{Good-bye}

My Grandmother passed away today. . . actually yesterday considering it is 1:00 AM . . .she will be greatly missed.
Love, Tonia

{All we need is Love}

I tend not to post when I am tired, but tonight I think I will. Other things on my tired mind. .
~1 "Fall Party" down, 4 to go.
~Grandma not doing well at all.
~Only a few babies at church tonight?
~Mr. Hobbs working. . . as always.
~Carson sleeping in Power Ranger costume. . . Lord, help me.
~Clayton loves Lego's, thank you Jesus, we have completed "Video Game Detox".
~Lily needs a sack lunch tomorrow. . . I think I have the energy to include something cute wrote on her napkin.
~Why cant people be more compassionate and think before they speak. . . all people need to be loved.
Love,
Tonia
Talk to you tomorrow.

{Making a Mark}

Today I was talking to a dear friend about how our lives are a "vapor". The older I get I realize that more and more. My children's lives are proof of how time ticks at very rapid speeds. I cant put my finger on the truth that Clayton is 8, Lily is 5, and Buddy 3. Where does time go? Am I making the impact I should for Christ in my short time he has given me? I am trying but I still fall short everyday.
As you know, I am reading Crazy Love (I recommend). Francis Chan talks about how in 50 years nobody on earth will even know who I was. They wont care what kind of job I had, they wont care what kind of house I lived in, car I drove, or clothes I wore. . . what will matter is what I did for Christ while I was here.
I was raised in a Christian home, but not until the last few years have I understood Christ more. I didn't get it. I realize that he longs for me as much as I long to know him. I am going to do my best to teach my kids early in life how much God cares about every move they make AND that he waits to hear from them. WE DON'T HAVE TO REMIND GOD OF US, WE HAVE TO REMIND OURSELVES OF GOD.
I could go on and on, but I will stop. . . it is just hard not to be excited about a love relationship with God.
Love,
Tonia

{Good News}

My Lily asked Jesus to live in her heart yesterday!
I have just been praising God all day!!

{Mmmm Mmmm Good}

This is my new favorite part of the day. . . Hot shower . . .followed by a little

Hope in a jar.

Let me warn you its pricey, but I ordered mine off of QVC, saved a bundle. It was less expensive there than on the Philosophy website. My initial thought when I got it in the mail was, "Okay why is this not in a glass pot for the price?" My second thought was, "This kinda' smells a little funny!" I gave it a week and I am so enjoying it. It makes you dewey. I love dewey. Save up, and give it a try. Let me know what ya' think.

{It would be a shame. . . }

Since I was talking about Fall earlier I realized I didn't say a word concerning Cinnamon Cider. It would be a shame if you werent aware! I am sure you all are familiar, but just in case you aren't . . . http://www.aromatique.com/! Go there, and try, and love. It is wonderful for your home.

{A Tea Towel, Anyone?}

Look at these sweet little things!

I love the holidays. I am having trouble thinking about it with my Grandma being so ill. If she does pass before the holidays she will be greatly missed around the dinner table. It will not be the same meal. She keeps us on the edge of our seats every year until she says whether or not she likes it. . . keep in mind she always cleans her plate even if she says she doesn't like it.

I want to share these sweet tea towels. They are from Natural Life (http://www.naturallife.net/)
They are the sweetest little things. They have verses or a neat little saying on them. I am not typically an "arts & crafty" kind-of girl, but something about these I really like. Maybe its the pom-poms? Ya' think? You know I am a sucker for anything with pom-poms. Anyways, you can get these little guys here and there. I know the Creative Kitchen on Greenwood Road has them. . . love that store. It makes my top five of all time favorites.
Connection Sunday tomorrow at church. . . I hope to see a crowd.
Love, Tonia

P.S. I was reminded of an antique store on the way to Moms tonight. . . I will have to check it out and let you know. Its in Witcherville.

{Full of Goodness}

I was able to do three of my most favorite things this morning!!

• Put on my black turtleneck for the first time! I love turtlenecks (and lucky for me and you I was able to get the ribbed ones in every color. You wont have to see me in black everyday. Those will be my "winter uniform".
• Drink a hot cup of Apple Cider with Red Hots! 2 cups actually. . .
• Have breakfast with the whole family. Mr. Hobbs made biscuits and gravy while I went a picked up Lily from Kate's, glad she's home.

