Strength for today...Bright hope for tomorrow

Last post

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 03:45:00 +0000

I write this with a smile on my face. I am ending this blog. The title of it no longer fits. I am starting new chapter in life and it deserves a NEW blog. Come check us out here.

Thank you all for your LOVE, your PRAYERS and your ENCOURAGEMENT! You have no idea how many times I go back to read your comments and it blesses me again and again. Thank you for loving us and rejoicing with us! I love all of you!

Bye for now!

The Day We Will Never Forget

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 02:07:00 +0000

I loved being a bride. I loved being Paul's bride.
It was a perfect day.
Nothing in life is perfect, I know...but it was a wonderful day.
It was a picture, a shadow, if you will of something that is perfect.
It was a day that reminded us of God's goodness.
I kept thinking...I don't deserve this man.
I don't deserve this day.
But isn't that just like God?
He gives us what we have not earned, what we do not deserve.
Look at these children. Aren't they precious?
They made the day extra special.

My daddy and me. Isn't he handsome?

The men in my life...could they be more handsome?

The rings

Mia Beth

My boy is so sweet and loving. Here he is rubbing my back before the ceremony because he wanted to do something nice for me.

When the time came for the ceremony to begin I was so calm. I felt peace at my core, knowing that God had created this union and I was just getting to walk it out.

Cait walking down the aisle

Benjamin walking me down the aisle

Paul first made vows to Benjamin and Cait. He promised to love their mom and be faithful to her, but also to love and care for them as his own. He gave them each a gift to remember the promise he made to them. He gave Benjamin a Bible, his first real one. He gave Cait a James Avery bracelet with a charm he had engraved to say, "Dad."

Paul's dad performed the ceremony, which made it very special.

Finally...husband and wife

Yes, it was joyful, but almost more of a feeling of relief that it was a done deal.
We're married!!! Woo Hoo!

The family

My family

His family

The kids

Then on to the restaurant for dinner.
Here is the breathtaking cake that Julie made for us. I wish you could have tasted it. It was our favorite...carrot cake. You wouldn't have been able to stop eating. It was divine!

Feeding each other

After an amazing dinner, family style at Maggiano's, people got up and shared things about the goodness of God. People talked about how they viewed the workings of God in bringing Paul and I together. One of the most special times were when Kristi read a letter to Paul from their mom. She passed away over three years ago, so we weren't graced with her presence at our wedding, yet she had prayed for Paul's wife for his whole life. Paul's dad said that night that he and his wife had been praying for me. What a blessing to realize that.
Also, Ryan shared about how they just knew that Paul was the one for me from the very start. And that we will never understand why God does things the way that He does sometimes, but that we have the assurance that this day was His plan from the very beginning. We rejoiced at hearing that.

Here are the boys in the limo before we left.
And then us in the limo.

What a day. Perfect...well as perfect as it can be here on this earth. It's real life. It's not happily ever after as we ride into the sunset. It's just the beginning of a marriage. It will be hard some days and maybe even some years. But Paul and I are committed to this thing. We are committed to each other and more importantly to God and the covenant we made with Him before several witnesses. He will help us keep it. Look at how faithful He has been. We know that He will continue to be everyday that lies ahead.

Thank you for your love and prayers and well wishes. You have made our joy that much fuller.

Wedding Preparation

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 22:49:00 +0000

We're home from the honeymoon as of Friday night. YAY! We're husband and wife...FINALLY! I am now Mrs. Paul Lewis. Can you believe it? I have so much to share with you about the days leading up to the wedding, the day itself and the amazing trip we took after the ceremony was over! However, I've been very busy and haven't had much time to post. Besides, I don't have the wedding pictures yet so I can't share with you...I should have them this week though! Can't wait!

The family came into town on Wednesday night and it was SUCH a joy to have them here. It wasn't this huge stressful thing, like weddings usually are. It was just a delight to have them here to celebrate with us.

Thursday night Laurie, Danyel and I went all around town buying flowers for the wedding. Laurie did a lot of the flowers and sweet Julie did the rest. Aren't the flowers beautiful?

While we were flower shopping, Paul and both dads were moving Paul's furniture into my house. Look how happy he is on moving night???!!!

