Christmas Celebrations

We had a wonderful Christmas!  We started celebrating on Thursday with Michael's family.

They got lots of stuff!  They both got beanbag chairs.  E got DS games, clothes, money and the most beautiful bag my niece made her.  M got a flying Buzz Lightyear, basketball goal for his room door, games, CD player and money.

We went to my parents on Christmas Eve for lunch with my aunt and uncle and my grandmother.  We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together.  I love spending time with them.

On Christmas Eve night, I'm not sure if me or the kids were more excited about Christmas.  We don't really buy much for the adults in our family. We just focus on the kids.  I couldn't wait to see their faces on Christmas morning.

On Christmas morning the kids got a Wii together and lots of other things.  M got his bow and arrow he wanted which he calls a "barrow" and E got Just Dance for the Wii.  Then we headed to my parents house for Christmas breakfast. As we were leaving to go, it started to SNOW!!  A White Christmas has never happened here is over 60 years!

Of course, M and E got plenty at mawmaw and pawpaw's.  M got a guitar and lots of other things.  They  got so much stuff I couldn't keep track of everything.  We loved watching their excitement and it was great being with everyone on Christmas morning.  We went home afterwards to play the Wii!!!  Michael has video of me dancing to "Cotton-Eye Joe" but we won't be sharing it. Ha!

It was a wonderful Christmas!  It was very relaxing with the snow.  We went out that night and played a little in the snow.

I love, love, love being with my family.  They are the greatest!

Congratulations Michael!

I am very proud of my hubby and wanted to brag on him a little.  He was just promoted in his job to Corporal on his shift.  I am very proud of him.  He works very hard and goes over and beyond the call of duty.  Congrats Michael!

Oh Christmas Tree!

This year I bought a new Christmas tree because our old one had seen better days.  I looked everywhere for the perfect tree within my budget.  I found one and we put it up on Thanksgiving Day.

It is very pretty.  I accidentally didn't notice on the box the tree had colored lights instead of clear.  I wasn't going back to exchange it after we had it up so we have colored lights.  See Mandy, it is pretty!!

M's Birthday Party!

Here are some pictures from M's birthday party!  I have dial up internet and it takes FOREVER to put pictures on my blog so while I am at my in-laws I thought I would download some pics.

M hitting the cowboy boot pinata.

The 1 gift he wanted most.  A watch!

We had a blast and it even snowed a little bit before the party started.  It was a great time with friends and family.

Happy 4th Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my sweet little man!  I cannot believe you are already 4.  It just seems like yesterday that you were born.  You are so precious and you are my little snuggle-bug.  I love it that you want me to hold you before you go to sleep.  I know one day that will change but I will take our cuddle times as long as you will let me.  You are such a blessing to our family.  You absolutely crack me up at the things you say and do!  We never know what you are going to say next!  You are such a sweet little boy!  I hope you have a wonderful birthday.  We all love you so much!

Busy with a Capital B

Wow!  I haven't posted in over a week!  I have to say life is a little busy right now.  M's birthday is Sunday but we had his party last weekend. (will post pics soon)  This week has been busy too.  Between our crazy work schedules, kids activities and church activities we are going about 100 mph.  Last night we were coming home from Christmas play dress rehearsal and Michael said "We have got to slow down!"  He is right!  The holidays are always busy too with get togethers and Christmas parties but I don't want to be so busy that I miss the entire reason of Christmas.  I have felt very defeated by Satan lately and yesterday I felt almost overcome but thanks to some of the greatest friends in the world, they lead me back to Him.  Thank you for your words and I love you all!

So tonight me and the kids are at home.  We are going to clean the house but we are going to try to slow down.  I know there are things we have to do but our family isn't going to suffer and our holiday isn't going to fly by.  We are going to focus on Christ more.  As Michael told me last night, " Our kids are only small for a short time".   I don't want life to be so full of schedules, stress and frustration but full of memories together that will last a lifetime.

