The Morel Family

Our December Birthday Girl!

2011-12-21T14:48:00.003-06:00

Our babiest daughter turned two this year! Where does the time go? We were hanging out at Grannie and Pawpaw's for her birthday and threw a fun birthday bash ... what could be better than Elmo cake, lots of balloons and zoo animals?

Surprise!

"Happy Birthday" to me! :)

The balloons are a complete hit (with the big sisters, too)!

Little People Zoo!

We love you precious Brianne! So thankful you (and your sweet sisters) are ours!

Perspective ...

2011-12-08T19:24:00.003-06:00

The Rich Family In Church

By Eddie Ogan

I'll never forget Easter 1946. I was 14, my little sister Ocy was 12, and my older sister Darlene 16. We lived at home with our mother, and the four of us knew what it was to do without many things. My dad had died five years before, leaving Mom with seven school kids to raise and no money.

By 1946 my older sisters were married and my brothers had left home. A month before Easter the pastor of our church announced that a special Easter offering would be taken to help a poor family. He asked everyone to save and give sacrificially.

When we got home, we talked about what we could do. We decided to buy 50 pounds of potatoes and live on them for a month. This would allow us to save $20 of our grocery money for the offering. When we thought that if we kept our electric lights turned out as much as possible and didn't listen to the radio, we'd save money on that month's electric bill. Darlene got as many house and yard cleaning jobs as possible, and both of us babysat for everyone we could. For 15 cents we could buy enough cotton loops to make three pot holders to sell for $1.We made $20 on pot holders. That month was one of the best of our lives.

Every day we counted the money to see how much we had saved. At night we'd sit in the dark and talk about how the poor family was going to enjoy having the money the church would give them. We had about 80 people in church, so figured that whatever amount of money we had to give, the offering would surely be 20 times that much. After all, every Sunday the pastor had reminded everyone to save for the sacrificial offering.

The day before Easter, Ocy and I walked to the grocery store and got the manager to give us three crisp $20 bills and one $10 bill for all our change.

We ran all the way home to show Mom and Darlene. We had never had so much money before.That night we were so excited we could hardly sleep. We didn't care that we wouldn't have new clothes for Easter; we had $70 for the sacrificial offering.

We could hardly wait to get to church! On Sunday morning, rain was pouring. We didn't own an umbrella, and the church was over a mile from our home, but it didn't seem to matter how wet we got. Darlene had cardboard in her shoes to fill the holes. The cardboard came apart, and her feet got wet.

But we sat in church proudly. I heard some teenagers talking about the Smith girls having on their old dresses. I looked at them in their new clothes, and I felt rich.

When the sacrificial offering was taken, we were sitting on the second row from the front. Mom put in the $10 bill, and each of us kids put in a $20.

As we walked home after church, we sang all the way. At lunch Mom had a surprise for us. She had bought a dozen eggs, and we had boiled Easter eggs with our fried potatoes! Late that afternoon the minister drove up in his car. Mom went to the door, talked with him for a moment, and then came back with an envelope in her hand. We asked what it was, but she didn't say a word. She opened the envelope and out fell a bunch of money. There were three crisp $20 bills, one $10 and seventeen $1 bills.

Mom put the money back in the envelope. We didn't talk, just sat and stared at the floor. We had gone from feeling like millionaires to feeling like poor white trash. We kids had such a happy life that we felt sorry for anyone who didn't have our Mom and Dad for parents and a house full of brothers and sisters and other kids visiting constantly. We thought it was fun to share silverware and see whether we got the spoon or the fork that night.

We had two knifes that we passed around to whoever needed them. I knew we didn't have a lot of things that other people had, but I'd never thought we were poor.

That Easter day I found out we were. The minister had brought us the money for the poor family, so we must be poor. I didn't like being poor. I looked at my dress and worn-out shoes and felt so ashamed—I didn't even want to go back to church. Everyone there probably already knew we were poor!

I thought about school. I was in the ninth grade and at the top of my class of over 100 students. I wondered if the kids at school knew that we were poor. I decided that I could quit school since I had finished the eighth grade. That was all the law required at that time. We sat in silence for a long time. Then it got dark, and we went to bed. All that week, we girls went to school and came home, and no one talked much. Finally on Saturday, Mom asked us what we wanted to do with the money. What did poor people do with money? We didn't know. We'd never known we were poor. We didn't want to go to church on Sunday, but Mom said we had to. Although it was a sunny day, we didn't talk on the way.

Mom started to sing, but no one joined in and she only sang one verse. At church we had a missionary speaker. He talked about how churches in Africa made buildings out of sun dried bricks, but they needed money to buy roofs. He said $100 would put a roof on a church. The minister said, "Can't we all sacrifice to help these poor people?" We looked at each other and smiled for the first time in a week.

Mom reached into her purse and pulled out the envelope. She passed it to Darlene. Darlene gave it to me, and I handed it to Ocy. Ocy put it in the offering.

When the offering was counted, the minister announced that it was a little over $100. The missionary was excited. He hadn't expected such a large offering from our small church. He said, "You must have some rich people in this church."

Suddenly it struck us! We had given $87 of that "little over $100."

We were the rich family in the church! Hadn't the missionary said so? From that day on I've never been poor again. I've always remembered how rich I am because I have Jesus!

We are ...

2011-10-17T08:00:00.005-05:00

... creating ...

... dramatic ...

... hungry and eating ...

... resting and growing ...

... playing and learning ...

... laughing ...

... golfing ...

... embracing joy ...

... smiling ...

... loving (love this man!) ...

... driving and exploring ...

... happy!

The Biker

2011-10-15T11:12:00.004-05:00

We are so proud of the man of our house! Brian rode in his first MS150 Bike Ride in Louisiana as a part of the BP team. They rode 75 miles on Saturday and 75 miles again on Sunday. Crazy! He did so well and even beat his time by 45 minutes on Sunday! Woo-hoo! It was a beautiful weekend, thank you Lord! And, we have a new family activity to enjoy together! :)

Hello Friends! :)

2011-10-06T10:24:00.004-05:00

It's me, popping back in with a new resolve to start blogging. It's an activity that feeds my need for creativity, unlike other activities that take away from my life (like, oh Facebook, but that's another post). So, on the brink of my 47th birthday, I'm recommitting to the things in this life which are best and letting go of the things in this life that steal and/or may be good, but aren't in line with what is most important. I'll be short today and leave you with a couple photo's of our littlest from the summer. Such joy our girls are ... all three of them! Wow! God is good!

* Thanks to my sweet friend, Kimberli, who is an amazing photographer and an even more amazing friend! Check out her website here.

Hoopla 2011

2011-07-23T14:43:00.012-05:00

Every year for 10 years now, my mother's side of the family has gotten together on Memorial Weekend to hang out and have LOTS of fun. This year was no different! It was filled with lots of food, games, double dutch, water wars, picking up bugs, cousin sleep-overs, swimming, laughing, eating, hugging, cooking, hoola-hoop, indoor s'mores and much, much, more. Here are some of the photographic highlights ... of course, the best part was my 93-year old Grannie still joining in all the craziness! Blessed!

Cousins cooking together ... Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls ... yum!

My sweet Momma and my sweet sister!

"Big Grannie" and Madison.

Entertaining the baby girl :)

Love these sweet faces!

Double Dutch

Works lots better with big people at the ropes.

My Momma and her Momma!

More chefs and more cinnamon rolls! Bring them on!

Me and my Paw-Paw!

The "Fabulous Five" ... these all belong to my sister and I.

Eating ...

Jump! Jump!

"Big Grannie" and my wooly cousin, Tre' and I. I am the oldest and he is the youngest of the first cousins. How did we get so big! :) And, speaking of big, love his big old beard!

Preparing for water wars!

Tether-ball!

Swinging!

Love this beautiful face! :) So thankful God gave her to us!

Me and my sweet Momma!

Hoola-hoop train! Whose the leader?

Swimming with my Aunt T!

All the "big girl" cousins swimming!

I LOVE this picture of my Grannie and my babiest laughing with each other ... it is pure joy!

And, love this beautiful face! :) So thankful God gave her to us!

My sister and I and our Grannie ... she's rocking!

I love this picture of my mom and her sister (my aunt) laughing together. That's what they do and I have heard many a story of their mischevious growing up. They love each other!

Father's Day 2011

2011-07-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

We honored the Brian on Father's Day by baking his favorite dessert with fresh "Farmer's Market" peaches baked into peach cobbler and a day at the beach ...

Patting the pie crust dough ...

Peaches ... yummmmmmy!

Teamwork.

Signing Daddy's card while the cobbler cooks.

Ahhh, sweet success!

Delicious! What a handsome guy! :) So glad he's ours!

And, now off to the beach to do some boogie boarding, beach ball and hanging as a fam!

Me and my man ... self-portrait.

I could just eat up these little baby feet.

Beautiful girl.

Soccer star!

Look at me in the water ... only cause I'm safe with my Daddy!

I can "boogie," too!

Another beautiful girl!

Mommy and Brianne ...

What to do on a HOT day!

2011-07-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last Couple Months & 1,000 Gifts

2011-07-14T19:03:00.013-05:00

Getting back in the swing of blogging and what better place to start than some random, out-of-order photo's and reaching 1000 on my list of gifts. Although, as I've been sitting here typing them, I could go on and on and on. I will continue to count gifts, but I might just list them and not blog them. But, this much I know, God's gifts are daily and innumerable and beautiful and ugly-beautiful and simply amazing ALL THE TIME!

We have been dining on these for weeks now ... so sweet and juicy just off the trees.

Oh.My.Word!

Big sister helping littlest sister. Precious!

BFF's acting silly.

Practicing on the boogie boards!

Cousins!

Grandma and the big girls ready for church.

Our Root and Herrold family ....

... and our awesome kiddo's!

Monopoly on a cool day!

A girl must have her pearls! :)

Chalk art!

Ripsticking with Daddy!