Friday wasn't a bad day. I went to school and it was Grandparent's Day. My parents loved this, but it was stressful for the teachers, let me tell you. However, when it was over I was done for the day. I left early, thanks to my wonderful assistant and got to head over to the spa. The parents in my classroom gave me a $500 gift card to the Grand Spa in Dallas. WOW! Never been anyplace like that before! I got a sea salt scrub, massage, facial, ultimate manicure and ultimate pedicure. It was unbelievable. Jenni and Danyel joined me for the nails and toes and it was so much fun.
After the spa we all ran over to the church for a little rehearsal. It went pretty smoothly. I only had one minor freak out and I got over it pretty quickly.

Here are Danyel and Kristi fluffing the wreaths before we hung them on the church doors. Thank you Amy for making these! They were lovely!

Saturday morning was perfect! I woke up as my babies were crawling in bed with me. We cuddled for a while and then Paul called. He wanted to read to me from what he had read that morning in his time with the Lord and then he wanted to pray for us. It was a conversation I will never forget.

Then, the day looked like this:

1) Finish packing
2) Take Cait to get her nails done

Isn't she precious??

3) Get make-up done at Neiman Marcus

Look at the sweet look on her face as she is watching me. Not many little girls get to see their mommy as a bride. She kept telling me how beautiful I looked. So sweet!

That's all I have for today. The photographer picked up here at the hair salon, so we'll have to wait on her. But...maybe I can get some honeymoon pics up this week. It was an AMAZING trip! More than I dreamed it would be! I love being married to Paul David! What a man!

The Family Comes Today and Other Fun Things

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:40:00 +0000

It's HERE! It's HERE! Let the festivities begin!

The family is on their way here as I type. It has begun.

Just for fun, because distraction is sometimes the best way to cope with anxiety :-) here are some fun pictures from the last few weeks.

#1 - Little shower
...with all my co-workers in the 4th grade hall.
Let's just say they gave me gifts that I will not post pictures of on the internet. Very pretty though, and FUN!

Mendy, Suzie and me

Dusty and Donna

Cheryl, Amy and Andrea

I did get a little bottle of perfume. I can post a picture of that!

#2 My son playing a joke us us

The other night I asked the kids to go get their pj's on. When they came out of the bedrooms, this is what Benjamin was sporting. Oh yes! He was in his sister's nightgown!!! HA! He thought he was so funny.
So I said, "Well since you think you're so funny, you're going to wear a bow for family devotion time!"
He played along and thought it wa funny. Sad thing is...he makes a pretty little girl with that long, curly hair and eyelashes!

Twirling, learned from none other than his sister!

My "pretty" little boy!!

#3 Colonial Day in 4th Grade

After studying about colonial America we committed an entire day to the experience of that era.

My room was the home arts room. We taught the kids how to weave on a loom (so fun!).

Here are Charla and I in our Colonial garb. This was my mom's dress from like 30 years ago. As a little girl, I can still remember her wearing this dress at a costume party. Perfect for me now!

On the loom and also learning to quilt a square.
Here Charla teaches the basics.

#4 Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast

Cait's class had a traditional feast, including the pilgrims and the indians!
The Kindergartners were the Indians.
Their 3rd grade pen pals were the pilgrims.

Cait and her 3rd grade pen pal, Katie.

Here's Cait with her buddy Lauren.

Placemat and place card

See, life is still going on even when I feel like it should be coming to a screeching halt for us!

3 more days, y'all!!!!

Preparing my heart to be a wife

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:41:00 +0000

It's so interesting how life comes full circle, or so it seems at times. Some days I actually feel a little guilty that my "valley" wasn't all that long of a trek. Shouldn't I have had to drudge through a little longer, Lord? Well, His plan was good! And I remember that this is the answer to a prayer that started with my dad. Shortly after my divorce, my dad told me that he was praying that I would marry again one day and that it would be soon. I argued with him a little and then he told me that his desire for this husband to come soon was really for the kids sake and not so much mine. I joined him in that prayer asking the Lord to bring the kids and I someone who would come soon enough that the kids would hardly be able to remember before he came into our lives. God chose to answer this prayer.

Now, in just 4 short days I will marry this man that God has sent to us. We are all kind of getting married as a family in a sense. The kids are gaining a dad. Paul is becoming a dad for the first time. He is becoming a husband for the first time. I am becoming a wife...again. It's no secret that I've walked this road before, even though some days I would like to deny it as truth. But I can't. I can't "fix" that. I have been married before. It's no secret to Paul or anyone else for that matter. But, still somewhere inside I wish it could be the first time for me as well.

