Flashback Friday

I've been a bad blogger. 

Hoping to play in Jen's Flashback Friday today though.

These pics were taken exactly one year apart. 

Last year:

This year

Yep a year later and we are still loving the ipad albeit a different one.  On that subject, I've been asked a lot if the upgrade to the Ipad 2 was worth it...honestly...it's not a huge difference...I honestly got it for the camera and the ability to use facetime.  The camera SUCKS bad.  But it's nice to have...but honestly...totally not necessary...now having an ipad period??? Absolutely necessary...couldn't survive without it!

Now...head over to Jen's blog to see other flashbacks!

Happy Halloween from My Baby Bumblebees

We went to no less than 4 Halloween celebrations this year.  On Friday, we went to one at Mack's school and then left there and headed to one at the NiNa's school.  So much more to do at the one for the twins.  It was loads of fun and the girls loved collecting candy in their baskets.  Yep...they were all bumblebees this year.  I found Mack's at the last minute, but I know she was happy to be like the littles.  Nia loves her costume and slept in it one night.  On Friday at school she had an accident at naptime and was super disappointed in herself and upset about getting her costume wet.  Thankfully, her daddy had it washed and cleaned in time for the parties that night.  We went to a church even on Sunday and then tonight we went to a Trunk or Treat at a neighborhood church.  We've done that the last three years.  It's super convenient and that is one of my top requirements!

They have enough candy to last us through Valentines Day at least, if  not Easter...

Happy Halloween!

Ten on Tuesday

1) Yikes!  It's been forever since I blogged anything of substance...life has been busy...crazy busy...for me and seriously just about everyone else I know.  It's just been weird.  The truth is...I've been stressed but I'm hopeful that all will level out soon. Well...it has to.

2) The twins have been giving me a run for the money (is that how that saying goes?).  They have had a 7 p.m. bed time since they were 2 mos old.  For the last two weeks, they have stayed up as late as 8:30...jumping out of their beds, getting into each other's beds, turning on lights, opening doors...wait... opening doors??? I didn't know 2 yr olds did that.  I never had this drama with MacKenzie.  She was in her crib until she was about 3.5.  Yep...and I LOVED it.    We may have to convert the girls beds soon though...ugh!  I hate when I don't win.  Oh yeah...and they nearly flooded the bathroom last night...ok...so that's an exxageration...but there was a  LOT of water on the floor.

3) I'm now considering hosting a giveaway to the Bloom Forum.  I kinda LOVE Bloom.  Through Bloom, I experienced my first inperson photography workshop and made some great friendships.  Bloom is a nice, small, giving community.  Anyway, if anyone would be interested in a membership, let me know and if so, I'll host the giveaway.

4)Speaking of workshops...I'm going to another workshop in less than two weeks.  I'm sooooooooo excited!  I think it will be lots of fun and I'm hopeful that I'll learn some great tips to be possibly be ready to set up shop early next year.  I love that two of my photogs friends will be there and it's a small group of 8 girls over 2 full days.

5) I've been doing some portfolio building.  Maternity/Family, Family, Newborn, and I have a Senior Girl and Boy lined up over the next two months.  Also in the pipeline, I'll be shooting my friend's 6 month old.  I think that's a tough age, so it should be interesting...If you have tips...let me know!  Interested in what I've shot so far???  See them here!

6) If you follow me on Pinterest...I'm sorry for always blowing up your page.  I'm kinda addicted.  This is my fave pin that I repinned tonight:

Source: None via Hope on Pinterest

7) I have training tomorrow so I need to get my butt in the bed.  I think my body is starting to say NO to all this staying up late business.

8) Yikes!  My knees are still achy from 30 Day Shred?? For real??? I'm too young for this!

