Ecuador Trip

Back in December of 2008, our church started to talk about a mission trip to Ecuador. I've often thought how it would be so interesting to go somewhere new, and tell people about our Jesus. I never really gave much thought to going, considering we have three children that are young.

I guess it was in January, Billy, started to talk about going to Ecuador. When he asked me what I thought, I really couldn't say much. Honestly, I thought of every reason why he shouldn't go, and they were all selfish reasons. Then I realized, when God is telling you to "go" you better listen. Yes, it's so easy to ignore His calling and stay in our own little "bubble", but if we step out of what is comfortable, I truly believe He will bless you for it.

On December the 7th, Billy and seven other people from FBC left for their journey to Ecuador. Their main goal of the trip, was of course, to lead people to Christ, but also to set up a medical clinic in the jungle and offer medicine. They saw 1,300 people in the clinic and numerous were saved!

Billy had the opportunity to pray with an elderly Quichiwa Indian. He said he prayed the prayer of salvation in English, then a Spanish translator translated to another translator that spoke her language. He said it was a sweet sound. How amazing is that!

It's hard to believe that there are people in our world that have never heard the name of Jesus before! It's also hard to believe some of those people are in our own town!

This trip has made me more aware of how important it is to reach out no matter where you are, and to not be afraid to "go" if you are called!

All you Grandparents that are reading this... don't be alarmed! The second after we took these pictures, those beauties were hidden up HIGH!
Funny story...

Billy packed the knifes in his luggage and the police at the airport in Quito pulled him aside and questioned him. Billy said he couldn't understand them and they couldn't understand him! Anyway, bottom line... they wanted to know why he had them in his luggage. Funny!

These are also lovely! They are hidden up HIGH as well!!!

You can't find crayons like that at Wal-Mart!

A big "thank you" to all the folks that prayed for Billy while he was away! We have the best friends and family!

Christmas List 2009

I've debated over whether or not to post my children's Christmas list, and I've decided it's too funny to not share!

A couple of weeks ago, I was at Bunco and my mother-in-law (Mimi) came over to babysit. While she was here, she asked the kids what they wanted for Christmas and this is what they said...

Amos:

1. A 2 liter bottle of coke

2. Toy robot

3. (I quote) "A sack of balls, and not the ones in my pants"

I know, I know... that was very inappropriate, but DANG it's funny!

Kent:

1. A miniature pony

2. A horse

3.

Kent: I really want a XBox 360, but I probably won't get it b/c I've got a lot of games already.

Mimi: How about you're very own little lap top?

Kent: Or, how about you talk my mom into letting me play on the computer we already have?

(Was that sarcasm?)

4.

Kent: What I REALLY want is a tree house! No stairs, just a tree house.

Mimi: Don't you need stairs to get in the tree house?

Kent: Nope, we already have stairs that lead to nothing!

(Wow! That's sad, but kinda funny)

This is the letter Grace wrote to Santa:

Dear Santa,

I want a pet fish and one more pet turkey (we had two turkey's for a while). I want a reindeer and a pet rabbit. I also want hunting clothes, high heels, and a dress with hearts. I want a pink glitter ball and a pink Nintendo DS. I want glitter glue and plain glitter. I want a microphone and a crayon you wear on your head (huh???). I also want a new purple jacket and my own make-over finger nail kit and MORE presents.

Love,

Grace Mayes

Only my sweet, unique daughter would ask Santa for so many weird random things!

Funny Stuff!

Check it out, you'll laugh your head off!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/tkS6kAy5iGBOp7WgTnhD

The Train Ride

Dropping off Amos at school Tuesday morning:

Me: Honey, either me or Nana will meet your class at the train station in a little while, okay?

Amos: What? I don't want you to go with me. I want my Nana.

Me: Excuse me? You don't want your mommy?

Amos: NO, and if you show up, you can't sit with me on the train!

Okaaaay...

