Ca-winky-dink?

Yesterday and today I caught these most natural occurrences in the Fleming Home. Coly reading to Braxton in Braxton's room.

Hey boys- look at Mama.

And Evan reading to Braxton (in his lap no less). Braxton LOVES the How do Dinosaurs series.

Had to get a picture of these two super cute feet together. One day they will BOTH be larger than mine!!! Love little toes!

Daddy and Uncle Stev take the Flock to Santa Fe Zoo

Yesterday Mommy headed to Tampa for a fabulous Beth Moore conference and today Daddy and Uncle Stev loaded up the four little Flemings and took them ALL to a Cub Scout outdoor event. They all went to the Santa Fe Zoo http://www.sfcollege.edu/zoo/ Here is Evan with his Cub Scout Pals Joey and Preston (and Coly posing as to not camouflage in with the back ground).

Colson allowed the peacock to get close...amazingly close for him.

The kids really enjoyed that the feathers were all out and wanted Daddy to get a picture.

They also loved the bald eagles.

There's no picture of this, but Daddy said that there was a bobcat there that sprayed everywhere and almost got Coly. (you know he would have LOVED that) Other than the unpleasant odor/spray, Daddy said they all had a good time!

Beth Moore in Tampa with Aunt Ne & Cuz Effie

There she went blazing past me...close enough to touch (and we did...touch each other that is)!

And there she is on stage in Lutz, Florida talking right to ME!

Honestly, that's how I felt at this conference which began with a wonderful road trip with my Aunt Ne arriving from Atlanta, grabbing Cousin Effie and myself in her Pilot and then we all headed to Tampa. I left the Flock under Daddy's and Uncle Steve's care (AND they got a call to show the house for the second time as we're on I-75 headed South). We drove straight to our very first MOST WONDERFUL Nanny's Mom's House to get our totally meant-to-be tickets, stopped for some yummy food and wine at Macaroni Grill and then FINALLY arrived at the church where she would pour out words SO moving that I was emotionally drained AND rejuvenated after 8, super short hours with her (and her praise and worship band).

Back up a little...sometime in November or December I "just ended up" on Beth Moore's website http://www.lproof.org/Events/Schedule.asp and was overjoyed to see that she would be in Lutz (Tampa) right where my parents live...in April. I immediately emailed wonderful women in my life to see if they would like to join. After I got the formal head count and went online to get the tickets - they were SOLD OUT. No joke...beginning of January (yeah it took a while) and they were SOLD OUT. So, I contacted our wonderful first nanny, Whitney, because she was raised in the church hosting this Beth Moore event and asked her to put a feeler out to see if we could get 3 or 4 tickets. She posted it to her Facebook page and her Mom did the same. Whitney did a great job of letting me know she was still on top of it as the days and months ticked away.

In all that time I never took it off my Outlook Calendar. I never canceled plans with Hubby and even when we were in Atlanta and Aunt Ne asked about the tickets...I assured her that we didn't have them YET but I knew we were supposed to be there and I knew we would get tickets. SO- the Monday of the conference (started Friday PM) I get a text from Whitney that she has tickets...and not only one or two, but three or four. SO- again I get the Final Number and commit to three tickets for myself, Aunt Ne and Effie. (see God working here)

So we have the divine-tickets and have safely arrived to the most AWESOME second row seats in this HUGE Mega church that hosted this event. Yep- that's SECOND row...so not only did God want us there...He wanted us UP CLOSE and personal (6:00 PM Friday). SO everyone gets a book to take notes in and I open mine to read, "Welcome. Hold Nothing back and He will open the windows of heaven for you." OK- so I flip through the pages trying to see WHAT she's going to talk about. See Beth Moore talks about something different at EACH location...so we really had NO idea what we were signing up for when we started our quest for tickets.

Praise and worship begins and it's awesome...then Beth Moore takes the stage. She goes on to tell the audience that the previous conference was in Arizona about the Resurrection Power of the Cross and it was during a prayer for that conference that God laid on her heart to talk about Families at the next conference in Lutz. (I'm still chatting with the total stranger next to me about what GREAT seats we have, thus totally missing all this intro part). Then I hear the words calamity and family and my head turns quickly forward...at that same time Ne's head jerks back at me and our eyes lock. "What did she just say this conference is going to be about?" I asked. With tearing eyes Ne responded, "You are never going to believe it, she's talking about Calamity in Families!" WOW- God got my attention loud and clear.

