Some Pics to Share...

Here is a pic of my pretty sis Tammy holding my Ashley while were on a boat. She's always been really good with babies. Well, she put Ashley right to sleep! The other pic is of Charles and his girls. How cute. They both just get so excited when daddy walks in the door. Ha ha! Ivy is a total daddy's girl just like I am with my dad. They sure are lucky to have a dad around. My husband didn't have that and he is getting to see first hand what a family is like being raised in a Christian home. What a blessing! He loves it. He is a good dad and I am ever so grateful that he strives to be a Christian husband and father. That is just such a huge blessing. This other picture is of my snuggle Kyle who will just cuddle anyone who lets him. He is a major cuddler. Just know that if you come sit on my couch, he'll go run for his blanket and come sit next to you. He'll stay there for like an hour too. If you fall asleep, he'll fall asleep right next to you. Such a sweetheart.

Good Life

*Pics are of me and my sisters. I am the blonde in both pics. These are my two older sisters. The older one is of me in my teens. :o) I love the little kid one.

I have to say that although I went through some of my own things as a teen, I forget to mention that I was raised in a Christian home that did protect me from a lot. For that, I am so grateful. Anything I went through as a teen was of my own choosing. The main reason my dad was gone so much was because he is a truck driver and they work a lot! But... he still did huge loads of ministry which added to that. Anyhow, at a young age I bucked and kicked against authority and that was of my own rebellion. The sad thing is, most people can't take a rebuke from a loving pastor because they want to protect their perfect image. I learned that you can grow so much from someone speaking into your life! I was so immature for so many years because I did not allow anyone to speak to me upfront. It was me against the world. That was my mentality. I thought that anyone who corrected me was against me. So I ran from it. But.. God is so good because he continually dealt with me. I don't know why kids think it's so bad when their parents protect them from worldly things. Growing up, we didn't listen to secular music because it just was not clean. Country constantly speaks of lying, adultery, alcohol....., Rock and roll speaks of sex, drugs, depression..... the list goes on. Sure there are a few songs woven in them that can be innocent... That is just one example. You don't have to immerse your child into worldly things so they can "choose and decide for themselves". I think that there is a point you can go too far. Of course. How could I have gotten luckier being that I was raised in a Christian home? What if I had been born into a broken home? I am ever so grateful. :) Thank God for his protection and mercy. Once I met an amazing guy, my husband, who taught me so much about being teachable, things began to really change in my life. I learned to serve instead of asking to be served, how to take a correction and grow from it. My pastor's wife said, "Instead of getting angry when someone criticizes you, sit back and think, might there be any truth in it?" That was such a powerful lesson for me. It's easy to think we have no issues, just everyone else does. Wow! That was one of the best pieces of advice I've ever received. God has brought me so incredibly far. From a troubled teen who always kicked against authority and my parent's love, to a Godly mother and wife who loves life! Only God could do that. There is a such a satisfaction in serving God, in serving others. I am grateful I got so incredibly blessed to have Godly parents, who served God, served others, and raised us up according to the bible. Could I have gotten any luckier? :)

Casting Crowns "Does Anybody Hear Her?"

I know I've been showing a lot of videos lately. I guess I've been really finding some videos that speak to my heart and I love to share! This video was me as a teen. I really reached out to find attention, love. Instead of looking for male attention from my father, or even from God, I looked for it in guys. Every girl longs for male attention as a young girl but some are lucky enough to have that healthy relationship with their father. There are many though who don't have that. My dad was a very hard worker and was worked too hard in ministry so he was gone a lot. I know he looks back and wishes he had just stood up and said no to all the stuff he volunteered for. I admire my dad (and mom) for all their sacrifice for people. I never got pregnant out of wedlock... But I was so depressed in my sin and I wanted a way out. At the time I so badly wanted a friend to help pull me out and show me a reflection of myself. Tell me that Christ died for me and he loves me. He will never forsake me. I trusted man but was only hurt. God will never forsake you. Never abandon you or break your heart. Fathers may leave you, man may hurt you, friends may betray you.. but God never will.
***
Here is another excellent version of the song in a video. Excellent. A different outcome from video above. This ending is much more like mine. :)

