NEW BLOG

I've changed my blog, so for all one or two of you who read this, it's now located at http://curiousgeorges.shutterfly.com I opened a share site there and it's way easier to download pictures and blogs there, so we're going to see! If it doesn't work, I guess I can always move back here, but for now I hope you can keep up with our crazy life at the other site. I've already blogged our back to school journal there!

Summer Review

How have I let myself let my blog get away from me for the whole stinking summer!?

Well, here's a little recap for all 2 of you who read this thing!

We are settled into our new house just outside of Lufkin and loving it! The church is fabulous, and I love the people here. They have been so welcoming and refreshing. I think God should let us stay here for a long time! Chris is loving being back in the ministry, and God is blessing the church greatly. It's been amazing to watch, and we're just thankful to be a part of it.

The kids are adjusting well. They've made new friends at church and love their new classes there. Caleb is about to start kindergarten and is super excited. I, on the other hand, am kind of sad that my baby is about to start school! Joshua turned 3 this summer and will start his own "school" next week. I don't think he's quite as excited as Caleb! They have both turned into superhero fanatics over the summer. It's kind of sad that Caleb's outgrown the animal thing, and Joshua, of course, has to like what his big brother does (though he's still really into Cars and Toy Story)! I now know lots of superheroes I never knew existed!

We didn't go a lot over the summer, but it seems like we were awfully busy. I guess that's just the moving/settling part of our life. We did have a mini vacation to Lake Palestine and a big vacation to Surfside Beach. Both were fun! The kiddos love the water. They both got to go tubing at the lake (with their daddy). They LOVED it! Then there was lots of fun times at the beach. "Sharky" was a hit; they had fun riding the waves on him! Sharky and the boogie boards got lots of use that week! My family was with us for both trips...so much more fun to hang out with family! Chris, the kids, and I stayed gone for a couple of days after the beach trip, and we went exploring in the hill country. We decided there were WAY too many people floating the rivers (looked like a bunch of ants out there!), but we loved Marble Falls. It was mostly relaxing, but we saw some pretty country!

Now the summer is over, and it's time to get back to work. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time off! It was my first summer vacation since college! I definitely have a fantastic job. I'll be starting my new job at Angelina College on Monday. I've been doing a little orienting since the first of the month, but faculty technically goes back on Mon. The people I've met so far are really nice. Many are strong Christians, so I'm really looking forward to that! God put me in just the right place!

I'll try to do better about updating this thing more often....

Catch up....

Can I just tell you how incredibly CRAZY the last month has been!? It is my sincere prayer that our life is about to sllloooowwwww down! We are in the new house (parsonage) next to the church and are almost completely settled in...just a few things to hang on the wall and some misc. stuff. The church is fantastic! I know we're in the honeymoon phase, but these folks have been so great to us. I can just feel the excitement here, like we're all just anticipating what great things God has in store for us. It's really great to be a part of that. I know God's up to something good here, and I'm so thankful that He's allowing me to be a part of it!

Chris finished up his job at Mother Frances today. Yipee for no more driving 5 days a week! Now I think he'll finally get to settle in here. It's just been so stinking busy with him finishing out his time there and pastoring here. So you can see why I think life is about to get better...he'll actually be home again!

Caleb is an official preK graduate! I still haven't downloaded pics and video from that, so I'll post some of those later, but let me just tell you how cute my sweet boy was! His teacher told the class that their time on the stage was not the time to be waving and making silly faces, so Caleb tried his best not to acknowledge us too much. But, he did have some funny faces when he was "trying" not to notice us! The class sang some songs, and he had a solo in one of them. AWWW!!! I could tell he was really nervous, but he did great! His teachers made each student (all 18) his/her own scrapbook for the year. It is awesome! Every picture they took of Caleb and group pics and some artwork are all in there. Talk about time consuming! It's definitely a keeper!

Joshua is getting used to being in a new place. For a while, he kept saying he wanted to go to his house, but he's finally getting used to this being his new home. He and Caleb had to get used to being together all the time again, so there were lots of fights at first! Now they're doing better (still fighting) and enjoying their new playroom. Joshua is really starting to express himself. He'll tell me (all seriously) "Momma, I need to talk to you" and then just rattle off something silly about his cars or something! It's still so cute when he can't quite pronounce words correctly. This week our front yard was "flocked" with pink flamingos for a fundraiser. Every morning Joshua wakes up and wants to look out the window at the "camingos". What a sweetie!

