Rubies and Pearls

First Day of School for Trace...and Mommy

2010-08-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, my first born is now in first grade. I had to stiffle a little tear this year. I had no problem sending him on to big K but this was different. We are now entering the land of homework and spelling tests. Yikes! We've hit the big time now.

Tracer was so excited for 1st grade. He was so excited to go back to school. Which I'm not sure how I feel about that. On the one hand I am thrilled that he loves school. I don't have to fight with him to get up, get dressed or brush his teeth. He doesn't fuss about getting on the bus. In fact the kid has his back pack on and is at the door 5 - 10 minutes before we have to leave ~ without my prompting. It's great. On the other hand...what does that say about me as a mom. That my sweet child is ready to pull a Tigger and pounce out the door out of my safe keeping.

Does it make me feel a little less loved...yep, sometimes. Does it make me feel like I'm losing my little buddy...yep, sometimes. Does it make me feel like he is becoming less dependent on me...yep, sometimes. Does it hurt...yep, sometimes. Is it good? Yep, sometimes.

It can hurt to see the independence rising in my child and at the same time it makes so proud. I wish so much that I could wrap my child up in my arms 24/7 and never let go. To be there to protect him in every situation. To make sure that his every need is met. To shower him with the love that he needs that we all know this world won't give. To train him in the way he should go.

Now its time for me to grow up. My son may be the one going to school but I'm the one who has learning to do. Because now...now its time for me to really place my child at the foot of the Father. To let Him wrap my son in his everlasting arms. To let Him protect him. To let Him take care of his every need. To let Him shower him with the love that only our Heavnly Father can give. To let Him not just teach him the Truth but show him the Truth and be his Truth. Is my job as a Mom done? Never, its just changing a little. As it should. How very thankful I am that I have the Lord of all watching over my jewels.

And just so you know Trace came home from school and pulled a Tigger getting off the bus and into my arms. Thank you, Lord. When I asked him how he liked 1st grade..."It was awesome!" Thank you, Mrs. Hicks. And thank you, Lord.

Church of Baseball

2009-04-30T05:46:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that baseball is a big deal in this family. If you have known my son long you see his love for the game. I knew without a doubt that my son would love the game before the ultrasound confirmed that we were having a son. Trace was doing the Tomahawk Chop before he was a year old. The first song he learned was Take Me Out To The Ballgame. He went to his first Braves game before he turned 2 and actually sat through the game completely mesmerized until he finally fell asleep after the 7th inning. He is the kid who knew the Braves line up at two-and-a-half. Not only did he know the lineup order but he also knew which way they would bat. He has been playing on teams since he was 2. Some would say that is too young but again if you know my son you understand.

In this house - which we will be naming Phillips Phield soon - you are allowed to throw balls in the house. We do have batting practice in the living room. The pillows become bases and then it's game on. Do things get broke? Yes. Are there holes in my living room walls? Just one...so far. Has Shea-Shea been hit in the process? Yes, but the girl better get used to it - the balls are soft.

In Traces mind and heart the Braves live here. Tim Hudson hits home runs at our house. John Smoltz strikes everyone out. Chipper Jones is one of Trace's good friends. Hank Aaron is still playing the game. Babe Ruth is still alive. And Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez - think The Sandlot my friends - is as real as any pro player.

If I ever have a problem getting Trace to do anything I used to rely on reverse psychology. Now all I have to say is "Chipper Jones would do it". Chipper Jones LOVES his vegetables. Chipper Jones makes his bed. Chipper Jones helps his mommy clean. Chipper Jones rubs his mommy's back and brings her flowers - I haven't tried this one yet but its coming! Basically Chipper Jones does whatever Mommy needs and Trace will do whatever Chipper Jones does. Thank you Chipper!

I knew that my child's love of baseball ran deep but I learned just how deep when his teacher sent home a message for me. The class was learning a new Bible verse. The verse was...

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

My sweet boy learned the verse quickly - in his own baseball lovin' way:

In the innings, God created the Heavens and the earth. Genesis 1 to 1.

So Spiritual - Part 2

2009-03-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

This morning my friend called to tell me that her son was sick and wouldn't be going to school. Once I got off the phone with her I told Trace about his friend and I told him that we needed to pray for him so that he would get better.