921. Dinner with our lifelong friends, the Herrold's and Root's
922. Alpha Summit.
923. Church at Gateway and the blessing of hearing John Maxwell .
924. Toddler hugs and sweet kisses.
925. Surprise compliments .
926. Belongings now in storage in the same city we are.
927. Getting my food processor back!
928. Safe travels.
929. My mother-in-love’s chicken and dumplings … yes!
930. Pearl necklaces.
931. Places to stay where we are family and not just friends visiting.
932. Giggles from little people reunited with BFF’s.
933. Friendships that are so intwined that it was just like yesterday when we are reunited.
934. Paper plates when I’m too tired to do dishes.
935. My 93 year old grannie graced us with her presence at Hoopla! God is good!
936. My cousin’s seriously wooly beard.
937. My mom’s never ending joy and optimism.
938. Ca-yuuuuute outfits on serious sale for toddler growing at Kohl’s.
939. Artist trading cards.
940. Chalk art.
941. Finishing the school year … finally.
942. Girls learning to cook and their specialty … French toast … yum.
943. Peach cobbler with fresh peaches.
944. Roadside farmers markets.
945. Great teaching and worship CD's to listen to on the road.
946. Shade trees and cool breezes.
947. Bible study with women who are becoming friends.
948. A new church family.
949. BBQ on the beach for July 4th .
950. Father’s day and an incredible husband and father.
951. Sippy cups with straws.
952. God is God and His promises are sure regardless of what my earthly eyes see.
953. Bandaids.
954. Baby girl starting to say real words.
955. Seeing my sister!
956. "Learning to Lead" Camp at Abilene Christian University.
957. The beautiful ACU campus ... a huge change from my day's there.<958. Jacob's ladder ... an amazing outdoor work of art on the ACU campus.
959. The sin of the world on Him so that we might be free!
960. Sweet camp counselors.
961. Sign language.
962. Hanging with Kimberli ... always, always awesome!
963. Dinner with Kimberli, Lisa J. and a new friend, Lex Ann.
964. Getting to see my very favorite David and his sweet daughter.
965. The incredible quiet and peace at my mother's house in the country.
966. Wind.
967. Cream cheese on toast.
968. Toby Slough guest speaking at church and the fun of catching up with the fellow who married us and baptized Brian.
969. Ice cream on hot days.
970. Sea Camp at the Univ. of Miss. Marine Education Center.
971. Meat tenderizer that miraculously takes the sting out of jellyfish.
972. Seeing dolphins.
973. Men's fishing trips ... and fun and fellowship even though no one caught dinner.
974. Italian chicken/veggie pasta.
975. Monopoly.
976. Rain.
977. Towels to dry up leaks.
978. Puddles to play in.
979. Cousins talking on FaceTime.
980. Little notes from friends I've never met that make my heart smile.
981. Text shopping.
982. Laundry baskets.
983. Angels.
984. Paper towels.
985. Quarters for machines.
986. Razor scooters.
987. Ripsticks.
988. Strong legs and coordination to maneuver scooters and ripsticks.
989. Nice, friendly neighbors, though they be transient.
990. Old men's heartfelt prayers at my mother's church.
991. An amusing Sunday service at my mom's church when the preacher was out-of-town ... made me smile alot and I could just smell the sweet aroma that God was surely pleased with.
992. Safe trip and work for my dad.
993. Golf.
994. My camera working and capturing the moments of our lives..
995. Gnarly twisted trees by the beach.
996. Dr. Pepper's "on the house."
997. Loud frogs ... never knew they made such sounds.
998. Sweet notes in my email from older daughters who now have an email addresses.
999. Basketball camp.
1000. The amazing gift of counting gifts!!!

Still here ...

2011-06-17T10:25:00.003-05:00

I'm still here with my beauties finishing school and getting ready to dive into summer. Looking forward to a little less busy and hoping to do a little more blogging, too! :)

Soul Sculptors!

2011-05-02T23:12:00.004-05:00

** I remembered where this quote is from. It was Ann Voskamp at www.aholyexperience.com. She rocks. What a great mommy mentor! Thank you Ann!

Today, while I was re-reading my journals from a couple years ago, I ran across this amazing paragragh. I have no idea where I found it, so I cannot quote the author, but I find it to be terrific! Here goes ...

"You are not a STAY at home anything. You are a woman on the move, a woman on journey. You are in perpetual Spiritual pilgrimage. You are following your Master, your children traipsing behind. Everyday, you are packing up and leaving behind one spiritual, emotional, physical time and space ... you are growing, your children are growing, your role in the Kingdom is growing ... and at day's end, you are somewhere very different. In a different heart space, in a different time space, in a different spiritual space. Take it seriously. You are not stagnantly staying anywhere. You are leading your children toward the Promised Land. Don't get side-tracked, don't laze about, don't linger behind ... God is moving before you, the Cloud is guiding you - pack up and follow!"

We are Soul Sculptors for the King of the Universe!

Now, I know that everyone is not a stay-at-home mom. It is not every woman's calling or bent. I am thankful that the Lord has blessed us with the ability for me to stay-at-home with our children and homeschool. It is a blessing we do not take for granted or take lightly. However, I believe this title applies to all Mom's (and Dad's for that matter), working or not, and to embrace it is to realize just how big our job as mothers is and just how BIG the God who is leading us is. Lean into Him, stay close and see what amazing things God will do with and in our children through us. Now, that is exciting!

A few places I have been reading ...

2011-04-20T17:37:00.003-05:00

"Redefining Radical" ... living life in deep communion with God.
"Student Driver" ... focusing on who and Whose we were created to be.
"Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers" ... thought this was fun and true about parents, both in public school and homeschoolers.
Praying for Kirill and the impact his appeal will have on precious children with Down's Syndrome waiting to be adopted overseas.
"Dear Editor" ... made me think about how I might be "mollycoddling."
"I am Beautiful" ... God's definition!
Beautiful Project ... thinking I'm joining and taking my girls with me.

And, lastly, this verse that is so on my mind ...

"Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows what we know, and holds us responsible to act." Proverbs 24:12 (not sure what version this is)

"Don’t excuse yourself by saying, 'Look, we didn’t know.' For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve." (Proverbs 24:12 NLT)

Me, too!

2011-04-18T21:32:00.001-05:00

Not to be left out, the wee one has decided she LOVES the beach, too!

Such fun!

Tazz!

2011-04-18T21:08:00.009-05:00

This is Tazz and she is a beautiful dog that belongs to our "neighbors" from Canada, Bob and Linda. They are gifts the Lord has blessed us with in this season and we will sorely miss them when they leave next week. In the meantime, however, their puppy Tazz and the girls are thoroughly enjoying each other. Bob and Linda have taken us all under their wing while they have been here. So amazing! And, taken to the girls like an extra set of grandparents. They go to the beach to run Tazz and Madison and Peyton are always along for the ride. Pure joy! Thank you Lord for Your sweet gifts to us!

Gifts ...

2011-04-11T11:53:00.005-05:00

... uhm ... yes! He's an awesome Dad! We all adore him and thank God that He picked this man to be husband and father and leader of our family!

... the four of us chicks!

... celebrated 12 years with my sweet husband on March 27th ... he is the bomb!

And so ... more gifts ...

871. Awnings on RV's that change a super warm day into a cool one.

872. Clean laundry facilities

873. Quarters to turn on the machines.

874. Clean clothes and sheets and towels.

875. That we have clothes and sheets and towels.

876. Nice people we meet all the time in this RV park as people come and go.

877. That the Lord healed our hearts after our puppies ran away.

878. Fasting Facebook and Twitter ... what a serious change in perspective.

879. Yearning for Him!

880. Embracing now.

881. Cell phones to keep in touch with friends and family.

882. Parents coming to visit.

883. Golf carts.

884. Praying for Japan.

885. God is in control ... always has been, always will be, is not surprised by anything or pondering what to do next ... and best of all, His plans are always good, no make that great!

886. Two baby alligators at the golf course.

887. Moss on huge oak trees.

888. Shade.

889. Lemon drops.

890. Sweet compliments about God's girls.

891. Three days off ... in a row!

892. Working on a Family Vision Statement.

893. Toddlers who communicate quite well without words. :)

894. New pair of shorts.

895. Goodwill.

896. Purple.

897. "I love you, too, Mommy."

898. Inspiring women that I know personally.

899. Inspiring women that I know through books, talks, blogs ...

900. Air conditioning.

901. Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing that our girls like to dip carrots in.

902. Water to drink and play in.

903. His vision.

904. Moon Pies.

905. Majestic proud geese.

906. Cool breezes.

907. Spring flowers.

908. Honeysuckle.

909. Dancing babies.

910. Singing daughters.

911. Southern hospitality.

912. Redefining me by Him.

913. Grills and grilling outdoors ... yum!

914. The smells of grilling.

915. Naps.

916. Heated outdoor swimming pool.

917. Toddler's toddling.

918. Memorizing the Word.

919. Memories.

920. Absolutely NOT defining Him ... He is limitless and without boundaries ... so cool!

Pie

2011-04-11T11:36:00.000-05:00

“A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” — Tenneva Jordan

Our plan: Live HUGE!

2011-04-06T09:04:00.002-05:00

Living small is not healthy or safe.

Our children inherit either our fears or God's promises.

Please understand, we are not nuturing when we limit our children to what we have seen and known. We are altogether wrong if we set them up to expect too little. Don't position them by way of fear, worried that if we position them for more they may be disappointed. Perhaps you were disappointed and want to spare them the pain ... don't. Living small is not healthy or safe. Our children inherit either our fears or God's promises. -Lisa Bevere in "Nuture"

On my mind ...

2011-03-14T09:38:00.002-05:00

"What if you woke up today with only

the things you thanked God for yesterday?"

Valentines (a wee late) and Gifts!

2011-03-13T17:49:00.007-05:00

Finally, able to upload pics and start blogging again ... I know you missed me! :) Thought I start with Valentines and counting gifts ... always counting gifts and then every day becomes Valentines!

821. Joy on girls faces after receiving cool packages from Miss Sharilyn. So.much.fun!

822. Love note to husband.

823. This beautiful face ... and candy necklaces.

824. And this beautiful face and cool heart stickers.

825. And this beautiful face and some stick on earrings ... which she actually left on. Too cute!

826. A bottle of sand with God's heart in the shape of a rock. Love reminders of His love all around me. And, they are ALL around me!

827. Fun decorations (some ideas stolen from Ann V.) and the fun of decorating!

828. Peices of artwork drawn with love and shared around the park with our favorite adopted "grandparents."

829. More hand painted love!

830. Heart shaped pizza.

831. Floor picnics.

832. Healthy dessert ... fruit kabobs. Lovingly skewered by very excited daughters!
833. The joy that comes from counting gifts.

834. The "Love Box"

835. Sleeping in.

836. Paper airplanes.

837. Housework.

838. Tiny pink buds on trees.

839. His mercies never come to an end ... they are new every morning! Lam 3:23

From Oldest Daughter:

840. Haircut places.

841. Showers.

842. A pretty dress.

843. A best friend.

844. Upwards basketball.

845. Markers so that we can write down gifts.

846. Knives so we can chop food.

847. Kiwi's.

848. A stove so we can cook.

849. Blankets to sleep under.

850. Movies.

851. Heater blankets.

852. Spin pins.

853. Diced peaches.

854. Chicken sticks.

855. Heated swimming pools.

856. Electronic pencils.

Back to mine:

857. Roof repairmen.

858. On line banking.

859. Friends who willingly go out of their way to check our mail and drop checks at the bank ... thank you ROOTS!

860. Rejoicing in others peoples' gifts.

861. The gift of prayer when there is nothing else I can do.

862. A perfectly timed visit from Grannie and Pawpaw.

863. Science Museums.

864. Apples to Apples.

865. Annoying things that give opportunity for us to see and notice God coming to our rescue.

866. Great quotes.

867. Tears that are healing.

868. Sadness over lost puppies.

869. A community of "granparents" that love our girls and looked for our puppies with us.

870. God heals ALL wounds.

Parents Rights

2011-02-23T18:45:00.003-06:00

I am reposting this from Generation Cedar. I am a subscriber to ParentalRights.org and I have signed the petition ... and not because I am a homeschooler, because I am a parent and this WILL affect ALL parents and all of our children and grandchildren if we don't stand together and stand against it. Let your voice be heard!

Before You Lose Your Parental Rights

Many of you may be familiar with ParentalRights.org, but if you’re not, you need to make yourself a close acquaintance of their mission.

