Our Week with Cherished Friends

The boys became best friends with the Baker boys when they were 3 and 2 years old. The Bakers had baby #3 about 4 months before our #3. Of course baby #3's became best buds even though they were a girl and a boy. Our families have had several trips together. After 2 years of being away, it seems as if not time has passed. One of the Bakers would not tell anything they wanted for Christmas. When asked what he would do with $1000 if he had it to try to pry something out he wanted, he said he would visit our family. Well, that was it. A trip up north was planned.

Now to recap some of this week together:

roller skating & ping pong in the basement
G8 played school with N3 and A6. Boy how I remember these days with my aunt (Angie). Although she always got to be the teacher.

Football in the yard

Which reminds me the one day we decided to run by the mall 1st to play with the life sized chess game instead of going straight to the park for football, we decided to kinda hide a camera (pictures blow)and tell them our new plans of going to the mall instead of the park. Reactions in photos below. It was a hoot! Especially after A13 saw the flash, he went to the biggest smile and pointed at me and proclaimed, "You got me!" He was so relieved that it was a joke. Funny thing was, we were serious. (They did not know about the life size chess game.)

OK, we both did the same writing class with DVDs at our seperate co-ops, so we did this together while they were here.

Wii OF COURSE!

Movies: Pirates Who Don't Do Anything, Madagascar 2, Iron Man, Lord of the Beans, Minnesota Cuke

Park for play ground fun & roller skating before a storm drove us to Chuckie Cheeses.
Played Star Wars and Hide N Seek

Creation Museum

Went to IN at Perfect North for snow tubing.
Drove through Cincinnati to finally visit Ohio and see the city lights.

Mammoth Cave- My dad got to go with us here. Scott forgot about the time change, so we were a little early.

When we went in, it was raining. When we came out of the cave, things were amazingly white. Fun w/snowball fights!

The day of their departure was a great time for sledding, so they left an hour late and headed for the slope in the backyard. I am so glad they got in some sledding!
Cousin Kelly (the Bakers cousin) came for a few days too and got in on several outings. The boys were so excited to see her. Even Nicholas grabbed her up and gave her the house tour. The next morning he saw my TV in my room and said, "I forgot to show Kelly the TV." Kelly, Tonya and I had some great laughs staying up a lil too late one night. I think we were delirious.

Cousin Mike (the Bakers other cousin) got to meet us and joined us for tubing. He also got to help Tonya clean the ice on her windshield from when she tried to clear the window with washer fluid. Floridians!

Tonya got to slip on some ice before leaving. So did G8, but I don't think she laughed, so we might not want to remember that one. We all got a laugh at A13 slipping when getting out of the vehicle, but he caught himself hanging onto the car door. Unfortunately, N13 landed on him on a sledding trip to be sure he got to go home with injuries. Boys! 2 of them standing on one sled going down. One fell and the other on top!It is a good thing we get to see them again in a few weeks. It helped ease the pain of them leaving.

Why do you call me Lord?

In the rush of life these past weeks, I made myself finally sit down to pray this morning. I started out, "Lord,..." Then my thoughts went to these verses below, namely the part in bold. (Go down and at least read the bold part.) That was truly scarey! I am thinking I have been living my life based on what I know, but not at the feet of Jesus daily. I have failed lately too in my responses to people. That scares me when I think of the foundation story below also. Convicted again! Based on these, I need to remember to humble myself under His Lordship and quit acting like my life is my own.
Matthew 6:44-49 "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.
Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

Pictures from Ice Storm

And one picture of our new bed and night stands! Kinda blury but, oh well.

Ice Storm 2009 ~ We Loved It!

