Preacher's Wife

THE Birth Story

2010-12-31T22:07:00.005-05:00

Well since it is the last day of 2010 I figured I should write about Joseph's birth story. I find it necessary to write things down anymore so I don't forget as many of the details. This birth story is one for the record books in my opinion!! LOL

My story begins early Monday morning November 1, at 2:16 A.M. I woke up thinking I was using the bathroom. You all know that feeling, don't you girls??? I tried to stop the flow but just couldn't. So I rolled out of bed as gracefully as a pregnant woman could. As my feet hit the floor, so did my amniotic fluid. I KNEW this was IT!! My water had never broken on it's own before so this was a new experience for me.

I called my midwife and she asked if labor had started and I told her, "No." She told me to wait until they were regular and to come on in. Well since my bed was wet, I made my way to the couch and my husband slept in the chair. I could not go back to sleep. Contractions began a short while later but were mild and very sporadic. I called the midwife again at about 9:00 A.M. to let her know there was no progress. She suggested using the breast pump and walking. I did these two things for hours with very little progress. We decided to drive on to the birth center around 4:00 P.M. My water had now been broken for 14 hours.

Since this was my first experience at a birth center, I really didn't know what to expect. After we arrived, we continued pumping and walking. Later that evening I was given some tea and herbs to start the labor. They told me to fasten my seat belt after taking this. Well nothing happened. So we pumped on and walked again.

My midwife finally told me to get some sleep and we'd start up again around 6:00 the next morning. Too bad there was someone else laboring in the next room. Honestly, she mooed like a cow ALL NIGHT LONG!! Needless to say I didn't get any sleep.

The morning came and I was exhausted from no sleep in two days plus all the sleepless nights the previous week from just being plain miserable. I was so tired from TRYING to go into labor.

My husband was sent to CVS to get me some castor oil. Oh boy!! They had me drink the whole bottle. You all know what castor oil does to you. Fun, fun!! Well.......this didn't work either. So we walked around and around the building. At around 2:00 that afternoon, we were getting nervous. My water had been broken for 36 hours and there was no sign of labor. We made a few calls to family and my old OB/GYN office. They all said I needed to get to the hospital. You see the midwives can only do so much. Pitocin was not an option to start my labor. We were afraid there would be some infection if I didn't soon go into labor.

I had been so excited about delivering at the birth center without medical intervention. But it just didn't seem to be working out for me. We made the decision to go on to the hospital. What was scary about that was, my midwife wasn't going with me. She only delivered at the birth center. So I was going in as an unassigned patient. I had no idea who would be delivering my baby. Another fear was that they would automatically give me a C-section because of how long my water had been broken.

We loaded up and headed to the hospital where I had delivered my other three children. As we drove, we began to pray that God would take care of our little baby. We arrived and were assigned a midwife named Mistee. She was a hoot!! We liked her right away. She asked me if I wanted an epidural. I told her no because the other two I had with my girls didn't work so I wasn't interested. She said, "Well, Dr. Babb is on call and he is the best." I consented with the encouragement of my husband.

Before they were able to give me the pitocin, I started having contractions and they were quite uncomfortable. By this time, I really wondered just how I was going to deliver this baby. I was so exhausted from trying to go into labor that I felt unprepared for the real thing now. I was asked if I wanted anything to take the edge off and my husband encouraged me to get some medication so I could rest and be ready for the hard work later on. So they gave me something called Stadol. As the nurse was putting it into my IV, she told me I would feel like I had drunk a truck load of margaritas. I told her that I hadn't even had one in my whole life. As soon as these words left my mouth, I entered the 'Twilight Zone.' So much for just 'taking the edge off.' I couldn't even lift my head off the bed. It was the weirdest feeling. I don't think I'll be trying that drug again. It even slurred my speech.

They finally got me in my room where I was given an epidural BEFORE the Pitocin. I never felt a thing. They rolled me over on my side, put a pillow between my knees, and I drifted off to sleep. When I woke up, they were checking to see how far along I was. Four centimeters. I thought I would be able to sleep a little longer, but shortly after the nurse left the room, I felt *something* It wasn't pain or even pressure. I thought maybe my catheter had come out or something. I told my husband to go get the nurse just in case. As he was walking past my bed, he decided to lift the covers for some reason. As he did, you wouldn't believe the look on his face. "THE BABY IS HERE," he said. I couldn't believe it. Could I actually deliver a baby and not know it? I mean, I had delivered three children before and I worked very hard to get them into this world. Babies just don't come out unnoticed!!!

My husband ran into the hall to get some help. In less than a minute the midwife along with about 6 nurses were there. The baby was scooped right up by the midwife and he was just fine. He had only been laying there for about 3 or 4 minutes according to the monitors that showed when my last contraction was. I was still laying on my side, numb from the waist down. I was twisting my neck trying to see all that was going on. I just could not believe that I had had my baby. Talk about a dream delivery. I never felt a thing!!! My water had been broken a total of 42 hours. My labor, if that's what you want to call it, was clocked at 3 hours 30 minutes.

I find it truly a miracle how my son was born. God had His Hand on him the entire time. I like to think that God was being merciful to me by letting me have a pain free delivery.

Our little sweetie weighed in at 6 lbs. 10 oz. and measured 21 inches long. The only signs of the quick delivery was he was a little bruised around his mouth from coming out in such a hurry. His agpar scores were great.

My mother-in-law told me I couldn't have any more babies because of the way this labor and delivery went. I told her that if they all were this way it would be a breeze. Bring on the babies!!

Here's a picture of how our little Joseph was found. Praise God for His keeping power!! God is good all the time.

And here's a close-up of my little darling soon after delivery...

Joseph Christian

2010-11-18T13:44:00.003-05:00

Our sweet little boy made his arrival on earth about 3 weeks early. He was 6 lbs. 10 oz. and 21 inches long, born on November 2. He is now 16 days old. I know, I'm a little late blogging about it.

Life has been so busy, of course. But I love every minute loving on my little baby boy. He is just so precious. His big brother and sisters are just crazy about him and of course daddy is too.

Hopefully I can share the birth story soon. It was one wild ride I was on getting this little baby in the world, but God took very good care of us.

Here's a little picture for you to enjoy!!

24 Weeks...and then some

2010-08-09T11:45:00.004-04:00

It's been over a month since I've updated. I've just been trying to keep cool in this oppressive heat and trying to keep up with all that we've had going on. It has slowed down some the last 2 weeks but now school has begun, so life will be busy again. Whew!!

I'm now at 24 weeks/5 days pregnant and I've been feeling great, but I can tell that third trimester is just around the bend. I already feel tired again. Most days I feel pretty good, but I can tell that changes are coming. But change is good in pregnancy because that means we're getting closer and closer to having this precious baby boy.

He is so active. I love it!! I just know he does cartwheels in my tummy. He is all over the place!! Everyone gets to feel him now. The children love it.

At my last prenatal visit, which was a week ago, I was measuring at 26 or 27 weeks instead of 24 weeks. My midwife said it was fine as long I was within 4 weeks of gestation. I gained too much weight last month, but I have to blame it on all the late night eating due to all the late nights we got out of church. There were a lot of revival meetings going on around and we tried to support as many as possible. I'm trying really hard to keep the weight gain in check this month. So far, so good.

My daughter snapped a picture of me last week. So here I am at 24 weeks. I know.....I'm big!!!

It's A BOY!!!

2010-07-02T18:54:00.004-04:00

We had an ultrasound this week and found out the Lord has blessed us with a son!! We are overjoyed. It will now be even in our home...2 sons and 2 daughters. My husband told me from the beginning that it would be a boy. He said he had asked God to open my womb and to give us a son. When we found out I was pregnant, he told me it was a boy because God wouldn't answer one part of that prayer and not the other. It's not that we don't like girls. We have two daughters that we adore. My husband just wanted another son and God gave him the desires of his heart.

Everything looked great on the ultrasound. He's just perfect. I can hardly wait to hold him.

I am now in my 19th week and I'm feeling great. All the sickness is gone, along with the extreme fatigue and sleepiness. I have much more energy and I'm taking advantage of it by canning what's coming out of my garden. There's no way I could be doing this if I felt the way I felt a few months ago.

Here's a picture of me at 18 weeks...

And some pictures of our little son...

A Different Plan For This Pregnancy

2010-05-10T13:36:00.004-04:00

How's the pregnancy going? We're doing well and almost over all the sickies. We got to hear our baby's heartbeat last Thursday and it always brings a smile to my face. That's always the best part of the prenatal visit.

With our first three children, I delivered at our local hospital. I had searched for birthing centers but there were none to be found in our area. When I found out I was pregnant this time, I thought I'd give it another shot, so I googled 'birth centers' in my area and guess what!!! There was one. I was so excited. It's only about 15-20 miles from my house. So we set up a tour and that was all it took. I am thrilled about being able to deliver in a birth center. The midwives are fabulous!! I can take the children with me for all of the visits and they actually let them help. They told me I can labor and deliver any way I want. No IV's and no telling me what to do. I even can eat and drink during labor. This place is just too wonderful.

Here are some pictures from their website. Looks much more inviting than a hospital room.

The room where I'll have my prenatal visits.

The purple birthing room

Roomy shower

The green birthing room

The kitchenette for families to eat and just relax

A possibility for this birth...water birth

A New Subject For This Blog...

2010-04-13T12:32:00.003-04:00

There is one subject in which I have never blogged about. But the time has now come for me to talk about it because we're having another baby. It has been 6 years since we've had a little one. We are so excited. Please pray that I will have a healthy pregnancy and baby. I'll be 8 weeks tomorrow. The due date is November 24th. The day before Thanksgiving!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - My First Entry

2010-03-22T16:01:00.005-04:00

Thought I'd give this a try. I looks fun...

FOR TODAY ~ March 22, 2010

Outside my window...gray clouds with the possibility of more rain and storms

I am thinking...about what to have for supper tonight

I am thankful for...God answering prayer

From the kitchen...still working on that, but the kitchen is clean!!

