Brook the Science Kid

Brook is a fan of science and dreams of going to space one day.  It is a part of our life that we dream about this goal and aim for it too. She is also a fan of the PBS show, "Sid, the Science Kid".  Last Saturday, the Litcherman Nature Center in Memphis hosted a free PBS Sid the Science Kid day.  I took the girls Saturday afternoon and here are some photos from our nature/science day:

Brook meeting Sid

Looking through the magnifying glass

And looking through a microscope

Brook with her Sid bag

Enjoying the Moment, Part 2

Monday, monday.  It came and I had our plans for the day....school at home, writing class, Sonic, grocery store, and walking.  We accomplished the first 3 tasks.  While at Sonic, we were invited for an impromptu play date with some of our dearest friends.  We went.  It was great.  The kids played, and the mom and I visited, while of course looking over some new homeschool curriculum!  It just felt great to abandon my plans (grocery store and walking) and take advantage of the moment before me.  Avery was so proud of me!!

Afterwards, our family went to babysit for a sweet family.  I met this family last summer and have been so impressed by the mother's sweet, gentle spirit.  It was truly a night where I felt the joy in giving.  We have been blessed so many times with free babysitting, and I loved giving to this couple.  This couple was celebrating their anniversary and have 3 sweet kids.  Here is the youngest and I:

Enjoying the Moments

I am a homeschooling mom.  I love curriculum. I love looking at it, talking about it, hearing about it.  Even if I don't think I will ever use it my home, I still enjoy learning what is available and what others are using.  It is a hobby, and sometimes as hobbies go, they consume a lot of our time!  In my 6 years of homeschooling, I will attend my 4th homeschool convention in April.  I am so excited.  It is such a time of refreshment and encouragement in so many areas.  I always walk away re-energized and resolved to homeschool as long as we can.  I always walk away wanting to first teach our girls how to become a Godly woman in the world we are living in and how they will walk that out as adults in the future. I always walk away wanting to be a better wife.  I always walk away with such laughter and fun memories with precious friends who are in this journey with me and I with them. This year, Avery and the girls will join us downtown Memphis at a hotel and will get to see more hands on what us homeschool moms do at a convention!  Last year, Isabella did get to meet the lady who wrote her history book. How cool is that?  I will post more about this convention as the time comes.

In the midst of preparing for the convention (you have to spend lots of time preparing, researching, or it will be too overwhelming and must spend time wisely), I have been looking at how I need to plan for the girls education long term planning for high school requirements and even beyond.  I am trying to plan the right math, history, sciences, etc. to make sure they have what they need to graduate and tailor some of their upper level classes to their future interests (Isabella - nursing, Brook - NASA).

As I was so diligently planning this week one night, the girls would come ask me for something they need.  I found myself saying to them, "just a minute".  Just a minute.  As we know the minutes go by so fast.  It then struck me.  Marilyn, don't miss the moment you have now.  You are planning their high school education, but they need you now.

Planning for the future is a good thing.  I just don't want it to overshadow the present. Preparing for (fill in the blank) is good, but don't let it block you from seeing what the Lord has for you today.  Enjoy the moments you have today.  I am thankful for God's gentle conviction to me as a mom to enjoy the moments with the gifts of Isabella and Brook He has given to me this day.

^{Matthew 6:34}  “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Afternoon Date

I mentioned in my last post how much I loved and adored my Pop.  My girls are also blessed with grandfathers who love them.  Yesterday, they had an afternoon date with Grandad, my dad (the best dad a girls could ask for).  My dad has made a tradition to come by when he gets a chance to get the girls and take them for a treat.  They usually go to Wendy's or Chick-Fil-A. I love how he enjoys going to the places they enjoy!  Tuesday afternoon, he came by and took the girls to Wendy's for an afternoon date.  They were able to ask him questions about his parents and his grandparents.  Dad  also was able to help Isabella prepare for a quiz she had today on the four lobes of the brain.  He is a good help with them taking anatomy this year!  He also takes the time to help Brook with her piano lessons, since he is also an accomplished pianist as well as the smartest anatomy professor. Here are some pictures from their date:

Silly Grandad!