Trace blessed my heart when he just started praying for his friend to get better. He started with the "Heavenly Father" and ended with "In Jesus Name". I was lovin' it. Then he told me that it was my turn to pray. O.k. I can do that. I need to be that example for my son. I need to show him that prayer and talking to God is vital to our spiritual health. So I prayed.

Well, T decided that he needed to pray again. I'm all for people lifting up each other in prayer but this was getting long and Momma has to get things done. But this is a lesson in prayer so I sweetly smiled at my precious son as he began praying for his friend once again. This time however the prayer was longer and a bit more elaborate. He was now praying for everyone to get better, for leadership, and for other things that I was surprised that he would even think about.

Now I am thinking - as he is praying - how precious this is. How I almost missed this moment because of the things I needed to do. How proud I am that T would think of such things that so often I forget about. Well, I should have known better. After "In Jesus' name" had been said I heard my oh so competitive son say, "That prayer was gooder than the other one." The 'other one' meaning my prayer. Yes, my friends - the Prayer Wars are on at my house.

So Spiritual

2009-03-03T14:50:00.000-08:00

I'm sure we all have a friend who has a child who is just so good at memorizing scripture or knowing and understanding Biblical stories. You've heard them say,"I think I might have a preacher on my hands." I am always amazed at these children. I think it is wonderful that they love the Word of God at such a young age. I am also so impressed by the parents. I figure they must be such good spiritual leaders and examples to their children. Something I should aspire to be.

So - after saying this you will understand my pride when I tell you what Trace did today. First you must know that my son is OBSESSED with Superheros right now. Life is all about Spiderman, Superman, Batman, Flash Gordon, Hulk, Wonder Woman and even the Wonder Twins (remember them???). In order to let Trace get some Biblical teaching with this superhero craze we introduced him to Bibleman via DVD. Yes, my friends Christians do have their own hero to defend our virtues and morals.

Needless to say Trace loves Bibleman and I'm good with that. I'm good that when he starts sword fighting with me he says that he is using the Sword of the Spirit. I good that he breaks out his pirate shield and that becomes his Breastplate of Righteousness. I'm good that Bibleman is teaching him Bible verses.

I must also tell you that Trace is really good at memorizing the script in movies. Not just little bits here and there but whole monologues. He is so mucn like his daddy and Aunt DaDa.

Now I can tell you why I'm so proud. You see this morning Trace was watching Bibleman defeat the enemy once more. At the end of the DVD Bibleman teaches the prayer of salvation. He tells the kids that if they want to ask Jesus into their heart that they should pray with him. At this point I heard my four-year-old saying the prayer quickly - faster than Bibleman. I was so amazed that he had memorized the prayer. I thought to myself "Is this really happening? Has Bibleman been the tool that would change my son forever? Is Trace really old enough to understand?"

Well, all those questions were answered in the next breath when I heard Trace say, "I said it faster than Bibleman. I win and he loses."

Whatever spiritual high I was on in that brief moment was quickly shot down. All I can say is this - if I have a preacherman on my hands then God has a lot of work to do!!!

Doctor, Doctor - Give me the News

2009-02-20T17:23:00.000-08:00

So we went to the doc today since Shea was running a 103 degree fever and started having welts in random places and at random times. By the time we got to the doc the welts were gone - of course - and they came back after we saw the doc - go figure. We think that she is having an allergic reaction to the diarrhea formula that she needs so that her bootie can heal. But too be honest that is the least of our worries now. Shea still has a severe ear infection even after being on antibiotics for 11 days and to top that - because our daughter does not go half way when it comes to getting sick, our girl goes all the way! - she also got strep. Now for those of you who don't know strep is HIGHLY unusual for babies under the age of 2. It happens but it is extremely rare. What is even more uncommon is that she got the strep while on an antibiotic. So after a shot to take care of the ear infection we will begin yet another antibiotic on Sunday to take care of the strep. We have to wait a couple of days to start the antibiotic to give her digestive track time to get back to normal so that her bootie doesn't get worse. And if all this wasn't enough she also has eczema. Fun, fun, fun! We also need to tell you that the doc told us that she cannot be around more that 4 kids at a time and that has to be on a limited basis because her immune system is just not strong enough to take it so from here until sometime in the Spring you will probably not see Brad and I together. Our marriage is fine. We just cannot take Shea to church so that means that we will be swapping weeks to go to church so that T can still attend, we can be fed and so that we will still have some sort of connection with all of you. Obviously we still need much prayer. Mama is going to go nuts not being able to go to the gym for my 1 hour a day "alone" time.

