Playing Hooky

 

My conscience has been killing me, so I'm just going to confess that John Thomas and I skipped school and went to Dollywood with Aunt Sarah and Lola.  Okay, so I don't even feel a little guilty because we had SO MUCH FUN!  We got to ride the Ferris Wheel, the bumble bees, the pigs, the ducks and John Thomas is actually big enough to ride the River Rampage!  He held my hand the whole time, but we had a blast!  Even after fluffing Lola's hair and putting a bow on the top of her head, she came up about a millimeter short (it didn't help her cause that she ducked every time they went to measure her).  Next time we go, I'm anticipating that we'll all be laughing and squealing our way down the river.    

 These two little buddies are so cute together!  I envision them being buddies for a long time to come, just like their Mommas.  And yes, Lola rocked those oh-so-trendy shades all day long!

Beside school finally wrapping up, the other big news is that my book is (un)officially out!  The official release date is August 7, but because I know the author--I'm able to get my hands on a few copies early.  In fact, the first batch that the publisher sent me is already gone!  I hope there is still some interest though, because I have another batch coming this week!  I have ONE BIG FAVOR to ask, if you haven't already done it, will you go to http://www.facebook.com/LiveYourFaithEveryday?ref=tn_tnmn and like the link. It just helps get the word out there and I really appreciate it!  Also, if you are interested in having your very own copy, and you live out of town, all you have to do is click the Paypal link on the top right hand corner of this page.  For all of you who have already showed your support, I cannot tell you how much it means to me.  I pray that someone else's LYFE will change through this experience :).  

 Our garden has also been keeping us pretty busy, not to mention it's a great excuse to play in the sprinkler :).  Every year I try a new veggie.  In the past I have had zero success in growing watermelons, cantaloupes, or eggplant.  But this year I planted some bibb lettuce, and so far it's looking perfect!

If all of our excitement weren't enough to write home (or a blog) about, my parents are also in town.  It has been nothing short of wonderful to have them around!  I hope that everyone has a safe and spectacular Memorial Day tomorrow!

Having a Ball!

Apparently bigger really is better!  John Thomas has opted to replace his average-sized bath time fare for his super gigantic bouncy ball.  I wouldn't be surprised if Chester doesn't end up joining him for bath time before too long :).

Have you ever been scared that you were going to run out of gas?  Well, I think the picture speaks for itself.  I was about 8 miles from finding out how many friends it would take to push a Ford Explorer to the gas station.  In all my busyness and running around, I forgot to take care of the most obvious need--fuel.  I guess that's kinda like faith sometimes.  I just get so busy doing life that I forget to make sure that I take time to refuel my faith tank.  Thank goodness God's fuel is free and endless and, yes, I have needed a friend or two to help push me His way.  

I just want to take a moment to wish every single mother in my life a very special day.  To my Mom, thank you so much for always knowing what I need.  To Gay, thank you for being like a mom to me in every way.  To my friends who are mothers or getting ready to be mothers to more babes, I love each and every one of you.  You are all beautiful women and amazing mothers and this little slice of the world is a better place because of the love you share.

Better Late Than Never

So Spring is officially in full bloom around the Kirkpatrick homestead!  For all four of my blog followers, I deeply apologize for being tardy on this week's blog.  We have incredibly busy! The hedges are trimmed, the flowers have been planted, the garden is installed, the yard has been mowed (twice) and I can barely move my fingers enough to type this blog.  Just kidding!

I have the cutest little yard hand ever!  Thanks to Nana Gay, he has all the tools necessary to help me work around the flower beds and garden.  However, he spends more time hiding in the bushes and looking for worms than about anything else.  

Look at this lil slugger enjoying the freshly groomed lawn!  Seriously, I see the Big Leagues in his future...or maybe just little league :).

We also threw a surprise baby shower for Kim!  Baby Kason will be here any minute and we are all so excited to meet him!

Confession time.  John Thomas ended up crawling into his splash pool.  I ended up taking off all his clothes and he spent the rest of the afternoon playing naked around the yard.  I'm sure the neighbors were wondering about my little cherub who was marking his territory on every bush and flower in the yard.

Here is Exhibit A from John Thomas' streaking extravaganza.  Please don't judge me.  

 Not sure what the boys are up to here.  It's probably a mixture of bug hunting and just plain silliness.

After a long, hard day working in the yard, it's time to rest.  And, if you're a two year old, silly boy, that means you find the most cozy bush and plop right down in the middle of it.  Oh the mind of a toddler!