The Nut House

I am a pathetic blogger...

2009-07-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

and today as I'm pathetically laid up with my back out (but the first time it's been out since Christmas)

...here are some pics for you to enjoy!

Back on Memorial Day...

Father's Day at the zoo...

Last weekend of June in Rock Hill...

Proud moment in mommying...

2009-03-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

He said "poopy" "potty" - we went - he went.
It was glorious.
And I'm so proud of my 2 year old little fella!

Ah, the ides of march - my boy's b'day

2009-03-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

Ollie turned TWO yesterday! We had a very nice and very busy day - we ran our usual church day in the morning and at night and in between we had a special birthday lunch after morning church with some friends - "frins" as Ollie would say - which I love hear him say it this way because it sounds just like Bailey Wade when he was this age - ah, the memories of being pregnant with Ollie while Emma Grace and Bailey were running around while Jen and I did anything two pregnant women could do! =) SO back to the story --- we had a hectic day and Ollie took NO nap, but all was well worth it - we loved it all. Enjoy the pics here and on facebook.

Picture Pages...

2009-03-05T06:32:00.000-08:00

Yeah, do you remember those with Bill Cosby when we were kids? I can still hear the little ditty in my head, "Picture pages, picture pages, time to do our picture pages, time to draw with crayons and with pencils..."

So some pics for those of you that don't facebook...

"So You keep reminding me of you..."

2009-03-04T06:04:00.000-08:00

So Sunday here in Kennesaw, we had big beautiful snow dumped on us the whole time we were in church. On the up side, it was beautiful and cleansing. On the down side, it was slushy and slippery...and my parents who had been here for the weekend had to leave while we were at church to try and get ahead of the storm system which dumped 5 inches of snow on parts of Metro Atlanta! And we were coming home in the car, missing my folks and being cautious in the traffic on Cobb Parkway and the new Charlie Hall song, "Scenes", just kept playing in my head...it has the line in it, "so You keep reminding me of you." In every season of our lives, God will keep reminding us of Him. This week was one of those kinds of weeks. Then I sat to be in God's Word. One of the ways, God keeps reminding me of Him is with His love...

I was reading Psalm 103, a Psalm of David. And I love it. It spoke to my heart. I'm so glad that even when I can be so consumed with everything swirling around me that God still wants me to stop and consume me with His love.

Psalm 103 says,

1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-

3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:

8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.

9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;

10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass,
he flourishes like a flower of the field;

16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.

17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children-

18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.

19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.

21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.

22 Praise the LORD, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the LORD, O my soul.

It's just God!

Verse 4 - He redeems your life and CROWNS you with love and compassion. The ESV says He crowns you with steadfast love and compassion. The NASB says lovingkindness and compassion.

Verse 8 - “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”

Verse 10 - “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” Praise God that He does not treat us as we deserve...He paid the highest price so He could forgive us – He gave His son Jesus for us!

Verse 12 - “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” He gave Jesus as our sacrifice so that He could remove our transgressions from US as far as the east is from the west. I am so humbled by that. I should be.

And in my humanity – I often forget how compassionate and loving God has been towards me even in my affliction, my joy, my life...and I stop with a broken heart to ask Him to forgive me yet again that He has to remind me of Him. God loves us and wants us to be like Him – to love others – Paul's writings continually challenge us to love like Jesus loved – and I was brought around in my Study Bible to Romans 12:9-21 and I just stopped.

Romans 12 says,

9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. 20On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

That's what love should look like in our humanity as we come closer to the heart of God; being conformed more to His image than to the world. Verse 9 – is brutally honest – Love must be sincere. Sincere. The ESV says let love be genuine and the NASB, let love be without hypocrisy. Ouch. Yeah, recover from how insincere and disingenuous we can all be and keep reading...It says to be devoted to one another, honor one another above yourselves, keep your spiritual fervor – the next verse struck home -- “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” - How I struggle with that – don't we all if we're honest in some way? I am so grateful God is patiently teaching me how to be more like Him – ever so grateful, my lessons since we've followed God to Georgia have been tough for me, but it's because God loves me – He wants me to BE for Him – He wants ME – He wants me to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. I want to be – oh I am so glad he loves me with His steadfast love and compassion – that it is my crown as Psalm 103 says. Ever so glad! That's my heart today – I hope it encouraged yours!

Happy Anniversary...

2009-02-13T05:31:00.000-08:00

Happy 38th Anniversary to my in-laws, known around here as Grandma Jane and Pa David!
We love you!!!

And of course, some love from their 3 grandkids, too...

Okay --- so yes, I have fallen of the blogging band wagon - again. What can I say? My name is Jen and I love facebook. (Hi, Jen.) I still follow all my friends' blogs and some amazing money saving blogs - but I would rather facebook stalk you than blog now - what has this world come to? =D

On the money saving blog line -- check on my new favorite,
www.yourcouponbuddy.com
I won her amazing coupon organizing binder and just got it yesterday.
(It may be my most favorite Valentine's present ever - is that sad?)
But follow the link on over to her site and I promise you will save some big money!!!

Now - what you all came for - pics of the kids -- honestly, we spent most of January sick or sick of being sick! EG would get a round, then Ollie, then me, then Chris would be out of town, then EG would get sick, then Ollie, then Chris would be out of town...lather, rinse, repeat. It was awful, but I'm hoping we're all on the mend now. Even if we all have runny noses today. Bless it.

So, here's Ollie loving on the humidifier - we had to eventually put it away b/c of his infatuation with it!

I think we had someone sleeping on the couch for most of January!

Hooray - we're all well at the same time!!!

We also suffered some earthly losses in January - we were ready to move on to February - I just ask that you keep both of our families in your prayers. I won't go into detail here - but the Holy Spirit will intercede as you pray. I will share that my 24 year old cousin, Michelle, died January 30th in a terrible car accident on Celanese Road in Rock Hill - please pray for her many friends and family left behind. It was very sudden and tragic. They need your prayers right now to live life without her here. We rest in knowing she's in the Father's arms without pain of any kind worshiping Jesus eternally.

Immediately after her death, my dear friend pulled a choir piece out called "Bow the Knee" - and it hit home - I found the lyrics for free online - I've sung this song before at our home church, but this time, it hurt to sing because it was so real as it seems our lives aren't as "easy" as they used to be - I've found being close to God's plan for us hurts some times, but it all falls into His plan to make me more like Him. I'm so glad Jesus wants me to be like Him and loves me enough to push me out my comfort zone to live my life for Him. I never thought I'd find comfort in the uncomfortable and excruciating, but this last year has taught me many lessons to grow me (BP you can STOP preaching directly to me at any time, for real!) and keep growing me - even when I resist and refuse. God's always working. Yay God!

And for now - I'm back, but who knows when I'll fall off the wagon, again!

7 days to go...ho, ho, ho

2008-12-18T13:55:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving seems so long ago...
And we got up our tree...

It's the time for brotherly love...

And time for angels jumping for joy...

And Santa stopped by along the way...

I'm so glad my Savior changed the world by coming as a baby...
Happy Birthday Jesus - please heal us all and bring us your love.

Happy Veterans' Day...

2008-11-11T04:41:00.000-08:00

And thank you to all who have voluntarily served our great nation - You know I guess I always recognized that - that our military is an army of volunteers - I am blessed that both of my grandfathers were of that patriotic spirit - This is my mom's dad - he served in Korea; he kept God first and his country next. I admire that. Deeply. Some nations do not allow you to volunteer - that fact hit home when a friend of ours from church who was an exchange student was "made" to return from the States to serve his country's military for specific amount of time. I am blessed - we all are to live in a country where liberty and freedom ring and it's thanks to the founding fathers and a nation full of men and women who understand to their core what it means to be a patriot...to all of you who sacrifice daily for my family - I humbly thank you with all my heart - you keep me and my loved ones safe daily. God honors your service and sacrifice even if at times this country seems not to -- the patriots are still out there and we applaud you.

Saturday was a tea-riffic day...

2008-11-09T17:27:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know I'm being punny -- But this Saturday was our church's women's ministry's Christmas Tea. It was lots of fun and with a wonderful message from the guest speaker on how we should give God some "unusual gifts" this Christmas by laying down our "junk" at His feet -- being more like Mary than Martha. Chris played guitar for me and I sang "Oh Come All Ye Faithful," "O Holy Night," and "Jesus, Lover of My Soul." It was cool. Here's some more pics to enjoy...

So, willing and gracious husbands and sons and even paw paws, were our servers -- and this is where they hid during the guest speaker's time and ate all the leftover hot chicken salad, blueberry salad and cheesecake...

Our precious Director of Children's and Women's Ministries at KFBC!!!
It's ironic to me that we see her as such a gift from God and gee, look at what she has in her hands...

And this was for kicks -- so David Scott is the dickens behind the camera and caught me in some bad shots because you all know how goofy I am -- so this is while we were trying to do the sound check on the horrid sound-system-thingy in the fellowship hall -- I think the look on my face says it all. LOL!!! At least I wasn't rolling my eyes -- inside, hill-arious joke for my FBCFM praise team friends.

I'm still laughing...

2008-11-07T10:03:00.000-08:00

I was taking a facebook 80's (waste your free time) cartoon quiz and was reminded of how much I loved Jem and She-Ra. I mean I seriously loved those shows - I dreamed for some reason of being a cartoon! I found this openings for them on youtube...you'll laugh...but so explains a bunch! HAHAHA!

Jem's You Tube

She-Ra's You Tube

Yes, please laugh...

