Noodle Nest

THE FIRST WEEK OF THE YEAR

2012-01-07T19:07:00.006-06:00

Our Christmas was really nice. We had my parents, Mike's parents, Mary, and Noah here on Christmas Day. It was so fun and relaxing. We played games and ate and Skyped with Trevor and Jessie. Our church service was so good.

I made some hor d'oeuvres to have after church so that we could eat a little later in the day. I enjoy cooking and fixing stuff ahead of time so things are ready to enjoy.

We ate Christmas dinner about 4:00. I put the potatoes in the crockpot in the morning to cook all day. I love to "bake" potatoes like this because it frees up your oven and you really don't have to even think about them.

Mike grilled 7-8 pounds of steak. They were so perfectly tender and juicy. They were seasoned just right so no steak sauce was needed. The other sides were green beans casserole, caesar salad, roasted San Marzano tomatoes, and dinner rolls. For dessert I made a pumpkin and pecan pie. Mike's mom made a pound cake and peanut butter hershey kiss cookies. My mom made 2 cheesecake pies.

The week after Christmas was nice and relaxing. We didn't have anything on our agenda so we enjoyed all the down time. We didn't drive our van from Christmas Eve til Friday. We have been driving less and less. Most of our errands can be done on our afternoon walks. Our bank, post office, Trader Joe's/Whole Foods, Walgreens, Metro station, and library are within a 10-15 minute walk so there is always somewhere to walk.

My sister wanted to go over to D.C. so on Thursday we caught the subway over to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

We ended the day at the White House. It was cold out but it didn't keep us from enjoying being together. On the walk back home from the subway we stopped at Starbucks for a treat to warm us up.

New Year's Eve was a nice, relaxing day. We ate subs and watched the ball drop. It was cool to be on Eastern Standard time again. Shelby and Abby tried to stay up but they had stayed up late the night before so they crashed around 11pm. Mike took a little nap while the news was on but woke up to watch the last 30 min of 2011 with me.

Our New Year service was a time of reflection as well as looking forward to 2012. We invited our friends Krisstal and her son, Elias, over for lunch. I am looking forward to digging in and establishing relationships this year.

We started our lessons on Monday and this week has been a very fruitful one. There has been lots of good discussions about explorers and Hippocrates. There were many games of Uno. Plain old Uno. Love it. Music classes and Choir started back this week.

We have goals in place for 2012 and lots of grace to extend to ourselves and others. The most exciting thing for 2012 will be, by far, The Wedding. Gosh, we can hardly wait.

Christmas Questions

2011-12-24T12:38:00.003-06:00

I saw this over at Starr Circus and couldn't resist playing along. So, here goes...

1. egg nog or hot chocolate?

Hot chocolate. Specifically Trader Joe's Hot Cocoa

2. does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?

Wrapped in a different wrapping paper for each child

3. colored lights on tree/house or white?

We had white lights until a couple of years ago now we have colored LED and I love them

4. do you hang mistletoe?

We have a kissing ball made of mistletoe that we got from North Pole, Alaska. I love it.

5. when do you put your decorations up?

Weekend after Thanksgiving or the next week depending on what we have going on.

6. what is your favorite holiday dish?

All of it. I just love it all.

7. favorite holiday memory as a child?

So many...but I loved going to my Nanny and Granddaddy's with all my cousins. We had such a fun time. Also, going for a drive to see all the Christmas lights.

8. when and how did you learn the truth about Santa?

It really wasn't a big deal. We did Santa but Jesus was at the forefront with church and our Christmas play. Even at school there was a focus on Christ.

9. do you open a gift on Christmas eve?

When I was growing up we opened new pjs on Christmas Eve and we have carried that tradition on with our kids

10. how do you decorate your Christmas tree?

No theme. Almost every ornament on our tree has significance from our childhood, our children, or our marriage. We have another small tree for Jesse ornaments.

11. snow! love it or dread it?

LOVE IT!! I hope it snows here soon.

12. can you ice skate?

::snort:: Yeah, in my dreams.

13. do you remember your favorite gift?

I got a boom box in the 6th grade and thought I was hot stuff. I loved that thing to death...literally. When I finally got rid of it there were buttons missing and it looked pretty ragged.

14. what's the most important thing about the holidays for you?

Jesus and family

15. what is your favorite holiday dessert?

Pretty much all of them:) My Mom makes a great cheesecake that I love.

16. what is your favorite holiday tradition?

Spending time with my family. We go to breakfast on Christmas Eve. Reading and talking about Jesus.

17. what tops your tree?

A star made of cardboard and aluminum foil that Mike made. You would think it was made of solid gold when we pull it out of the box every year and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

18. which do you prefer: giving or receiving?

I love to give gifts. It's so fun.

19. candy canes: yuck or yum?

Yum!!!

20. favorite Christmas show?

Do I have to pick one???? White Christmas, Christmas with the Kranks, Elf, It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, The Nativity....and more. I can't choose just one.

21. saddest Christmas song?

I'll be Home for Christmas by Josh Groban

22. what is your favorite Christmas song?

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Merry Christmas!!!!!!

12-17-11

2011-12-17T19:04:00.008-06:00

We've had lots going on the past couple of weeks so I wanted to get a blog post done so that I wouldn't forget. Shelby was in a Christmas concert with the Arlington's Children's Choir. We had a silent auction and bake sale to raise money for the Choir. Mike and I volunteered so we were outside handing out programs and directing people before the show started.
The concert was so good. We had great seats because Abby and Mrs. Donna, a friend from our church, saved them for us.

We headed down south last Friday to be in a parade with Mike's parents. My parents came down to be with my brother's family on Sunday because my niece and nephew were baptized. I wish I had been able to stay and be there for their baptism but we had to be back at our church for Sunday service. I can't express what a blessing they are.

We wanted to get our Christmas picture out of the way before leaving. These are some of the outtakes and they crack me up. The girls are making the funniest faces. Can you tell they were so over the picture taking. They were just ready to be done.

This one was funny because Mike was trying to get into the picture and he just couldn't get down in the floor fast enough.

I am so in love with our tree this year. It is so full and pretty. It was funny that we got such a great tree considering that when we went to Home Depot to get it there was a ton of people there. The trees were still tied up with string because all the ones that were open were already picked over. I pulled my trusty fold-up scissors from Smoky Mtn Knife Works out of my purse and snipped those strings. We took one look at it and said, "Looks good." With that and standing it line to get it trimmed, a trip through the netting thingy, paying for it and strapping it to the top of the van, it came home with us.

Tomorrow at 5pm will be my first Open House as a Pastor's wife. I thought I would be nervous but I'm not. I don't know if I'm naive or what but I'm so excited. I've done all my shopping, prep work, and pretty much all the cleaning. I hope to take pictures so I'll post about it this week. I just wish my Pastor's Wives Book Study friends could be here to enjoy it with me. They just don't know how much I miss them and our time together.

Hope y'all have a great day of worship tomorrow.

12-07-11

2011-12-07T19:35:00.003-06:00

It has been just nasty here today. I had to run some errands this afternoon and the rain was terrible. The whole 2 hours I was out it never let up at all.

Tonight while walking back from church the wind felt like it was cutting right through us. They're calling for some winter weather tonight and from how cold it's gotten we just may be in for some.

And now that I have thoroughly bored you to tears with the weather report let me continue with other mundane things to complete this blog post.

We have pretty much hunkered down this week~doing lessons, crafts, fighting with each other~ not Mike and I ~ the girls. Today I told them the next time they got physical with each other there was going to be some scripture writing for them. I read them:

Submit Yourselves to God

¹ What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? ² You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. ³ When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

⁴ You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. ⁵ Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? ⁶ But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”

⁷ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹ Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

¹¹ Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. ¹² There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

Because, y'all, I was at my wits end with all the bickering and fighting. We also prayed that all of us would have better attitudes and be able to control ourselves. Honestly, I needed a better attitude and self control as much as they do, even more sometimes.

We are were much better today. Thankfully.

I may need a boat to take Shelby to piano tomorrow but we are going to do it with a good attitude if it kills us.

ANOTHER FIELD TRIP

2011-12-05T18:00:00.003-06:00

On Friday we jumped on the Metro and rode over to Union Station. We toured the National Postal Museum. Union Station is a big mall with a Metro Station and Amtrak Station. The food court is huge with some really cool places to eat. The chicken salad at Vittorio's Gelato Bar was so delicious. We ended up eating lunch at Potbelly Sandwich Works but we made notes of places we would like to try.

Abby, Shelby, and Mike driving a big rig to deliver the mail.

Mail railroad car that carried mail until the 1970's

Weary from riding the stage coach for 20 days with a crying baby:)

It is neat to think about all the mail that has been picked up or mailed form this Post Office. It made me a little nostalgic to think of the people that received good or bad news from within these walls over the years.
We really enjoy our Field Trip Fridays. There is so much to do in our area. Riding the Metro makes it so convenient.

FIELD TRIP SURPRISE

2011-12-04T20:17:00.006-06:00

*Warning: Lots of pictures:)

They have a cafe that we would have eaten at but we had already eaten at Pal's. We have made a note and will probably eat there next time. Of course they serve beans which I love:)

Shelby and Abby trying to get the secret recipe.

We made a wrong turn when we were heading to Ober Gaitlinburg which lead us to this little gem. It was such a nice Visitors Center for the Bush's factory. The movie we watched showed us how they make their baked beans. We learned a lot about the process and how they cook the beans and make the sauce. Here us a little tidbit: the piece of bacon in the can IS real bacon. It's not the "fakin' bacon" we have mistakenly called it all these years. Also, they cook the beans and the sauce in the can so that they have more flavor.

This is the sack that the beans come in. There's a lot of beans in that bag

These girls love their Daddy so very much.

I love these faces!!!!

Sidenote: The coat that we had to buy at Walmart is being worn in the picture above by the person who left their coat at home. I'll not name names but I will tell you that the coat has polka dots and a sweet little girl inside.

12-03-11

2011-12-03T19:24:00.006-06:00

On the Sunday after Thanksgiving we went to Cofers Chapel. We were so excited to worship there again. It did not disappoint. Jacob does a wonderful job with the music and Pastor Mike brought a great message despite an abscess tooth.

Jessie's parents and my sister came to church with us. We filled an entire pew:) We were able to see lots of our friends and that was so wonderful. Abby and Shelby went home with their friend, Jaden and spent the afternoon with his family.

Trev, Jessie, John, Sue, and Mary went with Mike and I to the Loveless Cafe. It was great, as usual. It was so nice to be able to talk and just enjoy being together. It was cold and rainy outside but it was warm and toasty inside.

Mike and I were suffering from a cold so we were ready to rest when we got back to the hotel. We laid down but didn't take a nap.

Trevor found an old barber chair next to a dumpster and wanted me to help him recover the cushions so we went and helped him. He and I were able to get the bottom covered but the back of the chair was going to need some work. We were going to go pick up the girls and head to Opryland Hotel to see the Christmas decorations but we ended up spending some time with the Davies. They had ordered pizzas and wanted us to share a meal with them.

When we took Trev and Jessie back to her house we hung out with them and Zadie, Bandit, and Kung Meow. I honestly didn't want to leave but Trev had to go to work at 5:30 the next morning and everyone was tired. Including me, I just didn't want the visit to end.

The next morning we were moving really slow. Mike felt worse and I didn't want to leave:) We finally got the van packed and headed to Chickfila for breakfast and to say goodbye to Trevor. I was a mess. I cried from the time Mike started the van til we pulled in the parking lot. Mike had to order our food because I couldn't do it. The lady that works there came over to bring our drinks, she took one look at me and ran away.

