Snaggle Tooth

Ahhh, bitter sweet. Reality is setting in that he is growing up! It's just a fact, losing teeth means growing up.

I've been teasing him all week that he looks like Nanny Mcphee, and he DID NOT like my comment! I guess he's scared that he could really end up looking like that! I've been catching him in the bathroom trying to push his tooth back in line with the rest of his teeth, but of course, it didn't work... poor baby.

As far as teeth pulling goes, Amos is by far the toughest of all the kiddos. He's begged me all weekend to yank it out, but it just wasn't quite ready.

But today...

He talked Daddy into...

I love it! Just in time for Kindergarten pictures!

Kent's Baptism

Sunday was the big day! Bless his little heart, he was so nervous.

Just before it was time for service to start, pastor Doug spoke with everyone being baptized. I'm not sure exactly what was said, but I did hear him remind the boys to hold their noses!

Here they are just waiting.

He wasn't crazy about wearing the one piece zip up suit! He shimmied out of it quickly!

A Joyous Day

It was a joyous day in our house and in heaven on Saturday, July 17, 2010. Our sweet, Kent, was saved! It was definitely a moment I will always remember and hold in my heart forever...

July 17th

We were exhausted. We just returned from a family vacation and were resting up for church on Sunday.

After unloading all the suitcases, bags and trash out of the car, we all became couch potatoes until bedtime.

When bedtime came, I hurried the kids in bed, kissed them all, and turned the lights out.

About thirty minutes after I had tucked them in, Billy and I hear footsteps coming up behind us in the living room. Expecting to turn and see Amos, we saw Kent.

He slowly walked in front of us and muttered the words "I'm ready to be Christian." He was so precious. He had a lump in his throat and tears in his sweet little eyes.

He came over and sat between Billy and I.

Billy: Do you know what it means to be a sinner?

Kent: Yes. It means that I am going to mess-up, but Jesus can save me.

At that point, the three of us got on our knees.

Billy: Do you want me to pray with you?

Kent: Yes.

Billy began to pray the prayer of salvation, expecting him to repeat, but he was silent. When he finished praying he asked Kent if he wanted to pray, and he said "yes."

At that moment, he prayed for God to come into his life and save him. It was so beautiful.

Many people congratulated him at church on Sunday when he went forward before the church, but my favorite comment, was from Mrs. Tracey...

She asked him if he knew what happened the moment he prayed that prayer. He looked at her with a funny expression and she said, "All the angels in heaven rejoiced!"

I love it!

We are looking forward to his baptism and watching him grow in Christ in the years to come. It's so exciting to see your child grow in their faith and to know that, we as parents, have accomplished our ultimate goal with our child. After all, this is what it's all about!

It's Almost Time!

Ahhh, I can't believe it... our little man is starting Kindergarten in 35 days! I always envisioned me being a weepy mother at this point, but surprisingly, I'm not. He is SO ready, and that makes me happy. He has watched his bubby and sissy do it, and now, it's his turn.

Which leads to the dreadful "shots" appointment!

Sweet little Kent kept telling him all about what to expect at the doctor's office. How they would weigh him, check to see how much he's grown, look in his ears and throat and listen to his heart and, of course, get "some shots". I was proud of him. He said, "Don't worry bubba. It doesn't hurt that bad. It's like a little sting and it's over." To which Amos replied, "I'm tough. I can do it! I'm NOT going to cry!"

And then Grace chimes in...

"Oh, yes, you will! They'll give you five shots and you'll scream like a baby!"

That's my girl... honest and blunt!

Needless to say, he did cry. :(

Hand in hand with Daddy

I'm a terrible mother. I don't remember how tall he was. Oops!

Or how much he weighed!

We love Dr. Grear! One of our family fav's!

Poor little man!

At least it's over and we're all set to go!!

What's Next?

Here lately, it seems as though our blog has become a place of negative thoughts. I'm sorry if I have come across that way. Maybe it's just me, but it bothers me.

Yes, the blog was meant to be a place where our family memories can be reflected on, but at the same time it is a tool that helps me release some of my personal thoughts as well. Which leads me to another "downer"...

Sorry.

May 24th our house was broken into... blah, blah, blah. At the time I thought it was the end of the world, but obviously it was not! We have all moved on and all is well. Until... June 24 th.

Some lovely person in Florida stole our debit card number and decided to go on a shopping spree! Here lately I'm not sure how it could get any worse. I'm a little fearful of what might happen on July 24th! But, really... what are the chances?

