Sea World- - - -October 2008

So, I was looking through pictures the other night and I realized that I totally meant to post a blog about when we went to Sea World, in San Antonio, and I never did. Here I am now....4 months later posting about it, ROFL! Here is a picture of what my family and I call slug bugs, and it was painted like water, and had a whale dorsal fin and tail on it. I thought it was so cute and I couldn't help but take a picture of it! I don't know that I'd like to drive around town in something like that, but it sure is cute!

Taking the kids to Sea World was so WONDERFUL! I love that we were able to do that for them, and that they were able to have a good time. That was always on my list of places to take my boys, so I mark it off for now, and hope that another day, we can go back. They had so much fun, and it was a great learning experience as well. So many magnificent animals out there that the Lord has given to us, and it was amazing to see just a few of those amazing creatures. My boys are fascinated with sea life, and we have some books that they like to read and look at, and it was so neat to show them some of the animals, that we probably wouldn't ever get to see out in the ocean.

The first show that we went to, was the dolphin and beluga whale show! I love beluga whales, and I think that they are so cool looking. The boys were so amazed with them, and all that they would do. I loved to just sit back and watch my boys take it all in, and just watch them with such awe and amazement on their faces. To hear them say: "Mom...Did you see that?!" "Did you see them jump?" "Mom look at that splash!" Oh what joy filled my heart to hear my boys enjoying it so much!!

The next show that we went too was....Yep, you guessed it: SHAMU!! I could go to Sea World, just to see Shamu, and the killer whales! They absolutely amaze me!!

Now, the one thing that happened that really disappointed the boys with seeing Shamu was....They did NOT get wet, and that was a MAJOR disappointment to them. We thought where we were sitting that we'd get wet, well...at least the boys would, but...no such luck. We really thought that they'd be able to get wet where we were at, but it just didn't happen. Now, I have to be honest and say, I did NOT want to get wet, AT ALL! So I was doing all I could to not get wet, but I think that in turn made it to where the boys didn't get wet either. Although, in my defense, I didn't control where the whale landed, and splashed. The boys kept saying though...Mom, Dad, if we were just a little bit closer, we would have gotten wet. (Secretly....I'm really glad we didn't get wet. LOL!!)

I thought this picture was so cool, how the whale just glides up on this platform, and lays there, this huge magnificent animal! I told my boys that while they were that big in captivity, they are even bigger out in the wild, out in the ocean. They had a hard time believing that. I have always said that the ocean amazes me. If you stop and think about it, we have multiple types of sea creatures out there, whales, sharks, fish, eels, dolphins, seals, sea lions, jellyfish, etc. ALL these animals in the ocean, and yet, you could go out on a boat, and never see a whale, or a shark (thank goodness) or something big like that. I mean really think about it. You have these 2-3 ton pound animals out in the ocean, and there is still plenty of water, out there. There isn't an over population of ocean animals. Does that surprise anyone else? LOL!!

The last thing that we went to go and see was....Another one of my favorite....The dolphins! We tried so hard to pet them, but we just couldn't reach them. They'd get close enough so you could see them, and get a good picture of them, but they definitely didn't come to you, unless....You had fish, and we did not have any fish. The boys tried, and tried to touch them, and to feel them, but they just couldn't. (Call me greedy or stingy, but I wasn't paying $7 for some little bit of fish, LOL) The boys still enjoyed seeing the dolphins, and it was so neat to see them swimming around and around. So social, yet somewhat apprehensive. I could have sat there for hours just watching them. It was so great!!


Here is a picture of my guys! The smile on all of their faces (although mainly my boys...sorry honey) made it ALL worth while! Knowing that they had a good time, and that we got to do something as a family was so special. We love doing things as a family, and this has to be at the top of one of my FAVORITE things we've done as a family. I'll always remember the smiles, the laughter, the looks on their faces when the whales jump out of the water and make a huge splash! I realize daily that they won't be around forever. My boy's are growing up so fast, and I really want to cherish every minute I have with them. The laughter, the smiles, the happy times, I cherish them....Absolutely cherish them =)

WOO HOO!!!!

