every captive thought

Our weekend is off to a great start!  Brad was off today and the boys and I loved our time with him.  We spent most of the day outside enjoying this beautiful weather. James helped Brad with some yard work.  He did start out the day with pants but once they got a drop of water on them...off they came.  It doesn't matter to him that he is out in the front yard with just his undies and a t-shirt on.  And honestly...it doesn't really matter to me either. Brad and James made a lot of beautiful artwork on the sidewalk.  This was my favorite. Yesterday we had a play date over at my friend Lindsay's house.  She just moved into her beautiful home a couple of weeks ago and was brave enough to have some friends out...with 9 children!  Lindsay is so sweet and hospitable (and a wonderful cook) and we had a great time.

James has always impressed me with his strength and acrobatic abilities ever since he was a tiny little guy.  But this one I just had to share.  He and Jude were in the bath the other day and he said, "Mom, look at this!" I told him to hold it until I could get my camera.  I'm not even sure what is going on there but it's impressive. Jude impresses me with his adorableness.  I love when he curls up like a baby.  ~~~~~ We have been blessed by so much kindness this week.  On Monday a sweet friend from BSF brought over a huge fabulous meal complete with dessert AND breakfast for the next morning!  Tuesday, Karin, my wonderful sister-in-law, had us over for dinner and fixed the most delicious chicken enchiladas I've ever had.  YUM!  Then yesterday, a friend that I haven't seen in over 10 years stopped by with 4 casseroles for my freezer for a rainy day!  What a blessing!  Each of these sweet women were such an encouragement to me t...

What a great weekend we are having!  We had an awesome family day yesterday, then church tonight followed by dinner with 4 of our close friends, Chris, Sarah, Denni and Brian (Miah and Amber couldn't be here).  We always come away from our time with these friends so cheerful and encouraged.  They were our first friends to the hospital when Jude was diagnosed.  And they have been true friends to Brad for years.  We are blessed to have them in our lives. Our pastor, Tommy is doing a marriage series right now and tonight's message was great.  If you have time to listen to it, you won't regret it.  Click here .

How was your holiday weekend? Ours was great! My sister and her family were in town which is always a treat. I love to have family around. So here is a photo rundown of our weekend. After much shopping and running around on Saturday, Jude was beat and passed out in the car before we even left the mall parking lot. Now that's tired! Saturday afternoon my new purse, wallet, checkbook cover and make-up bag arrived! A gift from my sweet hubby. I am a SUCKER for Vera Bradley. It makes me happy just to look at it. Dad, Brad and Andy went shooting on Saturday. James chilled with Uncle Andy when they got back. Sunday we woke up to delightfully cool temps! Thank you Lord! James decided it was boot-wearing weather. That afternoon he helped his cousins work out in Nana's yard. Madison, James, and Morgan taking a break from weed-pulling to pose for a picture. James found a roly-poly. He very favorite kind of bug. It crawled right under his boot. Crunch. "...

We had our appointment today with Dr. Regueira, Jude's oncologist.  Remember a few days ago when I told you I had FINALLY heard back from the not-so-special specialist in Dallas and got her official 2nd opinion ???  Well, that day she told me that she was going to send the report to Dr. R and to us.  Good thing I didn't hold my breath.  Because as has been typical of Dr. Pass, she did not do what she said she would do.  I am so not surprised.  Disappointed, yes.  Surprised, no.  I called this morning to make sure the report had been sent and was told I would get a call back confirming.  On my way to our appointment with Dr. R, I called again since I hadn't heard.  Frustrated, I asked to speak to an office manager.  She was at least nice and apologetic which helped...but it didn't get the report to our oncologist.  And of course, Dr. Pass was out of town again so there was nothing she could do.  I told her that I was foolis...

Today Brad and I took the boys to the pool.  James tried out a new swimsuit. He loved having his Daddy there with him. Because he does fun stuff like this... Over and over again...   Until James is tired. Mommy just sits on the side with Jude because he is a little freaked out by all the action. He feels much safer here...strapped into his car seat and under the shade. James was exhausted and ready to go home for a nap.  Brad and I realized this is a really nice perk to going to the pool! After naps we were off to church.  And Jamesie got to see his girlfriends. I think I need to go a little easy on the sunscreen.  At least we can tell it's working.

James, Jude and I met Bonnie and Emery at the zoo yesterday morning.  Before we left I packed up the diaper bag, left it by the door, and went to get Jude.  When I came back, James had added at little something extra that he thought we would need at the zoo.  Don't leave home without it. We got to the zoo first and stopped by to check out the buffalo on our way to kill some time at the playground.    Don't you think that a buffalo and a reindeer are a weird combo for a zoo exhibit?  I did. Especially when they kept fighting.  I really would've put my money on the buffalo but he chickened out first.  I mean, when Santa Claus has your back, you must be pretty fearless.  Even buffalo want to stay off the naughty list. So after all of that awesomeness we went to hang out at the playground for a little bit.  We found out that being the first kid on the playground means you get to dry off the slide for all of the other kids.  James ...