Brothers

I really enjoyed the speaker at MOPS on Tuesday, she said something I've known but never thought about it quite like she said it. She said, "Our days are long and our years are short." This is sooo true for me. When your frustrated and having a tough day...the days feel very long... but at the same time the years are just flying by so quickly:(

Over the past several weeks I have been looking through picture albums just reminiscing and trying to reorganize all of them. I always enjoy looking at old pictures of the kids and decided to post some of them on their birthdays. I told Jeff a few weeks ago while looking through them, "I miss the boys being little...sniff sniff." He just looked at me like... I know sweetheart you will be okay;) I tell him, "I don't want another child, I miss them being babies."

I LOVE the ages they are now 11 and 8!

But sometimes I wish just for a day... (as I look at Caden with his bruised forehead... doctors thought he cracked his scull. No. Grace is not our only little dare devil)... I could go back to their ages of 4 and 1.

Or 5 and 2!

As always somethings never change, you two get along soooo well, even though your different and unique in your own special way!

Your son will hold your hand for a little while,
but will hold your heart forever!!
"It's National Son Week"

Whose smile can light up your day and makes your life better just because he's in it!!

You have filled my heart with greater joy. Psalm 4:7

Camping With Friends

Last weekend Jeff took off work, for a weekend of camping! He is working 7 days a week but with it being Jared's birthday and friends going camping we couldn't say no! We had a great time, finally getting to spend time together and time with friends!

These two were too cute playing together! So, I just had to get a picture. "Okay you two look at me and smile!" and this is what I get. That's my girl. ;)

About to eat some of Jared's yummy birthday cake!

The best of camping...

visiting and eating smores!

Lillian giving Grace a ride, and Caden and Isaac walking together.

Caden was throwing and skipping rocks across the water.
It looks though he is about to take off and fly across the water! ;)

We had to get a family picture before we headed home!.. Thanks Laura!

We saw five Deer and two Hogs! My husband will spend hours in the woods looking for these animals. We go camping and they walk into our camp site. hehe;)

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us? Yet you made us only a little lower than God, and you crowned us with glory and honor. Psalm 8:3-5

Happy Birthday Jared Rush!

11 years ago today we welcomed you, our first baby, into our lives! After, two weeks late and 12 hours of labor you were finally here!!!! Your heart rate dropped and my blood pressure got dangerously high, so you were delivered by emergency c-section. You were just too big for your momma to deliver you. ;) I have always loved this picture of your daddy holding you and the grandma's admiring their children's first child, just minutes after you were born. There are pictures of me holding you soon after your birth, but after 12 hours of back labor this momma looked pretty bad to put it nicely:)

Plus, I just loved watching you with your daddy, this was a side that I had never seen in him before, and watching him with you would bring tears to my eyes.

You were our only child and the center of our world.

Maybe your spending a little too much time with your daddy, he's starting to rub off on you. Ha!

Now then, that's much better! ;)

The 1st of many!

Now your 2!

And 3!

Your now 7! Party at Putt-Putt Golf & Games!

8 and chillin with Chuck E. Cheese!

Happy 9th and eaten good at Texas Road House!

For your 10th birthday you invited a few friends to camp out in the back yard! (These pics are small because the computer erased the original pictures. Thankfully, I had saved them on another email sight and was able to save them to my computer and hard drive)

And now today your 11 years old. We are so blessed that the Lord placed you into our lives. Your a kind and loving young man who loves to help others in need. And most importantly you love the Lord. We are blessed to call you our son and excited to see what the Lord has in store for your life. We love you Jared, and happy birthday!

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6

Boys Night Out

Saturday Night, Monster Truck Show!

My boys having a fun night out together!

Papaw, Uncle Scott and his son Christopher,

also joined in the Monster fun!

This was actually Jared's second time here, the first time was just a few days before he was born! I still remember people saying or giving me "the look" is it a good idea for you to be here? Probably not. I was already over a week past my "Due Date, Sept. 12" but would try anything to go into labor;) And, of course this didn't work either, we left early because I was completely miserable :)

“My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course.” Proverbs 23:19

This Past Week

It was a very tough week. Missing Memaw, no other reason than just missing her. Worried about Dad and his health. Both boys had a frustrating week with homework. Sometimes I feel like I can't parent the way I want to because I have to let the smaller issues go so that I can make it through the larger ones. Jeff has worked the last two weekends, and he told me yesterday he will be working 7 days a week for the next 6 weeks. We both agree him having a day off would be nice.

It's been a tough week, but very thankful. Thankful for the job position Jeff is in at work. This has allowed his back to heal and he now enjoys going to work. My conversation with Jared, very proud of the young man he is becoming. Caden doing his chores with out being asked. Grace making me laugh on our way home yesterday morning when she said, "Mom do you smell that stinky skunk? That stinky skunk pooped its pants. Yuck!" She is such a little stinker ;) And for a fun day at MOPS. Also, for a wonderful date with my husband last night. Going out and just being husband and wife doesn't happen very often. This was a nice surprise and a wonderful blessing.

God is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our present condition. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:28

Ranch Dressing

This is what we found when opening the fridge.

We knew our daughter loved ranch but not this much!! Thankfully it was just about empty. She is always doing or saying something... There's not a day that goes by that this child doesn't make us giggle. ;)

“For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Ephesians 2:10

Saturday Morning Football

It's been way to long (16 years) since I've been to a football game. I LOVE the sport but being that Caden and I are the only football fans in the house, I don't get to watch the game very often. Sounds like the perfect Mother Son date night to me! :)

This morning the kids and I had such a great time watching my nephew play!!! Caden of course enjoyed watching, the past few years he has wanted to play, but to my surprise Jared also enjoyed it! Yay!

I will always remember. Jared was 2 and still in bed. Aimee called and asked if I was watching the news. No. Why? You just need to turn it on! As I was watching Peter Jennings trying to make sense of what just happened...the second plane hit. Crying... I hung up the phone to call mom who hadn't heard of the news. Immediately, I told Jeff I didn't want more children, it would be so selfish of me to bring another child into this crazy world. I was pregnant again that December. According to the Doctor on my birthday, December 11th. And again 4 years later.

So we must continue to come to him with a sincere heart and strong faith. Hebrews 10:22

Note to Self

A few nights a week I like to lay down with the boys, just to talk about whatever comes to mind. It's been a while since we've taken Mother and Son pictures together, so last night I decided to take the camera with me. I know, call me weird... but I know I'll enjoy them long after the kids are grown.

Note. To. Self. New camera has an extremely BRIGHT flash!!!!!!

Try again on another day with the lights ON.

O Lord, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands. Psalm 31:14-15

Benefits of Youth

After two weeks and three days her stitches came out today!

Jeff and I were a little worried how she would do, but she sat still and was such a big girl.

August 23rd

Her last night with stitches

Today

The Doctor wasn't sure if it would reattach or heal properly. We are so thankful. Thank you Lord, for healing our daughter.

I am the LORD who heals you. Exodus 15:26

Workin hard Before you Play

This weekend the kids were surprised with a new trampoline!

Everyone worked together putting it together.

Caden's turn to pull the springs, but Daddy and Jared as you can see were lending their mental support. ;)

Jared helping Grace take her turn.

Almost done...

Yay!...Time to play!

Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:19