To Caleb,

My thoughts go to you often lately. I miss you. How are you up there? What's it like? I wonder what your new body is like, and what it would be like to see you run and play.....what does your voice sound like when you're talking to Jesus.....
Christmas came and went and I've thought of you lots. Daniel got a new toy school bus and there's a little man that sits in a wheelchair at the back of the bus. I know it's really you sneaking in to play with your cousin. You would love him and think he's really funny, I bet he would give you good pats on the chest. I'll be sure to tell him all about you as he grows. He got to wear your Winnie the Pooh tie on Christmas day, it was very special, thank you for sharing it with us.
I love you lots and lots, and am happy to know that you are having lots of fun where you are. Please say hi to your other cousin and to great grandpa for me. Is Jacob and silly Jericho up there with you too? If so, give Jericho a dirty look from me.
Merry Christmas Caleb,
Love Auntie Tinette

Merry Christmas

From my crazy family to yours...

moving on...

Baby No!

Baby No!

In other news...

~Not-so-little girls birthday was on Sunday. She's 7! Had a big birthday bash planned with all her little girlfriends from school invited, but got a phone call from her step-mom that morning saying "uh.......she has the flu.......sorry......."

Sigh, so she spent her big day in bed, while I spent the afternoon calling all the little girls mommy's to cancel the party on a couple of hours notice. Poor girl. Luckily it worked for everyone to come on Friday instead, so she will not go unspoiled.

~Not-so-little girls Christmas concert was last night. It was so cute and she did so well! She got to sing a few lines in the microphone with only a selected few, only the good singers were chosen. I cried.....I'm so proud of her.

Merry Christmas!

De-lurking rocks!

Ok people! The time has come! I've checked out my clustrmap and there are plenty of people who need to peek their head out of their lurking shadows and leave me comment! Consider it an early Christmas blessing to me! I would bless me so much to hear from you!

Please comment, I don't bite!

:)

To celebrate the holiday season, a charitable donation in your name has been made to

The Human Fund,

money for people.

The memory of our dear beloved car still lives on in our hearts. We know nothing will ever be able to replace the dark and empty space it's departure has left in us........

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..............

.......

....

..

However,

this new Golf might help!!

Please give a warm welcome to the newest addition to our family, "New Golf".

It's been a whirlwind, and it's all happened so fast. So fast that it almost feels like nothing happened, considering it's the exact same car, only white.

Call us uncreative,

I call us Golf lovers.

farewell old friend...

Last week today, we said good-bye to a dear friend, the Golf, after a tragic and unexpected death on Circle Drive.

The Golf was a beautiful car inside and out, loved by all it's drivers and passengers. It provided warmth on cold days with it's heated seats, and cool fresh air with it's sunroof. It was never a burden to it's owners, and when gas prices sky rocketed it did not break their wallets, instead, it took them all sorts of places on very little money. It will always be remembered for it's loud diesel purring, it's pretty blue interior lights, and it's very high and irreplaceable cost that will continue to be deeply grieved.

It made a home in the hearts of many, and will be sadly missed. We love you Golf,

love,

your family

My Christmas idol and it's worshiper

Oh christmas tree Oh christmas tree

I want so bad to touch you

Oh christmas tree Oh christmas tree

but my mom won't let me

I've been told no, some times before

but I keep coming back for more

Oh christmas tree Oh christmas tree

I want so bad to touch you

lyrics by 'mommy'

