Much anticipated photo shoot with Aunt Elizabeth

Our boys have been in Memphis this week and they met up with Aunt Liz and her camera. She just posted some of the pictures of the boys. Check them out! They are amazing...the pictures and my boys...but mainly the pictures!!

To view the pictures click here.

Zach's Blog

Seeing as how we have every other blog on blogspot listed under "Other Blogs We Like to Read," I don't know how we overlooked one of my favorite guys on the planet. If you haven't already, check out my brother-in-law, Zach's, blog on the right. He's a solid man who loves God with all his heart, and treats my sister with the respect and love she deserves (actually with more than she deserves--thank goodness :)). Thanks Zach. Happy blogging.

What do you mean I'm not mother of the year?!?

Apparently I am in a constant quest of the Mother of the Year award. I got out of the shower and did not hear Jack in the house (Clayton was asleep). I called his name and he was in the living room. This is what I found... You can't see this one well, but he has three cookies stacked in his hand about to take a bite.
I don't know how many cookies he ate before I got to him, but it was quite a few. Oh well...at least I didn't have to go in our front yard while in a towel and bring him inside!! Who knew Jack could open a door!?! I guess I'll strive for Mother of the Year another day!!

Clayton's progress

Clayton wanted to jump off the diving board the other day without his life jacket. Unfortunately I did not have my video camera, but not today. I was armed and ready!! He has really come a long way. I am so proud of him. And don't worry Mom and Janice, Melody and I were sitting on the edge of the pool ready to dive in if the need were to arise!!

Lawn mowing clothes and popcicles

Fred and I were outside mowing/doing yard work while the boys were napping. I ran inside for something and heard, "Honey!" Needless to say Jack was awake!! When I walked in his room he was pointing to the window and saying, "Dat my daddy!!" I guess all the commotion in Jack's room woke up Clayton and before I knew it we were all outside. We got some new popcicles and Clayton had to have one, which made Jack want one, which made me and Fred want one. Before I knew it we were all sitting enjoying popcicles. I had to grab my camera to capture this precious moment. Also, Fred took a picture of me to prove that I now own "lawn mowing clothes"!! This one goes out to my dad and my brother...

I've been tagged...

1. WHAT DID YOU DO 10 YEARS AGO? Ten years ago? I was in college at Union, dating Fred and living with Meg and Melody. I think this was the summer that Fred started in youth ministry. We may have taken our first group to youth camp. Yes, that's right. Fred was 21 and I was 20. We took three teenagers in a borrowed van to Florida for youth camp...how funny!!
2. FIVE ITEMS ON YOUR TO-DO LIST TODAY: Take the boys swimming, meet Jerry and Patsy for lunch (a Wednesday tradition), cook hamburgers for VBS tonight, vacuum my house, go to VBS
3. SNACKS I ENJOY: any carb...but I try not to snack!
4. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE A BILLIONAIRE? tithe (would I be the pastor's favorite or what?!?), put new windows in our house, pay off our house, adjust our daily budget (Fred and I would probably change our $10 a week allowance to $20!!), bump up our retirement and college savings, buy Fred a new Jeep Wrangler, take the enitre Shackelford family (including my boys) to see Dan and Tami in Central Asia, take a trip with just Fred, take a trip with the Merwin side of the family, buy myself a new car, invest 20 million to have to live off the interest and then with the remaining $979,846,392 I would definitely try to change the world!!

I tag…….. Katie, Melody and Tami!!

If you have been tagged recently and you don’t wish to join in on the fun, please don’t feel obligated! Here Are the Rules: Answer the following questions about yourself. At the end of the post you pass on the questions to some other bloggers and list their names. Then write them a comment telling them that they’ve been tagged and ask them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know that you’ve accepted the challenge and refer to your post.

Water Party!

Fred had the great idea to set up a water party in the backyard for the boys. It was loads of fun for them. You will notice in the picture that there is a dog present. For those of you who know me well, don't pass out...it does not belong to us!! We are dog-sitting Poco while Fred and Renee are visiting with Dan and Tami. I think Poco is really having a fun time!

Fred got the slip and slide (thank you Noah and Luke) and the sprinkler (thank you Fred and Renee) set up while Jack was still asleep. Clayton was all over it!! Once Jack woke up he had to get used to the idea, but he soon caught on. Hope you all enjoy the pictures!