~Curly Cute Crafts~

FL Resident!!!

2011-12-19T10:18:00.000-08:00

Our Family has made some big changes in the last few months. We have moved south. It all happened so very fast but God was definitely in it. Hubby accepted a new pastor position that God opened up the door for. So, December 1st we moved to FLORIDA!!! I am home again. It is still a few hours from where I grew up but a 4 hour drive is a lot easier than 14 hours. Hubby's sermons will now be found @ www.graygables.org . I have really missed blogging and crafting and reading crafting blogs but hopefully things will settle down and I will get back to it.

Costumes better late than never

2011-12-19T10:07:00.000-08:00

I dressed the kiddos in Mountaineer gear for our annual Fall Festival @ the church. J ended up winning in his age group. I made his costume. He wanted to be "The Mount-meer".

Paint Pikeville Pink

2011-10-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

Hubby ran in the Paint Pikeville Pink 5k in memory of his Mommy. The kids and I walked...well, I walked and the kids got pushed! I could hardly walk afterward from my hipflexers being so sore from steering the double stroller. We had a blast and Hubby was in the top 20. He ran a 5k 2 weeks later and got 2nd place. I am so proud of him! I think he looks good in Pink! ;)

before and after

2011-10-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

Just a brief before and after. My husband and I have debated when to cut our baby boys hair. We were torn because it was so beautiful, and it just gave him so much personality. He was a spectacle. You don't see a five month old with hair on his shoulders everyday. About a week ago hubby woke up and thought our little girl was laying next to him because he had long flowing hair in his face. It was our baby boy. I cut his hair that night. In the bumbo seat on the bathroom counter. He didn't like it! He hardly fits in the seat to begin with but he kept throwing his whole body backwards in protest. But I got it done, and I think he looks so cute! I know I am partial.

Raising homemakers.

2011-09-12T19:03:00.000-07:00

Just found a new blog I am excited to follow. Maybe you would like to check it out as well. It is a blog about teaching our daughters the art of homemaking and encouraging them in do it for the glory of God. http://raisinghomemakers.com/

Hand Prints

2011-09-01T13:19:00.001-07:00

I love this! I am such a sappy person, who gets attached to small treasures like this. I wish I would have done this with G & J from birth, but better late than never!

1st Day!

2011-09-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

For the past few years my husband and I have debated over the homeschool option. We have felt strongly that this was the best option for our family for so many reasons. We both attended public school as children, and turned out just fine but that wasn't the reason for this choice. We wanted the chance to teach our children about this world from a christian worldview. We wanted to be hands on to relay to them that it is all about Christ. Everything from A to Z is from Him and for Him.
We have a number of homeschoolers in our lives, family, friends, and former church members. Some are just beginning and some have homeschooled numerous children from Kindergarten through 12th. We have received lots of advice and some sneers from folks who aren't so supportive. I am sure that it is a drastic choice in the minds of some but it is the best choice for us.
We want our kids to experience the same special moments that every other kid does when they start school. So this past Monday we began our new adventure of Homeschooling. We took pics of our Big Kindergartner. We made a special space for her downstairs. She has a desk, art center, a huge white board, a reading nook, and computer. We are using A Beka Homeschooling curriculum. We are so pleased with it. It is so Christ centered and I feel that it is excellent academically.

2011-07-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

Just discovered www.Pinterest.com. Just one more thing for me to gaze at for inspiration and to get the creative juices flowing. Really love the DIY section.

My kids love this!

2011-06-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

Kitten's inspired by Kittens.

Isn't this beautiful!

2011-06-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

My SIL wrote this on her blog and it is so sweet I had to share it! She is truly a blessing to me and I am so thankful to have her as a sister! God didn't bless me with a biological sister but he blessed me with a Sister in LOVE! Thanks Amy!

Decor ideas.

2011-06-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

G got a "NEW" room due to gaining a new brother. The boys will be sharing and she go to move into Daddy's former office. He still has a few things (a desk, and filing cabinet) left in the room. However we are looking forward to decorating her new space. I found this picture today and thought it would be really cute to add color to her room that is wood paneling. They are just left over scraps of fabric inside of embroidery hoops. I think it is a great way to use some scrap fabric we have from hubby's Mom's stash that I was given!

The Big Picture.

2011-06-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

Every night after dinner our family has "Bible Time." We have gone through many children's bibles over the past few years but we recently receive by far our Favorite. It is called "The Big Picture Story Bible" It goes through the whole bible, Old and New Testament as one continuous story. It allows the kids to hear the Bible on their level WITHOUT watering it down. I love what the back of the book says, "The Bible is a big book, about a big God, who keeps a big promise!"
This particular children's bible shows you not a moralistic view on popular Bible figures but shows you how those figures or stories point to Christ.
Our copy came with a CD of the author reading through the book with signals for you to turn the page and our daughter has listened to it several times alone.
This book was a precious gift to us from dear friends for the birth of our second son and it has been a blessing to us already. Thanks M & B!!

This is so true!!!

2011-05-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

How to prepare for nursing. The following is an article that was taken from a parenting magazine years ago after I nursed my daughter. Starting out was one of the roughest things I have ever done in my life. I ended up nursing her for 21 months, J for 24 and am just starting out again with P and it is one of the most rewarding experiences as a mother but honestly painful and @ times discouraging and draining. I hope you enjoy and get a laugh or two.

How to PREPARE for Nursing

1. Gently rub your nipples with sandpaper.

2. At bedtime, set your alarm clock to go off every two hours. Each time it rings spend 20 minutes sitting in a rocking chair with your nipples clamped with a pair of chip clips.

3. Draw branching lines all over your chest with a blue-green marker and stand in front of your bathroom mirror and sing "I Feel Pretty."

4. Open your already crowded freezer and make room for five dozen plastic milk bags.

5. Fit the hose of a vacuum cleaner over one breast and set on "medium pile." Turn off vacuum when nipple is three inches long. Switch breast.

6. Obtain "DO NO CROSS" tape from your local police station and wrap firmly around your chest. when your spouse asks about it, say, "Get used to it."

7. Tape a water balloon to each breast and squeeze into a maternity bra. Repeatedly hook and unhook the nursing flaps with one hand while using the other hand to balance a sack of squirming puppies.

8. Dine in the fanciest, snootiest restaurant you can afford, making sure to arrive with a big wet spot directly over each nipple.

9, Record your mother proclaiming, "Just give the baby some cereal like God intended and and she'll sleep right through the night." Play in an endless loop at 1 A.M., 3 A.M., and 5 A.M.

10. Slather your breast with peanut butter, top with birdseed, and stand very still in your backyard.

11. Go someplace public -a museum, a courthouse,, the steps of your office building-and stuff a lifelike baby doll under your shirt. Use the doll's arm to suddenly hike the shirt up past your collar bone. Lower shirt. Feign nonchalant smile.

12. Suckle a wolverine.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You are now ready to nurse a baby. Maybe!

(Melissa Balmaain, a freelance writer)

The Baby is here!!!!

2011-05-17T14:16:00.001-07:00

I am NOT pregnant anymore!!!!!!!!!!! I am so very thankful and I am feeling so so so much better. Our son "P" was born on my husbands mother's birthday. She passed away 21 days before our son J was born which was almost 3 years ago. Our daughter got to know her. Our son J was named after her. And now P shares her birthday. They all have a piece of her. My labor was easy as can be expected. I had a very good epidural! The delivery was easy peasy. My hubby pushed the epidural button moments before delivery so I was completely numb for the pushing. It turned out to be a good thing because I had to wait while I was 10 centimeters for the Dr. to get there. He wasn't even at the hospital! But he got there and it was 3 contractions to push through and we had our newest bundle of joy. We are so very blessed! He is so precious and such a good baby. I couldn't ask for a sweeter little boy. He was 9.2 lbs! I was shocked to have an over 9 pound baby. But I knew that he had to be big because I was HUGE and I hurt so bad. I am enjoying this new adventure of 3 children. I am in a bit of a dreamland for now because my mother is here helping me and she will be greatly missed when she returns home. But I am not thinking about that for now.
All glory to my loving Heavenly Father for knitting together in my womb this child, and trusting him to my care. Let me teach him to Fear and Love the Lord!

Quote of the Day!!!

2011-05-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday our family was watching the extensive coverage of Bin Laden's death. Fox news had interviewed many, many random people at Ground Zero. G was taking it all in. She was very attentive, so I shared with her why people were so happy about this mans death. I told her about 9/11 and how he had planned the whole thing. I told her that people were happy that this man wasn't going to be able to hurt anyone else.
She says, "Yeah, he is in Hell now!"
Hubby and I looked at each other in shock. I remembered back to the interviews on Fox. A man had said "He split Hell wide open". So, I guess that is where she got that.
Regardless, of who is in office. I just have to say I am proud to be an American. I am not rejoicing in Bin Laden's death but I know that the Lord does deliver justice. I am proud that our country offered him more respect in his death and burial than he showed others. I am so thankful for our servicemen and their families who sacrifice for our freedom. We were all enjoying our Sunday afternoon together, enjoying fellowship with one another, playing with our children, while men were risking everything so that we could enjoy that freedom. So, thankful!

Ahhhh!

2011-04-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

I am all about hats! I was over the moon watching all of the beautiful women in their hats this morning at the Royal Wedding. However, I must say this one was VERY... distracting (to say it sweetly). What do you think?

Her Dress!

2011-04-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

I LOVED watching the Royal Wedding this morning. G and I didn't get up in time to watch the entire thing together but we did get to enjoy the recessional and we saw the Kiss on the balcony. I think she thought it was really neat to see a girl become a princess (or duchess) right before her eyes just like in a fairytale.
I LOVED Kate's dress! It was so classy and so appropriate. I would have worn it had it existed. I don't personally know Kate (shocking) but she seems so sweet, genuine and classy. So I think her dress matched her personality!
I know my wedding doesn't compare on a grandure scale with the Royal wedding that occurred today, but don't we all just feel like a princess on our wedding day. I am thankful for my Prince that God "gifted" me. He is my best friend and my spiritual head. I am so thankful for my Prince Charming!