Thankfully, Mr. Beem, William, and Edwin came in at that moment. They were the perfect distraction to help me get my mind off having to tell Trevor goodbye. I held it together when Trevor came out and I was so proud of myself. Those hugs are so much more meaningful now that I get so few of them. I just want to hold on tighter and longer.

The trip back was rainy and cold. Thankfully, it was uneventful and no traffic. We didn't take any detours and made the trip in 11 hours. It was good to be home but I miss Nashville. The people there are my family and I love them. We are so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives. It makes this life so much richer.

12-01-11

2011-12-01T12:27:00.005-06:00

This was on our impromptu field trip to the Bush's Visitor Center

(I'll write about this visit soon:)

The Day After Thanksgiving

We just lounged around the hotel and ate the free breakfast until Trevor and Jessie came so we could all take a dip in the pool. We ended up going to the hotel next door because they had a hot tub and hardly anyone was staying at it. We were able to enjoy some good family time.

By early afternoon, Trevor had to go get ready for work and I had to get ready for my date with my friend, Casey. We went to lunch at Cheddar's and stayed there for a couple of hours. It was so nice to catch up and laugh with her. It was such a good time of catching up.

My sister came and picked up the girls so that could spend the night with her and Noah. She had a fun time planned for them and they were so excited to see Noah.

I spent Friday evening with Jessie. We ate supper at Chickfila and then we talked for a few hours. By the end of the day my throat hurt but I loved every second of my day. I can't wait for Jessie to join our family.

On Saturday, Mike, Trevor, Jessie, and I ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel. They sat us by the fire and it was so cozy and festive. We talked and laughed. I sat back and soaked up every second of us being together. I made note of their faces, these people I love with all my heart. I can't tell you how happy that breakfast made me.

We went to my sister's apartment to pick up the girls and hang out with her and Noah for a little while. We really liked her new place and it was nice to be able to picture where she lives.

Trevor had to go to work at 2pm so we dropped them off so he could get ready for work. We headed to Nashville to drive around and go by to see our old house. We were meeting Cindy and Mackenzie at a bowling alley at 3 so we were able to drive around our old stomping ground.

The girls and Mike bowled while Cindy and I talked and ate our snacks from the snack bar.
They had fun and we got to catch up on a lot that has been going on. Our family has missed them so much.

After supper at a local favorite we went to see Sonia, Bailey, and Mason and we met a new friend, their dog, Sunny. I have missed them so much. I wish we could have seen Marvin, too but he is overseas doing his job for the military. We are so proud of him. They were our homeschool field trip buddies and there are so many places that we didn't get to experience. I am praying that they get to come see us soon so that we can do some awesome field tripping around here.

When we got back to the hotel we all just fell into bed. I love days that are exhausting but full of love and friendship. It truly was a day to remember.

11-30-11

2011-11-30T19:20:00.005-06:00

Thanksgiving Day

Our day started out with Mike having to go to Walgreens because somehow...ahem...I left my bag of toiletries at home. In fact, I had a major meltdown the night before when I realized I didn't have my trusty, fake blue leather Winnie the Pooh bag that I have carried out of town with us for many years.

While he was out finding me a round brush, deodorant, and hair care products, my sister came to see us at the hotel. Then, we went to Jessie's house so I could make the Blueberry Delight that Trevor requested. We were able to spend some time with them and then we headed to Jessie's brother's house for Thanksgiving dinner.

It was great. They had a wonderful spread of food. Everything was delicious. We were thrilled to spend another Thanksgiving with the Williamson family. After dinner, we headed out to a field for a game of touch football.

John (Jessie's Dad), Matt (Jessie's brother), Daniel (Jessie's cousin), Trevor, and Jessie with Zadie

This picture makes me laugh because Jessie is holding Zadie like she's the football:)

Shelby, Abby, Justin (Jessie's oldest brother), Stephanie (Justin's wife), and Luke (Jessie's brother)

After the big game we came inside to hear some good music. Jessie's family is very talented so they played some good stuff.

11-29-11

2011-11-29T20:35:00.002-06:00

This is going to be short and sweet because I am recovering from the day after traveling.

I have done loads of laundry, went on a massive grocery shopping expedition,was the chauffeur to choir practice, and the whole day just felt pretty sluggish.

I think the worst day after vacation is the very first day back in reality. I came home to a spotless house (thanks to Jessie and Mom:) and now it looks like a bomb exploded~a clothes, shoes, suitcases, toys bomb.

It did feel good to sleep in my bed last night. It was so comfy and cozy.

I'll be back tomorrow with more about our trip.

11-28-11

2011-11-28T20:15:00.002-06:00

I didn't post for three days because there was just so much going on and I was trying to soak every last bit of it up.

Wednesday~ we left around 5 am and stopped at Hardees for a fine southern biscuit for breakfast. We had only a slight deviation from the itinerary for a quick stop at Walmart near the Tennessee line for a coat because one of us left theirs at home. We had to stop for lunch at Pal's for a Pal Burger and some Frenchie fries. After we fortified ourselves we made the trek through the beautiful Smokey Mountains to Gaitlinburg and up Ski Mountain Road to Ober. Ski Mountain Road is the kind of road that has a sign at the beginning saying, "In the winter months only cars with chains are allowed." Mike and I thought this would be a good way to break up the long trip and it was.

We rode the ski lift up to the Alpine Slide. It was quite chilly on the side of that mountain so one of us was really glad we stopped and bought that coat. We picked up our sleds and got in line for our trip down the mountain. They let you go two by two so I rode on one slide with Shelby and Mike rode on the other with Abby. Abby was a little apprehensive because she had never done it before and you can go pretty fast. Well, somehow we weren't even in line so Abby went ahead of us. That wouldn't have been so bad but a guy lost his cell phone on the track and they wouldn't let anyone go until it was located and all the pieces cleaned off because it could've caused someone to wreck. Mike and I were getting a little panicked because Abby is going down this huge slide on the side of a mountain and we were stuck at the top waiting to go. We thought for sure she would be at the end and freaking out because she was all by herself. We shouldn't have worried. When they gave us the green light all three of us took off down that mountain to "rescue" Abby. She wasn't even to the end yet. We laughed and laughed because she was going so super slow that Mike caught up with her before she even realized she was alone.

After that ride, we rode the ski lift again but this time we rode it all the way to the top of the mountain. I'll tell you one thing, that view NEVER gets old. I have mountain blood running through my veins and the sight of them just makes me feel at home. It was really, really cold on that mountain top.

After that little detour, we got back on track just in time to get stuck in some holiday traffic. When that busted loose it was smooth sailing all the way to Jessie's house where we followed her and Trevor to our ridiculously cheap hotel room. Not cheap as in a bad room, cheap as in "we feel like we're stealing this is costing us so little". The room was perfect.

Stay tuned for more detail rich posts about our trip because I want to document it for our family.

11-24-11

2011-11-24T21:23:00.004-06:00

Today I am thankful for:

the love of God
my husband
my children (all 4 of them, that means you, Jessie:)
my family
my friends

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!

Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
His faithful love endures forever.~Psalm 106:1

11-23-11

2011-11-23T22:57:00.002-06:00

Today I am thankful for:
* safety of travel to Nashville
* a good day
* riding a ski lift to the top of a mountain

11-22-11

2011-11-22T15:44:00.003-06:00

Today I am thankful for:

homemade goodies ready to eat and share
random hugs from 2 certain tween girls
comfortable shoes
anticipation
hearing, "It smells like Christmas in here" when I am working in the kitchen
Thanksgiving poems read by aforementioned girls

11-21-11

2011-11-21T20:41:00.002-06:00

Today I am thankful for:

one more day til Nashville
the soft glow of lamp light at night
an unexpected gift brought to the door by a sweet friend
my African violet is still alive
loofah sponges
snacks lined up waiting to be packed for our trip

11-20-11

2011-11-20T18:21:00.005-06:00

Today I am thankful for:

memories
a clean kitchen
a clean bathroom
suitcases ready for packing
my little family of pilgrims. They make me smile when I look at them.
engagement pictures of Trev and Jessie
my church family

11-19-11

2011-11-19T20:19:00.002-06:00

Today I am thankful for:

a fresh haircut
meeting a new sister in Christ that just happened to cut my hair. We had a great conversation surrounding spiritual things. I want to remember to pray for her as she wants to be a witness to her friends and co-workers.
popcorn
getting things ready for tomorrow
talking to my brother
nice, warm socks

11-18-11

2011-11-18T21:05:00.003-06:00

Today I am thankful for:

working together to rake the leaves to the street so they will get sucked up tomorrow
an organized attic where we can actually find what we are looking for (a first in our 15 years of having an attic:)
crisp, cold air
bad days that make us appreciate the good days
rocking chairs
being able to walk 5 minutes to the local pizza place for some hot, fresh pizza
lazy Friday nights with 3 of my favorite people in the whole world (one in particular is my absolute favorite...forever:)
a phone call from my sister

11-17-11

2011-11-17T20:14:00.002-06:00

Today I am thankful for:

TV shows on Netflix
scarves
one last Almond Joy in the Halloween candy bowl
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Heb 4:12 ESV
forgetting something I packed away in the winter clothes and being surprised that I own it. It's like going shopping and getting something new without spending any money.
going to see Mike at work and only having to walk through the backyard
marking things off the "to do before our trip" list

11-16-11

2011-11-16T16:38:00.003-06:00

Today I am thankful for:

my Pastor;)
a rainy day that makes me want to stay in and read
medicine
a place to walk indoors when it's raining
good conversations
my vacuum

11-15-11

2011-11-15T22:18:00.002-06:00

Today I am thankful for:

*my big comfy bed that I am climbing into in 5 minutes
*corner stores with little treasures like peacock feathers
*smartphones that I can do blog posts from
*my husband doing the dishes tonight

11-14-11

2011-11-14T20:19:00.003-06:00

Today I am thankful for:

the nice breeze that blew through our windows
the attic, where we can hide things:)
being able to listen to stories being read aloud by my daughters
$10 coupons that make your purchases add up to .82 cent
ice cold milk
crunchy leaves under our feet during our afternoon walk

11-13-11

2011-11-13T19:17:00.002-06:00

Today I am thankful for:

a surprise lunch date with my beloved
a BOGO coupon that we were able to use on the aforementioned date
iTunes
ministering with my husband and helping hurting people that God sends to our church
the ability to see how my past hurts make me sensitive to others
Benadryl and a long nap when my sinuses feel like they're on fire
the beginning of a new week packed with possibilities

11-12-11

2011-11-12T21:08:00.003-06:00

Today I am thankful for:

getting something done that has been on my to do list all week
pinto beans cooked in the crock pot all day
hangers to hang all the laundry I've done this week
so many clothes we have to change them out with the seasons
the bag of giveaway clothes to bless someone else with this week
my families' forgiveness when I get wound up and start to lose it

11-11-11

2011-11-11T15:25:00.002-06:00

Today I am thankful for:

Every person that has served in the US military.
Every person that is currently serving in the US military.
Every family that serves along side their soldier because when one person in the family is in the military the whole family sacrifices.
God Bless America!!!!

