Ferrara's in Florida

Around the fall, I receive emails requesting gift ideas for the kids. So I thought I'd be proactive and throw out ideas before anyone asks (satirical commentary fyi) Joel's favorite toys aren't toys at all.  If you know a pack rat or if you garage sale, just keep your eye out for the following: Car keys Cell phones Steering wheels Men's size10 flip flops and work boots Flash lights Screwdrivers Lizards Frogs Earthworms

From the back of the minivan to the front driver's seat, this was heard-- Ruby Simone:  Momma, Does God hear alllll of my thoughts? Me: Yes, He hears all of your thoughts. Ruby Simone:  Really?  All of them?  ( Pause. ) Ruby Simone:  Because just now I was thinking of gray high heels.

Two words: Too fast! This was only 2 1/2 years ago. 

Sable: Mommy, What do you think God's plan is for me when I grow up? Like what do you think He's made me to do? Mommy:  He wants you to love Him. Sable:  I know that Mommy.  But what do you think He has called me to do for Him? Mommy:  I hope He calls you to be a mommy. Sable:  Mommmeee, not that, I mean what He has called me to be, to do for Him. Mommy:  Sable, what has God called me to do? Sable:  You're "just" a mommy. Mommy:  You're right.  And I have the best job in the world. Sable, satisfied with my answer, goes back to coloring on her chalkboard.

Ballerina Beauties Oh yes she did...wear her $$ ring to the first day of class! Ruby Simone working her Jersey Girl Style

It's a Boy's Life

No one could possibly prepare me for a little boy.  No one.  Eight weeks ago Joel traded boobs for balls, bats, trucks and dinosaurs.  That is, he stopped nursing on his own and instead came to my lap with a fire truck book in one hand and a ball in the other.  All Boy, to define it, is this:  We were on a walk in the neighborhood when Joel spotted a drainage grid.  He laid on top of it and spit down it.  I was appalled but his daddy said, "Let him do it, he's a boy."  Apparently there is a rule book that didn't arrive with Joel 18 months ago.  Thankfully I borrowed a copy of Dobson's Bringing Up Boys!  Climbing the Dirt Pile Near Our Home Instant Connection with Grease, Dirt and Caterpillar Equipment Up and Down, In and Out, Over and Under ALL DAY LONG Don't think for a minute he's hiding in his sisters' princess room for any reason other than to eat toothpaste

 Ruby Simone is always up for a party.  We celebrated her birthday for 4 whole days in honor of her fourth birthday.  Her birthday dinner at her request:  Chocolate cake with chocolate icing and mint chocolate chip ice cream...after dinner at Moe's. As for Momma (as Ruby affectionately calls me), I woke up to Ruby's birthday weekend shocked that she could actually be 4 already.  I felt gypped of 2 years, how did she go from being born to 4 this fast?!  I'm still sad thinking about it, Ruby is a joy and adds glitter and sparkle to our life, hence her nickname "Ruby Simone, our precious Gem Stone".   And four years later, she lives up to her namesake:  Ruby. She loves shiny, sparkly, fancy...it can all be purchased at the Dollar Store...at this age, anyways.  Our Little Cupcake Playing Dress-Up with Her Gifts  Ruby's Idea of a Birthday Suit: Clip-on earrnings, Rapunzel dress and Sequin Pumps (Joel in the background chec...