So, I began the heart training many weeks ago when I accepted Paul's proposal of marriage. I began talking to myself about what it would look like to be Paul's wife. How can I love him more? How can I serve him better? How can I promote peace in our house and make it feel like a home? It has been a joy to begin thinking these thoughts again. Even the other day I had so many things to get done in a tiny window of time. I was battling with which things to do next and what things to drop altogether. The thought came to my mind..."What would honor Paul the most?" So, I decided that ironing his clothes for him was first priority. It's been fun retraining my mind from a selfish mentality and for my children only...to someone else as well. Someone wonderful!

What could we all push off out to-do list that free up some space to bless someone else? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

The Countdown Begins

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:17:00 +0000

Some of you think I've dropped off the face of the earth. You call, and I don't answer. You e-mail and it takes me days to reply (very unlike me). I assure you that I am here and that I am well. Just busy and wanting to focus on what is happening. It's so big to us! It is the biggest life change of our lives so far.

So...here we are! It's the week of the wedding and there are only 5 days before the BIG day. We had the whole weekend free, for the most part, to run errands and take care of stuff, but we really didn't have that much to do. We have planned pretty well up to this point.

So, the family comes in on Wednesday night. Very exciting! I have multiple jobs for them that include either a glue gun, running an errand or helping me with my daily stuff. I have complete confidence that we can get it all done easily and with peace and calm. That is atypical for the week of the wedding, I think! My family is so great to do this for me!

I went to tan this weekend for the first time in...I don't know, 10-11 years. I have these stark tan lines from my bathing suit this summer that do not match my wedding dress lines. I should have started a month ago if I wanted this to be effective, but hind sight, right? So, the result? Well, I am burned in places I've never been burned before. It hurts! I so hope it tans over soon and doesn't peel!!! AH!

Who cares, really though? Paul doesn't. He wouldn't care if I was shedding like a snake. It's going to be a great week!

My Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:47:00 +0000

I never could get around to posting about my dress shopping experience with Danyel and Kristi. However, my sister FINALLY started a blog and she did post about it. Please go read about that day and see some pictures. Paul, no peeking!

Click HERE to read.

All Things Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:13:00 +0000

There is no season I have ever loved more than fall. If you know me very well at all, you know that about me. I love the colors, the weather, the smells, the foods, the celebrations nearing, my birthday falling right in there. I've always loved fall, but now I have an ever greater reason to love it. It will be the season I celebrate the anniversary of my marriage to Paul...God's blessing to me.

Because I love fall and we like to do fun things in fall, I thought I'd post some pictures for you. Soak it in guys. You can just see God's glory displayed in each intricate leaf and every relief of a breeze on your face. Praise Him in the midst of this season and tell your children of the goodness of the Lord!

Pumpkin Patch Fun

Pumpkin House

Hay Ride!!

I looked down and saw Cait's sweet little hand holding Paul's. They're sweet on each other.

Aunt Kristi and cousin Tyler

Crazies!

Uncle Jimmy and Cait

GiGi came to help with the garage sale and got to stay for some pumpkin patch fun on Sunday.

Jenni and I got to coordinate our annual Ladies Retreat this year. Not sure what was more fun...the planning or the retreat itself. Absolute blast!
One thing that made it so much fun was the Christi got to fly in from Tennessee for the retreat. It had been too long, friend.

The Aggies in their burnt orange. They freaked out at first, but then got over it!
My dear, dear friend Mindy also got to come in from Maryland for the retreat. Our visits are always so anticipated by us both and then are over so quickly. Can't wait to meet your baby girl, Min!

The gang right before heading home.

Another dear friend I hardly ever see...Amber! So glad you got to come, Amber. That baby bump is one we rejoice with more than most, seeing as how we prayed for her for so long. Praise the Lord!!!

So glad you got to come, mom! This will have to be an annual tradition!

I love fall!

Old Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:08:00 +0000

Right about the time Paul and I got engaged, we were able to hook up with a friend from my past. Talk about way back...I mean, I can't remember not knowing him. We hadn't seen one another or even spoken in ten years. We found each other on facebook. Gotta love facebook, huh?

Anyway, coincidentally, he and his wife and baby girl were about to move to Dallas. Right after they arrived in Big D we had them over for dinner! What a fun, fun, night! We laughed and talked and reminisced about old times. We pulled out pictures and laughed at home much younger we looked and for some, how much more hair we had!

I couldn't let such a fun reunion go unnoted, even though it happened in the middle of so many other exciting life changes.

Love you, Rolf! Hope we will be friends for ALL the years to come! God was good to you when He gave you Daniela and Amelia! Can't wait for our next family get together!

