Free in Christ

2008-12-19T10:04:00.002-05:00

Please pray for a high school friend, who I came in contact through facebook, whose brother just passed away. 39 years old is too young to die. He has a wife and 2 young children. I can't even imagine the pain right now.

2008-12-17T21:15:00.002-05:00

The boys are so excited because Grandma is coming for Christmas. Please remember us during this time.

For various reasons we have not spent many holidays together for quit a few years, at least the last 4 or 5. We ae hoping this will be a new milestone in our family relationship. My boys so long to have their grandma around. She is planning on building a gingerbread train with them, along with my nephew Stephen, and some other fun things. She is coming on Monday sometime and leaving on Friday morning. Mom and my sister and her family will be joining us in worship at our Christmas Eve service.

Hopefully someone will be taking pictures and I will have some to post sometime soon.

2008-12-15T19:29:00.004-05:00

Yesterday we joined the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. The church is in Muncie Indiana, we've been attending since last February or so. Anyone whose been reading my blog for any time knows that we've been on a LONG journey in our faith. We left the UPCI 3 years ago officially, and prior to that we'd been praying and studying Gods word. God has shown us so very much. We have been to several churches. Non-denominational, Reformed Baptist, Congregational, Presbyterian and finally Confessional Lutheran. Last January we were baptized as believers in the Presbyterian church and became members. Actually we only had wanted to be baptized and in order to be baptized we had to join the church. Even at that time there was a few things we were still questioning and then through yet more studying and prayer God led us to the Lutheran church. Rob had been listening to some podcasts and was learning so much. He had been listening to The Whitehorse Inn and Issues Etc. to name a couple. We have decided that for us this is the church we will be a part of, basically because of what we feel is the proper distinction of law and gospel.

There is so much I'd love to post about this, but I will have to do that at a later time. I've taken so much time from my family this evening, just by posting what I have. This season has been so busy for us, and I haven't spent enough time with them. I have so many, many thougths running through my head right now, I can't wait to post them, or at least try.

The best looking boys and their dog.

2008-12-15T19:27:00.000-05:00

Our new quilt

2008-12-15T19:25:00.000-05:00

The boys quilts

2008-12-15T19:23:00.000-05:00

2008-12-15T18:58:00.005-05:00

Oh so much has happend since my last post. I will try and do a quick update.

The end of October was a sickly time for the parents that live in this house. That would include Rob and I, just in case you didn't know. Rob got terribly sick, he missed 2 1/2 days of work even. That is totally unheard of for him. He had parotitis. It is basically an infected salivary gland. No good explanation for what causes it. It was awful for Rob though. It causes extreme pain though. He was taking a strong pain medicine for about 4 days all day, and then in the evening/night in order to sleep. Not fun. Then no sooner than he got better, I got sick. Of course just started with a cold, and then led to a bad sinus infection. I don't enjoy those at all. I get one about this time every year. I lost my voice--well not completely--but I sounded awful for almost 3 weeks after I started taking the antibiotics.

We had to take Maggie to the Humane Society. It was an awful day for me. I just bawled like a baby when I left her. She had been put outside, and it was getting cold, I couldn't stand the thought of her being left outside and cold. We just didn't give her enough attention and we felt it was best to take her someplace where she could find a new home. I took her the Friday before Thanksgiving and she went to a new home on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I have had the opportunity to talk to the new family. They absolutely love her. They have 2 small children which is great for Maggie, as she is still a puppy and needs lots of energy spent on her. We still miss her, but I'm thankful that she is in a home that she is very loved. Remember, that we took her in after finding her in the park.

We went to Illinois for Thanksgiving/Christmas. We left on Thanksgiving day and came home on Sunday. Thursday was spent with my family. Mom made us all new quilts for our beds. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE ours. The boys are all special for them. Jordan fishing stuff, Austin dinosaurs, and Zach tools. The one for our bed is a beautiful double wedding ring pattern in earthy colors. matches our bedroom great. While we were in Illinois I started to get a cold again, thankfully it didn't last as long and didn't require a visit to the doctor. The boys got a Wii for Christmas. We had to cheat and tell them, actually they have gotten it already, because of the Christmas we do at Thanksgiving with our families. We didn't want the boys to spend all their money on other things. We bought the system, which came with 1 set of controllers, and they had to buy anything else they wanted. They ended up being able to purchase a total of 4 sets of controllers and 6 games. We all have fun playing the system. We had a great time with our family while we were there. I didn't get any pictures since I wasn't feeling well, which is kind of stinky. But, life will go on.

We have finally gotten the tree and Nativity set up this past weekend. Haven't made any Christmas baking yet. Hopefully this weekend. Man, has this season come fast this year.

A day at Metamora Indiana

2008-12-15T18:50:00.002-05:00

Metamora has the only working wooden Aquaduct in the Nation. We took a ride on the canal boat, which is powered by horses. It was a very interesting ride. The boys enjoyed to history we learned this weekend. This was actually the last weekend in October.

Taking a train ride in Metamora

2008-12-15T18:46:00.004-05:00

2008-10-08T19:21:00.004-04:00

What a nice weekend we had. I was off work, Rob was off work and it was beautiful fall weather. The church was doing family pictures for a new directory. We participated in that by having our family picture done. The boys were not so excited, but we just did a little bribbing with Texas Roadhouse. DONE!!!! Know, imagine, I have 4 men in my house, pictures aren't the highlight of any day, much less a Saturday. Well, then to top it all off, this crazy Mom didn't get the boys pictures this year around their birthdays, like I've always done since they were born. So, we just added a stop at the park, not to play but to snap some pictures, to possibly use as their yearly pictures. They turned out great, I am hoping they turn out in print as well as they look by viewing them.

On Sunday I cooked all day. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the fall weather. I love to cook fall foods, and all that jazz. I made a terrifice batch of Loaded Baked Potato Soup, a doulbe batch of Beef Stroganoff, some cookies, pumpkin cheese cake and spiced cider. YUMMO!! The house smelled wonderful. We've eaten well this week also.

I am hoping this fall we can get to a fruit farm. We didn't last year, because it just didn't seem right to go when it was 90* outside. Maybe, this weekend.

A day off

2008-09-25T14:16:00.002-04:00

Get two boys to school @ 7:45
Dentist in Richmond (30 minutes south of home) @ 8:15 am
Take boy # 3 to school--chat with the elementary school principal and secretaries for a few
Eye appointment in Greenville (20 minutes east of home) @ 10:30
Stopped @ the Goodwill store
Eat lunch with Hubby @11:30
Go to the grocery store
Pick up mending--that has been done for about 2 months
Get Maggie a double cheeseburger
Stop at the Middle school and talk with the principal
Come home @ 2
Visit Maggie, feed her the Cheeseburger, play a few minutes
Get in the house and now I should be cooking supper and picking up the house.

What a relaxing day off. LOL!!!!

Maggie and her new friend.

2008-09-06T21:56:00.002-04:00

THis beautiful dog, Maggie, became and outside dog today. It was either that or a new home for her. We love her, and enjoy her, she is just not good for an inside dog. Well, she doesn't like to be outside alone for long, even though she LOVES to be outside. Today, Rob and I had to go and get her a dog house and some things for the yard, and Austin didn't want to join us. Well, he got tired of having to stay outside the entire time, so this is what he came up with.

He put the boom box outside to play "adventures in Odyssey" Cd's for her listening enjoyment. He said it worked great at keeping her company.

I thought this to be very ingenious of him. He is such an thinker. This was the shirt he had been wearing today, and also notice the close up of the "hair" (i.e. dried out grass)

2008-09-06T20:25:00.000-04:00

Austin and Zach building.

2008-09-06T20:22:00.001-04:00

Motgomery, 3 years old, holding Austin 11 years old. It was too cute. He kept saying "I will hold you."

Myles, Batman, Statue of Liberty, with his spiderman cell phone.

Acacia the Statue of Liberty.

Weekend with family

2008-09-06T20:16:00.002-04:00

Rob's sister, Faith had her second child. A girl. Ellie Ann. She is absolutely beatiful. In the first picture, Jordan is holding her with Acacia next to him and then Ellie's big brother Myles walking away. Rob's mom had taken a picture of all the grandkids and I was too late with my camera, so this is what remained. There are now 8 grandkids, ranging from 14-1 month old, on Rob's side of the family. We enjoyed spending time with his family 2 weekends ago. The kids all play together so well. It is always nice to see family.

REO Speedwagon Concert

2008-09-06T20:12:00.001-04:00

Rob and I along with my sister and her husband went to see REO Speedwagon at the The Great Darke County Fair this summer. It was fun. Nice 80's music. HEEHEE!!! I had never been to a concert, and it was fun. Very calm actually.