OK....For some of y'all out there, you'll think I'm crazy, but....I am so HAPPY! I finally figured out how to change my layout here on blogger. I swear I've been trying for forever to try and figure it out, and now I finally did! Oh the joys....It's the simple things in life, right? LOL!!!!

Being In Love

Chris and I celebrated our 11 year Anniversary Saturday. When I look back at the past 11 years, WOW is what comes to mind.

I have to say that I feel TREMENDOUSLY blessed to have found a man, who loves me for me, and who doesn't try to mold me into someone he wants me to be. He loves me, my quirks, my randomness, and even my noodling (ha ha--I'll tell y'all what that means another time....No, it's nothing bad!) I'm so blessed to have found a good Godly man, who leads me and our children in the way of the Lord.

I have to say that when we first got married, it was a rough start. We got married, then a year later (year and a half actually) we moved 1,400 miles away from our family, and everything that I had ever known. We moved, and then...It was just he and I, nobody else. There was nobody around to run to when things got bad, or when we had a fight (yes, we had those, LOL) It was just Chris and I and we learned to depend on each other. The first year living here was I have to say one of the hardest years of not only our marriage, but of my life. Times were tough...Chris worked long hours, and I was home all the time. I always tell Chris that I call that time in our marriage, my single married Mom phase. That's how it all felt. We went through some major things, but....BUT....God brought us through it!!

We learned that first year that we HAD to have God as the center of our marriage if it was ever going to work. We vowed to one another that one night that we would both focus on our marriage, and that we'd see it through God's eyes, and what a difference. If one thing I've learned in 11 years, is that without God in the middle of it all, nothing works. If we stray from putting God in the middle of our marriage, things are very rocky.

I love my husband so deeply and so passionately, that I want that for everyone else. I desire for people to have the same kind of relationship's with their spouses. I'm blessed beyond measure with my wonderful husband, and I try not to take him for granted. I praise the Lord for him daily, because I just love him so much!

I always tell him that I cannot imagine my life without him, and there is so much truth to that. I cannot imagine living life without the Love of my life. I tell him that I am sad that in Heaven we will no longer be married (then he tells me that I'm silly and I shouldn't feel like that, LOL) I just always want to be by him, and love him and care for him. I remember the day when I told him that I loved him Always & Forever, and I said I meant it, because it's true. I love him always now, and I'll love him forever, into eternity =)

I never realized growing up that I would find someone who would love me the way that Chris loves me. I grew up in a broken home, and my parents divorced when I was 3 weeks old. My thoughts for marriage were always broken. I think I viewed marriage as something that you could easily get out of if you just got tired of being in it, or if you just wanted to give up. I went into my marriage with a lot of baggage, and with a lot of uncertainty. I'm proud to say though, that I've learned to love, I've let go of the baggage, and I am married to the most wonderful man alive!! Somebody gave us a plaque when we got married and here is what it says (it couldn't be more fitting):

Marriage Takes Three

Marriage takes three to be complete;
it's not enough for two to meet.
They must be united in love
by love's Creator,
God above.
A marriage that follows God's plan
takes more than a woman and a man.
It needs a oneness
that can be
Only from Christ-
Marriage Takes Three

For My Teens!

For those of you who read and follow my blog, this won't be a normal post. This is something that I feel I need to do, for a couple of different reasons, the main one being....It helps me heal.

I dedicate this to my teens, to the people who for the past two years have brought me so much joy and happiness! I want you all to know that even though I won't be there at Church anymore, that I am ALWAYS here for you guys, no matter what. I know that times are rough right now, and nobody understands what's going on, and we'd all like to have answers. We have to trust the Lord and know that He knows what He's doing.

Rachel- You have blossomed into a beautiful young lady right before my eyes. You so desire the things of the Lord, and I know that you will allow the Lord to use you in a great and mighty way. I'll always remember of you as Strawberry Shortcake, and any time I see her, I'll think of you (*WINK*) I love that you don't just believe things, and that you question things. And while that isn't always a good thing, at least you have to search out the scripture, and find what's right. You remain faithful to the Lord, and you allow Him to use you! I'm continually praying for your happiness, and I think that you know that it can/will happen.