The good news is that we will get all the money back, but of course, we had to open a new account and are now dealing with the headache of switching everything over.

ANYWAY...

I guess that was my pity party for the day! We really have had a lot of fun, exciting things happen too, but I just haven't had time to upload the photos to go with the post yet. You understand. So, hopefully sometime this week I can start on it and stop posting about all the other negative garbage.

I always come back to the same thing...

God is ALWAYS in control in EVERY situation.

Everybody has problems, and not matter what they may be, you can always depend on Him. I just keep telling myself that He allows us to go through the tough times to come out stronger in the end. Funny how that works!

Have a great Thursday! ;)

Little Sluggers

Kent's team is still undefeated! Which leads me to a funny story...

Right before one of our bigger games last week, we found out we didn't have enough players to play the game. Billy made a phone call to approve Amos playing on the 8 year old team to avoid us taking a forfeit. When we got to the game, we only had seven players. In most cases, you need at least 8 players and then you still take an automatic out. The nice umpire in Prairie Grove decided to let us play anyway, and we won!

The best part... Amos hit a HOME RUN off of the pitching machine!!! How awesome is that!?

My pretty momma and the boys

Billy giving Amos a "five" through the fence!

This picture cracks me up! Look at the little kid playing in the field!

Man, it was hot.

My most favorite thing about that game, was what Kent said to Amos in the car. He said, "Bubba, you know you won the game for us, right? You were awesome!" So, sweet! I just love that boy!

Baseball

I apologize for continuing to bring up our burglary, but I need to say 'thank you' again. I went to the post office yesterday, and found two sweet cards addressed to our children, both containing gift cards to help replace some of the things that were stolen. We have also received a couple from church as well, and it truly brings joy to my heart to know that we are loved. All the things we have been given have all been given anonymously, and while I truly am grateful and appreciative, we wish we could hug your necks!! So, whoever you are, please know you made our children smile and are showing them God's love through blessing us. Thank you! :)

On to more exciting news...

(I am really behind on blogging, so you may be reading about some "older" Mayes family news in the days to come.)

One thing that's still going on and continues to keep us running in circles...

BASEBALL!

This is Amos' first year to play, and he is really enjoying it! He usually plays second base, and he loves to tag the runners out! It's quite funny to watch!

Mr. Lefty himself!

SOOOO serious!

He made it!!

And then there's Grace. She enjoyed the first few games and then decided it really wasn't for her. She did look cute in the outfit though!

This is Kent's fourth year to play (I think) and he is really good! He plays first base and has made several home runs (can you tell I'm a proud mother?). This year is the first year all the boys are taking it more seriously and getting the big win is important to them. So far, his team is undefeated and will probably make it to the tournament! YAY!!

I love this picture.

Healing

It was week ago today our "normal" lives were changed. Everyday since then has been a challenge mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Most of our friends know our situation, and I just felt that I needed to acknowledge their graciousness to our family. We have been blessed by each prayer, tear that has been shed, ear that has listened and outpouring of love.

Yes, last Monday night I did post about our day and decided to remove it the next morning. For those of you that don't know, our family came home from school/work to find our front door standing open, unable to shut, and our entire house wrecked and most of our possessions stolen.

I just don't understand how anyone could violate another human being. To have no regard for anyone else and their babies. Taking our children's things and violating us all.

Every nook and cranny was turned upside down and we were left with a mess, unanswered questions and heavy hearts.

The policemen that have been involved with our situation all agree that this person(s) was either someone we know or someone that has been watching our schedule. Either way, it's sickening. Part of me fears that this person(s) is someone that has read my blog and got the idea from here. If that is the case, please know you have not only stolen our personal possessions, you have stolen our security. Nothing can fix the way we all feel except Jesus and the power of prayer. Even if you are never caught, you will answer one day for your actions.

I'm sorry to ramble on and on, I just felt like God wanted me to share.

The Bible says we are to "carry one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2) and you, as the body of Christ, have carried our burden with us. Thank you. Each prayer spoken for our family was heard, and we thank you. At night when I lay my head on my pillow to rest, I can feel your prayers.

I believe God doesn't want us to run away from our problems, but instead seek Him. He promises that He will walk through the valley with us.

Satan is hard at work, and we as Christians need to have on our armor for the Lord and stand ready. Yes, he has robbed us of much this week, but I refuse to let him win. Even though we may never know why this has happened, we will continue to trust God and know that everything happens for a reason.

I wanted to share the verses God has shown me this week...

Psalm 91:1-6,8,11,14

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 14 'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."


With much appreciation and faith,

Amanda