Laundry Mystery Has Been Solved

2009-02-17T10:13:00.000-08:00

Before you read this make sure that you have read or have knowledge of the Laundry Mystery post.

Yes, my friends the mystery has been solved. While at Zumba last night I just happened to walk into a conversation between two friends. This is what I heard as I was approaching them:
"Jenna lost her tooth and we can't find it. She doesn't remember when she lost it."

At this point I bound in with - "I have a tooth! I have a tooth!"

Come to find out the tooth belonged to sweet Jenna Fly. You see, her and Trace have become best buds during Basic Training and the two of them usually end up play fighting and tackling each other. Apparently, during one of these episodes Jenna's tooth was knocked out and ended up sticking to T's clothes.

I never told T what happened. I never told him that I found out what he and Jenna had been doing while they were supposed to be learning about Jesus. This morning we were at Sam's and my boy decided to fess up to what happened. As he divulged the situation where the two of them were "pushing each other and he accidentally hit Jenna and she bled but (he) said (he) was sorry" I had to suppress my smile and let him have his time of confession. Repentance is good for the soul. All in all - mystery solved.

Laundry Mystery

2009-02-16T15:13:00.000-08:00

I hate laundry. Let's just make that clear now. I try to get it done as fast as possible which means no pocket checking, maybe I'll use Spray-n-Wash and colors and whites WILL be in the same load if there is not enough for two separate loads. Obviously I have had some mishaps in my days of laundry life due to my afore mentioned laundry philosophy. Yes, there has been plenty of pink T-shirts and socks. Yes, there has been many pieces of clothing that have come out smaller than they went in. And yes, there has been many loose items that have shown up in the bottom of the washer or dryer that shouldn't have been there. I'm sure most of us have found things like dollar bills (or larger bills if you're lucky), coins, tubes of lip gloss or lipstick, Kleenex, toys, balls, pieces of glass, pins, markers, crayons, shoes, etc. Well, my friends I believe I have a new one for you. Today I found a baby tooth in the bottom of my washer. Now maybe that doesn't sound too strange since I am obviously NOT good at checking pockets but the very strange thing is that - the tooth does not belong to anyone in my family. So, anyone missing a tooth???

If you were a WHAT?

2009-02-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

Yes, my friends it is another T story - one that my mom reminded me of this morning. Much of my sweet boy's humor seems to happen in or around the bathroom and this story is no different. T had just got done taking his bathroom break and he needed some help with his pants - snaps are rough! As I was taking care of the snap situation he proceeded to tell me this... "Mom (pause) when I'm a squirrel (pause) I'm going to say, 'Hellloooo, gorgeous!'" This is so disturbing on so many levels.

My Cutie-Patooties

2009-02-09T15:49:00.000-08:00

Prima Ballerina

2009-02-09T15:40:00.000-08:00

Man in the Mirror

2009-02-09T15:15:00.000-08:00

So, I'm sitting here are my computer trying to figure out Facebook. (Yes, I have joined the FB ranks). I soon realized that my son is talking to someone in the bathroom. Last I checked the only people in my house were myself, Trace and Shea. Shea is taking a nap and as far as I know she still cannot talk. So I peek in the bathroom and I see my sweet boy standing on his stool, leaning on the bathroom counter, looking at the mirror and this is what I hear, "How are you doing today?" - "We're wearing the same shirt" - "Looks good" - "I guess we need to wash our hands now". I must tell you that there were hand motions and head nods to go with the conversation. That my friends is all I heard because by that point I had to turn my back so that T would not see me laughing to the point of tears.

Let it Snow!

2008-12-30T14:45:00.001-08:00

Gone are the Dog Days

2008-12-30T14:29:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately our Thanksgiving day ended with tears. We had to put our little buddy, Clancy down. We still miss him.

Pitiful

2008-12-30T14:21:00.000-08:00

So sad isn't it?