Grandad and the girls

Brook loves riding in the jumpseat of

Grandad's old red truck!

And Isabella gets the front seat 

(with the air bag turned off: :))

Sweet Memories & Legacies

School on Sunday?  That is what we did Sunday evening so that we could go shopping on Monday!  Monday morning, the girls just had a math lesson to complete since they had done other school work on Sunday.  We spent the rest of our President's Day shopping!  We went to some outlet stores in Tunica, MS, where we found some good deals.  I was even able to pick up a gift for two of my favorite men in my life, Avery, and my dad.  (and I was blessed myself today from my father-in-law too, another great man!).  The girls and I both found a few things for us too to save for our summer wardrobe.  I wasn't feeling so great though due to a mild cold, and almost passed out at one point.  I got some fresh air and food, and felt much better. The food part always helps!!

In addition to some shopping and the 3 of us going to McAlisters (the girls favorite place), we also visited the cemetery where my paternal grandparents are buried, along with my niece, Holly.  As we were driving there, I had this vision of Moutie & Pop (my grandparents) holding little Holly saying, "Look, there's Marilyn & our 2 of our great-grandchildren!".  I could feel them smiling.  I have to admit, it was the first time I've visited the cemetery without crying my eyes out.  If you know me, I hope two of the things you learn quickly is how much I adore and love all my grandparents (who are all with Jesus now) and how crazy I am about my nieces and nephews.  I love passing down the sweet memories and legacies of the girls great-grandparents, and of our brief time with Holly. Isabella & Brook only got to meet Moutie, but they know lots of stories about their other great-grandparents.  And great and grand they were.  I have no memory of my mom's dad, but lots of stories from her.  I was exceptionally close to my Pop.  He helped hang the moon in my mind.  I miss him so much (and my grandmothers too).  Moutie died on Isabella's 7th birthday.  It is so hard to believe it has been 4 years.  Every year since then, I have taken the girls back to the cemetery.  They actually look forward to it!  Yesterday, I drove the girls past Moutie & Pop's old house on the hill in the country, where they lived when I was a little girl and told them stories about my childhood there.  We know the folks who live there, so soon I want to take them both back there to explore.  Then I showed them the house where Moutie & Pop lived when I was in high school and beyond (right around the corner from the house on the hill), where they had both been.  The neat thing about this area too is Moutie & Pop lived many years on Wilson Mill Rd. The girls thought that was so cool there is a street named after some of their relatives! (There is also a street in MS named after one their relatives too).  Now, there is a subdivision called Wilson Mill.  I am so thankful for the sweet memories I have with my grandparents, even though they are dearly missed today.  I am also so thankful for the legacies that we are able to pass on to our children, and also that my sister and brother have shared with their kids as well.  

May I make sweet memories for our girls and live a Godly legacy for them to pass to their children and grandchildren one day.  I am so thankful that our girls have grandparents who have made sweet memories for them and are living Godly lives for our girls.  

Brook burying a heart sticker in front of the grave marker.

Beautiful Holly Marie Vinson

July 24, 1995-July 24, 1995

Denzil & Elsie, lovingly

referred to as

Pop & Moutie

So thankful I will see these people in Heaven one day!

Gray hair is a crown of glory;
    it is gained in a righteous life. Prov. 16:31

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,
    and the glory of children is their fathers. Prov. 17:6

Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children.  Deut. 4:9

Break in, but not Broken

It happened again to us.  This is the second time in our marriage Avery has called me to say we had a break-in at our house.  Ugh, a small sinking feeling.  A small one.  We were violated, intruded upon, but we are safe.  So interesting, the day prior to this happening was the same day I posted that I was feeling weary and needed strength for my soul.  Well, the next day with this news, I grew a little weaker.  But then I was reminded, when I am weak, He is strong.