*photo taken by Mike at the Arlington House in Arlington National Cemetery in July '11

11-10-11

2011-11-10T20:01:00.002-06:00

Today I am thankful for:

rain
my van
window shopping
$5 Charlie Brown DVDs
sharing
cameras
beautiful leaves that get laminated to enjoy for a long time

11-9-11

2011-11-09T17:29:00.002-06:00

Today I am thankful for:

an uneventful day
new notebooks
prayers that are heard and answered
my laptop
warm blankets on cold mornings
packages with goodies in them

11-8-11

2011-11-08T20:40:00.002-06:00

Today I am thankful for:

hot showers
the opportunity to teach my kids at home
the anticipation of seeing people I love in Nashville
almost 90 minutes of alone time this evening. Sometimes you just need it:)
living in the city

11-7-11

2011-11-07T19:28:00.002-06:00

Today I am thankful for:

a leisurely Monday after a busy weekend and the beginning of a busy week. Should I admit that the girls and I didn't get up til almost 10:)
going over to the church and coming home to the girls taking turns reading to each other
nice surprises
a husband that really wants to know me and does~very well
hearing my phone ring and seeing that it's Trev
chatting with my mom
new recipes that get good reviews from my family
windows that open and pleasant temps
library trips
afternoon walks

11-6-11

2011-11-06T16:25:00.003-06:00

Today I am thankful for:

Bath and Body Works Wallflower Fireside scent
God not leaving me where I am. He stretches me in ways I never thought possible
hot rolling baby girl's hair before church
hope for the future
being able to welcome a daughter in law to the family in less than 5 months
leftovers (Tonight is C.O.R.N.~~~ Clean Out Refrigerator Night)

11-5-11

2011-11-05T17:20:00.003-05:00

Today I am thankful for:

the true reason for Thanksgiving Day
the view today from Skyline Drive on the way home from the NorVa district meeting in Harrisonburg
getting to see the new church building at Harrisonburg Free Will Baptist Church
seeing the sun rise this morning
mercy
comfy pjs after a long day

11-4-11

2011-11-04T19:50:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for:

lovely fall days
freshly laundered clothes
my broom and dustpan that sees a lot of action
a quick trip to Target with my family
being able to serve my family full time
grace
my soft pillow

11-3-11

2011-11-03T19:35:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for:

listening to my girls talk to each other like best friends
making plans with friends in Nashville over the Thanksgiving holiday
talking to Trev and Jessie via Skype (and getting to see the cute dogs:)
getting things marked off my daily list
hearing great news about a friend's mother who has cancer Praise God!!!!
buying cool Halloween stuff for next year and paying way less than they would have cost 5 days ago
seeing Mike walk through the door for lunch

This is my 400th post!! So glad I have a small record of our lives over the years.

11-2-11

2011-11-02T16:09:00.003-05:00

Today I am thankful for:

great smelling shampoo
cleansing tears that don't have to be explained
having hope amidst trials
the loving arms of my man
snail mail
a clean guest room especially when it's the only room clean in the house:)
questions that An Almighty God can handle and the peace from knowing He can
changing seasons

11-1-11

2011-11-01T20:55:00.003-05:00

Today I am thankful for:

warm clothes
the colors of fall
the whole Body of Christ
the single Mom that has started bringing her son to our church
the things S & A do everyday that make me smile
a good turn out for our first Halloween Bash
family that gave their precious time to come help us at the Halloween Bash
getting a phone call from Trevor
cuddling

TODAY I...

2011-10-19T19:13:00.002-05:00

Today I...

felt the strength of God in a very real way.
shared with a friend and realized it's so freeing to talk about things we've been facing lately.
laughed real hard when my daughters got a health lesson via a breastfeeding video at the doctor's office:)
listened to S. practice piano.
shared a special lunch with the girls because they were incredibly good at the doctor's office.
thought today was Thursday until S. let me know it was Wednesday.
prayed for our deacon at church that is having some serious health problems.
hugged my husband.
rearranged the school bookshelves for the bazillionth time.
got wet from the rain.
had lessons with the girls this morning.
listened to Mike read, "Yobgorgle" to the girls.
smiled and it felt good.

MY MOUTH

2011-09-28T18:39:00.003-05:00

I was reading this blog post today and I immediately remembered something I said to a friend of mine years ago.

Do you ever remember things you have said in the past and feel yourself clinch up inside because you shouldn't have opened your mouth?

This particular day I was helping my friend move or put clothes away or something that would have put us in front of her closet with the doors open. I looked into her closet and said, "WHY DO YOU USE WIRE HANGERS?" I know that I said it with such disdain on my face that she probably thought she was committing the unpardonable sin.

I remember that she looked a little befuddled and responded to my question. I can't remember her response but I sure remember my condescending attitude. About some hangers. That hold clothes. In a closet. Like using plastic hangers was the end all, be all of hanging clothes.

I know I have said stupid stuff since then and I'll probably say more stupid stuff in the future. I truly pray that I will be more sensitive to others instead of focusing on really dumb things that don't matter.

I mean, really, if my friend didn't know me that well she may have been inclined to back away. Thankfully, she knew my heart then and knows it now. She may not even remember this but I do (with much embarrassment, I might add)

Have you ever said something you wish you could open your mouth and shove it back in? Do share:) It'll make you feel better.

I NEED TO SEE THE SUN

2011-09-26T19:18:00.002-05:00

We have had a lot of rain over the past week and I really need to see some extended sunshine.

It didn't rain today but it was overcast and dreary. I'm not feeling well so all this cloudy, rainy weather makes me feel worse. I barely have any energy.

We started our 4th week of school today and it has been going really good. Shelby started piano lessons last week and she starts choir tomorrow. Abby starts music theory next week. Tuesdays and Thursdays are getting ready to be pretty hectic in the evenings.

Wow. That's about all my brain can come up with tonight. I guess you can stick a fork in me. I'm done.

Night, everybody!

THIS WEEK IN REVIEW

2011-09-11T15:56:00.010-05:00

CAUTION: THIS POST IS LONG AND FILLED WITH PICTURES. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Sunday evening we marked off one of the last things on our Summer to do list. We went and played mini golf near the Potomac River. It was competitive just like we like it. Mike won, of course, Shelby came in second, Abby was third, and I came in dead last. That wasn't a surprise considering one hole I took over 10 shots to get it in. Mike mercifully quit counting after 10:)

Our Labor Day consisted of some painting and eating. We decided to paint our big hutch that our TV sits on and I am so glad we did. I love it. It's nice to change something and make it look new without spending very much money.

We ate some authentic Ethiopian food at our friends house. They are from Ethiopia and came here in the 80's. The food was wonderful but the company was so much better. We ate spicy lentils, bread called injera, and many other dishes. You eat with your hands so you tear off a piece of the bread and grab the food with it. It was fun.

We started school on Tuesday and it went better than I expected. The girls got new back to school outfits over the weekend. Mike made us waffles and we took 1st day of school pictures. I think this is the best first day we've ever had.

The girls say they love their new curriculum and we had a really good first week. That evening we took Abby to supper at Chickfila (her choice) for her 3rd Spiritual Birthday. It was 3 years ago that she acknowledged she was a sinner and gave her heart to Jesus.

We are excited about continuing Field Trip Fridays so, this Friday we went to the "Spirit of America" in honor of Sept. 11.

It was an awesome show and it was very emotional in some parts. It was 2 hours long but it didn't feel like it. They gave us an intermission but we probably didn't need it. Well, unless you had to go to the potty and didn't want to miss anything.

After the show, we ate lunch in Chinatown before heading to Hampton Roads. It was delicious. They made the noodles right in the window.

The girls weren't too keen on the squid and chickens hanging in the window at first but after we went inside they thought it was really neat. There were fish, lobster, and crabs in tanks just waiting for you to pick them so they could be taken out and cooked for you. It was a true Chinatown experience.

Oh and did I mention that it rained all blessed week? It did. It rained so much and so hard that our roof started leaking in the kitchen. It wasn't a real bad leak thankfully. I tried to complain about all that rain because I know how much Texas needs it. I did pray that God would give them the rain we were getting and give us a break from it.

Can I add one more thing to an already long post? It was a little surreal remembering 9/11 today less that 2 miles from the Pentagon. We have heard accounts from people who watched the plane that hit the Pentagon fly right down Columbia Pike. It was so low that people thought it was trying to land on the interstate.

Hope y'all have a great week and that you enjoy the life God has given you to live.

ELVIS IS A MUMMY

2011-09-01T19:52:00.004-05:00

This week at the library Shelby picked up a book about mummies. She's been sharing all kinds of really cool facts with us about things people have found like a baby they thought was a doll because it was so small.

Abby and I were listening to her this morning while doing some chores and all of a sudden Abby said, "Elvis is a mummy."

Me~"Huh??"

Abby~"Elvis is a mummy and he is at a museum in Antarctica."

I'm sure I had a really puzzled look on my face and I said, "Uhhh, where did you learn that?"

Abby~"On TV."

Me~"What program?"

Abby~"You know, the one where the guy travels around the world and he said that Elvis was in a museum in Antarctica."

Shelby said,"Abby don't believe everything you see on TV."

Me~"Listen to your sister. Elvis is buried at Graceland in Memphis."

Come to find out Robocop 2 was on the TV this weekend and Mike was watching it. The bad guy in the first part had weird stuff in his lair and one was Elvis. Not in Antarctica~in Detroit.

::snort:: She was convinced Elvis was a mummy in Antarctica.

MY NEW 'DO

2011-08-31T19:25:00.002-05:00

Today Shelby and I got new haircuts. While that doesn't really sound like big news, the hair stylist asked me when my last cut was and I could not remember.

In my defense I have been rather busy. What with moving a state and a half away, raising kids, being a wife, and life, in general.

Tuesday is the big day for us. We start school. I am ready. I think. Well, I have all our curriculum and I am getting ready to write down the plans for the 1st month of school.

We ate a picnic lunch at a new park today and we loved it. There is a creek running right through it and it's so lovely. I have a feeling we are going to be packing up school books and spending lots of school days on the banks of that creek.

Ok, now that I have made everyone so bored they're ready for bed, all that's left to say is "Goodnight, Moon"

MY DAUGHTERS PRAYER

2011-08-30T19:17:00.003-05:00

*The font has gone all wonky on me. Sorry about that:)
Ok...I need a shower. I have 500 projects I need to finish or start on but I need to get this story blogged because I want to always remember it.

Last Wednesday, my Daddy had to go into the hospital for a heart procedure. My brother had picked me up the night before and drove the rest of the way in to my parents house. It was late when we got there and even later when we finally got to sleep. We also had to get up early so what I am trying to get at is~We didn't sleep much the night before.

Well, let's back up to Monday when we experienced a 5.8 earthquake here in the DC area. Freaaaakkkkyyyy!!

Anyway, I was fine Monday about the earthquake. Honestly, we were driving back from IKEA and didn't even feel it. We heard it on the radio but people were standing all over the place as we were driving through town and when we got home there were pictures knocked over and the cabinets were open in the kitchen.

That's the back story. Let's move forward.

My Daddy had to have tests before his surgery so we were there pretty much all day long. My brother & I went down to grab a bite to eat for breakfast while waiting. That's when it all started.

You see we were having some great discussions as we usually do and all of a sudden I thought to myself, "What if we had another earthquake?" I could feel myself getting tense as we sat there talking. Then my brother casually, out of the blue, says, "Do you feel that? I feel a tremor or something." Y'all~~y'all. Oh, y'all, I almost wet my pants.

My brother didn't say anything about it but I probably went as white as a sheet and I jumped up and grabbed my purse. I don't know where I thought I was going but I was going to be ready.

We walked around for a minute and then we headed back up to the Cardiac waiting room. I could feel myself getting more panicky by the second and I knew if I didn't calm down it might get a wee bit ugly. So I did what I always do when I need some help I started praying. (by this time my brother had my ipod on and was oblivious to the hot mess that was sitting beside him:)

Anyway, after a few very, long minutes, I knew I was going to need some help. I got on my phone and started texting Mike.

This is what I sent and the response:

Me: Pray for me I feel a panic attack coming on. Seriously

Michael: Your going to be o.k.

Me: I really feel like I am going to have one. I'm all hot & I feel sick.

Michael: It's going to be alright.

Me: I'm really freaking here.Please pray.

Michael: O.k.

After that text exchange I started feeling better. I was able to feel myself relaxing and able to be calm.

