Field Trip Friday

On Friday morning, Merritt's class accompanied by parents, teachers and grandparents headed to the Tyler zoo. We saw lots of animals and could not have ordered more perfect weather. After many days of rain it was so glorious to see the sun!



The highlight for all the children seemed to be feeding the birds. I was a little apprehensive myself but enjoyed it too! Merritt loved feeding the brightly colored birds!

But wasn't so sure about it once he decided to hop on the stick for a little ride!

Poppy quickly saved the day by taking over feeding duties!

This little guy found something he liked on my shoe!

Biscuits and Jelly, Every Southern Girl's Dream!

To conclude Apple Week, Merritt's class had an apple tasting party. All the children brought something apple-flavored to share with the class. Merritt brought biscuits and apple jelly! She swore she would not try it but I hoped she would! My family knows my two favorite foods growing up were biscuits and pie! Anytime the extended family was together someone would ask, "Beth, what's your favorite food?" And I would always say, "Biscuits and piiiiiiiieeee!" in the most beautiful southern drawl! I am pleased to report that following the apple tasting party, Merritt is officially a biscuit lover! Now I'll have to get her hooked on piiiiiiiieeeee!

What's up next for the girls? Merritt heads to the zoo tomorrow and Morgan swings on over to the circus!

The Licking Spoon

Merritt loves to bake these days ~ cookies, brownies, cake. Anything that requires her assistance in licking the spoon! Today I was out! Nothing in the house to bake! Realizing all she wanted to do was lick the spoon, I dipped a spatula in pudding! Voila! Instant happiness! She claims it tastes better on the "licking spoon!"

I Like to Call it Early Rush!

I like to call it early Rush! My ZTA friends and the girls' ZTA aunts might choose to call it dirty Rush! Whatever the phrase, Bid Day 2009 was Saturday morning and I decided to introduce the girls to the fun of sororities, especially Chi Omega!

Here are the girls meeting Chi Omega's mascot, The Wise Ole Owl!

Here they are hanging out on the balcony waiting for the girls to run down the hill to their new "home!"

Here are the 2009 pledges, I mean new members, running down the hill on campus to the Chi-O house! It was a lot of fun and my girls had a good time. With only 2 sororities on my college campus, rush, I mean recruitment, can be stressful! Morgan was very interested in finding out how the girls decide which sorority to choose. I explained that both sororities have several nights of parties to meet the girls and share with them, through conversation and fun skits, what their sorority was all about. She pondered this for a moment but was still unsure of it all wondering why I chose one sorority and her two aunts chose another. I guess that's why they make chocolate and vanilla, Morgan! Of course, in our household, we eat Bluebell's The Great Divide which is half chocolate and half vanilla so I don't think that's a good example for us! We had a nice time but knowing I'll be the mother of a daughter going through recruitment in 11 years, already puts butterflies in my stomach!

Who Says You Can't Judge a Book By It's Cover?

With college football beginning and the temperatures lowering, I was excited to share this sweet book and DVD with the girls. If you haven't read The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin By Joe Troiano, pick up a copy today! It's a sweet story about our differences and how you can't judge a book (or a pumpkin) by it's cover. And with fall just around the corner, it's the perfect time to read about pumpkins!

This particular book set came with a DVD which I watched with the girls the other night. It's quite a bit of an adaptation of the book but still teaches the moral of the story ~ You can't judge a book by it's cover! To which Merritt replied, "But I can't read! That's how I can tell if it's a book I want to read! I look at the cover!" Being a little bit after bedtime and feeling confident that both my girls know we are kind to all of God's creatures, I let it go!

It's Always the Quiet Ones

Friday night the girls spent the night with GranMe and Poppy. I was a little hesitant to let Merritt go because she came home from school early today after getting sick in "morning meeting." She never ran any fever and said she felt fine, so off she went. While having dinner with friends we got the call....she wanted to come home.

Already a little anxious about her going in the first place, I was glad to see her back home especially after hearing her reasoning. She was afraid no one would hear her in the middle of the night. Merritt slept soundly in her own bed, while Momma was up every 30 minutes making sure she was alright. When I asked her why she wanted to come home she explained that Morgan had told her that if she went home she would be able to play with all her toys and Morgan's toys all by herself!