Home with my Little Man

M woke up this morning at 4am throwing up!  Michael was working and I am a germ freak when it comes to stuff like that so I was up washing, cleaning and disinfecting till it was time to take E to school.  I, of course, stayed home from work.   Fortunately, he only got sick that one time and I pray that is the only time and no one else will get sick. He has slept alot today though so his little body is fighting something away.  His class is passing around a stomach bug and I have been praying since yesterday when I found out, that God would keep our family healthy because we have a BIG birthday party this weekend!  M's birthday is next Sunday the 12th but because of Michael having to work that weekend and we have our Christmas play at church that weekend, we are having him a party this weekend.  This is actually his first big birthday party because his birthday kind of gets caught in the rush of Christmas and I promised him that this year he would have a party with other kids.  We are going to have a cowboy party!  Pray we all stay healthy!!!

In other news, some of you have emailed me about my mother-in-law's husband who is waiting on a kidney and pancreas transplant.  On Monday afternoon, they got a call from Duke.  They went to Duke and they were getting the organs from out of state so they had to wait for a while.  The doctors had them getting prepped and ready for the surgery when they got a call that the donor kidneys had failed and they couldn't do the transplant.  I know they were real discouraged but I know God's perfect timing is always perfect and He will make sure that the right donor organs will get to Aaron when the time is right.  I know the waiting is the hard thing.  Keep them in your prayers!

8-pointer and a Doe!!

Michael is very proud of the deer he shot on Wednesday morning.  I told him I would post some pictures.  He had an exciting morning that day and ended up shooting a doe and an 8 pointer!  I know some of you may not be into hunting but for our family, it is a big deal!  If it is important to one of us, it is important to all of us!   He has been waiting on a deer like this for years and he finally got it!  Congratulations Michael!

The kids were very excited!

My Thankful List!

1.   I am thankful for my beautiful, healthy family.  I have the most amazing family and I love to be with them.  I know our work schedules keep us apart some but when we are all together I am my happiest!
2.   I am thankful for my parents who raised me in a christian home.  When I was a teenager, I thought they were too strict but now as an adult I am thankful.  They kept me from alot of temptations that I wasn't old enough to handle.
3.   I am thankful for my brothers.  We love to pick on each other and give each other a hard time but we love to spend time together.  I am also thankful my little brother, Tyler, got his acceptance letter into college on his birthday!
4.   I am thankful for my in-laws.  My mother-in-law helps me out alot.  Her husband is awaiting a kidney and pancreas transplant but she tries to help with the kids whenever she is available.  I am thankful for Michael's brother, Robert's family.  He and his wife Dana are very special and have blessed us with 3 nieces and 1 nephew who are precious to us.
5.   I am thankful for my soon to be sister-in-law, Nikki.  She is like the sister I never had.  I am so excited for her to officially be a part of the family.
6.   I am thankful for all my friends who support me in so many ways.  They will never know the impact they have made in my life.
7.  I am thankful for mine and Michael's jobs.  The Lord provides for us greatly and we are so appreciative.
8.  I am thankful for our home and the land the Lord has blessed us with.  We are not wealthy but we have been sooo blessed by the Lord.
9.  I am thankful for my kid's schools.  E loves her school and does great!  She is reading 2 or 3 grade levels above her own.  M loves his school and is learning so much to where when he starts kindergarten he will be well advanced for his age.  I am thankful for their teachers also.  They are both loving women and they love my children and that means the world to me.
10.  I am thankful for my church.  Michael and I changed to a different church about 2 years ago and it was one of the hardest decisions we have ever made.  It was also one of the best ones!  Our pastors are the greatest and I have grown to love the people and have made some awesome friendships.

God has blessed us so much!  I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

It's Hard to Believe!

Tyler and E swimming this summer.

Today is my little brother, Tyler's, 18th birthday!  I can't believe he has gotten that old.  I was 15 when he was born.  Actually, rumor has it that my mom took me on my birthday to get my driving permit and I guess my driving caused her to go into labor 2 weeks early.  Not really but it kind of makes you think?!