I am wearing...denim skirt, purple top

I am going...to go spend some time with my children when I'm finished with this

I am reading...KJB (Isaiah); "Here Burns My Candle" by Liz Curtis Higgs

I am hoping...for prettier weather this week

I am hearing...my children being very rambunctious after being cooped up in the house because of rain

Around the house...some cleaning needs to be done

One of my favorite things...green grass and flowers blooming...IT'S SPRING!! YAY!

A few plans for the rest of the week:school, church, and some errands later on this week

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My youngest caught the bride's bouquet at a wedding a few weeks ago. I think it's safe to say that she will NOT be the next one to wed anytime soon!!!

Snow, Sleet, and the Sickies

2010-02-01T12:02:00.003-05:00

What a weekend!! All around us covered in white. It was very beautiful. The only problems was, we were all sick, except hubby. When I say sick, I mean fevers, congestion, coughing...all that good stuff. Thankfully, hubby was home and bless his heart, he took very good care of us. He cooked and cleaned dishes all weekend. What a MAN!!

The children did get out for a few minutes each day on Saturday and Sunday. I know they were sick but we rarely get snow and the fresh air was probably good for them. They are no worse for the wear.

I, on the other hand, have not left this house in five days. I stayed in my pajamas all weekend. It was not a pretty sight. LOL!!

Today, we all seem to be some better, but not completely. Maybe we'll get well enough for the next system that's supposed to come through this area by Thursday or Friday.

Shall I Blog???

2010-01-27T19:07:00.002-05:00

It's been five months since I've posted anything on this blog. I had every intention of getting back in the 'swing of things.' I'm sure no one even stops by anymore since I'm never at 'home.'

Autumn has passed and so have the holidays. We're chugging along in school, and it has been more of a challenge this year with teaching 3 children instead of 2. But how wonderful it is to see my children learning what I've tried to teach them. My youngest is reading and adding. (Thank you Lord!) I've taught all three how to read now, but with each one I've questioned myself, "Can I really teach this child how to read?" I think the credit must lie with the child. They are curious little creatures and are eager to learn.

My son is growing up...too fast. He will be 13 years old in 6 months. This cannot be!!! I just delivered him a few years ago. LOL!! I'm very proud of him as he is showing leadership qualities. He's still playing the drums in church and is improving all the time. And you know how most boys are....school is just not high on the priority list, but he does a good job and cooperates with me, for which I am thankful.

My daughter, Madison, is a joy and delight!! My little perfectionist. She excels in school and in art studies and music. But what I am most proud of is her tender heart. Her spirit is so Christ-like. Just tonight, we were sitting around the dinner table and she began to cry. We asked what was wrong with her and she said she was just so weak and tired and wanted to lie down. (She's been sick since yesterday with a cold.) She was crying because she wanted to go to church tonight so bad and thought she would be disappointing people by not showing up. You've just gotta know my PK's (preacher's kids). They love church and even when they are sick, they beg to go to church. I explained to her that she so rarely misses church that everyone would know she had to be sick to not be there and they would be praying for her. Love that girl!!!

My baby, Gracie, is the hoot of the family. Her antics, facial expressions, and some of the things she says are just hilarious!! She is honest to the core...sometimes too honest. She says just what she thinks and embarrasses me terribly sometimes. The joy she brings to our family is so wonderful. Now, she is just in kindergarten this year, but she is showing signs of being a very good student just like her big sister. I look into her big brown eyes and can't believe she's almost 6 years old. Hubby says it's time for another little one.....

I hope to update more often. I enjoy blogging, but sometimes I just don't know what to put on here. I don't want to be a bore. I'm going to run and go check on my girlie. She's got a low grade fever and we're home from church tonight. Good night!!

A New School Year

2009-08-25T22:29:00.003-04:00

Our second week of school is well underway. This year will add some extra excitement since our baby is now in kindergarten. ~sniff, sniff~ I just can't believe she's already in school. My husband keeps telling me we're going to have to have another one so we can have another baby in the house. We'll see...

We're still enjoying the great outdoors and going swimming most every week. I plan to do this for as long as possible. The cooling down is on the way, I'm sure.

Next month will bring us more travels, as my husband will be preaching another revival in another state. Yes, we're still pastoring, but the opportunity sometimes comes around from time to time for him to preach at other churches. It is nice to get away and meet other brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Hopefully now that I'm on more of a schedule since school started, I'll be blogging more. I really miss it. I just need to come up with some good stuff to post about. Sometimes that can be quite difficult. I think to myself, "Does anyone really want to read what I've got to write?" I try to make the reading as enjoyable as possible. I know that I really enjoy reading all of you ladies' posts about your daily lives. I feel like I have real live friends in my computer. LOL!!

Happenings...

2009-06-26T15:51:00.006-04:00

Blogging has taken a back seat lately. I didn't mean it to be so...it just has happened this way. Don't get me wrong, I love to blog. When I finally found a little time to do so, I just couldn't come up with much to blog about. So I'll just share a little with you about what we've been doing the last month or so.

We've been relaxing...

And sharing hugs...

Traveled to Jacksonville, FL for hubby to preach a camp meeting. Here he is (far left) with the other ministers and the host pastor (center). We had a wonderful time getting to hear the Word of God 3 times a day and sharing in fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. We were also able to make some new friends. I love camp meeting.

Gracie all wired up after one of the camp meeting services...

And all tuckered out after another service...

I've been lovin' on my babies...

Took a relaxing trip to the Great Smoky Mountains...stayed in Grandparent's house, so the trip was free!! :)

Had a homeschool awards ceremony with some friends of ours. Don't I have the cutest students??

Been letting the sunshine dry my laundry...

Keeping busy outside...

Working hard to stay cute...

And sweet...

Been swimming....

And getting red...

Watching the cornstalks get taller and taller...Can't wait to taste that sweet corn!!!

A tender green bean needing to be picked...

Waiting for the tomatoes to ripen...

Harvested some red onions...

And some red & white potatoes...I'm making potato salad tonight!!

Tomorrow we celebrate Madison's birthday. She turned 8 years old on June 11, but we've been so busy that we're just now able to have the party. Hopefully I can post some pictures from that over the weekend. We'll be leaving on Monday headed for a town called Paint Lick, Kentucky for hubby to preach another campmeeting. We won't be home until next Saturday. I am so ready to be at home for a while. Too much traveling is not for me. I'm such a homebody!! Good thing God didn't call my husband to be an evangelist!!

Just Living Life...

2009-05-18T01:07:00.002-04:00

Life is good. We are all well. School is pretty much finished and summer is upon us. I've just been enjoying life as a mommy and wife. The sunshine has been beckoning me everyday. I've managed to walk almost every day outside. My relationship with the Lord is growing more each day and I'm resting in Him. What more could I ask for.

The garden is doing wonderfully. We are eating lots of salad growing from the dirt in my back yard. I will never cease to be amazed at how God designed this earth and the fullness thereof!! I can plant a seed and after a season of rain and sun, I have fresh food. God is just awesome!

June will bring us travels as well as July. Hubby is preaching down in Jacksonville, Florida in June and preaching in a little town called Paint Lick, Kentucky in July. I know.....Paint Lick is a funny name, but it is so beautiful up there. Lots of rolling hills.

I plan to resume homeschooling full force sometime after our summer travels. That's just the beauty of homeschooling. You can do it whenever you want. I love it!! There's no other way for me.

I hope to stay on the blogging bandwagon this summer. We'll see how it goes. I do plan to visit all of my bloggy friend's blogs regularly though. I very much enjoy all you girls write about.

The Pig Got in My Garden...

2009-05-01T08:59:00.003-04:00

You didn't know I had a pig, did you? Actually, it's pigs. We have three of them...two girls and one boy.

I was outside walking this morning minding my own business. As I approached my house, I saw what I thought was our dog in the garden. The closer I got, the more I realized that this animal was too big to be my dog. The pig and the dog are basically the same colors...black and white. Then it hit me. Oh no!! The pig is eating my lettuce. So I ran as fast as my 6-1/2 size feet would carry me back to my house. Hubby was inside praying. I hated to interrupt him, but it just couldn't be helped. I WAS NOT GOING TO TRY TO GET THAT PIG BACK IN HER PEN!! No way, not me. Well, I banged on the window where he was praying and he immediately ran to the window. I'm sure I looked half crazed, being all sweaty from my walk and wide-eyed from seeing the pig in the garden. He went running outside still in his pajama pants and t-shirt. Thank the Lord, there was a slop bucket handy. The piggies know what is in those buckets when their 'daddy' comes to the pen with it. So he was able to get the pig to follow him out of the garden easily. He got her in the pen but he lost his house shoe in the mud in the process. hehe!! The other house shoe cannot be salvaged. It was covered in pig mud. Yuck!! He looked at me and said, "I lost my house shoe." I told him we'd buy him another pair today. He deserves another pair since he saved my tender lettuces. So.....how has your day been so far? =)

I'm Not Dead...I Promise

2009-04-30T19:30:00.002-04:00

I just cannot believe I have not posted in nearly a month. I am truly a slacker.

The month of April has been so unbelievably busy. We're about to wrap up this school year so that has taken up most of our time. We also had a revival last week and you know how that goes. Especially since we pastor the church and we have to entertain the evangelist. But it was all good. We also are finishing up piano lessons for this year. Madison's recital is tomorrow night. She's nervous about it but she will do great. She always does. I have a lot of confidence in her.

I have some things I want to post about. Our garden is doing wonderful. We'll soon have lettuce galore. Guess I'll be eating a lot of salads. I'll probably be giving some away too. One can only eat so much salad. :)

I have been stopping by all of my friends' blogs and enjoying all of your posts. I haven't fallen off the blogging wagon altogether. Maybe I'll have something more substantial to write about in the coming weeks. I hope you all are having a lovely spring.

My Baby is Five!!

2009-04-06T05:35:00.000-04:00

I just can't believe my baby is already 5 years old. It doesn't seem that long ago that she was born.

She has so much personality and has brought so much joy and laughter into our family. The girl really cracks us up all the time. She's just a big hoot!!

