and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints........

Psalms 37:23-24

2010-02-11T10:05:00.002-05:00

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

Some days we just have to trust that God's giant hand is under us.

Meaningful Post?!

2009-09-02T07:11:00.003-04:00

Things continue to be busy around here. Everyone is in school mode. Mariah is a freshman, the Lord has blessed and has allowed her to go here.
Devin is in the 7th grade and still playing the trombone. Hayden is already in the 4th grade. It's so strange to look back to when Mariah was in the 4th grade and she seemed so mature but really, she was just like he is, my baby! I have taken over as Nursery Director at our church. What an honor that the pastor would give me such a job. I'm praying that I will be a good testimony and that it will be a true ministry. My parents, God willing will be here on Sept. 28th for a visit. My sister will also becoming on Oct. 2nd for a few days. We are excited about the days ahead and are anticipating our wonderful visit.

The Lord has answered prayer and I will be going back to work very soon. For the last several years I have been a substitute teacher in our public school system but because of budget cuts, the county is limiting the number and frequency of subs. Last year, I could have worked every day, had a chosen to do so. I was also working 3 nights a week at a restaurant. I quit the restaurant in March because I didn't like being away from my family at night. I have been looking for a job since June. Nothing has come up, I was getting VERY discouraged and wondering why when the Lord knew I needed a job, I wasn't getting one. Yesterday, I was coming out of Wal-m@rt and I ran into the restaurant district manager and he asked me if I was working and I told him I was looking. He said, "You can always come back" I said, "Really, on days in Conyers" and he said "Yes". I'll be meeting with him later today to set up my schedule.

I'm so thankful that even in the valley's of life we can still be joyful. I'm looking forward to a very exciting month.

Oops, I almost forgot, I got to go to San Francisco last month.

Wow! It's been awhile.............................

2009-07-22T09:18:00.004-04:00

It seems f@cebook has become my favorite form of communication but my sister has yet to set hers up!!! Summer is almost over, the boys return to school in less than 2 weeks and Mariah, Lord willing, will start about a week later. We've had an eventful summer. These last couple of weeks, we've had gorgeous weather with little humidity! We've actually been able to use our fire pit in the back yard because it has cooled off at night. The kids love roasting marshmallows.

The highlight of our summer was going to Camp Canaan. Dewayne and I went again as team captains. We had junior boys and girls. I was privileged to get to do the devotion in the junior girls cabin one night. Our theme this year was "Fight the Good Fight" and we used a medieval night so our devotions had a princess theme. My devotion was on a princess' attitude. The first point was 1) A princess must be willing to weep for others (show compassion) 2) A princess must be willing to work for the King (tell others about Jesus, serve him in church, etc 3) A princess must be willing to welcome others (show herself friendly because she represents the king.) It was a lot of fun to do. It was Hayden's first year as a camper and he had a ball. Of course Mariah, the social butterfly, had a great time.

The "not so highlight" of the summer was D getting laid off from work. He's been off about 5 weeks, but God has provided for us. He is, however, about to go stir crazy but it looks like something might come about next week. We'll see. I've been doing some catering with some ladies at church which has brought in some much needed income. Well, I better go. Love you all!

Remembering the Sacrifice.....................

2009-05-25T07:59:00.003-04:00

So tell me............................

2009-05-23T09:46:00.003-04:00

Are you a yard saler? And what is your best find ever? Mine has got to be my 2 wicker outdoor chairs and 2 wicker tables for $10. I also got a really tall mason jar that I use for a vase for .25 cents. This season, I'm looking for old glass ware and serving bowls, platters. I've recently become more intrigued with "tablescaping" and I figure yard sales are the best place to build on that. So...............I know I have readers, PLEASE play along and leave me a comment. Happy Saturday Ya'll!

I was wrong..........................

2009-05-19T15:08:00.002-04:00

I have been joking with Devin for a couple of weeks now about how much I'm going to dread his 6th grade band concert. Most parents have been there (children that have never played an instrument before squeaking and squaking though a short little musical piece) enduring and smiling right along. Well, I had the opportunity to chaperone a field trip. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised! They actually played REAL songs. Devin was even brave enough to play a little solo. I am actually looking forward to the concert tonight. Now I just have to convince D that it won't be bad.

In other news, we are getting down to the last couple of weeks of school. Mariah has managed to maintain straigth A's all year for which we are very proud. Devin will turn 12 next week. Hayden passed a VERY important test that will pass him to the 4th grade. We've been busy working in our yard. We finally got around to planting grass in the back and it's coming in nicely. We still have lofty dreams of the lush, soft, green lawns of the west but alas, that just doesn't happen in Georgia. We also planted a little garden. I've planted some other annuals and am really enjoying my yard. We just stay busy with family, church and friends. Sorry to my sister that the updates have been few and far between. We love and miss you all.

You're Invited.....................

2009-04-07T12:32:00.003-04:00

Let me extend and invitation to our play. We seek to reach the lost and magnify the Savior. Please come if you are free.

Girls just wanna have fun!

2009-03-27T07:18:00.005-04:00

We have the privilege of having the Brady Rochester family here at our Jubilee this week. We invited the girls over and had somecupcake pops fun. It's was a great time of fun, food, and fellowship. The beauty in the picture is our friend Molly. She is graduating high school this year and will be off to bible college in the fall. I love my church family.

His love is immeasurable

2009-03-19T11:26:00.004-04:00

Last night I had the privilege of giving the devotion to our King's Kids group. Our devotion was about how we can't measure God's love, that he loves us so much that he sent his only begotten Son to die on the cross for us. I told the children that even when we have "nobody loves me, everybody hates me, guess I'll go eat worms" moments that God still loves us and that no matter what we can turn to him and to his word for love and comfort.

This morning I found myself saying "nobody loves me......." and thought "practice what you preach" so I took my bible and my diet pepsi :) and went and sat in the beautiful sunshine on my front porch. The Lord led me to Psalm 145 and this is what I read Psalm 145:8 The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion: slow to anger, and of great mercy.Wow! Talk about God just wrapping his arms around me and showing me that he loves me. I know that we get upset with people and get our feelings hurt but oh to be like Jesus Christ, full of compassion, slow to anger. If you have time today, read the 145th Psalm. God's love truly is unmeasured and so undesereved.

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-03-18T06:59:00.001-04:00

An update!

2009-03-10T10:36:00.002-04:00

Today I am sitting here listening to a CD of all the music we are learning for our Easter play. Right now I'm listening to "His life for mine" such a beautiful song. Mariah and I are busy most weekends up until Easter with extra choir practices. Mariah is also helping in the bus ministry so every Saturday, she is out visiting her bus riders. We are just so thankful that she has a servants heart.

Last Sunday it snowed several inches here. It's very rare in Georgia, we got a snow day on Monday. It was fantastic! We still have a box of snow clothes from our life in Idaho :) I do have pictures but a certain teenager has "misplaced" the cord to her camera. On our snow day, I also cleaned/rearranged one of my pantry's. I'm so blessed to have two pantries. The boys finished up basketball, I'm trying to grow an indoor herb garden. I got a kitchen aide mixer for my birthday! She's beautiful. I named her "Ruby". I have been perfecting bread making with her. In fact I am making 4 loaves of white bread for our ladies fellowship tonight. D's job is going well. He's sold some good sized jobs and has been traveling some. Last week he went down to Jacksonville. He's doing mostly commercial jobs now, apartments, commercial buildings, etc. I think the house building is done for awhile. He is always more content when he is busy!

