Tiger Safari

There's a wonderful place called Tiger Safari, it's barely 10 minutes from our home. We took the kids last week and they loved it. Much to my surprise my daughter not only touched a rather large snake, but, held it. The tour guide brought out more cuddly animals, like a ferret, then we saw the not so cuddly porcupines. Which, I did not know has a rattle under all those quills. They use it as a warning, much like a rattlesnake. We were able to hear the deep growl of a lion, even though not full force roar, is still amazing. Those that live down the road say they can hear their rumble at night. They both fed tigers, one 8 ft and another close to 10 ft. Seeing those massive animals stretched almost the full heighth of a chain link fence to reach their yummy raw chicken leg, makes you feel pretty tiny. Talked to birds, raced a camel, fed cornflakes to goats and animal crackers to deer. Chance road giant turtles and yeehawed like a cowboy. God is an amazing creator of so many very different things. All in all, a fantastic afternoon.

Kindergarten DAY 1!

Rayleigh was so very excited for today, I'm surprised she fell asleep as quickly as she did last night. She said, "When I fall asleep, I'm going to be smiling because I'm so excited." She's a very big girl and walked in tall and proud, didn't want daddy to help carry her bag full of new supplies. Her teacher seems very nice and sweet. I'm looking forward to helping with face painting on game days :)

Chance on the other hand was not happy to leave his sister. The only time they have ever been apart is school times. And that hasn't happened since March. Guess I better have some fun distracting things lined up for him!

My Hero.....

The other day the boy was up to no good. I say, "Son, stop. Do you want a spankin?" To which he replied, "yea."
Me, "Whaaat? No... a spankin."
Again, "Yea, I do."
Me, "You want a spankin'?"
Him, "Yea, come on."
Me, "Sir?"
Him, "Yes, I want bacon." As he heads to the kitchen
So, what do you do? You get bacon for the boy...............

I am amazed the path God put me on before I knew I was on one. I am amazed He was working in my life before I "let" Him. The path along the way not only led me to Him but, He blessed me with a wonderful husband. Who has been very understanding through the last almost 8 yrs. More specifically the last 6.... when we were blessed with our first baby. The many emotional ups and downs parenthood takes you through. I was excited for her to start Kindergarten this year, but I don't really want to let go. It saddens me, my baby, just isn't anymore. I vow to hold you and sit with you to play...every time you ask me to. Because, that is a request I always want to hear. I love you, dear Rayleigh, my favorite little girl in the whole wide world.

Locks of Love

We were planning on getting Rayleigh's hair trimmed before school. I had in my mind maybe 2 inches. Tim was looking at her and asked if she had enough to donate. My first thought was can we really do that without bawling. (Me, not her) Tim thought it would be an oppurtunity to teach her a valuable lesson. So we talked to her about it. Then the night before her and I sat down and looked at the locks of love website. She, of course, wanted to know who they were and what their names were. Rayleigh also noted, that they were all still smiling. Those kiddos have lots of courage, a level I may never reach in life. Or, prayerfully, even be challenged with. Love you my Rayleigh!

Valentine Getaway

My dear sweet Tim had surprises up his sleeve for Valentine's Day. He surprised me with a dozen roses at the gym and he sent the kids something as well. Rayleigh and Chance had been begging me all day for a balloon. As soon as we get there they saw shiny balloons and a bear for her and a dinosaur for him. Excited they were! He was disappointed that the florist didn't send lavendar roses, but they were still beautiful. He also surprised me a stay at The Grandison, Bed & Breakfast. Fantastic!

Welcoming Our NEW Edition

After a lot of thought yesterday morning, Tim and I decided to have our family grow! So last night he brought home our new baby boy. Rayleigh loves him and Chance is not to sure about him. He is a lil weiner dog named Rambo. However, Rayleigh can't say Rambo and she calls him "Rainbow". He follows Rayleigh all over the house and won't hardly come to me at all unless she is right by me. Hope it all goes well because it is looking like an automatic bond between the two of them!