Reese Playing Catcher!

Greg and Reese---he's baseball ready:)

Scoring a RUN!

Got a little tired squatting down the whole time--he decided on his knees felt a little better!

Precious---I just want to squeeze him!


Reese was so thrilled to play catcher on Saturday and he was so funny trying to catch the ball--- all he was worried about was trying to keep that huge helmet on his head!

A Relaxing Day at the Spa:)

*NOTE to my devoted readers*
-you must read this entry
--it's too hilarious to skip over...take time and read this one you won't be disappointed!:)



OK so I have to tell you all about my experience at the Buckstaff Bathhouse in Hot Springs, AK. I was really interested in checking out what everyone was talking about SO while Greg and the kids went to the aquarium, I went in for my "spa" experience.....it was NOT a typical spa experience--not that I have ever gone to a spa but I am pretty sure this was nothing like it:)
Anyways I pay my $52.20 (not too shabby I thought) and waited for the elevator to come pick me up while I kissed the family goodbye---the elevator was super old school--like 1912 old school;)
When I got to the top they told me to go left and someone would assist me in the dressing room. Now if I knew then what I know now I would not have been so eager to turn left and enter that dressing room---being that I was naked in front of about 50 women that day--no big deal!
OK so they lead me into this tiny locker cubbie like deal and told me to take all my clothes off. They said to holler when I was ready and they would get me a sheet---a sheet?! What is she talking about I thought? Well she wasn't kidding--I called out that I was "ready" and she rips open the curtain and tells me to turn around and then proceeds to wrap a sheet around me like a tunic. I held on to the sheet for dear life as I entered the waiting room--some woman says, "Wow we look like a bunch of angels!" I was thinking we all look very confused and vulnerable--but whatever:)
So they finally call me back to the bathing area. I follow this lady named BJ and little did I know that she would be very well acquainted with me as the day went on---if you get my drift:)
She then leads me to my bath room and before I can even get behind the curtain she rips my sheet off and says, "watch your step" I was thinking -I hope she doesn't watch me while I watch my step!
I was pretty uncomfortable about this time and was hoping the bath lasted a LONG time so I could gather enough courage to get out of the tub again:) I got to stay in there about 20 minutes then BJ walks in grabs a towel and tells me to stand up---now even though 20 minutes had elapsed I was not ready for whatever she had planned for me next, but reluctantly I arose from the tub. She then began to dry me off---yep she did--she actually did it for me...weird huh? Well that was more than awkward but by this time I had my sheet on again and I felt security in holding on to it for dear life---not that she wasn't afraid to rip it off me- but falsely I felt a bit more comfortable:)
She then led me to the most disgusting and awkward part of the "spa" experience --the sitz bath---there was a row of sitz bath stalls with no shower curtains, and I was assigned one amongst a few other (very large) women. I hadn't been sitting there long and I look to my right and see a sign that reads- relieves lower back pain, hemorrhoids, and syphilis---I about died! Was I supposed to skip this step? I keep looking around wondering if anyone around might have these conditions and if they did I was gonna freak!
Well I guess my lady took a break or something because she didn't come around for about 15 minutes and the whole time all I could do was focus on thinking about anything BUT catching a disease from the person that went before me! (ok so it wasn't that dramatic but my OCD/germ issue didn't help matters AT ALL!:)
Thankfully she let me get up and took me to the next step-- the most unusual/scary contraption I had even seen---it was basically a steam box--I sat down (naked:) and she closed me in and the only thing sticking out was my head--there was only an opening for my head THAT'S IT...it was crazy! I sat in this "box" for about 10 minutes and sweated like no other--they said it was a cure for obesity back in the early 1900's--I can see why! When BJ came over to check on me she opens the box, looks at me and says, "Welp, you look done!" -I sure did! I was beet red and dripping like someone had just poured a bucket of water on me--it was insane!
I just keep thinking, "what have I done"? I never get to go to a spa and now finally Greg and I decide it was a good time and I get this? -I tried with everything I had to be grateful, but all I could think about was--these waters better be magical---meaning I better look 20 when I leave this place!!:)
Well after the steam box, things started looking up--she brought me to a "cooling" area and wrapped me with STEAMING hot towels---I'm talking scorching HOT towels--she wrapped my legs and it was WONDERFUL--I felt like jello and got to lay there for 20 minutes or more!
She then took me to this crazy shower that had about 30 shower heads shooting on your body --she dried me off again....thank you very much--and then I got a 30 minute massage!
Honestly that part was great and made me forget (kinda) about my syphilis sitz bath:)
***Now--I have told this story a few times to my family and they have all asked if I would ever do this again.....honestly I don't think so--it was an experience that I will NEVER forget but I plan on next time going to a more modern spa---you know the kind that was built after the Carter administration...I figure that's a safe bet:)
I must say before ending my dramatic story that after I got done I got in the car with Greg and the kids and my skin felt like butter---it was amazing and it even healed a wart I had on my finger (gross-sorry) but for real---there IS a little magic in those Hot Springs waters after all:)

We had a great trip!

