence: Shine!

Another important fact about today. Coleman got in trouble at the dentist office (unrelated to being at the dentist and fully related to taking out his frustrations with Spence inappropriately). His punishment was no TV, DVDs, or videos today. I thought of the implications of this before I sentenced him, but I knew that would have the most impact on him, even if it made the day a little harder for me. It turned out fine. Coleman had another lack of self-control moment at home and was sent to his room. He hates this punishment. Today's lesson in my Wisdom for Mothers Bible study said that the first place I should look for answers to mothering dilemmas is in God's Word. Man, I was thinking of looking on Focus on the Family, then maybe asking the moms on my online mom's board. God's word has all the answers. I felt ashamed that I hadn't gone to His Word first. I remembered a passage in Ephesians about families and turned there. After the part about children obeying their parents, Ephesians 6:4 says

...bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

This simple verse spoke to me of the importance of me getting up and having my quiet time in the morning, then doing a devotional time with the boys. I'm going to try this tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.

We ended the day on a high note. Brian promised Coleman if he was good for the dentist, they would play GoBots (1980s toys like Transformers ordered from Ebay) and make water balloons. They had so much fun. What a blessing to have a loving, fun Daddy! And what a blessing to have a loving Heavenly Father who cares about our every dilemma and has every answer we need.

Watch It Coleman!

Spence did something new today: told on his brother! He was crying and said, "Hit... Spence." So Coleman has to be careful now because Spence can tattle. Things are about to get more interesting around here.

I've felt kind of guilty because I've been changing up the boys' routine. They started a new school and are going on different days than they're used to, and today we went to a new church for Bible study. I know it's not that big of a deal, but I just hated to throw so many changes at them at once. They've handled it well so far! Luckily, they were happy to see me when I picked them up yesterday. Coleman told me all about his day: he went to music and sang a song about a monkey and a crocodile, played on the new playground, had cheese balls for snack (and he doesn't like them), made a new friend - the boy with the yellow shirt - because he's nice, played with playdough (though he's not sure what he made), and he's still shy around his teachers. Spence didn't elaborate quite as much. When I asked what he did at school he said, "Play." As for the new Bible study church, they were excited to get to their classes this morning. When I went to pick them up Coleman was NOT ready to leave. He displayed some inappropriate behavior. Luckily, the Bible study I'm taking is called Wisdom for Mothers from Motherwise. I am so excited about this study! I can hardly wait to get started.

Today I was reading Coleman a book about Mama and baby animals. The first page showed a polar bear and its Mama. Coleman said, "Where's the Daddy Bear?" I told him the book was just about the Mommies. He said, "Maybe the Daddy's at a meeting." He's funny, but he's smart too. Today he said, "Come look at my reflection in the window." We looked at it, then he told me, "It's mean."

Coleman and Spence after their first day of school

At the park today

Coleman helping Spence up

This duck family came to the playground looking for food

What sweet baby ducks!

First Day At Their New School

Today was the first day of Mother's Day Out at the boys' new school. My baby didn't even get upset when I started to leave. He just smiled at me and said, "Bye!" and kept on playing. Not that I wanted him to cry, but it just made me realize how much he's growing up. Coleman had no problem with me leaving either. I really am glad that they don't get upset when I leave them. But the best part is that they'll be happy to see me and yell, "Mommy!" when I go back to pick them up. At least I hope they will!

Spence in his new classroom

Wishing I'd leave already so he could play

Coleman and a new friend

The hall was decorated so cute I had to take a picture