Imagine my surprise when I got a text from Mike later saying that he had been outside for the last couple of hours. I questioned him about the texts and he said they weren't from him. They were from Shelby. I cried. Because those texts from my daughter was exactly what I needed to hear. When I looked back on them I realized they weren't Mike's style of text but I didn't pick up on it at the time. I just knew someone was praying for me.

The next day, when I got home, I asked the girls about the texts and they said they stopped what they were doing and prayed for me. I don't know about you but I am crying just
thinking about it.

I love them so much and I'm so glad that they saw that prayer was important right then. Jesus heard their prayers and answered them. I made sure they knew what He did because of their prayers.

Lord, may my girls always see the importance of prayer in their lives and how much of an impact it has on people around them. Allow them to stand in the gap for others and become fervent prayer warriors. Amen

THE WEEKEND

2011-08-21T18:11:00.002-05:00

Friday we headed south to visit with family and pick up the girls.

We are recovering today from a busy couple of days but it was a nice trip.

I am sure that these next two weeks before we start school will go fast but I am determined to squeeze all the life out of the last of our summer. We have a few things left on our summer list and we are going to get them done plus a couple of other things.

We had some visitors at church today and it was so uplifting.

My Daddy is having surgery on Wednesday and we are praying that this takes care of his heart problem. If you think about it, will you pray with us?

OUR ANNIVERSARY

2011-08-15T17:17:00.003-05:00

On August 3, 2011, Mike and I celebrated our 20th anniversary.

Wow. I really can't believe it sometimes.

I've been thinking over the last few weeks about why we have made it this far. Let's be honest. When 2 18 yr olds with a baby get married, our first reaction is, "Uhh, yeah, that's probably not going to work."

We had quite a few people tell us that. Some were nice about it, some weren't.

So, why? Why have we been able to keep it going all these years?

First and foremost, God's mercy. Look, being married is wonderful when we are at our best. Horrible, when we are at our worst. I've not been the easiest person to live with. When there are insecurities, which I have had, there are rough patches.

When we first got married, I wanted to please everyone. My parents, his parents, sisters, brothers, cousins, uncles, the man walking down the street, the person behind me at the check out counter. I felt that if I just did whatever was expected of me they would be happy. Everyone would be happy. Everyone but me.

So I tried. I really did. I could write story after story about how I tried. But, at the end of the day, I was MISERABLE. And I made my husband miserable in the process. It took me years to realize I was killing myself. Slowly. Painfully.

I only had myself to blame. I had all these expectations on myself that I thought Mike wanted out of me. He didn't. He has made it clear through out our whole married life that all he cares about is me. Not what I can or can't do for him. Not what I look like. Not what I dress like. Not anything outwardly.

He loves me because I am me.

He models to me daily Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it.

We haven't had a perfect marriage. There's no such thing. We know that the odds & statistics were stacked against us. Thank God He doesn't go by odds & statistics.

We do have a marriage steeped in love, honesty, forgiveness, & commitment. Sure, we wear battle scars but anything worth having is worth fighting for.

There are times when those old insecurities creep in and the doubts start to take over. Moving to a new place will do that to you. The One who made me and knows every single, ugly thing about me, loves me.

I want to honor God and my husband every day. Sometimes I get it right. Sometimes I fail. At the end of the day I know I am loved and that is really all that matters.

Happy Anniversary, again, my love. You are truly the one I love the most.

THE SUMMER IS COMING TO A CLOSE

2011-08-11T19:19:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I ordered curriculum. It was very painless because I have been scoping out what we will use this school year since last school year.

Recording it for my records:
Shelby~ MATH U SEE
Growing with Grammar Level 5
Soaring with Spelling Level 6
All American History
Exploring the History of Medicine
Answers for Kids by Answers in Genesis
Piano

Abby~ MATH U SEE
Growing with Grammar Level 3
Soaring with Spelling Level 3
All American History
Exploring the History of Medicine
Answers for Kids by Answers in Genesis
Music Theory

We may add some stuff to our list but for starters this is what we are tackling.

We will start after Labor Day just like the school system here and we will probably continue Field Trip Fridays because they are so fun. There are so many places for us to go here and some places we have to go more than once to see everything.

Tomorrow our Field Trip Friday will be a blast. It is a big surprise and the girls have no clue. Gotta get off here and get us all ready to head out early in the morning. And by early I mean 8:30. That's early for us:)

IN WHICH I TALK ABOUT ALL THE POSTS I SHOULD HAVE WRITTEN

2011-08-09T17:08:00.002-05:00

There is a good reason for all this silence here on the blog. I've been busy...and lazy. I would say equal parts of both mixed in with a little melancholy.

Anyway, I have neglected this blog long enough and so I am back. For how long? Not sure. Just enjoy it while it lasts.

We have had a pretty busy summer with people visiting. Which I love, by the way. Celebrating. Which, again, I love. Working. That I don't love but it's necessary.

We went on a weekend trip to surprise my Daddy for his 60th birthday on May 30th. We had a real blast. It was so much fun that we came away vowing to do it again soon. It was just....great. Mike was unable to go with us but he will go the next time I'm sure.

We had our nieces & nephews come and stay with us for a few days(see picture up top:) and WOW that was very fun. We ate watermelon, visited the White House, rode the Metro, played in the water, watched movies, laughed, ate popcorn, walked to get ice cream, made pizza, and lots more.

Trevor and Jessie came for their vacation and we had a blast. Did lots and lots of stuff. I'll write about it later.

The girls went to camp for a week and Mike & I had a week to ourselves. Some of that I can't write about.

More to come I promise. Stick with me here. Oh, and btw, the post before this one that never showed up. My phone wouldn't let me finish it then I forgot about what I had dreamed. So pathetic:)

WEIRD DREAM

2011-06-08T15:35:00.001-05:00

GOTTA HURRY!!!!!

2011-05-16T18:19:00.003-05:00

Ok~so I'm already over my limit of internet. I told Mike I would be back over to the house in 20 minutes and it's already been 30 but I need to blog. I have the blogging itch. Yes, it's real and the only relief is to blog.

I went out to get lettuce at the corner European Foods market this evening and I got lost. Not even kidding. It took me over 20 minutes to get back to where I needed to be.....at the CORNER market....by my house. Click on the name and you will see exactly where I was going:)

We went to the National Air and Space Museum at Dulles on Friday. Amazing...if you like that kind of thing...which we do. FIELD TRIP!!! YAhoo!!

Our service was great Sunday and I hope I never, I repeat, NEVER get tired of hearing my husband preach God's Word.

We have some plans for this week that I know the girls will love. I'll write about those after they happen.

Oh and guess what???? I took me TWO weeks to get a library card. I can't believe it took that long. But, the girls and I are properly carded now. Funny story, the girls checked out 2 movies from the library and when we got home they wanted to watch them but couldn't get the cases open. I said you guys are weaklings bring me them stinkin' cases. I tried with my superhuman strength and could not get those dumb things open. Upon closer examination I realized that the little lock on the case meant they were indeed locked. Back in the car we go. We got back to the library while lots of people were coming out.....they were closing...we had 5 minutes to get those bad boys unlocked and back out the door. We did it...with 3 minutes to spare. Note to self~always make sure the little electronic lock is green and open before leaving the library with DVDs.

Oh, I didn't even get to the part about breaking down at the DMV and waiting 3 hours for the tow truck. Which, btw, was worth it because Mike was able to encourage the tow truck driver about his marriage and invite him to our church:)

My time is way gone. Gotta fly. Love you all. Bye~bye:)

THE POST IN WHICH I TALK ABOUT UNPACKING BOXES

2011-05-03T18:59:00.003-05:00

Mike's office

Church Sanctuary

I have been unpacking boxes and unpacking boxes~okay, just remember when I was packing boxes and reverse it.

We have been settling in slowly. Mike actually went to a VDOT community meeting tonight. He said it was about some intersection in the neighborhood that they wanted to expand. He met some of the people that were there.

The girls and I walked to 2, yes 2, parks this evening while Mike was at the meeting. It is so nice to live in a neighborhood. I reminded the girls that they have been praying to live in a neighborhood for a couple of years now. God answered their prayers.

God also answered my prayers today. My pastor's wife in Nashville, Linda, had tests today on a supposed tumor on her pancreas but they could not find it!!!! Praise be to God!!!!

My Dad has an appointment in June to see about having an ablation on his heart so that he will not continue to have the A-fib episodes he has been having.

The girls and I started back doing lessons yesterday and it feels good to have some routine.

I have to come to the church to use the internet so I guess I should get back over to the house and...........unpack a box or 2.

THE FIRST ARLINGTON EDITION

2011-04-29T21:46:00.002-05:00

Moving is a punishment that should be given to law breakers.

If a criminal was sentenced to packing a whole household and then made to pack all of it onto a moving truck over and over, he wouldn't be a criminal for long.

Now that I have that off my chest, we turned the truck in the morning so that part is done.

Unpacking all the boxes is next on the agenda.

We had a sweet welcome from some of the people at the church. They hung a welcome sign on the fireplace, there was a bouquet of fresh flowers in the kitchen, and snack food in the fridge.

They also made up 2 bulletin boards welcoming us. One has everyone's name from the church on it and one had our family tree on it and they included Trevor on both of them. So sweet.

I am so tired tonight. I hope this all makes sense.

I will share more when I can. We have no internet right now. I am at my parents tonight because my Dad is in the hospital.

ABANDONED BLOG EDITION

2011-04-20T21:30:00.003-05:00

Ok

So

There has been so much that has went on since I've posted on this blog that I'm almost afraid to start it back up.

Almost.

Let me give you the run down, quick~like:

My dad, surgery, great
My mother in law, surgery, not great, next surgery fixed first surgery, great
Mike tried out at a church in Arlington, Va
Abby had her 9th birthday, ate at Loveless Cafe
Bible Conference at the College was so good
Mike got a call from the church in Va that they wanted us to come back and spend the weekend
Traveled to Arlington and Mike was voted in as pastor of Bloss Memorial Free Will Baptist Church
Trevor had his 20th birthday, took him and Jessie to Logan's
Mike had his 38th birthday, he ate when we took Trev to Logan's:)
Packing, packing, and more packing
Shelby played for the piano guild and David Lipsomb and won a blue ribbon
Shelby had a concert with her WO Smith Select Singers
Shelby had her 11th birthday, ate at The Dog of Nashville
Went on a field trip to Hohenwald Tn with Sonia and Mason. Oh, it was memorable.
Went out with my sweet friend, Casey. We went to McDougals and laughed. A Lot
I celebrated a birthday and my wonderful hubby took me here. It's still my favorite place.
Mike and I cooked a Pancake Saturday for about 60 of our friends and it was so awesome.
Packing, packing, and oh my word why do we have so much freakin' stuff
We are now into our last week in Nashville trying to soak up every bit of it we can. Mike and I feel like we have really sucked the marrow from this place and we have no regrets about it.

There is more to write about like losing one of our dear friends suddenly in March and Trevor getting ENGAGED but I want to do individual posts for them so that's it for now.

TN2VA2WV2MD

2011-02-20T20:16:00.004-06:00

Things that occurred on our trip:

Prayed with Mike in the driveway at 5:15am

Saw a beautiful sunrise

Had praise and worship sevice in the car

Heard a country preacher say "Dadgum" in his sermon on the radio

Listened to the obituaries being read on the radio (gotta love rural Tennessee)

Finished an Abraham Lincoln biography audiobook~the girls and I now know a lot about Mr. Lincoln(he did not like to be called Abe)

Listened to the Daytona 500~I'm sure people looking at me while driving by thought I was crazy because I was beating on the steering wheel & yelling "COME ON, BOY!!! YOU GOT THIS!!!!" for the last two laps:)

Started & finished the first book of Series of Unfortuante Events: A Bad Beginning (audio book)

Half way through the second book The Reptile Room (audio book)

Stopped 6 times in all for: potty breaks, breakfast, lunch, and gas

Did not stop at 1 rest area

The girls did not fight once (YAYYYY)

Only two "Are we almost there"'s were uttered

I only had to make two u-turns

When we got here it started snowing and Abby sighed and said, "I don't want it to snow on my birthday." (March 4th)

Thanked the Lord for answering that early morning prayer

I miss Mike already:(

MY VALENTINE

2011-02-11T12:35:00.003-06:00

I have been thinking about writing this post for a week or two.

