{Me and The Door}

Hello Sweet Friends, my precious mother has been painting her house.

She chose a lovely color called "Outer Banks".  Doesn't surprise me one

bit because I think that is her favorite place on Earth. 

Yesterday she had a little mishap. . . let me just say interior paint on the exterior.

See what I'm sayin'??  Oh.My.Word.  That describes my week to a "T"!!!  C-R-A-Z-Y.

I have felt literal pressure on my chest.  I have been having to do breathing exercises.

I have been clinging to the promises of my dear Lord. . .that soft-back-leather-bound-book that "helps me hang on". . .in lieu of something fruity & frozen. I don't drink. I am dangerous enough as it is.

Alcohol would make me criminal.  I just know it!

Switching gears (slowly and checking all my mirrors). . . I

took this sweet girl yesterday to get her braces off. 

Just girl time. I love girl time with Lily.

  She is such a honey. 

Here we are before. . . 

And look at us now! 

Oh my stars! What a difference.  I am just delighted for her. 

With a turn-out like that you need Chick-fil-A and ice-cream. 

Oh, what a good time we had. 

Today I have been back here. Today was "shop for the best deal" on TVs Day.

I have hunted high and low.

Went to stores. . .

I bought online. Done. 

Hopefully in route soon. I grabbed a 40" online. Why do 32"?

Go big or Go home.  .  .Speaking of home. . .

This week during all my "Life Experiences" that have caused me to want to hide

 I dug up a book I read once.  This is what it said,

When Satan, the World, and your own hurt feelings say, "Stay at home; it ain't worth it!"

God has a better plan: Just show up.  That's what the faithful do.  They keep showing up.

That is me.

Keeping on Keeping on.

Today is my Sweet Baby Boys Birthday!

Happy 7 Son!

{School is Cool}

Hello! The opening of our new 2 year old wing at church is coming along! I am

so thankful we have been able to do this!  2's turning 3 are very unique creatures.

They are too old for nursery. . . but yet not quite old enough for preschool.

This space is going to be just for them! Perfect.

Angela L. helped me pick out the perfect yellow for our "Big City"

and we are getting closer and closer to being finished! Whew! 

The kiddos first day of school was a success.

Lily- Mrs. Hale

Clayton-Mrs. Cumbie

Carson-Mrs. Amy Barker

All fabulous teachers! 

Clayton catches the shuttle bus at North Main at around 7:25 then

I take Lily and Buddy to Westwood.

Its working out great! 

Carson big 1st Grader! 

Clayton 6th grade.  Where did my baby boy go??

Lily 4th grade!  

The first day they all went but the 2nd day was "girls only", so

I was able to spend the day with Buddy. 

He rode the trail with me while I walked.

Just like old times. . . Me & Buddy. 

Little Boy doing Little Boy things. 

Football is going great! Clayton is playing "Safety". . . I think.

He seems to be having fun!

Our team is doing well together. . . I think.

The Mr. does most of the football action. 

Cheer! I love Cheer!

It has been so much fun for me and Sis!

She is having to work really hard since we

didn't cheer last year, but a little hard work never

hurt anyone. 

Kick-Off was Monday Night and they performed their dance

and she did really great! 

Friends. Sweet Friends.

Talk More Soon!

Have a great day!

Go Dogs Go!!!

{1st, 4th, & 6th}

Tomorrow is the first day of school.

Clayton will ride the shuttle bus.

Lily & Carson will get shuttled by me.

Here we go. . .

{Pinterest Homes}

I cant get enough of these two houses.

Love. 

{Dear Age 12,}

I recently tried another Pinterest recipe.  Delish' I must say. Mexican Pizzas.

Fun little treat at the Sugar Shack. 

I guess "Poop" is a big deal?

I will stick with my Pina Colada.

I past this chair up at TJ's. . . I am not sure if I should have.

Its haunting me. I really do like. 

The Mr. took me to the JennyLind Auction on Friday Night.

Hands down best date EVER.

(minus a Nicholas Sparks Movie)

I was in my element!

I see the importance of pre-shopping. It is seriously crowded so if you go

early in the day you can see what you are bidding on.

Clayton getting his Physical for FASDOGS.

Which he loved.

Got the t-shirt (very important). 

Dear Age 12, where is my sweet smiley easy going boy?

Please return him immediately.

Little Miss Lily is cheering this year. Here we are a

cheer camp in the Old Rock Gym. . .it was 105 in there.

Lily is yellow shirt, 2nd row, hands on her hips girl!

Lord help me! 

I am not sure about "cheer world".

I will let you know when I get in a little deeper.

Talk Soon.