One sad fact, Kate and William have dated longer than I have even known Hubby.
Will and Kate's status: Married today.
Hubby and my status: Married for almost 7 years, and have almost 3 children.
(Thankful I had a man who knew I was what he wanted, and didn't wait. Waite Corie doesn't rhyme anyway.)

Shout out!!

2011-04-27T09:42:00.001-07:00

I know it is "Royal Wedding Week" it is also DeSoto Queen and Princess selection time. I wanted to send some love to my Princess, Rachel.
I have enjoyed looking at all the pictures from this past months celebration. They bring back a lot of memories! I know 2 sweet girls on the court this year. During Rachel and my year we were thick as thieves and even though we live states apart she is still one of my best friends! Love you Rachel!! You can look at the Court HERE. Friday night the Queen and Princess will be selected.

Up from the ground He arose.

2011-04-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share a cute Easter Story. My kids have been watching the animated version of "The Passion" for the last week. It is a constant question, "can we watch the Jesus movie." I have indulged partly because I want them to know the story inside and out, but also I have zero energy being 9 months preggers.
While I was cooking dinner a few nights ago I could hear my kids playing in the living room. G and J were acting out the movie. I peeked in and saw G laying prostrate and weeping saying "Sir, if you took His body, just tell me where you have laid Him." Then she instructed J to say, "Mary it is I"
I love them and I love that they are learning the story and I long for the day that it is not just head knowledge but heart knowledge!
I hope you all had a blessed Resurrection Sunday!j
(P.S. My Easter dress was thrifted for $6.00 and it is Vera Wang for Target. It isn't maternity but it worked!)

Easter Baskets

2011-04-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

While my mother was visiting us a few weeks ago she made Easter Baskets with my children. They had a blast making them and I thought I would share the results of their crafting with you. Both baksets are covered milk jugs. Jboy made a basketball with orange felt and black foam. Ggirl made Hello Kitty out of cotton balls and colored foam.
At the Easter Egg Hunt we attended both kids filled their baskets numerous times over and had a blast!

Good Friday.

2011-04-22T11:50:00.000-07:00

Last night my G girl got VERY upset before bed. I had a hard time claming her enough to find out what the problem was. My mind always jumps to something terrible. I fear someone has hurt her or she has done something she is very sorry for. Once she was calmed enough to speak she expressed her fears. She said, "I wish I didn't have brothers, so that you could love just me."
Of course my first comment was to inform her that that was her sinful, black heart that felt that way. That her brother J is her best friend and she would be so very sad without him. Then I got to share with her the wonderful gift God has given mothers. The ability to love another child without taking any love away from the others.
As my due date comes closer I am flooded with memories of fears I had right before I had J boy. I remember desperately holding onto G the nights before his arrival and thinking "She wouldn't be my baby anymore." I remember thinking "I don't want this new baby to take the place she holds in my heart."
However, these fears and lies that I was feeding myself were washed away completely. God has truly given us the ablility to love our children equally and unconditionally.
Having children has taught me more about the Father's love for us. How much Him giving us His son was truly sacrifical. How I would be unwilling to give my children for a righteous man much less my enemy. How He doesn't love me less when I fail him daily. He just looks at me and sees the image of His Beloved Son in whom He is well pleased.
I understand G's fears. She if feeling better today. She is assured of my love and she understands greater that my love is unconditional just as God's love is when we place faith in Jesus' finished work on the cross.
I am so thankful for the Cross!

Resurrection Rolls

2011-04-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

I once made a pan of brownies that I thought marshmallows would be yummy in. So I mixed them in the batter and threw them in the oven. When the brownies were done they were full of holes where marshmallows once were. That is when I discovered that if you bake them they will...disappear!
I have read this idea somewhere else, so it is not original to me but I love using this idea of disappearing marshmallows to demonstrate to a child that the Tomb was empty on Easter morning!
We will be making Resurrection Rolls this Easter:

Ingredients:
One can of crescent roll dough
8 large marshmallows (or one for each roll you’ll be making)
Melted butter
Cinnamon sugar
Bible or Easter storybook

Assemble rolls and read the story:
1. Read John 19, spend the week before reading John 12-18 with your kids.
2. Unroll the crescent rolls. Explain that this is like the cloth they wrapped Jesus in.
3. Give your child a marshmallow and explain that it represents Jesus's body… all white and pure because He was without sin.
4. Roll the marshmallows in the melted butter. This symbolizes the embalming oils.
5. Roll the marshmallows in the cinnamon sugar. This is like the spices used to prepare his body for burial.
6. Wrap the marshmallow in the crescent roll cloth, pinching the dough together securely. Don’t worry about the shape so much, they’ll taste the same no matter how you roll or bundle them. This represents how they would have wrapped Jesus’ body in burial clothes. I like to brush them with more melted butter, but it’s not necessary.
7. Put the rolls in the oven (symbolizing the tomb) and bake for the amount of time specified on the crescent roll package.
8. While the rolls are baking, read John 20:1-18.
9. Open the tomb (oven) and remove the rolls. When they’re cool enough to handle, break one open and discover what happened to the marshmallow. Jesus is risen!

Hillbilly baby.

2011-04-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

Just a picture I thought I would share from the past week. It was Hillbilly Days in Pikeville, KY. I thought it was fitting I take a picture there, barefoot and pregnant.

My Hubby!!

2011-04-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

I am my husbands #1 fan. However, I am also one of his sheep. I am blessed to be able to sit under his preaching and teaching at Grace Baptist Church. In the last 8 years I have learned more about Christ and His finished work on the Cross than I did in all the years of Sunday School and Church and youth group and conferences combined. I know you think I am biased but he is a WONDERFUL preacher. He is truly been gifted with the spiritual gift of teaching. Now you can see for yourself. He has put his sermons on the Internet and you can be blessed by them too.
Go to http://www.sermon.net/. In the little search area type Andrew Smith or Grace Baptist Church.

Resurrection Cake

2011-04-12T09:42:00.001-07:00

I am getting my ideas together to make our annual Resurrection Cake.
We will be making it a little different than last year but my kids are very excited about this project. In the past we have done a two dimensional cake but this year we are planning on making it 3D. We will have to get some yummy candies and cookies to decorate with but this is always a fun project that gets my family talking about Christ and his FINISHED work on the cross.
What do you do with your family to celebrate our Savior raising from the dead?

Easter Hat.

2011-04-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

As a child my mother MADE me wear an Easter hat and gloves. I went along with her wishes and didn't buck against her wishes till I was in 6th grade. I remember vividly going to pick out my Easter dress and her wanting me to get a hat and gloves. I remember telling her girls my age didn't wear hats and gloves. She didn't agree. When we got home I pulled out the trusty JC Penny's catalog and said if she could find a girl my age with a hat and gloves on I would wear them. She couldn't and that was the end of my hat and gloves on Easter.
Now that I am the Mommy of a precious baby girl, I MAKE her wear hat and gloves too.
I think this is because deep down I want to wear them again myself. I think that was the driving force behind my mother's desire for me to wear them too. I love going to tea parties and wearing hats and gloves. Somehow it makes the occasion feel more fancy and special. I was browsing the web and noticed that the future Princess, Kate Middleton wears hats quite often.

I wonder if I could get away with wearing one on Easter this year?!
We are going Easter dress shopping tonight and I wonder if G will still want to wear one too. She is very girly but she does have a strong opinions on what she likes and what she doesn't. I will try to use my motherly influence to keep that hat and gloves on her for another year more.

History lesson

2011-04-06T12:03:00.000-07:00

I think my daughter missed out on the last part of a history lesson.
We were in the car and we had a friend and her son following us in their car. J asked "why is D (we will call the son D) sitting in the backseat?" I told him that it was for his own safety and that that is why he sits in the backseat too. G added to my answer with "Brother, kids and colored people sit in the back." She was so matter of fact about it.
I was in shock!!!
She learned that in the past "colored" people were forced to sit in the back while we were on a train ride in FL. We actually sat in the "colored" car. I guess we forgot to tell her that this is no longer true. However we did communicate that it was not right and that it was people's sinful hearts that made them make these rules. I spent the car ride explaining the "end" to that history lesson.

Thrifty Site

2011-03-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

Smashion is going to be a new obsession I can tell. I am truly on a thrift kick right now. Our local thrift store has pretty amazing deals and I have gotten some great high end skirts with the tags still attached over the last few months. I also found my sister a beautiful camel suede coat to make a purse out of for only $0.50. I just heard about this website today and just took a quick peek at it (OK I spent more like an hour looking at it). The prices might not be $0.50 but I saw some really cute things for really cheap.
Am I the only one obsessed with thrifting? I get excited about finding really great things really really cheap. I think they know me by name at the local shop. But hey I agree with the Duggars "Buy used, save the difference." However sometimes it isn't even used stuff, sometimes it is just pre-owned. (Do I sound like a car salesman calling them pre-owned?)

HE IS FREE!

2011-03-16T13:27:00.001-07:00

Danny Pye has been realeased! God hears the cries of His people! God is so good! You can read about it here.

Pray

2011-03-09T20:20:00.000-08:00

How blessed we are to be in the USA! We think that just because we are not suffering in physical ways for the Gospel that no one else is. Out of sight out of mind. However, our missionaries are SUFFERING FOR THE GOSPEL! Please pray for Danny Pye and his family. Here is his story.

4D UltraAWESOMEsound

2011-03-09T09:45:00.000-08:00

I had my 32 week ultrasound yesterday and the technician did some of the photos in 4D. It was absolutely amazing! I am in awe at the mind God has given us to be able to invent a machine that lets us peek into the womb and see our unborn children. It is overwhelming looking at the life inside of me and being able to say, "He looks like his siblings." I see how fearfully and wonderfully made he is.
I told my hubby last night that no matter how uncomfortable I am and how "ready" I am for this to be over I know there is a prize waiting for me at the end of this 9 month process. I am anxious to hold my prize in my hands and see what God's hands have made secretly inside of me.

A different pillowcase dress.

2011-03-03T18:28:00.000-08:00

I want to make one of these!!!! It is so precious, so simple, so girly. A nice fresh take on a pillowcase dress. I am on the hunt for pretty pillowcases. Maybe this will be G's easter dress.