It's Been Awhile

2008-12-30T13:23:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

Yes, it has been almost two months since I have sat down to write. I should have been writing every day with everything going on but my energy level just would not allow it. I haven't even been checking your blogs. I didn't even have the energy to read nor the time. You see Shea-Shea has been sick and as all of us mothers know when your child is sick everything else is put on the back burner. And we worry. My worry leads to sleepless nights. My sweet girl is still sick but not as bad. You would never know it to look at her. That has been part of the problem. Even at her worst she was still smiling and laughing and getting in to everything. She was never lethargic nor fussy (except when she cut her first tooth!) There has only been a few weeks in the past 3 months that we have not visitied the doctor. You know you are at the doc's office too much when they don't even have to look you up in the system since they have already memorized your info. Anyway - she is getting better so hopefully life will get back to what we know as normal.

Love you all!

Trace-isms

2008-11-04T18:41:00.000-08:00

So, my best friend just sent me a bunch of quotes from kids. You know the ones that you have to believe they said because even the most creative adult could not make this stuff up. So I started thinking about some of the things my 4-year-old has stunned me with. Here are three of my favorites.

1. When Shea was born Brad and I didn't want Trace to see me nursing at first. That didn't last long. The second day of Shea's life Trace walked in on me nursing. At first he didn't notice anything. He just thought I was cuddling with her. When he jumped up on the hospital bed with me and saw what was really going on he was terrified and said frantically, "Mom, she's eating you!" Therapy anyone?

2. Back in February Trace had a bit of a cold. You know the coughing cold that never seems to go away. We were having breakfast at Shoney's and Trace started coughing. We asked him if he was o.k. to which he replied, "Yeah, my beaver is just trying to get out of my belly." WHAT??? To this day we have no idea why our son ever thought he had a beaver in his belly.

3. This is a story I hesitate to share for reasons you will understand in a moment. For this reason names have been changed to protect the identity of those involved. M had to go to the bathroom - yes, that is where this story takes place. M closed the door in order to attempt some privacy. M forgot to lock the door. Trace decided to visit M in the Lou. Let me just say there is a reason that M wanted that door closed and it goes beyond privacy. We all have times in our life where our potty time becomes doo-doo duty. And as we all know doo-doo duty is not an pleasant aromatic event in our day. We all pretend that the candles in our bathrooms are for ambiance - who are we kidding??? Needless to say Trace walked into that bathroom and then quickly turned on his heels and said in his best southern accent... "That stink is rolling up my nose and it scares me!"

So dear friends...what has your child said???

Should I Be Worried???

2008-10-30T07:05:00.000-07:00

O.k. here's my concern...2 situations for you to assess-

Situation 1: My son walks up to me on a perfectly normal morning and says in his best Joey Tribbiani voice, "Lookin' good, Mom." And yes, there was a curved lip and slight chin lift to go with his question. Of course I start laughing and asking where he heard that? He just gave me a little smirk and walked off. Then I called my sister to see if her firstborn son, Asher, has ever done this. And to ask if I should be worried. "Nah", she says, "he's just a funny kid." So I'm told.

Situation 2: I am waiting for Trace to come home from school. I'm running around the house but I have the TV tuned to CMT's Redneck Weddings. (This show fascinates me. Seriously, have you ever seen people get married in a mud bog??? Watch this show and you will!) Anyway - this is a show about weddings right? Perfectly harmless right? Yeah, right. T walks in and he's draggin' from not getting enough sleep at rest time. So I ask him, "Hey, buddy, do you want to watch a movie?" Normally at this time I would hear a "yeah, let me pick one out." However, this time I heard, "NOOO. I want to watch THIS!" I turned to see what he thought was so interesting on the TV...HOOTER GIRLS!!! Who has Hooter girls at their wedding??? Rednecks! So tell me should I be worried??? Or, should all of you with girls around his age be worried???? And - this is just proof that you don't go to Hooters just for the wings!

Bulldog Babes

2008-10-30T05:40:00.000-07:00

Here's to Hubby - my tried and true Georgia Bulldog fan.

Lovin' my Lipgloss

2008-10-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

I now have a new reason to support my lip gloss habit. You see I am the woman who goes through those little baskets at Target to see what new shades of shine are now on sale. I can hardly pass them up. I LOVE lip gloss (and shoes but that is for another day, another time.)

