Worker Bees

As most of my friends know our house has been an ongoing project over the last 2 years. There have been some moments when progress has been slow and has even stopped. Well, we're in full swing now! We got new windows (25 of them!) in March, and now we're getting a new kitchen! Since this house is more for investment purposes it won't be my dream kitchen, but it will be a million times better than it was. I'm very excited about it!
Despite working literally a different shift (1st, 2nd, AND 3rd) every single week my poor, sweet husband has spent every spare moment he has on our home. He's so wonderful for that. He's diligent and hopeful despite my impatience and nagging. There is definitely a sense of pride to be able to look around and know that my husband did all this! Might I add this is not what he does for a living!
Well, my bald beauty left today to go on a work trip so Asher and I decided to do something to spruce the outside up a bit. He works so hard on the inside I thought we could at least do a little something for the outside. We just made 2 little mixed pots for each side of our front door. Honestly, there are lots of things like organizing, decorating, and landscaping that goes undone because all our energy and money is spent on the projects at hand. It drives me absolutely bananas! I so look forward to the puzzle pieces coming together one day, and they will thanks to my awesome lover-Man:)

My excuse for not cooking these days! This is my kitchen!

Our little project. This and the next pic are bit blurry because of little fingerprints I think.

My Helper Bee... A face only a Mother could love. If you're wondering, that's dirt rubbed in with red Gatorade! Mmmm.

Gran's Visit

Asher's Gran (Mark's Mom) came to visit for a few days. We got to go on a lunch cruise on the Southern Belle Riverboat and go ride on the Incline Railway while she was here. Asher thought it was way cool to ride on a boat and "choo choo" with "Gan". We had a great visit!

BTW, any clues why this is all underlined? I see an option for bold and italics but no underline up top. Am I blind?

Asher giving some love dirty face and all!

3 Wonderful Generations

Knoxville Zoo

Asher and I totally recommend the Knoxville Zoo for those that live in this area. It was a blast!

Meet My Moms!

Some people might feel sorry for me that I never got to meet my Mother since she passed away the day after I was born. Heck, I've gone through times in my life when I felt sorry for myself! As I mature I know the situation was not meant for that though. Because of my unique circumstances I've had lots of room for other women to influence me in very "motherly" ways. The Lord has definitely blessed me! These are the remarkable women in my life that have helped mold me and shape me in life:

Mother by Nature

This is my biological mother with my sister 1966. We never got to meet each other, but I know she loved me. My sister often tells of how excited she was that I was going to be born. I thrive on her legacy. I'm comforted to know we'll be reunited one day!

Mother by Nurture

This is my sister who through many sacrifices started raising me when she was only 14! She nurtured the good qualities in me to become who I am today.

Mother by Luck
...Not really. I don't believe in mere luck.
This is Wilma who I've been blessed to have as a mom since I was 16. There are no "steps" here! My dad did well:)

Mother by Choice:)
This is my awesome mother-in-law. She's the kindest person you'll ever meet! She treats me as her own and I always feel loved by her.

I love you ladies so much! Happy Mother's Day!

Congratulations!

This has been an exciting week for some of our friends. Two couple-friends of ours welcomed beautiful, healthy bundles of joy to their families.

Adam and Katie (and Aidan) Benefield:
Ethan Reece
May 3, 2009 3:54am
8 lbs 7oz, 21 in

Josh and Lindsey Slatton:
Sophie Rylynn
May 6, 2009 9:08am
8 lbs 1oz, 21 in

We praise God for these little miracles!

A Day with Thomas

Yes, folks I'm enjoying myself a good helpin' of Crow. That's what I'm eating because after going to see Thomas last year at the train museum we swore we would not go back. It's simply too expensive for what it was especially with a one year old that slept through most of it. It was just foolishness on our part to even do it last year, but I get really excited about that kind of stuff.

Anyway, last weekend we went again. This time Asher completely enjoyed it. He thought it was so exciting to see Thomas. He "choo-choo'd" for the rest of day although he didn't care for the actual train ride. The train tables, jumper, and petting zoo made up for it though. I'm glad we went. We had a great time being together, but I can't lie. I'm mourning my $65! Come to find out, we could have enjoyed the festivities for free without the train ride (it's only 20 minutes and VERY slow!). I know what we'll be doing next year! :)The Big Guy himself. His eyes even did that creepy back and forth thing like on the show!

Who knew you could feed a turkey?

Asher with his Daddy on the train. This is shortly before he was bored out of his mind and started climbing under seats.
The best part of all!

Conner and Friends in the Kitchen

We've been terrible lately about updating that blog, but I did today with 2 great recipes. Just click here.