We will talk later . . . the day is still young. . .

{A Hobbs Friday Night}

Friday nights are supposed to be spectacular in some sort of way...maybe I just remember that theory from when I was younger. But Mr. Hobbs is working, Lily is at a friends, so it is just me and the boys. We went to p/u the JEEP from the shop, Target, KFC, The Secret Nook, gas station, and that's about it. I love taking the boys shopping. It is good for their little souls. I am trying to teach them early about the power of a good color choice. The best part of this Friday night by far is listening right now to them playing "Battleship" with Lego guys.
I miss Lily. I am glad she is with a friend having fun, but I really don't like it when she is gone for what seems like forever. She ads fire to the salsa. Lily, she is my best girlfriend ever!! There is NOTHING better than when we both laugh so hard together.
Have a great weekend!
Please pray for Angela, Aimee, and Amanda. . . three ladies with new sweet babies.
Love, Tonia

P.S. My Grandma is still hanging in there.

{Grandma}

My Grandma made it through "Day 3". . .

{Read this somewhere. . . so true}

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle"

{"A time to be sad"}

This week has brought us some sad news. My Grandma Reatha has been admitted to Hospice and only is expected to live a short time. She is 88, and has lived a good life. As Christians we know what and WHO is waiting for her and cant help but look forward to heaven for her. Today I was sitting in her room next to the window and the sun broke through the clouds, I closed my eyes and felt the warmth. It was a calming reassurance that God is in control and he has the moment chosen when he will take her Home. Amazingly it will be His perfect time for His perfect purpose. I will keep you posted . . . keep us in your prayers.

Love, Tonia

{Look! Pillow with Pom-Poms}

Cute & Sweet! Love the colors. Love the chair. Love the butterfly pic!

{What to do?}

I am really brainstorming for some ideas of things our ministry at FBC can do for expectant mothers. . . I know the first thing I am going to do is take them off the nursery schedule!! I should've done that forever ago.
I am thinking about trying to do something special every trimester and at the end they get their special treat to go to hospital. I am not sure what but I was thinking like a trendy hospital gown... have you seen them? Check out http://www.girliegowns.com/ or http://www.dearjohnnies.com/ , those may not be for everyone. I, of course, also want to be a good steward of the nursery budget. I just want being pregnant at FBC different and a really special time. I am trying to think outside of the box.
Any suggestions. . . I am open.
Love, Tonia

{Sweet Little Fellow}

Photos by Kim Singer. Just sweet to look at.

{Lily in a Lollitop}

Cute, huh? I have seen them on lots of babies here lately, but I couldn't resist. Hats are available at "the botique" on Garrison.

{Full of Charm}

My Favorite!!!
I don't know this Bride personally, but don't these pictures make you want to be her best friend! These are Kim's latest bridal shots and I wanted to share them with you.

{Very pretty}

{Lovely Entrance}

I love the urn. I love the doors. I love the mums.

{Change of plans}

Instead of the sweet pumpkin we made a sparkley sneaky spider! After reading the instructions for the pumpkin I decided to go another route (I am refering to the sweet 2 yr olds at church).
Love, Tonia

{Minus top left}

I thought these pictures were fun to look at . . . I am not crazy about skeletons, though.

{Adorable little Pumpkin}

I was thinking I might have those sweet Driscoll girls do this with the kiddos tonight at church!

{Thank you, Mr. William Tyndale}

Today was my accountability group and I didn't have to confess that I had spent more time on the computer than in Gods Word. That was a good feeling. Have you ever learned or did a Bible Study where they call the Bible a "Love Letter" from God. Isn't that such a truth. All our needs. All the answers. "All and All" from the "All and All".

I also learned a little about this William Tyndale fellow. He is considered to be the true father of the English Bible because his English translation was derived from the original Hebrew and Greek, and it was printed rather than copied. His desire was to promote Christian growth and effectiveness in the lives of all people. His lifespan was 1494-1536, by the way. Long story short his work became known and was forbidden by authorities. The first printing of the New Testament in English was completed in Worms in 1526. Within a month, copies made their way to England, smuggled in barrels and other containers of merchandise. The church was incensed and burned as many copies as it could find. Tyndale continued his work of translation and printing until Emperor Charles V declared him a heretic and condemned him to be executed. William Tyndale was strangled to death and then burned at the stake in 1536. His last words were, "Lord, open the King of England's eyes." It is a privilege that I can have my own Bible to open, read, and study whenever I choose. My question for the day was . . .

