~ Curl up and Cry ~

(not sure why the picture is so small)

I am going to curl up and watch this today! Lounge pants, a big bowl of ice cream, and a big comfy blanket!! Full of laughter and tears! Sometimes we just need to let out those tears. I am going to let them flow!!

Did you know you could stay in the Steel Magnolia house? It is a bed and breakfast. It was built in 1831 in Natchitoches, Louisiana along the Cane River. What a dream! ( as TH would say)

I am thinking I need to take a little trip! Any takers?

~ He did it! ~

This sweet little guy has done it! He has started crawling! I thought most babies start crawling a few little steps at a time. Not this one, he is going everywhere! It is so adorable to watch him. He is such a joy!! We are so blessed to have our Sweet Jasper!!

With this said, I can't help but think of the Williams family and McCutcheon family! I am praying for Michael and EW! I know God is so powerful and in control. I will continue to pray for healing for you both!!

~ Friday ~

Love Mrs. Donna
Lauren and Rebel

Harper, Rebel, and Hudson

Lauren, Hudson, Spencer, and Harper

My favorite shop!

Friday was a great day! There were many places to go and things to see. I had not been to Booneville in awhile and seeing the pictures from my fellow bloggers, I really wanted to go. So, I called my my good buddy, TH, and off we went. Before we hit the road, I checked Lauren out to attend the pep rally to see Rebel and Spencer. Lauren thought it was so cool to see the "queen" and that she knew here. She really looks up to Rebel and what a great role model to have. I was so excited she was chosen as the queen!! Japser loved the music and of course Mrs. Donna loving on him! That evening we went to the Homecoming basketball game. It was a good time by all. Lauren had a good time with the boys! It was fun listening to them. All 3 of them had plenty to talk about. It was a great Friday overall!!

~ My Story ~

This Sunday is going to bring a great "soul cleansing" for me! With this said, I feel as if I should share my story. I am trying to obey God and do what he says!

I was basically raised in church my entire life. I drifted in and out of church during my high school days and while I was in my first year of college. I "thought" I was saved at the age of nine and was baptized then as well. After Terral and I were married, we would attend church and there were times I "doubted" my salvation. I know many have these moments, but one specific day in October 2007, I could not ignore that voice anymore. I prayed and prayed, God, if I really am saved, give me a peace about it. I never felt as though I had that peace. So, I totally surrendered to Christ at that moment in 2007. It was a little frightening walking to the front with all looking, but at the same time, I felt free. Well, Terral and I were in transition of churches at the time, so I was never baptized.

So, this past week, during one of my quiet times I told God I was going to pick up the Bible and read where I opened it. Well, I opened it to the first chapter of Mark, talking about John baptizing Jesus. After I read it I wrote in my journal about it. There was the first "tug" at my heart to get my wheels turning. Yesterday, I was in the 9:15 service and Grant baptized some of his students and he stated, "If we can't get baptized for Christ, what can we do for him?" There was the second "tug" at my heart. Then, Brother Ronnie gave his sermon and I told God, ok, I will do it!! I AM NOT ASHAMED!!

With all of that said, I will indeed be baptized!! WOO HOO!!

~ Today ~

Today is filled with some great activities....

Will fill you in later...

Pictures to come....

Have a great day!!

~ Brothers ~

Check out that dirty face!! Brotherly love!
J looks like he is trying to pose like his brother! Love it

Well, I think this is my third post of the day! I am a little behind, but am catching up quickly!

I was going through my recent pictures and came across these of the boys. They were taken last Sunday, but really wanted to share. They are such a joy to me, along with my princess.

I enjoy watching them interact with each other. I know J is only 7 months, but he adores H! It is so sweet. I love how he looks around for him, especially when he hears him. I was talking with a friend today and she was telling me how completely different her boys are, but they are so close. I am hoping my boys will be that way, so close. It makes me a little sad for L that she does not have a sister. I am so blessed to have my three wonderful children!!

