Lean not unto thine own understanding....

Out of the mouths of babes....

2009-02-27T13:45:00.005-05:00

Kids really do say the darnedest things. Sam has been cracking me up the past few days. Just thought that I would share a few things...

Last night I fixed steak, broccoli and carrots and rice. Well, I will not force feed my kids but told them VERY firmly that they would eat ONE bite of broccoli before leaving the table.

Sam looked up at me and said,"OK, Mama...but when I grow up...OK?" I then told him I was not going to wait until he was grown to eat his one bite of broccoli.

Needless to say..he ate it!

Yesterday he got a little cut on the bottom of his foot. Well, of course now he is walking on the side of it because it is sore. This morning he got up and laid down on the couch. He then decided that he wanted a blanket.

I told him to get it out of his room. He then tried to recruit his sister, Taylor...but to no avail. Her response was, "Go get it out of your room yourself!"

His reply, with all sincerity was,"With only ONE FOOT???"

She gave him no sympathy and with that he hobbled off to his room to retrieve said blanket.

Too funny. They are definitely our entertainment! We can't afford anymore with the economy the way it is :) J/K :)

Sam and Kaiya cheesing!

The two redheads

Kaiya loooves to suck on those fingers!

Not for the things You've done for me

2009-02-26T17:02:00.003-05:00

God deserves my praise.

He deserves my praise, not because He has changed my life, not for all the things that He does for me or will do for me but because He is God.

He is God and a God worthy of my prasie.

He is worthy of all honor and glory.

He loves me beyong measure and has proven so time and time again.

It can be so easy to praise him when things are good, or maybe when things are bad and He fixed them. He desreves my prasie when things are bad and they are not fixed.

Have you ever felt like the Israelites? God delivers you out of bondage and you find yourself in a desert, no food or water.

Then you start to complain...God, why did you bring me out here?? I was better off a slave, at least my belly was full.

It reminds me of the metality of so many of us. We can't rember that He has parted the Red Sea for us, just that we don't have hot food in front of our faces.

But then.....comes the manna and the quail and the water. For shame.

Just because He does not choose to reveal His plan to us does not mean He has forsaken us and He does not recieve our praise.

I love Casting Crowns and this song has really spoken to my heart the last few days.

Bound to happen

2009-02-13T11:24:00.002-05:00

So it was bound to happen sooner or later. I would have voted for later than sooner but I guess that doesn't matter.

We were at some friends of ours on Sunday and they have a son about a year older than Steven .He wasn't home at the time but all his cool gadgets were outside and Steven decided to have a go at it.

He took his friends ramp and scooter and went down the ramp on a gravel drive. Well, you can just get a mental picture of the rest!

He fell, heard a pop and came running in the house saying he broke his arm. Well, Steven could have a amputated finger and still want to play SO this lead me to believe he really did break his arm.

He actually broke his elbow, more specifically his growth plate in his elbow!

So know he has a splint on until March 3. FUN!

Actually, not really. He is pretty upset, but it could have been worse!

You never know

2009-02-07T10:47:00.003-05:00

I guess that it was pretty presumptuous to create my blog address with the number 4 for the four children that I had at the time. I also did my email address the same way using the first letters of everyone's name.

I love the way God works. I am so glad that He knows more than me.

I am so glad that He and only He is on the throne, yesterday, today and forever.

Well, the little #5 is doing so well. I am so glad everyday that God choose to bless me with her.

She is 10lbs and 22 1/2 inches and makes us all smile everyday!

She smiles and coos.

She has her own personality, especially designed by God, with His fingerprints all over her.

She has helped me get a grip on a few things.

My children will not be the age they are forever. They are constantly growing into the people that God wants them to be.

I really have tried to put things into focus...like the house being clean is not the most important thing, laundry will always be there, and well, it's okay if dinner is a little late every once and a while.

Seems like easy enough..right? Not so much.

I am so thankful that God is a God of second chances and helps us with our weaknesses. Like, not being so uptight about little things that don't matter.

God would much rather me take the time in the morning when all the kids are still sleeping to spend it with Him then doing the dishes that didn't get done the night before.

And playing with my sweet oldest son, who I am afraid thinks I have no more play left in me. Who is not far away from being a teenager....something I don't want to think of.

I hope that when me children grow up they can say that I loved the Lord with all my heart and that I loved them and lifted them up to help them be all that God intended them to be. That they all are specially made with the bare hands of the greatest Creator that ever was and ever will be!

What I hope to achieve

2009-01-28T20:20:00.003-05:00

That was the theme of the older kids' journal a few weeks ago.

For some strange reason I didn't read it to check for spelling errors like I usually do.

Today I read over a few past entries in Steven's journal and I read it...what he hoped to achieve this year.

It wasn't to play football, which he desperately wants to do.

It wasn't to buy the next new video game, which he loves to play.

It was to see his friend come to know Jesus Christ.

Wow, that was the last thing that I expected him to write about. He wrote in detail about how he has prayed for this friend and tried to witness to him.

He also told about how he was getting ready to have a good conversation with him about the Lord when he was called in for dinner. (Man!!)

He also said that he knows it is in the Lord's hands and the best thing that he can do is pray for him.

Wow! What a wonderful witness and testimony. I hope that is one achievement that is reached!

Out of the mouths of babes.

I really admire the boldness that Steven has. I know that the Lord will do wonderful things in his life.

It's a sad thing

2009-01-27T18:39:00.002-05:00

I can't find my camera!

I can't find my camera to post the pictures of Kaiya.

I can't find my camera to post the video that I have of her.

I can't find my camera ANYWHERE!

But...I am happy because Kaiya turned 2 months old on the 23rd and is growing like a weed! She is smiling and cooing and gargling ( funny stuff)

It's a sad thing though because I know that she will be grown before I blink.

BUT....hopefully I will have my camera so you can see pictures before she is married!!

Pray for the return of my camera...please.

Psalm 66

2009-01-18T20:43:00.002-05:00

I had to share this to give God all the glory. I stand in awe at the things that He accomplishes and the blessings that He bestows on us when we just get out of the way and let Him work.

As so many people these days, we have been struggling a little with work being slow. God has been faithful and provided for us at just the right time.

We have this truck that Jeremy acquired through a job that he did and we have been trying to sell it for quite some time. Everyone is trying to sell a vehicle now and this one has some transmission problems so we have tried to sell it really cheap but to no avail.

So yesterday was Zoie's birthday, a blessing all in itself!! She turned 11 and is growing up so quick. We had a party for her. We all had a great time and her mom and grandmother even came which was great. Zoie really enjoyed herself! So that is a great blessing!!

Before we got ready for the days events, my husband sat down on the couch beside me.

He stuck out his hand and said, "We can't do it without Him, so let's start out the day with Him."

He led us in a word of prayer. He prayed specifically for our finances and that God would meet our needs. He thanked Him for His faithfulness and love. We were getting ready to close when there was a knock on the door. He said Amen and went to answer the door.

There was a man standing there inquiring about the truck in the front yard with the For Sale sign in the window.

Just to let you know...we live in a housing development in the middle of no where. It's not like we get through traffic people. We on the corner of a dead end! Folks just don't pass by our house unless they live on our end of the street.

Anyway, Jeremy went outside with him and showed him the truck. He told him about the transmission problems and even offered to put one in if the guy wanted to by one.

Come to find out the guy was a mechanic and said he could do it, not to worry about it!

Praise God, he bought the truck!!

This is the power of God. Only by Him.

We have tried to sell this truck for at least six weeks trough several listings...nothing.

Out of now where someone sees it driving by our house and buys it. Only by God's grace.

Oh, bless our God, you peoples!
And make the voice of His praise to be heard,
Who keeps our soul among the living,
And does not allow our feet to be moved.
For You, O God, have tested us;
You have refined us as silver is refined.
You brought us into the net;
You laid affliction on our backs.
You have caused men men to ride over our heads;
We went through fire and through water;
But You brought us to rich fulfillment. Psalm 66: 8-12 NKJV

28 years ago

2009-01-14T10:39:00.002-05:00

...it was 1981 and Ronald Reagan was president

There was also an assassination attempt on his life

Sandra Day O'Connor was the first woman Supreme Court Justice

Oakland Raiders won the Superbowl 27-10 against the Philadelphia Eagles

Los Angeles Dodgers beat the New York Yankees 4-2 in the World Series

"I Love a Rainy Night" by Eddie Rabbit and "Morning Train" by Sheena Easton were popular songs at the time.....WHO???

....and yours truly was born on the coldest day still on record in VA, January 13, 1981.

I was feeling rather old yesterday..I'm not really, I know but looking at my almost 11 year olds makes me feel that way sometimes.

Rather, I am so thankful that God has allowed me to live this long and has blessed me with the life that I have.

I had parents that loved me very much and did the best that they could with me. I am so thankful for all their sacrifices that they made to make sure that I had the best chance in life.

It is a wonder that they ever survived the teenage years with me. It's a wonder I ever survived!!

In 28 years, God has used so many things in my life to help shape me into who I am today. I am truly thankful for that.

I have a wonderful husband who has stolen my heart whom I will celebrate nine years of marriage with in August

I have 5 absolutely beautiful and precious children whom I love unconditionally.

And most of all I have a merciful and loving Savior who died for me that I love with all my heart, mind and soul.

Life has not been the easiest but I am so thankful for it and I can say that God has truly blessed me these 28 years and I know that, if He tarries or I don't meet Him before then, will bless me for another 28 years. He has never left me nor forsaken me...EVER.

Boy, do I have a lot to be thankful for. Thank you, sweet Jesus, for another birthday that I can celebrate with my family and friends!

Holiday Updates

2008-12-29T12:50:00.003-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas. Our candlelight service at church was awesome. We sang songs and read scripture. The lights were turned down low and we had candles flickering in the windows. At the end we gathered in a circle with our candles lit and reflected on what the night really meant and all the God gave us so many years ago.

We had an awesome Christmas morning. We all really enjoyed it. Jeremy cooked breakfast (my favorite part :) and the kids played. I think that I stayed in my pj's all day....woo-hoo!

We went to my mom and dad's the next day and ate dinner. That was really nice too. We stuffed ourselves and just had a really laid back day.

