Five on Friday

1.  I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that Fred was going to have the opportunity to speak in chapel at our Alma Mater, Union University. Last Friday, it happened. And it was a blast! Fred was so impressed with the hospitality of the university leadership and students. We are so thankful for what God is doing at Union, and for what He will do for years to come through the students there. If you'd like, you can listen to Fred's chapel address here.
2.  This week was Helping Hands week for us.  I donated items for the Literacy Council and for our church.  (For those of you not from Paris, Helping Hands is a radio auction that is broadcast from January through the end of February.  Every organization donates items on different days and then people call in and bid.  It is our United Way.  Last year Helping Hands raised $274,000.  It's pretty awesome!)  Well, I made a peanut butter cake from scratch for Monday.  I mean, when I was making it I had my head in the bowl licking the icing (the left overs, of course) it smelled so good.  I was listening for something else and that cake came up.  No one was bidding on it, so I decided I wanted to try it.  I bought it back for $10.  It was worth it!  Here's the recipe if you want to try it.  Just click here.
3.  When we moved to Paris almost eight years ago Clayton had an instant friend in Shannon.  They moved from Paris about 18 months ago.  When they moved it was as if Shannon took a piece of Clayton's heart with her.  After serving in Texas for a year they are back in Tennessee.  WooHoo!!  Her dad sent us a message this week to let us know she decided to make Jesus her Savior.  We are so excited for them!  She will be baptized the first Sunday in March. 

Aren't they precious?!?
4.  The big boys both have bb guns that they shoot at a target in the back yard.  We still have our old sliding glass doors propped against the house when we took them out. (I know, redneck.)  Clayton came running in the other day letting me know one of them was shattered.  I asked Jack if he did it and he said he did not.  Clayton did not do it either.  I told the boys they would not be in trouble if they told the truth, but they would be in trouble if they lied.  Clayton still claimed innocence.  Jack claimed innocence, but did not look very convincing.  After explaining again about telling the truth Jack finally said, "Yeah, it was me."   
5. Andrew has had an ear infection this week.  He has had a pretty short fuse.  It has been interesting.

Five on Friday

1.  It's tax season!  Fred is giddy with excitement.  I'm for real.
2.  Wednesday night was potluck night at church.  I tried a new recipe.  I know better.  It was SO bad I did not take it to church.  I went through the drive thru at KFC and took a bucket of chicken to church.
3.  Clayton's teacher has been out all week with a sick child.  He has been really sad that she's been gone.  However, the sub that he's had gives them candy if they don't get a check on their conduct sheet.  Clayton has gotten candy every day.  This has helped ease the pain from his teacher not being at school.
4.  Jack got new shoes tonight.  He grinned from ear to ear...so did I.  You see, unbeknownst to Jack the shoes that he picked out (Asics) were $19.98.  Not only did they have them in a 2 Wide, they also had them in a 3 Wide.  I bought two pairs.  Yes, I did. 

5.  Andrew loves the movie Air Buddies.  He calls it "dogs" or "my dogs".  Loves it.  He doesn't really sit and watch it.  He just likes for it to be on.  I took the following video right after Jack removed his movie.  I would like to apologize for the runny nose.  He had been crying a lot.  I am hoping to never forget what a precious 2 year old sounds like. Grin.

  

Friends

Saturday I was blessed to meet up with these girls in Nashville.  I have called these girls (one not pictured) friends since the nursery at West Jackson Baptist Church (minus Mel...she joined us in the 9th grade).  Since Carrie and her husband are moving from the Nashville area to serve at a church outside of Atlanta, Georgia.  We had to meet to give her a farewell party.  Hopefully, we will all get together over Labor Day for a little Just Dance on the Wii.  Look out Linz, I think Mel has been practicing.

These friends are one of the biggest blessings God has given me.  Our lives have taken different, but similar paths.  We've seen heartache and joy together.  There is no group of women on this earth that "gets me" like they do.  I pray for my boys to have friends like this.  God has continued to bless me with friends (of all ages) throughout this journey and for that I am grateful, but I am also eternally grateful that God has allowed me to stay connected with these girls.  The older I get the more I realize just how rare they are.

Story Hour

As you'll recall Andrew went to his first Story Hour last week.  He was pretty reserved and timid.  This week he explored a little more and ventured away from my lap.  Ms. Donna always puts out toys and one thing she has had since Clayton started going to Story Hour is a fire truck.  Clayton and Jack both loved it.  Would you believe Andrew made a bee-line for it and played with it most of the morning?!?  How funny!  He was a little shy this week during songs and story time, but he totally got in to the craft...stickers.  If there is one craft thing we love around here it's a sticker.  He was SO proud of his project.  Our little friend, we'll call him W, is sitting next to Andrew. 

 Once Story Hour was over we walked over to the main office to check the PTO box with W and his mom.  Upon walking into the office Andrew saw Leigh, walked right up to her and said, "I have some candy?!?"  Of course she gave him some.  This is getting to be his habit.  I could be wrong, but I don't think Mrs. Leigh minds. 

Five on Friday

1.  Fred has been asked to speak at chapel at our Alma mater, Union University.  I'm pretty excited to go back for a chapel service.  Any current Union students out there that would like for me to scan your student id?!?  hahaha...just kidding.  I never did that, nor did I have anyone else do it for me.  Never.
2.  Remember my New's Years Resolution?!?  Well, I started counting January 3rd and at the end of the month I had done 42 loads of laundry.   Fred said that didn't sound like too many.  I was ready with a snarky comment such as, "How many loads have you done or folded", but then I was reminded that we are a team.  Although, if we weren't a team the score would be:  Jennifer-42, Fred-0.  But, we are a team. ;-)
3. I saw a group of boys Clayton's age acting ugly to one another this week.  I asked Clayton about it and he said they just acted that way.  I then asked him if he played with them and he told me no.  Then he said, "They are always fighting and I'm afraid if I play with them I'll get caught in the middle of a fight and get in trouble."  Ahhh, he's been listening. 
4.  Fred and Clayton were talking about collecting coins.  Jack was in the back seat and quiet.  He then piped up and said he would like to start a collection of ice cream and donuts.  Clayton told him it was not possible.  Jack said he would at least like to try!  Ha!
5.  Andrew went to story hour for the first time.  He was a little timid, but I grateful for the opportunity I have to take him to meet some new friends.  He is a little clingy with me (and Fred).  I really worried with this with the big boys, but somehow it doesn't bother me as much with him.