The Icicle

This is the icicle that was hanging by our back door this morning. Wow!

A Lot Of White Stuff

Leaving for work at 5:00am was a project this morning. I don't have a job where I can be "snowed in" for the day. I was very glad to have a 4x4 vehicle. It took an hour... but I made it!

After work, we went to Nana and Papaw's house to help dig out their driveway.

I stopped shoveling to take this picture of a beautiful sunset. This was the one time all day when I thought all this white stuff was pretty.

Good Night

These are the kids I got to take to bed and kiss good night to this evening. I am glad I get to be their mom.

Trying To Hold On

I am where I am on this journey of life for a purpose or reason. I don't know what that is yet. I have been struggling with that lately. As much as I try to change the circumstances, I can't. He has me right where He wants me. His plan in His time. I am trying to give Him my hand and hold on even though I don't always understand and even though I wish things could sometimes be different.

The Make-Up

I had to work today so Stacey took the kids along with him to the Color Guard competition in Ft. Wayne. Our kids really enjoy being around the "older kids". We never have to search far for a babysitter! The group did great. They won their class and was promoted to the next class. Makenna had a good time too. This was how she met me when I came home from work! Besides Halloween, this is her first experience with make-up. She was also soooo excited to tell me that at the next competition they want to do her hair too. Oh boy...I tried to act excited.

Bring The Rain

Here is another song that I have played a lot lately. I often feel my heart is sweating through this journey of life. It is a reminder to me that the pain and "rain" in our life will bring Him glory... we just have to have faith through the "storm".

Winter Fun

After school today I told the kids that they could go outside and play in the snow. When I came out to take pictures they were standing at the back door fully loaded with snow ready to throw. They had a good time for a while but then got cold. I am hoping some of their excess energy was lost out there.

Cailou

This is Keaton's buddy right now. His name is Cailou. Whenever he is on the television Keaton is captivated by him. Some days when we are home by ourselves I welcome a visit with Cailou. It gives me a moment of peace for "me" time. I even think they look a little bit similiar too. :)

Funny Places

The other day Stacey found the cat here...in the bathroom sink.

Today I found the cat here...in the dryer.

To The Rescue

Since Christmas I've had my very own fire fighter. He loves to go around the house finding "fires" to put out. Luckily, I haven't been in the kitchen lately so I haven't had to put him to work for real...yet.

Makenna's Bedroom

I am trying to get back in the groove and start some more home projects. Maybe posting this will give me some motivation! This is Makenna's bedroom. We painted this room before we moved in. She really enjoys all the room she has just for her. Somehow, Max (our cat) makes it up to her bed to sleep with her every night.

All I Can Say

Songs have been affecting me emotionally lately...this is one of them.

Have You Ever Seen This?

A round watermelon can take up a lot of room in a refrigerater and the usually round fruit often sits awkwardly on refrigerator shelves. Smart Japanese Farmers have forced their watermelons to grow into a square shape by inserting the melons into square, tempered glass cases while the fruit is still growing on the vine.

God Answers Our Struggles

God Answers Our Struggles

You say: "It's impossible." God says: All things are possible.

(Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired." God says: I will give you rest.

(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me." God says:I love you.

(John 3:16,34)

You say: "I can't go on." God says: My grace is sufficient.

(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out." God says: I will direct your steps.

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it." God says: You can do all things.

(Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able." God says: I am able.

(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it." God says: It will be worth it.

(Romans 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself." God says: I FORGIVE YOU!

(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage." God says: I will supply all your needs.

(Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid." God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear.

(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated." God says: Cast all your cares on ME.

(I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I don't have enough faith." God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith.
(Romans 12:3)

You say: "I'm not smart enough." God says: I give you wisdom.
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone." God says: I will never leave you or forsake you.

(Hebrews 13:5)

Having Faith

A few days ago I was talking with someone who was losing a sister to cancer. She was saying that she didn't know how she was going to get her mother through this. Before I even had a second to think about what was going to come out of my mouth I said, "you aren't going to but God will". Since our conversation her sister has passed away. I know that God is taking care of them and helping them through this hard time.

Sometimes my faith isn't always that strong. When I am caught up in a hectic day, kids who won't behave, patients who are very sick at work, or finding time to always give my best in our marriage I often feel alone and overwhelmed. There are times I forget to have faith that God is with me and will help me through everything.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" Philippians 4:13

Daily Devotional

I have decided that I want to find a daily devotional to work through. It is hard for me to set time aside for God in my daily schedule. I hope that if I get into the routine of devotions each day that it would be easier to have time with Him. I know it is already the 4th of January so I am already behind but I figure I could catch up if I need to. The problem is... I don't know what kind I should use. Should I use one on the computer or one on paper that I can write in? Should I use one that covers the whole bible or just different topics on a different day? Any suggestions??

Our Weekend

Every once and a while we "escape" for a bit. This weekend is one of those times. We have spent the weekend at a hotel with Nana, Papaw, and Uncle Wyatt. It has been a good time. The kids have stayed in the pool almost all day. We went out for lunch and met with Aunt Jennifer and the cousins. We tried "Mountain Mike's" for dinner. None of us had eaten there before. It turned out to be a good meal. Now, we have two VERY TIRED kids who will be asleep before their heads hit the pillow!

Finally Over

Since Keaton and I were sick on Christmas we didn't get a chance to celebrate with my parents. We are both feeling a lot better now. Tonight, we went to Nana and Papaw's house for dinner and presents. The kids were excited all day! It was nice to spend the evening with them and everyone enjoyed their gifts. Thank you Nana and Papaw!! :-) We can now say that Christmas is over for us this year.