Scary, Scary

OK--so most of you know that I own a gift boutique here in our small lovely town. This has been a dream of mine for a long, long time and it has truly been a blessing the past four years. Well, lately I have had this weird feeling about it. I don't know if it is the economy, burnout, or what but I have had this feeling that I have never had about it. Sometimes I think that God is telling me to close its doors and then other times I think I am just thinking to much. I don't know--but the other day I was checking the stores bank account and I saw fraudulent charges on there. Somehow someone had gotten my check card number and charged money to these apartment rent places. It scared me half to death. Luckily they didn't wipe me out!!! It made me feel sick inside--like I had be violated. Has that happened to anyone else? See what I mean--is God trying to tell me something or am I just being silly? I don't know--I love having the business--but there is quite a bit of stress involved--I wonder if every business owner goes through this. I am sure they do. If you have a minute--pray for me--I hate this feeling.

Conversations With Wyatt!

This is a conversation Wyatt just had with is Daddy.

Wyatt: Dad, what is Jesus doing right now?
Ty: He is waiting on us.
Wyatt: Is He waiting up in the clouds?
Ty:Yes
Wyatt: Does Jesus have hard tile?
Ty: What?
Wyatt: I don't want to fall through the clouds.

Isn't that funny!!!

Also, I wanted to share with you that I am going to start doing some fun things on my store blog so please check it out. If you love decorating, cooking and shopping then this will be the blog for you!

Mandisa and Peppermint Rock!

Ok, I am so outta my funk! I just got back this evening from the Women Of Faith Conference and can I just say that there is nothing better then worshiping God. Like Beth Moore says, "Their is no high like the MOST HIGH!!!" I so needed a weekend of girlfriends and God--I can now tackle this holiday season with gusto! The best part of the conference was rocking out with Mandisa! That girl can sing and oh is she such a beautiful woman inside and out. On Friday night she sang Shackles--which makes me dance like you wouldn't believe. That song just gets me pumped up and I love it! The boys and I listen to it a lot, in the car, on the way to school--and when my boys start singing the chorus I just about lose it! (In a good way) Look at these words Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance I just wanna praise you, I just wanna praise you -- You broke the chains now I can lift my hands And I'm gonna praise you I'm gonna praise you!!!!

These words can rock your world if you let them--there is just something about letting Him break those chains and allowing yourself to be free and full of His mighty grace!!! I hope my boys will always remember that--and just sing this AWESOME song!!!!


Also this weekend I was able to do a little Christmas Shopping--which makes me happy! I bought some William Sanoma peppermint hand soap, lotion, counter cleaner, and dish soap--it made me smile! I think I am going to start getting the Christmas decorations out tomorrow! Here is what my purchase looked like--how could I turn it down?





I know the pic is little but you get my drift--it smells so wonderful--I am ready to do some dishes now!

Do I Have To?

Tonight I am just tired and I don't really want to be thankful! Isn't that strange? I just want to go to bed--so today I am grateful that I can be kind of grumpy. I am glad that I don't always have to be chipper and perky--don't those kind of people get on your nerves? (How can anyone be happy all the time? Really?) Well, tonight they would get on mine--so with that being said I am going to bed! Good Night!

Thank You!

Today I am thankful for all the Men and Woman who fight for my freedom! I am grateful that they put their life on the line so I can walk free--Thank you!

Two special men in my life fought for us and today I would like to honor them. It is men like these two, that make this country what it is--the land of the free! I am honored to know and love both of these great heroes!

My Father In-Law, Larry Brown

And My Daddy, Jim Chancellor

Sunrise!

Isn't this picture beautiful! This is what I am thankful for today! This is taken from our new front yard! I love the way the light is hitting the trees and casting the tall shadows. Most of the time I don't take TIME to just enjoy the beauty of nature. I tend to take it for granted but this picture captures a pure beauty that God has given me right out my front door! WOW--I encourage you to just take some time and enjoy something outside that God has given you!

Being Thankful Twice In One Day!

Ok so I am already off to a rough start! Yesterday was crazy. The fam and I stayed at the store till 1am--getting the place ready for Christmas. It was stressful and fun all wrapped up together! Now I must catch up on my thankful list so here it goes.


2. Today (really yesterday) I am grateful for my boys! They bring me so much joy and frustration that my life would be totally incomplete without them. They love me unconditionally which feels so good. Everyday they make me laugh and yell--who but boys could bring joy and pain all in one day? I am so in love with them and am thankful for every minute that I am able to spend with them.

