Green Beans

Wow. It's been, well, years since I updated my blog. I haven't forgotten. I've just been busy with life. Now, I can truly understand what this lovely lady must have been feeling as she raised 6 children. My Maw Maw McClure gave me the best example of family I have ever known. Her husband was rough, tough and gruff. (Don't get me wrong, he was amazing. He set my standard in men very high.) She never let us babies see her upset. She would just roll with anything, smile on her face and a giggle on her lips. She let kids be kids, and she allowed us to up grow up on our own terms. She was just there to love us unconditionally and keep us safe from outside harm. (We could harm ourselves all we wanted.)

I remember that she always had something on which we could snack. Jello-juice was my favorite. I now know with 10 grandkids around, she probably just didn't have time to let it set. We thought she was a cooking genius! She always had her arms open wide for a hug. She had a paddle hanging in the hallway. It was padded. She threatened to paddle us with it, but I don't remember it ever leaving the wall. She always had an ear to lend to our childish stories.

I remember sitting on her porch swing snapping buckets of green beans and chatting with her. Who knows what I was rambling about, but I wouldn't trade that smell, that weather, that moment of complete peace, love and acceptance for anything. No, it didn't cost a thing. It wasn't glamourous or exciting. It was just simple perfection in life. I hope everyone gets to experience this. Not everyone can snap green beans in the country, but everyone can have their little peace of Heaven, if we know what is truly valuable in life. I loved her more than words can say. I am so sad she and my Paw Paw are gone. I miss them. They were my happily-ever-after story. They were my inspiration of what family could be. I hope they are together now, looking down, with pride, on what they started, still loving us, and snapping green beans together on a back porch swing.

Randi 'isms'

"Knock. Knock. It's party o'clock!"

"Let's move out the party, Sweetie Heart! That's right, Baby. That means you!"

"Mom, you cook the BEST cereal!"

"Kids need Mommies because they are much nicer than Daddies."

Don: What is this?

Randi: That is the thumb of my toes. (Parents laugh here.)

Don: So, is this the thumb of my foot?

Randi: Yep. Except your has fur on it. (Parents pee themselves laughing here.)

Happy. Really Happy.

Here are a few reasons why:

1. I figured out what I want to be when I grow up and started classes accordingly. I love to have babies, but I can't have anymore for both mental and physical reasons! So, I decided, with Don's encouragement, to go to school to be a L&D nurse. I started my first pre-req two weeks ago and have made an A on both of my tests. I finally feel like I am using my brain again, and I get to set the terms of use. I am so fortunate to have a husband that supports my aspirations. His paying all the bills is nice, too. A nurse is not what I thought I would be when I grew up, but my priorities have shifted and it fits the person I have become.

2. I am happy to be training for the Houston Marathon. I decided I wanted to run a marathon a few years ago, but I haven't been able to commit to the training. I am 99.9% sure I can get it done this year! I love the challenge of running a full marathon, rather than a half. I figure, why do something 'half' way. It feels good to be in control of my body. I feel strong.

3. Friends are so important to me, and lately, I feel so much love from my small group of good friends. We don't see each other every day. We don't talk every day, but I understand them and they understand me. We do what we can to support one another and understand that our families comes first...no fussing, no drama and no whining. I love my patient friends.

4. We are healthy. My family and I all have fully functioning bodies. I have two arms and two legs and no major sicknesses. I can live my life to the fullest. I thank God just about every time I am active that everything is working properly and is simply there to use.

5. I am thankful for my fab house in a great city, my kid's attendance of wonderful schools, money to buy whatever we need, having both sets of Grandparents alive and kickin', my school being paid for in-full (so far), being married to a smart and honorable man, knowing Heavenly Father gently teaches me and forgives me, having great neighbors and babysitters and kids that are trained to go to bed before 8pm!

A Summer Sneak Peak

We have had a crazy fun summer so far!




Here is a glimpse:


Computer time, of course.


Competitive Bowling. ;)


Science Experiments...burn...burn...burn...huh...huh...huh...


Kid's Museum!


Swim time.


Lots of Snowballs...yum...must try all the flavors...all 75.

No pictures of the beach trips...don't wanna ruin my camera.
No pictures of VBS...duh.
Can't wait for San Antonio this weekend!!!

Back to School?

Mom: "What do you guys think about Mommy going back to school to be a nurse?"
Cole: "That would be good. Then, you could see me every time I went to the hospital!"

Texan

I am officially a Texan now. Check the new boots.

Happy Kindergarden Graduation, My Sweet Cole!

Our, Cole H. and his friend, Cole M.

Memorial Day

Today we taught our kids about Memorial Day and those who serve to keep us safe and free. They don't have to do it. They choose to give up everything on our behalf. In my opinion, there is not a more honorable choice of careers.
We had the children make cupcakes and bring them down to a family who recently lost their very decorated Son. I had no words, as I tried not to cry looking into the eyes this fallen soldier's Father. I tried to speak, to say, "thank you" but there seemed to be no words strong enough to express my gratitude, my honor in meeting him, his accepting us into his home, and showing us his treasured flags and badges. My children couldn't know. Only a parent can feel a fraction of this Father's loss. All I could do was hug this Soldier's Dad and udder some mangled words of appreciation.
If only I could do more.

Craig's List

I LOVE CRAIG'S LIST!
I posted something for the first time last night. I have already had 20 people interested. Really? Is it this easy? Crazy!
If you post it (at the right price), they will come!

Me: Move it or loose it, Kiddo.
Cole: Move it or loose it, Grown Up!

2009 Swim Suits

Thank goodness for really cute one-pieces! Last year, I tried a tank top style...not so good. My boobs kept popping out and it looked like I had NO waist.
These darlings do not stretch much, holding in my waist to make it look even smaller. Oh, the best part, no surprise peep shows from this Mommy on the beach!

Houston Tea Party

Hair Cuts

These two decided to cut their own hair this morning. I knew the day would come. Thank goodness, they didn't do a very bad job. This is what they looked like after I cleaned up the carnage.


Cole really only cut off one curl, but I had warned him if he ever cut his hair, I would finish the job. I hated to do it, but it's almost summer, right? It will grow back.

Summer

Summer! Summer! Wherefore Art Thou Summer?

Happy Rodeo!

Memorial Park RS Blog

I thought our RS could use some organization, especially because I am constantly adding things to the calendar for enrichment. I don't function well with scattered information.
I hope this catches on...it is really helping me stay organized.

www.memorialparksisters.blogspot.com

"Fortify the Family" Coupon

I got this today from my Visiting Teachers.

It was accompanied by these quotes:

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
"I call upon members of the Church and on committed parents, grandparents, and extended family members everywhere to hold fast to [the family] proclamation, to make it a banner not unlike General Moroni's 'title of liberty,' and to commit ourselves to live by its precepts. . . .

"In today's world, where Satan's aggression against the family is so prevalent, parents must do all they can to fortify and defend their families. But their efforts may not be enough. Our most basic institution of family desperately needs help and support from the extended family and the public institutions that surround us" ("What Matters Most Is What Lasts Longest," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2005, 42–43).

2009 Family Pictures

Go Texans Day

A Trip to the Park