Ok, so I'm a little biased but my friend Gina is giving away some awesome handmade clipboards.  You have to go check it out.  They are really, really, really, cute.  Like I said though, I am biased....because I'm the one that makes them.

But I'd love to make you one so go on, go check it out and leave a comment. Just to tease you here's one of my favorites.

Today we shopped 'til we were all ready to drop.  Seriously.  We left at about 10 am and didn't get home until after 10 pm.  The boys did amazingly well and we rewarded them with a new Wii game.  We gave them a 20 dollar limit but they were still able to find a game they wanted.  It is a monster truck racing game.  I hope it is fun for them.  It even came with a steering wheel. 

Anyway, I'm sure ya'll are thinking shopping all day sounds great.  Well think again.  It wasn't fun shopping.  Well for Hubby it was maybe fun shopping but not for anyone else.  We got things like this:

and this:

And ladies, don't let men say they don't comparison shop b/c they do.  Atleast mine does.  We started out dropping the van off at Walmart for tires and an oil change and then walking over to Lowes.  We shopped around there and tried to order new siding for the house (which is why we bought the above items) but we didn't have all the measurements we needed.  Of course, we couldn't buy the nail gun and compressor their b/c we had to shop around.  So after leaving Lowes and going to pick up the van we went to eat.  Now, Hubby did treat us for lunch.  He took us here:

MMMMM  MMMMM good!

Then we went to the library to turn in the boys story time papers and then we went to Home Depot for more comparison shopping and then we went to Sears where we bought the compressor and then we went back to Lowe's where we bought the gun and then to McDonalds for dinner and a few minutes play time and then to Walmart for  a few essentials and the boys prize for being good.  It has been a long day.  Then I had to get home to pack up some scrapbooking stuff and wash a load of laundry b/c tomorrow (today actually) I am spending the day with my scrapbooking buddies the Georgia Peaches!  I'm looking forward to the fun and relaxing scrapping day but I have to be up in 5 hours!!!!  Ok well I've caught you all up and my wash is done so I'm off to bed.

Oh yeah, Pictures of the boys refinished room are coming as soon as we get the doors hung back up:)  And I will post pictures of the siding project as we go. 

Night now.

In our home we are firm believers in the King James version of the Bible.  We base our decision of church homes on that and we do our best to keep curriculum choices and other choices to the KJV.  Now we know that it isn't the original text of the Bible but we believe it is the closest one out there.  Recently this was read by our Assistant Pastor and it just supports our decision.  We've studied into this some and found that the other Bibles do seem to leave some things out that we believe is VERY import.  Anyway, I thought this was good.  If you don't use KJV that's ok too, we can still be friends.  I don't think anyone has to believe the way I do so please don't send me a thousand emails or comments about how wrong I am or whatever. 

Coversation in a "Bible" Bookstore:

Clerk: Hello, May I help  you?

Yes, I'm looking for a new Bible I can carry and use in my church.  Can you help me?

Clerk:  I'd be happy to.  I wold recommend the NIV.  It is our most popular seller.

Very well, we are studying in Acts chapter 8.  Do you know the story of hte Ethiopian eunuch?

Clerk:   Sure!

Did you know the only verse that tells us what we need to do before baptism is in Acts 8:37?  It's really important that my Bible states that clearly.  Would you read it to me fromt he NIV that you recommend?

Clerk:   Certaintly.  (the helpful employee looks and looks)  Uh, it's not there.

What's not there?

Clerk:   I'm sorry but there is no verse 37...

Well I sure don't want a Bible that's missing something that important.  let's try another Bible.

 Clerk:   Well, we have another popular one, the RSV.

Great, but, my Bible also has to be very clear about the virgin birth of Christ.  Would you please check Isaiah 7:14?

Clerk:   Hmm, it says a young woman shall conceive....

Then forget the RSV!  What other Bibles do you have?

 Clerk:   Well, we are ver proud of the NASV  Its called hte most literal version.

Alright, lets look up John 6:47.  it's one place where Jesus tells us to believe in him to have eternal life.

(employee reads)   Clerk:   Wait, it only says he who believes has eternal life.  it doesn't say who to believe in.

My old occultic freind would love that!  They believe, but not in Jesus Christ.  So much for the NASV.

Lets try again.  When I witness to Jehovah Witness, I like to use Revelation 1:11, where Jesus says I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.  What do you have left?