Now the kids are geared up for New Year's...they are some party animals! We have pizza every New Year's Eve and eat it on the fancy china. Then they watch the ball drop and I watch the back of my eyelids!

Well, hope everyone enjoyed the holiday !

Unfamilar territory

2008-12-21T16:01:00.002-05:00

We went caroling at the nursing home yesterday with some people from our church. We brought all the kids and the cards that they helped fill out. Once we were done singing, they helped pass them out to the residents that were there.

As you know, some of the residents there are not in the same state of mind that they were when they were younger but I have to hand it to my kids... they handled it very well. I was very proud of them. Even Sam had no qualms about handing out the cards and talking to the residents.

I did cringe when one woman in a wheel chair asked Sam his name. He responded, "Samuel" but she didn't hear him so she asked him his name again. His response this time was not as warm when he said, "I already said it!" Thankfully she did not hear that either and I was able to tell her at a tone she could hear. We have to work on the manners department a little bit.

It was really sweet and you could tell that they enjoyed the singing and especially seeing the kids. I think that it is really good for them to participate in things like that. It helps them to be loving and compassionate, just like Christ was when He walked the earth. I hope that it is something that they remember in a positive light.

Good times...

2008-12-20T09:26:00.002-05:00

We had some good freinds of ours were over at the house last night and we had a wonderful time.

Do you ever notice how women and men are different....I can hear the laughing now!

My friend hasn't been able to see the baby or vist with me yet so her and her family came over and brought us dinner...BBQ yummy!!

Anyway...she started cleaning the house for me and vacuuming. My husband looked at me like I would be embarrassed to death.

I wasn't at all because I know that she wanted to do that for me not because my house was a mess (it really wasn't) but because she loved me and wasn't able to come over and help me when I was home from the hospital so she was doing it now and I was very thankful.

The husbands just sat around and talked about deer hunting...now that is something I don't understand...you get up before the sun comes up, freeze your tail off, get wet, and just...SIT...for hours and hours to only get a CHANCE at seeing something, let alone killing something.

I guess I really should not knock it too bad..I do eat the meat and really do like it! Believe it or not venison is very good for you...hardly any fat at all! Definitely saves on the groceries!

Oh, Christmas Tree

2008-12-17T20:19:00.003-05:00

We made out treck out to the woods to pick out our tree. The kids had a blast. It was COLD!! But it does look really pretty in our living room and makes the house smell sooo good!

Taylor and Zoie..Taylor always was particular to those Charlie Brown Type trees. More her size!

Say Cheese!

Timber!!!

Zoie and Steven bringin' her home!

Kaiya and I were NOT going out in the woods

The mom song

2008-12-12T10:17:00.005-05:00

This goes out to all you fabulous moms out there that work your tails off everyday....and LOVE evey minute of it...or almost every minute. Hope this puts a smile on your face. It did mine!

p.s. you gotta listen to the WHOLE thing!

Sorry...I've been in hiding

2008-12-07T09:34:00.003-05:00

It's been kinda hectic around here...in a good way though. We've been busy getting back into the swing of things around the house. The baby is growing like a weed, already up to 6lbs 13oz as of Friday. Now we are getting ready for Christmas. Today we are going to get our tree. We actually go out in the woods and cut one down. I thought it was crazy the first time we did it last year, but I think that it's kinda neat now. The kids think that it's great. And there is plenty of places to go do that around where we live. I agree Jen, it makes the house smell great. Nothing beats it, except maybe some Snickerdoodles or sugar cookies :)

We had a great time with all kinds of family at Thanksgiving. My mom and sisters and brother and Jeremy's parents ate at our house (I didn't cook though :) We had some great turkey and awesome cheescake! On Friday Jen and her family came over and we had a great visit. SOOO here are all the pictures!!!

Taylor and Grandma making the cheesecakes

The best part about helping the cook!

Taylor helping Granny with the deviled eggs

We were all stuffed afterwards!

Aunt Jennifer holding Kaiya

That's all the pics that blogger would let me post right now so I'll post some more later..when I have some more time...lol!

She's here!!!

2008-11-27T10:13:00.002-05:00

Kaiya Eden 11-23-08 10:58pm 6lbs 8oz 19 in.

She is finally here!! Everything went great...and very quick. I was very shocked at how fast she came. We came home Tuesday just in time for Thanksgiving! Thank you for your prayers and encouraging words. I have so much to be thankful for today and everyday. Hopefully Iwill have more time to post more pics. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Almost time...

2008-11-21T18:10:00.002-05:00

I went see my midwife today and now I'm at a 2. Yipeee!! If I don't have the baby before I'll go for induction on the 2nd. I just hope that I don't have to spend Thanksgiving in the hospital. But even if I do it wouldn't be so bad.

I have been contracting all day so maybe it will be in the next day or two. It's getting close and I'm really excited!

Hope that everyone is staying warm. I woke up to snow on the ground this morning. It was sooo beautiful. It was not what I expected when I let my dogs out this morning. The kids loved it. One of the perks of homeschooling!

Tonight is a good night for a fire. My husband already promised he would build one for me tonight! Yipee again!

Happy Fabulous Friday everyone!!

Jessie World

2008-11-20T09:19:00.003-05:00

So I think that through this waiting that the Lord is really trying to teach me patience. Sometimes I lack it severely. When I make up my mind that things need to go a certain way or happen at a certain time then it is extremely hard for me to alter those plans that I have made up in my head.

In Jessie World, I would have already had the baby on the 17th.

In Jessie World, all the kids' school work would be ready to go for the next two weeks.

In Jessie World, when my husband calls to check on me I would have SOME kind of news to tell him.

In Jessie World my water would break while writing this blog.

BUT....seeing as this world belongs to God and not me these things are not so. You would think this being the third baby that I have birthed that I would not be this up tight...but again, in Jessie World I would be having the baby in the summer, like the other two and not right before the holidays.

Being as this is right before Thanksgiving I am thankful that this is not Jessie World, this is God's.

I am thankful that God knows all and what is best, not me.

I am thankful for a loving husband that tolerates my tears and frustrations.

I am thankful for good friends that care.

I am thankful that God has blessed me with another baby to love and hold and raise for Him.

I am thankful that I know without a doubt that Kaiya will come in God's time and not mine.

Counting down

2008-11-17T15:53:00.004-05:00

So we made a false alarm trip to the hospital on Wed. We spent about 4 hours there. I knew that I wasn't going to have the baby after about 30 min but my midwife insisted that I walk around for about an 1 1/2 -2 hours. Oh well. At lease she was trying to save me a trip back. Anyway, went to the dr. on Fri and no change. She hasn't even really dropped. I'm trying not to get too discouraged and am trying to keep busy. I would rather the baby come in God's time and not my own.

Today was my unofficial D-Day. I was hoping to have the baby today because both Taylor and Zoie were born on the 17th. One in Jan and the other in June so I thought that would be really sweet. But like I said, my timing is not the one that matters. She will be here when she is ready and not a minute sooner.

Meanwhile, I really can't complain. I have everything that I need and all is ready. I am feeling pretty good during the day so I can get my everyday things done. It helps to keep my mind distracted : ) My husband's schedule is fairly flexible so I am thankful for that. I'll keep everyone posted on any changes!

overdue updates

2008-11-06T12:27:00.002-05:00

So the kids had a great time at Halloween. We went to our neighbor's church who does an awesome Harvest Party. About 2,000 people were there. They had every kind of game possible. It is a great outreach to the community around them. I'll post some pics later. Taylor was a dalmatian, Steven was a knight, Sam was Batman (even though I had to compromise and let him take his sister's pink gun with him in his bag...it complete the outfit don't ya know ) and Zoie was a Dallas cowboy cheerleader. I was a watermelon smuggler ; )

On Sunday my church threw me a surprise baby shower. It was soooo sweet of them. They all brought food and I thought...Oh my! We were supposed to eat today?! That's not till next week. Well, they played that off good and just let me think that I was crazy. The kids decorated during children's church and we had pizza for lunch and some yummy chocolate cake with whipped icing. They all know my weaknesses!!

I'm trying to stay on top of school and today Taylor read her first book called Dad and Sam. It is one of those Hooked on Phonics books. She actually did very well. I can't believe that they are all getting so big...or that I am about to have another one!

As for the elections. Well, I am so thankful that God is still God. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is still on the throne. My duties as a Christian are still the same and have not changed and will not change no matter who sits in the White House. Pray for our country, the people and the leadership that will lead them.

Revealing Life

2008-10-30T07:27:00.007-04:00

We went to the Crisis Pregnancy Of Tidewater Benefit Banquet on Tuesday night. I think this is our fourth year going. We are always so blessed when we leave, and we are also reminded of the grim fact that so many unborn children's lives are ended.

The keynote speaker was Frank Turek. We enjoyed him immensely. I am interested in reading some of his books that he has published.

He did a power point presentation and during that presentation he posted a picture of a 21 week old unborn child named Samuel Armas. He has spina bifida and would not have survived outside his mother's womb. He was successfully operated on in the womb and was born a healthy baby. It was very moving.

Life begins at conception.

If life is not sacred, what else do we have? What will the future hold for this country and this world? Without life there is nothing. It is a very dangerous slippery slope when we as humans decide when life begins and when it is just a blob of cells. God has already made that decision for us.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to all the nations. Jeremiah 1:5

For you created my inner most being;
You knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:14

President Bush recently chose to recognize volunteers of Crisis Pregnancy Centers around the country with a special award. Janet Keim who is the co-founder of the CPC of Tidewater was chosen to receive such an award. She spoke that evening and after the banquet Jeremy and I stayed to help clean. I was approached by one of the staff that works at the conference center where we were. She asked me if Mrs. Keim had been doing this for a while and I told her she had. She then went on to tell me how Mrs. Keim helped her to make the decision to keep her baby 22 years ago. i encouraged her to go talk to her and share her story and what a blessing that would be to her. What a legacy Mrs. Keim is leaving, helping women who are faced with crisis pregnancies.