Our friends, Jessica and Daniel welcomed little Evan yesterday. He's just beautiful. He's got a full head of black hair and y'all know I'm partial to dark haired babies. :) I really wanted to post some pics but maybe someday. There is the update on our life.

If you are in the neighborhood, come by our Jubilee.

It's My Birthday!!!!

2009-02-14T17:31:00.003-05:00

I've had a great day so far, still going to dinner later. My sweet husband got me all the things I wanted. I'll share those later. You, my dear readers could give me a great gift by posting a comment. Comments = Love in the bloggie world, so if you feel the love "delurk" and leave me a comment. Oh BTW, my girlfriend so graciously reminded me that I have reached middle age. I can no longer check the 25-34 box on survey's. Lucky me! Here's a new picture of me. I got a haircut yesterday.

TGIF!!! A funny from my sister :)

2009-02-13T09:43:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-02-11T09:35:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday!

2009-01-31T15:11:00.004-05:00

Guess What?????

2009-01-22T08:48:00.003-05:00

4:30 am...............................Poor even skinnier Devin has the flu. Fun stuff at our house! I'm praying that the rest of us don't get it. My skin may fall off from all the bleach...........................

Sick Day.......................

2009-01-21T12:09:00.002-05:00

The little buddy is sick today. I know mothers just love to hear the loud noise in the bathroom in the middle of the night. Never good..............anyway, the poor little skinny man was throwing up. I was supposed to work today but since D is the "real" bread winner and had an important meeting, I called the school and told them I couldn't come in today. I was supposed to sub for the same teacher yesterday and today. I have been quite productive though. I have this overwhelming need to bleach everything! :) I vacuumed downstairs, cleaned the kids bathroom, and have done several loads of laundry. My sweet friend Jess went to the store for me and delivered sprite, popsicles, diet pepsi :0 and a few other things.

Report cards came out! Mariah and Devin both got straight A's. They have a program at their school that rewards good grades. The school mascot is the General so they are awarded a "six star General" (an A in all 6 classes). They get a medallion that they wear to school each day which allows them special privileges and also free admission into home sporting events. Pretty cool, huh? Hayden got on the A/B Honor roll and of course we are proud. God has blessed us with some wonderful kids. I need to do some baking today and finish some laundry. I'm sorry I'm so bad at updating. Love to you all.

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-06T15:00:00.003-05:00

(Mariah and our dear friend Andrea

We've done a lot since the last time I posted. We had a wonderful Christmas season. Lots of friends, food, fellowship and fun. On Christmas Eve we had friends over. Mariah's friend Katie is a Christmas baby so I made her a cake for dessert. I made a beautiful 3-layer from scratch chocolate cake with chocolate fudge icing. It was soooo good. On Christmas morning we leisurely opened gifts and then went to another friends at lunch time, we came home about 4 pm and had dinner guests. An elderly couple that sit in front of us at church.

The Monday after Christmas, Mariah and I took off for a youth winter retreat. We had an amazing time. There was so much for the kids to do. It's similar to a fine arts competition. Pastor Dave McCoy and Pastor Eric Capaci were the speakers. Mariah entered so many events ~ 2 nd place in Bible Teaching, 2 nd place solo, 1 st place ensemble, 1 st place choir, 2nd place Bible quizzing, 2 nd place basketball, 1st place Romans Road Relay. I think she got a 3 rd in something but it slips my mind right now. Our youth group had the most overall points so we won the Top Youth Group trophy.

We got a beautiful piano so I've had to rearrange the furniture, the kids went back to school today. Dinner is in the crockpot and the house is clean.

Katie (the Christmas baby) and Mariah
(the girls getting ready for sports)

Where does the time go?

2008-12-21T13:47:00.006-05:00

I've been busy baking. On Friday morning, I made a batch of cinnamon rolls. I also made rice crispy treats. Cute little peppermint stir sticks and my favorite new treat. I think I'm ready for Christmas. Just a few more errands to run. Just a little update to let you know I'm still alive. Love ya!

Wordless Wednesday!

2008-12-10T17:44:00.003-05:00

Beautiful Music!

2008-12-05T09:11:00.003-05:00

This is a wonderful trio of my friends from my church. Enjoy!

A super cute craft!

2008-12-04T10:23:00.002-05:00

I just made some of these cute little bundles. I hope maybe some of my missionary friends around the world can find the supplies to make them too! :)

Catching up!

2008-12-02T11:20:00.004-05:00

Wow, it's December 2 already! We had an exciting Thanksgiving week. On Thanksgiving Day, I got an enormous surprise! Carolyn came to visit. I was totally shocked because just a couple weeks prior, she told me she couldn't come. I guess she and D had it in the works for quite awhile. We got to do some shopping, see her big boys and just enjoy some relaxing, doing nothing days. We also had another friend come visit us. Carolyn left yesterday and last night we put up some of our Christmas decorations. This is a picture of our mantle that I took with my phone camera. I can't wait to give you a tour. Hayden is home sick today, so we are just enjoying the fire, watching the classic "Home Alone"

Happy Thanksgiving to those we love!!!!

2008-11-27T08:15:00.005-05:00

My most favorite person has a birthday today!!!!!

2008-11-24T09:30:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday to the man I love. Thank you for loving your family and most of all the Lord. Thank you for being the hardest working man I know. x0x0x0x0x0

77 Years Ago Today...................

2008-11-18T20:36:00.003-05:00

Phyllis Joan was born to Warren and Barbara Kinnaird! Today is my mom's birthday. I know this has probably been one of the most trying years of her life, but she has remained faithful to the Lord and her family. This is a picture of my mom and her 92 year old brother. Can you say L-O-N-G-E-V-I-T-Y? Happy Birthday Mom and Grandma, we love you.

Someone has a birthday today!!!!!!!!

2008-11-10T07:46:00.003-05:00

And it's this girl! Mariah is 14 today.

A sad update..............

2008-10-25T12:57:00.000-04:00

Carolyn's mom, Beverly passed away yesterday afternoon. While she's in heaven it is a great loss to her family.

Wordless Wednesday!

2008-10-22T07:39:00.002-04:00

A giveaway!

2008-10-20T17:59:00.004-04:00

Check out this wonderful giveaway here Thanks Katrina!!!! Love you girl. I knew it was something easy.......hehe

Please pray for Carolyn and Beverly

2008-10-14T18:03:00.009-04:00

I just wanted to share a prayer request. I have a dear friend, Carolyn, in California. Several months ago her mom, Beverly, was diagnosed with lung cancer. It has advanced rapidly and the doctors have given Beverly 4-6 weeks. Beverly is saved, so we know where she'll spend eternity, however, Carolyn is a young mother who is going through her own difficult set of circumstances. If you want to leave a note of encouragement for Carolyn, please leave it in my comment section and I'll pass them along.