East to West by Casting Crowns

This song so touches my heart. Sometimes I can be so hard on myself. So down on myself. I tend to see God in a harsh light. For so many years I saw God in such a harsh light. Someone who was ready to flick me in Hades the first chance He could. I have to remember that God casts our sins into the sea of forgetfullness! At times when I am overwhelmed I pray, "You are my strength when I am weak.." Ha! I figure, if God designed women to have children then He will give us the strength to raise them. :D When I was a teen I tried running away to California to get away and start over. I realized that my sin followed me. You cannot run from God's love. He just wants you back. This song touches my heart because it reminds me of the goodness of God that I have a hard time remembering.

What Defines a Real Friend?

*Pic is of my dad and I on Memorial Day. My good friend!

These days I feel that it is extremely hard to find a REAL friend. I don't mean where you say hello and goodbye at church. If you never have one confrontation in 10 years, does that mean you just really get along? Or is it because you are too scared to show any kind of disagreement? I learned that it is foolish to comment on EVERY single thing you disagree with. BUT.... I've also learned that it is okay if it's a really, really important and moral issue. Am I a real friend if I see that she/he is going down a scary path and I say nothing? Where is the line? What if you see that someone else has come along and whispered things in their ears such as lies and false accusations about other people. (Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Corinthians 15: 33) YOU see it because you are on the sidelines, but your friend doesn't see it. They are blind to it because they get the goodies. I know what it's like to be blind sighted. To think that someone really cares about you. (A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26) They give you gifts, take you out, buy you what you want, tell you what you want... in the meantime, they are slowly pulling you away from people who really care about you. (Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:6) I'm tired of being the friend that just sits back and watches. Doesn't say anything for the sake of keeping the friendship. So they won't get mad at you and not speak to you again. My gosh, if I was headed down a path, away from God, I would hope to God that a friend would come to me... shake me and say "Wake up, Virginia! I care about you. God cares about you! Don't throw it all away." (Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Proverbs 27:5) That's what a real friend will do. I've had people cut me off, several people, because I loved them enough to do just that. I love them with all of my heart. I hold no bitterness towards them, no hatred, no envy, none of that. I just LOVE them. Where are friends like that??? Are there any? Not shallow friends that the moment you disagree with one thing, they take off. I realize now that those friendships were shallow.
***
F- Fun loving; Feeling of acceptance; Faithful
R- Risk being real, understood, even misunderstood (He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9)
I- Interested in the welfare of others; Impartial
E- Expect the best of others; Empathetic
N- Natural relationship, a wholesome acceptance of others; Non-exclusive
D- Diplomatic; Delightful to be with; Durable in hard times
S- Sympathetic; Supportive with prayer and help; Stable
H- Helpful; Hopeful; Healing; Happy
I- Interdependent by helping others
P- Patient; Protective of reputation and confidences; Pleasant to be with; Personable
***
I got that out of a devotional in my bible and some things stood out to me that I find are hard to find in real friendships these days. Remember when everyone had a porch out front and they took the time to visit with neighbors? I remember actually knowing our neighbors. There used to be this old man and his wife who would invite us kids in and have a bible study with us every week. It was amazing! I'll never forget them. They cared about the kids they didn't even know, just to share the gospel with them. They didn't get any recognition. Those are REAL friends. Shallow people hang out with those that make them look good. What about reaching out to those who have no friend? Be confidential with things that they poured out to you. (A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates the close friends. Proverbs 16:28) Why is it so hard to find someone who can keep a secret? I prayed everyday that God would bring me a friend, a real friend. Sure I have tons of acquaintances! I mean a real friend who patterns their life after Proverbs 31. A woman who strives to live right. Someone who loves life!

I thank God that He brought me a husband who is a real friend. :D Someone I can confide in, laugh with, pray with. I know he'll tell me the truth when I'm off track. LOL! I can't forget how lucky I really am to have Charles. What is friendship to you?