We need more CPC centers out there to give the encouragement, education and most of all the hope and love that is found through Jesus Christ. God's grace is so bountiful, it covers ALL sin, ALL our mistakes, ALL our wrong-doings and He is there to give us His shower is with His love.

Please pray for the CPC of Tidewater and all the CPCs of this country who strive to help women and show them the love, forgiveness and grace of God. Pray for our country, as elections are Tuesday, that life would remain sacred as it was created to be.

Still dark....

2008-10-28T05:09:00.004-04:00

So it is officially after 5am. I have been up since 4am. Resolved to the fact that I was not going back to sleep since about 4:45 am. Thinking to myself this could be a blessing and a curse all at the same time.

Reason 1. This prepares me for the interrupted sleep I am about to start experiencing again (it is possible that you can forget how that is)

Reason 2. I really would like to get some sleep while it is still humanly possible.

BUT....

Doesn't look like that is in the picture right now. Sooooo....I'm just going to post on my blog. You will forgive me if it does seem a little incoherent. The mornings that I actually don't wake up at 5am, my children have been up for one reason or another. Either Taylor was sick or couldn't sleep...poor Zoie (they share a room)

Or Steven stayed up too late watching the Incredible Hulk movie and slept walked into the girls' room (Zoie has had it rough the past few nights, too).

Or Sam was sick

Or Steven, again in his sleep, fussed at Jeremy and wanted to know if he could play Donkey Kong (for some reason he just knew that game system was under his covers, at the foot of his bed and he wanted to play)

As I finish my coffee (like it helps, it's decaf) I am pondering how I am going to survive the night seeing as we have a benefit banquet to go to tonight and plans to go out with a good friend of ours afterwards. The kids are going to be spending the night at my mom's so we will not have to rush home to relieve a sitter (thanks Aunt Erin!) Pray for me, that either

A. I get a nap sometime today....I can hear the laughter now. OR
B. Somehow God will give me the energy that I need to enjoy myself and not crash at the table in the middle of eating my food..how embarrassing that would be!

Hope that everyone has a refreshing Tuesday!

Out on the town..

2008-10-25T10:44:00.004-04:00

Zoie's shoes

Taylor's shoes (they actually do have a little pink in them, you just can't tell in the pic)

So last night Jeremy stayed home and didn't go hunting (I'm trying to be patient this hunting season) and we went into town to Applebee's (Thanks for the b-day present!!) and went shoe shopping.

It was such a nice night out. I don't know whether it was I just hadn't been out in a while since hunting season started or it was just one of those days (and, boy, was it) and the outing was such a refresher.

The kids were so well behaved at the restaurant. They usually are. Steven was happy because they had football on the TV (he is just like Jeremy's daddy!) and we just cut up and enjoyed ourselves.

So after that we went onto the shoe store. Zoie is now in a bigger shoe size than I am. Do you know how absolutely depressing that is! The fact that she is now longer that little girl?! But she is growing up to be such a beautiful young lady and I am so thankful for God's goodness in her life. She was excited because her dad said that she could get her first pair of heel shoes. They actually ended up being more like wedge shoes but she loves them because they are not flats and she feels very grown up. Jeremy actually helped her pick them out. He has good taste!

Taylor picked out a pair of Chucks...you should be proud Trev! They just scream her name. When Daddy said that he like them, it was over with. Nevermind that Mommy said she liked them, they had to meet Dad's approval. ~ Anyway...The girls were happy and I was happy because it was buy one get one half off the whole store, plus I get a 10% discount for being a AAA member. I loooove Payless! Jeremy even found a pair out of the whole deal.

Well, hope that everyone's Saturday is great and Sunday is even better!

Love Sunday AM Service!

2008-10-19T16:58:00.002-04:00

What a wonderful Sunday morning service!

Music was great, sermon was powerful, fellowship was uplifting after am service and the afternoon service was very eye opening.

What a difference it can make when you don't look for what God can do for you when you go to church (yes, as a pastor's wife I still struggle with that sometimes) but you come wanting to give God your all.

When the music fades
All is stripped way
And I simply come
Wanting just to give
Something that's of worth
That will bless your heart

I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Than the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And its all about You
It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry God for the thing I've made it
When its all about you
It's all about You, Jesus

This was written by a man whose church banned music for a period of about 6 weeks In England (I'm pretty sure that I have that right). The pastor wanted to make a point. Sometimes we feel that worshipping God is all about the music or the guitar or the hymns. Its not about any of that. Worship comes from your heart the rest is just a by-product.Whether you have music or not you can still worship the Lord with all that you have and all that you are.

34 weeks down 6 more to go..

2008-10-18T14:52:00.003-04:00

So I went to see my midwife yesterday and everything went great. Only gained two pounds...yeah! I measured good and her heartbeat was great. Blood pressure good, all that stuff went well.

Now all I need is the baby!! Well, I have the baby, I just can't hold her yet. I am so excited that it seems like it is taking an eternity. I know that I am driving my husband absolutely crazy with my nesting that I've been doing. I don't think I have kept up with the laundry this good since right before I had Sam. I get on him all the time if he even lets one piece of dirty clothes hit the floor.

I got my crib set in the mail today (loooove Ebay!) and it was even cuter than the pics online. Incidentally, it is Winnie the Pooh. I had Winnie the Pooh with the first two and gave all that stuff away. Well, when the Lord blesses you with things that people give you, you are just thankful. So I ended up with a lot of stuff that matches (thanks TH!). The stroller and car seat combo, highchair all match and are cute (Pooh also). A friend of mine gave those to me. Anyway....I basically say all that to say this. The Lord does and will provide for you. Even in the little things. I have been given or already had (and didn't realize it) 95% of the baby things that I need. To be quite honest with you, I probably don't really "need" the other 5%. God is soo good!

Pray for us as we wait on the arrival of little Kaiya. It will be an adjustment. Especially in the middle of the school year (my other two where born in the summer) so that will be a trial. But I will have PLENTY of help. And with 4 older siblings I am sure that Kaiya will be spoiled rotten. Children are such a blessing from God, you can't even put it into words. I wouldn't trade it for all the world. Those of you who are parents or grandparents or aunts or uncles or work with kids in some way, know that I mean!

Hope everyone enjoys this cold, rainy day. I know I am. Great day to curl up with a book and cup of coffee (decaf of course! )

And we're off

2008-10-06T20:26:00.002-04:00

So we had to make a run to the ER today with Sam. He went head first into his nightstand and put a nice size gash right above his eye. His regular pediatrician doesn't do stitches (why I don't know) so off we went.

I don't know who was more traumatized, him or me. They gave him three shots right above his eye and that was way hard to watch. Three stitches was all he needed. He did good though, and the Lord took care of everything. My neighbor was home so the kids could go to her house while I was gone. We only spent 1 1/2 hours there, which in my opinion is not bad for the ER. After the stitches were done he was fine and ready to go to Wendy's for a chocolate frosty. Good thing God made kids so resilient.

Anyway, he has had a very interesting day to say the least. Now if I can just get him to leave the stitches alone till Friday we'll be in there!

Baby update...32 weeks

2008-10-03T17:24:00.004-04:00

So I've been pretty sorry about putting baby updates but here is one (now that I'm at the end..sorry) 32 week check up and all is well. Not too much weight gain, which is good. I always had trouble in the last couple weeks but so far so good. Jeremy was able to go with me so I was thankful for that.

Funny thing happened though. He went out in the hall to make a phone call and when he came back to the room, he was right ahead of my midwife when he knocked on the door. He did that just to make sure that I was decent but she thought he just didn't know what room I was in and quickly said "Are you sure that is your woman in there?!". He said, "Yes, she is right where I left her". Anyway, they both laughed and she went on to tell us funny things that she has seen working at an OB office, which I am sure are many more than can be counted. Anyway, I really like her and I am glad I only have to deal with one person and not a whole team of doctors. I guess I'm just funny like that. She's the only one I'll see and unless she's on vacation or at a seminar she will be the one to deliver. YEAH! I had some on call dr. deliver Sam and was not too thrilled about that. Again, I'm just funny like that I guess. I am thankful that someone was there to deliver but I guess that is just one of my quirks.

At long last

2008-10-03T07:51:00.003-04:00

The kittens have finally found a home. Well, sort of. A couple from our church has a neighbor that adopts out animals and took the kittens to find a good home for them. She even took them to the vet and everything. Thank goodness!! Some of the kids were not as excited as I was but that is understandable.

The dogs are happy too. Our lab mix didn't know what to do with them. She was a basket case. Definitely not a cat kind of dog. She barely took to the last (and final) dog that Jeremy brought home. I am just glad that so far we are dwindling in animals and not increasing. I guess that is why my husband wanted to move all the way out here. You should have seen our yard BEFORE we moved in...bare as a bone. Well, Jeremy took care of that real quick. Two sheds, a pool, an electric fence, pony pen and one horse stall later...you get the picture. He keeps things interested that's for sure. I'm totally thankful for that : )

Showers of blessings..

2008-09-27T18:10:00.003-04:00

We had our district WAC ladies meeting today. This was Zoie's first time going (besides when our church hosted) and it was such a blessing to bring her with me! She had such a good time and we both even won a door prize! She is growing into such a beautiful young lady inside and out with a real love for the Lord.

What an awesome blessing it is to see her grow and blossom into the person that God has made her to be! The ladies at the meeting were really sweet and really included her in the meeting, making her feel a part of everything. I was so thankful for that!

It was such a blessing to see ladies that I haven't seen in so long and to catch up on everyone. God is so good and to hear all the praise items that everyone had was so uplifting. We took the first part of the meeting just to give testimonies and praises to our Father. What a wonderful way to start off the meeting!

I hope and pray that every lady has sisters in Christ that she can bear burdens with and fellowship with. You don't realize how much it is needed sometimes. I know that I am so thankful for the special sisters in Christ that God has placed in my life. They have been more of a blessing than I can express. The wonderful thing is we will all be together one day to celebrate God's goodness for eternity. That is the hope that we can hold fast to. When this world fails us, we know that we don't hold our hope in this world but in the next.

Well, hope everyone has a blessed Sunday tomorrow!

Yes...I actually said that!

