"Whis-a-consin"

Houston's first reaction to the snow was so funny. He heard Josh and I talking at the window and had to come see what was going on. He was still half a sleep, walking kinda' "drunk" but when he looked out the window..."Oh my goodness, it looks like "Whis-a-consin"outside! I'm sure all our family from Wisconsin would love to get about 3-4" of snow and be melted off by mid-afternoon. Last year, they had snow on the ground from November until the last week of March. Could you imagine?! I don't know how ya'll make it everyday. Lots of love to you all!

We had SNOW much fun!

What a beautiful sight when we awoke this AM! It was really a surprise to me. You know every time they forecast snow, we NEVER get any, until today. The boys were chompin' at the bits to get out and play. We got out around 8 AM and played for about an hour. Came in to warm up and threw the clothes in the dryer to get everything dry and back out again. We then loaded up and went over to Pop and Nana's, they wanted to cook a big breakfast. I love the snow but I love having electricity, not to keen on roughin' it, you know what I mean. The boys helped cook and then after breakfast, we played at their house. We came in to warm up again and this time the boys made an apple pie, not a big fan, but they LOVE them some apple pie. Anyway, I tried it b/c their precious little hands made it and I loved it! It was great with a big scoop of ice cream(not snow cream)on top. I loved being together and enjoying the whole day with no agenda. We did have church tonight so around 4 PM, we called it a day and came home to get ready.

They are becoming quite the little chefs. Levi wanted to know what he could cook for supper when we got home. He didn't last that long though. He fell asleep in church, woke him up to eat a piece of pizza and he is already back in the bed. Those little hands and feet worked hard today, whether making snowballs, cooking or running from other snowballs, they have got to be pooped. Houston on the other hand, is still kickin'. He headed to McDonald's with MeMaw and PePaw and has yet to return. That little boy is something else. He loved every minute of the snow today. Giggles could be heard for miles from that little fella'. He even giggled when someone would wack him with a snowball. I loved the opportunity to make wonderful memories with them!

I also had a moment today while looking at all the beauty and awesomeness of God's almighty hand: "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow, though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18 How Awesome! The bright white, purity of the snow was beautiful, that's what God does with all our filth and all our unrighteousness. And after we played, we would have tracks, dirty snow with grass all mixed in, or slush etc. But when we would come into warm up, by the time we got ready to go out again- All our tracks and yuckiness we left behind, were covered again and beautiful as if nothing had ever happened. What a promise, we have in the precious blood of Jesus. Yes, we fail and may have ugly wounds or scars, but just like the dirty snow,when we ask for his forgiveness, his blood covers us once again and our hearts look as if we have never done anything wrong and not only that, but they are to never be remembered again! I love my family, I love my friends, but I absolutely love everything about my Saviour and his precious blood. Hope you have the precious blood applied, there's snow way I could make it without him!

The boys thought this was too cool! "Momma, please take a picture of this!"

Loved this picture! Our "redneck sled". We don't have snow toys around here, but we do have plenty of sand toys. So Josh drilled a couple of holes in Levi's skimboard and put a rope through them and boy what fun!

My favorite fella's!

"Home Sweet Home"

Meet "Bama the Snowman"

The boys loved being in the kitchen. Houston scrambled the eggs and helped with the biscuits. Levi actually fried all our sausage and bacon, and also helped with the gravy. It was delicious! (NOTE: No Mother, this is not a common practice around our house, and none of your precious boys were hurt during this activity. However, I do not take responsibility for these actions, this was ok'd by their Poppy)

Both my little men at work!

Report Card Time

My little man brought home a wonderful report card again today. All A's for Levi. I'm so proud of our little guy. He continues to be quite the perfectionist but maybe he will lighten up a little. I don't believe I'm too hard on him, he's just hard on himself. He had this 4 part spelling journal earlier in the week. He made a 100, 100, 105 and an 80. She of course, averaged all the grades together where he got a 97. I thought he would have a meltdown over the 80. "Momma, I'm so sorry but I made an "F". "On what, son?" "This spelling journal." I took a look and said "An 80 is not an "F", son, that's a "B". But it might as well been an "F" b/c he stressed over it for a little while, even to the point he asked me not to show it to his Daddy. Poor thing, I'm glad he takes pride in his work, but I don't want him to have ulcers at 6. He likes those 100's and thinks he should make them on everything, bless his heart. Maybe, he'll stay concerned about his grades until the girls start getting in the way, which I hope is AT LEAST 16!! But I have a feeling it might happen a little sooner than that.

