Asher in pictures

On decade day at school - 1960's, obviously posing for Mom here. Asher is my snuggler. Here he's snuggling w/Grandaddy; if only we lived closer for more snuggles!

Asher loves an adventure! Here he is with Pappy in Longview, shooting the slingshot.

He thinks his cousin Robert, a senior in the Corps at TAMU is about the coolest thing ever. He was his constant shadow this summer at the lake. Asher is my watcher. He doesn't miss a thing!

Here he is with two of his favorite buddies - Griffin and Emma - at a tailgate party before one of the games. He is all about a party!

Colton in Pictures

True pic of Colton - always full of love and hugs. Loving on everyone else on his birthday. Asher loves him some Colton!

Colton's birthday...he wanted a coconut (not sure why).Birthdays always start with a special breakfast...a waffle topped several different ways - one part peanut butter, one part syrup, one part strawberries, one part strawberries with whipped cream...he was so excited!His first football game of the season, and two of his favorite guys came to watch - Dretti and Seth made this little boy's day! Colton is the kicker for his team. This was his first kick of the season.

Perfect birthday - a new Aggie jersey and a new Braves cap, and he got to go to the Braves game on his birthday!

Drowned Rat

Kenzie got a yorkie for Christmas, "Addie". Kenzie adores this dog, but she is the only one in this house who does. Addie has not trained well, and in general does not have any endearing qualities.

Yesterday, when it had been raining outside, Jerry and Colton had gotten wet at football practice. After we came home, we were talking about Addie, and her lack of successful training.

I asked Kenzie, "Where is the drowned rat?" She replied, "He's out walking Addie." She honestly thought I was talking about Jerry! She cracks me up...

Little Bit Country

Last night, I was cleaning up around the house, and I tend to be a "tosser" while my husband is a "keeper". Well, I found this trinket of Colton's that I thought was long forgotten, but I thought I would verify with my beloved husband, so that I wouldn't scar my child by throwing away some precious childhood memory.
I held the object up to him and said, "I don't think Colton cares two hoots to a holler about this, can I throw this away?"
He looked at me and said, "Are you 80?" I looked at him, bewildered. He then said, "Two hoots to a holler? Who says that?!"
That got me to thinking about all of our sayings that are a "little bit country." Here are a few that I've been made fun of for, but I still continue to say them. (Now, I may guard my tongue in some circles, for some just wouldn't understand.) I'm a West Texas girl, and some things are just better expressed in down-home terms like these:

"Who in the Sam Hill is that?" (expression of bewilderment)
describing something as "colder than a well-digger's behind" (really, really cold)
"Good Golly Girdie!" (an exclamation that can be used for various emotions)
"Well, slap me naked and hide my clothes!" (extreme surprise)
"possum on a gumbush" (another exclamation)
"Sometimes you just have to call a spade a spade." (say it how it is whether acceptable or not)

Now, for those of you laughing at this West Texas girl about these, I've heard a few sayings that were new to me, that I found quite funny when I came to GA:

"I don't know him from Adam's housecat."
"Taste this. It's so good it'll make you slap your grandma." (really? I don't think I would ever...)
"It is what it is." (okay, yes, it is, but what does that mean?)

Now, it's your turn...what are some of your faves?

Cousin-in-law

I'm not sure exactly if there is such a thing as a cousin-in-law, but I guess that's what Jason is to me. He is married to my cousin Aimee, whom I grew up with, around the corner, from my house.


Only now, Jason's kinda famous. I guess.
Famous for our family anyway.
He is an author.
He's been on the History Channel.
His books are at Barnes and Noble, at Lifeway and on Amazon.
Anyway, he's really sharp and has an amazingly quirky way of looking at things. He is known as the "Pocket Guides" guy in some circles.




I just read a blog that he wrote as a guest blogger on Stuff Christians Like that I got a kick out of...thought you might enjoy it too.

And, he just did a really cool promotion with some of his first edition of his Pocket Guide to the Bible that we are excited about being able to give out, so I thought I'd take the chance to give him a shout out.

Check out his blog...I think you'll enjoy it too. Let me know what you think if you check it out. Here's a look at the newest Pocket Guides...

