Our Precious Sam (32 months)
My Sweet Hubby
Sam and Kate (19 months)
Two Saturdays ago, I decided to brave a trip to the pumpkin patch while Rob went to help his mom in her yard for the day. Not sure what I was thinking as it turned out to be quite the adventure. After loading everyone into the van, we drove 25 minutes to the Mini Miracles Farm in Taylors. I had read about it and really talked up the entire experience Sam like it was going to be the best trip EVER. They have rescue animals, gardens, fresh fruit stand, hayrides and last but not least a huge pumpkin patch. We were all so excited, but when we drove up and saw the locked gates I knew I was going to have to do some fast thinking... I turned the car around and headed back towards home, not knowing exactly how I was going to "fix" this when all of sudden I hear this awful thud on my car. The worst thing ever, a dog had run out in front of my van!!! We were on a very busy two lane road out in the country and obviously this little dog had gotten loose from the fence and that was the end of the poor dog's life. I have never hit an animal and was extremely upset. I pulled over and saw the neighbor staring at me. I quickly realized that I couldn't get the kids out and allow them to see this carnage. If Rob had been with me, we would have for sure gotten to the owners home and told them the awful news, but since I was alone with the kids, the neighbor was going to have to deliver the news. Fortunately, the sweet man standing there drinking his coffee told me that he would have no problem telling his neighbors of their loss. Well, I of course was crying and Sam lightened the moment by saying "mama, was that a LOG that hit the car?" I said " sure was". Anyway, I did recover enough to stop at the local farmers market on the way home and have a simulated "pumpkin patch" experience!!
This is the scene that I walked into on Friday afternoon while I was desperately trying to take a shower before our small group meeting. I rarely take showers during the waking hours of my two precious children for this reason, but today I didn't have a choice. Most mornings I am up before anyone to get my "quiet time" in the shower and I actually enjoy this time. Well, Friday I closed the bedroom door and hoped for the best....the best was Kate discovering a box of "feminine ware" from under the sink and Sam ransacking my closet for shoes. It was quite a site and I should have taken a picture of the bathroom floor as it was equallly as amusing:) Anyway, these are the days in which I live in and it is hilarious!! Love to all.
JUST CLICK THE TITLE OF THE POST TO HEAR THE MESSAGE.
Here are some shots from when we visited Nana & Papa. We had fun hanging out outside in the beautiful weather and just relaxing with family. In the above shot the kids were finishing off their afternoon popsicle and Kate was just gearing up for a ride on her "hog." She loves to ride on the motorcyle at Nana & Papa's because it plays music and that fits in perfect with her need to dance!!
Sam is always loving on Kate and squeezing the you know what out of her neck. She is usually a good sport, except when the hug becomes more of a "choke hold." He says, "It's ok princess, I love you." 
Sam loves my parents cat, Midnight, and quite honestly the cat loves him right back. It is funny because Midnight is not one to love on just anyone. They have definitely bonded. I am allergic to cats, so this is the ONLY cat Sam will bond with:)
Here's Kate with her serious game face...she looks ready to ride.
My First Mermaid!!!
Last week our family lost a precious man, my papa, X. L. McMahan. Yes, that is his real name, believe it or not. His parents gave him initials for a name that stood for nothing. I always thought to myself as a child that was the oddest name, but I as a I grew up and began to know the man behind the name, it turned out to be just one of the things that made him unique. A little background on my papa I feel is necessary. He became my papa, and my mom's father, in February of 1975. Valentine's day to be exact. My grandmother was widowed at an early age when her husband, Loran Brannon, whom I am named after, died from a heart attack. My grandmother was left as a single mom to raise my mom, of which she did a fabulous job, if I do say so myself. It took many years, for my grandmother to decide to date again, but when she did, she did so only after receiving permission from my mom. My mom wholeheartedly said yes, because she knew that would not only make her dad happy, but that her mom would have the chance to live out her life possibly with someone and love again! X.L., papa, had also been widowed at a much too early age, when his wife Ruth, died of cancer. Before her death, she made X.L. promise her that he would marry again and live his life fully. My papa said that there was no way anyone would make him as happy as she did, and Ruth stopped him and said that she knew someone whom she would pray he could find someone like and that was my grandmother, Margaret. Amazingly enough over time, my papa, searched out my grandmother and asked her out on a date and the rest is history. It makes my heart smile when I think that God worked so beautifully a plan that two people could find love twice and not just any love, but a godly love that left impressions on anyone they met, but especially the amazing legacy they left for me and my sister. Once they were married my papa became a part of our family and we never once felt the "blood is thicker" concept. He treated my mom as if he had been her biological father all along. He was an unselfish, loving, caring & wise man who brought joy to all of our lives daily. He unabashedly loved my grandmother and you would often hear him say to her "you are my bride, and I love you." It was so sweet watching them hold hands and travel the world together as if they were the youngest of lovers. He was a man of God and would always start his prayers with the powerful yet simple phrase, "thank you God for the privilege of prayer." Our family will forever be changed by him and our lives will be enriched with the memories and legacy he has left behind. He is now with our loving God, serving Him in heaven, as he fully served Him here on earth. We love you Papa!!
I will be the first to admit that this video wears me out just watching it...I trimmed down the video, this went on for awhile!! He loves to dance more than just about any 2 year old I know, especially to this silly Mother Goose video that we have. Usually Kate joins right in on the action, but for some reason today she was none to interested. Anyway, the video is just a snip-it of how excited Sam gets when this goes on (usually during dinner preparation time.) Notice the slight trance-like spasm he has...who knows???? Be sure to turn off the music player on the blog first to get the full effect. Hope everyone is well...
Kate says, "No, No, No" or "Ma Ma Ma Ma Ma Ma Ma ........."
Welcome Logan McCree Seel
We went to visit them this past weekend to offer any words of encouragement that we could, being such veterans at this parenting thing...hahaha!! They are doing great and soaking in all the newness that a newborn brings to your life. We are so very happy for them and cannot believe this day has finally come. We have all prayed for this baby for a long time and now that he is here and healthy we could not feel more blessed to be able to be a part of his and their lives. I asked Rob if holding a new baby gave him the baby itch and he quickly remarked, "not even the slightest!" I will have to say that I didn't even feel my "baby fever" kick in like I thought it would. We are looking forward to sharing in all their excitement to come!