We actually enjoyed the ice storm a couple weeks ago. We were only out of power for one day. We woke up in the morning with no power and the kids loved it! I looked over at Matthew wondering why he was up already, and he said, "Dillon woke me up to say the power was out, so I got up to see." If I would have known the power being out would be so much fun, I would have thrown the breaker myself. We enjoyed cereal, sandwiches and such throughout the day. Thankfully we have a burner on our grill, so we could boil water and make instant coffee. There really was no stuggle here. The thing I missed the most was my blowdryer. I needed a shower, but with no heat, I was afraid to wash my hair and have a wet head. We sled down the hill. Daddy stayed home due to the office closing. The boys were all excited about our smores and having the entire family sleep in the living room by the fire. We were getting all set for the night in the living room and were roasting marshmellows when the power came on about 9PM. The boys were so disappointed! We rushed to turn off the lights and keep enjoying our camp out in the living room. Scott and I did go for the heater and our own bed, but we let the boys stay in the living room that night. Sledding was totally awesome in our backyard. I have never seen such a great packed snow that felt exactly like a perfect ski slope... not too much soft snow and not too much ice. We had friends over for several days and played all week. The schools had a snow week and so did we. It was just too good to stay indoors! We would rather work into the summer than miss that!

"A Woman's Heart..." for the 4th time!

I am so excited to be doing A Woman's Heart God's Dwelling Place for the 4th time! Is that crazy? I even helped lead it 2 of the 3 times I did it. They say you only retain about 10 percent of what you read, so I figure after this time, 6 more times should do it. LOL This will be the 1st time doing Beth Moore's revised version. This has been my favorite bible study of all time! I used to think the Old Testament (the books in the Bible before Jesus came) were the "old" way of doing things that has nothing to do with what we need to focus on today. How wrong I was! It is so amazing how it all works together! I found through this study that God's Word is like a treasure chest loaded with tons more cool stuff than I ever dreamed.
I have 2 goals with doing it this time around. Number one, I am including my kids in what I learn. Especially my older ones. The second goal is to come away retaining a lot more to be able to share these wonderful truths without botching the story up. If you read my "N3 Gets the Concept" post on Dec. 17th, you may understand what I mean here. I don't want to "sing" the wrong words even though I get the concept. So I will try more memorization.

Hillarious!

OK, this one had me doubled over, but I must warn you, this is a little on the stuff boys love to talk about.
One of my guys yelled from upstairs that he needed some paper. (or so I thought) I reached in our stash of recycled paper and handed a sheet to a brother to run up to him with the instructions, "Tell him to use the other side." My sons that were in the room with me looked shocked and asked, "Mom, did you hear what he just said?" and then went on to tell me he did not ask for paper, but asked for toilet paper.
We all just busted out laughing.

National Champs

The younger boys and I made this fun Gator Game Cake while the oldest and hubby were fretting over the game. I was able to fully watch the last quarter which was enough excitememt for me. After the cake was made, they did not want to cut into it, so we took pictures and looked at it for 5 minutes, and then cut. It was funny.

For my homeschool friends who read, you may not be familiar with Tim Tebow. He is the quarter back for the Gators, was born in the Philipines, home schooled all his life, raised in a missionary family, was the Heisman tropy winner last year and almost this yr. and sets such a great example to all who love him. In the stands, you might find someone holding a sign, "Home schoolers love Timmy!" So, now are you happy for the Gators too?

Congrats to the Gators! Time to go get some National Championship shirts!

The Word Experienced ~ Answered Prayer

Below are verses I have had memorized for many many years and yet I did not realize that I had not fully put them to practice until recently.

Philippians 4:6 & 7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus..

I had been carrying this burden or "monkey" on my back that was bothering me and yet I did not realize how much it was weighing on me. About a year ago I found myself speaking up in a ladies class several times and later worried things like, "Did I say too much?" "What do they think of me?" "Did they get what I meant?" "Is what I said so elementary that they did not need that?" "Do they wish I'd shut up?", yada yada yada. Months later, I found myself asking these questions after some of our Sunday School classes. Then in another ladies bible study in a smaller setting, there I was again, questioning myself. They ask questions, and I am one of the ones that speaks up (no more than anyone else that speaks). I do try to wait to let others talk, but later I question myself. Even times when God has done a great miracle in my life and I share the story because it relates to what we are talking about, I will still ask those crazy questions.
Something was said at the last ladies class that really stood out to me that someone in the room had been "a talker", not in those words. I was kind of certain it was not me and it was not, but it just made me wonder again. (You know... insecurities) I could hardly hold back the tears. I came home sobbing to my husband and shared all these thoughts I had been having over the last 6 months or so, and he said he felt that way some too at times and he thought that devil may be the one that wants us to shut up. He says such profound things in class that what he said encouraged me that even he heard those thoughts. But still... I was not fully satisfied within myself. So that night when I climbed in bed heavy hearted, I decided I needed to take this to God. I asked God to speak to me whichever way I needed. I asked him to either teach me if I should be more reserved in speaking or if it was His will that I should keep speaking as I have been, that He would send me some sort of encouragement. I had not been encouraged in quite sometime, so I felt this would be a good sign. Not to mention I needed it!