Just this week I was running out my door trying to get the kids in their seats as fast as possible so that I could hit Hobby Lobby before meeting Hubby to vote. I started out my driveway but then stopped because the week before I left my house unlocked while out for hours. I just couldn't remember if I locked the door or not. I went to unlock my seat belt and noticed that I couldn't press down the release button. I finally got it loose but when I got back in the car - I actually did remember to lock the door - I had second thoughts about buckling up. The law won out and I decided to chance it. I called Hubby on the way and told him my dilemma. He laughed and said that it would be real funny trying to crawl out of my seat belt. Absolutely no sympathy or support! As we pulled into Hobby Lobby my mind started going in circles trying to figure out what I will do if my seat belt release won't work. The moment of truth came. I parked my car, turned of the ignition and reached for the release. My fear became my reality. My seat belt held me captive. I am proud to say that in this situation I didn't even think to curse but I did laugh. How many of us get trapped by our own cars? Have I offended my car? I have not been the best owner nor the most appreciative but I did not deserve this! I would not allow my car to hold me captive. I channeled my inner MacGyver and formed my plan. My tool of choice - my Shimmering Apricot tube of lip gloss. I jammed that sucker down into the release button until it gave way. Ha! I win. So for all of you who need a justification to buy another tube of shimmering, silky lip gloss - you just got it.

Rock Star

2008-10-17T18:29:00.000-07:00

Every Mon and Wed Trace has school and now every Mon and Wed we pick up T's friend Alex. Alex is HILARIOUS!! The child cracks me up everytime I see him. This monday was no different. Once Alex was all saddled up in the seat he began to sing. Hmmmm...let me rephrase that. He was not just singing the child was belting it out. Now let me just say that last year I had the priviledge of teaching 8 children - 6 were girls. I had many High School Musical and Hannah Montana performances by my girls. Well, I didn't expect to have Hannah Montana's "Best of Both Worlds" song performed by these two 4-year-old boys. Needless to say that provided me a good little chuckle. Once the song was over Alex told T that his favorite rock star was Hannah Montana. Then he asked Trace, "Trace, who is your favorite rock star?" Trace pondered this a moment and then replied..."My mommy!" I love my kid! And yes, we do rock out in my car!

Aggressive Eater???

2008-10-08T13:53:00.001-07:00

You decide!

Eight is Great

2008-10-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

Eight years already??? Crazy.
Here is some fun info for you...
How we met: I was dating his assistant
How much longer I dated his assistant after we met: 1 week
First thing that attracted me to B: the way he prayed
When did we decide to get married: our first unofficial date - Dec 19th
When did B actually propose: April 13th
What was my response: You can't do that now! ( I hadn't met his parents yet)
When did I finally meet his parents: May 18th
How did I know B was "the one": God told me! no joke! it was loud and clear.
Day we got married: Oct 7 - obviously! (Happy Anni to Crystal and Blaine!)
Other important happenings on that day: St. Louis Cardinals beat the Atlanta Braves in the playoffs and for those of you that don't know I was raised a Cardinal fan and married into a Braves fam. Also, Georgia beat the Tennessee Vols 21-10.
Wedding Bloopers: The flowers we ordered were too big to fit on the stands. People were afraid to tell me. I could have cared less. I was about to marry Brad - who cares about the flowers! My sweet niece - who was one of the 6 kids in the wedding - loved having a basket of rose petals. She kept counting them and you know 3-year-olds can't whisper. Also, I have never officially taken any vows. Just Brad!!! Don't you know this comes up in some arguments. My sweet Grandpa was one of the pastors officiating. Unfortunately he had Alzheimer's and after he did the vows with B he pronounced us man and wife. We were only halfway through the wedding! The other pastor handled the situation beautifully but I still have not taken my vows. I'm thinking that someday we will have to redo our vows.

Anyway this is just some memories I thought I would share.

I love you, B!!!! Happy Anniversary.

Beach Beauties

2008-10-01T19:20:00.000-07:00

Hole in One

2008-10-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

I just need to do some braggin' about my 4-year-old. This kid can golf! O.k. maybe it's not golf but he can sure Put-Put. I think that in our 4 night run of Put-Put games he had about 5 hole-in-ones! We also discovered that he is a switch golfer. He can hit either right or left with the same accuracy. Its crazy. Also he beat me 2 of the 4 nights. I only played 2 of the 4 nights. Although, I did have a handicap...

Shea-Shea and I were partners. While she was awake I could golf with both hands but when she fell asleep I was the one-handed Put-Putter.

Freaky Fro Friday

2008-10-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

Do babies have bad hair days?

Yes, they do!

Future of the Braves

2008-09-22T21:17:00.001-07:00

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2008-09-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

This was T's first "official" baseball game. He has played Lollipop for the past two years but now he gets to play real ball. He is loving every minute of it. This is his first at bat. I was so nervous for him. He did great.