Since it is this close to Valentine's Day, I am going to dive right it.

This post comes from over 20 years of "love experience". That just made me giggle.

I have been in love with this man of mine for over half my life. It is a privilege and an honor to love someone this long.

Through out this post make sure you think of the word love as a verb.

I still get goosebumps when Mike looks at me a certain way, I still get a flutter in my stomach when he brushes my hand or hugs me, I have a playlist on my iPod entitled "Mike's List" (I have it playing in my ears right this second) and it's not all sappy love songs. Some of them are songs we listened to over and over while riding around in his '66 Mustang convertible:)

I have our song as his ring tone on my phone so anytime you are around me and "When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge starts playing you'll know that it's Mike.

I know that sometimes those "feelings" are not there. The days when you and your spouse are just trying to keep your head above water. The days when you don't even like yourself let alone someone else. The days where you JUST. CAN'T. TAKE. ONE. MORE. THING.

Those days are the days that you need to make sure you connect with your husband more than ever. It doesn't have to be much. When you're sitting on the couch just reach over and touch his hand or bring him a snack or make sure he knows in some way that you are still there for him.

Ladies, we are just as responsible for the way our relationship is going as he is. You can sit there and stew about him doing or not doing something all day, every day and that is not going to help things at all.

Oh, and here's a little lie that the world would like us to believe.....are you ready?

.....IT'S NOT OUR "JOB" TO CHANGE OUR HUSBANDS.

What???? Really?

You heard that right.

Guess what? You're not perfect and everything you do is not the best way of doing things.

Shocker, I know. I am speaking from that experience I was talking about up there in the beginning of this post.

When your husband does something for you, don't go behind him and redo it. Don't say~"I'll just do it myself." and please, please don't talk about him to your children.

That will just make them lose respect for him and they won't ever look at him the same way again.

My girls think their Daddy hung the moon and I never ever want to be the reason they don't look at him that way anymore.

When we watch TV at night they are stuck to him like glue and I wouldn't have it any other way. He is, after all, their first male relationship.

Okay, back to the changing thing, your husband will never look at everything like you do and vice versa because we're different~males and females.

That's the way God designed it. And I for one DO NOT want my husband to act, think, or be like me. Oh my! That would just be disastrous.

Sometimes I need him to bring me back to earth when I am spun up about something stupid or when I am so emotional I can't even remember my own name.

This Valentine's Day don't sit around and expect your husband to give you the moon one day out of the year when you give him grief and disrespect the rest of the year.

Pray that this will be the year that every day there's a way to show him just how much you appreciate, love, and adore the man God gave you.

It's a process, this love thing, and it can only work if you are willing to be changed instead of always trying to change him.

OH SNAP!!!

2011-02-08T11:48:00.002-06:00

Well, I'm back!

Did you miss me?

We had some technical difficulties that prevented me from posting on this here blog.

We have successfully took care of the problem by purchasing a little red netbook.

There is so much I need to share but I will have to catch up on here later.

I just wanted to check in and say "Hi" and I missed blogging these last couple of weeks.

CONFESSION TIME

2011-01-26T14:18:00.004-06:00

I am a screamer.

There I said it.

I yell when I get frustrated.

I was frustrated last night and I yelled~

at those sweet faces up there in the picture~

and I made them both cry~

and then I cried and asked for forgiveness~

and they gave it and then we prayed~

and I am begging God to help me have self control

over the yelling~

because I hate to make my girls cry.

I am a sinner and thankful for God's grace.

Humble pie is a dish I need to eat more often.

MEETING THE GOVERNOR

2011-01-25T20:21:00.004-06:00

We went to the Governor's Mansion on Sunday afternoon. He and his wife had an open house and it was pretty neat. There were a lot of people and we were able to walk through Conservation Hall. (Nashvillians will remember this as the "bunker" that the previous Governor's wife had built.)

We were able to tour the first floor of the mansion. I use "tour" very loosely because there were so many people.

I wanted to take a picture of a man that was standing in line with us but Mike wouldn't let me. He was dress in 1920s fashion. Not in a creepy way but a cool, fun way. I tried to find a picture on the internet to link to so that you would know what I was talking about.

He had the newsboy cap, the glasses, the suit, and the overcoat. I couldn't see his shoes but I am sure they were part of the ensemble. I loved the whole look. I tried to get his picture when he got off the bus~I didn't get a good one.

I'm glad he didn't see me~he might have thought I was a stalker or a weirdo or private eye or something.

WHAT'S GOING DOWN...

2011-01-22T20:47:00.003-06:00

The last few days have been pretty low key. We got snow on Thursday so we just stayed in until this afternoon.

We did school, read aloud (still Anne of Avonlea), played Wii, cleaned, baked brownies, exercised (because we ate brownies:), cleaned, and played.

Today we slept til 10~well, Mike didn't...umm he slept from 7 til 10. See, he got off work, came home, put on his pjs, and slipped into bed. It was nice to just have a lazy morning with nothing to do and no where to go.

Tomorrow should be pretty interesting~we have the nursery. We love working in the nursery. Really. I'm not being sarcastic. We love it.

Hope everyone has a wonderful, worshipful Sunday.

Let the redeemed of the LORD say this--those he redeemed from the
hand of the foe~Psalm 107:2

THOUGHTS ON TUESDAY

2011-01-18T21:13:00.003-06:00

Here we go again~

In no particular order~these are some of the things rolling around in my brain:

I'm so glad my dishes are washed tonight.

Playing Shenanigans today at music school with the Lomax family was FUN!

Will I be able to meet my Bible reading goal by April 3rd?

Man, I miss my brother and his family.

I wonder if it will rain all day tomorrow.

The dinner I made tonight~Honey Chicken, Risotto, and seasoned green beans~ is a "make again".

I am glad Mike moved the girl's beds back into the same room yesterday but when I got up this morning they were still in the same twin bed. I love that they get in bed with each other~every night.

Where did all this dust come from?

Tomorrow is trash day~and I don't have to roll the garbage cans down. I never do:)

Man, my skin is dry. Must be winter. Where's my lotion?

I really miss my Book Study Buddies. I am so glad we start back next week.

That reminds me~I need to send them all a reminder e-mail.

Why does Mike's alarm have to go off every night at 9:30? Oh yeah, it reminds him to go to work~BOOO!!

I really don't want to go get the load of laundry out of the dryer. The garage is too cold and I am nice and toasty but we need towels so I better go get it:(

I hope everyone has had a Terrific Tuesday!

INAUGURATION DAY

2011-01-15T19:41:00.005-06:00

In honor of the inauguration of our new governor, Bill Haslam, a lot of the state attractions were free today. We had a list of things to choose from. We decided on The Country Music Hall of Fame because we have lived here for 7 yrs and had never been.We started out in the Songwriter Session with John Wiggins. He spent almost an hour playing, talking, and answering questions. His guitar has a neat story behind it (probably only my Dad will appreciate this). It was made from the mahogany mantle board that his dad had made for his childhood home. His parents sold the house and the new owners let it go into foreclosure. He was there one day looking around outside and one of the doors was unlocked so he went in and took it. He had just gotten it from the maker. It was beautiful (the guitar, not the story:)

This picture is for my mother in law. She will appreciate it.

This picture is for my Daddy because had a guitar just like this one when I was growing up. This one was Glen Campbell's.

As you can imagine, there were lots of people there because it was FREE. We weren't surprised and saving over $60 was worth it.

We finished out the day with a trip to Chick fil a to see Trev and Forever 21 to see Jessie.

Hope y'all had a splendid Saturday!

P.S. Please keep Joshua Rosenbalm in your prayers. He is the 8 yr old son of my dear friend, Sharon. He will be having surgery to remove a softball sized mass from the right side of his brain on Monday morning.

NEED TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE DAY

2011-01-14T22:10:00.004-06:00

Umm...the girls and I stayed home all week this week...except for the two hours on Tuesday when Shelby had to go to piano. From Sunday night til this morning~we were at home.

And guess what...it was good.

We got a lot of school done, read some "Anne of Avonlea", cleaned some, and enjoyed not having to go anywhere.

I have an announcement...ahem...I think I am turning into a homebody. Usually, I like the schedule and going here, there, and everywhere but this week I have really soaked in being at home. Yes, I am a stay at home mom but most SAHM's can tell you that it doesn't involve staying... well, at home.

There are lessons, appointments, errands, church functions, play dates, Y visits, more errands, library days, and unexpected whathaveyous.

Anyway, today we got out of the house and went to the movies. We saw Tron Legacy.

I almost went to a different movie because it is not my kind of movie.

But, at the last minute, I decided to buy a ticket and go see Tron with Mike and the girls.

I'm so glad I did. Not because I loooovvedd the movie because I didn't, but sitting there between my man and my girls passing candy back and forth, holding hands with them, sharing my pashmina as a blanket, and sharing the experience made it so worth it.

Yeah, I could have went to another movie that was more my kind but I would have missed all that sweet goodness that just made my day. It was REALLY worth it.

SNOW MONDAY

2011-01-10T16:50:00.002-06:00

We are "snowed in" today. I use that term loosely because we could get out if we really, really wanted to. But we don't so we are.

We have had a good school day and I'm thankful for it.

That is one thing about homeschooling~there are no snow day if Mom says school is still on.

The girls did go out and play. I was in the kitchen talking to Mom on the phone when I heard a bunch of screaming and commotion. I looked out the window and Shelby and Abby were going at it. Shelby had hit Abby with a snowball in the face so Abby had Shelby down on the ground rubbing snow in her face.

And guess what~I stood in the window watching and laughing.

Because it was funny. I don't step in every time they fight or argue. They usually work it out themselves and if it starts to escalate then I will step in.

I'm just glad they didn't see me laughing in the window 'cause they probably would have ganged up on me.

SNOWY SATURDAY

2011-01-08T10:48:00.004-06:00

Abby and Shelby with Jack Sparrow at Downtown Disney

This week has been really great...academically.

Starting our lessons after Christmas break was actually refreshing this time.

The girls were willing to start anew and so was I. That doesn't always happen.

You know, being on the same page with both of them, on the same day.

Sometimes I am the one who is RARING to go and the girls are blase.

Sometimes it's the other way around.

I am liking the new changes I have implemented. We got everything done that I had planned.

Why, because I was more organized. We even made it to the Y three times this week.

Now, you're probably asking yourself why I am even writing about this.

It's because I will need a reminder how things go when I take the time on Sunday evening to sit for just a few minutes and organize myself.

To my future self: IT'S WORTH IT!!!

Bert Tippett

2011-01-06T16:09:00.003-06:00

In a couple of hours I will be going to a funeral. A funeral for Bert Tippett, the man in this video.

Mike and I had the privilege of being in the same Sunday School class as he and his wife, Mrs.Dianne, over the last few years.

What a blessing God gave to us.

He lead a God-centered life.

He was an example and an encourager.

When he and Mrs. Dianne looked at you and said, "We are praying for you." You knew they really were. It wasn't just lip service or a flippant response. They were praying.

I will be taking kleenex to the service but I won't be crying for Brother Bert. I'll be crying for all of us here.