2008-09-25T20:29:00.003-04:00

Ever have one of those car rides where the kids are just aggravating each other to no end, just to do it? Well, today we had one of those car rides. I was on my way to the dentist which is about an hour from our house. I absolutely love him so when we moved I figured hey, twice a year...I can do that. Here we were, all of us to the dentist. Taylor and Sam are really bad about aggravating each other and I had had enough....then I said it. The words just came out almost like instinct, "CLOSE YOUR EYES AND LOOK OUT YOUR WINDOW!"

Now does this sound like something a sane person would say? Of course not...because I was not sane at the time!! My older ones did not really catch it and Taylor just looked at me like," You want me to do what??".

Needless to say the visit went very well. Everyone was well behaved and no cavities! YEAH!

I love my children very much and enjoy the time that I have with them. I know that before long they will be grown and living their own lives. But I tell ya..they have a built in mechanism that enables them to know just how to drive me insane sometimes! But I am thankful to say that even on the worst days I would not trade it for anything in the entire world! I thank the good Lord for allowing me to be able to stay home and have those "crazy" days! Even those days can turn out to be the best ones.

Homeschooling Days

2008-09-22T12:07:00.004-04:00

This is for you guys, Jen. Taylor wanted to make sure that you saw it. Uncle Mike is driving and you are seated behind him. Sam has one for Trevor that he is not done with yet.

We are working on reading and word families and Taylor is coming along rather well. I am a little intimidated with the whole reading thing. I've been through it before so I don't quite understand why I am nervous. I guess cause each one is different. But that is one of the reasons that I homeschool...to meet their individual needs. I am thankful that the Lord given us the means to be able to homeschool. I wouldn't have it any other way...even on the worst days!

I have proof!

2008-09-16T20:03:00.003-04:00

Well, those of you that know my hubby know that the only animal that he really can't stand at all is a cat. Sure they are fine for other people and but not for him! He even just recently told his dad that a cat was one thing that he would NEVER have in his house. Well.....here we are on our way home from church and we stop by Burger King. His bank is right beside BK so he went next door to deposit a check while we were in line. What do you think he came back with?? TWO kittens!! Someone had dumped them in the bushes at the bank parking lot. It was about 96 degrees and my husband just couldn't leave them there.

Needless to say, I have called animal control twice and they are still here! My window of opportunity is closing to get rid of these kittens before they become part of our family. Pray that they come to get them tomorrow! They are cute as a button but NO MORE ANIMALS!! I have reached my limit! Maybe tomorrow we will have some luck!

Feeding time!

Is that a smile that I see...I'm in trouble!

Having a heart to heart!

Zoie and Taylor enjoying the kittens while they can!

Steven really does like the little things!

So thankful...

2008-09-06T13:53:00.005-04:00

Grandparents day is tomorrow and I was just thinking of how thankful that I am for the grandparents that my children have! We have Jeremy's parents with us this weekend. Steven was with them this week and they made an early trip home due to Hanna. They decided to stay until it blew over (thank goodness...Steven was worried to death about them :) I am thankful that they have the love and guidance from grandparents that love them so much!

My parents live about an hour away so we get to see them often and they just love their grandkids to pieces! I didn't get the privilege of growing up around any of mine so this means a lot to me. It is so important for them to have such great relationships with both their grandparents.

All the kids at Jeremy's mom and dad's in May

This is for you Granny and Grandaddy! Thanks for the face paint. (My mother never would have bought that for me growing up...that's why the grandkids get it :)

I am also thankful for those who have just taken my kids under their wings and loved them like their own grandkids :) Some dear friends come to mind this very day. We have known them for about 8 years and love them very much. I know that today weighs heavy on their hearts as it is the year anniversary of their son's death. We love them very much and we miss their son terribly as well. He and Jeremy were good friends. We are so thankful to them and their family (we are good friends with their older son and his wife as well :) God has so blessed us with wonderful people in our lives and the lives of our children!

Our kids' "adopted" grandparents

Labor Day Pictures

2008-09-03T08:40:00.002-04:00

So here are the pics from Labor Day. They had so much fun!

She is sooo ready. Too bad the glasses broke in half before we made it out of the driveway!

Zoie just swallowed a mouthful of water!

Steven and Zoie catching some waves!

Taylor and Dad digging up clams. They are now in our saltwater tank.

Sam said he likes the beach. He just said he doesn't like the water!

Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-02T12:47:00.003-04:00

....so we had a really great weekend. Saturday we went to VA Beach to do Jeremy's favorite thing, go pet store shopping. I think that we went to about 4 different ones. Here is the funniest thing (those of you that know him will think so too...Jen, you know what I mean :) He didn't come home with a single thing!!! Zoie almost did.. she lost her bunny about a month ago and wants to get another one. He dad talked her into waiting to get the bunny from a guy that he knows. She has lost two in the last year. I'm surprised that she even wants another one.

Here is her late bunny, Grace.

Well, we also went to VA Beach yesterday to oceanfront. I don't think we have ever taken the kids there to swim...hum..I wonder why. Anyway, Jeremy did a job out there not too long ago and found another beach access that was not part of the strip and liked that one so that was where we went. The kids had a blast. I love the beach (depending on which one and what time of year) and Jeremy and I really had fun. He hates the sand but he really did have fun. The kids brought their boogie boards and went to town. The waves where really big.. I was surprised. Anyway, hope to have some pics to post later today when Jeremy get home with the camera. Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday!

FINALLY!!

2008-08-26T21:05:00.006-04:00

Well, here are some pictures to follow up from this post. I FINALLY figured out the new camera. Took me long enough!

It was hot and bright when she sold her freshly squeezed lemonade

She did have some recruits help her though!

Sam did a good job holding up that sign!

All in all she did really well. I was so proud that Zoie took an initiative to help a Christian based organization like the Crisis Pregnancy Center.

Here are some more pics!

2008-08-26T08:57:00.009-04:00

In response to my SIL over at noodlenest, here are some more pics that I thought of from about the same time when they were out here last year...

Zoie and her aunt Jennifer...what beautiful smiles!! Especially for early in the morning!

You can tell that these girls are NOT morning people..

Shelby did my hair, jewelry and make-up...she is soo talented!

...and Trev thought that he was on vacation...HA! His uncle Jeremy thought otherwise!

Out with the green, in with the blue...

2008-08-22T08:16:00.003-04:00

No more green pool!! Yeah!! We have had 0 problems with the pool the whole time it's been up. Well, I got lazy when all the kids were gone and didn't fool with it for about 6 days...big mistake! It turned a little green and by the time I tried to stop it it was too late! What a pain!!!

Jeremy pick up this super duper pool pump from some frineds of ours who took their pool down. Well, that tool care of the problem. Zoie will be very happy when she gets back. Steven will be estatic as well. Right now Zoie is at Jeremy's mom and dad's. This summer they wanted to take the kids for about a week by themselves (with the exception of the little ones who went together...they are brave souls!) Well, I know Zoie is having a blast! Steven is anxiously waiting his turn. He is a little more patient than others, so it's no eating him up as bad as it was Zoie. She was so excited, I'm surprised she slept at all the last couple of days!

Well, tonight it will be me and the little ones. Steven has a camping trip with his friend's youth at their church, Zoie won't be home till tomorrow and Jeremy is going fishing. I'll have to find something to keep them occupied and not pulling each other's hair out. They can be the best of friends and the worst of enemies. i keep telling my husband that I was never like that with my sisters or brother. He just laughs and says, "You didn't grow up in the same house that I did. My sisters and I used to go at it!" Girls, I just don't believe that. I'm sure that he was the catalyst :)

I wonder how the baby will fall into place concerning the pecking order around here!! :) Have a great weekend everyone!!! Hopefully I'll have some pics soon if I can ever figure this new camera program out...it is not the most user freindly thing out there.

It's a girl!!

2008-08-14T15:36:00.004-04:00

Well, we went to the dr yesterday and took these beautiful pictures of our baby girl!! Jeremy hasn't been wrong yet. He said that it was a girl from day 1. Everything looks good. She's about 1 1/2 lbs and has a strong heartbeat. Everything looks good. Thank you Lord!!

So we had the name picked out for a long time, Kaiya Eden. I just can't wait to hold her. God's creations are so amazing! Especially us. He molded us with His own hands and breathed life into our bodies. It just has me in a state of awe.

Pray for us as we continue to prepare for the new arrival. I don't know if you can ever really be prepared to bring a new life into the world but this being #5 we know a little what to expect. I know that whatever awaits us God will be there to see us through.

Eight years and counting...

2008-08-13T13:54:00.005-04:00

(above) VBS 07 We celebrated our 7th anniversary that Sunday

(below) Our wedding day, Faith Free Will Baptist Church August 12,2000

Yesterday was our 8th anniversary! It's soo hard to believe that! We just got back from a week off with no kids to celebrate. We had such a great time. We really didn't do all the big things that we planned on doing. Money was a big factor. What was funny was we just enjoyed being together. Whether we went to the movies or rode to the store, it was so nice to just be with my husband.

When we got married we got a lot of double takes. We were pretty young (I was 19 and he was 20) and he had two children. I guess you wold think that it should not have lasted. But God is so awesome. Our marriage is more stronger now than ever. I love my husband more each day and I can say that I know he feels the same for me. We have 4 beautiful children with one more on the way in November and I couldn't ask god for anything more. If this was it, I could leave this world filled with joy. Sure, we argue just like any other couple but we always work through it and are the better for it.

I am so thankful for the people that made our wedding so special. It wasn't very big at all, but it was sooo beautiful. My mother made a gorgeous cake with fresh strawberries and blue berries. my wonderful SIL helped plan a lot of the details. Our wonderful church family at the time made the church so beautiful for us with a lovely reception area in the back. It was wonderful. Our pastor at the time who married us still remains one of our very dear friends (he baptized me the next week, dedicated all four children, and helped preform the ordination ceremony when Jeremy was ordained in Feb. of 05)All these people have played such an important part in our lives and in our marriage. Thanks a million times!!! My mother even let us renew our vows at her house for family who were not able to make it the year before.

I look forward to many more years with the man that God has so graciously blessed me with. I heard a quote that I really like...When my daughter asks me who my first love was, I don't want to pull out the old photo album, but point across the table and say "He's sitting right over there".