What needs to change in your own life for you to appreciate the importance and value of the Word?

Love,

Tonia

{Flowers to you}

I hope you all have a good week. Monday, Monday. . . .

{Searching for Something}

I asked some of my friends today at church about "Love Dare" , sounds like a really good thing. Surely I can be nice to Mr. Hobbs for 40 days. . . that seems like such a small task to do for the one person that has devoted his whole life to me and the kids. And for the small price of $10 I don't think I can go wrong.

I hope you all able to worship somewhere today. Our church had the "Watchmen" ministry come today and educate us on various "New Age" and cults. It saddens me to know that so many people are searching for something (anything and anybody!) to be believe in. People need the Lord and the HOPE that only comes from him. I live in a bubble. . . which is a double edge sword. It is nice to be surrounded by Christians where everything is bright and shiny, but it makes it easy to forget about lost and hurting people. I am sorry. I want to lead people to the Lord. I want people to know the "Good News" they need so badly.

Love,

Tonia

{Tell me about it}

Since I am in the nursery, I have got to get the scoop on the "Love Dare". . .or "Love Fair"! They both sound fun! LOL!!!!

{An Amazing Bond}

After reading Sherry's post (I would create a link if I knew how) it made me think how I am in the same boat. Carson (Clayton & Lily only on occasion) is the only one that runs to the door when I get home or pick him up from school. He wants to be around me (like right now he is sitting at my feet). . . It is such a roller coaster of emotions watching your children grow. It can bring sad thoughts, but yet it brings you so much joy and happiness. I think of when I will send my "baby" to K. I could be an emotional wreck! I am sure it will be yet another sad/happy milestone. All I know for sure is that Gods creation of Moms, children, the bond, and love he created us to feel is amazing.

{Time for the Weekend}

My kids are in bed, my dishes are clean, and I am ready for Saturday. Have a great weekend. Enjoy Fall!

{Dinner Party}

I would've loved to have been invited to this dinner party! Wouldn't you? Maybe we were and our invitations got lost in the mail. . .

{A fun place to be}

I am just full of pictures tonight, but I keep finding ones I really like. This picture just reminds me of how sweet and fun kids are!

{Cute print}

I love this cute vintage Halloween print.

{Cute print}

I love this cute vintage Halloween print.

{Crazy 8}

Found these sweet little outfits on another blog. They are from Crazy 8, an inexpensive Gymboree. Kind-of like Old Navy to Gap. Good to know. . . I love cute that's inexpensive.

{Immediate Attention}

I am going to stay home today, and give my house the care it needs!! I am in a bad laundry situation. . . so its time to get it done. I've got the summer ready for totes and the winter ready for hangers. I will not be posting a picture of this embarrassing situation.
By the way, I am doing all of this with Target on my mind.
Love,
Tonia

{On the beat}

{Last swim of the summer}

Clayton & Connor
Little Miss Lily
Connor & Buddy
This is the picture that I planned on putting in the Greenwood Democrat for my August Birthday Boys. . . but it didnt make it.
We had a good summer. Kind of rough at first with Buddys finger, but he FINALLY got to swim after months of therapy. Now he has a special little finger. Thank you Lord and Chris Honeker (an awesome OT)!

{First Day of School}

Lily has Mrs Mickle. She is loving her class!
Carson has Mrs. Alford. He wants to go everyday! His best friend is Addison. He is the only boy in the class, so he "takes care of the girls"!

Clayton and Mrs. Krogstead. She is such a blessing to our family.
This little girl doesnt like to get up in the mornings!!!

By the way, I am not crazy but Stephanie (FBC secretary) helped me figure out how to ad pictures today. Bless her little heart!

{Fun Fall Weekend}

Fun Family & Freinds Weekend!!

{Good~Bye Sweet Old Yellow}

Tree my kiddos used to climb!

We closed last week but I wanted to share photos of my "Sweet Old Yellow" with you. I hope and pray that this home will be full of blessings for Dave and Betty (Harriett Hickeys sister) as it was for Mr. Hobbs and I. We met with Rocky yesterday and he said he'll get started in a couple of weeks. I am very thankful for this time.