We celebrated her birthday on Saturday at Chick-Fil-A (love that place) with a few friends she invited...mostly girls. It was really nice to just show up somewhere and let somebody else do all the work. The folks at Chick-Fil-A were wonderful and we had a whole room all to ourselves.

I got some really cute pictures I'd like to share.

Afraid of the cow

The birthday girl & daddy

The birthday girl & mommy

The birthday girl with mommy & daddy

Such a cute cake

Make a wish, sweetie!!

Opening one of her cards

All smiles today!!

With her little group

The birthday crew

I hope you had wonderful day!!

Hello Sunshine!!

2009-04-03T11:51:00.003-04:00

I'm so happy. The sun is shining and it's supposed to be about 70 degrees today. Yippee!! We've had lots of rainy, gloomy weather on and off for the past month. So glad we got the rain, but I'm so glad to see the sunshine again.

We put in our cool weather garden a couple of weeks ago, so I'm sure all this rain has been very beneficial. Now the sun and warmth are on the horizon and I'm looking for good growth in the garden.

We planted two types of lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, red potatoes, white potatoes, sweet onions, red onions, and green onions. I can't wait to try them all. This is the first year we've planted lettuce, so I'm hoping they turn out good. I love fresh salads!!

Here's some pictures of when we first got them planted. They've grown quite a bit since these pictures were taken.

Rows of lettuce

Lettuce

Close-up

Tilled, but not yet planted...ready for the summer garden veggies to be planted!

A view of part of the garden in front of our building.

March 25th

2009-03-25T13:05:00.003-04:00

Today, my sweet Grandma would have been 82 years old. She was the most wonderful woman in the world to me.

She was taken from this world nearly eight years ago. I'll never forget the day I received the phone call. I was devastated.

You see, my Grandmother raised me. I was given to her by my Mother on the day she brought me home from the hospital. I'm so thankful she took me. I loved her as a Grandmother and a Mother. She was just so wonderful!

I'm sure it wasn't easy taking care of an infant. She was 50 when I was born and she already had some health problems. She didn't let it stop her from loving and caring for me.

She was born during the Great Depression so she was a very frugal woman. I didn't so much like her frugality growing up, but I sure appreciate it now. I wasn't used to having any excess growing up so I'm fine without it now. Don't get me wrong, I am very blessed and have way more than I need but I can do without it easily.

She passed away while I was 7 mo. pregnant with my second child. She couldn't wait to see her. It would have been her first great-granddaughter. She already had two great-grandsons. I can't wait to introduce my children to her that she never got to meet when we get to Heaven.

So today is bittersweet. I still miss her terribly. I so long just to talk to her and hear her sweet voice again. But I'm looking forward to a reunion with her in Heaven. I became a little more homesick for that Land the day she died.

Update on the 'Diet'

2009-03-23T22:19:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm on the last leg of this diet. I have finished up 17 days and I now have 4 to go. I thought it would be really hard but it hasn't been. I guess the only difficult thing about this diet was it was very hard to eat out anywhere.

I'm still feeling really good and my mind is all clear. I've not had any blood sugar issues, which is an enormous blessing!! I've also lost 6 pounds. WOOO!HOOO!! Believe it or not, I'm more excited about feeling better than I am losing the weight. Don't get me wrong, I really want to lose some weight.

I plan to be a very good girl and finish up this diet the way I'm supposed to. I won't go back to the way I used to eat but I will add back some foods I've not been able to have, like fruit. Hopefully I'll be able to report by the end of the week that I've lost some more weight. 8)

A New 'Diet'

2009-03-07T19:02:00.002-05:00

For the past couple of years, I don't really feel like I've been myself. I've had some issues with stress/anxiety along with other things. I've suffered with my mind being kinda foggy, confusion, cold hands/feet, rapid heartbeat, hot flashes (yes, I'm too young for hot flashes), dizziness, unsteadiness, no energy, low blood sugar, and probably some more things that I can't think of right now.

I've been to the doctor about the low blood sugar and they say, "eat more protein." They've checked my thyroid and it was fine. Or at least they thought it was fine. I don't even mention the stress and anxiety to the doctors because all they want to do is put you on anti-depressants.

I've just dealt with all these issues and prayed a lot about it.

I have a friend who referred me to a homeopathic doctor a couple hours away from home. This doctor is a Christian. I think most people feel wary about homeopathy because they believe it is new age. When I went to see this doctor last Thursday, I didn't feel uncomfortable at all. He just checked to see where my body wasn't functioning as it should. He did discover that my thyroid was way too low, so he's going to work on that.

I have started a yeast diet and am on some supplements. This diet is supposed to really help me. I know several people who have gone on this diet and have totally recovered from all their ailments. I already feel better today than I've felt in some time and this is just my first day. I'll be on this 'diet' for three weeks and then I'll have to go back to check the progress. One of the good things about this 'diet' is you lose a good bit of weight, which I certainly need to do.

I know it will be hard these three weeks. I'm not allowed sugar, wheat, or fruit, along with some other things. But with the Lord's help, I know I can do this. I want to be well again. I want to have energy like I used to have and to just feel normal again. So, say a prayer for me. I'm going to need it.

Israel Trip...Part 3 (Petra)

2009-02-26T20:57:00.007-05:00

This is the final post on Israel. I hope you have enjoyed all that I've been able to share. It's been fun to go through all the pictures. As we come across some, Jay will tell me some neat facts about them.

Petra is such a beautiful, amazing place. I was just in awe as I looked at the photos. I'm sure to see it in person is even more amazing.

Wordless Wednesday...

2009-02-25T12:31:00.000-05:00

The Final Week

2009-02-23T09:50:00.003-05:00

I know this week will pass slowly for me. This is my husband's third and final week of the School of Christ. He's been leaving the house each Monday morning really early and not returning until sometime on Friday. At least I've had him on the weekends. As I'm typing this, he is on the road making the 4-5 hour drive out to Goldsboro, NC.

I'm very thankful he has been able to go. He has been encouraged and challenged spiritually over the last two weeks. He says it has been a life changing experience for him and will greatly enhance his ministry.

So while he's gone this week, we'll continue with school and go to church several nights this week. Hopefully that will keep us busy enough not to miss him too terribly. I guess I get the loneliest late at night when I can't get to sleep.

By the way...I plan to finish posting about the Israel trip sometime this week. I think the only pictures I have left to post are of those from Petra. Those pictures are awesome.

Hope you all have a great week. :)

Israel Trip...Part 2

2009-02-17T00:11:00.000-05:00

Brook Jabok

Jacob peering into the tomb

Jay in front of the stone

Not THE stone but one like it

Jay & Jacob inside tomb

Paw-Paw and Jacob inside tomb

Where Jesus lay

Inside the Tomb

Entering the Tomb

Tomb/solid rock/front elevation/profile

Wailing Wall

A beautiful rose in Gethsemane

Jacob at Gethsemane

Gethsemane Olive Trees...over 2,000 years old.

Temple ruins at Western Wall

Jay touching the Western Wall

This star marks the exact spot where Christ was born.

Stable/cave Christ was born in

Place of Judas death - field he bought with caves

Jerusalem

I'm thinking he's in the Dead Sea...I can't remember what my husband told me.

Dead Sea

Cave at Dead Sea Scrolls

Jacob at Bet-Shean

Old City where Saul & sons hung on walls

Grave of a giant

Jacob & Jay

Main Spring @ Dan feeding the Jordan River

I Love My Kids!!

2009-02-16T12:40:00.002-05:00

I was sitting here at the computer a few hours ago and I heard the dishes being done and the vacuum cleaner running. I walked into the living room and there were my three children cleaning the house. Not only were the dishes being washed and the floors being vacuumed, but my youngest was dusting. I also found out that my son had made my bed. Why were they doing all of this? They were doing it for my birthday. What a blessing they are to me. I don't need any gifts. They are gifts within themselves.

Israel Trip...Part 1

2009-02-11T22:16:00.006-05:00

I know I promised to post about the Israel trip but there were just so many pictures to go through on the camera that it took me a while to get around to it. Of course, there was the holidays as well that slowed me down.

I'll be doing this in parts because there are lots of pictures. My husband took well over 200 pictures but I've narrowed it down to about 75.

I'm so thankful he and Jacob were able to take this trip of a lifetime paid in full by the Paw-Paws in the family. The Lord is so good.

Fertile Valley

Jacob and a little friend he met posing with Perry Stone.

City Gate: 3,500 years old

Jacob & Jay

Jay and his Dad

Hubby at ruin of Herod's palace

Picture of Sea from ruins of Herod's Palace. (Notice the square swimming pool inside palace.)

Ruins of Herod's Palace on Sea at Caesarea

This theater is where Paul the Apostle stood defending the faith.

Jacob & Paw Paw

Miggedo from Carmel Mtn.

Mount Carmel (Valley is Miggedo)

Galilean Hillside

Jacob & Paw Paw

Jay's Dad and Jacob at breakfast on their first day there.

Jacob at Capernum on the Sea of Galilee

Sea of Galilee from the Mount of Beatitudes

Banana grove-where Christ taught sermon on Mount

Have You Seen Fireproof???

2009-01-28T13:39:00.002-05:00

We got Fireproof in from Netflix yesterday so we all settled down last night as a family and watched the movie. I had heard it was really good. Well, all that I heard was true. The makers of this movie freely weaved Christ throughout the film. I don't think I've seen a movie that has shared the message of the Cross. The name of Jesus was used several times. Some movies are "Christian" but you never hear the name of JESUS mentioned. All reference is to "God." To some people "God" may be someone other than Jesus. So I was really excited to hear my Saviour's name.

I was blown away at the extent Caleb (Kirk Cameron) went to woo back his wife. It was just a beautiful story. I highly recommend it and I rarely recommend movies. I especially like the part about the salt and pepper shakers. If you've seen the movie, you'll know what I'm talking about.

Fun in the Snow!!

2009-01-26T09:25:00.006-05:00

Last week we found ourselves in the mountains enjoying the snow that God was sprinkling on us. To say it was beautiful would be an understatement. I'm just thankful we live close enough to the mountains so that we can go enjoy the snow because it rarely snows here at home.