The second I finished that prayer as I lay in bed, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself smiling. I went from soooo upset to sooo at peace. I THEN remembered the verses above in Phil 4 that I already knew and was so blessed that I had just fully experienced it! I gave my burden of questions to Him and was willing to let it go! I was ready to just trust that He will take care of my question, and I could rest and not worry.

Ok, now for my answered prayer the very next morning. How gracious He was to not make me wait. Maybe it was because He knew I was fully resting and no longer holding on at all. (Sometimes I think He waits til we get to this point to answer.)

The next morning at like 7:30 AM, I got an email from my Aunt Betty that she had written that morning before work that said many sweet encouraging words about my christian walk, but in the midst of it, as if that was not enough, she wrote, "I love hearing you speak out loud of these things, and it is so good for me to hear how you deal with different situations. Thank you!!!!!!" I copied & pasted it here and bolded the "speak out loud" part.
That made my day! I believe God used her to help answer my prayer. I do not believe in co-incidence, because His word says, "All things work together for good ..." Why else would she say, "speak out loud". Of course I speak out loud to her; we speak by phone. Well I was encouraged and so blessed! I will be happy to lay my burdens down a little sooner next time. And I now know to not listen to those voices that tell me to not share what God has done for me.

My Aunt Betty read this and joked with me about busting into a ladies classroom and saying, "I'm here, now listen up!" She is so funny. No, by all means, I hope to never overbear any conversation, but I do feel like I should not let those insecure questions keep me from sharing the amazing things He is doing and has done in my life.

Were They Angels?

There have only been a few times when I ran into some stranger that said just the right words or something that struck me enough to ask myself, “Could they have been an angel?” I know the Bible tells us, “Some have entertained angels unaware.” This tells me you or I could have spoken with an angel and not even known it. Wow! Well, this experience is one I have been meaning to write about.

I was in the Wal-Mart with N3 walking on the main aisle away from the restroom/layaway area when 2 people came towards us and when they got to us, they were very kind and “into” N3. So much so like I have never seen before with all my 5 children. There was such an interesting peace about that encounter that as they walked away, I thought to myself, “I wonder if we just entertained angels.”

Well this is where the story got even more interesting. After speaking with mainly N3, they continued towards the bathroom area. For some reason, after about 15 feet, they turned around and I had a strange feeling like they were following me. Although there was still a great peace about them, I felt slightly uncomfortable as I would with anyone following me and took a left on that next main aisle still near the back. They turned too! Still uncomfortable, I thought I have to turn again to be sure they are not following me. As I took another left turn that would have taken me towards the back restrooms again, they said, “I would not go that way if I were you.” OK, they truly had my attention then. I looked at them like, “Why?” and they said there was some man in the store that was over in the children’s dept. (on the other side of the store) that was looking at children and some parents reported him. They may have said something about wondering if he was back there where I was about to go, but I can’t quite remember that part due to realizing there was danger that I needed to get on alert about. Again, major peace with these 2, but I had a strong feeling it was time to get out of Wal-Mart! As they were warning me of not heading back there, they were so cheerful and pleasant and then walked off ahead of me. I went straight for the checkout looking everywhere, but saw nothing. Not even the 2 that warned me. Nothing in the parking lot either. We just went home safely.