Another musical post

2011-02-28T11:56:00.000-08:00

We have a channel on our TV that allows you to listen to Christian music. Saturday night we were listening and I heard a song from a group I had never heard of. Not that they aren't popular or haven't been around it is just that we mostly listen to CD's of our favorite groups or listen to CD's of catachisms set to music. The group was called Sanctus Real. Lead Me was the songs name. Mainstream Christian music doesn't always have a message worth listening to. Sometimes it can even be played enterchangably on secular stations so I was impressed by this songs lyrics. It was about A husbands cry to lead his wife, a fathers cry to lead his children, a mans cry to be lead by God to lead them the way God has called him to. WOW something real! Something worth crying out to our Heavenly Father for.
Side note, I love there name Sanctus, it is Latin for "to be holy". I even asked hubby if he like the name for a middle name for new arrival. I like the meaning but it may be a bit to out there. What do you think?

Love is a verb.

2011-02-28T11:20:00.000-08:00

Boom! Burn! Bip! Yeah! Pow! Hey, ha ha.
Down with the dc Talk, d- d- down with the dc Talk
Are you down with the dc Talk, d- d- down with the dc Talk

Pullin' out my big black book
Cause when I need a word defined that's where I look
So I move to the L's quick, fast, in a hurry
Threw on my specs, thought my vision was blurry
I looked again but to my dismay
It was black and white with no room for grey
Ya see, a big "V" stood beyond my word
And yo that's when it hit me, that luv is a verb

(chorus 1)
Words come easy but don't mean much
When the words they're sayin' we can't put trust in
We're talkin' 'bout love in a different light
And if we all learn to love it would be just right

(chorus 2)
Hey, tell me haven't ya heard?
Luv, is a serious word
Hey, I think it's time ya learned
I don't care what they say
I don't care care what ya heard
The word luv, luv is a verb

Down with the dc Talk, d- d- down with the dc Talk
Are you down with the dc Talk, d- d- down with the dc Talk

Thinkin' of a way to explain-o
Cause ya' know when I'm flowin' like a bottle of Drain-o
Simple and plain, L-O-V-E
Ain't all that junk that ya see on TV
Put soaps on a rope cause they ain't worth copin' with
It's a myth that there ain't no hope and
Luv is enough if it's unconditionally
Givin' now you're living out the Great Commission

(repeat choruses 1 and 2)

Back in the day there was a man
Who stepped out of Heaven and he walked the land
He delivered to the people an eternal choice
With a heart full of luv and the truth in His voice
Gave up His life so that we may live
How much more luv could the Son of God give?
Here is the example that we oughtta be matchin'
Cause luv is a word that requires some action

Not sure how many of you like/liked DC Talk but this song is in my head right now. I am just surrounded by a multitude of situations where this word love is so misunderstood. It is so abused. It is just meaningless. I have a heavy heart for many of my loved ones because they haven't experienced this VERB. They don't know how to "do" this LOVE.
I have an uncle who is in hospice care dying with brain cancer who doesn't know the love of Christ.
I have an aunt who is suffering with terminal cancer and is antagonistic toward the free gift of love and forgiveness Christ offers us.
I have a family member who thinks love is selfish and unkind and self seeking.

I am broken for these situations. I just want to shake someone and say, it isn't about what others can do for you. It isn't about mushy gushy feelings. It is about SERVING, SACRIFICE, and a willingness to FORGIVE when the other is unforgivable.
Lord, let me LOVE the way Christ loved the church. Let me DO love!

Link to Cardboard Testimony

2011-02-24T10:15:00.000-08:00

Still crying! What a beautiful way to worship! I am not known for making my sin public or my stuggles known. I usually keep them to myself but this is such a beautiful way to bring our Savior GLORY for His Grace and Mercy.

Feeling Ready!

2011-02-22T10:55:00.000-08:00

I am almost 30 weeks along in my 3rd pregnancy. I am feeling DONE!!! I am READY!!!! Lets get this show on the road and NOT be pregnant anymore!!! I am Tired, Hurting, Swollen and have Zero energy!
I am feeling like all I do is whine about how much my body is HATING this extra weight and pulling and pressure. I don't like to whine and it seems to be my theme.
While I was in FL my sweet hubby and mother FORCED me to buy a new pair of tennis shoes, to give me more support. They also strapped a girdle around me for support and they tried to push me around the Brandon Mall in a wheelchair. I got out of that one by wearing the shoes and girdle. But I feel almost like I am to the point where even laying down is an effort. I have 10 weeks to go! I will make it. Hubby keeps saying "take it one day at a time". I have somewhere around 175 days to go and that just seems overwhelming!
So I am turning my focus to something else! (trying to) I am focusing on getting my classroom ready for the fall. I am focusing on cleaning out our unused unwanted clutter. I am focusing on house guests we will have in 2 weeks, and freezer meals for when Preston arrives. I am focusing on the 4D ultrasound that I get to have in 2 weeks. I am focusing on ANYTHING but the 175 day, or 10 weeks, or 2 1/2 months left!
I had a doctors appointment yesterday. My Doctor is so funny. He comes in the room each visit and says the same thing. "Weight looks good, blood pressure looks good, measuring good, this is your third time around, I think it is smooth sailing. Do you have any questions?" I want to scream "YES!! CAN YOU MAKE IT MAY ALREADY?!" But I don't I just kind of slip my statement of discomfort in like it is a question and he replies the same every time with "Third pregnancies do tend to be the toughest." That's it?! That is all you can offer me?! What about a tip to ease the pain or an encouraging word? All he offers me is that, what I am going through is normal. So, I pack up my things and get on my way.
OK, my tantrum is over! I will put back on my "pregnancy is wonderful attitude" and be thankful for this wonderful blessing from my Lord. I will praise Him that He has designed my body in such an amazing way to be able to handle childbearing. I will praise Him that He has opened my womb. I will praise Him that He is knitting together Preston and that he is fearfully and wonderfully made. I will FOCUS on this being a gift!

I am home!

2011-02-09T06:41:00.000-08:00

Not to brag...but...I am in FLORIDA!!!!! I am so happy to be here visiting with my family! I haven't seen them since September and that is a lifetime. My kids are in heaven playing with all of the toys that are @ Grammie and Papa's house. To top things off my Daddy made his grandkids a clubhouse. IT IS AMAZING!! I will post pics of it when I get home. It isn't 100% finished but it is playable and they ask just about every minute of the day if they can go play in it.
We are enjoying our time!

(Old pic of my g-pa and my kiddos in FL)

A post just for my Sister!

2011-02-05T20:29:00.000-08:00

Do you have sudden urges to wear rain hats? Well my sister in law who is very young and vibrant, longs to wear one when it is not so nice outside. She became fimilar with them during one of her "themed parties" she loves to throw. The theme was 80's not as in the decade but as in 80 year olds. We are crazy I know. But we all had a great time. She looked great! She wore an "old ladies" rain hat. In the days following the party the weather was not so nice outside. It was very windy and rainy on our shopping trip and she expressed her desire to wear her rain hat. I STRONGLY discouraged her. I probably made fun of her a bit and the conversation was dropped. However, she wasn't kidding. She REALLY wants to wear one. She makes me laugh! I love her dearly! And if she did wear one I would openly make fun of her.
HOWEVER, I have found a "semi" cool solution. I wasn't searching for it but ran across this on a thrifting/refashioning blog. They are rain hats made from old umbrellas.

I think SHE could pull this off. I am not ready to tie one around my neck until I am closer to my 70's and I have to pay to set my hair weekly. But I might not make fun of her as much if the rain hat was this cute!
So here is to you my Sister I can't wait to post a picture of you in one of these.
(I am a gracious sister in law, I didn't post the pics from the 80's party)

I am convinced.

2011-02-04T11:36:00.000-08:00

G has had a weird bump/rash/cyst/thingy on her foot for months. Her pediatrician is a member of our church so I have taken advantage of that and asked him several times to look at it. He was very gracious and looked at it for me. He was not sure what it was. At first it was a cyst like bump about the size of a m&m on the top of her foot. He said to keep an eye on it for changes. I did, and change it did. About a month later it flattened out. I had him look again. He said he still wasn't concerned and still wasn't sure what it was but that I could go to a dermatologist if I wanted to. But he said he would still just keep an eye on it for changes. It didn't look like an infection or anything to cause alarm. I am a CRAZY worrier and a weird bump under my kids skin is cause for alarm to me. I am thinking it is cancer and it is spreading. I am crazy I know. I kept my eye on it and another change happened. Another bump formed, Ahhh! What is it?! Now it is flattened out with a lot of little bumps inside and the skin is a little discolored.
When I got G out of the bath last night she told me it was hurting her a little bit (WORRY BEGINS AGAIN).
Then, the answer popped in my head. I had a word come to my mind that I hadn't heard since I was 10 years old. When I was 10 I had a weird brown patch of bumps on my leg. Good old Dr. Hall told my mom, "It's Granuloma Annulare". Why did that pop in my head? I am not sure why, but I had Hubby google it. The first image we saw was EXACTLY what G's looks like. I am convinced this is what she has. Looking at the info on it is a common skin condition that will clear on it's own. Of course there were some dramatic cases that scare you to death

but G's is not bad at all. I am still going to keep my eye on it and vow to STOP worrying.
I am also going to give my diagnosis to my pediatrician and see what he thinks. Maybe, he can research for me more than WebMD.

Pregnancy Cravings!

2011-02-02T11:29:00.000-08:00

Is anyone else obsessed with Panera Bread? I know anytime we are in a city that contains one, hubby and I are there. We always order the same thing (because it is so stinking yummy)! We both get the 1/2 and 1/2 Frontaga Chicken sandwich and brocolli cheddar soup, with a bagette on the side.
I AM CRAVING A BOWL OF THAT SOUP!!
I am craving it so much I googled the recipe last night and am going to find my way to the store for the ingredents and make my knock off version.
I am not going to be anywhere near a Panera for weeks and it is on the brain so I hope this satisfies. I thought I would share the recipe I found just incase anyone else might like to try it.