Clerk:   Here is our NLT, let me see...Huh? it says, write down what you see... no alpha and Omega here.

Clerk:    All I see left is an Old American Standard.

Ok, would you look up 1 John 5:7?  It tells us the Father, The Word, and the Holy Ghost are one God.

Clerk:  I'm very sorry, it says, "And it is the spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is the truth."  there is no trinity here.

What about an old King James Version, do you have those?

Clerk:      I'm very sorry, but we would have to special order that for you, we do not stock the old KJV Bibles any more.

Well, then I'll just stay with my old Bible.  it has everything in it that I have mentioned to you.

Clerk:      What Bible is that?

God's preserved Word to the English speaking people: the King James Bible.

Wii've been wanting a Wii system for sometime now but haven't been able to afford one.  Well Oldest took it upon himself to get one.  He said that all he wanted for his birthday was a Wii so he asked everyone for money.  That's what he got.  My brother was a little late on both boys birthday and he gave them both money on Friday.  That was the last of what Oldest needed for a Wii and Youngest had enough to get a game.  I've been calling around and nobody had them in stock for a couple weeks but finally today a local store had one.  So wii are now the very proud owners of a Wii system and the carnival game to boot. 

Here's the carnival game (they are loving it so far) we added to the set.

Wii are having so much fun with this. I can't wait to try Mario Kart.  But, I don't have time to play b/c Hubby and I are also re-doing the boys bedroom.  New wall colors, new floor, some new furniture the works.  So now I have to go back to work.  Pictures of the "new" room to come soon.

Today is Oldest's Birthday.  I can't believe how grown up he is getting.  It seems like just a few months ago we were bringing him into our home and trying to get him to feel secure and loved again.  He was such a little thing then.  Of course he was 4 then so he was 1/2 grown already (atleast in his eyes) but to me he was tiny.  And as I took the time to look back at the past years it really hit me how precious he is and although I can see him growing and maturing I know that my little boy is still in there and has a long way to go before he is a man.  I pray that the Lord continues to be faithful and to see us through to that day.

Here's a small portion of my turn down memory lane.  (Although he wasn't ours yet we've known our Oldest since he was born and his 1st mom was kind enough to share photos of those times with us.  I share them all with you now.)

First Birthday

Second Birthday

(Unfortunately his third birthday isn't documented due to the room being to dark and me using a disposable camera.  It was a spider man theme held at Grandpa's house)

Fourth Birthday

Fifth Birthday

Sixth Birthday

Seventh Birthday

TODAY

And that is my boy.  He is mischievous and adventurous.  He loves baseball, riding bikes, jumping on the trampoline, playing video games and watching tv.  His favorite thing to listen to on the radio is "Momma's Cd's" and Adventures in Odyssey.  His big birthday wish is to get a Wii but he was happy with the new Adventures in Odyssey set we gave him and is excited about his "big" party this weekend. 

I love you son.  I'm glad you're mine.  I don't know what I did without you but I'll never let you go, even when you grow up and leave (as you frequently tell me you will.)  Don't be in too big a hurry to grow up, I still need you.

Well baseball finally ended.  It's actually been over since the 31st but I enjoyed a break and now I'm catching up on everything that needs to be done.  Oldest came in 3rd place.  We were proud of him and his team.  He had a double header on the 30th to determine who would be the 2nd place team and go to finals.  We won the first game but lost the 2nd.  It was a long night and Oldest couldn't make it through all of the 2nd game.  The coach for the other team was throwing some hard, fast balls and Oldest (as catcher) just didn't want to dodge them anymore so he ended up quiting.  We had a talk after the game that you can't quit but that he should have talked to his coach about what the problem was.  I think most of it was that he was tired but he told his coach he WAS NOT going back out there; so they had to put someone else in.  He apologized to the coach and team for quiting and once the reason was known everything was fine but hopefully next time he'll try to resolve the problem before giving up.  We are looking into some better catchers equipment for next year.  He had no shin pads this season and so he was a little afraid of being hit (I would've been too.)

Youngest came in 2nd in his league!  There team did really good and Youngest played catcher for the last 3 games.  He was so excited to actually get to play and not just stand in the outfield.  They also had a double header for the championship.  It was so exciting to see them receive their runner up trophies.  They all felt like champions for sure.  Youngest did catch on to the fact that they weren't the 1st place team and told me "Momma, we were almost champions!!"  He said it with excitement, it was so cute.  We told him that to us and to his coach they ARE champions.