In a very small nutshell, the United States is considering ratifying the Convention on the Rights of a Child, in affiliation with UNICEF, a “global movement for children and children’s rights”.

Typical of a “global agenda” is carefully disguised verbiage and a carefully embedded message that “we’re all in it for the children”. Because, after all, we are. But realistically, if the treaty is passed, it means the government will have veto power over the parents regarding any matter it sees fit.

So while on the surface the treaty’s agenda seems to be merely to “protect children from abuse” and to “ensure the rights of children” , you may want to know what some judges, already here in the US, consider abuse or an infringement of rights.

A 13-year-old Washington state boy complained to the school counselor that his parents took him to church too often (Sunday morning and night and Wednesday nights). She told him to call CPS. CPS removed him from his home and placed him with foster parents. He was allowed to return home after a judge ruled that his parents must reduce the frequency of his church attendance to only once a week.

Under the UN CRC, and within the hidden rhetoric, the government will have the power to enforce the education it deems suitable for every child. If a parent wishes, for example, to teach a particular religion as “the right religion”, that would violate the Tolerance Act and a child would likely face mandatory placement in public school. In fact, following precedent in other countries, the treaty would likely allow for either the banning of all private educational establishments or strict compliance with a state-mandated curriculum.

Sound far-fetched? There are actions already stripping parents of their fundamental rights in the educational system:

A Massachusetts father was arrested during a parent/teacher meeting scheduled to request that his 6-year-old son be able to opt out of the sex education class where homosexuality was being discussed. The school board ruled that once the parents dropped their children off at school they “gave up certain responsibilities” and the father was not permitted to have his son opt out of the class.

Again, it fell under the “tolerance agenda” being aggressively enforced across our nation. But the issue isn’t about tolerance; if I, as a parent, want my child to opt-out of a bread-making class, that is my inherent right.

Parents here in the US are facing charges if they deny certain medical care for their children (and here we aren’t talking about life-saving procedures; we’re talking about doctors ordering unnecessary tests and procedures where parents aren’t given the option to decline.)

Furthermore, many doctors now, under the “rights of a child’s privacy” will not allow parents to accompany their under-aged children for an exam, nor will they disclose diagnoses or treatment. (I have friends who have experienced this. But don’t worry, be sure you still get to pay the bill.)

In the news last week, a 6-year-old boy was hauled off from school, in an ambulance, to a psychiatric ward and placed in a 72-hour hold against his mother’s wishes. (His father was deployed, he drew a disturbing picture and wrote that he wanted to die.) The mother told the school she would take her son immediately to their own therapist but the school told her “it was out of her hands” and he was carried away. The mother was concerned that the ordeal was more traumatizing than the “separation anxiety” he was already dealing with.

And that’s the bottom line facing us in this fight. It’s not a “conservative vs. liberal” fight either. It’s a basic infringement on parental and family rights that stands to threaten any and every parent on the planet.

It’s an agenda backed by people who truly believe the world would be a better place if they get to decide what is best for children in every area of life.

I would encourage you all to visit ParentalRights.org and sign their petition. We ordered a copy of the documentary “The Child” which does an excellent job of explaining this treaty and its enormous threats to the freedom of our country. We plan to show it in a public forum and inform as many as we can. I urge you to do the same.

As many of the speakers stated, it’s a difficult fight, but not one that is impossible. The way we lose is to do nothing. But I don’t want my children to grow up and have to raise their families as slaves to the state, which is exactly what will happen if this treaty gets ratified.

Now is the time to stop it!

Learning ...

2011-02-05T07:53:00.004-06:00

"Let me keep my mind on what matters, which is my work,

which is mostly standing still

and learning to be astonished."

-Mary Oliver: "Messenger"

"In the name of Jesus Christ, who was never in a hurry, we pray, O God, that you will slow us down for we know that we live too fast. With all of eternity before us, make us take time to live - time to get acquainted with You, time to enjoy your blessings, and time to know each other."

-Peter Marshall, 1902-1949

Trees

2011-02-02T08:26:00.003-06:00

"I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith. And, I pray that you being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:16-19

Our girls are tree-climbers. They LOVE to climb trees. They LOVE Swiss Family Robinson ... now that is a tree house! And, when the opportunity came to climb a really big tree, well, we stopped the car and jumped out and did it. I'm not sure the girls realized the enormity of the tree, but, brave girls that they are, they went for it!

The tree! Wondering how old it is. Has to be centuries. Wonder how many kids over the centuries have climbed it and sat in it and read books sitting in it or played pirate and made it the ship or played other fun games or just hid out. Or, how many travellers, weary from walking, sat under it's shade? Very cool!

Off we go ...

That's really high up ... you really can't tell by the photo, but it was a scary height, even from my perspective on the ground.

Just to give you an idea of the enormity and height of the tree.

Observing from the safety of the car. :)

And, oh so many branches to explore. This tree covered an entire lot!

Time to come down! :)

Birthday Girl ...

2011-02-01T09:45:00.005-06:00

Our babiest girl turned one in December! And, since we were in New Orleans and no party could be had that celebrated with friends and family, we had our own celebration! :) And what better place for a big ONE YEAR OLD than Build-A-Bear?! We let her pick her own bear, which meant touching them all ... such an overwhelming choice! Baby girl chose a very soft puppy, which her big sisters and I keep calling a bear. Go figure! Build-A-Bear was followed by a ride on the Christmas train, a visit with Santa, a ride on Daddy's shoulder and, at Grannie's house during Christmas, a brownie birthday "cake." What a tremendous blessing and gift you are sweet Brianne! We can't imagine life without you!

Picking out her "bear."

Yep, I'm sure this is the one I want.

Mommy love! :)

Picking out a heart ... and this sweet "bear" also giggles, which Brianne loves!

Safe in Daddy's arms 'cause that fluff machine is really loud.

Train ride.

This balloon was a entrancing. She kept pointing to it and saying "zis," which she does often when she is interested in something ... point and "zis."

Happy Birthday to me!

Singing!

Hooray for me, I'm ONE!

Christmas Trip 2010

2011-01-31T10:53:00.008-06:00

We went on a whirlwind tour back to Texas for Christmas. We spent Christmas eve, Christmas day and the day after at my parents in the country. We always love it there ... it's a breath of fresh air, quiet, lots of outdoor fun, a porch swing, peaceful ... can you feel it? Next stop, Ft. Worth, we we spent an incredibly blessed evening with our Root family. So needed that! So awesome ... and Gina cooked and my kids begged me to get the recipe. :) I don't know why we didn't get any photo's there. Hmpffff! Next stop, hanging with my sister. She and her girls flew in from Seattle. Great fun! These cousins ADORE each other and when they are together, all is fantastic! We ate dinner at my Aunt Doris' house one evening reuniting the second cousins ... always fun, and hanging with "Big Grannie." That's my Grannie. She is the matriarch of the Dunham clan and quite fiesty at her young age of 93! :) Next up, my mother-in-love, Barbara. I am apologizing in advance for the photo I put of her. It's the only one I have and she was just barely awake. I still think she looks lovely. And, for the icing on the cake, we hung out for breakfast with our Herrold family before leaving our great state of Texas. God blessed us with a great trip! Our hearts were full as we headed back to Lousiana. We are tremendously gifted with relationships that are enduring and focused on His amazing hand in all of our lives. Thank you, Lord!

Porch swing with Paw-paw!

They all share a crazy sense of humor ... enjoying Calvin and Hobbs. Now, that's a classic!

Cooking with Grannie ... sweets for the sweet! :)

Christmas caroling?!

A girl can never have enough dolls! :)

Oh, the surprised faces of girls getting just what they hoped for but never expected! Isn't that how our Lord is. Joy!

IPod touches!

So fun to open presents for the first time (although this was not her first Christmas). She LOVES this guitar. Lots of buttons to push. We are hearing lots of great "music" these days!

I love this picture of me and my Mom. She is the bomb!

Cousins! Woo-hoo! And, they are all decked out in the nightgowns Grannie (my mom) made them for Christmas. Aren't they lovely? Reminds me a bit of "Little House on the Prairie." I was wondering where is my nightgown, Mom?

Hanging with Aunt Tracy, who takes every opportunity to spoil the baby. :)

Swimming with the Paw-paw ... he is so hip!

The second cousins playing Wii Just Dance! They were all exhausted, but played it for hours. I'd like to say the girls had more umpf than the boys. Just saying.

Four generations. Isn't my Grannie the cutest?!

My mother-in-love ... she's a good sport for letting me put the photo of her just waking up self, even though I think she looks lovely. Thank you!

Aren't they lovely? The girls and Aubree ... an amazing friendship started at birth!

The Morel and Herrold blessings!

BFF's!

Aquarium and Insectarium

2011-01-30T19:24:00.006-06:00

New Orleans has a wonderful Aquarium and an impressive Insectarium, both of which we visited on one of Brian's days off. So much fun! Unfortunately, we never made it to the zoo. We hear it's pretty impressive, too. Maybe this summer with our Bray friends. :)

Standing in front of the big aquarium. An amazing variety of fish ...

Ummm. SHARK!

Up close and personal. My favorite were the sea horses and sea dragons. God has such an awesome imagination and to think, He created all these things for our pleasure. Such gifts!

Peyton's penguin ... seriously, for 10 minutes he followed her back and forth from the glass. It was fascinating. He would watch for her and then follow wherever she was walking. We even did experiments to see if it was our imagination. Nope, he was sweet on her. :)

Touching sharks ...

White alligator. Very cool to see this.
I understand he is actually a breed of alligator and not albino like we first thought.

Insectarium! BIG BUGS!

Eeeeeek!

Tarantula ... yikes!

Ladybugs are my FAVORITE!

Bug mouth ... this was a part of an underground display. Very cool!

Creepy crawlies!

Various buggy delicacies.

Brian tried ALL the buggy delights, but I was really impressed that Peyton tried them. She didn't even toss her cookies, although we weren't sure for a moment! :)

Bug armor!

It was a great two days of learning about the world God has created. Seriously cool things both at the Aquarium and the Insectarium.

NOLA

2011-01-30T13:34:00.015-06:00

Haven't posted about our 3 1/2 months in New Orleans, lovingly referred to as NOLA by the people who live here. It was an unexpected treat to live in the Bayou-Segnette State Park on the West Bank in Westwego. By God's grace we were allowed to stay at this park for as long as we did. We got to know and love on the people who worked in the park and some who were longer term campers, like us. We also enjoyed long walks and lots of wildlife, including a two 'possums we "caught" in our dog pen, wolves, bunnies, coyote's, alligators, armadillo's and a deer or two.

In the city, we ate LOTS of good food, cause in NOLA it's alot about eating! We enjoyed the library system. We visited the Aquarium and the Insectarium (more on that in another post). We attended church at Vintage , where we celebrated Thanksgiving and got to be a part of Vintage Adopt, which was a great program to provide Christmas to families that otherwise wouldn't have Christmas. We did gymnastics, toured around the city, admired some beautiful architecture, and found our way around the city (which, if you know anything about me, is a feat in itself), and took a cooking class. We won second place at the Halloween decorating contest at the RV park and are now the proud owners of a really cool birdhouse. We celebrated my birthday at Emeril's restaurant and stayed in a historic and absolutely gorgeous hotel (thank you to my sweet hubby). We also made some sweet friends and had a great time just being together and embracing RV life.