Ingredients:

1 tbls. butter, melted
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 cups half & half
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 lb. fresh broccoli
1 cup carrots, finely chopped
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
salt & pepper, to taste
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

How to make it:

Saute onion in 1 tbls. butter
In another pan, cook melted butter and flour , whisking over medium heat for 3-4 minutes
Slowly add half & half while continuing to whisk
Add chicken stock, while continuing to whisk
Once it starts to simmer, let simmer for 20 minutes
Add broccoli, carrots and onions
Cook over low heat until veggies are tender
Add salt and pepper
Pour in batches into blender and mix or use immersion blender
Return to pot and over low heat, add cheese, stirring until well blended
Stir in the nutmeg
Pour soup into bowls and serve.

Not quite there hair.

2011-01-29T11:17:00.000-08:00

Hair attempt # 1. This is without getting a haircut or having it thinned. I don't think it looks much like the pic. I just think it looks like my hair FLAT. I will be in Florida in a few days and get it cut and thinned and lightened and we will attempt it again.

Polo to Messenger

2011-01-29T11:10:00.000-08:00

Hubby was cleaning out his closet and got rid of a few shirts. I salvaged this one and decided to upcycle it into a messenger bag for Jboy. I didn't have a pattern I just started cutting and pinning. I think it turned out pretty cool. J was so happy with it he immediately started filling it up. It was also brought to the dinner table and checked on numerous time throughout the meal. Now, I need to make a girly one for G.

I'm melting, melting...

2011-01-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

I am sure all of you have seen a how-to on making your own crayons on a blog somewhere. If not it is super easy.
Step one: Take all your broken crayon and peel off the paper. We had lots because it is a hobby of J's to break crayons.
Step 2: Break them up into small pieces and put them into a mold of your choice. We just used a cupcake pan and liners.
Step 3: Bake @ 225 degrees for 25 minutes.
Step 4: Cool and remove from mold and there you have your very own crayons.
Today we made a few of our own. The kids thought they were doing something naughty because they got to peel all of the crayons themselves and break them into (as J says) "Little Tiny" pieces.
I think the colors turned out pretty cool. I only wish I had different molds to use to make different shapes. I will be on the hunt at the thrift store for some for next time.

Another cute kid quote.

2011-01-26T11:46:00.001-08:00

Quote of the day by the kids. It made me laugh I hope you do too.

G was telling J to do something he shouldn't. So...
Me: J boy, G isn't in charge of you.
J: Yeah! God is in charge.
G: Mom, J said God's name INSANE.
Me: (Quiet laughter to my self enjoying my 5 and 2 year old)

New hair?

2011-01-21T12:40:00.000-08:00

I want my hair to look like this. I have been looking for a way to change but still look like me. What do you think? Now all I have to do is figure out how to achieve this look.

What does God say about that?

2011-01-21T11:43:00.000-08:00

In my pursuit of a teaching my children God's word and writing it on their hearts, I wondered if G knew what God said about what we are to do with certain parts of our bodies. I wondered if she knew we were to use our hands to serve others. I wondered if she knew that God had things to say about our eyes, ears, and mouth. So, here is my idea. I wanted to draw a picture of what a "Godly Girl" looked like. I didn't have a large sheet of papers so I taped up a few in the shape of G's body to the back of her door. I then traced her outline onto the paper. Next, we drew her features and her clothes. Now for the fun part. We went on a "hunt" in God's word to see what He had to say about our bodies. We took a looked at 2 verses today. One on the HEART and one on HANDS. We wrote in the verses on the picture of G and discussed how she could "do" these things that God commanded us to do. This is hopefully going to become a daily activity, until we can't fit anythings else on our "Godly Girl". I will do one with J too, but he was napping during our project.

My version of the Felt Nativity

2011-01-19T12:14:00.000-08:00

Here are my attempts at the sweet felt nativity set that I saw, and blogged about a few posts ago. I have the wise men, a shepherd, and an angel started. They just need to be dressed. My kids think they need faces however I feel that it would just take away from them. What is your vote? Do they need a face or not?

Completed Mary, Jesus, and Joseph(minus his headdress)
Hopefully a picture of the completed set follows soon!

Tea for Two

2011-01-19T11:57:00.000-08:00

A sweet lady @ our former church blessed me with a sweet little tea set for two.

She noted in her card that it was for G and I to have tea together. So in my persuit to have a God honoring relationship with my daughter I thought this was a great way to spend some quality time together and have a little fun. I tried to be as into it as possible and make it feel like a real Tea Party. J was never to far from the action because there was real hot tea and treats being served.

P.S. I just got a new book in the mail. It was recommended by my sweet Sister in Christ. It is called "Girl Talk" by Carolyn Mahaney and Nicole Mahaney Whitacre. It is a book on Mother-Daughter Conversations on Biblical Womanhood. I am through chapter 2 and I am really enjoying it. It isn't a "how-to" fix all for relationships. It is a book that encourages us to teach our daughters the forgotten art of Biblical Womanhood that the Bible calls us to teach and live ourselves. I am convicted and encouraged while reading it knowing I have failed but reminded that God is gracious.

The Curious Little Monkey

2011-01-19T11:48:00.000-08:00

PBS is my friend! My kids would watch it 24/7 if we allowed it. However we limit to 2 cartoons in the morning while Mommy, turns human with a cup of coffee. Curious George is #1 in G and J's book. They love him and all the trouble he gets into. Well it just so happens that little Curious George made an appearance @ the Expo Center in our little town. I got (dragged) a few ladies from the church to come and see it with our family. It was really a cute show and my kids had a ball!

Happy Birthday Banner

2011-01-19T11:40:00.000-08:00

This post is long overdue. I made this banner last winter and have never gotten around to posting about it. I have seen many reusable birthday banners in the blog world and wanted one of my own. We have used it @ everyones birthday party's this year and look forward to many more. Her is a pic of G's 5th birthday opening presents under the banner.

Bike Plate

2011-01-19T11:17:00.001-08:00

Our church had a Bike Rodeo in the Fall and the kids had a blast. G has never been able to ride her bike @ our home due to uneven, or unpaved, or too busy roads. So she was set free in the church parking lot and improved her skills greatly. She is a lot more willing to ride than I ever was. I think I was around 9 before I learned to ride a bike. To those that say you never forget how to ride a bike have not seem me in action as an adult. I possess NO biking skills.
The kids made a little craft while we were there and thought I would share the idea. It is simple, and cheap! Maybe it is something you could do to get the kids excited about warmer temps. coming soon. Happy Crafting!

Supplies for a Bike Plate:
Index cards
Hole Punch
Yarn
Stickers
Markers or Crayons

Directions:

Give index card, crayons, markers, sticker to kids and let them design what they want their bike plate to look like. Lots of kids wrote their names, other did pictures, some wrote scripture. When kiddos are done decorating, punch 2 holes at the top corners, Use yarn to tie to the bike. My kids both put their plates in the front of their bikes. Others put them in the back like a licence plate. Easy Peasy!

A blog I recently found

2011-01-11T20:19:00.001-08:00

Don't you love to laugh so hard that you cry. When I find something that makes me laugh like that it becomes like a addiction for me. I keep secretly thinking about how funny it was to me. Recently I found a blog that has made me laugh like that on more than one occasion.
Because I Said So

I showed it to hubby last night. At first he didn't think it was all that funny but then when I got to the good part. He agreed, or maybe he was just laughing at me laughing so hard it hurt.

You have to read her google searches. There are a couple comments she makes to some google searches that make me cry, start coughing like a smoker, and almost wet my pants (cut me some slack I am pregnant with my third kid). I hope you enjoy her as much as I did.

I love my kids!

2011-01-11T19:52:00.001-08:00

A Quote of the day by my son. This was said while he was walking around the living room on his tip toes. With a Knife and a Sword in his hands
"Here rabbits, rabbits, rabbits, I will knife you up."

A Quote of the day by my daughter. Said while she was trying to convince me to let her watch some afternoon cartoons.
"Mom, can we watch PBS? I just really Love learning new words and things like that."

Enjoying, them!

KY Kids Sale. I WANT TO GO!

2011-01-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

I found a HUGE kids consignment sale. However, it is all the way in Elizabethtown KY. Over 4 hours from here. I was wondering if anyone wanted to go with? Or do you know of any great kid consignment sales in the area? Or possibly one closer?
I went to a sale like this in Northern Alabama a couple years ago and it is amazing. Great deals, Name brands, lots of choices, and it was just like a Giant "clean" yard sale. Right up my alley. If anyone were interested in going with I am up for it. I am not sure Hubby wants to go and spend hours looking at kids clothes with me. But in the long run he does appreciate the savings. As the Duggars like to say "Buy used, save the difference."

A Funny Found on Facebook

2011-01-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

For anyone who is planning on ever being a parent,
For anyone who is a parent,
And for anyone else who wants to laugh at parenthood,
This is for YOU!

Thinking of having kids? Do this 11 step program first.

Lesson 1

1. Go to the grocery store.

2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.

3. Go home.

4. Pick up the paper.

5. Read it for the last time.

Lesson 2

Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their...

1. Methods of discipline.

2. Lack of patience.

3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.

4. Allowing their children to run wild.

5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's breastfeeding, sleep habits, toilet training, table manners, and overall behavior.

Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you will have all the answers.

Lesson 3

A really good way to discover how the nights might feel...

1. Get home from work and immediately begin walking around the living room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly. (Eat cold food with one hand for dinner)

2. At 10PM, put the bag gently down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep.

3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag, until 1AM.

4. Set the alarm for 3AM.

5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2AM and make a drink and watch an infomercial.

6. Go to bed at 2:45AM.

7. Get up at 3AM when the alarm goes off.

8. Sing songs quietly in the dark until 4AM.

9. Get up. Make breakfast. Get ready for work and go to work (work hard and be productive)

Repeat steps 1-9 each night. Keep this up for 3-5 years. Look cheerful and together.

Lesson 4

Can you stand the mess children make? T o find out...

1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.

2. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.

3. Stick your fingers in the flower bed.

4. Then rub them on the clean walls.

5. Take your favorite book, photo album, etc. Wreck it.

6. Spill milk on your new pillows. Cover the stains with crayons. How does that look?

Lesson 5

Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.

