Southern Sass

Seeds of Worship

2011-04-27T14:08:00.000-07:00

I have to share! I am in love with Seeds Family Worship CDs right now.

There are six CDs in all.

Seeds of Faith

Seeds of Praise

Seeds of Courage

Seeds of Purpose

The Power of Encouragement

and their newest which will be out May 3rd...but you are welcome to pre-order now...

Seeds of Character

I have three, and I just ordered three more to finish our collection. I love this ministry, not only can you use it to plant the seeds of God's word in the hearts of our little ones, but, you can share God's word with others at the same time. Each Cd comes as a set of two with a perferated edge that you can tear off to give one of the CDs to a friend or neighbor. Don't you just love that?! I mean who does that? That's completely awesome! What a creative and unique way to open a door to share the gospel with others, or to encourage a friend who is trying to raise their little ones in the love of the Lord. I shared my first three copies with my friend and neighbor Katie. ~OK Katie, we so need a new picture of us together;)
The Lord knew I was going to need a friend/neighbor like Katie, because I was absolutely spoiled having Datha next door for five years, and she is such a sweetheart. We share a lot of mommy advice with each other and try to encourage and pray for one another. She blessed me with this earlier this last month as we were pulling out all our books for the Spring and Easter season. So, I wanted to share this blessing with her. My kids are loving it. We have a 30 minute drive to school evry morning and this is a perfect way to start our day. I love to hear them sing, but, more than that they are learning scripture. It's a beautiful thing! I wanted to leave you with a song from my favorite album so far The Power of Encourgement.

If I can't seem to get it to play here in this post -it will be in a seperate post...
Be Blessed!

Celebration

2011-04-19T05:23:00.000-07:00

After searching and praying for 9 months now, we finally have a church home. We have been visiting churches in two towns close to us, and praying for the Lord to show us where He wants us to serve. I have been so anxious to put down roots and have a church family again. We joined a church yesterday, on Palm Sunday. The children led most of the service in praise and worship, waving palm branches as they came in singing. It was beautiful.

This last Sunday, after church and lunch, as I was doing dishes and trying to tidy up around the house, my son came to me and said, " Momma, I want to tell Jesus I love him. I want to tell him I love him and thank him for dying on the cross for us." I stopped and sat down with him to pray. Listening to him pray, I was filled with so many emotions. I was so happy for him. I was so proud of him, and yet I was heart broken at the same time. As Easter draws near and I think about what this time of year means, for us as Christians. It is so bittersweet. I'm thankful and filled with sorrow all at the same time. It's hard to look at the pain He endured. It's even harder to face the sin in your life that put Him there. I'm moved beyond words at how much He loved us. We are no longer captives to sin and death, but, set free through the death and ressurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the most beautiful thing to see your children come to understand and fall in love with Jesus. I pray that he falls in love with Him more and more everyday. I pray that he will allow Him to become not only his savior, but, his Lord. I'm so thankful that the Lord allowed me to share this moment with my son. What a special blessing for this Easter season.

Spring

2011-04-14T08:19:00.001-07:00

Well, hello again. ;) I've kinda missed ya. It's been busy (life as usual...) and there are so many times I've wanted to steal a few minutes away to sit down and write, but, I just haven't had a free moment to sit still it seems. Except for that week (Spring Break) where we were all sick as a dog here at home. That was fun, just kidding. Besides that we have been spring cleaning and planting new flowers and azalea bushes in our front yard. I've been looking for outdoor furniture for our cabana and pool area out back. I've also been hunting for the perfect big boy bed for Trey. I still haven't found it. I have a folder of pictures and fabric swatches that are the inspiration of where I want to go with his room. My sweet sister Dememtria is painting Anna Grace's furniture for her room. I can not wait to see how it turns out. We are using the furniture I had while growing up. I kept the set at my mother in law's home when our family home sold after daddy passed. I'm so glad I did. She loves it and it's nice that I can share something of my childhood with her. Hugh and I purchased the most gorgeous antique bed right before Christmas, and I can't wait to get our bedding for that as well. I have projects going everywhere. It's exciting and a bit daunting all at the same time. I'm the kind of person who loves organization. I'm so a Martha Stewart wanna be. When we started our spring cleaning I decided that it was time to cull out and let go of alot of things. If we aren't going to use it and it's just going to go into a box then it needs to go, with the exception of seasonal decorations, pictures, and a few keepsakes. I desperately want everything simplified. I feel like there's room to breath when everything is simplified and in it's place. If I can just keep it all that way once it's done. That is the frustrating part. I'm still in the stage of fixing up our house, and I'm ready to just "Live" in it and have it feel like home. I feel like everything ran so smoothly when we were living in Ohio. I had my routine just the way I wanted it. I know it's just going to take time for everything to feel that way here. I wish I could share better pictures, but I can only share the ones I have on my iphone, because our computer can only hold a few more pictures. All the storage is taken up on it right now. We have tried to delete older pictures we have saved and backed up, but it won't seem to let us do that right now soooo..... here are a few from my phone. This is a little bench we just got for the front porch. Now, I can sit outside in the morning and have coffee, or read and watch the kids play in the afternoon. There is a flower box below each of the windows on the front of our house. They were here when we bought the house, but I think they were used more for decoration, because they were empty. The first warm Sunday afternoon we had I went to Lowe's and bought flowers for the front. I think I planted something like 82 flowers that day and it was such a joy. I love flowers and I love gardening. It makes me feel good to add something beautiful to our home and it brings back sweet memories of my momma. I planted red Dianthus along the back and white Scopia, which is a trailing flower, in the front. I love the Fleur de lis on the front of each box that ties in with the bench I just purchased. I'll have to take pictures of the Scarlet Flame Moss Phlox I planted, as well as, the azaleas. For now, I'm off to clean the house. Love to all my bloggy friends! Hope you are enjoying a little bit of Spring.

A Lovely Getaway...

2011-02-24T14:55:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's almost the end of February. This has been a busy month. We have been celebrating my birthday, as well as, my son, who just turned 5. Oh my, I have a five year old! How does time fly so quickly? I'm also taking on a new out reach ministry through Trey's school called Ministerium. I'll share more on that at a later date. It blesses my heart that the Lord opened and closed doors in leading us to this school, and I am so proud to be involved with a school that is not merely a Christian school in name only.

Hugh and I also had the opportunity to spend the weekend before Valentine's down in New Orleans together. Demetria was running her first half marathon and we wanted to be there to cheer her on. We originally planned to take the kids with us, but, our sweet friends Shelia and Ashley offered to keep them for us. They have three of their own, so we were like are you sure?! -but they insisted. In fact, they called us during our trip just to tell us how much they were enjoying our sweet babies, and they were proud of us for taking a little time for ourselves. (Thank you God for such great friends! ) We had a blast! I was a little nervous about leaving them for the weekend, but, knowing we were leaving them in good hands with people we trust made all the difference in the world. It was nice to get away and reconnect with my husband too.

I never knew what a romantic place New Orleans could be, but let me tell you I can't wait to go back. We got into NOLA around eight o'clock Friday evening just in time to freshen up and make our dinner reservations at The Bombay Club. This was by far my favorite place we found down in New Orleans.

The ambiance, music, and food was perfection, very dark and quaint, some where you feel like you might run into Frank Sinatra. It had an old supper club kind of feel to it.

I love the dark wood and over stuffed leather. It was very relaxing.
This was our table right next to the court yard.

It's known as the best martini bar in town, but I'd go back again and again for the jazz. In fact we did. After dinner on Saturday night, we went back just to listen to Leroy Jones. Here is a sample of his music I found on YouTube. (Please feel free to pause my music player, so you can listen.)

We walked every where the entire weekend. Only once or twice did we take a cab, but, if you stay in the french quarter, as we did, you can get just about any where a lot quicker by walking. Besides, what could be more romantic than strolling hand in hand through a new city together. Saturday morning, we met our friends Jason and Capri at Cafe Du Monde for coffee and beignets. Everyone goes to to Cafe Du Monde for the beignets, but, I have to say that as a true coffee lover it was the cafe au lait that was my start to a perfect day there. After an hour or so we decided to walk around Jackson Square and The French Market. The center of Jackson Square was filled with art and artists, and the outside is lined with shops and boutiques. We also walked through St. Louis Cathedral.

The French market offered everything from a farmers market of fresh fruits and vegetables to local artists and vendors. Here is a little treasure I found there.Isn't it perfect with our colors here in the guest bathroom?

After spending the morning walking the French Quarter with our friends, we made our way to Commander's Palace for a two o'clock brunch. We sat in the garden room surrounded by windows, over looking a large oak. I tried turtle soup for the first time. It was not for me, even with the drizzle of sherry added, but I wanted to try something new, and now I know. Hugh and I enjoyed our brunch and spent the afternoon walking through the garden district, looking at all the ridiculously gorgeous houses. We snapped a few pictures with our iphones. I think his (Above) takes better pictures than mine (Below.)
Then we met Demetria,Kevin and the boys back at the hotel to visit. They met friends for dinner, and we decided to walk Magazine Street. We went into a few antique shops and jewelry stores, and Hugh took me to Sucre, a sweet boutique.Seriously people, this place is like Tiffany's for chocolate lovers. We bought a small box to take home for later, and I got a bag of their marshmallows, as well. We were still full from brunch at 8:30pm, and decided to cancel our nine o'clock reservation at Brennan's. It was highly recommended by a few friends. We will just have to try it next time. We decided on a light dinner and headed back to the Bombay Club, for a little more jazz. We left there close to midnight, and walked down Bourbon Street on our way back to our hotel. We caught a few minutes of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band playing and a dueling piano show. We haven't stayed out that late in years, but it was fun, kinda like we were dating again.

We were up and cheering Demetria on early the next morning. I am so proud of her, so proud. She started running a little over a year ago and this was her first half marathon. She was a rock star, breaking even her best time. Kevin and their boys made signs and we were all cheering for her when she passed the nine mile marker. Then we raced to get to the finish line in time to see her cross it. It was awesome!
We spent the rest of the day having lunch and taking a carriage ride all together down at Jackson square. Hugh and I went to a few shops on Royal street before picking up the kids and driving back home. I was able to find a beautiful dress I'm going to save for Easter. We really had a wonderful time and have a list of places we want to visit, when we go back. Hugh and I have never taken a vacation since our honeymoon ten years ago. This was our first ever weekend away, and it was so wonderful. Worth the wait.

An Adoption Story

2011-01-30T08:14:00.000-08:00

Many of our friends and family have adopted or are in the process of adopting. It is really wonderful to be able to support them and follow their journey. I wanted to share one of their stories with you.These are our dear friends Mark and Datha. We've been blessed to have known them for almost seven years now. We have been friends and neighbors. We were living in a duplex, when they moved into a new house in town and found out the house next door to them was up for rent. They called and told us about it, and before the month was up they were helping us move.

Datha and I met while teaching, before I had children, and we became friends almost immediately. She is one of the most nurturing caregivers I have ever known. I call her the baby whisperer. I have seriously seen her take a crying baby into her arms, whom she did not know, and had him completely calm within seconds. I am not exaggerating. It's as if she emits some nurturing motherly pheromone and children are drawn to her. It still amazes me. We have had the opportunity to work together, and we've learned so much from each other over the years, not just in terms of teaching, but just life in general. We seek each others advice on everything from motherhood to ministry.

Mark and Datha are both educators and they both work in full time ministry. They also have three beautiful children. They were talking about having a fourth baby, when Mark shared with Datha that the Lord had impressed upon him that they were going to add to their family through foster care. Specifically that they were going to adopt through foster care. So, they prayed about it and started the necessary classes. Within the first six months they opened their home and hearts to three different children, all of whom would eventually leave and be reunited with their own families. It was wonderful and heartbreaking all at the same time. That's just from my perspective, because I cried with Datha each time she had to send a little one home. Aside from the hopes that this child may be the one, it's hard to send a little one you love back into what may be a precarious situation. You just don't know. You may never know. You may never see them again, and that's hard. Datha said she takes heart in knowing that no matter where they go they will always have two people who will pray for them for the rest of their lives. Maybe that in itself is the reason why God has brought them into their lives. There is something so simple and yet so profound in that statement that it makes me emotional just sharing it here with you. To think that the Lord would take them so far down this road, and allow them to feel so deeply, so they might never forget to pray. Would our great and mighty God orchestrate all that so that these little ones would never be forgotten? Absolutely! That is what is so beautiful about their story. But, it's not over yet.....

Our Lord is faithful. He never forgets His promises. After six months the opportunity came for them to adopt a beautiful little twelve month old boy. His parents had relinquished all rights and he had been passed over by two other couples because he is a special needs child. The agency knew the fact he was special needs would not matter to Mark and Datha. They invited them to come and meet him and to see if they would like to take him into their family. It was an answer to every one's prayers. To God be the glory.

We had the chance to meet him when they came to stay with us during the Christmas holidays. He is precious. I got to spoil him just a bit with a new toy and blankie from his Tiffy. I did not include pictures of him, because it is part of procedure until his adoption is finalized, at the end of May. I just feel so blessed to be a witness to all of this and to help them celebrate and welcome him home.

Adoption is so important. There is such a need and I admire anyone willing to consider opening their hearts and homes. Hugh and I don't feel that the Lord is calling us to adopt, but there is no reason why we can not support and encourage others in their journey to adopt. The Lord asks us to care for orphans and widows, and to give fair judgment to the poor, the afflicted, the fatherless, and the destitute. He also says that whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you do for me. We are all called in some capacity to help. As long as we are willing, He will use us, even if in some small way. Please pray for this special family. -Thank you.

Mom to Mom: Share Your Best Tips

2011-01-24T14:22:00.000-08:00

This is my first time to join in this link up, but, this looked like fun and I love gathering good tips from other moms. Missy is our gracious hostess over at It's Almost Naptime. This week she shared about how she developed chore charts for her family. She gave wonderful examples of how she tailored each child's chores according to their developmental ability.

I was inspired by an idea I got from a couple raising four children; a seventeen year old son, a fourteen year old son, a twelve year old daughter and a son who was around the age of four or five. The couple shared about how they don't give their children allowances. They believe that each member of the family is responsible for doing their part to help the household run to the best of it's ability. Instead they helped each child pick something they could do to make money of their own and then taught them how to manage that money through saving, investing and a checking account. Their oldest son learned to detail cars, and he was so good at it he was getting more business than he could handle on his own, so he hired some of his friends to work with him. Within a year or so he owned his own small business and employed five of his friends. Their fourteen year old son made and managed his money through mowing lawns. Their twelve year old daughter started baking with her mother and turned that into their own little side business right out of their home. Their youngest son started collecting and recycling aluminum cans in order to make money. I decided to try the last idea with my own children.

My parents always taught me to leave things better than the way you found them. While I am not a full on, go green, all natural kind of mom, I respect and admire those who are, and I try to learn as much as I can from them. My children (who are three and four) and I started collecting cans back in Ohio to help out a neighbor. Now, we collect them and split the money between their piggy banks. This has given me an opportunity to teach them about reusing and recycling things that we normally might just throw away. It has also given me a chance to start talking to them about tithing and giving money to those in need. These are challenging concepts for a three and four year old, but, it's a start.

I hope this little project is something we can build on in years to come, something I can hand over to them to take care of on their own. I want them to learn to be resourceful, and to leave things better than the way they found them.

Here are a few pictures I have taken over the last couple months. Three full bags of cans off to the recycling center.
Another trip another day with two bags.
This is where we drop off our bags to be weighed and added to the truck.
We have also started recycling boxes.
Such good helpers!
This is a picture of the junk yard, where we drop off our cans to be recycled. The kids think it's fascinating to watch the diggers and cranes and all the men at work. And I think it's great for them to see the people who work in our community and make it a better place.

2011-01-19T15:43:00.000-08:00

Featuring: children's author Sara Anderson and her work.

I happened upon these lovelies as I was browsing through Jr. Square Books today after our story hour. The first two are beginner board books that are great for very young children up through early childhood or early elementary first time readers. The rhyme and rhythm Anderson uses gives such a great flow to each of these. "Huckleberry-strawberry-watermelon-plum
apricot-mango Let's have some!"

As you can see, she also uses vibrant colors in her illustrations as well. Interestingly, Anderson was a well known artists for years before becoming a children's author. Her work has even been featured in The Museum of Modern Art in New York and other places across the globe. Her technique has always featured a dynamic colored-paper cutout feel of collage (—Review from the Seattle Weekly December 14, 2005.)

The last selection, Farmers Market would be a great selection for preschoolers and early elementary readers. The text is in rhyming quatrains, but, the illustrations are still what drives the book. It is just beautiful to look at. I love this because we visit our local farmers market every week, sometimes twice a week and know the people there by name. This is a wonderful set of books to introduce your children to colors, fruits and vegetables, and the people in your community who grow and raise them. You can also use them to support healthy habits and foster a budding awareness of our small business owners and community workers. Maybe it will lead you to start your own family garden. I love to follow up books with field trips or projects that give my children a chance to learn kinesthetically, as well as, audio and visually. It all builds on top of each other.

This is a little late since it is now Thursday, but, I will have this up for a couple days. Thank you to our gracious hostess, Sarah Denley. I am so glad she is hosting this weekly feature, because I'm a little obsessed with literature, especially children's literature. I hope some of you will join in this weekly feature as well. I love getting new ideas from other moms and teachers out there. ~Blessings!

Please pray for Joanne

2011-01-16T21:46:00.000-08:00

My dear bloggy friends I have a prayer request for Joanne Heim. Joanne suffered a major stroke on January 11. She was taken to the hospital to undergo surgery to relieve swelling in her brain. She is currently in a deep medical coma, as they wait for her swelling to subside and in order that her body may rest and heal. Her family has been through an emotional roller coaster this week. I am asking you to lift up her and her sweet family at this time.

I happened upon Joanne through my friend Janna at Mustard Seeds, whom I've been reading for several years now. I have been blessed by Janna's friendship and when I read that one of her dear friends Joanne was in need of prayer I felt the need to join her in prayer as well. I was not familiar with Joanne's blog or that of her sister Kristen's before now, but, I kept feeling the Lord impress upon me to pray for Joanne and her family. I even asked the Lord to show me how to pray for them more specifically, and as I kept checking in at Janna's blog, she provided updates, a post written by Toben, Joanne's husband, and a link to Kristen's blog for more information. God is so good. I've never considered myself a prayer warrior, but, if you ask the Lord to lead you out of your comfort zone and give you direction, He most certainly will. So, I'm asking you to step out with me and help in lifting up Joanne in prayer. I am asking you not to read this and just keep going, because you don't know her personally. I don't either, but, I know she is my sister in Christ.

Janna so thoughtfully provided a list of Joanne's family members, so we could pray for each of the, by name. I am passing that along here as well.

Toben - Joanne's husband

Audrey - Joanne's 12 year old daughter

Emma - Joanne's 9 year old daughter

Kay - Joanne's Mother

Chuck - Joanne's Father

Kristen - Joanne's sister

Psalm 46 is the scripture that the Heims are claiming over Joanne.

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see what the LORD has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields[d] with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalm 57:1 is a passage of scripture I am praying over Joanne's family.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.

I feel that not only is there power in prayer, but power in praying the scriptures over someone as we pray for them. Please pray, and feel free to visit any of the links above to read more about Joanne and her family and how things are progressing. Thank you.

2011-01-11T19:10:00.000-08:00

My friend Heidi is celebrating the re-launching and re-opening of her business QT Pie Products. She is now offering her line of children's boutique accessories on line at Etsy. You're sure to find something for you and your QT Pie. She is currently featuring a line of hair accessories, as well as, cutie pa-tootie tutus. I am featuring a few of her products over on my side bar. I hope you will click on the available link and check out her business.

Here is a picture of her beautiful daughter Keira, modeling a QT Pie hair accessory.
And here is her link.... http://www.etsy.com/shop/qtpieproducts

A Look Back At Christmas 2010 -Part 2

2011-01-09T16:51:00.000-08:00

Our friends stayed with us the 20th-21st. On the 23rd, we went to Tupelo for Christmas with our extended family. Aunt Jean and Uncle Demming hosted everyone, prepared the food and even had Santa visit for the kids. It was our first time in a couple years to be able to come. That's one of the best parts about being home now:) Hugh had to work, but the kids and I went.All of our little ones!It's so nice for the kids to be able to be around all their cousins. Julie and little Maddy!
Jessica, Brenden, and their son Brody.

Hugh also had to work the night of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I held the children off from opening gifts by taking them to play out in the snow. Wasn't that such a treat to wake up to a white Christmas here in Mississippi of all places. That never happens. I felt like God was smiling down on us and gave us a special gift. Making snow angels
Trey wanted to have a snowball fight. :)
Trey got me with a snowball, and hit the camera in the process. That is why this picture is all fuzzy at the bottom. (hee-hee)
Daddy is home! Merry Christmas!

When Hugh got home he cooked us all breakfast and we opened presents together. The kids were so excited to show him the gifts that Santa had left them and that he had eaten our cookies. We give our children three small gifts in honor of the three wise men who gave gifts to Jesus, and they get one big gift from Santa. Of course, they also get gifts from their grandparents and other family members, as well as, friends.
On Sunday the 26th, our friends Mark and Datha Semrau and their family stopped by on their way back up to Ohio to stay a couple nights with us. They were visiting family down in Louisiana, so it worked out perfect for them to come and stay with us. We have missed them so much, the kids especially.
Datha and moi. Not my best picture, but, I don't care. I'm so glad I got to spend time with her Mark and Datha. We took them out to lunch in Oxford.
Forever Friends!