Well, I may never know if they were angels as I suspected even more after the warning, but it is a reminder to me that God says in His Word that He has His angels watch over us and protect us. I am so thankful that we are in His hands and He is watching over us.

Our Family Christmas Recap

Wow! So much has happened over the Christmas holiday, but I will try to remember. I know these next 3 posts are not edited down, but we just want to remember all we can.
First off, before Christmas, we participated for the 1st time in Operation Christmas Child. I can honestly say that was the best thing I have done for Christmas in years! I was amazed how you can get so much in a lil box to give an entire Christmas to a child somewhere in the world that does not get a Christmas. All given sharing about God's love. I highly recommend it!

Another new thing I loved was decorating our blog. Oh, our blog seemed so cheerful & fun with bright colors to the tune of Jingle Bell Rock. I chose this song thanks to memories of visits to Grandma & Papa's (my Dad's parents) & playing it over & over & over on the real jukebox and playing it so loud the whole house was rockin.

We had our lil Christmas at home before the 25th. I think the thing that was the coolest is our new pingpong table. Dad and N13 have been at it the most. N13 can't wait to get back to it. N3 wanted cars, D12 wanted Narnia game, M8 wanted Wii games, A6 wanted a pirate ship, N13 mainly wanted NCAA 09. So thankful we could honor these wishes & more.

Christmas Recap III (Scott's side of the family)

As of Saturday after Christmas, we headed to Scott's parents house. Our first night there was fun catching up with all the family, eating Nana's Brunswick stew and getting into Mira's much appreciated Chocolate Rum Apple. Wow! That apple is good! The kids had fun with the traditional fireworks outside that Scott and his 3 brothers do every yr. They did it to the tune of the University of Florida's song. Elizabeth videoed it & put it on facebook.

The next day, Anna arrived in time for Nana's delicious spread for Christmas dinner. Scott and his brothers pleasantly surprised us by doing the kitchen clean up! That was a treat. Aunt Doris dropped in for a short visit and then everyone got into presents. Once again the chaos of helping 5 children get into their presents made me put my gift to the side. I usually get to mine last. Well this leads to a funny that Vivian and I enjoyed. On our way to our traditional shopping spot, Vivian asked what I got for Christmas. I was embarrassed that I could not quite remember, but responded, "Well, give me just a second and I will remember." Then after a minute or so I remembered that I never opened my present. We got a good laugh and I had something to look forward to when getting back home. :-) It was my soft pink robe. Oh, and I was so glad to hear how much J. Anne loved her Narnia bracelet that D12 picked out. D12 and May wondered how they got each other the same gift. They still don't know. Ha ha. (moms went shopping together)

We were so excited to get a visit from Scott's cousin, Ladd and Meredith and their boys. We had our traditional night of pizza and the kids had a blast together. We found out that Ladd and Meredith like snow skiing and now we have all sorts of plans up our sleeves.

Teri, the kids and I went to visit Jon and Elizabeth's beautiful home. We saw their closets that will make anyone jealous and the kids watched movies, played on the new swingset and enjoyed a fire. Somehow I missed the fire. OK, Jon & Eliz, I forgot about our new traditon of eating dinner there with the bonfire. How did we forget? Next year!

Vivian and I secretly got Teri all set up on Facebook. 30 seconds after asking someone to be friends, she got a note from her friend. That was wild. Before we could even get Teri in there she had messages. It was fun.

Most everyone enjoyed college football EVERYDAY! I am only a gator fan, so I ran off to other things while they watched that. Like, right now, they are watching football and I am redeeming the time to journal about our Christmas at Nana's. Yes, Papa, it is Nana's house. "Papa will be there too." I still love the story of the twins singing that song. "We're on our way, we're on our way, on our way to Nana's house." Repeat that. Then they added the "Papa will be there too." Wow the twins are now 16 and driving. Do they still sing that song on the way to your house? :-)As usual, all the 16 cousins had fun for 4 days running in and out doing all that they do and us adults visited and ate and ate some more.