1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.

2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.

Time allowed for this - all morning.

Lesson 6

Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.

1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment.

Leave it there.

2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.

3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Sprinkle cheerios all over the floor, then smash them with your foot.

4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.

Lesson 7

Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a pre-school child. (A full-grown goat is an excellent choice). If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.

Lesson 8

1. Hollow out a melon.

2. Make a small hole in the side.

3. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side.

4. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.

5. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.

6. Tip half into your lap. The other half, just throw up in the air.

You are now ready to feed a nine- month-old baby.

Lesson 9

Learn the names of every character from Sesame Street , Barney, Disney, the Teletubbies, and Pokemon. Watch nothing else on TV but PBS, the Disney channel or Noggin for at least five years. (I know, you're thinking What's 'Noggin'?) Exactly the point.

Lesson 10

Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying 'mommy' repeatedly. (Important: no more than a four second delay between each 'mommy'; occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet is required). Play this tape in your car everywhere you go for the next four years. You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.

Lesson 11

Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually tug on your skirt hem, shirt- sleeve, or elbow while playing the 'mommy' tape made from Lesson 10 above. You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.

This is all very tongue in cheek; anyone who is parent will say 'it's all worth it!' Share it with your friends, both those who do and don't have kids. I guarantee they'll get a chuckle out of it. Remember, a sense of humor is one of the most important things you'll need when you become a parent!

For anyone else reading this - I'm thrilled that you are all enjoying it, as I did - immensely. However, I DID NOT write it! I found it on a friends facebook. I'm not sure who the original author is however many of them are ringing true.

Girls day out.

2011-01-03T17:51:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning I got up, got ready and told G to get ready too. She wanted to watch cartoons but I had plans for us. We jumped in the car and headed down the road to the local nail salon. When we pulled in I told G that WE were going to get our nails done together. She was excited but was instantly nervous when we walked in and she didn't understand a word that was being said to her. Let's just say it is owned by sweet folks that English is their second language. However, she was soon involved in choosing the color she wanted to paint her nails with (purple with silver glitter) and giving advice to me about the color I should choose (pink). We sat together and just enjoyed one another doing something fun and fancy. I can tell she felt big. She felt loved. She felt special. Mission accomplished! I know this isn't an instant fix to having a good relationship but it is my start. Spending time with her, encouraging her in the Lord, making HER feel like she is a priority in my life even more than the dishes and laundry. Showing her that I love her unconditionally.
I shared with my Sunday School class that I was feeling discouraged and asked for their prayers. I can honestly say, I feel God moving and changing my heart. I feel the comfort only He can give. In the last week I have made a concentrated effort to praise G (and J) when I see something positive. I have also slowed down my reactions to disobedience. I want to be slow to become angry and I am working on that. I am reminding myself that they are children and they are going to be disobedient. THEY ARE NOT PERFECT THEY ARE SINNERS JUST LIKE ME!
I am so blessed to have them! They have changed me and my view of God's love for me. They have truly shown me what a true sacrifice it was for God to send His ONLY son for SINNERS such as me. I wouldn't be willing to give my children for a righteous man much less someone who doesn't deserve anything. But thankfully I serve a Merciful God who gives Grace freely to all who believe and trust in the sacrifice of His only son Jesus Christ. What Love! That is the love I want to show G and J. I want to adorn the Gospel and make Jesus attractive.
Thank you all for your prayers in my days of discouragement. I am encouraged and I know this is a lifetime process and I am going to ENJOY the ride!! I am going to ENJOY the giggles, stories, songs, dances, games, pictures, and all of the hugs and lovings. They are not perfect kids but they are MY kids. I am not a perfect parent but I am the parent God chose for them. God be merciful to me a sinner.

My girl "G"

2010-12-30T21:20:00.000-08:00

I don't know about other girls mom's but mine is the best! She is smart, fun, beautiful, loves the Lord, giving, caring, assertive, and she Loves me unconditionally. Growing up it was my hearts desire to be with my Mom and to make her pleased with me. Now that i am grown she is my best friend and I Love her so dearly. It scares me sometimes how much we are like one another.
As a mother myself now I have growing fears that my relationship with "G" will not turn out as my mother's and mine. I fear that she won't want to spend time with me when she is grown. That she just sees me as a strict Mom who fusses at her and doesn't let her do what she wants. I have been very convicted about this as of late. I feel like I need to take steps now to assure that we have a healthy Mother/Daughter relationship.
I was kept up all night Tuesday by an incident that had happened late that evening with G. She said something that was very troubling and I made her explain it to me so that I knew why she had said it. In getting this info from her I made her cry. It wasn't my goal but I NEEDED to know. It was a very serious matter and I needed the truth. But all night I thought, "she is scared of me, she doesn't feel safe with telling me things, I have failed". So in the morning I crawled into the bed with her and snuggled with her and assured her of my love and that she had not done anything wrong. That it was just Mommy's job to make sure she was safe and that was what I was doing. She seemed to understand and not think much of what had happened the night before at all.
I spoke with Hubby about my concerns and we decided I needed to do more with G one on one. To make more Mommy/Daughter time. Time where there was no room to be cleaned or brother to nag or task that Mommy had to tend to.
So I am taking G to get our nails done on Saturday. Nothing fancy, just a little time away just us girls to giggle and be ladies and bond. She is such a treasure to me and I want to communicate that to her without sounding like "lets be friends", because at this point she doesn't need a friend but a Mother. I am OPEN to all ideas and Godly advice to grow that special bond with her. I know the bond between Mother and Daughter is like NO other and I want to cultivate mine with G to make ours strong now and in the years to come. I ultimately know God is gracious and merciful and He hears my cries to Him and my plea's to be a Godly mother and to lead them in the way that brings Him the most glory. Because Ultimately that is all that matters.
Sorry for the venting session but my heart has been so heavy. Again I would love tips!

Beth Moore

2010-12-30T21:08:00.000-08:00

Today was Day 1 of my new book "Jesus, 90 Days with the One and Only" by Beth Moore. A dear young lady from our church got it for me to participate in the group study some of her college friends and her are doing. I can't review the book just yet because i have only read the introduction and done the work for Day 1 but I did enjoy it very much. I must confess it might take me more than 90 days because I don't always find that precious moment to sit with my Savior as I should, but hopefully this book will give me more of an excuse to take that time that I should. One thought that was particularly profound to me today was...(not a direct quote but paraphrase) That when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to give her the news of her going to carry the Son of God and told her to name him Jesus. That was the first time that the Son of Gods name had been told to humanity. The first time that we as the human race had a personal name for our savior. I just thought that that was a special thought to cherish and hold on to.

Isn't this cute.

2010-12-29T20:13:00.000-08:00

I know Christmas is over but I just found this AWESOME homemade felt Nativity on Blue Eyed Freckle. It is too cute. I am not sure they sell such cute felt in Pikeville Ky but I bet this is something easy G and J would like to help me with for next year.

LOVE THIS!

2010-12-15T06:02:00.000-08:00

My hubby lost his Mother 2 1/2 years ago. We do everything we can to honor the memory of his mother in our home. We talk about "Grammy" and what a special woman she was. However our children will never have a memory of her. G was 2 when she passes and J was born a few days after she passed. That is sometimes a hard pill to swallow. She was so special and so talented. She loved her family dearly and I know she would have loved my kids.
One thing about Grammy was that she had the most perfect handwritting. Looking at a note that she just scribbled out quickly looked like something that would have taken days to make so perfect.
I came across this blog today and now I am on the hunt. I am going to find something she wrote that can be turned into an heirloom. I might not make a plate however I am thinking about something I can put in my kiddos rooms to remind them of her.

It's a...

2010-12-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

BOY!
We found out this morning we are having another baby boy. All looked well during the ultrasound. The tech even told us he has 10 fingers and 10 toes. I guess she was counting. J is happy, G would be happier if it were a girl. But I think she will come to enjoy the perks of being the only girl. Well, now that I know it is a boy I can stop stressing out over making up a girl name. We already knew what we would name a boy. So now we just have to wait another few months to meet this little man.
We are super excited!
We covet your prayers for a healthy baby and an EASY delivery!

Eating update

2010-12-11T19:53:00.000-08:00

My kids are eating better!

The list of newly tried and LIKED foods:
Lima Beans (gasp)
Green beans
BBQ
Rice
Mashed potatoes (J doesn't like)
Lasagna
Quesadillas
Pickles
and many more I can't think of right now.

Things are going well. I still have to force food, but the rules are holding and we are making progress. G is doing really well and I know she just has a fear of trying the food for the first time. But so far she hasn't eaten something she hasn't liked.
Mommy even took a dose of her own medicine. I ATE PEAS. I forced myself to try them for the first time since childhood. They are the only food I don't eat, but I did try and decided they are not as gag worthy as I remember. However I am not fixing them and won't eat them regularly.
Thanks all for your encouragements in the eating department. It is nice to know I am not the only one with kids who don't like to eat.

Lauren...This one's for you.

2010-12-07T20:22:00.000-08:00

New pics a sweet friend took for our family.

Made with Love

2010-12-07T12:36:00.000-08:00

Found this Scarf for boys/men. I have been wanting to get/make a scarf for the men in my life but felt like my ideas were a little too girly. The scarf on the little boy looks very manly and I think I just added something to my Christmas to do list! Yay!

Traditions to Treasure

2010-12-07T11:41:00.000-08:00

A few years ago I enjoyed reading Noel Piper's book "Treasuring God In Our Traditions". This gave way to a new focus in our home. Hubby and I try to bring the Gospel into everything we do in our home. Of course we are not always successful but we try. We do Bible time and Catechism questions every night with the kids. We do an Advent Calendar in December to count down the days to our Saviors birthday. Easter has us baking a resurrection cake on Easter that the kids love to decorate with an empty tomb. Reformation Day better known as Halloween we love to watch "Luther". These are just a few of the traditions we are trying to create in our home.
Hubby's Aunt has a really neat Tradition in her home. She has a Miniature case full of various items. Each item represents a time in their families lives where God has shown His lovingkindess, and grace to them. When someone notices the items and asks about them, that gives them the opportunity to share Christ. I just think that that is a wonderful reminder to always be looking for the ways God moves in our lives. Since I saw hers I have been on the hunt for a miniature shelf of my own.
I would love to hear your traditions NOT just holiday traditions.