{Project for Mr. Hobbs Mom}

Now girls, Lets not kid ourselves. . . we can do this for our sweet little chicks for Halloween. . . so here we go lets get our sewing machines fired up! This picture is from Peanutbearys, but hey with a little creative juice we can do it ourselves. . .with a little help from Grandma.

{Cute}

Arent these little pom-poms cute?

I love these on pillows and clothes.

{Happy Birthday, Mom}

Well, you know how I shared with you I had LOTS of kids this weekend so I thought I would share the love with Mom on her special day! Her and Kenny headed out early to Queen Willamina to have lunch at the Lodge, and when she got home we were All waiting on her! 7 kids with 7 huge pumpkins!! We had a ball! We carved, carved, and carved some more. I have pictures , of course, and I will share them with you as soon as I can.
I found Mom a fall arrangement at Lisa B's. She has beautiful fall things.

Happy Birthday Mom! I think this is the second year we've done this sort of thing on your birthday. . . sounds like a new tradition to me. Aren't you the lucky one?

Love,
Tonia

{Fun Fall Day}

{The 3 S's}

I am looking forward to reading your updates!! Sharon, Shannon, and Sherry! Have a good day!
I'll let you know what I have decided to do for Moms Birthday later. Pretty Funny Stuff!
Love,
Tonia

{Hours at the Park}

I took the kids ( +2 , I am babysitting) and met Angie with her 3 ( + 1, Dan), so let's see - I am doing the math in my mind, 9 total to the park today. We had the best time! Had the new E Fort Smith, great weather, and good conversation! It went so well I was tempted to stay until dark and all I would have to do is baths and bed (at 3:00 I was having those thoughts)!!!

They have added some "Porta' Pottys" so no more hiding behind trees. Perfect.

Tomorrow is my Moms birthday, what will I get her?

Talk Later.
Love,
Tonia

{0 fabric}

I finally made it to the fabric store today. This Hancocks didn't have Sandi Henderson fabric as her website suggested. . of course. I couldn't find one thing. . . I would like to go to the Fabric Gallery in Springdale sometime. Maybe that will happen before my kids are in middle school.

Love,
Tonia

{Little Miss Doodle}

Meeting with Mrs. Mickle went great also. She said Lily gets really tired and still falls fast asleep during nap time. Ahhhh, poor baby. Not a word about the little sweet extras all over her papers either. . .
Everyone needs a little "doodle" in their life, right?

Love,
Tonia

{1 down, 1 to go. . . }

I met with Clayton's teacher, and all is well. I mentioned this whole Bonkugon (who knows how to spell it, and I really don't care) situation. . . My thing is I have NEVER bought Clayton one but he continues to come home with them by the loads. . . and I am thinking, Me and Mr. Hobbs have always had a "no toy to school" rule so what happened to that? I am also thinking some kids mom has bought these things and I really don't want there to be any questions about Clayton having something that doesn't belong to him. To avoid this silly story from getting any longer, we have officially decided NO MORE TOYS AT SCHOOL. . . our original plan. But this started almost immediately after school started and I apparently wasn't at the top of my game.

We will meet with Lily's teacher at 7:10. I am anxious to see what she thinks of Lily's extra "mumbo jumbo" or "flair" she ads to her papers. Hopefully she will think it is totally necessary.

We'll talk later. Tonia

{Slow Cooker Day}

I love that saying! Of course, those of you I have confided in about this whole "Blogging World" (that sucks you in like a kid sucking helium from a balloon) know where I got that line!!
AHHHH'!! Regardless of my copycattin' that is so how I feel sometimes. Where is the motivation to get this housework done? I will be sorta' busy tomorrow tying up some loose ends at church, but by tomorrow afternoon I should be able to get my house fresh and squeaky clean.

• Mr. Hobbs has drill this weekend.
• Kids are healthy, again. For now. . . thank you, Lord.
• Closed on Little Yellow House today.
• I am looking forward to no school on Friday.
• Still haven't made it to the fabric store!
• Wondering what Clayton and Lily's teacher will say at PTC tomorrow night.
• Wonder what Carson will wear for his MDO pictures?
• Wonder if Shannon would notice if I brought my whole family? LOL!

Well, those are all the highlights on my mind right now. . .

Talk Later.

Love,

Tonia