We are blessed that some of hubby's family owns homes up there so the trips are always free. *NICE* We stayed at his grandparents house but drove up to his dad's house to play because his home is at a higher elevation and thus had twice as much snow. I think there was about 8-10 inches at his dad's house and about 4 inches at his grandparents house. His dad also has rolling hills around his house.

Trekking up those hills to the top to sled down was a challenge. I found out how bad out of shape I am. My legs were on fire going up those hills and I thought my heart was going to beat out of my chest. They were very steep hills. It was also very cold outside but we didn't mind because we were making memories.

Hubby's stepmother stayed inside making hot chocolate and sugar cookies for us. She also made yummy suppers for us the two days we were there to play. That was a real blessing.

I have lots of pictures to share. I hope you enjoy them.

Jacob getting ready to go down

It is so much fun to scream while sledding!!

One of my angels

Another of my angels

He said he was thirsty

The girls are headed up the hill

My wonderful family

Father-in-law's house snow covered

Giddy up horsey

Pull Jacob pull

Ain't she sooooo cute!!!

I gotta get back up this hill!

You can do it, Gracie

Here they come

My sweet sunshine

Taking a rest

The view on the other mountain

A gazebo on Beech Mountain

View from the road

Snow covered trees...beautiful

This tree was in hubby's Grandparent's yard.

Two Weeks!!

2009-01-23T10:18:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it's been two weeks since I last posted. Life has been so full and busy that I haven't had much time to stop.

I do have some things I want to share like husband's trip to Israel and our trip to the mountains this week to play in the snow. Hopefully next week I can get all of that posted.

Otherwise, things are just great. God is doing wonderful things at church. He has restored two families back to our church and we are so thankful. God is so good.

School is moving along on schedule since the first of the year. The children got back into the swing of things without much fuss and they are enjoying our studies.

Well, I'm off to run a few errands in a little while. It's supposed to be 60 degrees today. I'm so excited. I LOVE warm weather.

A Call To Dunkirk

2009-01-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

A fellow homeschool mom sent me this email today.

Please watch "A Call to Dunkirk ." This video, which calls parents to get their children out of government schools and to provide them with a Christian education, is now at about 31,000 views and is generating media coverage.

If we can pass the video on, we are able to get Christians thinking about how we educate our children and generate more media. Then maybe Christian leaders will join the discussion, the way Dr. Dobson did a few years ago when he said on the radio, "I think it's time to get our kids out." (1)

Why do we care what others do? We care because it directly correlates with their children's eternal salvation. Ask them, "Will your children believe in Jesus when they graduate from high school?" Then share the statistics with them:
Homeschooled: 94% of homeschooled children will believePublic Schooled: 15% of public school children will believe
94% of homeschoolers keep the faith and 93% continue to attend church after the high school years. But a shocking 75% to 85% of Christian children sent to public school drop out of church and do not hold a Christian worldview after high school graduation.(2)
1. Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family Radio, March 28, 2002.2. Brian D. Ray, Ph D., Homeschoolers Grown Up, 2004.
Pass it on!

Tagged!!

2009-01-08T13:49:00.004-05:00

Mykidsmom has tagged me. This one looks fun.

The rules are:

1. Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer

2. Select the 4th picture in the folder

3. Explain the picture

4. Tag 4 people to do the same

5. No Cheating (Cropping, editing, etc..)

I know this isn't a very exciting picture but it was in the 4th folder and it was the 4th picture. This is my wonderful husband wheelbarrowing limbs we had trimmed from our shrubbery last spring. Of course, I like the way he looks coming and going. 8)

I've decided to tag the following:

1. Kristy @ Homemakers Cottage

2. Melissa @ Our Side of the Mountain

3. Mrs. C @ Riverbend Ramblings

4. Christina @ HsKubes

(Hope you girls don't mind the taggin'.)

Goals for 2009

2009-01-06T12:03:00.002-05:00

As I take inventory of my life over 2008, I have to say I am somewhat disappointed in myself. Did I do my best for Jesus? Did I do my best for family and home? Did I do my best for my brothers and sisters in the Lord? Lots of questions and definitely lots of answers I don't like very much.

Of course I worked for the Lord and was very faithful to carry out my duties at church but was my heart in it as it should be. I love to teach and to sing at church but sometimes I lost sight of Whom I was doing it for. As long as I'm working out of duty or obligation, I'm not doing it for the right reasons. I guess as a pastor's wife, I have a tendency to work to help out hubby. That's all good because I'm supposed to be a help meet to him but I want to do it all for God. When I get to Heaven I want to cast my crown at His feet full of the treasures I've laid up.

Goal #1 - Lay up for myself treasures in Heaven.

I want to increase my prayer life and study of God's Word. James 5:16...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 2Timothy 2:15... Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Goal #2 - Spend more time in prayer and Bible study.

I only have so many years with my children before they grow up and move out. I want these years to be filled with love and wonderful memories. My needs should not be first. Jesus is first, husband and children should be next, and myself should be last. Human beings are selfish. Its all about me. Our society is saturated with me, me, me. I want to spend more time with my children loving them and training them. I want to be a better help meet to my husband and be an encouragement to him.

Goal #3 - Be a better wife and mom.

Goal #4 - Read more to my children.

Okay, now for me. See, I told you I wanted to put myself last. So here it goes. I lack in so many areas that I want to improve on this year. I am a terribly unorganized person. This area needs lots and lots of attention especially where house cleaning and cooking are concerned. Yes, I cook and clean all the time but it is not organized.

Goal #5 - Become organized

Next would have to be my personal health. I really want to be healthy. 2008 was not a good year for me where my health is concerned. I gained way too much weight this year. To be frank with you, I've gained 30 pounds in two years. 2009 is my year to lose it!! I've already started some healthier habits. I've been walking most every day and I'm drinking 10 glasses of water a day. I have cut back on eating and I'm taking my vitamins regularly. One other thing I want to do is juicing. Juicing is so good for you. Your body consumes so many more vitamins in the liquid state. Goes right to your blood stream. Just what I need.

Goal #6 - Get healthy

I love, love, love to read. My goal is to read at least one book a week along with my Bible reading.

Goal #7 - Read lots of books

I guess the last thing on my list would be to improve my sewing skills. Hubby bought me a sewing machine for Christmas 2007 and I've made an apron and a skirt. I've also been able to take up the waist in several of his and Jacob's pants as well as hemming. I really want to be able to make dresses, skirts, and culottes for the girls. Decent clothing for girls is getting really scarce. I may have to pull out that sewing machine out of necessity.

Goal #8 - Improve sewing skills

These are not the ONLY things I want for 2009. I'd love to do a great deal more but there's only so many hours in a day. I'm going to remind myself daily that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

If you want to see more 2009 goals by other women, check out Crystal's blog at Biblical Womanhood.

Rainy Day

2009-01-06T11:47:00.002-05:00

Some folks don't care for rain but I always seem to enjoy these rainy days. Since I am a homebody, days like this are welcome. I have candles lit in several rooms to make home seem all the more cozy. Now all I need is a cup of coffee.

We're back to school this week after having six weeks off. We normally don't take so much time off around Christmas but with the Israel trip coming so close to Christmas there just wasn't a need to open the books up for a week just to close them again for another two.

I have enjoyed the time off but I am ready to get the ball rolling again. My children need the structure. They've had to readjust to earlier bedtimes and earlier getting up times. I need the structure as well. I feel as though I've been floundering around accomplishing nothing. Yes, I was very busy during Christmas but I didn't feel very productive. So I'm very happy to be back on schedule. We don't plan to take any time off until we have completed this school year. Hopefully nothing will come up to alter the plans. I want to get finished in early spring because hubby has some preaching engagements in two different states during the summer.

Now I'm off to do lunch and finish up schooling before I have to begin supper.

Christmas Fun

2009-01-04T23:34:00.005-05:00

Christmas Vacation

2009-01-02T22:12:00.004-05:00

2009 has come and I've yet to wish you a Happy New Year. Well, I'll say it now..."Happy New Year!"

We had a wonderful but busy Christmas. I enjoyed spending time with family and friends. I'm sure I ate too much, though. There seemed to be food and especially sweets EVERYWHERE!!

I wanted to share some pictures of our Christmas vacation. The only bad part about it was it rained all but one day while we were there. The day it cleared, we headed to Dollywood. We always have so much fun there.

We did get bored sitting in the cabin so we ventured out one rainy night to see a show and have dinner at Blackbear Jamboree. Of course it was a Christmas show and it was very Christian oriented. We loved it.

So here they are...

Madison & Jacob

Daddy & Gracie

My family...notice Dad has his face in Mrs. Clause's body. haha!! He didn't realize it.

On the Lemon Twist

Madison & Jacob on the Dizzy Disc

Merry Go Round Sweetheart

Show at Blackbear Jamboree. See the angels.

My cutie pie at Blackbear Jamboree

My handsome son at Blackbear Jamboree

My beautiful blonde at Blackbear Jamboree

The cutie pie again.

Me with my darling children.

A Year of Blogging

2008-12-30T21:26:00.006-05:00

Kelli at There is no place like home is having some New Year Fun. She's looking back through this year of blogging.

To participate you need to post the first sentence from the first blog post each month. You can also add a picture from each month if you'd like.

~January~

Well, it is officially 2008.

~February~

One of the great things about homeschooling is you can be flexible.

~March~

Today is Monday and that means it is a start to a new school week.

~April~

The weight has got to go.

~May~

I just had to share this picture.

~June~

A friend of mine sent me this.

~July~

Hey, remember me???

~August~

Sorry its taken so long for me to get this picture up.

~September~

I am so glad to be home.

~October~

HT to Candy for these videos.

~November~

This video is from valuevotersusa.com.

~December~

I was talking to my husband on the phone yesterday and he was sharing a little of what was happening in Israel.

Merry Christmas...

2008-12-24T13:33:00.003-05:00

From my home to yours...

