My Turn Finally Came Today

In a bad way, that is. I ran out of gas for the first time today (on my way to the gas station), ever. I was in the turning lane to turn into the station, and it just wouldn't go any further. I make such short trips around here that I tend to (stupidly) push it to the edge, and well, it had to be physically pushed today. I'm still just sooo embarrassed for being so stupid. I am normally very careful to watch the miles I've gone once the light starts trying to come on. Well, I think with my car getting older, it's just not going as far as it used too, obviously.
So, God may have taught me a lesson and/or warned me about the car getting older, but He decided to shower me with blessings too. First, it was still daylight and not raining. Second, I was on a major road, in a turning lane, right at a gas station. Third, I wasn't sitting there more than a few minutes and a lady pulled up to ask if I needed help, and then almost simultaneously, two guys pulled over on the other side of the road and came over to push me on over to the station. I couldn't stop thanking them (and God, of course). And thankfully, Ava didn't freak out too much.

So, I guess for the first time, it could have been a much worse situation, but ended up not being all that big of a thing (except in my head).

Stormy Monthly Memphis Trip

Ava and I made our monthly trip to visit with my family last week. It ended up being a little scary Thursday and again on Saturday. Some pretty big storms with tornadoes came through Thursday evening doing quite a bit of damage just north of us (we were southeast of Memphis). They even had it on cnn. Two of the tornadoes to the south of us started up our direction but turned away (big blessing, I know). My mother's backyard was flooded for a short time. It was weird to see a small current going by the back door!

I had planned on leaving early Saturday because it was supposed to start up again that evening. Well, God decided to surprise us and brought it mid-morning. It was pretty rough, but after pulling over at a gas station for a bit to let the worst pass, it wasn't too bad. There were periods of heavy rain off and on the rest of the way.

As far as the rest of the time in Memphis, with the storms, we didn't get to do a whole lot. I did finally get to meet my younger brother's girlfriend from Hawaii. She flew in the day after we got there. How in the world did he wind up with someone from Hawaii? An online game, believe it or not. She is very very sweet, but painfully shy. One sort-of-problem is, they've been talking about marriage (hopefully further down the road for their sakes), but families are very close over there, many even live in the same house, so she is going to want them to live there. She wants her children to be raised there (can't say I blame her). I just don't think my mother could handle that (she won't be able to let her baby boy be that far away). And we all know how sky-high the cost of living is there. They should just take their time, as they should have plenty since they both need to finish college. But I know it will be hard, as they've only seen each other a few times in the few years together. Hopefully they'll be smart about it. And keep sending the chocolate covered macadamia nuts!;)

Hoops And Yoyo

Here's a picture Ava wanted to take to submit to the Hallmark Hoops and Yoyo site. People apparently take pictures of them in all kinds of places and then post them. This is from today at the chinese restaurant's little fish fountain thing (with Piddles too).

VBS '09

Last week Ava went to a friend's church for vbs since we missed ours this year. Their theme was crocodile dock. She loved it. Kevin and I enjoyed the time together, going somewhere most nights (it was an evening vbs).
Here's a few photos.

Ava reluctantly with the turtle she made.

Picking rocks out of the parking lot on the way out.

Ava and a new friend (that she came home talking about every day).

Give Your Kid A JumpStart!

My friend Krystyn over at her blog "Really, Are You Serious?" is hosting a giveaway of a 3-month subscription to a great educational website called JumpStart. It is for kids 3-10, and is a great way to learn and play at the same time. You get to pick your own "Jumpeez"character or make your own to go exploring different lands that teach math, reading, and more.
Ava and daddy tested it today (for over an hour) on the non-member trial version, and both loved it! Ava loves educational computer games, and this is another great option for her.

So, to win the subscription, just pop over to JumpStart and pick a favorite Jumpeez character. Then, head over to "Really, Are You Serious?" and leave a comment telling Krystyn your favorite. There are also some other ways to get additional entries (one is posting about the giveaway on your blog and then leaving another comment that you did will get you 3 extra). The contest will end on July 22nd. Good luck (uhm, to me too)!

And So It Begins...

We were in the car last night and Ava was drawing on her magnadoodle. She was drawing one of her usuals, her in my belly. Ever since I showed her my ultrasound pictures of her (as above), she has been somewhat fascinated by them. But, last night her fascination hit a new peak.

Ava: Momma, did you swallow me, is that how I got in there?

Me: Uuhhhm, no, God put you in there to grow into a new human being.
Ava: But, why?
Me: Because He wanted to bless momma and daddy with a special gift to love and raise up to be another of His children in the world.
Ava: Why does he need more children?
Me: That's how the world gets people in it. Aaaallll the people you see everywhere.

She just went on to something else after that. They say every generation is more advanced than the previous. I think that's a scary prospect now. I know our turning off the cable may not be enough soon.

New Veggie Disguise Attempt: Failed

This would have been at least a semi-wordless Wednesday post, but Ava wouldn't let me take her picture.
A picture of her trying veggie sausage. Yes, today I tried replacing one of her most favorite meats (I have a very carnivorous daughter, hence the need to sneak vegetables) with a veggie version. Well, it worked for a few bites, then she declared she "didn't want sausage, any sausage". Of course, I did not tell her it was veggie. I think part of the problem was the strange texture. I took a small bite and it was a little mushy. A little over-done on the spices, but not too bad to me. Next I think we'll try another favorite, burgers. That should be a little more successful, hopefully.
Also, some time this week I'm going to make spinach balls again. I made them a long time ago, and they were really good. They're good dipped in marinara sauce, plus that's extra veggies.
If she won't eat a vegetable outright, I'll get 'em in somehow!