Diamond Rio - In God We Still Trust Music Video

This video reflects everything I feel about this country. Today as we have an extra day off from work, let us truly remember the soldiers who still fight for this cause. Thank you for the bravery and the sacrifices shown and made so that I can continue to worship THE God-- MY God-- the same God that this nation was founded under. Thank you soldiers-- past, present, and future. You give up so much for the cause.

And today at 3 p.m., it has been asked that people all across the country have a moment of silence to reflect or pray for the soldiers who have died in action.

Happy Memorial Day!!!!

Let us not forget the reason we have tomorrow off from work. It's not about cookouts and food and beer and margaritas. It's to honor those that died fighting for our freedom. Thank you for those who's blood was shed on the battlefield for MY freedom. Thank you for those who have ever served. Thank you to those currently serving. And thank you to the families who also sacrifice so much. You are each and everyone a hero to me. God bless you!!!!!!!


It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.
George S. Patton

Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.
Douglas MacArthur

Part of the American dream is to live long and die young. Only those Americans who are willing to die for their country are fit to live.
Douglas MacArthur

They died hard, those savage men - like wounded wolves at bay. They were filthy, and they were lousy, and they stunk. And I loved them.
Douglas MacArthur

Whether in chains or in laurels, liberty knows nothing but victories.
Douglas MacArthur

We never should, and I am sure, never shall be niggard of gratitude and benefaction to the soldiers who have endured toil, privations and wounds, that the nation may live.
--August 10, 1863-- Abraham Lincoln

After the chaos and carnage of September 11th, it is not enough to serve our enemies with legal papers.
George W. Bush

America is a Nation with a mission - and that mission comes from our most basic beliefs. We have no desire to dominate, no ambitions of empire. Our aim is a democratic peace - a peace founded upon the dignity and rights of every man and woman.
George W. Bush

I believe that God has planted in every heart the desire to live in freedom.
George W. Bush

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.
Ronald Reagan

Let us be sure that those who come after will say of us in our time, that in our time we did everything that could be done. We finished the race; we kept them free; we kept the faith.
Ronald Reagan

Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.
Ronald Reagan

We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we will always be free.
Ronald Reagan

When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat.
Ronald Reagan

Happy weekend!

Chad and Brennan waiting on our pizza at Chuck E Cheese's.

He's ready to GO PLAY!!!

Having so much fun.

He couldn't figure this thing out. It was so funny!

Ethan helping Mama make some salsa!

Having some fun in the sun.

The storm clouds went all the way around us, but never came upon us.

His black eye and his Dr. Pepper.

Ethan in deep conversation with MiMi.

Brent and Melissa got engaged. I told her to pose so we could see her ring!

Melissa bringing Ethan to me after he made a dirty diaper. The cute ones always get handed off when they smell.

Relaxing with the family.

Ethan was naked for awhile after we took his dirty diaper off. I didn't post any naked booty pictures on the internet, but there are some cute ones I'll pull out for special occasions like his first date or his wedding video.

This is my typical Motherly look. I think I was giving it to Brennan.

Getting ready for bed. Ethan loves, loves, loves this book.

New Orleans....

Yesterday we took the boys to New Orleans to see the Aquarium of the Americas. Chad and I haven't been since before Katrina, but had heard it is still as nice after they repaired the damage and replaced the sea life.

The 5 minutes Ethan was allowed out of the stroller. We needed a leash.

Brent and Brennan. (My brother and his girlfriend, Melissa, went with us.)

Chad and the boys watching the fish.

Ethan was really mad he had to be put back in the stroller.

Brennan is having fun.

Brennan and me petting the stingray. Slimy, but they sure did like to be petted. They were like dogs who wanted attention.

Brent and Melissa.

We couldn't leave out of the store without this ball. I think Ethan is going to be our ballplayer.

We had lunch at Margaritaville. We are such Jimmy Buffett fans in our family.