2 Years in Heaven....

I can hardly stand the thought of being without my PawPaw for the last 2 years. Time does help but the void is never filled. The assurance of him always being there for our family, the authority of God's call so real in his life and the awesome faith he lived in front of us are just a few things that I miss so much. It is so hard to see my Grandmother without him. Side by side for over 50 years, through sickness and in health, for better for worse....true love lived in front of me everyday. Heaven, yes it's a beautiful, eternal place but this world though temporary was more beautiful with him here. Yes, I'm selfish when it comes to my loved ones. Too many things to be thankful for, I know I shouldn't complain. But, I miss him so bad. One day, I WILL see him again. My children will be reunited with their great grandfather, my grandmother reunited with her husband whom she misses so much. But until then, I will do all that is within me to keep his legacy and his memory alive. His family and the work he started at the church, still and will always honor his testimony and dedication to God's kingdom. Even though, he's not here with us in the flesh, the fruits of his labor are still evident in so many. I miss you so much, but you are resting in the arms of Jesus, in the very presence of Almighty God, the one whom you loved with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. I know 2 years in Heaven has been wonderful...... and still eternity to enjoy it.

In Loving Memory
Johnny Edward Bozeman

Dec. 7, 1934 ~ Feb. 26, 2007

"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." Revelation 14:13

Last '09 Upward Game

We had our last game on Saturday. The Awards Ceremony will be Friday night. We had another great year. Thanks to Coach Adam and Coach Josh for a wonderful season. We appreciate your dedication and concern for all the precious little souls on our team. If just one was effected in any way by the devotions and reading of God's word, it will not have been in vain. May God Bless you for your efforts! Levi is "already missing it". I told him baseball is right around the corner and he would be so busy with that, he would forget about basketball for a while. He just gave a little nod. He truly loves to play. Houston is excited about next year too. He'll have the opportunity to play. If they keep the same age groups, the boys will be on the same team. Oh how sweet, I can't wait to watch!

I believe, they would spend every waking minute together if they could!

The most precious gifts God could ever give!

Happy 1st B-Day Beth!

It is so hard to believe our little princess is "1"! She is so precious and beautiful. How my brother ever had such precious children is beyond me(LOL). I couldn't be more proud of him and his beautiful family! We Love You so much Baby Beth!!(you too, Ben).

Too Cute!

All smiles!
My precious niece and nephew. What little blessings!
I loved this little backpack.

A girl after my own heart. A cute little bag and plastic!

"Fishing Rods in Heaven"

I just LOVE how my boys can put the biggest smile on my face and in my heart! Houston and I were going to Bro.Lloyd Wright's viewing and funeral on Monday and we had the sweetest conversation.

I have always tried to keep my PawPaw's memory alive in my boys. It will be 2 years on Feb. 26, 2009 that he's been in Heaven. I have several pics out, several of his sermons on CD and his last message on DVD, just things that keep him still close by, all throughout the house and we talk as if, he's just went on vacation. Which he really has, the vacation of a lifetime and we will see him soon! But anyway, the boys are always saying things about him. He definitely left an impression on everyone he met, the boys were only 4 & 2 when he passed away, so for them to still recall things about him, I'd say he left a lasting impression....like his love of fishing.

Anyway, another dear friend of ours, Bro.Lewis Montgomery, passed away yesterday, and this has also been on the boys minds. Please say a little prayer for his precious wife, Mrs. Eveleen. Bro.Lewis had been sick for some time and lost his battle with cancer yesterday. We do not shield the boys from death and the reality that one day we will all make that journey and that's why we have to live for Jesus, so we can all still be together in Heaven.

Anyway, back to our conversation. We had some food to take before the viewing and we were rushing around as always to get there on time. In a frenzy, thinking about what else I needed to do, worrying if the food would taste ok, etc. So, sweet little Houston made me stop and smile when just out of the blue this is what he said:

H: "Momma, I bet Bro. Lloyd and PawPaw are fishing today, what do you think?"
M: "Sounds like a good idea if their not. Look what a pretty day it is down here, can you imagine how pretty it is in Heaven?"
H: "Yes mam! (little giggle) Do they really have fishing rods in Heaven?"
M: "Well you know there is a River of Life and we do eat in Heaven, so there could be some great tasting fish in that River, and I'm sure there is some way of catching them."
H: "Yes mam. And you know, if they ain't got no fishing rods, then they can just cut off a stick and find a string and a hook, and catch them that way, right Momma?"
M: "Sounds like a good idea to me. Besides they are with Jesus, the smartest man in the world."
H: "Yes mam. I really think they are fishing rods up there. And when Bro. Lewis goes to Heaven, he can fish with them too!"
M: "Yea, buddy, he can."