Tyler was born the day after my 15th birthday and we have celebrated our birthdays as a family together ever since.  Tyler is a super guy!  He is smart, outgoing and pretty handsome if I must say myself.  We are all very proud of him.  He jokes and says he is the perfect child that is fulfilling everyone's dreams.  He jokes but he is doing a great job!  I do know that when he leaves for college next year it is going to be hard on all of us.  He has brought so much joy to our family and not to be able to have him here all the time will be different but I know he will do great and be successful in anything he does.  Hope you have a great day Tyler!  We all love you so much!

Today is the Day!

I have to say that today is MY birthday!!!! I am a kid at heart and love to celebrate my birthday.  Who doesn't?  No real big celebration, just going to hang out with my family tonight.  I think we are going to a new restaurant in town and going shopping!  Yay!  The girls at work got me a cake and several family and friends have called or texted their happy birthday wishes.  They are the best!  Going to celebrate more over the weekend.  Like I said last week, I like to stretch it out and celebrate for a week or more! Why not!  You only turn 33 once!

Happy Anniversary Babe!

Today, Michael and I are celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary!  It has been a great 13 years.  We were just kids when we got married.  We have been blessed so much by the Lord and are so thankful for our He has blessed us!

Michael,

I love you!  It is so hard to believe it has been 13 years!  I know I can drive you crazy sometimes but thanks for always being there for me and our family.  Thank you for being such a hard working provider for our family.  I know sometimes I complain because of your crazy schedule but I am so thankful for how hard you work to provide for us.  Thank you for being the wonderful father to our children that you are.  You have taught me so much in our marriage.  You have taught me not to fear and to trust in the Lord!  You are my best friend! I love spending time with you!  I love you so much! Happy Anniversary Babe!

Celebration Time!

This coming Friday is my birthday but I started celebrating this weekend.  Why not!  Michael was working this weekend so me and the kids went out with my mother-in-law on Friday to eat a very good meal at Carraba's Yummy!  Then we went shopping and ended the night at Krispy Kreme!

Saturday, E had a birthday party to attend during the day but that night I had a girls night planned with some of my friends at church!  We ate good and had a great time.  They were so sweet to get me and Liz a giant birthday cookie to celebrate both of our birthdays.  I am not sure what happened but while we were having a great time at a friends home I started feeling like a cotton mouth and my mouth and throat were hurting.  I thought at first it was my sinuses until I noticed the whelps coming up on my legs.  I obviously had an allergic reaction to something I came in contact with.  Not sure what, but it scared me.  The girls gave me some medicine and sent me home.  Fortunately it calmed down but I have felt pretty lousy all day today.  At least it is over with.  Thank you to all my friends who were there with me on Saturday night.  I had a great time!  Thank you so much for making me a part of your fellowship.  It means alot!  I love you all!

Of course, I will celebrate this whole week too!  Tomorrow is a very special day!

Hold Them Close...

I have been a little emotional the last several days.  I don't know any of these people personally but I grieve for them.  There have been people that I know that personally know these people and so I guess I see their hurt and hurt for them.  A week and a  half ago, a little 4 year old in our area fell over at daycare from an aneurism(not sure how to spell) or blood clot in his brain. He died the next day.  It was sudden and unexpected. One of my friends sons is in the same daycare.  Then on Sunday, a young man in our area fell over dead from a heart condition leaving behind an 8 year old and 4 year old.  This man is a member of the church that M's teacher is the pastors wife of.  I didn't know till today that very same man also sat beside of my brother everyday at work.  Small world.  But this has truly made me re-examine by life.  Do I show love to my children like I should?  Do I tell everyone what they mean to me?  I think we are so busy trying to get from Point A to Point B all the time and in a rush that we sometimes miss the mark.  Maybe it is just me but I take my family and friends for granted at times.  You never know what may happen but we need to live every moment like it could be our last.  I know this isn't a subject people like to talk about but it is reality.  I know that I will hold on a little longer and a little tighter and make sure every moment counts.  I want to make sure that everyone in my life knows that they are important to me.  During this month of Thanksgiving, we should all look at our lives and realize how blessed we are.  It isn't the things in our lives but the people in our lives!  Love to you all!