So, as I'm driving to work I'm thinking... okay buddy, I AM going on that train and YOU WILL sit with me!
When I showed up at the train station he was unhappy to say the least...

Amos: What are you doing here?

Me: I came to spend some time with you and ride the polar express!

Amos: Okay, but you're not sitting with me on the train and I'm not taking any pictures.

Look who won that battle?
HA HA HA

Me: You're really hurting my feelings.

Amos: Am I the worst boy in our family?

Me: Maybe.

Amos: (with a VERY serious expression) Am I on the naughty list (Santa's list)?

Me: You bet you are!

Amos: How can I get off the list?

Me: Be sweet to you're mom!

Amos: Okay, but only while we're on the train.

I guess my little man is growing up! I don't want to embarrass him or be the crazy kissy mom, I just want to hang on to every moment with him that I can. It's times like this that make me slow down and really cherish every day with my kiddos.

Thanksgiving Day

Once again, I managed to stuff myself to the point that I was miserable! Between my Grandmother's stuffing and Billy's Grandmother's desserts, it was bound to happen!

In all seriousness, Thanksgiving day was awesome. Like always, we split the day between the Mayes', the Gabbard's and the Turner's. It all worked out perfectly and we were able to spend time with everyone. It's so nice to have all of our families in town. Life is good. We are surrounded by sweet friends, a caring family, healthy children and a God that is always faithful. We do not deserve the wonderful life we have, and yet, He loves us enough to bless us beyond all measure. Thank you, God!

Kent, summed it up at the end of the day and said, "Mom, it really was a great day."

I agree!

It's a Beautiful Morning

Isn't this gorgeous? While I was getting ready for work last week, I noticed my bathroom was a lot brighter than usual. When I looked out the window, this is what I saw. It took my breath away. When you stop and think, it really is amazing what God can do. It's almost like he painted a picture in the sky with the clouds!

Go Hogs and Hunters!

Saturday was the first time in a long time the Mayes household was just girls! We had a great time. We watched movies, took a nap and went to the Razorback game.

It doesn't get much better than that!

Me and my girl

My little cheerleader

This was the play right before the first touchdown for Arkansas

Pig Sooie!!!

So, while we were having girl time, the boys were in Huntsville doing their own thing.

Lately Kent and Amos have really started to show an interest in hunting.

Am I excited about this?

No.

However, I know it thrills Billy, and that makes me happy.

Grandpa helping Amos with his target practice

Not bad for a little guy!

The other day we were driving to school and Amos says...

A: Hey mom, have you ever shot a 25?

me: A what?

A: A 25?

me: Do you mean a 22?

A: Huh....

me: Honey, I'm pretty sure mean a 22.

A: No, Mom. I've shot a 25 with Dad, and it was awesome! Want me to show you how to shoot sometime?

me: Of course!

How cute was that? He thinks he knows all about guns already! (He's just like me... talks about things he has no idea about!)

What a great shot!

Later that night, Billy shot a deer. (Notice I didn't follow that last sentence up with a exclamation point!) Yea, I guess I'm happy for him, BUT I DON'T want another stinkn' deer head on my wall!

I guess we all had a great day!

Catherine-

Thanks again for the parking spot! I REALLY appreciate it! :-)

Paying it Forward

Paying it forward is one of my favorite things! I love, love, love to listen to the stories on KLRC. Well, on the way to work this morning, I was listening and heard the most touching story. It was one of those stories that put a lump in your throat, and I couldn't quit thinking about it.

So anyway, when I got to work I told my mom about it, and I told her how I wish I could "pay it forward" every time I went through a drive through. That's got to be a great feeling... knowing your making someones day!

At 12:15 today, I went through the Chick-Fil-A drive through with the intentions to pay for the car behind be, but there was no car. So I thought... oh well, next time. I get up to the window, and the manager hands me this napkin from the car in front of me.......

She said, "The lady in front of you just paid for your lunch, and wanted me to give you this."

How nice was that???