Brittannie (A.K.A- Brittany)- Oh Brittany! What do I say! Words couldn't express all the great times that we've had. I love that you remain positive and strong, and your willingness to learn about the Lord, and follow the Lord. Seeing you get baptized was such a blessed event for me, because I knew it was something that you had longed for, for a very long time! What a tremendous day that was! You so desire the Lord, and I know that you want to see your family to come to know the Lord. Remain faithful to God, and He'll answer your prayers. I'll continue to be in prayer for your parents, that they'll come around. You keep the faith, as you have been doing, and the Lord will answer you in time. Oh I could go on forever, Brittany, as you are just a true joy to me. And I swear- by the moon and the stars in the sky- turn the page....I'll just drink my water...I'm stuffed! ROFL! I'll never ever forget that! I'll also never, ever forget the scavenger hunt where you slid in the gravel, and hit my car, and I didn't even ask you if you were OK, I only asked about my car! HA HA !! I still cannot believe that I did that, but I really am glad that you're OK. And you'll always be my Pokey Little Puppy!

Autumn- Well we sure have been through a lot together haven't we? I know that you've drifted away from the Lord the past few months, but I also know that you won't stay there. You become faithful again, and you let the Lord use you. You have a tender heart, and I know that the Lord could really use you. I'll come visit you at Taco Bell....soon.

Wayne- Your passion for the Lord, and for souls is amazing! You have such a zeal for the Lord and the things of the Lord. I appreciate all that you stand for. You have a real, true passion for kids, and that's a good thing. (You sure the Lord is calling you into the ministry? *WINK*) You have been such a blessing to my boys and the admire and look up to you. Thanks for never letting them down, and for being a great Godly roll model for them to follow. Whenever I see rice pudding, I'll think of you. LOL!


C.J.- WOW! You have been so much fun to get to know. You are so amazing and funny and I have enjoyed every minute of getting to know you. I see your passion for the Lord, and that makes me happy. I know that the Lord is going to do great and mighty things in your life. You also have been an amazing role model for my boys, and Dylan really looks up to you. Thank you for being great to them, even through all the little hits and punches Jacob has thrown at you. LOL! And every time I see chocolate pudding, I'll think of you!! LOL! You keep being faithful, and let the Lord use you!

Hannah- I'll always remember our road trips and all the conversations that we've had. You amaze me! I know that you don't think that you are anything special (you need to get that thought out of your head by the way ), but I want you to know that you are a beautiful person, inside and out. You never forget that. You have amazing talent for writing, and a passion for it. I loved when you would come over and play your guitar with Bro. Chris. I pray that you find your way in the world, and that you can become a musician for the Lord, as I know one of your passions is to start a band. Rock on Hannah! Play that music and make a joyful noise to the Lord (Psalms 66:1)

Sarah- You are a beautiful person. I've seen a change in you and it makes me happy. You continue to grow in the Lord, and you remain faithful. And don't let C.J. get away with things. LOL! I know we didn't talk all the time, but I can see the Lord working in your life, and you continue to let that happen.

Ruth- My dear Ruth! Oh I love you so much, and I know that you are hurting right now. I also know though, that you have become extremely close to the Lord in the past couple of months, and as much as you want to quit right now, you know that's not what the Lord has planned for you. When you got saved, I was so exstatic! What a blessing to see you come to know the Lord. And if that wasn't enough, you surrendered your life to the Lord's calling, and want to become a missionary or a missonary's wife! That's so amazing, and wonderful! You don't forget that calling on your life. You stay faithful to the Lord, and He'll remain faithful to you!

I love each and every one of you, very much! And while I know that y'all are hurting right now, we all have to remember this: Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Y'all remember what you've been taught! You ALL stay faithful not just to God, but Church! Don't quit, don't give up, and don't lose faith! The Lord is with y'all all the time, and while this valley seems a little dark and long, just remember the mountaintop will be here soon. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives! I'll always remember the outings, the trips, the party's, the times spent talking after Church, going out to eat, hanging out, etc. Thank you for giving me such wonderful and amazing memories! I love each and every one of you!!!!

Why Is It That....

I was talking to one of our teenagers last night, and she said to me: Mrs. Charlie, I just feel like God is so far away, like He isn't there, and He isn't hearing me. Oh how I could relate! I told her, I've felt like that to. I knew what she was talking about and how she was feeling. I don't think that I had the answer for her, because I don't even know that I know why it happens.