Romans 13

2008-11-05T06:52:00.000-08:00

Romans 13 (New International Version)

Submission to the Authorities
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Love, for the Day is Near
8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

11And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

I think perhaps today - the first half of this chapter is hard to swallow for many Americans -- but the second half of the chapter brings hope and great wisdom - our focus, our lives should be wrapped around the life of Christ. I think for too long we have all in some small or large ways strayed from God's will for our own lives and that of our country. Today I am grateful for God's Word that lives and breathes and moves each new day. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Allow God's Word - in every circumstance, not just today's - to teach you, rebuke you, correct you and train you in righteousness so that you are thoroughly equipped for every good work...God is on His throne - it doesn't matter in view of eternity who is in the White House...even if on this earth we will know trials and sufferings...God promises to be with us - how's your heart for Jesus today?

An Election Prayer...

2008-11-03T06:36:00.001-08:00

I was reading John Piper's Desiring God blog today and his election prayer just hit me - most of his words do because he's a man of God. I always listen to his speech and when I don't see things his way it provokes me into digging deeper in my Bible and my walk with God. Our pastor has been preaching on that lately -- being "provoked" - we should "stir up" each other to be more like Christ to be Love -- I love that! So here's a link to Piper's Election Prayer - I hope it "provokes" you as it did me.

Happy Halloween and what not!

2008-11-02T04:14:00.001-08:00

You guessed it - in the middle of Bulldog territory - EG was a Carolina cheerleader - and believe it or not, lots of people loved that! Ollie boy was Mickey Mouse. He wasn't super keen on it, but after he realized candy was being put in his bucket - he did NOT care!

More Halloween-ing Pics

Pumpkin Carving Pics

We also ventured up to Cagle's Dairy Farm earlier in the day.

It was great - they still had a pumpkin patch - so we got 2 medium pumpkins and 2 tiny pumpkins for under $15. They also had fresh baked yummy chocolate chip cookies and loaves of banana bread (yeah, we bought them.) And the kids wanted tiny play shepherd dogs, too.

We took a tour of the dairy - that's Ollie and I in the milk processing room.
And below is Chris with the kids waiting for our tour to start - we got to walk through a "cow subway" -- a giant corrugated pipe that ran under the farm road, so that the cows and peeps don't get run over by any tractors on the road! We got to feed and pet calves, ride a tractor pulled hayride, watch the shepherd dog, Tib, herd the preggie cows, "cluck-cluck at the yard chickens", and just plain have some fun in the pumpkin patch!

Rest and Recovery...

2008-10-24T07:22:00.001-07:00

Emma Grace's Fifth Birthday party...
was last Saturday at Bounce U - as our friend Lisa said,
"It was off the hook..."
It was great and the kids had super fun.

Even the grown ups got to have their hand at playing games and jumping and climbing on the bouncy air stuff! I had a blast. We were so glad that our families got to come down for the weekend, too. We were also glad to not have 11 people in our house come Sunday night when we got to sleep in our own bed again. =)

Ollie and Grandma Barb had fun shooting air guns at mommy - I finally gave up and just starting chucking balls over the net at them both! I'm telling you it really was fun!

A pre-party shot of Grampy Ta and EG...

The youngest Whisonants in the house last weekend...
Can you tell whose is whose and how old they are? =)
Our Ollie is 19 months old on the left and Hayley and Stevie's Noahie is almost 2.5 on the right.
It was a hoot~

Sorry the post took so long - these days posting takes more effort than I'm willing to put forth...but when pops has been posting more frequently than me, well, it was time to improve!!! =)

And one more linky to more b'day weekend pics, too.

And a praise to add -- my mom went back to work Tuesday this week -- it's not full time, yet
but she's happy to be anywhere but stuck in her house all the time
God is good, all the time!

Happy Fifth Birthday, Emma Grace!!!

2008-10-16T17:46:00.000-07:00

And yes, I know I have fallen off the blogging bandwagon...see, what I had meant to say was...well...my bad. =)

Today Emma Grace turned FIVE!!! She had birthday breakfast, birthday cupcake snack at school, birthday Zaxby's lunch, birthday ravioli dinner, birthday cupcake and ice cream dessert, birthday presents, birthday dinner guests...do you see the theme? =) We had a great day - our baby girl is five. WOW.

Tomorrow Chris is working from home, my folks are coming, his folks are coming, Uncle Stevie and Aunt Hayley and Noahie are coming --- we're having her party on Saturday and having pumpkin pie and carving pumpkins, too. I love it! YAY!

So here are some pics of the kiddos lately - enjoy!

My Girl - Talkin' 'bout My Girl

2008-08-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

Puddin' - my Puddin'

2008-08-27T15:47:00.000-07:00

I'm hooked...

2008-08-25T11:00:00.001-07:00

Charlie Hall band just released their newest album on 8/19/08 and I'm hooked. Check out his link to read about the album, how the songs came to be, and really just enjoy listening to some music that praises the God of every season.

happy first day of school EG

2008-08-25T05:09:00.000-07:00

EG started K4 this morning - just look at our big girl! What a special day to start. Enjoy. Be blessed.

s'mores anyone?

2008-08-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

Emma Grace's thoughts on s'mores..."This is a very messy snack, mommy. I don't think I like it. May I be excused?"Grampy Ta was just thrilled to get gooey chocolateness...
Grandma Barb was the mastermind and the culprit! Look at that grin...and then check out what Ollie looked like!
Before...
Almost after...

August 19th - Ollie's first day of school

2008-08-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I began teaching the week before this - but Ollie officially began MMO on Tuesday, August 19th.This is what he thought of the idea...

He eventually came out to tell me Bye as I went to get my things for school, little did he know he was going with me! HAHA.
This reminds me of a story that my mom used to love to tell on me to everyone...
I was somewhere between Ollie's age (1.5) and Emma Grace's age (4.5), when mom took me to the pediatrician (which I hated because they always pricked my finger to take blood)...so one day I'd had it...and when it came time to prick my finger...I climbed up under the old timey exam table and wedged myself up against the wall under there with my hands firmly under my backside and worst of all, I refused to come out...my mother was mortified and furious (is that pretty right, mom?) and you can imagine how the rest of the story went...and that I NEVER did that again. It still makes me laugh...and feel bad for the terrible things that I did to my mom! And she still loves me, isn't that amazing? There's something about being a mom, isn't there?

Okay, so I say that...

2008-08-23T19:14:00.000-07:00

My kids would have fun with a brown paper bag - which is true -
But this was fun with a brown cardboard box!
Just enjoy...
The kids played ALL day with this box the day it came -
We had to take it away because they began fighting over it.
It was Hilarious!

The day after our 8th Anniversary...

2008-08-23T19:04:00.000-07:00

Just chillin' at home...
Faking...

Smiling...

After all, he is STILL my baby...

and a happy boy for the most part...

and did I mention, goofy?
(like his daddy...)

Catching up...

2008-08-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

So, wow, we just got in from SC after 8 hours! Lots of time to ponder while riding in the car today - probably too much - but we had a great short trip home to see our families. We love you all so much - we miss you already. So, we're in - the car is semi-unloaded (as am I! HA!) and Chris is practicing guitar for church tomorrow, so I'm gonna shoot out some pics from well, all of August! Enjoy!

Wednesday, already?

2008-08-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

Wow, is it Wednesday already? WE are still traveling at warp speed, or warped speed, whatever you prefer. ;)

Just wanted to give you all an update - we had a busy anniversary, which I'm thinking we will make up for this weekend, some time, hint, hint to the hubba-bubba. Thanks for all the calls and love from the loved ones - sorry, I couldn't get to the phone, I am battling some sinus/allergy junk - but gratefully, I got a Rite Aid allergy pack rebate in the mail yesterday for 6 FREE Rite Aid brand allergy supplies! Woo-hoo. We enjoyed some friends over in the afternoon and besides being great company, they brought cookies. Again, woo-hooing! Ollie has a "weird" not contagious rash according to the pediatrician. It's not getting worse and looks a little better from the steroid cream. Yay. Emma Grace finished cheerleading. She loved it! I know she'll be sad that it's over and I'm hoping that she'll begin to enjoy dance lessons again in a few weeks, but if not, we may have to stop tap/ballet and begin cheering or go ahead and start piano lessons. Chris is good - he's been in town the last couple of weeks, thankfully, and managed to stay in town for our anniversary, brownie-points for him! His work keeps him busy and he enjoys it - PTL! I'm gearing up for my first "staff" meeting at Omega Learning Center - while OT starts MMO on T/Th, I will be teaching 4 home schooled high school folks math -- pray! Satan is already trying to defeat me in my doubts and fears by bringing my insecurities raging to the surface on top of all else that goes on in our every day lives!

On that note, keep momma in your prayers...daddy, too, he's a keeper as mom says. But, mom just had her next to last round of "bad" chemo and in two weeks, August 19th needs to have some big tests done and some other appointments made. God knows all that this entails - just lift them up to His throne that His will and glory shine.

I'll leave you with words of praise from the prophet, Habakkuk ---

3:2 "LORD, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD.
Renew them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy."

3:19a "The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights."

Happy Anniversary, Bubba!

2008-08-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

Today is our 8th wedding anniversary! So far, I've received hugs and kisses and a trip to the pediatrician --- Ollie has an unidentified "weird" rash (as the pediatrician put it) -- honestly, I think OT just felt the need to get a couple of red splotches for his mommy.

And a belated happy anniversary to our friends, Evans and Cindy!!!

August Already ?!?!?!

2008-08-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the dress code at FBCS now allows preschoolers to bring their own backpacks to school (minus any brand name labels, words, characters) and since Mrs. Wade got me browsing the Pottery Barn kids summer clearance, I was weak and I bought Emma Grace the pink lunch box and Grandma Jane bought her the preschooler sized back pack, but Aunt Hayley started it all at Christmas when she bought EG the pink duffel bag...so it's everyone's fault, but mine for my weakness...and if you'll buy that, I've got some ocean front property for ya in Arizona!