One of campsites we stayed in at Bayou-Segnette.

We changed sites several times while we were there.

Walking and exploring the park ... lots of nature to see and experience.

The infamous Cafe Du Monde where one can get a beignette and a cup of coffee at all hours of the day and night. Beignette's are a french version of a doughnut and a NOLA tradition.

I'm still more foolishly fond of donuts. :)

Family photo after the French donuts ...

Mississippi River ...

Touring the city. On this day we took a horse and carriage tour. It was rather unique. This is a park in the middle of town just next to the catholic church. Very old building.

Inside the church ...

Can't miss out on face-painting and in NOLA it had to be a fleur-de-lis.

All things Halloween and trick-or-treat ....

Gymnastics ...

Watching "Polar Express" on the riverwalk.

Chilly night, hotdogs, hot chocolate, popcorn, new friends ... great fun!

The Bray sisters ... our Vintage girlfriends. An answer to prayers.

Whose I Am ...

2011-01-29T15:53:00.006-06:00

Yet I still belong to you;

You hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

leading me to glorious destiny.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

I desire you more than anything on earth.

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,

but God remains the strength of my heart;

he is mine forever.

Those who desert him will perish,

for you destroy those who abandon you.

But as for me, how good it is to be near God!

I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,

and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

Psalm 73:23-28, NLT

Oh my ...

2011-01-27T13:15:00.004-06:00

I read this on A Holy Experience this morning and it struck me ... sharing it ....

"If a sudden jar can cause me to speak an impatient, unloving word then I know nothing of Calvary love. For a cup brimful of sweet water cannot spill even one drop of bitter water, however suddenly jolted."

-Amy Carmichael

And the gifts continue ...

2011-01-23T17:20:00.010-06:00

hairdo's and distractions

761. sand in shoes

762. windblown hair

763. braids and pigtails

764. baby hair clips

765. seashells

766. fireplace warmth

767. farkle

768. dirty dishes

769. groceries

770. surprises

771. baby pretending to write

772. baby kisses ... the best!

773. snuggling big girls

774. big plastic balls

775. imagination

776. hearing girls play sweet games outside on chilly day

777. nice manners

778. meals for people who can't cook for themselves

779. surprise "froot loop" crunch from new neighbor

780. barking dogs

781. dolphins

782. lighthouses

783. husband holding my hand
784. clean laundromats

785. clean clothes

786. wind

787. girls walking dogs

788. sweet compliments

789. girls with good manners

790. dirty laundry because it reminds me we are well provided for

791. fluffy pillows

792. spring cleaning

793. a dwindling "to do" list which gives more room for just routine things

794. husband who calls at lunch just to check in

795. great ideas

796. memorizing the Word

797. green grass

798. smell of laundry soap

799. Jesus wii
800. sisters learning to cook

801. playing bridge on Daddy's legs

802. hairdo's

803. naked baby bottoms

804. a sense of accomplishment

805. saying NO to distractions

806. husbands cologne on me

807. hugs from girls who sometimes think they are too big for them

808. westerns

809. rest

810. baby girl toddling after balls

811. the joy on big girls faces when they make her laugh

812. playing chase

813. falling in love ... again

814. mexican food

815. sand on the floormats of the car

816. our RV

817. unfrosted strawberry poptarts

818. finding a good mexican restaurant ... :)

819. the library

820. sweatshirts, especially big ones my husband has worn that smell like him

"Beach Chicks" and Counting Gifts ....

2011-01-21T10:58:00.007-06:00

We are "BEACH CHICKS!"

New year. New season. And, the beach. What more could we ask for ... well except for the Lord to come now and save us all from this insanity on earth. :) But, that's another blog post. Today, I am counting gifts!

716. A rockin' new RV park to stay in in Biloxi. We love it and know we are right where we are supposed to be.

717. Lots of sweet "grandparents" to meet in our new park.
718. I cooked a roast on the stove top and it came out AMAZING! (usually use a crockpot)

719. Our quick trip to Texas where, among other things, we were blessed to love on our Root family and our Herrold family ... oh how we miss them!

720. Our girls and the nieces playing together in the hotel ... swimming, games, hugging, loving, growing ... overwhelming!

721. Reconnecting with my sister.

722. Parents, mine and his.

723. My sweet friend Missy, who lately, God has used to remind me of what is real.

724. The Bray "Chicks" and the fun day we spent just hanging out with them. One of the sweetest blessings from NOLA.

725. The beach! We LOVE this beach.

726. There is a Target here ... it's the little things. :)

727. Got my copy of "A Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are" and digging into it. What a gift from God through Ann Voskamp.

728. Gina. Enough said.

729. Baby feet. Couldn't you just eat them up?

730. Toddling baby.

731. Smiles ... and the joy behind them.

732. My word for the year ... "intentional" and the new definition the Lord gave me for it.

733. The fun of exploring a new city and new surroundings.

734. Building a life TOGETHER.

735. The privelege of praying with and for friends.

736. Internet ... quick WiFi where we are now.

737. God tugging on my heart strings, and so consistently, on His plans for me.

738. Growing pains.

739. Medicine for sickness and His healing touch.

740. Warranties.

741. He ALWAYS provides.

742. Learning to draw boundaries and stick with them.

743. Dr. Pepper.

744. Photographs, cause ...

745. MY CAMERA IS FIXED.

746. Seeing differently through that camera lense.

747. What I am teaching our girls teaches me.

748. My sweet pal, Ruth.

749. The ever growing, ever changing, always getting better, relationship I have with my sweet husband. He rocks!

750. Quiet time.

751. The beautiful new anniversary band my sweet hubby gifted me with for Christmas and it's significance for me. So blessed!

752. Living in a small space.

753. Learning all the things we are so easily living without.

754. Ripsticks.

755. Nature ... most specifically, the cool 'possums we "caught" in our dog pen and the wolf we watched run across the road.

756. The Insectarium in NOLA.

757. The Aquarium in NOLA.

758. Gumbo ... I am now a big fan! :)

759. The fun of staying in a hotel when we travel with Brian for work.

760. And, the blessing of being able to do that (travel with Brian for work).

Three quarters of the way to 1,000 and looking forward to the next 1,000. Lord, give me Your eyes to see all the gifts!

The Latest ....

2010-12-17T23:12:00.005-06:00

Bad mommy ... didn't post a picture of our birthday girl on her FIRST birthday! So, here she is flocked by her biggest fans on her big day! Can't believe she is one. Simply amazing and what an amazing year! We celebrated her birthday with a visit to Build-A-Bear and to see Santa. She was all grins and laughter. Precious!

Here's a little update ....

We have been enjoying our time in New Orleans ... visited the Aquarium and Insectarium, eaten LOTS of good food, learned to cook gumbo and etoufee, captured (quite by accident) a rather large oppossum in our dog pen (he got away before I could snap a photo), won second prize in the RV decorating contest on Halloween, met lots of interesting people, enjoyed our temporary church home at Vintage, and have really enjoyed living in this beautiful state park here in Louisiana.

God has blessed us so tremendously. Sweet hubby is full-time employed (as opposed to being a temporary employee) and we are moving to the Mississippi coast in the next couple weeks. We are looking forward to this great adventure ... always a great adventure with God. Lots to embrace, savor, share, learn and enjoy. We will miss NOLA and the new friends we've made, but leave with lessons learned and life enjoyed to the full.

How is the RV life ... we are surely enjoying the togetherness. The girls and I have really loved feeling like we were living on the edge of a forest. We have met some really sweet friends that have been camped out here "long-term" with us. There are but a few things we miss from Texas ... our friends and family and our church, most definitely. There are days that I miss having a washer and dryer, although we've cleverly made the laundromat a game so visiting it is not such a drag, and there are times I really miss my dishwasher and recycling, which is not a huge priority in this city. We are learning collectively that you have to pick things up and put them away in a little space. And, you can't stay mad at each other long when there is no where to get away from each other. I must say, I am so proud of our girls ... they are seriously adaptable and that has been amazing. God's grace.

So that's the latest! :)

Oh the gifts ...

2010-11-06T10:25:00.003-05:00

I'm rejoining the Gratitude Community. It's been way too long since I posted the gracious and amazing gifts of God in our lives ... way too long and so begins the habit again ... I'd been avoiding it because I have no way to post pictures with it, but praise cannot and should not be avoided. So I'll post pictures later, but I'm going to catch up on the gifts ...

676. Our newest baby girl.

677. The joy that lights up in that sweet baby's face when she smiles.

678. The precious laughter that shakes her whole body when she is giggling at her sisters.

679. The tender way that her sisters (generally) have with her.

680. Beautiful older daughters who love Jesus.

681. Our new 5th wheel RV home ... love it!

682. Simplifying our life!

683. That I have figured out how to work and cook well on the gas stove/oven in this RV. :)

684. My new cell phone that helps me not get lost and know the weather and FB and stay connected with our friends.

685. Snail mail ... there is just nothing better than getting a letter in the US mail.

686. Live streaming of church service at Gateway Church. We miss it there.

687. The adventure of meeting other believers as we look for a new, temporary church family.

688. The three fellows at Explore USA RV who have taken personal time on their days off to walk these new RV owners through "problems" on the phone! Chivalry is not dead!

689. My faithful Heavenly husband who provides for us through my faithful and hard-working earthly husband.

690. Bayou-Segnette State Park ... gorgeous!

691. The peace of waking up to the view of the woods ... yep!

692. Wildlife ... like the cute momma possum walking with her baby on her back that we watched yesterday.

693. Meeting new people all the time as they float in and out of the park on weekends.

694. Cooking class where we learned how to make authentic gumbo, etouffe, banana's foster, and pralines.

695. That we won the decorating contest for Halloween ... second place and we were not scary and we won a birdhouse ... how cool is that?!

696.Warm sweaters.

697. Aging gracefully.

698. My sweet momma and her continued amazing example to me ... a mother's job truly never ends, praise Him!

699. Paying down/off debts by His grace and provision.

700. A cool birthday surprise date with my hubby ... adult's only dinner at Emeril's Delmonico, a night in a fancy hotel, manicure/pedicure. Precious!

701. Breastfeeding.

702. Great homeschool books to read ... just great!

703. Hearing God speak.

704. New seasons.

705. New friends.

706.The priveledge of raising three Godly girls ... boggles my mind that God would trust me with them.

707. Libraries.

708. The joy of being together in one place versus driving back and forth between states.

709. Family time ... movies and popcorn, games, wrestling, hide and seek, bike riding, laughing.

710.Lessons learned from dumping black, grey and galley water from the RV ... a picture of the yuck the Lord saves us from everyday! Praising Him that He washes us clean ... white as snow.

711. Blog and Facebook friends.

712. The privelege of staying at home with our children ... this Momma's heart is full and thankful.

713. Conviction.

714. Power from the Holy Spirit to carry-out all He calls me to do and be.

715. My sister.

I could go on, but I'll stop for today. I want to live a life of gratitude EVERYDAY because He calls us to be thankful in ALL things. Obedience. And, because it changes my lenses and those of the eyes that watch how I view the world. Prayerfully, there will be pictures next time! :)

We Are Here!