9) MacKenzie signed up for Mathcounts this year.   They let advanced 5th graders sign up that are enrolled in Pre-Algebra and higher Math.  Oh my word.  Why is the work so hard??  I seriously cannot help her.  And then there is her Kumon.  She is 75% through Level J.  Just know that that means hard...j/k (kinda)...I just looked it up...Level J is Advanced Algebra.  She is in 5th grade, so I just seriously don't know what we will do going forward because she is pretty much beyond my math recollection level.  I wish I'd been disciplined enough to work through everything with her so I could have (re)learned along with her...but alas...not so much.  It's funny though because she has always done so well in Math we were pretty shocked by  how difficult she and we have found the Mathcounts to be...seriously...even the warmups...but my hope is that if she gets this, she should do very well going forward. It makes my heart happy that she is getting some great college prep opportunities.

10) I miss my blogger friends.  I'm excited to get a moment to breathe and catch up with everyone!  Very soon!

Have a great week!!! 

30 Day Shred | Mission Failed

Tonight is the night that I admit defeat and that I just couldn't keep up with everything going on.  I'm disappointed that I didn't take 20 min.  On top of that, I'm pretty darn sure I've had dessert everyday since last Tuesday.  I think that's called an addiction...

I'm hoping life settles over the next couple of weeks and that I can I try again.  Maybe in a quieter manner where I just report back here that finally I suceeded.  But for now...that's not the case.

Head over to Brandy's blog and read how she rocked 30 Day Shred...I just know she did...I'm telling you I saw her...she looks GOOD!

Can You Tilt Your Head ? | Twins Fight

No one believes me when I say that the girls fight a LOT...

Here is today's example...so busy fighting that they fail to count properly in English. I do think Nia managed to count to ten once in Spanish without messing up or stopping to spit at Nala...


Sorry. I always forget to turn my phone landscape when I record...

30 Day Shred | Week 4

Ok...I'm a big ol failure. Failure I tell you. Here is the thing. I spoke to soon. I thought I had this...I thought I was ready to go. I wasn't. Life got busy busy this week...and I failed. I don't even want to talk about. I saw Brandy this weekend and failed to even comment on how good she looked because I didn't want her to ask me how I was doing. Not good. I failed. I'll try again tonight. And let's just say...I'll have to add a week to my journey...

And...on top of that...I'm late posting. Let's just say...I could use a break.

Soon...

Hop over to Kensya's Blog...she had to have done better.

30 Day Shred | Week 3 Complete

So, there is good and bad news.  I'm still in this and this week I solely worked Level 2.  I feel great and more mentally motivated than I was in the first two weeks.  BUT, I only worked out five days.  That may be what I need to have success...not sure. I'll try again this week and see.  I'll be working Level 2 for this entire week since I'm only 5 days in.

The two moves that I hate the most are

1) Pendulum Lunges -- I have to really watch my form on these because my  knees can get achy.
2) The Squat with V-flys -- ouch...but when I finish, I feel super strong.  AND I love the new definition in my shoulders!

So this week, I'm happy to say I feel STRONGER and I think I'm having pretty good results.

I'm in this through the end.  Halfway there!

I have a feeling Brandy is too...but go check her out and see how her week went...

Team Davis United

30 Day Shred | Week 2 Complete

So wow!  We are headed into week 3 and I wish I could say I felt like I'd been more successful with this.  Last time when Gerri and I were at it, I felt great.  My energy level was great and I felt fabulous.  Fast forward to this time when life's pressures have gotten in the way, that energy/motivation is just lacking...
So, I kinda failed this week...just kinda...

I worked out Tues, Wed, Sat, and Sun...yeah...not quite six days.

Confession/Excuses:  I don't know how to put the DVD on by myself.  Our normal dvr pooped out on us so we use KT's playstation as a DVD/Blu Ray player.  I recently learned how to turn it off after the workout, but don't know how to set it up...babysteps people.

Now for my sucesses: 
In past weeks, I've done one set of real push ups and the second set modified (my only modification) ...Saturday and Sunday of this week, I did full pushups for both sets :)

I used my 8 lb weights for my back and chest exercises...

All in all...I'm 10 days in as of today (I haven't yet worked out tonight) and I'm scheduled to start Level 2 tonight.  YIKES.  I don't feel mentally or physically ready...but I'm going to give it a go.  If I never post again, you'll know that I passed out...

Very much looking forward to reading how my blog buddy Kensya did.  Hopefully much better than me!  Go check her out here and then continue reading to check in on Brandy and Gerri as well.