But isn't she so cute!!! It's all bigger than she is, but she loves her new big girl school stuff!
And that's what Ollie thinks of girl stuff!

Our attempt to take pics at church on a Wednesday night, one time, she looks...

Next time, he does...I think they plan this to add to my insanity!

Miss Amy was kind enough, though, to offer to take our pics at church today! The kids have on matching outfits which the preacher's wife thought may have come from a boutique...hooray for my mom...Grandma Barbie made these precious outfits for the kids over the past month. So, Chris and I planned to wear coordinating clothes and this was the best shot of the 4 of us together! You take what you can get in the 'nuthouse.

If you wanna see more, check out the link to my Facebook...
Facebook Album

EG Cheering!!!

2008-08-01T03:45:00.000-07:00

Emma Grace has been cheering with One Goal Sports for the month of July...Enjoy!

Big G - Little o --- gotta go!

Monday Shout Outs

2008-07-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 32:17 says, “Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” And this morning, I just have to say thanks be to God --- that NOTHING is too hard for HIM. It's amazing how life just seemingly hums along some times and others, your heart just goes out to all those hurting and struggling around you and often times with you. The prayer requests this Monday morning are pretty lengthy, but PRAISE GOD that before we even speak the words, HE KNOWS. Praise the Lord, the Sovereign Lord.

Please pray for the Bellenger family in Fort Mill - Stephanie's kidney transplant ended in her body rejecting the kidney - please just lift them up to God this day and the days to come. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/stephaniebellenger

Please pray for Chris's colleague - his wife's dad is 83 and in ICU with heart problems beyond my comprehension. Lift that family up to the Throne in this storm.

Continue lifting up my mom and dad in Rock Hill - mom's chemo continues - pray for what God has in store and thank Him with us for how faithful He is. How loving and faithful.

We are so thankful to have had a visit from Chris's folks this weekend - what a great time for us, them and the grandkids - we even shared the joy of worshiping together yesterday before they left to go home.

Celebrate with me and my church family here as our new Equipping Pastor comes on staff this week. This church has searched and prayed for God's man for nearly 3 years - - we are so blessed to just even be a part of this time in this church body's growing in the Lord. Praise God for HIS perfect will and timing as He blesses us all so abundantly -- pray for these times of transition for everyone involved.

God has poured out blessing on us here - we are just so grateful - doors have opened and while the everydayness of it all can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, still we have no doubt that we are where God wants us to be. Begin praying for us as school starts here in mid-August -- I will begin teaching high school age home schoolers math in a Montessori style setting, Ollie will begin MMO, and Emma Grace will return to our church's preschool/elementary school for K4. Lots of new and exciting things along with some drudgery type things that must be done, too, but JOY in it all. Lots of love to all from the nuts here in GA. =)

K, so I'm getting old and finally beginning to mellow...

2008-07-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

Three things happened today with each of my precious little family members that made me first, thankful that God continues shaping me to be more like him and less like me, and second, that I will always be me just hopefully, God will keep working on that!

#1 Last night as I was preparing our kid "junk" for a consignment sale, I actually, pulled out one of Emma G's baby dolls and her accessories that was headed tothe sale. If you've known me for any length of time, you know I am merciless about "junk" that when we moved my daddy hauled truckloads of it away for me while Chris was already here; and that when my friends move, I bring them black trash bags instead of boxes to encourage tossing "junk;" and that I do not get sentimentally attached to said "junk" --- for me, the memory is fondly embraced in my heart and soul, not in "junk." So, it was a miracle in itself, that I stopped and saved that doll for Emma Grace --- which totally made her day - it had been packed away for at least 6 months and she has very much enjoyed playing with her "new" toy.

#2 This morning Chris got up early, early in efforts to help me out this evening - and in his darkened haste (before the sun came up), he forgot to carry the trash to the curb along with a nice load of cardboard that has been sitting for over a week. So, I was up much later than him (thank you, honey) and getting morning things done with the kiddos upstairs, when I hear the trash man coming...and I think, mmmmm, I wonder if Bubba remembered...and we go down stairs long after the trash man has come and gone and there's our trash sitting right behind the swing set in its usual spot. And I thought, "Oh, well." Again, if you've known me for any length of time, you know in the past that would have sent me right over the edge and into a fit. God works miracles even in his most challenging of children...ie, me. I ended up just texting Chris to let him know for today, he was a "doof" -- that is Jen terms for Goof and Doofus -- but it sounds nicer - well, maybe not now that I've explained it...but I was actually playful and well, sort of kind as opposed to my alter-ego that Chris "lovingly" refers to as "Mean Jen." And I'm just still kinda blown away that I'm changing...ah, wedded bliss.

#3 This one was my favorite one and honestly better left with fewer words and just this picture. Again, if you've known me for any length of time, you know I like my kids clean as well as my house...Well, Ollie got the dose of grace on this one...and this is as well why I always, always keep my eyes on my kids, especially, Oliver Thomas.

iBelieve series at church...

2008-07-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

So, our pastor, BP - that's brother Perry, has been preaching a series on iBelieve and this week's focus was on the church - we are living and breathing and the body of Christ --- and BP shared from God's living Word how important that is and I came to the conclusion that YES - we DO need each other and when you say any different, it's a lie and you call God a liar - Jesus intended for us to all be within the body not on our own, but living, breathing and serving as we are gifted by HIM and as HE plans for us to live and then I read today's verse from Bible Gateway - 1 John 1:7 - but look at the verses around it, too - God is good, all the time.

Fellowship with God (from 1 John)

5 Now this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him. 6 If we say, "We have fellowship with Him," and walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say, "We have no sin," we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say, "We have not sinned," we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

Saturday's "band" and tear down

2008-07-20T04:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's not what you'd have expected, but it was due a photo. We tried to get Ollie to participate without any luck at all!
He was more interested in sitting with mommy and taking pictures.

And it was very funny.

Happy Sunday - we are getting moving on our way to church - PTL!

We always have a pizza night...

2008-07-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

Every time Chris goes away for a week like he has this week, the kids know we'll have a Papa John's pizza night. So hope you enjoy the pizza night pics. I know we enjoyed the pizza!

Daddy, come home soon - mommy's even crazier than usual!

Okay, so we're still at warp speed...

2008-07-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

Honestly, we have been so busy with "busy" stuff since we've been home from vacation. Some days, it's just like I don't have time to think let alone blog - so my apologies - life is gonna keep being sort of random for a while so bear with me in love folks! Spread the love as we expect the arrival of our dear friends as well as some family visits and as we also expect the arrival of a new palladium window on the front of our house and my arrival as a teacher and my children's arrival at school then throw in some youth and music events and maybe a consignment sale and a few other extracurriculars and Chris working in Dalton, GA and that's what we look like--- ALL within the coming weeks! I'd go hide, but it would all come and find me --- But blessings are always abundant and God has been so gracious to remind me every day to hide and rest in Him and in all the chaos, the chaos ceases in quietness (or just in another room from the kids) with Him, the lover of my soul. God is good, all the time. Pray for momma, she's rebounding from bad chemo on Monday - pray for our dear friends as they begin migration to Kennesaw - pray God's will and glory be the focus for us all! I pray Christ will be at the center of your life even when chaos abounds.

Prayer for a friend...

2008-07-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

You know, typically, we gather on Wednesday nights for Prayer Meeting, so being a youngster that likes that loud music, this is my version.

Please pray for our friend from home, Stephanie - here's her caring bridge site - http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/stephaniebellenger

Stephanie is about to have a kidney transplant at the end of this month. Please pray for her and her family. God knows and hears and loves us all through these valleys for His glory and name.

201st post and Monday Shout Outs

2008-07-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

Wow, I've actually blogged over 200 different times, I am amazed.

But it's Monday and time for Shout Outs ---

To our new church home here - please pray for our church as we are in times of amazing transition and hopefully, growth. The Lord is working within our new church family all the time and we are so grateful to be rolling up our sleeves and being blessed to be a part of it all. Pray for our youth group this week that is heading out tomorrow morning for Big Stuf camp until Saturday.

To the Z-pak that gets little OT back on the road to recovery in a matter of days rather than a week.

To a great organization, One Goal Sports, that is loving on children 12 and under during this month's football and cheer leading programs - and for teaching EG about Victory and dough nut holes!

To Grandma Barb - pray for her this week - she has her "bad" chemo cycle starting tomorrow - pray for good tests and counts and strength returning faster and faster - above all for God's glory in her life.

Final Picture for Today...

2008-07-09T06:28:00.000-07:00

And these are terrible shots, but here are my morning glories...
in the center above the window lock...
this is out of focus, but a closer shot...

And more importantly, these reminded that...
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”- Ephesians 3:20-21

Blessings and love to all.

Pictures to enjoy...#3

2008-07-09T05:57:00.001-07:00

Sharing cupcakes on the fourth of July...
Sissy, did not share...

okay, a nice time at the table...ahhh...

Sugar Rush...

Cupcakes make the world a brighter place...

Ah, happy faces, happy days!

Pictures to enjoy...#2

2008-07-09T05:44:00.000-07:00

This was hilarious - Ollie's first little white dough nuts.
This is great, mom!

Mommy's treat - Sweetgrass baskets - I have wanted these since I was a little girl, but my gosh, they were always way out of my price range - so after our 24 hour whirl wind trip to Charleston sans children, I treated myself to them after haggling down the price with the precious lady in the old market down town.

Pictures to enjoy...#1

2008-07-09T05:35:00.001-07:00

These are from before vacation!
And I have no idea what Ollie was eating!Emma was actually willing to take a pic!