It's official...

2008-07-30T10:37:00.003-04:00

We are not going to be leaving our church. Over much prayer, the Lord has revealed a new vision and direction of the church to Jeremy. We have prayer over it greatly and God has revealed to us that since certain things have changed since he told the church he was leaving, that God still has a plan for us at that church.

We are definitely going to implement some drastic changes to our services (some will not be held at the building but at the park, beach, nursing home, etc.), visitation program, and even the name of the church will change to reflect the new direction that we are taking. The church has given us support in doing these things which was more confirmation that this is what the Lord would have us to do.

Even if we don't bust at the seams, all God calls us to do is be faithful. If we are faithful, then we are successful. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord in not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

God gives the increase. All we have to do is obey. Whatever His plans are for the church, my husband and I know that we did all the Lord would have us to do there. And with that we can have peace in our hearts.

Success!!!

2008-07-21T07:25:00.003-04:00

Zoie's lemonade stand to benefit the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Tidewater was a success! She sold about 15 glasses of lemonade. Sunkist has a program called Take a Stand. They send free lemonade stand kits to kids around the country if the kids promise to send the proceeds to a charity of their choice.

Zoie already wanted to put up a lemonade stand and this was a great opportunity! We had a lot of fun. We went out early Sat. morning before it got too hot. Thankfully a good friend at church loaned me her electric juicer so I wouldn't have to squeeze twenty lemons completely by hand! In two weeks or so we are going to see if the store in town will let us sit out for an hour or so.

As soon as I can figure out how to work this new camera program I'll have some pics for you guys!have a great Monday all!

Dirty nails

2008-07-18T09:11:00.002-04:00

I think that we may have had success in breaking Sam from sucking his thumb. I put some of that Stop the Bite nail polish stuff on his thumb and we are in day three of no sucking. He likes it because he gets his nails painted like his sissy. When he first stuck his thumb in his mouth he said that his thumb was dirty!

Now the potty training thing, not so much. He has been the most difficult one yet. We have half of it down, no problem. The other half has been quite a problem. I just keep telling myself he will go in his own time. I just keep taking him to the bathroom when he makes funny faces and that's all that I can do really. I have tried everything and I mean EVERYTHING else.

Just goes to show you how different children can be. I just hope he gets the hang of it before the baby comes. That would be really, really nice!

Lean not unto thy own understanding...

2008-07-15T13:42:00.003-04:00

Love the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5,6

I have to say that is one of my favorite, if not my favorite scripture verses. It is so appropriate for times like these. A member of my husband's family lost their daughter today. She was only a few weeks old. She was born about 8 weeks early and today the Lord called her home. Her parents are very young, younger than Jeremy and I. I am thankful that they both know the Lord and pray that he would give them the strength and comfort that they need in this time of grief.

The question that so many ask is Why? Why would God choose to take a life home that has barely begun. I do know that some things are not ours for us to know, but that His word can give us the peace, comfort and assurance that we need. We will not understand why things on this earth happen the way that they do but we do know what God says in His word and we know that we can trust Him. We can know and find assurance in the fact that He too knows loss, pain, suffering, and all the other emotions that He had created us with.

I am thankful that we have the chance to serve a God that knows us, loves us, died for us and will never, ever leave us. That, my friends, is the boat that will carry us through the storm.

I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. John 14:18

It's a bust

2008-07-11T15:01:00.003-04:00

The first van, that is. We went to some auction place in Chesapeake to look at a van and it had oil all over the alternator. Jeremy said no thanks! He's not into the mechanics specials right now.

I'm going to be patient. The next couple weeks Jeremy will get paid from a job and our budget for a car will be a little better. Maybe the next one will be "the one".

Good bye twenties, hello mini van

2008-07-10T12:44:00.002-04:00

So we are now in the market for a mini van. the Suburban (which I absolutely loved) is too expensive to drive and we do a lot of it. So now after much discussion on every possible vehicle we could get, we decided that the best way to be good stewards of our money and resources is to buy a mini van and keep the Suburban for the extra seats, horsepower or whatever else we can use it for.

We owned a mini van once for a short while after Taylor was born and it turned out to be a nightmare. We sunk a ton of money into it and the thing still never started again. I guess my husband has rubbed off on me because I much prefer to drive a big jacked up Chevrolet truck (Suburban).

Well, I am going to be thankful with what ever the Lord decides to bless us with. I need to be content in all things and what kind of vehicle I drive is no different. Besides, I can always put cute flower stickers on the back. I'm sure my husband would really appreciate that!! :)

The curse

2008-07-06T15:26:00.003-04:00

I was told it is the family curse that has followed my poor husband. These things can only happen to him. If you didn't really know him, you would probably think that he was lying, or fabricating a bit to day the least.

It all started out as a normal Wednesday. He was on his way home from work. I had just talked to him on the phone. All of a sudden it sounds like a cinder block crashes through the window and the back window of his truck just shatters into a million pieces. He pulls over and can't figure out how this could of occurred. He proceeds to get back into the truck and attempt to make it home.

Seconds later he smells gas horribly. He again pulls over and looks under the truck. Wrapped around his drive shaft is a tie down strap. It had flown up out of the back of the truck and into a space about three inches wide between the bed of the truck and the cab and wrapped around the drive shaft. When it did, the metal hook flew up and busted the back windshield, fell down into the same small space and put a three inch gash into his gas tank. Now he had gas gushing all over the place.

Did he call me to come get him??? NO! He just drove in home. And of course he just put $75 of gas into the truck. When we told this crazy story to his sister and BIL who came to visit the next day, they said, yes it was the curse. Something like this can only happen to him or his dad.

Now really, I don't think it is a curse, but I do believe that God has a sense of humor. Of course, we have not really had a good rain in two months and it has to pour down this weekend. my poor husband has gotten so wet. Along with our nephew and son who had to ride in the truck with him because there was no room in the Explorer. This would be the weekend that we were the busiest as far as company and cookouts go.

He attempted to put a tarp over the back and tie it down. Well, that didn't even last 10 miles. Thankfully, it will be fixed on Tuesday and we have full coverage. Thank you Lord for that. The rest we just have to laugh at!!

I'll be glad when it's up

2008-06-30T09:45:00.002-04:00

The pool that is. We've hauled sand, spread it out and drug the pool over the where it's going to sit. We're almost there!! I feel like it's taken forever and I would really lik to have it up! Half the problem is my husband was not thrilled about it in the first place so he doesn't have the motivation that I do. But his parents were getting of it and offered it to us. Pool....free.... sign me up!

He has also been working his tail off and hasn't had the chance to get a lot of it done. One of the neighborhood teens that lived down the street saw me and the kids out there hauling the sand from the pile in the front yard to the backyard where the pool would go. They were putting it in wagons and wheel barrels and bringing it to me. Then I would rake it where it needed to go. Well, I guess we looked pretty pitiful because he went home and brought me his little tow wagon that you hook to the back of your riding lawnmower and told me to keep it as long as I needed!

The bad thing is I ALWAYS tear something up when I try to mow the grass or weedeat. I go the mower stuck on a little hill and the blade wouldn't disengage so Jeremy had to fix it. Then the belt broke a few minutes later. So I decided to weed eat while he was working on finishing the shed he's building. Well, I can't start the thing myself and that piece of junk must have cut off on me fifty times!! I actually cried over that. SOOO... needless to say, my husband would rather me not do anything on his lawnmower or weedeater. And I actually like to do it, too.

Hopefully, the pool will be up and running next week. We shall see...

I've been in hiding!

2008-06-27T08:07:00.004-04:00

It's seems like eternity since I've posted. So much has happened. Or it seems like it anyway. Soccer is done. That's a good thing seeing as we get a break now.

I'm about 18 weeks and can start to feel the baby! It's so amazing. Even though this one was a big surprise, I can't help but be thankful that God has blessed us with yet another baby. His timing is not our own and I can say, Thank you Lord! to that.

Our last day at church is coming up the first week in August. It is already getting harder and harder. Please pray that God will send a man who will help that church to thrive. They are really good people there and we know that whatever happens, we prayed the Lord's will. Please pray that the Lord will continue to give Jeremy clear direction on the next steps He desires for him to take. It is a scary thing, leaving your comfort zone and going to the unknown. That's funny, because I felt the same way when we left our home church and went into the ministry in VA Beach. That seems like a million years ago!

We got a new camera and I can't seem to pull the pictures taht I dwonloaded, so hopefully real soon I'll have some pics for you all. Wait, I think I have some from the old camera I haven't posted...yep!
Taylor and Coach Chris of the Rowdies

Zoie is so waiting for some action. She she did an awesome job as goalie!

I'm not sure what Steven is doing. I think he's waiting on the ref to make the call.
He scored 13 goals during the tournament weekend!
We won second place! We came back from the rock bottom of the league! Go Sabertooths!!!

Proud Assis. Coach Dad, Steven and Zoie at our celebration dinner at Applebee's

So much...

2008-05-13T13:31:00.002-04:00

has been going on lately, I've found it very hard to sit and write another post. With Jeremy's BIL in the hospital and the trips to Nashville, it's been really hectic. I am so glad that he was able to go out there and be a support to his sister and BIL. We even got the pleasure of having the girls stay with us for a few days. That was so awesome to get to spend some time with them.

So many changes have occurred over the last 6 weeks. Right after Easter,we found out that we are going to have a baby in Nov. Big shock! But you know, I am excited and trust that God knows what is best for our family. My plans are not His, and how many times have I been so thankful of that?

A few weeks later I received a phone call from my MIL that my BIL had been in a car accident and no one knew of his condition yet. Talk about scary. I prayed and prayed. God is so good. He is alive, at home and was just able to graduate!

Not long after that my husband announced to our church that as of August 1 he would be resigning. That was so difficult, I can't even put it into words. Our church has been so good to us. We love them so much. The ladies there have taught me so many things about God and myself. I can definitely say that I am not the same woman who came to that church nearly 5 years ago. I have made wonderful friendships that will not be forgotten. The best part is that they are eternal. I have had the opportunity to be a part of many people's lives and minister in many ways. I used to feel so inadequate because of lack of experience or my age. It is an honor and blessing to me that God chose to use me in so many ways. I am truly thankful for all that He has allowed me to be a part of.