I don't know why it is that I pray and I pray and I read His word, and yet through all of that, my prayers never seem like they get answered. I've been praying and believing and having faith that the Lord would provide, and having faith that He would move us on, and yet still here we are! I hate feeling abandoned. Please know that I KNOW this isn't true, and I KNOW that God would NEVER abandon me, oh, I so get that, I know better, but it certainly does feel like I'm left here to die.

There is a Church around our area that puts signs on their marquee, and one time it simply said this: IF GOD SEEMS FAR AWAY, WHO MOVED? There is so much truth to that, and I ponder that thought all the time. And while I don't feel like I've moved, I still feel as though the Lord is far away. I don't want to feel far away from God. I want to feel close to Him, and I want to feel as though He is right there, not miles and miles away from me.

This trial that I am going through right now is truly increasing my faith, and I know that it is, I just so want it all to be over. I want to see my husband happy again, and I want my kids to feel joy again, and I don't want them sad and upset and crying, because they don't like it here. I want to feel joy again. I know that we have to go through valleys, to enjoy the mountaintops, but I sure do wish that Mountain was right in front of me. I feel like: LORD I BELIEVE, HELP MY UNBELIEF! (Paraphrase there....LOL!)

I can't help them

So tonight was a hard night for me. We started up teen class again, and it hurt so bad, because Chris and I weren't the ones going up to teach them. I want to be there for them, I want to help them, they are a part of me. ☺ I know that this isn't what the Lord wants for us right now, is teaching the teens, but I miss them!!

I know that the Lord can help them more than I can, but I hate to see them hurting. They don't understand why decisions are being made at the Church, and they don't get why Chris and I can't just stay on here. They all want us here, and they all want us to stay, and I wish that I could stay for them, but I know that this isn't where the Lord wants us. I hate that they hurt though. I don't like to see them hurting. It's hard for me because I want to help them, and shelter them, and mend their breaking hearts, and I just can't do that. God is the only one right now that can help them. I have to give them over to the Lord, and know that He will do what is best for them.

So, while tonight has been a rough night for me, I will head to bed praying for the peace that passes all understanding, and I will pray for my hurting teenagers, that the Lord will mend their hearts, and that they will find peace. I sure do love them!!

Looking For a YES!

So here I am again on a crossroads of life. 2 years ago, I was begging God to deliver us out of a horrible situation, and He did! It was amazing! I never thought that I would be delivered from that previous situation, but God provided.

Now here we are again, looking to be delivered, and waiting for it to happen. We know that this is not where the Lord wants us, and now we are waiting for Him to show us where to go. Not sure what's going to happen or when the doors are going to open, but I sure hope that it's soon. It kind of stinks to go into a Church where you know that there are people there who don't want you there. For me it's not so bad, but for Chris, it's hard, I know it is. He preaches his heart out to these people, knowing how they feel. It's hard Sunday after Sunday going and making the best of it. I just want the Lord to show us where to go, and what to do!

So....here I am looking for a yes from the Lord. I want a YES....go here. YES....move there. Yes....help these people, minister to them, be about my business. I know that soon enough I'll hear a yes from the Lord, I just wish it was NOW! I'm generally a patient person, but, I have to be honest and say, my patience is wearing thin right now. LOL!

I found a verse in Joshua 1:9 that really spoke to my heart and here is what it says: HAVE NOT I COMMANDED THEE? BE STRONG AND OF A GOOD COURAGE, BE NOT AFRAID NEITHER BE THOU DISMAYED FOR THE LORD THY GOD IS WITH THEE WHITHERSOEVER THOU GOEST. This verse speaks volumes to me! I need to be strong and have courage, and know that God is with me all the way, all the time. I just want a yes right now though, but until then....I'll try to patiently wait and see what the Lord says. =)

Newest Addition To The Family....

Bet y'all thought that I was going to tell you that I was pregnant or something, with the title of the post, but no....Here is the newest addition to my snowman family!

