Camping out!!!!

Josy and Alisa(our God daughter) enjoyed making our living room a campground!!!!!

Cousin Seth's Baby Dedication

Introducing Seth

Isn't he a doll?????

What a wonderful blessing from God a baby is to the whole family!!!! Seth is such a sweet beautiful baby!!! He does not realize it yet but he has a very special mommy and daddy who love him very much. Actually he has a lot of people who already adore him, one of them being myself!!! Anyway the day was very special and I am so thankful to have been a part of it!!!For you who do not know what a baby dedication is it is where his parents make a public statement that they realize God has blessed them with the gift of this child and that they will raise him in a way that is pleasing and glorifying to the Lord.

Aren't they a beautiful family?

The proud grandparents with all five of their grandchildren!!!!

Sharing tick tacs after the service.

Cousins!!!!!!

The Three Musketeers can't wait until Seth is running around with them!!!!

Aren't they precious?????

Fireworks!

My good friends and I went and took our kids to see the fireworks at the duck pond! We had a great time and the kids really enjoyed themselves!

I know.... this shirt makes me look pregnant but I LOVE IT!!!!!

Just me and all the princesses! I love that they all get along so well! I hope they can be LIFE LONG friends the way I know me and their mommies will be.

Fayth and Josy

Christy and her beautiful family!

In AWE of the fireworks!!!! This is the first year Josy has not been TERRIFIED!!!!

Halli wasn't scared but she sure didn't like the noise!!!

Josy taking pictures of the fireworks!!

We had a great time. Thank you Kristi for inviting us!!! Next year hopefully I will be more prepared and bring chairs!!!!! Thank you Terry for buying all of our girls the "lighted necklaces!" They loved them and you were a trooper taking care of all us women!!! There is not a lot in this life sweeter than friends and I thank God for you and Jen!!!!! I love you both!!!!!!!!!

Do you like my umbrella????

This is a special gift from Jen, Brad, Savannah and Fayth to Josy. They recently went to Disney and met some Chinese girls that were here for the summer. They had Josy's name put on it in Chinese.

Josy's first glimpse of her special gift!

Look mommy this is my name in Chinese!!!

My precious Josy girl posing!!! Oh wait she forgot.....

Sophie!!!!!!

Thank you Jen for this wonderful gift for Josy!!! It is a treasure that she can keep and pass on to her children one day!!!! I am so blessed to have such a thoughtful friend!!!!!! I love you a bunch!!!!!

SHE CUT HER HAIR TOO!!!!

So Josy did not only give Sophie a little trim, she gave herself one!!! No it's not BAD! I got onto her and I was telling my mom about it. Well mom got upset because she really likes Josy's hair long. Josy was on the phone with mom and I could tell by the conversation that mom had ask her about it. Josy said"well we're not talking about that,we're talking about Sophie!" All I can say is she speaks her mind. I do worry that she will never learn to be tackful. She is sooooo unlike me in this regard. I am the one that you call if you need anything....Clean your closet? Sure, I'll Help. Need a meal cooked? What do you want? Need a break? Bring the kids to me!!! The list goes on and on! But that is what gives me JOY in life is helping others. Not always, but most of the time. So when Josy starts spouting off like this well I am VERY EMBARRED!!!! I want her to respect adults! BUT AND THIS IS A BIG BUT.....I want her to not loose who she is and what she thinks! I want her to be an honest person, yet respectful of others feelings! She is so strong-willed. I thought Johnathan was....well no he was just normal on most things--unless it was something he was passionate about! I am going to continue to do what I have been doing.....PRAYING HARD and trusting God for Guidance on these tender issues of raising children!!! If you will... Pray that I will know how to be the parent God intends for me to be.....

WHAT?