30 Day Shred | Week 1 Complete

So a full week has gone by and I'm happy to say I completed my six days. I won't lie and say that it was joyful, but I did it. For me, having accountability partners makes all the difference in the world. If I were in this alone, I'm pretty sure I would have stopped on Day 3.

Most of my workouts have  been completed after 11 p.m.,  once I am already super tired.

I worked out Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (looking back on that sentence, I could have just said that I skipped Wednesday).

Now that I am at Day 7, I'd say I am slightly more motivated.  Brandy will definitely laugh and probably say "I knew it"...but I feel like I can already see a modest difference.   When we used to workout at OU, I'd always say I could feel and see a difference, literally right after a good workout.

Because I've been just a bit lazy about it, my current favorite moves in Level 1 are the boxing (almost zero effort) and  I like the butt kicks.   Hands down my least favorite moves are the shoulder raises and the second set of pushups. 

This week I used 3 lbs weights throughout.  I have short muscles and can tend to bulk up quickly, so I prefer lighter weights 3 - 8 lbs.  I may move up to 5lbs as I head into Week 2. 

Before the week is out, I'll be attempting to move on to Level 2 on Day 11.  Mentally, I do not feel prepared, but I will give it a go.

I think my lack of motivation is a combination of things, but largely due to the fact that I'm waiting so late and also I'm eating terribly.  I must do better about that.  Last time, I did a bit better with regards to food and that really helped.

Anyway, I am pumped to see how well my girls did.  I'm hopeful that everyone was able to complete their six workouts inspite of busy schedules!  Interetested as well?  First check out Brandy's update here!

Until next Monday...

Flashback Friday

I realized when I was looking for a flashback friday shot that I do not have very many images showing connection between MacKenzie and Nala.  Hmmm...motivating me to think about this more intentionally...here are a couple of shots from February 2010...  my girls have both grown so much, right?

I wanna see your flashbacks -  link up with Jen!

Life in Lee Jeans

I am participating in the “My Life in Lee” blogger contest where bloggers from all over the country submit unique and creative interpretations of the life they lead in Lee Jeans products.

I was sent a pair of size 2 jeans and went on a Cinderella chase to find the perfect model.  I found her at my office!  I enlisted beautiful Mandi to  show off  Lee's Gold Label Black Skinny Jeans.  I wanted to show the fun and sexy way to rock these affordable jeans (retail $44.00) in an urban setting.    The jeans are a nice medium weight and look so awesome on her.  

There is a similar contest going on right now on Facebook for non-bloggers.   In both contest, the winner wins a trip to NYC for Fashion Week (didn't I just mention yesterday how much I love fashion ;)

Now to decide which image to submit.  I only have two more days.  Help!!!

Thanks in advance!

Ten on Tuesday

1) The surprise trip to St. Louis was loads of fun.  But, I'm still exhausted!  The whole drive and all summer we kept the trip a secret and then as we were walking out of the parking garage of the hotel, Mia's mom drove in...surprise was blown!  LOL!    Here is our whole crew.  We shared one hotel room...fun times!

2) On the trip, we squeezed into a short time period, a meetup with some Bloom Forum girls, a trip to the Gateway Arch, The Magic House, and some good eats!  I had the best salad I've ever had in my life at the Boathouse - Forest Park.  Seriously, the BBQ Chicken Salad is YUMMY!

3) It's time to get off my tail and do Day 2 of  30 Day Shred.  I think it's funny how I was so worried about people seeing my twin skin and NO ONE even mentioned it.  Just maybe, our own issues are so much bigger in our own heads than reality...  Or maybe it helped that the pic was so small lol...But seriously, thank you ladies.  And if you didn't check out my buddies post...do!

4) I think it's pretty darn mean that KT is sitting in front of me eating a donut stick...and as I type, I remember what I had for lunch...chicken fingers and fries...apparently I wasn't too worried about my health at noon...

5) I had lunch with two of my favorite people from my prior role at the Bank.  I seriously miss those ladies!

6) It just occured to me in 3 of the 5 listed above, I've mentioned food...I just might have a problem.