3. Today I am grateful for diet coke. I love it--I crave it--I can't imagine my life without it! I have to have a sip of it every morning and if I don't you better watch out! It makes me feel--oh so good!!!!

Remembering To Be Thankful!

With Thanksgiving approaching I thought it would be a good idea to record daily thoughts of gratitude. Before I opened the store, this time of year was my favorite. Now it is all about getting ready for "Christmas"! (you know--the commercialized part of Christmas) I hate that part of my job. I am going into my 4th holiday season and I just want to take some time to remember what life is really all about. I want to remember the small things. It will be nice to just sit, ponder, breath and be grateful!

1. Today I am grateful for my husband. Tyson Brown has to be the sweetest, most patient, unselfish, godly, and sexiest man I know. Now, for those of you who don't know me--sometimes I can be kind of a turkey--but I can truly say that Ty loves me even when I shouldn't be loved. He is always so kind and encouraging to me. Everyday he goes out of his way to make my life better. He spoils me--and I feel so blessed that he is mine. Sometimes I really think I don't deserve him--but I know that God thought I did! WOW! He is a great man and I truly love him with every beat of my heart!

Isn't he handsome! I love you Tyson! I know I say this a lot but I feel I can't say it enough--Thanks for being so good to me!

Let Me Introduce To You The New "Prezintment"

Today Wyatt said, "Mommy, today we are going to have a new prezintment (President)!"
I Said, "Oh, we are who?"
Wyatt replied, "It is either going to be McCain or Rockabottom!"

Too Cute, isn't it!

Winston is having a mock election in his class today. He said he was going to vote for McCain--so I asked him why? He said, "Because mom he has four dogs, two cats, and two parakeets! They are all going to live in the White House!"

Out of the mouths of babes!

Winston also wrote a paper last night about what he would do if he was the President. It said he would make peace for the world and he would give his money to all people! Isn't that the sweetest. He did this on his own--it wasn't homework--I swear that child has the most giving spirit. If we all could just learn from him this world would be a much happier place!

God is Good!

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Eph 4:29 (NIV)

This is what I read in some quiet time this morning! I soaked it in and you will know why after you read my post after this! God is Good to me--this I know!

I Want My MTV!

Ty and I went to a Halloween party last weekend--the pictures say it all!

Happy Halloween-Not!

OK so it is Halloween night and I am home by myself. Now don't feel sorry for me--I am thoroughly enjoying it. Our small community is celebrating Halloween tomorrow night because Halloween fell on a Friday and heaven forbid it interfere with high school football. With that being said the boys went to the game with their dad--so I am getting some mommy time! Love it!

Today was the day from H-E-L-L! We had school parties and then a school fundraiser thingy tonight. Wyatt was a little "devil" today. He started the day off by pooping in his pants, on the way to school--in his costume. We had to stop by the store and clean him up. He had to go commando to school! Then because it was Halloween I let him come to the store with me after his party--well that was a mistake. (That is what I get for being nice!) He was being such a brat. Nothing made him happy! I felt like I was running around like a crazy mad woman. Anyway, I did get some pictures so I will leave you with my Pirate and Magician! Hopefully tomorrows pics will be better since our "real" halloween isn't till tomorrow--isn't that crazy!!!!!!

Isn't that the cutest cat you have ever seen!

My handsome magician!

My cute pirate--even when he is being a little turkey!

The Great Pumpkin!

I know it really isn't a creative title--but I am really not in a creative mood! I did want to share with you some pics of the family carving pumpkins the other night. It was really fun--and we got to carve them on the new deck! (well new to us) It was really neat! Oh, and this was my very first time to carve a pumpkin--can you believe it--32 years old and never carved a pumpkin. Sad, I know!

Fall Break 2008!

We had a great fall break! My parents came from Enid to help get things done around the house. I actually had the whole break off--so I really enjoyed spending time with the fam. On Wednesday we had Winston's annual heart appointment, which went great! After our trip to see Dr. Ward we always celebrate by going to the zoo. It was a little cold and rainy but it didn't spoil our zoo fun!

Missy--Come Home!

I wanted to share with you a story Ty wrote about Missy. He wrote this for our Sunday School Forum!