Life never stays the same (as much as I want it to at times ) but all that I have to remember so to trust in the One who will lead the way and bring me through all that I encounter. No matter what it is, God will see us through.. through the pain, the tears, the joy and the changes of life He is the same today, yesterday and forever. For that I am truly thankful!

Stop and think...

2008-04-26T16:44:00.001-04:00

How many times do we get so wrapped up in our own life, needs, and concerns that we just pass others by without a thought?

Update

2008-04-15T07:25:00.002-04:00

Praise the Lord! Jeremy's BIL came through surgery wonderfully. They were only able to operate on the left leg and knee but the Dr. said that it went perfectly. They went in a put in a steel plate. They are hoping to do surgery on his ankle next Wed. Please pray that Jeremy's sister and BIL will be able to get some sleep. That is one thing that has been a rare commodity.

Also pray that the legal aspects of this will go smoothly and quickly. God is awesome and I have all faith that He will provide for them. They do as, well. I still have not heard on the condition of the other driver but I'm sure they are carrying a lot of guilt so pray for them as well.

Jeremy is hoping to be home sometime this week. Please continue to pray for his sister and BIL, that the Lord would encourage them and lift their spirits up. Satan would like nothing more than to drag them as far down as he can. This is an extremely trying time for them and it takes a toll emotionally, physically and mentally. Thank you for your prayers. I know that they appreciate it beyond measure!

Thank you, Lord

2008-04-12T18:15:00.002-04:00

Thank you, Lord that Jeremy got to Nashville safely. He went out there to help his sister because her husband was in a bad car accident on Wednesday. Thank you Lord, again, that his injuries were not life threatening, but absolutely life changing.

His left leg is shattered below the knee. He has a broken ankle in the right leg, a broken wrist on the right hand and torn tendons and ligaments. He was not able to be moved to the rehabilitation center yet until his surgery on Monday.

Jeremy is hoping to get a wheel chair ramp built while he is there. His BIL will be in a wheel chair for several months and unable to work for 6 months. Even though the kids miss him terribly, I have tried to explain why he is there and that their cousins miss their Daddy, too, because he is in the hospital. The older ones understand. It is Taylor that is having the hardest time with it.

They all made their uncle get well cards so I hope that brings a smile to his face! I'm sure that it will. Please keep them in your prayers. Lord willing they will still be able to do surgery on Monday and it will go without incident. God is so awesome and their faith is so strong. I know that God will guide them through this trying time and as He promises to do for those who believe and trust. They have an awesome testimony and hopefully others will see that and God will be glorified through it all!

My big kid

2008-04-05T17:20:00.006-04:00

My husband can be the biggest kid! But our kids love it. Not only does he take on the role of disciplinary but he also knows how to play with them on their level. Those are very important qualities in a father. He is a wonderful one! I am so thankful that God has guided him to be the father that he needs to be to all our kids.

Today the kids got to play in the rain and run in the puddles. They thought that was soo awesome. He even went outside with them. That is priceless, the time that a father spends with his children.

Steven, Sam and Taylor having a grand ol' time!

Jeremy, Taylor, Sam, Steven and Zoie sharing a great puddle!

Wow! What a great time!

After all the kids came in and had baths, the gun war began. We like to collect Nerf guns in this family. Here is part of our collection!

They get all into it. Jeremy and all the kids run around the house shooting each other, yelling and raising cane! It definalty becomes a war zone in this house. Sometimes the lights even go out and they play in the dark! Here are some pics of them in action!

Steven, Sam and Taylor listening to "house rules"

Taylor and Sam backing Daddy up against Steven and Zoie

Yes, sometimes my husband can be the biggest kid in the house but I have to say I do think that he is the best Daddy there is!

Easter Pictures!

2008-04-04T15:05:00.004-04:00

Sorry the pics took so long. The camera was out in Jeremy's truck!

Steven, Sam and Taylor coloring eggs

Zoie, Steven, Sam, Taylor (hiding in the yellow dress) and Aunt Sarah

Taylor and Sam finding eggs at my mom and dad's

Sarah, Me, Erin, and Shane

Two of my most handsome boys!

Taylor and Mrs. Gerry after breakfast

Waving the white flag

2008-04-03T08:26:00.002-04:00

Okay, so thus far my kids have not gotten me sick....until now. And I tell you this cold is beating my tail. Ususally it is not this bad but even since Saturday night (when I went to bed at 8:30 even before my 10 year olds) it has not gone away.

I know that I really have no room to complain but today my voice has gone, which means my children will try to take full advantage of this. I am just ready to get over this ! I have too much to do and I do not have the time to be sick.

It is funny though, how the house kind of falls apart until I am 100 percent again. I do have to say, if I ask them, the older ones are pretty good about stepping up and helping out. Jeremy is pretty good about it too sometimes. It depends on his day at work. Sometimes he is worse off then I am.

Well, I will stop my complaining and just be thankful that it is just a cold and nothing else. In the whole scope of this it is just a little annoying than anything else. Ya know? I hope that everyone has a great Thursday!

WTKR feild trip

2008-03-27T20:54:00.005-04:00

The kids went on a field trip to the local news station. They had sooo much fun. They even got to see a live broadcast of the noon news. That was awesome. Here are some pics that were taken by the tour guide.

You know the Alltel commercials w/ Chad? Well, remember the guy in the orange shirt? We met his brother today. He is the executive producer at the TV station. Cool, huh?

I'll tell you something else cool. The director of the station has 11 kids and his wife homeschools. Now that is pretty cool.Hope everyone enjoys the pics!

Go here for the cool pics

Beyond measure

2008-03-26T15:09:00.003-04:00

This video was sent to me by a friend on Easter. Unfortunately, I only went through my emails today and saw it. I will let the video speak for itself. It is definitely appropriate for any time and not just Easter. God's love for us is absolutely beyond measure.

Something we need to understand

2008-03-25T09:25:00.003-04:00

I love this video. This just speaks volumes of how Satan will use all the temptations of the world to draw you away from Christ. It was done so well. All these things are great for a season but they don't bring peace. And there is Christ waiting for us and conquering all adversaries just for us. Now that is true love.

An awesome day

2008-03-24T14:42:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was great. What a wonderful Easter. We had a wonderful church service. Jeremy even cooked breakfast for the church. It tasted very good. He is a good cook if I do say so myself.

Easter is such a awesome day. It is the entire reason that we Christians believe what we believe. Because Jesus Christ defeated death and the grave and is alive today. Hallelujah!

After church we went to my parents house and my aunt and her boyfriend were there from NY. We had a good time together.

The kids had a great time. I'll post some pictures later. Have a great Monday all!

Go team, go!

2008-03-17T14:32:00.008-04:00

So the kids had their first soccer games on Saturday. Taylor was rolling with the big dogs but she sure did hold her own. She even scored a goal! They won 11-1.

The uniform even matched her hair! The first half of the game she was really into it. After half time, forget it. She was too interested in the orange drink that she got!

Steven and Zoie are the Sabertooths. They did great! They did not win thier first game but I was so proud of the way that they played!

Steven was offense most of the time and Zoie got to play her favorite position...goalie. She did really good. She only let 3 balls get past her and kept a bunch out of the goal!

Steven got the one and only goal of the game. The other team had some awesome defense, much to Steven's dismay.

You can tell by the dirty knees that I forgot to get a picture before they played, you know, when they were clean and a lot less sweaty :)

It is really this hard?!

2008-03-16T15:45:00.003-04:00

I never thought that potty training Samuel would be so difficult. After all he is the 4th child. He will be three in July and all the other kids were potty trained right after they turned two. Taylor was basically trained by the time she was two.

It makes me want to pull my hair out. I read books, that doesn't work. He has to be in the "mood" to use the bathroom. Even the M&M thing doesn't work all the time. He could care less half the time.

Well, I didn't know that it was such a big deal to him either till today on the way to church. He was playing with a doll and we could hear him roll playing.

Sam to the doll- Go to the bathroom!
Doll to Sam- NO!
Sam to the doll- You need to go to the bathroom.
Doll to Sam- I don't want to go to the bathroom!
Sam- Yes!

You get the picture. Jeremy just busted out laughing and here I am thinking I have traumatized the boy. I mean, golly, I must be doing something wrong. Or could it be, nah...or maybe...that each child is different? I guess that must be it. I just have to keep persevering and have faith that he will not be twenty and in pull ups ( which I said that I would never buy because they were just like diapers!) See the things that I have resorted to ??!! Man, this just doesn't get any easier.

I know that sooner or later he will learn. I just hope that it is sooner and not later!

Indescribable

2008-03-13T12:26:00.003-04:00

Indescribable....that is how I think of God's love. As Easter approaches, I am reminded in so many ways of His power, grace and mercy. He suffered so much for us. He died for us, while we were yet sinners. (Romans 5:8). He was perfect, sinless but He took on our sins so that we may have a chance to have fellowship with God once more. (2 Corinthians 5:21) By His wounds we are healed! (Isaiah 53:5) That is the ultimate act of love.

So you see, it is not about going to church or living a holy life, it is about a relationship with Jesus. A true, intimate friendship. Going to church and living a holy life are just by-products of the relationship. And just to remind myself, none of us are holy apart from God. We are made holy only because He is holy and His Spirit dwells in us. We serve Him not out of duty but out of love. That is the very least we can do after what He has done for us. We can never do anything that will earn us heaven, never. It is not by my deeds that I have salvation. It is only the acceptance of His gift.

I heard a song on the way home ( imagine that) that really reminded me of the sacrifice that Jesus made for me and all people. I love to listen to Christian music. It is one of the many ways that we can worship Him, express our love, devotion and to speak to others about His love and grace.

Anyway, the song is called By His Wounds by Mac Powell. It is very appropriate for this Easter season....and any day. Here are a few of the lyrics.

He was pirece for our transgressions
He was crushed for our sins
The punishment that brought us peace
Was upon Him
And by His wounds
By His wounds, we are healed

You can go here for the rest of the song.

And so it begins...