Hugh had to go back to work, but, he had New Years Eve off and that is when we got to spend Christmas with his dad, Ms. Nancy, both of his sisters and their families. This was a perfect ending to our holiday celebrating, because we got to "go home." Hugh's dad has lived out in the country all his life, as did his dad before him. They own a lot of land and built houses next to one another, with a great big pasture in between where they use to keep cows, but, now have horses. It is beautiful and peaceful there. We always enjoy going out to Paw-Paw and Nana's. It doesn't hurt that Nana is one of the best cooks e-vah either. She totally out did herself cooking up a storm this year. Most of my pictures came out fuzzy. :( But, here is one good one of all of the kids with Paw-Paw riding four wheelers.
. Well, our Christmas has come to an end. It was filled with lots of fun, family and friends, and lots of happiness. I hope yours was as well.
~Blessings

A Look Back At Christmas 2010 -Part 1

2011-01-09T06:15:00.000-08:00

What a Christmas we had this year. It was so nice to be back home with family and friends. We had so many wonderful guests come to stay with us. I thought I'd share a few high lights of our holidays. Hugh had an odd schedule this month, but, we found a way to work around it. He worked most weekends,but, he was off the 18th so that is when we had our first Christmas celebration with his mom and Loyd, and sister Demetria and family (Kevin, Kaden and Russ.) It was my first time to host a dinner in our new home, and I was so excited that I'm sorry to say I didn't take many pictures, and Hugh was behind the video camera. Around the house at Christmas time. Here is my coffee station set up with goodies. I snapped a quick picture as I was setting out hors d'oeuvres and snacks on our new buffet. I picked up the platters and decor at my first visit to Mistletoe Market this year and combined it with a few McCarty pieces I already have. I'll have to show a better picture of our new dinning room later. We tidied up the house a bit on Sunday in order to prepare for our annual get together with "The Family," a group of some of our very dearest friends in the world. We lived together back in college (guys with guys-girls with girls of course.) We have been through everything together, and I do mean everything; graduation, first jobs, marriage, children, career changes, moves across the state and nation, illnesses, infertility, adoption, loss and death within our families, and yes I could go on and on. We will always be there for one another Proverbs 18:24. . . there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. We all have children now, so our yearly celebration is very family oriented, and we've started a few traditions. We open in prayer and enjoy a great meal together. The parents continue to eat and visit as the children play, but, then we gather everyone together to read the Christmas story, as we bring out the nativity for the children to touch and play with. We sing Christmas carols and we have a birthday party for Jesus. This year my friend Suzanne made a special cake for our celebration. Thank you so much Suzanne. She is so talented. Here is a link to her business blog (really cute cakes!) Our beautiful children. We tried to get them all together for a picture, but, we seem to be missing a few. Hey, they're kids -we just did the best we could. (hee-hee)Our Precious Girls! -Playing in the floor with the plush nativity set, while John read the Christmas story.
It looks like this is going to be longer than I thought so I'm going to split it up into two parts. I'll be posting part 2 soon. ~Blessings!

What's Your Word?

2011-01-03T18:18:00.000-08:00

It's a new year. The landscape, unending, stretches out before us filled with possibilities. Where will it take you? What will you do with this new opportunity. Every new beginning is a new opportunity.

I mentioned last year that as each new year approaches I try to look and listen to where the Lord is leading me. What does He have for me in this new year? Am I growing? Am I ministering to the needs of others? Am I a vessel of praise? Each year it something different.

Last year my word was obedience. This year my word is deliver. I know my word isn't exciting, or even warm and fuzzy, like compassion, or faithfulness, or something along those lines. It may not even make sense to anyone else but me, but, already the Lord has shown me in small ways where He is leading me.

Every year He pushes a little bit harder, and has me dig a bit deeper to accomplish what He has for me. It always draws us into a closer communion with one other, but it also serves to strip away and prune me. I can tell you that there will be alot of digging deep this year and alot of hard work, because the Lord wants to deliver me from some strong holds in my life. -I didn't even realize I had strong holds. Funny how the Lord will reveal things to you when He knows you are ready. Well, I can't say that I'm completely ready, but, I know that He's ready and He is ready for me to be ready. So, here goes nothing.

It's very hard to explain, but, hopefully it's something I can share as time goes on and things unfold. I don't like to share negative thoughts or feelings here (or any social network for that matter.) I don't feel it serves a purpose but, to vent or complain, and honestly I can't stand constant negativity. If I'm struggling with something I have a few close confidants I go to whom are grounded in the word and will pray with me and counsel me in a godly manner. Sometimes I need to work it out just me and the Lord. I tend to share here once I've come out the other side of a difficult place and I can see what the Lord wants me to learn or take from it. Maybe that makes me seem less "real" or relateable than other people or blogs out there, but, I'm really OK with that. I think there is something to be said for a little discretion. Back in September, I had the opportunity to attend a Beth Moore simulcast event and she said something that really struck me. She said that while she enjoys social networking, such as, face book, twitter, and blogging, there is a down side. Technology being what it is today, there are suddenly hundreds of thousands of writers out there. However, they lack one important thing, an editor. We need to think before we push publish. This is especially true within the Christian community. She challenged us that if it doesn't edify one another or glorify our Lord, then what purpose does it serve? Think before you push publish. I guess I have felt that way for a while, she just put it into words.

That being said, I don't think everything needs to be shiny and happy all the time. I enjoy blogs that are transparent and vulnerable, and give you a new perspective on things. I'm talking about the train wreck you can't turn away from. Sometimes we are so attracted to the train wreck and all the negativity. The more we surround ourselves with it, the more we allow it to trickle into our lives and soon it is out pouring from us as well. Have you ever noticed that if you find yourself surrounded by a group of people complaining, and you don't remove yourself from it, you either find yourself so uncomfortable you are about to suffocate, or you end up joining in the banter. Yeah, been there. I'm not proud of it either. So, moving on.

Sometimes the Lord has to hold up a mirror to us to get our attention, and once we're over the initial shock, He lets us know in no uncertain terms that we've been here long enough. It's time to move forward, and that's where I am. So, off we go..... into the new year. :)

A Little Christmas Cheer

2010-12-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

Well, we have spent the last week or so under the weather here at home. We seem to be passing around a little stomach virus, but thank the good Lord it has all but left us, and we're on the mend.

We're just getting around to decorating and putting up our Christmas tree. Some how we lost a whole box of ornaments, decorations, stockings and stocking holders in our move home to Mississippi five months ago. At first I was completely panicked, and then a little sad. Our stockings were ones I've had since I was a little girl. My mom and dad passed them to us after we got married. They're weren't anything fancy, but, they had great sentimental value. Somehow, this seems to be some kind or reoccurring theme in my life. If you have been reading my blog for a while you may remember this post I wrote back in 2008. I am still clinging to His promises and His peace. It's OK to let go of all the "stuff" in our lives material or emotional. It's OK to treasure the memories, but, to let go. I've also learned that it's OK to be hurt and disappointed, but, to learn what you can take away from the experience without becoming jaded and bitter. Circumstances do not define our lives or who we are. What defines who we are and how we react to all life experiences is the simple fact of "Are we doing it with Him (Jesus) or without Him?" If I choose Him nothing can rob me of the joy and peace that is only found in our Lord and saviour. So, we move forward and build new memories and look back on the good times with a smile on our face and joy in our hearts.

I am looking for stockings and a few other things to add to what we have this year and I'll add a little more next year. It's been nice to see other blogs displaying their Christmas cheer and decorations already. It inspires you to get in the spirit of the season and start getting your things out and together. Our house is filled with music and I have all my candles lit, and a few presents already wrapped. We even felt good enough to go to the Christmas parade here in town last night with friends. I'm looking forward to sharing our home and decorations soon. We have alot of company coming for the holidays, so I have got to get with the program :)

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week. ~Blessings!

She's Back

2010-12-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

Yes indeed, I have waited and waited and finally after many many months I can announce the return of The Only Girl Here. I have to say that I thought Demetria had all but abandoned blogging. I wouldn't exactly blame her since her whole blog was some how deleted -for no apparent reason. She contacted blogger, but they couldn't give her any explanation, as to what may have happened. I really might have thought about giving up to at that point too, but, I'm so glad she didn't.

She was the one who talked me into starting a blog many moons ago. I kept saying "What?! I don't have time for all that." She insisted we do this together to keep up with our day to day with the kids. I am so glad she is persistent, because I have truly enjoyed writing and reflecting over the past several years. So, let's raise a glass and welcome her back, because without her I wouldn't be here, and if I weren't here, you wouldn't be here reading this, and besides that she's fabulous. So here's a toast to my sister, my friend, my partner in crime. I love you. You're my heart. Thanks for always having my back and for always pushing me to be better. Thank you for your honesty and your encouragement and for being the most hilarious person I know, because sometimes I just need a good laugh. (arm hair.) What more can I say except that you mean to me more than you know. I have learned so much from you and I am grateful you are my confidant and friend! OK, wipe away the tears and lets get back to blogging. (No pressure) -Love You- Tiff

Giving Thanks!

2010-12-01T11:55:00.000-08:00

Well, I back from all the celebrating that we've been doing over this Thanksgiving holiday. It was really wonderful. I have to say I was disappointed at first that Hugh wasn't going to have Thanksgiving off, but, it all worked out, because his mom had to work also, so we moved our celebrating to Saturday evening. Hugh's dad and step-mom went on a long overdue vacation over the holiday, and were not planning to be home. So, imagine my surprise when Ms. Nancy called me Thursday morning and said, "What are you doing?" I said, We're just sitting here watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in our P.J.s." They had gotten home the night before, and she said she didn't want us to be alone so why don't we come on down to their house. How sweet! I am so glad she called because it just wouldn't have been the same. Don't get me wrong it still would have been a nice quiet relaxing day for us if we had just stayed home and played together, but, it was nice to be with family. It was also the anniversary of my daddy's passing, so it was nice to not have to be alone and think about things. It's not as hard as it used to be. Time definitely heals and helps alot, but, it's hard not to look at my sweet babies and wish they weren't missing this. Not, to mention the fact that I wish I could call my mom and ask her about her sweet potato casserole recipe. (I took my own version to Demetria's house for Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday.) And I miss breaking out the Christmas decorations with my dad.

Daddy always made the holidays so much fun. He would pull all the decorations out of the attic, put on the Christmas music and go to town. It was great because we lived in the third oldest house in town, and my dad worked really hard drilling holes and running the necessary wires through to other rooms so we could enjoy the music throughout the house, and that was way back in the late 80s early 90s before all the high tech fancy equipment we have available to us now. We decorated inside and out. Thanksgiving through the Christmas, our house was always alive with activity. Really it started even before that with Halloween. We just went from one celebration to the next. I have memories of daddy and mama decorating, cooking, and planning and buying presents for our angel tree children, Samaritan Purse Shoebox children and all of the children in my mom's day care. They were givers, and they always emphasized God's love through serving and giving to others. Uhhh, I miss them so much. It's not much heart breakingly sad any more, as much as, it is a yearning or a longing for them. I know I will see them again someday. -Thank you Lord! For now I can enjoy a great legacy of Love and thanksgiving they've left for me to pass on. Back to Thanksgiving....

I have to brag on my sweet sister for a moment here. Demetria hosted a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner for us all this year in her home. And her home y'all is such a beautiful mixture of this bold, vibrant artsy style with a little bit of traditional thrown in and a touch of high luxury, but, not too much. It's very livable, not too over the top, but so creative. She prepared the turkey, dressing, green bean casserole and deviled eggs (which were fine-ness,) and I brought the sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and cupcakes for the kids, and not just any cupcakes strawberry Sugarees cupcakes (crazy- unbelievably good.)The kids played their little hearts out, and we visited and cooked and the boys watched the egg bowl. (For those of you who are not Mississippi natives it is the annual Ole Miss v/s Mississippi State game. Big time rivalry going on here.) College football is more important here than pro-football. i know it's hard to believe, but you just have to live here to understand. Sunday, Demetria and I spent the afternoon shopping. -THE WHOLE AFTERNOON. This is huge people. I have been dreaming of this like forever. Let me say we were in rare form. We were cutting up so bad at one point we had people in the dressing room laughing with us and I'm sure at us, as well. It was awesome. The boys were cutting her built ins apart to make room for Kevin's fat new T.V. We came home to find all children still alive and our husbands grinning like Cheshire cats. I have to give it to them though they did a bang up job, and we got some serious Christmas shopping done. :)

This has been such a wonderful month with so many things to be thankful for. I never officially finished my list, but, I've been blessed alot in so many ways, big and small, and I just want it to roll over into the rest of the holidays, as we spend time being thankful for the greatest gift of all. -Celebrating Jesus!

Giving Thanks Challenge 2010 ~ # 13, 14, and 15

2010-11-21T16:29:00.000-08:00

#13. I was excited to have two of my nephews come and stay with us this weekend. I am so thankful this year has brought us home and close enough that we can do things like that now. Trey and Anna Grace love spending time with their cousins. It is a joy to watch them all play together. We have had glimpses of it here and there when we've come down to visit each year. It's nice that it's finally here, and we don't have to leave soon.

#14. I have started singing Christmas carols at night as I put the kids to bed. Actually, I have been doing so for a couple weeks now. We have little bed time rituals that we've had for a while now, but, when we moved it was a little hard to get back into our regular routine. Trey and Anna Grace go back and forth between sleeping in their own rooms and still wanting to be in the same room. One night a couple months ago, they asked me would I please stay with them for a while and sing to them. (I usually sing hymns.) My heart melted and I told Hugh I am so thankful that they still want me to rock them and sing them to sleep. I thought maybe they were growing out of that, and I have to admit I missed it. It's nice to feel needed and wanted.

#15. I'm thankful that our finances are such that we can enjoy a few things we could not afford to indulge in before now. It's nice to be able to have a girls weekend like I did a few weekends ago with my sisters Demetria and M.C. We went to Mistletoe Market and had a fabulous time. I was able to get a few Christmas gifts there, as well as, a few things for the house. It was a nice sense of freedom to be able to do that and not feel like it was going to break our budget if I did. I didn't go crazy or anything. I'm still very conscious about our budget and our spending, but what a refreshing change. I feel like Christmas came early for me.

I'm still catching up on my list here so there will be more to come later today. I hope everyone is having a wonderful day! Blessings!

Giving Thanks Challenge 2010 #10,11,& 12

2010-11-15T10:28:00.000-08:00

#10. I'm so thankful that it finally feels like Fall. This is my favorite time of year. The crisp cool air, the rich colors all around. Speaking of colors, I thought I'd share my color pallet for our new house. I'm drawn to neutrals and a crisp, clean look, but I also want a sense of warmth. So, here is what we've chosen.

I took this with my phone so they're not showing up as well as I'd like them too, but I will post before and after pictures soon.

#11. I love Harvest by Yankee Candle. It's my favorite. It really makes my house smell great. I can't wait for Thanksgiving!

#12. I'm also thankful for my arrangements for my front doors. This is a little something extra that we can afford now, and it makes all the difference in the world, at least to me. I love them. It makes me so happy to be able to add little touches like this to our home. This is a close up of one of them. I hope y'all are having a wonderful week filled with all of your favorite things! ~Blessings

Giving Thanks Challenge 2010 ~#7

2010-11-14T12:56:00.000-08:00

7. Today I am enjoying the bird feeder Hugh hung outside our living room window. It's just something simple, but sometimes the simplest pleasures in life are the sweetest. It is so relaxing to me to be able to sit and watch the birds as I read or play with the kids. It reminds me of Ohio. We had a huge picture window in our living room there, and we had a feeder in the tree right outside the window there too. So, it feels familiar, and it makes it feel more like home. We've had a few cardinals come to visit, which also reminds me of being up north in Ohio, because that is the state bird there. I love how the Lord brings everything full circle in your life, even the littlest of things. He uses it all to remind you of the blessings in your life.

#8. Books! I am so thankful for books, for the enjoyment they bring us and for how they enrich our lives. I have been reading Jesus Calling this year. It is a daily devotion written from the perspective of God, as if He were talking directly to you. My friend Marci gave it to me for my birthday, with this inscription; This little book has opened my ears again to the voice of the Father. I pray it is a blessing to you. Just think...we'll be reading it together each day. (Side note: My birthday is in February so she had already begun this devotion at the beginning of the year.) Is that not the most endearing inscription? It makes me tear up every time I read it because I'm blessed to have a friend who truly cares about my spiritual life and walk with God. It was just what I needed this year. Some how the way it's written, in first person, just makes it more personal for me. It has prompted dialogue on my end in my prayer life, as well. I can't say enough good things about it.

The next set of books I have here I recently found for my children for the Advent season and Christmas holidays. I love Golden books. They remind me of my childhood. I found them on display in front of the check out at Walmart. Again, thank you Lord for small blessings! My little ones are going to be playing a donkey and a cow in our up coming Christmas play. Anna Grace was upset because they had originally told her she was going to be an angel along with her cousin, Taylor Brooke. She started crying when we left play practice this last week because she didn't want to be a cow in the play. She kept saying everyone was going to laugh at her. Trey on the other hand was very proud he was going to be a donkey. I think his excitement helped ease her disappointment. When I saw The Animals' Christmas Eve, I thought Oh how wonderful. This will help so much. -and it has. We have been reading the book every night, and now they are both excited about being animals in the play. Thank you Lord for sending just what we needed. #9. I can't wait to see them in the play. I'm thankful they get the opportunity to be a part of this.

Happy Veterans Day!

2010-11-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for the millions of men and women who have so bravely defended our freedom time and time again throughout our nations history. Today is a day to honor our service men and women. I am proud to recognize this day in honor of my father, who served in WWII and the Korean Conflict. He was a proud American. He loved this country. I know that my love for America comes deeply rooted from the role model he was for me throughout my life. God Bless America. God Bless those who live here, and love it and proudly serve for the freedom of all. -Thank you.

Giving Thanks Challenge 2010 ~ #5 & 6

2010-11-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

5. I am so thankful that Trey is attending a classical Christian school. Although it was hard to let go of my dream of home schooling for both my children, I'm glad I listened to my husband. Trey is learning so much. He is in a wonderful supportive atmosphere, and he loves everything about it. He loves his teacher. He loves his classmates and he loves learning. He comes home excited to tell what new things they did that day. The Lord took this situation and turned my disappointment into joy. I love that there are smaller classrooms, so the children get more individual attention. There are sixteen children in his class and he there is a teacher and an assistant. So, there are in essence eight students per adult. The school itself has a very intimate atmosphere and every single person I have encountered has been warm and friendly. It's very family oriented, and everyone really gets involved in some capacity or another. It also helps that I know he is getting a quality education. Each grade has tested three grade levels above their own (nationally not just state wide)every year they have been open. I know he is being challenged and that material is presented in such a way that it makes it exciting and interesting to learn. I couldn't ask for better. Best of all he is in a Christian atmosphere. The school is very serious about the spiritual education they offer. I have had the pleasure of seeing that first hand during our chapel services on Wednesday mornings.

6. I'm thankful that as part of the blessing of being a stay at home mom I get to attend the chapel service Trey's school offers every Wednesday morning. Parents and siblings are welcomed to attend with the students. I love going to church. I just really enjoy it. So, I feel like I'm getting an extra little bit of church thrown into my week. It just makes me feel good. It keeps me up. And it amazes me at what the children are learning. Each grade level takes turns opening the service on Wednesday mornings. They start with the pledge to the American flag, the pledge to the Christian flag and the pledge to the Bible. Then they recite a passage of scripture, a poem, and finish with a song before the speaker comes to share. Trey's pre-school class recited (Proverbs 3:5-6) Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Then, they recited a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Singing

Of speckled eggs the birdie sings
And nests among the trees;
The sailor sings of ropes and things
In ships upon the seas.

The children sing in far Japan,
The children sing in Spain;
The organ with the organ man
Is singing in the rain.

Then, they sang a days of the week song and a little praise song The Lord's Army. I was so proud, and amazed. I can't wait to see what they share next. What are you thankful for today?

Giving Thanks Challenge 2010 ~ #3 & 4

2010-11-09T15:30:00.000-08:00

3. I'm thankful for solitude, a chance to steal away a few moments of peace and quiet. I don't know about you, but, that is not easy to come by for this momma. In the raising of a three and four year old there are times when the house is filled with the sweet sounds of laughter, children playing and music. There are also other times when the air is filled with the noise of fighting, screaming, the crashing of toys and the calling of my name (well, the calling for momma anyway.) I was not raised with any siblings so I am not accustomed to the love/hate relationship that lies between them. Hugh keeps telling me to pick my battles and that I need to let them work it out sometimes instead of correcting every little thing, but I can't help myself. Can't we just all get along?! "Please be kind to each other. That was not very nice. Say you're sorry," is what I find myself constantly saying. And then sometimes it's turns into "Stop it! Now that is enough." "Sigh." Parenting is a daunting task at times. I take what my husband says to heart, but, I often find there is a delicate balance between picking your battles and staying consistent. It is in those moments that I desire nothing more than complete silence so I can collect my thoughts, and pray for direction and my attitude.

I guess I'm showing my age by saying so. I used to love noise. The more people, the louder the music the better. I felt energized being surrounded by it. Now it's draining. I covet peace and quiet, and I covet my quiet time with the Lord. Which leads me to ....