When was the last time THIS happened to you?!

2008-10-05T14:02:00.002-04:00

The singles from church got us last night!!! I was at work but everyone else was home, awake!!!! How did this happen is my question? I guess it means they love us. :) Leave me a comment with a good practical joke to get them back.

For Grandma and Grandpa!

2008-10-02T08:21:00.003-04:00

A little tour...................

2008-10-02T08:19:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday!

2008-10-01T07:58:00.001-04:00

Some encouragement for today!

2008-09-30T08:35:00.003-04:00

Romans 8:26,27 ~ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirits, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

With everything going on in the world, sometimes life can seem overwhelming. I find great peace in these verses. Many times over the last 2 years, I have found myself just out of words. I know that even when I can't find the words to pray, my heart is in an attitude of pray and the Holy Spirit with intercede for me at the Throne of Grace. How powerful! If you are going through a rough time and just don't know what to pray, rest in the fact that the Holy Spirit knows.

Cheesecake Recipe!

2008-09-27T12:36:00.006-04:00

Carolyn ~ This would be a great dessert for Missions Conference because it's made in a 9 x 13 pan.
http://brands.kraftfoods.com/philly/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&u1=keyword&u2=chocolate%20vanilla%20cheesecake&u3=**13*129&wf=9&recipe_id=106926

It went well!

2008-09-25T20:49:00.003-04:00

Everything went well with D's surgery. Thank you to all who prayed. The surgery last about 2 1/2 hours and we got home about 4:30 pm. I am so thankful that he has not been nauseated. That is common after anesthesia but NO! My husband ate 3 soft tacos with fire sauce after surgery!! He felt REALLY good after the surgery but somehow I don't anticipate tomorrow being as carefree :)

On a lighter note, you know you have become your mother when.........................you sit in the waiting room in the hospital doing exactly what she would be doing. Perusing magazines and writing recipes on scrapes of paper! Now we can't steal the magazines right, so that's what we resort to. I had to call her because it made me laugh. Yes, I am my mother. The recipe I copied is Chocolate/Vanilla Cheesecake made in a 9 x 13.

Please pray.....................

2008-09-25T06:33:00.001-04:00

Dewayne is having his surgery this morning at 10:45 est. We don't anticipate any problems but still covet your prayers. Also, our Pastor's son Joshua broke his arm yesterday at football practice and is meeting with a surgeon today. Please pray for the Caudill family during this trying time. Our pastor is going to be inducted as the new president of Macedonia World Baptist Missions tonight. It's a big night for their family. We are so proud he's our pastor.

Oh where does the time go, oh where does the

2008-09-16T16:52:00.002-04:00

time go, oh where, oh where, oh where does the time go! I have fallen into the trap of being a bad blogger again. Maybe it's because I'm working 1 full time job and 1 part-time job and tending to my family and having people over and just doing my thing!

We have been in school for a little over a month now, things are going well, the kids are getting fantastic grades and are just enjoying it. I have been doing a long term substitute teacher job and it looks like it will continue until the Christmas break. I had taken a part-time job over the summer because subs don't get paid when we don't work. I am still work 2 -3 evenings a week but I have so much going on with church that I don't know how long I'll keep it up. I have been asked by our preacher to work in the Kings Kids ministry and I will start that in October. I'm really looking forward to it.

We've been having a good time getting to know some new people at church. It seems lately we have a people over almost every weekend, which of course we love! My mind is constantly making a list of who to have over next. The next two get togethers will likely be a suprise birthday party for our Sunday School teacher and then a ladies brunch. There are several ladies that have all boys and I thought it would be fun to do brunch.

Dewayne will be having sinus surgery on Sept. 25th. It was scheduled for Oct. 3 but then her realized that he might not be well enough to go to hear Dr. Trieber preach here in Georgia so he changed his surgery date! Can you believe that? What a mighty God we serve that he could change the desires of our hearts so much. Anyway, please pray for a successful surgery and quick recovery.

Devin is in band and guess what he chose to play? The trombone! We are doing a rent to own program where you can return it if he changes his mind. Right now, he's soooooo excited he can hardly stand it. It's loud but not as squaky as some other instrument which I'm happy about.

Our friends Jessica and Daniel are expecting a baby in March. We are just thrilled for them. I'm looking forward to fall and the cooling down of the temp. I am so anxious to put up my fall decorations but autumn is such a long season that I'll try to be patient. I just love the look and smell of fall. It's especially beautiful here in Georgia. Well, that's our update. I'll try to be more consistent. I love you all.

The birdhouse maker and her big sis!

2008-08-03T07:53:00.003-04:00

Mia is in the top picture and Madison is in the bottome. They came over one day before we moved (you can see all the junk in the garage) and D tried to take them for a ride but the were more content to just sit and look cute. I love those girls and their mom and dad.

This is what "IT" is.....................................

2008-08-02T08:53:00.002-04:00

My sweet little friend Mia made this for me before we left California. I kept it packed up nicely while we where in the apartment waiting for the Lord to give us a house. When I look at it, it brings back fond memories of our time in California. If Mia's mom will let me, I have the cutest pictures of her and her sister to share with you. What about it mom? So now you know what is gracing my porch railing!

Can you guess what this is?

2008-07-27T20:26:00.006-04:00

If you've been trying to leave a comment....

2008-07-25T14:20:00.000-04:00

and you are anonymous you should be able to now! I had to change the setting. SORRY!

One more!

2008-07-25T08:42:00.002-04:00

My husband is the best!

2008-07-25T08:34:00.001-04:00

With a little bit of hard work, our dining room has been made over. My dh istalled a chair rail and crown molding to go with the paint. We are very happy with the results. Here are before and after pictures.

If you visit....................

2008-07-23T17:15:00.001-04:00

please leave a comment letting us know you dropped by. If you don't blog just click on the comment icon and leave a message as anonymous.................but sign your name at the end. We'd love to know you stopped by.

Mariah's trip........

2008-07-23T10:47:00.002-04:00

Since I've found out I have more than one reader......

2008-07-08T14:09:00.003-04:00

I thought I'd give an update! We have been so busy since the kids got out of school. In just a few short weeks it will be time to return. Praise the Lord, our friend's, The Jeffries, house is done! We helped move them in over the 4th of July. We were all commenting on the fact that now we can do fun stuff on the weekends! Like say, take a motorcycle ride. We are so happy for then and they have been a tremendous blessing to us. We have done a few more home "spruce ups" as you will see in my slideshow. Our 2 remaining projects for the summer are to paint our formal dining room and also add a chair rail and crown molding and stain our front porch. The highlight of our summer was going to Camp Canaan. Our church hosts a camp for 4th -12th graders. D and I went as counselors. It was hot but everyone had such a good spirit. The preaching was tremendous and I know my children made some decisions about serving the Lord. It's a great blessing as a parent to see the Lord "break your child's heart". I know my kids are saved and they love church but sometimes you wonder if they "love" God. Well, the week at camp showed me they LOVE God too. We divide the children up into teams as fairly as possible (this one is strong in BIBLE, this one is good at sports, kind of thing). Then the counselors pick a random number and you get the team attached to that number. We didn't get Devin but I am happy to say that his counselors chose him as camper of the year. And guess what?! Mariah's counselors chose her as camper of the year too. Needless to say, we are proud parents and thank the Lord for the loving, kind spirit our children have. Mariah is going on a missions trip next week. Sixteen teens and plenty of chaperones will be heading to Boston to help a small IFB church host VBS. They are going to do some singing and neighborhood Bible time type things in a local park too. They will also get to learn alot of Baptist history. I know they'll have a great time. Well, that sums up summer! Love y'all.