2008-03-11T13:46:00.004-04:00

Soccer season that is. We inflated the soccer balls, filled up the water bottles, put on the chin guards, tied the cleats, loaded up the car, and headed to the soccer field. Steven and Zoie had their first practice yesterday. Taylor does not have her first practice until Friday. Now I prepared her all day, "Taylor you don't have practice today."

The response I got was, "Yes, Mommy, I know".

"Taylor, Your practice isn't until Friday".

(exasperated) "I know Mommy!"

This went on for a good part of the day so that I was certain she was prepared when we went to the field and she did not practice.

We get ready to walk out the door and I hear, "Mommy, do I have practice tonight too?"

I think to myself, you've got to be kidding me!

"No, Taylor. Remember Mommy said not until Friday. "

"WHHHHAAAAA!" Face fallen, head down, ball falling out if her hands into the floor. What can I do? The moment was very short lived when she found out I was still going to let her wear all her soccer gear. Thank goodness!

Steven and Zoie did very well. Zoie does very well defense. She is definitely not afraid of the ball. She plays goalie very well. A little too well for my liking. Yesterday, she was goalie and two girls were tussling for the ball right at the goalie box. Zoie just dove right in at their feet and the girls fell right on top of her. She gets up quickly as if to say, There I took care of that problem..now I have the ball. I just cringed and held my breath!

Steven is awesome at offense. He has some great footwork. He is good as getting the ball where is needs to go. He and another boy on the team have already got a little system between the two of them.

They both play very well with their team and are already doing a great job! I can't wait to see my little Taylor practice on Friday!

Jen, I hope that it is as much fun for Abby and Shelby!

Blown away

2008-03-08T20:11:00.003-05:00

It is soo windy today! It was really nasty the first part of the day and then the wind just got stronger and stronger!

I am definitely ready for spring. I have even lit my Honeysuckle Yankee Candle to get me in the mood (and to cover up the wet dog smell because it rained today and their pen flooded!)

With spring coming that usually means soccer for our family. Steven and Zoie will be on the same team for the first time this season. Taylor also gets to play and she is so excited. She even felt that she had to practice kicking the ball in the house because our front yard was a mud hole. Zoie was so excited because her mom took her to get new cleats today. She wanted to go right out in that mud and kick the ball around. Her daddy said other wise. He at least wanted the cleats to make it to practice looking half way decent.

Well, first game is this Saturday. Yee-ha! Let's just pray that they get no broke bones or major injuries. So far God has kept us from having to experience anything like that. Maybe we will make it through this season with no major mishaps, too!

Have a great Sunday everyone!

Suprise!

2008-03-07T17:22:00.006-05:00

We went to Williamsburg on Tuesday for Homeschool Days. It was pretty awesome. They had a lot of different things for homeschoolers. The kids also got to surprise my mom who also works there. That was pretty funny!

Jeremy got to go with us so the kids thought that was very cool. It was a very nice day. We even got to take the Surry ferry over the river. Sam thought that was the best.

Steven and Zoie are in 18th century "time-out"

Granny showed them what it was like to work a garden with 18th century tools.

Really, this was Steven's favorite...the 18th century potty!

This was my favorite! Eighteenth century dancing! This was a lot of fun. All the kids got into it..including Jeremy and I!

Sam needed a ride to the car after having such a long day!

We don't work well together....

2008-03-03T12:11:00.003-05:00

On some things, that is. My husband was making a cabinet yesterday to install in a woman's house today. He had the table saw out and that thing scared me to death anyway. Well, Jeremy asked me to help him. The whole time that the saw was on I am having these awful thoughts about all kinds of horrible accidents. I helped him pull a few boards through, no problem until....

The one of the last boards I was pulling through, I lifted it up just a hair and the saw was still on. It caught that board and sent it flying right for Jeremy's face. He put his arm up and BAM! Well, talk about feeling so awful! As soon as he took his hand away, his wrist swelled up like a golf ball.

All he could say was, "I love you. Please don't pick up the board like that." Oh yeah, and "We don't work very well together like this". Needless to say, he is cutting off a little early today because his arm is still real sore. Thank the Lord he has tomorrow off. Hopefully, it will be a little better then.

This morning he asked me to make his coffee. We were standing around talking while I made his coffee. I put the creamer in the coffee and then the sugar...and the sugar just kept coming, until it almost overflowed the coffee! Geesh! I am not being a very good helpmate! Good thing we still love each other in spite of our faults and failures. And boy, do we have some! That is one of the greatest things about being married. You can look past the mistakes and the faults and truly love that person anyway. After all, isn't that what God does for us?

I love these days....

2008-02-28T21:16:00.005-05:00

This is what makes it all worth it! I love days where we can just hang out and spend time together. Our neighbor gave us a pool table/hockey/ping pong table. It is kid sized so of course the kids love it. Jeremy and I like it too because we play it with them too. Taylor and Sam especially love the hockey! He loves to cheer on his sister saying, "Go, Tay-Bug!". That is his only name for her. I think I can count on one hand how many times he has called her Taylor.

Yesterday, after lunch we made some desert kits that my same neighbor has given me (she is so awesome!) ZOie loves to help out in the kitchen and make things herself. SHe takes a lot of pride at the work she does.

Here she is mixing the gelitin together for some cool fish deserts. Doesn't sound real appetizing but the end result is pretty cool!

Ta-Da! Here is the finished product. Little gummy fish swimming in aqua gelatin with blue crystals on top. Okay, so this really is not a desert appetizing to adults. I know because Sam did not like his and I ate it so it would not go to easter and man, was that thing sweet. Definatly, not for me. But the kids loved it!

They had fun making this. It was really simple, too. It was made by Easy Bake. No cooking required. (That was my favorite part!) You can tell Steven was not interested in making this. He just wanted the end result. He was so totally fine with Zoie offering to make his fish cup! He ate it up though which is more than I can say for Sam. What can I say, the kid doesn't like jello or jam. Who would have known?

Mountain of God

2008-02-27T11:04:00.006-05:00

I love that song! It is one of my favorite songs by Third Day. Every time that I hear it I cry. Jeremy played that song on his guitar at our friend's memorial in September. It is such a great song. It always speaks right to my heart.

Even though the journey's long
And I know the road is hard
Well, the One who's gone before me
He will help me carry on
After all that I've been through
Now I realize the truth
That I must go through the valley
To stand upon the mountain of God

You can go here for the rest of the song. God promises that He will never leave us nor forsake
us (Hebrews 13:5). He also said that the servant is not greater than the master (Matthew10:24).
We are not above Jesus and the things that He went through for our sake. He never promised that there would be no valleys but He did say that He would be with us. With Him before us who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) Thank you Lord!

How old???

2008-02-25T14:12:00.000-05:00

I just can't believe that Zoie and Steven are now 10. Zoie turned 10 in January and Steven just had a birthday this month. Just to think that they were only 2 when we got married and I was around them before Jeremy and I were even married.

They were the best wedding gifts that I could have received! They are both so very close. Of course, they act like brother and sister and aggravate each other but they have a very special bond. It is amazing to witness. I pray that they never lose that special bond between them.

I am so very blessed to have them in my life. Homeschooling them is the greatest! Don't get me wrong, it can definitely be challenging but man, the blessings far outweigh the struggles. They can learn at a rate that is best for them. They also realize that they do not have to be the best at everything. They learn to appreciate their own strengths and weaknesses.

I absolutely love being their step-mother and can 110% say that my love for them is no different than my love for the children that have come from my womb. God's blessings come in all forms. He can take any situation and turn it around for His honor and glory. And for that I am so very thankful!

Zoie enjoying her "make your own face" pancake at her birthday brunch

Zoie enjoying her "birthday song" and ice cream. She even got to blow out the candle!

Steven enjoying opening up some presents. He got a Star Wars PS2 game and a great PC game called Age of Kings!

Here is the cake that he picked out, Darth Vader! It was mighty tasty. Not as good as my mom's though!

We live there...

2008-02-20T15:35:00.000-05:00

It seems lately that we have been living at the vet. We went to drop Daisy off yesterday to start her heart worm treatment. I took Kate today to get her heart worm test (negative, thank the Lord) and tomorrow we pick up Daisy, hopefully if she is doing well. That does not include the equine vet that came out to the house on Valentines Day to check out the pony, Mistletoe. It seems that she needs a booster and her teeth floated ( how funny does that sound) so the vet will be back next week sometime.

I feel like I am taking my animals to the doctor more than my children. Speaking of which , they have been sick themselves. We have had this cold going around that leaves runny and stuffy noses and a nasty cough that sounds like my children have smoked for twenty years. I am the only one who has not gotten sick, thanks be to God. I told the kids that I don't have time to get sick. All you mothers know of which I speak!

Now that my animals are healthy (most of them anyway) and my children and husband are on the path to recovery, life should be getting back to normal. I hope everyone else stays healthy.
(above) Here is Kate when we brought her home in April

(below) Steven with his dad's snake Cheyanne

Our lab mix Sandy this past summer

The battle is won!

2008-02-16T18:28:00.000-05:00

I have won the battle of dryer. There was about 1/2" of lint trapped in the vent outside. I cleaned it out and, man, it works better than it did when we moved in! Hopefully our power bill will drop. It is the highest that it has been since we moved in the house in May.

I hope that everyone has had a good Saturday! Have a great Sunday!

He makes all things good

2008-02-15T19:30:00.000-05:00

I was on my way home from Wal-mart today. listening to the radio and the host was interviewing a woman on the radio. She was telling a story of a little girl (from the sound of it, toddler or younger) who was in need of a heart. She had been in the hospital since December. The local middle school and the community helped raise over $15,000 for the surgery. Well, they found out last night that her heart was on the way. What a Valentine's Day present! Well, the woman requested prayer for the little girl because her surgery was today and she also requested prayer for the family who lost the baby who's heart it was. I busted out in tears! One life was lost so that another may have theirs. It is a wonderful picture of what Christ did for us. He gave up His own life so that we may have life, and life more abundant.

After the interview a song came on that really spoke to my heart. It is by Caedmon's Call and the song is called There is a Reason. Here are just a few lyrics of the song.

