All Things Are Possible

Jerome's new career!

2012-02-18T10:57:00.000-08:00

For all of those who have been waiting and praying with me for the past 4 years, God had has heard and answered our prayers for J to have a new career. I guess I shouldn't say it like that but God's plan has come into play for us. We just had to patiently and faithfully wait for Him to lay it out for us.

In December he went to a job fair in Birmingham. If you know J, he never meets a stranger and talks to everyone. And of course he did that day. A total stranger became a messenger of the Lord.

After a week of "training" with one of the local car dealerships and the lack of $5oo to say " a man is serious about a job that he was training for and will not leave the company to work for someone else after training..." J didn't get the position at this dealership. A blow to any man's spirit.

Determined that he was coming home with out a job, he had his daily talk with the Lord. Raising his request yet again. Praying continually and consistently and with thanksgiving. Asking the Lord for a career that would provide for his family in every way possible. And that God would be there to open every door and close all others.

Well, that day there was a job fair in town. He had already been to several that morning, mind you. All with disappointment and frustration. He calls home and lets me know what kind of day he had had and that he would give this last job fair presentation a try before he came home that evening. We agreed and I wished him blessing.

He went in and filled out all the necessary paperwork, turned in his resume, and waited his turn. In the meantime, remember how chatty he is, he meets a new pal and they share their job search stories and what ever else men talk about. After a few moments, they were quiet and the man began to squirm in his seat. This was very obvious to J and probably rather odd. The man finally says: (I'm paraphrasing due to poor memory!) "Man, I have to tell you something. God is making me do this." You know this has to be good right?! "God wants you to know that this is your job and that it will provide all that you will need for your family." Oh thank you Jesus! These were the words that J had prayed that morning while driving to the fair. God is so good to confirm his plans to you, if you'll just listen!

Every time I tell this story I recall the little caterpillar on the Veggie Tales movie "Jonah." He always said: "A message from the Lord..." with that funny little accent! Yea! We got our message from the Lord!

He has already spent two weeks there for training and physicals. All that necessary stuff. God put him with other Christian men to keep him accountable and then those men who need a Christian man to show them Christ.

Jerome has a witnessing heart. Now, I know we all should have a heart to share Christ. What I mean is that J can do it with so much more ease than myself. I call him "Daddy Shepherd." He doesn't like the title but he knows that God has called him to be a leader of men. Calling men to Christ. He can just relate to all men so well that it just flows from him with out effort. It just amazes me.

He was home this week-Valentines week. We had a blessed time together and he returns to PA (Pennsylvania) on Sunday bright and early for another two weeks.

I love you baby! You are my hero!

Working in the Kingdom

2011-10-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, our family went to a friend's house to help clean up the yard! They are working on obtaining their home study so that they may adopt an Ukraine orphan. It was good to be working in the kingdom today.

Things Heard Around Here Today!

2011-10-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

We were sitting around the kitchen table on Friday, having lunch and discussing things that they had learned this year and school. I was attempting to make them feel like they've come such a long way in their school work, which they have. Keeping morals up and such. Trying to be the supportive mother, I commented how good they had done and how smart they were....

and Sarah said, "...of course we're smart, we're raised!"

All in nutshell!

2011-10-12T17:55:00.000-07:00

Hello my dear friends, I've been gone from blogging world for over a year now. I hope that I can now keep up with daily stuff and share the joys of my daily life with you.

This is October 2011 and so much has escaped my busy hands that I just possibly can not tell all that has happened. So as quick as possible:

Chloe: 15 now does have her learners permit and drives everywhere. Ladies I thought that it would be all scary and nerve wringing. I actually get to relax and look at the scenery! It is a joy. Chlo is a cool and calm driver 90 % of the time. We just took the PSAT at the local high school and survived that.

Nate" 11, is so into anything that shoots, has a blade or is an adventure. I pick up hundreds of air soft pellets all over my floor and yard! I say recycle, recycle, recycle!

Sarah: turning 8 in December is a joy. She is a creative girl who is always trying to make something to make money. She loves to cook--but not clean! That figures right. An artist is always messy! We went to Cici's Pizza for a tour and she wanted to own the place! She was so at home throwing a pizza together and into the oven that I was impressed. Jerome has an ol' family BBQ sauce recipe that is to die for! Chloe and her girlfriends named it "Gorgeous in a Bottle." So, Sarah has asked for it to start up her own restaurant! She's 7! Already got HUGE plans.

Sam: the baby, is now 6 years old! Oh, I so feel old. He is still into mischief and quite a hoot. Just the other night, he was praying with me before bed and he prays, and prays, and prays....(real prayer warrior here) "and help Mommy be a godly woman..." and keeps praying. Now I know you are thinking 'Hmmmm" or maybe you are picking your jaw up from the ground or maybe even running to get a tissue to wipe away the laughter tears.... I was a little caught off guard, and then Chloe began to giggle and then Jerome walked into the room and we all just lost it! Chloe says, "Well, Mom, is there something we should know?" Hee Hee Hee...

In all honestly the babe was only repeating what he had been taught! Jerome is USUALLY the one who gets to pray with the boys and he'll pray that they each grow up to become godly men! Oh, such love in this house!

So, Here's a picture of that little squirt on his 6th birthday (where his Capt. America Mask):

2010-03-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

The Best things in life are when :

*your baby boy crawls up in your lap with his blankly and his soft, shiny, blond hair to muzzle your face in.
Or...

*when your most handsome hubby brings you a cup of coffee in the morning and a big bear hug.
Or...

*when your biggest boy still climbs up in your lap or always has a hug for his Mom
Or...

*when your youngest daughter always has a "I love you" in sign language for you

*when your eldest daughter is always your right arm

The Madness Around Me

2010-02-17T11:09:00.001-08:00

Yes, the maddness around me! I really got myself into a knot here today. I can't even turn around without some project looking me in the face going "Me! ME next!"

Let's take a tour....

We started out this morning good.. We addressed, stamped, enveloped Valentines for the CBS party on Thurs. "Check!"
Oh but wait... I can't put those away yet because S & S haven't done theirs.... Ch either.

(Note: basket of Valentines, breakfast crumbs still ascrew on the table...,

Next came "oh, I want to make a life sized game board to play as a review for science day tomorrow... "Ch get the paint, brushes and plenty of poster paper to go under the sheet.... " Oh blessings, last night I stopped off at the American Thrift store and picked up a perfect, white, queen sized, flat sheet for $2 for the game board.... ;0) Happy Momma!

Back to table picture::: hairdryer to dry game board and stamps to stamp it & our "start / finish" for the board....)

Is the "Beef Its whats for dinner" running in your mind. If not, get it going....& somewhere in the mess I decided to blog about it....what was I thinking...

Ready set draw squares, figure pattern, paint squares...... oh lunch?

Nate

Chloe

Oh yes, gotta get the cookies in the oven for the CBS parties tomorrow... 4 kids X 4 classes X 24 students = a bunch of cookies..... (Notice the board in the back still waiting on me.... I've got great helpers though....)

"N, You've got dish duty, but you've got to take the plants out of the sink first....."

"Trash out too!"

Oh the rice crispy house is still waiting to be done... "Yes, I promise today will be the day we do it, I promise Sarah...."

Oh no! Candies for teachers...I'll get that too..... insane....

Drats the coffee pot is empty....

Thank God for God and excellent praise music....
"even when the rain rises.... I am washed with the WA-ter.... Even when the storm ..... even when the earth crumbles under me.... even when the my loved ones are trying to crucify me (for doing too much!) .... Even when the rain falls, even when the storm comes.... Even when the floood starts rising... I am washed by the water....... "

Oh that sweet feeling that I can do all things through Him is just pricless! Thank you Jesus. Thanks for the patience that I WILL have today and the joy that we WILL SHARE>>> We WILL make it through!

Is it bed time yet?

Oh, that's right, I'm not done..

"Let's go, second round...!"

Sarah turns 6

2009-12-28T16:33:00.000-08:00

Sarah turned six this month!

WOW!
How time really flies!

This little, tiny, pink, six pound baby has turned six!

WHAT! This is my baby girl. She is so giggly and shy!

(Look at that pony tail! This is the first real pony tail Sarah has ever had!)
Isn't she adorable!

The grandparents wanted to get with us for her birthday. We met at the local Chick Fil A. This is Papa, Paw paw, Dad and Big Brother Nate the Great.

(Not sure why Paw paw has a growl!)
This is Mi maw (to go with Paw paw) Mimi (to go with Papa), Big Sister Chloe and Sarah.

(These gals don't know how to behave!)

AND this is Aunt Jo with Little Brother Sam!

Aunt Jo made her birthday cupcakes with polka dots on top!
Boy it was YUMMY!

Being in Kindergarten, Sarah was able to move up to Kids Church.

This is her first human video! She did so good!

She is being the water!

She didn't get nervous at all!

She also sat in Santa's lap this year for the first time and not run away!

This Santa happens to be her great- Uncle Johnny!

Now, for Sarah's real birthday-birthday, she had two good friends to come over: Catherine and Gabrielle. They had a blast! They played, played and played!

(Look at my little red head!

Strawberry blond really. But she is the only one!)

and SHE GOT A BIKE! Oh she was so excited!!!

Look at those flip flops. You can tell we live in the South!

2009-12-28T14:38:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh. To sit down and rest! It seems like I 've been WORKING all day and I still see mess. Oh, that's right. Not everyone was on my train of thought:

"Put Home Back Together Plan."

I've dusted, vacuumed, unpacked some of our home boxes and packed up some Christmas stuff. I'm on a soap box now. I have a home for nearly everything. When we thought we might be in foreclosure, I started stocking up on those boxes. With us home schooling, we buy lots of books and collect other teaching materials. I would hate for all that to be ruined.

My honey thought I was insane. Why all these boxes? Why are we spending my arm & leg? Why to protect what we have already invested in my dear. It was all clear then.

Oh, did I tell you we get to keep our home? That's why I'm unpacking the boxes and putting our Christmas stuff back up. No, the trees (yes, 2 trees) are not down, the lights, the decorations etc. Nothing is really down. I've been unloading those really nice, worth an arm & a leg boxes to put our Christmas into and throw out the broken ones. Why invest on Christmas stuff? To save all the stuff that we've spent money on so that they will last for years and not have to re buy each Christmas, of course. Plus don't forget the yummy little hand print ornaments and the handmade ones too! After 10 years of marriage & 4 children, wow! A lot of good stuff in those boxes! The memories, the traditions, the love of family oozes from them! That's why I invest in many arm & a leg boxes!

Hey, Merry Christmas!

Photos coming soon.

2009-12-01T14:35:00.000-08:00

God is good. Still relying on His goodness to get us through today.

Crying over spilt milk

2009-11-17T16:32:00.000-08:00

Today we went on a field trip where I couldn't take pictures. I'm so distressed. I hate when this happens.

Back to reality. Afterwards, we went to a new Walmart, well, new to us.
Very nice, clean, less people than my regular, over crowded, hussel and bussel Walmart.

I had collected all the items on my list. I thought I was doing okay. I kept getting the "look" from some of the other shoppers. Now I admit, we weren't quietest group in there, and probably the largest (me and 4 children). By the time we had picked up our gallon of milk my hair was falling out and my nerves were ready to burst because S & S were on the path of driving me insane. Jumping, hollering, pulling the buggy, riding under the buggy on her stomach (which I have to add, I NEVER let my children do that because I've seen what it does to a little finger when it gets trapped in the wheel.), S was standing on the sides, the back, the front, ALL OVER THE Buggy! I couldn't contain them!

I know your thinking, "This isn't terrible. What's her problem?" Well, I'm SPOILED. I usually get to go BY MYSELF!! It is my calming time, a time of regathering, a time of me NOT talking! A peaceful time. (Hear the birds twittering and the butterflies fluttering past you in a dreamy sort of way?) My only relief. (Sometime, I do take 1 child with me for some "Mommy Time" so I'm not that spoilt.)

Back to my "story."

Somehow, we had made it through and Ch had asked to hit the clearance isle. One of our favorite places. Okay, as of then, we were walking together, no one jumping, hollaring, riding the buggy in some crazy fashion. A moment of sanity. The birds and butterflies were back,

Then...

THEN....

BLAM!

Splash!

WET SOAKING thourgh my pants>>>>

(Slow motion)
I turn around and see Na & Sm holding hands & their mouths dropping open in a slow

"NOOOOOoooooooo!"

(My peaceful moment GONE!)
They had been jumping the lines on the floor and Na had DROPPED THE GALLON MILK ON THE FLOOR busting it in 2 places!

WHITE MILK was gushing, like Niagara Falls, out all over their (actually) clean floors! We stood there STUNNED and in a silence that was deafening...

I (slow motion again) grabbed up the gallon, thinking I could turn it to a spot in the container with no holes, I only poured MORE milk on myself and onto the floor.

We were standing at the pet section and I turned and started running with milk gushing out making a path for the poor mop handler to follow! In my mind I having a conversation with myself: " Am I helping? Am I creating more mess? I don't know. Just have to run and put it Somewhere! What to do. Stop? Run? Go! Go! To the trash can!" I ran to the garden shop and just threw the gallon into the trash can.