Rolf and me

Rolf and his beautiful family

Would you look at this beauty! Rolf you better watch out! You got a little beauty in your care. Better start cleaning the shotgun now!

Engagement Pics!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:34:00 +0000

I think I might be overly excited about these pictures!!!
Taylor once again did a great job on our photos. She has a great eye for pictures and then does a great job of touching up (especially on me!!! Thanks for that Taylor!)

We had such a great time getting the pictures made. Paul thought it was especially fun because someone was asking him to be all lovely dovey with his girl. He thought that was a pretty good deal.

One thing I just realized....this is the shirt I was wearing in the picture where Paul first saw me. This very shirt and necklace (hey, I don't have that many clothes!). Isn't that ironic? Full circle. God's hand...oh His sweet hand!

Here are a few of my favorites....

Do you see this man God is giving me? Words could never express how precious he is and how he loves me. God is giving him to me. I'm still in awe. Thank you, Lord and may I never take it for granted.

Wedding Things

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000

wedding venue - check
reception location, food, service - check
pastor for ceremony - check
wedding dress and accessories- check
flower girl dress and shoes - check
musicians - check
decorative pieces for ceremony - check
honeymoon to Jamaica - check
two kitchens merged and extras priced for garage sale - check
clothes for honeymoon - check
passport - check
engagement pictures - check

We have accomplished a lot in the last few weeks. Way more than this little list, because of all the details that go into each. But you already know that. It has been so much fun!!!! Paul is into the details with me. This is not my wedding, it is definitely ours. What a joy that has been!

Thanks to all who have helped us accomplish these things. So many people helped us, so thanks!

Now...what we still need are:

tuxes

a spa/salon to gt my nails/toes done - don't want one of those cheap places where they rush you in and out, but also don't want a high dollar place. Any recommendations?

a bathing suit for me

flowers - I know who is going to make them, just don't know exactly what we want them to look like

our vows. We haven't decided on those yet.

Who am I kidding? I can't write all the things left to do here. It's too long. And then, I'd get overwhelmed. Not good. Anyway, just wanted to update you on the progress and the sheer delight of the planning!

The kids' reaction to the news

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:28:00 +0000

Well, it has taken me quite a while to get to this, I know. If you only knew the pace at which my life is moving right now, your head would be spinning right along with mine. I feel like with God's grace and Paul's help I've been holding it together. So, let's go back to the day after we became engaged. Wow! That was a ways back, wasn't it? That day we decide that we should tell the kids before someone else did. We were so happy to tell them, knowing they would be thrilled, but also nervous at the same time. All this is becoming a reality. And as you have probably experienced...reality is often different than what you envision in your head.

So, as soon as Paul got to our house that night, we sat the kids down to tell them. Paul and I both were so nervous, I can't even tell you. I kept ringing my hands and Paul and I kept looking at each other. B was looking at us like...oh no! What are you about to tell us? He looked nervous. So I said, "Guys, we have wonderful news."

pause

"Last night Mr. Lewis asked me to be his wife, and I said yes."

another pause

We waited and watched their little faces. Cait looked completely confused like..."what did you just say?"

But B...he had eyes FULL of tears! Paul kind of freaked out. He was rubbing B's leg and asking, "Are you okay, buddy? What is it? Are you upset? Worried? Sad?"

B looked up at us through tears and said, "No. I'm just sooooo happy. I just can't believe that God answered my prayers. He really answered my prayers."

Paul and I looked at each other and just started bawling. Oh, the relief! Oh, the joy! Can I tell you? It is a soaring feeling to know that God was the designer of this new little family. He put us together because we all needed one another. What a good God we serve!

So, from the couch we moved to the table where dinner was ready. We all held hands to pray and I said, "We sure do have a lot to be thankful for tonight, don't we?" Everyone nodded. Then B said, "Can I pray!!! Please, please!?!" We agreed, of course.

And he prayed..."Dear God, thank you for hearing me. Thank you answering my prayer and letting mommy get married again. Thank you for giving me a daddy to live with me and play with me everyday. Please help us to be a happy family and to love one another. Please help us to have fun together too. I just can't believe that you heard me. Thank you God. Amen."

Talk about tears? Paul and I just sat with tears rolling down our faces (yes, I have a very tender-hearted man), squeezing each other's hands. We were thankful too. We were in awe too. Cait was a little oblivious, but that's okay. I hope she never remembers a time when Paul was not there as part of us. B, I know he'll always remember, but that's okay. He was supposed to. God is growing him. God is showing him even at age six that He is a faithful God and that He answers prayers.