Quiz stollen from Christy

1. What kind of soap is in your bathtub right now?
Dial Grapefruit -(Me), Axe Kilo -(Hubby), Gerber Grins and Giggles Milk and Honey -(Son), L'oreal Kids Orange Mango -(Daughter)
2. Do you have any watermelon in your refrigerator?
No.....isn't that a summer thing? Notice the snow outside? ask weird questions much?
3. What would you change about your living room?
Am I only allowed ONE thing? If so, I would want new furniture. If not, I would want new furniture, and I would change the wall color to something a little more neutral, and I would change the painting over the couch, and put a skylight in the ceiling. Does the huge stupid pine tree outside that blocks my view of the street count as part of the living room? If so, that too. If not....well whatever.
4. Are the dishes in your dishwasher clean or dirty?
Clean
5. What is in your fridge?
Oh my goodness are you serious? I would rather not disclose that information. Let's just say, food, some good, some bad.
6. White or wheat bread?
Whole wheat all the way all the time. I hate white bread. Right now I'm back to W.W. whole wheat, at a whoppin $2.59 a loaf! Where do they get off?
7. What is on top of your refrigerator?
A big bucket of protein mix, a small bucket of carb mix, napkins and a paint brush.
8. What color or design is on your shower curtain?
Big bright and boldly colored squares, like pink, orange, blue, green, and other colors you would think wouldn't match, but so do.
9. How many plants are in your home?
LOL, I'm in Christy's boat. I kill plants, all plants, and yes, even cactus's. Or is it, cacti?
10. Is your bed made right now?
No, if I do make it, it's usually not until a couple of minutes before my hubby gets home.
11. Comet or Soft Scrub?
Both, depending on my mood.
12. Is your closet organized?
Which one? My son's? no. My linen closet? no. My bedroom closet? no. My daughters? kind of....oh sheesh, well my front entrance one is!
13. Can you describe your flashlight?
Again, weird questions much? It's black, and actually I don't even think it's ours, I think my hubby lifted it from my dad.
14. Do you drink out of glass or plastic more at home?
Glass, goblets to be exact.
15. Do you have iced tea made in a pitcher right now?
No, I'm off iced tea, and back to sugar free.
16. If you have garage, is it cluttered?
No garage, no shed, no nothin. I have planters full of weeds, does this answer the question?
17. Curtains or blinds?
Both.
18. How many pillows do you sleep with?
One, but we sleep with two seperate blankets. *To any wives out there sleeping with a blanket hog, please note, two blankets is awesome!*
19. Do you sleep with any lights on at night?
We leave one on in the living room, we have a night light in the bathroom, in the hall, in my girls room, and in my sons room, and our Christmas lights, which my hubby hasn't turned off for days.
20. How often do you vacuum?
Again, I would rather not disclose this information.
21. Standard toothbrush or electric?
Both.
22. What color is your toothbrush?
Mine is purple and green, and the one I steal from my hubby all the time is blue.
23. Do you have welcome mat on your front porch?
uh, I have a mat, but it doesn't say welcome, it says "go away!" no just kidding.
24. What is in your oven right now?
A whole lot of nothing. Had you asked me this question yesterday around supper time I could've said a chicken roasting away to perfection with some potatoes and carrots soaking up all the yummy chickeness.....and yes it was awesome. I'm cheating aren't I?
25. Is there anything under your bed?
Yes.
26. Chore you hate the most?
LAUNDRY!
27. What retro items are in your home?
My fridge and stove....well maybe not retro, but old and ugly none the less.
28. Do you have separate room you use an an office?
Not yet, but soon enough the extra room downstairs will one day be used as an office.
29. How many mirrors are in your home?
Two in the bathroom, one big one then three other little ones in our room. Yes I'm vain.
30. Do you have any hidden emergency money around your home?
We did, but we bought a new emergency couch.
31. What color are your walls?
Green living room, orange bathroom, blue bedroom, pink girls room, yellow boys room, deep purple basement.
32. What does your home smell like right now?
I dunno, who can smell their own house?
33. Favorite candle scent?
Fresh Linen!
34. What kind of pickles are in your refrigerator right now?
Spicy
35. Ever been on your roof?
No way man. But my hubby took my daughter up there when he was putting up the Xmas lights. I was freaked.
36. Do you own a stereo?
I like how in this day and age of buying on credit, and not actually "owning" anything in our home, that this survery actually asks, "do you OWN a stereo". Yes....I own a stereo.
37. How many TV’s do you have?
One
38. How many phones?
3 cordless phones, and one cell phone.
39. Do you have a housekeeper?
No I'm the keeper, but I am not my brother's keeper, for all you good book fans.
40. What style do you decorate in?
I don't know, nice stuff.
41. Do you like solid colors in furniture or prints?
Both, depending on the print.
42. Is there a smoke detector in your home?
Of course.

Well that wasted a good chunk of my morning. Cheers!

Do you know what today is???

A new day, with new mercies, new challenges and new ground to take!

Step by step I'm moving forward, little by little taking ground,

every prayer a powerful weapon, strongholds come tumbling down.

Not by might or power but by His spirit, watch me fly.

*zoom! zoom!*

dirty shoes, adult teeth, and giving up

Have had lots on my mind lately, some good stuff, some not so good stuff, but still feeling encouraged to know that God is good, no matter what.

Son:

Is doing much better, thanks to those of you who lifted him up in your prayers, what a blessing. He's back to his normal self, getting into everything, making messes everywhere he goes, playing with dirty shoes and so-on. His form of play is so pointless, and it's funny to watch him go from thing to thing with no rhyme or reason.

Little Girl:

Is doing awesome in school. Her reading is getting better and better everyday, and it's so cool to watch and help her learn and grow. She lost her very first tooth! and is very excited to see a big-person tooth already coming through! She says that everything she does now will be that much better, because now ladies and gentlemen....she's an adult.

I love her to death and have been blessed to keep my eyes focused on God's vision and purpose for her life and ministry.

Hubby:

The most amazing man I've ever known, am so priveledged to be his one and only. He recently moved offices and is now in a bigger one with more windows, yay for shopping for new office pictures and decor. Walking along side him in this growing process of being life group leaders has been amazing, and I'm excited to see all that God has in store for our marriage as He builds our love and unity.

Me:

Some say it's rules and regulations,

and trying to always be right

no room for mistakes, in the choices we make

only the strong survive.

But it's not about perfect performance

or resolution of will.

It's all about surrender

giving up.....being still

It's only for the weak, for the faint of heart

those driven to their knees, those who live with scars

there's power from beyond, we're certain where it's from

and that's our source of strength.

Before we follow Christ, we need to be advised

it's only for the weak.

