Tis the season.....if you need me....you can find me at the ball-field!

Play Dough

This would be my preferred recipe...you know, I suppose it is because of the nostalgia. My momma made it for me too. I remember making this with her for my friends as a birthday gift as well.

She would store it in a Tupperware container to keep it from drying out. These days Tupperware is readily found at thrift stores.

Mom's recipe actually came from La Leche Club brochure that she received at the time we were rather young....so it has been in the family a long time. Thanks to google..one can find anything...and relive the memories of years gone by and create new special memories for my own dear, "man clan"! Hope you enjoy making this and making many hours of fun for your little ones.

Earth Friendly Play Dough

• 1 cup flour (not self-rising)
  
• 1/2 cup salt
  
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  
• 1-1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  

Mix in saucepan over low heat. (It does not have to heat long.) Dough is ready when it rolls into a ball. Keep dough fresh in an airtight container. If you need to make different colors, add food coloring while mixing over heat.

( I did not add my color in the pan...I divided the dough into 5 sections and kneaded it in after using cake icing color...my hands did not fare well. However, the kids like the swirled look of the color. The hands are also dyed....not to be confused with dead. MLC kept asking me why did I do that to my hands...I just kept telling him...I love you lots, Bud....) So much for that perfect manicure....just not my reality today:-)....maybe a week from now:-)

The quantity shown was from a double batch.
http://www.teachnet.com/lesson/art/playdoughrecipes/earthfriendly.html

How much can a summer hold.........

Baseball this year for our oldest, EDC 1 of 3, was not a "winning" year. It was a year of varied emotions, a year of many character lessons. Game after game...pitching successes and pitching failures...fielding successes and fielding failures. The previous year his team had been undefeated and this year that was not the story.
The lessons from "Facing the Giants" were reiterated in the car on the way home many times....if we win honor the Lord, if we lose...honor the Lord...with your attitude and actions. It is so easy to have great sportsmanship when winning, but when losing and frustrated...that is when one's true character shows through.

Then there was all stars selection. He was chosen...but as 1 of 2 alternates. That meant he would practice with the team 3-4 evenings a week and if someone got hurt he might get chosen to play in their place. This was his first year in the league and he was chosen as one of the top 14 ball players in their division within our small community. It was an honor and a great opportunity to practice with the team. The emotional stress/anticipation; however of hoping to get the position when one of the players had to back out of the team (d/t shoulder problems @ 10yrs old...sad) was palpable. The team scheduled a practice tournament and the alternates were permitted to play. They won the tournament.

At the end of the tournament the decision was made. The coach came and told me first and I asked him to relay his decision to EDC. The position was given to the other child. Coach said that their skill rated equal, but the other player was in his last year in the division and EDC, being a year younger, has the chance to be in all-stars again next year. I was concerned that the reaction would be an emotional one. I watched from afar. When he got the news, his first reaction was to find his friend and tell him. I saw my son place his arm on that boy's shoulders and say..."Congrats, CS, you made the team!" They celebrated his friend's happiness together! That day I saw that, yes, there are valuable life lessons learned on the ball field, and this losing season was certainly not in vain. As a mom to 3 boys I know that many, many hours will be spent at the ball field. It is wearisome at times, but knowing it is part of the shaping these boys into men of character...makes it seem worth it all.

Busy days....we are still alive!

Since my last posting we have said good bye to teachers and friends for the summer. Both boys finished the year on the honor roll and were awarded with the school's Barnabas award. We are thankful for their hard work and their desire serve others.





Great job, guys! A big thank you to our teachers.

Little Boys and Lillies....

As I was enjoying my morning stroll through the garden, when I saw this lily I thought of my boys. Yep, the "man clan". This lily and my man clan share a few things in common.


They were formed and shaped by the amazing hands of an Almighty Creator. (Psalm 134:14)

That Creator knows and supplies their every need. (Luke 12:27-28)

That Creator gave all of them Freckles!




9 years of freckles.....


7 years of freckles.....


newly emerging freckles....

Spring Recital 2nd year!

Yesterday was the marking of yet another parenthood milestone...year 2 of violin! Yes, yesterday was once again recital day! I am amazed that I still relive the recital "butterflies" of so many years ago! The story of my one and only recital I shared this time last year. The boys have worked very hard this year. Many hours of practice have yielded results that this momma and their daddy is rather proud to share. Both video clips start a few measures into their piece of music. I suppose I was waiting to receive the nod before they started...I did not get it...therefore the recordings I got are as good as it gets... Maybe someday my artistry in filming may just come close to their artistry of the violin! Boys, we are so proud of your hard work! Many thanks to their instructor, Mrs. Stark, their Philharmonic conductor, Alex Zacharias, their great uncle their inspiration and encourager to pursue violin, and last but not least the true musician in the house..their Daddy that has spent countless practice sessions counting out their pieces of music beat by beat over and over again. And thank you to both of you boys...for all the hours of practice that has been far better than any "Baby Einstein" video for your brother, MLC 3rd of 3, who goes throughout the day humming classical numbers he has heard you practicing!