The very morning of this event, I said a prayer as the girls & I left our house for bible study.  "Lord, please protect our home."  Honestly, I don't say that prayer most days (usually just before we leave town).  As I was driving home once I heard the news, I thought for a moment, did that prayer do any good?  Well, it sure did.  God did protect our home. God did protect our family.  We weren't there and no one was hurt, which is most important. On a material note, they did take a few expensive things, but our alarm system also prevented them from taking much more.  Our house was a little messy, but not ransacked at all.  That morning at bible study I was even telling my dear friend how I was just tired from a discouraging week, nothing terrible, just weary.  As I was telling her this, it was about the same time as the intruder entered our house.

So many things I have been reading about in Revelation came to mind.  I have been reading verses about the return of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  I had also answered a question the day before that we should love people (who have eternal value) over our stuff, and not love our stuff.  How often do we say, "Oh, I love that!".  I know when we say it we don't really value it over people we love, but as we say that over and over again about so many things, we do begin to value it more than the souls of people we don't know.  I do admit, I am always sad to hear about lifestyles of crime, and was sad for the people who came here.  But I am not always thinking out of my heart, but unfortunately, many times from my flesh.  So I did get angry.  I did ride by the area where they live (I found out through a GPS program).  As I rode away, I was once again reminded of the verse "Vengeance is mine says the Lord".  This week, I have learned more about the sad, but real judgements coming in the last days.  I am in the book of life.  I hope you are there too so we can serve together, as there will be no relationships in hell.  None.

Our house now consists of an upgraded alarm system, new fence, and yes, Lord, help me, even a new dog (a  2 year old lab).  Meet Beckham Bridges:

A Day of Love

Happy Valentine's Day to you!  Hope you are feeling much loved today!  We started our day with some heart biscuits as part of our breakfast before school.  The girls wanted a day off from school, telling me it was a national holiday.  I did not give in to this (they get plenty of breaks, believe me)!

For dinner, we had quite a lovely table and feast.  The girls had goodie boxes filled with their desserts - fudge, cake brownies, chocolate covered strawberries & grapes.  Avery got some too :)  I made a strawberry drink that I had found on pinterest actually as a Christmas idea treat.  They all got a little gift too afterwards.  For background music, we played Anthony Evans' CD Love, and also this awesome song that really sums up the true meaning of love.  Listen to it as you look through these pictures and remember you are deeply loved by the one who created you and died for you!

Anthony Evans (brother of Priscilla Shirer, and also will be on the Voice Monday night)

We are huge fans!

sideways Valentine's towel :)

Candles were of course lit during dinner!

Table centerpiece

Heart biscuit, made with love

dessert box

and for Brook

fruit drink

(Avery had a name plate too, it just wasn't pictured!)

Saturday highlights

Today is a random post of Saturday highlights.  The day started in 2 special ways......
first.....SNOW!  It was sure cold enough today for it to stick, but we didn't have any accumulation.  I love even watching the flurries fall though!

second....My niece, who is an amazing young woman and quite the blogger posted a entry on her Bloom blog yesterday about prayer.

 vinson-nicole.blogspot.com

Here is a small portion of her entry:

How many times have you texted, called, or emailed a friend just to ask how you could pray for them that day?  Can you imagine how blessed you would feel if you got that text, call, or email?


Well, today, I got that text from my dear friend in North Carolina.  I can let you know, I did indeed feel blessed.  I'm so thankful for praying friends!


As the day went on, I enjoyed staying home getting some projects done, especially since the high was in the 30's today.  Part of my day was spent watching food documentaries on processed food and meat plants.  Makes me want to find the balance between my current diet and veggie juice drinks!  


I have been wanting to find a new tv stand for our house, but of course, trying to find a way to do this without spending much money. We decided to just move some furniture around and re-purpose it.  We moved a bookshelf from our room to the den and now here is our new tv stand! Sorry the picture is a little dark. And if you are wondering, I was watching The Pioneer Woman and it was chocolate day, so the picture you see on tv is of chocolate chips. This was fitting since I just watched several shows on health foods earlier today!