He makes all things good
He makes all things good
There's a time to live and a time to die
A time for wonder and to wonder why
Cause there is a reason
There is a reason

You can go here for the rest of the song. It really spoke to my heart. We lost a very good friend of ours in September. He was only 32 years old. It was sudden and a real shock to everyone. We talk to his mom and family and it still seems so fresh sometimes but through his death God has definitely moved. He always has a reason, whether we understand or not. Sometimes it is not for us to know now, but one day we will. We just have to trust in Him and believe His promises. He does make all things good!

Are you serious?!

2008-02-12T18:30:00.000-05:00

I took two of my dogs to the vet for a check up today, Daisy and Sandy. They were so pitiful. I had to literally drag them into the office and Sandy had never even been before! Anyway, they got all there shots and tests. While I was waiting for all the results I was reading a poster about heart worms and some of the symptoms that dogs display if they have them. I thought to my self, whew, none of my dogs have those symptoms. Well, the vet came back in and told me that Sandy tested negative for heart worms and she gave me preventative for her but then she said Daisy tested positive. What?! Are you serious?!

It was all over for me then. I almost burst into tears right then and there. The vet told me that it looks like she has not had them for very long and that they could treat her. I'm thinking on my word, thousands of dollars. Not even close, thank goodness. Needless to say my little puppy Daisy will be back at the vet for two days to receive a shot and start her treatment. When she comes home ( and this is the crucial part the vet said) she will have to be confined for 6 weeks, no running, no going outside except to use the bathroom on a leash, no anything. Now how I am going to keep my 6 month old puppy from running around I do not know but it has to be done. If not she could get a blood clot.

The funny thing is that when my husband brought her home I had a fit! He found her about 5weeks old, starving and abandoned out in the woods. First, one thing that you have to understand about Jeremy is that he is an big animal lover. We have the animals to prove it....3 dogs, 3 snakes, an assortment of fish (one 125 gallon fish tank in the living room...man was that a pain to move to the new house!), 2 bunnies, a goat and a pony. Well, he came home with this mangy, skinny, chewed up puppy and I was having nothing to do with it! Needless to say, three days later I was on my way to take her to the vet. The next day we named her. Now she can't stand Jeremy and loves me to death. Actually, Daisy and Jeremy are getting along better these days, thanks goodness. Taylor on the other hand, loves her to death. That is "her puppy"!

This is going to be tough but I think it will be okay. We love our animals but they are just that....animals. God gave us dogs and such to enjoy and to help us in lots of ways, but they in no means measure up to people and what people should mean to us. God created people with souls, not animals. I know that a lot of people don't my thoughts and beliefs on the matter but we have to keep things in perspective, don't you think? They are great to have around though!

It's back!

2008-02-11T13:20:00.000-05:00

Well, it's back...good old winter. The temps have dropped today and boy, were my kids shocked! As soon as they stepped outside they ran back in to put on more clothes. They sure did get used to those warm days.

I did too, not having to run my heat. Our power bill has been outrageous! My husband had a talk with the kids to tell them to conserve energy (if they're not in a room turn out the light, radios off when you're not in the room, etc). Part of it was the dryer which had to run two full cycles to dry one load. I fixed it though, praise the Lord!

Well, Steven has been the electricity police! Even if we are in a room, he'll turn the lights out on us. His explanation to that is, "It's daylight outside, we don't need lights!". True, yes, but I surly did not think that he would take it so seriously. He will even go behind his sisters and turn off all the lights behind them!

I guess we can all learn a lesson from Steven!

Out of the mouths of babes...

2008-02-06T15:08:00.001-05:00

It is such a blessing to be a mother. It is such an awesome responsibility to the Lord as well. I am reminded of that daily. I often become fearful, thinking that I am not doing a good job or that I am just not good enough my self to accomplish the task of raising children for Him. This seems to be true, especially with the road blocks and things that the world says about raising children.

Then along comes God and He gives me comfort....

At the dinner table Taylor sings a song that she made up about Jesus. Then she proceeds to ask which one is the Father, God or Jesus. After we answer her question she proceeds to ask which one is stronger. We answer her that they are both strong. She then asks," Well, do they have muscles?". We cracked up and answered her, "Yes, probably!". She was very insistent that we listen to the Bible on CD today in the car. They all loved it and didn't want me to change it, which I didn't.

Zoie sang in church on Sunday. She chose to sing a song by Casting Crowns, "East to West". Even though she was so nervous she was awesome! It touched my heart so to see a desire to serve the Lord through song. She also wrote in her Spelling journal that when she became grandma she would teach her grandkids games about Jesus. It was very sweet. She has even expressed an interest in going to Spanish speaking counties to be a missionary.

Steven is so bold when it comes to telling others or sharing about the Lord (hmm... I wonder where he gets that from?) He repeatedly has been forward and up front with his friends and even my family members. He loves our church dearly too. Even as little as it is :)

Even little Samuel who is only 2 1/2 says that he loves Jesus and sings along to the songs on the Christian radio station we listen to.

I say all that to say this. We can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth us, Philippians 4:13. Not some, but all. That goes for raising kids as well.

When I obey the Lord in word and in deed He give me special blessings that speak right to my heart!

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Deuteronomy 6:7

Out in the country

2008-02-04T15:22:00.000-05:00

So my husband thinks that because we live out in the country we should act like it. It rained pretty hard a couple of days ago so he told the kids to put on some play clothes and have at it. It started out in a mild form and then quickly escalated.

Samuel is just getting started! He is all boy and not only that, he is my husband's son. For those of you who know my husband, you know what I mean!

Taylor is now joining that party. This is where is gets pretty interesting. That shirt did not stay white for long!

So this is what they looked like when it was all said and done. They really did a job in the bathroom. Not pretty, but they had a blast. What a bunch of country bumpkins! My yard has some holes to be filled in but it is no worse than the ruts that my husband has made in the yard with his dirt bike. He tried to get me on that thing yesterday. No way... and bust my tail in front of God and everyone! He is pretty persistent though.

Here are some pics of Steven and Zoie dressing up during a history lesson. They had to where those for the whole lesson. It was on immagrants and barriers that they face coming to a different country. You can just see the excitement on Steven's face! Yeah, right. He was not a happy camper.

I have to run, run , run...

2008-01-30T07:47:00.000-05:00

To get a tire on my car, to pick up Zoie, to go to the bank (an hour from my house), go grocery shopping, and hopefully then I can come back home. Then it is school work, dinner and get ready for church. This is going to be some day!

My husband said "You are going to be so hateful today!" Lord, help that not to be true! I am really trying to work on my stress factor. That is not to have as much. Well, gotta get on the road. Time's a wasting!

cozy Sunday morning

2008-01-27T18:53:00.000-05:00

I was soo warm and cozy in my flannel pajamas and my flannel sheets that I did not want to get out of the bed. Of course I did and we went to church.

We had a great service. I videotaped the kids acting out their Sunday School lesson. It was really cute. They liked watching themselves on TV.

We have hung out at the house this evening. Zoie was exposed to a stomach virus and well, I had to clean up the bathroom a little while ago and Zo is laying on the couch. Lord, please don't let me get it. God is so good. It seems like He has built moms with an exceptionally high immune system. I hope that is the case this time. If not, it will come to pass. Hopefully not around the whole family though.

Well, I better get prepared. I think this might be an all nighter.

one eye, two eyes

2008-01-25T14:29:00.001-05:00

Steven had his eye check up today. He was so thrilled....not. It was a brand new doctor. We moved so he can't see the doctor that he had seen for the past eight years. That was a little rough. Steven is definitely a creature of habit.

The appointment was good. He has new glasses and goes back in a month to see how they are working.

Taylor and Samuel were really impressed with the cool gadgets in the office. A little too impressed it you ask me. I could see Taylor' s mind just racing. I know that she wanted to take all those cool toys apart to see that they all did. Good thing I made her leave the screw driver at home. LOL

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

2008-01-21T16:24:00.000-05:00

We actually had some snow yesterday. It wasn't much, maybe an inch at best. It was definitely enough for my kids to play in though.

It was fun to put on all the layers, like you did when you were a kid. My mom would make the coolest snow creations. I mean she would get out the food coloring and everything. It was pretty cool.

Steven about to take me out!

Steven could not handle the cold. He is one of the only kids I know that really could care less about snow. He would play with his friends and then run into the house.

Little Sammy's first snow!

Samuel thought it was cool. Being only two , he has never seen snow so he was really impressed.

Zoie's mini snowman

Taylor and Zoie built mini snowmen (there wasn't enough snow to build full size snowmen).

Taylor is ready to come in!

Jeremy rode his new dirt bike for maybe ten minutes and then decided that it was way too cold to do that.

I played outside with the kids for a while and then curled up in front of the fireplace with a nice hot cup of cider. Nice and cozy!

That's for me

2008-01-14T14:33:00.001-05:00

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean no unto thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5,6

That is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Sometimes I read it and think, "Yeah, that's for me."As a pastor's wife, people come to me with their pains, sufferings, concerns and heartaches. Sometimes, if not all the times, I wish that I had the magic words to say to fix it all, to make them feel better. I don't. But I can always point them to the One who can; God. We will not always know why God allows things to happen in our lives. I don't know why two of my children's friends have both lost their young fathers this year. What I do know is that God tells me I don't rely on my one understanding, just trust. If I look to Him, then and only then will He show me what to do next. One of the Bible truths that I taught in my Sunday School class in that God will ALWAYS do what is best for us. I am so glad that He does. I am so glad that He loves me enough to always be there for me. All I have to do is trust.

Starting the New Year

2008-01-11T20:01:00.002-05:00

To start the New Year, I decided to try blogging. We'll see how well I keep up with it. My SIL has been blogging for about a year and I read hers. This week will be really busy, though. Zoie, our oldest will be 10. Double digits, scary... What is even scarier is that I will be 27 on Sunday. Where does the time go? I guess that is why the Bible tells us that our life is like a vapor in the wind. It is over with before you know it. That is why it is so important to live our lives like we know today will be our last. Treat people like today will be the last day that you ever see them.
Well having said that we'll see how dedicated I will be to posting. I'll try my best.