We got back last night from our family vacation to Hot Springs, AR. We had the greatest time and I honestly don't know where to start! We did so much in 4 days. It was action packed yet also very relaxing--Greg is ALWAYS wonderful in planning our trips and he is very intentional in finding fun stuff to do that each of us will enjoy---he is very thoughtful and I just love that about him!
When we got into town we went straight to the golf course-which we all loved! We got the kids their own clubs and they did really great...and I have found a new LOVE---I love to golf! Greg and I plan on going golfing for a date in the near future...who knew? I tried once in high school and gave up before I even started--what a shame! That was over 10 years ago....think how good I could be right now? Shame on me--but I don't plan on wasting anymore time---golfing is wonderful.....no wonder every guy loves it!!! (too bad I have terrible form --as you will see in the pictures--but Greg said besides that I'm pretty good!) -he's too kind;)
Anyways the rest of the weekend we hiked through the Ouachita Mountains, dug for crystals at a local mine--which the kids LOVED--every kid is happy with a mount a dirt and a shovel right?...and the weather was beautiful so that was icing on the cake! We came home with 2 buckets of crystals!
We also went to a local music review show downtown and Greg got to dance on stage---what a ham....I will post that video soon!
We took a tour of the historic hot spring bathhouses---very interesting--for us more than the kids:) If you are unaware of Hot Springs and how it got it's name well all throughout the mountains surrounding the city are springs that flow steaming hot water out of the rocks. (see pictures) Starting around the turn of the century people all over country would come to the town for healing by sitting in the water which are filled with natural minerals(from God:)--doctors would prescribe these baths and still today people are coming and using the waters for natural healing.
I was really wanting to experience this bath everyone was talking about so while Greg went to the Aquarium with the kids I took a hot springs bath at the Buckstaff Bathhouse and it was HILARIOUS! I will have to post that story later, but lets just say this- I have seen enough naked ladies to last me the rest of my life and I have never been seen naked by as many strange women in MY life....it was humbling and shocking all at the same time:) I can't wait to tell you all about this---stay tuned!

-Well we have a ton of pictures of our adventures so enjoy!


I have a terrible swing---how embarrassing! (I'll get better...you'll see!)

Abby and Daddy-golf pros!

Ok-he was way better than me--I'm ok with that!

the kids loved the carts....so did I:) -so did Greg actually he was a speed demon!

Reese was great at putting! But whenever he saw a ball he would pick it up and throw it--he never really figured the whole "don't touch the ball" idea:)

Enjoying the changing colors of fall-- at least one leaf was changing.

Digging for crystals on the set of the movie Deliverance.

What a handsome devil. He's standing on top of the digging pile.

Looks like she found a keeper!!

These are the fine specimens they collected before we got there. Nothing remotely close to this big in the dirt pile.

Hiking in the Mountains!

Exploring with Daddy!

Reese just wanting to sword fight with his walking stick!

Abby's favorite part of the trip--climbing on the fallen tree!

Rock climbing--very happy we got through the weekend with no injuries!

I challenge you to a duel!

More pics.....

Getting a free facial! Nice!

The hot springs bath tubs--very luxurious huh?:)

One of the biggest hot water springs---check out that steam--they are super hot! (about 150 degrees--amazing--God is so creative!)

Going into the naked fest---oh I mean the bathhouse:)

Back from Arkansas!

We just got back tonight from Hot Springs, Arkansas and we had a wonderful time! I have MANY funny stories and hope to get a post together tomorrow night---we have tons of pictures and I even got a hot springs mineral bath....more about that later--it was HILARIOUS!
Well- I just wanted to drop in and let you know I'm alive just been out of town!
Have a great Monday!

The Famous Sword Dance!

So Abby has been sword dancing lately---yes, sword dancing....don't worry it's foam;)
I just love watching her do this because normally Reese is the ham/silly one performing for the camera- but lately she has been very into performing! I see her come alive when she is "acting" and it's so great---we have been looking into acting lessons for her---she told me the other day she wants to be in a musical with me---now that's my girl---I'm for it--bring it on!


*Enjoy the video--she worked very hard to put this dance together for you:)

Homecoming -oh the memories!

They stood up the whole game---and check Reese out...he was all decked out with his favorite teams--The Missouri Tigers and the Dallas Cowboys---he wants to wear the jersey every day!

Me and Rebecca--one of my girls from S.S. class--she's wonderful!