This morning I opened one eye to Josy standing over me saying "I cut the strings off of Sophie's mouth. I just went snip snip snip!" I ask her what she meant and immediately I told her to go get Sophie. She brought Sophie to me and sure enough she has cut or shall I say trimmed her whiskers. So we have a whiskerless cat that just ADORES Josy!!!! You would think the cat would run every time Josy was near! But no she LOVES her, go figure? Do cats actually need whiskers?

SOPHIE and her new NAP SPOT

It's the funniest thing ever... This cat gets up in this chair all by herself and naps! I have had this kid-sized chair in the basement for years. Our vacation bible school had the theme of the beach so I dug them out. I guess I'm going to have to bring the other one back upstairs for Josy because THIS ONE IS SOPHIE'S. I don't think she realizes she is A CAT!!!! She is sound asleep and probably having sweet dreams. What do you want to bet she's dreaming of a time when she had whiskers?

THE NEXT KARATE KID!!!!!

A few weeks ago we went with some friends to see KUNG FU PANDA. Since then it has been PANDAMANIA in this house. She has decided to learn KARATE. Here is some of her latest moves.......

Karate makes a girl strong, look at those muscles!!!!!

IF YOUR WONDERING WHY SHE IS ALWAYS IN HER PANTIES...WELL I FIGURE IT CUTS DOWN ON THE LAUNDRY AND SHE LIKES IT!!! When she came home from China she had issues with wearing clothes and being confined. So we have not made an issue out of it. You know we have to pick our battles and this has not been one of them, YET! One of the advantages of living in the country!!!But she DOES have clothes, I PROMISE!!!! Believe it or not she does wear clothes in the BIG CITY!! LOL!!!!

A little something funny..

Josy told Nana (my mom) that she needed her to come and pick her up. She then said "Nana, I can watch papaw while you cook for me!" She never ceases to amaze me!!! She has definately came out of her shell from when she first came home from China. When God united our family in 2004 she would not even look anyone in the eye!!!! God has truly blessed her with a confident spirit now. She is a little girl who LOVES her family so much!!! I suppose we need to work on the HUMBLENESS part?

What's going on in your world?

It sure is lonesome in mine!!!! Clever huh? But oh how true!!! I have been sick and my house is a wreck. I will get to it tomorrow because I really DO NOT feel like it tonight. I had to work this morning and mamaw and papaw kept Josy for a little while this afternoon while I took a nap. It really did me good. I am feeling a bit better. Anyway on a brighter note I did get to see my brother today. He and one of his friends came to visit and I always enjoy his visits. He always makes me laugh. I guess I have whined long enough. I have much to be thankful for.....my family.....they are all healthy with no life threatening illnesses..I have GREAT FRIENDS.....I have a home....food.... AND A WONDERFUL HEAVENLY FATHER. I'm going to decide to be thankful! This is my baby brother and me this last Christmas!!!!! Oh,what are you thankful for??????

PURE SWEETNESS

Josy received a letter from one of her preschool teachers this week and she was so excited. She kept saying "mommy read it to me again!" It was the sweetest thing. She took the letter and even slept with it. When I went to check on her before I went to bed this is what I saw. She came to my bed during the night and brought the note and her Paige Bunny (the purple stuffed animal behind her) with her. As soon as her eyes were open she was asking for her "letter." I was thrilled that this meant so much to her. It showed me how much she loved and was loved by her teachers at preschool!!!!! Thank you Mrs. Pietzyk for loving "OUR JOSY" so much!!!!!

Watering the Plants

Don't you just love Josy's attire? This is one reason I call our blog Good Country Livin'. We have several acres and no nearby neighbors-- so pretty much she can dress like this. At least her crocks match her hat,right? Johnathan is watering the plants because everything is soooo DRY! Darrell normally does this but he's in China so Johnathan is taking on the responsibility. WE MISS YOU DADDY!!!

RECOVERING from Bible School

Josy has been extremely irritable since we have been late getting to bed all week. We took today to rest. Even Sophie enjoyed resting!!! Josy is laying in her lawn chair in the living room watching TV. Is she rotten or what?