The cashier, a woman of 50ish and very country, said,

"Well sweet heart what happened! It's all over you!"

Thanks Lady.

Now I have to wash my jeans that I just washed. You know the rule. Wear the jeans 2 times then wash. Not today.

An hour later, Sh poured herself a huge glass of ......milk and spilt it all over the china cabinet. :0((( Whaaaaaa..... more milk..

Yes, I'm crying over spilt milk. (Sorry, no picture of this;0))

How was your day? Got any spilt milk stories? I'd love to hear.

Pictures of Whats going on..

2009-11-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

What's Happening:

Thing I've heard or seen this weekend

2009-10-31T17:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've been inspired by Mama Hen to jot down a few things that I've heard or seen this weekend. Now, it is the last weekend of October. So, strange things are happening!

1.) I got lost going to a birthday party over in the Century Plaza/ East Wood Mall / Mountain Brook area! Our fine neighbors who recently moved had a their 6 year old's b'day party on Friday night. We got lost when I didn't realize that Montevallo Rd and Montclaire Rd are not the same! I was an hour late. But God sent someone to help me out with the correction. I was on Montclair Rd when I passed the Jewish Center. (Well, at least I wasn't at the Package Store asking for directions! Mama Hen!) Spotting a police car I pulled in to ask. He should know right?! Well, he wasn't in his car. I saw a figure walking across the parking lot going to the center. "Excuse me," I spoke in my softest voice, almost as if I didn't want him to answer, " can you help me?" An older, squatty , I assume Jewish man turned and said, " Yeah, what you want?" Friendly right?! He came closer to hear me. Then this man burst out of his shell! "Okay, Where you goin?" After as little info as possible he started giving me 6 different directions on how to get to my location! "DO as I Say. Go down here to the Publix, and take a right. Now you'll see a right aide. Turn left,....then you'll see a .... then a .... turn left and then a right..... blah blah blah. Now do as I say. Now if you want this end of Montevallo Rd go to the intersection and look for the CVS and take a Left..... Now do as I say...." After I realized that this man was no harm to me, I almost lost it with laughter! Every two or three sentences he would say "Now do as I say..." in this very southern, "Joey" off of Friends voice. You know the one. When he says "How ya doin'?" That one! Chloe commented that she saw me tensing up with laughter, but I held on tight and didn't laugh! Surely he didn't mean to sound this way. It had to be natural. When we pulled out on the road, Chloe looked at me real serious and said, "Now, do just as I say." I burst into laughter! I was crying and almost..well you know. The whole van was laughing. God SO has a sense of humor! He knew we needed a good laugh after being lost for over an hour!

2.) We saw TOO MANY GROWN WOMEN wearing "Kitty" outfits at this party and too many thighs and breast! PLEASE people! Put some clothes on! This was a child's party! Not......... Never mind it is over. I had prepared my children that we might not stay to long, only to make an appearance. We stayed for an hour. I instructed Nate, 9 y.o. to just look away. The language was not any better! I kept reminding my self that we were the light in the darkness. The party go-ers knew the moment that we walked through the door that we stood for the light. The attitudes were very evident that they knew. Apologies for language, hushed talking when we walked from one room to the next. I stayed right with my littles and my biggs stayed right with me. When we got into the car, I reminded them that they were the light in a dark world and many times a living wittness is enough. Not a preaching to or condemnation. We made them think about how they were leading their lives. Thank you Jesus for being with us!

3.) As we were getting off the interstate in t ville, there was a truck going up the off ramp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4.) When I got to Staples to buy ink, don't you hate to spend $$30 for ink?, I returned my empty cartridges for credit. I had a ton of them. Last time I was in there, they were only taking 3 at a time. I thought this will take forever to get a decent credit. I walked in, and asked how many they were taking now at a time. Guess how many! 10! They were taking 10! I was so excited! Why you ask. Every cartridge is a $3 store credit! I earned $30! Yeah!!!

5.) Today, I have been so stopped up, and very dizzy with meds. I have felt ran over all day. As I was sitting on the couch, all piled up with covers and a down cast face, Sam crawled up into my lap and states, with his finger circling around my face: "Why you look like.....(not knowing what to say)...that?" Well, thanks Sam. I appreciate that.

Right now the kiddos and Dad are off to the local church festivals and I am here typing away. Photos to come. Chloe went as the fashion police along with a few friends. Kinda like the Charlie's Angels. BUT DECENT! Nate is wearing Alabama and Auburn. He claims he is the Iron Bowl! Sarah is Cinderella and Sam is a Cowboy with chaps, vest and Festus hat!

If you find any misspellings please realize I'm still DIZZY!

Blond Moment

2009-10-27T15:50:00.001-07:00

Okay, I just had a blond moment. I was looking over my blog and one of Sarah's pictures had a "smudgy- dot" on her nose. I scrolled up to see more pictures, all the while I was thinking of how to get the mark off the picture. I rolled back to the pic to ponder the problem. The smudge... was gone. I scrolled on, and there it was AGAIN! I leaned a little closer....remember my bad eye site. There on the screen was a dot of dried liquid something or another. Well, I felt a little dumb!

My friend Laurie took this shot the other day when we went to Palisades Park with our CBS group. We had a wonderful time. The skies were good, temperature rose just enough that we didn't freeze. I have some fun shots (optical illusions) of a couple of mighty gals pushing a tree over. Shots of the beauty from the cliffs and just some fun. I hope to get them on later.

The tribe needs to be fed!

Kittens

2009-10-24T06:35:00.000-07:00

Well, this batch of cuddles is about to be sent off to their new homes! We just have 3 weeks to go!

We have 6 kittens. 5 with a frosting :

and 1 black and white that we affectionately call "Go T."

Dad says we can't name them. He says they are "1-6" Don't even give them a number! The are just "1-6." Funny thing is we often find him in the basement, the kittens' home, with one curled up in his hands and he is being the "kitten whisperer!" Crazy isn't it.

Well, the 5 black ones all look the same except for their weight! Chloe gave them all a bath in the tub! I'm not sure how that went. I stayed out of there!

Have a good weekend!

I'm thinking about boy stuff, & Elmo

2009-10-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

A Dangerous Duo!

Chloe and I were snuggled up in my bed last night, when Sam came into the room. He hoisted himself up on my tall brass bed and declared,

"I'm thinking about scary boy stuff."

Remember he's 4.

"Oh really. And what might that be?"

Propping himself up with his chin in one hand, "Oh, polka dots and a fast skate board that will beat Nate's."

The room burst with laughter.

"That's not funny!" he cried!

"Oh, but it is!"

On Sunday, Sam and Sarah were give tickets to go see the Seame Street show : "When Elmo Grows Up." It was fabulous!

Jerome and I got to go too! That Elmo is so silly! (Jerome) and Big Bird (Me) is such an organized junkie and worrier. The show was excellent. I kept thinking how those poor dancers were making it in those hot, furry costumes! They were really working it too! I hope you enjoy the show.....

The Whitfields at Tigers for Tomorrow.

2009-10-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

October 13

2009-10-18T19:09:00.001-07:00

We made it through another week of field trips, cold rainy days and play dates with old friends. We went to Tigers for Tomorrow and then followed it up with a trip to the Museum to view Ink and Blood. We started our day around 5:30 and made it back home by 5:30 Pm. I was exhausted and asleep on the couch by 7:30! Everyone had a excellent time and my sweet hubby got to go.

At the end of the week we spent the day with Mama Hen's family. You can check out her blog for cool give aways and plenty of funny real life stories.

We had a great day playing outside, or the children did! All 14 of them! We celebrated a birthday and had hot chocolate, and season's candy.

2009-10-15T20:17:00.001-07:00

Ugg. Teenagers.
Have a good night.

The Shoes

2009-10-06T16:57:00.000-07:00

By popular demand, the pictures of the shoes! These are ladies sizes: 8M.

If you would like I can put them on ebay. That way, all monies can be handled through them. But you've got to RSVP! Then check my blog daily! Thanks, Corla

Yard Sale or Bust!

2009-10-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

Today, my neighbor and I had a joint yard sale. It was a bust! For me anyhow. I made a whopping $10. The rest went to Hannah home. My neighbor on the other had hand blew me totally out of the water with over $300! Okay, now, I know what your thinking, "She must have had nothing but junk on her table." Well, no! I had Yellow Box pink flip flops, brand new in the box and Hot Tomato black boots STILL in the box! I had good stuff like that! She was selling patio furniture and tools, tables, and big kid items. But despite the hopes of making it big, I made a new friend, my neighbor. Y'all have a good weekend.

Oh, if anyone wears a size 8, 8 1/2 and would like to purchase those shoes, let me know! I'll mail them for free!

Sam

2009-10-01T14:16:00.001-07:00

Today, we went to the library. While at the self check out, the computer went off. (Extreme panic! What did I do wrong! All the children were standing around me...EXCEPT ONE!) The self checkout sits up on a rather tall table. I leaned down to find that one! He had unplugged the computer! Embarrassing! I'm so glad that I'm home! Okay, this picture is the mischievous - nous that I 've had to put up with the past few days! This pic was taken in the summer,

BUT IT SO DEPICTS HIS ATTITUDE LATELY!!!

Whatz up lately

2009-08-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

We, and I mean youth from our church and a few brave parents, and

our very own Aunt Jo,

went to Solid Rock for a Back to School Bash.

Our youth performed an awesome human video

(This is Chloe on the right!)

Chloe got to play a demon in the HV! Does this angel look like she could be that part! Oh my.... She liked getting to be the bad part for once! She is normally a swan or rose in the ballet and this was NOT BALLET!

Then there was an overload for these old ears of head banging Christian Rock. (Is that possible? I don't know, I couldn't understand the words?!) Our youth were a little out of place I think, but enjoyed the whole experience. The place was packed with all aged rockers!

Sam says: "Is it over yet?!"

A couple of days later, A***** had park day! We had a blast! Tons of families showed up and played ALL day!

Oh and my morning glories bloomed!

Glory be to Him that gets me through!

Pictures of what's happening at my house!

2009-08-20T09:43:00.001-07:00

Sarah sits up on the front row with the "yout" for worship service. They grow up so fast!

Friends came to play,

We went to play with friends.

Agape had it's kick off meeting.

School.

Looking for ferns. Aren't we a gang! (Shovels in hand.)

Nature study logs

I don't know who wrote this but it is SO true!

2009-08-20T09:35:00.001-07:00

I just have to share this with everyone! I DID NOT WRITE THIS even though it sounds like something that would happen to me or several of my "Lucy and Ethel" friends. Please enjoy and give me no credit for the truth of the matter: (Be sure to have a tissue for all the tears! Oh, and go TT before you start!)
When you have to visit a public bathroom, you usuallyfind a line of women, so you smile politely and take yourplace.
Onceit's your turn, you check for feet under the stall doors. Every stall isoccupied.
Finally,a door opens and you dash in, nearly knocking down the woman leaving thestall.Youget in to find the door won't latch.It doesn't matter, the wait has been so long you are about to wet yourpants!Thedispenser for the modern "seat covers"(invented by someone's Mom, no doubt) is handy,but empty.
Youwould hang your purse on the door hook, ifthere was one,but there isn't- so you carefully, but quickly drape it around your neck, (Mom would turn over in her grave if you put it ontheFLOOR!),
yank down your pants, and assume" The Stance.">
Inthis position your aging, toneless(God I should have gone to the gym!!!)thigh muscles begin to shake.
You'dlove to sit down, but you certainly hadn't taken time to wipe the seat or laytoilet paper on it, so you hold"The Stance".>
Totake your mind off your trembling thighs, you reach for what you discover to bethe empty toilet paper dispenser.
In your mind, you can hear your mother's voicesaying,"Honey, if you had tried to clean the seat, you wouldhave KNOWNthere was no toilet paper!"
Your thighs shake more.
Youremember the tiny tissue that you blew your nose on yesterday - the one that's still in yourpurse.(Oh yeah, the purse around your neck, that now, you have to hold up trying notto strangle yourself at the same time)..That will have to do.
You crumple it in thepuffiestway possible. It's stillsmallerthan your thumbnail.

Someonepushes your door open because the latch doesn't work.
Thedoor hits your purse,which is hanging around your neck in front of your chest,and you and your purse topple backward against the tank of the toilet.

"Occupied!"you scream,as you reach for the door, dropping your precious,tiny,crumpled tissue in a puddle on the floor, lose your footing altogether, andslide down directly onto the TOILETSEAT.
It is wet of course.You bolt up, knowing all too well that it's too late.

Yourbare bottom has made contact with every imaginable germ and life form on theuncovered seat because YOU never laid down toilet paper- not that there was any, even ifyou had taken time to try.
You know that your mother would be utterly appalled if she knew, because, you're certain her bare bottom never touched a publictoilet seat because, frankly,dear,"You just don't KNOW whatkind of diseases you could get".