Just a quick note for now!

2008-07-03T09:57:00.003-04:00

One of my very dearest friends from all the way back to elementary school is a fabulous seamstress and crafter. Check out Steph's stuff here http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6005079

I have a goodly heritage.............

2008-06-15T20:24:00.002-04:00

and that is worth far more that gold!

M ~ meek
I ~ intelligent
L ~ loving
T ~ terrific
O ~ outgoing
N ~ never failing

Happy Father's Day Grandpa!
We are all blessed to have such a wonderful, Godly example in a father and grandfather. We love you!

Yep, I'm a Yankee!!!

2008-06-04T12:50:00.001-04:00

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Midland "You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio.
The Inland North
The West
The Northeast
Philadelphia
The South
Boston
North Central
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Another Picture of the Little Darlings!!!!

2008-05-31T08:58:00.002-04:00

We got our picture taken for the church directory yesterday. This is what the kids wore. We took our kitten to the vet and found out she is a HE! Oh well, hope he's not permanently damaged from us calling him HER. Anyway, he is health and got his first set of shots. We even got a kitten "diaper bag" with all kinds of goodies.

Every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man! (At least his mother is)

2008-05-28T14:26:00.001-04:00

Happy 11 th Birthday Devin!!!!!! We love you!

A man that hath friends........

2008-05-28T08:07:00.003-04:00

must show himself friendly. (I'm paraphrasing), but the bible is clear that it's a good thing to have friends. Especially christian friends. The Lord has been so good to us everywhere we have lived to give us good friends. It's been a long time since we have lived close to family but the Lord has been faithful. We have a dear couple from church who have become our BFF's here in Georgia (BFF = Best Friends Forever). That started out as a joke but I always think of the saying........friends are the family we chose for our selves and that is no more true with Daniel and Jessica than it has been with any of our dear friends in California. We have a lot in common, one being we go to the same church and two, we all ride Harley's. Here are some pictures from our Memorial Day ride.

A little less talk.........alot more pictures!

2008-05-17T20:22:00.005-04:00

First, I decided to do something "funky" in our little half bath. We are having so much fun with our little kitty, Midge. I just marvel that God has given us so many things that bring joy to our lives. Finally, there is a picture of the quilt my mom sent. It belonged to my great-grandmother. My grandmother was 85 when I was born, so I have no idea how old it is. It goes nicely with my grandfather clock. We are so thankful of this home that the Lord has provided for us. ~~~~~~~Well, you may have noticed, I uploaded my pictures in the wrong order. It's such a hodge-podge but I hope you enjoy them just the same.

Happy Mother's Day Mom

2008-05-11T17:02:00.002-04:00

Leah ~ I love my mom because she taught me the gift of hospitality and too love the saints of God.

Dewayne ~ I love my mother-in-law because she puts up with me! :)

Mariah ~ I love my grandma because she is the nicest and best grandma I could have.

Devin ~ I love my grandma because she helps me when I do wrong and tells me what's right.

Hayden ~ I love my grandma because she takes care of me and takes me to McDonalds.

P.S. ~ The little black fur ball is our new kitten Midge!

Our New Home : - )

2008-05-02T20:22:00.007-04:00

Can you guess where I was last night!?

2008-04-15T17:16:00.003-04:00

Devin had a little accident with a basketball hoop! Three hours and many stitches later this is what it all looked like. My poor little guy has had alot of trouble with pain today. I guess it throbs pretty bad. Tomorrow I have to take him to a hand specialist to make sure he didn't tear the tendons in his finger. He did the most damage to his right index finger. Of course he's right handed. I think the biggest disappointment to him besides the pain is not being able to bowl on Saturday with his Sunday School class. He still wants to go but I know he'd rather be bowling.

I guess the Lord is getting ready to take us to a mountain top because it seems the valley has been long. Our pastor preached this verse on Sunday morning and evening Psa 72:18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. I know God has great things planned for our family, he knows our hearts desire and I trust him. Please pray for Devin that nothing else will need to be done to his skinny little finger. :)

The Lord's Blessing and a job with PERKS!!

2008-03-14T09:57:00.002-04:00

Yes!!! I went to my first NASCAR race this past weekend. I have become an avid NASCAR fan over the last 8 years thanks to my dear husband. Do you see that I have a scarf on!?? It really was about 35 degrees and the wind was blowing. When we got up on Saturday morning it was raining and snowing and as we drove toward the track, the same thing. As we got closer to the track, the sun was shining. The blessing was that we went and spent $0!!!!! Not one nickel came out of our pocket. The Lord knows right now we would never have been able to afford to go, and especially not sit in a suite that provided breakfast, lunch, and temperature control!!!! D was given the tickets by Atlanta Motor Speedway. AMS would like the "company" to sponsor an event at the next race, so we were invited guests :) We had 4 tickets so we took our friends Daniel and Jessica. You'll see D got pics of all their favorite drivers but cut my guy's car in half (Kasey Kahne #9). We got pit passes and everything.

In other news, my parents got here on Wed. Yippy! We are having a good time. Our Jubilee starts on Sunday and goes until Friday night. I am asking the Lord to speak to my heart, but especially to my children this week. If you think of it, please pray for my kids to see God move in their lives even at these young ages. Pray Hayden doesn't sleep too much :( ! Mariah is going to a youth singing competition with the Teen choir and then preaching. I think grandpa, grandma and I will go watch. Anyway, just a brief update. Love ya all.

Feed a cold, starve a fever.........

2008-02-24T18:37:00.002-05:00

The creepy-crud has been at our house this past week. I believe it started last Saturday night with Hayden complaining of not feeling well. He stayed home with daddy on Sunday morning. The kids were out of school for the week so he was his usual playful self on Monday, sometime later he got a fever, he has been on and off the couch all week. Mariah also got it and was down Tues, Wed, and Thurs. I kept drinking my echinecea tea, praying I wouldn't succumb but alas I did. It started Tues with a sore throat and got progressively worse. Hayden is still fighten it so I guess it will take a trip to the clinic to see "what's up". Now here is the question...............why do we want to eat so much when we have a cold. It seems my mind is filled with thoughts of food. Mariah commented the other day "we sure eat alot when we are sick, we've run the dishwasher about a thousand times".

I missed church today which is such a bummer but I firmly believe in not sharing my germs with others. And especially not shaking hands with everyone. :) Want to know a secret? My pastor's wife, Cassie, has antibacterial lotion hidden in the song book holder in her row! She shares with me when I sit with her. She's just so smart! Seriously, I really did miss the fellowship today. I hope this house is back to normal by Wed. because I told D to invite some people to dinner on Friday Night. Pray for Hayden to get all better so he won't miss too much school. I hope you all have a blessed Lord's Day!