10 Year Reflection

I was looking back in some of my old photo albums and I saw these pictures. I realized that it has been 10 years since these pictures were taken for my 18th birthday. Wow! How much has changed! There is a sadness when I look back because that day in my life, when I turned 18, was a very heart breaking day for me and I tried to mask it for everyone there. I can't go into it but my life was just not going the way I had thought it would and I had such a hopelessness there. Such a despair and sadness. I thought things would be so different. You always think, "It'll be so great when I turn 18"! That day was bittersweet for me. I wasn't sure if I was ready to go on. All on my own. 10 years have passed and I see now how much has changed. Things went bad from there, in June of 1997, until I met Charles that October. Then my life slowly turned around. He became my friend, someone I could talk to, share my dreams with. He was just THERE. I eventually cut it off(stupidly) with him and went off to do my own thing. I moved out and kept things cool from him. Thankfully, he respected me and was still a friend. Things went downhill real fast when I turned 19. Finally one day, I gave my heart back to Christ. It was like I woke up from a bad dream. My mind could think clearly again. I moved out of my dumb little apartment and back with my parents. Went back to church and I decided to totally give my life to God! Soon after Charles and I picked up our friendship again. A few months later we were married! It's now been 10 years and so much has happened. This December we will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary and we have 5 children together. This past decade has been such a life changing event. What will the next 10 years be???

P.S. So much more happened in this story, heartbreaking things. But it is for me to know! LOL! :P

Memorial Day Video

This is just a 30 second clip I meant to add on memorial Day. Ryan and cute little Kyle going down slide. Then my hubby comes walking by with baby Ashley. With Godtube, I can take longer videos. I'm used to taking short ones for easy upload. I'll take longer ones now. :)

Steven Curtis Chapman's Little Angel

Note: Turn off My Music (under my profile on the right) before playing videos.

Maria Sue Chapman, adopted and youngest daughter to Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman, was killed Wednesday night in a tragic accident in the family driveway on Wednesday evening. She was LifeFlighted to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital but for only reasons God can explain she went home to Him... not to Franklin as we all so desperately wanted. Your prayers are needed for all in the Chapman family. This is a family who has so generously loved and given to so many. Just hours before this close knit family was celebrating the engagement of the oldest daughter Emily Chapman, and were just hours away from a graduation party marking Caleb Chapman's completion of high school. Now, they are preparing to bury a child who blew out 5 candles on a birthday cake less than 10 days ago. These words are unthinkable to type. And yet we trust in a God who was not surprised by this and because of Jesus I am certain through faith in Him we will see Maria again. -Jim Houser (Manager)
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Steven Curtis Chapman's Website
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Crawling for a Cause & Crazy Kids! Ha ha!

Note: Turn off music (under my profile) before watching videos if you like.

Crawling for a Cause

Here is little Ashley starting to crawl a little. She's not super fast (thank goodness) so she is a little frustrated here trying to get the prize. I had a good giggle. No matter how many kids you have, it is fun watching new achievements with each one! However, after the first one, I enjoyed the non-crawling stage the most. They can't get into anything! Now I'm back into inspecting the floor to make sure there is nothing a baby can choke on. Yikes!

Crazy Kids

My kids are so goofy! I love them, ha ha! It is fun having them home with me everyday. I don't want to miss a day of them growing up. Why should I give them to a school? LOL. I'm so privileged to have them with me. I'm a lucky mom

My Dad's 50th Birthday and Memorial Day Fun!

For my dad's birthday, which happened to land on Memorial day, we spent it at the Lakes. It was fun! It was a huge BBQ, swimming, and we rented our own boat.
This is just such a cute picture of Charles holding our youngest, little Ashley.
My boys had such wild fun on this slide. My dad dared Charles to go up on it too and clap his hands in excitement when he gets to the top, but Charles didn't go for it! LOL! So much for that. My dad would have given him $40 to do it.
I like natural pictures like this. This is my dad and little Ivy, my fourth baby.
My dad and I. Happy 50th Dad!
Tammy is not a snuggler as you can tell in the picture. Tammy is my older sister and she has two boys.
This is my nephew Kelvyn playing with my 8 month old Ashley.
Ivy looks dressed for the water but she doesn't like to get in it! She just likes the swimsuit fashion. She's real picky about it too.
My two nephews, my sis with Ashley and my Ryan on the boat we rented on the lakes. It was very pretty and we got to watch the sunset.
This was such a wonderful spent with my family and was much needed. It was such a beautiful day on the boat.
We took the boat over to the Island and let them run around a bit. I mean, where could they go? Ha ha. It's just a little Island. Real pretty though.
Yeah, this was one crazy boat. I'm telling you! LOL!
My mom and Ivy on boat.
This is my favorite pic of Charles and I on the back of the boat. It was very beautiful sitting back there watching the sunset.