> By this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet is so confused that it flushes, propelling a stream of water like a fire hose against the inside of thebowl that sprays a fine mist of water that covers your butt and runs down yourlegs and into your shoes. The flush somehow sucks everything down with such force that you grab onto the empty toilet paper dispenser for fear of being dragged in too

At this point, you give up. You're soaked by the spewing water and the wet toiletseat. You're e-x-h-a-u-s-t-e-d.
You try to wipe with a gum wrapper you found in your pocket and then slink out in conspicuously to the sinks.>

Youcan't figure out how to operate the faucets with the automatic sensors, .....so you wipe your hands with spit and a dry papertowel and walk past the line of women stillwaiting.>

Youare no longer able to smile politely to them.A kind soul at the very end of the line points out a piece of toilet papertrailing from your shoe.(Where was that when you NEEDEDit??)
You yank the paper from yo ur shoe, plunk it in the woman's hand and tell herwarmly,"Here, you just might need this".>
As you exit, you spot your hubby, who has long since entered, used, and left themen's restroom..
Annoyed, he asks,"What took you so long, and why is your purse hanging around yourneck?" ...................>
This is dedicated to women everywhere who deal with a public restrooms(rest??? you've GOT to be kidding!!). It finally explains to the men what really does take us so long.

It also answers their other commonly asked questions about why women go to the restroom inpairs. It's so the other gal can hold the door, hang onto your purse, and hand youKleenex under the door!>>

Send this to all women that understand what bondingin the bathroom is all about!> AFriend Is Like A Good Bra...> Hardto Find...> Supportive....> Comfortable ....AlwaysLifts You Up...NeverLets You Down, or Leaves You Hanging,> And Is Always Close To YourHeart!!!> Sharewith anyone who needs a good laugh!>No virus found in this incoming message.> Checkedby AVG - www.avg.com> Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.55/2301 -Release Date: 08/13/09 18:16:00

Beautiful Sarah

2009-08-05T14:39:00.000-07:00

It has to be the age! She is keeping me cracked up! Okay, I guess I should have tried Chinese!

Today was her first official day of K! (With me anyway!) I had planned to start on Monday, but ended up taking my Mom to get her stitches out. Chloe got the privilege to doing Sarah's first day. They played on the computer. If only my day had been SO EASY!

Okay, I have gotten 2 children SUCCESSFULLY through K. This should be easy, right? Look at that face. Does she look like a "hard to deal with" child? She is normally a joyful, compliant child. I was so unprepared for this day. She must have her Daddy in her. She goes from crying and whining to smiling and joyful laughter in seconds!

That child fought me nearly the entire hour we did school! AND SHE WANTED TO DO SCHOOL!!!! She wrote her letter of the day, which happens to be the one she doesn't know the name nor the sound of it and she doesn't care to know them either! Every time I say, "okay, now what does C say?" I get that look of (imagine screaming and gnashing of teeth). I had A B C D cards laid out in order for her to recognize the ABC order and to help recall with the names of them. It's only the 3rd letter of the alphabet and she has thrown in the towel. She would sing the ABC song but that is only a song. She doesn't that those are the letters themselves. This may be a long year... this too shall pass, I'll keep telling myself!

On an excellent hand, Chloe and Nate were done with school by 12:30! We got up at 7:30, started school at 8 and WERE DONE!!!! Yahoooooo!

Apparently, they knew that I was going to need my strength to carry on with Sarah.

How was your first day of school? Any mishaps to make me feel better?

2009-07-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

I was recently working with Sarah to write her thank you notes to her sweet girls friends who came to the spend the night. I talked about how important

it is to send thank yous and what to say: " Thank you for coming to my spend the night. Thank you for the gift that you gave me." Thinking that I had given enough explanation, I asked her how she would like to say that... he reply was : "In Chinese." I tried.

Sweet Sarah

2009-07-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

MY SARAH!

Our sweet Sarah had her birthday party this weekend! She is now 5 1/2ish! Sweet Sarah's official Birthday is in December, actually, 3 days before Christ's! So, that she doesn't get lost in the fast paced holiday stuff, I held off for her real birthday party! AND SHE LOVED IT!

Being 5 1/2 ish she could have her 1st spend the night! She invited 2 little ladies from church and CBS to celebrate!

She chose hot dogs for dinner! Nate grilled them! EASY!

She picked out a watermelon cake with the cutest ants crawling on it from W+++++++. Easy!

She picked a spend the night! I had to do no entertaining! EASY!

She picked to color! I had all those supplies! EASY!

She picked to have 2 WONDERFUL+PERFECT little girls over! EASY!

They played with the balloons! EASY!

The best thing was that I got to read them a good night story: We acted out Chicken Little! Then they listened to a book on tape: "I DON"T WANT TO GO TO BED!" Then, Do you know what they did?!? THEY WENT TO BED!!!!

This morning up they were up and had chocolate chip muffins and then...

Then they went outside to play with the cats!

A sweet sweet birthday party for a SWEET SWEET BABY GIRL!

Our Saturday & Sunday

2009-07-12T17:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was BUSY! N went to a buddy's birthday pool party! It was great! It was a total surprise to the young lad and he was such a good sport! I went to guitar orientation for N, while he was at the pool. I brought C a friend to play, um hang out with while I went back to the pool for N. They had a great time. Very trustworthy ladies. They even cleaned the kitchen like I had asked! (Maybe I should do that more often...) When I returned I had another friend in tow! The girls were multiplying ! They congregated in C's room and did make up and hair! They had hot rollers, REAL make up (which just blows my mind! Are they really that old? Old enough to be powdering their faces and glossing their lips? Of course they aren't! That would make me old!) They all wear makeup lightly and beautifully. In our house the motto is "Less is More!" Less gunk on the face shows the true beauty that God created.

C is thrilled that she has a curl! Something rare for her!

We had a busy Sunday. Up at 6:30! Okay, okay.. I hit the snooze once or twice! Off and running! We had nursery at 9. We had 4 little boys, all loud and fun loving. The smartest thing I ever did for my nursery day is take them outside equipped with balls and bubbles! Our church has a great, flat, grassy area for such a thing. Our youth sometimes get out there and play "ultimate Frisbee." It is really fun. I play too! I SO embarrass C! (N can't wait to be 11 so he can go to youth! Just so he can play the game!!!)

Okay back to my day, Jerome had parking duty for second service, while I rushed home to let everyone in for Small Group Sunday (SGS). Normally we don't have all these duties all one day. They just all kind of happened this month, because of this or that. SGS lasted til 3:30. I RUSHED to nap. All morning I sat at the kitchen table, during SGS, and watched my hammock rock in the wind, calling my name. I was so ready to run to it and relax! But the Good Lord had other ideas for my napping place. HE SENT RAIN! A good soaking rain that lasted for an hour or so. It was wonderful to hear the thunder in the distant and the clouds roll in. I'm hoping my tomato plants will take off now and grow 10 feet high! (Tomatoes are one of my favorite foods of the summer, fresh off the vine. )
I am so easily sidetracked! Nap was disturbed by C knocking on the bedroom door, with the plea, "I have 45 min. to get to youth!" J drug himself out and drove her there in time.
Now they have all returned home and we are preparing for the evening rest. I still hear the thunder rolling in the distance. MORE RAIN TO COME! Grow Tomatoes! Grow!

2009-07-06T10:57:00.001-07:00

I'm getting the point across to Nate! His hard head cracked the bell!
I'm working on my idea for the video that we are to do for Agape. I'm not sure where to begin after so many years of schooling at home! I remember the day the book shelf fell with a crash in the basement, the day that Sarah scrubbed the toilet with Nate's toothbrush, Chloe sleeping till noon and us rushing to ballet, Sam scribbling all over my lesson plan book! The days of getting started with school around lunch and then ending at 7pm are countless and the days of loading the van at day break for field trips to the great beyond are great in comparison and the days that I get to just sit are very far apart! My life has become consumed with my children, their education and the great endeavor to instill in them the great love of our Lord. My daily life is almost always never the same! I'm tired, I change my mind daily, hourly. My days are lost without my plan book and calendar! But the Lord refreshes me every morning and gives me only what I can handle and gives me the strength to handle the rest! He has called me to take on such a task as this and there is no other place that I'd rather be, except maybe on the beach.

Today, we started school at 7:45 accomplishing Bible, History, writing, health, and some science and math. Watched a movie on Rudyard Kipling's: How the Rhino got his skin. Lunch was actually at 12 and we ate a Russian potato salad that Nate made for a study of Russia. We actually liked it considering it had salmon, boiled egg, boiled potato, sauteed onion and mayo. S & S are still trying to clean up the toy area ( for a good hour now, I guess it would be faster if I wasn't sitting here) and C & N are listening to CS Lewis' The horse and his boy. I only hope this afternoon goes as well. We still have a little math and Lang. and geography left.

Thank you Jesus for a good day.

Interesting Fact:

2009-07-05T17:35:00.000-07:00

Interesting Fact:
Did you know that Walgreen's will refill your ink cartridges for like half of what you pay to buy a new one! Yes! I just did it! AND there is a 50% off coupon on the box for next time!!! Go to their photo department and just ask!

A little bit of everything since April!

2009-06-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

These are some of our photos from track this past spring. I wasn't sure if I had shared these. I just love that these two babies have something that they really enjoy!

Sarah is running the 100 yd. Dash and placed 3rd!

In the long jump, she placed 3rd!

In the shock put, she placed 6th, throwing the ball 9 ft and 11 inches!

Nate place 2nd in the 50 yd.. Placed 6th in the 280....

and he won the shot put ! He was amazed that he got a medal! He threw the ball more than 13 ft.!!

Nate and those LONG legs won 4th in his age group for long jump!

To the very end, these two kept pumping those feet and did their

VERY BEST!

They slept very well that night!

We had Easter at our house with several families!

It was great fun this year at our house for the big hunt and dinner. In total there were 8 more children to hunt and get excited..

It was a blessing to be able to share the Lord's Resurrection with our family and friends.

Nate's Birthday Party!

Mid-June

Procrastination! Wow! We FINALLY had Nate his 9th birthday celebration. He decided that he wanted to take a few fellas camping out in the real deep woods. So, Jerome, the good dad that he is, took Nate and 5 other young lads, ranging in ages of 8 to 14 out to my Dad's land to camp. (UGGG! I'm not sure what has happened! I went to download the pics and they are GONE! I'm so upset!...............back to my story then...) The fellas were great! They loved the being outdoors in the MIDDLE of the night. They played hide and seek by MOON LIGHT. Our Peter, the dog that kept climbing the fence and we took to Papa's to live, stayed right with the boys. At some point in the middle of darkness, the boys were sitting around the campfire and Peter began to growl, bark and carry on over near the tent. One of the young lads had already retired for the night and was in that tent. Jerome thought Peter had found a snake! With shovel in had, he went to "deal with it." When he got closer, shinning the flash light, he began to hear a slow, but loud snore! Peter is unaccustomed to the nightly people sounds and he was ready to protect everybody in the camp! The young lad never new that Peter was growling and barking at him!!!! Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz......The crew went fishing the next morning at 5 AM!!! Jerome got them all up and hiked the property before the fog had lifted! By the time I arrived with the van to pick up the boys, the tents were down, things packed and they were waiting! One tired but happy crew! Nate is talking about doing it again!!!

Next, we went to American Village, the Big kids and I enjoyed ourselves greatly! The amazing thing is that it was FREE and they served lunch to boot! The program had us pretend that we had somehow warped back into time (Michael J Fox and Back to the Future thought!) and had to get out before any one of that time realized who we were and put us in jail then of course we ended up fighting in the Revolutionary War!
(Sometimes, I wish I had one of these devices!)

Later this month, two beautiful baby boys were born!

Swimming

This summer Sarah has learned to dive down and get things from the bottom of the pool. Sam has lost all fear and jumps from the side of the pool, as you see limbs flying!

Chloe and Nate are just fish!

The other day I spent the day with Jane and Nina picking corn in a deep woods field somewhere off the beaten path somewhere down south! The corn was perfect and the company was excellent!

Yes, this is me... in Jerome's big hat, I was prepared for bugs...and this is my friend Jenna...and Jane...whom I trust, I even followed her down here! Smitty says I'm a corn picker now! Is that ugly? If it is, I don't want to know.

For the fourth we ate yummy BarBQ that my mother-n-law and Jerome's step dad cooked. They all came to our house and enjoyed the evening by helping us shell peas!

THE END!

2009-05-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

Today we REJOICE! Chloe has been promoted to USC in ballet! That means pointe from now on and modern dance to boot (they actually dance barefooted!) ! She is very excited. I'm praying for NO UNITARD in modern dance. Wow Wee! That just shows TOO much detail! We just may have to step out of the dance for the recital! I'm not fond of that idea, UNITARD. If you are wondering what that is, it is a one piece (body, arms, legs) leotard. Skin tight!

BACK to REJOICING! She is so excited about moving up! She has dreamed for this day. She was in USB for 3 years and now she is moving up to dance with the "big" girls. (I still think of her also Wendy as that 9 lb baby that Mrs. Kathy said 13 years ago: "... she's a chunk.")

