Snowy Days

The last few days have been full of snow days. The kids have missed several days of school, but I don't think they mind!

Seeing their little faces light up is the best part!

My sweet angels!

I think more snow is on the way tonight! Hey, as long as we don't have an ice storm like last year, it's okay with me!

Are You Kidding Me?

Well, today was a very eventful day. It started off like any other Sunday...

We we to church, went to my Grandmother's for lunch and headed home. It was a good day, until...

Our drive home.

Have any of you ever been to the wonderful town of Greenland? This is a town I have driven through every day for the last ten years and never had an encounter with one of their famous police men... until today.

I was driving down 71 and turned right at the stop light, and then "rolled" through the stop sign and headed down the road. As soon as I saw the blue lights I thought, gosh I haven't done anything wrong, maybe he's not after me. Well, I was wrong!

"Hello ma'am. Do you know why I stopped you?"

"No sir."

"You failed to come to a complete stop at the stop sign by the railroad tracks."

"Are you kidding me? Sir, I'm usually very good about stopping there. I can't believe I did that!"

"Well, if you don't believe me, I can show you the video."

"No thanks, I believe you. That just really stinks."

A few minutes later he comes back with a slip of paper, and he whole time I'm watching his every move in my rear view mirror. I'm really hoping for a warning at this point.

"Ma'am, I'm sorry but I'm going to have to issue you a citation."

"Awwww man! Are you sure?"

"Yes. If the ticket is more than you can afford, we would be happy to set up a payment plan."

Well, gee buddy thanks! That's awfully nice of you!

Anyway, that's my evening.

I have a feeling I will not be the least bit productive tonight. I was going to do laundry, clean a little bit and change some sheets, but now I'm just bummed out! I haven't gotten a ticket since high school, and I've managed to get out of several stops with a warning. I guess I've lost my touch! ;-)

The only good thing about this situation, was that my children received a good lesson.

Amos: Mom, why did that bad police man give you a ticket? He's not nice.

Me: Honey, I have to obey the traffic laws and I didn't, so mommy has a consequence.

Amos: What's a consequence?

Me: A TICKET!

In case you were wondering... Yes, my shirt says FHS Seniors! I know I'm a dork!

Happy Birthday Gracie!

Gracie Kathryn,

When I found out I was pregnant with you, I prayed that God would send me a little girl that was out-going and loved the Lord. Well, I can honestly say He is forming you into that baby I prayed for seven years ago.

I am so proud of you sweet girl.

After school not long ago, you were so excited to tell me you told the girls at recess about Jesus. Way to go baby girl, that's what it's all about! I love that you have a heart for sharing God's love!

Your daddy and I pray that you will continue to let your love for Christ shine, and one day, when you are ready, ask him into your heart. There is no doubt in my mind that you will welcome Him in.

Thank you for making us all laugh everyday. We all love your bubbly, loving personality!

Happy 7th birthday big girl!

Love,

Mom

Priceless Pictures

I just wanted to share some of my favorite pictures from our Christmas...

This always makes me nervous, but he loves it!

I love, love, love this picture! This is my Grandpa David watching Gracie play her DS.

Alexis, Kelsey and Grace all got American Girl dolls

The Mayes/Gabbard/Johnson/Gillham Christmas

First time ever... ALL the Mayes' in one picture!

Anybody know a good dentist?

DRUM ROLL PLEASE.....

My all time favorite picture!

This next picture looks like a normal toy, but don't let it fool you! It's really like a weed eater!

FYI: Don't fly it into your face!

Sweet little guy.

I don't know what it is about an Easy Bake Oven that is so appealing to little girls!

After 15 minutes to preheat the oven (with a light bulb), and 10 minutes of baking, it was finished. It was made with A LOT of love!

P.S. Happy New Year! I hope it's wonderful and full of many blessings!

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.