A few pictures from vacation

2008-08-14T13:08:00.002-04:00

I didn't get many pictures of vacation. It is kind of hard at an amusement park. I didn't carry the camera too much, because I didn't want to loose it or get it wet. We had a great vacation. We left Monday afternoon and got home around midnight on Friday. 3 full days at Holiday World/Splashin Safari. 2 days at the Splashin' Safari and 1 day at Holiday World. The kids had a blast. We also went to the Theatre that was right next to the hotel and saw Journey to the Center of the Earth. That was a great movie. I screamed one time and embarassed my husband. He likes to just blend and I didn't exactly blend at that moment. It was a great time to spend with our family. No cell phone. Just family time.

These are the swimshirts we got for Austin and Zach. It made the sunscreen alot easier. Austin burns so easily, and he gets tired of having to apply sunscreen so much. The shirts were great. It also helped us to find them in the crowds while they played in the water.

ONE

2008-08-14T10:08:00.004-04:00

This was supposed to be one word answers, couldn't do it. It was fun though. Makes you think.

1. Where is your cell phone? ...... PURSE
2. Your significant other?...... ROB
3. Your hair?................. BROWN
4. Your mother? .......... KAREN
5. Your father?.............. RICHARD
6. Your favorite thing?......MY FAMILY
7. Your dream last night?.....NONE
8. Your favorite drink.......DIET COKE
9. Your dream/goal?.....TO BE A GOOD GRANDMA
10. The room you're in?..........DESK
11. Your ex?.........???
12. Your fear?......FOR MY KIDS TO NOT LIKE ME AS ADULTS
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years?......HERE
14. Where were you last night?......DINNER WITH FRIENDS
15. What you're not?.....THIN
16. Muffins.........BLUEBERRY
17. One of your wish list items?.....A CLEAN HOUSE ALL THE TIME WITHOUT THE WORK
18. Where you grew up?.....ALL OVER, MAINLY AURORA ILLINOIS
19. What are you wearing?......CAPRIS, CUTE TOP, AND FLIP FLOPS
20. Your TV?.....FLAT SCREEN HD
21. Your pets?.....2 DOGS
22. Your computer? ....HP
23. Your life?.........FABULOUS
24. Your mood?......... RELAXED
25. Missing someone?........OLD FRIENDS
26. Your car?........ WHITE--BORING
27. Something you're not wearing right now? .....SOCKS
28. Favorite Store?......KOHLS
29. Your summer?.......ALMOST OVER
30. Like someone?......MARRIED
31. Your favorite color?.....DEPENDS ON THE DAY
32. Last time you laughed....YESTERDAY
33. Last time you cried......CAN'T REMEMBER
34. Who will re-post this?.....?
35. Who will NOT re-post this?...?

2008-07-17T18:38:00.002-04:00

Okay, it has been a while, guess a long while. Almost a month actually. Lots and lots have happened since then. You didn't even know the boys went visiting for 12 days.

They stayed most of the time with Rob's Aunt--the one with boys the same age as ours. They went camping with his sister Jenny--the one who recently left the UPC also-and her family and some friends. They went over 4th of July weekend. What fun. Dean bought some fireworks, the kids thoroughly enjoyed that. The went to see the fireworks somewhere, and they could see the Sears Tower from where they sat. I guess they were on some high hill and could see firewords from about 10 cities at once. How awesome is that. They spent a few days with Rob's parents. They had fun while they visited everyone, but they sure love to come home. They went to church with Aunt Paula and her family, and they decided they missed our church. Funny, because they weren't too happy about the most recent switch, but evidently they have started to enjoy it, because they missed it when we were gone.

Rob and I had a nice weekend the first weekend they were gone. We had tried to go and eat at TGI Fridays in Indy the day we dropped them off, but it was closed for remodeling--how frustrating. We ended up at Applebees which turned out just fine. On the way home from Indy we stopped at Dairy Queen--see you can do that when there is only 2--it is costly when there are 5 of you. We ran into people we hadn't seen in forever. How awesome is that. We got to talk to Carol a lady that we met while attending Memorial Baptist in New Castle. It was nice to catch up with her. We also saw a teacher from the boys scholl--the teacher Zach absolutely loved. The rest of the time we enjoyed having a clean house. We cleaned it--super duper cleaned--on the Sunday we left and it stayed clean the entire 12 days. We even ate at home this time. Rob was thrilled with the fact that the hand towel remained in place in the bathroom until one of us changed it to be washed. Funny I know, but hand towels in this house seem to disappear in about oh, 15 minutes after it is hung and that would be a good day.

Here is a funny story from my house while the boys were gone. You know that we are now the parents of 2 dogs. Well, they sleep with the boys, and with the absence of them, the dogs slept with us. Well, Miss Maggie evidently had a stomach problem. One evening she kept carrying her food dish to us, and we'd reluctantly give her some more food. She doesn't eat as much as you'd think for her size, and we were worried about underfeeding her. It was quit comically to see here carrying this bowl to us. Well, she never took care of business before bed time. She was so restless all through the night, a few accidents that we had to take care of in the night, and so on and so on. It was awful, we were up all night with a puppy. I thought my sleepless nights with babies was over. She is all better now, actually thankfully it only lasted one night.

I have some good pictures to post, however, somehow my boys took my cable to my digital camera to Illinois by mistake. I guess it looks just like the car charger for their Nintnedo DS and they took it, then while they were up there, they think it was mistaken for Daniel's cable to his digital camera. So, we need to find out how to get another one soon.

VACATION IS COMING!!!! Yeah. We will be taking the boys on the long awaited trip to Holiday World/Splashin' Safari.

2008-06-20T19:37:00.002-04:00

Here are a few funny shots of the dogs. Angel has a small crate, because she is only 10 pounds. Well, she spend alot of time in there, even when we are home. Maggie is still a puppy, therefore she just wants to play. First she got into to Angels bed alone, this caused much drama for Angel. Then she sat in the doorway and barked a playful bark trying to get Angel out to play, then she gave up and joined her in the crate. Angel didn't smile on this too much, but she didn't fight back as much as I'd thought. Maybe they'll be friends soon. LOL!

Meet Maggie!

2008-06-19T23:39:00.002-04:00

Meet Maggie Mae, our new puppy. She joined our family last Friday. She was just too cute not to bring home. Rob works for the city, she was abandoned at the park, where he found her. The city dog catcher picked her up and hoped she'd be looked for. NOT!! She stayed at the dog kennel for a week, 2 weeks and then to the county shelter, and then who knows what next. Well, every night Rob would say "you really need to see this dog." Okay, I saw her, and she came home with us. I took her to the vet today to see if we could learn something about her. She is a Border Collie Mix, she is only 8-10 weeks old, based on her paws he thinks she will be 30-40 pounds. She is a very gentle dog. Very playful, as she is still very young. She is great with Austin and Zach. Angel, the first dog, is not too fond of her yet. However, each day is a little better than the day before for her. See, she has been the only pet, and very spoiled for the past 3+ years.

This picture is Angel wrapped in a blanket straight from the dryer. She is too funny, she hears the dryer beep, and follows us to see what we will do with the warm clothes. Maggie is lying next to her worn out from a day of play.

Ihave told my husband no more looking at the puppies at the kennel.

2008-06-15T17:00:00.001-04:00

Well, I paid for my car repairs on Friday. Today I hitched a ride with my sister to get it picked up. She is working at my store, and worked this evening, so she willingly le me ride along. I am going to check gas mileage on my car now. I'm curious as to whether or not my gas milege will increase due to the nice hefty repair I had done.

What a day!

2008-06-12T18:57:00.002-04:00

On my way to work today my car just stopped running. It kind of slowed down and then it was fine, then it did the same thing again but I had to pull over onto the shoulder, and then it just died, and wouldn't start again. Usually we only have 1 employee at the store between 6-7 am, therefore I'd been walking--about 1 mile--but 2 weeks ago we changed our shift time to 7-3, 3-11 and 11-7. I go in at 7 also, therefore there were 2 people at the store and one of them came to get me. I had to get the car towed, and then I got the great phone call about what was wrong.
The fuel pump. $719.00 to fix it. THis included the part, towing and labor. It will not be done until tomorrow afternoon at the earliest. I am off this weekend, this is a good thing. I am so thankful that we had a little money saved and were planning on getting a new water heater, I guess that can wait.

2008-06-05T10:52:00.003-04:00

Well, it has been so stinking long since I've updated. UGH! I think of post often, then I don't have time. Imagine that.