Love, Tonia

{DIPTHONG}

I think I might be a slob.
Its that. . . or I live with pigs?
Do you ever worry about dying and having a house full of people.
And they see. . . the real you.
Hey, come before I die . . .if you don't like surprises.
(Now I know I wouldn't care because I will be in Heaven praising the Lord, but. . .
the thought has crossed my mind.. .)
Its really nothing but my closet. Clothes just everywhere.  Piles. No order.
Well, its not my closet. Its my living room and kitchen too.
Piles of laundry on the couch.
(in addition to what is folded from the other night).
Do your kitchen counters stay covered in mail? Papers?
Mercy.
Kids are home from camp.  Lily's suitcase looked perfectly packed when she arrived home.  She
was wearing the same skirt she left in. . . mmmm?  She swears she changed her clothes.  Who knows?
Buddy's was wet, gross, and crammed in.  Just like a little camper suitcase should look like.
I am glad my little campers are home.
Dear Chick fil A, I tried.  My gas light came on. . . while I was in the turn lane on Rogers.
No doubt. I would've never made it.  I am so the type that would've waited 2 hours, but
The Mr. was starving and waiting for me. I hope eating there yesterday counts for something.
I sure do have alot of liberal friends on fb. Who knew? Hey, I love ya'. I just don't agree with you.
Listen people, you cant argue with the Bible.
Who cares what I think. Or any other Tom Dick or Harry for that matter.
The Bible is true.
I hear much about how Jesus Loves Me. . .   and You are correct.
Jesus does love you. He loves you more than you can comprehend.
But.
He hates sin.
That's the kicker.
Sometimes we don't make that connection.
Have y'all ever heard of a DIPTHONG? I recently called myself one.
My friend said she had never heard of such. . . well, come to think of it. Neither had I.
I think what I meant to say was DIPSTICK.
But DIPTHONG is highly effective for idiot behavior.
Which I have on a regular basis. So, if you are looking to name the idiot in your life. . .
DIPTHONG.
I googled it. I am not spelling it correctly, but my spelling is better.
It actually has something to do with vowels.
So now we know.
I am in the market for a hutch for my kitchen.
Do I have room? No. It will be absolutely miserable during the holidays.
But it will look good.
Are you guys going to brave tax free weekend?
Me? Perhaps in the wee hours of the morning.
2 things I don't do well . . .
Heat.
Crowds.
I am a lover of a good deal, but not a fighter for one.
My little Camper Lily needs a bath, teeth brushing, and a bed.
My little Camper Carson needs the same.
My little Clayton is at Secret Church. . .The Mr. said, "Are they teaching kids to run from the police?"
Bless his Heart.

Talk Later.
Love, Tonia

{Doing TJ in the Heat.}

No phone calls from camp.
I am not sure whether to be glad or sad.
More glad, I suppose.
My Bible Study was cancelled due to my sweet friend being ill.
So, I went to the gym.
Like everyday.
Then I decided to do a little TJ.
I bought nothing.
Except a pump soap for my bathroom.  Boring, I know.
But on occasion I go there and see absolutely nothing I cant live without.
I can almost be certain the next time I go. . .I will want (need, of course) everything I see.
That's the way TJ works. Its just a Crazy Good Store that way.
Had some Chic fil A.  Love.
I also love the fact that Mr. Chic fil A took a stand. . . and didn't later apologize.
That's seems to be the new norm.
State what you believe.
Tick People off.
Apologize the next morning.
No apology needed Mr. Chick fil A.
And to celebrate I had fries instead of fruit.
I considered doing a Facebook Police Post . . . but I changed my mind.
You know that's what I do.
I see things that should be criminal, raise an eyebrow, say nothing, and continue to scroll.
A recent status stating something to the effect of "getting my conceal and carry license today!!"
 . . .pretty much cracked me up. I wouldn't exactly call that announcement "concealed". 
If I am toting a weapon. You wont know.
And neither will anyone else.
Thus.The.Name. Conceal and Carry. 
Gun Giddy Girls make me nervous. Boys too, for that matter.
Arent the Olympics great?  I love them. 
The Mr. is going back to college. . .did y'all know? No? Dont feel bad. Neither did I.
Surprise! Full Load. Starts August 20 something.
I mean. . . he did mention it . . a time or two . . .but today he mentioned books and money.
So its real!
I am ready for FALL. This weather makes me cranky.  Everything is hot. 
I will be happy when I drive by Sharums and see mums and pumpkins.
My little Lily has cheer camp this Saturday.
My little Buddy has a birthday party this Friday night.
My little Clayton will get a T Shirt and a hose off from our local fire dept on Thurs.
Good Times.
Summer is rolling . . .on . . .by. . .

Talk Later.
Tonia

{My Months, Weeks, Days, Hours. . .}

I put two of my babies on a bus to church camp today. I really hope my baby boy is sound asleep right now.
I miss them already.
I have done some back to school shopping.
No school supplies. . . yet.  I cant get motivated to even look at the list.
I have been a busy bee with my work.
I am tired.
We took a short little trip to Branson Saturday.
Fun.
I really like to shop at that Tanger Outlet.
I had the best meal of my life at Olive Garden last week.
I was super hungry.
I have been swimming. Love.
All the laundry on my couch is folded.
It will remain on the couch for a bit.
Its not hurting anyone.
I switched from Tide to Gain.
I will go back, but I like the smell of Gain at the moment.
Doing a White Load as I peck. White Loads are my most favorite.
Clean White T Shirts. Love.
FasDogs. Almost over.  Clayton has loved it. Good Choice. Football practice. . .is here.
Bible Study Tomorrow.
Flowers on the porch are growing just lovely.
Lily gets her braces off next month.
The Mr. had a root canal the other day.
I bought a desk.
I am ready for The Lucky One to come out on DVD. August 29th? 28? btw.
I am in love with Yogurt.
My little Lily looks like a young lady.
My litte Clayton is a pre teen. no doubt.
My little Carson is going to be in the 1st grade. . .he has only wore a cape 1 time this summer.
I remember the day. Super Hero Days are just about a thing of the past at this house.
It is a sad day.
Time for bed.
This post needs pictures.  I have one for almost every snippet.
Maybe later. . .
Talk more soon.