My parents started praying right after my divorce that God would allow me to marry again one day and that it would be soon. They prayed this for Benjamin and Cait's sake. I'm so grateful that they did, because I know that this is the best thing for them as well as for their mommy.

Thank you to those of you who have prayed and prayed for us...for years now. God heard and He answered. Thank you, Lord!

The Story

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:35:00 +0000

Okay, so there is just no time to post on my blog! Can I tell you how busy I am right now? I am so blissfully happy these last few weeks, I'm flittering around trying to come down to reality often enough to feed and clothe my kids and do my job! But anyway...I am so very happy right now, as we all are when things are going right. But I'm sure that you can imagine it runs deeper than that. I'm looking at a big picture and I see God's hand. And can I tell you? This whole blessing of an amazing man to be my husband and a dad to Benjamin and Cait is so not deserved. Seriously. I mean, God cared for us and lavished us with His care and provision and salvation. Hello! That would have been so much more than I deserve in and of itself. But...isn't it just like God to give us what we don't deserve to show us that it isn't about us. It's about Him and His unfailing, ever-flowing love. I am one blessed girl.

So...how did he propose? Well, going back even further, I told you the story of how we met here. If you didn't hear that story you can go catch up. It has been 8 months since that first meeting and God is so good to lead us here! Woo Hoo!

So, on September 14, Paul and I had a great day together. The kids were with Chris, which is unusual for a Sunday. But none the less, we went to La Madeline around lunch time and had brunch. This is one of our favorite things... to go there for brunch and sit outside. We bring our Bible and devotional book and read to one another. It's wonderful! That day was no exception. After brunch we ran to the mall and we shopped a little. He bought me a new pair of jeans and himself a few things also. It was a fun afternoon hanging out. Then, we went back to my house and got ready for dinner. He took me to my favorite restaurant...Jaspers. It is WONDERFUL! It's at the Shops at Legacy. Divine food!

Okay, so the reason this restaurant is significant is because this is where Paul took me on our second date. The first date was awkward!!! But the second date had given us two weeks of getting to know one another over the phone and it was comfortable, fun and sparks began to fly that night. Can I just tell you how handsome he is??? OH! He makes my heart flutter! I remember how I felt the beginnings of that flutter that night. It's a night we go back and relive often. "Remember on our second date when..."

So we drove to the restaurant on THE night and he had asked for our table. The waitress walked us straight there. No suspicions yet. Then I see Paul has a beautiful gift bag in his hand. Then I start to get nervous. We sat down and chatted, giggled and gazed at one another. He was so stinking relaxed. "This isn't it!!" No way could he be relaxed if he were about to propose!!!

So after the meal he pushes over the gift bag. I open it and find a Kodak book that he had made for me. It was the story of our courtship. It documented every little thing with words and pictures. I love that man! At the back there was a message from him that said that these memories with me and B and C were precious to him and that he wants to make a lifetime more of memories. He said that he knew God's hand had been in brining us together long before we met and that now he's grateful, eventhough it was hard to wait for me sometimes.

And then I turned the page one last time to read:

TAMRA
WILL
YOU
MARRY
ME

I looked over at him to find him with a ring box in his hand and tears in his eyes. How precious he is...oh if you only knew! I've waited for that day for a long time now and I can't believe it came with all the joy and healing and promise that I hoped it would.

Can I just say that my blog title, "Strength for Today, Bright Hope for Tomorrow," has so described my road. God gave me those things because He is perfectly faithful. Thank you Lord!

Paul and I are excited to be engaged, but more excited to be married! So, the plan is to have a tiny family wedding on November 22 (yes, of this year) here in Dallas. Paul's dad will perform the ceremony at this beautiful little chapel we found. Cait will be our flowergirl and Benjamin will walk me down the aisle. They will be the only ones to stand up with us.

Intimate is our theme for the wedding and I think we have that mentality because of the kids. We know that hundreds of people will be rejoicing with us in that day, whether crowded in the tiny chapel or not.

THANK YOU for your prayers and your joy expressed for us! It blessed us beyond belief to read your comments! God is good!

Okay, now I need help!

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:20:00 +0000

Hey everyone! This week has been a whirlwind...of fun and praise to the Lord and smile muscles hurting. Paul and I are so giddy!

Thank you ALL for your comments and e-mails! What a blessing they have been to both Paul and me! I am looking forward to the journey!