Luke 2 KJV

1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

Christmas Decorations

2008-12-23T00:40:00.004-05:00

Last year I participated in BooMama's Christmas Tour of Homes but I just didn't get around to it this year. With hubby being in Israel nearly two weeks and us being in the mountains last week, we just didn't get around to doing much decorating til a few days ago. We only put up the small tree that we normally put in the dining room this year. We did get to decorate our mantels and our grandfather clock. Hope you enjoy!!

Love my grandfather clock!!

Living room mantel

Dining Room Mantel

My China

A new piece this year...a milk pitcher

Another new piece...cookie jar

Heading For The Hills

2008-12-15T15:21:00.002-05:00

We'll be leaving within the next hour or so to spend some much needed time together as a family. Hubby has been working so much lately and he spent nearly two weeks in Israel, so I nor the children have seen him very much lately.

This is the first year we will be traveling around Christmas time and I'm really excited about it. We've thought about how wrapped up we are in gift giving/receiving at this time of the year. It can become quite stressful. So we've decided to scale back on gift purchases for our children and just spend lots of time making memories together.

We have a little cabin waiting for us in the Great Smokies and I'm anxious to get there. 'See' ya next week.

Christmas Piano Recital

2008-12-09T08:32:00.004-05:00

I want to begin this post with saying how proud I am of my sweet daughter. We always knew we wanted piano players in the house. With hubby being in the ministry, there is a need for this talent. So, we signed her up last year when she was barely six years old. I was told not to expect much by some because she was so young, but her piano teacher had and still has great hopes for Madison.

Just a few weeks ago, her teacher told me after a lesson that she just didn't know what to do with Madison. I kinda got worried there for a second. I thought maybe she was not doing well. Her teacher told me that when she goes to give Madison a new lesson, that she has already gone ahead and practiced it and already knows it. She also says Madison is a great sight reader and is already showing ability in playing by ear.

I never have to tell Madison to practice. Sometimes I have to tell her to stop because she practices a LOT!! This is a good thing, though. I guess she gets this from her daddy. He is a perfectionist and she is a lot like him. She is this way with her school lessons as well. She is an excellent student making excellent grades.

Her teacher is already talking about having her compete in Junior Talent with our church denomination.

I'm just looking forward to what God has in store for her. I know He is going to use this ability she has to bring glory to Himself. This is mine and her daddy's prayer.

Well I guess I've bragged enough. But that's what mommys do, right??

Here's my beautiful, sweet daughter on recital night.

At home before the recital

Playing "Silent Night"

A close-up after the recital

Another close-up

Safely At Home

2008-12-08T22:18:00.002-05:00

Sorry for my lack of posting lately. I managed to keep myself really busy while my husband and son were in Israel so the time would go by quickly, which it did.

They got home around noon on Friday. Unfortunately, hubby returned with a horrible cold. I guess with the bus he was on each day and that recycled air on an airplane for 13 hours did him in. But they are happy to be home.

I hope within the next several days I'll be able to share with you the pictures from their trip. They are truly amazing.

My Son, The Entrepreneur....

2008-12-01T12:12:00.002-05:00

I was talking to my husband on the phone yesterday and he was sharing a little of what was happening in Israel. He told me that our son had made so many friends on this tour and that all the ladies on their bus just loves him.

Jacob bought some bags from a peddler on the streets of Jerusalem. He got back on the bus and somehow sold them to some people on the bus and made $3.00. He was ready to go hunt that peddler down and buy some more bags to make more profit but hubby said, "no son, save your capital."

I just had to laugh. Almost everyone on my husband's side of the family are business owners, so I guess Jacob gets the buying and reselling honestly.

Safe Landing...

2008-11-24T11:53:00.003-05:00

My husband, son, and father-in-law flew out of Atlanta last night for the Holy Land. So, I'm breathing a sigh of relief today since I've heard they had a safe landing. That's a lot of ocean to cross...nowhere to make an emergency landing.

I'm already missing them so much but I know they'll have a great time. I've heard it will change one's life walking where our Savior walked.

I sent my camera with them so hopefully they'll get some great pictures and I can post them here. I do know they are staying in a hotel on the Sea of Galilee. How neat is that!!!

Now I'm counting the days until they return. I'll be glad to have them home. :-)

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-12T09:42:00.002-05:00

Change...

2008-11-05T00:44:00.002-05:00

Well, to say I'm disappointed about the election would be an understatement. I wanted the McCain/Palin ticket to win.

As we've heard....change is coming. I really believe that. I'm not so sure the 'change' will be for the better. Big government is not a good thing. They sure do mess things up a lot. Less is best where government is concerned.

So, I've had to encourage myself. I'm reminded that I'm really not a citizen of this world, but of the world to come. I'm a citizen of Heaven. My King is Jesus. I don't have to worry about anything changing where He's concerned.

Let's all be encouraged with this verse from Hebrews 13:8 KJV: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever.

I am born again. God has me in the palm of His hand. I need not worry!!

Election Day

2008-11-04T10:05:00.000-05:00

One Vote...

2008-11-03T12:21:00.003-05:00

This video is from valuevotersusa.com. Very powerful!! I just watched it and it has already been viewed nearly 1,000,000 times. Share this with your friends.

Remember to pause the music at the bottom of the page.

Signs of Autumn...

2008-10-31T00:54:00.004-04:00

Just thought I'd give you a little glimpse of the fall foliage around my house. Below, you'll see some pictures of mums planted in our yard. I think we planted these two years ago and they just keep coming back every year bigger and bigger. If you'll look, you'll see how big they are compared to my four year old daughter.

The sun was in her eyes.

Bigger than Gracie...

Field Trip

2008-10-28T23:29:00.004-04:00

A couple of weeks ago we ventured out on a homeschool field trip with some friends from my home church. This was our first field trip of this school year, so the children were really excited.

We began the day at a local apple orchard. First, we sat down while a gentleman told us the story of Johnny Appleseed. This was followed by a hayride, making of a scarecrow, picking apples, and drinking fresh apple cider.

We ended our day with lunch and play time at a local park. It was a really fun day and we hope to have more in the future with our friends.

Hope you enjoy the pictures...

To Biltmore Again...

2008-10-27T12:02:00.000-04:00

As I noted last week, we went back to Biltmore. It was just a beautiful day to be there so this time, we meandered over to the Biltmore Farm. This was our first time exploring around this area. The children absolutely loved it.

Before we went to see the animals though, we stopped at the blacksmith's. He demonstrated making a lovely iron leaf. After that, there were old fashioned games out on the green that the children were allowed to play with. I guess we stayed in this area for about an hour. After having an ice cream cone, we headed to the farm to see the animals. We got to walk around inside with them and the children got to hold baby chicks.

Finally, we got to the big house. This place never disappoints me. I never tire of seeing it. We will go again around Christmas time to see all the decorations inside.

When we left the house, we were going to tour the grounds some but it started to thunder. So, we headed toward the van. Drops of rain began to fall. We ran all the way to the van and got inside just before the bottom fell out. We didn't even get off the estate grounds when we got caught in a hail storm. We pulled over and tried to get up under some trees as much as we could. These hail were about the size of small marbles and the ground actually began turning white. I guess it lasted ten or fifteen minutes.

You'll see in the pictures below parts of our day and of the hail storm. If you look hard enough, you may be able to see a small piece of hail on the windshield of my van.

What an enormous tree!!

Playing Games...

Yes, that woman in the red shirt is yours truly playing ball with my son and my purse is still over my shoulder. LOL!!

Look What's Blooming in My Yard Again...

2008-10-21T07:05:00.000-04:00

This past spring our yard bloomed beautifully with roses and irises. And of course they faded away. Well.....we walked outside a few days ago and what did we see??? Our irises and some roses were blooming AGAIN. Someone told me that they'd never seen the irises bloom twice in a year. They are just as beautiful and smell just as sweet as they did in the spring. But....winter is coming fast, so I know they won't last long. I just wanted you to see how pretty they are!!

Been Busy...

2008-10-20T21:12:00.002-04:00

In case you've wondered where I've been, I'll tell you. Last week, we had a Campmeeting at our church which consists of services in the morning and at night. Of course, with my husband being the Pastor, we had all of the preachers over to our house each night to eat. As soon as I got home from the morning service and lunch, I had to go to work preparing the food for after the evening service. I also spent time straightening up the house and doing laundry.

I have several blog posts I want to share. We went to Biltmore again two weeks ago and had a homeschool field trip as well. I've also taken some pictures of my yard.

Hopefully I'll get around to these in the next few days. There are lots of pictures to share.

Blog Award

2008-10-20T19:35:00.003-04:00

Nikki at Nikki's Notes has bestowed an award on me. I am truly honored. She has given me the Blogging Friends Forever award. I have never received a blog award before so this is very flattering.

I would like to say, "Thank You," to Nikki. I'm glad I found her blog. Go check it out sometime. You'll enjoy it!!

Have You Seen This???

2008-10-10T16:45:00.003-04:00

HT to Candy for these videos. I hope you don't stay home on election day. Don't believe the polls. They were wrong in 2000 when Al Gore was ahead and they were wrong in 2004 when John Kerry was ahead. Don't lose hope. This thing isn't over yet.

Pause the music at the bottom of the page

Fourteen Years...

2008-09-30T00:32:00.001-04:00

Wordless Wednesday...

2008-09-24T11:27:00.003-04:00

The Preacher's Kids...

2008-09-23T09:20:00.003-04:00

Ready for church...aren't they so cute!!

Canning Again

2008-09-22T11:35:00.009-04:00

I think I am finished canning for this year. My last project was to take some beautiful muscadines and turn them into jelly. I made quite a lot of it last year and my family loves it. The best part about making this jelly is the muscadines are organic and are loaded with antioxidants.

In case you're not familiar with the muscadine, they're grown in the southeast and they look like grapes. In making the jelly, I used both the insides and the skin of the fruit. There's lots of goodies in those skins.

A sweet friend gave me these muscadines from her vines. She also loaned me her sieve and gave me the recipe on how to make the jelly. As you'll see in the pictures below, the insides are green and the skins are a brilliant purple.