Great job, guys!

Bringing home the blue ribbon!

Friday was a special day. We accompanied our oldest son to his school association's state fine arts competition (ACEA). We enjoyed the event with my parents who were able to share the pleasure of this special occasion.


Here are 2 video clips.

The first video is his last practice with his violin teacher on Thursday prior to the competition.





The second video is the actual performance.

We are very thankful for all his hard work and diligence!

A Bench of Boys

Not all mine...but I would claim them all. Certainly a fun crew!
Regarding the ones that are not mine....I love their momma!
Can I just say she is one of my heroes...mom to 5 boys and she is
still sane! Her family pic is on my fridge, just so when I am overwhelmed, (yes, I get overwhelmed at times)...I pray for her!



If you would be interested in reading a commentary regarding what the boy in the white shirt at the end of the bench is doing, you can read it here. He's mine! Just gotta love boys!

Pleasant Surprise

Found this fresh arrangement on my table today....placed there by my first born son! He did great and I will admit the only "tweaking" I did was to pull out a wilted herb and replace it. I am impressed! Thank you my son!

This time of year, I am so thankful for the ever blooming Camellias! I have long called them my "winter roses". Nearly everything else in the garden is dormant. It is always my winter delight to cut and bring in the Camellias! Thank you, Lord, for flowers! Such a simple thing that the Creator designed for a purpose and for our pleasure!

Motherhood Perks

Found this among my perfume bottles....I am assuming that I am the mom being referenced! How absolutely heartwarming to know that this 7 year old man version is already finding ways to slip notes to convey his love. May those notes continue to be passed in my direction for many years to come! May the lady that someday finds herself blessed to have his love relish it as much as I do now! I love this little man so very much!




Ok, as if that did not melt my heart...while my men were speaking my love language by repairing the gates!!! Yes, the gates at this Main Street abode are all in working order!!!! This manly son took note of the beautiful Camellia bush outside my kitchen window and was compelled to deliver a bloom to me, his mother. The bloom graced my window flower vase for many a day...reminding me during the times of mother/child disharmony...that there are better moments and days of motherhood.


Love that gloved hand!


Thank you, sons! I am praying now for the women God may be preparing for you and you for them!!!

What we love about this time of year!

There is nothing more special than time spent with the fam!
This time of year, all the vacation time that has been saved must be used and that means lots of time with Daddy! This time of year also affords the "big boys" a break from school as well. It makes for a lot of togetherness.




Even got to fish a time or two!


Just having some great cozy time! Cuttin' up and being silly!


Taking in a sun rise...yes a sun rise! There's not been much sleepin in since JOC was born
(7 yrs ago)!!!


MLC having a lovin' moment..that means cuddled, sucking thumb and hair in other hand....when you have all that, who needs a blankie!


An attempt to play a new game...with the 2 year old wanting to be involved. Will need to try again later!

Even when studying, Daddy has time for the kiddos...
always an open-door policy for those boys!

Routine is good, but these times are needed too.

Tuesdays Trip to Barber Turned to Tears.....

Haircuts for all three boys. EDC and JOC they protest a little, but really they don't mind going to "Ms. D's barber shop. At their ages they have their own reasons for protesting....EDC informed me that the girls at school like it when his hair is long enough to swoop it to the side with the shake of his head. Something mom just loves to hear....huh?!?!? When he tells me that with dimples peeking through...my retort is, "Well, then, a buzz cut is sounding good." Then the other side of my brain reminds me that girls love to rub a buzz cut head. I just have to face it...they are just gonna notice my little men sooner or later.....Girls, please just back off for now, after all, son #1 is only in 4th grade!!!

As we were walking in, I supposeMLC was forewarning me by saying, "M-M no like Donal....anymo...no like her." I just discounted it as toddler chatter and once he got in there he would get focused on the candy bribe that she has ready to offer her clientelle of all ages. While EDC saved our place in line, son #2 and #3 and I walked across the street to the local junk store where I found some more vintage glassware (Yes, it does make my heart soar!!!) We returned to the barber shop with more time to wait. I got the older 2 started on their homework, while MLC went to the toy cabinet to pull out the very vintage tractors...which he loves.