Isn't he the cutest thing ever? I think that out of my 50+ snowmen, he is the cutest! I almost didn't get him. We were at Menard's one night, and shopping around, and I saw him in a scene that was set up, and I fell in love with him! I HAD to have him. So I searched every aisle, looking for this snowman. Meanwhile, while I was searching for my snowman, hubby decides to leave me and head for the checkout, so that he wouldn't have to buy him for me. Well the boys and I finally found him, and we ran to catch up to hubby, and I begged him (well kind of), and he said yes! (He LOVES me)

So here is the newest member, and I am keeping him out. No sense in putting him away, when I'm just going to pull him out next month when I decorate! I ♥ my snowman! He's just so super cute! LOL!!!!

Slow Fade...Don't let this be you

I was listening to Casting Crowns (my Favorite group, ever!) Slow Fade, and it truly struck home to me. I was reading the lyrics, and then it hit me....I could slowly fade into something that I don't want to be.

With everything that's going on in my life, I find myself pulling away from people. I don't mean to do it, it is just something that happens. However, like the song says: People never crumble in a day, it's a slow fade!

I don't want to fade away, and while I know that it won't happen that way, I am not dumb enough to think that it can't happen. If I give the devil an inch, he'll try to rule my life and I REFUSE to allow that to happen. I belong to the Lord and I know that the Lord will help me through this.

I realize that I have people looking at me as an example, namely my children, and if I fade away, then what will happen to them? I will NOT allow that to happen. I want to be a strong example to my children, and I want them to know that their Mommy isn't going to allow circumstances to control her or her life, that she gives the Lord the victory!

So, I'm here to tell y'all, don't let situations allow you to slowly fade away from the Lord. He's still there for you, and even though sometimes He may seem far away, He's still right there for you!!!! *Yes, I'm preaching to myself here also*

Great Friendships

The image you see here is our former Pastor, and my husband, right before they left. Our Pastor was WONDERFUL! Not only did he help us (my husband and I) through a difficult time on our ministry, but we built a great friendship with him and their family. We made such a connection with them, and I'm sad that they are gone. I remember telling my boys that they were leaving and the pain that it caused them. It was one of the hardest things that I've ever had to do as a parent. My husband and our Pastor are so much alike, they are so funny together. They have the same beliefs when it comes to Preaching, and they are just so fun to watch when they are together. Sometimes I think that they are worse than females when they talk. LOL! That's always a joke with my hubby, that if he and Pastor are talking on the phone, better bet it's going to be an hour maybe more (usually more.) I am so glad that they have a friendship like that, my husband has always longed for a friendship like he has with him, and it's such a blessing.

I miss them terribly! I would love to go down to Texas where they are at, and work with them again, until the Lord opens a door for Chris and I. It's great to go through life knowing that you always have a friend that is right there for you, and will help you when you need help. I love that picture above, and I'll cherish it always. Those are two very special men of God in my life, and I know that the Lord will allow our friendship to remain, always!!!! Proverbs 17:17a- A friend loveth at all times...

Give Me A Break

So I was strolling through blogs this afternoon, and I came upon a IFB Pastor's page. Please understand that I am IFB, and I've always been that, and I always will be an IFB. HOWEVER!!!! The beauty of being an Independent Baptist is that I am INDEPENDENT!

I was reading through this mans blog, and he said that casual dress has ruined America. Ummmm....OK! I think not! I get so sick and tired of hearing about dress. Please know that I'm all for dressing properly, and I'm all for being respectful, and modest in my dress, but I certainly do not think that casual dress has ruined America. That is absolutely ludicrous. Do I think that if we are going to Church, we should dress properly, and give our 100% best to the Lord? Absolutely! But I also think that there is a time for casual dress. I assure you that when I am at home, I'm not wearing my Sunday best, I am casually dressed. Also, when I go out in public, it's not my Sunday best, where it's a nice skirt, and top, and nylons, and heels. While I'm dressed modestly, I'm also more casually dressed. My husband doesn't go out in a suit and tie all the time.

I seriously think that there are bigger issues in America, and bigger things that have destryoed America, other than casual dress. Whoa....I could go on and on, but I'll quit. That was just my two cents on it all.

Do You Even Remember Me????

OK everyone! I apologize for going MIA for a looooooong time. Life has been extradonarialy busy here lately, and I actually forgot there for a while that I even had a blog. How sad is that? Then some friends of mine were sharing their blogs with me, and I remembered that I had one, and figured that with all the thoughts running through my head, that I should begin blogging again.