Work has been extremely busy. Okay, just in case you don't know. I manage a convenience store with a Subway in it. So that means I have a store, a gas station and a restaraunt. Fun huh! Actually I really, really enjoy my job. From the end of March until May 10 Subway had a $5 footlong sale. EVERY sub that we had you could get a footlong for $5. Sounds great huh! Actually it was great for the consumer. We were so busy we couldn't see straight. The sale ended, and the continued a new $5 every day value menu. Which now means that we have 8 of our menu items for $5 each day. This in turn means we haven't really slowed down much at all. Then on top of this, it is graduation time. LOTS of big party orders. So needless to say I've been a little on the tired side of life lately. In fact last weekend I came home from work on Friday and fell asleep at 6:45 (Jordan informed me of the time) and slept until 9:30 on Saturday morning.

Oh, today our fuel is about $.10 cheaper than the surrounding towns and then it is about $.20 cheaper than here in UC. Evidendtly we've been on the news this morning. Which means that my store is beyond busy.

We went camping the weekend of Memorial day. We went with Rob's sisters and their families. It was so much fun. It rained while we set up, and then not much after that. It progressively got warmer. The kids had a great time.

We have been attending a church in Muncie Indiana now. I know, I know, we keep changing, and we just joined a church, and it was a hard decision. Maybe sometime I can explain it all. Most people don't understand. We are thinking this may be the move that ends "most" moves.

Today I am off, the boys are doing their chores, with a little assistance. Zach has a dentis appoitment, so we will leave for the appointment and eat something (I'm thinking Taco Bell) and the go and see a movie. Horton hears a Who is playing at the cheap theater. We've all been wanting to see it, so this is the perfect time.

Well, I must go and "assist" with the chores of the day.

I sure miss my blog friends.

some pictures from Memorial Day

2008-06-05T10:43:00.002-04:00

I took LOTS and LOTS of pictures when we went on our camping trip over Memorial Day weekend. However, I have evidently deleted them from my computer and my memory card--since I have already printed them. I really had some good one to. UGH!!! We had a great time. We went with Rob's 2 sisters and their families. It was much fun. We each took one day and were in charge of the food. YUMMO! It was nice, we had good food and didn't have to do the work the entire time. We never even had hamburgers or hotdogs once. It was nice to spend time with family. We all traveled almost exactly to the 1/2 way point between where we live and where they all live. The kids enjoyed spending time together, getting dirty, and all the fun stuff kids do. Acacia is at the present the only girl, therefore she is the Princess of the family.

2008-05-16T14:37:00.001-04:00

Evidently these pictures were taken of Zach, by Austin from the tree. My boys are something else.

Austin's self portraits

2008-05-16T14:35:00.000-04:00

2008-05-16T14:33:00.002-04:00

Zach and his teacher at Cinderella night. Zach's story was CiInderskeleton.

2008-05-16T14:29:00.002-04:00

Here are a few pictures of my "new" furniture. I kept thinking I'd take a picture when the house was nice and clean and in order. However, that hasn't exactly happened since I got the furniture. This is how my house generally looks anyway, laundry and shoes everywhere.

2008-05-13T20:20:00.002-04:00

Front porch. Rob got me the flagpole for Valentines day. I have begged for as long as we've owned our home for a flag pole. I think it is fun to change the flags for seasons. At any rate, he always said no, so I was very surprised when he brought this gift home on Valentines day. What a guy. You can't see the flag well, but it is a spring flag with flowers and bunnies. Then the flower pots that Rob did last week. He has the green thumb, and keeps the outside in tip top shape. I have a great husband. Can you tell I love yellow flowers.

View from my porch

2008-05-13T20:17:00.003-04:00

This is the trailer that Rob and Jordan built to put on the boat trailer so it will be universal and able to haul things when we aren't using the boat. It is a great hide out evidently. Too much fun.

Easy Enchiladas

2008-05-13T19:59:00.002-04:00

This is a quick and easy enchilada recipe. It is a requested dish in this house, and I'v shared this recipe with some co-workers and they love it. So, I guess it is worth sharing some more. I love, quick simple yet yummy meals.

1 Package of frozen Chimichangas or burritos

1 package of enchilada seasoning mix

1 6 oz can of tomato paste

3 C water

**You could just use can enchilada sauce

I buy the frozen chimis, and put them in the fridge in order to thaw ahead of time. This just shorten the baking time.

Make the enchilada sauce according to the recipe on the package. **I only use 1/2 package, because Austin and I can't handle it too spicy.

Spray a 13x9 cake pan with non stick spray, place enough sauce in the bottom of the pan to just cover it. Lay the chimis/burritos in the pan, pour the remaining sauce over them. Bake @ *350 about 20-25 minutes (if thawed), take out of the oven, sprinkle with cheese, and continue to bake for aboaut 10 minutes. Let stand about 10 minutes before you eat.

Dig in. We top ours with sour cream and sometimes pico. YUMMY! It is quick and easy.

Tomorrow I will share another great recipe that I just created--well sort of. I made it this weekend, and it was delicous, so I made another batch tonight for tomorrows supper.

Happy Mothers Day

2008-05-11T18:49:00.003-04:00

Well, I'm not so sure where to start. So, here I go.

Let me be honest here. I have a really hard time with all holidays. I'm just now realizing this. I have all these ideas of what I will do with my husband and children, and then I ended up being a little on the depressed side of things. I know it stems from my extended family and the strained relationships there. I realize that I should just "get over it" and create memories for my immediate family, and believe me I think it all the time. God has blessed me with a great husband, and healthy rambuctious boys. They love me unconditionally. It is just so hard sometimes.

I had a horrible day on Friday. I was a basket case. I have wierd cravings, and aversions around holidays, all holidays even the little ones. I have cravings for some of the great foods we ate when I was growing up, then I don't really want to eat them because it makes me remember. Crazy I know. I long to have a relationship with my Mom, or even my mother in law for that matter. I don't have that mother figure to call when I have a bad day, or need mothering advice, etc.. People say, just find a mother figure to look up to, and believe me there are many I would love to think of that way, however it is just not the same. GB's post here, spoke my thoughts and feeling so well, as I don't always have the words for my feelings.

Now, Friday was a bad day. I cried alot, thought alot, talked to my husband and my sister, by the evening I was feeling much better. Then yesterday was fine, and today I was just fine as can be. I had to work. I only wished one customer a Happy Mothers Day, and she about cried, her response was "thanks, I really needed that today." That just made my day, and I got a little chocked up. I guess it was the Holy Spirits gentle prodding to wish this women a happy mothers day, and I am so thankful I did. I had thought to myself this morning "don't forget to wish all those women a Happy Motherd Day", and I didn't, just the one. I thank the Lord for her today. I hope it was happy for her. Today was my weekend to work, then I ended up running register and doing my manager duties also (which worked out just fine) and that is how I came in contact with this women. God is so gracious, he helped me get through my struggles before today, so he could use me to minister to this women. Isn't that just like God.

I came home to this. My boys went shopping after church this morning and this is what I got.

A fondue pot, or 2. I have been wanting to have a fondue pot. I thought it would be so much fun to fondue--and just chill out together. It was great. We had a cheese sauce, with french bread, some little sausages and then a chocolate sauce with strawberries, pound cake, bananas, and marshmallows. It was a lot of fun. The 5 of us had alot of laughs, "trying to be proper" with our fondue meal. See how dressed up they got. You know you always eat your fondue in your jammies. Too much fun. Oh, the roses where sent to me on Friday by my dear husand. (the Hersheys Kiss fondue pot was on clearance for 2.99 at Kohls. Too cute)

I just wanted to share my thoughts with you, and thank my Heavenly Father for helping me get through another holiday, and this one turned out just fine. Some good memories were created today.

Dishes

2008-04-22T12:43:00.001-04:00

These dishes were given to me by my sister. I like them, the boys, especially Zach, will not eat off of them, they are too busy for him I guess. Kids are funny.

Happy Birthday Zach

2008-04-20T19:38:00.002-04:00

Today we celebrated Zach's birthday. It is actually on the 29th, however, Rob and I both have to work next weekend. He chose to eat at Texas Roadhouse. It was YUMMO! They did the big Texas Yeehaw! with him sitting on the saddle. He sure doesn't like attention drawn to him, but he did it. We had the most awesome waiter, he was very on top of things, and yet we didn't feel as though he was constantly watching us. We then had cake and ice cream to finish the day. Zach chose Chocolate Fudge cake and Chocolate fudge icing.

We had a great Lords Day Service, then enjoyed the day together. Zach also got to pick his birthday gift. What a fun day was enjoyed by all of us.

This is the life.

2008-04-20T19:31:00.002-04:00

This is the life. This is Miss Angel aka Princess. If someone is laying down anywhere, she is there. She especially loves it when someone has this blanket--or one similar. Rob's Aunt made it for me at Thanksgiving. I love it, and so does our little princess. She is a funny little dog.