When it became MLC's turn, he fussed, cried and and made a scene. I was truly thankful that we finally had the shop to ourselves. Made me glad that I had let the lady with one son to go ahead of us. Well, in the midst of MLC's drama, Ms. D began to discuss the recent crime spree within our little community.

Our town's population may be approaching maybe 4,000. That is my guess anyway. We certainly have a small town feel. Crime is not an expected characterization of a town like ours. We have the picturesque town with a square with large Oak trees which is the locale for community events as well as the place the men meet to play dominos and the women meet there to walk as the children play.

Well, she began to share the details of the robberies...3-4...some in broad daylight....doors kicked in...gun and camera stolen...cars broken into during ball games....
Just what you want your easily worried, self imposed keeper of safety when dad is gone son to hear...So, as I was sitting in the barber chair, trying to keep MLC from ruining Ms D's attempt at a good haircut, I can see the fear encompassing my EDC. He even calls his dad to tell him about it all. He is across the room. I cannot comfort him. I just watch him become totally overcome with fear. So, Ms. D goes on to say....just thought you would want to know so you can be vigilant

So, as we are in the parking lot, nearing the van, my dear EDC says, "What will we do if they break in to our home?" I assured him that anything they could steal are just things and that we must trust the Lord to protect us. He was very burdened and truly troubled. My heart ached for him. The first comfort that came to my mind is Steve Green's children song that quotes Psalm 56:3, "When I am afraid, I will trust in Him..."


This morning while reflecting on the whole scenerio, I came across Proverbs 3:24, "When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet."
What a promise to claim and share with a troubled child of God! EDC came into the kitchen as I was compiling the verse list for this weeks' Bible study and yes, the topic is "fear". This will be another topic to add to the Nurture and Admonish with scripture series. It was such a pleasure to be able to share with him the comfort from God's Word, as we took turns reading the passages together. There is no describing the joy found in seeing one's child touched and comforted by the reading and applying of God's Precious Word.

2 is not so terrible..........

It has been such a delight lately to see little MLC growing up! I won't pretend that he isn't normal. He does have his occasional typically 2 year old outbursts; however, the times of reveling in the marvel of his mental and physical developement has been such a pleasure. His vocabulary seems to be expanding exponentially!

His pattern of play has even changed. Rather than playing with toys like he is tornado and the toys are the victims in his path; he now spends tedious moments arranging and rearranging the farm set and animals. He now enjoys stacking more than scattering. It is really fascinating to see the changes.


Now, singing and the reading of books has become even more of a delight within the past few weeks. Bedtime ritual now includes the "tractor book and the train book". I think it even helps him sleep better. He sings hymns all the time! Up until now his attention span and activity level did not allow him the leisure of watching TV. He is now a "Baby Einstein" fan and even asks to watch Andy Griffith. He even quotes Andy! He especially loves any episodes with music..


He is also becoming quite the comic. He certainly thinks he is as big as his brothers. More and more he is spending time with them and immitating them. It is easy to see that he really does look up to them.



Potty training is going rather well. The only complaint is that when the notion hits him; the pants come down. It matters not whether he is outside, in the kitchen, at the lake, at the town square or in church. He does not yet understand that the socially acceptable thing is to not bare all until in the privacy of a bathroom facility. It will come in time, though, I hope. He is doing so well though. This evening after going to bed, he awoke twice telling me he needed to use the potty, and he was right! I am amazed!

Check in on Main Street Mom Cooks....

See here what the boys and I ate last night!!!







Does the spoon give it away?!?!?

Captured Surprise!!!

At breakfast he was delightfully surprised by getting his very first webkin and boxful of gifts!


They surprised me with such a sweet display of brotherly love!


All were waiting for EDC to arrive so we could surprise him! Can I just say, "I love my tree area?!?!?!"








PROOF OF SUCCESS! We pulled it off! Happy 9th B-day EDC!!!!!
We love you!!! To all the guests, thank you for helping me make it happen!!!
For a few more pics and recipe for the birthday cake...check it out here

First Day of School

Such an exciting day--the anticipation of seeing friends that somehow we failed to meet up with during the busy summer months is palpable. Knowing that the lessons learned in the upcoming months will teach us all far more than just scholastic skills, we are full of expectant eagerness to absorb it all. May that kind of excitement follow you boys into all your endeavors of life! Please try not let the weariness of life rob you of the joys of living! One of my favorite verses applies here!

Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

My challenge is to apply it as well. :-)

Its that time of year again!