#4. I'm thankful for daily devotions with the Lord. I had the most awesome quiet time yesterday morning. It was so simple and ordinary, yet completely blissful. I had two tea biscuits, a glass of orange juice and it was just me and the Lord spending a little time together. Like having breakfast with an old friend! It made my whole day. It just set the mood for things to come. I wish everyday to be just like that.

Giving Thanks Challenge 2010 ~ #2

2010-11-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

2. I am thankful for the gift of friendship, and it truly is a gift. God has been ever so gracious to me in this particular area of my life. I have friends old and new that are precious treasures. I attract a lot of different types of people. I know I've shared before that Hugh and I have a running joke that all my friends don't go together.

I think it's the creative side in me that desires something different, something unique that draws you in like a good piece of art. People are like that -good art. beautiful and complicated, ordinary yet astounding and even captivating at times. I'm glad I have friends that challenge me to get out of my safe little box and think beyond myself and own perspective at times. They help me stretch and grow alot. All of my friends bring this to my life to some degree even when we have so many things in common.

The friendships I treasure most are my close Christian friends. They just get it, or they just get me. Jesus is the tie that binds for all time, and there is such a comfort in that. There is a deep level of knowing that you just can't get to unless you are equally yoked in this area. I don't say this to diminish my other friendships, and I'm not even saying I love my Christian friends more, but I guess that is why I always try to share Jesus with all my friends. I want to share in that common bond. When you love someone you want to give them the best. Well, Jesus is my best. I have found that having Jesus is sharing something that time, distance and circumstances can not change.

I hope you all have friendships like that out there, deep abiding friendships that enrich your lives. If not, then ask the Lord for one and search one out like a hidden treasure waiting to be found. I truly believe with all my heart that if you love the Lord, and you are walking in close fellowship with Him, he will give you the desires of your heart if they will draw you closer to Him. ~Blessings!

2010 Giving Thanks Challenge

2010-11-07T14:38:00.000-08:00

It is time for the 2010 Giving Thanks Challenge hosted by Leah at South Breeze Farm. I look forward to this challenge every year. It helps me to focus on the up coming holiday season and the true meaning of it. We are so blessed and have so very much to be thankful for. I have missed blogging. It is one of my favorite pass times. So, I'm going to take this opportunity to throw myself back into it. I have always thought of my blog as part gratitude journal and part scrapbook. I store some of my most treasured memories, thoughts and dreams here. I hope it serves as an encouragement to visitors. I love meeting new people and finding a kindered spirit.

The Giving Thanks Challenge lasts throughout the month of November, and you can approach it several ways. Some people like to write a post each day of the month for what they are thankful for. Others like to keep an on going list on their sidebar. Some like to do both. It's a great way to find new blogs. I hope some of you will join us.

I'm getting a late start, so I'm going to do a few things I'm thankful for each day until I catch up .

1. I'm thankful for traditions old and new. I love sharing things that connect us through years and generations. I have traditions with family and friends, and just the memory of them brings joy and warms my heart. For instance, momma and daddy always made enough food to feed an army for Thanksgiving, more than we ever needed for three people. Some years they would invite someone they knew who didn't have someone to have Thanksgiving dinner with. My parents both came from large families, so they knew what it was like to be far away from those you love during the holidays. Some how every year my best friend Peige found her way to our house after all of her family celebrations were over. I have countless memories of the two of us in the kitchen with my mom as she were cleaning up, laughing and cutting up together. We'd find ourselves hours later sitting right there in the floor talking late into the night and eating some of momma's stuffing.

One of my favorite traditions is that we always go to church as a family on Christmas Eve. That is one tradition I intend to keep always with my family as well. We've started a new tradition with my sister, Demetria. For the passed three years, we've have gotten our two families together to take our children to see the lights in Canton. Our kids love it, and it reminds me of how momma, daddy and I would drive over to Leland every year to see the lights on the bayou. I get excited just thinking about it. The holiday season is such a special time. We also get together every year with our very close friends Shelia, Ashley, Marci and John. This last year we had eight children between us and we had a birthday party for baby Jesus. John read the nativity story and he and Hugh helped the kids make reindeer food with the kids. It was so much fun.

I'll be checking in later to add something to my Thankful list. ~Blessings!

Mad Men on AMC

2010-11-04T14:12:00.000-07:00

I've only caught a few episodes of this series on AMC, but I'm facinated with the clothes, props, and sets. It is so well done you feel transported to New York circa 1960s. I found this fun little game at AMCTV where you can put together your own little Mad Men alter ego. So, here I am, as a stay at home wife and mother mad men style.....

Hello Again

2010-10-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's been a long time. I think that was the longest break I've taken from blogging. It wasn't even an intended break. Life just seems to zip right passed these days. It has been busy, and frustrating and wonderful all at the same time.

We have had a steady stream of visitors since we moved home in late June. My sweet friend Heidi and her family came down for a week in early August. It was during Elvis week, and Heidi is a huge Elvis fan, so we took a day trip up to Memphis just us girls. It was so much fun. We were positively silly. We decided that we would make it an annual event and meet up for a girls weekend every year. Here are a couple of picks....

As you can tell is was a very hot summer day and we were all about to melt, but we still had fun. Can't let a little thing like heat get in the way of a good time.

My aunt Cathy flew in for a week at the beginning of October. I have missed her so much. For as long as I can remember we have always seen each other every other year be it in the summer or at Christmas time. This is the longest we've ever gone between visits (4 years) but it couldn't be helped. I'm just glad I got a whole week with her. Even with that it didn't seem long enough. I could seriously move her right in with us. She and my uncle Jr. have taken up the grand parents role on my side of the family since momma and daddy have passed. She is actually my great aunt, because she was my mom's aunt but they were raised together as sisters. We have always been close and had a very special bond. There's nothing we wouldn't do for each other. When momma passed I was sitting in the E.R. holding her hand for more than an hour. I just couldn't make myself get up and leave. I didn't want it to be real. I couldn't let her go and I couldn't stop crying. I finally asked Hugh to call my aunt Cathy. I asked her to come, because I didn't think I could do this without her. She told me she already had her plane ticket and she would be there as soon as possible. There was no question she was already there before I had to ask. She really is like my second momma. And I'm so at peace with her around. She just has that presence. We had such a wonderful time while she was here. We went to Cedar Hills Farm, Fiddlin Rooster Farm and we had a bonfire and cook out with Hugh's cousin Barry, his wife Brandy and their daughter Taylor Brooke. We painted pumpkins, roasted hot dogs and made smores. The kids played soccer in the yard and even put up Taylor Brooke's tent and played in it. Here are a few highlights...

My friend Datha also came down for a long weekend in October. It really touched my heart that two of my closest friends have made the effort to take time off to come all the way down here to visit. I know they could have spent their time and money on other things. I am so blessed! It was good to have time to catch up and visit with Datha. She and Mark are foster parents now, and feel like the Lord is leading them to adopt through foster care. I don't know any couple who could be better foster parents than Mark and Datha. They have a great capacity to love. They are both in ministry and have three of their own children. Fostering has been a wonderful and heart wrenching process for them. Every child that comes to them is like their own and it is hard to let them go. You hope and pray you are sending them back into what is now a stable and more nurturing environment, but you never know. I told her I really don't know how she does it. I tear up every time we talk about it. It is so hard to hear about the situations those babies come out of when they come to them. She said sometimes she can't even let herself think about it. All she can do is pray a hedge of protection over them and know that no matter where they are, they will always have two people who will always be praying for them, and maybe that in itself is why the Lord has brought them into their lives. God bless them. I'm not the only one who was happy to have Datha visit. My children love her, especially Trey. They have a very special connection. I can't wait to see her at Christmas. They have family in Louisiana and so they are going to stop on their way down to visit. So we'll get to see the whole family for the holidays. Here are a few pictures from when she was visiting....

We have also had many of our friends and family right here in Mississippi come for a visit, so we are still in the process of getting settled in. In the midst of all of our company we have been trying to paint and furnish the house. That has been the somewhat frustrating part. We have taken down chair railing, put up new dry wall and painted. We also put up a new ceiling in our bedroom. We have made repairs to the pool and hot tub, and are working on the landscaping as well. We have had a lot on our plate. Oh, and my latest venture involved taking over the Fall Festival for Trey's school this year. I wanted to take the opportunity to get to know the faculty other families at the school and what better way to get involved. OK, so maybe I should have volunteered for part of the festival like concessions, instead of taking on the whole thing my first year, but I like a challenge. Either that or I'm a glutton for punishment. No really, it all turned out fine and I've gotten a lot of nice compliments on it. Thank you Lord! And I know what will and will not work for next year. Best of all, I met and had the chance to work with so many wonderful people.

It's been busy, but it's finally calming down a bit, and so I hope I can catch up with some of my favorite blogs now. I'm ready to stay at home, decorate for the holidays and just enjoy a little home life.

I Was Wrong

2010-08-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

This morning I just felt anxious. I woke up tired and couldn't seem to get myself going, and everything just seemed to get on my last nerve. My children were right up under me following me around demanding this and that. I seriously had to lock the bathroom door in order to go to the bathroom by myself. I tried to sit down and read my morning devotion and kept getting interrupted, and I was seriously about to get angry or cry one, when the Holy Spirit just impressed upon me to pray. Just pray kept running through my mind. I was trying to shuffle between making breakfast, answering the phone and checking my e-mail because I hadn't answered someone and they decided to call me to see if I had even gotten their e-mail. I saw a prayer request from another friend and decided I needed to just sit down and bow my head right there and pray. And immediately I felt better. All my anxiousness and irritability seemed to melt away. And I wasn't even praying for myself. I was praying for someone else, but the Lord took care of what I needed most at that moment as well. You know I pray everyday, but sometimes I just take for granted the fact that I need a gentle reminder that prayer really changes things, as cliche as that may sound. He is waiting for us to stop rushing around like a chicken with our head cut off, and just listen to what He has for us. I was all over the place and He was telling me to stop, take a deep breath and come to Him. It sounds almost too easy, and I think that's why we often rush right on by and keep going on our way. Sometimes we feel like we don't have time, or that's not going to help us, and how wrong we are. I can say it. I was wrong. Wrong in my attitude, and arong for not listening the first time. But, thak goodness He is so patient, and so merciful with us. Thank you Lord that for this morning and this day your grace is sufficient.

Home to Heaven

2010-08-12T13:38:00.000-07:00

Our sweet Grammy went home to be with the Lord last Wednesday night. She is one of the sweetest souls I've ever known, and she always made me feel like one of her own. Her last words to me were you be sweet. She always said that to me when we parted. She always hugged my neck, gave me three little pats on the back and kissed me on the cheek and said I love you, be sweet.

We knew the time was coming, and it wasn't that it was unexpected or anything, but death is always hard. We spent the weekend with family, and we shared alot of our best memories about Granny. Hugh and I and the kids stayed with his mom and so did Demetria, Kevin and their kids. We stayed up way too late sitting on Ms. Donna's bed talking. It was like old times, and I think it would have made Granny happy. It's strange how sometimes loss draws you all closer together, isn't it.

Demetria was kind enough to secure us a baby sitter for the visitation and funeral. Since it was so hot and many of Granny's friends would be in attendance, the visitation and funeral were held at the church with no grave side service. Our family did go out to the grave site in the early evening to spend a little quiet time and pay our respects. On the way, Trey said, "Grammy is up in heaven with Lord Jesus, isn't she?" Yes, my love she is. "Sometimes when you are sick or old you go up to heaven with Lord Jesus. That's where Grammy is. That's why her body looked like it was sleeping. She looked like an angel." I had actually kept Trey and Anna Grace in the vestibule until the baby sitter arrived and while the rest of the family went down to the front of the sanctuary. They did have to pass through the sanctuary on the very far left side to go back to the nursery. It's amazing to me that he internalized all of that by just a glance. He said he missed her, and I told him it was ok to miss her, because that just means we love her, and Lord Jesus understands that.

When we got to the grave site, everyone took a moment on their own. Ms. Donna and Demetria helped Anna Grace take a rose to press in her Bible to remember granny. Trey told Hugh he wanted to sing Grammy her favorite song (You Are My Sunshine) but, he was afraid she wouldn't hear him. Hugh assured him that Jesus would let granny hear him. So he stood there and sang very quietly, just as he had always done when he went to visit her. Such sweet moments.

We loved her so very much and we will miss her tremendously, but we have a peace knowing she is with her Lord and there is no more pain, no more suffering. She is at peace. Here are some of my favorite pictures of our Granny/Grammy.
A picture of Granny that Hugh took when he flew down home for his mom's graduation from nursing school.
I am three months pregnant here with Trey. Granny and Ms. Donna flew up to visit with us in Ohio. They also came for Hugh's white coating ceremony when we lived in Kansas City, but I can't seem to find a photo of that right now. We were at the airport here.
Granny holding her new great-grandson, Trey the morning after he was born.
This picture means so much to me now. The look on her face as she is holding Trey brings tears to my eyes. You can see how proud she is and how much she loved him right from the start.
Ms. Donna, Granny and my aunt Cathy with Trey. This was taken the day they were flying back to Mississippi.
Granny's first time to meet Anna Grace. They were both excited to see each other.
Sweet smooches from her Grammy.

This is one of my favorite pictures. I took this three years ago at Thanksgiving. Granny with her three daughters, Barbara, Jean and Donna. They are all so beautiful. Granny had this picture up in her room at Graceland.

Love you Granny.

Starting School

2010-08-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

Tonight is back to school night at Trey's new school and he officially starts Pre-K on Monday. I can't believe it. My little man is getting so big. I'm glad he is excited about school. It makes it a little easier on his momma's heart.

I really enjoy my children and had hopped that I would be home schooling them. Many of you that know me, know that this has been a desire of my heart. I even worked on a few pre-school activities at home with them over this passed year. We talked about it and prayed about it, but Hugh never felt that was where God was leading our family. I'm going to continue to work with Anna Grace in the mornings while Trey is at school. And of course I'm going to supplement and do whatever I can to foster and support what Trey is learning as well. I have fond memories of my mother sitting down with me after school to ask me all about my day and help me with homework.

When we were looking at houses back in December, we met Nicole, a doctor's wife, whose house we were actually considering. We hit it off and talked about the hospital there in town (where Hugh will be moonlighting,) finishing residency, moving and buying our first home. It was so nice to meet someone who knew and understood exactly where we are in life. She had also been in education before becoming a stay at home mom, so we had that in common as well. She really gave insight into all the schools in the area, public and private. She knew about teachers, programs, and each school's teaching philosophy (creative, learn through play, as opposed to a more structured classical approach.) She even gave us contact names and numbers.

Hugh was the one whom took initiative and contacted all the schools for information. I was still holding out hope on home schooling, but I was keeping an open mind. There was one private Christian school in particular that Hugh was interested in. I think he tried to persuade me to seriously consider it, as much as I tried to persuade him on home schooling. I couldn't understand why we would consider paying for pre-school when I'm perfectly capable of teaching them here at home. I was, after all a pre-school teacher before we had children. We compromised on narrowing it down to two schools, one public and one private to pray about and seriously consider. They both came highly recommended and fit our philosophy of education. They also both had waiting lists. So when I called to make the inquiries, I found that the public school was closed to applications and had already chosen their students for the year. We thought we may have missed out on the chance for Trey to get in preschool for the year, and Hugh agreed that if the other school was closed as well, I would teach Trey at home, and we would put him on waiting list now for kindergarten next year. I called the private school and found that they had one opening left, and it just happened to be in their four year old pre-school class. We took that as a sign that God had definitely closed one door and opened the other. We had our answer. We have actually met several people in our new neighborhood had through visiting churches that have had their children on the waiting list for a couple years, and couldn't believe we got in. It was definitely the Lord.

We started the application process in March and Trey was accepted in May. Because it is a Christian school we had to sign and agree to their philosophy and mission statement, give two references (one from our pastor, and another non-family member,) and give a written statement on what we expecting the school to provide for our child both educationally and spiritually. We were able to take a tour of the school when we got here, and Trey even attended a four day summer camp they were offering. He was immediately hooked. He talked and talked about school and even went to bed early every night because he was so excited about being ready for school the next day. -Thank you Lord!

The thing I like most about the school is that it is not merely a Christian school in name only. They take their spiritual leadership and education as serious as they do their formal education. I would say 95 percent of their faculty and staff currently serve in ministry in some capacity or have been involved in missions. Many of them have lived in foreign countries serving on the mission field. All of the teachers have degrees in their specialty area and most have advanced degrees. This has really helped me to let go of my disappointment, and embrace the excitement of this new stage in our life. It will help us to get to know people in the area and Trey will make new friends. And we (Hugh and I) feel a peace that this is where our family is supposed to be and serve. That makes all the difference in the world. I'll have to share pictures of his first day. I hope you are enjoying the last couple days of summer with your family and the special little people in your lives! ~Blessings!

In Silence

2010-08-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Hugh had the day off, and we spent a nice day together as a family. I was barely awake and he already had the children dressed and they were out the door. It was so nice to have almost an hour alone in the house. I got a 30 minute workout in on my elliptical, and then spent the rest of the hour in my quiet time. I'm almost finished with a great book that one of my bloggy friends, Sandra sent me. (~Thanks Sandra!) I can't wait to share it with you!

Hugh surprised me with breakfast and then we took the kids swimming. We are really enjoying our new pool. I think the kids are about to grow fins with all the swimming we've been doing. It's actually been the best part of our summer. After our swim, we decided to drive down to Grenada to see Granny, or Grammy, as our children have affectionately named her. This is a picture of Granny and Hugh, when he graduated from med school.

Isn't she beautiful? She is such a sweetheart. She is in a nursing home now, and we know it won't be long before she goes home to be with the Lord. We are trying to spend as much time as we can with her. A few weeks ago, Demetria, Kevin, Kaden and Russ came to spend the weekend with us, and it just so happened to fall on Granny's birthday. So we took some flowers and sang her Happy Birthday. I'm so glad we got to do that together.

Yesterday, we were there for a while before she recognized us and knew we were there. Hugh found a hymnal and I held her hand and sang to her for a while. Mrs. Donna, Hugh's mom had told me that singing songs from her childhood helped to trigger her memory. She would close her eyes every once in a while, so I thought she was drifting off to sleep. I had the sweetest moment with her as I was singing How Great Thou Art. Her eyes were still closed, but she lifted one of her hands to heaven and said, "How sweet it is. How sweet it is." I can't tell you how much that blessed me. When she opened her eyes, she looked right at Hugh and said, "Well, hi there!" as if we had just arrived. It worked.

Ms. Donna arrived a few minutes later with Trey and Anna Grace in tow. She had taken them to Walmart. She had Hugh help her set up a stereo in Granny's room, so she could listen to praise music throughout the day. She also asked the lady whom sits with Granny to read scripture to her everyday to keep her calm and her spirits lifted. While we were there, Anna Grace came over and gave her Grammy a kiss, and Trey held her hand and sang her favorite song, You Are My Sunshine. We were going to put on her music and quietly slip out, but granny asked me to keep singing to her. Again, what a blessing I received.

Ms. Donna came over to my side of the bed and started singing softy along with me. I was fine until she reached out and held mine and Granny's hand. I just got choked up. After a moment, I was able to regain my composure and finish singing with her. We left shortly there after because they brought Granny's dinner down and we could tell she was tired. Ms. Donna took Trey and Anna Grace and slipped out a few minutes before us.

When we were leaving, Hugh looked at me and reached out his hand to take mine. Neither of us said a word. We didn't have to. We had one of those moments I cherish in marriage where so much is said without a word spoken. We know each other so well that we know what the other is thinking and feeling, and so much can pass between us in the silence. It is so nice to be known, to be understood. What a blessing it is to be married to your best friend.

Moving - it ain't easy

2010-07-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I pictured this going so differently in my mind. As if, some how, if I planned it out just right, it would all run smoothly. Well, it's been anything but smooth. I'm here to tell ya it's been down right frustrating at times. I've gone back and forth between the excitement, disappointment, frustration, and guilt.

I've struggled with guilt over moving the children away from all they've ever known. It has been hard on them. They miss their old room in our old home. They miss their friends and they miss our church. There have been nights I put them to bed and they cry, and it breaks my heart. And it makes me miss it all too. It's hard to embrace the excitement and joy of the situation, when your heart is aching.

And we have been plagued it seems with little mishaps. We looked at two different moving companies and went with the one that gave us a locked in estimate at a less expensive rate. However, the company grossly underestimated how much stuff we had. Two men showed up the morning of the 25th with a large truck. We found out quickly it wasn't ours. They were there just to pack us. In fact, the company had over booked and didn't have anyone to pack us. They asked this crew, who were on their way to Washington D.C. to stop for half a day and pack us. Of course they couldn't get it all done in half a day so another crew cam the next morning to finish packing us and a third crew came in the afternoon to load the truck. It was so unorganized. Each of the crews that came didn't like the way the one before them had packed things and we were not expecting to have to tip three different crews to pack us. Then when the crew with the truck came, they brought a small truck and stated the obvious that it wasn't all going to fit on this one truck. So, they asked us if they could put the rest in the garage and pick it up the next day. We were like uh, no -we have to be out by 9:00 the next morning in order for the new renters to start moving in their stuff on time. And it wasn't like we were just moving a couple hours away where we could come back if they forgot something. We're moving across the country. So, they called a second truck to come. That crew didn't want to be there at all and two of the four men gave us attitude about it. They also tried to say they couldn't get it all on their truck so, Hugh called all six men together and said, "Look, one way or another all of this is getting on these two trucks so make it happen. He jumped in to help and spent the last four hours packing, labeling, and loading the trucks with the men. He even stopped to attend to one of the men who had a huge gash in his arm. (Yes, he's a total sweetheart!)