From that intro until the very end the following day at Noon, I was so overwhelmed that God had called me here "for such a time as this" (another loud message from Beth Moore's study of Esther which I had just completed with my Bible Study Group the Fall Semester). Saturday morning opened with an alter call that moved my legs so quickly forward I didn't know why I was leaving my seat. I bowed and wept so openly at that alter, I knew it was God taking some baggage I was not meant to carry alone. WOW

Beth Moore was filling me up with so much great scripture that my hand couldn't keep up (and I'm a MASTER note taker). I wish I could scan-in my notes so that you can see the personal words that were spoken to me during that conference. Here are her main points:1. We increasingly lack family. 2. We need family: you cannot fulfill your destiny in autonomy, we need family for accountability, we were created for depth of relationship. 3. Family is meant to grow not shrink, Jesus will come to heal hearts for all who will let Him in. 4. ANY family can have calamity..she said whine or be a warrior- we are never gonna be freed from bondage if we don't get up and break free and stop sitting around whining about it, He esteems a broken spirit and uses it to make a humble servant, we don't have to worry about [x] breaking us because we're already broken and nothing or no one will push us to the breaking point because we're already broken. We need Christ to be made whole. 5. Family calamity is most complicated when it comes as a consequence. 6. Our family calamity doesn't have to be irreparable. seek restoration, seek peace, seek Christ. 7. Christ came to bring honor back to the family. 8. We are family!!! We are all in the family of believers. Invest in the family of God. Get connected with a community of believers. WOW

I'll close with a verse she cited more than one time: Romans 12:9-10 ESV "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Definitely scripture I want to live in a way that my children KNOW it and they themselves strive to outdo one another...one day!

The Serpent uses up my packing time

So it's Friday of the Beth Moore conference (in Tampa). I have been running errands all morning and now I'm home, have the kids at the table with their lunch, and look what I find when I go outside to let Snickers back in (I wonder if I passed this treat while taking Snickers OUT?)!!!

Yep- this little serpent was atop our patio table and nearly the length of the table's width! Knowing that the boys were watching Mommy, this inner voice spoke within me, "Don't freak out or act like a girl. Don't even give this snake any attention. Go back inside and figure out WHAT TO DO!" So I calmly go back into the house and do what any fearless mother would do. I took a picture with my phone and emailed Daddy- WHAT DO I DO WITH THIS??? It took him too long to respond...so I took my own action. Not knowing if it was a good snake or a bad snake I decided that it had to DIE. I mean I couldn't have Coly or Braxton run into it in the yard, or better yet, on my porch again. SO- I remembered Daddy's weapon of choice and quickly (but calmly) went to the garage to get the machete. LOL Then I formulated a Non-Freak Out Plan (in my head) and opened the patio door to accomplish some Baby Protection and here's what it ended up looking like...

The serpent fell to the ground and with another quick chop he was in two pieces and I quickly, but every so indiscreetly walked back inside and locked the patio door. As I watched I was amazed at how far the head (far left part) made it away from the body (part next to the pool of blood)! Needless to say, the boys were very curious as to what Mommy was doing on the patio. I kept Braxton in his high chair (occupied with chocolate), but Colson got down and he and Snickers held Guard until Daddy got home- a good 5-10 minutes. (Daddy was coming home at 1:00 anyway so that I could leave to go to Tampa) Colson was most concerned that the snake was still moving and that it might get Snickers. Snickers just wanted his chance to get outside and have his go with the snake!

So when Daddy arrived home, he removed the snake parts and washed down the patio - while Coly and Snick remained at Guard. Then Mommy had time to give Braxton some attention and I noticed that while all the serpent drama was going on, Braxton was REALLY enjoying his one Hershey's Kiss!!

"Hum, will she give me anymore? It sure was finger lickin' good!"