Christmas Recap II (Kim's side of the family)

Off to FL with Grandma & Papa Steve. On the way, we stopped by Nana & Papa's to let Ali visit and stopped by to visit with the Bakers and Taltons in LAke City. They played football (of course!) and decorated cookies, fed the fish, took a wild ride on the polaris & more.

Once at Gma & PaSteve, we got to visit with Nanny & get settled in. Christmas Eve we were blessed to visit w/the twins. Oh and Jason! Ha ha. They were so much fun. We of course made our traditional Christmas cookies. NO ONE would let us get away with skipping that! We tried something new this yr that we all loved. We opened all our presents that night! We started out with PapaSteve reading the Christmas story. (Photo is M8 hugging PapaSteve after story.)D12 was excited to see that Gma found Narnia toys that he did not even know about! I can not even mention ALL we got, but it was fun & exciting. We got a good laugh out of mom opening a giftbag that I had stuck things in for other people & should've gotten it out. As she kept pulling things out of the bag, I would say, "Wait! That's not for you!" The last thing she pulled out was a card that said,"Steve". She said, "I guess this is not for me either." It was funny!

Christmas Day we set off to Uncle Steve and Darla's (Darla in photo w/1 of her many Christmas hats) for a visit with Dad's side of the family. Uncle Mike & his family arrived after us so that was the only sad part. Steve took Dad, Scott and the boys down the river on the boat while Aunt Betty and I tasted everything, I mean helped in the kitchen. Dad enjoyed seeing how much N3 missed him. The boys also enjoyed a ride on the golf cart. It was a short but sweet visit.



Later Christmas day, we headed to Bev & Craigs for dinner with Mom's side of the family. I really enjoyed this visit b/c the last 2 get togethers there, I was in the ER with my foot or A6's ear. We had a fun looking at that calendar (I expecially loved Burts picture in the calendar) & playing with Devin's new puppy, Buddy Lee Hatcher. We enjoyed time with the twins again and laughing at Gillian's 6 extremely different faces in 3 seconds after seeing Angie aim the camera at her. Buddy Lee Hatcher and Spencer also put on a show in the kitchen when Buddy treated Spencer's crawling around like his big brother puppy. I loved Sarah's reaction the the puppy name.Dillon loves writing books. This photo is Aunt Beverly giving him a ton of blank books. Thanks for a great dinner as usual & having us all over Bev!

The next day we headed the Papa Steve's side of the family to Sherri's house. It was so nice as usual. We enjoyed a great dinner followed by the much awaited present opening and then out to the front for skateboarding/football. D12& M8 really enjoyed the riding skooter. This it the part where the kids really start begging for more time. In fact we left N13 this yr for a while longer while we headed to see the awesome area our niece Anna works in and her beautiful apartment. That place is better than Worth Avenue! Way to go Anna!
Well, I am gonna save the Scott's side of the family for another post. Whew!

N3 Gets the Concept

I am having fun listening to N3 sing upstairs on the balcony. "He knows you when your driving in a car. He knows you when your on a Christmas tree. He knows you when you're opening a present. He knows if you've been good or bad." OK, so he is not the best with lyrics, but he gets the concept! I have found that is a good thing. I may not know who Jesus met on the road to ???, but I know he can meet a man on a road and completely change his future to following Him. I may not know what book John kept saying he was the beloved disciple, but I caught that I can call myself His beloved. The concept is what counts most!

Now, I just have be sure N3 knows it is God who really knows when you are driving in a car, on a Christmas tree, opening a present and most important when you are good or bad. :-)

SS Christmas party

We had a Sunday School party here Saturday night with our class. This a class of singles ages late 20s to 40s. They have been such a blessing to us and have challenged us in ways we never dreamed. These folks have such a desire to follow God and to reach out to the community with the love of Jesus. When Scott was asked to teach, I really hesitated due to too much on my plate, but they have just enhanced our lives in such awesome ways. So glad we are a part of this awesome group!

One of M8's Best Buds

One of M8's best friends, we'll call him A8, mailed us these pictures today. He and M8 became friends on the school bus last year. The two of them are the silliest things you have ever been around! And they are just alike. They live close by, so that has been fun. A8 is the one on the far right in the football picture and in the costume picture, he is Luigi, from Mario video games, in the middle. The costume picture fits him well even out of costume! A8 went to VBS with M8 and their silliness can be seen on the VBS video posted on Sat. June 28th (3:04 on the video).