And speaking of tv, you know your kids have watched too much of it when you find this:

She likes to draw and write on our wipe board, and this is what I found. Brook loves to answer questions from commercials she sees while watching Hallmark or the Inspirational channel.  She told me she has qualified for several scooter chairs! Ha! This number is to a bathtub designed for seniors.  She really wants one!   It was a good laugh!

Appetizer

Today I just thought I would share a yummy appetizer recipe for you.  If you haven't met him, let me introduce you to Captain Rodney. He is the brand of a great glaze that adds just the right, unique taste to this dip.  I have taken this to several occasions, and the dip is always the hit of the evening.  I took it to a dinner tonight, and it was a winner again. Here is the famous recipe:

Captain Rodney’s Cheese Bake

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• One 8 oz pack cream cheese
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• 6 Ritz crackers (crushed)
• 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 1/2 cup of any Captain Rodney’s Glaze

Mix mayonnaise, cream cheese, cheddar and onions in greased quiche pan. Top with crackers and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Top with bacon and Captain Rodney’s Pepper Glaze. Serve with crackers.

Notice my bottle is almost empty!

This is the dip ready to be served with my cute little spreader a dear friend gave me.  I served this with Ritz crackers in a cracker tray that belonged to my grandmother.  So good!  

Have a great weekend!

Remodel

Recently, we have done some remodeling to our home.  Last fall, we added a laundry room and half bath to our sweet, small home.  This actually inspired me to spruce up our current bathroom. I don't have pictures to post yet of the addition, since it is actually not 100% finished yet, but I do have some pictures of our original bathroom below.  Hopefully, I will soon post some pictures of our addition.  

Our new shower curtain, rods, and new paint

New sink and cotton ball/q-tip holders I made

New towel holder and light fixture

New light fixture and burlap night light

New cabinet hardware

February 5th

11 years ago today I became a mom.  It was a great day and I am thankful Isabella Marie Bridges.  We started her birthday by serving her breakfast in bed!  Then we went to church, had a luncheon there afterwards, spent some time at home, and then I took the girls for yogurt this evening.  Here are a few pictures from today.

Also, February 5th holds another memory for me.  4 years ago today my Moutie (grandmother) went to be with Jesus.  I will never forget that day, but more so, I will never forget the precious years I had with her on Earth.  I love her so much and miss her so much too.  One day, one day, I will see her again.  In my study of Revelation, so many things about end times and heaven have been revealed to me.  It is real.  Be ready.  And live today for Christ.  

A Royal Birthday Party

Today we celebrated Isabella's 11th birthday with a British Royal Tea Party. Today's post will mostly be pictures because I took so many! One sweet thing Isabella told me yesterday was that one thing she likes about birthdays is that I let her choose the theme of her parties.  She picked this theme out last summer as her fascination grew with Prince William and Princess Kate .  We had a lovely time with mostly new friends coming to her party this year.  Everyone dressed up and wore a hat for our best British hat contest.  There was also a trivia quiz about Princess Kate & British terminology.  I had lots of help from dear friends who contributed to our decorations for the party.  Enjoy the pictures!

 Welcoming His & Her Royal Highness!

 Greeting the Prince & Princess 

 Princesses

                                       

 Keep Calm & Carry On bookmark for all the girls

 Our welcome sign on the door, with the guard too!

 Fruit dip & fruit, with 3 generations of royalty represented behind this on the table

 Our serving table

 Sandwiches in the shape of tea pots

 Pretzel rods, dipped in chocolate

 Isabella's name plate

 Mini red velvet cupcakes

 Kate's ring (worn by Isabella)

 One of 4 eating tables for the girls, with beautiful red roses

 Tea pot napkin rings

 Shortbread cookies, scones, & a Big Ben tea pot

 Happies for the winners of our quiz

 William & Kate earrings for Isabella from Brook

A tin of shortbread cookies of the Royal couple

Can you believe this is just a portion of the pictures?  Tomorrow I will post again on the birthday girl's day.  So thankful to have this fun weekend.  Our family needed it, but more about that later.  Thanks to everyone for making this party so memorable and fun for Isabella!