2010-10-01T21:37:00.003-05:00

Our new adventure has begun. We are here in our 5th wheel RV in a G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S. state park in Louisiana. Oh my! We are getting settled in and adjusted to new routines, like showering in the park showers so we can savor the hot water for longer. :) I don't have readily accessible internet yet, so I'll be posting later with pictures ... the new "home" (which my girls started right away saying, "Mom, we are going home, not to Louisiana"), the bunnies that come out every night (which thus far have numbered in the 50's), and all the details of our new life. Wanted to check in and let you know we are alive and kicking and I'll be blogging more soon ... just going to take a bit longer than anticipated! :)

I will say with assurity, however, that, we are blessed beyond measure by the One who holds us in the palm of His hands, the One who saves us and loves us more than we can imagine and Whose plans are ALWAYS good and to His glory. And, we are beyond ecstatic to be reunited as a family in one geographical place. :) God rocks!!

Daddy's Hand

2010-09-13T18:15:00.001-05:00

Is there anything sweeter? ... just like The Father's love for us!

Organized (attempted anyway) Chaos

2010-08-31T17:41:00.004-05:00

What's been going on around here ...

... crawling ...

... pulling up ....

... work/homeschool breaks to ...

... play Mario Brother's on the Wii (can you say, Oh my word!) ...

The verse I am claiming that is helping keep me focused on all that needs to get accomplished, with God's help, in the next 3 and 1/2 weeks ... Isaiah 50:7 ... yes sirree!

... packing ...

... sorting, tossing, boxing, pricing ... who can do school at this table?

It's God-crazy around here, I tell ya!

Faith

2010-08-27T18:20:00.002-05:00

Okay, I am stealing this quote off of Gitz's blog. I'm thinking it struck me because it is where we are ...

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

Martin Luther King

Our Latest Adventure with God ...

2010-08-22T10:09:00.000-05:00

Here is our new home! Yes, it is a 5th wheel RV. Yes, our family of 5 is moving into it. Yes, we are simplifying from about 2,500 square feet to about 400 square feet. Yes, we are selling most of our belongings (anyone need furniture?), packing the rest and heading for an RV park in Louisiana that is wooded and on a lake. And, we'll be looking out for "Louisiana Yard Dogs" and, most of all, we will be together full-time again and walking in obedience to God's call on our lives in this season. And, that, my friends, excites me!

Powerful

2010-07-30T13:13:00.003-05:00

Two thoughts that have converged powerfully for me ...

"... see the value of a soul."

Rick Bezzet in "One Prayer" series at Gateway Church

"Jesus paid much too high a price

for us to pick and choose who can come."

Casting Crowns, "If We Are the Body"

Tea Party, Dahling! :)

2010-07-22T10:36:00.006-05:00

Okay, I am so proud of our daughters ... really ... this is the second year in a row that their birthday party has been delayed and they have not complained. They also bless their Momma by having a combination party, since their birthdays are so close together. Last year, they went with Madison's theme, so this year, they went with Peyton's and we had a tea party, dahling, complete with foofy clothes (thank you Miss Kristi and my cousin, Amy, for the dresses), foofy food, and fake fingernails. I can say that a great time was had by all, including me! :) Oh the joy of watching the giggles and laughter and silliness and beauty of such precious young girls! God has blessed us immensely!

School room reinvented as tea room and can I say the flowers smelled SO GOOD and the table was just beautiful!

Petit fours for dessert ... the girls were all excited about these and how fancy they were (we made them together by the way), but all of them agreed they were ... are you ready? .... too sweet. What? Is anything too sweet for girls?

Beautiful birthday girl, Peyton!

Beautiful birthday girl, Madison!

The "Diva" pose ...

Be still my heart ... these are MY daughters! So amazing!

Okay, I said, do the "Charlie's Angels" pose and they all looked at me like, what? Yep, I'm dated.

Sitting down to order off the menu's and to start the luncheon ... fresh fruit, fancy sandwiches made to order, chips and, of course the petit fours ... oh, and, lots of giggling and fun!

One quick change of outfits and I thought this was the cutest posed pictures.

Our next stop was the swimming pool ...

Baby girl thinks the water ROCKS!

Never fear, while the petit fours didn't go over, chocolate chip cookie bars and birthday candles did! Such joy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OUR PRECIOUS BIG GIRLS!

Swamp Tour!

2010-07-22T09:02:00.005-05:00

Brian was able to steal away part of a day and we loaded up the car and headed for the swamp ... swamp tour that is! Okay, seriously, God has an imagination that is simply mind-boggling. Thankful to God for making this world so varied and full of wonder for us to enjoy!

Our host ...

Um, yeah, that is a baby alligator she is holding, not a lizard.

And, she is holding it, too! :)

Daddy and Brianne waiting out the rain so we can go hang out in the swamp. The rain seemed to help with the mosquitoes, too.

This was our first alligator. He was H.U.G.E. with snapping jaws and did I mention HUGE? Madison's favorite bit of information on alligators was discovering they don't have tongues, just HUGE jaws to go with their HUGE selves.

Momma's holding on to that baby ... no alligator food here. No ma'am!

Okay, I love this picture for a multitude of reasons. But, most of all, because it gave me a picture of our Heavenly Father ... who holds our hands and journeys with us and wants to be in this close of a relationship with us always ... doing life together. That, my friends, is what it's all about!

And, I love this picture, too. Daddy's and daughters. Be still my heart!

"He's looking at you, kid!"

Little rascals ... they were scavenging bread we were throwing at them. Too cute!

This is pink moss ... we learned that pink moss is always on the side of the tree facing north. Okay, God is so cool that He never wants us to get lost. He's given us the Bible ... His words, His direction ... and He even put pink moss on trees so we can find our direction. Isn't that the best?

Egret ...

Bye-bye big guys ... these are some of the alligators that tailed us in the boat. Thinking they were hungry. The tour guide was feeding them raw chicken and they are ferocious! Glad to be leaving them behind, but blessed to be able to marvel over God's creations as a family!

Catching up ... June & July

2010-07-21T20:22:00.009-05:00

So, June and July have been filled with road trips to Louisiana, hotel fun, many trips to the a.m.a.z.i.n.g. kids library in LA, a visit with Grandma, swimming, a trip to the Science Museum, a swamp tour (that's another blogpost) and a birthday tea party (another blogpost, too). We are blessed so much. Baby girl has done great on the 12 hour treks. Her big sisters have been TOTAL troopers themselves, as we travel without any t.v. for entertainment. We are blessed with awesome neighbors and friends who have looked after our dogs and mowed our yard while we were gone ... and the biggest thing we have learned solidly is that home is with Brian, no matter what version of home that is (hotel, house, RV, whatever) or where that is (TX, LA, or wherever God leads us or calls us to be). So blessed are we!

Our kids have an incredible imagination and a terrific sense of fun!

Here they have turned our hotel room entry into a craft barn.

So creative ...

Such imagination ...

... a box turned into a "suite with a loft." When can I move in?

'Course baby girl is kept busy with her box of treasures that are "new" everytime she dives into them ... and she has kept busy with sitting up tall and learning to crawl!

Crazy hairdo's ... sleeping in braids results in such fun the next morning!

Awww ....

Science Museum with our sweet neighbors ... this is pretend grocery ...

Baby girl and I in front of the bubbles. She loved looking at this as it lit up.

Dinosaur dig ...

And, last but not least, this is not shaving cream ... it's homemade whipping cream that was used to make Grandma Cooper's world famous banana pudding. The girls had lessons on her visit in order to properly carry-on the banana pudding tradition!

Catching up ... May

2010-07-21T19:05:00.006-05:00

Lots of catching up to do, so I'll start with May ... swimming lessons, "Big Grannie" turned 93, and we had "Hoopla," which is my families annual gathering on Memorial Weekend. It was also the month when the Lord moved us in a new direction ... how? He blessed Brian with work after about 13 1/2 months. It happened in a day and he received the call on the way to Hoopla, dropped us off, drove to Alabama to interview, was hired on the spot and has been helping with the oil spill clean-up in Louisiana every day since. We are thrilled! And, while that calls for a lot of changes for our family, we are on an adventure with God and there is no better place to be!

This year Peyton moved into the stroke class and we were amazed at the changes in her skills and her confidence swimming. Wow!

Madison has always been a natural in the water ... takes after her mother. :)

Brianne and Grannie cheering the girls on on the last day of lessons.

"Big Grannie" at her 93rd birthday party ... eating at her favorite place, Luby's, where there is a lot of good diabetic choices and loving on the her great-grandchildren. One of many reasons I love that we homeschool is we get to be there for events like these that happen while everyone is in school. Thank you Lord for this calling!

Everyone's favorite activity at "Hoopla" is swimming ... lots of time spent in the pool.

'Course there is fishing, too, with Uncle Justin ...

Running from the waves at the boat dock ...

Uncle Justin "rocked" it with the cousins when he rented a wave runner and took them all on rides. Hours of great fun and adventure. Uncle Justin rocks!

Aunt Tracy got lots of her Brianne fix ... making sure no one is "pinching her neice!"

Annual cousin crazy picture ...

The favored event at "Hoopla Olympics" are always the water ones. So many pictures of this fun event it was too hard to pick them all out, so I settled on the kids favorite, which is pouring water in a jar on your head. Wonder why they love this one?

Seriously beautiful Daughters of the King ... it's amazing how fast they grow up. These are the girl cousins and, as you can tell, they are a tight-knit group.

And, we'll end May with a baby enthralled with a blue lollipop ... oh, that life's pleasures will always remain as simple as this!

Marinating ...

2010-06-30T10:30:00.004-05:00

Lot's going on and yet really not definable yet ... we are praying for God's next step in our lives to be revealed and in the meantime, here's some of what and where I have been pondering ...

About children and parenting ... My sentiments exactly. Children are a BLESSING, not an inconvenience!
A great question ... Am I just believing or am I relying?
Um, yah, this one stuck with me ... "It wasn't that I didn't love God ... it was that I didn't love Him MORE than all that other crap I had allowed to accumulate in my heart. It was that He was competing for my affections ... I had fallen more in love with what had been given to me than with the One who gave it."
How many times have I thought I was better ... Because we all deserve stoning ...
Gazing at Daddy ... How I want to look at Him ...
Something to think about ... "Just because I don't have doesn't mean I am in poverty. Poverty is when you have everything in the world and yet you are still lonely," she said with wise eyes.

Henna "Tattoo's"

2010-06-26T09:22:00.003-05:00

A couple years ago, Santa put these henna tatoo kits in the girls stockings and they have laid in wait for this day. Perfect summer fun activity! We mixed the mix, filled the tube and painted away. Here is the result ... pretty cool, I think!

Got to include the other two chicks in our household!

What am I doing lately?

2010-06-08T17:40:00.004-05:00

... hanging out with these cuties, praising God for His faithfulness in providing work for my sweet hubby after a 13 months of standing in His promises (more on that later) and praying about our next move (literally) ... big and exciting changes are coming for this family ... wanting to be in His will and make moves He has in mind for us, not ones our earthly thinking can come up with. I know you are excited to know all the details ... so are we! I'll fill you in when things are firmed up. In the meantime, enjoy these beautiful faces! :)

The Three Amigas!

2010-05-25T22:19:00.002-05:00

Who knew fake mustaches could be so fun ... let's start with "sombrero's."