7) MacKenzie is loving 5th grade.  Apparently, it's the best grade ever and her teachers are a dream team.  Those are quotes.

8) She suckered us into letting her get a saxophone.  I wanted her to play clarinet.  I played clarinet...the clarinet is cheaper...half the price...but she brought on the tears and reminded me that it was her life long dream...yep, we're suckers.  But to my credit, I said no at first and my mom insisted that they would pay the difference between what I was willing to pay for the clarinet and the saxophone...hmmm....so maybe we're not the only suckers (j/k Mom if you're reading this).  Mom insisted that because MacK works hard, and she truly does, she deserved it.

9) I've decided to start portfolio building.  The truth is...I'm a bit scared.  I don't want to be that momtog that leaps before they are ready...but I LOVE photography and it's a fun outlet for me so I'm challenging myself to give it a go.  I had a chance to shoot a super gorgeous girl and we had soooooooo much fun.  Check them out here! But one for now...

She seriously has the most gorgeous naturally bright brown/hazel eyes.    No contacts...no post processing brightening...just natural...and they seriously soak up light... 

10) I'm hooked on Tia and Tamera...hoping to watch the second episode tonight on DVR.  It's awful to admit that I love watching those types of shows almost as much for content as I do to see what people are wearing.  I LOVE fashion but you'd never know by how boring my current wardrobe is...KT frequently tells me that I need to go shopping for myself, but 9 times out of 10 I end up finding something for the girls or him instead.  Woe is me, right???

Have a great week!

30 Day Shred | Starting Over

So, I'm starting over and I'm not alone. I'm so excited to be teaming up with my buddies to take on 30 Day Shred again......this time...failing is not an option.

I'm teaming up with these hot mamas:

Gerri from Kimble Krew
Kensya from Kaptured by Kensya
Brandy from Team Davis United

We'll all be posting our results for the next 5 Mondays at 9 p.m. cst.

I pretty much need buddies in order to stay motivated.
I pretty much need to do this for energy.

My goal is to tighten up my abs and thighs, strengthen my endurance, and gain some much needed energy and motivation. I don't really care about losing weight. I honestly have no idea how much I weigh. As a 30 + mom of 3, I feel a little bit entitled to my curves and it feels good to be okay with that. I'm not obsessed about weight, but I do want to be healthy...so here's to my journey...our journey...

I wish I could say that I'd done today's workout by now...but I can't. MacKenzie started school today...and well that's kinda taken priority. But I will not go to bed without working out...I promise.

Will post a pic here in just a few! But visit me next week to see how well I progressed in week 1.

In the meantime visit Gerri to see how awesome she is!

E.T.A.
posting before shot now...

When I mentioned I would post a pic I'd forgotten that I  would feel the need to explain...well to those ladies who don't have kids...and possibly those that just have one...or those that don't have twins...


I had twins...I have twin skin and my already odd outtie belly button is just a bit deformed post pregnancy...but I have my girls...and it's two years later...so I'm kinda over it...but so as to not frighten anyone...I'm explaining..


Anyway...my before...shot by my husband...who clearly hasn't spent as much time behind the lens as I have... ;P  I love him...but my dreams of us becoming bobbi and mike...just ain't gonna happen! LOL

Flashback Friday | Meet Me in St. Louis Edition

Last weekend as a surprise - we met MacKenzie's friend Mia, her mom and little brother in St. Louis.  We did the same last year.  So much fun...and more to come on that...but for now...a flashback.

Gosh, the girls have grown way too much and way too fast! I posted another more formal pic of them taken outside on my 52 Week Blog here. Let's see your flashback! Link up with Jen!