The transition to town has been good for everyone except Missy the 6 year old family beagle. All was fine and she enjoyed the new confinements of the large fenced backyard - until - she discovered squirrels. Then there was no keeping her in. Yes, this is the same Missy you read about in January that Barry breathed the breath of life back into after she suffered a horrendous cut while we were gone on vacation. Well, Wednesday night on the way to church she had gotten out and since she had roamed free for the last several years I figured she would be fine until we got back. Uh oh, Dad made a bad call. That was the last time we saw Missy. Wyatt was convinced that she was on an extended rabbit hunting trip but Winston thought otherwise. Wednesday turns to Thursday then Friday and no sign. The boys were going to my parents for the weekend and as they load up in the truck Winston says to me Daddy I'm starting to worry about Missy she's never stayed away this long. Uh…have fun at Meme and Pa’s see you Sunday!I drove the neighborhood, Christy drove back to the old house, I called PAWS, I checked the newspaper but no sign of Missy. Went to go pick up the boys in Mayberry Sunday and my mom says that Winston just hasn’t been himself this weekend, he’s been really quiet but isn’t sick. As soon as we roll into the drive he opens the gate to the yard only to see his lifelong friend has not returned. Then on the way to small group that night he asks the question I can no longer avoid. “Daddy where’s Missy?” Uh…. As I try to fabricate another encouraging story my beautiful bride gives me the “you gotta tell him elbow”. So we broke it to him that Missy probably wasn’t coming back. The BIGGEST alligator tears in the history reptilian tears come streaming down his cheeks and he didn’t say a word. All this while Wyatt is trying to make it better with “Don’t worry Winston she’s just off huntin’ rabbits”, “Why’s Winston crying”, “Don’t worry Winston she's a fighter won’t no bad guys get her, she’ll bite em’” A new Monday morning rolls around and even the first day at school in the new Cub Scout uniform is not cheering him up. This boy is in full blown depression. Christy calls me after dropping him off at school pleading for me to do something. What’s a dad to do, the pooch is gone, she was my friend too! I did drive him in my 73 International Scout to Cherokee, OK in the snow when he was one year old to pick her up. Carried her in the house in the pocket of my coat actually. I’m a little sad myself but what’s a dad to do? Replacement dog! Just so happens I’m talking to a friend on the phone that has a 3 year old house broke dog, good with kids that she’s trying to find a home for. So, I make the arrangements to test drive the “animal”. As my uncle used to say about bird dogs, “don’t call them a dog until they prove it first…right now it’s just an animal.” I hang up the phone as a co-worker flips me the Ada Evening News, that in all its glory including the rubber band floats to my desk like a waterfowl down feather, and she says to me, “it’s your last shot to find Missy.” I’m thinking if there’s nothing in the Thursday, Friday, or Sunday paper there’ll definitely be nothing in Monday’s. I flip to the back to the classifieds, which consequently were on page 2 I believe, and lo and behold what to my wondering eyes doth appear but “Found – Older Female Beagle in Norris Hills – Call…”)! Holy Cow or something of that nature spews from my mouth. I call the elderly lady that lives around the corner who found Missy as she came wondering up to play with her grandson last week. She kept her for a day then called PAWS to come get her. PAWS? Huh, I called PAWS on Friday. Anyway…I had just missed her when I called on Friday and apparently the lady who took my information has a severe case of short term memory loss because she never called me back like she said if they brought in an older spotted beagle. I Jumped in the truck and lit out to positively identify my dog at the “Daisy Hill Puppy Mill.” A PAWS escort takes me out back to show me the lineup. Her: Your dog? Me: Nope that a Rottwieler. Her: Your dog? Me: Nope that’s a Chihuahua. Her: Your dog? Me: Nope, are sure that’s a dog? Then my ears hear a familiar song that only a beagle owner can appreciate. Baawwww bawwwww bawwwww…that’s my dog! Her: Oh that’s yours; well she’s been here since Friday. We had her prepped and ready for adoption. Me: What’s that mean? Her: It means we need $60 if you want that dog. Me: Lady, you know Dave Ramsey? Her: You know any brokenhearted crying 7 year old boys? Me: Who do I make the check out to? Christy called me later as she and Missy picked Winston up from school. She said the look on his face was priceless. I hoped she would say it was a smile worth $50 and I’d go back and try to retrieve $10 bucks from the forgetfully gifted puppy mill, but I let it go. Anyway…Missy the friendly family countryside and neighborhood beagle has just taken up residence with the cat in the house. An idea that I never thought I would EVER hear come off the lips of my animal tolerant wife. She likes them, but their only in the house because the site of a depressed Cub Scout in uniform is more than a mom can bear. We even came strolling in last night and Christy had given Missy a bath, dried her, brushed her and had her ready for bed. Oh what we’ll do for our children.I have to go now, Missy’s tugging my pants leg, I think Winston has fallen down a well…

Goodbye Missy!

