Special Olympics

I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to Michelle and Stacy Graves for volunteering at the Eastern area Special Olympics today. If you know these girls, they can take an event and transform it into a wonderful thing. They were in charge of awards and did a fabulous job making sure the right kids got the right award. They were on a first name basis with many of them by the end of the day! It was great. I appreciate all the time and effort that was put into this day so that our special friends could have some much deserved fun! I will post some pictures when I get them.

But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.
Luke 14:13-14

Quick updates!

Oh so sorry for not updating. It has been crazy at work and trying to adjust to our new going to school schedule. The quickest Stone story I have is:
His teacher laughs at his southern accent all the time, but she said Stone's rendition of the Gingerbread Man was one of a kind. It went something like this (I am writing like he speaks):
Ru-in, Ru-in, a-is, fa-ist, a-is yooo ca-in...yooo CAINT ca-itch maeuh,Eye'um thugh gianger breauhd ma-in. The word can't was what got her- it is CAINT in these here parts! Poor Stone.
Sadie is doing great! She loves school and is a social butterfly. Her boyfriend, Logan, and his mom Mrs. Jamye, picked her up last week and she had a play date. She is still talking about it. She loves to be picked up by different people so if you are interested- let us know... She is waiting patiently on Mrs. Michelle (I know you are crazy-busy too!). I have her first day pictures to post- soon.
On a serious note: Please pray for my memaw. She is 87 and broke her hip last night. She will have surgery today and at her age they are putting in a pin. I am very close to her- we are kindred spirits in every way! Pray for mercy and grace as she endures this surgery and the post surgery treatments. Pray for my mom and her sibliings as they will have to make changes in their lives to accommodate her. I am planning on staying this weekend at the hospital so if anyone wants some young-uns to come play I would be most appreciative!

First Day Celebration

Well Stone loved it! He got up this morning and told me he was a little nervous. He then explained that he wasn't afraid but didn't know what it was going to be like. I told him that I get that feeling too. So we got ready and off we went. We prayed together in the car and that is the only time I got weepy. I quickly recovered and was just fine the rest of the day.
He got out of the car like a champ and every time I saw him today he was grinning from ear to ear. I was so proud of him. He didn't want to tell me details about his day but I am used to that. He will tell me everything when we have our "pillow talk" tonight. I am glad it is over and he is enjoying himself. Enjoy the pictures.

Oh my goodness!!

I cannot believe that my baby boy is about to be a full fledged kindergartner! It seems impossible that my 7lb 11oz baby is about to be a backpack toting student! I have watched little people do this for over 11 years but now that it is my little person I am so anxious for him. I know he will love school and have a lot of fun but this closes a chapter for him known as preschool and opens the big boy chapter! No longer will I be able to protect him from bad words, bad habits and bad people! I do however have the Lord on my side and will be praying daily that He watches over my little boy and guides him in the right direction. Next year I have to do this with Sadie so I better get used to it!
I can't wait for him to learn to read, write and expand his smart little brain! He is a gifted boy and I hope his teacher sees his gifts and capitalizes on those. At the beach we went shopping and he picked out such big boy clothes. I told him we would go buy school supplies together but I honestly don't know if I can. You might see a breakdown on aisle 4 of Walmart! This sounds like a job for Grammy (who by the way is in Italy right now!). Maybe when she returns she'll be up for the challenge. She is thrifty too so she can save me tears and money- what a deal!
Well, for all of those who have gone before me bring on the advice- I could use it.

Beach Post #3

When we were at the beach we had to go have some crazy fun! We filled our bellies at The Crab Trap and then went for the crazy fun at The Track. It was a very long night but everyone had tons of fun!!!

Beach Post #2

Our sweet friends, Kevin and Michelle Graves let us borrow a tent that made our days on the beach a piece of cake! I don't think I took any picture of the tent but we loved it and it saved us from the sun. The kids had a great time on the beach digging in the sand, covering up daddy (no camera that day), and just playing in the waves. We stayed from 10-6:30 with about a 1 hour break for lunch. I don't know who was more tired, us or the kids! Here's some sweet beach pics.

Beach Post #1

We went to the beach for a week and had a great time. We stayed at Royal Palms in Gulf Shores and had a lovely stay. We went with some sweet friends, The Haskins, and had a blast. Our kids loved swimming in the indoor and outdoor pools. Stone was entertaining as always and social Sadie met plenty of friends at the beach. We went to visit Lala, Bobo and Maggie (aka: Tonya and Charlie) at their posh place one day to swim and play. They stayed in Pensacola at Mediterra and it is very nice! In these pics you will see grown people chicken fighting in the pool, a very large jelly fish, and some very cute little people!

Let Freedom Ring.....

We had a great time on the 4th with some dear friends, the Shepards and the Lincolns. The Shepards were kind enough to open their pool to us and we had some good ol' BBQ from Jim N Nicks. The kids were so worn out that afternoon and I am sure Jesse was from playing as hard as Stone did most of the day. The cute pooch is the infamous, Rocky Balboa. Here's some pics.