Frozen meal anyone?

2010-11-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

Our new addition is coming in May. I know I have pleanty of time to think about this but I want to be prepared. When we had G I had no idea how consumed with her I would be. I was unable to do much more than the essential in life inbetween nursing, changing, soothing. When J came things were a little better. I knew what to expect and we had a lot of sweet folks from our church bring us meals and it was a huge blessing. However, I am thinking ahead this time. I want to make lots of frozen meals ahead of time. I figure I will make them in my last trimester and freeze them for those first weeks of craziness. I have never done this before so I am lacking in the "frozen meal" recipe department. So if any of you have some Yummy, Kid friendly, Freezable meals you would like to share, I would love to have them. I found this one and am going to try it out this week.

New Rules!

2010-11-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

Since the last food blog entry there have been some new rules put into place. They seem to be working!
Rules
1. Mom is only cooking 1 dinner per night! I mean it!
2. Kids must TRY everything on their plate.
3. Kids do not have to clean their plates. However if they want dessert they must eat everything on their plate.

So in the past week with the new rules in place this is how dinner went.
Day 1. We had meatloaf, mashed potatoes, yeast rolls, and edamame (the kids love it). G cried while eating her potatoes and didn't mind the meatloaf. However she cleaned her plate. J ate a few bites of edamame but didn't want anything else so he was forced to try. He then proceeded to gag and dry heave. It was a funny (but not funny) so I had to try not to laugh at him. He didn't get any goodies. G did and he was not happy about that.
Day 2. Cooked Asian noodles and chicken and egg rolls. Both kids cleared their plates. Seems weird but this is the dinner G requested. They both got one piece of there candy.
Day 3. Baked steak, rice, gravy, yeast rolls. G asked hubby, "Daddy will you please force this rice into my mouth?" However once she tasted it she liked it and asked for more. G cleared her plate. J Loved the steak and didn't want the rice but tried it and ate the required amount. He used to love rice but I guess he wasn't in the mood. G also ate 4 (small) yeast rolls. I though if she had a drink she might explode. That was prob. more food in her stomach then had ever been there before.

I think things are going well. I am not saying Great because I know I have a long road before I can just make dinner and have them eat it on their own. But it is an improvement on chicken nuggets every night.

Vote!

2010-10-28T20:55:00.000-07:00

I am super excited to vote next week. I have looked forward to voting since I was a small child and the polls in our area had "kid polls" set up for me to vote. I got to vote in the 2000 presidential election and it truly made me feel like a grown up. It may seem silly but it is really fun to me. My hubby and I keep reminding each other that we are in KY not WV and we are voting for men we are not familiar with. We live so close to WV that we get their local channels on TV. We see all of the WV candidate commercials and ads. I hope I get the right name on Tuesday.
All that to say VOTE!!!

Picky Eaters, HELP!!!

2010-10-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

As a child I ate everything! I also like pretty much any and every food. I can only think of 2 that I didn't. Peas and raw tomatoes were the only things I couldn't stomach. My parents had a policy where I had to try everything @ least once. I wasn't allowed to say that I didn't like something unless I had tasted it.
My husband is a different story. He was VERY picky. He disliked more foods than he liked. His parents also had a policy about eating. He had to sit at the table till he ate dinner. This lead to many many hours at the dinner table for my hubby.
I have now been blessed with 2 picky eaters myself. I am sometimes embarrassed by my children lack of love for food. A sweet couple from the church took us out to dinner after church on Sunday and this is how it went.
G- ordered Mac and Cheese. They brought out this beautiful bowl of homemade Mac and cheese NOT the blue box version. My daughter doesn't taste it she just looks at it and announces "This is Gross!" So I give her some of my salad (plane iceberg) and she doesn't touch that either. She decides to have a biscuit with jelly. She then continues to eat the jelly off the top but doesn't touch the biscuit.
J- gets eggs and bacon. He does better than his sissy and eats his whole egg. He doesn't touch his bacon. The sweet couple who are treating us to lunch get concerned that he didn't have enough so they order some rolls. and he doesn't touch those. They make him some buttered crackers, and he doesn't take a single bite.
Both kids are more consumed with the crushed ice in their drinks than eating. As we are leaving the gentlemen with us says "we are going to have to do something to get them to eat more."
Where did I go wrong? I guess I haven't been as much of a stickler as my parents were in getting them to try new things. But they don't like anything!!! Not bread, not french fries, nor any other type of potatoes.
I welcome any advice or methods of feeding the picky. I wouldn't be too concerned about my kids lack of eating except that G is in the 10th percentile and J is in the 5th. Help!

Family Fall Festival

2010-10-27T12:06:00.001-07:00

It has been a while since I have posted but I figured I should at least show my finished products for my families Fall Festival costumes. All are homemade except for Buzz. But I did make my Buzz a jet pack so he had some piece of homemade goodness.

The CURE has been found!!

2010-09-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

I have been to numerous Doctors, and been on numerous medicines to no avail to cure this nasty "thrush". I have gone as far as setting up an appointment with an infectious disease dr. I was still no closer to feeling better than the day these nasty symptoms started.
My dear sweet Mommy has been searching high and low for a cure just like I have. And you would think that I would learn by now that Mothers are always right. But I was stubborn when she told me about a cure she had found. She had Apple Cider Vinegar suggested to her. When she told me about it I reminded her that my "Anti-Candida Diet" forbids vinegar. So I ignored her suggestion and went on my way suffering.
She did some research online and again suggested I try it. Apple cider vinegar is made a different way than other vinegars. So, I decided I was desperate and I would try it. I would try pretty much anything at this point. There have been quite a few suggestion from folks at church as well. Such as having a 7th son who has never seen his father blow into my mouth. Not joking!
So I got vinegar on Friday took my first dose that afternoon and guess what...I have been symptom free since. Hallelujah!!!! Can you believe it, Mommy was right!! So now I have 1 teaspoon 3 time a day and I am feeling like myself again.
Not surprising but ACV has many health benefits. It helps a lot with digestive health, and helps with skin problems such as eczema.
I have had that pressure in the back of my throat for so long and thought about it for so long I feel FREE! I can eat most anything I want and I don't have to worry is this going to "feed the yeast". I am so thankful for all of your prayers and encouragement.

Oh and I found out something else on Friday. Hubby and I will be expecting #3 in May! Yay!!

Thought this was a cute blog we could all use.

2010-08-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

We browsing the various blogs I like to follow and found a link to this cute blog. Fashion for the Economically Challenged. The blogger photographs herself in her daily wear and dishes how much she spent for each item and where it is from. I know I am always standing back staring at my closet trying to find a new way to wear the pieces I have. I got several good ideas from her.

Amazed!

2010-08-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at the number of friends I have had contact me over "thrush" or "thrash" as they call it here in Eastern Kentucky. I have heard from prob. 5 friends who have suffered from it. 2 of which had it OVER A YEAR! Shoot me now.
I am feeling a little better but still symptomatic when I eat or drink. It is like I am doing fine but then I swallow something and my throat is immediately on fire and pressure.
I am not a good "medicine taker" but boy I have been faithful with all my meds for this nasty thrush.
I also have advice for all you ladies out there who might suffer from thrush or a yeast infection after taking antibiotics. There is something you can do to prevent this mess! When the Dr. writes you a script for the antibiotic, go ahead and ask for a script for Diflucan. This will prevent you from ever even getting this problem. This was advice given to me from my Dentist and another friend who is a dental hygienist. Oh, woulda, coulda, shoulda!

PS My spit is still gross. Just in case you wanted to know. lol.

I think I am addicted to spitting in a cup now.

2010-08-18T21:53:00.001-07:00

Well, I have been spitting in a cup everyday since Friday. My spit still does the gross "hanging thing" mentioned in the last post. I guess this Thrush has a huge hold on me and doesn't want to let go.
I updated my status on my Facebook page a little while ago. I had an old friend from high school comment on my status unexpectedly. I had mentioned I was going to a dentist tomorrow because I have completed all of the meds from the previous Dr. (guy who tried to kill me) and still have symptoms (hanging spit). She is in the dental field and wanted me to call her. So I did. She deals with Thrush a lot and had some great advice for me when I go to the Dentist tomorrow. She was super encouraging, and reafirmed in me that I am not crazy. I am suffering with a real condition. Isn't sad that I feel crazy from this sickness. Who would have thought being on an antibiotic, which is susposed to make you better when you are sick, is the very thing that has made me so sick. I feel crazy because I have been to 3 Dr's now and none of them have been sure about what I have. They agree my throat looks inflamed....but not sure what that means. I have been denied insurance over this "throat" issue. Thats right I was denied medical coverage because I was on previcid when the ENT thought it was reflux. I had to jump through many many many hoops to be accepted including riders on my policy to not cover me for reflux related issues. AND IT WASN"T EVEN REFLUX!!!! Ahhhhhhh!!!! ok better now.
Are Dr's not taught the cool spit trick in medical school? I am just wondering why none of them put the pieces together like being on anitbiotic, feeling better after taking the thrush meds the first time, previcid not helping. I mean a sweet lady from my church diagnosed me for crying out loud.
Ok, I am really off my soap box this time. I was simply going to say I feel so prepared for my dental appointment tomorrow because this sweet friend of mine took the time to talk to me. I am so thankful the Lord has put these people in my path to take me in the right direction. I am not sure where I would be had he not set that lunch date and I would probly get the run around tomorrow had I not had my friend talk to me tonight.
My God is so big, so strong, and so mighty there's nothing my God can not do...
Elshadi=Almighty God

