The M&M Story

I've been praying/looking for a loft/bunk bed system for my boys for over a year. Of course, retail they are almost cost prohibitive, but I've been fairly consistent in checking craigslist. Well, I finally found one - right price, right wood, right size. The whole deal. But, of course, I needed a truck. A couple phone calls and no truck later, my sister-in-law, Melanie, offered to help me. Mind you, this includes all four children because Uncle Peter works on Saturday. Well, I figured it would be an adventure if anything. We hit a couple of garage sales and actually found a couple of treasures, meaning things we would never buy in a store and really don't need, but want. I had emptied out my van, including all my seats, so all the kids piled in Melanie's car and I drove my empty van out to Fenton. No need for endless details, but the bed pieces did all fit in the van, and we made it all the way back to my house with no issues. We sent the children to play and...

While riding in the car: M: Hey, Briggs, did you know you are my best friend? B: But I'm your brother. M: Brothers can be best friends. B: Okay Before bed: B: Mommy, I'm going to love piggies even when I get big. S: Sure, buddy, of course you can. B: I'm going to love them when I get old and then go to heaven. S: Okay. B: (a lip is quivering) They do have piggies in heaven, don't they?

B: Mommy? Did you know that if you eat an apple seed, you will turn into an apple in 10 weeks? S: Really, buddy? Where did you learn that? B: Lillian told me. S: Well, I'm not sure where Lillian learned that, but I'm fairly sure you will not turn into an apple if you eat an apple seed. B: Yes, you will. Lillian told me. The power of a 5 year old.

Picnic Originally uploaded by smaynor Yes, I kiss these cheeks all the time. This past week M had soccer camp at WCA. LOTS of kids, most of them older. When I said good-bye the first day, I leaned down to him and said, "buddy, I have to go now. Can I give you a kiss or just a high five?" I didn't want to embarrass him in front of the sea of children playing soccer. His response? Better than I expected. "Both."

This weekend I had the opportunity to visit with amazing old friends from my days at Camp Soaring Hawk and to say goodbye to one my heroes, Heno Head. A name that I've known for most of my life. A man who has inspired, encouraged, and taught so many about the love of Christ. And now it is close to the time when he will go Home, safe and sound into the arms of His Father. The truth is I want to be like Heno Head. I want to persevere despite adversity. I want to know and remember the names of those to whom God calls me to love and minister. I want to serve faithfully all of my days. And I want to deny self in order to see great movement in the Kingdom of God. Not that God gives us everything we "want," but He does give us those beautiful people and beautiful experiences to see and know Him better. Heno was twice beautiful to me. And I'm sure to many, many more.

Love these three Originally uploaded by smaynor Trucks and dirt. What else is there?

My Birthday with my four little people Originally uploaded by smaynor My dear friends surprised me for my big birthday, but not before my niece and nephew showed up with homemade cupcakes and pictures. Apparently, Lillian thought I needed some cake. On her initiative, we all enjoyed delicious cupcakes (with jelly in the middle) for an afternoon snack.

Birthday Presents from Gran-nan and Aunt Linny Originally uploaded by smaynor With much extended family in Texas, I guess it was inevitable that we'd attain a couple cowboy hats.

Lillian Originally uploaded by smaynor My beautiful niece.