Vacation Bible School with no pictures???

This week has been extremely busy. We have been in Vacation Bible school. Our church is a small country church, we were excited to have enrolled 210 in bible school this year. I know this is not much for the MEGA churches, but for us it was incredible. I taught the 4 and 5 year old class and had at least 12 every night. I had the great privilege to have my good friend Kristi's little girl, Halli in my class. It was a pleasure getting to know this little one better. She was truly a pleasure to have in class. The week went by fast but it was extremely fulfilling and tiring at the same time. The kids had their commencement last night and they did great. I wish I had taken pictures but I was a LITTLE busy making sure we all survived the week safely!!!

Sophie and her swimming goggles?

This is what I looked up and saw as I was making preparations to teach Vacation Bible School. I can not turn my back for one second.. Sophie just lets Josy do whatever to her... Such a great cat!!!

DADDY IS WHERE?????

Darrell is in China- no not getting baby! He is there working. He left Monday morning and did not arrive until Tuesday Morning. Such a long trip. I remember when we went to get Josy I realized for the first time in my life what "tired" really meant. With jetlag and a 12 hour time difference it completely wipes you out. He will be there for a couple of weeks. Excuse me Josy has to have a minute....... She is on the floor saying "look mommy put your nose IN the ground and your tummy and put your feet up....my nana tell me that!" She is doing push-ups if your wondering! Nana kept her yesterday and she is always coming back with LOTS of new things that she has learned. But, push-ups??? I know there is a cute story behind this one. I hope I can remember to ask Nana. Back to the point of this post----WE MISS YOU DADDY AND WE LOVE YOU!!!!! COME HOME SOON!!!! HUGS AND KISSES FROM HOME!!!!!

Johnathan-A SENIOR?

I know I keep saying this but I suppose it REALLY is true. He went and had Senior Pictures taken today! I will be so thrilled to see him in a "FORMAL" picture. You know one that is with a TUX....they made him!!!!! For his casual picture he wore..... well....yea you guessed it, his ford racing t-shirt and jeans. We want even mention the situation with the shoes on this post. Everyone says "Well if you want him to wear a polo or khakis for his pictures just make him." Very true, I could do this but then would it really be a true reflection of who my son is? No it would be a reflection of who I think he should be. I am very happy with who he is-well most of the time. He is who he is and he's mine!!!! I LOVE HIM and know that God is going to use his life in a mighty way!!!!

Fathers Day Meal

Darrell wanted a special meal for father's day. He wanted turkey,dressing,green beans,mac and cheese,mashed taters and pecan pie for dessert. It was Yummy!!! HAPPY FATHERS DAY DADDY!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

New things Josy is saying...

Everything is "I've been dreaming of......" Josy has just realized that all little girls talk about Hannah Montana. She doesn't know who that is but recognizes her picture. When we are in the store she gets so excited and says HANNAH TANA!!!! Already following the crowd!! UGH!! Uses the word Awesome all the time!!! She was on her way out the door with no shirt. Her daddy stopped her and ask her where her shirt was and she proceeded to tell him she wanted to be like her papaw Jady and not wear a shirt outside. Thanks Papaw!! When she is eating she says mmmm mmmm mmmm!! This is because her papaw Eddie does this and she tries to do every thing he does. Johnathan was gone a few nights (spending time with my dad) and she has really "milked" this situation. She has had big issues with going to bed. She doesn't want to sleep upstairs without her BUBBA right down the hall. She will try anything and this was her excuse. Well, it did NOT work. She is such a character. Always coming up with the funniest things! What did I ever do without her??????

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!