An Invitation!!!!!!

2008-02-22T09:56:00.002-05:00

We are getting ready for Jubilee at our church! I'm so excited about these meetings and wondering what the Lord will do in our hearts. I'm particularly interested in how my children will respond to these revival services. If you happen to be in the area, check this out http://canaanbaptist.org/ Trust me, you won't be dissappointed. My parents (Lord willing) will be here on March 12th and will be here for several weeks. When you drive alllllll thheeee waaaaay across the country you can to make it worth your while. We are certainly excited that they are coming.

14 + 20..........that makes me old : )

2008-02-16T15:49:00.003-05:00

I just celebrated my 34th birthday on Valentines Day, so what does 14 + 20 mean? 14 is the number of birthdays I got to spend with my grandma. I was born on my Grandma Kinnaird's 85th birthday. Does that make me her favorite? *I* think so! hehe. Anyway, the 20 represents the number of years she's been gone. (It will actually be 20 years in June, she died the night of my 8th grade graduation). I had visions of this wonderful post with a picture of us (me and grandma scanned to my computer) but after numerous calls to my mom and mom looking through stacks and boxes of pictures neither of us could find the picture we were looking for! : ( Here is the visual, my grandma, in her white-haired glory sitting in her wheel-chair and me (about 12 I guess) at her feet in my rust colored "gunnysac dress" (do you remember those) with my bi-level haircut ~ nowadays called a mullet! It's a very special picture but alas it is gone.

I used to love to spend time with my grandma, she lived alone until she was 97-98 (alone except that she had a caregiver during the day and my aunts took turns staying with her at night) but when I came to visit, they usually didn't stay. I love to sleep in her bed with her, she had the softest, wrinkly skin you have ever felt. She wore little white gloves to bed to keep her hands warm so her arthritis wouldn't flare up so bad. She collected tea cups and saucers. I have many fond memories of her. When staying with her, she would give me money walk to the grocery store and buy "chicken and jojo's" ~ jojo's are just potato wedges! It was so special and I wish she were 119 now but she been with the Lord for 20 years so I know she's much happier there. She saw alot of things in her lifetime, never a cell phone or computer though. What would she think? Would we still eat chicken and jojo's? Who knows, I am glad I was her special Valentine though.

And just for fun, here's a picture of Mariah at age 13 going to her first Valentine Banquet for the youth group. Oop's, I added the pictures to the end but somehow they are at the beginning so I hope you read to the end to figure out what the pictures have to do with the post!

One more note, I got lots of calls and cards from all my wonderful friends wishing me a happy birthday and wanted to say "thank you". I am humbled to have such wonderful people in my life that give me so much more credit than I deserve. I love you all.

Happy 76th Birthday!

2008-01-31T16:59:00.001-05:00

Today is my dad's birthday. I hope he got some mushroom steak :) If I remember right, theses pictures were taken last President's Day. My parents had come to California to be with us for my Birthday. I talked them into staying through Monday because the kids didn't have school. We spent the most beautiful day in San Francisco, as you can see. Plenty of sunshine. Happy Birthday to you. Love, The Whole Gang! (I'm so glad I finally learned to add pictures. It makes this blog a whole lot more interesting!)

Mom and Minnie Mouse!!!!

2008-01-27T13:54:00.001-05:00

Happy Lord's Day! This was taken this morning before church. We call that Mariah's Minnie Mouse dress. I just love polk-a-dots! Have a great day.

You know you have a good husband when.........

2008-01-24T16:34:00.000-05:00

he says, "when are your parents going to come visit us"? Isn't that sweet?!? I'm so thankful that my husband and my parents get along so well. I often joke with people that the Lord knew that I needed D to help me raise 2 children and he needed my dad! My parents are planning to visit soon, Lord willing sometime this spring. I have promised them a trip to the Bluewillowinn.com for some good southern food.

We are just plugging right along, the kids got report cards a couple weeks ago and did great. Mariah got straight A's, Devin got A's and B's and Hayden *ahem* did FABULOUSLY. That kid is the greatest skateboarder I know. :) Actually, all of my children are just delightful. I think I like them more as they get older (mom, if you read this, don't laugh too hard). I am still married to the hardest working man I know. He continues to serve the Lord with gladness and really does a good job of being an example to the children. Enough about us.

Please pray for me dear friend, Kerri, she just found out she has thyroid cancer. She had her thyroid removed and assures me the cancer is "the good kind to have". She's a nurse so she says her prognosis is good. When she told me she was going to have the surgery, I spent the next few days thinking of all the memories we've built over the last 25 years! (UGH, we sound old). I love her dearly and pray for quick healing. She has 4 children and they need her at "full strength". She has seen me through dark days and joyful days and I don't know what I'd do without her.

In other news, I am going to a wedding this weekend. My bloggy friend Jessica http://jessicasjournalforjesus.blogspot.com/ invited me to her big day. She only lives about 30 miles away. So we finally get to meet, at her wedding no less!

So Proud of My Girl!

2007-12-31T15:01:00.000-05:00

I'm so proud of Mariah! She returned over the weekend from the GYF (Georgia Youth Fellowship) Winter Retreat, she had a wonderful time and although it was a time of preaching and challenge, it was similar to a fine arts competition/camp scenerio. She can home with 4 First Place ribbons, 4 Second Place ribbons, and 1 Third Place ribbon. Our youth group won the trophy for top youth group. I am most proud that Mariah won 1st place in Bible Storytelling (like a short Sunday School lesson) for the 7th grade. She also won 2nd place for an ensamble she sang in. Our church won first place in the choir division. We also had the top preacher and teacher at the high school level. Mariah and I were just discussing how we miss California but we are both thankful that the Lord moved us to a church with lots of teens. It's such a critical point in life and to see her so excited about all the things the youth group is involved in blesses me so. I pray that one day the Lord will use each of my children as he sees fit.

The other big news ~ we joined the CHOIR~ I did it to encourage Mariah. She did such a good job with the solo in the Christmas Musical that I want her to foster the talent. I know that a talent like that can be really used of the Lord. I hope ya'll have a safe New Year's Eve and I'll be back in 2008! I'll post a pic of all the ribbons soon. :)

Why I Haven't Been Posting Much!

2007-12-27T10:48:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry I haven't been posting much. I just haven't felt that I had anything whitty to say, you see, this move didn't turn out like "the company" had promised and it has been quite a strain financially for us. I have felt for some time that we have just been "existing", trying to survive and just haven't had alot to post. I do have to say that while each day seems to bring a new trial, we are seeing the Lord meet our needs, albiet not in the grand fashion that I want. The Lord has also provided us with the most wonderful church family. Although we may be lacking financially right now, we are fed exceedingly spiritually speaking. I have turned to the scriptures for comfort many times in these last few months, but my flesh wants the end of the story NOW!!! I "need" to know what's going to happen. This morning I was just randomly reading and the Lord brought me to these verses:

Mat 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Mat 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Mat 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
Mat 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
Mat 6:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Mat 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Mat 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Mat 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Mat 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

I have also been reading the "Faith Hall of Fame" which can be found in Hebrews Chapter 11. I am praying that I can keep a joyful testimony though all of this because I know that when God brings us through this, I want to be able to tell everyone what an awesome, amazing God we serve. I really have so much to be thankful for that in the "pity party" moments I have to stop and confess and that God for all that I do have.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T12:25:00.001-05:00

This is just a test! :)

2007-12-25T12:21:00.000-05:00

I'm such a bad mother..............................