All you have to do is pop out the insides and cook the separately from the skins. After they are tender, you run them through the sieve. Put them back together and make jelly with sugar and sure jell. If you didn't use the skins, the jelly wouldn't be that lovely purple color. This stuff is good on toast, biscuits and even peanut butter sandwiches.

After washing

The skins

The insides

My stash

Up close

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-10T11:05:00.003-04:00

Vacation

2008-09-07T22:02:00.004-04:00

Well, I didn't get around to posting about our vacation last week. I guess I spent my time with catching up on things around the house and with homeschooling. It is good to be home, though.

We normally go up to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area a couple of times a year and we never get tired of it. There's just so much to do up there and not enough money to go around. LOL!! So each time we go, we try to do something new. This year we went to Dollywood, of course. We get season passes there each year. What we did new this year was to go to the Comedy Barn and Dixie Stampede. They were both worth the money. We went to Dixie Stampede the first night we were there. The amount of food you get is just unreal. On the menu is: a whole rotisserie chicken, pork tenderloin, herb potato, cheddar biscuit, creamy vegetable soup, corn on the cob, dessert and all the tea, coke, or coffee you can hold. Yes, I said "a whole rotisserie chicken for each of us." Of course, I didn't eat it all. You didn't think I could, did you???

We went to Dollywood on Wednesday and Friday and had a blast as usual. The kids just love that place.

On Thursday night we went to the Comedy Barn. No food here but there was plenty of laughs to go around. When I left this place, my throat was sore from all the laughing. Those people were NUTS!!

We headed out on Friday and stopped by hubby's grandparent's mountain house in Linville, NC. They had a steak dinner ready for us when we got there and cooked breakfast for us the next morning. My husband has the best family in the whole world. They are just precious people. They treat my like a daughter instead of an in-law. 8)

So we're back to reality now. We're hoping to get back up there around Christmas time to make use of our Dollywood passes. It is really cool at Christmas time up there. Dollywood lights up with 4 million lights. Wow!!

Gracie enjoying her toys at Comedy Barn

On stage at the Comedy Barn with the dogs

Again with the dogs

On the scrambler at Dollywood

Gracie & my Honey at Dixie Stampede

Madison, Jacob & Myself at Dixie Stampede

Prop at Dixie Stampede

Bumblebees

In front of Dolly Parton's retired bus

Home Again...

2008-09-01T07:12:00.002-04:00

Image found here.

I am so glad to be home. We went on vacation last week to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. I wasn't able to post about leaving last week because something was up with Blogger and I wasn't even able to get on my blog.

Anyways... We are all rested up and had a great time. It did rain a couple of days while we were there, but that was okay because we needed some rest.

Hopefully I can post some pictures of our vacation over the next couple of days. I don't have very many because I failed to charge my camera batteries and the thing just went out on me while I was snapping some photos.

Recipe Fun Friday

2008-08-22T10:18:00.002-04:00

Today is Recipe Fun Friday again. I tried out a new recipe last week and it was a hit with my family. It was really easy to make, too. That makes it even better.

I got the recipe from an email from Kraft foods. It is called Grilled BBQ Chicken Wraps. The recipes calls for Kraft products but I used whatever I had. I grilled these on my George Foreman Grill. Instead of grilling the whole wrap on the grill, I just put them in a skillet until the cheese melted a little. It worked out great this way. On the side, we had Mexican rice and nachos. Yummy!!

If you want to see more recipes, head over to Nikki's blog.

Ingredients:

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 Tbsp. KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing
1/2 cup KRAFT Original Barbecue Sauce, divided
4 large flour tortillas (10 inch)
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 tomato, chopped

PREHEAT grill to medium heat. Brush chicken with dressing. Grill 6 to 8 min. on each side or until cooked through (170ºF), brushing with half of the barbecue sauce for the last few minutes. Thinly slice chicken.
SPOON remaining barbecue sauce down centers of tortillas; top with chicken, cheese and tomatoes. Fold in opposite sides of tortillas; roll up burrito-style.
GRILL, seam-sides down, 8 to 9 min. or until golden brown, turning after 5 min.

Look What We Found....

2008-08-21T12:00:00.000-04:00

We have lived in our home for over 6 years. We had no idea there were about 20 peach trees on the property. Well, actually, its the church's property. We live on 2 acres that the church gave us and we are surrounded with 32 acres that belong to the church my husband pastors.

I can't believe we have lived here this long and didn't know. The trees were loaded with sweet South Carolina peaches. Yes, there is a difference.

My son and another minister in our church went up to the trees Monday and loaded up 2 wheelbarrows full. They said there was at least 20 more wheelbarrow loads up there. Wow!!

What to do with all those peaches. Make jellies, jams, preserves, cobblers, and pies of course. So far I've only managed to can 7 half pints of peach preserves.

These brave guys endure the mosquitoes, chiggers, and bees up there to get these sweet peaches.

The Fruit of My Labor...

2008-08-21T06:30:00.000-04:00

Canning is NOT for wimps. I canned all day Monday and part of the day Tuesday and it is absolutely exhausting.

A friend of mine brought over a bushel and a half of apples Monday and we went to work peeling, and coring. My fingers cramped up and my fingernails are still stained. But the results are so worth it. I canned 3 quarts & 12 half pints of apple butter; 1 quart, 4 pints, & 6 half pints of apple jelly; and 7 quarts of apple sauce. I will be so thankful I did this come winter time. ;)

Washing the apples

Again..

Apples cooking. The aroma was heavenly!!

In action..

The set up

Pressing the apples

The apple sauce

All of the goodies

A close up of the goods

My Royal Ranger

2008-08-20T21:31:00.003-04:00

Last Wednesday night at church, our Royal Rangers commander gave out merit badges to our boys. Now, my son eat, sleeps, and breathes Royal Rangers. It is just right up his alley to camp and make fires and tie knots and all that other stuff they do. He was awarded 4 merit badges...The Book of Matthew, Ropecraft, Firecraft, and Toolcraft. I am very proud of him. Here he is in his Royal Ranger finery. Ain't he cute!!!!

Wordless Wednesday...

2008-08-06T09:43:00.002-04:00

The Finished Apron

2008-08-04T09:56:00.003-04:00

Sorry it's taken so long for me to get this picture up. I've had this apron finished for several weeks now. I think it turned out really nice for my first sewing project. I will greatly enjoy using this sweet little thing.

We're working on a skirt right now, which will not fit me. You see, I'm new to sewing and I didn't know that patterns were not usually true to size. According to this pattern I bought, I should have a 24" waist line for this skirt. What?!? Who has a 24" waist line?? Of course I will measure myself and sew accordingly next time. Maybe I can find some skinny girl to model the skirt for me so I can take a picture and show you what I made. LOL!!

Recipe Fun Friday

2008-08-01T08:03:00.003-04:00

Today, at Nikki's blog, she's hosting a Recipe Fun Friday. I love new recipes and I love to cook, so I thought this would be fun.

My family and I found this new BBQ restaurant in town called Jim & Nick's. The food was just delicious. They brought out these cheese muffins and we just couldn't get enough of those things. They are in the form of a muffin but they're really like a biscuit.

Hubby liked them so well, that he came home and found a recipe on the Internet. I tried it and they do indeed taste just like Jim & Nick's. This will definitely be a family favorite of ours from now on. I served them with homemade vegetable soup. They would even be good at breakfast.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups self-rising flour

1 cup sugar

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

3/4 cup milk

1 egg, beaten

4 Tbsp. butter, softened

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. vanilla

Mix all ingredients together, pour into greased muffin pan and bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or until done. The will make 12 standard sized muffins. It would probably make at least 24 if you did mini-muffins.

Head over to Nikki's blog for more great recipes.

The First Day of School

2008-07-28T12:26:00.002-04:00

It's that time of year again. We've had our 'summer break' and we're now ready to begin school again.

I feel quite refreshed from our time off and am eager to get back to business. The children are ready as well. They are so excited about our new curriculum this year.

We began this morning with Bible reading and prayer and then proceeded to our favorite subject...History!!! We're starting out with early American exploration, so this is very exciting for us all. After we finished history, we went on to Handwriting, Language, Spelling and Math. We've decided to do History the first part of the week and do Science the latter part of the week. I feel this will work better for us and we won't have such choppy lessons. We'll just do more of each of these subjects each day.

So here are my students eager to start the day. Jacob is our 6th grader. Madison is our 2nd grader. And Gracie is 4 years old so I tell her she's in Gracie grade. LOL!!

And here they are hard at work. I just love my little busy bees!!!

Happy Birthday Jacob!!!

2008-07-22T05:00:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it!!! My first born is 11 years old today. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. Time surely does fly.

These past 11 years have been the best and fullest of my entire life. I never knew how much I could love someone until I looked into the eyes of my little boy. I can still remember how the midwife placed him on my stomach as soon as he was born. I can still remember holding him for the first time and hearing his cries. I couldn't have asked for a better baby. I never had a minutes trouble out of him. He slept all night at 5 days old. Talk about a dream come true!!!

Not only was he a sweet tempered child but he was just cute as a button. He's got those dreamy eyes and dimples in his cheeks. He's such a joy to have in our family, always eager to help me and to look out after his sister. Those two girls adore him.

Soon, he'll be a man. I can only pray that I have and will continue to raise him right.

Of course you know I made a video montage for him. It's a little long but it's really sweet to watch.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The Absentee Blogger...

2008-07-21T06:00:00.002-04:00

Hey, remember me??? I used to blog here fairly regularly. I've been on a roller coaster for the last month and I think I may be getting off soon. Hopefully I'll be able to post more really soon.

Over the past month, we've been to Florida twice and to Kentucky once. We've attended 4 campmeetings. I am so tired.

My garden is also producing quite well so during my times when I've been home, I've been freezing and canning.

My apron is finished and hopefully I can post a picture of the finished product soon. We're making skirts now. That will be really exciting since I love skirts so much.

This week I hope to put up some more veggies from my garden and do some school planning. I had planned to start school already but like I said, I haven't been able to get off the coaster.

So, I hope to be back soon. I really miss blogging.