2008-04-19T19:41:00.002-04:00

A day in the life of my fishermen. The boys got to try out the boat, with the trolling motor. What fun they had. The last picture is the part that makes me the most nervous. I can't hardly watch any vehicle put the boats in the water, and then get them out. I always think that they will just go on in with the boats.

2008-04-19T19:38:00.000-04:00

Exploring, making butter and waiting for the train.

2008-04-19T19:32:00.003-04:00

Here are a few pictures from our trip to the Indianapolis State Museum. It was a nice day spent together. You can't see well but, evidently the mamoth was hungry for some cherry coke. Isn't ot nice to see your son is taller than both you and your husband.

New Colts Stadium

2008-04-06T19:05:00.001-04:00

2008-04-06T18:55:00.002-04:00

Crafting with the special package they recieved from Grandma. What a prize that little brown box was. These 2 absolutely love to "craft".

2008-03-28T21:46:00.003-04:00

Robin, If you read this, I can not open your blog any longer. It says I have to be approved or something like that. HELP!

Thanks

The boys have been on Spring Break this week. Today I was off of work, and Rob was able to take the day off. We had a great day all together. We spent it at the Indiana State Museum, and also watched an IMAX 3-d movie. What an experience. I'll post more later.

2008-03-23T16:12:00.001-04:00

This is Zach outside the Minnetrista Center. This is where we went for our fabulous "Grossology: The (impolite) science fo the Human Body" field trip. It was scheduled for a day that I couldn't get off of work, and Zach was distraught, then we had the ice storm, then the snow storm, school was delayed and the field trip rescheduled for a day that I was off. He was so thrilled. It was a fun field trip. I rode the bus with Zach, it was nice to spend a day with him. We had fun. It was quit an interesting day to say the least. I didn't get pictures of everything. There were some places I wish I'd taken pictures and didn't, but that is normal for me. Enjoy the next few pictures.

2008-03-23T16:10:00.001-04:00

The entrance to the Grossology exhibit. What a day we had. Too much fun for me.

2008-03-23T16:07:00.001-04:00

This, I'm sure was Zach's favorite place. The toot sound machine. He is all boy and enjoys the sounds of the body. He has always been this way. Crazy kid. Not that this is somehting to be proud of, but he can out burp anyone at any time, on demand if needed. Now, don't get me wrong I do not encourage this behavior it just comes natural to him. He is all boy.

2008-03-23T16:04:00.001-04:00

A lambs brain. It was fun to learn about the different areas of the brain, and how they work.

2008-03-23T16:02:00.000-04:00

Fun times standing inside a nostril, waiting for it to sneeze on you.

2008-03-23T15:58:00.000-04:00

Giant operation game. Fun times exploring the human body.

2008-03-23T15:56:00.000-04:00

Shooting pollen into the nose. It sneezed when it got too full. Yummy!

2008-03-23T15:52:00.002-04:00

Nigel the Snot faucet. Nice huh! It was real interesting when he talked and he would have a huge "snot bubble" coming from his nose.

Did you know that your body produces 1 quart of snot a day. Yummy fact, I know.

2008-03-23T15:50:00.000-04:00

Climbing the "wall of skin" Full of all kinds of great things. Warts, pimple, cuts, scrapes, moles and bruises.

Let it snow! NOT~

2008-03-08T10:26:00.002-05:00

Well, it has been snowing since yesterdy at around 9 am. My husband worked a full day, was able to come home from about 4 pm until 11 pm yesterday. He has been out working since then. I should be cleaning my house, so that he doesn't come home to a disaster, therefore, I will go for now.

Have a safe day.

2008 ice storm

2008-03-05T19:07:00.002-05:00

Pictures of the ice storm we just had yesterday. The boys got out of school early, and then didn't have school today. This is the first day they've missed for weather. This weather is crazy, it is March after all. The stick Zach had in his hand he picked up from our yard, and as you can see we accumulated quit a bit of ice yesterday. I was in awe as I drove home from work. Some of the pictures I took driving home today. I know, real safe right?! :) I really wanted to capture some of the awesomeness of it, but the pictures don't tell too much. It looked to me like a scene from Narnia. THe wildest part of this is that on Monday we had 60* weather.

2008-03-05T18:57:00.002-05:00

Check out my new specs. Rob got dental and vision insurance that started in February. I was able to get new glasses, which was much needed. My old ones were about 3 years old. I was also able to get all the dental work I talked about here done last Friday. What a great way to spend my day off I know, but it is over. Luckily in the 2 years since my last dentist visit my teeth had not gotten any worse. I wasn't able to get the work done 2 years ago because Rob lost his job shortly after I got the great news about what needed done. I'm not sure exactly how much this is costing me, because their computer was done when I went on Friday. I just know it is not near the $800--because we have $50 deductible and then it is 80/20 on restorative procedures. Cleanings and x-rays are covered--2 times a year. God is good.

2008-03-05T18:54:00.002-05:00

Zach and his braces. He is such a trooper. He now has a permanent retainer on the bottom, to keep his teeth in place, at permanent retainer on the roof of his mouth, and then braces. He doesn't even complain. The first day he had terrible canker sores, and his mouth was so swollen. He just put wax on the brackets, put some canker sore medicine on the sores and went on about his business. He got these on last Wednesday, and boy do they make him look older.

2008-02-27T17:15:00.006-05:00

I am getting new furniture tonight. YEAH! Well, let me tell you about this furniture. It is my sisters old furniture. She likes to get furniture every few years. Most generally it is something that we like, so therefore, we end up getting the old stuff when she gets the new stuff. Funny! This time we actually are paying her something for it. Usually she doesn't ask for money--because she says well I'm just going to throw it away or something silly like that. Well, we actually have the means this time, and they could use the extra $$, so we both win.

My husband jokingly said, "why don't you just go with her to pick the new stuff so you know ahead of time what we will get in a few years." LOL!

I'll post pictures when we are all set up.

The boys get the lazy boy sofa (which was alos given to us--6 months old) in the "game room--the boy cave". The love seat, and tables will go into the garage until we decide what we'll do with it. Too much fun in this house.

2008-02-09T17:44:00.000-05:00

Today we took the boys and Stephen to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. It was cute. We enjoyed the day with the boys. It seems that every weekend that I am off, we spend it cleaning, doing laundry and just catching up from the prior week. See, when I have the weekend off, I work the 7 days prior to get to that point. One week it is Thursday & Friday off, the next week it is Saturday & Sunday. Well, I decided to start the laundry and clean (well not super clean--but clean enough to get by) on Thursday evening that way we had Friday evening and Saturday to do whatever we wanted. We have enjoyed the day. Just being together, and no chores--well, the normal chores, but nothing extra, just maintenance.

Rob and I went out on a "date" last night. We just went to the mexican restraunt in the neighboring town, did a little shopping, and just kind of hung out. It was nice to have some alone time. The boys love it, (not too much of it), because they get to pick a frozen entree for supper. Wow! What a privelage.

I talked to my Mom today. She is doing well. The doctor told her that she was lucky that she had surgery when she did, it could have been fatal left much longer. Praise God for that.

Well, I must go for now.

2008-02-07T20:10:00.000-05:00

Listen to this. It is great. Out of the mouth of babes.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zCdZwitrNoY

2008-02-03T18:58:00.000-05:00

Well, I haven't posted much. Not that nothing is going, I'd have to say it much to the opposite of that. This will hopefully be insightful, and short at the same time.

**Jenny and Dean are doing wonderful with their new found freedom in Christ. It is so exciting to talk to her on the phone. I have been able to talk to her about once a week for sometime. I left her to have her space, then she started emailing me, and then it went to phone conversations. It is so great to see what the Holy Spirit is doing in their lives. Please continue to lift them in your prayers, as the seek direction for their lives.

**My mom's surgery went well. It ended up being much worse than they expected, but they were able to repair the damage done. Evidently the gall bladder attached itself to her small bowel, and was causing problems with that and her liver. They removed the gall bladder, repaired the small bowel, and the liver. Things are improving each day. I'm so thankful that it didn't turn out like the this event.

**Work has been a little hectic. I had to let some one go about 2 weeks ago. I haven't had the best luck replacing her, therefore we've been working a little on the short staffed side of things. This isn't good when it is also a time of year for sickness. Then one of my other girls had her baby, so the week of the 14th-20 I worked all days except Sunday, and one of those days in particulare was extremely long. At any rate, we are now up to a decent staff level again. So things are starting to get better. Over all though, my job is fine. I really enjoy doing what I do. In fact, I'd have to say I love my job.

**Life at home is about the same. The boys are excelling in their studies. Reading levels are really high for their grades, math is the same. The boys have really adjusted to us both working full time, and having somewhat demanding jobs. Rob's job is great. He really enjoys his job also.

