Lights Out

My lights are going out.  I'm a little sad.  I came home a few nights ago to find this:

My Christmas lights are comforting and soothing to me.  When Derick was deployed in 2009, I put lights on my house for Christmas. And then I decided I would leave them up (and on) until he returned.  It was so welcoming. When coming home to an empty house in the winter!  And it still is!  Seeing a section of them out is no longer soothing or welcoming!  I guess maybe I should either get new or see if I can fix them.  It's a set of LED lights. I think it's 300 lights... Or maybe just 100... Now, suddenly, I'm not sure. 

Anyway, I should give an update on my life.  Mostly for Derick's benefit.  

I haven't had guests in my house in a long time!  But, I love company!  And I love to cook!  I would love to cook for anyone that wants to visit me.  However, at this point in my life, might wanna call (or message) ahead, just to make sure I make enough food.  If you show up unannounced, you might be eating peanut butter and jelly!  

This weekend I had 2 overnight guests.  A fellow Navy Seabee wife stayed on Thursday night for a fun day out on Friday.  And a long time friend stayed on Saturday night and went to church with me on Sunday, before going to her niece's graduation.  It is always good to visit with friends.  

Derick and I have a dream of having a big house one day.  A house that we can share with others.  A home that we can offer to someone in need of a place to stay.  Or a place that friends and family can come and visit for a while.  Our house is pretty tiny right now.  And the bigger our kids get, the smaller our house gets.  Or at least that's how it feels! 

A salon studio in the house, would be nice as well!  I did hair and makeup for a small wedding party in my kitchen on Saturday.  Very fun!  But, the set-up is obviously not ideal!  Here's an updo I did:

Today we started T-ball.  Allyn was so excited!  Brody... not so much... We own about 5 kid-sized gloves.  But, do you think I could find one today for Brody to use?? I'm sure I'll find them all tomorrow morning, when I don't need them!  Brody was so afraid that he wouldn't be able to catch the ball without a glove.  And consequently, didn't want to go to T-ball.  So we borrowed one that belongs to the head coach.  

Suddenly, T-ball was fantastic!  No more tears and we were even (dare I say) having fun! 

And I'm thinking, "Oh, thank goodness!"  

Brody told me from the day I signed up all 4 of my kids to play ball, that he didn't want to play T-ball.  But I knew that as soon as he saw Al playing - and having fun without him, he would want to play.  He cried at home today.  And cried in the car on the way to the field.  He cried when we were finding his team.  And he clung to me like a leach during the devotions and pep talk!  But when we found him a glove and started playing catch, suddenly all was right in the world.  And magically it was fun to be on a T-ball team.  I breathed a sigh of relief! 

And here is proof that it was fun in the end:

Sometimes, Mom's just have to make executive decisions for the benefit of the kids.  Even when the kid is kicking and screaming!  Sometimes, (most of the time), moms just know best.  And the kids just don't really have a choice.  This was one of those times!  

I think that's all for now.  My sister is getting married on Saturday.  Lots to do this week to prepare.  Well, for me, it's mostly lots of hair to do to prepare.  Including the Bride's hair.  And lots of hair the day of!  Pictures and updates on all of that next week!