2007-12-23T17:14:00.000-05:00

Since I can't buy my friends expensive gifts this year, I'll just give you a good laugh! A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. And yes, the donkey is MY son! Bless his little heart.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP29vPgFAD8

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-11-23T07:36:00.000-05:00

Yes, I have completed a HALF MARATHON!!!! The man cheering for us on the street was shouting "Only one half of one percent of the world's population has done what you are doing................. " :P Wasn't that sweet of him. Anyway I finished with a time of 2 hours 52 min. however that will not be my official time. There were like 7,000 people so our "official" time didn't start until we crossed the timing pad. Oh and guess what the best part was?!?!?!? It RAINED most of the way ~ two words ~ SOGGY SHOES!!!!! UGH! We did take one bathroom break at St*rbucks (like that Katrina, hehe) and that took about 7 min because of the line so I would have finished sooner. The jury is still out as to whether I'll do it again. Most likely yes! (Am I crazy or not) you should always try things twice to see if you like them or not.............hahaha. Enough about that. I'll try REALLY REALLY hard to post a picture.

We had a nice quiet Thanksgiving dinner ~ just Hayden, D and I. D had said his boss had invited us over but I just had a feeling the wife wasn't in on it ~ imagine, a hubby invinting people over and forgetting to mention it to has wife *gasp* that would never happen. Anyway, turns out my intuition was right! I'm glad we were home because there is a lot of pain involved in finished the afore mention RACE! We were about to talk to some of our loved ones in California and of course my parents so over all we had a lovely day, except we did really miss Dev and Mariah. Today I need to hit Targ#t for some $12.99 flannel sheets but that will be the extend of my Black Friday shopping! Have a great day ya'll.

And the count down begins!

2007-11-01T19:14:00.000-04:00

I have 22 days (God willing) before I do this https://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=7B2VJK7. I am so psyched!!! I have always had this belief that runners are strong, disciplined people and after consistently running for about 1 year I am ready to take the plunge. Our plan for Thanksgiving is this ~ me run the 1/2 marathon, then D, Hayden, and I will travel to Nashville to spend the weekend with my lifelong (since the 3rd grade) friend Michelle and her family. We told them we'll be on our own for Thanksgiving Day and they can go enjoy their family. We'll eat somewhere along the way and let ourselves in when we get there. On Friday we will prepare a little turkey feast of our own.

Our life is just clicking right along like everyone else. Nothing to exciting to tell. I have been subbing on Wed and Fri and am seeing a lot of diversity :) My Weight Watcher's groups are going strong. I'm sure there will be some slow down over the holiday's but look out come January! Mariah turns 13 in 10 days! I better figure out how to post pics before then. I want to post a pic of us together. She is just turning in to the most beautiful young lady. We are having our Asst Pastor and his wife over on Saturday for our FAMOUS California tri-tip dinner! He's so excited that he gets to enter the "trip-tip" club. I can't decide what to make for dessert! Any ideas? I'm thinking chocolate peanut butter pie or bread pudding. Love ya'll!

A give away!

2007-10-25T16:40:00.001-04:00

If you click on the link you may win!http://molly-coddled.com/2007/10/22/time-for-a-giveaway/

And so it goes..................

2007-10-24T08:45:00.000-04:00

Wouldn't you know it, the last game of the season turns out to be Devin's best game. Football season is officially over at our house. Devin's team made it to the play-off games which were single elimination. Devin played really well, made a couple of great tackles, recovered a fumble, but alas that wasn't enough. The Longhorn's beat us 30 -12. There were bouts of pouring rain and it made it feel like "the big leagues". All in all, it was a good experience, expensive but good! :) Next year we'll have 2 boys playing so I better open a savings account for that right now! It certainly will be nice to have our evenings back, eating real sit down meals together, doing devotions, cozing up watching TV together, all the things we miss during sports season.

I have been watching the news alot lately about all the fires in Southern California. The newcasters talk about "hell on earth" but if you think about it, that is only the "tip of the iceberg" of what hell will really be like. I pray that christians will now reach out to those that are touched by this devistation and many will be saved through this. Please pray for Ryan's in-laws (Brittney's parents) they live in the Santa Clarita area and although I don't think their home is in danger, Brit's mom has had some lung problems in the last several months and I don't think the air quality will help. I hope everyone has a wonderful church service tonight and don't forget to pray for your pastor today! Hugs to all.

Some Mondays we just need a good laugh...........

2007-10-22T18:36:00.000-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsWrY77o77o&eurl=http://acupofcoffeeortea.blogspot.com/2007/07/beautiful-nail.html

FUN FACTS FRIDAY

2007-10-19T15:08:00.000-04:00

So I have seen this on other blogs and thought it was cute ~

I am a valentine, I was born on my grandma's 85th birthday, she lived to be 99!

My husband and I are both left handed, our children are right handed.

I am a foodie!

I love to cook for other people.

I love San Francisco

Someday I would love to go to Italy.

Missions Awareness Month and this and that!

2007-10-18T15:30:00.001-04:00

I'm trying to be a better blogger because..............................I am sad when I check my favorite blogs and there is nothing new. :( I know I have a HUGE audience and I'm sure they feel the same frustration! Hehe, I'm such a celebrity in my own mind. Anyway, we are having missions awareness month with our missions conference next month. Last night one of the other men of the church preached because our pastor is away. He preached about praying for missionaries. It was an interesting take on praying. He said of course we pray for the missionaries safety and their needs to be met. He says we should be praying more specifically for people that will help them in their work. We should pray for good fellowship for them and for the people to love them and be hospitable to them. I have several missionary friends and the Lord has laid it on my heart to pray that "their people" would show them love and fellowship. Can you imagine always being the one to "feed" and never be fed (both spiritually and physically). In the states, even if you are a pastor or pastor's wife that feel you are always giving and never getting, you can probably travel a few hours away and have good fellowship with other christian. Not always so on the mission field. Remeber as you pray for your missionaries pray that the Lord will bring fellowship to them.

Tomorrow I will be substitute teaching second grade for a teacher from church. I'm praying things go smoothly. This weekend we have an auction at church. I'm making several baked goods and have entered the "dumb talent contest". I can cross all my fingers in a bizarre way. I guess you have to see it, it's difficult to explain. Devin has his last regular football game on Saturday. His team has made it to the play-off's so we won't be done for another couple weeks. I have to say, it's been fun but I love being home in the evening, everyone sitting down to a nice dinner and doing devotions afterward. That has not been happening alot since football. Have a wonderful day! Please pray for West Valley Baptist Church as they are having missions conference this week.

It shall be well!