**We have been working through yet another theological issues. Sometimes we feel like we are going crazy, not really, but just a little. Why can't things just be plain and simple. We are definately still on a journey. Please pray for direction for us with this issue.

**I recieved a phone call from one of my long lost brothers. Yes, when I say long and lost that is exactly what I mean. I am not so sure that my husband has ever even met him, and we've been married 16+ years, dated for 2 before that. It was nice to hear from him. I miss my big brothers. My family has quit an interesting history, so please pray that I will not let my self be vunerable to things just for the sake of having a relationship with my brother. I don't exactly know how to express what I mean there.

**Well, I think I've spent enough time away from the boys, yet again. I must go for now.

I will leave you with this thought.

***The weight...people don't realize.
The weight of having to examine yourself all the time to see if you are measuring up to what Chirst calls you to is an even heavier law than Moses'. In American Evangelicalism this is sort of treated as if this is a great gift and encouraging. It isn't, it a form of law that if someone looks at it squarely the weight will cause them to go one way or another.
1.) I'm actually pulling this off. OR 2.) I'm niver going to pull this off. I'm not born again I guess.

This a quote from CFW Walter (hopefully I gave the correct credit.)

Just something to ponder.

2008-01-31T18:35:00.000-05:00

I went to a REAL salon and got my hair done today. It was a great experience. Expensive, but I am so happy with my hair. My family is a little unsure of it, but I got tons of compliments today, every where I went, which was many places. The school, my store and the dentist office. Okay, the pictures are not the greatest, but they are self portraits.

2008-01-30T06:26:00.000-05:00

Please help me pray for my family. My Mom is going in for some exploritory surgery this morning. Not exactly sure what is going on, but hopefully they will have some answers today.

Thanks, and Heather I will try and post something soon. LOL!

2008-01-06T18:00:00.000-05:00

Today was an exciting day for our family. We were all baptized as believers and we joined the membership of Christ Presbyterian Church. My sister and her family were present. It made me so happy that they shared in our joy. Thanks for coming and sharing our day. God has brought our family, and my sisters family so far and I am so glad we are all together still. God is so faithful.

At the end of service a young man came up and introduced himself to my husband. He is a student at a college in Richmond, and he had Pastor Charlie (our pastor from Memorial Baptist) as a professor. Evidently he visited MBC quit a few times, and asked Pastor Charlie if there was a church closer in proximity for him that he'd be comfortable recommending, and guess where he sent him. Christ Presbyterian Church. It is so exciting to see the work that God is doing through our lives.

Continue to pray for Jenny and Dean. They are sure facing prosecution from the family. I've had a chance to talk to her a couple of times, and of course I never have long to talk, but I can see the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Must go for now. Have a blessed week.

Exciting News

2007-12-19T22:21:00.000-05:00

Rob's sister Jenny and her husband Dean, the parents of these 3 darling children have left our former faith family. I know that sounds crazy to say "exciting news" and follow it by "left the old church". WOW! God is so faithful. He has seen fit to open their eyes to the false teachings that they've grown up in. It is a hard decision, and I have to say that, although we did it, I can't truthfully imagine making the decision and living so close to family--that is still in our former faith family. It was hard enough for our family to deal with, but we were not so close in proximity or other ways. Please help us pray for God's direction for them. I didn't get to talk much to Jenny while we were home for Thanksgiving, but Dean told Rob they weren't so sure where they were going to end up, but they were going to devote themselves to reading God's word and praying for direction. (that is exactly what we did, and look where we are today) God has so answered our prayers with this. I am trying to stay away, unless they want to talk and ask questions, because I do not want to sway them in any way. God will reveal to them as he see fit. It is so EXCITING! I do think that this stems from a few things, Rob has had the opportunity to witness to Dean on quit a few occasions, and I did post my testimony on my other blog. But, most of all God has openend their understanding and made them alive spiritually. Praise God for this exciting event.

Me & My Twin Sister

2007-12-18T19:03:00.000-05:00

I forgot to post this picture from Thanksgiving. This is my family with my twin sister. I know that she knows who I am, honest, I can tell by her response to me when I talk to her. I apologize it didn't get a great picture of her face. She is beautiful. She has long fingers, thick blac wavy hair, big brown eyes. She lives in a hospital for handicap. It is a great facility. We don't get to visit very often, mainly because we don't get to Illinois often at all, however, she is well cared for. I can tell because we ALWAYS show up unannounced and she always looks good. My husband has stopped in their more than I--mainly from his past job when he would travel to pick up--he would stop in, just because he wanted to be sure she was being taken care of well. He is so wonderful like that. He sais he can tell she is in a good facility because he has been in SO MANY different facilities, and this is one of the best. Well, this isn't the best picture of my family, but it is us. The boys were a little nervous, well Zach was anyway. The other 2 remember more of our visits. Hey, I really can ramble can't I. Have a blessed day.

2007-12-17T19:01:00.000-05:00

It looks like our family will be joining a church finally. It has been a long journey to find our homechurch. We didn't take it lightly at all. After all it has been over 2 years since we resigned. We visited and attending many, many churches. This church fits what we believe theologically. It is in line with everything that God has revealed to us.

We have learned so much on this journey. God has used so many people to teach us so much. He made us alive, and opened our understanding to his word. We are so thrilled that God chose our family. He knew exactly what we'd be, in all our imperfection, and chose us as a covenant family. Nothing we did derseved his Grace, but He, for His own glory chose us. How humbled I am when I think of this.

Christ Presbyterian Church in Richmond will be our home church. It will be official the first Sunday of January. We are looking forward to this day.

Homemade gifts

2007-12-16T20:56:00.000-05:00

This is the gift each of my employees will recieve from me. I sure hope that they enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it.

**I forgot that we also made snowmen out of Nutter Butter cookies. They are super cute, and fun to make.

Dip a Nutter Butter Cookie in white chocolate, for the hat: a peppermint pattie in half, the scarf: a twizzler pull and peel, buttons: reeses pieces minis, some of them had eyes which were mini chocolate chips. The chocolate hardened and I forgot to put eyes on some of them, and then we decided that they were much more cute minus the eyes anyway.

Christmas Cookie Time

2007-12-16T20:12:00.000-05:00

I was off work this weekend. Rob was on call for the Street Department. Well, I guess it was better that way, because he worked the entire weekend anyway. We got LOTS of snow. He worked about 7 hours on Saturday, and then 15 hours on Sunday. The boys and I took advantage of the snowy weather and made some Christmas cookies. Austin is dipping ritz crackers with peanut butter in chocolate. Jordan is dipping oreos in white chocolate. Zach was unwrapping peppermints for peppermint fudge (not made yet). Zach also dipped some pretzels in white chocolate. Then I made chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies and then 2 batches of buckeyes. I couldn't find my recipe so of course I used the internet, and chose the first recipe I found. WOW! Are they good. It was super simple. I froze the balls for 1/2 hour or so before I began dipping. Why? I asked myself why I had never done that before. What a time saver it was. (well, when you are from Illinois I guess it isn't too hard, because you dip the entire ball, but here in on the ohio state line, you make them look like buckeyes.) Well, we really enjoyed our weekend. We were snowed in with lots of candy and cookies--and of course the necessities.

2007-12-07T21:29:00.000-05:00

The Northside Elementary Ambassadors.

This is the singing group Austin is involved in. They preformed this evening. It was a dinner theater. The kids did a fabulous job. I was blown away by the talent. They all looked so nice in their uniforms. The pictures is a little blurry, but I guess that is for the best, since it is not of just my children. This is a group of 3rd, 4th and 5th grade children. They each had to audition, were chosen and have worked very hard for this performance. It was great. I thought it was so neat at the end, as the guests left, the children were in a "receiving line" and they shook hands with all the 180 guests. Great job Mr. Hoggatt training the children. I'm so very thankful for a christian teacher, who loves music and takes so much of his personal time to have this group.

Christmas Card picture

2007-12-07T21:18:00.000-05:00

Look at these hansdome boys. These are the pictures I used to make my Christmas cards. I thought the jammies were fun, and of course Jordan is a little beyond the "snuggle jammies". It was fun for the younger boys to have a new toy from Thanksgiving/Christmas to have in the picture. I'm pretty excited about the cards we created this year.

I LOVE family worship

2007-11-26T19:55:00.000-05:00

Tonight in our family worship the question we worked on was this.

What is justification?

Justification is the act of God's free grace by which He pardons all our sins and accepts us as righteous in His sight. He does so only because He counts the righteousness of Christ as ours. Justification is received by faith alone.

Is that awesome or what?! God is so stinkin' AWESOME. Nothing we can do, or have done can earn us justification. It is totally an act of God.

What a thought to ponder.