Quarterly Recap

The first quarter of 2010 has FLOWN by me. WOW

There are specific things I want to remember about the first three months of 2010 (as they seem to speed by with each passing day):

Braxton, as of 17 months has a TEMPER. He will SCREAM and has even been known to throw himself down on the floor (twice thus far) when he's disappointed or doesn't get his way. On a lighter note he also likes to squeeze himself between my legs while I'm making dinner and can repeat this activity 10 times with joy and laughter upon each successful squeeze-through!

Colson likes to ask, "Mommy, can I feel you boobie?" He was born a boob man, loves to look and touch and, now that he's older, knows to ask first! LOL (His Daddy is SO proud and jealous) Tweaking the potty training with Colson has been SO challenging...the boy couldn't hit the potty the WHOLE time if his life depended on it. One afternoon Colson was jumping on the trampoline and came in and said, "Mommy, when is that squirrel gonna get off the fence?"...poor guy just doesn't like animals. He certainly doesn't trust them

Ashlyn Grace is STILL trying to grow her hair out, but doesn't seem to be bothered that it's in her face more than it's not. She picks movies that will please her older brother...when it was her pick (and just know there are plenty of girly DVDs to choose from) she picked Mr. Freeze for her lunch pick and her for her Family Fun Night choice she picked Star Wars...then basked in the smiles and praise from Evan. She STILL gags with one small bite of mashed potatoes...but I keep reintroducing them every so often. (bad Mommy- I think I'm DONE with that quest)

Evan had a playdate with Mark (a boy from his class) on the Friday before Spring Break and they spent over an hour building an Ant Village in the sand box...Evan loves the sandbox. Evan got REAL cowboy boots from Nonnie and Pop for Christmas and has worn them to school EVERYday (but not on Wednesdays because they have PE that day) this quarter. Some random afternoon Evan was ALL over the road and sidewalks on his bike: confident and enjoying his showing off! Evan continues to be strong in Math and challenged with spelling and grammar. Last, between Evan's haircut and losing two teeth Evan is starting to have this Young Man look emerging...scary...he's not old enough...I'm not old enough.

Fun Times at Aunt Ne's!

We had such a great time during our Spring Break at Aunt Ne's. The three oldest slept in Stephanie's room (AKA Cousin Effie) and this picture not only made me laugh but reminded me of two of the reasons we have never had a family bed: 1. Evan will flat out just beat you up while sleeping and 2. Ashlyn Grace is a wild woman who is ALL over the bed...as clearly seen in this photo (that's her FOOT at the head of the bed).

Had to get the Big Picture...Coly is usually a tummy sleeper so this was odd to find him on his back with his arms like he's being held up. :O Notice all three Flemings are down to their undies because Aunt Ne and Uncle Stev keep their house a little warmer than they are used to! LOL But jammies or not they sure do look comfy.

Right down the street they have a great pool and park...Braxton LOVED the swing.
Colson and Ashlyn Grace were constantly trying to catch a duck (anytime there would get close enough to try).

Yellow River Game Ranch

Super close to Aunt Ne's house is this great small "petting zoo" or game ranch. We had gone there before with Evan and Ashlyn Grace, when she was about Braxton's age...so we knew the kids would enjoy it. We got there RIGHT when it opened and the animals were SO hungry, curious and interactive! Here is Braxton's first encounter with a deer as Daddy helps him keep his hand flat to feed the deer. Braxton didn't seem anxious or timid...just like "here you go deer." (notice Colson peaking in from BEHIND Braxton and Daddy...he's not our big animal lover...may be a little anxiety on that face)

What a sweet expression on this animal lover's face. Ashlyn Grace would be a great Veterinarian one day. She loves animal of all shapes and sizes. She's the one that Evan gets to pick up some "creature" outside and put in his insect habitat for him. She's usually game. Such a helpful heart Gracie has.

And besides being such a good helper, she is such a little Mommy. Look as the positive reinforcement she's giving Braxton after he threw in his animal cracker to the donkey. Can't you just hear her, "Good job Braxton. That was a good throw!" Or she could have been encouraging him, "Ok Braxton ready...this is what you're going to do."