How precious. Thank you Lord for the little things that make me slow down and think. They make me think "Lord, please help me to have a better, sweeter attitude(like Houston's), help me realize the things that are most important, and help me Lord to never forget that one day, we too will all have the awesome privilege to see if there really are fishing rods in Heaven."

"And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." Revelation 22:11

Tooth #6

Levi came home from school with a little surprise yesterday. He had pulled his 6th tooth! He loves to pull his own teeth. He also loves to see what the tooth fairy leaves. Of course, he jumped out of bed, no not really, I carried him to the shower this am. And after he showered I said, "Let me see that pretty little smile." Then it hit me. The tooth fairy had forgotten to land at 23300 Hwy 18 East, OMG!
L: "Oh, hurry Momma let's go see, what I got."
M: "Hang on son, why don't you go ahead and get dressed and brush your teeth up here this morning. It's been a cold night and you can go ahead and do everything in here, since the shower has warmed everything up."
L: "OK"
I then made a mad dash for the cash and returned in a flash. Yes, I could barely breathe and yes we always brush his teeth after breakfast, and yes we always get ready watching a cartoon, but this morning things had to be a little different, but in the end......the tooth fairy had pulled through, again! I'm gonna have to get better at this.
Anyway, he was so happy with his $5 and announced, "I have pulled 6 teeth for a grand total of.(pause, pause, pause, pause).........."How much, Momma?"
M: "For a total of $35, son."
L: "Wow! I'm really raking in the cash." He's such a mess!

This pic was so funny to me. I had said that it was so hard to see the new smile b/c the tooth that was pulled was on the bottom. So, he then says, "Just take it like this, Momma."

Fever-Free!

Thanks everybody for your calls and prayers! All my guys have been fever free since their last dose of Tylenol. Friday night. Yipee! Josh returned to work yesterday and back today, so I think he's about kicked it, whatever it was. Thank you Lord. The boys have also felt much better, even to the point they were both in time out yesterday for all the "rough-housin". I tried not to be too hard, since they've felt so bad, but WOW they were really making up for lost time. Anyway, just a little blog of Praise, if you will. Everyone have a great Sunday, looks like it's going to be a beautiful day! "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

Happy Love Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to my sweetheart of 17 years! That's right, we started "going out" in February 1992, I really don't know where the time has gone. I LOVE YOU MORE EVERYDAY!!

He gave me the sweetest card. It read~

"To My Loving Wife"

It's one thing to be in love,

it's another thing to be good friends.....

And it's a wonderful thing to be madly in love with my best friend!

Love You Always.

"You don't love a woman because she is beautiful, but she is beautiful because you love her." ~Anonymous

Thanks for making me feel beautiful! I Love You, Always.

It's official....

Houston has also been diagnosed with a "sinus infection". He ran a fever throughout last night and a low grade today. When we saw the Dr. this afternoon it was 100. She said his ears were very stopped up and almost infected. However, she did point out that he had not been in the office since his 3 yr checkup(8/07). Thank the Good Lord for healthy boys. This sinus stuff pales in comparison to all the poor little ones suffering with the flu, pneumonia, etc.
I just checked everyone about 1hr ago and all were still feverish and dosed with Motrin or Tylenol. Josh continues to be SO sick. He got up this AM and took a shower and got dressed for work and by the time he made it downstairs, he was so weak he could barely hold his head up and was sweating from head to toe. Back to bed he went and has pretty much been there or the couch all day.
Levi woke up crying for me this AM and by the time I got in there, he threw up the nastiest "green slime" you've ever seen. Afterwards, he did feel much better, though. He has laid around all day again but has also gotten some of his appetite back.
Houston, sweet Houston, even when sick, has continued to love, kiss and tell me 25x today how much he loves me. He has to be one of the most affectionate children I've ever known. He got his antibiotic this afternoon and has also ate a little more today. He said, "Momma since I was so good, do you think I could get a yogurt with gummy bears?" "Sure thing, buddy". And he enjoyed all 5 bites of it. Now that boy is sick. He loves to eat....just like his Momma.