Heaven just keeps getting sweeter.

04 JAN

2011-01-04T22:22:00.002-06:00

I got a lot of stuff rumbling around in my head tonight.

In no particular order:

Mike not sleeping

My new to-do lists

Reading through the Bible in 90 days

Exercise

Cursive handwriting

Why I ate spicy soup when I know it's gonna make me have indigestion

Where is my motivation to pack away these Christmas decorations

Mars, the planet not the candy bar

My friend's grandfather

My mother in law's HUGE kidney stone

Snow, forecast for tomorrow

Can I get through the rest of the week with no kitchen trash bags

When will someone come cut up the tree in the front yard so these scary looking men will stop coming by to give me their tree service business cards

My friend who needs a job like NOW

Should I cut my hair

Should I color my hair

When can Mike and I plan a get away SOON

Why did I forget to call my sister in law back

A beloved mentor that is dying of cancer

His precious wife and family

These thoughts plus many others are rolling around like marbles in my head tonight.

BACK TO THE FUNDAMENTALS PART 2

2011-01-03T10:57:00.006-06:00

I thought I would share the rest of the notes from Pastor Mike's sermon.

Like I stated yesterday, the text was from 1 Thess. 5:16-18

"Stressing fundamentals in the spiritual arena of life are important for spiritual victory.
The fundamentals are to be practiced daily in life. These exhortations are addressed 
to believers as individuals concerning their personal lives before God.

Maintain a joyful attitude that is expressed through rejoicing. Having a joyful attitude: wards off temptation in your life, encourages fellow believers, and attracts sinner to God
Develop prayer habits that are continuously reoccurring.
Have an attitude if gratitude IN every circumstance of life. (Notice he said "in" not "for")

Conclusion: These three exhortations are not just good advice; they are God's will for every Christian. God's will means joy, prayer, and thanksgiving for those who are in Christ Jesus. And that is fundamental to our spiritual victory.

Also:


I have started reading the Bible all the way through a couple of times only to fall short.

I really want to finish this time and I am  determined to do so. 
I look at it this way, 90 days is nothing compared  to other things in my life that were not as
pleasant and I have endured  them. 
Therefore, I should be able to do this because it can only be  good for me. 
There are no cons to reading the Bible in 90 days:)

BACK TO THE FUNDAMENTALS

2011-01-02T21:17:00.002-06:00

Pastor Mike's sermon today was about getting back to the fundamentals of victorious living.

His text was from 1 Thess. 5:16-17

I am going to take the next few days and focus on the points of that sermon.

rejoice always
pray without ceasing
in everything give thanks

Honestly, I've had a hard time with these lately.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2011-01-01T14:52:00.005-06:00

This is Ms. Clarice's* tree and it is over 40 years old.
It is the same kind of tree my Mamaw and Papaw had when I was growing up.
(*Shelby's piano teacher)

This week has been a whirlwind of activity with the aftermath of Christmas and the after holiday blahs. My parents got into town Wednesday after the threat of being snowed in at my brother's house. They were blessed with over a foot of snow starting Christmas night.

We have enjoying their company just spending time together. We were able to go to the Nativity Museum at the Upper Room Chapel downtown. They have over 100 creche from around the world. We were also able visit the Oryland Hotel to see all the changes they have made since the flood and the beautiful Christmas decorations.

Last night was our 4th annual New Year's Bash at Marvin and Sonia's house and it did not disappoint. We laughed, talked, played, laughed, ate, and laughed until almost 6 this morning.

Like 2008, 2009, and 2010, 2011 was rang in with a look back at God's blessings and a look forward to the blessed hope we have in the future. As we sat around the table playing games I was reminded of some of the struggles we have all endured this year. Some have been resolved and some we are carrying over to the new year.

I was also reminded of the awesome favor and grace we have been given that will flow endlessly over 2011. That thought should make us want to give Jesus our laud and honor. He truly is my Rock and my Shield. My ever present Help, my Comfort, my Deliverer.

Welcome, 2011! I'm ready for you.

CONFESSION TIME

2010-12-28T19:28:00.003-06:00

What we did on Christmas Eve

We went for our annual Christmas Eve breakfast
at Cracker Barrel and then........

See these books?

They are gifts from the birthday party for the girls in March.
The party where they requested books for presents so
they could give them to charity.

See this bag of books?
This is the same bag of books wrapped up for Christmas
ready to be given to kids at the Children's Hospital.
On Christmas Eve.
They are only 9 months late.
I feel like a lump for not taking them sooner.
Don't judge me.

It wouldn't be that bad but Mike and the girls would ask
periodically when they were going to get delivered and I would
say, "Soon! I'm going to do it this week."
Well, now it's done and we were excited to take them.
See those bags that the girls are holding in the picture above?
They were given a gift for bringing all those gifts.
The lady at the front desk was so sweet.

After we left the hospital we went to the Adventure Science Center.
The people in the photo up there~they make me smile.

We left there and went to the movies.
Then, home to wait for Trev and Jessie.
Wow, I feel better now that I got that off my chest:)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-25T09:31:00.002-06:00

2010-12-22T19:00:00.004-06:00

Shelby had a holiday piano concert at her teacher's studio.

2010-12-15T20:26:00.002-06:00

Friday night was Shelby's choir performance. You can only see a little bit of her because her director is standing right in front of her.

Abby and Shelby did a small part in the reading of the Christmas Story at church. They sang some sweet Christmas carols.

After church we went to Pei Wei with Trevor and Jessie. Abby took these pictures. I'm not sure what Trevor is doing in the background.

Mike's Christmas light necklace was a hit. Everyone wanted to know where he got it. We had some beautiful snow falling all through church and all afternoon. It really was a wintry, nice day.

Shelby looking at the baby Jesus at Walk Thru Bethlehem.

They were trying to catch snowflakes on their tongues.

PUT ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER

2010-12-11T22:16:00.003-06:00

We've had lots of good stuff going on this week. The girls and I have went to a piano lesson, choir practice, musical beginnings class, etc.

It's been busy but good. Now I'm ready for things to slow down a little bit. Next week we only have a piano evaluation and a piano recital party. Plus, lessons and the usual stuff that is necessary to keep a household running.

The girls spent the night with my sister last night so Mike and I shopped all day today. I know that sounds exhausting but it really wasn't. We enjoy being together and getting items checked off the list. I am married to a man who isn't afraid to, not only shop with his wife, be really engaged in what we're buying. He has a good handle on what our kids will enjoy and makes great suggestions. One of the many, many reasons I love him so much.

Shelby and Abby are in a little Christmas program tomorrow at church. Then, after lunch, we are planning to go to Walk Thru Bethlehem after church. It is a tradition for us and we really enjoy it. We're excited because Trev is bringing Jessie and we'll get to experience it with her this year.

Tomorrow evening is our MIM class~MIM means "Mothers In Mayhem". I'm speaking on "Volunteering". While gathering facts for my "little talk" I have come across some good information and I am thinking of using some of it as a unit study for the girls.

The weather people keep calling for a wintry mix tonight. I hope we either get A LOT or none at all.

Hope you all have a great day of worship tomorrow.

Deo volente

HOLIDAY OUTINGS

2010-12-05T20:44:00.005-06:00

The first thing we did to kick off the holiday season was Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland at Jellystone Park. We received a coupon to get in free (Thanks, Misti) and we thought it was so cool. Thankfully, we had the coupon because we thought it was a little pricey if you had to pay the full amount to get in.

Next, we went to Ice! at Opryland. Mike was able to snag a coupon for Buy two tickets, get two free so we were able to go at a reduced rate.

It was cool. I mean, COLD!! They give you parkas to wear and thank goodness for that!!! It was a nice temperature outside so I just wore a pair of slip on shoes~~with no socks. Yeah, by the time we left there my little piggies were freezing. There was a slide made of ice and Mike and the girls braved that. Mike flew down that thing and made me glad I decided to just watch.

Friday night we went to the Nashville Parade. It was cold, not as cold as Ice!, but cold enough to make you want to dance around to get warm. This has been a tradition since we moved here except one year, I think.

They start the night off with the Tree Lighting at the Capitol, then The Rudolph 5k Run/Walk, followed by fireworks and the parade. It really is a fun evening.

We are looking forward to more fun things on the agenda this week.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

2010-12-01T12:58:00.006-06:00

O wait a minute.... that was last week!!!

I think I'm behind.

Anyway, I hope y'all had an awesome Thanksgiving.

We did! We ate at Trevor's girlfriend's parent's house. I hope you followed that:) We ate, listened to Jessie and her family play music, sang, and ate.

It was a pretty relaxing day for the most part. Well, except for a few tears. No, not one of the girls. Not Mike. Me. Why? Because I'm a girl~~that's why. I can't even pin point an exact cause. If you had asked me on Thanksgiving it would have been because Mike said something that hurt my feelings but, a week later, I don't think that is what it was. I just think I needed a good cry and when you need a good cry it doesn't wait til a convenient time or day. Does it, ladies?

I'm all better now. Thanks for asking.

Moving on....

Our Christmas tree is up. Trevor and Jessie came over on Sunday afternoon and ate lunch. Then we went and got our tree. After we got it in the stand we watched Polar Express and some of us took naps. Then we decorated the tree and reminisced about the ornaments. I love it.

We have already done some Christmas-y things and there are lots more on the agenda. I'm going to try to blog about a couple. No promises.

Christmas shopping has to be a little more creative this year because Trevor is no longer at home for babysitting. We are doing a little more shopping on line this year.

Shelby had her first mini piano recital on Nov. 22. I call it mini because the whole thing didn't last more than 15 minutes. She has a choir performance on the 10th and a piano Christmas recital on the 16th. She has a lot of practice to get to in the next couple of weeks.

We have been watching family movies the past couple of nights and we've laughed til we cried. Abby was upset the first night because we were watching one that didn't have her in it~~because she wasn't born yet. So last night we watched one with her in it. She was about 9 1/2 months old and was whining a little and Abby got upset that we were just letting her whine. Mike and I cracked up. I told her that just because she was whining a little didn't mean she wanted to be picked up. She may just feel like fussing a little.

THING WE'VE BEEN UP TO.....

2010-10-25T20:25:00.002-05:00

Mike flying....literally....down a slide.

Shelby in front of a fake background...not really but it looks like it.

This horse was quite rude. It tried to take her bucket even though she was trying to feed him.

We've been quite busy these past few weeks and it has been so fun. We have been to 2 farms to partake of their fun fall activities. We are visiting our third farm tomorrow unless it rains. They are saying there's a 70% chance....we'll see.

I didn't get pictures of the second farm because I forgot the camera. I hate it when I do that.

Let' see...what else has been going on. We had a wienie and marshmallow roast last Sunday evening. That was fun. Trev, Jessie, Mary, and Noah came and joined us.

Noah was out of school for fall break last week so he got to join us at Noodle Academy. Yes, he did school work right along with the girls. Yes, he enjoyed it. No, I don't feel bad for giving him school work on his break. I said he enjoyed it.

We read outside.
We ate lunch outside.
We went to the park and played.
We played games.
We made popcorn balls.
We listened to music.
We took a drive.
We met new people.
We drew pictures.
We played with legos.
I think Noah is ready to enroll in Noodle Academy.

THIS WEEKEND I...

2010-10-05T20:36:00.003-05:00

finished up grocery shopping.
went to the Farmer's Market. We love the Farmer's Market.
made a Pampered Chef sandwich ring that Mike loves.
had the privilege of listening to my husband teach Sunday School.
went out to eat with Trev and Jessie for Jessie's birthday. We were going to go to Loveless Cafe but there was an hour and a half wait so we ended up at Blue Coast. It was good:)
took a GOOOOODD nap on Sunday afternoon. I love Sunday naps.

