Luke's Baptism

A special little boy. Luke Timothy Benfield. Makes a decision to give his life to the Lord. Baptized in a creek by his pastor and his Dad. Yay Lukey!







And one of Lilly Kate because she's so cute!!

Our American Girl's Tea Party

To celebrate Selah's long awaited American Doll, as well as her 7th birthday, we hosted a birthday tea with Selah's friends and their dolls.

The party started Friday night with swimming at our pool. Then home to roast S'mores and play in the back yard. The girls had chocolate covered cheeks and chins, but they didn't mind a bit! The most fun was when they sat on the trampoline in the dark and took turns telling funny stories. At about 10:15pm they came inside, changed into pj's, and got their sleeping bags all set up. They watched the American Girl movie Felicity. At about midnight we sat around the dining room table and each of the girls made a tiny purse for their dolls. At about 1:30am they were back in their sleeping bags and ready to watch the American Girl movie Samantha. 3 of the girls fell asleep at 2:00am, the other 3 girls made it through the whole movie, and finally we had an official "lights out" at 3:00am.

The 3 early sleepers were the early risers, with the other 3 girls following about an hour later. At 10:00am the girls were dressed and we had a breakfast tea on the back patio. It was BEAUTIFUL!! The girls and their dolls were so pretty! The flowers and sunshine made it a perfect setting. Selah chose the menu, and it was delicious! Cherry turn-overs with ice cream, sausage links, fruit salad, and sweet tea. All served on her Great-Great Grandmother's wedding china, and eaten with her Great Grandma's wedding silverware. We read a story written by Selah's Grandma Lou Lou about an American Girl named Selah who was celebrating her 7th Birthday. The story brings tears to my eyes every time I read it (even when I read it at the party), and it was the perfect touch to it all. She opened gifts, and then we said good-bye to the guests. It was a wonderful celebration, once again.

Selah is a sweet, beautiful, thoughtful little girl. We thank God almost every time we look at her! She is the answer to our prayers long ago, and she couldn't be more perfect to us. We love her so much! Looking forward to a year of her being 7.

Missing My Mom

Mother's Day is Happy. I love being a Mom. It makes me happier than anything else I could do here on earth. I love getting pampered for a day. I love the little homemade cards from the kids, and the thought they put into my gifts. And I love it that Alan splurges and lets them buy me those really good gifts! It also stings a little. I've been kinda down for a month or so, really thinking a lot about my Mom and wishing she were still here. I wish we could go eat at McAlister's for lunch. I wish I could hear her say "what are ya doin?" in her tone of voice as she calls me to see what I'm up to for the day. I wish I could ride around on the golf cart with her and watch her take care of her puppies. I'd even take the arguing and the things that frustrated me to no end. Except I'd let those things go. If she were still here.

I was doing fine until we walked into church and the first thing the greeter asked me was "is your mother still alive?" I answered and he handed me a white carnation. I walked away thinking... "well that was a lovely way to start the morning." My mother-in-law mentioned that they must be passing out different colored flowers based on if your own mother is alive or not. I'm glad she caught that. Turns out, it was a blessing to carry around that white flower. As I shook hands with others in the church, or as we were greeted by my in-laws friends, there was an unspoken tenderness in the eyes of those who saw my white flower. No words had to be shared... just the look in their eyes or the expression on their faces let me know they were sorry. It was especially nice to share that look with a few other moms who also had a white flower of their own.

I sure do miss her. I am so thankful she was a good Mom. And I'm glad I had many Mothers Days to tell her so.

Reasons I love Being A Mommy

Spending the day with Grandma Lou Lou and exploring the fairy garden!

The Meaning of the Word...

Tonight we were heading out for a bite to eat, and Alan and I had a little conversation in the car that went something like this...

Alan: You're lookin' "hot" today!
Me: Nahhhh
Alan: Yes you are! You are "hot!" And you're looking really mature.
Me: WWWHHHHAAAATTTTTTT?!?#%$??&*&!!????

Then we started laughing about his huge blooper, and from the back seat we hear...

Charis: Bad Daddy.


Hmmmm. Well... I was wearing piggy tails and a ball cap.

Gettin' Really Close...

After another long hard weekend of work, Alan and his Dad made good progress on the room. We've painted it and the carpet is being laid. There are still some finishing touches to be done (and we won't even be able to get to those for a few weeks), but "high five" to the fact that we can start moving in. Big thanks to Gene and Alan for all the hard work.

Floating In Mexico

Tonight at dinner Charis said

"Mommy... it was fun when we went toooo... where was it? That me and you and Daddy went when Bryson and Selah stayed with Grandpa Gene and Grandma Lou Lou?"

Me: Charis, we didn't go anywhere with you and leave Bryson and Selah at Grandma's.

Charis: Ummmm, Oh yeah! Mexico!

Me: You didn't go with us to Mexico... you were in my belly.

Charis: I know, I was floating!

Me: (laughing) I guess that's true. You were there.

April Showers...

Here is it the last day of April, and those showers are finally here. I let the kids go out (ur...uh... I should say "stay" out... they went out without asking me). But it was a good idea they had, and I'm glad they spent the afternoon splashing and playing in the rain.

ps. I LOVE our back patio this time of year!!!!

Mr. Silly Pants

Bryson walked in the gameroom and said "Mom... I got my pants on!"

Which is Funnier?

We've been working like crazy (in what spare time we have) to finish our theater room. Which, will probably be used as a toy room ~ ha. Anyway, I snapped this pic of Alan and Charis painting the primer on the walls. I can't decide which is funnier... Alan's socks and shoes, or Charis painting in her panties.