Ten on Tuesday

Ten Things I Love About Texas:


1. My family and my roots...both are in Texas.


2. Watching a big ole thunderstorm roll in.


3. The food...barbecue beef brisket, tex-mex, Mrs. Bairds powdered sugar donuts, plain Doritos, Donut Stop donuts, Taco Villa...


4. Walking in stores (and restaurants) and hearing country music playing.


5. Men in cowboy hats (especially old cattlemen that I've grown up around) and boots.


6. People who pull to the side of the road to let you pass.


7. Wide roads with shoulders.


8. Aggieland and Aggies..from the inside looking out you cannot explain it, from the outside looking in you cannot understand it.


9. West Texas people...those who are blatantly honest - mean what they say and say what they mean and will stand by you through anything.


10. All my exes live in Texas...hee, hee (Jerry actually added this one)!

Green Thumbs and Gardens...

We attempted a garden this last fall with some success, learned some things (I have never had a green thumb, but my good friend Libby told me to keep on trying anyway), then called Stone (couldn't do it without him) once again to come help us get our summer garden ready. We have had a bountiful summer crop, and it has been so exciting for the kiddos...here is our first harvesting session back in June:

We have had cucumbers and green beans running out of our ears! And our tomatoes and squash are now producing well too!

We wer all very excited as you can see. The kids have eaten more fresh veggies than ever because they grew them and picked them themselves!

Anyone who knows Asher, knows that, before long, he's got to take a break for a snack...

Kenzie's Macon Noise

Wow! I tried to start catching up on my blog at the end of school and had started writing about our spring, when...my computer crashed, so I lost all of my pics. Well, Kenzie asked when I was going to write about her ball season, so here it is...

Kenzie loves softball...I mean, she looovvves it! She had prayed for God to give her an opportunity to play travel ball, so when she got the opportunity to try out, then made it, she was soooo excited! She played on the Macon Noise this spring. She came such a long way in her hitting and she dominated left field. I was so proud of her!

She had the best experience with the best coaches - truly a team of men who coached with integrity, love, and grace - all the while with a very competitive edge. I could not have asked for better as a mom. We were so blessed to be a part of this team - great girls, great parents, fabulous coaches!

We had a rough start as we were a very young team; Kenzie was the second oldest girl on the team! In our first few tournaments, we played whatever games we were guaranteed, then went home...then slowly, we began to win a few games each time.

Then, for our last tournament, we lost our first game, then we played five games in a row with no break in between (98 degrees, mind you), because we were WINNING! We didn't win the tournament, but we came in third and I was so proud of our girls! They were elated! As a matter of fact, one of the umpires for that tourney caught us at the end of the day and said, "You know I had my doubts about your little team when I first saw you, but I have never seen a team with such heart and determination...it was a treat to watch them play and win today!"

The best thing for me was seeing Kenzie grow through all of this. She learned about being a part of a team, about doing your best and playing your hardest, even without success for a while.

She had an incredible time and never once complained...she loved it and can't wait for some more NOISE this fall!

Fun at the Freeman Farm

The 4th of July has always been a big holiday in my family. Growing up, it was my sister's birthday, so it was extra special -family picnics, church picnics, fireworks, birthday cake.

When Jerry and I first married, it was a special time for all of the Dingmores to gather at the lake with family since we were all scattered at Christmas. We would camp at the lake for a couple of days, and great family times were had.

Then, in Wichita Falls (where we pastored for 9 years), there was a huge air force base there, Sheppard AFB, and during that time of getting to know, doing life with and worshipping with the men and women of our military, made me prouder than ever to be an American, and gave the celebration an entirely new meaning. They were family.

When we moved to GA, there was not a community celebration really, we spent one at Lake Tobo, a couple of sweet ones at a family picnic with friends, and one watching fireworks at the "club", but nothing stuck...until a few years ago when my friend Lucy asked us to come to the family farm for their gathering on the 3rd to cook the pig for their celebration on the 4th.

We had no idea what a tradition it would become. Now, our whole family looks forward to it every year...the family gathers at Granny and Grandaddy Freeman's farmhouse to cook the pig, and for my non-Georgia readers, yes, it is an entire pig stretched out on a grill-like pit in the ground. A fire must be kept going to the side of it so that coals can be continually heaped into the pig pit throughout the night. Meanwhile, the kids are gloriously entertained by playing with the goats, rabbits, donkeys and chickens at the farm, or swinging on a rope in the barn, or playing a giant game of Hide-n-Go Seek with all the kids from 16 years old - 5 years old, or visiting by the fire, or riding 4-wheelers...it really doesn't matter, it's family and it's simple, good, clean FUN!