When I questioned Morgan the next day if she had encouraged her sister to come home she sheepishly replied, "Maybe!" Morgan was looking forward to some peace and quiet and the ability to sleep late. Too bad mother nature kicked in and woke her up at 7:15 am! That's what you call pay back, Morgan!

Merritt's Last Year of Pre-School

Merritt's preschool class held an open house on Tuesday, August 18th to meet the teachers and students. Merritt considered this her "first" day of school so she insisted I take a picture of her just like big sister did on her first day!

Her first day of school was officially Wednesday, August 19th. Since Morgan started on Monday, those two days were a little rough for Merritt. She didn't think it was very fair that Morgan got to start school before her. Wait until next year, Merritt! Kindergarten students don't start until the Friday of the first week. Life will really be unfair that week! Until then, we have a wonderful final preschool year ahead of us with lots of new friends, fun and field trips!

Now that I know Merritt likes turkey and cheese sandwiches, taking lunch to school is an option. She is really proud of her lady bug lunch bag. We look at the menu for the week and decide when to take a lunch and when to eat the school lunch. So far, I think I've packed more lunches. Poor thing, I think she lived on ketchup alone last school year!

She loves school but has had a slight adjustment. Her best girl friends moved on to kindergarten this year. The first week I think she was really missing them but she has quickly grown to love her new classmates. Since she never meets a stranger, the adjustment didn't take long!

Welcome to your final year of preschool, Merritt! Enjoy every second of it!

Opossums Eat Shrimp!

On the way home from Vacation Bible school today, the discussion centered around what opossums eat. Merritt's group this week is the Orange Opossums and Morgan is in the Super Shrimp. The discussion between sisters centered around what the opossums diet consists of. Morgan soon brought me into the conversation. "Momma, what do opossums eat?" I went on to explain that they are probably like raccoons and are scavengers, eating whatever they can find in trashcans. Merritt quickly replied, "I can tell you what they eat.....Shrimp!" Morgan, being a member of the Super Shrimp VBS group, didn't find humor in this!

On a more serious note, at the conclusion of today's bible school which centered around "God gives us life", the children were given the opportunity to invite Jesus into their hearts. Sweet Morgan couldn't get down to the front fast enough! Afterwards, I asked her if anything special happened at bible school. She grinned and told me that she had asked Jesus to be her "forever friend!"

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?

Answer: To have dinner with Merritt!

Merritt won a "Color the Chicken" coloring contest sponsored by our local newspaper. She was one of four winners who were invited to come have a chicken dinner with the Famous Chicken prior to his performance at the baseball game. Morgan and and I were lucky enough to be her invited guests. Daddy would have been there had he not had class tonight! We felt a little funny about eating chicken but he assured Merritt it was fine as long as we weren't eating any of his friends!

Our group only consisted of 11 people so we really had the chicken all to ourselves. He took pictures, signed autographs and even talked to us! I think Morgan was most surprised that he actually talked. I guess she's accustomed to the silent characters at Disney World!

We had a great time, lots of laughs and many tricks pulled by the Famous Chicken. He's still got it even after all these years! Rumor has it this might be his final season so I am thrilled the girls got to experience a fun and fond memory of my childhood! Sorry Daddy couldn't join us, though!

A Surprise From the Beginning

Dear Merritt,

Fours years ago today you joined our family. Your entrance into this world should have been a clue; you have been a surprise from the beginning! Mommy and Daddy wanted another child but God added you to our family sooner than we thought He would! You were to be a July baby just like Momma but you and the doctors decided June was a better month for you! June 13, 2005 proved to be a very lucky and healthy day for Merritt Elizabeth! Many friends and family members were present for your birth, even 2 great-grandmothers!

Although I was already a Momma to Morgan, you have made me a better parent. I am more patient and understanding because of you (at least I hope that I am). Although you say that Daddy is your best buddy, I will always be a champion for you since I too understand what it's like to be a little sister! You have played a very special role in the making of our family. You have completed us! It's hard to remember life before you were a part of this family and unimaginable to think of life without you! You are the bright spot in the day for so many of us!