2009-05-21T12:13:00.000-07:00

Nuthing like a fresh start to Spring....

3wks old

The kittens are getting so big! They now climb out of the box, or maybe I should stress the 3 or 4th box that I have tried to keep them in!

5wks old

6 wks old

They have gotten to rotten too! They love to be held and loved on! I'm so surprised that they have lasted this long! My two youngest are not exactly gentle with them! The babies get picked up by their tails, heads, legs...what ever Sam can get a hold of but maybe that is what makes them good cats.!

I still need some takers! We should be ready to give them away by the 2nd Saturday of June. That makes them 8 weeks old. Heather Small (You can find her blog at: http://thesmallones.wordpress.com/) is getting one for her daughter. Chloe is getting to keep one. She has chosen the kitten featured running in the grass. Her name is Dixie. That leaves 3 to go to a good home!If you live in area give me a line! Other wise I will have to go to WalMart and give them to strangers!

You know what this Cat thing started, oh about 4 years ago when my friend Rebekah, whose blog you can find on my favorites, gave me a kitten. I named her "Sue." Well, Sue became Chloe's cat. Sue had kittens the following spring. We kept one for our other daughter, Sarah. She named her "LuLu," short for Lucy. Well, (How'd you guess!) Lulu had kittens the following spring. We kept one of them! Sarah named her....well, "Sarah." I know. She was 4 at the time. How can you tell a four year old not to name the cat after her?! So we call her Sarah Cat. Well, now we are on our 4th generation of kittens! We are keeping Dixie for Chloe. Why you say? Cats just last long around here for odd reasons. It is nothing that we do. They just seemed to have "died off " from last summer till fall. So we are starting fresh with another round of kittens. Please, somebody tell me you have these issues at least once in your life!

Other than kittens, my life has been very full with CBS ending at the end of April,

Ballet ending on Mother's Day,

a field trip to Turkey Creek in Pinson. We learned about God's beautiful creation:

and Jerome had a BIRTHDAY! We made a huge paper sign to hang on the side of the house and then chalked all the way up the driveway: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY! WE LOVE YOU!"

One of our driveway letters!

Chloe was inspired to lighten up her room! It is amazing what a string of Christmas lights and push pins do for a room! She has white lights going all along the top of the ceiling and then these pink lights on her top bunk. Both girls are loving it! I think it is pretty cool too!

Now I have sat at the computer working on field trips for next year. There are 11 on their way. Dates to confirm along with time, prices and don't forget about LUNCH! We have to have lunch planned! All done with that, I had to focus on getting the grades averaged and fill out the report pages to have them ready for Paula. (Look back to the CBS picture, that's her, in the Center on her knees!Hey Paula!!) Done. Done. Done. Now,

2009-05-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

I just found a really cool "give away place"! My friend Wendy has it on her blog spot! Go and check it out! Just click the icon that I added to my blog!
Have a good day!

2009-05-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

Some sisters in Christ and I will begin a summer study on how to raise virtuous gals in this messed up world, starting in May.

Vicki Courtney is the author and I am very tickled to learn from her. I've read the first section on beauty, and honey, she tells you like it is!! I LOVE it. Thanks Heather Sm. for sharing this book with me! Our ladies are going to love it.

Another thing! This awesome lady has a blog in which you can visit!!!

http://www.virtuealert.com/

A perfect blog! I've watched a couple of her videos on there and she is just like us! A mom, that well, does Mom things.

I encourage you to sign up for her blog so that you can learn from her. I know I want to be on top of what I can do to help me girls stay in Christ!

Blessing to you and your daughters!

Mommy and Sarah!

Clam Day

2009-04-30T05:52:00.000-07:00

One disgusting animal!

And to think PEOPLE EAT THESE THINGS!

On Science Day last week we dissected clams. You never know what you are going to get when you open a clam! . Everyone's but Nate's was good color and clean! His on the other hand had thick, bottom of the river slimy mud all through its parts.

That makes me think of our lives before Christ. We are slimy, sticky, & no one wants to touch our soul. We've been kept at the bottom of the river. In the dark, where nasty things (sin) thrive.

"For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed..." John 3:20-21

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, he reaches down into that darkness and pulls us up into the light exposing that sin and begins to clean us and bring us to His grace. The slime and the stinky mud begins to wash off.

"But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God." John 3:20-21

We become clean creatures once again. Much like the other clams at the table, who had been brought to cleaner water and their systems had been cleansed by it.

We should glorify our Christ by shouting off the rooftops His healing, cleansing, grace and mercy that has changed us from that dirty, slimy clam to the clean, gleaming white clam that we should have been all along! Then, :

"You should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4: 12

Not to mention:

"Set an example of good works yourself, with integrity and dignity in your teaching." Titus 2:7

Do you know of a dirty clam. Or someone who just needs some grace? We are also told :

"But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception." Hebrews 3:13

As sisters, and brothers too, we are to be there for one another and not walk away.

We are to say, "Hey, what does Christ's words say about ...."

Call on them. See how they are doing.

PRAY!

God hears all prayers! A wonderful councilor once said that God can take the belated prayers and use them in the time that they were needed! Yes, that means that today's prayers that were needed 2 days ago are used 2 days ago! Before you every uttered the first prayerful word! God doesn't go by our time! He is not held to our standard measures. He created time! He is the great and almighty that can do anything that he wants! In His great and merciful time!!! I am not in control! Praise God for that!

"O LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress," Jeremiah 16:19

Isn't that just relieving to know that in our failures he reigns and makes the world a better place.

I think I need to stop drinking coffee!

Gotta go get the kids up! Busy day.

Keep the Lord on the phone and talk to him every second!

Spring is Here

2009-04-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

Wow! Spring is surely here! Flowers, pollen, beauty, AhhhhhhhhChoooooo! I've really enjoyed all the beauty that God has brought forth this season. AHHHHH CHOOOO! My yard is still the desolate desert of rocks. Very few things have come back this year. My fig tree is doing very well. Hosta, monkey grass, my azaleas actually bloomed this year. My wonderful, going to be my privacy fence between me and my neighbors is alive and growing. The iris in the front bloomed out nicely. I don't believe they bloomed at all last year, but Jerome says the kids picked them before I ever got a chance to see them. Figures! The little kids are playing more out in the dirt again this year. That means that one thing is growing! The ring in my tub!

AHHHH CHOOOO! Oh, and by the way, this is not me sneezing, but my dear sweet hubby. His allergies have finally caught up with . He started his new construction job two weeks ago and the pollen has finally taken a toll on him. He loves his new job. He is building gas stations and other small buildings. At night myself and Jerome work with some friends of ours cleaning office buildings. Let me clarify, we clean them out and help reset up of tear down when they move to a new building. Lots of goodies can be found there! God has blessed us greatly. We have been faithful to rely on him when we thought things were going south. Many times one of us would be waning on our faith and the other would slap some since into the other. We stood strong as He commands us to do.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.Ephesians 6:12-14

We were just standing. Today we fight.

Jerome is starting a men's Bible study with our church. He is very excited. He will be using, of course, the Bible and Point Man by Steve Farrar. He says it is time for men of our church/community/ country, you get the drift, need to "man up." I MADE him change is wording a bit. It didn't seem just right to say "cowboy up," his original thought. But PLEASE be praying for this in the coming days. It starts on the 14th of May. Thursday night at OUR HOUSE! Pray that the devil stays away! No family problems, no house problems, no marriage problems and no work problems. Pray that it all comes together like the Lord wants it to.

Also around our house is a new batch of kittens! OH SO SWEET! 5 in all. 3 little black ones and 2 black and white. 3 girls and 2 boys. Sarah Kitty is a good mother. I have 3 to give away! Any takers?

Sarah the cat had her kittens between our computer desk and the wall. That is only about 8 inches. One determined mother.

Just one precious baby!

We are thinking of naming them after candy! Sweet! Any suggestions?

Sarah

2009-04-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

Hey, Sarah just asked if she could have "a 'zert?"

"A what?"

"A 'zert. "

"What?"

"Mom! I've eaten everything! Can I have a 'zert!!!"

"Oh. A dessert!"

Websters dictionary defines dessert as: 1. an usually sweet course, as of pie, cake, or ice cream, served at the end of a meal. 2. uncooked fruit served after, or in place of the sweet course.

Sarah is this definition! because she is my Sweetie Pie! Sugar Dumpling! Honey Dew! Pumpkin! I just can't get enough of her!

A cheerful heart has a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15 (and sometimes just lots of good ol' zert!)

Hello out there! Tap-tap-tap!

2009-04-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

Wow!

Life is really hard when you loose power,

phone and water for a few days!

Easter was beautiful! Then came those dreadful storms! The winds howled and pushed and were ever so powerful! We woke around 2:30 am to hear the trees around our home twisting and creaking. There was an eerie feeling in the air. We laid there for several more min. deciding whether it was bad enough to actually go to the basement or to wait it out.

With in min. the weather turned worse and the snap, pop and bright light of the transformers happened! It was time to go!

The house was clothed in a darkness that was thick as pea soup. I went to the girls' room and quick, yet sternly woke C up and urgently told her we had to get downstairs immediately! She quickly woke, gathered her few things and followed me down the stairs. I had scooped S up in a snap and she never knew we went down. Jerome went to the boys room and gathered them.

We all slept in the floor till about 5:30am.

We woke to Sarah trampling all over us!

She was startled to find herself not in her bed.

We listened and it seemed the wind had died down. That's when we went up stairs, still in darkness, and crawled into our own beds. (Ouch! Lying on concrete floors, even the carpeted ones, are not good for any body!)

In the morning, we woke to find that trees all around us had fallen. Several houses in our neighborhood had them through their roofs, across storage buildings and lying in the streets. God had spared us & everyone directly around us. Thank you Jesus for your protective covering. It wasn't until late Tuesday afternoon that we gained power, and we are still without a phone today. (But we have the Internet?!?)

Over the weekend, we spent time with the Clarks and then later with the Walkers!

I took family portraits of the Clarks. They are wonderful to work with. Each of those babies are beautiful. Mark and Wendy have a love that will last a life time. You can visit Wendy on her blog, Long days, Short years listed on my favorites. I've know this family for 15 years!!!! Wow Wendy! Our children have grown up out of diapers together!

The Clarks

The Walkers are absolute blessings to our family. We hadn't seen them in 3 years! The last time Rona had seen Sam, was when I brought him home from the hospital!

We originally went to church together several years ago. I had the pleasure of working with Rona at the church day care.

Jerome loves spending his time with Gene.

They had been in a men's Bible study together many years ago.

We arrived at dinner and didn't leave till VERY late. (We are so sorry guys. And the next day being Easter! I'm sure your day was long after being up with us. )

Gene, being a Jack of many interest, has been raising meal worms for awhile. They are great for fishing......feeding the birds...What else? I'm not sure. A strange sort of thing, I think. Well, anyway, Nathan got to bring home a souvenir. Yep. Gene sent home a shoe box of worms !!!!!! Now, Nate, being the great fisherman, thinks this is great! Jerome... thinks this is great. Me? Chloe thinks they are GROSS! I might be on board with her. It tickled Nate, it tickled Gene. I'm happy as long as the lid stays on!

Rona and I were loving the chat time. Never running out of things to talk about. I love spending my time with her. Never a wasted moment.

And no picture posted as I promised!

I hope to see you again soon! Thanks family!

God is still providing jobs for us, in case I haven't mentioned it. He started a construction job with a family friend. Working there during the day. At night we are working together with some home schooling families cleaning office buildings. With God's help we will be able to keep up with our monthly bills and give him all the glory. There were times that each of us lost our cool over the whole thing of not having a job. He blessed us with each other to slap some sense into the other one! We have been unemployed for 3 months exactly. And now God has supplied job after job. Anything from mowing grass, painting bathrooms, construction, cleaning, photography. God is a mighty God. Always supplying our needs.

Have a blessed night!

Pictures from yesterday's post

2009-04-01T14:58:00.001-07:00

This is the pasture out our backdoor. It is always quiet. You never hear the whirring of traffic. There is an occasional wild animal like a rabbit or deer. I'll never forget the Easter Bunny showed up one year living in a pile of broken limbs! My mother still giggles about that one! I had to be 7 or so.

When we were out walking Sunday, it reminded me also of the past days when my parents and I would go walking the fence line. Mother gets a good giggle out of that also. She says I always had to pack a lunch. Even if we just ate! I guess I was a boy scout at heart! Those of you who know me now are shaking your heads in agreement aren't you. Always OVERLY prepared.

The perfect Lord allowed me to have just a few moments alone on our walk to capture this beauty. I love butterflies & am very appreciative when I can capture one on film! This one stayed for me nearly 5 min.! It was a true blessing to watch his beauty. His wings were together for a long time and then, as if a nudge from heaven, he gently opened them and warmed his little body in the sun. He was only about 1/2 inch giant!