Or perhaps some "Italiano"?

Or maybe comedianne's?

... and let's not forget the little amiga in training! :)

Say It Again ...

2010-05-09T00:29:00.003-05:00

Our sweet Madison is TEN!

Our first born is celebrating her 10th birthday on Mother's Day this year.

The day the Lord allowed me the blessing of becoming a Mother.

Isn't she precious!

What an incredible gift! We love you sweet Madison!

Enough Said!

2010-05-04T10:07:00.003-05:00

Isn't It Great? ....

2010-04-23T21:20:00.004-05:00

Our sweet Peyton is EIGHT!

It's hard to believe that this sweet baby is growing up so fast!

What an incredible blessing you are! We love you!

Growing Girl!

2010-04-23T17:06:00.003-05:00

Yep, that's our "big" girl! Isn't she lovely?!

The Truth!

2010-04-04T00:05:00.000-05:00

HE IS RISEN!

HALLELUJAH!

HE IS RISEN!

GOD BE PRAISED!

Swinging!

2010-03-09T11:09:00.003-06:00

Thank you Miss Sharilyn for my swing!

The Review ...

2010-03-02T16:50:00.007-06:00

I am blessed to be one of quite a few who was asked to read One Million Arrows, by Julie Ferwerda, and review it. There are very few parenting books I like because they give me rules and don't inspire me to great parenting. One Million Arrows has inspired me!

There are so many things I loved about this book ... the mission, the word pictures, the real-life examples and ideas, the chapter with parenting stories I could relate to and incorporate, the focus on parenting (my actual children and spiritual children God places in my life) with purpose in every season of parenting. I found the mission and goals were directed to every age. OMA remotivated me to look at the whole parenting picture and anticipate what I might be modeling and teaching next.

Being on mission with God might be hard at times, but it is never boring. It's exciting! It's not about giving up life, it's about having a life and impacting the Kingdom for the future.

Julie Ferwerda encourages us to parent with the purpose and mission of God, to be vigilant and intentional. To incorporate life-style practices into daily training remembering our children are little "temples of God" under construction. It's a 24/7 mission and one that we cannot take lightly or give over to the church ... or anyone else for that matter.

The end of the book is filled with resources and there are more on the website. I would recommend this book highly to my friends, family and anyone looking for a resource for focusing their mission on raising Godly kids who are warriors in His Kingdom. Oh, and, all the proceeds of this book are designated for international orphan ministry. Just one more good reason to get it!

Here are a few quotes from the book that will give you a taste of what there is to read ...

"Just think what it would be like to have kids who grow up in his self-destructing world with brave faces and hope in their voices, carrying within their hearts the ambition of bringing as many people as possible safely into the Kingdom."

"An arrow of God doesn't have to be in full-time ministry, but is always focused unwaveringly on bringing the love of Jesus Christ into every aspect of the journey throughout his or her life."

"... God wants to use the shepherds and shapers of His children to bring about change by raising them to become - as we are becoming - sharp arrows in the hands of Jesus Christ, prepared as skillful weapons against the kingdom of darkness. Remember, there is a war going on in the heavenlies. Our children can either be pawns unaware, or they can be weapons of mass destruction against forces of evil in the unseen realm."

"Once launched, an arrow aims high and heads straight for a target, without getting off course. The ultimate goal for all arrows of God is that wherever they land, they produce mortal wounds against the enemy of darkness - wounds of light, love, truth and life. This is exactly the picture God had in mind when He referred to our children as arrows in the hands of a Warrior!"

"God chose you to be the parent of your children. He gave you the vote of confidence that there is no one better suited in this whole world for the job of raising your kids to love Him wholeheartedly and to keep the faith."

"The sky is the limit for creatively investing in your children, but the goal is the same: get the Word into your kids - into their minds, their hearts and their character."

"In the short window of opportunity I have to impact their lives, I want to raise spiritually fulfilled kids who are productive members of eternity."

" ... a spiritual revolution that takes place 'out there' is less significant in God's eyes unless I can facilitate one 'in here' - in my own heart, first, and then in the lives of the people who live under the same roof as me. In particular, it is critical that I see such a revolutionalizing faith redefine the lives of my children. My obsession should be on the spiritual growth curve of each of my kids ... if I am going to be aggressive about something, it should be how I intentionally shape the lives of my children." George Barna

"The desire of every believer should be this: to see our relatives, neighbors, countrymen and everyone we can think of enter into a saving relationship with Jesus. And to raise up children - our own and others - who will one day be part of finishing the work of the Great Commission."

One Million Arrows!

2010-02-19T23:25:00.006-06:00

I have the distinct privelege of reviewing this book and being a part of a 'blog tour' promoting it. It is one of God's answers to my prayers for direction in raising His daughters. I have only read three chapters so far and I am enthralled, encouraged, and FIRED UP! When I am finished, I will do a review, but if you are curious, then go on over to onemillionarrows and have a peek.

Here is the question:

"Will the world change your children? or will your children change the world!"

Oh, The Snow!

2010-02-11T22:15:00.007-06:00

Today the Lord opened His heavenly storehouses and brought on the snow! (Job 38:22) Simply AMAZING! It is the fourth time He has blessed us with snow in the last three months (the first being the day of Brianne's birth) and this family couldn't have been more excited. Oh, how He gives His children great gifts!

"Mom, do we have to do school all day today?"

Baby girl didn't know what she thought of the snowflakes hitting her face. Not her favorite thing! However, making it in a picture with Mommy was a bonus!

She was just too adorable!

Much rather be bundled up ... what a sweet bundle of joy!

Look out ... she's a good shot!

What can I say? Precious!

Our very own snow angel!

Snow wrestling with Daddy!

She'd rather have hugs!

The snow amazon?

No, the snow hombre!

And, yes, we really got over 7 inches and it is still snowing! Thank you, Lord!

Oh baby!

2010-02-04T16:54:00.004-06:00

Our baby is growing ... more beautiful and fun and lively everyday.

Ready to go!

Smiles, everyone, smiles!

Daddy sugar!

Baby fingers and baby toes ... could eat them up with a spoon!

Loving her some biggest sister ...

Loving her some big sister ...

Why I haven't posted in awhile ... (January)

2010-02-03T09:16:00.007-06:00

And, some of what we did in January ...

The "heart" finder ... always looking for God's heart in everything.

Joining in on some family card playing ... is a royal flush a good hand?

Upwards basketball ...

A yummy reward for increasing her time on the mile run in p.e. class ...

Welcoming home the Root's from Ethiopia ... here is the whole family of seven, now!

Jason and Caleb ...

Bekeh and her new brothers ...

Peyton and I at the "Jammie's and Heels" Mother/Daughter night ...

Madison and I ... Oh, how I love my girls!

BFF's!

Why I haven't posted in awhile ... (December)

2010-01-31T16:50:00.010-06:00

So ... new baby, new routine, new year, new "solutions" from Him and not resolutions by me that don't work (more on that another post), new thing He is doing ... could've written a bunch of posts, but thought I'd do a picture summary. Here is some of what we did in December ...

Playing guitar ...

Standing in awe of the miracle God performs when He makes babies ... perfect little toes!

Enjoying three days of snow in Texas!

Tackling Daddy!

Thawing out ...

Then going back outside for more!

Camping indoors ...

Napping (mommy could use more of this!) ...

Playing Monopoly ...

... then napping some more (no babies were squished in the "napping" in this picture).

Pure Sunshine!

2010-01-13T11:47:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T13:10:00.000-06:00

From our house to yours!

Celebrating new life, Christ's birth, our rescue,

and His amazing grace and blessings to us.

It really is a wonderful life!

Baby Love!

2009-12-12T09:04:00.005-06:00

Oh what joy! Smells so good, sweet baby noises, loving big sisters, snuggly, warm ... precious and perfect, in fact quite divine! We are blessed!

Meeting biggest sister, Madison, for the first time.

Meeting big sister, Peyton, for the first time.

Eskimo kisses with Daddy.

Snuggled up with Mommy.

A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E!

What can I say about this picture ... awwww!

"Look at me!"

Snoozing!

Like I said, we are immensely blessed!

Introducing ...

2009-12-04T13:09:00.003-06:00

Our newest sweet precious baby girl ... Brianne Alece ... 7 lbs., 12 oz., 20 inches of pure sugar. Arrival time: Wednesday, December 2nd at 3:33 a.m.

We are outrageously blessed!

* Amazing photo by Jerri Phillips.

God's Heart for Us ...

2009-10-22T09:48:00.005-05:00

On our trip, when we were hiking, our daughters automatically started looking for signs of God's heart in nature. This is a great treasure we learned from our friend Sharilyn at Heart Rock Life. We also saw a rock that all of us thought looked like Africa. Africa is near to our heart for several reasons right now ... our sweet Root friends are adopting from Ethiopia, Africa, and we are just too excited to be meeting their sweet babes and to be loving on them. Our sweet friend, Miss Kimberli is involved in ministry connecting kids in the US with kids in an orphanage in Ghana, Africa, called "The Village of Hope." There are over 200 kiddo's reaching out to be penpals. Our girls are sooooo excited to be two of them and to have new friends in the form of penpals ... God moves in such awesome ways. And, then there is Katie and Amazima. Katie, inadvertantly, became an inspiration, for our oldest daughter in particular, for doing hard things because God gives you strength. What God is accomplishing through Katie in Uganda, East Africa, is nothing short of miraculous. May He get all the praise. Oh, and can't forget to mention my precious Alece, who heads up Thrive Africa in Harrismith, South Africa. So, here is our rock of Africa ....

And, here are a few of God's hearts ....

The last one is a very cool mushroom ... God is good, all the time, and His heart is FOR His people. I love our Daddy!

Transition Vacation ... Part Three

2009-10-13T17:58:00.008-05:00

Here is part three of our trip ... this is the part of the trip where God opened our eyes and hearts to see what exactly He was doing, symbolically, in our lives. It was simply amazing and VERY exciting and just what we had been praying for ... to hear Him clearly. On 10/7, we went on this hike in the afternoon, after lunch ... to the Seven Hollows Hiking Trail. As you can see from the photograph, it was a 4 1/2 mile circle. Phew! We took the left fork (thank you, Jesus!) which was almost straight down into a canyon. It was rock cliffs on either side with a stream running down the middle. We were walking on the left side. (Just FYI, on the way out, it was not as steep going up as on the way in ... that was a great thing for this pregnant lady :) Our amazing God looking out for me! )

We were all following our fearless leader ... the head of our household. It is important to note that three times other hikers tried to get us to turn back because the clouds were threatening rain. As a family, we decided to move on and pray and believe that God would hold back the rain. It is exactly what He did. We were not going back to "Egypt," we were heading to the "Promised Land."

These flowers and two other varieties were all along the trail. I thought they were beautiful!

This is the Natural Bridge Cavern. We would have missed it if another couple hadn't pointed out how to find it. The light you see shining wasn't there in real life. I believe it is an angel that was watching over us as we hiked and the Lord allowed me to catch it on camera. So cool!

Streams that we saw all the way through. At one point, we crossed a stream to the right side of the canyon. I said, "Look, we've crossed over to the other side." Brian and I looked at each other and the light bulb went off at the same time. We were symbolically crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land. We are no longer in the desert! Praise God!