Happy Birthday E!

Happy Birthday E!  It is so hard to believe you are 8 years old now!  You are such a beautiful little girl, inside and out.  You are so caring for others and love your family dearly.  I love you so much!  I hope you know that you are so precious to us all!  I know you are excited that you don't have to ride in a booster seat anymore.  I don't know if I am ready for that yet.  I would like to keep you little as long as I can.  Have a great day today! Share all those good cookies with your friends! I know we celebrated as a family because of daddy's work schedule the other night but there are more surprises to come!  You also have an exciting weekend planned.  Your friend A is coming over to spend the night Friday and we are going to get nails done and are going to have lots of fun!  Enjoy your day!  I love you!

Love,
Mommy

A Whole Lot Of Stuff!

I haven't blogged lately because I am just soo busy.  I did though want to show you my little trick or treaters!  We had a fall festival at E's school on Saturday and after that I took the kids trick or treating just to their grandparents houses.  With Halloween on a Sunday, we decided to go out on Saturday because we wanted to be at church on Sunday night.

Dorothy and Buzz Lightyear

There has been alot going on.  My uncle found out Friday that he has stage 4 prostate cancer.  He has some other scans this week to see if that is the only place it is at.  We are praying that is it and that his cancer can be treated.  Please keep him in your prayers!

My sweet E is getting ready to turn 8.  So hard to believe!  Her actual birthday is Thursday but because of Michael's work schedule we celebrated her birthday tonight as a family.  We had her favorite for supper - Steak!  She has expensive taste!  We also had a giant cookie cake!  Yum!  She got her presents from us but I know there will be more from others later in the week and I think her daddy has a surprise for her.  Lots planned for the weekend!  Will post more soon!

New Neighbors!

Michael's grandparents old house has been for sale for quite some time by the previous owners.  Whenever there is house near you for sale, you wonder who will buy it.  We met our new neighbors a few weeks ago and we couldn't have better neighbors.  We have prayed for good neighbors and God answered.  Our new neighbors are a pastor and his wife at a local church.  What makes it even better is that they attended the church we do now when he received his call to preach.  Very small world.  Their son was in youth with my best friend and I have heard nothing but great things about them.  They are the most precious couple.  They also have a granddaughter that E and M just love to play with.  We are so blessed with wonderful neighbors and just want to thank God for placing them near us!

Stormy Nights

The past couple of nights, we have had some very stormy weather here!  I have to admit.  I am a BIG chicken when it comes to storms.  I don't like them at all.  I thought I was doing better this summer but these storms were big ones and I was scared.  I think what made me more scared was the fact that Michael was working and the power went out just when the weather man said something along the lines of ... Tornados heading my way!!!!  I was terrified!  The kids were upset because we couldn't see and I was trying to guide them by the light of my cell phone to the basement.  Michael was texting and calling me and I was in a panic.  We got downstairs and sat and prayed till the storm passed.  Fortunately, we were skirted by the storm.  Once we went upstairs, we got flashlights and sat upstairs talking to family and friends on the phone about what was going on because they still had power.  Thankfully my mother-in-law came to the rescue!  I am so grateful.  If I have another adult there, for some reason I feel more at ease.  We all settled down and I finally got in touch with the power company.  Our power was on shortly after reaching them.  The night continued to be stormy and Michael told me to move things to the den in the basement and sleep downstairs.  We moved a mattress in the floor and laid and watched the weather alerts while the storms went through.