This is sweet Peter that we had to take to Papa's to live. Notice this time I said to Papa's? My Dad loves pets of all sizes. I think it is my mother we have to tip toe around! J brought Peter home last spring. He was no bigger than our new kittens who were 8 weeks old at the time! He told us that we he returned from his sales route, that one of the fellas had brought this pup into the count down room. He had found it thrown up in the cab of his truck by an unknown person. So he brought it back to the shop. He thought he had a roc on his hands due to it had no tail, or that it's tail had been whacked. J, being the hunting dog expert of the room, explained that it a hound. Needless to say that was the end of those fellows wanting a hunting dog. J brought Pete home and we all fell in love. Unfortunately Pete did learn to climb the fence and then proceeded to snoop through neighbors' garbage and kidnapping stuffed animals from small children! Now Pete has a new home. ;0)

My Mom has the greenest thumb. This is a cactus that we gave her on Mother's Day last year. It has now had 2-3 babies. This is one. I love the gentleness of the leaves and the calming green.

This is one of my Mother's favorite plants, the Camellia. She has two bushes covered in these delicate blooms.

We had a really great time at Mimi's and Papa's!

2009-03-30T19:30:00.000-07:00

We went to see Mimi and Papa yesterday. It was a good visit. We also got to walk the land that I grew up. Everyone loved being out and looking for the wild! J carried his hatchet and Nathan cut up limbs and knocked bark off trees. He was in wild heaven! Sam and Sarah ran through the over grown hay fields and loved the grasshoppers and other flying things whizzing out of the way. Chloe walked through the thick pines with Peter, our dog. We had to leave Peter with my parents. He has a terrible habit of climbing our fence and getting out. Their have been several complaints and he steals stuffed animals from other yards. He is such a good dog other wise. He loves the children and always gentle.

My favorite time, other than being with our family, was the beautiful butterfly that I got to capture on film. I'll get all those downloaded tomorrow. My battery died when I got home from the Jewish Temple today. Another story, on another time...

Chloe's Party

2009-03-28T00:58:00.000-07:00

Yikes! A ton of screaming girls are at my house! They are having a blast! I never thought that I would still be awake, but it is now 2:57 AM and you know every minuet counts!

Today we are celebrating Chloe's birthday with her girlfriends. They are a wonderful bunch of young ladies growing up in the Lord. Praise God for that! There Mamas are wonderful, Godly women. I am honored to have them celebrating with Chloe.

The following pics are from earlier tonight, or should I say last night? I'm so confused! They have had pizza, presents, photo ops, and CHOCOLATE CAKE! Don't you Mamas wished you'd stayed! They've painted nails, watched, movies, listened to music and had a toe painting contest! I'm sending those pics out to you Mama's to see if you know your daughter's toes! How fun is that!?! They were all excited. I hope you enjoy the photos!

Thanks for coming by!

2009-03-28T00:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks Heather for taking our family pics! We so enjoyed being on the other side of the camera for a change....

2009-03-25T15:27:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness. My eldest is turning 13 tomorrow!

Chloe is growing up too fast for me. She is such a young lady. She carries herself well in public. She cares that she dresses like a Godly woman, yet maintaining style. She loves to be with her family, and cares deeply for her friends.

She is dedicated to the Lord with all her heart. She can memorize scripture like no body's business.

She is dependable.

She is careful.

She is loving.

She is respectful.

She is silly.

She is incredible.

She is my sweet baby, growing up.

Well I did it!

2009-03-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

I'm in the process of figuring out HOW to start a photography business. I've previously worked on projects with the church this past year. So I have worked with a wide variety of ages. I have also been taking photos of my own children for for 12 years.

About 5 years ago I stopped going to the mall to have their pictures made and decided that I could make better shots of who they really were verses the fake pretty smiles. I have those hanging on my own home walls now.

Friends have been encouraging me for years by saying "you should do this for a living! You take great pictures." "Can I have a copy of that?" Yes, they are my friends and family, but I value their opinions greatly. I trust that they would tell me the truth. I expect it.

I have started a photo website at: http://thewhitfieldphotography.shutterfly.com. Some of you will recognize your face or your children's faces! Please feel free to order copies of your photos. Thank you for allowing me to practice on you! I receive nothing from the orders.

Please, as my friends and family, please pray as I adventure out on this trek of life. Thank you.

And the Holy Spirit came down in the form of a dove....

2009-03-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

Several Sundays ago, my two sweet babies were listening to a friend of mine, Mrs. Kim, telling them their Bible lesson for the day. She was saying "..then a dove came down and landed on Jesus' head and God said, "This is my son, whom I am well pleased."" Sitting ever so still and listening to every word...Sarah spoke up, very much into the story and added her own part... "And then they all went home and had dove."

My friend was speechless.

I think Sarah was hungry।

Oh, the things they say....

Have a blessed day. ;0)

Growing Pains

2009-03-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

We had a good day today. Very long, but good.
Y'all have a good night.
A thought to share:

No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

I hope to be on the peace and righteousness side one day. Have you ever read Hebrews. This has been by far the hardest book that I have ever studied. I have struggled through it, cried through (that's the discipline part that hurts) it and soon I hope to be enjoying the peace and righteousness.

Just when you think you might have a handle on a smidgen of the concept of how to be Christ like, God will transform your thinking. He will show you something knew when you ask. I so want to please Him. To have him say "My good and faithful servant." I was reading Hebrews 11 about the righteous that have pleased God like Abel and his sacrifices made in faith (4), Enoch who did not experience death (5), Noah, Abraham, & Sarah all faithful followers. They obeyed instantly when He told them to do something. No questions, no hesitation. Just did it. They must have been wearing Nike's. They just did it.

They never really got to see the promise land. They were seeking a new home. The one God has prepared. Verse 16 is beautiful, and encouraging to me: "But they (those who are searching for a homeland, to be with Him) now aspire to a better land- a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God,( that means me too and you) for He has prepared a city for them (us!)." Did you know He has made a place for you in that city. He loves you and so wants you to be there.
And remember, God has arranged my days to where I am receiving Hebrews not only at Bible study, but in small group and in church. Everything is revolving around God transforming me to be more like him. I feel as if I'm rambling, but God is so mushing and molding me yesterday, today, and days to come. I can feel that pain. It's not a horrible pain of change, but more of a embarrassed, coming to knowledge of what I am lacking to be more like him. I have so far to go.

I search for reassurance. I seek his grace. I turn to Lamentations 3:22-23:
"{Because of} the Lord's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Did you notice the Your is capitalized? That is talking about His faithfulness. He is faithful to us! He loves us so much, not "just enough", but SO MUCH that He is faithful when we are not. Amazing isn't it.

Which brings me to another wonderful verse: Ps. 100:4-5. "Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good, and His love is eternal; His faithfulness endures through all generations." Did you get that? That His love is eternal. Do you know how long eternal is? FOREVER! Yes, even when we are bad by saying something snide, yelling at the children, speeding! Or even worse. And forever. Does that mean that it is okay to do wrong or sin? No, because sin pushes us away from Christ. And that is not what He wants nor what we want. We desire to be pulled close to the Lord. So we seek him.

So, as I am ("You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13) seeking, you seek with me. Ask God to show you where you need to draw closer to Him. What sin is in your life keeping you separate from Him? Is it your short temper? bad language? pride? selfishness? worry? being impatient with a loved one? not wanting to wait on God's timing-pushing ahead and doing your own thing? I love this verse: "Yet Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our potter; we all are the work of Your hands." Isaiah 64:8. I so gladly turn my life over to the potter. Right now, I am just a clump of clay. No shape. No beauty. But in his hands imagine what He will do with me. And you!

Oh I forgot to post the rest of our week!

2009-03-07T11:05:00.000-08:00

Our Snow Family

Oh, the rest of our week was not as exciting. With the snow gone, life picked up as usual. With school work, ballet, and CBS, filling our calendar. We enjoyed a relaxing Friday. I'm looking for a new curriculum for Language, Spelling and possibly Math for 5th & 8th grades. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Today we have cleaned the house to get ready for Small group on Sunday morning. We have a great group. There are about 11 adults and 15 children! We have a great time sharing and learning God's Word. Right now we are reading A Cross Centered Life. It really goes right along with our CBS lesson on Hebrews, and what our pastor is teaching on the next few weeks. Isn't it amazing how God plans things out!
I'm contemplating starting a home business. Jerome is still out of work and I love to photograph people. I know a million people do it, but I just love working with people and making them smile at themselves. God blessed each of us with a beauty, and I love to capture. Every month I get a little closer to making that big leap of trying it out. What do you think? I am going to try to set up another blog with my favorite photos. I'll let you know later where to view it.
In a few hours Chloe and I are leaving to go to a Southern Living Party at Mrs. Heather's. I must go. Oh and last night I cut my own hair! Oh, brother!

Skating in Pelham and the rest of our week.

2009-03-07T10:33:00.001-08:00

After Sunday's big snow, we were worried that we wouldn't get to go ice skating with our home school group. But, as all Alabama snow, it simply disappeared by late afternoon. However, our snowmen on the back deck stuck around til Friday. That was a wonderful treat to look out and see our little family of snowmen.

Well, Monday came and the day was bright and cheery. The wind bit like a knife. The roads were safe and we loaded the van. The children were very excited. None of them had every experienced ice skating. Wow, snow and ice skating all in one week!

We met several families at the McDonald's near the rink for a late breakfast. Then off to the rink!

Chloe took to the ice right away. Never fearing that she might fall. She thought of it as roller blades and she was gone! Smiling the BIGGEST smile the entire time!

Nate hugged the wall for a bit, and I don't blame him. After awhile, he took to the ice without any problems. He got so good that he was skating across the rink instead of around the rink with the flow of things. (Is this a sign of things to come?)

Sarah was looked fondly upon by the Sharits' and they escorted her & Sam around the rink. It wasn't too long till Sarah was out and skating on her own too! She said "Mrs. Heather is the best skater ever!"

The previous night, I had pulled out a pair of size 6 purple corduroy pant with flowers embroidered around the pockets and wanted her to wear them on "ice skating day." (Yes, my sweet little twig is growing up so fast. Her little long legs are sprouting as we speak!) So, anyway, Sarah was protesting. Then she remembered that "Mrs. Heather has purple corduroy pants just like those!" Being a quick mom as I am, "Would you like for me to call Mrs. Heather and see if she will wear her pants tomorrow?" Oh happy day! Heather hadn't picked out her outfit for the day and she was joyed to matched Sarah for the day!

Well, Sam and I didn't fair as nicely as the Big Kids. He stayed on the wall or on the ice the entire time! We laughed, we cried, we watched everybody go by! He really did enjoy himself. I promise. This wasn't torture.

Well, now as for me? I would love to say that I haven't lost one ounce of grace, stability or vigor, BUT, I have. I put on a pair of skates, nearly broke my neck WALKING down the ramp to the rink and took them off. I spent the rest of my rink time in tennis shoes on ice.

We had a blessed time with our group. Chloe and Nate both came home with bruises about the size of tennis balls on their knees. They never once lost their smiles, and that was worth everything!

Snow in ALABAMA

2009-03-01T21:02:00.000-08:00

March 1, 2009 IN ALABAMA

Nearly 2 good inches in most places.

What a wonderfully white day!

This is just outside our school room window.

Sledding,

Mom & Sam!

Sam & Mom!

Snowball fights,

Chloe dodging a snowball from our neighbor, "Little Kenny."

Neighbors sking down our front yard!

This is Big Kenny. (Dad to Little Kenny) He is from NJ! Says the snow here is not the same as up there. Our snow is "sticky."

The Kids,

S & S

Nate and

Eli Dog

Chloe sledding.

The Hubby!

Jerome goes face first on his sled.

We had a wonderful time!

2009-02-19T21:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Belated Valentines!

For our Valentines date we spent it with our church family. We ate by candle light, played some really silly games (like see which couple could dance the longest with a ball between their foreheads!) and it was great fun! I hope that you had a wonderful evening too!

And Jo Ellen came to keep the kids! We played 8 games of Clue, ate pizza, went to the park and libray. She stayed till Monday. We had a blast. Thanks for coming Jo.

A day a the park!

Hey guess what

2009-02-08T20:36:00.000-08:00

Well, ladies. I must announce that my sweet hubby has started his own blog. I really never thought that I would see this day! I always got the feeling that he thought that it was, well, almost silly. Yes, as I type this, he is standing over my shoulder to see what I type. Eager to see what is in my own mind. I must say, I am very proud of him being willing to sit down and attempt and succeed in doing this. If you know my husband, then you know what his great past time passion is all about. A grand clue is before you. He is a great hunter of the south. A man that doesn't hunt to just kill and conquer, but to harvest from the land the Lord has given. He takes great pride in being able to supply food for his family in this way. He has great pleasure in knowing that he "took" this deer to benefit his family. It is more of a from the earth kind of provision than for the kill. Do you know what I mean? He will study the land, the wind, the weather and the markings that many deer have made in the, as I just learned, "deer wood." It takes great effort and time to learn these traits of a fine deer hunt. Just like us ladies will spend hours reading up on childcare, how to home school, whatever the notion is that we are passionate about. We will go and ask many home schooling moms' their opinion on a matter before we try something new. We will want to know the tricks of the trade before we get started. We take great care and pride in knowing that we can do this and do it well. He is this way with his hunt. And well, now that the season is over, he will now be sharing his love for the sport, his knowledge, and his passion with the rest of blogging world. I pray that you are blessed by his sharing.