This is the grotto. I am 30 1/2 weeks pregnant in this photo. Baby girl is a-growing! :)

Peyton in the cave part of the grotto ...

Madison posing on a rock in the grotto ...

The girls by the grotto waterfall ... adorable! This was about 2 and 3/4 into our 4 1/2 mile hike!

Madison posing at the end mile marker ... it was quite a hike. We were happy to be able to rest and get some dinner after that! :) But, oh what an amazing and beautiful journey it was!

Next day, 10/8, we stayed in the mountains at the Queen Wilhemina resort. It was a God-thing that we got in because when we originally called several hours earlier, there were no rooms. On our second call, they had had one cancellation ... a room for four. God is so good! A huge storm was brewing and there was no tenting it that night. I asked God why He worked this out. He reminded me, it had been prophesied over me several years ago that I was Caleb and I would take the land. In Joshua 14, after 45 years (wandering 40 in the desert and fighting 5 in the Promised Land), Caleb recieved his mountain ... his part of the Promised Land ... from Joshua. I turned 45 years old on 10/8, the very night we stayed in the mountain!

These are two photo's we took before the storm moved in. The entire resort was enveloped in a cloud during the storm. It was too cool! Don't you love how the sun was shining through the clouds. The SON is always shining through our storms. He says, "I will never leave you or forsake you!" Amen!

Next day, on our way home, we stopped in a senic turnaround to watch the clouds, still in the mountain. As we stood there, a cloud blew toward us and, ultimately, enveloped us in white. It all happened within a matter of a minute. It was the most awesome thing! The wind was blowing inside the cloud and the temperature dropped about ten degrees. Loved it! So thankful for camera's to capture the moment.

On the rest of the drive home, it rained and was clear alternately. On several of the side roads, we would pass these amazing little streams. I was fascinated by them and God reminded me of a verse He gave me several years ago about our family ... Isaiah 43:18-19 "The Lord says, 'Forget what happened before and do not think about the past. Look, at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening, don't you see it? I will make a road in the desert and rivers in the dry land." (NCV). The NIV says "streams in the desert." This picture reminded me about the streams. Our God is so faithful!

Our vacation during the Feast of the Tabernacle culminated on the last day (10/10) with praise and worship at church. The sermon was about giving everything to God ... everything ... we had a "miracle offering" and God really spoke to our hearts. As a family, after returning home, we burned pages where we had written curses that had been spoken over us for generations (symbolically breaking them) and prayed for the "new things" ... the mighty things God is working on our behalf to begin to manifest on earth. We took communion together as a family. It was an awesome end to a celebration of harvest, provision and God's faithfulness.

Like I said, it was an awe-filled, awesome trip!

Transition Vacation ... Part Two

2009-10-13T17:06:00.006-05:00

More vacation ... this was the giant cave that we walked in. There were actually cave pictures if you looked really close. Also, if you look really close, you can see the girls and I standing behind that big rock ... yep, it was a big cave!

This was a beautiful stream on a part of the hiking on Day #1. Mom skipped this one because it was all downhill (not bad), but it was also straight uphill (1 and 1/2 miles) on the way back. Mmmm, no thank you! A little too pregnant for that one!

Well, what else are you supposed to do with mud? Making mudpies ....

Daddy managed to work up enough fire to ...

... roast marshmellows ... yum!

Next day (10/7), we set off to explore Bear Cave. No this is not it. This is one of the amazing rocks that were everywhere stacked precariously on themselves. Made one wonder why they didn't just topple over!

This photo cracked me up. The sign said "No climbing or repelling." Guess that didn't include hanging. :)

Another crazy looking mushroom ....

Brian climbed down onto a ledge to get a better look. Peyton wanted to, but it was a little too close for Mommy's comfort.

It was a little too close for Madison's comfort, too. Here she was clinging to the tree so she wouldn't slip forward.

Two sweet sisters hanging outside the "bear cave."

All of us in the midst of a deep crevace. Very cool!

The girls on top of the crevace ... aren't they just too precious!

Transition Vacation ... Part One

2009-10-10T10:11:00.009-05:00

Ahhh, vacation! We were blessed by the Lord with the means to take a family vacation. It's really our first one (and probably last one) with just the four of us ... as we will soon be five! We went camping at Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas. We went during the "Feast of the Tabernacle" and camped in a tent. It was great fun and the Lord blessed us tremendously. Here are some of the highlights ...

LOVE pumpkins ... they are the beginning of Harvest.

What we did most of the first day ... read, rest, relax ... due to the rain.

The rain slowed to a "spit," so we ventured out. Yeah God! The girls are standing on what is called "turtle rock" because the formations look like turtle backs. Pretty cool!

Madison looking sweet!

Peyton pondering our next adventure ...

Got to love the brilliance of leaves changing colors. God has such a glorious imagination!

Oh, and the rain brought out all kinds of different and interesting varieties of mushrooms.

Beautiful area we were hiking in ...

Waterfall from one side of the mountain ...

Same waterfall from the other side ... didn't look that far down from where we were before.

Standing in a crevace ...

Sisterly love!

Sun trying to peak through. This was the view from dinner. Breathtaking to watch the clouds move back and forth over this valley and these mountains.

Our tent covered with a tarp to keep out the wet after the first night's rain. It worked, by the way.

Deep Thoughts ....

2009-09-30T18:52:00.003-05:00

Handsome hubby and I are taking a class right now at church called “Experiencing God Through the Feasts of Israel.” This weeks’ class focused on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and, because God’s just like this, the class was on the day of Yom Kippur. Unlike the other Jewish feasts, this is not a feast or celebration, but a fast. It is a day of dealing with the issue of sin. I won’t go into all the details because, for starters, I am not qualified. But, it is my understanding that on this day, even today, there are five times the Jewish people meet. One of these meetings is called the Minhah. It is an afternoon service that includes the reading of the book of Jonah. Why Jonah? Well, because …

Jonah is a story about repentance and forgiveness.
God’s compassion in Jonah is meant to be a model for us to copy.
It is a great reminder that we cannot flee the service of God … as our teacher stated, God is a good chaser!

You see, Jonah didn’t want to go to Ninevah because he knew God was merciful and he knew the people were likely to repent and he didn’t want them to recieve God's mercy, he wanted them to receive God's wrath. Jonah even said, "I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity." Thank goodness we serve a God who is merciful! Jonah thought he would flee to Tarshish (opposite of Ninevah) thus thwarting God's plan, but God’s plan prevailed … as it always does. And sadly, even after God showed Jonah mercy by releasing him from the big fish, Jonah's heart didn't change. He remained unhappy that the Ninevites repented and sought the Lord.

How sad is that? And, how convicting! How many times is that me, acting just like Jonah? Deciding who "deserves" mercy and who doesn't instead of having God's heart for His people? What is God's heart? "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.

Who are MY Ninevites? Who am I needing a heart change over? Serious questions that require serious prayer and truthful answers. We were encouraged in class to ask the Lord who we need to forgive and who we need to ask for forgiveness from. Deep thoughts … deep truth.

So, who are your Ninevites?

Thousand Gifts ...

2009-09-29T16:33:00.011-05:00

I am reminded again of what I already knew … not actively noticing (because they are always there) the gifts our Father lavishes on us blocks my blessings, clouds my vision and steals my joy … particularly in times of trial and fatigue. So, I am returning to what I know, the JOY OF THE LORD is my strength, and He is simply amazing. So many gifts, so much to be thankful for …

Lazy Sunday Gifts …

626. Perusing cooking magazines for nifty new recipes.

627. Taking the challenge to try a new recipe.

628. Cooking with Grannie.

629. Scrabble with precious daughter.

630. Tinkering in the garage.

631. Playing hangman with Daddy … even upside down.

632. Naps for momma’s growing babies.

633. Fingerprints in puffy dough.

634. The fingerprints of the Almighty God all over our lives.
635. Homemade rolls with butter … delicious!

636. Peace.
637. Cool weather.

638. Heads on shoulders.

And still more gifts …

639. Ghiradelli Double Fudge Brownies (with no trans-fat)!
640. Accomplishing something … anything when I am tired!
641. Finally organizing the girls bedrooms and playrooms.
642. Borrowing a crib … amazing there is a little person on the way to sleep in it!
643. Our precious friends adopting a sister and brother from Ethiopia … can’t wait to squeeze their little selves!
644. African pen pals … daughters given the opportunity to share a friendship across the miles with children in the Village of Hope.
645. When God miraculously shows things up that were missing ... big things ... in His perfect timing to fit His perfect plan.

646. Because with God, there is nothing missing, nothing lacking.
647. Reading!

648. Faith, in spite of what my eyes can see.
649. George Mueller.
650. Holy Spirit driven ability to “capture every thought and make it captive” to the truth.
651. Answered prayers … over and over and over again.
652. The unbelievable women God has blessed me with in this life … simply boggles my mind. Thank you, Lord!
653. Our daughters, sweet sisters sitting out on the porch swing reading books together.
654. Grandmothers who don’t mind getting a “new do.”

655. Grace and the ability, with His help, to forgive and move on.
656. Have I mentioned … baby girl kicking me! So cool!
657. Red flowers on the window sill in my bathroom.

658. Starbucks with Jerri!
659. The “Alpha” men’s ministry at church. AWESOME!
660. Obedience to the Lord and the awesome rewards and peace that come with it.
661. Harvest!
662. Sleeping babes …

663. Provision … miraculous and amazing provision.
664. Our new homeschool p.e. group and the friends we are making there.
665. Awesome classes and awesome men and women of God who speak His truth in those classes.
666. Learning about the Jewish feasts and how they apply to my life as an adoptive daughter ... grafted in by God's amazing grace.
667. That our daughters are heart-seekers … God’s love in Frosted Flakes and shredded cheese.

668. Memorizing scripture … the sword of the Spirit.

669. It's okay to have a messy house ... yep! It's okay.

670. How AWESOME it is the changes God has made in our marriage ... night and day!

671. Tenderness.

672. Our singer, making up songs.

673. Studying American heroes and being amazed all over at their fortitude, sacrifice and character.

674. The joy our girls have learning the "motions" and singing Jesus songs for us.

675. College football and cheering on our favorite Tre' Newton at University of Texas.

Oh the AMAZING joy of gratitude!

A Few Thoughts ...

2009-09-19T11:16:00.005-05:00

I am 28 weeks pregnant today ... third trimester ... 12 (likely less) weeks to go. Completely boggles my mind. Baby girl is moving and kicking and making herself known, which is one of the most miraculous things to me about pregnancy. So amazing! And, we are kicking around names ... actually, the girls and I have one and are trying to convince Daddy to come around to it! :) The girls are beyond excited ... Madison kisses my tummy and Peyton daily says she can't wait for her sister to come out. Fun!

Sweet Peyton lost her 8th tooth yesterday, thank goodness! It was in one of those awkward positions that made it look like a fang. I have to say I was quite impressed with her bravery in letting Daddy yank that baby out!

Before ...

After ...

We are waiting on the Lord ... He is faithful and He is providing and we sense a major breakthrough is coming. It's exciting ... and to be honest, somewhat nerve-wracking, too. Why is it that waiting on the Lord, standing in faith and believing His word can be so hard. Aggrevates me entirely! More flesh to have cut away. More opportunity for miraculous things to happen and eyes to see them. More of His breakthrough. It is all about HIM!