Friday we went to our local high school's homecoming game-we have alot of kids in our youth group on the team and 4 of our kids were up for homecoming king and queen. We also got to watch Charlie and Landry because Doug and Anglea had a dinner they had to go to- so we took all four kids to the game with us! It was a hoot! The kids were super funny and actually watched the game:) I brought a TON of snacks and you would have thought they had never eaten before--all they did was eat the whole time--it was crazy! We stayed through half-time to watch the crowning (oh to be in high school again--haha j/k -I would never choose to go back:) and none of our kids won but they all looked wonderful anyways!
I am still amazed every time I go to a game here in Texas---they are crazy about their football--EVERYONE goes to the games even if you don't have a kid in high school...it's a huge party!
---I was talking to Greg the other day and I seriously can't remember even going to one pep rally in high school....now I went to the games but all I did was talk to all of my friends by the concession stands and flirt with boys:)....I didn't have a bit of school spirit....so sad huh?
*this season I have already been to 1 pep rally, 2 games and a parade...I guess I'm trying to make up for old times:)

Family Night-The Ten Commandments

Greg throwing the sock at my face--now that's not nice -especially on family night!

Horses in our front yard????




Last night we had our first "official" family night and began a Bible study called 10 Commandments- Family Nights Tool Chest- by Focus on the Family. We love the study and it's VERY user friendly--not much preparation but tons of applications for us and the kids! You have to buy a few supplies for the activities but nothing big and the kids thought it was so great! As you can see we did a bean bag (or sock:) toss and the kids tried to "hit the target". After we talked about how hard it was to hit the target just like it was hard for the Israelites to obey all these rules. We were able to teach them that God gave us these Commandments to show us our sin and how we couldn't do it without a Savior. They seemed to really enjoy it all and today they even talked a bit about the lesson---now that's an accomplishment:)
After we got done we went outside to play until bed and that's when we saw the horses walking down the street--only in Texas! These are the girls that are gonna give Abby horseback riding lessons--she was very excited to see them!

We're Set!

Abby as Tinker Bell---we'll need some tights:)

The "real" Peter Pan costume --as Reese calls it!

This past weekend my parents came to town and they brought Reese to the Disney Store. One thing led to another and he walked out with this.....he was thrilled! It was so sweet though, we were in the dressing room trying it on and he says, "Mommy, one day I would really like this....maybe it will be here next time!"
What a sweet boy--he didn't even ask Granny and PaPa for it-he just walked out went on his way.....now that makes you want to buy it for him doesn't it? Well my parents felt the same and that's exactly what they did! We haven't gone one day yet without it on and he's so ready for Halloween he can barely stand it!
Also Abby got a Tinker Bell costume from Charlie and Landry---she went over to their house the other day and the boys were so excited to give it to her. She loves it-they all watched Peter Pan together and she "flew" (jumping around from chair to chair) during the whole show.
Thanks everyone for providing us with Halloween costumes---I owe you one!!
--Now if only I could find a Wendy costume---Greg thinks he's really funny....he told me I would have to be the old Wendy---how rude!:)

Go RiverCats!

Reese and another boy on his team--his name is Charlie...Reese thought that was really funny since that's his cousin's name!

Reese is playing First

Up to Bat!

Daddy giving him a "talk" about not playing in the dirt:)


Reese had his first T-ball game of the season on Saturday and he did great! He was up bright and early ready to get his uniform on and thank goodness the game was at 9am because his patience was wearing thin:)
He played 1st base and was the lead-off hitter---he is the only 3 year old on the team and the rest are 5 or turning 5 soon and he's really holding his own! We really felt he was ready to play up and man we were right....he is loving it!
He had practice tonight (after dinner) and at dinner we asked Reese what was the best thing he did today he said, "Go to practice!" I guess he really likes baseball huh?
.....now only if we could get him on a baseball team that's called Peter Pan so he could wear his costume!!!:) -now that would make his day!

Just Taking a Break!

notice the scooter on the ground in front of him!

"What's so funny Mommy???"


Yesterday Reese was riding his scooter and he decided he would take a little break---he reached in his pocket and pulled out his harmonica. I about died laughing---I ran inside and was able to get a picture and a video! He cracks me up---what other 3 year old do you know that carries a harmonica around just in case he wants to sit by a tree and play sometime??? I love it!
Enjoy the music---he's a natural---I always say he has the music in him....even when he was a baby he would stop everything (even screaming/crying) if he heard music! -lately all he wants to listen to is the Beatles--he's very cultured;)

Panther Race 2008

Ready to go....

she's fixin' to pass that kid....that's my girl!

all done--yay!