I know I'm a little late with this but it's better late than never:)

In other news, I made this soup tonight: Roasted Vegetable Minestrone and it was awesome. I absolutely loved it and it was so easy. I had Shel cut the veggies up this morning and put them in the fridge. This afternoon Abby helped me finish it up and it was so quick and simple.

At our house it has turned too cold, too fast. The girls have been wearing 2 sweaters and 2 pairs of socks in the morning. They are miserable until mid-morning when it gets a little warmer. They want us to turn on the heat but we are trying to hold off until it gets colder. It's supposed to get warmer by the end of the week so we just need to wear long sleeves and socks.

WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW????

2010-09-30T10:20:00.004-05:00

We have been plugging along with school and other things this week. Someone asked me yesterday if I loved homeschooling and I honestly do....except when I don't. Let me explain. I am grateful that I get to stay at home with my girls and homeschool. I am grateful that we spend precious hours together. I am grateful that, at this time, God has allowed all these things to be a part of our lives.

But....let's get real here. It is hard to be fully engaged and solely responsible for my children's education. I mean it's totally up to my husband and I to make sure they get what they need academically and to be quite honest I am scared sometimes. Especially when they struggle to learn a concept or, in the case of my youngest, refuse to read for a few months.

On the days when the doubt creeps in I have to step back and take a deep breath. I have to readjust my thinking because we CAN'T do it alone. We were not called to homeschool by ourselves. God has called us and He will provide the strength and know how.

Along those same lines, it is our job to make sure we are doing our part. We need to make educated choices in curriculum. Not just use something because it's what we've always used. We need to know our kids and make sure they are being steered toward Jesus and His direction for their lives.

I'll admit sometimes I get so caught up in the craziness of life that I have a meltdown before I ask for help from Jesus. He alone is my strength and I feel weak when I've not asked Him to strengthen me. I'm amazed at what I can accomplish when I put Him in charge. Then I step back and say, "Thank you, Jesus. I couldn't have done it without You."

I love homeschooling.....today.

THIS WEEKEND I,,,

2010-09-28T19:27:00.004-05:00

helped Mike clean the garage. It was a beautiful day and we got a lot accomplished. YAYYY! Now we can walk around in there without going through an obstacle course.
went for a drive with the family. It was such a nice Saturday evening we couldn't resist.
had a good time of worship at church. BTW, the book of James is very convicting. He wouldn't be a very popular pastor today.
watched the first 2 episodes of "Our Mutual Friend". We are addicted to the Charles Dickens mini-series' by BBC. We have watched "Bleak House", "Lil Dorrit", "Great Expectations" and "Wives and Daughters". We also like the Elizabeth Gaskell series "Cranford" and "Return to Cranford".
spent time with Trevor and Jessie. We looked through pictures, laughed, and enjoyed the company.
enjoyed each day and cherished the normal.

For more This Weekend I... go to Becky's Blog.

FABULOUS FRIDAY

2010-09-24T17:07:00.004-05:00

The days are getting shorter around here but the heat hasn't abated....yet. I am looking forward to the weekend because, according to the weather man, it's suppose to get 10 degrees cooler.

We have been plugging away at our lessons and digging into some really cool stuff about the American Revolution. We have been playing a presidents game that I got from Dollar Tree and I think that might just be the hit of the month. I love picking up random stuff like that and having it become a fun game to play. Well, also because it's cheap.

We got a new parts of speech game called "Cooking Up Sentences" that we are wanting to play later today. I saw the review on The Pioneer Woman's Blog and we are wanting to hone our parts speech so it has been a good fit.

I guess we are eclectic homeschoolers because people ask me what curriculum I use and I have to name off a bunch of different things. I have a bookshelf full of books and different workbooks. I love to read aloud and the girls really like it too. (thankfully)

I have been thinking about using some Bob Jones or Apologia. I need to make a decision about science curriculum and I am dragging my feet. I guess the library books will have to be our source for science until I make myself come up with a plan.

Have a great weekend!

THIS WEEKEND...I

2010-09-20T13:37:00.002-05:00

went grocery shopping with Mike and the girls.
ate supper at Chickfila. We saw Trevor, Jessie, and a family from church. Saturday was Jessie's last day working there.
watched COPS with Mike.
made a blueberry delight for lunch at church on Sunday.
cooked BBQ and macaroni and cheese for lunch at church on Sunday.
listened to the visiting preacher give a great message.
hung out with my people:)
laughed.
watched an episode of Pushing Daisies, Hoarders, American Pickers, and Pawn Stars on Netflix. (Fyi~Hoarders makes me gag sometimes.)
Spent some much needed time with my husband.

FRIDAY FIFTEEN

2010-09-17T14:02:00.001-05:00

I can't believe summer is over.
I guess we better start school.
I'm sure I should clean the house.
I guess doing laundry should be on my list of things to do.
I need to make a grocery list.
I should wash these pesky dishes.
I may need to make some dinner.
I have to do a menu plan.
I really should be reading a book to my girls.
I must spend some quality time with my husband.
I have to go through all these winter clothes.
I may need to clean out the fridge
I most assuredly need to dust the TV.
I could be organizing a closet.
I'm not doing any of these things at the moment.

OKLAHOMA'S STATE WILDFLOWER IS INDIAN BLANKET

2010-07-24T19:33:00.004-05:00

We had a great trip to Oklahoma! My girls were thrilled with the suite we had. They thought the decor was fabulous and the bathroom was "the coolest ever". I think Abby said awesome a hundred times and Shelby couldn't get over the round pillows on the bed. She called them "bumpers" because they looked like the bumpers at a bowling alley.

Mike, Shelby, and Abby taking a break and lounging on the couch in our room.

We drove on Route 66. We ate at Pops where they have over 500 kinds of soda to choose from. The picture above is only the bottles above our table.
The Round Barn is a cool barn that they have restored. We met Mr. Sam, the man keeping this cool attraction open. It was 200 degrees outside and he was wearing a flannel shirt, jeans, big belt buckle, and a cowboy hat. He had to be in his late 70's, early 80's and he was a character. I loved hearing him talk and I wish I could have stuck around all day but it was hot.

IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME

2010-07-16T09:55:00.004-05:00

In the good old summertime, in the good old summertime.

Strolling through the shady lanes with your baby mine.

You hold her hand, and she holds yours,

and that's a very good sign.

That she's your tootsie-wootsie,

in the good old summertime.

Here's what's going on today:

The girls are done with Music Camp and they're sad. We went to see their "Art Gallery" and "Choir Performance" yesterday. Mike only got about 4 hours of sleep~blah.
I can't get use to Abby's two top teeth being gone or part of her eyebrow. When she came home from camp last Wednesday (7/7/10) she just pulled them both out. I think there was a little peer pressure for her to do it since I have been telling her she needed to pull them and she flat out refused.
We are preparing to leave on Sunday for Oklahoma City. Shelby is competing on Tuesday at our national convention. She is singing "Gentle Healer" by Selah
Westboro Baptist is protesting at our National Convention. This should be interesting. (don't click on the WBC link unless you want to be repulsed)
I have decided to hang out all my clothes this summer to try to help cut some of the electric bill. I hope I last longer than a day. Cause it's hot.
It's hot.
Did I mention it's hot and I wilt in heat?
I have a lot to do today so I should just end this and get moving.
But I can't because I have to make it to 10.
Have super, mellifluous, happy day!!!!!!

MY DAILY BREAD

2010-07-13T12:01:00.001-05:00

It's been a good summer around here and we have had a good share of fun.

The girls are at Music/Arts camp today. They've enjoyed it and so have I. No, I didn't go to camp but I have enjoyed them being at camp from 9am-3pm...ahem. Moving along.

This is probably totally random and off the wall but it's my blog~ so here goes.

I try to write out a to do list everyday, well, most days. Err, on days I want to feel productive.

Anyway, I write out my to do list and at the very top I write, "Devotion" *side note: I am an over thinker but bear with me you may get my point.

When I write that on my to do list I get a little pang in my heart because sometimes I feel like I just write it down to cross it off. Like it's just another chore on the list of a hundred other things.

I don't want it to be just another "thing" that I do to get brownie points with God. I want it to be something I thirst and hunger for. I was reading the blog of a friend and her husband last night and they told a story of real thirst. One that was literally the difference between life and death. Their post started me thinking about how often I thirst after God and His Word. I mean really getting to the point that if I don't get a "cup of it" I will die.

I want to have time to devote to having a strong relationship with Christ and so I HAVE to make sure I start my day out with Him or all the other things take over and I lose that special time with Him.

The image I get in my head is being in a huge crowd and being pushed forward by it. You try to go against the flow and get back to the person you came with but unless you perpetually keep moving and fighting to get back to where you were you'll be taken along with the crowd and end up in some place you don't want to be.

Questioning myself about where I am in my relationship with Christ and being TOTALLY honest about it is something I need to do daily.

WAITING.....ANTICIPATING

2010-06-24T20:45:00.004-05:00

Not much happening around here today. Trevor spent the night at Green Hills Mall to get the new iPhone 4 and I got about 4 hrs sleep. There is an Apple store there and he was around 40 people in front of him and LOTS more people behind him.

There were 2 lines one for people who reserved the iPhone and one for people who didn't. He was in the line that didn't have a reservation. For every 10 people they took from the reserved line, they took 1 from the non-reserved line.

Sooooo, my boy was in line for 12 hours. 12 hours. Did you hear me? 12 hours for a phone.

Maybe he got that from his parents. When he was 6 we were in line for over 17 hours to see Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

Yeah, we did. Did I mention that it was cold and it came a monsoon in the middle of the night?

IT'S HOT AND YOU NEED A POOL...OR A BEACH ...OR A HOSE

2010-06-23T12:11:00.004-05:00

Man, oh man! Is is hot or what? We have been hunkered down with the shades pulled and the air conditioner running nonstop. I can't wait to see what the power bill will be in July. We ventured out from our summer hibernation last night to go to the library, Publix, and Costco.

I know, exciting, right?

It doesn't take much to excite me these days as long as it involves a/c and something cold to eat.

We received a 30 day free trial to Costco and we decided to venture in there to have a looky lou and see what they have~compared to Sam's Club.

We were members of Costco back in Va. but here in Tn Sam's Club was right down the street so we have been a member there for 7 years. When the Costco opened up a couple of years back we just continued at SC because we are creatures of habit. Why fix it if it ain't broke? After last night I think the grass has been greener on the other side because while SC has stuff that we are use to buying, Costco has new and exciting stuff.

One thing in particular that I fell in love with is the ice cream bar dipped in chocolate THEN rolled in nuts that they sell at the snack bar. OH SWEET NUTTY GOODNESS!!!! And get this~it cost $1.50~one hundred and fifty pennies. That big hunk of ice creamy, chocolate, nutty deliciousness made me want to slap myself.

If you've never had one~I'm so, so sorry. I really am.

2010-06-20T22:07:00.003-05:00

I didn't know what I was choosing at 17.
I wasn't looking this far ahead.
Now almost 19 years later,
I am so glad that I chose this man to be the father of my children.
He sacrifices daily for us.
He is patient. He is kind. He is funny. He is mine.
I love you, Michael.
Happy Father's Day!

YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME

2010-06-19T18:38:00.003-05:00

Today Mike, the girls, and I went to see Toy Story*3.

And I boo~hooed.

Like a big baby.

At the beginning.

And the end.

Why? You ask.

Because it hit just a little close to home.

When I say I cried, let me just say that my shirt was wet when I left the theater.

Get the picture?

It didn't help that all I saw when I looked at the screen is a certain little boy that was only 5 when the first one came out.

And I remembered the Woody costume that a certain little boy wore that Halloween back in '95.

I also saw a Mom letting go of her boy.