May your zest for life continue to grow!

May your knowledge and understanding of fashionable shoes continue! You have already learned 2 valuable lessons ~ If the shoe fits, wear it. If it's cute but hurts, still wear it! You learned this lesson just this week when you picked out your first pair of flip flops. You told me, "I really love them but they really hurt!" I told you to keep wearing them, you would get used to them. The next day you announced, "They still hurt, but I'm getting used to them!"

May your adventurous spirit find you on many adventures in your lifetime. And may you bring dear 'ole Mom on one or two of your adventures! So far you've allowed me to travel on many a camp out in our living room! Thanks to Mumsie and Poppa for the new tent! We have many more adventures ahead of us! Thanks to GranMe and Poppy for the camera to document those adventures!

May your sweet spirit and kind heart continue to brighten others and put a smile on their face! God has something special planned for you and I am blessed to watch it unfold! May God continue to give Momma and Daddy the patience, love and understanding so that we may be able to equip you for your greatness!

Thank you for blessing my life daily!

I love you all around the world and back,

Momma

Make-Overs & Manicures

Our summer has already seen many make-overs and manicures! Merritt is definitely a girly girl, loving to put on makeup and have her nails painted! If only she would allow them to be "snip snipped!" She's got some claws on her! She created the above look all on her own. Complete with a chocolate beauty mark! I swear, that child always has chocolate on her somewhere!

During our most recent manicure, we got a call from Mimi needing some help with my grandmother, Ms. Jo. I told Merritt we needed to go to Ms. Jo's to help her a little bit. Remembering Ms. Jo's recent fall, Merritt replied, "She's not on the floor again, is she?" I told her, "No, she just needs a little help." I'm not sure what Merritt thought we were being asked to do but as we were hurrying out the door she said, "Wait a minute, I think I'll need this" as she grabbed her pretend cleaning supplies!

As I am typing this, I have realized that only one hand is painted. I either need to go find some finger nail polish remover or ask for another manicure appointment with Merritt. As I try to decide what I want to do next in life, I might consider being a manicurist. Merritt says I'm really good at painting nails since I can stay in the lines! Come to think of it, when it comes to painting nails, Merritt's not so good at staying in the lines so I think I'll go find that finger nail polish remover!

Our "Moving" Star

Scott and I might not be Mr. and Mrs. Howell and Morgan might not be Mary Ann, but Merritt is definitely the "Moving" Star....

The other night Merritt appeared in a similar outfit plus her sunglasses and asked me, "Momma, do I look like a "moving" star?" I responded, "Yes, Merritt, you do! Could I have your autograph?" She quickly replied, "Yes!" And then a little perplexed said, "But where is it? Up in my room?" Voila, excellent opportunity to learn a new word!

A "Bee" and "B-flat" Saturday

Today was a "Bee" and "B-flat" kind of Saturday but I would give it an A! We began the morning at Merritt's ballet recital where she performed beautifully as a buzzy bee! After lunch at our usual Saturday spot, we headed straight to Morgan's violin recital!

She did a beautiful job performing 5 songs from memory! After the cookies and punch reception, we did some quick shopping and then headed home for naps (at least that was my plan). The girls and their daddy had other plans! The pool opened today and they couldn't miss it! They got in about a 20-minute swim before rain showers came into the area. They were fine with having to come home but I think they are planning on a repeat performance on Sunday!

Birthday List

We will be celebrating Merritt's 4th birthday in less than a month. Family and friends have begun asking what she might like for her birthday. She decided to make a list today (see above). She was consistent with most of her wishes: baby dolls, books, DVDs, etc but included some interesting quite creative suggestions as well. Notice the middle of the page, the triangular shape ~ that's a tee pee, preferably life-size. It would be perfect she said to play in, read books and take naps! Okay, Merritt, I'll buy one for every room in the house if it comes with a "2-hour a day nap" guarantee! She would also like a TV and a DVD player for her room. Maybe if I get a new flat screen for my room, you can have my old one! My very favorite suggestion is the bottom right hand corner ~ the square shape with many triangles in it. That's a jar of chocolates (Hershey kisses to be exact) and she specified that they are to be kept in her room! That's my girl!