Today we had to tell Winston and Wyatt that our dog, Missy, was missing. We haven't seen her since Wednesday--so it doesn't look good. She was doing so good staying in the back yard till she saw that sticking squirrel. Then she started digging out and now she is gone. At our old house she could just rome and hunt because we lived out in the country, but now being in town I have a feeling she either got hit or is lost.

Poor Winston just cried and cried. He has known her all of his life and loves her so much. I couldn't stand to watch those big tears run down his cheeks. Wyatt kept saying, "Why, is brother crying? Missy will come back or the city will bring her back, right daddy? She can bite bad people who want to take her, right daddy?" He was just saying anything to try and make his brother stop crying. It was really sweet.

These life lessons are so hard. I hate it--so I think in about a month we will probably be getting another dog!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Need My Diet Coke!

Why is it every morning my body craves a Diet Coke? It is so strange. I'll I need is one sip to get me going but I have to have it! I love the way it burns as it trickles down my throat--I swear I really do. Not to mention that I am a bear if I can't have one in the morning (just ask the boys). I guess that I am addicted. I have been drinking some form of "pop" in the morning since I was in junior high--that is almost 20 years. Can you say crazy! I tried to give it up last year for a bible study I was doing-um, it lasted for about 2 weeks (I think that is pretty good). I wish I wanted water instead but I don't. What would I do if we went back into the great depression (you know I had to throw that in there because if you watch the media that is where we are headed) and I couldn't have my Diet Coke in the morning--I just might die! Do you have a morning addiction--or am I just all alone in this? I would love to hear--I don't like to be the only crazy person out there!

I Know It Has Been Awhile!

Ok--I know that I haven't posted in awhile--but I must say that my life has been a little crazy! Ty and I just bought a new house--which I am totally in love with. It makes me want to pinch myself! I would love to show you some pictures--but right now I can't find my charger to my camera. Yes, I know that I am married to a photographer but trying to get him to download pics to the computer so I can put them on here would take a miracle! So when I get some pics I will share.
The boys have been doing great and are keeping me busy. Every night it seems that Winston either has homework or a book to read for school. First grade can be very stressful--for mom anyway. It makes me have to try and stay organized which I am very good about doing in my mind but to actually be organized, I am not! Wyatt is his lil' turkey self. He loves school but still wants me to see him as a "baby"! What is it about those last born children--do they ever stop milking it? I was a last born--and I don't think I did that :)! (I'm sure my parent's are laughing--right now) Well I just wanted to give a little shout out! I am going to try and do better--but when life gets crazy the blog suffers!

God Bless American!

Wyatt learned this at school--I ran and got my camera and had him sing it again! Too precious!

Dirty-Dirty!

Let me warn you that the following images are very dirty!

Looks like a fun time at Meme and Pa's!

Give Him A Hand!

Winston,

Today when I watched you receive outstanding student of the week--I felt so proud! You are such a great young boy. I know that first grade is going to be such a wonderful experience for you. You are so full of character and joy and I feel so blessed to call you my son. I am so thankful for you and I love you dearly! Love, Mom

First Day Of School!

Today was the first day of school for my babies! They are growing up so fast. They were both really excited. Last night we packed our lunch boxes and laid out our clothes so we could be ready to go. This morning they woke up with smiles and a stomach full of butterflies. Tyson went with us this morning--so we started the day off with breakfast at McDonald's. The boys thought that was really fun. On the way to school, Ty said a prayer with the boys--which I loved--it seemed to set the mood for the day. Wyatt was the first one to be dropped off. He cried a little but by the time I picked him up he was all smiles. This evening he was full of stories--like how his teacher paid him $100 to pick up the room. When Ty said that he was going to thank his teacher for that--Wyatt said, "No, you can't--it is a secret!" He had lots of stories like that. I think at one point he told his Pa that he cut off a boys ears in the bathroom for wearing a John Deere shirt! Oh boy--the stories he can tell!
Winston had a wonderful day. He said the best part of his day was sitting at his own desk! He is in class with a lot of kids from church and his teacher is from church also. I could tell that he felt very comfortable--which is very comforting to me. Just yesterday his picture was in the paper for his PAWS donation and the teacher showed it to the class--he was very proud. I am so happy for him. I know that I can't protect this sweet child forever but I feel that God has given him a gift this year by putting him in Ms. Key's class--he really needed that! Well, I am going to close this post with some pics! I know their will be many more first day's of school but really can they ever grow old--or not mean that much? I don't think so--I have always loved the first day of school and I think I always will!