Then, when we got here the morning of closing on the house, we had a walk through with our realtor and the man who had done the inspection on the house. The previous owners had not done what they said they would in making the necessary repairs. The house was filthy. When I say filthy I'm talking black base boards. They were not careful when removing pictures from the walls up stairs and pull out sheet rock and made holes the size of nickles. The pool, which they agreed would be ready for use on the day of closing was green and slimy. And they had taken things out of the house that were specifically in our contract to be left. For example, we asked that the security system and all components be left with the house. Well, there were just chords hanging out of the wall where they had ripped out the dvr and monitors. Our realtor got in touch with them, but they said they had done all they were going to do, and that they didn't take the monitors, they took their t.v.s and we weren't getting their t.v.s. Well, we explained we didn't want their t.v.s, but we needed the monitors to be able to tell if the security system even worked at all after the way they had left it. (We didn't know until this week, when the security system guy came out here to check everything that the dvr was gone. And we can't run the cameras on the outside of the house without them. So, that is going to set us back about a grand to have it all reinstalled correctly. On a positive note, our alarms work well and our house is as tight as Fort Knox with the security system we have. The security guy said we have a better system than he has installed in some banks. He thought the previous owners were a little paranoid, but hey, at least I will feel safe here when Hugh is working late.

I don't know if any of you have ever had a rough closing day, but ours was so stressful it almost ruined it for me. When we got to closing they owners decided that they were going to keep our earnest money because we had bothered them all day about such nonsense. Thank the Lord there was a third party lawyer there to tell them they couldn't just get hot and bothered and decide to keep the money. They said it was because we moved the closing date, and the lawyer reminded them they agreed to that change so they didn't have a leg to stand on. We had already signed the papers, but had stipulations in that they were to call a plumber and other repair persons while there and give a credit card number so they couldn't back out after receiving their check at the end of closing to take care of the things they promised. Hugh basically told them that if they didn't agree to that we would put our stuff in storage and buy another house. Now, I love this house and I didn't want to lose it, but I would have walked away if that's what it had come down to. I stand by Hugh on whatever decision he makes for our family. Thankfully, they agreed!

So, we have since been busy with movers, repair persons, painters, and the like coming in and out everyday. The second truck was scheduled to arrive on the 13th, but came the following week with someone else's things. They returned the next day with our things. -Thank you Lord! It's just been a little crazy, or at least it feels that way to me. I'm ready for a little rest and for things to smooth down a bit. We've had a stead stream of visitors, so I'm still unpacking, but I got the first load unpacked before the second load arrived. It took me three weeks, so i imagine that about how it will go with this load too. I'm ready to feel settled. It is starting to feel a little more like home and I am so thankful for that. I just didn't realize how stressful this could be. It doesn't always work out as we've planned, but it is working, slowly but surely. I'll share pictures soon as we paint and decorate. We are waiting for Hugh to get his first check in before we start that whole process, but, it will be soon. YA!!!!

Until next time....as my sister Demetria says, "Don't be stressed. Be blessed."

We're Home

2010-07-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

We finally made it to Mississippi. I have longed for the day to come when we would return home. I've missed the south, and my beloved Mississippi. It's not just about the people, family and friends that mean so much. I really feel connected to this place, and to the land. The dusty dirt roads, the delta flat lands, the heat and humidity, kudzu, cotton, the bayou, how I have missed you.

I am very much a "bloom where you're planted" kinda girl. I have thoroughly enjoyed each place I have had the opportunity to live. I can find wonderful points about each one of them. I loved living in Kansas City. By the end of my first year there I knew the city inside and out. I loved the shopping, the night life, and all the culture and arts available at every turn. I had a great job. I was still a newly wed. Life was good. Ohio was not a place I thought I'd fall in love with, but, I did. Our family grew there from two to four. Memories were made. Moments I'll always treasure. And the seasons are beautiful there. And life, at least where we were living still has somewhat of an old fashioned feel to it. We flew kites and picniced in the park. Corn hole is still a very popular game at birthday parties and cookouts. Every Tuesday, you can find a group of elder gentlemen and ladies playing Boccie ball in Howland Corners near the gazebo. And in fall, you can find a festival every weekend featuring homemade goodies like apple butter, family hayrides, and corn mazes. I feel like I've made the best of every opportunity I could find that each place had to offer. And yet my heart still longed for home. The place I'm from. The place I belong. -I belong to it and it belongs to me. Have you ever felt that way about a place. No matter where you go, it always draws you back to itself. That's how I feel about the south.

It has been a long journey down to Mississippi. A very long and draining three weeks. There have been many bumps in the road getting settled, but, all that for another day. Right now, I just want to enjoy being back and linger in the moment for a while.

Goodnight my sweet friends. Thank you for staying with me and praying me through all the while I've been packing, moving and traveling down here. I miss you and love you and we'll talk soon. ~Blessings!

I Am An Orange Married To A Green

2010-06-15T06:45:00.000-07:00

Hugh and I took a little personality test last night via Mrs. Susan at The Penless Writer. My primary color is orange and Hugh's primary color is green. My secondary color is yellow and it was within three points of my primary. Hugh's secondary was red. Here are the descriptions of our primary colors...

ORANGE:

These are our out-going, enthusiastic, center-stage people.

They act on a moments notice. They are witting, charming and spontaneous. They love to talk. They need variety, fun and stimulation. They are natural trouble-shooters and are good at flying by the seat of their pants.

They are great at motivating and inspiring others. They are great net-workers. They usually know a lot of people. They can be very loving and encouraging unless under pressure when they can use their verbal skills to attack. They have a strong desire to be liked and enjoy being the center of attention.

They are personable and are sensitive to the reactions of others, often taking things personally. They usually pay attention to style and trends (many times setting them). They can be the life of a party. They are great at inspiring and motivating others and thrive in an environment where they can have a voice in making major decisions.

GREEN:

These are people that we might refer to as "Rocks of Gibraltar."

They are fair and dependable. They are honest and stable. They are loving and reliable. They live their lives with a great deal of integrity.

They take a larger view of the world and see things from a reference of wholeness and completeness. They pride themselves in being able to see the "big" or "whole" picture. Their word has great value and they do not give it lightly. When they commit, their word is their bond. They are in a constant progression toward wholeness.

They love to categorize and view the world from a systems perspective. They enjoy consistency and like things that have a measure of predictability. They are empathetic but not overly sympathetic. They rebuke with without judgment, counsel with mild but strong hearts. They are temperate, modest and wise.

I love little tests like this. I think it's interesting and we love to discuss the results. If you'd like to take the test, you can find it here. I'd love to know how it turns out if you'd like to share. ~Blessings on your day!

Residency Graduation

2010-06-14T13:56:00.000-07:00

Hugh had his residency graduation Friday night. it was held at The Grand Pavilion at Avalon Inn, which is part of the country club here. I didn't take a camera, so these were taken with Hugh's iphone. There were four graduating out of this group of E.R. residents. The key note speaker was Dr. Anita Steinberg. She spoke on what each of the graduates were going to uniquely bring to their profession. I can't believe residency is actually coming to an end.

Dr. Moosally, the director of the Emergency Medicine residency program recognizing Hugh. I was beaming with pride. Saturday night, Dr. Moosally held a party for all the Emergency Medicine residents and presented the graduates with gifts. We had a wonderful time laughing and talking with friends, and decided to meet up next year for a couples weekend together. Something nice to look forward to.

Thank you to all our family and friends who have prayed us through the last eight years of medical school and residency. It has been an adventure. As much as we've wanted the end to come, we are going to miss it. We have a lot of treasured memories to look back on. We're going to miss all of you that have been a part of this journey. God Bless and we love you!

Read to me Wednesday

2010-06-10T13:23:00.000-07:00

This week, I would like to feature Barnyard Song by Rhonda Gowler Greene. This was one of my favorites when I was teaching preschool, because it is a humorous story that can be used in a thematic unit such as Life on the Farm or In the Barnyard, and it can be used in combination with your music time.

In the story each of the animals enjoy adding their unique sound to the other sounds in the barnyard and make music. They love to sing together, but the story takes a humorous twist when the barnyard animals come down with the flu. Suddenly the The animals' sounds go from oinks, quacks, and moos to wheezes, sneezes and a-h-h-choos!

After reading the book together, we had fun playing games together in our circle time such as matching the correct sound with the animal it belongs to. I had pictures on popsicle sticks and they got to jump up with their animal when they had a match. Later in our music time we added instruments and different rhythms for each animal. And we used a song about farm animals to walk slow like a pig, or gallop fast like a horse. There are all kinds of fun things you can do with this book. At home we are just enjoying reading it together.

For more features this week visit our hostess Sarah Denley. ~Blessings on your day!

Praise to Share!

2010-06-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

I am ecstatic! I received a phone call Sunday night that just blew me away. You know how there are people the Lord lays on your heart and you may try to witness to them, but they are just not ready, so all you can do is pray? Well, I've shared with some of you before that I've had people and friends in my life that I've been praying for for over ten years.

I found out Sunday night two of them not only found the Lord, but are in seminary and are serving at the church associated with the mission downtown Jackson Mississippi. PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!

Let me give you a little back ground on them. They were husband and wife and both music majors with me in college. Both extraordinarily talented. The wife grew up in the Mormon church, and the husband was a steadfast atheist. Around my senior year he had his wife read a book disproving Joseph Smith's sacred tablets. I have not read the book, but apparently archaeologists have proven the tablets to be nothing more than Egyptian burial tablets. His wife was visibly shaken after reading this book and even called her brother out west who is high up in their church, like a deacon. She asked him if he knew about the book and the scientific findings, and he told her yes. She asked him how then he could continue on there if all they had ever believed in was based on a lie. He said because it works for me. She was crushed, and she left the Mormon church right then and there. Her husband was so pleased with himself it was a little unsettling to me. He always struck me as one who sees faith as weakness, or even a lack of intelligence. I think he felt people used their imaginary god to comfort themselves, or at least that is somewhat how it was expressed to me. He had a disdain for Christ and anything Christian. -And now, well now praise God he's found the Lord and it has turned his whole life around, both of their lives.

When I got the phone call, I started crying in the car on the way to church, and my children were asking, "Daddy, what's wrong with mama?" He told them she's crying happy tears. I was so amazed, and overjoyed! And so very thankful! Thank you Lord Jesus, thank you.

Thank you!

2010-06-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

A Great Big Thank you to Ashley for the Beautiful New Button and Header. I especially appreciate this since I know that you are incredibly busy with moving and settling into your new home, which is so incredibly beautiful by the way. I'm serious y'all should go check it out. Click here. You will ooo and ahhh all over your self, and it's not even done yet. I can't wait to see it finished! It makes me excited about our upcoming move. Thank you again Ashley! I love it!

P.S. All My family, friends and followers who have a blog please grab my new button! -Love y'all!

Summer Fun & another sneak peek of our new house

2010-06-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to be here:

Our new home is going to feel like a vacation. I told Hugh it's perfectly fine with me that we aren't going anywhere this summer, because our new home is exactly where I want to be, hosting family and friends. And I am so excited that some of our friends are going to be coming down for a visit! Our next door neighbors and friends, the Semrau family will be staying a night with us in late July as they pass our way headed down to visit family in Louisiana. And my sweet friend Heidi and her family are going to come down and stay a few days with us in August before school starts. We are going to take them to Graceland and over to Tupelo since Heidi is a huge Elvis fan. This is like an answer to a prayer for me. Datha's children and Heidi's children are Trey and Anna Grace's best friends and play mates! So as we get down there and get settled in, and the children realize we are there to stay and aren't going back to Ohio, our friends will come for a visit. I think it will make their adjustment a little easier. And by that time I will need a friend fix as well. Thank you Lord for small miracles. Well, I'm off to pack and start tagging items for our garage sale. Have a wonderful weekend everyone! ~Blessings!

So Many Changes

2010-06-03T14:57:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's almost here. Moving is exciting and so stressful at the same time. We may be leaving a little earlier than planned. While I can't wait to see everyone and get settled into our new home, I am already having a hard time thinking about saying goodbye. There have been many tears already. I was just letting them come the other day as I packed and planned for our garage sale this weekend. I don't like crying in front of people, not because I think it shows weakness, but because once I get started I usually get the ugly cry going, and nobody wants to see that :)

I'm not good with change and letting go. Even as I put aside our bassinet, double stroller and piles of baby clothes to sell this weekend it makes me sad. I know we don't need them, but I can't help but be sentimental. I look around and all I can think is this is the house we brought our babies home to. This is the room that Trey and Anna Grace have shared together.

Their beds sit opposite one another and my rocking chair is in the middle and sits in front of the window on the back wall. We've used the closet for Anna Grace and the bureau and set of drawers have been for Trey. Through the years the pictures on the walls have changed and the toy box was replaced by a set of selves with buckets for toys. It has seen it's share of play time, reading and rocking. There have been lots of cuddles and prayers and goodnight kisses too. Such sweet memories.

I don't know how we're going to separate Trey and Anna Grace into their own rooms. They love being together. They don't want to go to bed with out each other, and if one sneaks into our room in the middle of the night the other will wake up and come looking for them. It started when I was pregnant with Anna Grace. They had such a special relationship even then. When I would rock Trey at night before bed, you could see Anna Grace move across my stomach and snuggle right up next to him. They are really like twins.

I can't wait to see what new memories they are going to make in our new home. Speaking of our new home I thought I'd share another sneak peak.
This is the celling of Anna Grace's room. The room is already pink, her favorite color, and above she will have a beautiful mural of sky blue with puffy white clouds.
Here is a room we will all be spending time in together, the kitchen. I am in love with this kitchen. It is so open and spacious. I can't wait to add my own personal touch to it. Hugh's favorite part is the large granite island. I love that I can see us here cooking together as a family and enjoying each other's company. I'll share more pictures later. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week. ~Blessings!

Read to me Wednesday

2010-06-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

This is the children's book I'd like to feature this week. And The Good Brown Earth by Kathy Henderson. It's a beautiful story in which Gram is sharing her love of gardening with Joe. She takes him with her and teaches him about digging time, planting time, weeding time, watering time, and even thinking time, as the seasons change. Joe finds gardening takes a lot of patience, but once harvest time comes the vegetable garden yields all kinds of surprises.

We enjoyed this book, and it's a great find to add to your book basket for the Spring or Summer. We don't have a vegetable garden, but we do enjoy planting flowers. Trey and Anna Grace love to water the flowers every other day and help me fill the bird feeders. This book, I feel, fosters a love for nature and features the treasures handed down from one generation to the next. It's one of my new favorites. I hope you will enjoy it as well.

Thank you Sarah Denley for hosting our weekly children's book feature!

Signs of Spring

2010-05-31T22:03:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd share some of the beauty that is right outside our front door.
Some of my flower pots. I enjoy planting flowers. It is very calming to me, and I love to sit outside and enjoy them while I read and watch the kids play.
I found these planters at a little local place called Pat Catans, which is a lot like Michaels or Hobby Lobby.
Lily of the Valley adorns the side of our little house. It is so delicate and beautiful.
A cardinal I spotted outside our picture window one morning. We have a bird feeder in the tree he is perched in. It's nice to watch the robins, blue birds, cardinals and finches who visit our feeder in the morning.
For two years we have had a mother bird come to make her nest and lay her eggs on our front door. Hugh and I pick up the children everyday to check on the eggs and see if they've hatched. It was just as exciting for me as it was for Trey and Anna Grace.
Just hatched, and waiting for breakfast. Aren't they sweet?!
Growing stronger....ready to leave the nest.
Four sweet faces. -I'm going to miss our little house and all the memories we've made here. Thank you Lord for giving us such precious moments! Happy Spring!

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T00:13:00.000-07:00

I hope we will all take time this Memorial Day to pause and observe what this day is really all about. It's not just for bar-b-ques and get togethers although that is part of long held traditions that mark this day. It is to honor those who have given their lives to preserve our liberty and freedom. And thank God for these men and women, because they have one of the hardest jobs in the world. I stand in awe of you, because I could never do what you do. Thank you to all the families of these wonderful men and women whom serve our country, because you too sacrifice so much for each and everyone of us.

A tradition observed on Memorial Day since it's conception is the decorating of the graves of our fallen soldiers. In fact it was first called Decoration Day before the name was officially changed to Memorial Day.

I have never visited a cemetary on Memorial day, or decorated a grave. I would like to take my children to visit my daddy's grave in a few years when they are a little older, and the significance would have more meaning to them.

One of the traditions of Memorial day I was surprised to learn about is wearing a red poppy flower. I think that is a lovely tradition that needs to be brought back. It was a tradition started by Moina Michael and inspired by the following:

In Flanders Fields
John McCrae, 1915.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

In 1915, inspired by the poem “ In Flanders Fields,” Moina Michael replied with her own poem:

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.

So very moving, if you let it in. I hope we will. And I hope we will pause to take a few moments to remember, and be thankful. ~Blessings.

Medical School Part 3: Beauty in the Suffering

2010-05-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

As I've said before the Lord has taught me many things along this journey. He has used many situations to grow me and deepen my faith. Some are more painful than others. Losing daddy and then momma two years later was one of the hardest times in my life.

I have written and re written this post several times now, and it just seemed too depressing. I don't want to go down a dark road of woe is me. That's not the point. And I don't feel that way. I mean was it hard. Is it still hard at times? Absolutely. I still struggle with moments where I miss them terribly. But, am I going to let it paralyze me with grief and steal my joy in the Lord. No. That is not what either of them would have wanted, and if I am going to honor the life they lived and what they instilled in me, then I must chose to allow the Lord to show me the beauty in the suffering.

My dad had a quadruple bi-pass surgery in 1986, and it changed our lives. He spent the remaining years of his life very focused on his health. He walked 2 to 3 miles everyday without fail, and he watched his diet very carefully. If it didn't fly or swim we didn't eat. I seriously had only had steak twice in my life before I met my husband Hugh. It was always veggies with either chicken or fish. He took vitamins everyday and was very into researching homeopathic or alternative medicines to improve his life and health. It was a shock to me when he passed away suddenly of a heart attack in 2004. It was two days before Thanksgiving. I remember talking to him on the phone that Monday. He had had a bad cold for a little over two weeks, and he just didn't sound good. He and momma were supposed to come up to Kansas City to spend Thanksgiving with us, but he didn't feel up to the trip. I was so disappointed because I hadn't seen him or momma since the summer. So, I talked to Hugh and we decided that we would make the trip down. That night, I received a frantic phone call from momma saying he was rushed to the hospital and they were saying he had had a heart attack. It turned out to be more congestive heart failure brought on by the cold that had turned into pneumonia, but a heart attack none the less. I remember packing my black dress and shoes and some how knowing in my heart that it was his time and the Lord was going to take him. I didn't want to say it out loud though, like some how it might come true if I said it. We drove all night straight through trying to get there in time. One of my very best friends mom went to stay with my mom at the hospital and kept us updated until my mother in law could get there to be with her. We got the call about half way through the night that he had passed. Hugh was on the phone and pulled over to the side of the road, and I started crying because I knew. We finally got home at 7:15 the next morning.

Momma was in shock. Hugh and his mom helped me make all the arrangements. We had a small memorial at the funeral home in Indianola. My dear friend Marci shared a song at the memorial, and daddy's friend, Wayne Smith gave the message. My best friend Peige also wrote a special poem to share. It was so touching and comforting to have them all near at that time. We then had daddy's body flown to Colorado for the funeral and military burial at Ft. Logan National Cemetery. It was cold and windy that day, and everything seemed so still and quiet. Hugh was one of the pallbearers. Momma had asked me to sing daddy's favorite hymn How Great Thou Art for the service. I remember how beautiful the service was. I had the most peaceful moment as a flock of white birds took flight and the bugler played Taps. It was perfect. I know that may sound strange, but it was as if God had orchestrated the most beautiful moment in the midst of all the sorrow that surrounded us. It was so beautiful, and I know it would have made daddy smile.

Two years passed and my momma had remarried an old sweetheart from her high school days, and moved out to Arizona. She flew up here on January 30, 2006 and was planning to stay for my birthday on February 2nd, and through the birth of my first child, my son Trey. The next morning, I didn't have to be in to work until ten, so I spent the morning with momma. As soon as Hugh went to work I had her come and get in bed with me and we sat there and talked for a couple hours. It's funny how you don't notice things at the time, but you look back on them later and it almost takes your breath away. I remember telling momma that I thought the Lord was giving Trey to me early as a comfort, because He was going to take Hugh. I know that sounds bizarre, but let me explain. We had been taking, let's say precautions, because we weren't planing on trying to start our family for another year or so until after Hugh graduated medical school. So, we were surprised when we found out we were going to have a baby. We were pleasantly surprised and happy about his arrival once the shock wore off. Then we found out that Hugh was going to have to have brain surgery to repair or replace his shunt. Hugh developed Hydrocephalus shortly after his birth and has had a shunt practically his whole life. When I told momma that I was afraid that the Lord was giving me Trey early because He might take Hugh, she just sat there and held my hand and listened. Which seems odd to me now. Whenever Hugh and I faced any type of set back, momma was always the first to reassure me by saying, "Oh, honey the Lord always takes care of you and Hugh. He has his hand over you and Hugh and he keeps blessing you over and over. He is going to continue to bless you and take care of you." -But, not that morning. Looking back on it now, I think she knew. I think she knew it was going to be her, but she didn't want to tell me. Instead we talked about losing grandma and daddy and the pact we'd made a few years earlier that if anything happened to one of us, some how, some way we'd let the other know that we were OK. We'd give some kind of sign to let the other know we were still with them and we were OK. She passed away a few hours later. Hugh found her, started CPR and called an ambulance, but it was already too late. We found out later she passed from an aortic dissection.