You can reach him at thoughtsfromahuntersmind.blogspot.com

2009-02-05T10:45:00.000-08:00

This is my hubby. Isn't he cute! He is a great cook too! He adores our 4 babies and ME! He is a true blessing!

Okay folks! My hubby has been out of work for nearly 3 weeks! I have thoroughly enjoyed his being at home. He has searched religiously for a position somewhere that would meet our needs. We know that God has removed him from the last job. That job was terrible, yet paid the bills. God has blessed us multiple times. First, he received his regular monthly paycheck. Then, on this check, he received a bonus that the company had owed their employees since JUNE! He quit that Friday, then God blessed us with our income tax coming in on the 30th. Then God blessed us through free food by having someone else over order and need to get rid of the food... This also helped MANY other families. Plus, God blessed me through allowing me to participate in going to get the food and passing it out! That was a huge blessing b/c it's not everyday you can get a babysitter for Friday and in the middle of the day! I know that God will care for our needs. There is no way that His promises come back void. He promises that he will care for us like he cares for the sparrow. Please pray that J finds a position that he will love and that will allow him to be at home at night and weekends, AND be ample income plus some. We've got to save for college X 4!

The end of the month...

2009-01-31T13:06:00.000-08:00

Another week has flown by. Sam has come down with ANOTHER fever. The BIG boys are ending their hunting careers today...till next year. Sarah, Nate and myself attended yet another funeral. There have been 3 so far this year... and it's only January 31. I'm ready for some births. This was Sarah's first funeral and I'm not sure why she actually went. I always take Nate. He does well at them. I could be mortifying his little 8 yr. old brain. Anyway, Sarah came and asked if she could go too. At the last min. I said OK and off she went to get her dress on. She did fairly well. A little wiggly, but she ALWAYS is. She asked loads of questions. They were very cute of course. Why she in the box? Look her box is PINK! Why she dead? Why there so many FLOWERS? Who's that? Then we went to the cemetery. Oh my. What's that hole for? There going to do what?! WHY? And naturally I answered all her question in a VERY hushed voice. I just wished she had asked them in a hushed voice too!

This is a picture of Mimaw on her birthday. We spent the weekend with her the first part of January. I like the way January started VS. the way it ended!

I hope your little one tickles your funny bone today!

All about Sarah

2009-01-26T16:29:00.000-08:00

Sarah has just turned 5, as you know. This is her birthday check up. She was very frightened. J says "Like a scared rabbit!" She became very pale when she realized that she may get shots. Pale! We encouraged / bribed her that we would go out for ice cream (in 30 degree weather!) ! She had the prick, and 2 shots that day. A good cry come out of her, but she was a real trooper! Sam was there too. He's her security. (And he had his check up too. That helped.) We went to the pharmacy right there beside the doctor's. Instant relief. She filled her cup up with Coke and Cherry slushy. What a great day. In the evening she had a great nap. Isn't she beautiful?! She has a sweet, caring spirit that I wished we all had.

YeeHaw!

2009-01-24T18:21:00.000-08:00

I just had to share these photos of Sam! This is the only child that I have that gets attached to things! At this point in time, he is attached to Nate's big hat and potato gun and his workman goggles and saw from his tool box that he got at Christmas. He wears these ALL the time! He's even tried to wear them to church! He is a mess! He keeps us all laughin! He is a TRUE last child. Let us pray!

We made it through the holidays

2009-01-18T17:28:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

Sarah the Nurse
Sarah and Chloe play Little Pets

Sarah opens little petsChloe We did make it through the holidays at good speed. We had a great time visiting family.

In January, Mimaw had her birthday and we spent 24 hrs. with her. It is becoming her birthday present every year. The kids and I arrived around 6pm and ate pizza and cake, played domino's and watched movies. Jerome was able to join us late that night after work.

Sarah turned 5 YEARS OLD on Dec. 23. She is so big now. I noticed tonight that she can turn the kitchen faucet on without using the stool. Her little legs are getting so long. She got Little Pets and a baby that "gets a runny nose." She gets to dress up like the nurse and give the baby shots. (I love this shot of her in the old timer glasses.) Speaking of shots, she got 3! Ouch. I took Sam and Sarah in for "birthday" check ups. She weighs 43 lbs and Sam 41 lbs. Can you believe it! Nearly 2 yrs. different and only 2 lbs. different! We went to the pharmacy next to the dr. office and got slushes for a treat. Now, that she is 5 and can write her first name, I took her to the T'ville Lib. to get her very own card. Oh, she is so proud! I'll get those pics posted later. :0)

I've gotten onto "facebook" with Jerome. His sister got one and said that J might enjoy one to make contact with old friends. Some of his old friends are my new friends and asked for my facebook. It has been really fun to see what everybody is doing. Looking forward to making contact with folks.

Another Rainy Day

2008-12-16T21:43:00.000-08:00

J at the podium!

Sam singing his little heart out at CBS!

Sarah prepares for her special part of the song!

Chloe taking a flying leap at ballet!

Oh, today was nice. I jumped up running and flew into my work. No, really, I woke up about 9 with my two youngest on either side of me asleep. I can vaguely remember Sam running in this morning before sun up crying and saying something about wanting to go with Daddy. (Daddy leaves VERY early every morning to deliver milk. Best Daddy in the world! He needs some kind of great reward. Amazing how he gets up around 3AM and shoves off to a job that he isn't very fond of, but does it because of us. I love you J.) Anyway, life was good. We seemed to do school ALL day long. With 2 really in school and 2 really wanting to be in school, I'm constantly doing school. I should be the smartest mom out there when this is all over, if I can still hold my eyes open!

Recently in our lives, We are all well! Yeah!!!

We've had several Christmas parties to attend, one ballet performance, and a singing. All has been good.

I volunteered my camera and my little knowledge on taking pictures and have been taking Christmas family photos at our church. I have done 4 families now and they range in age from 1 to grandma! The most challenging was the baby. A very sweet and enduring baby! She was so on the move. Not wanting to pose at all. Imagine! But in the end I set the camera on motion or action shots and just followed her around the tree and got some really great still shots. Thank you Lord! She was very patient with me constantly following her around with the camera.

Some have suggested that I do it on the side. I'm still waiting on that "Go!" from the Lord. Before I put myself out there. I do enjoy it. Children are so precious to capture. Their curiosity or their innocents just shines right through.

J spoke to our youth on Sunday night about what Christmas means to our family. I think he really did a great job. All the girls that Chloe is friends with shouted for him like he was some rock star. Well, I guess he is Jesus is our Rock! I'm very proud of him. I think that one day, if he keeps speaking, he'll be a wonderful preacher. You might be able to hear him speak at our church's website: mylwc.com.

Tomorrow we head off to an assisted living home to deliver good cheer and Christ Love. I pray for clear weather and healthy children! I hope to have some pictures to share.

Sarah is turning 5 in a few days! My baby girl is 5! She says things just so matter of factly. We are hoping to have her a big party, since we never got around to her 4th birthday party. I know I should be hung for not doing one last year. But this year we (Sarah) wants it to be at Pump It Up. She has asked a million times. I think I owe it to her.

Nate has enjoyed hunting. He's done a fine job in gun safety. J is very proud of him. One day he's going to get the big one. I just know it.

Have a blessed evening.

Not Again

2008-12-02T21:14:00.000-08:00

Well it has happened AGAIN, just a different child this time. Nate has come down with the fever virus this week. His started Sunday at church! Sorry guys! He has laid around for days with terrible fevers. He is also going to miss the Christmas singing at CBS tomorrow! He was actually excited about that too! (This from a child that was going to lose his morning meal the Sunday we dedicated our youngest! Sever stage fright. He has worked very hard to get over it.) He was going to stand and say one of his memory verses. I am still very proud of that, He had great hope to stand & say God's word. GO Nate!

So, with him being sick, I've been back on the couch for 3 nights. Not complaining one bit! Our couches sleep so much better than our bed. I've bedded down with each sick child for the past month, leaving J to snore in the bedroom.

Well, I must adjourn for the night (to my couch!). S & S are now upon me, and it is their bed time and mine.

Blessing for today, uh this week

2008-11-26T19:16:00.000-08:00

Nate the Great Hunter!

Well, I finally made it back! Sam has been very sick since last Wednesday night! As soon as we got home from CBS he was clingy and then it went down hill from there. Hopefully we are on the mends now. He had a high fever of 102-03 for most of 3 days. The doctor scolded me for not bring him in earlier. She said his ears & throat were clear. I needed to be scolded. I always seem to talk myself out of going to the doctor. Silly, I know, but I have taken them in so many times and "they" say it's just a virus, it will run its course. Next time, when he even starts a fever, which usually happens every two months, he is going in!

Hunting season also started here in Alabama. Nate inherited my dad's (AKA: Papa) shot gun. He was very proud. Jerome took him hunting on "Youth Day" that occurred the Saturday before opening day for the old men. He saw several deer. Shot once. Missed. He told Jerome if he hadn't been talking so much he wouldn't have missed! Sounds just like a true hunter, huh? Jerome does talk a lot though!

I turned another year older! I look terrible in the "Birthday" shot. I had been sleeping on the couch with Sam for 4 nights! I am fully blessed with beautiful children that adore me. I am so undeserving of God's Grace.

Yesterday a beautiful thing happened! Sarah learned to spell & write her name ALL BY HERSELF!!!! I am so proud of her. Forever, everything was a "S" or a "O." She is on her way to growing up! Go Sarah!

I have spent most of this day cleaning house and then going to our small church to help my friend Jane and Heather set up the Christmas tree and candles for the windows. I had such a great time spending it with them. Chloe has been such a blessing to me today. She kept all 3 children, fed them lunch and had Sam dressed for his doctors apt. when I came back to get him. THEN, took back over when I left to help finish the job at the church! I must go now and give her a big hug and tell her how much of a blessing to me she was to allow me to serve at the church.

Thinking of others today...

2008-11-15T19:56:00.000-08:00

S & S working hard on the cards!

Nate using stamps to decorate his card!

Chloe and the gals decorate tons of cards for the visit.

We spent Thursday making cards for our Assisted Living home visits in December. We love doing this for the homes. The gentlemen and ladies look forward to seeing the children sing and visiting with them. Our home school group have done this for several years.

Thank you Lord for those who go before us and show us the way.

2008-11-15T19:32:00.000-08:00

Veterans' Day Parade!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

.............................................2008

Our very first parade to walk in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We loved being with Dad!

Tuesday was Veterans' Day. We got to march in the parade down town! It was so cool! We all got back in the van worn out, (except Sam, he slept in the stroller nearly the entire route!) but we had the best time waving and pointing out all the veterans on the sidewalks that had come to watch the parade. If you could catch their eye and say "Thank you for serving!" They would simply bow their head and say a small "Yours welcome." All of them were very humble and grateful to us for walking in the parade.

I thank the Lord that there were men that were full love for our country and thought of us and fought.

"The fear of man is a snare,

but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected. "Proverbs 29:25

Lord thank you for protecting the men who fought for me and my family.

What's up lately

2008-11-06T07:52:00.001-08:00

On Monday we went to the McWane Center. It was our first time and it was great! It was so great that I forgot to go back out and put quarters in the meter and I got "tagged" buy the city of B. Ouch! My first ticket ever and I'm 35 years old! I'm so disappointed! Best advice I could give you at this point is pay that $5 to park! You WILL spend more than the 2 hours in the McWane before you know it. The meters only let you run a 2 hour limit.

Back to the McWane, it was well worth the the time put in exploring it.

We went to explore the fossils of the swimming dinosaurs. We were all amazed at their size! Nate wished he could have caught one on his hook to mount! I told him, he is insane! Those things have huge teeth. He just grinned!

We had a great day with the Andertons, our science partners this year.

It is just amazing the animals that God created on the earth.

Tuesday, we did the school thing, went to vote, and then rushed off to ballet. It was a perfect day for riding scooters in the parking lot. We had a relaxing afternoon.

For dinner, I was treated by my hubby. We got to go out to to eat at Jim and Nick Bar B Q. We were no where near perfect guest. I requested the corner "U" shaped table that holds a bunch. The children became restless after gobbling down the first set of rolls. Knees repeatedly hit the table LOUDLY from wrestling around. And I'm not talking about my younger children either. Little S couldn't decide if he wanted to sit with Daddy or myself. So, we played the switching game about 3 times and that was it! He had to stay put. OH, My sweet S. She was coloring and matching stickers to the picture book that we had supplied. She was really being so good. It was so peaceful at that certain moment with blues music playing in our ear. The whole restaurant seemed to have hushed at that moment, (As you may have guessed, it didn't last long.) From the "Quiet" corner she stood up on her knees and began to "Hooo-hooo" along with the music, loudly. Everyone turned to see who........! It was so funny! She sang several verses and then realizing that everyone was watching, she sat down sheepishly and just giggled the "Did I do that?" giggle. Somehow, Jerome and I made it through about 2 hours without loosing it! Well, we did loose it, but it was with laughter!