They marked her shirt every time she ran by--I wanted to run with her soooo bad:)

This morning Abby ran in a race at her school--she got 30 minutes to run as many laps as she could and she did 9! Way to go Abby!
She liked running (most of the time) even though it was beautiful weather outside she got a little tired and hot and ended up spending alot of time at the water station:) * along with every other kid!
I'm not sure she decided to run for a hobby like mommy because when I asked her if she wanted to train for the Olympics she said, "yeah right!" I had to laugh-- I admit running is a weird sport and it does seems really boring --I can't seem to convince people that it's really a great high (when you go far enough)--it's amazing actually-- but most people stop short and swear off the sport forever! -well I guess no one understands unless they have tired it right?:)
So get out there and start running---you'll thank me for it...maybe;)

Why didn't anyone tell me????

OK--- so I was looking on here and realized I haven't been very good lately keeping you all updated!
Well I must confess I have been super busy with a volunteer position at Abby's school called a ROOM REPRESENTATIVE!!!!! So seriously I had NO idea how much it took to do this and actually I am a bit overwhelmed with our first task! We have to put together a Dallas Cowboys/tailgating basket for auction for a school fundraiser.......WOW I had no idea how serious some of these mothers are about fundraisers and their school---I thought we already covered funding by paying taxes???? Ok really it's not all that bad--just kinda:) but my eyes have been opened to the world of public school---it's crazy:) *I wonder if it's just Abby's school???
Lately I have been going to businesses trying to find SOMEONE to donate stuff to our basket---I have had some luck but I have gone to a few places and the other mothers have already been there and it had only been 1 day since our meeting---they don't waste any time! :) hehe!

So I do know that most of you are not from Texas or give a rip about the Cowboys but if any of you have ideas for my basket (we are gonna do a small tailgating grill instead of a basket and fill that) -or if anyone has Dallas Cowboys connections PLEASE let me know----OR if anyone wants to be a room rep for a kindergarten class in Texas---I will joyfully give up my spot:) -just kidding!
*"they" say it gets easier after this first fundraiser---we'll see;)

Reese and his T-ball

Here's Reese in his new uniform minus his jersey--they aren't in yet--that sure doesn't stop him from wearing his new stuff huh?


The new cleats!

The other day I went to a consignment sale and found some new baseball cleats for $4 ---yay! I am very proud of that find--those suckers aren't cheap:)
Also Greg took him to go get his new pants, socks, belt and batting helmet--he loves his new white pants--he says he looks like Hank Blalock! He was supposed to start T-ball last weekend but because of the hurricane they cancelled all the games. His team is called the Rivercats --does anyone know what a Rivercat is? Abby says it must be a cat that hangs out by the river....sounds right to me:)
He has been wearing his helmet all around the house and whenever he does anything that might be "dangerous" he runs and puts it on and says, "I'm sure glad I have this helmet!" *never can be too careful huh?
Anyways we are hoping that his game isn't rained out this weekend---oh please God--let the sun shine...I hate to see the disappointment in his eyes when he can't play!
Go Rivercats!

Peter Pan at Artisan Theater

Before the show--look I'm in the picture!

Some of the set--it was amazing!

Reese with Michael and John

Peter Pan---he was a girl--why are they all casted as girls???? -she did great though!

Reese, Greg, Captain Hook, and Shmee!


Well I bet you are sick of reading about Peter Pan huh? (Sorry:) --it could be worse he could be into like Batman or Star Wars or something:)
Anyways last night we took the kids to see Peter Pan at the local theater and it was INCREDIBLE!!!! We were soooo blessed to get FREE tickets from our friend Linda (thanks Linda) and it was by far one of the highlights of our kids lives..... so far:)
It was done so professionally not like a high school musical or anything! It was like you were in the book living the story from page to page--amazing! There was a part in the show where Peter Pan and Captain Hook were fighting and Abby and Reese were so into it they were shaking in our laps--I could feel Reese's heart beat through his back!! (it was unreal:) I kept telling the kids it was make believe but the actors did such a great job that separating reality and fantasy was almost impossible! The set was spectacualar--the audience sat all around the stage surrounding it on all four sides and everywhere you looked characters were popping out of trees, ships and windows--it was great!
After the show all the characters were waiting outside to meet everyone which was really fun! Reese wouldn't take a picture with Peter Pan--not sure why, he wouldn't even wear his Peter Pan outfit--he puzzles me sometimes:) He would pose with Captain Hook and Shmee though....which is crazy because he is super scared of Captain Hook. He also wanted a picture with Michael and John--he was very happy about that! Abby wanted to take a picture with Wendy and Tiger Lilly--she wasn't into the pirates!
Well we had a great time and we really hope to see more shows in the future--I think Reese is hoping to see The Three Little Pigs--which should be really cute except he's really hoping the big bad wolf isn't bad...I think he's gonna be disappointed don't you??:)