M Is For Momma

I have many identities~daughter, sister, friend, granddaughter, wife, neighbor, volunteer, Sunday school teacher~ and the list goes on. These days my favorite identity, though, has to be Morgan and Merritt's Momma! Funny how time changes things. Growing up I couldn't stand being referred to as Amy's little sister or the preacher's kid. I just wanted to be Beth! A little age and maturity has allowed me to proudly wear the "Amy's little sister" pin and I love telling people that Rev. is my daddy. But the title I shall never tire of hearing is Momma! Nothing tops hearing classmates say, "There's Morgan's mom" or, "Merritt, your mom's here!" I can only hope that my two M&Ms will be half as proud of their Momma as I will always be of them! You two are the brightness in my days always able to put a smile on my face and a laugh in my heart! Thanks for another grand Mother's day! Although, with you two as my daughters, everyday seems like Mother's day!

Soccer With 2,000 Fans!

Merritt's soccer team was asked to play during half-time at our arena football team's game. They played a 5-minute demonstration game and her team won 2-0! She got a couple of good kicks in and had a great time! Merritt has come a long way since the fall season when we all took turns holding her hand running up and down the field! Tonight she played in style in front of 2,000+ fans! The crowd really got into it, cheering and clapping for both teams! Way to go, soccer star!

"Bee" Is For Ballet

Merritt's ballet recital is in a few weeks and today she had her picture taken at the dance studio. I thought she looked bee-autiful! Her debut recital and final recital might be one in the same! Ballet has not been her favorite activity which is unfortunate because she seems pretty good at it! Although, as the ballet season winds down, she seems to be enjoying it more and more. We'll see, we still might have a ballerina in our midst! Regardless, she makes one precious busy bee! Looking forward to your ballet debut, Merritt!

The Unexpected Moments of Motherhood

The life of a Mother is filled with so many different kinds of moments.....happy, sad, proud, nervous, anxious, frustrated, joyful, tiring....and the list goes on. It's the unexpected ones that I find so much joy in. They grab my heart and bring overflowing joy to my eyes as they settle in my throat like a big lump. I had one of those moments yesterday. Unfortunately I couldn't revel in my tears and soak up the moment completely because I was driving the car! A quick wipe of the eyes and a hard swallow ended the moment, but it will live on in my heart always! Thanks, Merritt, for the unexpected early Mother's day gift! So what happened, you ask? We were headed to the dermatologist to clear up eczema and have a never too early check of freckles and moles. (With melanoma in the family, a Mother can never be too careful!) Out of the blue, a quiet, sweet voice said, "Momma, I sure did miss you!" "Oh, Merritt, I sure did miss you, too!" I said. She went on to say, "I missed you every night for 5 nights!" And then quietly all most in a whisper she said, "And 5 nights is a really long time!" In those nervous, anxious, frustrated and tiring moments, I hope this unexpected moment comes to the surface and allows me to revel in it again!

Fly Me To The Moon

Merritt's class took a field trip this week to the Downtown Airport where most private planes land and are hangered. A sweet dad from last year's class invited the class for a repeat field trip. We had a great time getting up close and personal with a plane! We even got to tour the control tower! Merritt was most fascinated by the TV in the control tower that had a security camera aimed at the entrance to the tower. When we left I pointed out the camera. She stood there waving to Mr. Les, the tower operator. She was so thrilled when she heard his voice over the intercom say, "Good-bye!" We laughed all the way to the bus! As we boarded the bus to head back to the school, Merritt looked up at me and said, "I thought we were going to fly the plane!" Isn't sweet childhood innocence grand?

Disney On Ice

Friday night Mom and I took the girls to see Disney on Ice! It was a lot of fun! Chilly, but fun! Thanks Poppy for the great seats! You sure know how to pick 'em! I think Merritt was relieved to see chairs! I had been telling her that we were going to sit on the "floor". I guess rink-side would have been a better term! When we arrived to our seats she said, "I thought you said we were sitting on the floor." I said, "We are!" She replied as she pointed to the chairs, "These look like chairs to me!" You can always count on Merritt for a good chuckle!

Merritt wasn't in the mood to have her picture taken but she couldn't stand to not be included!