"Mama...This Is A Hiccup"

2008-06-26T13:50:00.003-04:00

I was sitting in the study minding my own business when my three children burst into the room and said, "stick 'em up!!" My four year old proceeded to say, "Mama, this is a hiccup." I'm sure you can conclude what she was try to say. Too funny!!

My seven year old is on the shoulders of my ten year old. They are wearing on of my winter coats.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-06-25T00:30:00.000-04:00

Sewing Lessons Take 2,3 & 4

2008-06-21T11:16:00.004-04:00

I really meant to do another post about my sewing lessons but life has just gotten the better of me lately. We have been unbelievably busy and the end is not in sight just yet. We were in Florida for 2 nights this past week at a campmeeting and when we came back home, we attended another campmeeting here in town. I haven't been at home very much lately.

I'm really surprised at how much I've learned just making an apron. The first week we cut out the pattern and the material. This was not my favorite part. The second week we worked on the bottom part of the apron and sewed on the pockets. The third week we gathered the skirt of the apron and sewed on the waist band. And this week we worked on the neck strap and the bodice of the apron. Next week, we should be able to finish up the apron and I will have a picture of the finished product.

I really enjoy sewing. My teacher tells me I'm a natural at sewing. Thank you, Lisa!! We plan to work on a skirt for the month of July. This is going to be great since all I wear is skirts. She's also going to teach me how to hem and take up the waist in pants for my husband.

We've tried to snap a few photos of me in action so you can see the proof that I really am sewing. :)

First Fruits

2008-06-16T01:43:00.002-04:00

Over the weekend, we picked a few things out of our garden...

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T23:55:00.000-04:00

To my sweetie....the best daddy around. We love you so much. Happy Father's Day!!

Spring Garden Tour

2008-06-14T15:49:00.023-04:00

I'm hopping on the Spring Garden Tour Party bandwagon with The Preacher's Wife. I've been snapping pictures all spring of my beautiful yard that my husband has so lovingly tended. He's just so wonderful. I love him so much. All he asks of me is to water some things when we're not getting any rain. Great guy, right? Well, this is supposed to be about my gardens and not my hubby, so here it goes...

Take a walk with me, if you will, around my yard and enjoy from the air conditioned comfort of your home. Please pardon me if I don't know the names of some of the flowers in my yard. Like I said, I just water them and enjoy looking at them. LOL!!

Note: The caption for each picture is underneath each one until you get to the roses. Blogger would not let me put more spacing between each picture and it's caption. So it looks like they are on top of the next picture. Hope you can figure it all out. :)

Tomatoes when first planted

Tomatoes now

Squash

My huge squash plants

Zucchini

Tomatoes not yet ripe

Okra, Green Beans, Sweet Potatoes and White Potatoes

Side of my house

Front of my house

Front Porch (love my rockers!!)

Bunny and roses

Buttercup Oak Tree surrounded by lantanas

Basket attached to my chimney

I have no idea what this called but is sure is pretty.

I call this pink elephant ears. :)

I'm not sure about these but they look like carnations to me.

???

Hanging basket out back

Hanging basket on the front porch

rose bush

Lovely roses follow...

Iris

Happy Birthday, Madison!!!

2008-06-10T15:57:00.004-04:00

My little blondie will be 7 years old tomorrow. I'll never forget that day in the ultrasound room when they told me I was going to have a little girl. I was so excited and so was my little son. He wanted a sister really bad. I just couldn't wait to buy something pink!!

When I think about my daughter, my heart swells. I have so much love for her. She is such a blessing to our family. Out of our three children, she has the sweetest disposition. She is always eager to help Mom and Dad with whatever needs to be done. I'm blown away with the talent she exhibits. And she's smart as a whip, too. But I guess the thing that makes me the most proud is her love for the Lord. When we pray as a family, she REALLY prays, with tears and all. She is so sincere. She told me just today that she's been telling people about Jesus. If I fail everywhere else, it doesn't matter, because her relationship with the Lord is the most important.

To the most beautiful blond in the world, Mommy wishes you a very happy birthday. I love you with all my heart, baby!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Homeschool Conference

2008-06-05T19:20:00.010-04:00

I can't believe its been 2 weeks since I left for the homeschool conference. Life has been so busy since I got back that I've not even gone through most of my curriculum. It's pretty much been sitting where I left it when I got home nearly 2 weeks ago. I've been wanting to post about it but I've just not had the time. I hope I can do it justice now.

We've been homeschooling for 6 years and this is the first year I've been to a homeschool conference. Boy, have I been missing out!!! It was just great and I had some great friends that I went with. They helped me find my way around because I wasn't prepared for how big it was. The vendor hall was unbelievable. I got to as many vendors as I could in 3 days. I could have used a few more days there but my body probably would not have held out. I was exhausted when I got home and my husband just couldn't understand why. Well......when you're on your feet for three day solid, you'll be a little tired.

I've got a question for you...... How many homeschoolers can you fit on an elevator??? Ha!! You have no idea. An elevator would open and I'd look in and tell my friends, "there's no way we can fit in there." They'd say, "sure, we can fit in there. If we don't get on this one, we'll never get on. They are all this full." When I got on, I looked at my friend and told her I was just a little claustrophobic. Good thing we were only going down 1 or 2 floors. I just knew we were testing the weight limit. Not only was the thing crammed with people. There were also strollers with babies in them and suitcases full on homeschool books that people were taking back to their hotel rooms. That was the only thing I didn't like about the conference. Scary!!

Let's see, what did I do? Well, I went to some great sessions and workshops. And for those I couldn't get to but wanted to, I bought the CD.

Session 1: Why Kids Walk Away from Their Faith (and What to Do about it.) by Dr.
Jeff Myers: This was a great session. I'd like to post my notes here but this post would then be entirely too long.

Session 2: Math-U-See is Math You Understand!
The lady doing this session sold me on this curriculum. This is the neatest math curriculum I've ever seen. I'm so excited about trying it even though I'll have to teach differently. It was pricey since I had to buy all those blocks. But now that I have them, the cost will be much smaller in years to come. Light bulbs were going off in my head during this workshop. I couldn't believe how simple it was. Wow!! I got shortchanged in public school.

Session 3: Adding Sparkle to Your Homeschool by Bonita Lillie
She gave us some great ideas for making our homeschool more exciting and fun for the kids. I hope to implement a lot of these ideas this next school year.

Session 4: Your Child: Wired for Glory! by Paul Tripp
I have to say that this was the best session I went to. He taught us that our children were created by God to live for something bigger than their own lives. Every child shrinks his world down to the size of his own wants, needs and feelings. No human being was ever designed to live that way. We were created to serve One greater than ourselves and to serve others.

Session 5: Education: The Founding Father's Way by Woody Robertson
I really enjoyed this session too. This was probably my second favorite. Here's a summary of this session: Mentors, classics and narratives are the building blocks of our Founding Father's education. With the age-segregated systems of today's schools where children are placed on a "conveyor belt," and academics, education, and life integration are components of manufactured students, individuals like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Quincy Adams would not stand a chance. We learned about the underground movement instigated by secular humanists during the late nineteenth and twentieth century and their application of Darwinian principles to modern schooling which created the public school system we know today. We also learned to regain a time-tested leadership model of education that is fully integrated with Christian homeschooling, both in purpose and application.

I've got some pictures of the things I bought. It is so much better to actually hold the books in your hands and leaf through them than it is to order over the Internet. I got to SEE what I was getting before I spent our hard earned money on it. I'm very excited about our purchases. Everything is different this year except our Science. We're still going to be using God's Design. I really liked it and I see no need to change in that subject.

Part of the stash

Math-U-See

My friend talked me into buying these Lamplighter books and they were well worth the money. We love them.

A little something extra

So our curriculum consists this year of:

History: All American History (of course I'll have living books to read along with this spine)

Science: God's Design

Spelling: Sequential Spelling

Language Arts: Sandi Queen's Language Lessons

Math: Math-U-See

Bible: Besides reading our KJV... An Honorable Boy(A Bible Study for Elementary Aged Boys) and A Virtuous Girl (A Bible Study for Elementary Aged Girls) by Michelle Zoppa

I also picked up some great books for the kiddos to read.

And last but definitely not least, I must tell you about Sweet Potatoes. Yes, another highlight of my trip. We ate lunch here everyday. So if I gained any weight on this trip, it is totally Lisa and Anna's fault. They're the one's who talked me into trying their sweet potato fries. Oh man!!! We're they good!! I unashamedly ate every fry on my plate every day. It would have been a shame to leave one there.

So, if you every make it to downtown Winston-Salem, NC, you must visit Sweet Potatoes and try them out. You won't be disappointed. I even took a picture.

When God Paints...

2008-06-01T23:51:00.012-04:00

A friend sent me this. It was too beautiful not to share.

Sewing Lessons...Take 1

2008-05-30T21:42:00.003-04:00

There are a few things in life that I've always wanted to be able to do. One of those things is sewing. This is something I want to be able to pass down to my daughters. Well, I found someone to teach me. Isn't that great? She just happens to be our piano teacher. I believe that woman can do almost anything. Thank the Lord she is willing to use her talents to bless others.

We had our first sewing lesson today. We just cut out our patterns, pinned them to the material and cut them out. She said this is the most tedious part of sewing. I admit, I was a little nervous cutting on that thin paper. I was so scared I was going to just tear it all up. But I didn't and it went really well today.

We are making an apron. So by the end of June, I hope to show you the finished product. For now, I'll leave you with a picture of my pattern pieces pinned to my material.

Conversation With My Daughter...

2008-05-29T22:58:00.003-04:00

Madison: Look Mom, I drew a cow.

Mom: Wow!! You did a great job. You can draw better than I can.

Madison: Yeah....now I need to draw some milkers on her.

Mom and the rest of the family.....CRACKING UP!!!

Image from allposters

Sorry it's taken so long to get back to blogging. After I got back from the homeschool conference, we started revival and we just ended last night. Hopefully I can post about the conference in the next few day. I really had a blast. I plan to go every year that I can.

Away For A Few Days...