Getting ready to have a sleepover during the storm

After we got everything moved in for the night my mother-in-law took off to go to her house.  As we were walking her out we noticed one of Michael's co-workers came by to check on us since Michael wasn't able to.  Everything calmed down and we found out schools were on a 2 hour delay so we slept in a little.  It was an exciting night!  So thankful for God's protection and we are praying for those whose homes were destroyed by the storm.  The storms came up so fast!  It made you realize how quickly life can change!  It makes you appreciate each other alot more!  Thank you Barbara for your help!  It helped us out so much!  We love you!

Family Fall Festival!

Saturday, we went to my parents house and had a family fall festival with my brothers and my mom and dad.  My brother Matt's fiance, Nikki, came up with the whole idea and planned most of it.  She is like the sister I never had!  We had lots of fun!  We played games, ate hotdogs, carved pumpkins and had a bonfire.  We made smores and just had fun together as a family.  It was a great time and of all times I completely forgot my camera so my soon to be sis-in-law is going to send pics soon that I can post.

I did though take my camera out to take a picture before I left to go of the giant cookie me and the kids made that looked like a pumpkin pie but it is just a giant sugar cookies with icing on top.

It was a hit and our 1st Annual Family Fall Festival was a hit too!  We just started a new tradition I think.

Going for a Ride!

Michael has a love for old cars and trucks.  A couple years ago he found his dream vehicle.  A 1966 Ford Bronco.

He is working on it as he can afford it but it is running good now and has new tires so we had to take it out this weekend for a ride.

We had a blast and Michael was so proud to be able to take us out in it!

My Little Farmers!

This weekend Michael was working so I was by myself.  It seemed harder this weekend for some reason.  I don't know if I just get frustrated too quickly or if it is the constant whining and bickering that made it rough.  Anyways, I know it sounds weird but I am glad the weekend is over. That means Michael will have an easier schedule this week and will be off more.  Sometimes it is no problem but other times it is real hard.

The kids and me did run errands and we went to a bonfire last night at my parents which was alot of fun.  Today we went to church and had a great service.  We went to my parents for lunch and then went home for a little bit before I had to take the kids back to my parents house because I had a meeting for work I needed to go to.

While we were home, we were surprised by a combine that was cutting the soybeans in our fields.  The kids were so excited.  Michael went out to talk to Jerry, he plants some of his crops on our land, and he asked if the kids wanted to ride in the combine.  You better believe it!  They rode and rode on the combine.  I didn't think I was going to get them off the combine to go to my meeting but they finished cutting the beans and came home.  They loved it!

As I watched them going through the fields, I looked around and had to thank God for all He has blessed us with.  We have a beautiful farm and home and we have each other.  We are so blessed!  Sometimes, I am bad to look at others and wish I had their house or car, etc.... but I am overly and abundantly blessed.  I have been given so much by God and I am so grateful.

We had a great end of the day.  After my meeting, I went across the street to Krispy Kreme!  Had a coupon for buy one dozen, get one free!  Yay!  Gave 1 dozen to my little brother.  Everyone was happy!  Ended up a good weekend!

Finally Friday!

I am so glad it is Friday!  This week at work we celebrated our 10th year in business.  We had lots of fun stuff going on but I am exhausted.  So exhausted in fact that during our busy morning routine and rushing, I got both kids to their schools.  Walked out to my van and noticed my reflection.  I put eyeliner on 1 eye and not the other and completely forgot my mascara!  Too funny!  Had to laugh and had to borrow mascara when I got to work.  I couldn't go without it all day!  So glad it's Friday!  Hope you have a great weekend!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Do you ever feel like you never sit down and relax?  That is how I have felt this week.  Michael is working alot this week and so I am having to do alot of stuff on my own.  Every night this week there has been something and I haven't gotten home till almost 9:00.  So glad tonight we were able to stick around the house but Michael is working off duty so he isn't here till later.

