Uh-Oh Spaghetti-O

My first spaghetti meal and I'm positive I love it!

Mama (aka Gigi)

(James & Gigi, February 2010)

Leslie Suzanne (Anderson) Broom, 56, of Magnolia, Arkansas died Sunday, August 8, 2010 at the Magnolia Regional Medical Center after a 25 year battle with breast cancer. She was born December 22, 1953 in Mount Pleasant, Texas to Alton and Jerry Anderson.

Suzanne was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church in Magnolia being baptized into the church body on February 2, 1964. She was an active member of the Joyous Women’s Sunday School Class and involved everyday in caring for others and witnessing the Good News of Jesus Christ. She was a Registered Nurse since 1975 working in private practice, hospital, home health, hospice and rural health. She loved her patients and their families. She was a charter member of Steel Magnolias Breast Cancer Support Group. During this last year she was blessed to see and hold her three new grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her father Alton Odell Anderson.

Survivors are her husband of 38 years, William T. “Tommy” Broom, of Magnolia; her mother, Jerry Anderson of Magnolia; her son Daniel A. Broom and wife Dana of Stamps, Arkansas their daughter Emily Claire and son Austin Bryan; her daughter, Kimberly R. Glass and husband Randall Glass of Texarkana, Arkansas and their son James Thomas; and youngest son, William A. “Andy” Broom and wife Heather of Wooster, Arkansas and their daughter Alivia Marie; her brother Stephen A. Anderson and wife Pam of Texarkana, Arkansas; sister-in-law Laura B. Neill and her husband, the late Bobby Neill of Magnolia, Arkansas; sister-in-law Phyllis B. Kasco and her husband Carl of Mobile, Alabama; brother-in-law James A. Broom and his wife Sharon of Magnolia, Arkansas; sister-in-law Maxine J. Broom; six nieces Terry Skogerboe of Lake Elmo, Minnesota; Traci Rowland of Magnolia, Arkansas; Stephanie Westerman of Royal, AR; Jennifer Spehlmann of Vienna, Virginia; Erin Collier of Stamps, Arkansas; Angie Martinez of Albuquerque, New Mexico; one nephew Brady Broom of Stamps, Arkansas; one uncle W.D. Anderson and his wife Helen of Kilgore, Texas; two aunts Ida Davis of Athens, Texas and Rita Turner of San Antonio, Texas; and many special cousins and friends of her church and community.

She will be so missed!

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Parents Just Don't Understand or Do They?

My parents (I'm guessing late 80's, early 90's by the fab attire) or lovingly referred to now as "Gigi" & "Papaw." 

Just this week, James has begun to understand the word "No" and just this morning, gave me a look like "Why No?" Isn't it amazing when you become a parent how much you appreciate your parents and begin to understand their love, sacrifices and infinite wisdom.  Amazingly, they do understand! :-)  Loving, caring parents are a gift from God and I am blessed!  Although parents consist of both Mama & Daddy, I reserve the rest of my post as a tribute to my mother.  As you scroll below, I ask you say a special prayer as she continues to battle cancer.  Please pray for a miracle of healing. --Kim

Mama (1972)

Mama & Me (1978)

Mama & Me (1980)

We skip a few years ahead. Mama & Me, Race for the Cure, Little Rock (I think '97/'98?)

Mama & Me, Gulf Shores, (1999)

Mama & Me (2005)

9 months & counting...

James had his 9 month check up Friday and all is good!  Randall & I can't believe he's almost a year!  He weighs 21.5 lbs. (50-75th percentile) & is 28.5" in height (50th percentile).  He is eating so good I'm having a hard time keeping up and even eats peas & avocado now!  As the previous post described, he said "Mama, but, yes, he did start with "Dada." (As Uncle Ronald pointed out, no post when he said Dada...I guess that shows which parent does the blogging around here. :-) )  We think he is also saying "backpack"....for Dora the Explorer, of course.  He is very mobile and everywhere these days; crawling very fast, cruising the furniture, climbling on things and reaching things we never thought possible.  Needless to say, I've had to rearrange a few prettys.  We so enjoy watching all his new discoveries!  Below are some "everywhere" pics.

If you're wondering...Dada put on that diaper. :-)

A Day that will Live in Infamy (at least for me)!!!

James called me "Mama"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why Utensils When You Have Two Hands!

James is very much enjoying the new skill of feeding himself.  Toast, pancakes & eggs are great, but cheese seems to be his favorite.  Yes, the cottage cheese is messy but, you're only little once!

4th of July

Randall and I have been watching a movie miniseries, John Adams, coincidentally finishing it as we listen to Sparks in the Park last night. Wow, what an endeavor our founding fathers embarked upon and at such an early age! These men were not professional revolutionists, but statesmen in their 30s & 40s with families and everyday problems, much bigger problems than we could ever imagine. Our lifestyles are very comfortable compared to the conditions of their day. As we celebrate July 4th, I am struck by a John Adams quote: “I would to God there were more ambition in the country….by that I mean ambition of the laudable kind, to excel.” As parents, teachers, and humans wouldn’t it be wonderful to instill in our children and ourselves the desire to excel; not to sit by idly as our great nation is vastly changed. Our founding fathers’ original idea included morals and values, those derived from our Maker. I am thankful today for their contributions that allow us to live in this free society, but am aware as history teaches, “change” creates great cause and effect. We must stand up for our beliefs and excel in that pursuit for our future generations! Thanks Daddy for the great movie recommendation!

On that same note, check out Hobby Lobby/Hemisphere's Founding Father's July 4th Ad:
http://www.hobbylobby.com/assets/pdf/holiday_messages/current_message.pdf
How refreshing to see a company stand up for their beliefs without the worry of political correctness.  Anything I need that can be bought there will be.  It's just too bad they don't sell groceries.  :-)