Happy Memorial Day! Happy Birthday to my dad!

God's Grace Reminded To Me...

Note: Please turn off music player in sidebar (under Profile) to view this video.

This last month I have definitely gone through a trial, a really rough time. At times I asked God, "Do you hear me?". Yesterday I was alone in my room, just laying on my bed and my heart was heavy. I have so much burdens on my plate. Just different things going on. I have tried so hard to be a godly wife, godly mom, godly friend. Yet it seems that I am constantly pushed against. Over time, unkind words spoken from people you care about, can weigh you down. Tug heavy on your heart. I know, I know that they say "water off a ducks back". It is not that way for me. Once I make a friend, they are my friend for life. It is very hard to cut people off, either because they continually tempt you down a wrong path, or continually find ways to cut you down. Then I am forced to. My heart breaks in the process. I am not a fair weather friend. I will fight for you to make it. In the last month, I have had such a heavy heart. For friends, for family. These people mean so much to me and I love them. That is just one of the trials in my life right now. And so.... I sat in my dark garage the other night, just watching the rain through the windows. Just wanting to hear the quiet. Then I laid awake in my dark bedroom while my children were sleeping. I asked God, "Do you hear me? How come you won't talk to me? Do you see my fear? My sadness? Are you there? God, I am so weak. I have cried so many tears!" As I thought those very thoughts. My husband came walking in, him thinking I was asleep, quietly turned on his little alarm radio to test the volume for the music to turn on in the morning to wake him up. Just as I finished those thoughts, this is the song that played. It spoke to my heart and I smiled in the dark. Thank you, God, for reminding me that you are there and you collect every teardrop.

Peace Be Still
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Come to me
You who are weak
Let my strength be yours tonight
Come and rest
Let my love
Be your bed
Let my heart be yours tonight
(Chorus)
Peace be still
Peace be still
Please be still
And know that I am God
And know that I am God
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Come empty cup
Let me fill you up
I'll decend on you
like a dove tonight
Lift your head
Let your eyes fall into mine
Let your fear subside tonight
(Chorus)
Peace be still
Peace be still
Please be still
And know that I am God
And know that I am God

Goofing Off

There has been a lot of goofing off around here! The boys were discovering the old trick making a midget person. (Or mini person I should say). I was doodling below while waiting in the car at one of Charles' job sites. Also, making this collage for the boys rooms instead of washing my dishes! Below is how my kitchen sink and living room should look like! (Get to work!) Living room is actually pretty nice. But it does look like once again one of my kids stripped in the middle of my floor. There had better not be a little naked person walking around here.... I'm gonna check!

P.S. When I took the picture of the kitchen sink, I was frustrated there that I couldn't make that sink shine. I did everything I could. Even Windexed it! Ummm... I'm not a perfectionist, (loud out loud, rolling on the floor) it's just that it was my sanitary thing of the day. Completely sanitizing the sink with Bleach, Cleaners, and Windex. Sooo, I was disappointed that was as shiny as it got. I'm gonna get some stuff for that!

Work Day With Daddy

Yesterday we decided to all pack up and go to work with daddy. He mostly does his electrical designing on the computer but every now and then he actually goes to the job site. Yesterday he had a job site at an outdoor mall so we tagged along!

I didn't know there would be a water area. I warned the kids that since it's windy, they might get cold, but they didn't mind. LOL.