As for me, I'm in the job hunt. I have interviewed with Angelina College twice and will interview with SFA next week. Pray that God will give me the job He desires me to have. I just want to teach! Right now, I'm just loving being off with my boys for the summer. This teaching schedule is fantastic! I've registered Caleb for kindergarten and found Joshua his "school" too. Now we can just enjoy ourselves for the rest of the summer and worry about school later! Don't know all the stuff we'll do, but I'm looking forward to some fun times!

It's Official!

Before I get into the weekend's activities, I have to tell you about my sweet Joshua. We were laying down together yesterday, and I rolled away from him to scratch my back. He told me to roll back over, and I explained that I had an itch on my back and had to scratch it. He says, "OK, Momma, I pet your back!" He proceeds to scratch a tiny portion of my lower back and then rolls over on his belly and says, "OK, my turn. You pet my back!" He laid super still while I "petted" his back...already rotten like his momma there!

Anyway, we headed to Lufkin this weekend for the big vote. I was pretty sure this would all work out because Chris and I both felt that this was where God was leading us. So, Chris preached on Sunday morning, and a family invited us over for lunch. Good to know how they all fit together because I had no idea they were related! Sweet people, and the kids had a blast playing. Then that evening we had a Q&A session where the congregation could ask us questions. They sat us up on the stage, and the kids followed....So here we are, Chris answering a question, and Caleb has a tissue stuck up his nose trying to "get the boogers out" and Joshua just digging for gold or something in his nostril. IN FRONT OF EVERYONE!!! I finally got them out with a lady who we have spent a lot of time with over the last few weeks, so the kids were OK leaving with her. Oh my goodness! At least the church can overlook my kids' nasty behavior!! Then after the evening service, the church voted unanimously to call Chris as their pastor!

While they were voting, Chris and I were in the fellowship hall where several of the young kids were. There was even a bouncy house in there! While it was the girls' turn, Caleb and 3 of his new friends went into one of the Sunday school rooms and had a "Superhero meeting". When they came out, they ran one at a time up to the little stage and posed in their best superhero pose! So stinking cute! Caleb's super power was being able to freeze things with his eyes. Such an imagination!

So, we're headed to O'Quinn Baptist Church in Pollock, TX! We're actually moving our things over today. Chris has given notice to the hospital, and I've told all the folks at my job. Please pray that God will open doors for me to find a new job. I'm looking at SFA and Angelina College, so we'll see what happens. We're pumped to be back in the ministry...I think God's got great stuff in store for us at O'Quinn!

Sweetness from Joshua

I had to get this down before I forget! Last night, Joshua's twang was in full force. He's been exaggerating his words lately, and one syllable words are now becoming two syllable words, like help, ow!, and others. So, we were in the car last night, and we saw the moon. It was a beautiful, big full moon if you missed it! I pointed it out to Joshua and he said, "Waaa-ow! Look at dat moon. It looks like a cookie!" How cute!!! Then that stinking moon kept hiding behind the million foot high pine trees, so it was a treat whenever it would peek out, and I would get another "waaa-ow!" Love the things my kiddos say!

The latest craziness...

So the people who owned our house sold it. Our lease is up Fri. The new folks want it Sat. Therefore, we're moving AGAIN! Now, this is not recent; we've known about it for a month or so, even tried to get them to let us stay through mid-May so I could at least get out of school. But, no go. We're out on the streets! Not really...

I guess I should give you a bit of background info on our housing dilemma. Chris and I have been praying for God to open up a new ministry opportunity for us. Chris is missing pastoring (it is his passion!), so we began searching for the next church God would have us serve. Well, we're headed to O'Quinn Baptist Church in Pollack (just outside of Lufkin) next Sun. Chris is preaching in view of a call that day, so the church will vote that night. Next Sunday I will know if I have a house or not! I really feel like this is the place God desires for us to serve, and I think that's the vibe I'm getting from the people there, too. We've been there twice now, and we love it! Pray that God would continue to guide our journey to where we need to be.