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my niece & nephew's Christmas picture!

Aren't they adorable? Having Grandparent photographers THAT LIVE NEARBY really helps! Grandma told me that the twins were having the best time. G especially fell in love with that big teddy bear. I copied it from Facebook and pasted it here. That was easy.

Picture Day

We took some pictures today to maybe come up with a Christmas Card. I am not showing the ones that I sent to my magical mother to possibly fix up for a card incase we get to mail you one. But here are a few that did not make the cut.
This picture shows one where 2 boys are not really ready, so should we throw this picture out? Absolutely not! Look at D12 in the middle with his dog that shares the sweet message of trusting in Jesus. Let's see... how can we use this?

How about we crop everyone else out? But now we see the brothers we cut out. That is not so swift. We don't want them asking, "Why did you cut me out?" Then if you look at the next picture, you will see the final product from this ameteur.


Here was one of our first tries at a picture. Where is the spunk? Where is the thrill? A6 is playing the part, but the others forgot we were so happy. We'll keep trying.
Doesn't it look like N3 is saying, "How long is this going to take?"

America ~ Are We Sleeping?

PAUSE JUKEBOX BEFORE VIEWING THE VIDEOS

A new song by Casting Crowns.

Recap of Thanksgiving

A fun time with cousins!







This photo is of Jon & Elizabeth and their kids. On one of our ventures away from the cabin, we got this photo of Scott's brother's family. We stayed in a cabin just around the corner from Scott's oldest brother, Stuart, and his family. Nana and Papa were there too and stayed in another family member's cabin. The kids had a blast walking from cabin to cabin, fishing, etc.

N13 and I enjoyed playing with Papa's new car and GPS on the way over.

Elizabeth and I had fun realizing how much our husbands are alike.

I sat in a chair that did a split when I sat down. I got the bruise to prove it, but you don't want to see it. Yes, I am on a diet now! :-)

Anna, Stuart's oldest, was missing because she had to work. :-(

Scott's other brother, Bruce, and his family were missing too. :-(

My kids want me to get Nana's recipe for Brunswick stew. It was a hit for all my kids; I gotta have that recipe!

Mrs. Reynolds, Stuart's mo n law, was such a pleasant addition this year. Mrs. Reynold's kindness shined the whole time we were there. I hope I am like that one day. We celebrated her birthday while there.

Cousin Caleb was the biggest highlight for M8 and A6. Caleb is such fun and has such patience!

All the girls went shopping on Fri. in all the little shops. I found a new favorite coffee, got some Christmas shopping done, and had a great time.

Vivian was ever so sweet to take the kids for a walk to the lake.

The kids discovered and explored the tunnels for the dam.

I now see why Teri's kids did not want to part from her dressing. Yum!

Stuart's smoked fish and turkey make me want a smoker!

I realized my mom has got to teach me how to use her old camera. She made an award winning album with it, but my pictures make it look like I need a new camera.

My dad stayed home and was blessed by my friend, Goldie, and her family by them sending him a meal he just raved and raved about. Thanks Goldie! I luv that name!

C2 is growing up and becoming N3's buddy. So cute!

If this does not make you cry.... Operation Christmas Child

Don't forget to PAUSE JUKEBOX to see my videos!


The Lejla Allison Story from Jeff Douglas on Vimeo.

Except ye be converted, and become as little children...

A friend of mine told me about her precious 8 year old boy who loves and adores babies wherever he goes. Through this election, his parents decided he was old enough for them to explain the issue of abortion when it came up. The day after the election, he asked first thing, "Who won?" She found her son just sobbing as she told him it was Obama. How precious is the mind of a child whom all he could think about were all the babies that might have to die. That's love.

