Graduation Weekend

I love Monday nights...although I always look forward to the weekend, I am also glad when they are over! We seem to get as much in the weekend as possible, and then we are exhausted! It has been a memorable few days...

FRIDAY

1. Avery & Riley had a friends birthday party at Sandy Springs. Clark, Landry, and I went to Texas Road House for supper. We never get to go there, because Riley is highly allergic to peanuts, and as you know, peanuts are everywhere! Landry kept telling me that somebody needed to clean the place up! It was so nice for Clark and I to spend time with Landry. He has a different temperament when he is not in competition for our attention with his big brothers. He can be as sweet as he is handsome! We filled up on as many peanuts as possible. Clark and Landry arm wrestled at the table, very cute!

2. While picking up Avery and Riley we got to spend some time with our church friends. Later we came home and ended a wonderful evening with laundry! It fills up most of my free time at home. I try not to complain about it, but in this, I am unsuccessful!

SATURDAY

1. We woke up to a BEAUTIFUL morning. Clark decided to take the boys fishing. I could write for days on thoughts I had, and sights that I saw, at Louisville Lake. Here are a few of my favorites.=

a. BIKINI BOTTOM - while looking for a good fishing spot, we had to pass the swimming area. There was not one person there that looked good in their bathing attire. Most of it was down right frightening. However, the one that was worthy of a double take was a bright yellow bikini. The bottom and belly that were in the bikini were VERY big. If the bikini had not been such a BRIGHT yellow, you might not have seen it all. Really, is it necessary embarrass yourself in that way? However, she left me with a lasting memory - maybe that was her intention after all!

b. FISH - Avery and Riley caught fish! They were thrilled about that. Landry did not catch fish and he was NOT thrilled. Every few minutes he would throw his fishing pole down and say that he QUIT! But, the lure of the water pulled him back every time, and he would try again. Unfortunately, his efforts never paid off.

c. SUN -I tried in vain to get a little bit of sunshine on these white legs of mine...enough said!

d. FOOD - I took a picnic of sandwiches, chips and brownies - forgot the strawberries at home. Have you ever noticed that food tastes delicious by a lake on a beautiful day?

e. MUSIC - There was a large bird in the tree above us. It's song was not a beautiful one, more like a gagging one. It kept singing/choking to us while we fished.

g. LOVE - Avery, Riley, and Landry's lines kept tangling, breaking, or getting caught. Bobbers were lost, and bait flew off. Clark spent the whole day fixing their troubles. Needless to say, he didn't really fish. I love my husband. He is the most patient man in the world...until his patience runs out! When it does...hide...LOL!

h. MIRACLE - My last lake reflection is the unforgettable one. Avery was fishing and suddenly his line broke. His bobber went floating off with his bait. He called to Clark who, once again, put down his pole to come fix the problem. As he walked toward Avery, he saw a very LARGE, UGLY, and SCARY snake next to Avery. This was not your normal garden snake. It was Amazon size. Brown with black stripes and a flat head....shiver....The kind you only see in a zoo, behind very thick glass!! I can not even begin to think what would have happened if Avery had stepped on it. My heart has rejoiced that the Lord had his scissors handy and cut Avery's fishing line. May I never take HIS gift of protection for granted. At that point, I was done fishing and began packing up our supplies!

SUNDAY -

I could go on and on, but I am going to keep it short, because my laundry is calling to me...

1. A.M. Service - Bro. Corey McCool and his wife ministered in our morning service. Bro. Corey was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer in January 09. His testimony boosted my faith. The Lord has given him such a miraculous healing. I am in awe of the greatness of God.

2. The McCools sang for us - once again - speechless. Bro. Carpenter has renamed them Corey and Jeanna Wow!

3. P.M. service. - Graduation night! We had 11 graduates. That is the largest graduating class in ACA history. Avery and Riley received awards for highest honors! I'm proud of my smart and hardworking boys! It was a night of laughs, tears, praise, and sadness. We should have had 12 graduates, but the Lord called one of them home early. Bro. Corey's message was entitled, "The Transition of 12." He was unaware at the time the Lord gave him this message that our 12th graduate had transitioned to heaven. Incredible word from the Lord! Congratulations Josh Ellard, Aaron Penton, Austin Penton, Aaron Losey, Jordan Atkisson, Micah Repuhhan, Kayla Stephens, Samantha Gill, Rachel Brown, Lauren Carpenter, and Brittney Harvey

Points to Ponder...

Psalms 5:11 "But let all who take refuge in you be glad...

Spread your protection over them,

that those who love your name many rejoice in you."