Another beautiful thing about this church is that it has a parsonage! So no house hunting necessary! It's a nice, big, spacious home. The music minister's wife was one of the former preacher's kids, and she says we have free reign to do what we want with the house. Soooo nice since I've heard some horror stories about parsonages too! I'm looking forward to setting up house for a loooonnnngggg while! In the meantime, we're going to stay with parents until we know something for certain, and if this doesn't work out, we'll find something else! God knows where we need to be!

As for my kids, Joshua doesn't really care what's going on. He's just concerned that the toys are packed in boxes. Of course, those boxes are great to climb on and jump off. I caught them both climbing on one of the big ones the other day! Crazy kiddos! Caleb is excited to have another house. I think he likes moving. Ugh! We spent the afternoon in the parsonage Sun. between services, and he ran through it saying, "Is this our new house!???" I think he'll adjust just fine. They both love their Sunday school classes, too. Very much a load off with Caleb....he doesn't take change that well!

So, pray for us as we complete this latest move, and I'll keep you updated!!!!!

Pretty like Brittany....

Kids say some crazy things. My children are chipmunk fanatics right now, so we've watched the old cartoons and the new movies lately. Caleb thinks we all have to be a character in everything we watch, so in the chipmunks, I'm Brittany from the Chipettes. The other day he asked me why I was never Janette or Eleanor. (Usually there is no changing of minds allowed!) So I said, "Well, I could be Janette since I wear glasses, and I'm chubby like Eleanor." lol! Then Caleb says, "And you're pretty like Brittany!" Awww! He can be sweet sometimes!

Last night we drove over to Fairfield to see the folks and get some STRAWBERRIES!!! The berries are finally ready and super yummy! We went up to the patch to pick some, and Joshua only ate them while I filled his bucket. Caleb's thoughts were that the strawberries weren't nearly as good without chocolate on them! Joshua was too cute. His face was totally covered in red strawberry juice, and he kept on eating them well after we went back to Nana and Pop's house! We took a box to their teachers this morning, too. Caleb was happy to give his over, but Joshua didn't understand why I wouldn't let him open his box and eat them! Oh well, at least they're healthy....

My sweet darling husband

I've gotta brag on my man....

These stinking allergies have dragged me down this week. I've felt awful, I'm tired of hacking up my lungs, and I even lost my voice! Now that I'm through with the pity party, let me tell you what Chris did for me Tues. night.

He got to stay home from work that day because they didn't have any procedures, so he spent most of the day in my office studying for his sermon for this weekend (he's preaching at a church near Lufkin on Sun.). When we got in that afternoon, he told me to sit and rest. He would take care of supper. Now I must say, when Chris cooks, it can't be mundane, easy supper. It's going to be big. He decided this time to make a grilled chicken breast with bacon and cheese on top and fried potatoes. Then he even did dessert! Warm banana bread with sliced bananas, vanilla ice cream, and caramel sauce on top. YUM-O!

After dinner, he drew me a luxurious bath, put on music, and took the kids outside so I could relax. He cleaned up in the house, bathed the kids, and put them to bed! All so I could rest and go to bed early! Isn't he great!? I just love my sweetie!

Now if all the pollen would just go away.....

Easter!!!

Easter weekend was stinking awesome! Too bad my camera wasn't cooperating to get some cute pics! It was beautiful outside, so we spent a lot of time outside playing. Easter festivities started with the kids' parties on Thursday. I got to go to both. Caleb's class had made baskets out of milk jugs that looked like bunnies...too cute! Those kids were crazy with the egg hunt! I've about decided that Joshua doesn't do well with me at his parties. He thinks it's time to go home when I show up! He didn't seem to enjoy his party as much, but he sure did like all the snacks!

On Saturday, Mom and Chappie brought Emily and Evan over to hunt eggs. We dyed some hard boiled eggs (and our fingers!), too. The kids had a blast. I got that one on video with Caleb running around pantsless with tennis shoes on! Great blackmail footage for the future! Then Chris grilled some yummy steaks, and we chowed down.