The cooking of the pig takes 12-16 hours depending on the pig's size, and it has to be flipped half way through...so the Dingmores stay until the flipping, which usually takes place about 1:00-2:00 AM. It is quite a procedure to watch for this Texas girl!

I guess I got to rattling on, and I'm not sure if this makes sense. I'm just full of gratitude for what we celebrate today and for how God has always provided "family" for me when I needed it, no matter where I am.

Good intentions

What is it that they say about good intentions? Hmmm...

Well, I had good intentions of getting back into blogging...then my computer crashed, and all of my pictures are on a disk instead of being in my computer, but at least they're not lost...so I will attempt again to catch up on life in the Dingmore household. I do have a new computer, so that is a good thing...except I don't adapt to change so well sometimes, and I'm still "adapting" to my new computer. I know it's faster and better, but it doesn't work just how I want it to. Okay, okay, I know, it's technology - it's got to change.

Kenzie had a fun spring/summer season with the Noise. I will post pics soon.

Colton has one more tournament with the Storm. Asher got to play one game with the All Stars (he was thrilled).

We leave Monday for camp for a week, then home for the weekend...then finally home to Texas for two weeks. Whoop! We will miss Daddy, but so ready to get home and be with family and friends that we don't see enough!

Will try to catch up on some more summer events over the weekend...

Colton's Baseball Season

Colton had a great rec ball season. I was really proud of him. Last year had been rough, but he had come out of his slump during All Stars. In the meantime, he had fallen in love with football (me? not so much...I'm still a baseball mom at heart), so we weren't sure what to expect with baseball. But, he had a great season. We won some and lost some, but Colton really enjoyed it. He played first base, pitcher and was the cleanup hitter for the Red Sox. For him, it was probably his personal best. I loved watching him. He struggled so last year, and that's hard on a mama, so this season was much better for both of us!

These two pics of him pitching make me think of my daddy...he always had a certain way he would hold his mouth when he was working on something, and we would always joke about "holding your mouth just right to get the job done". Look at how intense Colton is and the way he holds his mouth...he is his Grandaddy made over!

Sliding into home...he loves to slide (me? i don't love doing the laundry on those pants after sliding - ha!)

During our last regular season game, the coaches let the boys all change up positions and did a reverse batting order - just for fun. Colton got to play catcher - he loved it, and thought it was fun!

another shot of him at catcher...

All in all, I'm thankful that my sweet boy loves baseball, and I'll keep praying for him to love it more than football because I don't like the tackling part of football (after all, he's my baby).

Asher's T-Ball Season

Asher had a great first season of T-Ball...he loved every minute of it, and played his little heart out! He may be small, but he has a big ole' baseball heart and gave 110% every game!

Ready position...


playing first base...

so excited - priceless pic!

Thanks to Coach Daddy, Coach Jarrod Durden, Coach Keith Hardy and Coach King Kemper for a fabulous season!

back to the pitcher - hold it up to stop the play...so proud!

I'm still here

Okay, I know, it's been 2 months since I've blogged. Pitiful. Life has just been way too busy.

I'm going to try and catch you up on what's been happening the last few months at the Dingmore's...it was a beautiful spring...the cherry blossoms in our front yard were amazing...

here's a sampling of the azaleas...

but here's how we felt alot this spring...way too busy...

too busy to even be healthy, but no time for whining because God is just too good! He has blessed us in amazing and incomprehensible ways...

Kids Say the Darndest Things

I was tagged to do this on Facebook, so I did and it was really fun...thought those that read my blog that are not on FB (Grammie and Grandad) would enjoy it too!