Go Spit in a Cup

2010-08-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

This sounds really weird, I know but spitting in a cup has changed my life! I have been having some health issues for the last few months. It all started in April when I stopped nursing Jackson, got mastitis, and was put on antibiotics. A very very strong dose of antibiotics. Immediately I got this pressure in my throat but thought I was having a reaction to the meds. So the Dr. switched me to a different medicine and said I would feel better. I didn't. It just got worse. I never had trouble breathing, just an extreme pressure in my throat. I was getting hoarse and my throat always felt like it was dry and I needed to clear my throat but neither a drink or clearing it would give me relief. If you have been around me since then you have probably noticed me pulling at my throat or telling you how frustrated I am by this pressure! Sorry! It is all I can think about at times. So after 3 weeks of suffering with this problem I did some research online. I diagnosis myself with Thyroid Cancer (I am a hypochondriac which make this even worse). I got back to the Dr. He is baffled and says maybe it is Thrush. So I go on more meds. I started to feel a little better but not completely. So I go to another Dr., an ENT this time. I see the throat specialist. He says, "You have reflux". So I go on more meds. I NEVER believed it was reflux, I never ever have heartburn EVER! So I take the meds for over 2 months with NO relief. I AM CRAZY! What is wrong with me. I stopped the reflux meds (which gives you heartburn when you stop thank you very much) and I try to get into another Dr. We have just moved to KY so I don't have a Dr. to go to. I find one taking new patients and am scheduled to see him@ 2. A sweet lady at our church invited the kids and I to lunch that day so we went with her before my appointment. THIS IS THE GOOD PART!!! While at lunch we start talking about my problem, she says "YOU STILL HAVE THRUSH". I listen to her story, she suffered with the same mysterious symptoms for a year not long ago. She said what I was saying was identical to her story. She told me to put water by my bedside and in the morning "SPIT" in the cup. Crazy weird I know but it is a real way to diagnose thrush. So I went to the Dr. and lets just say that was an experience in itself. I felt like I was at the free clinic in the middle of nowhere! I am not trying to be critical but it was scary. He has pictures of himself dressed as Elvis EVERYWHERE!! I ask/tell him about it being thrush. He pretty much writes me off and says maybe it is so he writes me a prescription for meds. He also orders me a bunch of other tests, such as x-rays for herniated discs, blood work for thyroid and b12 deficiency and many more. By this time I am feeling SOOOOOO discouraged I want to cry. Why can't someone tell me what this is?
So I go to get my prescription filled at Wal*Mart. I wait 30 minutes in the store to get my meds and when I go to pick them up they say, I cant have them. The Dr. prescribed me 3 TIMES THE MAXIMUM DOSE! I cried, I wanted my medicine! I wanted relief! I tired all night and all morning to get the Dr. to fix HIS BIG TIME BOO BOO! He could have made me very sick had Wal*Mart not caught HIS huge mistake. THANK YOU WAL*MART!
Yesterday morning gave me my fist opportunity to spit in the cup. I was sceptical of this working. But I am willing to try anything and everything. So, I woke up, spit, and it did exactly what my church lady said it would if it were Thrush.
So I get the meds. yesterday around noon and had my first doses of my hopefully miracle serum. I am not better yet but I know I will be! Pray for me!!

http://www.adhdrelief.com/CandidaTest.html

1st Day.

2010-08-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

I did my first day of K-4 homeschooling with G today. It went well. She and I both had fun. For curriculum I am just using a bunch of early learning books that I have found. When we were done, and we had lunch I put the kids down for a nap and I decided I needed to do some true research for what I am going to do with her next year. I want to have a plan in place, books in hand, lesson plans made, and support groups in place. I have many friends who are homeschooling who have given me some great advice. My friend Julia who has a daughter in high school and a son I believe in 5th grade told me about "A Well Trained Mind". I went onto the site and did a lot of browsing and reading and praying. After reading this very informative blog I feel like I know what I want to teach and I know where to find it. I only skimmed the surface of the links and forums and curriculum available, but I have a better grasp on goals to shoot for. I was truly encouraged by a page of the website that described a day in the life of a homeschooling mom. It was encouraging because it was "normal". One mom describes her kid wanting to bring a toy to class, and being interrupted by a dirty diaper. These are the real moments that I am anticipating dealing with. Along with a clinging 2 year old who wants attention. There are even tips for that. I think I will be spending a lot of time on this site in the near future preparing for my journey ahead. G will be turning 5 in less than 2 months and that just sends dread to my heart that my baby girl is a big girl.
I have heard homeschooling described in terms of a tree. A "mother" oak hides her saplings under the protective shade of her her limbs and nurtures them till they are Strong and mature ready to be transplanted and stand on there own. My prayers is that I will be that protective shade for my children and that they will grow into mature, strong, Christ following adults. That is the "Goal"!

Have you heard of librivox?

2010-08-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

In college I lived 6 hours from home. Just enough time to listen to an entire book on tape each way. I was totally addicted to them because I hate being in the car (ask my hubby). I am worse than a child. Books on tape were a lifesaver! I would go to Cracker Barrel and buy one on my way home, then on the way back they have an exchange program where you can trade it in and pay a couple of bucks for a new one. However I had a friend tell me about Librivox yesterday. These are FREE download able books!!! I haven't listened to one yet but I am so excited about this website. From what she said, the public reads a book that is out of circulation and uploads it to the website. The readers vary, some are monotone, some are theatrical. I am not sure what book is on my list first but I think I am going to go with a classic.

Do you know of any other cool websites that are a hidden treasure? Please Share!

Great Read!

2010-07-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

I just finished this great book by Francine Rivers. A Lineage of Grace. I love almost all of her books and this one was one of my favorites. It is a compilation of 5 shorter books into one. It is about the women in the lineage of Christ. Some of the women I had heard of but not given much thought and this book shed new light on them. They also opened my eyes to the way God used sinners and the least of us to accomplish His good work. The story of Tamar was my favorite.

A dress for G

2010-07-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

I am attempting to make something close to this for G to wear for her 5th birthday. I think I am going to make a pillowcase dress instead of this style, but I want to replicate the ice cream cone applique on the front of the dress. I might to a cupcake with a candle instead. We will have to see how it goes. I hope to post a pic of the finished product soon!

Let Them Eat Woo Woo Cake!

2010-07-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

While Grammie and Papa were here a couple of weeks ago we celebrated J boys birthday. Grammie made birthday cake with them. J wanted a Woo Woo cake. Translated that means a Dog cake. So I had found a dog cake in a magazine that showed you how to cut two 9 inch cakes to look like a Woo Woo. In the magazine they decorated it to look like a pink poodle. However J is much more into Dalmations. So, Grammie and the kids iced the cake in white icing and put chocolate covered marshmellows on as spots.
J had a great birthday and it was all the more sweet because we got to celebrate with Grammie and Papa. Next year he will be big enough to have a few friends over to celebrate with us. I hope Grammie and Papa with make it there too!

A-typical Mole watch

2010-07-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

My Mom had a great idea! Which is not uncommon for her. G has an A-typical mole on her head. We had it look at by a dermatologist just to make sure it didn't need to be removed. He told us it was fine but to keep an eye on it to see if it changes in anyway. It is not in a place that is visible all the time so I don't always think about it. I don't always remember exactly how it looks and how big it is either. So my Mom suggested I take a picture of it next to a ruler. That way we have a definite color, shape, size to go by and we will know if it changes. She is so smart!

The Challenge

2010-07-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

My Sister in law has set a challenge this week for herself and challenged her followers to join in. She is trying to craft as much as possible this week before she has to start homeschooling her two boys next month. She is working like a mad woman even causing harm to her own body. She has done an amazing job on all her projects. I am not as gifted as she is in my ability to sew. Most of the time I just pretend like I know what I am doing and it turns out pretty well. I don't know how to sew using a pattern I just make up my own pattern. My mother tried to teach me when I was younger and I couldn't pay attention long enough to grasp the concept.
I joined in her challenge over the last few days and I have a few pictures of my projects. For our church's fall festival our family is going to dress up as Toy Story characters so I got started on those costumes. I have made a Woody vest and a pair of chaps for Jesse. I have also sewn a Buzz Lightyear pillowcase (not pictured). I made G a few new hair bows. G's favorite is the blue one. She likes it because I used a button on it from the dress our late Grammy Smith wore on my wedding day. I like the pink and black one the best, and I think the cupcake turned our nice too. Maybe I can make a few more crafts before the week is up.

My VBS Classroom

2010-07-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

Vacation Bible School was a...busy week. I worked with the 2,3,&4 year old children. God was gracious and provided me with the patience needed although I was tested many times. I think the kids had a great time, and I did my best to make the gospel clear. I tried to make it all about Christ and not just a moralistic story. Although some of the lessons provided by Lifeway never mentioned Jesus or his sacrifice on the cross for sinners. I think sometimes people think that you have to water down the gospel for children but I am not one of them. They understand way more than we give them credit for. It will be the spirits work to reveal the Gospel to them not mine. I know the seeds were planted and if the spirit chooses to move on the hearts of those precious children He will change them.

These are some pics of my classroom. The kids had a good time sitting around our fire pit every night for our story. We went fishing in our stream, and they put the leaves on our tree. You can also see our "pet" horses, only one of them was named during the week and that was by G. She named one Belle.

Toy bins

2010-07-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

I used to have a small book shelf for each with bins to organize their toys into. However, after cleaning up their room too many times to count I decided we needed to simplify. So we got two large bins and let the kids decorate them. We found wall paper flowers that looked shabby chic for G and WVU stickers for J boy. The kids had a great time decorating them. Even better now they are able to throw all the toys in one spot without needing help.

Saddle Ridge Ranch

2010-07-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

I am who The Great I Am says I am.
I am one of His greatest creations.
He says that I am remarkably wonderfully made.
And I am who He says I am.

This is a line from one of the Vacation Bible School Songs that we will be teaching the kids this week. It is stuck in my head. But it is a wonderful reminder to me that The Great I Am loves me and created me in His image. I pray that this truth will seep into the hearts of the children and The Spirit of the Lord will move on their hearts and change them.
Pray for our church, the kids, and the parents that are involved in our VBS. Pray Christ will be Glorified and that we will make the Gospel CLEAR!

Treasure

2010-07-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

Oh just found this. I think the little cowboys and cowgals would love to make these. I am not sure what to use for for hammers and chizzels. Maybe I will send the kids home with their treasure rocks.

IDEAS WANTED!!!!