So here I am....and I'm on another roller coaster of life. (If you go back through past blogs, you can tell, that the Lord likes to keep me on these stupid roller coasters.) We are at another crossroads in our life, and in our ministry. It's another one of those, where do we go now Lord?

I won't go into major detail, except to say that we know this isn't where the Lord is going to have us for much longer. And I am OK with that. I'm beyond ready to move out of ILLANNOY (A.K.A.- Illinois) I feel as though we have been trapped here for way to long, and while you can take the girl out of Texas, you certainly cannot take Texas out of the girl. I'm ready to go back to Texas, and we'll see what happens.

Well I'll slowly update this blog, and I promise to try and be better about posting and what not. Check back soon for updates, possible recipes, and more. :)

HAPPY 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

This is a picture of me and my Baby! (I love this picture) Anyway, my husband and I had our 10 year anniversary last Thursday. We didn't get the chance to do anything, and that's OK. I cannot believe that it's been 10 years since we've been married. It doesn't seem possible, at all. We've been together for 12 years altogether, but married for 10. I can say that in that 10 years we've certainly had our ups and downs. We've moved 1,400 miles away from our family, to a place where we didn't know anyone. Chris started Bible college, we had a baby, we lost a baby who went to Heaven. We've started homeschooling our boys. We've watched them grow for the Lord, and have seen them both come to know the Lord as their personal Saviour. He's become a Youth Pastor, and done a wonderful job at it. We've gone through MAJOR battles that have tested our faith in the Lord, and in reality allowed Chris and I to grow much closer to one another, and it strengthened our relationship with one another. I never knew that I could love someone as passionately as I love Chris (outside of the Lord that is.) I sometimes don't feel worthy enough, but I know that the Lord allowed me to marry Chris and he is truly the one meant for me. I thank the Lord every day for blessing me with such a God fearing husband who rules our home with the fear of the Lord in him! So as our 10 year is now here, I say: I LOVE YOU HONEY WITH ALL MY HEART (or as much of it as you can have....LOL...you know what I mean), and I can't wait for another 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years together with you. You are the best husband ever!

Kids Are So Cute!

So we were sitting at Pizza Hut tonight after Church, having supper, just the four of us. Chris and I were talking to the boys about Church, and how it went. Somehow or another we got to talking about girls. Well Jacob started blushing, it was so cute! We asked him if he thought so and so was cute, and he said no (still blushing), then we asked if he thought so and so was cute and he said no (still blushing.) Then I asked him if he thought this girl that came from Texas was cute, and he said OH YEAH and he clicked his tongue, and said SHE'S CUTE! ROFL! I hate to think about it, but my babies are growing up. What am I going to do when they really are into dating, and really into girls? Those are my boys, they can't, it just doesn't seem right. I fear....I'm losing them. OK, I know I'm not losing them....YET....but, the day is coming. Fairly certain that I'm not ready to think about that yet. Do you think the rapture will happen before that? LOL!

Kids Can Be So Cute!

So tonight after we put the boys in bed, Jacob ended up telling Dylan a story. It was so cute! Jacob was going on and on about this make believe land, and all that it had in it. It had candy cane tunnels, grass that was sour apple flavor, gum balls as big as your head, a chocolate swimming pool. Whup (yes, that's how he says it, instead of whip) cream something or other. All of this was in this make believe land. Chris and I sat there and listened to the whole story. It was the cutest thing, because most of the time today, kids don't use their imagination on a whole lot anymore.

While I was listening to Jacob tell his story, it got me to thinking....If we could only think about what Heaven will be like. The Bible gives us a description of what it will be like, but do we really know? Yes, we know that there will be streets of gold, gates of pearl, walls of jasper, a crystal sea, etc. And while all of that is glorious, what is Heaven really going to be like? I can only imagine....