Ryan was cold right here because it was windy! I had to tear them away from the water area so they could dry off before church. We ended spending the whole day going with daddy while he worked. It was nice!

I like this picture of the wind blowing through Ivy's hair and you can see Kyle in the orange shirt in the background. By the time we had to head to church, I had to hang Ivy's clothes out of our window to blow dry while we drove! Ha ha! We got funny looks for sure. Oh well. They were all nice and dry by the time we got there! LOL.

Thank You Soldiers!

Golfing Fun!

Yesterday we went to our favorite fun golfing place. I went more just to see the kids try to miniature golf. LOL. It was so cute. Since it took awhile teaching them how not to hit the ball out into the parking lot or into the water, we only got halfway through the course. That's okay, because it gives us a reason to go back. Ha ha! Generally I don't like shooting games where you are shooting people in it but this one they are shooting alians! So, it's all good. :D This is such a cute picture of Charles helping Ivy to golf. She couldn't understand why she couldn't just walk up to all the balls and put everyone's ball in the hole. We had to keep chasing her away from the balls that we were trying to hit in. LOL! She thought she was helping. Ha! We all had fun with this picture. Thankfully my head was small enough to fit it. That way I'm not a "big head". What a family of gamers! It was just so much fun watching our little ones trying to hit the balls into the hole. By the time they started getting really good at it, they were closing and it was 10pm. We'll have to go back.

My Sister & Nephew's Birthday

Note: You might want to pause the slideshow at the top before playing video.



We had a lot of fun getting together for my sis and my nephews birthday. The kids swam, we played volleyball, and basketball. I love being around my family because they know how to relax and just be goofy. Hee hee. Tammy and I love to do pranks on each other all night. Soooo, here is a little video clip of our fun. It's easy to spot my kids because they are the blonde ones! Now, all we were missing was my sis Jodee and her family who are all in South Africa. :)

Schooling Agendas

Here Charles is reading the Bible to the boys before bedtime. They actually love to be read to straight from the bible and love the stories. Daddy always spend like an hour or so wrestling, praying, and talking about things before they sleep. What I am wondering here is, "where is the sheet on the bed and why is daddy's feet on it"? Ha ha! That is our bed! You know my boys are finally reading after only homeschooling just a few months? Here this was Chaz's third year of school and he was not even close to reading. Ryan was learning but pretty slow. Sooo, now they are reading pretty good for having just started. As a homeschooling mom, that makes me pretty proud! It's neat knowing that I am their teacher and they are learning only the good things and not what the liberal schools want to give them on the sides. Especially without us knowing. I just read in the paper how they are starting to have some of the muslims talk to our little kids in the schools. What????? They won't let me go in their and speak about my religion! I know exactly what they are doing. Conditioning and they start with the young. Some parents don't even know about how they have allowed the homosexual agenda into the classrooms. I saw a video clip myself of a famous soccer player talking to little Kindergarteners, 1st and 2nd graders about accepting homesexuality. Forget asking the parents! This is why I am grateful I can teach my own kids and know EXACTLY what is being taught. I just pray that God will help me every day to stay strong, even on the days I am tired, to keep giving my very best. It has been a little hard for me lately in my regular chores because of my back. I have had bad back problems in the past and now it seems to be creeping back up on me since I was pregnant with Ashley. Ever since I gave birth to her, my back has been very weak and even doing laundry causes my back to just burn. But.... I just have to remember, "If God designed women to have children then He will also give us the strength to raise them".

Thanks, Union Bosses!

You have to see this clip. It is so funny! It is on my friend's blogsite, Homeschool and Etc. , so go check it out. It'll give you a chuckle. It's about "benefits" of unions. Just a short clip.

Picnic At the Zoo!

Since we have a membership at the zoo we just love to go often, picnic there, and see different animals each time. Today was mostly just picnicking in our favorite spot and seeing only a few animals. The kids had fun in the water area. Ivy was too chicken though! Ha! It was pretty hot out though so we didn't stay as long as we usually do. :D We try not to go too much in the summer time because I notice that's when the girls take their clothes half off! I don't like my boys to be around that too much. Malls included. Sooo, today was our last day for awhile. When my my boys start pointing out that moms are hardly wearing any clothes up on top, I know they are seeing too much. It's funny when they say out loud, "how come that mom is showing her chee-chee's"? I'm like "uh...." Don't know what to say. :P

Amazing Grace History!