2007-11-26T19:35:00.000-05:00

A few pictures of the weekend. I'll post more later, and give some details. WE had a great weekend.

Zach making brownies

2007-11-26T19:32:00.000-05:00

These are a few pictures of Zachary making his first pan of brownies.

They were YUMMY! I didn't take a picture of the finished product.

In Christ Alone

2007-11-12T18:47:00.000-05:00

I love this song. Check out the you tube video. I don't know how to put the video on here, so you will have to link to it. It is a fabulous song. It is so rich and true. Listen/watch and be blessed.

Check out this blog.

2007-11-09T07:35:00.000-05:00

My husband found this blog and saved it for me. I hadn't had time to read much on it until this morning. What a wonderful post. It is so true. Check it out if you have time. It is well worth the read.

2007-10-22T19:58:00.000-04:00

Weekend fun. WOW! What a weekend we had. We stayed at home, with the exception of church on Sunday. It was ABSOLUELY WONDERFUL! The weather was beautiful. The boys played baseball outside for a while, we did some baking, and just simply enjoyed each others company. On Friday when I got home from work we ate supper, I made some caramel chex mix, and some haystacks. YUMMY!! Austin and Zach bought playdoh with their allowance, and they created all evening--like for about 4 hours. Cookie cutters everywhere, and lots of neat creation, I just wish again that I'd taken more pictures. Saturday we slept in--ahh this is the life--and when I woke up I thought, "I haven't made cut out cookies in forever." I made sugar cookie dough, and then made a pot of "White chicken Chilli", the boys enjoyed the weather outside for a while. We ate lunch, which was tacos--an all time favorite in this house. Tacos at least once a week. Then to decorate the million cookies. Really there were only about 65 cookies. They were divided between boys, and let them go. Zach got tired and left a few undone, so between Austin and I we finished them. Now, Austin, my artistic one, took great care with each cookie. It was just a wonderful weekend of family. Much needed relaxing.

2007-10-22T19:50:00.000-04:00

My boys and their pumpkins. THey didn't enjoy cleaning them out very much. In fact, I think it is absolutely disgusting myself, so they sure didn't get cleaned out much.

This is from last weekend also. I had to work on the weekend, because I was off Thurs/Friday, and Rob took them to a orchard. They had a great time. WE thought we could all just meet there, however, they would be closing by the time I get off of work. They got apple slushies, apples, took a hay ride, and fed some animals. It was fun for them. Rob took me and the 2 little ones for a "quick" visit (just so I'd know where it was) on Sunday afternoon when Jordan was at a youth function. (We had planned on going to the fruit farm the weekend prior, when I was off of work for the weekend, however, the weather was just not fall like at all. I think it was near 80*)

2007-10-22T19:37:00.000-04:00

This is one of the projects I worked on in my house 2 weeks ago. I had my Thursday/Friday off that week. On those days, I rearranged the house, cleaned carpets and did some extreme cleaning. It was so rewarding when it was done. This is obviously is my bedroom, with our bathroom. They are both painted the same, and I did have a cream shower curtain and rugs. Well, a few months ago I saw this shower curtain in LTD catalog for less than $20 and ordered it. It just came in, and then I got a few $ from the in laws for my birthday so I bought towels for the bathroom. I think the whole redecrorating thing cost me less than $30.00. (each basket--there are 2--cost $1.80, the shower curtain was less than $20, and the rugs I got on clearance a while back for real cheap--can't remember exactly) It looks really nice too.

Quit an eventful 2 days

2007-10-16T18:19:00.000-04:00

Our school had a bomb threat yesterday in the morning. The children were all evacuated to area churches. There were suspicous backpacks found in the general area of the churches. They do not have 1 person in custody for the threat, and that is all I've heard today. We didn't send the boys to school today, it was just a little much for us to do today. Let me back track, the school had had a threat on Friday also, it was thought to be a copycat, because there was one at another neighboring school on either wed/thurs of last week. The kids were evacuated on Friday, school searched, and all that goes along with it. Then this happened on Monday, today there were more threats at neighboring communities schools. Not sure too many details right now, I just knew I would feel much better with my boys at home and not at school today. Even though in all actuality it was probably the safest day, because of the security checks and such. Now, let me tell you we live in a nice rural community, and not much happens so this is quit an event. Please keep our community in your prayers.

http://www.wishtv.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?ClipID1=1840074&h1=Explosive%20Devices%20Found%20in%20Union%20City&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=135433&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&playerVersion=1&hostPageUrl=http%3A//www.wishtv.com/Global/SearchResults.asp%3Fvendor%3Dwss%26qu%3Dunion+city&rnd=8919482

stuff

2007-10-08T19:19:00.000-04:00

What a wonderful weekend we had.

Rob's sister and her family came for a short visit. They called on Thursday evening and said that Brent had to take a piece of equipment to Fort Wayne (about 1.5 hours from here) and wondered if they could just continue on for a quick visit. It was nice. I was off this weekend, we sure enjoyed our time with family. Their little boy is so stinking funny. He is almost 3 and he is a hoot to be with. He loved playing with the boys, and when it was time to go he said, "I don't want to leave the boys". Right before he left he found out box of stickers, and wanted some, so I gave a small sheet of stickers, which he promply put on his face. He had smiley faces and stars all over his face. One fell off and you'd thought it was the end of the world. Of course i couldn't find my camera for any pictures.

My 2 little are still in their new members class for church. 2 more weeks of that on Sunday afternoons. We will be glad when it is over, not because they are not learning or anything like that, it is just that we travel so far to church, that it makes for a long day. We miss just chilling out with the boys on Sunday afternoon/evening.

We did some house rearranging this weekend. When it is finished I'll post some details and pictures.

I need to also take some picutres of Austin and his creative play. He loves to build things out of cardboard boxes, and anything else he may find to use. Nothing is trash to him. He built a hotel, complete with elevator, and door bell for a dog that he has. He built a play ground, complete with slide, teeter totter, and I can't remember what else for his dog also. Pictures to follow--when the camera batteries are recharged.

I have a story running through my head that I want to share, however, I need to listen to the sermon again, so as to not misquote the illustration. It was so wonderful. I don't want to loose the great depth of it.

It was such helpful illustration. It reminds me of the first time I hear John Piper talk of Abraham and Sarah, and how when they were old--well beyond childbearing years, God gave them a child. Out of the deadness, came a child. It only came from God, nothing they did, just plain and simple God. It is how we are made new. It is all God, we are spiritually dead, and he does the "waking" up, nothing we do can make us alive spiritually. It is all God and all for his glory.

Okay, I must go and check on the 2 younger ones, they are being awfully quiet. What in the world could be happening.

2007-09-28T12:55:00.000-04:00

Today I was off work. Now, when you are me, your days off consist of lots of things. For the past, well, I don't know how long it has been, I've scheduled doctors visits, dentists visist and lots of fun stuff like that on my days off. Today, was my turn. What fun! I finally after 8 years decided that I should probably go to the doctor for that fabulous yearly exam. Boy, what a great way to spend your day off right. At any rate, I went to a new doctor, okay not new to the area, but like I said it has been 8-almost 9 years since I've gone, so he was new to me. He was funny, really, I had my exam complete before I knew it. At any rate, he wrote this down for me to go home an watch, since he saw that I had 3 boys, and thought I'd enjoy this. Check it out.

Enjoy!

Well, you can no longer view this on You tube. I was getting ready to email it to someone, and found out, it is not longer available.

2007-09-27T14:04:00.000-04:00

Hop over to 5 Minutes for Mom and check out this awesome giveaway. Wouldn't it be great to vacumm in style.

Hop on over and sign up. Hurry, the drawing is Monday October 1.

Goodbye tree

2007-09-27T13:16:00.000-04:00

Here are a few pictures of a quit funny little incident at our house last week. Here goes.

We are trying to sit and eat together, which is nearly impossible with 4 ADHD males, and beautiful weather outside. Rob eats and disappears, and then Zach runs in the house as I'm cleaning up from supper, and is yelling "Dad has a chainsaw and is cutting down the tree." His eyes were bright with excitement. Well, of course all the boys had to go and watch, it was quit a site to behold. You can see Zach laying in the lawn watching. It was so funny. My husband sometimes amazes me. He hadn't even let me know his plans for the evening, and then down comes the tree. Well, in his defense, the tree is dying and needs to be taken down, but I guess I just didn't think it'd be that day. Then he said last that this is the last week for brush removal by the city. Good enough excuse I guess.

Happy Birthday Me!

2007-09-27T12:38:00.000-04:00

Well, again it has been forever. I think things to post all the time, but getting it done after working all day a "trying" to keep my house in somewhat order is nearly impossible. I work every other weekend, which means I have Thurs/Friday off every other week.

