Out of Gas!!!!

Yes, we really are out of gas around here! I sat in line for 20 minutes today, and when I got to the pump and put in my credit card, the screen started blinking "ALL PUMPS STOPPED". I was afraid that my card had shut the pump down, but then they announced that they were out of gas. I didn't even get one drop! At least I still have 1/4 tank. The news is now saying that this should ease by the end of the week. I saw another station run out of gas from the time that I passed taking Joshua to school and came back by afterwards. I saw one other station with a line out into the road. Lastly, I saw about 10 stations completely out. I can manage probably for the rest of the week with 1/4 tank, but I think of those in Atlanta that have long commutes. I wonder how they are getting around!

Women of Faith

I went with 27 other women to the Women of Faith conference this weekend at Philips Arena. As usual when I do anything in Atlanta, I thought of all my times at Tech. It reminds me of my college friends and all the experiences of that phase of my life. It's a bittersweet feeling as I realized that although I have many wonderful memories from those years, there are times I wish I could go back and "re-do." However, I learned this weekend that life is about accepting God's forgiveness, forgiving yourself, and moving forward in the infinite grace He extends toward us despite our failures.

The speakers were fabulous. Anita Renfroe was funny and awesome, as usual. If you haven't seen her William Tell Overture for Moms, click here. We also heard from some great speakers and Nicole C. Mullen sang. I had to get a couple of her CDs, because she was like a Christian Janet Jackson! I had so many emotions during the conference, but I have been renewed in my faith and feel that the bar has been raised on my Christian walk. I listened to these women share their faith and many troubles that they have overcome. They give credit to our Awesome God who brings them through the storms. Their stories were so real and applicable. I really enjoyed the time with my room-mates also. I stayed up until midnight chatting with the girls, yes, I made it to midnight!

After a wonderful time at the conference, I was thrilled to drive up and see all my boys in the yard. I got the expected response from each:
Joshua: "mama, I'm glad you're home, I missed you."
Luke: "mamaaaaaaaaaaa" and a big dirty hug and kiss
Caleb: without looking up from his excavation of my flower bed "hi"
Matt: a big hug and "I'm sure glad you're home"

I'm glad to be home too.

Out of the mouth of babes...

With the boys happily entertained with a video, I decided to take a quick shower. I was just finishing up when all three boys crashed into the bathroom each asking a separate request. I told them to leave the bathroom, that I needed some privacy, and that I would talk to them when I was dressed. Caleb immediately piped up, "but mama, I won't laugh".

Finally some pictures

I finally got a chance to download my pictures for the entire month of August. Were you beginning to think my camera was broken?

We made our trip to Stone Mountain. Matt and Joshua got to try out the new "sky hike", a ropes course with three levels. The actually did all three levels. Some kids were scared and had to turn around at different points in the course. It was very slow going. Joshua did great all the way through. His only complaint afterwards was that his hands hurt from holding onto the ropes for so long. We rode the sky lift up the mountain and then we decided to walk back down. Quite a hike with the little ones! We took turns carrying them, even Joshua got a lift from Matt for a while.

me and the boys

getting ready for the hike1st level, easy stuff!2nd level, getting harder3rd level, top of the world

We went out to the local Relay for Life cancer walk. Joshua got to try the dunking booth, and the boys took turns on the giant slide. It was lots of fun benefiting a great cause! They set up luminaries in honor and in remembrance of those with cancer. They had a special section set up for pets, and they had stuffed animals all in that section. Joshua had lots of questions, and I tried to answer them as tenderly as I could. Mom and her square dance group came and danced for a while. Jean's school had a booth set up and fixed dinner for all of us. It's hard to believe just a year ago we were still unsure where Jean's treatment would take her. She is still doing great with clear scans.

Mom and Steve dancing

We went to Dad's wedding this weekend. It was great to see my aunt and Dad's cousin who I haven't seen in quite a while. My aunt made Mom M. a pretty dress for the occasion. Doesn't she look good for 94 years young? The boys also got to play with Jake, and I got to play with Jenna.my sweet niece

the boys watching TV

Aunt Barb and Mom M.Dad and Cathy

We also had a friend of Joshua's over to spend the night. Chris took the kids for ride on the farm. It reminds me of the country song "Country boys and girls getting down on the farm".

I just have to include this one. Luke got into my lipstick the other morning when I was rushing around trying to get the boys ready for school. Priceless.

So, here we are into September. The year continues to speed past us. Joshua asked how long until Christmas...4 months. He already has his mind set on making his Christmas list.