I remember when I was little and we watched a movie that showed Jesus having to die on the cross. I think it was a 2 or 3 night movie. The last night, I remember going to bed and just crying wondering how someone so innocent had to die. I was just so upset. I remember asking mom to be sure the movie was right. I could not believe it. I was so broken.

The mind of a child~ we should learn from them.

Matthew 18:1-4
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying , Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him , and set him in the midst of them,
And said , Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted , and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

17 kids and counting - personal encouragement

I was blessed today to get to speak with Michelle Duggar, the mother of the 17 children on the TV show "17 Kids and Counting" found on the learning channel, TLC. In case you are not familiar, they are expecting their 18th child, home school, and are on a reality show. I got to share with her how her parenting techniques have so encouraged me and her children's comments and stand on certain issues have been a great influence on my kids. From watching the show, I was amazed at her sweet soft voice that approached the children that were needing instruction. Her children even shared how she is always that way, which made me wonder, "How does she do it?" I mean I try! I have even confessed to my children that I was wrong for yelling and how I want to change. I even thought of ways they could help keep me accountable. A couple times I shared with them an idea of getting a "NO YELL BELL" that my children were to go ring if I ever yelled, but we never got around to trying it. Actually after speaking with Michelle, I think I am going to try her method. First she so encouraged me by saying she too used to yell and was convicted that needed to change. She too started asking her children to hold her accountable but in a different way than my bell idea. She asked her children that if she ever yelled that they would come lay a gentle hand on her and remind her gently of her desire not to yell. She said sometimes when they did it at first that their little touch was like hot coals on her, but through time she got past the yelling and no longer deals with it. She made another major change by changing her yell to a whisper. She would remember the verse, "A soft answer turns away wrath." She still does it and does not have to fight the yelling anymore. Well, I am encouraged that I might be able to actually change. I am encouraged that all these things we need to work through are a process. I am glad I was on the right track of asking forgiveness and seeking accountability from my kids. Hey, there is a chance my kids may actually be able to report of me in the sweet way her kids of her. Thanks to Michelle for taking time to minister to me!

More FL fun

Our co-op friends from FL met us in Alachua while we were in town. We also got to see the Griffins, but I forgot to take a picture while they were there. I am hoping they send a picture of their family to show Scott how much the kids have grown!

The Bakers shared their awesome seats for N13, my brother Jason and PapaSteve to go to the Gator game. This picture is from their seats in the front row, not zoomed in! They were lovin it!



PapaSteve took N13 and D12 fishing one morning on Black Creek.

While we were there, we also did not get a picture at my Uncle Mike's Bday party that was at Aunt Betty's. I hope they send me one. I took my camera in, but never used it. It was good to see them too!

Time was too short! A6 got a BB in his ear. Thanks to N3! We spent a day at the urgent care center, then the ER downtown, then the ENT the next day all to still have that BB in his ear. One good thing came out of it. I got to see Glen and Debbie in the ER with their son! He had strep. When we go to Jacksonville, we try to get in visits with friends. I was going to have to miss seeing them this time unless she could make it to the bowling party. We only got to see my twin neice and nephew for about an hour at the party, so I was dissappointed with how little time we had there. But thanks Jason and Amy for staying until we got there so I could see them! The ER visit made our visit with mom's side of the family so short. Oh well. Next time!
N13 and I had such a short visit for Scott's side of the family. We get to spend time with them in a few weeks, so that is something to look forward to. The younger 4 boys got to stay a whole week and had a blast playing with their cousins and playing in a fort they keep talking about.

D12's B-day and FL pictures

Birthday party bowling and at Grandma and Papa Steve's in FL

We celebrated Nanny's 75th birthday along with Sarah and D12's birthday at Beverly's. We know D12 is not 11 and we think Sarah, my uncle Burt's wife, is not 45. Actually, D12 was technically still 11 here, so that works. Scott's daddy and my Nanny were born on the exact same day! Happy Birthday to Papa too. They are both celebrating the big 75!

The boys acted like they never saw the beach before. Well, 2 of them may not have and M8 did not seem to remember. We were not going to go swimming, but somehow we did. Well, they did while I prayed. They had a blast and we will definately allot for more time next time.