I was off last weekend, in fact I eve took a vacation day for Friday, I was so excited to have a 3 day weekend. Guess what! I got sick. Well, in all reality it was my allergies, but it was awful, I could barely move around I felt so awful. It is so aggrevating to be sick on my days off. I plan to get so much done, and then *WHAM* I'm Sick. Last Friday was my birthday, the boys got invited to a birthday party for a neighbor, so Rob and I decided to go out alone. It was nice. We went to O'Charleys. The food was wonderful, the atmosphere was a little more peaceful than say Chilis or Texas Roadhouse (which is one of our favorites), so we enjoyed the evening, except for the fact that I didn't feel so hot. On Saturday we did not do much of anything, because Ididn't feel so well, but the boys made me a birthday cake. (Like the candle) It was yummy! Butter Pecan Cake with Butter Cream frosting(Jordan baked the cake, and Zach frosted it). Rob and the boys decided to put candles on the cake, but of course we didn't have 35, so they opted for the black candle, and boy did the kids think it was funny!

You know how not fun it is when you are a sick Mom. I was kind of grumbling about it, then the Holy Spirit put me in check. You know there are so many Moms suffering so horribly. Like, Heather, who is suffering with a horrible illness herself, plus a sick child. Then there is Amy whose is finished with her suffering on this earth, but left behind a husband and toddler. And,there are many more I just dont' have the time to find them all and link them. Through all of the sufferings they give praise to God. I was so convicted of my complaining, that I had to repent, and realize that God is in control off ALL things. Why, oh why, do we loose sight of this awesome truth so often. God is so good, God is faithful, and EVERYTHING, absolutely EVERYTHING that is done in our lives is to bring glory to him. My boys, all being ADHD, and requiring so much, I don't even know how to describe it, but you know again, the Holy Spirit has put me in check yet again, when I want to gripe and complain about it, and how hard it is most days. God made each one of us exactly the way he wanted us, and our purpose in everything is to bring glory to God. Why do we wonder around coparing oursleves to others, hoping maybe we could be more like so and so, or why can't I have things this way, well, plain and simple. We are exactly the way God created us to be. I could go on and on, but I don't feel it necessary.

Rob found out yeaterday that he got his raise. YEEHAW!!! Another $1.05, effective this past Monday. He has gotten his CDL license now. That was a major feet for him. He was so nervous aobut it, and God is so faithful, he remained calm and past with flying colors. He was so pleased.

Well, you know I am a talker, and I could go on and on forever. I really must get up from this chair, clean the house somewhat, and go to the gorcery for supper. Dinner tonight is meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans. This was requested by both Zach and Rob. Zach thought is was so *funny* when Rob said, meatloaf sounds good, and Zach had just told me that.

Have a blessed day.

Funky Robot

2007-09-27T12:29:00.000-04:00

And I wonder why my camera batteries are always low when I go to use the camera. Evidently I have some little movie makers. Too funny! IT is really dark, but I got a good laugh.

What is God's providence?

2007-09-04T21:36:00.000-04:00

God's providence is his completley holy, wise, and powerful, preserving and governing every creature and every action.

The Westminster shorter catechism in modern english.

I posted this catechism question and answer just to clarify what I mean when I say "smiling providence" or if I use the phrase "frowning providence".

I may post more on these thoughts another day. Like I said, lots and lots of thoughts running through this mind of mine.

2007-09-04T21:23:00.000-04:00

I haven't had much time to read lately, well actually I'm not much of a reader at all. But, I've been thinking lately that I need to read Hinds Feet on High Places again. We read that book as we were leaving the UPC and it was such a blessing. I think I need to read it again. We'll see how that goes. Oh how I wish that I still had it on CD and could listen on the way to work.

Well, just some of the thoughts running in my head lately. There really are lots of thoughts running through this little mind of mine, just don't always have words to express them.

More smiling providence

2007-09-04T20:43:00.000-04:00

The vehicle that God blessed us to be able to purchase last week, and the boat that we were blessed to be given along with the trailer. Ain't God good.

Well, while the boys were in Illinois this summer, they stayed with Uncle Rick and Aunt Paula a few days, and they live across the street from Ricks parents. Well, Rick's family used to have a lake house, which they allowed anyone and everyone to use at one time or another. We stayed one year for a vacation. No charge to us, we just had to buy our own food. WOW!!! They had this lake house forever, and used it to bless others, this boat was at lake house, and was also used to bless others for many years. Well, recently they've sold the house, and the boat was stored in their back yard, and they wanted to just give it away. Well, Jordan evidently went over and did some "work" for them and the boat and trailer was his payment. Well, we were able to go and get it this past weekend, since we were able to purchase the Durango, in which to haul the boat. These are some pictures of the boys "cleaning the boat". What a blessing that Rick's parents have been to the Kingdom of God, and now not only have we been blessed by staying at the lake house, and using this boat then, now the boat has been given to us. My boys will get much use out of this boat, since you can tell from many pictures I've posted, they LOVE to fish. I guess there are a few little leaks that need some repair, but hey, no big deal.

Now, to the Durango. We have had this minivan that God blessed us with last year, and it had served its purpose for us. We had it one year, and only paid $1200 for it. Well, as of late it has been having some problems, and we didn't trust it to drive out of town, so it was Rob's work vehicle. See this van was purchased right when Rob lost his job, and he no longer has a company vehicle to use, and that left us with one vehicle. Well, God made it possible that we were able to get that $$ scrounged up and purchased the van. Again, I say it was not healthy now. Well, with me working out of town and working every other weekend this wasn't going to work well for the church situation. We were worried about how Rob and the boys would get to church safely. When I was working at the store in town, he'd just drive up to my store, and we'd all go together, well this certainly was not going to work with me being 30 minutes away in a different direction from church. Well, smiling providence allowed me to have 3 Sundays in a row off, this bought us time. Last week, with the $$ we'd worked on saving, and then trading in the van we were able to purchase the Durango for a great deal. Rob had been looking for a few months at a car lot here in town, everyone whose is anyone will deal with this family owned business. So, at any rate, we'd toyed with the idea of a truck with extended cab, then a minivan, then anything we could use to tow the boat and trailer, then this vehicle came on the lot. We drove it and loved it. If you don't know, and Durango has 3 seats, so it is like a minivan with the seating capacity but it is like a truck in other ways. The best of both worlds. So, needless to say that the boys all took a trip up north in the new (not really new) SUV (as they call it--constantly) to go to a family reunion and get the long awaited boat. I think we'll be going camping in 2 weekends when I have a full weekend off. Oh yeah, that is another reason for a dependable vehicle with space, we could not camp well in our car. It just didn't fit the stuff very well. Oh another blessing, we needed a hitch to tow the trailer with. The Durango did not have one, which we thought was good, means it hadn't towed anything yet, and we had kept aside some $$ for that expense. The car lot we bought the Durango from took in another Durango before we picked up ours and it had a hitch, Rob asked if we could buy the hitch and they just removed it and gave it to us. Boy was that some "brownie points" in my boys eyes. Isn't that funny. Oh, and no we don't always have the box on top. We were just thrilled to have a vehicle we could use it on again, so Rob was able to buy an inexpensive kit to make it work on the new vehicle. See, there was not kit for our Malibu of the minivan--so man is this extra space for us.

Well, enough ramblings for now. I just wanted to share all the many "material" blessings God has given us lately. You know, the job, the raise in income, the Durango, the boat and the list goes on. We truly have been blessed with the smiling providence of God.

Going away gifts

2007-09-04T20:36:00.000-04:00

This is a picture of the nice gifts my co workers from my old store gave me. I guess they talked to my sister one day and asked what I liked. They covered all the bases. I LOVE yankee tarts, and of course I like to use 2 at a time, one in the front of the house-one in the back. The one thing I actually collect (well sort of, if someone else buys them for me) is the Willow Tree figurines. The little boy has a ballon that says "Congrats"--I put him in my new office. The tart burner goes in my room beautifully. The card, in case you can't read was PERFECT for them to get me. It said, with an attitude "FINE, Be that way, Leave." and on the inside it said, "I needed something to whine about today." I got a great chuckle out of this card. It was a very thoughtful gift, and I really appreciated it. I do miss my old co-workers.

2007-09-04T20:32:00.000-04:00

Here are a few pictures of Austin and his birthday cake. We celebrated at Faith and Brents house, since we were there the day of Austins birthday. He chose to have the ice cream cake for his birthday.

He got money for his birthday and this is what he'd had his eyes on for a while. He chose to buy the awesome castle and stuff to go with it. Great fun.

Grandma and her grandkids

2007-09-04T20:28:00.000-04:00

Here is a picture of Rob's mom and all the kids while we were there in July. I totally forgot to post this picture and some others.