I wanted to make a great slideshow for Darrell for Father's Day but.....well --you know time just got away from me. My intentions seem to always be much better than "actual reality." Maybe next year! I wanted to take this opportunity to say a lot about all the "DADS" in my life, but that would take a LONG TIME so I decided to say ONLY ONE thing that stands out in my mind about them. My dear hubby, the way you are so patient with the kids inspires me, you love and encourage them for who they are individually. Well okay two things for you dear!!! I could go on and on!!!!! I love you honey! My dad for his tender heart that is "as big as the sky!" My step-dad for always being there to listen! My father-in-law for his Godly counsel! My God father, Robby, thank you for all the time you spent with me as a kid! My DEAR Papaw who has gone home to be with the Lord, he NEVER LET ME DOWN, EVER!!!! I MISS HIM SO BADLY!!!

Last but certainly not least, My Heavenly father! I suppose the thing that stands out in my mind (right now) about my Lord is His FOREVER FAITHFULNESS. I am blessed that He loves me and is faithful to even the likes of ME!!! I am SOOOOO UNDESERVING!!!!!

I wanted to say that without each you I would not be who I am today! You each hold a dear place in my heart that no other person could fill. May God bless you today and always as you have blessed me!!!! I love you all!!!!!

Sophie, Would you like a sunchip???

This is what I woke up to this morning. Josy had helped herself to the chips. At least she was sharing with the cat. =) What did she do to keep herself busy before we got Sophie????

My Cousin, My Friend!!!!

When I got off from work I stopped and got my niece to play with Josy for a little while. They love each other so much. They are only one month apart in age and they play very well together. They are sooooo different. My niece is a girly girl. Well- and Josy is anything but a girly girl. My sister-in-law and I laugh and say Josy will be the football player and Miranda will be the Cheerleader. It is so cool that God knows what we need. He knew that I did not need a priss for a daughter because I am quite the priss myself!!!! I know anyone who knows me would have never guessed that of me, right??? HAHA!!!

Oh how I love times like these!!!

Can you guess what the girls are chasing through the house???? You guessed it, Sophie!

This is one of Josy's FAVORITE toys. Although it isn't even a toy. It is a plastic hollow candy cane. She uses it for everything! As you can see above she was using it for gun. Silly girl! The other day she had taken the mouse off the computer and put the cord in the candy cane and was using it for a fishing pole. She is very creative!!!! AND I am never BORED!!!!

Johnathan looks like he is having FUN, you think?

Guess who they have in the tent? Yea poor Sophie I guess it's time to put her in my bedroom!! Trying to get a picture with JUST me and my niece. Yea right, Josy would not hear of that!!!!

DANCING DIVAS!!!!!

The Ballet/Tap Recital went great!!! Other than me and Susan running around like chickens with our heads cut off!!! The girls performed twice and we had to run back stage and change shoes apply more lipstick, etc. Then race back out to the audience to watch! WHEW!!! We were tired but loved EVERY minute of it!!!! The pictures of the girls performing turned out not so good. I suppose the movement made them blurry!!! Here is what I have so enjoy!!!!

Josy loves to draw and while we were getting ready for the recital she decided to draw a picture of the stage? OK!!! We were already running late but---- whatever--------SO, HERE IS HER MASTERPIECE!!!

They were so proud of themselves!! Daddy presented his princess with the flowers mamaw brought!!!

In between perforances the girls ate Vanilla Wafers!!! Compliments of none other than Mamaw!!

ONE BLESSED FAMILY!!!

GREAT MAMAW PETE AND GREAT PAPAW JOHN

Cousin Alexis

Josy is so blessed to have had her GREAT Grandparents come see her dance.

Great Papaw Bob

MY SWEET SUSAN AND ANNA JADE!!! I LOVE YOU BOTH AND AM THRILLED WE CAN SHARE TIMES LIKE THESE!! I LOOK FORWARD TO MANY MORE!!

Mamaw, Anna, and Josy Girl

Look at my trophy!!!

Mamaw Sherrie, Papaw Jady, Papaw Bob and "THE STARS"

NO greater Hugs in the world!!!! MEMORIES, Isn't that what life is all about???