~ Friday with Friends ~

Baby J was getting sleepy, can you tell?

Crazy crew!

They could be a match, she is a little older. Not by much though.

Crazy boys, best buds!

Sweet girls
This post is overdue, but it seems I do not have much time to post blogs on the weekend! Friday was a great time with friends. I love to hang out and just have a good time. Kids play, parents chat and everyone eats! There is always room for food! Oh, can't forget the sweet tea, if you are at TH's!! The kids got along great and as it was time to go T and I were informed Hudson would be staying the night. Not sure what it is about him, but he thinks he is so big and that he can stay the night anywhere. I am pretty sure he thinks he is the same age as his sister. Anyway, he stayed and there were no issues. I can not believe he is already staying the night with friends. Where does the time go?

It was so good to see Mr. Meeker smile and have a good time. He has been a little discouraged lately so hanging with some friends was just the thing for him.

Thanks to the Hobbs for having us over!! We are blessed to have you all! Love ya!!

~ Polar Plunge ~

Old Friends
Splash!

So cold!!

Good buds posing after they warmed up!

This was before, a few guys from the fire dept.

I have to say, I find this very comical. Only because it is so hard for Mr. Meeker to jump into a pool when it is mid-summer and in the 90's. So, when he made the decision to participate in this, I was surprised. I know it was for a good cause and that is why he did it. I must say I am proud of him for doing it. Way to go T! I love you so much!!

~ MOPS ~

I started my day off by going to MOPS this morning. I knew who the speaker was going to be, so I was excited. It was someone whom I am getting to know more and more. The more I know, the more I love her, Susie Thompson. She has such a heart for God and is truly obedient to His calling! She is wise and offered some great advice for all of us mothers who get down and sometimes "lose our joy", as Mrs. Scogin stated. Before ST spoke we had our drawing for door prizes and I won a journal and was really blessed by that because I was able to take notes!! One important tip I learned today was to look in the future and visualize what I want my kids to be like. What qualities do I want them to have? I have not really thought of that. T and I are not raising babies or toddlers, we are raising Godly Men and a Godly Woman. I think this was huge for me because it is so easy to just get in a rut and just go through the motions of life. I could go on and on about what I learned; maybe I will share more later. Thanks to ST for sharing her heart today and obeying God's calling to speak to us.

Love, Shaina

~ Cookie Time ~

Lauren may be knocking at your door soon!! This is our first year for girl scouts and she is enjoying it so far. I think it is a great way for her to be involved in the community and make some life long friends.

Lauren, I am very proud of you! You are such a joy!!

Love, Mom

~Playing Away ~

This little guy loves playing with his toys! He is growing up way too fast!! I love him so much!

~ Christmas Program ~

Lauren, the elf

Lauren and her little friend, Mary.

Lauren, Hud, and the sweet Hobbs kids!

So, I came across these photos today and I had to share them. Lauren had her 4th grade Christmas program sometime in December (15th, I think). It was so cute. She was to dress as an elf from the 50's. Those children sang their little hearts out. I think they all did a terrific job!!

The Hobbs children went with us to the program and I think they enjoyed it. I was glad they hung out with us for the evening! They are great kids and are very respectful!!

~ Story Time ~

This book is so precious! I read this book to Hudson tonight right at bed time. If you have not read it or do not have it- get it! It is a great reminder God has a plan for each of us! It doesn't matter who we are or what we have done in the past he can still use us!! I can not wait to see what God has in store for me in 2010! I know he is working on me in many ways!!

~ Back to Reality ~

What a great couple of weeks it has been!!! We have had such great family time! Mr. Meeker has had the past two weeks off and there has been no school, so everyone has been home. I have heard so many say they are so "ready" for school. I on the other hand am not ready for school to start. I guess because I know when Lauren goes back to school, Terral goes back to work and then family time is once again a challenge. We have had time with friends, old and new. I am thankful for the many memories we created and can't wait to create more!