Ollie and daddy catching up on the race.

Ollie just being Ollie.

Emma Grace in her green room hiding out playing Dora games.

Wow - so I can't think of a good title...

2008-07-09T05:19:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy week at the Nuthouse! Like I mentioned in previous posts, we enjoyed and were blessed by the events around the celebration of our freedom fourth of July weekend, and then Monday came --- bringing with it mayhem! Ollie had to go to urgent care Monday night and we are on yet another Z-pak for another right ear infection. Meanwhile, our palladium window in our two story foyer sprung a leak. And did I mention that everyone's attitudes have just stunk - including my own! Honestly - I feel attacked by evil forces --- even Tuesday morning, Chris woke up shouting as he was dreaming vividly about casting demons out of 2 women! Now if that isn't weird, I don't know what is - I told him last night that he could feel free to cast demons out of this house and its inhabitants!!! But, I must say you get attacked when you pop up on old satan's radar - and guess as of late, we've been a blip on his screen. But, as always, this morning there was a gift waiting for me when I took a minute to look. So, as I looked out my kitchen window, I saw morning glories - yeah, beautiful morning glories - I thought I'd seen them before, but I wasn't sure because it was always later in the day. This morning, I was sure, and I was grateful for the precious gift waiting for me from my Jesus, when I took a moment to be still and thank Him for the good and the bad things in our lives. And minus typical kid stuff, it's almost peaceful in the house this morning -- and it's okay that Ollie is sick, but getting well quickly, and it's okay that we're probably gonna have to pay to have a new window installed and repair work done because we found a contractor we can trust with a kind heart who lives in our neighborhood to boot. It's like I finally got still enough to hear that still, small voice saying, I'm here, I love you...persevere in My Strength, not yours. Lord, I'm here, I love you and I'll persevere in Your Strength and abide in Your Love.

And as I just pulled up Bible Gateway ( a great resource tool), here was today's verse,
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”- Ephesians 3:20-21
Yeah, Amen.

And I'll post some pics to wish you all a Wordless Wednesday in Him.

Monday Shout Outs

2008-07-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed our second Fourth of July in Kenne this year. We had a blast at our church for the big Third of July fireworks deal and then on the Fourth, we had one of our favorite families over for a cook out. It was a nice long weekend finishing out Sunday with two great services and a fellowship after.

And now it's Monday and the kids and I aren't sure we wanna be stuck in the house together - and now OT is running a fever of 100.7 - YET - we will persevere - it's amazing how after such an enjoyable and soul-filling weekend, the devil can take tiredness on Monday to grind away at it all.

So, get thee behind me Satan!!!

And now, I will take a nap, hopefully to wake up happier on the other side of it all!

Happy Monday-ing.

Shout outs!

2008-06-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 21st was my Grandma Julie's 80th birthday - had to celebrate that one more time.

Saturday, June 28th was my childhood best friend's 28th birthday, so for the next sixth months Amy Grant and I will be the same age again - welcome to oldville dear one.

Yesterday, some of my dear sweet friends were in ATL for the Deeper Still conference and came to church with us and we had a great time of food and fellowship afterwards --- Thanks so much, Tina, Sheri, and Nancy!!!

Today, momma is feeling better. Chris made it to South Bend safely and the kids and I are all in one piece. =)

Happy Mondaying to all!

Beachy-ness

2008-06-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

Chuck Town

2008-06-27T20:26:00.001-07:00

Seth Dean's Wedding was awesome! Congrats, Seth and Lauren!

Condo Life

2008-06-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

Grandma Julie turned 80!

2008-06-27T20:19:00.001-07:00

We were able to take pics with all the family that came down for the party on Saturday before we headed to the beach - my Grandma Julie is my kids' only living great grandparent - so it's up to us that she and the kids get to know each other. Good times. Blessings.

Vacation - beginnings

2008-06-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah, this IS Grandma's house!

Home Again.

2008-06-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

Well, we left Surfside Thursday after spending some QT with my dad's fam at Myrtle Beach - we spent the night in Chapin at my best friend's house to get up and drive home today. So, we will begin the picture upload - enjoy!

Be praying for our loved ones who all seem to have so much going on right now. Pray for their protection and God's direction.

Ahhhh,

2008-06-23T17:58:00.001-07:00

I honestly do not know where to begin this post - and I apologize to the family, but there are no pics today. We are crazy busy vacationing --- I mean I do not know how much I have ridden in the car this past weekend. It's been awesome - God has provided such joy in the things encircling our lives and our loved ones - I am just so blessed.

We left GA a day late under shaky circumstances because Ollie had to revisit the urgent care with a lingering ear infection. We made it to Rock Hill, SC on Friday evening - stayed with my momma and daddy that night and loved it. Then Saturday morning we had pictures with my daddy's family for his mom's 80th birthday. Then (there will be a lot of then's) we met at Chris's folks' house to come to Surfside Beach. Then we left the kids with Grandma Jane and Pa David to go to a friend's wedding in Charleston on Sunday. Then we came back to the beach condo on Monday. Now, we are beach bums!

Ahhhhh...blessings to all.

An Irish poem...

2008-06-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

So you can giggle, too.

"May those that love us, love us.

And those that don’t love us,

May God turn their hearts.

And if he doesn’t turn their hearts,

May he turn their ankles,

So we’ll know them by their limping."

And I have to share --- how good God is at being our Provider when we let go and let HIM! I talked to my mom last night after VBS -- and she said that she was looking over their medical bills - trying to figure out how much of the thousands and thousands of dollars of the cost of chemotherapy would become theirs to pay. She said it was amazing, she logged on and so far --- she owes NOTHING! Every time she goes into the chemo clinic she pays a nominal copay and gets treatment or meds or whatever, and her account shows all these claims processed and she owes NOTHING! Did I say NOTHING???

Yeah, if you cannot believe that God will supply all your needs then you can shut yo' mouth and believe! Yeah, that's what I said. God is so good and faithful and true...and we are so undeserving of HIS glory, but he lavishes it on us anyway because HE loves us so much!

Momma is feeling well right now and on the upswing and hopefully, we'll be headed to see her by the end of this week. Be praying for them and us and traveling mercies and for next Tuesday, when Momma has her "bad" chemo treatments again.

With Much Love --- I am so humbly HIS.

one of those days...

2008-06-17T12:18:00.001-07:00

yeah, you know what I mean - kids spill everything everywhere, no one cooperates, PB&J sticks to the wall after Ollie threw it, the storm door installer did the "best" he could with my cheapie-cheap new back door storm door and it looks like pookie, I decide to caulk it to make it "better," said caulk is junk and causes a caulk gun malfunction, said malfunction causes explosion of caulk at the end of the process, tired and wired mommy can't handle said explosion and kids in the same room, said failed items get thrown out the back door for a calmer moment, and did I mention -- "Get thee behind me Satan!!!!"

Something good must be gonna happen tonight at VBS because the devil sure does want me to give up on getting there tonight --- so it's been one of thoooooose days...

But pretty soon, I'll be singing O.I., O.I. and doing my terrible version of the hula and it won't have a lick of eternal value, no not a lick...

Happy Father's Day, ya'll!

2008-06-15T04:16:00.000-07:00

And what better way to start the day than to worship with fellow believers?

Check out this quote on Steve Fee's blog --- you won't be disappointed!

Psalm 40:2-4 (New International Version)

2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.

4 Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.

I am so thankful that God "put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise."
I am also thankful that God put men in my life of Godly example, so that I might have a better view of my Heavenly Father --- I'd like to say of all of you that "Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods." Thank God He doesn't call us to be perfect --- He just calls us to sit at His feet, to know Him and become perfected in His image and His plan for us.

Happy Father's Day --- I hope you are receiving the blessing that comes with serving the Lord today.

Battles of other proportions...

2008-06-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

First, congrats grads! Yay for you, class of 2008!

Now, for the Hillarity/millworthiness of it all! I picked this up on our friend's blog, after hearing about these events from friends at home. This is crazy, true and hilarious, but I guess, necessary.

Here's the story in the Fort Mill Times.

And from one perspective, I can see how it came to this. My husband, brother-in-law and I all graduated from Northwestern High School in Rock Hill 2 years apart and the ceremony was at the Winthrop Coliseum. I promise from Chris's grad in 1996 to mine in 1998 to his brother's in 2000 -- things got progressively out of control during the ceremonies. Kids/adults/attenders of all sorts became increasingly disrespectful of the event to the point of booing, shouting, bringing in "drinks" and even air horns. SO, I guess that the school board had had enough and enough complaints from those of us that were civilized people that they had to do something different. I applaud the effort...Rules become rules because some people just don't have any good sense whatsoever...I just don't know if the punishment fits the crime --- I would much rather these folks be charged in terms of community service by a family court judge. Let them pressure wash the high school they offended or paint white lines in the bus parking lots on a Carolina summer day...But that's just my opinion and we all know that opinions are like belly buttons; we all have one and they really aren't good for much.

Epic Battles - the battle belongs to the Lord

2008-06-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

So, I've been reading and reading and reading and finally got caught back up in my chronological Bible's time schedule to read the Bible in a year...and I picked back up while 4 days behind to read 2 Chronicles 20 -- the story of King Jehoshaphat defeating Moab and Ammon miraculously because of what the Lord did -- a battle ensued God's people after Jehoshaphat had gone throughout his kingdom to try to turn people back to the Lord, the God of Israel...read on...

2 Chronicles 20 (New International Version)

Jehoshaphat Defeats Moab and Ammon
1 After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to make war on Jehoshaphat.

2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, "A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea. It is already in Hazazon Tamar" (that is, En Gedi). 3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.

(Shouldn't we all stop to inquire of the Lord and stop our every day lives to come together to seek help from the Lord during crises?)