Doesn't he look the part. My son is so passionate about this game. Don't you know his daddy is SO thrilled. His team ended up playing - of all teams - the Braves. They crushed them! Stay tuned for more baseball highlights...

Fun Friday

2008-09-22T20:48:00.001-07:00

Friday's are becoming our Fun-Day. On this Friday Trace got to choose where we ate lunch. He decided on Taco Bell. I have no idea why since normally he would opt for Micky-D's. He said that he wanted chips-n-cheese. Yummy in the Tummy. Now, I need to mention that lately I have really been trying to lose the baby weight from Shea...and Trace...and the 15 lbs I put on just because I moved to the South. Seriously, you Southerners fry everything. And its good! Anyway, back to my original thought...I decided to be good at Taco Bell so I ordered a taco salad. What I got was glorified bean dip. See for yourself. Normally I don't take pics of my food but today I had to. Do you see what Taco Bell has for utensils? Oh, yes, my friends. What you see is a SPORK!!! I have never in my life had to eat a salad with a spork. Seriously Taco Bell, get some real utensils.
Shea wanted some lunch too. To her satisfaction she had a wonderful bottle of Similacs best. Lip lickin' good.

Fun Friday Cont...

2008-09-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

After lunch it was on to Dippin' Dots with some of our friends. This is Shea's boy buddy, Aidan. He is just a few weeks older than her. Yes, she is the older one. Trace and Gavin decided to do some painting before ice cream.
These two are best buds. They have been since Trace was 6 months old. Gavin's mommy is my B.F., Rachel.

"S" for Sweet

2008-09-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

Thumbs Up

2008-09-22T20:15:00.000-07:00

I know its here somewhere... I'm getting closer...
Almost...
Got it!
It looks like I might have a thumb sucker on my hands. I never wanted to give Trace a binky because I didn't want to have to break that habit. I am now trying to force Shea to take the binky. I can eventually take the binky away. A thumb is permanently attached. Its our first mother-daughter fight.

Shea's B.F.F.

2008-09-22T20:02:00.001-07:00

Yes, I know my sweet Shea-Shea is only a few months old but she already has a best friend. Introducing Karisma Shallini Cuffman...

Karisma's mommy is one of my precious friends. I just adore her and I hope that Karisma and Shea will have a similar friendship. Also, I should mention that Karisma was born on Shea's Daddy's birthday. You gotta love July babies.

Play Time

2008-09-22T19:48:00.001-07:00

I just love watching my kids play together.

First Day of Preschool

2008-09-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

To say that my child was excited about his first day of preschool would be an understatement. He kept asking if it was time to go. This was pretty annoying since he gets up at 6am and we don't leave for school until 8:45. I thought T would be a little disappointed that I would not be at school with him this year but he got over it REAL quick.

He adores his teacher Mrs. Anne Marie. She is Wonderful!

I think the saddest and best part of his first day of preschool was that he went right into class without saying goodbye to me. I missed the goodbye hugs but was so thankful that my child is comfortable and excited to be at school. Once I left the school it was off to a day of errands with Shea. I got so much done! But...I really did miss my sweet boy.

Bubbles...

2008-09-22T15:19:00.000-07:00

Here is my sweet Shea when she was 2 months old. I just thought this was so cute.

Open House

2008-09-10T18:47:00.001-07:00

This evening as I was waiting for my hubby to get home, cooking dinner, entertaining Trace and trying to feed Shea Shea there was a knock at the door. I open the door to find our 5 year old neighbor, Bryant waiting on my door step. He wants Trace to play. I want my evening calm and quiet and don't want to go outside to watch my kid. I give him the excuse that Trace is going to eat soon so he can't play. Oh, the conviction. You see Brad and I decided long ago that our house should be a place where kids can come play and feel like one of the family. A kind of open house policy. Our parents were this way with our friends. So I quickly told Bryant that he could come in and play with Trace. All in all it ended up being a good night. Bryant stayed for dinner, the boys played and I actually got more done than normal. I love it.

In the Beginning...

2008-09-10T18:42:00.000-07:00

O.k. all you bloggers - here I go. Rubies & Pearls is now in action even if it is a work in progress. I've been wanting to get this going for so long but to be honest so much of it frustrates me. Please be patient with my lack of blogging knowledge.