Ryan is a senior - part 1

Today: senior pictures. Ryan loved every minute of it. Jolie, one of our first friends in Clarksville, a former neighbor, and owner of a new wonderful studio in Russellville, took pictures of Ryan for three hours. HOW WILL WE EVER CHOOSE? Even with the few shots she showed us through the viewfinder...they were wonderful.

I love my kid. The first time Jolie took my kids pictures Ryan was 3. Today, 17. Ahhh.

Play World

It's OK with me that Sheridan has been saying all day that she went to Worlds of Fun yesterday. In fact, she went to Conway with me, and played at Play World. What a wonderful place with a HUGE maze for kids to climb, jump, and navigate through, a rock wall to attack, and games to burn tokens in for hours. It was a fun way to get out of the house, and yet stay in the A/C. We needed the day away from the Lane.

Ryan was at football. Erin had volleyball and cheer. Lauren was at summer band. We were at Worlds of Fun.

My bad. Forgot my camera. These were taken with my iphone.

Summer heat has me down

This is quite possibly the only blooming thing on the block. It's the ugliest pile of sticks during the winter, but came out full and strong this summer. Go figure. I'm thankful for the color as we showed the house this week. They decided to buy in another neighborhood. The last folks to show interest with our realtor didn't show up for their appointment and decided to buy in Russellville. Sheridan is especially frustrated that we "did all that cleaning for nothing!"

I'm having a hard time enjoying the long days of summer. My teens are out and about with friends, swimming, youth trips and camps. Sheridan and I are at home, and I'm struggling with new ways to tell her that cleaning and getting ready for Rhea Lana's is fun! Don't get me wrong, we've worked our way through the game closet, watched a Disney movie every night, and she's been cooking (her favorite thing) almost every day. I'm having a bit of a pity party and I'm admitting it here first. I can't decide if I feel more sorry for her or myself. Either way, it's no good.

We may go buy our school supplies today...I love those rows of new notebooks and crayons. Perhaps it will be theraputic too.

Rhea Lana's

Love my work, but it's rolled around pretty quickly this season! I'm gearing up for my Broken Arrow event...in just 3 weeks. I've already been there twice, planning to do some face time in BA on Friday and hope to distribute all our great info to moms!

I already have two large VIP batches in my living room, including a glider and ottoman...and we just got word we're going to show our house this Thursday. I can't think of ANY WAY we could sell the house, move and host two events in the next 8 weeks. I'm glad I'm not in control.

HAPPY 4TH

I heart VBS

I feel pretty strongly about Vacation Bible School. I think it's one of the best things that can happen in a summer in a kids' life and it has the potential to affect their entire life. I was blessed to grow up in a church with a vibrant wonderful VBS program, and to be in a church with a great program as an adult. There's this job I can do at VBS that most people could do but don't think they could. The truth is that God always gives me the words I need to lead opening and closing, introduce Bible points, teach songs and put a spark of energy in the week. It's not my everyday role, not even close to where I would normally be comfortable, but God has provided this outlet for the gifts He has given me. I feel the joy of the Spirit when the kids listen to me and I am able to teach a TRUTH.



This year is a little bitter-sweet for me as my dearest friend and our children's minister is leaving in a month. I could not be happier for her as she is marrying a man who loves her and therefore is moving toward her new life. Personally, she's the only person other than Richard who knows a lot about me, listens to my struggles and tears, and loves me unconditionally. She's known me for over 12 years. It's taken at least 5 for me to let her in. I will miss her.









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Above the Clouds

Rhea Lana's of Honolulu

Good morning from Hawaii! This was my second time to do a live TV interview on the morning show in Hawaii! Pictured is Deanne and her daughter Erin. Also pictured, 4 super kids that belong to a friend and leader, Ceanne. I don't get TV coverage for my own sale, I have to travel 4000 miles! Interesting fact, Deanne and I both have daughters named Lauren and Erin.

I love to go to events in other locations! The Hawaii sale is in a beautiful mall with LOTS AND LOTS of traffic. We could've used about 3000 more square feet, but we fit it in! Moms everywhere love to come and shop a store full of clean, like-new clothing and toys for their kids at reduced prices. The consignors are thrilled to sell their items and pick up a check. I'm truly thankful for my job and for doing something that helps others. Last season I got to go to 4 other sales (plus my two!). I meet the nicest people along the way.

HOOTENS

While I was in a 7 1/2 hour delay in the Denver airport Richard text-ed me that Ryan's picture was featured in the Arkansas Hooten's Football magazine. Now if you're a high school football player...this is equivalent to an ESPN HIGHLIGHT! I made him take a picture to send to me. It was by far the best news of my VERY LONG afternoon in Denver. I might have even showed it to the couple waiting with me for the plane.

A couple more

PUPU BAR AND GRILL?

I don't know what AKU is, and I don't want to. When the sign says "no blood. no skin" that's enough for me.