Saturday night, Caleb and I made Resurrection Eggs. I got the recipe from a good friend. As we made the cookies, we read scripture that related to Jesus' death and resurrection. We beat the pecans like Jesus was beaten. We smelled the vinegar and talked about the wine vinegar Jesus was offered. We talked about how sad it was for Jesus' followers as they laid Him in the tomb. Then we "sealed" the tomb (oven) with tape and went to bed. The following morning (Easter morning), Caleb ran straight to the oven. He told his daddy all about what we had talked about the night before. Then we opened the tomb, and the cookies were done! We bit into them, and they're hollow, just like Jesus' tomb was. How cool is that!? It was a great object lesson for Caleb. He's talked about it lots since then. And, the cookies weren't half bad either! I'm so thankful that he understands the reason we celebrate Easter is not for candy and bunnies and eggs, but to celebrate the fact that our Savior Jesus Christ has conquered death and risen from the dead!!!! Can I get an AMEN!?

We spent Sunday with Chris's family and had a great time. Lots of great food and a great egg hunt. Caleb was thrilled with all the eggs he found! Joshua had his own little few set out just for him, but he thought he was in the big time with the big kids! We even got a little sun that day regardless of the fact that we were sitting in the shade!

Fantabulous Weekend!

I'm soooo loving this warmer weather even though it was stinkin' windy this weekend! We had a great time this weekend. Chris and I took the kids to Mom's Fri evening so we could have a nice dinner sans kids. So nice to spend some time just the two of us, even if it's just to steal away for dinner. I'm thinking we need a for real date night soon!

Chris took Caleb to Six Flags Saturday. He was so excited (and Caleb was too!)! We decided after our last trip that Joshua should not go back until he's big enough to ride some bigger rides, you know when he's actually as big as he thinks he is! Anyway, Caleb was fearless the last time we went, and he wanted to hit the Judge Roy Scream right off the bat. Chris told me he should have broken him in a little more slowly, but off they went. As they got to the top of the first big hill on it, Caleb looks at Chris and says, "I don't think this was such a good idea!" Needless to say, that's the only time they rode that one! They had lots of fun and lots of bonding, and the log ride was the best ride of the day.

Meanwhile, Joshua and I lazed around at Mom and Dad's for the day. It was super nice to have no plans and just relax and play. Mom and I tried to go to a couple of shops in town, but it's not a lot of fun with a 2 year old! There's this artsy antique-y store in this old building downtown, and Joshua liked it around the windows, but we couldn't go down the inside rows cause it's too "cary" (scary) down that way! Then Evan got to come play in the afternoon. Big times at Nana's house!

Yesterday, we went on an Easter egg hunt at the church where my great grandparents went (and some of my extended family still attends). Caleb was being a bit lazy and asked me to just put some eggs in his basket and he'd just eat the candy. Excuse me!? I told him if he didn't find eggs himself, he'd get to watch Joshua eat some candy, and he'd be out of luck. So, he decided he'd hunt. Of course, at the end he was super proud of himself for all the eggs he found! He's getting good in his old age! So the parade of candy begins.... Now we have hunts at school later in the week. Definitely will have to weed out most of the candy so I won't eat it!

All in all, it was a great weekend. Now we're back in the routine, and I'm procrastinating from grading papers! Have a great week!

March Update

I have been told that it's been too long since I blogged.... Seems life's been a bit busy these last few weeks, so here's a quick update!

We headed up to Jonesboro a couple of weeks ago for a visit with friends. It was great to see our old church family. I'm so thankful God has sent a great new pastor for them, and the church seems to be doing great! It was fantastic to hook up with our friends and their brand new baby, Hayden. He is too cute, but he didn't like me much! I think it was probably the fact that Joshua was hanging on me every time I tried to hold him! Little jealous??? Poor Caleb got the stomach bug while we were there. Poor baby! He was such a trooper, though. For him to be a whiny kid, he didn't whine at all as he puked his guts up. I felt so bad for him. I hate for my babies to get sick! It was fun to play some bunco with my ladies while I was up there too. I miss those girls!

My spring break was a week before everyone else's, so no real fun times for us! I worked some extra at the hospital...nice extra money!

We've been enjoying the beautiful warmer weather (until this weekend, of course!). We've spent tons of time outside. Joshua loves to race his big Tonka truck all over the drive and sidewalk. It's too cute! Caleb's into playing racing games. We're having to work on good sportsmanship with him. He thinks he should win every time! We've also spent lots of time at the park here in Palestine. The kids love it, and it's way bigger than our little play fort thing in our yard!