2007-10-17T08:04:00.001-04:00

Life has been crazy here for the last few weeks! D found out last Tues that they will be closing the truss plant here. He has been assured the he WILL remain employeed by 84 Lumber but we are just not sure of WHAT he will be doing. Friday he had to go to Knoxville for work and since it was such a nice day, he decided to ride the bike. He has met several other christians that ride here in town so 2 of them rode with him. They decide to take the scenic route home and while riding across here http://www.tailofthedragon.com/cherohala.html they decided to turn into a scenic overlook. As they were turning so other bikes that had been following too close for quite sometime rear ended them. D was not injured but the bike did suffer some damage. His friend Miller did "go down" and did have lots of damage to his bike. Thankfully no one was seriously injured. So as you can see it's been trying around here.

On Sunday, our pastor preached from 2 Kings chapter 4 about the shunamite woman. The story goes that she took care of Elisha each time he came through her town. She was a woman of great faith. She had no children but the Lord saw fit to give her a child because of her faithfulness to the man of God, as the story progresses, the child gets sick and dies. She goes to search to Elisha, having great faith that her child will be raised from the dead. In verse 23, she tells her husband that she is going to look for Elisha, knowing that her son is already dead. She tells her husband "it shall be well"! She had such faith that God would answer her that she just calmly went about looking for the man of God. As we have gone through these trials this message could not have been more timely for me. I know that God will provide all that we need and soon I will be able to say like the shunamite woman in verse 26 "it is well". If you are going through a trial right now in your life, I encourage you to read the passage and claim "it shall be well" and eventually you will be able to rejoice in "it is well".

Since my last post.....................

2007-10-05T20:30:00.000-04:00

Hayden turned 7 on the 21 st of September. This year I wanted to be such a good mommy so I decided to bake the cupcakes for school and make his birthday cake from scratch. I found out it takes much less time to drive to the bakery but also as I was tinting the frosting and decorating the cake, it struck me that I was so blessed to be able to be home to do that. It did begin as an uneventful day, I took cupcakes at lunchtime, got a millions hugs from kids I'd never met and then came home. I finished his cake and then the kids came home from school. The boys were outside playing and Devin comes in and says he fell in an ant pile! No big deal, right?!? Well, in less than an hour we were in the ER. When his lips and eyelids began to swell I decided we needed to go. I hate to go to the ER unless it's a real emergency. My girlfriend used to be an ER nurse and people use it like a clinic instead of taking their children to the doctor's office. I never wan to be labeled one of "those people" so I avoid the ER at all cost! Well, it must have been an emergency because we didn't have to sit in the waiting room one second. Anyway, he had an allergic reaction. Four hours later we left. So now we know, Dev is allergic to bee stings and ant bites!

Not much else to report, we are so thankful for our new church family. I did have a brunch for some of the ladies last Friday. It was a nice time of fellowship. Mariah went to a Gerogia youth fellowship last weekend and had a great time. The boys are doing well in Kings Kids. I am working 5 meetings now which I am thankful for. D gets to go to the Atlanta Motor Speedway next Thurs and ride in the Richard Petty race experience race car. I still don't know if he'll really do it. (Don't tell him, I think he'll be to scared :)

Hope all my real and bloggy friends are doing well. Have a great weekend.

WOW! 19 years ago tomorrow.............................

2007-09-15T14:32:00.000-04:00

I lost my first love. It may sound silly that after all these years, the memories are still very vivid. Growning up, my parents had a very close knit group of christian friends, each had several children around the same age. I guess when I think about it, there must have been about 25 of us all within 5 years of one another. Alot of them were cousins...........but *I* was not related to any of them. Each summer we would gather in Corvallis Oregon for a bible conference, we would camp, attend services, and run around the woods just having a great time. That summer, alot of the teenaged boys preached. His name was Paul Michael Treacy. His parents were catholic before they got saved........lol. Good catholic name, huh. Anyway, we had grown up together, but as we were growning and maturing that summer, there were crushes. He was going to marry me and we would live happily ever after. He was about to be a senior in high school and I was going to be a freshman. We had a wonderful time together that summer, I vividly remeber saying goodbye (gigantic bear hugs from the chunky guy) that Saturday afternoon in July. I was angry because unlike my brother, I didn't get to stay in Oregon a week longer, *I* had a job (cleaning a beauty salon once a week) and I had 4-H.

We began to exchange letters, school started, etc. It was a Friday, I was a cheerleader going to a football game in Nyssa Oregon with my friend Dani who had moved away that summer. When I stepped off the bus when we returned from the game, my parents were there to tell me "Paul Michael was killed in an auto accident today on the way home from school". My heart had such an empty void for a long, long time. I remember just begging the Lord to take me home too or to just come for all of us. Paul Michael was special to me, for a long while, I wondered "what if". I have a wonderful family and life now but you never forget your first love. I know Paul Michael is in heaven with all my loved one's and someday I'll know why the Lord took someone's friend, son, and brother. All my loves goes out to the Treacy Family on this the 19th Anniversary of PMT's homegoing.

Where does the time go!

2007-09-13T16:16:00.000-04:00

Look, it's been almost a month since my last post! Surely I haven't just been hibernating. Why am I such a bad blogger? Ok enough self deprication. Things are moving right along. We have had a bit of a cold pass through our house. It started with Hayden, then me and Mariah had it and now D has had it for a bit. People tell us "it's just the Georgia weather" that makes you sick when you first move here. We shall see!

Devin played his first football game, they lost 33 - 0! I told him it's a bad sign when he comes home from playing football with clean pants. Oh well, he's still learning. The kids are all doing well in school. Mariah is reading at a 12th grade level according to the testing she has done! I'm very proud of her, but need to remind her the her "smarts" come from the Lord and not from herself.

We are settling in nicely to our new church. This Sunday we will be having "Old fashioned Homecoming Day", it's similar to round-up Sunday we had in California. As I write I hear thunder rolling, it has been raining the better part of the afternoon which is good because it is needed. Apparently there is some kind of big GOLF Tourney in Atlanta and the greens have been really dry (hey Keith what's the tourney called ~ something cup :) so I guess it's good for Tiger Woods. LOL! If you are in need of some good preaching, check this out http://nvbc.org/video.asp Click on 9/11/07 Mike Ray. North Valley Baptist Church is having their pastor's and workers conference this week and I've been able to catch a few services live.

Please continue to pray for our family, we are still getting settled and D feels alot of pressure to "produce". He has done well and soon we should see the fruits of his labor. Today I got to chat with 3 friends from Cali. What a blessing, Rosie and I comisserate about our workouts, Laurie and I about our motorcycles and Katrina and I about hair and food!!!! HAHA

Carolyn came to visit 2 weeks ago and we had a wonderful visit. I hope I can come out to Cali when her baby is born. To all the 2 of you that read this, I love and miss you. I'll keep you updated.

Happenings at our house

2007-08-15T09:44:00.000-04:00

Devin had his second practice last night, I dropped him off because there was a ladies fellowship at the church too. I had to leave the meeting early because he was only supposed to practice until 8 pm. Well, I left at 7:45 and rushed and then they still practiced another 22 min! :) Oh well, I got to see him do a few drills and he is very FAST. He is just loving it, I think it's wearing all the equipment more than anything.