Two days later on my birthday I believe the Lord allowed her to keep our promise. By that time our little house was filled. There were already seven of us here with more family on the way. And then we heard one of our phones beeping. Everyone scattered to find their cell phone, and we realized it was momma's. Then my phone started beeping very erratically. It was almost as if they were talking back and forth to one another or having a conversation. None of us thought much of it until Hugh walked over and took the batteries out and a few minutes later they kept beeping back and forth to one another. Then we all got chills. My aunt Cathy said, "I think it's a sign. I think she is trying to let you know she's OK Tiff." I had to smile thinking about our pact. She was still with me. She is always with me. I carry her always in my heart.

The Lord is so gracious in His love for us. After all the comfort and peace He brought me during these times of sorrow, He went a step further and also gave me joy. One year later on my momma's birthday, my daughter was born. It is so fitting that this blessing was wrapped in His healing love.

Nine Years of Wedded Bliss!

2010-05-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

1995 One of our first dates. This was taken at my sorority's Fall Fling.

1998 Our first trip to Denver. Hugh met my great grandmother and got her blessing to marry me.

2001 The night of our rehearsal dinner.

2001 Our Wedding Day.

Our Honeymoon.

2006 Becoming Parents. Six days before our son was born.
2006 Graduation from medical school.

2008 My Birthday.
Our Anniversary.
We have had nine wonderful years of marriage. I am so blessed. Hugh brought home yellow roses the night of our anniversary. He had to work, but we went out to dinner last night. He said he has BIG plans for our anniversary next year. We'll be celebrating our first big mile stone, ten years of marriage. I'm already excited. I love surprises. He's really good at them too, so I can't wait to see what he has in store. I love you sweet heart!

Read to me Wednesday

2010-05-13T21:10:00.000-07:00

I realize I'm a little late in sharing, but we've been very busy here lately with getting packed up and ready to move next month. I've also been attending a new Bible study on Thursday mornings, and I've had four singing engagements in the past few weeks. The Lord is so gracious. So, I've been a busy lady as of late.

We are still taking our weekly trip to the library on Fridays, and here is one of the treasures that we have found. It is just a simple straight forward counting book, but the illustrations are so captivating. Kim Parker, the book's author and illustrator is also a very well know textile designer. In this, her first children's book, she shares with us her love of color, art and nature. Each of the creatures in the story are hidden among the flowers in the garden. It's approach is that of a creative little game of hide and seek, and you learn your numbers along the way.

We have really enjoyed this book and so I wanted to recommend it for your summer reading! Have fun! For other reading suggestions for your little ones visit our host Sarah Denley. ~Blessings!

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T15:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day! I hope everyone is having a wonderful day surrounded by family. Hugh is working today, so it was just the children and I. Hugh brought me roses last night after he got off of work, and he and the children awoke me this morning with hugs and kisses and cake. Yes cake, and very yummy cake I might add. I had a piece with a cup of tea earlier.

As, I was getting ready for church I received four voice messages and text from my wonderful friends and family wishing me a Happy Mother's Day. I have the most thoughtful family and friends. Today is so bitter sweet for me. I am so thankful for the blessing of my children. They really are my sweetest dreams come true. And I am thankful for every moment I had with my mama. She meant so much to me and a part of my heart went with her when she passed. I just can't help but wish she were here. It's hard. I've had the most tender moments today with my own sweet children, and yet there were also moments I could hardly breathe I missed mama so much.

A picture of us many years ago.
I wonder if this was taken on Mother's Day, or Easter, or if it was just some Sunday morning before church. I don't know because I can't ask her or daddy now that they're gone. This is a picture from one of the boxes that my aunt Cathy was able to salvaged when Sonny was throwing out, giving away, or selling all of my parents things. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you can read it all here. I haven't been able to go through the two boxes of papers and pictures until just recently. I tried when aunt Cathy first sent them to me, but I had a full blown panic attack. It was bad. So, I put them to the side to look at later when I felt ready. I've been able to look through a couple of times lately, and the first time I was ok and the second time not so much. I don't want it to be so hard. I don't want to keep avoiding it, because I don't want to forget her, or daddy. Grief is a very weird process. It can make you feel crazy sometimes. I can enjoy talking about her and looking through pictures, and other times someone can talk about their own mom and I have to swallow to keep from choking on the lump in my throat. I just love her and I miss her.

She was so beautiful. This isn't me, by the way. This is her at the dance recital of one of the girls from her daycare. I love her smile in this one.

I sang in church today. I'm starting to feel more comfortable with it again. I sang A Mother's Prayer from Celine Dion's album Miracle with Anne Geddes.I love this album. It's a wonderful gift for new or expecting mothers. After church, I took the children out to eat for lunch and Trey told me he wanted to give me a gift. I told him minding his manners in church and being on his best behavior today was the best gift. He told me no he wanted to give me a gift. Anna Grace shouted, " A baby brother!" Side note: (she has decided that we are having a baby brother and has been telling people she wants one.) HA Ha ha ha! Trey said, "No sis, you can't give mama a baby brother. I'm not sure what that is all about, but I thought it was cute.

We are enjoying a very nice afternoon here at home now. I hope y'all are enjoying a beautiful day as well. Blessings from above!

Read to me Wednesday

2010-04-28T19:08:00.001-07:00

Hosted by Sarah Denley.
Here are my picks of the week:

These are two books we have been enjoying here at home the past couple of weeks. The colors are vibrant, and I love the rhyme and rhythm of the text. In the Tall Tall grass is told from the viewpoint of a caterpillar, and In the Small Small Pond is told from the viewpoint of a frog. They are both great to add to your Spring or up coming Summer reading. Not only are my children enjoying the various animals and insects, but it has sparked their desire to explore outdoors. Just the other day they sought out a fuzzy black and brown caterpillar in our back yard. -I love books that you not only enjoy reading, but, inspire you to take a closer look at the world around you. It just makes learning more fun. Check these books out. I promise you won't be disappointed. ~Blessings!

Medical School Part 2

2010-04-27T23:36:00.000-07:00

Moving to Ohio for internship was a bit more challenging. I would like to say I was all on board with it, and excited to experience a new place. (That would be the pep talk I kept giving myself. -New place, exciting new experiences, right? I can do this. It will be fun, a new adventure.) Well, I was trying to will myself to believe it anyway.

No, I was having a gigantic pity party for myself that went something like this. Lord, can't you help us out here. Haven't we been through enough losing my daddy and Neal and Papa? We just want to be closer to home. Is that too much to ask. Why are we going to Ohio? I mean, could we get any farther away, Lord? -But, it was all a part of His plan. I just didn't know it yet.

I think I was just struggling with a little depression. I couldn't find a job teaching music or gifted education, I missed my daddy, my mom had sold our home and moved to Arizona near my aunt and uncle and started dating. -Yeah, I was struggling a bit. I was over whelmed and just wanted to stand still for a second. I needed something good to happen.

Eventually things settled down and we were able to start making our home in the community. I found a job at Hope Children's Academy, which offered both child care and preschool. I started teaching music, Spanish, and multi-cultural diversity. And I met my first friend, Datha. She was working in the infant room. We were instant friends. In fact, I brought her in as my assistant when I moved to Kidz by the Riverside to start the preschool program there. And she and her husband helped us find a little rental house right next door to them that happened to be 200 dollars cheaper than the duplex we were currently living in. Here is a picture of our little home.

Hugh really enjoyed the hospital and staff he was working with so we decided to stay put for residency. He also considered pediatrics for a short time, but ended up going back to emergency medicine. He spent several rotations in pediatric emergency medicine, but he said it was brutal and depressing and for someone who doesn't have kids.

He really has worked with some amazing physicians while we've been here. Dr. Shiley for instance was a surgeon who was able to diagnose my non functioning gallbladder and successfully remove it. She also saved our son's life. I was only two weeks along in my pregnancy, when I went in for my gallbladder surgery. I didn't even know I was pregnant. They were prepping me for surgery, when they came in to tell me some good news and some bad news. The bad news was they couldn't do my surgery, but the good news was I was pregnant. I was in total shock, and I even thought they were playing a trick on me for a few seconds. Then I looked at Hugh and saw how excited he was and I knew. Long story short, my gallbladder attack got so bad Dr. Shiley thought I might miscarry, so she brought in an OB/GYN and a special Anesthesiologist to assist her in the surgery. I stayed with that OB/GYN, Dr. Barber, through out both my pregnancies.

Dr. Barber was heaven sent. He saved both of my childrens' lives. He reminded me of my dad. He was a military man, a colonel, who served in Iraq. He was very no nonsense and by the book, but I trusted him completely. I can't tell you how important that was to me. He took time with us, and he made sure we understood everything. When I ended up in the hospital because I developed asthma in my pregnancy, he checked on me everyday, along with my family physician, and pulmonologist. And when it got worse with my second pregnancy, all three of them sat down with me in the hospital room and talked to me about the high risks involved with any subsequent pregnancies. My son went into distress while I was in labor and he was very calm when he told me, I was going to have to have an emergency C-section. Having him so calm kept me calm. He delivered Trey safe and sound, even though his umbilical cord was double wrapped around his neck. And as weird as it may sound, Anna Grace was the exact same way, double wrapped. It took them almost two minutes to get her breathing. -I am not meant to have a natural birth. It's just not in the cards for me. I remember joking with him that he couldn't go back to Iraq before delivering Anna Grace, because he was coming up on another tour of duty. But, I am so glad he was there to deliver her, as well. I truly believe God put him in our path.
Dr. Barber and Trey

Dr. Barber and Anna Grace 16 months later. :)

We also have wonderful pediatricians. They are a husband wife team. Here are Dr. Pete and Dr. Z with the babies.

The Lord is known as our Great Physician. I don't think it is by accident or coincidence that He placed these wonderful and talented physicians in our lives at just the right time. His timing is perfect, even when it is beyond our understanding. There have been a lot of things along this journey I haven't completely understood. It's hard to wrap my mind around how "things" mysteriously have fallen into place, but it is by the grace of God. I am sure of that much. Thankfully, He has let me in on pieces of the puzzle along the way like the moments I shared with my momma the morning of the day she passed away.

I'm going to continue with that part of our journey next time. Until then, Blessings my dear friends!

Medical School

2010-04-23T15:56:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been thinking about nearing the end of our long journey through medical school and residency. Hugh and I can hardly believe that it is almost here. There have been many challenges and a lot of changes along the way. I'm so thankful that through it all, we've had each other and the good Lord to cling to. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

We were barely married a year when we got the news that Hugh had been accepted into medical school at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in KC, MO. We left our home in Mississippi and all we had ever known to embark on a this new adventure together. We were very close to our family, and spent a lot of time with them. It was a little sad in the beginning to think about being eight or nine hours away from them. But, I think looking back on it now, it was a good thing. It made us rely more on each other, and grow even closer together. A little scary, but very exciting time.

Hugh's dad and step mom helped us move up to KC, MO. We rented a truck, packed it up and we were on our way. We had gone up together ahead of time, just the two of us and found a place to live. After we were settled in, Hugh's mom and grandmother flew up for the White Coating ceremony. They were our first official visitors.

Hugh's first year in medical school I held down three jobs in order to help us make it through. I taught school during the week, taught private voice lessons after school, and worked at Harolds down on the plaza most nights and weekends. I also served on committees for our S.A.A. auxiliary chapter at Hugh's medical school. As, I mentioned before, we were there to help the students and promote the school within the community.

Our second year, I let go of my job at Harolds. I started selling Taste of Gourmet (which is based in my home town) to try to make up the difference, and I accepted the position of presidency for the S.A.A. chapter at Hugh's medical school. Staying busy helped me not to sit around and focus on how busy Hugh was, and how much time we did or did not get to spend together. And it was nice to feel like I was contributing.

Medical school was not as bad as everyone had scared me into believing it was going to be. I was lucky that Hugh made it a point to keep a weekly date night with me. We always made dinner together, and watched Friends and E.R. on Thursday nights. And I made it a point to surround myself with other wives who were supportive of their husbands and didn't complain all the time. When I had times that I felt a little down, I reminded myself that I knew what I was getting into, that this was all part of it, and it wouldn't last forever. And it helped that God blessed me with really great friends there and I had a wonderful job, teaching.

Teaching in North Kansas City school district was the most positive teaching experience I've had yet. There weren't any music positions open, so I taught Gifted education while I was there, and took graduate courses to earn my masters in this area. My first year I traveled between three schools, but, my second year I had my own classroom. I taught four out of five days and then spent one day lesson planning and conferencing or collaborating with other teachers. Ideal situation. Seriously, it was a dream job. The staff, the school were all so supportive and wonderful to work with. When my daddy passed away suddenly a few days before Thanksgiving, they all rallied around me. The assistant director of the SAGE department even stepped into my place for the last two days before the Thanksgiving holiday so I wouldn't have to worry about finding a substitute.

Unfortunately, Hugh and I lost five family members within the first six years of our time in medical school. His step dad, my daddy, his grandfather, and then my uncle and momma within a month of one another. It was rough. But, the Lord brought us through it all.

The third and fourth years are internship years where the students rotate each month through different specialties at different hospitals. There is more than one medical school in Kansas City, so the hospitals and doctors in the area can not accommodate all the students. KCUMB has what they call a match up. Each student picks their top three choices of where they would like to be their third and fourth year, and the school tries to match them up accordingly. Well, we are somewhat at the end of the alphabet, and by the time they got to us, none of our choices were left. There were three choices left. One in south Missouri, and the other two were here in Ohio. We wanted Missouri, but, someone got it before we could pick it as our choice. Both of our mothers were recently widowed and we tried to petition the board to help us to be closer to home, but, in the end, it's just not what the Lord had planned for us. So, off to Ohio we went.

At this point, I think I need another post to share all the reasons the Lord revealed to us along the way of why He had brought us here to Ohio. So, until then....~Blessings my friends!

Honesty and Master of Friendship Awards

2010-04-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

I was awarded the Honest Scrap award by my sister, Demetria a while back and Sarah Denley just tagged me for the Karate Master of Friendship award, so I thought I'd combine the two here.

I wrote 10 honest things about myself a while back. You can read about it here if you like. I thought I'd do it a little different this time around. So, here it goes....

1. I choose to see the best in others unless they prove me otherwise.
2. I love deep meaningful discussions.
3. I love learning new things from those around me. For example, my friend Datha is the most wonderful care giver I have ever met. She is so nurturing and loving. I know I've said it before, but, when we had the opportunity to work together I gained a lot of insight into this side of her. We posses very different views on classroom management and our philosophy of education. She believes whole hearted in not pushing a child and allowing them to be little while they are. She approaches teaching from a self discovery aspect, and learn through play. I approach teaching in a much more structured way. Instead of being threatened by our differences, I chose to let the Lord use her to grow me in this area.
4. I am awed by people who seem to have a balance of both gentleness and grace, especially when faced with disheartening circumstances or confrontational people. (Mrs. Sandra, I hope you don't mind my bragging on you.) I found an excellent example of this in her post here.
5. If you look hard enough and wait long enough, I believe that people will show you who they really are. I love the following quote: Your actions speak so loudly, I can't hear a word you are saying.
6. I am a very all or nothing type of person. If I can't do something 100% then I don't want to do it at all, and often times won't.
7. It amazes me how organized and structured I was when I was teaching. My classroom was always clean and everything in it's place before I left for the day. Everything was prepared ahead of time, turned in on time and ran smoothly. I was almost to the point of being anal about it. Then I had children. Being a stay at home mom changed me in so many ways. I am so much more flexible. My house has never been as clean as my classroom, and that's the one thing I struggle with, but, it's not my top priority. I would rather have a happy home than a clean house. For now I just accept that I live in a world of beautiful chaos. On any given day you can walk into my home and there are toys on the floor, finger paintings on the wall, laundry to be folded at the foot of the couch, and dishes in the sink. -It's called real life.
8. I can be very silly and other times way too serious.
9. Hugh has always said my friends don't all go together, but, I love having many different types of friends.
10. I honestly can not think of one more thing to be honest about.

Here are the rules for the award:
-List 6 things you are a master in.
-Pass it on to 6 bloggers you think are masters at friendship and make blogging awesome.
Since this is a friendship award, I am going to focus on the aspects of friendship that I am good at.
1. I am very encouraging.
2. I am also very loyal to those I love and care about.
3. I am some what of a mother bear when it comes to my friends and family. I am very protective. If you hurt someone I love, we will have problems.
4. I am good at listening.
5. I am not too proud or ashamed to say I'm sorry when I am wrong, or have hurt someone I love unintentionally. I would never, never knowingly hurt someone I love.
6. I enjoy helping or doing something special for my sweet friends!
If you would like to tag the following friends...
Rachel (private bog)
Dawn
Heidi
Ashley I
Mrs. Sandra
Mrs. Susan
I look forward to reading all about you and what you are working to master in your life or have already mastered. ~Blessings!

Neon Sign or Burning Bush

2010-04-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

Have you ever asked God to send you a neon sign? Have you ever desperately cried out, "Lord, which way do I go?" Well we have. In fact, Hugh actually said one night back in January, "I wish God would just send down a neon sign that would tell us where to live. Here is the house I have for you." I realize buying a house may not seem earth shattering to some. But, it is a huge decision, and we were making it for the first time. And more importantly, we don't want to make a decision of that magnitude that is going to affect our whole family with out knowing that it is what the Lord has for us. What is His will for our family. Where does He want us to live. What does He want us to do with our finances?

We started looking at houses online around this time last year. We stalked, I mean followed a few of our favorites for several months, until we got to go down and look for ourselves during the Christmas holidays. We saw close to 30 houses in 5 days while we were there. And yes, it all started running together.

There was this one house that I had liked from the very beginning, before we ever went down, and as soon as I saw it, I fell totally in love with it. It was every bit as beautiful as I had imagined it would be from the few pictures we saw online. Hugh even liked it. In fact, it was the only house we both liked. So we decided to make a bid on it. I was ecstatic. But, later that night, I had the most foreboding feeling about our decision every time I thought about it, and I couldn't understand why. Something in the pit of my stomach just wasn't right. So, I prayed and asked God to help me understand why in the world I was feeling this way. And I truly felt like He was saying, "STOP. Don't do anything." I told Hugh what I was feeling and he was also having second thoughts and just didn't feel right about the decision. He told me he couldn't believe I was actually saying I felt the same way, because he knew how much I was in love with the house. And I told him, "I know, that's why I think this is from God, because there is nothing in me that doesn't want this house. But, I couldn't ignore this feeling. Have you ever had that panic ed feeling in the pit of your stomach that says, "Go and check on the children. Go now!" And you get there just in time before someone gets hurt. Some people will tell you that is a mother's intuition. I believe it is the hand of God. And I believe that's what it was, His Holy Spirit trying to impress upon us to sit tight. And so we did, with no further direction from God. I mean we felt nothing. Which is what led Hugh to wish for his neon sign or burning bush or what ever way God would choose to speak to us. And does He even speak to people like that anymore. Well, we would soon find out.

Fast Forward a few months. I had left the dream of that house behind, because I felt like His answer was no. I didn't realize His answer was wait. Last month, in March my friend Shelia was on spring break. She is a teacher. And it was also the week of her birthday. She traveled from Brandon up to Senatobia where her sister lives to spend a couple days and celebrate her birthday. They went to dinner at a local hibachi grill, and ended up at the same table as the couple who owned the house. They got to talking and realized they were both adoptive parents. Shelia adopted her son from Guatemala, and this couple is in the process of adopting a little girl from China. She is also pregnant and due with their son in June. She told Shelia that they were in Senatobia for a doctors' appointment. She said they were actually from Batesville, but, she really liked this one doctor there in Senatobia. It did make her nervous however that he might not make in time if she had a quick labor. Shelia told her, "Well, I have a doctor friend moving to your area. I'll have to give you his number in case you have any trouble." To which she replied, "Oh really, we have a house for sale if he is interested." -Do you see where this is going? Could it all be coincidence? Hmmm...did our friend just travel 150 plus miles and end up at the same table, at the same restaurant with this couple who owned the house we had wanted to buy? Before the couple left, the told Shelia no less than three times to tell us to just make them an offer. They have another house they want to buy in Memphis and they want to move into it by June before the baby comes. Is it just a coincidence that Hugh's residency ends here in Ohio in June? -She even told Shelia that if she could sell us her house, she'd give her the commission for it. Coincidence? Or was the Lord's hand in this from the very beginning? Was this our burning bush, or our neon sign? I don't know about you people, but, it gives me chills, and I'm claiming it. I believe that we asked the Lord earnestly from our hearts to guide our decision, and He didn't just show up, He showed up in a big way. Can I get a big ole AMEN?!

I'm going to do a couple of follow up posts on our story and how it has unfolded, and I want to share pictures. And I want to share about our beautiful little rental we've called home here for the last five years. I'm going to miss it. We brought both of our babies home from the hospital to this sweet little home, and it's going to be hard to say goodbye. Until then, I'll leave you with a snippet of what is to come.
The foyer! Of course this is not our furniture. :) ~Blessings!

We Have a House!!!!!

2010-04-12T20:43:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to finally announce that after many months of searching, seeking and prayer, we finally have a house. Woo-Hoo!!!! And all I have to say is Lord help me I had no clue how hard buying a house for the first time could be. But, I will share more on that later. I couldn't wait any longer to share a picture of our new home. We're going to home owners! Can you believe it?!!!