Yesterday was Wednesday. A very long day. CBS was really a blessing with no problems. Everyone was on their best behavior and things just went great. N got to bring home a friend afterwards and they had the best time. Then at church C performed in her very first human video with another young lady. They were mirrors of each other. It was beautiful.

Today has been well. I was up early. That would be 7:30 for me. Most of you rise hours before me! I had my Bible lesson done and I had accomplished spelling with N before 9! I came to the computer, to research an art project for the homeschoolers at CBS to do this Christmas. I have been sidetracked with emails.

This reminds me I've got to go and get back on my day before my getting up early is wasted. Wendy, I'm praying for you and your home visit today. Rebekah, I am praying for Mrs. Kathy and you. ;0). I Love you both. You are my sisters.

I found my lost blogs

2008-11-01T23:23:00.000-07:00

" If they serve Him obediently, they will end their days in prosperity and their years in happiness." Job 36:11

I want to end my years in prosperity and happiness. I will do my housework with joy!
And Sam too!

Would you believe I have been so busy that I haven't written all that I needed to write! As I sat down tonight to blog, I found 2 other blogs that I had written but never published!
How silly am I?

Yes, this is me vacuuming out from under my cabinets. We all pitched in. Someone would clean out the cabinet or drawer and then I would vac and then someone would reload it. It helps that I don't have a whole lot in there to pull out! Sam really did a lot of the vacuuming! Men and their machines. He sucked up a few toys, crumbs and tried to suck up my HAIR RIGHT OFF MY HEAD!!! He said with a sheepish grin, "I luvff you Momma." Oh, who could resist that!

When we were done, we went outside to look at the red leaves on the oaks. I'll post their pics later!

Today, we had a great day. We played and cleaned for small group on Sunday night.

I am looking forward to the McWane Center on Monday with the Andertons. We have been studying things that swim in God's waters. We just read about he dinos that used to swim here and I hear that their fossils are at the McWane. So, we are really excited!

Have a blessed day. Please check in as a follower! I would love to see who's reading!

I've been tagged

2008-11-01T22:02:00.000-07:00

Yikes! I've been tagged! My wonderful friend Wendy has tagged me and wants me to post my 6 favorite things in my kitchen!

When we were shopping around for a home about 2 1/2 years ago, our main concern was that we had to have 4 full bedrooms (of course everybody wanted their own. Jerome and I were the only ones willing to share at the time & Sam was just to little to say his two goo's worth.), 2 or more bathrooms (with 4 growing children I HAD to have tons of those!). A huge, fenced in backyard, with a beautiful place to garden. A schoolroom would have been ideal, but a closet would do. Perfect driveway to ride bikes in and neighbors that were tops! Of course the kids want the "P" word, a pool and and and and .....

The kitchen was important, but I didn't realize how important. As we, a crew of 6, walked through, played through, tried out all the seats (I do mean potties, Sarah was potty training at the time and the urge always hit her about the time we turned the key to the home that we came to tour......

Anyway the kitchen just needed to be big enough, updated and ample cabinets. We can paint, replace flooring...maybe even add cabinets.

Well, in our search for the perfect home, the one thing that wasn't a challenge, became a challenge. The kitchen. We were given a LARGE table that would seat the six of us plus a few more. It is a chunky, stable table. Not delicate to say the least. We now needed a LARGE eating area to hold our beloved table. We wouldn't dare part with the table, so we had to find a kitchen that would fit around the table!

So, one of my favorite things in my kitchen is my enormous table.

Here you see my two youngest sitting upon it with their newest fall creation. An Apple Sauce Cake. ( I told you it was sturdy!)

My second favorite thing is hanging on the wall of the only kitchen that would fit around my table that I couldn't do without. It is a platter that I made with my friend Heather last Christmas. It has all my children's hands painted on it and I will keep it as a reminder of all the little hand prints that are all over my home. Oh, how fast they do grow up!

My third favorite thing is "Girl Food!" Wendy and I satin the kitchen that went around the beloved table that I couldn't do without, a few weeks ago and talked for hours. If you're wondering what that stuff is, well, it's cream cheese and salsa! Oh, Ladies it is so GOOOOOOD!

The next thing that I love, really keeps my house in running order. It cuts down on arguing, confusion and bickering. Not to mention the whining! So, the next thing that tops my list of faves is my Chore Chart and Grumpy Day Chart. They go hand in hand. Chore Chart tells everyone what they are to do for the day. We are a family that goes with the flow. We are not a "do the same thing everyday" kind of family. Now, we do have our "Dailies" listed on every ones' chart, but there are just some chores that no one wants to do. So, we swap out. If someone gets up grumpy and decides that they want to whine about a job, they are referred to the Grumpy Chart. This is where Mom, Me, gets to add another chore (that just never seems to get done) to their list of things to do that day. It also has many verses about good work habits and "if you don't work, you don't eat" verse. No, my children do get to eat. However, that little extra chore really has cut down on the whole whining thing.

Oh, the charts are on the fridge, that is in the kitchen, that is around the table that we couldn't do without.

Next on my list of faves is: my stainless steal pots. They look beautiful and cook things great! They are a treasure to my kitchen, that goes around my table that we couldn't do without!

Am I almost done?

The next item on the list is pretty awesome! My children loooove
to take out the trash. I'm never sure if it is to get out of the house for awhile or a desire to get the chore done. I'm guessing the first! So, my favorite thing is whoever takes out the trash! Right now it is on Chloe's chart. Nate was available for the pic!

So, the trash taker outer eats, cleans, plays and works in the kitchen that goes around the table that I couldn't do without!

The Last and Final thing on my list of faves is

a JUST MOPPED KITCHEN FLOOR!

Wow that feels so good! No grit, no sticky, no "Hey, what's that?" no chips, cookie, grapes, bread crust, dirt, play dough, crayons. Just one beautiful squeaky clean floor!

The floor is the backdrop for the kitchen that goes around the table that we couldn't do without!

Who ever designed this kitchen did an excellent job. It is not immaculate but great to use. I have white cabinets that cheer up the place. A floor that pretty much hides most dirt to any unsuspecting visitor and is always welcoming friends over for coffee and girl food!

I love my kitchen.

Apples and Spice and Everything Nice

2008-10-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

Sarah and Sam have been reading about an apple farm! Sarah loved it so much that she wanted to make all the recipes in the book! She is a very clever little girl. Her favorite things to spy in books are maps,& recipes! I believe that she will be my World Chef! Sarah loves helping me in the kitchen, except for clean up! However she is getting better. I even let her use the hand mixer to make her cake. She thought she was so big! She's got her sidekick where ever she goes and he is doing everything that she does!

Another day in the Lord's mercy

2008-10-20T21:25:00.000-07:00

We just had another good day in the Lord's mercy. I had a busy day all planned out and the Lord just slowed it down a bit! I had high hopes of getting up early and getting a jump on things, but C and J got to go to the World Outreach Center in the Big town of O last night. They didn't get home till nearly 11! They had a wonderful time.

The youth from this church put on "Fatal Exit." It is a play about people who left this world through some fatal exit, and found out that they weren't going to heaven like they thought. It was very eye opening to some of our young youth. I asked C what did she learn from the play. Her response was "Don't drink. Don't show favoritism. Don't......" Which she is correct. These things don't glorify the Father.

There was one part for the "Old Christians" in the crowd that I hope that everyone got. That we are to share the Love of Christ with all His people. (The poor, the snobby, the lonely, the undesirables....) Chloe kept retelling this part of the play where a young lady was killed in some sort of accident and was sent to hell. She returned to the stage, burnt, calling out "Why didn't you just invite me to church? I would have come! Why didn't you just tell me about Jesus? Now I'm here! (hell)" As she was calling out to the audience, she was fighting demons back that were trying to pull her back to hell. Then in another part of the play, some of the new Christians that had died were thanking the ones who shared Christ with them.There was a time of joy! Of praise and happiness felt by these who were going to Heaven.

Oh, by the way, I didn't get to go to the play. This play impacted Chloe very much. The excitement of it ran through her till later in the night.

It really makes you stop and think about who you haven't shared Christ with. The clerk, the check out girl, the gas station attendant, the girl/guy in the drive through window. How many people did we come in contact with that we didn't show the love of Christ through our smile, kind words (not that we were unkind, but an uplifting word wasn't shared) a generous offer to walk an old friend into Walmart after she just had surgery two weeks ago. What chances did I miss to serve my Lord?

"A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God's mysteries. In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one be found faithful." 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

All things are possible...

2008-10-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

I don't know who created this lovely picture, but today this is how I feel. My hair is a mess. Did I brush my teeth? I think I had a bath---- Wednesday?! My contacts need to be replaced and my eyes are all scratchy.

I need my java, because it is now midnight and my 3 yr. old had a good nap! Thank the Lord for "Bob the builder." I really didn't think I would ever have a child that would be up later than myself.

Sometimes, I don't think that my husband realizes that my day soars at top speed from the time that my eyes pop open till the moment they close. Oh, that song that the funny lady sings to the "What's for dinner--Beef" tune is so my day! Praise God I have Him! My whole day relies on that one verse, "All things are possible through Him who strengthens me." Phil.4:13

Did anything crazy happen today? No, I think. My children have been pleasant and compliant. C made fresh muffins with peanut butter chips, Nate did all his chores with out me really having to follow him around. Our school work is almost complete. Sarah learned to write the letter A today! She is very proud to have accomplished this! I found it all over her drawings and other papers. Sam, well has been Sam. He takes after his father. Every few minuets he says: "Momma, I lovff you." It's really cute when I don't answer him. He'll get a little louder "Hey Momma, I said 'I lovff you'"

The dishes are done and the laundry in the drier.

The coolness of October blows in the windows and no air condition is needed.

We call it Aunt Jo Day!

2008-10-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

Aunt Jo visited with us today! Actually, late yesterday afternoon we called her and asked if she would come up and spend the night and the following day with us. She agreed and showed up at our house as a surprise to our children. We had our "Candy Day" along with a night full of board games and other delightful sweets. We, all of us, didn't go to bed till midnight! We were having such fun. We got up around 9 this morning. It was a perfectly dreary day. One that you could sleep all day! After breakfast and the animals were fed, we played in the road! One of our "great aunts" gave the children a large laundry basket full of rackets, balls mitts, etc... that she had gathered over the years for a Christmas present. We have really enjoyed it. Well, that's what we did. We swatted balls back and forth, along with playing Frisbee. I know Jo thought we were nuts. We went to the neighbor's yard to play because it is flat. Our yard is not flat in any direction! After that we went in for a cool drink and played a game of "Clue." Then, around 1:30, lunch time for us, Aunt Jo took us out to Sonic. And we all had ice cream. We visited Micheal's arts and crafts, one of our favorites. We purchased a box of foam craft projects for Christmas and that is what we did for the afternoon. We ended our day with homemade tacos and root beer. We had a wonderful time. Our Aunt Jo is very special to us. She is our only one! Thanks God for giving us Jo.

Baptismal Day!

2008-10-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

Nate
Chloe

September 28, 2008 my two oldest children were baptized! It was a glorious event. Our church is very small, space wise with no baptistery. Instead, we all met at a family's home and baptized the ones who had asked. There were 4 children and 1 adult that participated. It was a beautiful day and the Lord blessed us with a wonderful turn out of family.

Chloe and Nate have had Jesus in their hearts for many years now. When Chloe was 3, she would stand in front of the TV and preach to anyone who was willing to listen! She was so cute! She accepted Jesus as her Savior when she was 7. She has a real knack of putting God's Word in her heart and recalling it quickly. I am envious of this skill.

Nate accepted Jesus as his Savior at an early age of 3. Many times when they are this young, you are never sure they really get that concept of asking the Lord into their heart, or that they may forget. Nate has always stood firm on this fact and never doubted. He has a wonderful compassionate heart for people and I pray that he never looses that. He loves reading the Bible and many times will ask Dad to sit down and read it with him.

They are both rejoicing in the Lord and growing daily in His wisdom. They both enjoy Bible Study and putting God's Word in their hearts. I can't wait to see the plans that God has made for their lives. May He be glorified.

Elmo's World!

2008-10-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

For Sam's 3rd birthday, the Walkers took Sam to see Elmo Live at the bjcc! Sam just loved the entire show! Joshua and Sam danced, sang, hooted and hollered the entire show! They were having the times of their 3 year old lives! Elmo was their favorite. Sam couldn't get over how BIG, Big Bird really was. "He's bigger than Daddy!" Over and over again. Every time he came out on stage! Sarah's favorite of course was Zoe in her pink tutu. My favorite was COOKIE MONSTER!

The whole show was about the new music teacher's truck load of instruments not arriving at Sesame Street. What was she to do without her instruments? All the characters on SS worked together to make this new comer to SS happy again!

Man, it makes you think: shouldn't we all be thinking of each other like that. To take care of each others needs and not our own. Galatians 6:2 says "Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law Christ." Let's be encouraged to take care of others needs.