Mandi Logan, "Your father is a good man"

Stone said that to me (it is from the end of Night at The Museum when Teddy Roosevelt says it). But it is true- he is a good man! I wrote a long ditty about my mom, but my feelings for dad are much more difficult to put into words. It's a different kind of relationship than the one I have with my mom (not better, not worse, just different).
So the picture tells you alot about my dad. He was an upper level employee for most of his work life in major computer corporations. He made 6 digit salaries, traveled often, but always remained devoted to his family, church and relationship with God. Then about 5 years ago, the Lord started him on a different journey. He tried a few smaller companies but it just didn't work out. He never was discouraged because he knew the Lord was in control. Well, he is very smart and has a math and physics degree from Birmingham Southern. Since I am in education I started telling him how hard it is to find good math and science teachers. He pondered it and God started opening some doors and this will be his second year as an eighth grade physical science teacher. This picture is him at space camp a few weeks ago. An almost 60 year old man enduring a week of space camp. He loved it! He loves teaching and is passionate about it. He loves his students and even cried that he had to give them up at the end of the year. He finds teaching very rewarding and we all love to see how enthusiastic he is about it.
I think God had been preparing him all of his life for this moment. Would he be as effective if he had not had all of that upper level management training? Probably not. Maybe he needed to raise 3 teenagers before he could skillfully teach them. I am amazed at how well he relates to 8th graders (which is a hard grade level to love!) He has an ipod, is very fluent with his laptop, and knows how to podcast, blog and wiki with the best of them. He doesn't sound like the typical almost 60 year old.
That just barely skims the surface of why he is so wonderful! I thank God that I have parents who have modeled for us how to follow God's plan even when it is not evident. My dad will forever be my: bee sting healer, charlie horse giver, field trip buddy, daddy date partner, science project helper, driving lesson instructor, late night scolder, boyfriend scrutinizer, wedding day hero, gramps of the year, husband of the year, spontaneous traveler, roller coaster chum, and my safe place.

Thanks for all you have done,do and will do. I know I'm not the easiest but you are there no matter what. I love you- DD.

Gay Nelle Benson Jones

This post is a tribute to my wonderful mom! In honor of mother's day I wanted her to know why I think she's the best.
I was more than a trying child and she has always been VERY patient with me. Ever since I was a little girl I can remember her always taking me to gymnastics, church functions, cheerleading practice, games, etc... I was also one of three kids who had equally as busy lives. She always made sure we were involved in something and that it was good. Knowing that, you know that she had very little time for herself. While she did not have a formal job, she was daily volunteering at the church or school. When we got ready for school, she was getting ready for the day. To say that she was a stay at home mom is a joke because she rarely stayed at home. However, our house was always clean and dinner was always made. Here are some things I love about my mom.
I love the way she always made my favorite meal on my birthday and to this day she still does that. I love the way she let me sleep with her even when I was in my twenties (not every night just on occasion). I love the way she would ask me all about my date and if he kissed me and we'd giggle like school girls while I sat on her bed. I love the way I later found out that she only asked me those questions to make sure my breath smelled non intoxicated (I sure do appreciate that now as a parent!- very clever mom). I love the way she would always be the mom that dropped us off and picked us up- I never questioned who would be there for me. I love the way she loves my daddy and flirts with him all the time. I love the way she laughs from deep inside. I love the way she looks at me when she notices I've stolen jewelry from her and wear it like it's mine! I love the way she indulges me- if I asked her to go dancing tonight she most likely would. I love the way I can call her ten times a day and she acts like it's the first time we talked. I love the way she loves me unconditionally! I love the way we talk about growing old together. I love the way I can get a coke and snack every morning I drop the kids off and she keeps my favorite stocked. I love the way she emails me funny or sentimental stories. I love the way we can see someone or something in public and give each other eye contact and we know exactly what the other is saying. I love the way we can laugh at that incident until we almost wet our pants. I love the way she sets me straight when I am being petty, selfish or am just plain wrong. I love the way she takes time for herself and time for her man. I love the way she takes care of and respects her mother. I love that she cares for my children in the same way. I love that no matter what this earth holds for us that I'll be with her in Heaven for eternity.
She is my very best friend, my security blanket, my secret keeper, my accountability, my cheerleader, my heart.....my mom!!!!

Book Review

While I was basking in the sun I read a great book I wanted to share with you. It is entitled The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards. Since I have been mesmerized by people with special needs most of my life this book was fascinating to me. However, it is a book for everybody because it deals with the sacred moments we have in life that often we take for granted. Every little incident that occurs with your family helps shape who your kids will become. Do you spend too much time at work or at play? Are the moments you have at home quality moments or are you just there taking up space? These are challenging, soul searching questions you ask yourself when you read this book. If my children were born with a disability would my life be better or worse? At first thought we might think worse, but read the book and find out what happened to this family. Here's a summary of what happens:

This stunning novel begins on a winter night in 1964, when a blizzard forces Dr. David Henry to deliver his own twins.
His son, born first, is perfectly healthy, but the doctor immediately recognizes that his daughter has Down syndrome. For motives he tells himself are good, he makes a split-second decision that will haunt all their lives forever. He asks his nurse, Caroline, to take the baby away to an institution. Instead, she disappears into another city to raise the child as her own. Compulsively readable and deeply moving, The Memory Keeper's Daughter is a brilliantly crafted story of parallel lives, familial secrets, and the redemptive power of love

Time for a break

George has once again secured a wonderful FREE weekend to the beach for us. He buys his materials from Mayer Lightning and in return they give us a trip! We went last year and it was wonderful. We stay at Sandestin and for those of you who have never been- you won't stay anywhere else once you go! We started going there after our first trip this time last year and our kids love it. It can be pricey but if you watch it close you can get a deal. When I take a vacation, I do it right and Sandestin pampers you like no other.
We will play all day Friday and then Friday night enjoy a steak dinner. Saturday, George will get up early and play golf most of the day and I will sleep in and get a massage at the spa around 11:00. This is all complimentary from Mayer Lighting- how great! They will have a condo open 24-7 that is stocked with food and drinks. On Sunday I'll spend a little time at the beach before we head home.
I love this trip! For those of you who don't know me so well, I love to be by myself. I could survive on a desert island without anybody else. So- this trip is right up my alley- a day at the beach all by myself with a good book!!!!!
I'll try to take some pictures, but no promises since I am planning on bumming it!

Play that funky music......

My husband is in a band! I wish he would have decided to do it earlier in life when I actually hung out at bars and got into the whole band thing. Oh well, now I can at least sleep with a band member! They played at Clay May Days and will also play at Dog Daze in Trussville and Oneonta's festival in June. The lead band member is Mark Dunn who plays an incredible saxophone!!!! Bryan Haskins plays keyboard and is lead vocals. George is the drummer. Mark Jr. is the lead guitarist and Greg Reid is the bass player. They were really good!! You should hear them.

Sing it Baby!

My precious ones sang in church last Sunday night. They were both very comfortable on stage for which I am thankful. Stone was very serious and did every motion and sang loudly. He had been threatened within every inch of his life if he acted like a clown!! I'm glad to know it worked. Sadie also did the motions and sang every word. I was a proud mommy!

Easter

George and I had to be at the church at 6:00am because he was playing the drums and I was singing. It was a long day but well worth the worship and message at church. At our church, Crosspoint, we have a tradition called "flowering the cross". Everyone brings fresh flowers and adorns the cross. By the end of the day it is beautiful and a reminder that our Savior died a horrible death for our sins. Thank goodness 3 days later he rose again and will come for me one day!
The kids loved their Easter buckets not baskets at our house. They had a fun Easter egg hunt at Grammy's, one of many that day.

When Mommy is Away.....

This is what happens when I am away. On this particular night I was at school and George decided to take pictures of the fun for me.

Spring Break

I know this past week was spring break week for some but not for us. We had spring break back in March and took a short trip to Chatanooga. We stayed at the Chatanooga Choo Choo and had a great time - hope you enjoy the pictures.

Virginia Massacre

It has been a while since I have posted but I am having camera trouble and the spring season in a school system is just a crazy/busy time.
My heart is so heavy for the families and friends of the students killed yesterday. As I prayed for these unknown people, I just felt helpless and hopeless for these people. When you send your kids off to college it is supposed to be a fun, life-changing experience. It is not supposed to end this way.
Our society today is so spontaneous that you never know what "crazy" is going to come out of the woodwork and dream up next. There are times I am sad that I brought children in to this troubled world. (That does not mean I have regrets! I wouldn't do it differently if I could.) I am fearful for them. What will they have to face in their lifetime? How can I keep them safe? These questions weigh heavily on me at times.
Now, having said that, I know that we have hope. I know where my eternity lies and I am going to do everything I can to make sure my kids know the Lord and that they secure their eternity. But when you think about death, you don't want it to be a shooting or anything violent. I pray, selfishly, that the Lord allows me to see my kids grow up and that they come to know Him- I want to be there for that. I also pray that I die peacefully- like in my sleep or unconsciously.
So- am I the only one who thinks and actually prays about this? Let me know your thoughts.
I promise the next blog will be happier- but death is inevitable so we might as well be up front about it.

Splish Splash

Only in Alabama can cousins bathe together! Can you say Redneck?
It sure is cute!

Discaster

The sumo baby, Daniel, had a little accident. He fell off a porch while visiting his Granny in Mississippi this past weekend. Leah and Grammy spent all day trying to find a doctor that would see an out of state patient when they ended up at Children's Hospital. Needless to say they were there for a long time. He had a buckle fracture on his fibula (I think). It took Leah, Grammy and 2 doctors to hold him down so they could cast him. Leah has to take him back next week to get a better cast and check it again. Leah is one worn out mother. If you'll remember he is a hefty fella anyway and the cast just adds additional weight. He hasn't figured out how to walk with it so he must crawl (not good for the hardwoods) or be transported by human. Please pray for his speedy recovery and his mother's back! After he ate some food, got his comfy jammies on, and took some Motrin- he was in better spirits!