Letting him go.

Letting him fly.

See, tears~again!

We loved the movie.

It just hit a little too close to where I am right now.

And I cried.

2010-06-16T16:12:00.005-05:00

Shelby~getting some practice.

Abby and Mulan
(Shelby thought she was too old to get in the picture~whatever~pshh)

I have had a lot of "stuff" rumbling around in my head lately. Some of it good. Some of it typical. Some of it downright scary and ugly.

I think I have done pretty well with Trevor's flight from the nest. I mean, really, I haven't bombarded his phone with calls. I haven't shown up at his apartment crying my eyes out. I haven't stayed in bed, curled up in the fetal position~AT ALL. I am adjusting. When I pick up my toothbrush from the cup where his toothbrush use to be I get a ping in my heart. My toothbrush looks so lonesome just sitting there by itself.

Moving on.

The girls and I are filling our summer days with the pool, reading, chores, VBS, camp, etc.. (The VBS and camp are filling their days not mine~my days are quiet then) They have been to church camp already and Music day camp is in July.

We read about the Gettysburg Address today after a trip to the pool. Abby keeps asking when school will be over and while "school" is technically over for us we still do a little bit of Math and we read, read, read. We have joined the reading programs at the library, Barnes and Noble, and Borders.

I am reading "Little Britches" by Ralph Moody to Shelby and "George and Martha: The Complete Stories of Two Best Friends" by James Marshall to Abby. I love reading books aloud to the girls. I hope they never get tired of it. Shelby reads her own books and Abby reads, too. There is just something about us sharing a book aloud that really is special.

I can't join the Borders or Barnes and Noble reading programs but the library has one for adults and I have been reading up a storm. I have read some historical fiction, listened to a book on CD that my friend Misti recommended, and a book about a yarn store. Have I mentioned I love to read?

Hopefully, I'll do better over the summer~~nahhh not even going to go there.

I'll see ya when I see ya!

IN THE MERRY MERRY MONTH OF MAY

2010-06-08T13:23:00.004-05:00

A Graduation!

A trip to Disney!

Cocoa Beach for the Space Shuttle launch

2010-04-14T14:11:00.003-05:00

Cool picture I took at the zoo last month

We're still here and I have birthday pictures and all kinds of stuff to share.

But not today.

Because I'm making chicken salad for church.

And, I have to go get bread to feed 60 people.

And, I haven't had a shower today.

And, I am ready for vacation.

And, my husband hasn't had a day off in over a month.

And, he is graduating in 24 days:)

The End.

But, I'll be back.

I promise.

2010-03-19T15:58:00.003-05:00

I had so much I intended to do today. Grocery Day means we are out shopping from 8am to about 11:30 and to be honest it makes me want to zone out when I come home.

I've been directing the girls to clean their room this afternoon. It feels like I'm hitting my head against a wall sometimes when I want them to clean up.

When I look in their room and see things that should already be picked up~water cups from last minute dry mouths after bedtime, old Sunday comics that they just have to read over and over, books strewn all across the floor, flower petals from the roses Mike gave me for Valentines Day that they just wouldn't allow me to throw away, socks x 1,000~I feel like my head is going to explode.

And then I look around the rest of the house~a Christmas bucket that was bought to put goodies in that is now a purse to hold treasures, a camera with pictures on it that they look at over and over, the Disney scrapbook that they have looked at every. single. night. this. week with their Daddy, socks(need I say more), little puffs of stuffing from a stuffed animal that Abby taped to her underarms and back last night and announced she was a man ( I just tried to tell Trevor this story and could hardly get it told I was laughing so hard:)~I know that I'll miss all this when they are grown.

So I take a couple of deep breaths and I try to teach them how to clean their room more efficiently. They will learn. Sooner or later. I'm hoping sooner.

2010-03-18T15:42:00.003-05:00

Have you ever thought how much negative speech creeps into your life?

Mike and I were talking on the way home from the Y. He said he was going to try and reword things that he normally says in a negative way to a positive.

For instance, instead of saying to the girls "No, you can't do that." say "Here are some things you CAN do" It got me thinking because I feel like I say NO all the time.

No, you can't climb on the back of the couch.

No, you can't swing the cat around by her legs.

No, you can't jump from the top bunk onto the floor.

No, you can't wear that size 5 dress when you are now a size 8.

I think you get the picture.

I am going to try and make a point to say more positive than negative.

You can climb on the swing set outside instead of the couch.

You can hold the cat nicely or put her down.

You can jump on your mattress from the top bunk.

You can wear the dress to play in while we are home.

Positive speech.

I'll give it a try

2010-03-17T21:14:00.003-05:00

We are having a great week of nothing to do. Well, except school, tutorial, church, and cheer-leading. Ummm, besides all that, we have nothing to do. No piano lessons, Select Singers practice, Musical Beginnings Class, or Bible Club.

The girls are having their birthday party on Saturday at the Y. They can't wait and tell me so every. 5. minutes.

I can't believe Mike is graduating in just 2 months. He said today that it took him 6 years like that was a bad thing. I reminded him that he did it while working 54+ hours a week, raising 3 kids, and being a husband. So what if it took him 6 yrs.

Today I baked over 60 potatoes for church and I put them in a cooler to take them to church. Oh my. They were so hot when 3 hours after I made them that I couldn't grab them with my bare hand. I was so impressed that they stayed that hot. Also, it was so easy to bake that many potatoes. I think it has been the easiest thing I have made for large crowds.

I know this post is rambly (no, that's not a word but I like it:) I am so bad at this blogging but I guess I'll just post when I can.

2010-03-02T17:41:00.004-06:00

Aren't these pictures lovely? They're from the trip the kids and I took to see my parents last summer.

Why am I posting them now, you ask? Thanks for asking but if I answer that question I will have to tell you about one of my finest moments in parenting~NOT!

I was browsing through our pictures and came across a folder marked 'Recovery' and I cringed because it made me remember that ugly afternoon in June when I reverted back to a bratty 5 yr old.

When we went and visited my parents we took lots of pictures~the Amish country, the boat ride on the bay, exploring Ft. McHenry, the aquarium, the light rail ride where we got thrown off the train, you get the picture, right? (haha)

On the drive south to visit more family, Abby thought she accidentally erased all~ALL those pictures.

Here's where my finest moment began~ I reached into the backseat of the car and snatched the camera away from my precious daughter's hand, tried to get the pictures to reappear on the screen of the camera and when I wasn't successful I threw the camera down in the floor board.

Oh, yes! It was a lovely display of, of~~~errr immaturity, stupidity, ignorance. You can take your pick.

Oh, wait I left off one vital piece of information. Ummm it was Shelby's camera AND I broke it. She got that camera for Christmas and her mother in a temper tantrum broke it.

Now here comes the ignorant part~Mike was able to get every one of the pictures off the card. I felt like a heel and still do.

We couldn't take pictures of our trip to Virginia because that was the only camera we had taken.

Isn't that just the grandest display of parenting ever?

2010-02-24T19:57:00.004-06:00

I received a preview copy of The Imposter* last week and was finally able to sit down and watch it on Sunday afternoon. The movie came out yesterday and so I figured I should do my review on it.

The story is about a guy that is a lead singer in a Christian rock band. He sings about Christ on stage but his life doesn't reflect the message he is singing about.

The plot in this movie is a thought provoking one. It reveals to the audience how the lead character Johnny C isn't at all what he claims.

There were a few things that I didn't like about the movie. It was quite choppy. I couldn't figure out where the character was half the time. Was he in Texas or back in Tennessee? Did the crazy homeless guy hitchhike to Texas with Johnny C? By the way, the crazy homeless guy was my favorite character and the reference to Oprah as the bug zapper was hilarious.

It was distracting to the viewer that the story line went a few different directions without clear transitions. The story felt all over the place and the music video during the movie was a little annoying.

Overall, I would recommend this movie. It wasn't the best movie I've seen but if you want to watch a clean movie with a good message this movie will do.

*Disclosure of Material Connection; I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255; "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

2010-02-08T12:03:00.003-06:00

Good grief!!

I have been meaning to post for 2 weeks now and I am just now doing it.

I'm a terrible blogger!

Oh well~I'll just have to move on from today. Right?

We've been on some cool field trips, had lots of music lessons, lots of snow weekend before last, went on a double date with friends, and done lots of living.

I can't even begin to catch up but we do have pictures that I want to share so I will try to get them loaded sometime this week.

2010-01-24T21:22:00.005-06:00

Mason, Shelby, and Abby at Cheekwood before I realized you're not supposed to take pictures in there. OPPS!

Wow! It's been over a week since I posted! How slack is that??

We have had a pretty busy week. All our activities are back in full swing so we were hopping this week.

Shelby started piano lessons on Tuesday so now we are going to W O Smith three times a week.

Let's see Thursday the 14th we went to Cheekwood with our buddies. It was really cool and the art exhibits were interesting to the kids. Abby's favorite was the Faberge exhibit. Shelby's favorite was the DICHOS: WORDS TO LIVE, LOVE, AND LAUGH BY IN LATIN AMERICA exhibit.

It was a beautiful day to be out and the kids got to have a snowball fight with the leftovers from the week before.

Monday we went down to CFA~Smyrna and then went to the Y to swim. It was nice to have Mike home and able to go with us since it was a holiday.

Oh, and confession time~I forgot to take Abby to her Musical Beginnings class last Thursday. We were having such a good time and all (see above:) that I just plain forgot. It was the first class after the Christmas break so I was out of my routine. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

I hate it when I do that though. It makes me feel old.

I'm excited about the week starting and glad to be having friends over on Tuesday.

Hope Monday is kind to y'all.

Peace out.

2010-01-13T21:22:00.002-06:00

I'm tired.

I cooked today for supper at church tonight and now I'm tired.

Just so we keep it real around here:
~our Christmas tree is still sitting on our patio in the stand. If I wasn't so tired I'd take a picture. It's kind of comical.

~we have had to plunge our kitchen sink for the past few days because it hates to drain now.

Going on a field trip tomorrow.

Woot-woot and Nite-nite!!

011110-011210

2010-01-12T19:20:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was a pretty typical Monday.

School, catching up on house work, and other stuff.

Before I took Shelby to practice for Select Singers, we went by The Krogers and picked up some Primroses and took them to an older couple in our church.

He has been battling prostate cancer and has been ill from the effects of chemo since Wednesday. He is feeling much better than he was and we are thankful for that.

We went to try and bring a little sunshine to their day but we came away brightened ourselves. They gave the girls candy and let them pick up a grocery bag full of pine cones.

The girls and I didn't get home from practice til almost 7. Thankfully, I had already put a roast in the crock pot and set the table before we left because we were all starving when we walked in the door

You know it's cold when Miss Kitty camps out by the heater ALL day long.

Today was tutorial day for the girls. Mike and I had our date at the thrift stores and we got 4 more CDs. This time they were 50 cent!! We picked up this one and a few others. We have listened to this before but it is so good. It is a story about Beethoven and has lots of good information on it. We also found a Casting Crowns Christmas CD~brand new.

Abby decided to eat some blackberries and make a science project in the process. She got two bowls and mushed up the berries in both. Then, she out sugar in one and salt in the other. She conducted taste tests and believe it on not the one with salt wasn't bad at all. In fact, it tasted like salad dressing~kinda like a vinaigrette.

We had tilapia for supper and I tried my hand at mashed cauliflower. It turned out pretty good and 2 of my kids gobbled it up. The only thing I think I'll change is the recipe said you could throw a couple spoonfuls of instant potatoes in them for texture. I'd like to see how they would turn out and taste using them.

The weather forecast says it's supposed to be near 40 tomorrow and Thursday it's may get to 50. I think we may plan some outside time if it gets that warm.