Don't Mess With Me And My Tattoo!

Wyatt got these tattoo's a couple of weeks ago. (Of course silly--they came from a gumball machine!) Actually it was one big tat that was cut in half. They looked so funny! I wanted to take a picture of him with his body art and he was being such a little "T" that I had to stand over him and yell, "Just fold your arms and let me take a picture for goodness sakes!" He looks so happy, huh? Why wouldn't he just let me take his picture--what a little punk! I think the tattoo's must have been soaking into his brain! Fun Times!!!!!!!!

Lemonade Success!

Winston had his 2nd annual lemonade stand, at the Ada sidewalk sale. It was a huge success! Last year he wanted to do a lemonade stand so I told him that was possible but he would not be able to keep his money. I explained to him how important it was for us to give to others and that he needed to give the money he raised to someone or something. After much thought, he decided that he wanted to give the money to PAWS--which is the dog and cat shelter here in Ada. Well, last year he raised around $70 so this year he set his goal at $100. HE MADE IT! I was so proud of him. He worked really hard. He sold lemonade from 7:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. with the help of his little brother. I found Wyatt to be a very persistent seller. He would walk up to the customers and say, "You want to buy some lemonade? Why don't you want lemonade? You don't want our lemonade? Momma, why won't they buy our lemonade?" Finally the customer would feel so guilty they would just give him money! Gotta love a cute and bold four year old! The boys are visiting their Nana and Papa but when they get back we will go to the shelter and give them the money! Teaching kids to give is important--hopefully it is something that these boys will always do!

Winston selling lemonade to Morgan.

Winston coloring in his goal chart!

Winston reaching his goal!

His cute lemonade stand!

Friends For Life!

Today Winston and I were pulling up in the drive way from a hard days work and out runs Wyatt. He was smiling from ear to ear while running towards the car. (which isn't safe--let me say!) I thought to myself, "Oh, what a precious boy-he can't wait to see his momma!" I stopped the car and with his big grin and blond curls he yells, "Winston! You want me to help you?" No hey mom--love you mom--what's up mom--can I help you mom?! He just wanted Winston! I had to finally say, "Can mommy have a kiss?" Which he so kindly gave with a swift jerk and then he was off to see what his big brother was up to. Oh, I really can't complain--they are the best of friends which is just the way I dreamed it would be!

Slumber Party!

I told the boys last week that, on Friday, they could stay up late and have a slumber party! (Ty says that you don't call it a slumber party--but a sleep over--or at least that's what boys call it!) Anyway, I said that they could stay up all night and watch movies. We went to Wal-Mart and they picked out the junk food that they wanted to gorge themselves on and then we went to Blockbuster and they picked out 2 movies each. Boy, were they going to have a great night. They were so excited! I have to admit that I am a cool mom but I kind of did this so I could have some time to myself and it worked. They pretty much stayed in their room watching movies while working on getting cavities! Wyatt was the first to crash in our bed and then Winston found himself in there at one in the morning! All in all, I think it was a memory making night!

Ty made the tent~Dad is so cool!

It Can't Last Forever!

Well, bliss can't last forever! The boys are home and our house is back to chaos! This is how crazy it is--about 30 minutes ago I hear Winston saying, "You can't do that! I am telling!" Here he comes running to me and I just wave him on to his dad. (I am in Pre-PMS if you know what I mean) This is what I hear next from Tyson, "Wyatt, come here! Right now, Wyatt! You cannot bite your brother on the pee, pee. I don't care that you were wrestling, we do not bite anybody on their pee, pee. Stop laughing, Wyatt. Do you understand me?" Then Wyatt says in his baby voice, "Yes, sir." Boys--I really don't understand them. Just when I think that I have them figured out they go and literally act like animals! Let me just say that everyday in this house is interesting.

On a lighter note--my wonderful mother figured out how to email me pictures. Ya, for Nana! She sent me some pics of the boys while they were visiting Enid--so I had to share. They look like they had a great time. Being with Nana and Papa is so much fun. Don't you remember those days of staying with Grandparents~there is nothing like it!