Another Rainy Day

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

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

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...

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.

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

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

" 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

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

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

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...

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!

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!

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!

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.

Children's Wee theater

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!

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

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"

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!