The one thing I am NOT looking forward to is the stress of planning a wedding, honeymoon, merging lives. I just want all the fun stuff! HA!! Anyway, here is where we need your help. We are looking for a place to have our wedding. We don't want to have the reception there (unless it's a beautiful restaurant), just the ceremony. Very small, but we just want it to be beautiful! Ya know? We're going for atmosphere. Like a gazebo somewhere with a beautiful setting behind it...or a gorgeous park somewhere. What about a quaint little, tiny wedding chapel or a courtyard at a hotel or church? We want to get married in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Can you help???? Several of you have offered to help...so now I am taking you up on it. You know how it goes...you research and research and dead end! It's frustrating! Oh! The other thing is that we don't want to spend a lot! Small order on our part, I know!

Thank you , friends! And thank you for being patient with me while I get around to giving you the details of the engagement! It was perfect, by the way!

He asked...

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:26:00 +0000

The post that I have longed to write for so long now...and now that the time has come I'm at a loss for exactly how to say it. God's blessings have come full circle. The cycle of leaving Egypt, walking the desert and learning, growing as I trust Him have all culminated in arriving at the Jordan. On the othe side of the banks I see the promised land. And can I just tell you...it is flowing with milk and honey, frineds! It is rich and more than what I hoped it would be.

Paul Lewis, my best and dearest friend, asked me to be his wife. And I eagerly replied, "Yes!"

The ring of all rings! Perfect!

Thank you Lord...not only for where I am now, but thank you for the journey. Paul and I both have met you in a more intimate way in these last few years, than we could have planning our own steps. You are a gracious God...loving and perfect in all your ways. Thank you for caring for us both and bringing us to one another. We are so thankful and we can only hope that we, as a couple bring more glory to your name than we could as individuals.

"O Lord, you are my God;
I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
You have done marvelous things,
things planned long ago."

Isaiah 25:1

Labor Day 08

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:40:00 +0000

So it's kind of the last hoorah on Labor Day weekend at the lake. After that it is pretty much too cold to get in the water or else we're just too busy with school and stuff to get up to the lake. So, it's sad, but it's kind of the closure to a really fun summer...always!

Fun in the sun, of course and then some down time decorating cookies.

Eli cared WAY more about eating the icing than putting it on his cookies. Life is short, right? Eat the icing off the spoon, I say!

Pooped boys in need of a nap.

Feeding the deer corn is one of our lake house rituals. The kids love it...especially when we get to see the little fawns. By this time of year they are being weaned from their mothers and starting to eat big deer food! So sweet to see, though.

My monkey climbing across the porch swing, upside down.

Cait can always sweet talk Paul into playing with her. This day it was coloring. This was before the broken arm and so she was coloring inside the lines, instead of making everyone else color for her and she acts as boss of which color goes where.

Fishing with Poppa

Paul and I got a great workout in the kayak. This was a BLAST!! To be honest, we did get in a minor argument when I was in the front. I think we had two leaders that way! The next time I let him sit in front so I could follow his lead. Much better that way! HA!

I cannot stop cracking up at these pictures! Ryan was throwing B up in the air and into the water. So crazy when I see how high he was really flying!!!

And my favorite!!

And the biggest thrill of the weekend for us all was Paul's big catch! He and dad went fishing one night and Paul caught this 8 pound 6 ounce bass!!!!

Dad just can't wait to show this off to his fishing buddies! Good job Paul!!

Another great weekend...another great summer!

The circus

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 16:10:00 +0000

Okay...I told you I was behind on blogging! But I couldn't leave this one out!
Paul gave Cait tickets to the circus for her birthday. We went on her actual birthday, which gave us something really special and fun to do that night. It's been years since I went to the circus and I loved it just as much as an adult as I did as a child...minus the commercialized products they are trying to get you to buy!

She's 5 now!

Okay, so the tickets were expensive enough! And Paul reminded me in advance of all the glow things they were going to be selling there, so I got an idea! We made a trip to the dollar store and stocked up on everything we needed and more for that night.

We bought glow necklaces, glow bracelets, glow sticks...we bought candy for all of us. We even found this cool package of Barnum and Bailey Circus gummies. Perfect!
Total spent on snacks and glow thingies= $7.00
At the circus: one bag of cotton candy= $12
RIDICULOUS!!!!!

This was Cait's favorite...dancing dogs with little costumes on!

These were my favorites...the acrobats flipping in mid air and landing in a pyramid.

TIGERS, oh my! They look littl sweet BIG kitties, don't they?

This tiger is hopping like a rabbit. Notice his feet are not touching the ground.