My love for snowmen and the cutest one ever

So anyone who knows me, know of my GRAND passion that I have for snowmen. I love them! They make me so happy. Just looking at them makes me happy. These are just a few in my collection that I have. This isn't my whole collection, not by far. But look at some of them, how can seeing them not just put a smile on your face?I have had many of these given to me, and I love each and everyone of them. Most people will buy me snowmen for my birthday and for Christmas, which makes me so happy, because that just means more for my collection. My husband likes to say that it looks like Frosty has had a bowel movement (not nice I know) in our living room, but I really don't think it's that bad. Yes, they are everywhere, even on the ground, but I think it's fun.

Anyway, I say all of this to share with you my most favorite snowmen of all. This is my favorite snowman! My oldest son Dylan built this snowman this year. It's his first one, ever. I am so glad that I took a picture of it, because it's gone now. Isn't it the cutest thing ever!?!? His little carrot nose was my favorite part of the whole snowman.He stayed out there with his Daddy, and built it all on his own. It's just so cute, and I'll cherish this picture forever. He worked so hard on it, and it may not be the biggest snowman, but it is my favorite.

October...I've never felt more appreciated!

We have been so richly blessed this month. Considering where we were at a year ago, to where we are now, God is so AMAZING! October is Pastor Appreciation month, so we had planned something for our Pastor for every Sunday of this month. Little did we know that things were planned for us as well.

The first Sunday was Sweets for Pastor, and all the little kids brought in candy to be put in a basket for our Pastor. Well our teenagers did the same for Chris and I. They bought our favorite candy, and put it in a basket for us, and made us a big card that said how much they appreciated us. Then on Monday, Lowe's calls our house, and tells us that they want to schedule a delivery for us to deliver a washer. WAIT! We didn't buy a washer, we didn't know anything about that. Well someone in our Church took it upon themselves to buy us a washer! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!

The following Sunday was a fellowship after Sunday Night Church, and cards telling Pastor how much you appreciate him. Then it was Praise and testimony time. Our teens did the same for us. They all gave us cards, and told us how much we meant to them. It was so special, and the cards were such a blessing, it truly touched our hearts. (I scrapbooked the cards to remember forever.)

This past Sunday was stock Pastor's pantry, and boy did that ever happen. They got so much food, it was such a blessing to see that. Well on Saturday we had a bonfire, when we got home, our porch was FULL of groceries!! We don't know who got them for us, but we do know that it was a tremendous blessing!! Sunday we also got a $100 gift certificate to Perkins. Amazing!

This coming Sunday we are taking up a love offering for Pastor and his family, so that they can have more money when they go to DisneyWorld in November. I am so humbled by all that has gone on, and the Lord has richly blessed our family. It's nice to know that the Lord is able to work through you to help the teens. Chris is doing an amazing job! Our Youth Department is growing and the teens lives are being changed, and it's such a tremendous blessing. To God Be The Glory!!!!

What's Been Going On

OK so I know that it has been forever and a day since I last posted. We have been so incredibly busy I can't keep up with everything that has been going on actually. The last time that I posted, it was Mother's Day....WOW!!

Let's see if I can update y'all as to what has been going on around here since Mother's Day. The rest of May had us going to different things. Band Concerts, open houses, BBQ's, the normal end of the school year things. We had two of our girls in our Youth Group graduate this year, and off to college. That was the rest of May.

June had me going to lots of yard sales! I love going to yard sales!! Didn't find a whole lot this year, which was rather disappointing, but none the less, I still did find some things. I got some new snowmen, which I am SO excited about! June also had us doing a lot of fundraising to go to camp. I took some of the girls out to get ads for a booklet that we put together each year to hand out at a carwash that we do each year. So, I did that, then we had the carwash, and really made a lot of money, the Lord blessed us there. We also had a bake auction at Church and that went very well. We made a lot of money off of that as well. June was also my oldest sons birthday, he turned 9! YIKES!! Where does the time go? He had a good time, and was spoiled rotten, but it was worth it. We also had a youth activity in June, we took the teens to a putt putt course. We had a good time, and it was beautiful weather that day for it too. I think that pretty much covers June.