Ethan got a little wild in Margaritaville.

So, there's kind of a story behind this chair at Margaritaville: Chad took me as a surprise weekend trip on our one year wedding anniversary. They had a Polaroid camera and were taking pictures of tourists. Chad and I had our picture made sitting in this chair. As a matter of fact, it's framed on the top of our fridge to this day. The only difference was the chair was inside in the store instead of outside.

And here is ANOTHER difference 7 years later.....

Words of wisdom....

Some good advice a sweet friend gave to me a few minutes ago while I was upset about something. I wanted to post it and remember it because I think it's awesome.

It's okay to have a "pity party" but remember one thing...God allows some people to come into our life for only a short time and then they move on because whatever it was that God intended them to contribute to our life or us to theirs has been accomplished. Then there are those that come into our life and never leave because God knows that we need them and they need us. Don't mourn the lose for long because God is in control and knows what we need.

What to do on our "vacation"

So, I've been brainstorming. Chad and I have decided on a few things we are going to do this week while the family is all together.

#1. Shiloh Park. The city of Brandon opened up a new splash park last year, and our intentions were to go last summer. Well, we never made it, but had some friends who did and thought it was GREAT. I think the boys would be in water park heaven.

#2. Road trip to New Orleans. Chad and I haven't been since before Katrina. As a matter of fact, we haven't been since our one year anniversary 7 years ago. I've been told the aquarium is as good as it was before it was damaged 5 years ago. Chad and I can't afford a big trip this year, but New Orleans for a day would be a good getaway. I think the boys would love to see all the fish. And there's lots of good food to be found that way.

#3. Memorial Day party. My youngest brother will be home this week from where he is stationed before he boards a ship for several months. Today I was at the Dollar Tree and they had the CUTEST red,white, and blue decorations and party supplies. I bought tinsel, leis, napkins, a banner, and I want to go back and do some more "damage." We also ordered some smoked pork and ribs from Crossgates Baptist since they are trying to raise money for their Nicaragua trip. And I have LOTS of new recipes I want to try out. I need to fatten my brother up before he goes back to his base.

I'm really looking forward to this week. Hopefully we will be successful in our adventures!

Let the summer vacation begin!

Brennan and Ethan riding in the Jeep. Notice Ethan's hair. And also, Ethan is on the driver's side, but somehow Brennan is driving. I'm already dreading the day they get their licenses.

Brennan's flowers he picked out and planted. The pink ones he picked out for me.

My Mother's Day hibiscus tree from my grandfather.

Brennan and his grill.

Just like Daddy.

So I went outside yesterday evening to water my plants and this is what I discovered. Of course, the pictures don't do it justice. It was so awesome and so peaceful. Maybe after a stressful day God was still trying to show me how Mighty he is.

I came home this afternoon and the boys were in full summertime swing. The trampoline was almost put together and the boys were so excited.

Chad got the first jump. Notice the huge grin on his face.

The boys were ready for their turn.

Brennan got the second jump.

Now all 3 of them were having fun.

Now it's Mama's turn.

Yes, I need a spray tan.

We also put up the boy's pool today.

Hopefully they will sleep GOOD tonight.

Brennan finally got himself in timeout.

And I guess he got bored in timeout.

Then Ethan started digging in the trash.

Sweet face.

He was trying to wear Daddy's hat, and he couldn't figure out why there was a big hole in the top.

So he just wore it around his neck.

Dixie had to have a bath. I don't like smelly dogs in my house.

She is giving me a dirty look.

Having so much fun!

Monday marks the beginning of our "vacation" week. Chad is off work, I am off work, and Brennan is out of school. (Technically his last day of school is Monday, but since Chad and I will be on our "vacation", I am NOT getting out of bed for 2 hours of school.) And Brennan has a doctor appointment Monday morning. I'm trying to think of something fun to do that is affordable next week. Also, my youngest brother is coming home from where he is stationed and will be spending the week home.