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Kenzie - Do you know how much I love you?
Colton - Be kind to one another
Asher - I love you

2. What makes mom happy?
Kenzie - When Colton gets a good grade on reading
Colton - When we say something nice to each other
Asher - when I obey

3. What makes mom sad?
Kenzie - When me and Colton fight
Colton - When me and Kenzie fight
Asher - when I don't obey

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Kenzie - when she dances in the kitchen
Colton - by telling me stories
Asher - be silly

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Kenzie - cool
Colton - funny
Asher - like me

6. How old is your mom?
Kenzie - 41
Colton - 35
Asher - 51

7. How tall is your mom?
Kenzie - 5 something
Colton - 5'10"
Asher - 23 feet tall

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Kenzie - go to the movies with the family
Colton - read or be with us
Asher - play with me

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Kenzie - clean house
Colton - grade papers and teach
Asher - do laundry

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Kenzie - famous cooking star
Colton - her kindness
Asher - acting

11. What is your mom really good at?
Kenzie - cooking
Colton - teaching us
Asher - keeping me safe

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Kenzie - being on time
Colton - football
Asher - breakdancing

13. What does your mom do for a job?
Kenzie - teaches
Colton - make candles and teach
Asher - teach

14.What is your mom's favorite food?
Kenzie - Mexican
Colton - sugar snap peas
Asher - green beans

15.What makes you proud of your mom?
Kenzie - when she hosts at pc allstars
Colton - her love
Asher - when she hosts at all stars

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Kenzie - Minnie Mouse
Colton - Maddie at the Tipton on Suite Life
Asher - Curious George

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Kenzie - shop
Colton - go on a date
Asher - eat lunch together

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Kenzie - both really good dressers
Colton - our freckles
Asher - same hair

19. How are you and your mom different?
Kenzie - she gets up early; I hate to get up early
Colton - I'm tall; she's short
Asher - we don't have the same skin

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Kenzie - by doing stuff she doesn't always want to do, but she does it because I want to
Colton - she helps me read
Asher - when I smile

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
Kenzie - that he makes her laugh
Colton - everything but his toots
Asher - when he hugs her

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Kenzie - Texas
Colton - DisneyWorld
Asher - bowling alley

Let's Play Ball

Around the Dingmore house, spring is baseball, and this past weekend was very exciting for us as it was opening day, and the start of two new teams for Kenzie and Colton.
Colton and the Macon Storm rolled in with their first tournament in Pike County. We placed 3rd...very exciting! Colton also had his first game of the season with his rec. team, and they won. He got to pitch one inning, and did quite well. Mommy was with Kenz at her tournament, so I don't have pics for that, but here's a few of the Storm...

Colton at first base:Colton at bat...

Then it was time for Kenzie and the Macon Noise to kick off their season with their first tournament in Pike County. It was a big jump for them as this is the team's first tournament of fastpitch. I was proud of our girls as they played their hearts out in the freezing cold and pouring down rain (no game delay in tournament play unless there is thunder)...they were soaking wet and cold. All of the moms ran in to Zebulon to Fred's Discount Store and bought everything from garden gloves to tights to oversized sweatshirts to keep our baby girls warm...it was quite a site, and more action than the Zebulon Fred's had seen in quite some time, I think!

Kenzie at bat... Kenzie in the field...

Last, but not least, it was Asher's first t-ball game (which Mommy missed because I was in Pike County with Kenz), but I got a play-by-play from Daddy and Miss Kim. Here's Asher showing me how he batted...

Here's Asher showing me how he made his double play...yes, very exciting! He was so proud!

The Cardinals won too, by the way, although we don't keep score (officially that is, but all the parents do)!

Win or lose, this is one proud Mama that loves her three little ones more than words can say!

Macon Snow

Well, so much for all of the global warming hoopla. Last Sunday, it snowed in Macon.

First time in seven years, or so I hear; we've been here for 5 years, and it certainly hasn't snowed since we've been here.

That is one thing my children really miss about living in Texas was getting a good snow a couple of times a year. So, needless to say, they were really excited! It was Asher's first snow ever!

Miss Kim and Mr. Rodney stopped by to play for awile...aren't they cute?We had snow ball fights...We made snow angels...We played with neighbors...have you ever seen such big flakes? (the snow, that is)Mom's favorite pic...beautiful flakes falling all around the barn in the backyard with all the trees lightly dusted with snow...so peaceful!

Hope it will last us...I think it will be a while before we see any more snow!

Asher's First T-Ball Practice

Asher has officially started t-ball. He is so excited! Here he is with proud big brother, Colton. Colton has helped at every practice. I think he loves it as much as Asher!I think his bat bag is as big as he is. After a little instruction from Coach Durden, he's off to run the bases...Don't forget to touch the bag!

Playing second base...doesn't he look like such a big boy (I think those are the smallest cleats I've ever seen)???