I have been struggling for the past several months with heart flutters.  I have noticed that they have been getting worse so I made an appointment with the doctor for next week.  I always get concerned because my dad has had heart issues and had a triple bypass last year.  Scared us all!  I feel inside though that it has alot to do with anxiety.  I have always been a nervous person.  I worry about everything and I try to plan things out that I have no control over.  Does anybody understand?  Some people tell me it could be thyroid issues too but in my gut I think it is nerves.  I try to give all my issues to God but I am human and struggle daily with that.   My prayer though is that it is something so simple as anxiety.  I can handle that better than something actually being wrong with my heart.  I have so much to be thankful for.  I know that my life is in His hands and He will take care of me.

To Infinity and Beyond!

Yesterday, I got to take the day off of work to go with my little man, M on a field trip to see Toy Story 3 on Ice.

We had a great time!  The show was awesome and the kids loved it!  So glad we got to go!

Resting in Him

The last several weeks have been very stressful for me.  My job has been extremely stressful with some changes going on and just being busy in general at work.  I am also constantly having mommy guilt for working so much but I enjoy my job but I just fill like I am never doing anything well enough for anyone.  I feel like I fail as a wife, a mom, daughter, sister, friend and the list goes on.  I try my hardest to do everything for everybody and never feel like I do enough.  My anxiety level has been so high I have had a panic attack and two sinus infections in the last couple of weeks.  My chest is so tight all the time I feel like I am going to pop.

Well this morning I did pop.  I went through our morning hustle and bustle.  Missed the bus AGAIN and dropped off both the kids at their schools and then I broke down in my van.  I prayed to God and asked for strength and peace.  I couldn't handle it anymore.  Then I felt God tell me that I don't need to handle all these things.  He wants to handle it for me.  I can't handle everything but if I hand all my stress over to Him, He will equip me to do what needs to be done but most importantly what He wants me to do.  I prayed from M's school all the way to work and when I got to work I read a devotion in my devotion book.  It was about resting in Jesus.  Sometimes we think our problems are insignificant to God but He wants to know everything and He wants to be able to take care of us.  A comment that really hit me hard in my devotion was "If it concerns us, then it's important to Him".  We just have to let go and let Him take over.  I am a major control freak so sometimes I try to hold on to things but this morning in my van I realized that I can't but God can.  After my time with God this morning,  my chest wasn't tight anymore and I realized what I needed all along was what I already had.  JESUS. I want Him to mold me and make me into the mom, wife, daughter,sister and friend He wants me to be.  I just have to depend on Him and not on Me. 

Go TIGERS!!

E and her uncle Tyler, my little brother.  He is a senior this year.

This past week E went to a cheerleading camp at our local high school and also the high school I graduated from.  Part of the deal with the camp was getting to cheer with the varsity cheerleaders during the 3rd quarter at the Friday night football game!  Even though I have been under the weather this weekend, I had to be there to cheer on my girl!  She had a blast!

E cheering her heart out at the game!

E having fun with friends at the game!

We had a great time even though we lost!  It was alot of fun!

A Little Note. . .

Mornings are usually hectic trying to get 2 kids to 2 separate schools and get them there ON TIME.  This morning as we were rushing out the door, I got in my van and E handed me this note she had made me.

Totally made my day. She is so sweet!  As soon as I got to work I hung it up on my desk.  I thought of her every time I looked at it today.  Great way to start your morning!

Busy but Good Weekend!

This weekend was a busy one!  Fortunately, Michael was off of work and we always love it when he is with us.  We had family night on Friday night and made ICE CREAM SUNDAES!  Yum!

Then the kids and Michael went swimming! Yes it is late September but it has been hot.  I chose to hold the towels and wrap up kids when they decided it was too cold.

Saturday I went to the gym.  Yes, the gym!  My boss has been gracious enough to buy us a membership to a local gym.  I really enjoyed it and worked muscles I never knew I had. Ha! Can't wait to get in a routine of going.  This was just my intro to how to work all the machines so I worked them all! Whew!