Ten on Tuesday

1) It's midnight, I have to work tomorrow, so I should be sleep...but I'm not.
2) It has seriously been 100 degrees plus for over a month now...it's ridiculously hot...yet, I still have my space heater on in my office.
3) I absolutely plan to do updated "she" posts for my girls.  The importance/delay is equal parts finding the words and finding the right shot.
4) Because you asked...Ten on Tuesdays is 100% inspired by Erin Cobb 
5) Hawthorne comes on tonight.  I'm disappointed that a developing romantic relationship looks like it will end just as soon as it starts (literally all in one episode).  My heart literally melted and I felt butterflies when Derek Luke's character told Jada Pinkett's daughter he loved her...ahhh!!! I'm a sucker for love. Oh wow...per IMDb he was born in 1974 and she was born in 1991!  Yikes...a significant age difference is written in show...but wowsers!!! 
6) Anyone else want to join me and Gerri in kicking off the 30 Day Shred again maybe beginning August 14??  If so...email me!
7) I'm thrilled that my photog buddy Val Springs | The Red Balloon Photography has asked me to join her and a group of 9 other photographers in a Ten on Ten | A Picture an Hour | On the Hour beginning August 10.  This project was inspired by Shannon Harrison | Jack and Ruby Studios who was likewise inspired.  Oh how I heart Shannon's creative soul!   Val is tweaking our group's project by requiring us to be in at least one shot every month.  I'm excited about the challenge and excited to see what the year will bring.  My heart's desire in capturing my kids is in lifestyle photography so I'm pretty thrilled to grow and be stretched in this area.  But yeah, I know...as if I need another "project"...LOL
8) This is the Ipad Case I settled on.  It can't get here soon enough...I don't feel comfortable with a "naked" Ipad.
9) I'm pretty sure MacKenzie is going to be stoked when she finds out what I have planned for her this weekend...more to come!
10) On Sunday, I did a mock senior shoot...and I'm thrilled with how it turned out.  See a few here...and definitely more to come!  And here are a couple if you don't want to click over :)

Flashback Friday (late on Saturday)

This is the front of the birthday announcement card I made for Brandy of Miss Hannah who turned 1 last week. 

I love the side by side of her at birth - 2 lbs to I "think" approximately 16 lbs now!!!  God is so good.

Look at Hannah!!

We did a whole little fun session and I'm excited to get to post them soon.  I wanted to wait until Brandy mailed out her cards before posting.  Hannah's been my little muse this year.  I'm working on an album for her and can't wait to share it with her parents.

Catch more flashbacks by visiting Jen's blog!

Ten on Tuesday

1) It's been a while since I've done Ten on Tuesday...life has been BUSY!
2) Anyone else watch Hawthorne?  We do and  I'm hooked.  They have a lot going on right now...too much in fact...but every episode I find myself wanting to know more...
3) Last night I did something I thought I'd NEVER do...I posted a pic  five pics of me and my hair bonnet on my Three Sisters 52 Week Blog and amazingly, I'm not even embarrassed.  The pics are technically so wrong but seeing the smiles on the girls faces make me so happy that I couldn't care less how awful I look.
4) MacKenzie is doing a Glee themed camp this week and she absolutely loves it.  I'm glad we enrolled her.  She is enjoying getting to know the other campers and getting to sing, dance, and act.  Soooo up her alley!
5) I got my new JoTotes bag in the mail this weekend!  I went with the black Millie bag.  It's actually cuter in person!  It's quite a bit smaller than my classic Kelly Moore though.  I can only fit my camera and one extra lens.  Speaking of bags...am I wrong for wanting this one too.  Maybe I'll treat myself for Christmas or something.  It's super cute.
6) Last week we had Vacation Bible School and I just loved watching those kids fall in love with Jesus.  MacKenzie had a fantastic time and all three of my girls are singing the songs and doing the movements still.  Great songs.  All three girls love.
7) I'm getting the Ipad 2 this weekend.  Pretty excited.  Yes, I've only had the original since November and no there aren't that many changes, but I think the girls will love the front facing camera.  I'm really going to miss my Michael Kors Jet Setters case (I have it in gold and love it equally as much as the Ipad itself) .  It's not compatible with the Ipad 2.  That's a real bummer.  So...I'm on the hunt for a cute new protective case.  The girls love the Ipad as well.  Nala calls it "myPad".  So, it has to be built tough enough for the girls but cute enough for me. If you know of any cute cases...seriously...will you email me?? LOL :)

8)This weekend we went to Hannah's birthday party.  It was a lot of fun and I'm wishing I'd made a bigger "doggie" bag...LOL  I took a few pics that definitely aren't the best, but I'm planning to do a whole Hannah post soon!