My friend, Jerri, and I were talking and she was sharing a conversation she had had with someone who was making excuses and not fully believing God and she said this ...

Am I believing God or calling Him a liar?

Wow! That struck me to the very core. Let me say it a second time ... Am I believing God or calling Him a liar? It's as simple as that. Am I looking with my earthly eyes and listening to satan spew his nonsense or am I believing the Words of the Almighty, who is in control of ALL things, who has said He means good for me and blessing and life to the full. Yep, I wrote that question poster-size and posted it in my kitchen. We are in a spiritual battle in our household and that is the question that puts it all in focus for me. Yes, I can assure you WE ARE BELIEVING GOD and because of it, I know that breakthrough is happening even as I type this!

So, that is us.

Camping!

2009-09-13T10:27:00.005-05:00

Friday night we set out on an impromtu camping trip with the girls and one of our neighbor friends, Kelsi (who had never camped before). I suppose I should mention that it was raining some on the way to our campsite, in the grasslands out by Decatur, and that it was forcasted to rain for the next couple of days. However, the campsite was dry when we arrived and got set up. It was a wonderful, cool evening and the girls has a great time ... what with discovering "ant lions," shooting slingshots, exploring nature trails and roasting marshmellows. It was about 11:00 p.m. when the rain started. Dad was asleep in his hammock. Peyton and I were in the suburban ... come on, a pregnant Mama can get more comfy in a suburban than in a tent with wiggly girls on the ground ... and Kelsi and Madison were in the tent. It started to pour! Dad moved the big girls into the suburban with us. We were were stacked in like puzzle pieces, but happy to be dry and the girls fell right back to sleep. Come about 12:15 a.m., Daddy joined us as the lightening began because, in his words, he didn't want to be struck and turned into beef jerky. I wholeheartedly agree with sentiment! Needless to say, about 7:00 a.m. it lightened up enough to wake up, pack up and go home. In spite of the rain, a great time was had by all and it was wonderful to be hanging out in and enjoying the land that God has created for us. Simply breath-taking!

Putting up the tent ...

A group effort!

The camping "glamour girls" ...

The man with the outdoor plan ...

Sweet sisters!

I tried to take over the hammock, but there's just no real comfy spot for the "baby bump" in it. :)

Fierce warrior women and their sling-shots ...

Watching as "Bear Gryllis" lights a fire ...

Warming up a little ...

It isn't camping without the s'mores!

Here, you want one?

The camp "chaperones!"

26 weeks ...

2009-09-07T12:03:00.000-05:00

Thought for today ... well everyday!

2009-08-19T10:53:00.002-05:00

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear) but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7 AMP

23 Weeks!

2009-08-16T14:44:00.002-05:00

... and one day! :)

It's a party ... just a little belated!

2009-08-14T12:58:00.006-05:00

I know their birthdays were in April and May, but between first trimester pregnancy, moving, unpacking and the other major life changes happening in our lives it took a little while to get a birthday celebration figured out. This year, we kept it simple and had a few of the girls best pals over for some water games, pizza, cake, lots of playtime, a little art, a movie and popcorn and (finally) sleep! :) The next morning was topped off with Daddy at the griddle making pancakes. I'm thinking a good time was had by all. Here are a few glimpses (okay, maybe more than a few ... sorry!) of the fun. Enjoy!

The whole gang ...

Sponge/bucket races ... the idea is to get the sponge, filled with water, from one end to the other, fill the bucket and the first team to fill the bucket wins.

Next up, the jug fill. This was the most hilarious because of all the different heights of the kiddo's and their pouring abilities. So much fun! First to fill the jug twice, wins!

The "big kid" ... instigator!

Pay back! :)

Water balloons ... too hard to throw and get someone so they just started popping them over each others heads!

Free for all .... just FYI, no children were wounded on the trampoline. There was no jumping allowed and no standing.

The Daddy tower!

Snack time ... and a moment to dry out ... before the pizza was ready. Such sweet friends!

Happy Birthday to you! It's hard to believe that our sweet oldest daughter is NINE! How does that happen? She is a joy to behold and her giggle is simply infectious! We love our Madison!

And our sweet baby isn't the baby anymore. How did she get SEVEN? It's just wrong how fast they grow! She is so precious and such a helper and a snuggler. She's our girl in charge. We love our Peyton!

Happy Birthday Girls! God has great things in store for you and we are proud to be your parents! We love you! Mommy and Daddy!

The Cake Decorators

2009-08-13T12:40:00.004-05:00

Every year since they were born I have made and decorated the girls birthday cakes. This year, they decided they wanted to do it themselves. Such artists! Love it!

The canvas ...

Okay, seriously, how adorable is this face?

Serious business ...

Oh yes, she is mine! :)

Concentration ...

Sharing space ... and nicely, I might add!

The finished products ... makes a mommy so proud!

(in)courage

2009-08-11T20:33:00.002-05:00

Courage or encourage … I don’t know which. Today, courage looks to me like stepping into what God is calling me to do without excuse and ignoring all the things that satan is saying and doing to try to keep me from it. Courage is knowing that God is bigger than anything He is calling me to do. That’s exactly it. It is attacking the “to do” list, loving my kids, loving and supporting my husband and being intentional. It’s a big tall intimidating laundry list. It is ignoring the bigness and stepping out and doing just one thing … one step at a time … and then another and then another until it is a habit or the task is accomplished, then onto the next thing. It is remembering the words of the Great Encourager … I am “equipped for every good thing” (2 Timothy 3:17), my “gifts and calling are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29), tell your children of my greatness and faithfulness (Deut. 6:7, 11:19), train up my children (Prov. 22:6), “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Deut. 31:6, 31:8, Josh. 1:5, Heb. 13:5) … “trust in Me” (Psalm 56:4, John 14:1, Rom. 9:33).

That is where I am today. Standing on an edge and summoning up the courage, and energy and strength to just jump … freefall and enjoy all that God is calling for me, for us to do … the joy, the growing pains, ignoring the fear and trusting the One who is calling us to close our eyes and have childlike faith and jump … and then, watch in joy, amazement and wonder to see and live in just exactly what He IS going to do.

Yep, that is courage!
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I am excited and inspired. One of my most favorite writers, Ann @ A Holy Experience on the team of writers who have joined to create (in)courage me . An inspiring new website that I am already enjoying. To celebrate the launch they’ve asked bloggers to write a little something about courage or encouragement and share, so that is what I did. Head on over and enjoy a little (in)couragement.

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From my handy “Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary”

COURAGE: Bravery; intrepidity (fearlessness; undaunted courage or boldness); that quality of mind which enables men to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness, or without fear or depression of spirits; valor; boldness; resolution.

COURAGEOUS: Brave, bold, daring; intrepid (literally, not trembling or shaking with fear; hence, fearless; bold, brave); hardy to encounter difficulties and dangers; adventurous; enterprising.

ENCOURAGE: To give courage to; to give or increase confidence of success; to inspire with courage, spirit, or strength of mind; to embolden; to animate; to incite; to inspirit (to infuse or excite spirit in; to give new life to; to invigorate).

Gratitude ...

2009-08-03T10:34:00.011-05:00

Oh the joy that comes with praise to our Heavenly Father ... for His amazing goodness, for His amazing gifts, for His perfect provision, for His words and promises, for His love and grace and gentleness, for His overwhelming care, that His ways are not our ways, that I don't have to understand, just trust ... His ways are higher and greater and HE NEVER FAILS! Thank you Lord!

601. Dinner with our Root friends and the joy of sitting together on the porch enjoying the breeze and lifting our petitions to the Lord. Amazing! For wherever two or more are gathered in His name ….
602. Hamburger meat on sale for $2 a pound so we fed 9 people on $6 plus buns for sloppy joes … and had leftovers!
603. Laughter and spunk from adorable “God’s girls.”

604. New console for t.v. built by crafty and extremely talented hubby. Wow!

605. No more wires and cords hanging out all over the place with new t.v. table in place.
606. Baby girl kicking inside!
607. Swimming “playdate” with our Herrold friends.

608. Moving Mom-in-Love to her new digs and God holding back the rain, as we petitioned, until the very last box was moved inside. Amazing!
609. Overwhelming grace … we are no longer orphans and slaves, but by His amazing grace we are SONS and DAUGHTERS OF THE ALMIGHTY KING JESUS!
610. Driving the girls to “Cousin Camp” and the joy of their reunion.

611. Road trip back home with hubby in no hurry to get anywhere … well except to some food!
612. Enchanted rock. Wow! God’s imagination blows me away.

613. Waiting in His tender care and provision.
614. Riding lawn-mowers.
615. Ice cream … Blue Bell’s Buttered Pecan, Homemade Vanilla, and Cookies and Cream.
616. Joy in the midst of trials.
617. KNOWING this trial will come to an end.
618. Friends who love and support us.
619. Jesus loves me … THIS I KNOW!

620. Brooms … knowing that when God sweeps out the old and dusty and yucky, He always brings the new and best and blessed.

621. Red blooms.

622. How praise and worship music ALWAYS lifts me up and refocuses my eyes on Him.
623. An earthly husband who is acting in integrity in spite of the fact that no doing so would benefit him. Thank you, Lord!
624. Stellan’s going home today!
625. Praying for America! "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chron. 7:14

21 Weeks

2009-08-01T10:32:00.001-05:00

Our Amazing Sunday at the Park

2009-07-27T16:31:00.008-05:00

Okay, it may be hot and muggy in this Texas town, but on Sunday we opted for the great outdoors and God rewarded us with nature and joy and fun and flowers and fish and family time that was out of this world! Here are some of the highlights ...

If you look closely, you can see a momma deer and her three fawns ...

Hiking down to the river ...

Lovely oldest daughter ...

Lovely youngest daughter ...

Oh the blessing of lives entwined with the Father like the roots and branches of this tree.

Lone egret ...

Alligator gar ...

Climbing back up ... no photo's of pregnant mama climbing up that, thank you very much! Although, I am proud to say that I did it! :)

Heading to the marshy bottom ...

Isn't it amazing ... just beautiful!

Happy, hot family at the end of an amazing day!

20 Weeks last Saturday

2009-07-27T11:10:00.003-05:00

The first "tummy" picture for my friends who don't live near enough to see me grow! What a blessing to be a part of God's amazing creation!

For Miss Sharilyn ...

2009-07-25T10:22:00.000-05:00

Creativity At It's Yummiest!

2009-07-25T10:10:00.000-05:00

This summer we've been watching our fair share of cooking shows. Among the fav's in the house are "Ace of Cakes," "Good Eats," "Paula's Home Cooking," "Diners, Drive-In's and Dives," and "Throw-Down with Bobby Flay." So, baking has been right on top of the list of fun things to do. We made some pretty yummy pretzels and were all amazed at how easy it was, and the girls have made oodles of banana bread. With these cupcakes they really showed off their creativity and piping skills. Yum!

After A Long Hot Summer Day ...

2009-07-24T10:02:00.000-05:00

... a girl needs her beauty rest! :)

Barely awake ... precious!

Daddy's shoulder is the best place to nest ...

Even the dogs get in on the action!