The reason Dewayne didn't take Devin is because we had gotten tickets to the Braves vs. Giants a couple weeks ago. Originally we were all going, so we had 5 tickets. I decided not to go because I wanted to go to the ladies meeting so we gave Devin the option of practice or the GAME. He choose practice. The rest had a great time and Hayden came home with...................you guessed it, A FOAM FINGER!!!! (Katrina :) )

I talked with my mom this morning and my Aunt Mary came through her surgery well. I will be calling her later. Thank you to those who prayed.

I have this book http://www.crownchristianpublications.com/site/product.cfm?id=05ABB150-6D39-4C07-887A4B1C9B9A9399 that we were given at church on Mother's Day, I started reading it and then never picked it back up. Yesterday during my bible reading time I decided to read some more. Since then, it's gotten me thinking about ways I can better serve my family. I don't mean "serve" in a bad way, I mean letting my husband and children know how much I enjoy doing things for them. I still believe they need resposibility and believe me, I am not their "servant" but I do think it's a blessing and honor to be a "keeper at home" and I never want them to think I feel like I'm stuck at home. I have been pondering ways to let them know I care. I especially want to teach my daughter that it is a blessing to be at home and that even if the world thinks it a thankless job and somehow demeaning to women, in God's eyes it's not. I strive to be a Proverbs 31 woman but certainly have not arrived! If you have ideas on how to better serve our families I'd love to hear them. I do have a few up my sleeve and when they go into practice, I'll let you know how they were received. Have a great day! Love to all.

Look, look another post!

2007-08-13T08:21:00.000-04:00

We had a really nice weekend. Devin survived football practice and can't wait to go again! Yesterday we had that pastor and his family over for lunch. We have been attending http://canaanbaptist.org/ since arriving in Georgia. The Lord directed us to this church over a year ago when we were struggling with some decisions about where we thought God wanted us. At the time last year, we had a specific prayer request that if the Lord answered, it was clear we were to stay in California. Well the Lord did answer that prayer and we knew it was his will for us to be there. Things can change though and we believe we are where God would have us now. All the pieces fell into place for our moves and we are confident we are in the will of the Lord for this time in our lives.

The pastor and his wife and just wonderful, down to earth type people. We had no problem finding things to talk about. No akward silence :) The pastor spent 6 years in the navy so he was very interested in what Ryan is doing. We were given a copy of the church constitution and are praying about joining.

Today Kaden is 5 months old! It is so hard to believe. Brittney says he is growing and changing so fast. We sure miss that little guy! Brittney has been doing a great job while Ryan is out to sea. Those of us who are not military families do not truely know that sacrafice they make. Please pray for Ryan and Britt. It is difficult to be apart for so long. They celebrated their 2nd Anniversary yeasterday. Britt is going back to Hawaii on Aug 23.

My dad is doing well with his radiation, he is over half way done with it. He says he is a little tired but other than that, he is doing well. If you read this, please pray for my Aunt Mary. She is 83 and will be having knee replacement surgery tomorrow morning. Have a great Monday!

I am such a BAD blogger!

2007-08-11T08:42:00.001-04:00

Well, almost 2 months later I am finally blogging again. I will try to be more consistent! :) We had a very uneventful move across country. Praise the Lord for that! Hayden was such a good traveler, he kept himself entertained for 26oo miles by napping and trying to get truckers to honk their horns at him. I wonder how many times each day he passed the same trucks! The only bad thing that happened on our trip was me leaving all of my makeup in a motel in Oklahoma. I was sooooo upset when I found out. I hadn't worn makeup the whole trip but somehow it got taken out of the bag and left. I didn't discover it until we were getting ready on Tues morning to arrive in Georgia. We had stayed the night and my friend Stephanie's house in Alabama so I decided to "get put together" since it was only a 3 hour drive. I am slowing replacing my stuff but UGH! And to think of all that $ down the drain.

Mariah is doing great. She has decided she wants her hair to be curly now so it is growing out. It looks cute but does require a lot of combing. I told her she can't have curly hair is it's just going to be a "rats nest" Hehe. We went to the library almost 2 weeks ago and she checked out 7 books and has read them all. She has been reading a lot of Nancy Drew. I read them when I was young too. I read one she was finished with. I like her to read those because I believe they were written in the 50's and it increases her vocabulary.

Devin starts football practice today. He has never played football, let alone tackle. He is so very excited. We picked up his helmet and pads last Tues and met the coach. He has been trying to wear the equipment around the house as much as possible. We had to get cleats, a chin strap, mouth guard and a water bottle. He is set for today. We will need to buy some pants too but are waiting for the coach to tell us what color. I think he will do fine. A lot of the boys are tall and skinny like him. :)

Dewayne is doing good. He has already gotten some jobs. He says it's different that California, he is spending more time on job sites than he did there. The building atmosphere is similar to that of Idaho. Everywhere you look out here there is a new subdivision going in. He seems to be getting along well with his new co-workers. He has ridden the bike a few time, met some other riders and did a Saturday run with them. I am looking forward to fall when it cools down.

I am doing well. I finally feel like I am back on track as far as my eating and exercise go. I have been working out 5-6 week and am enjoying it. I am going to be doing some WW fills next week so I am looking forward to that. Other than that, I just doing my mom duties! :)

Mountains of Laundry!

2007-06-16T10:47:00.000-04:00

IGIS! Thank God it's Saturday. We have had such a busy week! Yesterday was the last day of school and since we will be moving in a month, my parents came for one final visit. We also have our daughter-in-law and 3 month old grandson visiting. Hopefully this week my dil will help me add some pictures and such. Anyhow, my motivation to do anything has certainly been lacking. I guess it could have something to do with having several days in a row over 100 degrees but praise the Lord, last night things actually cooled down and it's only supposed to be in the 90's today. So about the laundry, my 2 oldest children will be flying to Tennessee tomorrow to spend some time with their dad and his family so I must get it done..........hehe!

Now let me tell you about my friend Katrina............................we met at church but really got to know each other when our children started going to school together. She has 2 darling girls. One was in my youngest son Hayden's first grade class. I believe God has a plan for everyone and everything. I have been divorced from my first husband for over 10 years now but even though you move on, our flesh still holds onto bitterness. Katrina really taught me that both parents have feelings and really want to be part of their children's lives. I am not eloquent but Katrina will never know how her influence has made me try to have much more positive interaction with my ex-husband and to be more sensitive. Katrina and I have shared many laughs together. We spent Christmas Day with her family, we sat around the table and laughed and laughed. We've had lunch dates and coffee dates and lots of visits on the phone about cooking and such. I spent a whole day trekking around Waikiki looking for some special "songbook" slippers for her husband (he grew up in Hawaii and used to wear them I guess :)) and I was soooooooooo sad to come back empty handed. I know the Lord knit us together and we will be sisters for all eternity.

Tag you're it!

2007-06-15T17:12:00.000-04:00

OK Katrina, here it is! I now too have a blog. My friend Katrina and I were discussing blogging the other day and since our family is about to embark on a cross-country move, we thought this would be a great way to stay connected. I picked my blog name because I love cooking and entertaining and I hope when people come to my home, they get a plate full of joy along with a plate full of food. Since I will be leaving this place that has come to be home for the last 4 years, I will take the next few posts to introduce you to the dear friends I will be leaving.