"This too shall pass".....

Well, for the first time ever in our family ALL 3 boys are sick. There have been times when both the boys have been sick, or maybe Josh and the boys catch "It" later, but today was a first around here. Josh was home from work, Levi home from school, and Houston home as usual only sick.
I took Levi to the Dr. on Tuesday with a "sinus infection", I believe this was definitely a mis-diagnosis, still fever tonight and just feeling yucky. He went back to school yesterday b/c fever broke Tuesday. However, he started feeling really bad again before church and slept all night. Then, I woke him to shower and get ready for school, but after shower and breakfast(only a few bites), he just couldn't get going. So back to bed he went and slept from 9AM-3PM this afternoon! Poor baby!
Josh came home from work yesterday with 102 fever and went to the Dr., diagnosis-"bronchitis". If this is bronchitis, I would hate to see him with the flu! If he doesn't work, then I KNOW this man is sick! Still aching and feverish as we speak.
Houston has started running fever and sounding really congested. SO, I guess I'll be back at the Dr office in the AM.
I have Lysol'd everything possible and have continually sprayed all day. I raised the windows today to get rid of all the germs and enjoy some fresh air. Please say a little prayer for all my guys. "Momma, could you please stop spraying that stuff, its giving me intergestion!?" He means making him congested, bless his heart!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY!

I couldn't ask for anyone more loving, caring, and dedicated to our family as you. We are so thankful for all you do to provide for our family and the rock that you are for us. You have built our family on a solid foundation and live a Godly example for our boys, each and everyday. Your love and strength are admired and adored both through little eyes and mine. We LOVE you to the moon and back and as BIG as the sky as the boys say! You're the BEST!!
"He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood rose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock." Luke 6:48

A Week in Review

We had a very busy but blessed week last week. I don't believe I've ever went this long without blogging. Anyway, we stayed busy with the regular school stuff, church stuff and basketball. The weather seemed to get nicer everyday and the boys were like birds out of a cage over the weekend. The weather was absolutely beautiful!

We had our usual Saturday Upward game. Sunday was "Friend Day" at church with lunch and singing. What a wonderful time! We had several new faces and the lunch, as usual was delicious! Our church ladies always show out on days like these. Back to school, homework, volunteering, etc. Then haircuts, practice, Mother Goose, get the truck serviced, groceries, etc. Another Upward Game on Saturday, church on Sunday, Choir practice, Houston to Dentist on Monday and Levi to Dr. on Tuesday. Which puts us up to date! I think.... I can hardly remember anything anymore if more than 2 days ago. Levi has a sinus infection, so please say a little prayer for him, when you get a chance. And today also happens to be my honey's birthday. We Love you so much!!

The boys did a little bird hunting on Saturday. Levi shot his 1st bird. He was so proud of himself.
The boys started a "Club/Fort" today. I tried to take some pics, but you can tell by this look, they were into "work". Levi told me "this was no time for pics, they had to work 'til the sun went down."
Houston also informed me "Momma, cowboys don't smile!"

They made their club sign. "No girls allowde" and they called it "The Thug Club". They didn't really know the meaning of a thug. I explained, that wasn't anything to be proud of. "But we were thugs in the Christmas play." OK, I see where they might think this was a good thing. If you have a group of thugs in a church play, then surely it's something good, right?

Ben and Beth "Pend the night with Gi-Gi"!

Luke had gotten Mary Kathryn a "Spa Day" for Christmas. He called and asked if I could keep the kids on Wed.night and Thursday. Of course I could! We had little ones for two days around here and Houston loved it. Ben is 2 1/2 and Beth will be "1" in February. They are a hand full. I had forgotten how it was to have a little one crawling everywhere. She also started taking steps and tried it several times yesterday. She would take about 5-6 steps at a time and would get so excited when we would cheer for her. Ben loved playing with Houston and the boys toys. Although, it was a lot of fun, it was a lot of work! Getting 4 ready for church, supper and bed, WOW! But we loved every minute of it. Ben loves being here at "Gi-Gi's house" and I love having them here. I love ya'll so much!!

She reminds me so much of KK when she was little!

And he reminds me so much of Luke when he was little!