5 Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in the front of the new courtyard 6 and said:
"O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 7 O our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, 9 'If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.'

10 "But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. 11 See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. 12 O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."

(Oh, Lord, "we do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.")

13 All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD.

14 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly.

15 He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' "

(Don't be afraid or discouraged because of ANYTHING. For the battle is not YOURS, but God's. Face life - The LORD is with you.)

18 Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD. 19 Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with very loud voice.

(BOW down and worship the LORD. And praise the LORD with a very loud voice.)

20 Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful." 21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
"Give thanks to the LORD,
for his love endures forever."

22 As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 23 The men of Ammon and Moab rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.

24 When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped. 25 So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing and also articles of value—more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it. 26 On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, where they praised the LORD. This is why it is called the Valley of Beracah to this day.

27 Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies. 28 They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the LORD with harps and lutes and trumpets.

29 The fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard how the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.

It doesn't matter what your battle may be right now - stop and bow down and recognize that it is not yours to fight -- the battle belongs to the Lord. Allow HIM to fight for you for His glory to shine on and on and on. Worship HIM and praise HIM. Rejoice.

Things a'lookin' up...

2008-06-09T15:40:00.001-07:00

Well, Sunday was a gooooood day. Thank you, thank you, Jesus.

Sunday morning was great and Sunday afternoon - better! I called my mom and she was actually up and feeling better and pain had subsided - and I believe she told me she was craving salsa and cheese, so that's gotta be a good sign. We all took naps --- but sadly, we all slept/napped so late that we weren't up in time to go back to church at our church that evening - bad little baptists, we are. But we enjoyed dinner at a reasonable pace and got kids bathed and pj'd...

And then we got our "call of the day." Our old youth group from FBCFM was on its way by here. We got the babysitter here and we headed to Carrollton, GA and joined Evans and a mighty fine young man to lead in worship for the 120-some folks headed to Student Life camp today in Alabama. It was glorious! Who needs sleep? WE worshipped with our friends and gave hugs all around and still made it to Kroger for milk and a Sunday paper and home again by midnight!

WE are so grateful to everyone that blessed us yesterday - you know who you are - no need to name drop! Thank you, thank you, Jesus!

Pray during the toiling...

2008-06-07T06:32:00.001-07:00

Mom is having a bad weekend, again - pray with me for her and daddy. They were at the hospital yesterday trying to build her back up -- but today seems to be no better. Pray for comfort and rest and health for them both. I cannot help but be reminded of the apostle Paul and just how much he poured his life out for Christ and the church and how afflicted he always felt by his own flesh. But I love that --- that even in his own frail human exhaustion, he knew there was more to this life than living and dying and he battled on. I hope the passage below from the NIV brings something to your heart today --- today, yesterday and probably tomorrow, I'll be dwelling on the final verse, Colossians 1:29 ---

"To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me."

I know we all struggle and I know my folks are struggling today and will be tomorrow and until chemo is done for momma --- but how encouraging is God's Word! We might be under excruciating circumstances -- but we can "labor, struggling with all HIS energy, which so powerfully works in me." How grateful I am that God's Word is living and breathing - waiting to fill us up when we would rest a moment to sit at His feet. How grateful, other wise, I don't know if any of us could stand under the excruciating.

Paul's Labor for the Church - Colossians Chapter One

24Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

More...

2008-06-07T06:24:00.000-07:00

This was the Saturday after going to the doc, when we were supposed to go to Rock Hill -
Ollie was cutting all 4 one year old molars, had an upper respiratory infection, and ear infections, too.

I think Emma Grace would have rather been anywhere but where her sick little bro was.

This is our new patio set - wrought iron and I love that I got the whole set for the regular price of the 4 chairs at Garden Ridge - it was worth going to "town" to get it!

Ollie began plotting...

He has a new fascination with the couch cushions - he enjoys shoving things down in the couch, then retrieving them randomly...but I have to watch because he tries to eat the things he retrieves.

Enjoy.

2008-06-07T06:19:00.000-07:00

If you can't make it out --- that was a cupcake.

I can't imagine what thoughts he was having --- that cupcake didn't last 2 secs.

Sissy wanted a pic made of her, too.

"Who, me?"

And sissy, too...

So far so good...

2008-06-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

Talked to momma this morning - briefly - she felt really tired and like she'd been punched in the stomach, again, but over all, not horrible! Keep praying - if the gauntlet falls, it usually hits any time in the first 7 days following the super chemo. Pray and hope.

We love you all and God hears - we pray God's will and hope in Him alone - our faith rests in Him.

And I don't think I posted here - that mom finished genetic counseling and she does not carry the BRCA1 or 2 breast cancer gene - which means my kids and I are at no greater risk than anyone else --- PTL --- but I guarantee you that every girl and woman in my life will hear our stories and think pink! We should all be diligent in caring for ourselves --- not for vanity and pride, but for our health and well being - we are God's temple, aren't we? I know this "temple" could stand a little more "care" than I currently give. Again, God is so faithful, when I am not! Thank God!

Say A Little Prayer Today...

2008-06-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

And say a big one, too. Mom has her second triple pack chemo treatment today. The last one was a doozy, so please pray her through this one.

I love you, momma! Take good care of her, daddy.

Psalm 31:24 "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD."

We're all hoping and hoping.

Family Picture Out-Takes...

2008-05-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

Emma Grace was the perfect little lady and there really weren't funny or bad pictures of her. Hope you enjoy!

Captions are really not necessary,
it's more fun to make your own...

And Ollie really isn't the golden child, he was just more funny at the studio. When the picture girls started calling his name and playing with him, he began running to them to give them hugs and kisses and chaos ensued.

For More...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=38711&l=a7209&id=760093361

Family Pictures...

2008-05-29T20:34:00.001-07:00

For our family - hope you enjoy the pictures that you will get in the mail Friday --- for our Rock Hill family --- grandmas and grandpas and uncle and aunt --- we were going to bring your pictures to you Friday when we came up, so everyone in the family will get a picture before you do! I'm so sorry! Ollie is still pretty pitiful and we'll probably all have an U-R-I by this weekend! But, I promise once your pictures get overnighted, yours will be bigger and better than everyone else. WE LOVE YOU and will miss being with you this weekend so much.

A few quotables in Memoriam

2008-05-26T06:31:00.000-07:00

Let us therefore animate and encourage each other, and show the whole world that a Freeman, contending for liberty on his own ground, is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth.

GEORGE WASHINGTON, general orders, Jul. 2, 1776

I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have you, and the State over which you preside, in his holy protection, that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow Citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field, and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation.

GEORGE WASHINGTON, circular to the states, Jun. 8, 1783

Nothing is a greater stranger to my breast, or a sin that my soul more abhors, than that black and detestable one, ingratitude.

GEORGE WASHINGTON, letter to Governor Dinwiddie, May 29, 1754

May you and yours celebrate together your freedoms today;

individually, spiritually, eternally as my pastor pointed out to our congregation Sunday morning;

And be grateful for those who have gone before you and who will go ahead of you to defend that freedom.

Belated Wishes!

2008-05-25T04:36:00.000-07:00

I feel so bad! I realized this morning that I did not give my dear friend, Jen, a birthday shout out - so, friend Happy Birthday - even if it is a day late and a dollar short! I love you.

Memorial Day

2008-05-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

As everyone celebrates this national holiday - not to mention 3 day weekend, take a moment to remember the "why" of this holiday. Memorial day should be a day to honor those service men and women who gave their lives for our freedom whether valiantly in heated battle or silently in thankless service. Our culture often times, sadly, makes their service thankless and meaningless as we run off to celebrate ourselves on national holidays of honor. As a mom, a Marine's grand daughter, a friend, an American, it breaks my heart, but I usually don't speak up.

So, take a moment out of your 3 day weekend to teach your children what Memorial Day stands for, to observe flags flying at half staff until noon on Monday, to applaud boy and girl scouts and VFW's making efforts to sell red poppies and honor gravesides, to take a moment of silence locally at 3 PM to honor these lives, take the opportunity to pray for widows and orphans, or what's more do something to help. As Americans we are blessed with so much, undeservedly so. Thank God He never requires us to be deserving.

God bless America. May God bless us all.

Here are a few links that you may find helpful as you celebrate your freedom...

Focus on the Family

US Memorial Day

Thoughtful Thursday

2008-05-22T07:39:00.000-07:00

So, I've been reading about the reign of King Solomon and reading the Proverbs -- and oddly enough, the youth leaders here have been talking to the high schoolers about wisdom and making good decisions using Proverbs. I couldn't help but thank God that I had His Word already in my heart and mind -- and think about it -- God called King David a man after His own heart - yet David screwed up so many times like we all do - I know I feel like I do my fair share of messing up what God has given me, entrusted to me! After all, Solomon, his son - the wisest King - was a child of his marriage to Bathsheba - which we all know that story!!! (If not look up Uriah, the Hittite in 2 Samuel 11 and see who his wife was before he was killed.) So, it blows me away that when God spoke to Solomon in his dreams that He told Solomon to ask Him for anything and it would be his --- and Solomon chose wisdom - and so God gave him wisdom and everything else! Do you think his father David had an impact on that decision? David was called by God, a man after his own heart, but he always followed his heart even to his own detriment, but God loved him so in spite of his mess ups because he always repented and was broken when he had done wrong. King David was passionate about life and everything in it and God. And Solomon must have watched how his dad lived his life that he chose wisdom of everything God could give him. Isn't that awesome? Shouldn't we all want wisdom? Proverbs chapter 4, verse 7, says, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." (Thanks for sharing Jimmy and Mel!) Your kids, kids in your life, they are watching, Do you choose wisdom? I want to so desperately --- not being wise in my own eyes - that's folly --- but really having wisdom sent down from God - Thank you, Lord...

