Looking Backwards For A Minute

So there isn't much time left in 2008 as I write this. A lot has happened to me and my family this year. I endured a cancer scare and had surgery. We sold our house in Gaston. We found a nice house in Farmland. Stacey took the band director position at Monroe Central Schools and resigned from Wes-Del Schools. We found a church where we are comfortable to worship and ask questions. Makenna started the second grade at a new school. Keaton went to pre-school for the first time. The company I work for got bought out by a bigger (hopefully better) company as I am about to complete my third year as a nurse in dialysis. Overall, it has been a good year for our family. We have had our fair share of trials but have made it through to the other side a bit stronger than we started. I hope that 2009 is kind to us and that we grow stronger as a family.

The Mom Song

Christmas Pictures

We had pictures taken for Christmas cards this year. Here is a peek at some of the pictures from that day.

The Lord Protects...

Psalm 116:6-9, "The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living."

We Are Sick

OK...in one of the last posts that I made I said that we were pretty healthy. I take that back COMPLETELY!! I have some sinus junk going on and stayed home today while Stacey took the kids to Huntington to see his dad and sister. Stacey got home this evening and was starting to unload the kids and their stuff when Keaton threw up all over the van. I guess "when it rains, it pours," right?

Christmas

I think the kids enjoyed themselves today. Keaton came in our room at 4 am and wanted to know if it was time yet. They had a good time ripping their packages open and have played all day. They even got to go outside and try out thier new bike and scooter. Nana and Papaw came over to visit and stayed for lunch.

Thoughts On Christmas Eve

We are waiting for the kids to drift off to dreamland so we can assemble a gift and fill the stockings. A lot of things are floating around in my head right now so I thought I would get some of it out here...

I really hope the kids enjoy tomorrow. They are really excited. Santa Claus called them tonight and they are really pumped up.

The church service tonight was very nice. I am glad my family was able to be there and partake of communion.

I think I am starting to get a cold. I had a touch of the flu last week. Makenna had a stomach ache last week too but so far they have been pretty healthy.

Lately I have felt lonely. Not lonely like I don't have anyone to talk to or spend time with. My family is always around and I have good co-workers at work who make those days bearable. It is hard for me to form new friendships. I am usually the quiet one in the crowd and never make an attempt to open up to someone. Sometimes it comes across that I am not interested or upset but that is not really how I am. I just usually have a pretty hard shell around me that I have to break through. I think I did a pretty good job of "putting myself out there" last night at Stacey's party though. Maybe I am just weird...

On our Christmas cards we sent out we put the web address for my blog. So if someone new stops by leave me a comment so I will know you were here and thanks for stopping by.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Dinner Party

Last night was a fun evening. Stacey had some teachers and their families over for dinner. I think there were 19 of us all together even though the weather outside wasn't very good. It was a good dinner and good conversation. I was able to meet and get to know some of the people he works with. The kids had a really good time playing with their kids. I should have had my camera out and had some pictures to post but didn't even think to get it out.

Ringing Bells

Tonight we took the kids to the mall to ring bells for the Salvation Army with Nana. They had a good time. They saw a lot of people from church. They were even called "ding-a-lings". Keaton enjoyed singing Jingle Bells to the people walking by. Stacey and I even had a turn at the bells while the others went to supper. I am glad our family is able to do things together to help others in need.

Christmas Disaster

Yesterday Stacey and I went shopping for gifts. When we got home we quickly put everything in the basement so the kids wouldn't see the goodies. Today Stacey went to put another gift down there only to discover that when all of the ice melted outside this morning our basement flooded and some of the gifts were ruined. At least we discovered it today and not on Christmas Eve. To top it all off, I am home with the flu instead of at work today...good times.

Encouragement

There are times when I am weary. I have found encouragement in these verses:


Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

The Lord is my Light and my Salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. Psalm 28:7

The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. Psalm 29:11

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me. John 14:1

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way an the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:11

I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

The First One Down

I think Stacey can relax now. He has successfully made it through his first concert at Monroe Central High School. Everyone involved did a great job. The choir and band performed. The art students displayed their work in the hallway. They had a great turn-out. There were people who had to stand because there were no chairs left.

Admission to the concert was a food donation. Here is a look at what they got. It was all split between the local food pantries. I tried to explain to Makenna and Keaton what the food was for and I hope they realize maybe just a tiny bit how fortunate we are that we have so much that we are able to give to others to make sure they have food to eat.

Father's Love Letter ♥♥♥

Cheerleader In Training

Makenna had a busy week last week. She stayed after school three nights until 5:00. The high school cheerleaders held a clinic for the girls "in training". Then they got to perform at the ballgame on Friday night. Makenna had a lot of fun and she did great performing their routine.

Christmas Decorations

I think our decorations are complete for this year. The kids love having a house big enough to have a big tree...or make that four trees. The past few years we have used a small tree on a table, so this year we went all out. Helping to put these up has kind of put me in the Christmas mood a bit. Now, if I could just get in the mood to get my shopping done...

Gingerbread House

Today after church the kids went to spend the afternoon with Nana and Papaw. Makenna and Nana made a gingerbread house. She said it was really fun. She even got to eat some of the candy as she put it together. Papaw and Keaton spent the afternoon playing. They both had a good day.

