Ramblings and a Christmas Card Photo

A couple of days ago I took pics of my kids for our Christmas card. I posed them all as sleeping angels. You can see the end result on the side bar of this page. Anyways, Denae's turn was last. Of course by then she was ready for her turn as she thinks she is just as big as the rest. She hopped right up on the "cloud" and laid down, but of course, being only 18 mos old, wouldn't close her eyes. I took several shots and she laid so still for all of them. I just had to share this one in color. Her big blue eyes just take my breath away. She looks so precious and innocent and cuddley. God has truly blessed me with all of my wonderful children. Not that they, and we as parents, don't have our moments of "un-angelic" behavior, but God has really, really been awesome to us. I look around sometimes at others who have more and can get envious for second, I will admit. Who doesn't wish they could do more, give more, be more to their children, to their church, or to whatever their passion is? But honestly, when I really think about my life, my family, my heritage, all I can see are the blessings of God: a great childhood with awesome parents and brothers and sisters, a wonderful husband, an unbelievable church and church family, friends and extended family that are always there when you need them and even when you don't : ), a good job, a home, food and clothing, trials that the Lord has brought me through, and my children, my precious, loving, trying children. Now, seriously, how could I ask for more? I just look at pictures like the one above and I can remember just how blessed I truly am.

Ready for Church on Sunday Night

Thanksgiving Day Pictures

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wish each and every one of you a very happy Thanksgiving with family and friends. May you have time to reflect on the goodness and mercy of God, His many blessings, and His wonderful gift of salvation. And of course may you enjoy fine food and fellowship!



I am so thankful for many, many things: my wonderful husband and children, my awesome family and the Christian heritage that both my husband and I received and are now passing on to our kids, a great church, and of course all of the many blessings that God sends our way.



I asked each of the kids what they were thankful for this Thanksgiving. Dallas is thankful for grandma and poppa and God. Delaney is thankful that Jesus died for us, for God's word, and for Christmas. Darilyn is thankful for her family and for God. And Denae is thankful for, well I guess she'll tell us next year.



Anyways, from our house to yours, have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Darilyn Lost Her First Tooth!

Well, Darilyn lost her first tooth yesterday. She was so excited about the tooth fairy coming that she had a hard time getting to sleep last night. She won't be 6 until the end of December, so she is also excited that she is younger than Delaney was when Delaney lost her first tooth. That is a big deal to her. I think she looks really cute with the new "window" in her mouth.

Just some pics

Thought I would post a couple of pics I have taken lately of the kids. Take a look at the mess in that toy room. We get it cleaned up every night, but the too babies, (Denae and Kaitlyn) can sure make a mess. But, I guess that okay since it is in the toy room. Besides, take a look at the expression on Denae's face. It is priceless. She is just having so much fun! Dallas is being a cool kid with his hat. He is also holding Bible quiz cards. He asked me to "learn" him a verse, or actually 2. The funny thing is, he really can quote them since he has heard the girls say them so many times!

Bible Quizzing Up-date

The girls have finished learning their first chapter, Galatians 1:1-20. I think the first chapter is a big milestone for the little ones, especially since in chapters 2 and 3 we only have to learn a total of 6 verses. So, by the end of the week, we'll be done with 3 chapters! That just sounds great and is good for morale and confidence. Way to go, Delaney and Darilyn!

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

"You're still the one that I love. The only one I dream of. You're still the one I kiss goodnight. You're still the one. Your still the one I cling to. The one that I belong to. You're still the one I want for life."

Today is the wedding anniversary of 2 very special people, my mom and dad. I want to wish them a very happy day and at least 34 more years of wedded bliss. You are a true example of what a godly marriage should be: love, laughter, and commiment to each other and God no matter what. I wrote out the lyrics to the song that makes me think of the two of you. I wish I was there and could sing it to you, but since I'm not, I wanted you to know that whenever I hear that song, I sing along in honor of you. God has blessed your marriage and I know He will continue to do so. We love you both so much. Happy Anniversary!!

Notes from church

During church Tuesday night, I had to leave due to a sick baby. Delaney arrived home after church with a paper. She handed it to me and said, "Mommy I took notes for you since you couldn't be there." I found her notes to be both precious because she had thought about doing this for me and hilarious because, well, just read them for yourself!

Just Another Day

Today was "just another day." Nothing out of the ordinary or exciting happened today. I don't even have a picture to post. It was just a Saturday at home with kids, enjoying the nice weather. The kids were up by 7:30, as usual. They played outside for most of the day with some neighborhood/church friends and two kids who came over for a few hours while their mom was at choir clinic. (That is the nice thing about living down the street from the church: there are always people dropping by, stopping by, or sometimes just waving as they drive by.) Kevin went over to his sister's house to help them install new flooring. Later we had a Kick-off for Bible Quizzing at the church, which included a really cute slideshow of the kids this past season. It was amazing to see how the kids have changed in just a few short months. We had pizza for dinner and ate in the living room in front of a cozy fire. We had cookies for dessert as the girls reviewed quizzing verses and we talked about what they meant. The kids took showers and I spent forever curling my girls' pentecostal hair for church. Their hair is getting so long and thick and beautiful. Then it was bedtime with stories and prayers.

Now, the house is quiet. No kids running in and out. No laughter. No shouting. Nowhere to go. Nothing to do. Peaceful. And now, if I take the time, I can look back at my "just another day," and realize how special it was. Nothing big happened, but memories were made. Riding bikes on the church parking lot with friends. Spending time with family working on a big project. Celebrating our kids' achievements in quizzing. Having a pizza picnic. And now sharing my thoughts with you.

That's what life is all about, I think. It's not always "top of the mountain" experiences or exciting trips. It's not about the next big thing I can post about on my blog or memorialize in a scrapbook. It's about the little things that happen in between. It's about all my"just another days." I took time out tonight to enjoy mine, now I hope you enjoy yours.