Atlanta Falcons Game

Last week, James got free tickets to an Atlanta Falcons game. We invited our friends whom I've nicknamed "Dandy" to go. James's mom came over to watch Ryland for us.

It was mine and James's first time going to a big game. I was nervous about being in Atlanta, but it ended up being fine. We got there early and went to Lenox Mall. We ate with Dandy at a resturaunt called "Prime". It was really fancy, but the food was wonderful! We were also excited b/c several of the items on the menu were half-price b/c it was before 6. Whoo Hoo! Gotta love those early bird specials. :o)

After dinner, we made our way through the traffic to the Dome. There were several people on the street trying to get people to park in 'their' parking lots. They were charging $20 to park and telling...yelling at people to park b/c it was going to be $50 closer to the dome. We decided to take our chances and park in the Dome's parking lot. After being in the traffic line for the lot, we made it and paid......$8. I'm so glad Hyder made that decision. I can't believe all the people that parked in those other areas and had to walk a little farther.

We had GREAT seats! We were 14 rows up from the field, in the corner by the field goal. There were so many people to watch in addition to the game. The Hyders are not big sports fanatics, so it was fun to watch those around us get so caught up in the game.

We got home around 1 and Ryland was still up. He had been complaining of his head and ear hurting earlier. He now had fever and so I decided to just keep him on the couch and we'd watch tv. We gave him more medicine and after about 30 mins of being legargic and achey, he sat up, took his washcloth off of his head and said "I-I(Ryland) head no hurt, feel better, mommy fix it. Thank you mommy! Hug" And he gave me a big hug. It was the sweetest thing I've heard. It made me feel good.

We stayed home today from church. I hope Ryland gets to feeling better soon.

Well......that was our weekend.... Hope you enjoyed yours as well.

Pics of us at the game to follow...

What's new???

This was the first week of James's new job. He said it went very well, even though he doesn't have his computer and all he did was read manuals. His co-workers are very nice and welcoming. I am so thankful that God provided this for us at this time in our lives.

Ryland has been a pistol this week. He is so funny and sweet...most of the time. But this week, he decided to turn into this child that wants to test his mama to her breaking point. I am still trying to recover from my meltdown yesterday, but today, he was so much better.

Parenting is the HARDEST challenge I have ever had to face. I want so much to do it God's way, to be a Godly mom and to raise Ryland in a way to make God proud. I've read and listened to a couple of good resources and I take the things that speak to me. I know that I won't be a perfect parent, and I'm not shooting for perfection, but I do want to do my best.

For all those moms of 2 or more children....I don't know how you do it! I respect you so much b/c it is a hard job with just my one. And he's ONLY TWO!!! Lord, have mercy if James and I are blessed with another child one day/year. :o)

It's not as bad as I'm making it sound. Ryland is a good kid, but it is challenging. Just putting my thoughts out there.

Have a great week!!!

One Month to Live small group study

What would you do if you were told you have one month to live? Honestly, I don't know what I would do. Probably freak out, cry, ask questions, pray and hopefully after all that, accept it and pray that God will show me how to LIVE the time I have left on this earth.

Our church is doing a churchwide study on the book "One Month to Live". We had our first small group meeting tonight and it went really well. Lots to ponder about. I love that word....ponder.... Anyway, tonight we met at Dandy's house (my nickname for my friends). We watched a video and discussed how to live each day to the fullest, as if it were our last. Because really, we are not promised tomorrow. But for some reason, I think we all think we have many years ahead of us. It was a great start of what I hope to be, a lifechanging event.

Ryland had his first night of Puggles. This is a program at church that teaches 2 year olds more about God and His Word. He had a great time tonight too.

I hope everyone that reads this has a great week and as my life motto goes....Live 4 Today!!!

Let's see

It's now August! I can't believe how fast June and July went by. Ryland is done with swimming lessons and he, of course, loves the pool! He is saying so many funny things now and is so silly. He tells me he's not a little boy, he's a big boy! Oh how it breaks my heart. :o)

Looks like God has several things in store for us this year! I will be teaching 4 year old choir and co-teaching 2 year old Mission Friends on Wednesday nights. James visited the choir this past week. Sunday nights James is going to be working in Awana. Ryland will be in my Mission Friend class and James's Puggles Awana class. I am glad that he will be in class with us.

James will be starting a new job in a week. I have always claimed God as our Provider and as always, He has not disappointed. James applied for this job 2 months ago. We have prayed all summer and God has answered. We are very excited b/c James has been working 32 hour weeks for the last 3 months. God provided James side jobs to compensate for the loss of 8 hours a week. Now, James will be working overtime!!! We are really looking forward to getting some bills paid off!!! We are so thankful!!!!

Tonight we went to a birthday party for my 'niece'. It was American Idol themed and it was really cute. 3 adults from church came as Randy, Paula, and Simon. At the end of the contestants singing, Ryland got up and 'sang' too. He sang his version of Jesus Loves Me. He sings "Jesus loves me sooo". It was very entertaining.

Tomorrow we will be giving a friend a baby shower. This baby has been prayed for for 7 long years. I hope his momma enjoys herself!!!

That's pretty much it for right now. Life is good and we are taking it one day at a time.