Today, I'm thankful...

For God's Word living and breathing...
For mommies that share their newborn's love with others...
For young people that like to laugh...
For new friends from an awesome God...
For new awe in my life everyday from God's hand...
For little boys that like to play in toilets...
For little girls that hug so tight you can't breathe...
For hubbys that don't mind staying home with the kids...
For family...

Thanks for all your support and prayers for my mom - after a couple of tough weeks, she is getting better and better. Watch out Walmart and the Dollar Store. She goes for chemo every Friday, but goes again for triple dose chemo next Friday, so be praying her through. Last time the triple knocked her down - pray for God to be lifting her up beyond it all! Pray and pray. We love you all! God is good - His mercies are new each day!

Sunday pics

2008-05-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, Sunday mornin' - Rise and Shine and give God the glory, glory!

Look, Ollie, look...

Jesus, you're the light in my life...

...and Emma Grace is, too. =D

God's on the move...

so, hop on the bus, God's on the move, there's a seat for me, there's a set for you, it don't matter, what you've done, if you believe in His Son, and what He's done and what He'll do...
God's on the move

Final Act...

2008-05-17T19:35:00.000-07:00

Good night.

Pics from today - getting ready

2008-05-17T19:23:00.001-07:00

Mommy and Emma Grace backstage after the "Perfect Princess Tea" ballet

The amazing cake lady made us an amazing cake to celebrate the Belle-ness of it all.

We had a really nice day and we missed you, Grandma Barbie and Grampy Ta.

First of many pics to share kinda blogs...

2008-05-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

Everyone posed for mommy on mother's day!

today ollie put on his own show at lunch...

it's called sandwich balancing. =)

Thankful that there is a time for everything...

2008-05-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything

1For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2a time to be born, and a time to die;a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3a time to kill, and a time to heal;a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4a time to weep, and a time to laugh;a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6a time to seek, and a time to lose;a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7a time to tear, and a time to sew;a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8a time to love, and a time to hate;a time for war, and a time for peace.

The God-Given Task

9What gain has the worker from his toil? 10I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; 13also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.

14I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. 15That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.

Pray for my mom; today was a bad day.

Thursday should be thankful...

2008-05-15T12:53:00.001-07:00

Do you ever just feel like Thursday, really? Most of us push for the weekend, so we're really looking forward to Friday and on Thursday we are recovering from overtired kids that we tagged along with to church on Wednesday night - not to mention everything else that the earlier part of the week brought. I usually just take Thursday for granted - griping that it's not yet Friday, tired from Wednesday - and today I just thought, "yeah, i should stop and be thankful for today, for Thursday." It's almost like another day of rest if I take advantage of it, so I think I will, and I'll mention what I am thankful for, too!

I'm thankful...

for a four year old who understands the story of Jonah and the whale, yet cannot quite apply the life lesson of obedience.

for a one year old who will smile when he cries and snots and slobbers on me.

for a hubby who always wants to be with me even when I don't particularly want to be with me.

for a mom who is resilient and brave and great to hug.

for a dad whose hands are worn, but still great to hold.

for my kids to have a great grandmother turning 80 next month.

for a mom-in-law who calls to just see how I am.

for a dad-in-law who really does have a special place in his heart for girls.

for a bro-in-law who I can always talk to.

for my kids to have an aunt that would do anything for them.

for a nephew who couldn't be cuter if he was my own.

for our families - the good, the bad, and the crazy! Right now, I'm pretty sure I have the market cornered on crazy!

Happy Tornado...OH, I mean Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

Yikes! I was either waiting for Mary Poppins to drop in with her trusty umbrella and spoon full of sugar or for ruby slippered feet to be sticking out from under my front door this morning when we arose. It was awful last night - I thought I had started praying more as of late - then last night, I really started praying more! All's well and no tornadoes got us - pray for all the folks that lost loved ones last night and this morning, that lost homes, that lost - thank you Jesus, the storms here were all between where we live and downtown ATL - but way too close for my comfort and not how I had quite envisioned my first mother's day in GA to be!

However, happy mommy's day to all you ladies out there...
grandmas, moms, mommies-yet-to-be.

We love you! Thank you for loving us so much!

2 Timothy 3 (NLT)

14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Somebody's Praying Me Through...

2008-05-09T13:15:00.001-07:00

and all of us. I just talked to my mom and today was long. But she did pretty well. She felt tired - super duper like you just worked a 12 hour day, then went home to clean the whole house from top to bottom and even under neath. She's glad now that daddy made "driver" arrangements because she's pretty sure she wouldn't be able to drive home from Charlotte. Daddy already has 13 people lined up to help drive for the appointments where she gets all 3 power drugs.

Keep praying - we'll all be on this journey together and come next Mother's Day - we'll have to celebrate what the Lord has done over this year - celebrate today what He's doing now! I was reading my Bible this afternoon (Chris is working from home, we missed the Mother's day brunch at EG's school, EG went to the ped, the kids and I have runny noses and coughs and sore throats, but I am grateful, still.) I am still reading Psalms and below are the last lines of today's reading from Psalm 27, you should read the whole Psalm, all the Psalms, the whole Bible while you're at it. =)

13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.

14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

We are waiting for you, Lord, we are waiting.

Bed bugs

2008-05-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

We had a bad day at the Nuthouse -
sick, runny, grumpy kids,
hubby around the perimeter somewhere,
mommy's tummy hurts,
and now there's a tornado watch
(of which I am severely paranoid!)

This has been therapy, tracking down all our pics and getting them on the laptop to share with our friends and family. Couldn't be that I'm trying to distract my mind??? Hmmm. So, I'm going to think of lovely things and true things.

Like how innocently a child loves his/her mom,
Like how unconditionally a mom loves them back,
Like how God blesses us with good friends and great parents,
Like how God is God.

Enjoy my bed bugs...I'm remembering that I need to, too.

Belly buddies

2008-05-08T13:04:00.001-07:00

While the Wades were here, Mavvy and Ollie got the chance to "play" together downstairs while the big kids were upstairs or outside...

This is Ollie's 'arrrgggh' face - I mean first I have to "share" everything with sissy and now these crazy boys are "sharing" with me, too. A boy can only take so much!

Mr. Mav had had enough - Where's my mommy?

These were too cute not to share! I'm glad Chris caught the littlest boys on film and Jen caught the older two!

Please pray...

2008-05-08T12:50:00.001-07:00

My mom will be starting chemotherapy tomorrow, Friday.

Life is hard, God alone is good.

Pics found, pics lost

2008-05-08T12:12:00.000-07:00

So, I was going through pics from our SC trip and realized that I needed to add a few! I also cannot find some others that I know exist - they must still be on cameras - so they will be my next target. I know I've been "radio silent" for over a week - it's been a long week. The kids finally seemed to be adjusting back to life in GA with G-ma, then Chris went to Mississippi last week and when he came home, our friends came into town for an overnight pit stop on their way to the airport, then Sunday was church, then by Monday we started getting an allergy/summer cold thing...on top of trying to recover from traveling, unpacking, washing, and just plain dealing with two tots under 5! How do women do this and make it look easy? I'd love to know the secret! Right now, I'm running low on concealer, band aids and bravado! Nonetheless, some pics for you to enjoy until I'm up and running again!

This was the Friday we spent in Rock Hill after we went to a party for the Wades' birthdays. Both kids were tired, but EG gave out in the car ride home from Fort Mill.

After her nap and bath, though, she was getting spoiled in Grampy Ta's lap and perfectly charged for the next round of shenanigans.

At some point, Ollie started carrying around EG's night gown, so Chris tied it around his neck.

It's not quite Super man cape style being pink and all, but he could have cared less!

Pictures to enjoy...

2008-04-28T13:08:00.001-07:00

I am going to have to do better at capturing the evasive preschooler on film...

But for now, here are just a few of Ollie and the flowers in bloom...

More to come...

Yeah, it's a QWERTY type blog...

2008-04-28T07:43:00.001-07:00

You know like on VeggieTales when QWERTY comes out and we sing the so what we've learned today song? We went home to Rock Hill this weekend to spend time with family and to love on my folks before momma starts chemo and I got to rattling around in my head and my heart and my soul. Dangerous, right? I could get hurt in there! But, I couldn't help but remember that my friend Jen keeps telling me and praying for me that I'll dwell on things that are "TRUE."

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

And see that's the best part about reading God's Word and needing His Word everyday because when you need to "think about such things" -- you have His Word. And my mind keep going back to the reading I've been doing almost daily in that dear old chronological Bible. And the phrase "Be strong and courageous." just kept coming to mind all weekend. And as I was leaving, mom and I had both teared up and I just held onto her and told her to be strong and courageous - that she already was. God knows how much and how much He can fill us all when we just ask Him with a pure heart. So, when I got home I had to find all those "be strong and courageous-es"

Deuteronomy 31 - Joshua to Succeed Moses

1 Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel…

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

23 The LORD gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: "Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you."

Joshua 1 - The LORD Commands Joshua

1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun…

6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

1 Chronicles 22 - Preparations for the Temple – Directions spoken by David

13 Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

1 Chronicles 28 - David's Plans for the Temple

20 David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you...

Moses spoke them to Israel then to Joshua. The Lord spoke them to Joshua. David spoke them to Israel to his son. And these are just the ones that a quick search could find in the NIV. And I had to hold onto those words, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you..."