We had very few shopping trips growing up, but at this time of year we all got a bag full of new things....our own school supplies!

Takes me back to the smell of a fresh box of crayons, new pencils, elmers glue, folders, my very own Trapper Keeper...(remember those)....the joy of getting a new backpack, lunch box, and maybe even a new pair of shoes.

YEP, it is finally time for the boys to return to school! They are so very ready to see their friends again! Thursday I will go and see whom their teachers will be! They already have their backpacks loaded with their stack of supplies. They are ready!!!

It will be interesting to see how MLC and I adjust to the other brothers being at school all day long. The house will be so nap conducive. Who knows, maybe I will even get a nap!?!?!

I must admit, I will miss all the good things about summer! The times of family togetherness, the time of fellowship during our annual Bible Conference, All-Stars the whole month of June (EDC we were so proud of you and how well you performed), many days spent at the pool, the picking tomatoes together, bike rides and many walks with the boys. The 4th of July potluck on the square was great!! Some of my favorite memories of the summer is their enjoyment at Blue Springs and Westpoint Lake. The hours spent at the Valley Rec Center...swimming and shooting hoops with the boys...I love hearing EDC or JOC saying,"Nice shot, Mom!" There is nothing much more fun than getting a little aggressive on the basketball court with EJC, my DH....after all these years!!! Bible camp, too, was such a highlight of our summer with JOC's conversion! Camp is such a special opportunity to develop great friendships! The Lord truly blessed us this summer with lots of time with very special friends; rekindling old ones and making new! Even though the boys did not join us on the Pastors' Retreat, it too was a needed time of revitalizing for EJC and me....and proved to be special for the boys as well, considering they were not ready for our return.

The past two weeks have been spent trying to regain some structure prior to school starting. The thought of getting back into the routine of getting up, practicing violin, breakfast, review for tests and out the door this year by 7 or 7:15am seems almost impossible. This momma is gonna have to get to bed a little earlier so this can occur!!!

Turned frustration into a deliciously delightful day!!!!

Last Tuesday was my day to take my van to the body shop for an estimate and to the insurance company for photos to be taken of the fender bender damage! Yes, backing up a little in time.....the day after we returned from our wonderful, relaxing retreat....I got in a "minor" fender bender.


So, rather than a trip to Abbeville being only a drudgery, the boys and I enjoyed a treat at Huggin Molly's! They were enthralled by the soda shop experience.


One could sense their anticipation!!!!













EDC got the first float! It was so full, it was served in a glass in a bowl!



















The glass was packed with ice cream! He had no trouble finishing it and then he spoke the words that a "mom to boys" loves to hear, "Man, I am full!"
I tell you, "THAT IS ALWAYS MUSIC TO MY EARS!!!!"














JOC was ready to dig in when his was set before him. He even gave the chick that made it a big hug!!! May I just say, I love his blue eyes, smile and dimples!!!





















Just look at MLC's excitement! The sundae was huge!!! Mason shared (with some hesitancy)! It was yummylicious!





The fender bender: $500
The soda shop goodies:$9.50
The deliciously delightful moment: Priceless

Makin' Music

You know....EDC and my uncle had their own jam session yesterday. My preference is classic violin; however, the fact is that my boys are being raised in the South and that is shaping who they are and what they like. How can a child be raised watching Andy Griffith and not like the Crawdad Song.


A child hears enough of the Darlin's jam sessions and you know they are gonna like fiddle music.



Camptown Ladies



Old Joe Clark

We Went For A Walk

My time in Valley in unique. There is time to blog and there is certainly more one on one time with my MLC. EDC and JOC get to go to the Grandparents and would far rather be there than with the Momma, law enforcer:-) And of course they love to be with them when I am not. Don't get me wrong, MLC gets time with the Grandparents...I am just usually tagging along. My MLC is rather attached to me....It's ok. I know it won't be forever.:-(

Today during some of our alone time we got to go for a walk. Not just a ride in the stroller, but he walked with Mom! Yes, it was rather special. Hand in hand we left the house...





we were on a mission to go see some kitty-cats, dogs, and maybe even hunt some deer!



Here is MLC at the church that his daddy attended as a little boy...just his age!

MLC was rather intrigued by all the steps and the columns.
Then we ventured up the hill to the Mill that is the center of the Village of Fairfax. It now stands as a very silent reminder of the history made therein. What had been the guard house has always impressed me, such detail given to such a small structure. The rest of our walk will be narrated in a later post........My MLC really is growing up so quickly. I cherish this time with him so very much!
o