And here's Evan and Gracie offering some yummy carrots to the sheep. Ashlyn Grace even took a bite of her carrot to make sure it was yummy for the animals! LOL

Braxton had just fed some small animal all on his own and this was his proud look. Hey Mom, did you see that...I did it all on my own.?! (he's also signing more)

Colson likes this big pot belly pig...but only because he was on the OTHER side of the fence!!!

Feeding the rabbits was definitely something more his speed. Love these two boys (same ears).

Everyone had a great time and it was just enough time too. Right as it started to get TOO hot, we were done with our animal crackers, so we loaded the car and headed to Chick-fil-a for some lunch and then back to Aunt Ne's for a nap.

Picnic on Stone Mountain

After Easter at Aunt Ne's we stayed the week to do a few fun things around town. First we went to Stone Mountain and road the lift to the top of the mountain. It is always awesome to see the carved images on the mountain...but this time it was even cooler to experience it through the eyes of the Flock. Braxton was all about the ride up.

The other two boys are secure in their seats watching out the window as the ground became further and further away. Ashlyn Grace stood next to Daddy holding on to the pole. (note: Colson is wearing Braxton's Dog harness so that he doesn't go off the side of the mountain and because Mommy forgot to bring Colson's monkey harness. Daddy thought he would carry Braxton and I would keep a handle on Coly...that was the initial plan anyway.

As soon as we got to the top of the mountain Braxton wanted to be down to go exploring with other Flock members. SO- because Colson could be trusted a little more than Braxton...Braxton won the harness for the top of the mountain. After scouting things out, we quickly picked a spot for lunch. It was a little windy at the top of the mountain, but everyone seemed to enjoy the sack lunches that we brought along. The older three went to their own "kids table", away from the yucky adults!

After lunch we grabbed a picture at the summit.

Then back down to the bottom to ride the train around the base of the mountain. This adventure was a little more hot and a little less windy. The natives started to get restless. Check out this funny face that Daddy caught on film!

And who could resist this super sweet smile!

After the ride, we got a slushie for everyone in hopes they would help cool us all off on the walk back to the car.

Later that night we returned for the FAMOUS laser light show. Braxton stayed at home with Aunt Ne and Uncle Steve, but the older three stayed awake the whole time and really seemed to enjoy it.

Easter at Aunt Ne and Uncle Stev's

This Easter we spent at Aunt Renee and Uncle Steve's (lovingly Aunt Ne and Uncle Stev)! Look what the Easter Bunny left...

They were so glad he found us (out of state)! The oldest three had already been down stairs MANY times...and run back upstairs to hurry Daddy and Mommy out of bed (waking Baby with all of their commotion)...and waiting so patiently to attack their baskets. By the time I had gotten Braxton out of bed, changed his diaper and got him dressed (habit)...they were eagerly waiting to help him disassemble his basket (because they had each already emptied theirs).

Then it was time for the traditional Peeps Hunt (something that my Dad started for me, introduced to his grandpeople and we brought with us)! Evan was blue, Ashlyn Grace was pink, Coly was green and Braxton was yellow. The Bunny didn't leave a note nor directions but Evan (with years of experience) did not let anyone touch the Peeps until Mommy said GO...AND he deduced (based on hiding spots and reach-ability who was what color)...He's got brains. Here's Evan's take...he proudly displayed them (but never ate a one).

Ashlyn Grace was all about collecting them while coveting them in her hands.

And Colson thought that they didn't taste to good...(see the one on the far left- the only bite he took)

Last was Braxton- gathering his yellow Peeps in a large blue plastic cup (just big enough for the Peeps and small enough for ONE hand...

because he had to TASTE each and EVERY one of the Peeps BEFORE he put them into his cup (ever so gently).

He seemed to think the Peeps were Ok. (good enough to keep "tasting"...I dono that he ever ate a WHOLE one though)

There was some Peeps negotiation going on here- Uncle Stev was the mediator. Actually, I just think he couldn't get away quick enough since he was nursing his bum knee with the ice machine!

And, of course, they wanted to show Daddy all of their Peeps.

Happy Easter!