He welcomes the worn and weary

All who are wounded by sin

And just as we are, we can fall in His arms

Rest and find shelter in Him

Seems like each day is a battle

With burdens and struggles to face

Only in our losing

Do we really see how much we've gained

-Avalon-

Feeling very weak, and desiring so much to give up my control. With so many things spinning outside of my control, I know I need to choose to rely on Him. Some days I'm pumped with faith, others, completely on my face in discouragement. I thank God for His patience with me.

My Mom:

Please continue to pray for her as the spirit leads you.

Her health is still very poor and her heart still weak.

Please pray for me today.

I am very sick with croup. I'm tired and grumpy, and coughing and stuffy, and snotty and achy. I really want to feel better soon, so I can play toys and giggle and go shopping at my favorite store, Walmart. I was making funny barking noises last night, so my mommy and daddy got me out of bed at 1am, and wrapped me in blankets and towels and took me outside to breath in the cold air. It helped a little bit.

Please say a little prayer for my mommy too. She loves me so much and I can see in her face that it's hard for her to see me like this. I think she might miss playing with me too.

Thank you very much.

Love,

Daniel

Bare Blog...

Things over here....

~Caleb's one year anniverssary since his passing was on Saturday.

~My mom's health has gotten worse, and we're all pressing through feelings of helplessness and doubt. Learning a new way of leaning on Him.

~My hubby and I have been leading our very first Life Group! It has been such a learning and growing experience aleady, and I'm sure we'll continue to be stretched in ways we never thought. We've been blessed with an amazing group of people who make us feel safe and loved.

~I'm struggling to get back on track with eating and excersize, and it seems to be an unhill battle. I made it so far, and walked all the way back to where I started. My sis and I ran the other night, and could only run 6 lamposts (we were up to 35) . Sigh....

...and such is life....

But God is good

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

My amazing hubby let me sleep in a little extra this morning (for which I am extremely grateful as I've come down with a rotten cold), and he's taking me out for dinner and a movie tonight. My most perfect daughter ever wrote me a nice birthday note on our wipe board, and drew me a picture too of me and my birthday cake (but she said she has to finish it when she gets home, cuz I have no arms). My coolest sister is bringing me Taco Time for lunch!! (notice this gets 2 exclamation marks cuz Taco Time is awesome) My father in law gave me tons of shopping money!! (as does this....cuz come on.....it's shopping) And my son....well he's helping (not helping) me fold (toss around the floor) the clean (not anymore) laundry. Thanks son, I love you!

Anyways, I'm blessed, my family is amazing and I love them. I love how much they love me, flaws and all. I'm off to carry on with my day in PEACE and JOY by God's grace.

my life as a mom

Oh look! A mess!

Oh look! A mess!

Oh look! A mess!



Oh look! A mess!

....

...............

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And finally...

Mommy....I got gum in my hair....

sorreeeeeee!

picture post, and BIG BIG news

Some scenes from the big birthday bash...

His new car/dumptruck/wagon/walker.

His very own cake...

(before)

(after)


well at least he used a spoon...

My daughter and I are religiously addicted to the tv show "Style by Jury". So one night we thought we'd have our own makeover...

(before)


(after)

us going swimming

us and my hubby's grand-parents who were in town for Thanksgiving & her 75th birthday!

me and my Faithfulness....

la la la la.....

and I've saved the best and most important for last...

drum roll please........

MY SON IS WALKING!

Pressing on...

I am such an analizer. I analize things to death. I analize myself to death. I analize situations before they even happen, just so that I'm prepared, for ANY possible senario, just in case.

So, the other weekend something came up, a problem with a non-christian couple who are a big part of our lives. A problem my hubby and I have been kind of avoiding, hoping we could just deal with it later. Well later seemed to arrive, and wouldn't you know it, I did not feel prepared. So down on my couch I sat, across from my calm, cool, collected and much more mature husband, and relentlessly began to analize the situation as I saw it. I thought of what to say if this happened, what to do if this happened, how to act if this happened, all in all, solidifying my case and nailing down my arguement. Listening to my hubby remind me of all the times God has taken care of these problems in the past, seemed to open my ears to the voice of the Holy Spirit, and this is what he whispered in my ear,

"The goal is NOT to not have these problems. It's through these problems that I display my faithfulness, my love and my forgiveness through you!"

Why do I always run from the problem, or worse, attack the problem with my own weapons, when in reality, these are not problems to be attacked, they are opportunities to be seized! When I look back at any issue we have had in this area, each and every one has been resolved, and without (much) grief! God has been faithful in each circumstance, because He has bigger plans for this couple than I can see, and each opporunity that I seize to walk in obedience, brings them closer to knowing the love of Christ.

Praise Him.....

My mommy

My mom is back in the hospital. Her heart is still very weak. Please pray that her heart is open to the Lord's healing, both physical and spiritual. I'm encouraged that God has bigger purposes for this time than we know.

"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harn you, plans to bring you a hope and future, then you will call upon me, you will seek me and find WHEN YOU SEEK ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART, I will be found by you"....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

One year ago...

PARTY HARDY MARTY! I'M ONE TODAY!