You should see this. Follow it all the way through. My heart absolutly breaks when I hear stories of slavery. My heart breaks even more now when I hear of any kind of racism whatsoever. Why????!!! Where did anyone get the notion that any one race is better than the other??? Where in God's Word (The Bible) would anyone find this? God said all men are created equal. So, this video really touched my heart. My heart just cried watching it. This is very precious to watch. I am glad God made us all different! I'm glad we all have our own unique fingerprints! I'm glad there are different skin colors, different cultures. The world is so much more interesting, fun, and beautiful to explore. Why would anyone want to all look the same as the other? God didn't make a mistake when he created any one of us.

Bloopers and Poopers - Starring the Duggars

Funny clip you have to see. LOL.

Ashley's Many Disguises

Um..... I think the kids are having lots of fun with having a baby sister. Every now and then I look over and there is Ashley with another hat on, or diguise. Don't worry, the one where she has a baby doll dress over her eyes, I was sitting right there. I was on computer, I turned around and Ivy was putting her baby doll dress on Ashley's head and laughing her little head off. It is so adorable hearing a little one giggle so hard they just fall over. Ha ha!

p.s. You can click on pics for larger view.

Anonymous Cowards

I think it's kind of funny that I keep getting nasty comments from an "anonymous" person. They are picking on really odd things such as how I use my pronouns, or other silly stuff, just to have a bone to pick. It's even more funny that they make themselves unknown. I got a comment that said to learn to use my pronouns correctly. Who takes the time to comment on something like that? LOL. They commented on a funny post where I simply copy and pasted something from a separate source, 19 ways to Maintain a Healthy Level of Insanity, and then they picked on the pronouns. Okay, someone has just a little bit too much time on their hands. It's okay though! My husband reminded me that good people always get picked on, that's just life. He said the Duggar Family probably gets hate mail all the time. Okay, good point. Jesus got persecuted all the time. People tried to find anything they could to make him look bad. It didn't matter though because Jesus knew who He was and didn't need acceptance of it. Since "anonymous" is to scared to let themselves be known, I thought I would write a personal blog just to you. If writing sarcastic remarks on people's blogs helps you to pass time and feel better about yourself, then by all means, go at it. It's water off a ducks back. Have fun.

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To my blogging friends:

You will be pleased to know that this week just happens to be Pronouns Week. The boys and I are learning all about pronouns. I thought it was kind of funny. The timing and all. :D

Chore Charts on Trial

Here in this picture the boys are helping mommy with a meal. They love to cook, and since I told them they can all be chefs and take over for mommy someday, they are happy to oblige. But.... there is the other side. Regular chores. (You can almost hear the theme music from the movie Jaws here). How do you motivate without nagging or just getting frustrated? So, we have this (positive reinforcement) chore chart in trial at our house. You can see for yourself at Easy Child and it goes by your child's age. Pretty neat. Okay, this is the funny part. My kids started out their day a little rough. As soon as I hung the new chore chart up and explained it to them, they instantly were finding ways to redeem themselves for negative points they received earlier in the day. Chaz came in while I was working and he said, "oh mom, my room is totally clean." After daddy and the boys came back from the park, the boys went straight to the showers (which is 3 points), brushed their teeth (1 point), and read one of their Phonics books to their little brother (1 point). Ha! I was like, this works!!! I didn't have to remind them. As they get older, the chore chart changes to adjust to their age. Of course I tailored it a little. This is just too great. So, of course they'll redeem their points at the end of the week for money. Don't worry, it's not very much! Little guys don't need a red hot convertible for a prize to be motivated. I added things such as "Behavior at church", "Reading to their little brother or sister", "Homeschooling", etc.

ALSO:

You have to read this. This is so funny. Your Chores or Mine? I was chuckling my way through it. Such a great idea. I am totally implementing it.