A kiss from Blanco

These girls were freaky bendy! It's what I wish I could do in my yoga class!!!

Thank you sweet Paul for such a fun night! The kids asked on the way out the door that night if we could go to the circus again tomorrow. I think it was a hit!

BLING!!

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:06:00 +0000

Check out Cait's new and pretty cast! Cait and Mommy painted and made that sad little cast a little bit better!
She's doing really well with her cast and has no pain, but her sling hurts her by the end of the day. She calls it her slingshot! hee hee!

One month ago

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:09:00 +0000

Well I told you that I was behind on my blogging, but this is ridiculous! On August 8-10 we went to the lake house to celebrate 3 birthdays...Cait (with the fam), mom and Danyel. It was a GREAT weekend! It was also three BIG birthdays to celebrate.

Cait turned 5.
Mom turned 55.
Danyel turned 30.

There are almost exactly to the day 25 years in between each of them. So neat!

So I thought I'd just show you a few pictures. Here is Cait opening one of her presents, which is now our favorite nightgown!

Mom finally getting the mug she has been asking for with her grandbabies' picture on it.

And Danyel opening her heaviest gift of all.

30 cans of her favorite cream soda that can only be found at Central Market. Actually, all of her gifts were in increments of 30.
30 Twix bars
$30 gifts cards
30 minute massage
30 dollar bills
You get the idea.

Her last, and my favorite gift was a book, "Thirty People that Love You."
Here she is opening her book and reading from 30 different family members and friends that love her and told her why they do. It blessed me to read that book. THANK YOU if you are one of the people who contributed to that little project. I think she liked it!

Now it is tim for cake! This is another Lisa cake...same lady that made Kristi and Cait's cakes. It was strawberry swirl on the inside. Mmmm.....

Paul had these made by a guy at work. Aren't they hilarious?! Thirty dollar bills with her face on it. "Danyel Dollars." "In Danyel we trust...NOT!"

Later that night we played a game that Paul and came up with. We researched the years 1953 and 1978, the years mom and D were born. Then we made up a trivia game about music, movies, world events, etc. of those years. It was a lot of fun!!

I had to throw this sweet picture of prissy Mia in here from the next day. It was a good weekend, save the fact that Paul and Tyler both got sick. We were so blessed to have Kristi, Tyler and Bill come with us this trip. The more the merrier, esecially at the lake!

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:12:00 +0000

I keep forgetting to update my blog!!! So many things to document here! First, B earned his orange belt in karate about a month ago! Woo Hoo! We are very proud of him! He takes his classes very seriously and practices all the time!

Way to go buddy!

Today w celebrated Cait's birthday at school...yes it is one month late, but who's counting! It's sad to have a summer birthday, y'all!

Here she is with her teacher in front of the class. They are sharing th character qualities that they admire in her. The teacher makes it into a place mat with her picture on it and the whole class's. It's great!

The birthday girl got to bake her cake with a friend from class while the rest of the class made her place mat. Here they are blowing out the candles and singing to her right before lunch.

Sweet thing!

After the birthday celebration, Chris and I ate lunch with her in the cafeteria. Her daddy got her Chick-fil-a and she got to eat some of that pink cake!

5 years and 1 month! HA!

Here I got to pose with the girl.
The celebration was great, but it was short lived. By the time I got upstairs and she had gone to recess, I got a call that she was in the nurse's office. I ran down there to check on her.
You're not gonna believe it...but my girl broke her arm!!! She was pushed accidentally down the slide backwards and tumbled down landing on her wrist!! OUCH!

Of course we weren't sure at first, but after a few x-rays it was confirmed! A buckle fracture in her wrist. Three weeks in a cast for our little love and then two more weeks in a brace.

Here she is in her little white cast. They were all out of color, can you believe it? Well don't worry, we will bling it up for sure!

She was a trooper, but she did announce that she didn't think she'd be able to go to school anymore...kind of like, "Well school was fun, but I don't think I'll do it anymore, but thanks anyway!" HA HA! And B was utterly sad to find out he has to go to school tomorrow but Cait and I do NOT! Bummer!

One thing...pray for her as she learns to use her left hand more. She can't even pull up her underwear at this point by herself. What are they going to do with her at school????
And she was just starting to make progress with hr handwriting! Now we are going to have a 5 week set back! But main thing is, she's okay! It could have been a lot worse! And now I gt a day off!