She's got Style!

2010-04-11T23:25:00.000-07:00

Ashley tagged me for this fun little questionnaire. It's all about Style Dahhhling. Are you a stylish girl? I used to associate being stylish with being trendy. Some people are so good at staying with the cutting edge. I am not one of them. Never have been. I've always said I was born a few decades too late. I enjoy a clean, crisp classic style. Simple yet elegant. But, I think if your sense of fashion expresses your personality and how you carry yourself or present yourself, then you have a certain sense of style. I feel very drawn to the classic designs of Chanel and Valentino.

Who is your style icon?
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis

She was so graceful and elegant. But, not in a flashy glamorous kind of way. There was nothing about her that said sex. And I love that. Yet, she had impeccable taste. It wasn't just about her fashion sense. She was cultured and refined. She was intelligent and confident and that came across in the way she carried herself. And yet there is also a sense of mystery about her. She was intensely private about her family life, and extremely guarded and protective when it came to her children.

I've read so much about her, and I just feel a kinship with her. We both had budding careers that we set aside in order to embrace family life. She was very supportive of her husband professionally, as am I. She used her knowledge of history, culture, and art to bring a little beauty to the world around her. I love the renovations and new life she brought into the White House for the short time it was their home. Here are some of my favorite quotes by her.

- I always wanted to be some kind of writer or newspaper reporter. But after college... I did other things.
- If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do matters very much.
-There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all.
-I want to live my life, not record it.

What is your favorite party theme?
This is a hard one, but, anyone who knows me, knows I love to plan a good party. I started young. I used to love making party invitations on my dad's computer to invite my girlfriends over for slumber parties. And I was the first in my small town to rent our local scout hut and hire a D.J. for my birthday. I attending public school at that time and I invited people from both the public and private school to come, which was a first. Some were friends and some were friends of friends, but, it all worked out really nice. Later the dances and parties got bigger and I would get a band to come and play. (side note: They were always non-alcoholic, chaperoned events.)

Where were we, oh yeah themes...hmmm...I love planning and putting together the perfect birthday party for my children. But, I am also looking forward to hosting formal dinner parties in our new home. Not all the time mind you. I think the Lord has other plans in mind for us. I want us to be good stewards with what He entrusts with us financially. I have a friend, whom is a chef in Memphis. I used to be apart of the wait staff at his restaurant, as well as, for outside catered events. We catered the dinner for King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain when they came for the Majesty of Spain exhibit in Jackson. I think it was around that time that fine dinning and entertaining really became a passion of mine. I enjoyed not just learning about the food itself, but, the beauty of the presentation, how to pair food with other food and wine, and the formality of the settings and service. It makes a meal an event.

What is your favorite socialite literature series or book?
I have not read much in this area. I guess I would have to say Poor Little Rich Girl: The Life and Legend of Barbara Hutton. It was very surreal and quite sad. She lived a very lavish and decadent life, but, she never found happiness. Another example of how all the money and fame in the world can't buy you happiness.

What is one extravagance you can not live with out?
Art. Visual and performing arts. And I've found that this is a luxury you can afford on a very limited budget. Whenever we move to a new city, I search out what the area has to offer in the way of the arts. I love to visit free art museums, in and outdoor concerts, and gardens. I also love to visit the cultural art fairs in our area, such as the Greek, Italian and Irish festivals we have here.

A living person you admire most.
I most admire people who are unashamed and very open about their love for the Lord. People who are genuine and kind, and have a contagious joyfulness about them. -That is what I strive to be like. To be able to draw people into who He is and how wonderful it is to be in His presence and know Him deeply.

What is your greatest fear? Feeling helpless and out of control. Being over whelmed by my emotions and grief and not having or knowing a healthy way to express it. Every time I am faced with this I pray that the Lord will help to heal my heart and give me a portion of His peace that will help me to face it and move forward. I pray that the Lord will not so much give me understanding into why this has all happened, as much as, He will reveal to me what He is trying to teach me through it. How is He trying to grow me? Trusting in His sovereignty and the fact that He has the whole picture and knows what is best for us is comforting to me.

Which talent would you most like to have? I really just wish that I had the diligence and discipline to fully develop the God given talents I already have. I want to use what God has given me to bring Him honor and glory. I want Him to be able to use me in order that I am a blessing to Him and a blessing to others. For example, I've been singing for years. My parents always encouraged it and tried to help me develop my talent in that area. My dad, bless his heart, always said he wanted me to be a teacher or a country singer. Well, a country singer I am not. I'm not very good with main stream. I'm a classical singer. That's where I found my niche when I was a performance major in college. But, when both of my parents died I sang at their funerals and then I stopped singing. I tried a few times but, I just couldn't do it. I had lost my joy in it for a while, and I needed a little time to heal. I just recently started back singing and I've lost so much. Like anything else, if you don't use it you will lose it. Not completely, but, it would take me nine months to a year of hard work everyday to get me back to where I was. And that makes me kind of sad. But, it's just the cold hard truth of it. And practicing an hour a day everyday seems so out of reach at this point in my life with two little ones. But, at least I found my joy again. And that is a start.

What is your greatest achievement? My husband and children are my greatest blessings in life. And as for achievements, well, the Lord has placed many opportunities in my path along the way that I am grateful for. I enjoyed working and have fond memories and goals I'm proud to have achieved at each job I've held. And I think one of the things I'm most proud of was receiving the Donna Jones Moritsugu Award given to me by the American Osteopathic Foundation and Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. It was a total surprise and it made me feel so much apart of this journey through medical school that Hugh and I have been on. I received it at the awards banquet when we went down for Hugh's graduation from medical school, which also just happened to be on the night of our fifth wedding anniversary. So, that made it even more special. The award is given to a non student for their support of their family, the college and the osteopathic profession. I had the wonderful opportunity to serve as the president of the S.A.A. chapter on campus while we were in Kansas City, which is the auxiliary made up of family members , mostly wives of the medical students. The auxiliary was much more than a social club or sorority. We helped the students with projects such as Score One For Health, where the second year medical students went to several public elementary schools in the area to provide free health screenings. We also held a dinner every month for families with children in the NICU at a local hospital. We provided a home cooked meal, and a speaker, a former parent whom had had a child there and could give advice and lend support. Sometimes they even brought their children so the parents could see how well their children had progressed. It provided a lot of hope and reassurance. These are just some of the examples of our involvement within the school and community. And I was proud to be apart of it and serve as their president.

I would like to tag Demetria, since she is the most stylish lady I know. And also Heidi, Jenny and Ashley I. If anyone else would like to play along let me know. I'd love to read yours as well. ~Blessings!

Easter 2010

2010-04-08T14:13:00.000-07:00

This is Heidi's daughter and one of my little sweet hearts I teach every Monday night in Master's Club at church. This last week, we read the Parable of the Lily and made Easter Lilies out of the children's hand prints. This is the most precious picture!
On Tuesday morning, Mrs. Ann came to make Easter cookies with the kids. She is such a doll. She used her very own sugar cookie recipe, handed down from her grandmother. She was so good with the children.
Such a natural! She is going to be such a good little helper in the kitchen. Who knows, maybe cooking is in her future.
The girls -visiting while they decorate their cookies.
Sprinkle, sprinkle sprinkle. Anna Grace thinks decorating is the best part.
Eggs, bunnies and chicks fresh out of the oven. Aren't they beautiful? I think they did such a great job for their first time. There were sprinkles and flour everywhere when we were done, but, they had a blast, and that's all that matters.
Easter Basket complete with chocolate candy and peeps! This is Trey's basket. He asked for Zurg from Toy Story, so that's from his daddy and I. He was also excited about his Lion King pez. The lamb to the left was Hugh's when he was a child.
Anna Grace's basket. She asked for a baby doll, but was very excited about her pink Zuzu pet and Hello Kitty pez. It was so sweet to see the smiles and surprise on their faces. :)
Hugh and I dyed eggs with Trey and Anna Grace for the very first time this year. And he wrote their names on one they each picked out.
Precious memories! I'm glad we had fun together as a family, even though I wasn't feeling my best. It was a wonderful Easter weekend.
Hunting for eggs. Trey asked his daddy if we were going to hunt eggs with a gun. I had to explain to him we were hunting as in searching for them, like hide and go seek. :D He decided that was ok, but, he can't wait to go to Mississippi and hunt a deer with his paw-paw and his daddy.

Baby girl found her a pink egg. Can you tell pink is her favorite color? She enjoyed hunting the Easter eggs so much she cried when we found them all. So, we hid them again, just for her. -Then we took them inside and Hugh peeled one for each of us, and we ate one for a snack. Trey loved them. Anna Grace, not so much.
This is Easter bread. It's a huge tradition here. Mrs. Ann brought us some. It tastes like fresh home made bread with a hint of peppermint.
Our neighbors! Ben, Mykayla, and Owen. I can't believe how much they've grown since we've moved here. O-man was 9 months old when Datha and I started working together and became friends. Wow, how times flies. We are enjoying some time with them this week since they are on Spring Break. My friend Datha and I at her son, Owen's birthday party. Thank you Lord for dear friends you have put in my life! And thank you Lord for a wonderful week with family and friends!

Under the Weather

2010-04-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Resurrection Sunday! I would have like to have posted something special for Holy Week, but, I've been struggling with kidney stones. Yes, more than one. Five to be exact. I have five kidney stones, three of which are too large to pass, and will have to be blasted in order to break them up to be small enough for me to pass. I'm really looking forward to that. -Just kidding. So, I haven't been myself this last week. Everyday has been like a roller coaster, up and down. I've been for tests and blood work, and I'm just so tired. I covet your prayers at this time. I go for more tests tomorrow.

We did have a wonderful Easter, and I thank the good Lord for that. We went to church together as a family. Hugh didn't have to work, praise the Lord! Then we went to Cracker Barrel for lunch. When we got home we had our very first Easter egg hunt. Hugh and I helped the kids dye eggs the night before and we just had a blast watching them. They had so much fun. Trey actually asked Hugh if we were going to "hunt" the eggs with a gun. We almost cried laughing. He is so ready to go to paw-paw's house and hunt a deer with his daddy and paw-paw. And Anna Grace, bless her little heart started crying when we found all the eggs, because she was having so much fun, she wanted to find more. So, we hid them again and had a second egg hunt. We also got to do Easter Lily crafts at Master club, and make Easter cookies with Mrs. Ann earlier in the week. I'll share pictures later for this week in pictures. I'm going to go and rest for a while and take the kids outside. It's a lovely day. God Bless you all.

2010-03-29T20:39:00.001-07:00

Bargains and Consignment shop treasures!

This is my little girl's Easter dress! We found it at a local shop called Once Upon A Child for $6.00. The shoes I bought at Target to accompany the dress. She loves pink. And she is so excited about her Easter dress and sparkly shoes. She keeps asking me if she can wear them.
Head bands, one of her new favorite things! Mrs. Heidi helped her pick them out at Target. She is still convinced that Heidi bought them for her, and I can't tell her any different. She is a very head strong little lady.
This is a beautiful little dress I also found for $6.00 at Once Upon A Child. And I found the shoes at Target. I'm so in love with this dress and wanted it to be her Easter dress, but, she is set on the pink one.
This is a cute little outfit we found at target. I love that it comes with a matching headband and purse. She wore this for Palm Sunday service, and she was cute as pie.
New Pajamas! Who doesn't love new pajamas? We are very into Hello Kitty, Batman and other super heroes right now. Also at Target....
Here are a few things I found for myself. Can you tell I like shopping at Target? I love the grey cami with lace edging. The short sleeved sweater and cami were on sale. The sweater was actually on clearance. I also bought a pair of black Mary Janes on sale.
Best friends playing together at the indoor play area in the mall. It was very wet and rainy this week, so we had to find some indoor fun.
My handsome little man! I love this picture of Trey and I. I rarely get pictures of myself with the my children, because I'm always the one taking them. My sweet friend Heidi took this at our Palm Sunday service this past Sunday.
Glen, Heidi's husband took this one of us. As excited as I am about our up coming move back to Mississippi, it will be so hard not to see my friend everyday. Well, we don't see each other every day, but, at least every other day, and we talk or text everyday. It's been so wonderful having a friend with little ones like myself. She understands my everyday in and outs, our kids have so much fun together, and it makes it easier to bare not seeing Hugh when he has to work 80 hours a week. You can usually find us at the library, on a play date somewhere, at church for Master's Club, at our weekly Bible study, or off to lunch with our other girl friends. Domesticated bliss, such is the life of a stay at home mom!
Speaking of other girl friends, here is a picture of some of our friends this last Sunday at church. Heidi, Amanda, Heather, and Mandy. It is such a blessing to be surrounded by Christian women, whom love the Lord! I admire these ladies so much. I will miss them so much. It's already hard to think about saying goodbye. It has been on my mind so much lately and we still have three months here, before we move. I love this verse. It comforts me when I think about leaving or being far away from my friends.
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:3-6

2010-03-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

This is a tale of Mother Rabbit and Baby Rabbit as they go through their busy day, loving each activity- and each other. What a lovely description. I adore this book. I feel like I could have written it myself. It perfectly captures how I feel about being a stay at home mom. My favorite passage is Love me, love my mess. Silly ways I like to dress. My life with little ones is silly, messy, crazy, endearing and fun.

I chose this book to feature this week, because it is perfect to snuggle up and read with your own little snuggle bunny.

If you're interested in checking out other books featured this week for Won't You Read to Me Wednesday, or if you'd like to join in this weekly series, visit our hostess Sarah Denley at In The Warm Hold of Your Loving Mind.Have a wonderful and blessed week!

2010-03-20T20:43:00.000-07:00

OK, this week is all about my kids. These are snapshots of my real everyday life. It is filled with make believe and dress up, toys and trinkets, play do, paint, play dates and lots of messy, exhausting fun.

A fairy tale princess and a clown. I love watching how much fun they have playing together. And I love these sweet little smiles!
Arr...I'm going to hook you bubbie! Two cute pirates!
Little people, gotta love them. Sis lined them up and played quietly next to me as I read through my Bible study one morning.
Spaghetti-O's for lunch. (Yes, not the healthiest meal, but, it's fun for every once in a while.) We changed out their dishes, cups, and place mats this week for Spring.
I can't help myself. I like making the day to day special with fun little touches like this.
Art from our Master's Club class. We used q-tips to paint little lavender flowers on our cards. I sprayed the cards ahead of time with lavender scented perfume, and inside we wrote a little poem. (A Christian version of Lavender's Blue, Dilly, Dilly.)

Lavender's Blue dilly, dilly, Lavender's green,

Teach me to say dilly, dilly, John 3:16.

God loved the world, dilly, dilly, He gave his son.

To give His life dilly, dilly, for everyone.

For God so loved the world, He gave his only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Sorry girls but I'm having trouble with Mr. Linky, so maybe this next week I'll be able to have it up for our This Week In Pictures post. Thanks! For now just leave a comment letting me know you joined in on the fun, and I come on by for a visit. ~Blessings!

Lent for Little Ones

2010-03-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

This is the first year I've personally observed Lent. As I have said before, I am not Catholic, but I felt the Lord calling me to dig deep this year and start a little early in celebrating His grace, mercy, and promise of abundant and eternal life that He has given us through the Crucifixion and Resurrection. Lent means Spring and in essence it is the church's Spring or time of renewal.

In years past I've observed Holy Week by taking part in events on Good Friday such as the Walk of the Cross. In my home town of Indianola, our church got together every year with another church for this event. We started with a prayer at the first church and began the walk together silently. The men started out carrying the cross. It was built to scale and it was heavy. It usually took three men to carry it, one man at each end and one in the middle. At different points in the walk, others (men, women and youth) were free to trade places with the men that began the walk. Some would sing hymns along the way. It was a time for reflection, and I can't tell you what a deep impression it left on me as a young person. I think the first time I took part in the walk, I was in the fifth grade. I even came back during college to take part in the walk. It meant that much to me. When we got to our church, the men put the cross in the ground between two crosses already erected there, and we had church. Both pastors shared with us from the Bible and their hearts.

My parents also felt that as a family we were to observe and reverence this day through fasting. I'm glad they taught or instilled this within me as a young person. I can honestly say that as a fifth and sixth grader when we first began this tradition, it kept the meaning and importance of the day secure in my mind. And I think it's important to have traditions like this, because it teaches that observing our Lord's sacrifice is important to our families and in our homes, not just within the walls of our church on Sundays.

Which brings me to my post. The one thing I love about the blog world is that you can find and connect with other moms who share a love for the Lord and are actively teaching and training up their children in that love. They have been an inspiration to me, so I'm going to highlight a few of them here. My bloggy friend Jana has shared tutorials for implementing the following projects with little ones.

Hosanna Palms

Hill of Calvary Thoughts on the Hill of Calvary

He Has Risen Rolls

Emma at Charming the Birds From the Trees is observing Lent with her children by helping them in three very specific ways. She is helping her children with daily prayer. She is also teaching her little ones about fasting by having each of them place one of their favorite food items into a basket each day and then emptying the basket in their church's food pantry box on Sunday. And they are learning about alms giving by placing coins in a jar or piggy bank throughout the week and then putting that money in the money box for the poor at their church on Sunday. You can read the entire post here. I thought this was such a wonderful example for very young children. She is teaching them that Lent is not just about giving up something in order to observe and take part in our Lord's sacrifice. It is also about giving more of yourself in order to extend God's love and kindness to those around us. And it inspired me to work with my little ones on this
There is a wonderful woman in our neighborhood named Ms. Mildred. She is a ninety-three year old widow whom lives alone. I met her through Mrs. Ann, another neighbor and friend very dear to our hearts. Mrs. Ann visits her quite often and we, the children and I, have gone with her on occasion to visit. She mentioned how frugal Mrs. Mildred lives, sometimes only opening a can of beans for her supper. So, that got me to thinking, and I decided that the children and I would make her a special care package to take to her. We made homemade veggie soup, rolls, and fresh fruit to take to her, and Trey wanted to take her our flowers. (sweetie pie!) So we did. When she greeted us at the door, Trey said, "Hi Mrs. Mildred we came to visit you." He handed her the flowers and told her that Jesus loves her and scampered right passed her into her home. She was very touched and invited us in. We had a wonderful visit. She wrote us two thank you cards she was so touched by the children's kindness. We have started dropping off little packages to her. It has been a blessing to all of us. And it is helping me to teach them the importance of kindness, and they are enjoying it so much. It blesses me to see them cultivating a loving and giving heart.

And really that is what Lent is all about, preparing our hearts for this season. Not unlike what we do during the Advent season. I came across this post by Sarah Denley that really touched my heart, because I felt like she captured the essence of what I am talking about. She is making it personal, in a tangible everyday way. My two favorite lines in this post are...The extent to which the sacrifice draws me to the foot of the cross is the extent to which it produces holiness in myself. And....no Lenten sacrifice has brought me closer to Golgotha than looking into the eyes of my own daughter. Worth the read!

Also, I have to highlight this post and this post from The Holy Experience of Listening. It is more, I feel for pre-teen and adolescence, but definitely ideas I'm going to hold on to for later.

I hope you find a little something here that will be a blessing to you or inspire you to share with your children. And I hope you're having a blessed Easter season!

Read to Me Wednesday: Lent and the Easter Season

2010-03-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

Click on the button above to visit our hostess Sarah Denley. And sign up to join us for Won't You Read to me Wednesdays.

I have chosen to feature several choices this week for Won't You Read to Me Wednesday. These would all be wonderful books for your reading corner or book basket for the Lent/Easter season. I mentioned here that I was looking for a way to introduce the real meaning of Easter and the Crucifixion to my little ones this year. These are treasures I happened upon through our library and Christian book store, as well as, through other blogs, like my friend Jana.

I've been working on a post Lent for Little Ones, as I did for the advent season a year or so ago. I will be posting that later on today or sometime tomorrow. I hope you will find a treasure among these books for your little one this Easter season. ~Blessings!

2010-03-12T15:03:00.000-08:00

Just getting around to updating my blog a bit. I know everyone else has already moved their old blog roll/link list over to the new blogger blog roll with all it's icon and snippet features. And I'm probably the very last blogger to jump on the band wagon here, but, it's finally done. And I finally got around to officially "following" everyone whom I read. I really just haven't taken the time to do it. I love my blog and it's an uplifting place for me, but, I never have a lot of time to devote to it. My two little ones demand a lot of my time. And the time I do have I didn't want to spend changing everything over. I'd rather write about something I care about or what we've been up to or where we've been lately. So, I just kept putting it off. I mean if you're on my blog roll I follow you, and I visit and leave comments, at least every once in a while, so you know I follow you, right?! Well, at least that's been my justification for putting it off as long as I have.

But this week I finally convinced my friend, Heidi, to start a blog. Cheers and confetti!!!! She is one of my very best friends here and I will miss her dearly when we move in a few months. Helping her, or should I say trying to help her get her blog started got me to thinking that I really need to update my own a bit. And now I know why I put it off this long. It took me two days to switch my blog roll over, visit each blog so I could click "follow", and find a new background, because I couldn't sit down and do it all at one time. But, it's finally done, ya! Well, I'm off to take the kids to a St. Patrick's Day program at the library today. Hope you have a Wonderful and Blessed day!