 
9) This upcoming weekend, I'll be starting a new gig at church.  I'm going to be serving as a Service Coordinator in the Children's Ministry Team one Sunday a month and helping to lead up a Bible memory program for the kids that will be rolled out late next month.  I'm excited to finally get plugged back in.  Since the twins, I've kinda taken a step back because that was just the season I was in.  But, I 100% believe that we are all called to serve in some capacity so I'm really excited about what all God has for me.
10) So about a month ago, I started 30 Day Shred with my blogger friend Gerri of Kimble Krew.  I asked her, and she agreed to do it with me...and we were so good...until we weren't...we are trying again in two weeks.  I felt so good when I was doing it, but for whatever reason, if I mess up just a little bit, I get completely thrown off.  Hoping it will go better next time!

Have a great week!

Just Because

Just because I need to say "Thank You" to those that voted for my pic in the Papermama Challenge.  I can't believe I won 2nd place.  I really am so incredibly honored...I mean really did you see those shots???

I am pretty darn thrilled with the fantastic prizes too, especially a new JoTotes Camera Bag.

Just because I'm also excited to have just gotton an email that another shot from that mock shoot was selected as the cover winning shot for the Bloom Forum July Newsletter.

I think it's funny that I'd put it as a cover shot here on this blog a few weeks ago too. 

And

Just because...she's so stinkin cute  (I won't worry about the motion blur) .... my Nala... gosh she looks like a big girl!! 



k....the shirt is pretty darn adorable too, isn't it??

Baby Gap...I don't even remember when I purchased it.  I found them and the cute wide leg jeans in a bag in my room last week...embarassing!  Here is Nia in it as well.  They wore their squeaky Pickle Shoes with them.  I'm sure everyone in the library loved us for that.

and speaking of those Pickle Shoes...

Just because I forgot to mention how awesome their customer service.  I called or emailed...don't remember... to tell them that I needed to replace one of the bows that we lost...they sent me one free.  I call that rockin customer service!  Plus, the shoes are really really great quality...I'm a fan and will be looking to add another color to the girls shoe collection soon...

Have a great week!  And thank you thank you thank you again!

Flashback Friday (on Saturday)

silly a year ago

silly today

somethings just never change...

see other flasbacks and add your own by visiting Jen's Flashback Friday linky.

4th of July

We had a great 4th. I always enjoy spending extra time with the girls when I'm off...it makes it hard to go back to work. On the 3rd of July we went to a fireworks celebration held at the church where Nia and Nala go to Mothers Day Out two days a week. It was really nice. I'm not an outdoor person, but there were no mosquitoes and it actually wasn't hot that night. The girls were just a little startled when the fireworks first started but after they got used to it there were lots of "oooh"s "so pretty"s and "beautiful"s. They loved it!

I also got to take a pic 3rd Annual Clickinmoms Scavenger hunt of MacKenzie in a police car. Obviously we could have just taken a shot in KTs, but this car was pink (for breast cancer awareness) and we thought it was pretty cool...

On the 4th, the girls had a red, white and blueberry breakfast  and then spent the day at my sister's and the kids had a great time. MacKenzie spent the night over there. When we got home and realized that the neighborhood fireworks were just as good as what the city was putting on, we sat outside and let the girls watch. I missed MacKenzie because I knew she would have enjoyed it...oh well...next year...

Flashback Friday

This pic is from July 2007!!!  MacKenzie and her cousins (plus 1 friend)  have grown so much!!!

I took a pic of the girls on the 4th.  Those three girl cousins in the middle have now expanded to 5 less Cydney...we missed her this 4th of July!

I posted that last one on my photography blog too, for the Independence theme this week.  I love seeing them all together!  They get along so well and love spending time together.

Now head over to Jen's blog to see more flashbacks!

