Thank goodness for Amy!

This morning we headed to town to run errands. I got started off on the wrong foot when we couldn't even make it to the van without whining and falling apart. Then Mary Blake said just what every mama wants to hear - "no mama, Diego is always right!" Great. As we proceeded on with our errands, things started getting better. The kids were actually obeying, I was getting things done, checking off my list THEN my van wouldn't start! I called Amy, who gave me Nissan's shop number. I said a silent prayer that he would come and quickly diagnosis my van as being a goner and tell me we must get a new one. . . no such luck. He did, however, kindly jump start me for free! About that time Amy drove up, gave us a ride to Midas and then dropped us off at the mall. Things were looking up. How bad could it be to be stranded at the mall for an hour or so?? You have everything you need: potty trained kids, food, clothes, and a bathroom! We ordered lunch and then I proceeded to drop most everything off my tray (such a clutz). I think the old bitties that clean the tables in the food court actually fought over who was going to clean up the mess . . must have been a slow day for them. Well, an hour and half later, armed with a new dress, and two remarkably happy kids, we rhymed our way on an "adventure" across the mall parking lot to Midas. I figured if we sang and rhymed the whole way there, it wouldn't give them a chance to complain about tired feet and the noon sun! I was saying a prayer all the while thanking God for sending Amy at the right time and giving me and the kids a good attitude!

Ode to Amanda

Last night Rusty and Ann Benson had a cookout for the McRaes. Saying goodbye is one of those things that I am not very good at. I never have felt my emotions at the right time - for those of you who know me well you are probably nodding in agreement. All it takes is someone randomly saying, "how are things?" and whoa buddy you better watch out - the tears may come. All of this to say, I know that I have purposely tried to not think about or express the sadness of one of my dearest friends moving away. Honestly, they were our very first friends here in Tupelo. I could knock on my downstairs bathroom (in a townhouse) and they could hear me! I remember borrowing Amanda's mop (no I didn't own one) and being amazed at the amount of cleaning supplies that girl had. Then I remember finding out how much younger she was than me - whoa - she was SO grown-up. She still is more of a grown-up than me. ANYWAY - our friendship was easy from the get-go. She and Sara Glenn were my mall and mcdonald's buddies to help my pregnancy with Collins go by faster. Then I (hopefully) got to do the same for her with Janey Beth and Emmy Lou. And how could I forget my numerous surgeries and Amanda sitting by my side so that Brad could take a break. She has definatley seen it all!!!! As we know, life continues, and with it comes happiness, joy, trials, and sadness. Amanda has been such a constant through all of that and more. So, this is my attempt to let all of you know what a special friend Amanda McRae is - it makes me all the more thankful for my other friendships here in Tupelo - we should cherish each other and hold on tight! Thankfully, Amanda is always a phone call away and a hop down the Trace! So thankful God choose to give us the gift of friendships!

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Learning to ride a bike . . .

Yesterday Collins decided he was tired of his training wheels. Instead of taking them off his spider man bike, we borrowed Mary Blake's pink Barbie bike - yikes! Poor guy - not only does he have 6 girls on the right and 2 girls on the left as neighbors, he has to learn to ride a bike on a Barbie bike!! Not to worry, Collins is a man's man (whatever that means) and can hold his own! Here is a pic of him riding without Brad's assistance! We are practicing!

Collins came to the table this morning in his pj's and cap. I could just eat him up with those big eyes and ears!!

Mary Blake had to get in on the action!

The McRaes are moving. . .

Last night we hosted a going away party for Amanda and Chris! Despite the afternoon showers and a whole pallet of sod not being laid, the party was a success! We had around 70 people here and only one cut knee!(Sorry I ran out of band aids Harrison!!!) The night went almost perfect until Emory received a call that Annie had a wreck leaving the party! Oh my - every party needs some drama! The McRaes will be missed! Click on the pics below!

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Vacation Bible School

Today is the last day of two weeks of Bible School! Mary Blake and Collins went to my parents Bible School last week, and then went to our Bible School this week. We started the week off with a visit from MyMarsh, Rebekah, Garrison, and Elliott. Garrison got to go to two days of VBS with Collins. We had a blast! Could someone please tell me why VBS wears the kids (and me!) out????
Garrison and Collins in Batesville

Gray, Collins, and Garrison at our Bible School

Mary Blake and Ben

Anna Catherine and Mary Blake (Last night Collins thanked God for Anna "Caferine"!)

Collins and Andrew

The Lakehouse

We spent the last weekend with Brad's family at Highland Lake in Alabama. We had a great weekend with lots of fun and relaxing! Mary Blake really enjoyed the water. Connor and Collins were not as fond of it. Andy actually managed to get Collins on a raft and then proceeded to get on it with him. . . you know what happened next - Andy flipped the raft and Collins went all the way under. Luckily, Collins decided that the whole thing was "cool". Even more lucky for Andy, I was tubing with Frances and missed it! Special thanks to Madelon and Bill for sharing their incredible Lakehouse with us!! We especially missed JJ and Pops, Radim, and Josh! Enjoy the pics!

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