OH, and did I mention that my dear friend, Jen was home, too? And that we got to sing next to each other with our old praise band? And that we sang to the Lord? And that we all praised God? Yeah, God gives precious gifts to us daily even when we aren't willing recipients. And when I got home all the Irises in our back yard had busted wide open in beautiful whites and yellows and purples. Thank you God for the rain and the blossoms! Remember to thank God today - whatever the circumstance...As a dear friend shared with me from her heart, whatever God places in your life, He has entrusted it to you.

Jeremiah 29 says,

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Precious Parents

2008-04-23T07:47:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I talked to my mom...and I had to share because she brought a grin to my face because she said when she starts to lose her hair from the chemo - she is going to just shave her head -- and daddy is too. So, when you see someone around Rock Hill with a very white, bumpy, scarred bald head that resembles my dad - it is. Mom will have a very pretty new 'do to sport.

Bless it - they are so precious. I'd shave my head, too...but boy that would be ugly unless I had a really giant pair of diamond earrings to detract from the glare off of my very white, bumpy, scarred, flat-spotted bald head. So for now, I'll leave them to bond baldly and I'll have to pass. But any of you are welcome to join in...you can be baldy for Barbie. =)

I really do love my mom and dad and am so glad that they're mine - only two nuts with so much love and patience could have raised a nut like me. God bless 'em.

Blossoms, Burdens, Blessings and Buddies

2008-04-23T05:19:00.001-07:00

I'm so glad that it is time for new life - that spring is here and the azaleas are blooming in my front yard - I was so glad to see them today like an old friend.

So, wow, been a little bit since I last blogged. Lots going on. We recuped from our last SC trip only to be putting our junk right back into our suitcases again that we just emptied to go back. lol. Life from a suitcase - you do kinda get used to it. We're heading home again to see the "high speed" Wades who will be home this weekend, too. And we're gonna go spend some time with loved ones, too.

Burdens - Pray for my mom and for us. Mom just got the lab results yesterday from her ONCO test and the cancer from her tumors was bad momma-jomma cancer (carrying a 1 in 4 chance that the cancer could recur within 10 years) that will require her to endure chemo now. She goes to the doc on Friday so pray for that appointment, for her doctor to have the right method of treatment, for mom to have comfort in this leg of the journey, for her strength and daddy's, and for Christ's glory to be ever-present and ever-comforting - for His will in His timing.

Blessings - This week I've been reading from the Psalms. Check out just a few verses from Psalm 71 - Psalm 77 was so comforting, too. God surely/truly gives you what you need when you need it if you just take time to sit at His feet to read His Holy Word. Psalm 71 is a song to remind us of how good God is.

Psalm 71 (New Living Translation)

3 Be my rock of safety
where I can always hide.
Give the order to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.

5 O Lord, you alone are my hope.
I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.
6 Yes, you have been with me from birth;
from my mother’s womb you have cared for me.
No wonder I am always praising you!

7 My life is an example to many,
because you have been my strength and protection.
8 That is why I can never stop praising you;
I declare your glory all day long.
9 And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside.
Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.

12 O God, don’t stay away.
My God, please hurry to help me.

14 But I will keep on hoping for your help;
I will praise you more and more.
15 I will tell everyone about your righteousness.
All day long I will proclaim your saving power,
though I am not skilled with words.
16 I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord.
I will tell everyone that you alone are just.

17 O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood,
and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.
18 Now that I am old and gray,
do not abandon me, O God.
Let me proclaim your power to this new generation,
your mighty miracles to all who come after me.

19 Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens.
You have done such wonderful things.
Who can compare with you, O God?
20 You have allowed me to suffer much hardship,
but you will restore me to life again
and lift me up from the depths of the earth.
21 You will restore me to even greater honor
and comfort me once again.

22 Then I will praise you with music on the harp,
because you are faithful to your promises, O my God.
I will sing praises to you with a lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.
23 I will shout for joy and sing your praises,
for you have ransomed me.

Buddies - My kids really are buddies even when they are fussing at each other - it's not crazy, just hilarious...so here are my little buddies.

One is good of Ollie and one is good of Emma G.

These are Emma Grace's dance buddies in their costumes for the recital. Yesterday was picture day. They are all Disney Princesses.

Ollie loves running around the dance studio!

Hope your day is full of blossoms, blessings, and buddies.
Give the burdens to the Lord...He can carry them and you.

Have you ever read the Bible in chronological order?

2008-04-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

It is really an experience...now, I'm not saying that it is easy...not by any means. It has been tough at times, but I am so glad that my women's small group back in SC included me in on it! Right now we are reading through - chronologically - of course - the life of King David. I must say for the first time I am mostly ahead of the reading schedule. I love reading about David, who screwed things up a lot and who was afflicted a lot, but still who God called a man after His own heart. I so desperately want to follow after God's own heart -- less of me, more of Him. Some days I still cannot believe that God knit me together in my mother's womb, that He knows the number of hairs on my head, that I am one of miracles! And if you'd have seen the day I had yesterday...you would wonder why I would say that (if you didn't know the Lord)! Yesterday I certainly didn't feel like miracle status...it was a tough staying at home raising kids day. UGH. I was ready to list the kids on ebay or craig's list or give them to the church to raise (that happened in the Old Testament, why not now?). I felt like an utter failure as a mommy yesterday. But God always teaches me something through those days, too. And after hanging out with the youth last night (without the fidgets) and watching Louie Giglio's talk (again) on "Indescribable" - I came back to how big God is and how small I am - and how much I needed to remember that - and then last night I had to go back and read the song of David in Psalm 30 -

Psalm 30

A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. Of David.

1 I will exalt you, O LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

2 O LORD my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me.

3 O LORD, you brought me up from the grave ;
you spared me from going down into the pit.

4 Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;
praise his holy name.

5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6 When I felt secure, I said,
"I will never be shaken."

7 O LORD, when you favored me,
you made my mountain stand firm;
but when you hid your face,
I was dismayed.

8 To you, O LORD, I called;
to the Lord I cried for mercy:

9 "What gain is there in my destruction,
in my going down into the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me;
O LORD, be my help."

11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

And I just had to thank God (again) for how BIG He is and how small I am - and how mighty He is and how weak I am - and that He loved me so much that He sent His only son, Jesus, to save me. That He's here when I fail and He's here when I succeed...That He's here in the weeping and wailing and in the dancing and praising. He's God...Thank you God, you are God. And I know how much God has done for me and my family and I stand in awe. I am still awestruck that my mom is already back at work full time. Pray for us that the ONCO testing may be expedited, so that we can get on with the gettin' on and tackle the next leg of the race for her. Pray for our hearts and minds and spirits for new strength each day. And remember to be thankful every day for the Maker who gives you each new day.

Monkey Business

2008-04-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

Grandma Jane and Pa bought Ollie a monkey for his birthday while they were here on his real birthday. Every so often, sissy pulls it out and Ollie drags it around...

See my monkey, mommy?

I think I'll lay down with my monkey, he may be tired.

Let's go see daddy and sissy, monkey.

Daddy, see my monkey?

Ahhh, the monkey.

150th post!

2008-04-15T05:39:00.001-07:00

So something special is in order and since Nik tagged me to do 7 randoms...

Here we go...

#1 My second toe is slightly longer than my big toe. yeah, how's that for starters!

#2 I hate - loathe - despise feet - especially stinky or hobbit-hairy ones.

#3 I do love shoes - they cover up aforementioned ugly feet in such a nice way.

#4 I am a germophobe - we have sanitizer for everything from hands to carpets to toilets.

#5 I am a chemist - I heeded my calling to be a mommy at home than the call of the world to use my BS in Chemistry - it will always be there, but my kids will not always be under my roof.

#6 I have a dent in my noggin - for real, a real flat spot on the top of my head from an idiot doctor that pinched the top of my head when I was an infant - it's not something you can explain - you must feel it with you own fingers - lemme know. ;)

#7 I once was a driven, don't get my door for me because I am WOMAN, can do it all, don't need you in my way, don't need anybody gal --- Jesus took that wretch and delivered her and won't give up on her when that old self creeps back up and gracefully grows me daily into a woman after his own heart blessed to care for her family full-time (even if some day it may claim my sanity.) He blessed me with a voice and allows me to use it for him every Sunday leading worship. He is God...He is amazing...

Now, I'm gonna tag...so, make your list of 7 Randoms and tag 7 More People to join in the randomness.

Chris - my precious (lol...when he reads that)
Evans
Rick
Jennifer
Moody
Lottie
Nik - back at ya! Thanks for the "light" fun in my day - you know I need it.

Hanging out...

2008-04-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

just happy to be back home, back together under one roof - it resembles "normal."

Lollipop Guild?

2008-04-14T15:58:00.001-07:00

What do you do when Big Sister got a lollipop and Lil' Bro begs for one, too (because he knows if sissy eats it, it must be good)?

You give the 13 month old who is cutting 4 front teeth a lollipop for Pete's sake!

And you watch him devour it and be happy - until you take away the beloved stick.

And sissy just watches the commotion from afar...
As usual...
Unless she is the cause of the commotion.

Belated Birthday...

2008-04-14T14:00:00.001-07:00

So 2 days before my son turned 13 months old,
we finally bought him his first birthday present - his first wagon!!!

Since Ollie woke up Sunday morning long before Sissy, he got to explore it all by himself. He had so much fun just hanging out with mommy and his new wagon.

It's not exactly "to scale" for den play, but he didn't care and since it got very cold here Sunday afternoon, we had wagon rides in the house in his new Step2 Wagon for Two with Tag-Along Trailer. This thing is definitely "high speed."

In the wagon, there are two molded seats with seat belts screwed into anchors, two cup holders, two drain holes in the floorboard, and a built in cooler under one of the seats --- and for ease of being "take along" -- the wagon handle folds completely underneath.