Saturday evening Michael and I dropped the kids off at their cousins and went to a beautiful outdoor wedding for one of his friends at work.  It was very nice and got finished just in time!  A storm came up as we started eating the reception dinner.  Michael and I got to dance for the first time ever at this wedding!  That's pretty sad! We'll be married 13 years in November and that is the first time we have danced.  That shows how often we go to fancy events like that! So glad we finally got to dance and we got a good picture of just the two of us made.  Usually our pictures are one of us with the kids and the other taking the picture but never a picture with just us!  So happy!

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful, loving, caring, Godly husband!  I love him sooo much!

Sunday, we had 2 great services at church.  I sang last night at our Sing Praise Service.  I was so nervous but think I did OK.  I only sing to Him!  He gave me the strength and peace I needed to get through the song.  All Praise and Glory goes to Him!  Well, gotta go get E to dance! Have a great week!

Finally Fall!

Yesterday was the first day of fall but to tell you the truth it still feels like summer.  I am sooo ready for it to cool down and actually feel like fall.  It has been an extremely stressful week at work so when my grandfather and mom mentioned going to pick pumpkins I thought it would be a fun idea to de-stress a little.

Tonight we went to a family friend's house and picked some pumpkins.  M had to make sure he got one for his teacher. How sweet!  E  wanted a big one to make her a super-sized pumpkin pie.  She loves them!

Now I think I may pull out all my fall decorations this weekend and get in the mood for fall.  Maybe if I do that it will at least feel cooler.  Happy Fall!

A Day I Will Never Forget

Saturday, Michael and I got the blessing and honor of going with our Sunday School Class to Jenkin Jones Holler in West Virginia.  My dad went with us too.  We went up there to help out at the Kings Closet.  This is a place started by Harold Ward, a member at our church, about 5 years ago.  Harold loves these people and they love him.  This place is like a lost town that has been forgotten.  You drive up old mountain roads until you get to it.  Roads stop there.  The roads don't go any further.  The Lord has used Harold greatly up there.  God has used Harold to start a church up there and he has what is called "The King's Closet" which is a place where people can come and get clothes and different supplies they need for free.

Feeding the community at the King's Closet

This community is very poor.  There are no jobs.  This was at one time a sprawling coal mine town but when the mine shut down they had no way of making money.  The closest place around that has stores and work is about 45 minutes away in Bluefield, WV.  I do not have enough time to explain the conditions of this place.  Let's just say that if you go, you will NEVER look at things the same.

I have to say I really struggled about going.  I worry about everything and Satan uses that to beat me down.  By Wednesday I felt so beaten down I didn't even want to go to church that night.  I went and am so glad I did.  The Lord entered that place and we just testified and praised the Lord for what He has done.  I felt God convicting my heart and told the church how I was struggling with going and I realized that I wasn't the only one.  Satan was trying his hardest to keep us away.  I felt so much better after service but you know Satan isn't going to give up. To make a long story short, I ended up with a sinus infection and had a panic attack (thought I was having a heart attack).  Well I went and God blessed soooo much.  There were many obstacles as the group from the church came up the mountain.  How about 4 blowouts!  All on the vehicles carrying all of our supplies but they didn't give up and finally everyone was there around 1pm.  We had a service and God SHOWED up!  8 precious souls received Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Praise the Lord!

 I know this is a long post but I just want to catch as many details as I can.  Last night we had an amazing testimony service for us to share with the church congregation about our trip.  I can't put it all down but we were all changed.  I have cried several times today thinking about the people up there.  I am so blessed.  That could just as easily be me in that area.  I am so blessed and am so thankful that I  had the opportunity to go.  We are going back.  I don't think Harold is going to have any trouble getting help.  We are all ready to go back and see what God is going to do again.  Totally AMAZING!

Shuffle-Step!

Today was E's first day of dance.  She took for 2 years when she was younger but we took a break.  We decided to go back to this year and E wouldn't take from anyone but Ms. Treva.  She is a great dance teacher and is very well known in this area.  Now E is practicing all her new steps.  E was so excited to find out that 2 of her friends from school are in the same dance class as her!  It was great to see her so excited about dance again!