July was super busy!! The first week I scrapbooked, went to the dentist, had a BBQ on the 4th at Church, that was a lot of fun!! The following week had us going to Camp. We went to Camp Joy in Whitewater, WI. It was an Ok time, and some of the teens made really good decisions. I have to say that it wasn't the best camp for us, but as long as the Lord worked in people's lives, that is all that matters. The best thing about July for me though was that I got to see my sister whom I hadn't seen in 6 years!! Yes, that's right, my sister and I hadn't seen each other in 6 years. She got to town while we were at camp, so that was a bummer, but I still got to spend a good two weeks with her when we got back. She stayed with my Mom mostly, but we sure did get together a lot and had a blast!! I've never had as much fun with my sister as I did when she was here! It was an absolute amazing time, and I cherished every minute I had to spend with her. (She lives in Germany where her husband is stationed) I also got to see my nephews and my niece. It was an AWESOME time!! We did all sorts of things while she was here, and it was just awesome.

Now here we are in August. Not too much has been going on really. I've been scrapbooking a lot with my best friend, and another girl in our Youth Department. I'm having a blast with it, and truly looking forward to the memories that I am creating for my kids in these books. We had a funeral couple of weeks ago for a man in our Church that passed away. The Lord graciously took him home, and now he is no longer in pain. Our teenagers had a teen service on the 19th. They did an AMAZING job!! They ran the whole service, from singing, to sound, to ushering. They did AWESOME!! We just had a horrible storm hit here Thursday! IT was the worst thing that I have ever seen. 100+ MPH wind came through town. I'm telling you that I truly believe that it was a tornado. They keep saying that it was straightline winds, but I simply don't believe that, at all. The damage is amazing. The Lord truly spared our home, but other people were not as lucky. After the storm passed, I went and checked on one of our friends houses, and just to get there was an obstacle course. Trees were down left and right! It was incredible.

So I think that is all that has been going on here in a nutshell. I am sure that there are other things going on, but I'll save that for another time. =)

Being a Mom

As Mother's Day approaches, I can't help but think how blessed I am as a Mother! Here you see my two little boys. Aren't they adorable?!?!

The Lord has truly blessed me with these two precious little boys. They are absolutely my pride and joy. Being a Mother is simply the best feeling in the world. I can't imagine women who go through life, and don't want kids. That is just not natural.

All I ever wanted in life was to be a wife, and a Mother. I am living my dream life right now (hence my blog's headline), and I never take that for granted. I realize daily that the Lord has blessed me with my children and He trusted Chris and I to take care of these two precious people. I have to do my best daily to take care of them. Yes, motherhood isn't always easy. You are going to face hard times, and you will have sleepless nights, and they are going to be sick, but the BLESSING is worth the sacrifice.

I've had my ups and downs in my 8 years of being a Mom, and I know that I will continue to have them. I've learned a lot throughout the years as well. I know that each kid is different, and no matter how much you want them to be the same, or how much you expect them to be the same, they are differen't. That is how they were made, we just have to accept that. You will face different challenges with each one as well. In the end though, really all that matters is that you raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Raise them to love, respect, honor, fear, and marvel in the Lord.

If nothing else I want for my children, I want them to know that God loves them, and so do I. Yes, they are going to make mistakes, we all do. I want them to know that God is there for them 100% and I will always be there for them 100%. Being a Mother is a lifetime thing, you don't stop being a Mom when your child reaches 18. There is no cut off age for being a parent.

So I've realized that I LOVE being a Mom, and I am going to continue to raise my boys (and any other children that the Lord blesses me with), to fear, love, marvel, respect, etc., the Lord, and others. My children are my pride and joy, and I hope that all you other Mother's who are out there love your children just the same. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all my friends who are Mom's!! Children are a heritage of the Lord, NEVER forget that!

Love

I was talking to my husband last night, and I asked him this question: What is it that makes people decide that they want to be together for the rest of their lives? What triggers in your mind that says "this is it, this is the one that I want to spend the rest of my life with."

I realize that the Lord will tell you This is the one for you, but really when you stop to think about it, it's odd to me how people just end up together. And most of the time, couples are so opposite, it's unreal. Chris and I are very opposite, but yet the love we have is AMAZING!!

I guess that I am just in awe of how people end up together. How it is that a man decides this is the woman for me, and this is the one that I want to marry. It's just interesting to me how people end up together, and end up married. What an amazing thing the Lord created when He created man and woman to fall in love. When your marriage is done right, what an AWESOME thing it is to spend the rest of your life with this person. What a blessing being married is. Just something I was pondering....