Mom was on spring break last week, and she came over Thurs. We got the kids out of school early and headed to the park. For some reason, Joshua was a little scared that day. Don't understand why...he's usually fearless! He played a lot on "James" the train though. He's started to get into Thomas lately so every train we see is one of the Thomas characters! Caleb had to show off his "belly slide" to Nana. What is it with boys having to be daredevils on playground equipment (and everything else!)?

Friday Mom and I went shopping. Great girly time without kiddos! I've missed having those times with my mom when I lived in Arkansas. We bought too much for the kids and not enough for ourselves, but it was fun nonetheless!

Chris and Caleb went out to the lake in Fairfield for a while Fri. evening with his brother's church group, so we decided to just hang out at Mom and Dad's for the whole weekend. We had a super lazy day Saturday since you couldn't get out and do anything anyway! What's up with this stinking cold weather!? I'm ready for warm sunshine-y days! Yesterday, Chris filled in for our former pastor at Round Prairie. He preached both services. I just love listening to him preach! It was great to see our old friends there and catch up a bit with them. Joshua cracked us up yesterday morning. I asked him if he was ready to go play in the nursery, and he says, "Sounds like a plan!" Goofy kid! Guess I've said that a few too many times....

Now we're off to the start of the new week. I'm running on low already since Joshua decided to have a bout of insomnia last night. He woke up around 3am. I layed down with him, and I don't think he really slept well the rest of the night. He kept crawling over me, laying on top of me, whining, talking, jumping around on the bed, you name it! He finally went back to sleep hard after Chris left around 530 this morning. UGH! So, I had a grumpapotamus on my hands for a while this morning. But we made it out the door on time! Hopefully, the week will look up from here!

SNOW AGAIN!!???

OK, I moved back to Texas expecting much warmer weather!! I'm thankful for the snow and all, but come on, I should be wearing shorts in a few short weeks! (And who knows, I probably will be knowing this weather!) The snow started falling here yesterday around 10:30am while we were finishing up my morning class. I had other students from my afternoon class calling to see what was going on with that, and some of them who live west of us already had 3-4 inches. We eventually cancelled class, and I went to get the kiddos. Their school was closing early too.

As soon as we got home, it was snow clothes on, get outside time. They were super pumped about playing in the snow again. We built a much better snowman this time. No decapitating or crushing wounds on this guy! It still wasn't as big as we could have got it, but hey the boys are 5 & 2; their attention span is not very long! After the snowman, we went in to warm up. Caleb ordered some "warm hot chocolate!" He doesn't like hot stuff, obviously! We settled in with our snacks, and the kiddos played and watched videos.

Then Daddy came home....much more (and wilder!) playtime outside! They chased each other, threw snowballs, knocked each other down in the snow, you know all that crazy boy stuff that they just love! All the while, the snow is still steadily falling. I think we got about 8 inches! It was a great time enjoying this beautiful stuff God created that we don't get to see too often!

Caleb was upset he had to go to school this morning even though he went late. He thought since the snow was still in the yard (but totally off the roads!) he should stay in. I would have loved to take a snow day, but I figured I should get some work done. My lab for today was cancelled, so we took our time getting to town. Fun lazy morning! I think we should get out for good weather sometimes too!! I like this school starting at 10 business!

Bottomless Pit and other happenings

Valentine's weekend was very nice and mostly relaxing! Chris wasn't on call (woo hoo!!!) so we had some uninterrupted family time for the first time in what seems like forever! We got up Saturday, and Chris and I made a big breakfast of bacon, eggs, and toast. Caleb's my picky eater, so all he wanted was cinnamon toast, but my young son has a bottomless pit of a stomach! Chris makes really yummy eggs, and he made 6. I think Joshua ate 3, leaving Chris and me to share the other 3! He also had 2 pieces of bacon and 2 pieces of toast. Where does it go??? He came over to me and said, "Mommy, you eat your eggs and toast?" I told him yes, and he says, "I go eat my eggs and toast!" And off he went... O, what am in for when he gets older!?