Zach, Myles, Acacia, Jordan, Montgomery and Austin

You belong in Fall

2007-09-03T19:45:00.001-04:00

You Belong in Fall
Intelligent, introspective, and quite expressive at times...You appreciate the changes in color, climate, and mood that fall bringsWhether you're carving wacky pumpkins or taking long drives, autumn is a favorite time of year for you

http://www.blogthings.com/whatseasonareyouquiz/

2007-09-03T17:34:00.001-04:00

I've been thinking something lately and I need to post about it, I just have to figure out how to get my thoughts into words that make sense. Am I the only one who has a problem with that sometimes (well, with my quit frequently)?

2007-09-02T18:38:00.001-04:00

Well, I've neglected my blog lately. I am trying to learn to juggle life again. It seems I get in a rythm, things go well, then somehow, things seem to start to fall apart (well not literally).

Things are smoothing out. We are all adjusting well with the new job. They boys are being wonderful with the changes. I think that knowing with the exception of an emergancy, I am home in the evenings. We can have a somewhat normal schedule. It really is going well.

Today I went to church this morning alone. The boys are out of town (story for later) and therefore I went alone. It was a wonderful service. I'm not so sure that it was any better than other, or because I was alone and could really concentrate better. The sevice was so God glorifying. The scriptures pointed to Christ, the sermon was gospel centered (even though it was from Song of Solomon), the songs were God glorifiying. It was so refreshing. It made me realize once again that everything we do should bring glory to God. It sure gave me a new-well renewed--perspective on my job. God gave me this job, and it should bring glory to him.

2007-08-28T20:21:00.000-04:00

Just a quick update.

My job is going well. The family is adjusting well. Actually it is much better, because I work days all the time now. With only an occasional evening, if someone calls off and we can't find a replacement. The boys have started school, and it is going well. My drive isn't all that bad, actually it gives me time to unwind before I get home, which is good. Today, I recieved a nice compliment. The assistant manager, who is transferring to another store to be closer to home, told me today that she thought I'd be a good manager. That really made me feel good, because I've come into her store, that she and the last manager had resurected, and she was telling me she was confident that I could carry it and make it better. That really made me feel good today.

Well, I really have to get homework done with the boys. I'll post more later.

Have a blessed day!

My Young Man

2007-08-11T08:06:00.000-04:00

"You know Dad, culture is so affected by Hollywood, and that is why I don't like this movie" quote by Jordan Myers 8-4-07

Here is the story that goes along with the fabulous quote.

Last weekend was our town festival. We went up town a couple of different times for different things. Jordan decided not to go at all. He just would rather stay at home most days. Okay at any rate. On Saturday evening Rob took the boys to a BMX bike show, then they came home and Rob and I went back up town alone. Okay, well we rented a few DVD's because we had free coupons. Well, most generally we watch new movies together, that way if we deem it unsuitable we can turn it off, and this week we let them watch a movie we'd not seen. It sounded harmless enough, and it really wasn't that bad, however, I'll not be recommending it to anyone to watch. Well, Jordan evidently didn't enjoy the movie. Austin and Zach thought it was okay, and wanted me to watch it with them. And I did, on Sunday evening. So we watched it, it wasn't a bad movie, but the line of thinking was so off the wall it was crazy. WEll, I guess I should say it was off the wall to us. It was very humanistic. Jordan didn't stay in the living room while we watched it, he went an played football in his own room. He kept telling me it is just a baby movie, it was stupid things like that. Well, Rob and I and the 2 younger ones, just kind of laughed at the absurdity of the thinking in the movie. You know the kind were magic can happen, you can see the future, you can shape your own destiny. And when the movie ended with the little girl changing the future, Rob said this to me. "Now I know why Jordan didn't like the movie and said to me, "You know Dad, culture is so affected by Hollywood, and that is why I don't like movies like this." I kind of had to laugh at this thought that my 13 year old would come to. He has such a thinking mind, he thinks big things of God, he abhors hearing things like "you can create your own destiny, you are in control of you life." It made me realize how blessed I am to have a young man that has such high regard for all things Holy and acceptable in Gods sight. Now I don't claim him to be a perfect child by any means. I just am so in awe that God would give me such a "deep thinking" child. He is definately not the "norm" when it comes to 13 year olds. Now, on many levels he is, but God has definately placed in him a deep desire to serve the Lord and learn more, and a love for things of God.

I could go on and on. But I must clean my house. It is an awful reck. I start my new job on Monday, and this is my weekend off. I am totally free from work this weekend. I have no keys to any store. I turned in my set yesterday for the old store, and then on Monday is when I get my new stores keys.

WOHOO!!!!

2007-08-09T10:41:00.000-04:00

Well, I've got big news from this household. I got a promotion at work. I will be a store manager at a store in Ohio. It will be about a 25 minute drive for me. LOTS more $$$$$. We are all excited about this opportunity, and a little nervous about it at the same time. I will work mainly days. That is a plus. I start my new position on Monday. Please lift us up in prayer while we make this next transition. There are lots of pluses. The store is a good store, not many problems, which is a plus for me. The manager that was there straightened it up when she got there, and she was transfered to the store that just lost the manager, so even though the other store was closer for me. I'm quit thankful to no be going into a store with BIG problems. I know God in his sovereignty has put me in this spot for the time, so I will trust him to help us work out all the specifics.

Well, I will try and update later. I have to be to work in 15 minutes, and I'm not even in my work clothes. UGH!!!!!!

Have a blessed day.

Prayer concern

2007-08-03T10:10:00.000-04:00

I am asking for all my blog friends to help me pray. Today I felt lead by the Holy Spirit to post my testimony on my blog that I have for our family. I have been wrestling with this lately. I don't like it that when we are together that no one wants to discuss anything theological. It is like our family can not even talk about the fact they or us attend church. NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING is discussed about church at all. Now, that may seem trivial to some, but if your life is so consumed with church, how can you go 2 1/2 days without mentioning it one time.
When we were in Ill to pick up the boys, it was just awful, noone talked anything about church, or Christ in any conversation. Now, Rob and I mentioned things, in passing, and I only say in passing because the comments were ignored and talked around. Christ is the center of our life, and we want to talk about it. You know my boys were up there for 2 weeks, and they were bombarded with "false doctrine" by Rob's father, and then they attended 2 services with Robs family. (They actually attended 3 church services, but one of them was with his Aunt who church preaches the true gospel message--By Grace alone, through Faith alone, In Christ Alone.) And then we get there and it is like church doesn't even exist. At one point Rob's sister and her husband had to leave the house (which was where we were staying) to pass out fliers for a revival they were having. They just said "we have to be gone for a few hours, we'll be back at such and such time". Now, why couldn't they tell us they were doing something for the church, no big deal really. I just am growing weary with the avoidance of theological discussions. I don't do small talk, I don't just talk about the weather for long, it makes me grow weary.

I am in prayer that my post will stir something in the souls of the readers.

On Faith Alone

2007-07-31T00:15:00.000-04:00

My husband saw this video one day, while channel surfing. He watched SpiritTv for a while I guess. Now I'm not knocking christian music, but so much of it just sounds like glorified love songs that you could sing to anyone. Don't get me wrong on this, I just become weary with some "christian music." At any rate, I love it when I hear songs that are totally God glorifying.
Check out this link. This song is absolutey amazing. It gives me chills when I hear the words, "on faith alone I sand, Sola Fide."

Beautiful!

Check out this give away

2007-07-30T13:03:00.000-04:00

I found this neat give away contest, browsing through blogs today.
It was at 5 Minutes for Mom, they are giving away an Insignia 37" flat screen tv, donated by Best Buy.
I am looking forward to checking out this site.
It is sure worth a try. You know, someone does have to win. Can't win if you don't try. And the great thing is, it is free.

Birthday letter to Austin

2007-07-23T10:28:00.000-04:00

When we got home Austin had this in the mail. It was his birthday on Saturday. This was from the pastor of our church. I was so touched when he opened this and read it. This was so wonderful to recieve after a weekend like we had.

A birthday prayer for Austin...

Father, Son and Holy Spirit...

Thank you for Austin.

Thank you for how his fearfully and wonderfully made, and for how you are remaiking him ino a man like Jesus, through the wisdom of his parents.

As he grows, may he not follow his culture's false notions of manhood.

Instead, may he now that a true man is a man of love, integrity, and faithfulness.

May he know that the true man is Jesus, and my he look to him as Savior, and follow him as Lord.

"I want to know Christ..." Philippians 3:10

Heavenly Father, Thank you for this wonderful reminder of who we are in you. Thank you the reminder of our responsibilty as parents. May this be a daily reminder to us as parents of our responsibility to God and our children, and to Austin of his place in this covenant family. May we all strive, through the Holy Spirit to be more like Christ each day.