Do you have great ideas to share with me? I would so love to hear them!

Thursday Thirteen #21

Thirteen Reasons My Parents Are My Heroes! 1. My mom and dad loved me through the thick and the thin. Believe me, I was not an easy kid, or a teen for that matter. 2. They stayed married. In this day and age, that's a miracle. Everyone thinks their love life is supposed to resemble a soap opera. 3. My mom and dad raised me to understand that nothing in this life is more important than our relationship with Jesus Christ. They helped me to understand that there is a difference between "believing there is a God, and having a relationship with Him." 4. My mom and dad loved me and they both worked so hard. I was lucky enough to have a mom be a homemaker all my life and my dad was an extremely hard worker on his job. I never ever heard him complain, even though I knew he was exhausted. That amazes me. 5. When I was a teen, I ran away a lot because I didn't get my way, so my dad would drive around looking for me even though he had to get up before the sun. They always welcomed me back with loving arms and didn't yell at me when I came back, even though I was out of my mind at times. They had grace. I had already knew what I did was wrong. 6. My mom would find ways to make us costumes for halloween and get creative when we didn't have enough money to buy one. 7. I remember I would wake up really hungry in the middle of the night as a kid, and I would go up to my mom's bed to ask her for a sandwich. She would get up without a word and make me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a glass of milk without complaint. She knew I was just going through growth spurts. 8. My mom and dad would take us on outreaches every Saturday so we could share our faith with others. To tell them about Jesus. I learned boldness as a child and not to be ashamed of my faith. Jesus said to tell others about Him and my parents showed us how! 9. They've bailed us out of our own stupid mistakes time and time again. If I were my kid, I'd be like, "You're outta here!" Ha ha. 10. My mom knows that if am grouchy, it's just because I'm hungry. She'll make me something to eat because she knows that's all I need. Then I'm back to being a happy camper! 11. I would wake up in the middle of the night as a child and tiptoe into the living room so I could see my dad before he left for work. I would rarely tell him I was there but when I tiptoed into the dark room, I would see my dad on his knees praying. During the day I would see my mom in her chair reading her bible. 12. It amazed me time and time again that although my parents have been betrayed, talked about whether because of circumstances in life or just because someone has a bone to pick... time and time again they stood the test. They never gave up their faith. They never threw in the towel. They didn't spread rumors in return, they only forgave. They showed me what forgiveness really means. They could've gotten angry back many times, but they didn't. They just respond in love and with kindness. Sometimes people don't understand that what they might hear of someone is a lie. They taught me that you don't always have to defend yourself. Just give it to God. 13. And finally... but not lastly. My parents are my Heroes because they CARE. They care if I'm sad, they care if I have exciting news, they care if I'm sick, they care if I'm broke, they care if I just need a break. They forgive me when I'm overly sensitive, grouchy, or just plain moody. When it comes down to it, they will be there in an emergency or just a time of need. How could I have gotten so lucky? Thank you God. Boy, I'm sure blessed.

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"Here I Not!"

Yesterday we were all playing hide and seek (while Charles was trying to take a little nap). So we would all count to 20 and then say "Ready or not, here I come!" Well, I could never hide by myself because they would all follow me and before you know it, there are 3 kids hiding in the shower with me. We always get caught because they are either breathing loud or bumping into something. LOL! If we can make it to base before the hunter sees us, then even better. Running with 3 little elephants is tough since I'm usually tip toeing out of my hiding spot. Charles' version is much cuter because his is called "Saving the Princess". Something to do with turning off all the lights in the house and using light sabers. Anyway, the the whole point of this story is that when it was Kyle's turn (4 years old) to be the hunter, after he was done counting he said haltingly (trying to remember the words), "Here I Not....Here I Come!" I laughed out loud in my hiding spot so of course I got caught. Ha ha.

My Dad Giving His Testimony Part 1 & 2

Part 1

Part 2

Show Your Support!