2010-03-10T15:35:00.000-08:00

It was Trey and Anna Grace's first time at the circus. We went this weekend with friends. Trey was enthralled. His favorite were the tigers. Anna Grace on the other hand was afraid of the clowns. But, she loved seeing all the animals, especially the horses.
There was a pre-show, where we got to meet and get autographs from the clowns and acrobats. They also brought out Asia the baby elephant for the kids to see up close and personal.
They were all very nice and would juggle and do tricks for the kids.
I love the shoes.
Trey getting his program signed.
This clown was showing Trey how to spin plates, first on his fingers, and then on tall sticks. Pink roses that Anna Grace picked out at the store. I'm going to miss being able to buy bouquets of flowers for $3.99 when we move. They just brighten up our little home.
I got to sit quietly one morning and enjoy my breakfast and my new Delta Magazine.
My friend Heidi and I, coming from our monthly lunch date. She just recently started a blog, Blue Suede Pumps.
Ladies who lunch. Heidi, Ann, Mandy and I at our monthly luncheon for Stonecroft Ministries. We enjoy a catered lunch, free babysitting, a speaker, singer and special feature. It is a wonderful ministry that focuses on missions and reaching the lost in our community. I have been on our calling committee for over a year now, taking reservations. And I'm going to miss talking to my ladies every month. Most of them I've never met, but, you really get to know them talking to them every month. It reminds me of back home, because they tell me all about their family and whose had a recent surgery or the flu. Some even have me on caller I.D., and answer the phone with "Hey Tiffany! Is it already time for our luncheon?" They have been such a blessing to me, and I will miss them very much.

2010-03-09T21:00:00.001-08:00

Hurry Up Slowpoke by Crosby Newell was my very first favorite book. It was a Wonder Books Easy Reader, and it cost 69 cents, back in the day. I still have the copy my mom gave me when I was three years old. It is well worn, still very loved, and one of the few things I have left from my childhood. My name is on the inside in my mom's handwriting. And the binding and cover have been reinforced with clear packing tape on the edges. There are doodles and scritch-scratch here and there along the pages. The cover is in color, but the pages are done in black, white and yellow illustration.

It is such a charming little story of Simon and Lucy (which was my mom's name) mouse following their mother on a long walk to grandmother's house. Mrs. Mouse is always saying hurry up Simon. Stay with us. And Lucy chimes in "Yes, hurry up. You're such a slowpoke." Well, Simon gets lost along the way. He finds himself all alone and very sad that he didn't listen. But, he finds his sister's hat, which he makes into a boat, and with the help of a fish, a duck, and a bird he crosses the pond safely. To grandmother's house he goes, and he arrives even before his mother and sister. He is there to greet them along with grandmother mouse, who has cake and pop for everyone. Simon runs ahead saying hurry up mother, and hurry up Lucy. Mother mouse turns to grandmother and says, "See who is saying 'hurry up' now!'

How I love this little book. I can remember begging my mom to read it to me over and over again. I had it memorized by the time I could read it on my own. And I took it everywhere, to school, to my friends house, even when we were just out riding in the car, which is probably why it is falling apart. It was like my Linus blankie. I have it in our book basket this month to share with my own children.

Do you have any books that you heard so many times as a child that you memorized the story? Let's share! And go over and check out Sarah Denley's Read to me Wednesday feature by clicking on the button above. ~Blessings!

Attitude and Actions

2010-03-06T21:41:00.001-08:00

I was sharing with my ladies Bible study a couple months ago how I felt like the Lord was asking us to step out of our comfort zones this year and grow. Our focus in 2009 was on our attitude and on two verses in particular. 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. AND Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. I strongly believe that we have a choice. As Christian women, are we going to choose anxiety, insecurity, irritability, and all the thoughts and emotions that only lead us to focus inward on our "self," or are we going to deny our "self focus," be it self loathing or self loving, and take up our crosses daily.It is a choice. We can take those thoughts captive and think on things that honor our Lord.

This year our focus is on our actions and our theme is taking our salvation seriously. We are talking about the difference between a head knowledge and a heart knowledge. And why we need a personal relationship with God. -What does it really mean to be "born again?" We have already talked about James 2:19-20 You believe that there is one God? Good! Even the demons believe that-and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?

-And we've asked ourselves, "Am I bearing fruit?" "When others look at me, what do I tell them about God in the way I live my life?" "As a Christian, or follower of Christ, do I portray a portrait of Christ?"

Are we consciously taking up our crosses everyday, or are we satisfied with the level of comfort and security we've found in our walk. Because sometimes we can become so comfortable that we don't continue to stretch ourselves and grow, and we become stagnant. Jesus said we are known by our fruit. Are we producing and baring love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. -Galatians 5:22-23 Are we choosing to clothe our selves everyday in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience? -Colossians 3:12

We know we can not know what is in someone's heart. We've talked about how we all have loved ones (maybe that we've lost,)that we hope and pray accepted Jesus as their savior and found the peace that comes from His forgiveness and grace. But, we are not talking about just finding salvation through Jesus Christ. We are talking about making Him Lord of our lives. Because if we are truly taking our salvation seriously, and we want abundant life here, not just the promise of heaven, then that is what our personal relationship with Jesus is all about.

Lately we've been talking about the word Christian. It means Christ-like or follower of Christ. Jesus said He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. -Mark 10:45 If we are His followers and are patterning our lives after His example then in everything we do we should be serving and ministering to others while we spread the good news of His love. We should be serving one another in love. -Galatians 5:13 And we should serve wholeheartedly as if we are serving the Lord, not men. -Ephesians 6:7

Being a servant can be hard to swallow. Everything about our flesh fights it. And the world tells us we are a simple minded schmuck if we buy into that. But, we are not of this world. We are set apart for His glory. So, with Bible in tow, we are encouraging one another to live it out in practical ways. Because, we all need a little help -from the Holy Spirit, as well as, our sisters in Christ. ~Blessings to you all!

2010-03-03T08:44:00.001-08:00

BEVERLY CLEARY BOOKS:
I loved the author Beverly Cleary when I was a child. My favorite was her series about Henry and his dog Ribsy. I read the Ramona series, as well, but I just didn't take to it. I think maybe it's because Henry and Ribsy were my first introduction to Beverly Cleary. Their stories always remained my favorites. I did enjoy Henry and the Paper Route, which was my introduction to Ramona and her sister Breezus, as well as, Henry and the Clubhouse. You would think that as a girl I would connect more with the girls' stories and adventures, but I always went back to Henry and his dog Ribsy. I also read the books around the time that The Wonder Years came out, so that in itself might have had something to do with it.

I could imagine myself right in the whole 1950's era at that time, reading the books and watching that series. I think that's also when I feel in love with

Jackie Kennedy. And I had a very idealistic romanticised view of America at that time. I believed the world was a wonderful place and anything and everything was possible if I just believed and worked hard enough.

These three books were the first chapter books I read to my children, when I started reading to them every night. Not that we didn't read other books at bed time before these. But these three were the first books they layed in bed and just listened to me read to them. Some nights we just need to listen and relax and calm our little bodies down from of our silliness and running around we did during the day. And these three were a perfect introduction when we started implementing that bedtime ritual. And I think they will always have a special place on our reading selves. I'm sure my son will enjoy them more when he is a little older, and can read them for himself. Until then, we are building our vocabularies and enriching our imaginations and having wonderful discussions together. Good stuff! -Blessings!

A Little Late...

2010-03-01T20:49:00.000-08:00

but, better late than never...

(a recap of last week.....)
I love having fresh flowers around the house. This was something I bought to brighten up our home and bring a little Spring indoors. And it was only $3.99.
Eye candy~ my guilty reading pleasure right now.
Dino delight for the kids. We have been reading and talking about dinosaurs this month. So, I fixed them a special meal one night of Dino shaped chicken nuggets with fruits and veggies. -I got the place mats, trays and cups for the kids last year at Target.
Sharp tooths and three horns. Well, we have meat for the carnivores, and fruits and veggies for the herbivores. (hee-hee)
And for the adults we have homemade, low fat sloppy Joe's, which were actually more savory than the kind you get from a can. I've never been a fan of sloppy Joe's (too sweet,) but, my hubby loves them, so I tried a recipe from my friend Heidi, who is doing the Livestrong.com with me.
I'm channeling pioneer woman....
ground turkey packed with veggies. I'll have to post the recipe. It was really good, and under 300 calories on a weight watchers bun. Ahh sweet success! You can have your cake and eat it too. -Or should I say sloppy Joe.
Our little learning corner. Art-check, environmental print-check, bible scripture-check, early learning math with patterns and numbers-check.
Hallway and the door to their room where I display a lot of their art work and memory verses.
Watching baby girl play with numbers and letters on her magnetic dry erase board.
This was done in Sunday school...
This I did with the kids here at home.

This was done in children's church. They are so proud of their work, and I am so very proud of them. There is no greater treasure than the little lives God entrusts into our keeping. And to help them grow in the love of the Lord is the greatest accomplishment and reward a mother could ever have. What a joy and blessing!

Joannie Rochette

2010-02-25T16:53:00.000-08:00

I have been so touched by her story and her skating. Although I don't think she will win the gold medal, I will be watching her tonight. I admire her strength in deciding to skate after losing her mother only two days earlier. I could feel her grief. I guess you feel a connection with people sometimes through their struggles and loss. -And seeing her face and her father's after she finished so beautifully just broke me. I cried for her and for myself and the loss of my own mom. I miss her so very much everyday. And I hope she is proud of me. -Good Luck tonight Joannie and God Bless.

2010-02-24T13:10:00.001-08:00

My very favorite book growing up was The Box Car Children. I still remember walking to the library with my mom the first summer I lived in Indianola. It will always be a special memory for me. I got my first library card that day, and she helped me pick out a book. It was The Boxcar Children.

I fell instantly in love with the story of this little orphaned family. And I loved the black ink pictures. I think it helped me hold more of the story in my own imagination. The story seemed somewhat like an adventure to me, watching them find little treasures, a cup here, and spoon there, in the dump. Things we take for granted they were able to clean up enough to use and decorate their little home in the boxcar. And I loved how they took care of one another. They were family, but they were friends, as well. It is still one of my all time favorite books.

My mom was an avid reader. She visited the library every other week, and always came home with three or four books. She devoured books. I'm glad she shared that with me and passed a love of books down to me. I hope to pass that down to my children. I haven't shared this particular book with them yet, but, it is on my list. It is a wonderful children's classic. Go check it out!

Harvesting Fruit

2010-02-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

Last night was the best night our preschool Master's Club class has had all year long. We had eleven children in attendance, and they were all well behaved and very attentive durring the entire hour and a half. And I was so impressed with how well they were able to recall the last four lessons we've covered. Even my two year olds were answering questions. Praise the Lord some of it is actually staying with them and they are learning.

We have been talking about how God can use even little people like them to do great big things. They've been learning about how Jesus used a little boy's lunch of five loaves of bread and two fish to feed 5,000 people. And we have talked about David defeating the giant Goliath, and how God spoke to Samuel as a young boy. And last night we talked about how Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me." They were such a joy to watch. They were on the edge of their seats listening and participating, singing their little hearts out and sharing colors. I can't express what joy it is to hear little voices recite scripture we've been working on. Thank you God for such precious moments. It makes all the work you put into it worth it, when you see them growing in the love of the Lord.

And as we were leaving one of the moms I invited to our ladies Bible study last week stopped me to say she will be coming tonight, and how excited she was because she never has a chance to get out. The Lord provided a baby sitter and she purchased the books and was reading to catch up to where we were in our study. Praise the Lord! I love that kind of excitement. It warms my heart and it's contagious! All the way home I was thanking the Lord because I have been praying for our group to grow in numbers and in strength.

And even better, when I got home, Mrs. Ann called and said she would like to come with me. SHE IS COMING TO BIBLE STUDY! Thank you Lord! I have been praying for Mrs. Ann for over a year now. I pick her up every month for a Christian ladies luncheon here in town. Every month they have a singer, special feature, and special speaker that shares their testimony. After this last month Mrs. Ann told me that maybe she might come to our ladies Bible study, but, she was intimidated because she has never read the Bible. I reminded her that our speaker had just shared that she also had never read the Bible before, and had been in the church her whole life. It wasn't until she accepted Christ as her personal savior that she had the desire to read it and study it for her self. I think that all this got her to thinking more about it. And I'm so happy she has decided to come even if her family is giving her grief about it. This is going to be a wonderful night!

You know this is just a confirmation to me that the Lord knows your heart and He honors our faithfulness to Him. The devil can use others to try and tear you down, but, He knows the motives of our hearts.

A Time of Testing

2010-02-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

Well, the devil came at me with both barrels this week. Isn't it just that way, whenever you take a step toward God, the devil seems to come at you full force to knock you down on your rear? Well, I'm there, or was. I've since pulled myself up from the floor, dusted myself off and I'm moving forward.

Bloggyland, facebook and other social networks are great. But, you know how sometimes someone finds you, and you really weren't sure you wanted them to find you. Well, that happened to me this week. And my husband said maybe the Lord is testing you Tiff, to see if you have forgiven them or if you have any bitterness in your heart. Wow! OK, maybe I should pray about that. And I did. And I realized I have truly forgiven this person in my heart, but, I still don't completely trust them. And I wasn't sure why they wanted to be my friend. But, then I thought, well maybe they've changed. I certainly have since I knew them years ago. And they are taking a step toward you, and maybe that is sincere. I guess we will see. So, I'm taking a step out in faith that it is the right thing and that the Lord will honor that.

Then, the same day my sweet friend Mrs. Ann called and wanted to stop by. Her daughter was bringing her home from out of town, and she wanted to meet us, since Mrs. Ann talks about us all the time. They came by for a visit, and she even brought a little bear for Anna Grace. But, the whole visit was very awkward. She kept saying things like, "All I hear is Anna Grace this and Trey that..." or "Yeah, Molly, my daughter, says I know who your favorite gran-kids are, Trey and Anna Grace." As sweetly as she said it, I knew that it wasn't meant in kindness. Every word dripped with sarcasm. And I felt very uncomfortable, even though she was a guest in my home.

And then it happened.... In casual passing our ladies Bible study was mentioned, and I told Mrs. Ann that if she'd like to come this next week, I could pick her up. Well, her daughter immediately turned to me and said, "Yeah I keep telling my mom that if she keeps going with you, y'all are going to make her accept Jesus Christ as her personal savior." Then she looks at Mrs. Ann and says, "They're trying to get you mom." Then she immediately looks back at me and says, "We were raised Catholic."

I was so in shock, I was like is this really happening. Did she really come into my home and challenge me? For a second, I truly was at a loss for words. I smiled at her and was just about to say something, but, I felt like the Lord was saying, "It's not time." After all, she is a guest in your home and anything you say right now will probably offend her, even if you don't mean for it too. And you don't want to offend Mrs. Ann. So, I just kept smiling and tried to be a gracious hostess.

When they were leaving, she had another little snip for me. She said, "I keep telling my mom I don't know what she's going to do when you leave. I mean they're just going to forget her -(referring to my children.) And I looked straight at her and said, "No they won't." She tried to cut me off by saying that you know perfectly well... And I in turn cut her off and said, "No they won't, and let me tell you why. They don't really know their grandparents. They see them once a year, but, from the time they were six weeks old, I made a small book of pictures that I went over with them everyday. I would show them -this is your mimi. This is your paw-paw, and so on. And the first time they met them, they went straight to them as if they had always known them. They felt like they already had a relationship with them. (slight pause~) I will not forget her, and we will keep in touch, and they will know her. This time -she only smiled. But, I think I got my point across. I was quite surprised that she would come into my home and be so bold. But, I know my witness with Mrs. Ann was being tested, and beyond being raised right, I thank the good Lord for helping me to be gracious in that situation.

So, there you ole devil take that!

Lent

2010-02-17T10:59:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful to my sweet friend Jana, who reminded me that lent was quickly approaching. It begins today, with Ash Wednesday.

She posed a very good question of why we take a whole month to celebrate the Christmas season and Christ's birth, but, we (in many Christian denominations,) only observe Holy Week, and Resurrection or Easter Sunday. I think if we are really honest we avoid Lent and Holy Week because it is not a happy and uplifting time, not the way Christmas is anyway. It is easier to be joyful and celebratory about receiving God's gift of Jesus and the promise He represents. But when it comes to His sacrifice and death, it just doesn't seem appropriate in some ways. At least not until we actually get to Resurrection Sunday. It takes on a much more serious tone, as it should. I think that is what Lent is for, a time of deep reflection and repentance because of the sacrifice Jesus made for us to redeem us.

Lent lasts 40 days to remind us of the 40 days Christ spent in the desert before beginning His ministry. During that time He fasted and prayed and underwent temptation.

I am not Catholic and I have never observed Lent before, but, I do want to prepare my heart for this special season. Christianity is meaningless without the crucifixion and resurrection. It is the climax of the love story between the Lord and all of humanity. He made a way to bring each and every one of us back to Himself. He bought us back at a very costly price, freeing us from the captivity and bondage we build through our sin and "self". And for me, my personal relationship with the Lord is about everyday making a conscious effort to put off a little more of "self" and put on more of Him. I've said before that this year the Lord's word for me is obedience. And I want to be sure that I am faithful in that especially at this time of preparation for the Easter season.It doesn't matter if it is a matter of prayer and fasting or showing forgiveness and kindness to others. I've found that obedience to Him doesn't always come in the form that initially comes to mind when we think of being obedient to Him. Sometimes it simply involves listening to His leading.

As far as my children are concerned, they have a simple understanding of death, but, I'm not sure if they will be able to comprehend the crucifixion or the sacrifice behind it at this young age. So, I am praying about how to present it to them for the first time. For Lent, I will be focusing on Jesus' life and ministry. I can focus on aspects of his personality or how He helped and ministered to people.

What ideas do you have that you might incorporate into this Lent season as you prepare your family and your life for Holy Week?

2010-02-17T07:37:00.000-08:00

This is the children's book I chose for this week. We are studying all about dinosaurs this month. Yes, I realize for the three, maybe four of you whom actually read my other blog-I don't have my plans up for February yet. However, both of my children are fascinated with dinosaurs right now. We're going to be learning fun facts about them all this month. This is one of the books we found at the library for our book basket. This is just a silly little story. There are no fun facts in this one, but, it is quite entertaining. It's a good bedtime story. And sometimes you need a little light-hearted silliness, even as an adult. (Smiles and Blessings!)

2010-02-15T08:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you all had a wonderful day filled with love! What a wonderful day to be with the ones you treasure most.
I love vintage Valentine cards! This was perfect for our little family this year. We celebrated Valentines together as a family Saturday and Sunday.
My honey surprised me with coral roses and a sweet card that made me cry. He always writes the sweetest love letters. I treasure every one of them and I've kept them all since we were began dating. I prepared a special dinner for when he came home from work Saturday night. Grilled pork chops with Taste of Gourmet's peach pepper pecan preserves, steamed asparagus, and red potatoes. We had pecan butter rolls for dessert. Then we exchanged cards, treats and presents.
McKinley Library had a special Valentine's event for the children where they got to color Valentines, hear stories, and make chocolate covered pretzels. They gave their pretzels to their daddy for a special Valentines treat. They also each received their own rose at the event. What a fun day together.
I'm thankful that our community provides such wonderful events for children. It was nice, not only, to have some where fun to take them, but, to give them the opportunity to make something special for their daddy. They were so proud.
Hugh decided that we were going to have a special pop corn and movie night on Sunday for our children. He even got them cotton candy and cheese pizza for our special Valentine's night. And this is the movie they chose.
It was fun! We snuggled up and spent a quiet night just the four of us. -Thank you Lord for our little family and how much they mean to me. They are the best presents I could ever ask for.

Personality Test

2010-02-10T18:10:00.000-08:00

I found this by way of Susan at Penless Writer. It is from Tamara Lowe's Motivational DNA Test. Here is the Link where you can take the test yourself. My test revealed that....

My personality DNA is PVE (Production-Variety-External) The Champion

Champions enjoy a challenge and love to win. They are charming and enthusiastic leaders. Champions are natural persuaders. They don’t mind being the center of attention and are good at working with others while advancing their own ideas. Champions tend to be engaging and charismatic. They are skilled at getting things done in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. In fact, obstacles just make tasks more interesting for a Champion. They are quick decision makers and can be impatient with those who are not. As solid negotiators, Champions are willing to compromise to get the job done. Champions have an innate ability to get others to follow their lead.

PVE Motivators: Challenging assignments, authority, profitability, freedom from supervision and control, opportunities for advancement, contests, public recognition, deadlines, calculated risk and popularity.

PVE De-Motivators: Strict controls, protracted analysis, “group think,” and deliberation without meaningful action

I like different tests like this. I think they're fun and often insightful. If you take the test let me know what your out come is in the comments below. Have a blessed day!

Read to Me Wednesday

2010-02-10T14:58:00.001-08:00

I meant to share this book last week, but, I didn't get around to getting this post up. So, I'll share it this week. We, the children and I, were listening to and studying jazz last month, as part of our music time together. And this was a charming little book we found at the library. I was not familiar with this story, but, we all fell in love with it. Here is a little synopsis of the story.

On a beautiful evening, Miz Mozetta puts on her red dress and blue shoes and dances the jitterbug just like she did many years before.

Lively, colorful illustrations and a rhythmic text make for a jazzy dance party that readers will delight in attending again and again.

I love the language in this story. Miz Mozetta looks in the mirror at her red dress and says, "My best color, if I do say so." She puts on her hat and says, " Now this hat is sayin something." Then she sashays down the stairs and across the street. When she asks her friends to go dancing with her, one of them replies, "My dancin' days are done, honey dear." The story is set in Harlem, but, if I didn't know better, I'd say it could also be set in the deep south.