2008-05-21T23:51:00.002-04:00

We've just finished up our 6th year of homeschooling and I've never been to a homeschool convention. Well, that is about to change. I will be leaving early in the morning with a friend of mine headed for Winston-Salem. I am so excited. I can't wait to see all those books and listen to the wonderful speakers. Hopefully, I'll remeber to take my camera and I may get some pics.

I'm really going to miss my family. Yes, I'm leaving hubby and the kiddos behind but the homecoming will be sweet.

Hope to 'see' you all again next week.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-05-21T10:53:00.002-04:00

Spring Piano Recital

2008-05-18T15:32:00.005-04:00

Last Monday, we had our spring piano recital. I am really impressed by how much my daughter has learned in her first year of piano. She says she wasn't even nervous this time, which is good, because one day she'll be playing for our church, Lord willing.

The songs she chose were: "Love is Patient" and "Oh, How I Love Jesus."

She'll get to take the summer off from lessons and we'll start back up in September. I can't wait to see how she progresses next year. I'm just believing the Lord to give her a gifting in this area so she can use this talent for His glory.

Posing at the keyboard

The little pianist with Mommy

Playing during the recital with her teacher beside her

Biltmore Visit

2008-05-14T22:45:00.024-04:00

We decided to take a quick trip up to Biltmore House on Monday. We had not taken the children since I was pregnant with Gracie. They didn't remember very much about it, but they sure did enjoy their visit. I took so many pictures of their beautiful grounds and of course of my beautiful children. They don't allow cameras inside the estate so I don't have any of that. Enjoy!!

My sweeties in front of the big house

Cool, man!!

Can you get the sun outta my face??

My baby

Sitting in the gardens

He loves his sisters!!

Daddy taking Madison for a spin under the trees.

Walking in the Biltmore Forest

Playing in the fountain

This is just a small portion of the house.

This tree was really beautiful and massive.

I love this picture.

This sort of looks enchanting to me.

Gracie picking a flower.

Beautiful gardens

See ya!!

Mother's Day Gifts

2008-05-11T18:02:00.002-04:00

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-10T18:30:00.004-04:00

Before I was a Mom: I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.

I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom: I had never been puked on,pooped on, chewed on, peed on.

I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.

I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom: I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests or give shots.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom: I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down.

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.

I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.

I never knew that I could love someone so much.

I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom: I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.

I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.

I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.

I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom :I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

Note: I did not write this...I received this in an email this week. :0)

Just A Mom?

2008-05-09T11:08:00.003-04:00

I got this in an email today and I loved it. I'd like to have that kind of nerve! :0)

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. 'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder, 'do you have a job or are you just a ...?' 'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman. 'I'm a Mom.' 'We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,
'housewife' covers it,' Said the recorder emphatically. I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself
in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, 'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.' 'What is your occupation?' she probed. What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out. 'I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.' The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire 'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,'just what you do in your field?' Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, 'I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) In the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers
and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.' There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door. As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more
distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.'
Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door. Does this make grandmothers 'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations' And great grandmothers 'Executive Senior Research Associates?' I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts '
Associate Research Assistants.'

Just Had To Share...

2008-05-05T19:24:00.003-04:00

My 6 year old daughter handed me a piece of paper she had been drawing on. She told me she was going to give it to God when she gets to Heaven. She also said the picture made her cry. Needless to say, I was teary and extremely touched by her sincerity. She really does love the Lord. I'm so proud of her. Here's her picture.

My Curly Girls

2008-05-05T00:35:00.001-04:00

I just had to share this picture. I rolled the girls hair and they slept on it overnight. The next morning, they had the sweetest curls all over their heads. They do have naturally curly hair but this is a different look for them. Aren't they just sooooo cute?

Worth Blogging About

2008-04-30T08:41:00.002-04:00

This post is intended to give praise and honor to my Lord. He is so good to us. I could never thank Him enough. Just consider this a praise report.

Sunday morning, my husband woke up around 5:00 am very sick. If you read this blog, you know my husband is a pastor. When I got up around 7:00 am, he told me that wouldn't make it to Sunday School. Now this was very odd. My husband NEVER misses church unless he's preaching somewhere else or if we're on vacation. I've seen him preach a whole sermon sick as a dog and then run out the back door to vomit. Sorry to be so graphic. I just want you to know how serious he takes his calling as a pastor. So, I got all the kiddos ready for church and we got to Sunday School. I told another minister's wife in our church that he was sick and wouldn't be in Sunday School but that he would push himself to be there to preach. She said, "let's pray for him now." So a group of us joined hands and began to pray. It was a powerful prayer. I could feel the presence of the Lord. When we finished praying, I called my husband from my cell phone to see how he was. I was waiting for a miracle. He had been terribly sick for 5 hours. He was so weak, he couldn't even stand up. He told me that he was about the same and to keep praying for him. I guess about ten minutes passed and someone said, "here he comes!" (We live next to the church, so he was able to walk to church). I met him at the door and he had tears in his eyes. He asked, "WHO PRAYED FOR ME?" He began to shout and praise God in the foyer of the church. He walked into one of the Sunday School classes that had just prayed for him and told them that "THE RIVER IS STILL FLOWING." God had healed him instantaneously. He told me that after he hung up with me, he told the Lord that he came into agreement with the people who were praying for him. He said all of his strength came back and he couldn't get his clothes on fast enough. He wanted to skip all the way to church. People in Sunday School began to worship and praise God, and the whole Sunday School department could hear it. The little children came out of their classes into the hallway to see what was going on. They were witnessing the healing power of God. They'll remember that for the rest of their lives. They didn't get their S.S. lesson that morning. They got an eye witness account of God that morning.

God has not changed. He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is still a healer. He has healed me and my family too many times for someone to tell me that He does not heal anymore. What a mighty God we serve.

I'm Back...Hopefully

2008-04-28T09:21:00.015-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted very much lately. Life has just been so full. We're trying to wrap up this school year and it has been a little hectic. We also are preparing for the spring piano recital and a revival next month at church. On top of all of that, we've been trying to put our garden in.

As I walked around the yard Saturday, I snapped some pictures of the beautiful things that are coming alive with the sunshine.

Roses and Irises blooming around the bunny

Hostas

Irises (they smell heavenly)

White Iris

A little rose peeking out

My favorite of all the roses in my yard

The kiddos were eager to help daddy with the garden Saturday. They will be just as eager to pick them when they are ready for pickin'.

My Right Arm

2008-04-22T19:27:00.003-04:00

Years of training and teaching are finally paying off. My son has become a great dishwasher. It is a blessing to have helping hands around the house.

Baby Girl's First Haircut

2008-04-21T21:31:00.004-04:00

I really didn't want to do it but her hair just wasn't looking as cute as it had been. It was time for her very first haircut. We had not even trimmed her hair. I would touch the ends of her hair and know that she was born with that hair. It was baby fine on the ends. She looked so sweet sitting in the chair. (Sorry, the picture is a little blurry.)

Here she is getting suited up for the cut. She watched herself in the mirror the whole time. :)

Her little curls are curlier now. They are just precious!! My baby isn't a baby anymore.:(

Pajama Run

2008-04-17T19:07:00.003-04:00

I got this idea from Christy. I thought it would be so much fun to surprise the kids this way.

We came home from church last night and told them all to put on their pajamas and go to bed. Of course, they were begging for a snack and drink, but we told them no. They didn't know we had a surprise for them.

After they got settled in, I grabbed a pot and spatula and began to beat away while hubby ran down the hall yelling, "pajama run, pajama run." The kids were very confused. They thought we'd gone nuts. Jay told them to follow mom and the banging pot, so they did. They even began to sing along with us, "pajama run, pajama run." Well, I ran right out into the van and off we went. I looked over at Jay and said, "I think I want to go to Dairy Queen." There were hoots and hollers going on that night.

It was so much fun. They asked if we could do this every night. Of course, we told them it was a special treat and would only be occasional. They were happy with that, though.

Thanks Christy for the neat idea.

Wordless Wednesday

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

Soul Winning

2008-04-14T19:20:00.002-04:00

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8

My six year old daughter went home with her Me-maw and Pe-paw yesterday after church. She told me that they visited a little park and while they were there, she told a 7 year old boy about Jesus. I was so happy to know that my daughter is already working for the Lord. She just amazes me with her tender heart toward the Lord. She REALLY prays and sometimes she cries when she is praying. She also cries and raises her hands in church. She is not ashamed. My greatest desire is for my children to serve God with all their hearts. I don't want them to be pew warmers. I want them to be soldiers in the army of the Lord. Thank you Lord for answering this mama's prayers.

Happy Birthday To My Baby

2008-04-07T21:11:00.005-04:00

My little girl turned 4 yesterday. She is a true joy to our family. I love her so much and can't wait to see what God has in store for her.

I worked all day on this slideshow, but she is worth it.

Happy Birthday my little darling!!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Note To Self...

2008-04-07T14:22:00.002-04:00

Never, never, never, never scan 188 pictures and not save each and every one of them. Microsoft can shut you down whenever it pleases and you've lost all that hard work. GRRR.

Leaving Those Carbs Behind

2008-04-05T11:57:00.002-04:00

The weight has got to go. I have gained 18 pounds over the last 18 months. Pathetic, right?

Just a little over a year ago, I could wear size 8. Now, I am testing the strength of the seams in my size 10. Size 12 is calling me, but I just can't go there. Not on my 5'3" frame. I cannot afford to go buy a whole new size wardrobe. No ma'am!!

I shall deny myself those wonderful foods I love so much. Why no carb, you ask? I had tried the low fat thing and it works but it takes a long time to lose weight and yes, it can come back. Weight, lost slowly, can come back just as well as weight lost quickly. I also have issues with low blood sugar and a diet without/low carbs is just right for me. With low blood sugar, you need protein, protein, protein.

I shall greatly miss you potatoes, mac & cheese, bread, pasta, CHOCOLATE, etc. After the first two week, I'll pick you up slowly but not to the extent I ate you in the past.

So, here's to my journey. May the Good Lord give me strength. :0)