A Preschool Christmas

Today was the day Keaton got to stand on stage and belt out all of the Christmas songs he has been coming home singing from preschool. It was neat to listen to their little voices, watch them react to such a big crowd, and figit around while half remembering the words to the songs. I am sure to a three year old it was a stressful day with two performances, but he did great! I was very proud of him.

Third Day Cry Out To Jesus

Farmland Holiday Walk

Tonight we made chili for supper and then walked uptown to check out the festivities. Nana came with us. It was very cold! The kids decorated gingerbread cookies in the Cultural Center, took a carriage ride, and then got free hugs and hot chocolate.

They got the chance to tell Santa what they are hoping for when Christmas gets here (I was taking notes).

We saw the live nativity scene. Keaton was fascinated that we were looking at baby Jesus.

It was a good night although we were completely frozen when we got back home.

Opening My Heart

I have a couple of patients at work that I am becoming very attached to. They are not healthy but in spite of that we have formed really good friendships. They are always interested in the kids, the husband, the house, and me. They always make my day better by making me smile and laugh. Losing either one of them would be like losing a family member. They are like a grandma and grandpa to me. Why do I allow my heart to open up to them when I understand what the outcome will be?

Something To Watch

Such Fools...

Crawling out of my warm bed at 3:00 am... stupid

Standing in line outside for an hour in freezing temperatures... stupid

Fighting massive crowds of people... stupid

Stupid, Stupid, Stupid...

I learned a valuable lesson today.

Our Turkey Day

Today for Thanksgiving we traveled to Huntington to visit with Stacey's side of the family.

We enjoy spending time with Stacey's dad, Jay. We don't get to see him enough.

The kids enjoyed playing with the cousins.

They really love all of the animals that Aunt Susan has at her house.

It was a good day and we all ate way too much! Thanks Uncle Phil for spending a long day in the kitchen.

Thankful

Tonight while I was preparing a few things for tomorrow I was thinking about what I am thankful for this year. Here is a list of the things that came to mind...

~my wonderful husband
~my healthy kids

~my supporting family

~our jobs that provide

~friends
~a church where I feel comfortable

~a big house

~heat

~I am saved and am learning more about God everyday

~music

~Diet Mountain Dew

~sweatpants and sweatshirts

Give It All

Sunday in church we were asked to give over the areas in our lives that we were keeping from God. This week I am trying to do that. I am finding strength in Him...


Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:13a,14)

My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. (Psalm 61:1-4)

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17)

Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation. (Psalm 91:14-16)

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:2-5)

When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted. (Psalm 138:3)

A Quick Visit

Today Makenna's second grade class made a quick visit to the nursing home in Parker. They visited with the residents there and shared a Thanksgiving story with them. Makenna said she read to three "really old people". They gave the residents placemats that they had weaved and pumpkins that they had made. Makenna said that the nursing home looked like a fun place where they all are having one big sleepover. Guess she won't feel bad for putting her old mom and dad there one day, will she?

Our Bedroom

Here are pictures of our bedroom. We painted this room before we moved in. We have some more things to finish up but it is mostly done.

A Busy Saturday

Today was busy! Stacey sent his color guard girls off on a field trip early this morning from the school. Then we headed to Indianapolis. Stacey went to the music store to get a few things for work. I went shopping. Keaton has grown a lot recently and all of his pants made him look like he was awaiting the next big flood. Then it was on to the school to get the concession stand ready for the band to run tonight. After that it was off to growth group at church. Tonight was the first night we have ever attended a small group. We felt very welcome and enjoyed the time we spent getting to know the Lott's. Our kids really enjoyed playing with their kids. Keaton cried when it was time to leave. Stacey went back to the school to meet the girls as they returned from their field trip and to help clean up the concession stand. It was a very busy day but it was productive. I think we all had a good day.

Time Together

After school today the kids went to Papaw and Nana's house for the night. They really love to spend time with them. They are coming home in the morning.







Stacey and I took advantage of our evening alone and he met me in town for dinner after work. It was nice to have a conversation over dinner about the day each of us had and what is happening in our lives currently. It was good to reconnect and get a plan for our busy weekend ahead. Now we are home and going to try to make it through a movie... without falling asleep... hopefully (that might be hard when I get up at 4:30am for work). I think Indiana Jones is our adventure flick of the night.






Hope you have a good weekend.

What Makes a Mother

The Upstairs

I thought I would show you some pictures from upstairs. This is Keaton's room. We managed to get all the bedrooms painted before we moved in. His room had a challenge. There was no closet. We found a big wall cabinet that we are using for a dresser and a closet. It worked out really good.

Makenna's Teacher

Mrs. Arthur is Makenna's teacher. She is a really great teacher. She was teaching second grade when I went through that school. She expects a lot from the kids and really pushes them to learn. Makenna really likes having Mrs. Arthur for a teacher and is having a good year so far.

Grandparent's Day

Friday was Grandparent's Day at Makenna's school. Grandma Sue and Nana (who is behind the camera) got to go with Makenna. She was really excited they were coming to spend part of the afternoon with her. They have been preparing for this day for a long time. Makenna said it was a great day!