Then Chris and I had a much needed date night Sat. night. Mom and Dad kept the kiddos, and we headed to Waco. I have been really wanting to see When in Rome, and I finally got to see it! Soooo good! I will totally be buying that one when it comes out on video! We got to go to Mardel's and shop (sans kids!!!), so taking turns in the kids section that day! We did go to the kids section to buy a new Bible story book for bedtime that the kids are loving. And I got some great deals on fiction....love their clearance section! We had some yummy Mexican food and headed home.

Yesterday we went to church with Chris's parents and visited most of the day with Chris's uncle and cousin who are in from Colorado. It's always great to see them. These guys are story tellers! You always get a good laugh when they're around! Just wish they lived closer! I guess they brought the snow with them!

I forgot to talk about our snow day Friday. SNOW!! Can I tell you how excited Caleb was!? He woke up early for one thing, which didn't make this momma happy, then wanted to immediately head outside. We had a great time throwing snowballs and built a little snowman, but the boys aren't patient enough to build a good one. Joshua kept knocking his poor little head off! Then we headed in for homemade donuts and chocolate milk! Too bad my boys don't like hot drinks...I thought cocoa would be better!

Stubborn-ness!

I think I'm getting payback for my childhood... Apparently I was a stubborn child! Who woulda thought that!?

So my younger son (Joshua) is following in my footsteps. I've already determined that he is the best birth control ever! Since he turned 2, it's been pretty rough! He can be so sweet one second and a complete terror the next! This time he had been playing outside and wanted some milk when we came in. OK, no problem. Now we've been teaching him to say please and thank you and actually have some semblance of manners. I ask, "What do we say, Joshua?" His response: "I can't say please!!!" So, I tell him no milk. This progresses into a full blown tantrum. He even has to go to his room for a while. Fast forward about 15 min...he's calm and comes and asks for milk. "What do we say, Joshua?" This time (little punk!) gets a sweet sweet grin on his face and says, "Pweeze!!" WHAT??? Why does he have to do this? I guess I earned it according to my mother!

As for other news, thankfully we're not too busy right now. I mean we're always busy with work and stuff, but not a ton of extra stuff right this second. We've LOVED the weather lately and have spent lots of time outside. The kids got 4 wheelers for Christmas, and they've been riding on those. We got the little basketball goal out and the baseball tee the other day. Joshua loves shooting baskets, and Caleb loves t-ball. We even worked on coach pitch on Sunday afternoon. He is doing really well with his hitting! I'm not proud or anything! :) He said he's ready to be on a "real" baseball team. I guess we'll be playing t-ball when it starts up!

Back in the Real World!

We are still alive! Just been taking a for real Christmas break! Since the only option I have in the sticks for internet service is dial-up, we have no internet at home...so I feel like I've been in another decade for a while! I did steal a few moments here and there on Mom's computer, but for sure not long enough to blog!

Anyway, we had a fantabulous Christmas break! Technically, I was supposed to get 3 weeks off, but I had to come in some last week for new student orientation and work on the lecture I had to do yesterday, so I really only stayed home 2 weeks. The kids (especially Caleb) were thrilled to get to skip school, but now I'm paying for it with Caleb. He's my clingy kid, and he's still adjusting to leaving me at school. Doesn't matter what we say, he still gets upset when I leave! I keep hoping it will get better and not take as long to adjust as it did in the fall! Joshua, on the other hand, could care less if I'm there or not! Independent little booger!

As for our break, we had a great time hanging out with family. The kids got way too many presents, as usual! It's so much fun watching the kids on Christmas morning open their gifts. We're so blessed to have 2 great little boys! Now to work on their thankfulness....

Another big breakthrough during break.....Joshua is now in big boy undies!!! We worked really hard since I had a big chunk of uninterrupted time with him, and he's doing great! He's completely into Cars right now, so when I told him if he started going in the potty good, I'd get him some Cars "shortie boys" (as they're called in the George clan!). He loves his new undies! He can't seem to decide between Lightning McQueen and Mater sometimes though!

Chris and I celebrated our 8th anniversary Dec. 29! That night we just went out to dinner together, but this weekend we took a little trip to the Dallas area to just hang out with each other sans kids! We wanted to go back to San Antonio (where we had our honeymoon), but it was too stinking cold to do all the outside stuff! At least in Dallas, there's stuff to do inside! We saw grown up movies and ate good food and just had a good time reconnecting. It's hard to believe it's been 8 years, and I still adore that crazy guy!!