2010-07-03T11:39:00.001-07:00

I am teaching 2,3,&4 year olds VBS in a week. I have to decorate my class room in a Western/Cowboy/Dude Ranch Theme. I welcome any ideas you might have to make this a toddler friendly fun room.
I have a few things together all ready. I have made a fire pit and i am making a river with fish. I also bought a rope and tied several loops in it (calling it a lasso) for the kids to hold onto as we got to different stations. I wanted to make swinging doors like a salon would have but I am not sure tape and cardboard would hold up through a week of kids hanging on them.

IDEAS WANTED!!

20 days!

2010-06-21T19:48:00.000-07:00

Moved in!!!! It has been 20 days since I have really been online. Wow that is a record for me in my adult life. I am so used to having access right at my fingertips at any moment. But moving, and the craziness life has thorwn in the last 6 weeks has left me with little time for some of the things I enjoy. I hope to get my world back together and I look forward to catching up with the blogging world. I feel like I miss so much if I don't get on everyday, much less 20.
We have settled into our new home and have most everthing unpacked. I got my china cabnet filled today. I am so excited about that! My parents drove it up 14 hours in the back end of their truck. Which they drove off of the train tracks in front of my house as they were pulling in. God was gracious and they were not stuck or hurt. It gave me a heart attack and I still feel sick when I think about it.
They also drove up my son's bunk bed, and a pink mustang power wheel car for G and J. I know pink isn't his color but he loves being driven by G. He controls the music and throws it in reverse every now and then to spice things up.
J's b-day feel the day after we moved so we had a party for him this week. Hopefully he is not scarred for life about the late party. I think 2 is still too young to know what is really going on but he enjoyed his party (pics to come).
All in all I am ready for some normality and routine and structure. I always thought my routine was pretty loose, but it's not. I am way more structured than I realized. Our kids have only been to bed on time once since we moved. It makes me frightened for when I have to restucture their lives. J is taking 2 naps a day right now (which I don't mind) but he is sooooo whinny. Pray for strength for me and understanding from them.
Hopefully we wont be moving again anytime soon.

Last Sunday

2010-06-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

I woke up in a panic this morning. I was dreaming about packing. Which by the way we haven't packed a single box as of yet. We have been waiting on a few quotes by moving companies. In my dream I was looking at all of my stuff and trying to figure out the number of boxes it would have to fit into. I am really ready to get this show on the road.
Sunday our church was so precious. They allowed my hubby the Sunday School hour to just speak a little bit about he process we had gone through with the new church. Then after Andy preached they had a Fellowship dinner for us. One of the dear saints in the church made a beautiful quilt for us. She had allowed people to sign the quilt with wonderful words of encouragement for us. It is a precious treasure. Also they found a piece of art that looks similar to the view outside our kitchen window here @ E**** Estates. It will go perfectly in our new home on our mantle.
The day was full of tears and wonderful words of encouragement.
Grace Chapel is truly a unique church. I will always think of it as home. They have taught me so many things but most of all they have adorned the gospel in such a way that it is fresh air to the believer. They have truly been the bride of Christ in the beautiful unity they have. I look forward to spending eternity with these believers worshiping our Savior together.

Tee Pee

2010-05-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

Just browsing a few blogs and found this. What a cool idea for a reading corner! I can think about a million and a half ways to use this cool DIY Tee Pee. I love utilizing the great ideas of others.

A bow for G girl

2010-05-27T09:57:00.000-07:00

G gets a little jealous when I make bows and gifts for others. After the proper encouragement that Sharing is what God has commanded us to do, and that it is part of "loving" our neighbors as yourself, she understood. She still wanted some new bows for herself.
I decided she needed a little prize after being sick for a week. She was a trooper having a stomach bug, and a fever, and having her parents drag her around the country. At one point we were out to dinner with some folks from the new church and G just laid her head on the table and went to sleep. My poor girl.
So, I made her these. She was over joyed!

Flowers in her hair.

2010-05-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

This is one of the flower girls in the hair bows I made. She is so precious. She made it down the isle with her giraffe in hand!

The Vote is in.

2010-05-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

We were voted in on Sunday. My hubby is the new Pastor @ Grace Baptist in Pikeville, KY. We found a house to rent. We are hoping it will be ready for us to move into by his first Sunday which is the 6th of June. I guess I am pretty excited because I went out and bought a cowboy hat for VBS. The theme this year is Western. I got bandannas for the kids and hubby. J got a hat as well but G didn't want one. J looks very cute in it.
Let the packing begin.

The Vote.

2010-05-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

Please be in prayer for my family this weekend. We will be in Pikeville. Andy is preaching Sunday with a vote to follow, to determine if he will be the new pastor at Grace Baptist Church. www.gracebaptistpike.com. If he gets the job our family will be moving pretty quickly to Pikeville KY.
I am excited and nervous about this weekend. However, I am truly in morning over leaving Grace Chapel. It will be very hard. I have already broken down a number of times, and just the thought of saying goodbye tears at my heart. I know my husband and I are being obedient to the Will of God, but that doesn't make it an easy thing to do. Everyone says they will visit us down there. I am holding ALL of you to your word!

2 years

2010-05-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

My sister said it so beautifully!
While my family was by Mindy's side for her final hours I was unable to be there. I was 38 weeks pregnant. I was in West Virginia while everyone else including my husband was in Alabama. I was too far along to travel, yet my heart was torn. I wanted to be there and be supportive and be able to say my good-byes but God had a different plan. I stayed with a family friend just in case my time came. I carried the cell phone around for any morsel of news there was.
The scene Amy laid out so beautifully, I fear would have been too much for me to bare. I might not have been able to keep it together. I am thankful my final memories of Mindy are of a time where she felt a little better. We went down in Feb. 2008 and she was having a really good day. So good in fact that she felt like going shopping. We went to some little boutiques downtown and we even managed to get a nail in our tire. I treasure these memories of her. Mindy found out she was sick a few months after our little girl was born. We lived so far away and she was on chemo and sick all of the time it was hard to visit. I think that she didn't want her kids to see her that way. She was in so much pain and sick from all the meds she spent most of her time asleep on the couch. This is such a dramatic difference from what she usually did. Mindy was never idle. She was always working on a quilt or a craft, or cooking, or baking. She was the picture of a proverbs 31 woman. She was submissive and gentle. Meek and kind. I am so privileged to be her daughter. She never called me her daughter in law. I was a part of the family. I was loved and accepted joyfully into her family. Who could dream for more.
My son was born 3 weeks after Mindy passed. She never laid eyes on my son but she had had a baby that look just like him. J is a spitting image of his daddy. Mindy always said my husband was the most loving, cuddly little boy. And my son is exactly the same way. He would rather be cuddling me than most anything else. Except for maybe chewing "na na" (gum). I know she would have been over the moon for him. Just like she was with all of her grandchildren.
We talk about Grammy Smith often to our children. She will always be their Grammy!

Say EEEEEE

2010-05-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

I went to the ENT today for my "throat" issue. He looked down my throat with a little mirror and held my tongue out and told me to say "eeeeee". That is hard to do. Go ahead try it. See, it is hard. However, he looked and I a thankful to say he didn't see much. He was not concerned about it being my thyroid (which was my fear). He said my throat was a little inflamed and thought it might be acid reflux. So I am starting some meds to treat that. We are praying for this to just take away all of the issues I am having. I was so relieved that there was nothing major going on. I am cutting out the acidic foods for now, sniff sniff. Bye Bye Mexican, Italian, coffee, oranges, and all other yummy things containing acid. At least for now.
God is so good to me.

A Reminder of God's Goodness unto me.

2010-05-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

I have just been sitting her reading my friends blog www.thefirsthundred.wordpress.com that I recently discovered. I worked with her briefly @ the Seminary. My co-worker and I were fast friends with her. She has an amazing humor about her. She just makes you feel like being sarcastic (in a good way).
As I was reading her blog, I was flooded with gratefulness for God's grace for His children. She shares in her blog about her struggle with trying to conceive a baby, and now struggling with postpartum depression. She is so "real" and honest. I was reminded that God has given each of us trials to go through. He has also seen us through each one and strengthened us by them.
Sometimes when we are in the midst of the "storm" we think that this is the worse thing that could happen. Or we look @ our neighbor's storm and think, I couldn't endure that. God is sufficient! He will supply All our needs. Oh, what a BIG God we have. If we but call upon Him.

For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come BOLDLY unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in our time of need.
Hebrew 4:15,16

Recently, I have been having some issues with my throat. I of course have been googling it. So, I think I have something terrible. That is just how my mind works. In reality I might have something wrong with my thyroid that could be easily treated. But, things can get so big in your mind, and you can become so focused on self and fears and the what if's, that I forget God. I forget His goodness, and His mercy, and His grace. I forget His promises, and His love for me that I am not deserving of. Yet, while I was yet a sinner Christ died for me. I know he has allowed this storm, I know he is pleading for me, I know he will strengthen me though it.
I am resting on God's word and His promises.
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds though Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6,7

I am seeing the Dr. today about my throat and I am resting.

EATable Art.

2010-05-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

Painting bread was so much fun and super easy! I took 2 egg yolks, added a splash of water. Whisked them together and poured the egg wash into my empty egg carton.

We then selected what colors we wanted to make our "paint". A few drops of food coloring in each. (good lesson on primary colors was given to G)
Then we just painted away on our bread.

You can also paint cookie dough before baking it. Once the master pieces were complete we stuck them under the broiler for a minute to toast them up.

Looks good enough to eat.

This is in the works!

2010-05-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

Found this and I can't wait to make it. When Andy gets off of work I am going to ask for an old shirt of his and whip this up. I wonder if I can make one in my size, I know it would only be a shirt, not a dress but it is too cute!

My Mother's Day Gift

2010-05-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

G made me the most precious gift for Mother's Day. She had me draw a flower on a piece of paper and then she asked for her crafting box. I have a box full of ribbon scraps, beads, feathers and other goodies that are hers to use. She went off into the kitchen and told me "don't peek Mom". I obeyed, even though I love to peek. She hid the picture when she was done. Mother's Day morning I was awakened by a slap in the face from J and a "Happy Mother's Day from G. She quickly ran to get her picture she made me. I think it is great! I plan to frame this one. She is so crafty!