She is absolutely beautiful!  I know she will do great!

The End of a Fantastic Summer!

Well, Labor Day was yesterday and so I guess that signals the official end of summer.  I thought I would share a few pictures of our family throughout the summer.  I have to say it is sad to see summer go but Fall is my absolute favorite season of the year.  I don't know but the air just seems crisper and I just love the colors on the trees.  Check out the summer pics!

I would post more but I still have the dinosaur of internet DIAL UP and it took me an hour to just do these.  We hear rumor DSL is coming soon.  Please Lord!  All these pictures are from the beach.  Hope you all had a great summer!

Today was a GREAT day!

I really do not like to miss being at my church on Sunday's or Wednesday's either but especially Sunday mornings.  We are blessed to be a part of a wonderful SPIRIT LED and SPIRIT FILLED church and I love it but this morning we didn't go.  We did though go to my parents church to hear a very special person speak.  Keith was the pastor at my old church for many years and during the majority of those years I was a teenager.  Because of the size of our church at that time he also led the youth and made an enormous impact on my life and many others.  (For those of you who work with youth, just know that your impact on the lives of those teenagers will go further than just during their stay in youth.  It will stay with them for a lifetime.)

Keith, his precious wife Gayle and 2 of their 3 sons came up this weekend to perform a wedding and he was asked to stay and preach this morning.  Now Keith and Gayle left to go to serve the Lord in Georgia 12 years ago.  He married me and Michael and about 9 months later God called him elsewhere.  We have seen him and Gayle a few times since then but I haven't heard him preach in over 5 years when he came up for a special homecoming so I had to go hear him today.  I am glad I did.  It was so good to hear him preach and he had an awesome sermon out of John 5.

Keith, me and Michael at my parents house

Ben, Gayle, Keith and Jacob

After church service, Keith and his family and a couple other families came to lunch at my parents house.  We had a great time catching up.  Michael worked this weekend but he woke up early to come see Keith's family before they left to go back to Georgia.  It was great to see them and I hope they come visit again soon! I love you all!  Keith, you were a very important part of my life and I will never forget what you taught me and showed me by your walk with the Lord.  Thank you!

Here We Go- My First Post!

E on second day of school waiting on bus.

Well, to catch everyone up on what is going on in our house, we are back in school.  E just started her 2nd grade year (wow! hard to believe) last week.  She loves her teacher and is making new friends.  This year she is in a class where she has never been in class with any of the girls before so she is having to get out of her comfort zone and get to  know new people.  I am glad.  I want her to know as many people as she can at school.  She will be with them for 10 more years. My prayer is that she makes a true friend this year that she will be friends with for a very long time.  I know I met some of my good friends in school around this age and we are still friends to this day.  We may not see each other often but when we see each other it is like no time has passed.  We are blessed to be in a great school district.  I love her school and I pray that things stay the way they are.

M and E on M's first day of school.

Now M has begun going to preschool at a  Christian private school near my work.  He loves it and loves Mrs. Drum.  He is learning so much.  I am amazed at the things he tells me each day.  He is growing up so fast.

I am now working alot more.  I enjoy what I do and work for a great boss.  She is very understanding and works with my schedule so I can try to be at as many things I can for the kids.  I have always worked part time since E was born but I have had to start working more.  I am thankful though.  God has allowed everything to fall into place at just the right time and has always taken care of us.

Michael is still loving his job of "protecting and serving" the people.  His schedule and mine sometimes cause us to pass each other and not see each other as much as we would like but we make the most of our time when we are together as a family.  We are so thankful for how God is working and blessing in our lives.

Today we enjoyed the afternoon. Once we got home from school and work, we got in our swimsuits and jumped in the pool.  We love swimming together and it is great being able to do that anytime at home.  We blew bubbles and ended our fun with popsicles.  We have a pretty exciting weekend planned.  I will post more soon!