2008-09-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

Children's Wee theater

2008-09-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

Today we visited the Children's theater Wee Folks. We saw Country Mouse & City Mouse. This was Sarah and Sam's first real visit to the theater. In the past they have been really to young to enjoy it. Well, today was a whole 'nother story! They were so into it. I don't think Sarah ever once moved during the entire show! The characters were so inviting and funny! Sam was really into it too! He kept saying "What's that Mama? Why that mouse do that, Mama?" It was so great! What a blessing to see and experience your children's exposure to new things!
They don't have chairs in this theater, you pull up a space on the stair risers! These are perfect for the wee ones! They can stand if they wish and people can still see around or over them!
Sarah was a little frightened when the actors & actresses came out to greet everyone after the play. I have a pic of her with her arms around Sam's neck. Almost as if she is expecting him to protect her! I love that sweet sibling LOVE!
We had a blessed day!
Pray for our allergies.
Friday night we hope to visit ELMO at he bjcc! Shhhh...S & S don't know yet! We are very excited!

2008-09-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

My sweet hubby brought me roses the other day! I had to take a picture to remember their beauty. We have been married 9 years now and every moment is just wonderful. We have a relationship where we WANT to be together every moment. When we went to 6 Flags this month he road a few of the roller coasters just for me. Not one of his favorite things to do. They make him feel.... ya know how coaster do treat you! So this fall, sometime, I have agreed to venture out and do his favorite thing in the whole world: deer hunting! I so dislike cold weather, sitting still, & not TALKING! Of course he is counting down the days till the season starts. He loves the cool crisp air and the crunch of the leaves. Oh wait you can't stomp through the leaves, you must creep through! That must be me that likes the crunch of the leaves! (I'll scare all the deer away!) Oh, and by the way, I'll be manned with a camera to "shoot" God's beautiful nature that I get to experience as the sun rises!

Baby turns 3

2008-09-24T21:39:00.000-07:00

Isn't just like a boy to go play in the dirt in his party clothes!
Sunday we celebrated our baby boy turning 3! I just can't believe that he is turning 3 years old. He is our caboose and boy is he a handful! Such a joy to grab up and squeeze and kiss. Lately he's been saying "Yuck Mommy!" and wipes away my kisses! Then just grins at me! Waiting for another round of loving.
For his party, we did "Puppy" themed games: Face painting, chalking, Paw print cupcakes and foam puppy stickers for foam bookmarks. He had a blast! Of course it was only the 6 of us and 2 sets of grandparents. (We have 3 sets, but one was busy. We'll see them on another day.)
Sam was so pumped up about his "bird"thday that he just moved in super fast motion. Most of our pictures were a blur! He was just everywhere and loving all the attention. Along with all the perfect gifts of Bob the builder movies, big trucks and GI Joe "dudes" he had a perfect day. A very special gift was given by MIMI, my mother. She had hand stitched the top of his crib quilt and had it quilted for him! It is so bright and colorful. It is a box of crayons in all these wacky patterns and colors. He has waited for awhile for his very own. In the past he has wagged all the other children's quilts around. They all were glad to see his now they could get theirs back!
Sam is such a blessing to us. Thank you Lord for knowing that we need just one more baby!

Our field trip to the "Day on the River"

2008-09-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day! We headed off to up above Locust Fork, my hometown, spent the day with a great organization: Friends of the Locust Fork River. They taught on the animals and plant life in the water shed around and in the river. Several large companies or organizations came out to help teach. We spent nearly all day there! The children were in and out of the river several times learning and exploring. They caught fish with large netting, wittnessed a "teen-age" dragonfly. He doesn't look like a dragonfly at all! They pretended that they were the food chain around the river, and played Tag, being that you could only tag things/animals that you would eat! Great fun. They saw snakes, turtles, & a baby owl. They tested for acid and calcium in the water, & dug for fossils. The favorite part of the day was that each child got to climb into a Real canoe or kiyak and paddle around in the river for nearly 45 minuets! Nathan was really great at it. His first words were "Can I have a Kiyak to take fishing with me?" Chloe steered clear of all the animals! Epecially the snakes. She agreed that the boating was the coolest and well worth the wait! Sam and Sarah had their own "Tadpole" adventures with crafting, storytelling and music, and a scavenger hunt! We left before the day was offically over. It was a great day of family fun and counted as a school day TOO!

Blah day....but still full of God's Beauty.

2008-09-09T17:03:00.000-07:00

Today was a blah day for most of us. 4 of the 6 of the Whitfield fam has a stomach bug. So most of the time we laid around and SLOWLY did homework. As a matter of fact, starting school around 1 makes for a long day. Even though we were not pushing. It just seems longer.
God turned our day around and let us have a little pleasure and dreaming. We are really enjoying our history with Sonlight. We are studying the Pacific Islands. Chloe has designed a resort on her very on island, shaped in a "C" of course! Nate is making fact cards on FIGI and loving all the cool places to visit. Now, if we could only get there. Talk about a field trip! Never over 80 degrees. Perfect weather.
Sarah is much better today. She carried LULU's picture around less and mentioned her less. I think I miss LULU more that she does at this point and that is good.

THis summer we went to Smith Lake thanks to some family friends. We had a wonderful time. This family offered us to come for a weekend, just us.The six of us, "just us." So, I took them up on their offer and took Jerome for Father's Day in late July. He didn't care when we went. It almost killed to wait and find out what I had planned for him! He was like a little kid waiting on a Christmas package! "What did you buy me? When's it coming? ?" ON and on he asked. The children kept the secret too! Which is a huge feet for any child, let alone 4 of them!!!! We arrived early Saturday morning and swam in the deep waters and fished in the late afternoon. It was so pleasant to sit and listen to the lapping of the water and the "whirring" of the fishing rods as they flew out across the water. Even Sarah and Sam got to where they could toss a lure way out into the water. An evening I never want to forget.

Loss of a dear family member

2008-09-08T14:20:00.001-07:00

This Sunday our dear sweet kitty passed away. Last summer we were blessed with a second generation gray kitten. Sarah got to keep her for her very own and named her "Lucy." Lucy was a perfect cat. Beautiful, loving and forgiving to little hands that carried her roughly. We are not sure what happened to Lucy. Our neighbor Annie spotted her lying under the trampoline Sunday morning sunning and by Sunday night she was "gone." It has been hard on Sarah, 4 1/2, I wasn't sure she would understand what being dead meant. This is the first experience that any of our children have had with death. Chloe was very supportive with her. She printed off a picture of LULU and put it in a frame for Sarah to carry with her so she wouldn't forget LULU. Then she took her to the school room and made a card for LULU. This is what she dictated to Chloe:"Lucy, Sarah's Cat: I love you. Charlie take care of Lucy. I will miss you. Good Bye. P.s. You will get better in Heaven. Love, Sarah.(I had a white cat that passed away when I was her age. I thought it might comfort her to know that I had lost a pet too. Now she ask if Charlie is taking care of Lulu.) Today she is better. She hasn't cried. She still talks about her and carries her picture. We buried LULU in her favorite corner in our back yard. We hope to make a cross for her grave and paint her name on her head stone rock. Now, to keep Sam, 3 at the end of the month, from digging up LULU to pet her!!! Pray for Sarah's feelings of sorrow.

I'm so excited!

2008-09-04T13:21:00.000-07:00

I know some of you have seen my school / play room and think that I am set. But, when that room is turned upside down by my 4 children and toys are astray you can't walk across the room. Problem being is that most everything is at my two youngest children's level. I have ample organizational equipment, but they can still reach it! This is the perfect-to-be room where I can send them down to play and be entertained and not be fearful of the mess to come. But for now, I wait. Everyone has said that the room looks "fine" or "great." Through my eyes I see (screech-screech-screech (horror music)) when I can't open the door despite the toys or the pillows or the baby mattress strew across the floor for movie watching I have to do something! My bookshelves are sagging, the cubbies are overflowing and Everything is in EYE site. I can't work with this mess taunting me. Some of you might think I need to clean out. Well, I do that all the time. I love to loan out my stuff so that it doesn't just sit. I sale, I donate and I trash all the time with the stuff that we accumulate. I'm not afraid to let go. "Fly be free! Let someone else enjoy!"(My husbands motto on junk.)
I have to do something. So, being me, "a home for everything" kind of gal, I have been searching for a way to install closets or cabinets or something that would hide the stuff that we have and need. I finally went into the Habitat for Humanity and found a great deal on 2 above the cabinet units and one pantry "closet" thing. The unit will hide "behind closed doors" and I will still have my, no longer stuff but has now become, my home schooling supplies. Pray that I get it today. It will become so peaceful and not so stressful to be in the room. My supplies will be safe from my younger ones' hands and easier to stay even more organized! and at PEACE.
"FOR GOD IS NOT A GOD OF DISORDER BUT OF PEACE." 1 CORINTHIANS 14:33
The calendar will be for the next posting.

2008-09-02T22:25:00.001-07:00

Oh, my goodness! We had the best time with the Sharits this summer. They invited us to go to their lake house for the day and treated us to awesome boat rides! Chloe, Nate and Sarah got to ride the "Tube" and loved it! Imagine the beatings their little bottoms took from bouncing over the waves! And their teeth chattering from the vibrations! They came out of the water grinning ear to ear!

Getin' Organized

2008-09-02T21:49:00.000-07:00

Well ladies,
It is time to get our homes organized. Remember that our Lord is not the lord of chaos. He wants us to care for the things that He has given us. So, lets start in the hub of the home...the food source, both tummy wise and spiritually... the kitchen. The Lord gave us so many wonderful foods to enjoy! We must keep our kitchens tidy and clean because our little ones, families and friends come to our home to eat and to share their hearts with us. This is our mission field, for those of us to stay at home and nurture. When someone comes into your home you need to remember your five senses! How does is look? Clean, tidy, and welcoming? or a disaster? Now, I am no June Clever, but a tidy sink makes the world of difference. It also makes a difference in the morning when you get up if you don't have to look at last night's dirty dishes! It is always a good idea to put what ever dish you just used in the washer right then. Don't leave it in the sink that just calls the germs to a feast! A clean sink is a welcoming site! Those Clorox wipes are wonderful. 1 quick swipe and don't forget behind the faucet the place is all spiffy!
I'm in the process of teaching my 2 oldest to clean the sink, not just clear the dishes from it. It is a try-try again story. One day when they are out on their own, their sinks will be clean and their doors will be open to who ever the Lord sends to sit at their tables.

I survived

2008-08-07T18:21:00.000-07:00

I made it through! With no nap! After last night's spend the night (some girls stayed up til 3 am) I wasn't sure that I would make it through! Especially when my little ones went to bed many hours earlier than I did. It was a beautiful day. I spent a few hours in the hammock reading a homeschool magizine. Sarah and Sam both came to lay with me. Sam kept placing sweet kisses on my cheek while Sarah talked about last nights party. She was so tired last night when I put her down in her own bed at eleven! She just cried and cried. But this afternoon, she had forgotten all the aguish of going to bed "early" and was thrilled that the girls were still here when she got up this morning. It was really fun. I stayed with the gang most of the night. I decided it might be best, especially with so many. The volume was a little loud, but Jerome never heard a sound! Nate is having a few boys over from church on Saturday night. He is looking forward to it. They will be going fishing on Saturday with the church men and then camping out in our backyard. We have a great tent that has hosted several spend the nights, but never once been used for "real" camping. Children are such a blessing. I love spending time with each of the groups and watching them grow.

One long Night

2008-08-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

Wow, what have I done! There are 12 girls, between the ages of 7 and 13 at my house for the night! God bless them! (and me too!) We are celebrating end of the summer with a Big Sis-Lil Sis spend the night. They have laughed, painted nails, watched movies and painted hand print serving trays. This is a house full of future wives, mothers, evangelist, ministers, Sunday School teachers, oh the list goes on (especially with 12 of them!) It is a blessing that our downstairs is full of young girls that are witnesses of the Truth, and the Way.
Thanks Moms for sending your girls over! I hope to send Photos home!

2008-08-03T17:15:00.000-07:00

Be strong and Courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord. Ps. 31:24

Just think of how large our God is to create such beauty! Such detail. Be brave this year as you begin your quest on another home school year. I pray everyday for patience, wisdom and then MORE patience to teach my children. I have also learned that I must be organized. I have a "home for everything" motto & all must be put away before we go to bed. Who wants to get up to a messy kitchen or den? The morning is a time to reflect on God's word and that day's plans. I promise you that I didn't come up with any of these ideas on my own. I love to read up on how to organize and get ideas that are unexpensive and a wise use of what I already have.

Suggestions for "homes for everything": used plastic diaper wipe boxes make great storage for pencils, art supplies, and scissors. Set on a shelf with labels on the end work great.

All things are possible with God, even organizing your life.

Welcome!

2008-08-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog! I'm very excited to share the things that God blesses me with daily. May this blog make you laugh, cry with joy and inspire you to keep moving forward to our Lord. Blessing to you!