My mouth just dropped!

I just want to encourage everyone, if your able, pay it forward for someone tomorrow! Trust me, it will be a blessing!

I Can Tell I'm Getting Old!

Okay people, I'm NOT trying to advertise to make money, I just seriously love this stuff! I am a one of those people that like to try new smells in laundry detergent and fabric softeners, and this time, I found a winner! Not only does it smell amazing, it makes everything so soft and it fights static cling!

I realize this is probably a sign that I'm getting older if I'm excited to talk about how my laundry smells, or maybe I'm just a totally boring person. Really, I don't care. Life is good. Everyone is healthy and happy. I figure... every now and then I can post something completely random that makes me happy. :-)

Oh no, here we go. Another hunter!

I hesitated to post this picture, and then I thought... what the heck! You know, most of us are totally grossed out by a dead animal, but this little boy was totally pumped! I couldn't deprived him of a blog post.

He ran in the house and said, "Mom! Mom! Guess what... I shot a squirrel all by myself! Daddy didn't even help me hold the gun!" So, as you can imagine, I was thrilled. He ran out to the back of Billy's truck and grabbed the nasty thing by the tail, and begged me to take his picture.

So...

Yes, it's impressive... I guess.

No, I didn't cook it!

How To Pull A Tooth 101

I just love this little girl...

(pause the music on my playlist before you play the video)

If she keeps this up, she's not going to have any teeth left! I'm a bit worried... this is the queen of corn on the cob and apple eating! I guess the poor thing will figure it out!

Halloween Costumes

Trick or treat, smell my feet...

They had such a great time trick-or-treating. What about those costumes?! Kent's is especially great! I think the mustache is awesome!

This picture is hysterical!

She made a sweet Dorothy!

and of course... the "bad" spider man!

Happy Halloween!

Once again it's pumpkin carving season! I have to say, the finished result is always amazing, but it's certainly not my favorite thing to do. It's a lot of work, but hey, the kids love it! :-)

We carved the happy face pumpkin and my brother carved the other two...

Amos cracks me up! He said it was "berry heavy!"

Very Cool!

Okay, this is going to sound weird, but did anyone see Oprah last week when the Black Eyed Peas were on? Oh my goodness!!! I'm not usually a fan, but WOW! I love their new song "I Gotta Feelin'." Actually, Amos introduced me to it!

Well, here's the deal... when the kids ride in the car with me, we listen to KLRC (a Christian station), when they ride with Billy, they get a variety! So, I guess he heard it when he was with his daddy.

Anyway, they gave a concert in the streets of Chicago that was amazing! A director came in and choreographed some dance moves for the AUDIENCE of 20,000 plus people! I've never seen anything like it. Maybe I'm weird, but I was impressed! You should check it out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YItQpgocC6U

Another Birthday Boy

Happy Birthday, Kent!

Kent,

It's hard to believe another year has come and gone. It seems like yesterday you were reaching out those pudgy little arms and saying, "hold you, hold you." I miss all the sweet little things you used to say. The reality is, you aren't a little baby anymore. Son, I am so proud of you and the young man you are becoming. I can always depend on you to help me and you never complain. You always have a great attitude and are kind, loving and respectful. When I hear the things you say and see the things you do, I can see Jesus in you! Nothing makes me more proud! Thank you for being such a sweet son and making everyday joyful! Mom loves you with all my heart! Happy eighth birthday!!

Love,

Mom

Moving Day

It's been three weeks since we moved to our new home, and we're finally settling in. At first, I was overwhelmed by the amount of work that had to be done, but so many of our sweet friends came to the rescue! If it weren't for family and friends, we would still be unpacking! We are truly blessed! So, thank you to all!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures of the big move...

This is one of the first gifts Billy's parents bought for us when we got married.

This was a tree that Billy and I planted when I was pregnant with Kent.

Our "old" mailbox.

Moving Day!

The "new" house!

I love this picture!