The tailer is great too and from reviews I've seen, it will hold up to 40 pounds easily and will perfectly seat an infant carrier type seat (not for me, dear Lord, not for ME to use for that purpose, but for our friends here with babies).

Like I said, Ollie loved it -- all except for that the door threshold (another "safety feature" for me so that the kids aren't climbing) -- is just a little high for his short legs right now.

SO, Happy Birthday, Ollie-Bollie - mommy and daddy really do love you even if it took us a month to buy your present and even then it's really for our convenience -- and even if your first words on seeing it were "no, no."

We came home Saturday...

2008-04-14T13:46:00.001-07:00

and being in the car for 5 hours traveling mostly I-85 will make you crazy...
so here are some pics of my Nuthouse...

Updates and such...

2008-04-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

We were home for a week - for Emma Grace's spring break - last week. Thanks to all the Grands for "keeping" us while Chris was on a work trip. We stayed with the Whisonants for the week and spent lots of time with all the grandparents. It was great and I am still undoing all the spoiling (me and the kiddos)!! =)

Mom went back to work half days last week and this week she is taking on full work days with only a 10 pound weight lifting restriction on her capability. She seemed to be so glad to return to some "normal" - even if we were there for some great fun and distraction nearly every day last week. Ollie got stroller rides with Grandma Barb and Emma Grace played outside so much even her crocs needed a bath when they were done playing.

We are waiting to hear back from mom's "ONCO" testing - so we are waiting, still. After this testing (being done in a lab in CA), we'll know if mom just needs hormonal therapy or "big gun" chemo. Pray for patience and peace in the wait, for great check ups with the surgeon in between, and for the Holy Spirit to reveal in mom's mind and heart the correct choice for her health and for her docs to have Divine choices to give her to make. Keep praying - we all feel it and appreciate it so much. There are still days, where I know the Holy Spirit intercedes on my behalf because some times there are still no words to pray -- BUT I know that God is enough and will rest secure in His strength and not my own.

God is good - all the time.

Come for Me...

2008-04-05T19:28:00.000-07:00

Charlie Hall's song says,

"Jesus today I am tired, I need your music to come and inspire,
I give myself to be refined in this fire, but Jesus today I’m so tired"

Our dear friend led this song as an offertory on Easter Sunday at our home church. We needed to hear the whole song that day - the day before my mom's mastectomies, but we will continue to need it every day. This song speaks to me - to my life - to how I'm wired to worship God - God we all - I - need your music to come and inspire.

Here's to another Sunday morning lifting up the name of Jesus for all to see Him and not us.

Afterwards, we'll be packing up and heading to Rock Hill for a bit to visit and love. See ya real soon and ya'll come back now, ya hear?

Psalm 139

2008-04-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

A dear sweet friend and teacher of mine shared this verse with me and today was the day that I needed it. God knows, His hand is here, He is - and that's all I should need today...as we wait.

Updates...

2008-04-02T18:15:00.000-07:00

So, mom's surgeon called her at home today - yeah, a surgeon personally called a patient...how's that for service (it makes up for some of their not-so-shining moments)? Lots of questions and answers from that conversation - lots still swimming in my head. But, good news...the doc can't wait to see mom in her office on Friday because she thinks mom sounds great as does her recovery. If all goes well, she will allow momma to return to work for 4 hours a day NEXT WEEK! This is only 2 weeks after her mastectomies! The docs are going to "scrutinize" (my word not theirs - how I understand it) the cancers that were removed from the mastectomies...one of the two cancers she had was a "bad momma-jomma" (again, me, not them - very aggressive cancer on a scale of 1 to 9 - 9 being most nasty -- hers was a 7)...so they are going to "scrutinize" that to see if it really was a "7" and this is supposed to reveal what sort of percentage rate exists on it popping up somewhere else or ever again...I'm so glad that I know my God who can take care of that! It's all a waiting game - wait for the post-op surgeon's appt, wait to try going back to work, wait to talk to the chemotherapist, wait on more reports, wait 3 months to watch the nodule in her lung...wait, and wait, and wait...see a recurring theme???

Mom does - it is patience!

Ecclesiastes 7:8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning;

Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Colossians 1:10-12
Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.

Please continue in prayer that we "will be strengthened with all his glorious power so that we will have all the endurance and patience that we need. May we be filled with joy, always thanking the Father." Pray for all the waiting and testing. Pray that this cancer wasn't a "7." Pray that the nodule in the bottom of mom's right lung is nothing or ceases to exist. Pray. Amen.

Praise and a Lesson learned...

2008-03-31T12:25:00.000-07:00

No deep spiritual insight today folks, just thanksgiving from one of God's children (albeit a crazy one)!

Mom got news today that her final pathology reports from both left and right side lymph nodes are clear and cancer free. Thank you, thank you, Jesus. She has an appointment Friday with the cancer center for the "what's the next step" part. Please continue in prayer for us all and praise the Lord with us for this good news. Keep praying over her health and the nodule in her right lung, for grace and patience as everything has a "wait" involved...pray that the next step will allow her some "normal" life stuff...the tough part right now is keeping her healthy in case she needs chemo/rad -- the baby is due for "live" virus vaccines (which our pediatrician is so great to tell us to wait and helping us make good decisions for the whole family) but this would keep him away from Grandma Barbie anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months depending on certain scenarios!!! Pray for God to already have this worked out, I know He makes a way for us...above all for God's will in our lives and His glory to shine.

ON the lesson side...(and the funny for today, although, I am still not laughing)
The heating element in the toaster oven is not, in fact, toast. I learned this lesson pre-coffee this morning as I reached into the back of the blessed toaster oven for that last 5th piece of toast way in the back. Dear Lord in heaven...and the best part is that it still burns and Ollie keeps grabbing the band aid that I put on it...so that was today's public service announcement, lest any of you get confused!

This was just funny...

2008-03-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

So, amid all the stormy days and stormy moments...I can always find humor or something will happen to me that really just makes me belly laugh because it could only happen to me.

So, here's the funny. We were unpacking a week's worth of suitcases (ugh - the laundry is still not all done) and birthday presents and Easter candy and toys and yadda, yadda, yadda...and the kids had exhibited some good behavior (though it was fleeting), so I decided it was time to reward them with some Easter chocolate after snack time. So, I let Emma Grace choose and she picked the Jameson's candy company (from the town of my birth, New Castle, Pa - I was also born at Jameson Hospital there) that my Aunt Kim and Uncle Bob had left for us on a previous trip through Rock Hill to see Momma (Aunt "Kimmy" as moms calls her is mom's only baby sister out of a family of 6 kids). So, we open it and these bunnies are SOLID milk chocolate - SOLID - did I say SOLID? I had to cut into this bad boy with a knife. So, we indulge and have chocolate everywhere - even Ollie is drooling into this rare indulgence...and Emma Grace pipes up while we are finishing our chocolate euphoria..."Mommy, you can tell Grandma Barb that Aunt Kim can come every Easter and bring us bunnies." And I had to smile and agree. ;) The Easter bunny has nothing on Aunt Kim~

Continue in prayer...

2008-03-28T11:12:00.000-07:00

We have had no news since mom's surgery on Monday. Pray that maybe, just maybe we'll get the final pathology reports today before the weekend - this kind of stuff held over for these long waits just sucks out loud. Yeah, that's what I said...I will be honest in this. Pray for continued peace and calm from the Lord. Pray that God himself stands between us and Satan, so that the devil is not allowed a foothold in any part of this. Pray that God's glory be found to shine in us and though us. Pray for God's will. Pray for mom's continued healing; for the nodule in her right lung to be nothing or cease to be at all.

Psalm 3 - 3 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
4 I cried out to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy mountain.

Mom is home...

2008-03-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

She did come home Tuesday morning after lighting a fire under every nurse on her floor (probably). The docs said she did great. I was still in my PJs running around her house like a chicken with my head cut off trying to clean and put away and pack and answer phones...but I was so grateful! We all had some McD's for lunch and very soon after I was "ready" to go, momma sent us on down the highway. We made good time until we hit ATL at rush hour and someone missed the 285 perimeter exit and we got a grand tour of downtown - but EG loved the bridges and trains (MARTA) everywhere - and we watched Curious George for the third time - so it all worked out!

God has lavished his love on us all and I thank you all for your prayers. Keep praying - pray for mom's recovery (that she will behave - yeah, I said that!), for clear pathologies that don't require chemo, for the nodule in her right lung to be nothing and cease to be, for grace and strength that only God can provide, but as always...for His will to be done and His glory to rise above all earthly things.

Thank you, thank you, Jesus.

Mom is coming home today...

2008-03-25T07:07:00.001-07:00

probably at this moment. The doctors are impressed with her healing so far --- and I am too --- but I know WHO did that! They should be home soon - I'm packing and planning and trying to clean and then we'll head back to Georgia today, probably. Keep praying and thank for your support and love so far. Pray for her recovery, for final pathology reports to be clear and chemo not be necessary, for the nodule in her right lung to be nothing - for above all else, God's Will be done and His glory proclaimed.

Thank you, thank you, Jesus.

God is so gracious...

2008-03-24T16:51:00.001-07:00

yet today seemed to last forever...

We left the hospital at rush hour and came home to get our kiddos. But, the mastectomies went well and the preliminary reports are good for the lymph nodes and clear from cancer. We have official final pathology reports in 3-5 days. Momma and daddy will be at the hospital tonight and will see what the doctor says in the morning. Best case, she comes home tomorrow - worst case, she doesn't. It's one day, one mountain at a time. But, I could see the pain, yet relief and momma and daddy's eyes as they were back together tonight in the hospital room.

Keep us in your prayers - I felt them all day long and thank you so much. Pray God's will and comfort over us, for clear pathologies, for the nodule in her right lung to be nothing, for her recovery and pain.