Youngest as catcher in last game of playoffs

Youngest receiving his runner up trophy.

Youngest with runner up trophy.                      Youngest with Coach

                                                                      and "big" trophy.

After Youngest game we had a birthday party to attend and then we took a week to relax.  I had to get ready for a book sale that our homeschool group was having and we went to the library story time but for the most part we just hung out and relaxed.  I did pretty well at the book sale but not as well as I hoped and so I volunteered to attend another booksale hosted by a group in a nearby town and to take some of the other ladies books to sale also.  So I spent last Friday selling and I will spend this Friday selling also.  After the book sale I came home and took a deep breath and then we went to Oldest's team party at the local pool.  It was really nice.  The team had rented the pool area so it was a private party and the boys had a blast.  There was a huge water slide that they both loved going down.  Then we had pizza and cake and then Oldest got his team trophy.  It is shaped like a ball glove and will hold his game ball.  The coach made sure that throughout the season each boy received an actual ball from the game.  He tried to make sure it was an important game for them and Oldest's was from catching his first pop-up foul and gaining the last out of the game.  He was so excited.  I have a few pictures of the boys at Oldest's party and I did have one of him getting his trophy but I decided not to post it as several of the boys on the team are shirtless. 

Oldest swimming under water.

Youngest coming down slide with lifeguard ready to catch him since it was over his head.

My friend Amy said I needed to update my blog b/c she was tired of reading Taggity Tag Tag.  So I am finally.  It is 12:03 am so I'm not sure how well I will spell and I may leave out details but I will try not to.  Life has not slowed down at all.....yet.  I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  Baseball will soon be over.  Of course it ends just in time for story time at the library but that only happens once a week at a set time, so maybe we can handle it.

Ok I'll start w/ baseball.  Both boys did great! The regular season is over and we are now into the tournament.  Youngest's team finished 2nd in the league and Oldest's team was tied for 3rd.  We've had one tournament game so far and they both won.  If your interested here are the scores.  Youngest: regular season:  14-13 loss, 12-0 win, 0-6 win, 5-3 win, 0-5 loss, 4-15 win, 6-11 win, 9-3 win, 10-1 win.  Tournament: 11-5 win, (more to come).   Oldest: regular season: 11-4 win, 3-11 win, 8-2 win, 5-10 win, 8-12 win, 14-8 win, 15-2 loss, 12-2 win, 11-9 loss.  Tournament: 10-5 win, (more to come).  I will say oldest team has done great but a few of their wins were UGLY.  They had so many errors that it wasn't funny and we are not sure exactly how they pulled the win off but they did.  Youngest has also had his team party.  The whole team got to go to a local minor league baseball game and have pictures with the mascots and they signed the kids hats. Several kids even caught game balls (foul balls).  They each received a minore league hat and a bobble head trophy. It was loads of fun.

Ok other than baseball not alot has happened. Youngest turned 6! I can't believe my baby is 6! but he is.  We had a celebration with friends on his b-day.  It was actually a joint party with his best friend.  The sweetest little princess ever.  She turned 6 just shortly after Youngest did so they celebrated together.  She had a princess theme and her mom made Youngest a Scooby Doo cake. He loved it!  Then the next day we had a small gathering of family and he got a few more gifts and more cake. 

Hubby and I also attended the CHEF homeschool fair in AL.  It wasn't as nice as the one in GA (atleast in my opinion) but it was nice to have time away.  As a mom's day gift and a b-day gift to Hubby my mom paid for us to have an awesome hotel suite.  We loved it.  My sister-in-law kept the boys and Hubby and I ate Japanese and relaxed.  Then we tackled the fair.  Mother's day was a double celebration b/c it was also Hubby's birthday.  I got some beautiful roses and a favorite old movie.

Hubby got a baseball glove.  It's what he asked for.

Well that pretty much catches you up.  Here are some pictures of our last few adventures.  Now I'm off to bed so I can be ready to start story time tomorrow.

Taggity-Tag-Tag

I'm not sure why I torture myself but I do.  I'm am trying to win something else.  My good friend Gina is having a give away and I really want to win!  She is giving away 2 t-shirts from here :

I really really want to win these shirts.    See I told you I torture myself.