When I was growing up in Louisiana everybody was honey child or ma shay, meaning sweetheart or my dear. And then we moved to Mississippi, where everyone is darlin, sweetie, sug or hon. I'm used to terms of endearment used in everyday language. It's part of the culture. So, I immediately took to this and my children loved the story asking me to read it to them again and again. So, I am recommending this little treasure we found, because it's always nice to find something new. -Enjoy!

My New Button!

2010-02-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

I have a new button for my new series of posts This Week In Pictures. I am so excited! Ashley was so kind after making me a button for my blog, to also take the time to make this button, as well. And isn't it cute?

Thank you Ashley!

This Week in Pictures....

2010-02-04T19:24:00.000-08:00

So this week I turned 33. And it was one of the best birthdays I've ever had! Which is saying a lot because I really didn't want to think about my birthday this year, much less celebrate it. I've been a little blue, and missing my mom something terrible this year. Last year was OK, but, this year has been hard. And this is how sweet my Lord is. He knew how much I needed my family and friends to pull me out of this slump. And did they ever come through. I am so very blessed with wonderful friends and a loving family!
My sweet friend Marci sent me a birthday package in the mail from Mississippi this last Friday! She and Shelia and I always send each other packages on our birthdays. But, this year it was such a nice surprise, because, I had forgotten about the journal we started last year. We are passing a journal back and forth between the 3 of us, writing each other letters and sharing scripture with one another. In it we share memories, and encourage one another. It was exactly the medicine I needed. It's always nice to know how much you mean to someone, and to be able to in turn tell them how much they mean to you.
Saturday morning, my sweet Datha treated me to brunch at Cracker Barrel! It was nice to catch up and have a little girl friend time just the two of us.
Up here in Ohio, CB is the closest thing I have to down home cookin. Sweet tea, fried or blackened catfish and yummy veggies are my usual. But, that morning we decided to have breakfast. I love the front porch and fireplace there too. It gives you such a warm fuzzy country home type feeling.
Forever Friends ~Datha and I
Then she treated me to a manicure! I love getting our nails done together. -so much fun! That night my sweet husband surprised me with a baby sitter (Mrs. Ann) and and a movie and dinner out on the town. This is huge, because this is only the second movie we've seen in the theatre since before our children we're born. We went to see ... The Blind Side and we ate at... AND I only ate half so I could try to stay on track with my diet this week.
Then, on my birthday, Tuesday, my sweet friend Mrs. Ann surprised me with a birthday cake, card and gift! She came over set everything up. And it was so nice because Hugh was off of work so our whole little family was there together! Trey , Anna Grace and I took turns blowing out the candles, and Mrs. Ann stayed for a slice of cake. She gave me the book above, Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit. Such a sweetheart! And that night Hugh and I spent some "alone time" together and watched the season premiere of our favorite show!
Then on Wednesday night, my ladies Bible study threw me a surprise birthday party! They invited all my girlfriends here in town and made it a tea party, hats and all. It was so much fun. I felt like I was five years old playing dress up.One of my best friends Heidi hosted the tea party at her home, and she and my friend Dawn made all the food, punch and hot tea for the occasion. Heidi's mother-in-law, my pastor's wife did all the decorations, and hats for the party. And Heidi used her husband's grandmothers china for the tea. Heidi, her husband Glen and their son. These are gifts from the girls. The roses are made of wood, and are from my friend Amanda. Missy gave me a new Beth Moore daily devotion and journal. And Heidi gave me a bracelet and earrings from Viva Beads. I had already received presents from Mrs. Ann, Datha and Dawn.And last but certainly not least, I am so so proud that after all this celebrating I still lost 2 pounds this week! WOO-HOO! I enjoyed every minute of this week, but I didn't go over board and praise the Lord, I still lost weight! God is so good! I feel like He orchestrated every part of this week for me. I'm claiming that as a birthday present from Him. I know He worked through my family and friends to LOVE on me! When we are faithful, He is so much more faithful to us! Can I get an AMEN! Hope y'all had a wonderful week as well! ~Blessings!

I AM A BORN AGAIN AMERICAN.

2010-01-29T14:24:00.000-08:00

This is amazing! Please pause my music and click on the x to close out the google ads that will appear at the bottom of the video. This brought tears to my eyes and I'm proud to say that I AM A BORN AGAIN AMERICAN! I hope it will touch your heart too! ~Blessings!

This week in pictures- some of my new favorite things...

2010-01-28T20:55:00.000-08:00

This is a free website where you can create a profile, decide how many pounds you want to lose a week, and then easily track your calories, exercise, and water each day. And did I mention it's free!
No excuses! This video breaks it up into 10 minute workouts! Week one looks like this~ Monday: Cardio Level 1, Tuesday: Upper Body, Wednesday: Cardio level 2, Thursday: Abs, Friday: Cardio level 1, Saturday: Lower Body!
I love Aldi! It's my favorite grocery store! And they offer a wonderful brand called Fit & Active, which is programed into the LIVESTRONG.COM website. That's how comprehensive the website is. You can track the meals you make at home, as well as, restaurants you eat out at.
OK, I have to say that I had no idea how many calories I was drinking a day until I started tracking on LIVESTRONG.COM. On Tuesday night, I met the girls at Boarders for Bible study, and I ordered a regular carmel coffee, from their coffee shop. When I plugged it in at home, I actually gasped out loud. It was 400 + calories! Eeeek! That's more than a Weight Watchers or Fit & Active meal I've been eating everyday for lunch! Then, (thank heavens) I came across this little baby at Target. It sweetens and flavors your coffee for 0 calories! A BIG FAT 0 LADIES!I love coffee. I drink at least 3 cups a day! So, Ms. Mocha Splenda -you are my new best friend! Oh my! Well, I had to include something frivolous! My sweet indulgence for the week is Coco Chanel! My friend, Ms. Ann had her 73rd birthday this week. So, we spent a girls night in together with popcorn and Coco Chanel! We both love watching old movies, and reading about old movie stars and such. I have my own long love affair with Paris, and I have always LOVED designer collections by Chanel and Valentino! Classic elegance, which is both simple yet sophisticated! Coco had a very complex and complicated life. And like most creative genius, tragedy seem to fuel her art and creativity. She was a very passionate woman in business, as well as, in her personal life. I loved this movie!

I think this is going to be something new for me each week. I'm going to do a little recap of what's been going on in my life, but, instead of writing it all down, (because I never seem to have that much computer time,) I'm going to do it in pictures with little captions underneath. I think it will be fun! Maybe I can even get a button made for it in case anyone else would like to join me. Hope everyone is having an eventful week! Love and Blessings!

Prayer, Revival, and the Refiner's Fire

2010-01-20T11:54:00.000-08:00

We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinrhians 4:8-9 Are you feeling it? Lately, I've been noticing all around me what seems to be an overwhelming spirit of oppression. I know friends here in bloggy land, as well as, the ladies in my weekly Bible study who have been feeling under attack. It's been a rough couple of weeks. But, I also think it's going to bring about a time of growth if we let it. I wrote in a previous post that my word from the Lord this year is obedience. I actively live out my love for the Lord if I keep His commandments.

I view my salvation as a very precious treasure, and I don't take my role as a Christian lightly. I have branded myself and I bare His name. I don't want to tarnish His image, dishonor or bring shame to Him in any way. Unrealistic?! -Maybe, because I am a fallible human being. But it grieves my heart when I know I've let Him down, because He is my hero, my Father, my friend, my King!

I want to make Him proud of me. I want to delight in His law and serve Him with a joyful heart, and most of all I want to continually, closely abide in His love. I want Him to be apart of every decision I make, and I want to be a living sacrifice, holy and set apart for His kingdom works and His glory. That is my heart's desire. I want to find my beauty in a gentle/nurturing and quiet/peaceful spirit. I want to clothe myself in kindness and compassion, forbearance(patient endurance),diligence, mercy and tender heartedness. My desire is for wisdom and a quiet strength that puts others at ease in my presence, like that of an elder sage. And so I am looking to Him to mold me like clay into something uniquely beautiful. But I also know that in that process I must also be open to the refiners fire. So, that's where I'm at right now trying to be obedient, and open to His leading and correction, so that I can be ever faithful to Him and the calling He has on my life. And sometimes His leading is easy to follow and sometimes it's very uncomfortable. But, it's really all about peeling off a layer of self and adding a layer of Him. Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. In all honesty though I'm ready to get passed this part and step into a time of refreshment and revival.

Revival comes in answer to the heart cries of God's people (quote by my lovely friend Susan at Penless Writer.) This really touched me, and I wanted to share it. She was asking for all of us as the body of Christ to pray for our nation daily. She referenced this scripture 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. She believes with all her heart that if we are faithful in our prayers for our nation the Lord will bring about a revival and healing in this nation. I so want that. I want to see and experience God's out pouring upon people. But, I know that to be an effective instrument of God and a part of this revival and healing that I my heart's cry first must be one of repentance. I need to make sure that I am making a straight path for Him (Luke 3:4 "Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.")Beth Moore explains in her book Jesus, the One and Only that the original Greek word for paths is tribos, which means "a beaten pathway." And I guess in my minds eye as I make my way to Him over and over everyday I want to clear that pathway of anything that is standing in the way of getting to Him. I don't want anything to hinder or slow me down as I run to him. And I think this time of testing is where I'm doing exactly that.

I am praying for you my sweet sisters and I ask for your prayers in return. Blessings!

2010-01-19T22:19:00.000-08:00

OK, I am so excited about my new blog make over. Ashley created it, incorporating some of my favorite things. I love to shop. I love to travel, and New York and Paris are two of my favorite cities. Thank you Ashley for your time, and all the work you put into making this special! I absolutely love it! She also created a cute little button that's over on my side bar to your right. If you would like to feature or follow me as I celebrate all things traditional, cultural, aesthetic and domestic, then grab my button and join me. ~Blessings.

Read to me Wednesday

2010-01-19T00:20:00.000-08:00

Will You Read to Me Wednesdays is hosted by Sarah Denley. It's where we share some of our favorite children's books. Today, I am sharing The Jazz Fly by Matthew Gollub, children’s book author, performer, literacy consultant, musician, parent and publisher. The Jazz Fly is story about musical insects celebrating language and the inventive spirit of jazz. Includes narration set to a jazz quartet on audio CD.

A fly, who speaks jazz, asks different critters which way to town. “Rrribit,” replies the frog. “Oink,” says the hog. Although baffled, the fly hears music in their words, and that evening he stirs up a solo that sets the dinner club a hoppin.’

I love this little book! It combines music and literature, two of my great loves. And it's just plain fun! We are studying Jazz this month at home, and this is one of the books we're reading and listening to.

I have a deep love for education, having been a teacher myself. And because I love it so much, it has been easy to share my love for music and books, science, history, and culture with my children, while we have this special time together at home. The one job I love more than teaching is being a stay at home mom. It has been such a joy.

I wanted to take this opportunity to also share some tips for language and literacy development. This is great for all moms who are homeschooling, thinking about home schooling, or who just want to enrich their one on one bonding time with their little ones. Literacy is just an extension of language, or how we communicate with one another. So, in essence this is all about how to express ourselves, interact, and connect with one another. So, bare with me because I'm going to start way back at the very beginning, in the womb.

As, I have said before, I was one of those mothers, that played music and read to my baby in the womb. But, not for the reasons you may think. I wanted to make that connection with them and spend time with them as if they were already here. So, I spent my "down time" many nights after dinner or right before bed reading a book out loud or playing music while I rubbed and patted my pregnant belly, all the while talking to my little one. I wanted them to hear and know my voice. My husband would also put his hands on both sides of my belly and talk to our babies. It was very sweet and endearing. Memories I'll cherish. And the moment they arrived, I knew they were calmed by the sound of our voices. Especially our baby girl. I don't remember a lot about my son's birth, which is another post for another time, but, with baby girl I made sure I was going to be very present and alert. I didn't get to hold her right away because she was in distress and they couldn't get her breathing right away. (She had her umbilical cord double wrapped, and it's by the grace of God they were able to revive her after almost two minutes.) After they got her breathing, they did bring her over next to my face so I could see her and talk to her, before they whisked her away again. She was crying her little heart out, but, as soon as she heard the sound of my voice she quieted right down. That moment gave me such peace.

When I brought them home, I spent my days from the very beginning, not just holding them, but, talking to them. It may seem silly to some, and maybe it's just the preschool teacher in me coming out, or the performance side of me, I'm not sure which, but, I had conversations going with them at a very early age. Here are a few examples....

Bath time

Me: Let's put a warm wash cloth on your belly while momma cleans your arms, and your hands and all your little fingers. Then I'm gonna get your toes, and your feet, and your chunky little legs. (As I would dry and put lotion on, I'd go over each body part again and then ask them which outfit they wanted to wear that day, and I'd play that out as well.) -I think this one would be perfect for today since it's nice and warm out.

Meal time

Me: Would you like eggs or cereal this morning? I'm thinking cereal, and maybe some juice.

These are just examples, and many would argue that they can't understand what you are saying at such a young age, so why bother. But, it's really all about engaging, and nurturing. When I started the ritual of rocking them before bedtime, I would read to them, pray with them and then sing to them while we rocked together. Lullabies, hymns, or praise songs, I even sing carols to them during Christmas.

I am also a big believer in baby massage. I would pick out a good CD of music and lie them down on a mat and stretch their little arms and legs out very gently. I'd start in the middle of their chest and using both hands, rub a little heart shape out down their chest to their bellies. Then I'd rub the sides of their bellies and their little legs. And we practice doing the bicycle with their legs and later when they were stronger, I'd practice pulling them up to a sitting position and laying them back down gently over and over while we talked about how much they were growing and how strong they were getting, and how proud I was to be their momma. You may be sitting there asking yourself what all this have to do with reading and literacy. I feel like this part is about language development, which is just a precursor to literacy. And it's about bonding with my little ones, as much as, it's about enriching them later with a love of reading and learning. And of course I read. I read and I read and I read some more. And they already have favorites books that they will bring to me and my husband to read to them.

As they have gotten older, I am still actively reading to them, but, with a different approach. I point to each word as I read to them individually. Or I try to do voices or use voice inflection when I read to them together. Sometimes we just talk about the pictures, and re-tell the story to each other that way. I let them pretend to read to me to find out how much of the story they can retain and remember. And they will point out some environmental print to me as well. (For those who maybe wondering, environmental print is an early stage of reading/literacy where they can recognize logos, signs, and print from the world around them.) This has been great because they are connecting with something meaningful from their day to day life, and when I praise them it builds their excitement and confidence about reading.

I'm working on putting labels on and under things around the house to help them recognize the words, like door or light switch. And I am using music and rhythm patterns to teach them rhyming, alliteration, and the spelling of some words like their names.

It all just builds on each other. But,if you can incorporate little things like this naturally into your everyday life, and they have fun doing it, then they don't even know they are learning. I hope this has been helpful! I just thought I'd share what works for us. ~Blessings!

Formal Elegance verses Rustic Elegance

2010-01-17T12:24:00.000-08:00

I can't decide which I'm in love with more. We are still praying about houses, and which one the Lord has for us. In the mean time, I've been collecting pictures of different interior designs, and trying to figure out my style. I lean back and forth between formal elegance and rustic elegance. I think that at this point in our lives rustic elegance just makes more sense. But, I love to daydream about our first home and adding my personal touch to it. So here's what I've put together so far....

KITCHENS:

LIVING ROOM/GREAT ROOM:

DINING ROOMS/BREAKFAST AREAS:

BEDROOMS:

BATHROOMS:

OUTDOOR AREA:

Well, this is what I have so far, for inspiration. A file full of dreams. Maybe some of them will come true. At least it gives me ideas. Lots and lots of ideas! Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Movies: UP

2010-01-16T21:15:00.000-08:00

OK, so I don't get out much, to the movies anyway. So, yes, I am just now seeing UP, when most everyone has already seen it. It really is a sweet little movie. I can't help but think that two of the main characters look very much like some of our old HOLLYWOOD actors. I think Karl looks like a cross between Spencer Tracy and Walter Matthau.
And I think Charles Muntz looks like Kirk Douglas.

Hmmm....interesting. What do you think?

Lovely Little Give Away...

2010-01-13T10:10:00.000-08:00

Tracie at My Petite Masion is hosting a give away in honor of her birthday this month over at her blog.Tracie and I share a love for all things french. She even has her own shop which features antiques, collectibles, estate pieces and objects of art. Here is a link for her shop My Petite Masion Boutique. It is definitely worth a visit. Very inspiriting. And Tracie is lovely as well. I so enjoy her blog. So stop by for a visit and enter for a chance at a lovely little french gift. Entries must be in by the 16th! Have a lovely and blessed day!

Home Schooling

2010-01-12T13:51:00.000-08:00

We are back into our routine here at home and that means a little home schooling for our little ones. We also have a new little learning corner here in our home. Some of the things we enjoy working on are ~number and letter file folder games, writing our letters, arts and crafts, lacing and other fine motor games, music and finger plays, and reading. I have a more detailed list of this months activities over at our other blog Our Sweetest Dreams Come True. This month's theme is Winter Wonderland! And what fun we are having playing out in the snow. Today, we made snow angels, threw snowballs, and collected different size icicles. Tomorrow I will be sharing some reading tips and a favorite book of mine for Read to Me Wednesday. Hope y'all are having a great day at work and play! Blessings!

Read to Me Wednesday....ABC Mystery by Doug Cushman

2010-01-06T16:21:00.000-08:00

This lovely little book is my pick for the week. I found it five or six years ago when I was teaching pre-school. It is a book I've really enjoyed sharing with my children, especially my son. It's a great way to introduce or work on recognition of letters.

The letter "A" states the crime-stolen Art-and the mystery, told in rhyming couplets, continues to unfold as Detective McGroom, a badger, pursues clues attached to successive letters of the alphabet.

Cushman has also written other mystery books for primary readers that I'm going to try and track down. My son turns 4 next month and my husband and I decided that this is the year we are going to teach him to read. This book is a perfect start because he knows his ABC's, and he can even recognize most of them. But, we are still working on this area, as well as, recognizing his name and other environmental print.

I really want to inspire a love for reading in both of my children. As I've said before, I'm one of those mamas who read to my children in the womb. And right now my son is interested in adventure, and good guys verses bad guys, so I thought this little book would be a good place to start. My daughter is interested in everything pink, princess or girly right now, so picture books are a huge draw for her. She also loves to be read to. She's very attracted to the sing-song of my voice when I read to her at night, and will often imitate me.

I hope you will search out this book and give it a try. It really is engaging and I think it will be one you'll come to love too.

Blog Frog...where have you gone?

2010-01-06T12:04:00.000-08:00

Is anyone else been experiencing technical difficulties with their blog frog? When I checked under my customize section, it says it's still there, but, it doesn't show up on my blog. Hmmm......

2010-01-03T12:54:00.000-08:00

The New Year is off to a great start! I love the fresh start and clean slate that you feel at the beginning of every year. Or, at least I do. It's a new beginning full of endless possibilities. Even though we are covered in snow right now, there is something about the new year that makes me think of spring. Like a green sprout ready to bloom into something beautiful. It's very spiritual. I can't say that I ever get caught up in making resolutions, at least not the kind carved in stone that you feel you struggle to keep. There are always things I'd like to improve upon, try again or for the first time. But, I don't pressure myself to where I feel this huge let down within a couple of months. I try to keep it positive and realistic, but in an exciting optimistic way that doesn't crush the hopefulness I have in a fresh new start. Most importantly, I try to listen for that still small voice inside that tells me what God has for me this year. What is our new adventure, and challenge? How will He grow me?

I have been looking back over the last two and a half years of blogging just to see where I was and where and how I've grown. I'm thankful that I started doing this, as a way to record my thoughts and life. It's the first attempt at journaling or keeping a diary I've ever made. And it has been so rewarding.

This year is going to be huge. And I love that it's 2010. We're leaving an old decade and we're on the cusp of a brand new one. Off with the old and on with the new! I feel like the Lord always has a verse or a word of truth for me to live out every year. This year it is obedience.

Trust and Obey for there's no other way.....

If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. John 15:10

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 1John 2:3

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 2:4

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 1John 3:22

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 1John 5:2

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5

For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him; Deuteronomy 11:22

Then will the LORD drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves. Deuteronomy 11:23 -(I take this as a promise that I will bear witness of Him and bear fruit.)

"Therefore you shall keep every commandment which I command you today, that you may be strong, and go in and possess the land which you cross over to possess, Deuteronomy 11:8

and that you may prolong your days in the land which the LORD swore to give your fathers, to them and their descendants, 'a land flowing with milk and honey." Deuteronomy 11:9
-(I take this verse as a promise of abundant life and eternal life to come.)

A land for which the LORD your God cares; the eyes of the LORD your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year. Deuteronomy 11:12

And it shall be that if you earnestly obey My commandments which I command you today, to love the LORD your God and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul Deuteronomy 11:13

Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. Psalms 112:1 (I want to get there in my walk, where obedience is delightful.)

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13

Do you ever open the Bible and He is speaking to you no matter where you turn. And it's the same message over and over. And there is no denying what He is trying to say to you. It is glorious! It absolutely gives me chills. I feel like we are having a conversation. I know some people feel like the Lord has never spoken to them. But, let me encourage you with the truth that God speaks to us everyday through His word. ~Blessings dear ones! Hope you're having a wonderful New Year.