There are less than eight months until the election, an election that will decide the next President of the United States. The person elected will be the president of all Americans, not just the Democrats or the Republicans. To show our solidarity as Americans, let's all get together and show each other our support for the candidate of our choice. It's time that we all came together, Democrats and Republicans alike. If you support the policies and character of John McCain, please drive with your headlights on during the day. If you support Obama or Hillary, please drive with your headlights off at night.

Hee hee....

Conference Week

This past week was conference week at our church and so that is why I did not do much blogging. I had nursery Monday, Thursday, and Friday night and sang on Wednesday Night and Friday morning for the seminar. It was a tiring yet wonderful week. All the church come together in our fellowship and it is a time of encouragement and refreshing for the pastors coming in. It's just a week of seminars in the morning and services at night every night for a week. So of course, we helped out with their little kiddies. Here is one in the picture. He certainly was the fish monster (instead of Cookie Monster). Boy, could he eat! I was actually tired in that picture because it was the last night and it was extra long service because they were sending out new churches. They usually send out new ones to be started in areas where there are no churches. Praise God! So, this was a great past week.

Happy Mother's Day!

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99 Days of Blessing

This video reminds me why I am so blessed. I may have my tough days, but my kids are healthy and alive. This video sure brought me to tears.

Thursday Thirteen #20

Thirteen Reasons I am no longer eating at Fast Food Restaurants.(Ummm...as often) 1. Well, first off. Have you read the recent reports on fast food? My state was #2 in the worst fast foods in the United States. I'm talking about health wise! Inspections are turning up some pretty horrifying things. Like roaches in someone's Mcdonald's pancake. Gross. 2. I would rather not have a big butt if I can help it. I know that some people cannot help it. But since I've been blessed with my daddy's metabolism, I would rather not do anything to tempt God. Why should God keep blessing me when I've made The Big Mac my best friend? If He wanted to He could just tweek my metabolism anytime. The next thing I know, I could be suing Mcdonalds for making such small seats my butt can't fit in. 3. I've known plenty of people who have spit into people's food just to get them back for being rude. Ummmm..... yeah. That's gross! Ha! I hope I was never one of them. You never know.... 4. Who says Taco Bell is even Mexican Food? Who are we kidding??? 5. My next pick would be Filibertos but they have REALLy bad health violations. Like 5. Ohhhh, they have such good Carne Asada burritos. Man! 6. Arby's has gotten many people sick because they keep their food warm for too long. Yes, I have yet to see them make a fresh sandwich. They are so overpriced it's a joke. I'd rather stop at an actual restaurant. 7. I don't know how many times I've pulled up in a drive through and we couldn't communicate because they couldn't speak English. Don't take me wrong! I'm not prejudice! But I think if an American company is going to successfully run a business in the states, they need to hire English speaking folks. Kind of helps. It's hard repeating an order 5 times because they have to finally go get the manager to translate. 8. It's soooooo bad for you! Can I hear somebody shout, "Grease?" If I started one, I would call it "Grease Lightening". It wouldn't be called that because it's a 50's diner either. 9. More and more the prices of fast food are rising so high, my costs of living are getting stretched. Just because it gets hectic at times and I need to stop for some fast food and I am feeling like it would just cost as much to go to an actual sit down restaurant with some real service. 10. It is a waste of my talents! I could be at home cooking a juicy Filet Mignon and instead I am eating a flat hamburger patty that was just taken out of a freezer and heated up. I need to learn how to cook more and grow in that area. (Instead of my butt). 11. Mcdonalds now supports the Homosexual agenda. Okay, I may like their playgrounds but putting my money into a group that is supporting a sinful and harmful way of life, is not where I want to put my money. 12. Eating at home around a dinner table with my family more often is always a better thing. Fast food places are hectic and your attention is diverted elsewhere. Really, you may gain an easier way of life by not having to cook as often, but you lose something else precious in the meantime. Communication and togetherness. 13. It's just pure laziness! I neeeeeed to just go home and put my efforts and my money into more good and wholesome food at home. It's so tempting sometimes on the way to church to just pick up a meal on the way there. Instead, I should of just gotten ready for church earlier and prepared a meal for my family. After all, that's what a Proverbs 31 woman is. :) Not a fast food hopper. Ha ha.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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