My Class and Hannah

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:33:00 +0000

Well, the year is off to a great start for me in th fourth grade hall! I absolutely LOVE my class, which wasn't 100% true of my class from last year! They were all sweet kids one-on-one, but a mess as a mix. Well this group is great! I'm sure that a lot of that has to do with th fact that this isn't my first rodeo anymore at TCA. I know where to anticipate things before they happen. It's been a MUCH smoother go so far. About my class. Here are some facts...

I have triplets in my room. Yes, all three of them together in one room. This is usually a no-no in schools, but the parents made an appeal and it was granted. They are precious!
I have the daughter of a well-known car dealership chain in Dallas.
I have (for History) Tony Dorsett's daughter.
I have 4 divorced families, that I know were strategically placed in my care (seeing as I might have a heart for those types of situations).
I have 3 dyslexic children, who are all jewels!
I have 12 boys and 11 girls.

It's a great start to what I think is going to be a great year! But let me tell you about Hannah...she and I have already formed such a special bond. She comes to my room everyday after school and just wants to hang out with me. Today she fell in a puddle of tears when I told her I had to leave. I asked her what was wrong and she said that she didn't want to go to her dad's house. I hugged her while she cried. About half-way through the hug I felt her arms wrap around my waist. It breaks my heart, y'all! I want to be a safe place for Hannah. I want to pray for her and for her to see the power of that prayer. I want her not to be poisoned by her mother or hr father's words. I want her to be saved. I want her to one day experience the healing that only Jesus can bring to a heart that's been wounded. And we've all been wounded in one way or another, haven't we?

Keep praying for Hannah! And if you would, would you pray for me too that my words and actions will be of the Lord? Thanks friends!

Pray for Hannah

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:38:00 +0000

I know it would not be wise for me to go into detail about a student in my class. But please, would you pray with me? There is a beautiful little girl in my class that came with a BIG reputation! She comes from a messy...and I mean MESSY divorce situation! She was described to me as "evil." When I heard that I immediately felt compassion towards hr and began praying for her by name. Guys...I feel so strongly that Hannah was put in my room by the Lord for a purpose. I so badly want to be the hands and feet of Jesus to her this year, but how on aq day to day basis might not always be clear. Would you pray that God would do a mighty work in her lif and in her family's life this year? And would you pray that my words would b God's words to her and that my actions would be with a great purpose towards her? I want this to be her year! I want God to bring healing for her and save her sweet little soul.

Would you stop and pray for Hannah right now?

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him." I John 5:14-15

First Day

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:53:00 +0000

Today was the day! Our first day of school! For some reason I am in complete denial that this day has come and gone! Both of my babies are in school now!

Cait started Kindergarten today and Benjamin started first grade. Wasn't it just yesterday that they were crawling around under my feet in the kitchen?

It was such a special day! We packed lunches, backpacks, ironed and laid out uniforms the night before. We were ready! Then this morning we all hopped out of bed and hit the ground running. Despite the rain and early morning, it all went great!

Here are my babies in the morning before school.

Kindergarten here I come!!!!!!

Our neighbor came out to get the paper and offered to take our picture. So fun!

First grade watch out!!

Mrs. Gilliland, Cait's teacher. Benjamin had her last year and we LOVED her!

Mrs. Herritage, the Teacher's Assistant

Putting her backpack in her cubby.

Benjamin being greeted by his new teacher, Mrs. Henderson. She requested him in her class because she said, "Us red heads have to stick together!"

Putting away his backpack...

B thought it was so cool that he got to chew bubble gum on the first day of school.

When I went to pick him up after school I asked him how his day went and he said, "Mom, she's great!" He was talking about his sweet teacher. That makes a mom feel good! Cait enjoyed her day too and said her favorite part was lunch in the cafeteria. Go figure!

It's gonna be a great year!!!

Priceless memories

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 14:36:00 +0000

Can I just say that Taylor of Barefeet Photography did an AMAZING job taking pictures of my children! What a precious thing to have these keepsakes!

Take a look....
I cry every time I look at them!

BIKES!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Tamra Perkinson) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:20:00 +0000

Well I would say that th kids got new bikes, but that's simply not the case. Cait got 2 hand-me-down bikes and we decided to make the most of them.

We cleaned them up, aired them up, tuned them up, fancied them up and then gave them to the kids. You would have thought they were brand new, amazing bikes that they had always wanted! I love those looks on their faces!

WHOA!!!!

Now B has to learn without training wheels. It's about time, I know!!!!

Thank the Lord for helmets, knee and elbow pads!!! It makes this momma rest much easier during the learning process.