{Just tell them.}

Hello my Sweets! Summer is inching closer to being over. . .

(Pardon the photo quality. . .)

We celebrated our End of Season with some swimming. . .

and cookie cake, thus the face.

We have been "dog-sitting" these past couple of weeks.

Okay, I just thought I was a good mom.  All you moms out there that allow

your kiddos to have dogs. . .y'all are the real deal. Me. No.

I love the idea of having a dog. BUT. . .they are crazy insane work.

So here is KUDDOS to all my dog ownin' moms.

This past week was Art Camp.  These two had an absolute blast.

Kids Art. One of my most favorite things. Now. . .if I only had it displayed in my house.

Miss Lily  headed to an American Girl Birthday Party

this weekend.  Her and McKenna had a great time!

Mr. Clayton is doing FASDOGS. He wasnt going to but

after a rush morning change of plans. . . he was signed up.

Let me just say what I am sure all you good mothers already know. . .

Kids dont always need options.

They just need told.

Have a great week!

{Just what I needed to hear.}

A friend sent me this today for encouragment, and I am so glad she did. . .

Isaiah 50:7

The Lord and King helps me

He won’t let me be dishonored

So I’ve made up my mind to keep on serving Him

{Dreamy Love.}

On a recent trip to CV's I stumbled upon Blue Bell

"SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY".  My-O-My.

Lily asked what that meant. . .

I said in my best southern accent,

"Oh Sugar, you come on in here and sit a spell a'while we

catch up.  I am going to fix us some sweet tea. Can you stay

the night? We would love to have you! Why, I am

going to put on a pot of beans and cornbread! You stay!

You stay as long as you want! We are so glad you are here!"

Lily laughed & laughed!

&

I ate & ate the ice cream!

Dreamy, Love. Just Dreamy.

{Snippet of Summer. . . so far}

Am I the only one that has to gasp for air when I see that it is June 17!

Where is time going?

I am so enjoying our summer. The Mr. has been to Arizona, New Mexico,

Texas, Little Rock, and back to Texas. . . I am just enjoying him being home.  I

am not concerned with scheduling trips but just enjoying being home . . . with him in it.

Some of my photos I have shared on instagram, but I oh how I miss my

little blog spot!

I sure have neglected it! 

Baseball has ended and it was super fun! Buddy played pitcher this year.

We took a trip to Branson, Clayton sure thought this Jeep was nice.

He sure is getting older. . . 

I am STILL going to the gym faithfully.  I STILL cant run a mile at once.

BUT, its okay.  I am Better.Faster.Stronger.Everyday. Right?

I love Debbie Fritche too! Love & Adore her.

(Gym Owner) 

I also adore my new sneakers.  Hate to Hate on NIKE, but they sure

arent putting the best shoe out there for running/walking/jogging. . . whatever you can do!!

We took the kiddos to see Avengers.  God sure didnt spare some people in the

imagination department.  Isnt that great? God is so good.

Neat movie, a tad violent, but neat.

Clayton has been to church camp.

He had a great time! And I love when he is able to spend time with his friends.

  I love that they have

a great time but also do service projects. 

(I am glad I wasn't there. . . my nerves. . .) 

The Mr. and I have been to a couple weddings recently.

Great time! 

They looked like babies getting married! I told The Mr. we were

younger!  Bottom line: We are getting OLD. 

I kept kiddos at VBS.

I LOVE being in the classroom with the kids. 

This weekend The Mr. was in Little Rock for work and

we were able to tag along for a banquet.

I loved meeting some of The Mr.'s friends from other

agencies. I love putting a face with a name. Love it. 

(Above photo: Little Rock / Criminal Justice Class) 

(Bass Wedding) 

(VBS Kick-off!!)

(Arkansas Travelers Game: Little Rock) 

Sweet Buddy.  When he heard his Daddy was wearing a tie . . . so was he.

(Yes, I know it is crooked, but HE fixed it. . . so in my eyes. . . its perfect.) 

Boys. Boys. 

Buddy met "A real FBI Secret Agent". Really cool for him. He gave Buddy

some cards and told him to call if he ever needed him. . . Lord, I hope not. 

After a long day at Magic Springs (this past weekend) we ate down on the

water at Lake Hamilton. Oh, how I love the lake . . . ocean. . . water.

Pretty much any kind of water. . . except for ponds. I am really not a pond girl.

(Whatever a "Pond Girl" is?) 

(Love that man.)

Well, pardon the long, out of order, pretty much random post but that is

a Snippet of our Summer so Far!

Back to Little Rock tomorrow to see my sister!

Talk Soon!