Thursday's "Colson-ism". . . .
As I was typing away this morning, Colson was busily coloring next to me when he stopped and said, "mom, you don't even have to look at the keyboard to type that fast. How did you learn how to do that?. . . . . . WHOA! mom, you're fast." (he shows me how fast with his hands on an imaginary keyboard) I then proceeded to tell him how I learned how to type, way back in high school. He then asks, "how old were you?. . . .do they still teach that today?"

I don't think he has ever paid much attention to my typing skills before, he is usually busy talking or playing. But this morning, without any other sound but the keyboard clicking away, he was impressed with my typing abilities; so much so that he stopped several times to watch my fingers move across the keyboard.

Now he's busily coloring and singing, "play that funky music whiteboy. . . . " he isn't quiet very often, actually its a rare experience! Seriously, we always make comment on how he and Branden were cut from the same mold. Den and I call him Scottie Jr! Gotta love 'em both because they sure make things happen in this family!!!!

~~Last night Den and I were able to slip away, without kids, for a little alone time. We decided to go to one of the area's parks. The setting was beautiful, freshly fallen summer rain, gorgeous green grass, lush tress, and the smell of wet earth. Love it! We found a serene setting and parked. It'a not very often we can leave the chaos of home and enjoy a quiet moment together. We were able to pray and share. What a blessing to have a husband who goes before the throne of grace for me and our family. I love hearing him pray and it blesses my heart to hear him pray for each of our children. There are many times that praying, for my family, is overwhelming for me; 12 children, some with spouses, one with kids; as a parent we only want the best for our children, yet I tend to forget to ask God what He "wants" for them and what He sees is "best" for them. So, we sat there with our heads bowed, in our car, sharing our hearts with our Heavenly Father.It was awesome! I can't wait to do it again. There is something about praying with your spouse, your bestfriend, that just can't be matched with anyone else~~

What a great thunderstorm we received

late this afternoon. I love the thunder and

lightening and to top it off we were

blessed with a double rainbow.

We could see the full arc of one and

the beginning and end (with a faint

spray of color in the middle on

the top one).

How awesome and beautiful!

Lunch-time "Colson-ism"

. . . .I wonder what it feels like to

be a bug and have somebody "flick" you!

Pay-if forward Contest

Since I won the pay-if-forward contest off

of Jenn's "always an adventure" blog I have

been racking my brains trying to think of

an awesome give-away. Bear with me

hear, I am working on it and haven't forgotten,

it will be posted in a few days.

So stay tuned. . . . .

When I got home from class today I found this

awesome little package in the mail from someone

I did not know. I was excited to open it and found

these sweet little soaps and the nicest card ever.

The soaps came from "Mud Puddle Girl" via

Heidi Bott. Thanks Heidi, for giving up your

give-away for me. What a great gift and I

appreciate your thoughtfulness with

the "pampering" and all!

I am anxious to use them but am going

to wait until I have some time alone,

maybe when Den and I go away

for our anniversary.

AHHHH. . . . thats a perfect time!

Wilson's Art work

every month we get a great piece of art from

Wilson. Here is a sample of the great artwork

he has been sending us.

Thanks Wilson!

(and mom too)

Victoria loves this little dog, OX.

She thinks he is her personal playmate!

Jacqueline and Victoria loving on each other
Every night this week we have had a couple

fly by on their 4-wheeler. Colson loves

watching them zip by and they always

wave to him. Here he is, with Victoria

waiting for them to ride by again!

Miss Houdini

our little escape artist

Victoria lovin' on Oxford
This afternoon I just happened to walk by the

back door and something caught my eye. . . .

a tiny little girl wiggly toe!!! I looked out the door

and saw Victoria sitting right next to the door

playing with her brothers squirt gun and

petting Scotties dog, Oxford!

Of course a thousand scenarios run through

your mind after the fact!

Now, not only do we have to keep the bathroom

doors closed, the study doors closed, but we

have to make sure our screen door is constantly

locked so our little miniature "Houdini"

cannot escape!

Colson, Jacqueline and Brennan

enjoying some 4th of July fun!

balloons. . . ready. . . .set. . . . throw!

We sat outside this evening watching the kids hit baseballs and jump on the trampoline. The air is brisk and cool here, like a fall evening, definitely weird for July 3rd. Here are a few shots of the kids at play.

Our little "Keebler Elf" is 21!

Happy Birthday Bryan!

We love you and are so proud of you!

What a gift you are to us!