Anniversary | Flashback Friday

five years ago today...

 this little family officially became one

 tolivers est. 7.1.06

on that day...i couldn't have imagined how differently life would look today

on that day...i couldn't have imagined that it wouldn't always be easy

on that day...i couldn't have imagined that 3 would become 5

on that day...i couldn't have imagined that in spite of it all ... the good ... the bad ... and the just plain ugly...

i never have and never will love a single man, woman,  boy or girl  more than him.

happy anniversary to us.

note:
photo credit - John Lew Photography

Pretty Please...Paper Mama Challenge Vote!!

So I was super excited to see my image was chosen after I checked back and saw that I made the Top 30 out of 305 entries!!! 

So (insert puppy dog eyes or her gorgeous eyes...whatever makes you click ;)...please go here and vote for Toliver Family...

please...

and tell a friend!!!

My Nala and Her Sandals...

lol...

I'm learning to pick my battles, and her flip flops  bother her feet...so we let her wear them to the park anyway...

I think it's partially the shoes...though.  Her feet just slide out of them...

Doesn't she look so happy though??

My mom would never ever approve of this...LOL

Clickinmoms Giveaway Winner

Congrats Kensya!  See you on the forum! 

Bummed that you didn't win???  Go here for another giveaway opportunity from
April Nienhuis | Tulsa Photographer.

Father's Day | Psalms 23

It wasn't until I came here to document that I remembered the circumstances surrounding the below.  I just remembered her words.  In the midst of the tornado watch and sirens a few weeks ago, I heard MacKenzie say the following: 

MacKenzie :  "I'm not scared because daddy is here..."  

She was speaking of her earthly father but I didn't dare correct her.   There is peace in knowing that daddy can and will protect you and has your back.

I heard the following with emphasis on the fourth verse:

Psalms 23:

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. 

If only in the midst of all the storms life brings I could recall in the moment what MacKenzie did.  Wow!  If our earthly fathers are that protective...surely we can intrust Him with so much more, right?

Unknowingly, she (MacKenzie) teaches and amazes me so much!


At church this morning the girls each answered questions All About My Dad!  Nia and Nala's answers are combined...

1) My favorite thing about my Dad is "Daddy"

2) My Dad is good at "playing"

3) My Dad always says "say"

4) My Dad's favorite food is "food"

5) My Dad and I always do this together "together"

6) I love my Dad because "love my Daddy"

7) My dad is "3" years old

LOL...at least I know they actually interviewed them...they do that all the time...(repeat your last few words when you ask them ??s)

MacKenzie answered some of the same ??s

1) My favorite thing about my Dad is "He is very funny, excited, and happy"

2) My Dad is good at "athletics"

3) My Dad always says "doggone"

4) My Dad's favorite food is "I don't know" (note...she asked me and I told her steak...she asked him and he
    said I was right :)


5) My Dad and I always do this together "sing and play Wii"

6) I love my Dad because "He is the best dad in the world"

7) My dad teaches me to "be tough and be on schedule"

8) My dad is special because "He is my "awesometationsful" dad"  - he told her they'd put that in dictionary next to "bootylicious" - yes he's a mess and she pretty much is too.

While I strive to be a Proverbs 31 Woman...I'm glad my girls have a Psalms 23 Daddy.  What very blessed girls!  I may be biased, but I kinda think he's he best...

Happy Fathers Day!

Flashback Friday

These Fridays come to fast! 

This week, I found an old pic from May of 2008 of MacKenzie at the zoo in the same spot as in the pic below of her and Nia taken a few weeks ago that I posted on my Three Sisters blog.

She's grown so much!

...wanna play?? Head over to Jen's blog and link up!

Flashback Friday (on Saturday)

This is a picture from 2008 of me and my two sisters.  We (loosely stated...really me) drove to St. Louis to go to an Alicia Keys concert.  It was sooooooooooo much fun!!!!  We went with three other ladies in a van...LOL. 

I would LOVE to do something like this with my sisters again sometime soon.  We need to make it a priority.  Getting my oldest sister to agree to a getaway is like pulling teeth...

And Alicia Keys...wow!!  That girl is BEAUTIFUL and can REALLY REALLY SING!! 

...wanna play?? Head over to Jen's blog and link up!