a weak moment...an awwww moment.

Every night when Madison crawls into bed, Jack and I gather around her, we all join hands and say our prayers.

We say our group prayer, "No I Lay me Down to Sleep" first, and then Jack leads us in a more personal prayer.

During our prayers, Bella faithfully sets in the middle of our circle as if she is joining in. Really, she's just staring up at Madi's bed, silently begging (using just a pitiful, pouting look and pleading eyes) to join her best buddy.

A few nights ago we had a weak moment and allowed Bella to sleep with Madi - ON her bed. Madi was SO excited and Bella was in doggie heaven for sure.

We were a little apprehensive, thinking that Bella would keep Madi up all hours of the night or that Madi would be pushed off her own bed onto the floor. Bella is a bed hog, she moves around a lot and pushes you with all four of her legs to get more room...she's entitled ya know.

The next morning, I walked into Madi's room to wake her up for school and this is what I found....

What an awwww moment!

Bella has been Madi's live stuffed animal for three nights now and I think we've spoiled them both at this point and that there is NO going back! We might regret this later (Bella may get even more entitled) but, for now, we enjoy the happiness these two get from their snuggle time. We also enjoy the awwww moments!

what we've witnessed...

We still have our benificial-bug-eating friend, the Green Lynx Spider, residing in our Okra plants. Thus, we have Okra growing that look like this....

Which is WAY too big! You can't eat them at this size because they become dried-out, tough and when you cook them, it's like eating bark. But, due to the fact that both Jack and I are frightened witless at the prospect of killing this freaky predator, we have tons of overgrown Okra growing. Not good! But, if you witnessed what we've witnessed, then you'd be frightened too!

I mean, for crying out loud, they eat wasps!! wasps!

This could happen to us! Scary thought really.

espressO martini

OK, so I'm a COFFEEHOLIC! Right, we all know this...so, when I ran across this espresso inspired cocktail, I knew that I had to make it and I had to share it! I haven't made it yet (waiting till Friday night) so, I'm not positive that it's fantastic but, it sounds like it is! Just as I love coffee, I love to share! So here it is; Espresso Martini 1/3 cup coffee-flavored liqueur, Kahlua 1/4 cup vanilla vodka 2 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder Sounds YUMMO, right?? Well, here's a picture to go along with it... ...it's not mine tho' - this Picture was found here. If you make one, let me know! and maybe take a picture????

a pile up...

We really should write more often! Or at least write when there is something to write about because otherwise the stories and pictures just pile up. Then, I have to spend hours trying to attach the dozens of pictures that go along with all the piled up stories! Perfect example - this post!

Lets start by going back a few weeks to when our nephew, Jason, played in his first middle school football game. His first game was on Tues., Sept. 22, 2009 - which just so happened to be his Mom's birthday. I think that was a great gift for my sister, Gennie, on her special day!

Here's just a few of the two dozen pictures I took of that game.

~Number 63

~He's there somewhere

~Hanging with us during half-time

~After the game

Jason did really well and his team won. Go Cavaliers! We are so proud of him for making the team and for all the effort he is putting into being a good player. He has a game tomorrow night against the middle school he attended last year. So, he has made this his own personal rivalry and has asked us to be there to watch. We are looking forward to it! It's suppose to rain so, it should be interesting. Speaking of football, the past few weeks have been really good for Jack and his team, Notre Dame. The games have been serious nail-biters but, they've pulled through with a win three weekends in a row!! Nice job Irish! Thanks for keeping my hubby happy!

This past Friday Madison participated in the Swim Belton Relays hosted by her club swim program. It was just for fun and only her swim team from Swim Belton competed. The relay included a doggie-paddle race which was really fun to watch! Madison and her team won all five of the relay events so,it was a shut-out!! Madi looked great in the water and we were beaming with pride. The best part is that Madison had a blast! She loved participating and we loved watching. It was a fun evening for us all.

~Swim Belton Center

~Swimmers lined up for the relays. Madi is in the white cap and black googles.

~Madi

~Maggie & Madi celebrating

Then on Saturday, Jack, Madi and I loaded up and drove to Houston, TX, for a visit with Taylor, Lindsey and Jackson. Wow! Jackson has grown a lot since he and Lindsey's visit here just a few short weeks ago! The chubby-cheeked-cuteness hasn't changed one bit though, as you will see in the pictures below! He is almost six months old and is a total joy! Jack was able to spend a lot of time holding Jackson, playing with Jackson and trying to entertain Jackson; which made him even more hopeful for a baby of our own! I can't lie, it made me want a baby even more than I did before! As for Madison, she enjoyed her visit with Jackson so much that when we left she informed us that she wants a baby brother now. Cute.

I, of course, took tons of pictures and even though every one is super-cute and worth sharing, I can't sit here all night loading them! So, here are a few of my favorites from the weekend.

Madi & Jackson

How cute is this?! Now, this is a happy baby! Jack & Jackson Aren't I cute? Lindsey & Jackson ...AND MY VERY FAVORITE! This is sure to be Cami & Johnny Dad's favorite too.........

I want to write an update on the sad state of our garden and the things we will be doing with it in the near future. I also want to share something I think is pretty awesome happening in our back yard. But, I will wait and post later this week. I can't possibly fit one more picture in this post.

Hope you have a great week!