Sisters With Three

2009-12-25T06:13:00.000-08:00

Making a Joyful Noise!

2009-09-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

An Experience to Remember...

Have you ever been in the car/van with your kids and everyone is tired (esp you) and everyone is getting on everyone else's nerves and you think that maybe this is the 30 minute drive that will definitely make you lose your mind...for good?

That was me tonight...driving home from Lakeland about 7 pm and the bickering/groaning/nagging began the second the doors closed and the engine started. As we drove and I tried different techniques to quiet them/bring peace... every single thing backfired. The quiet game was ruined by someone sneezing... the non-sneezer said "she's out" and you know the ping pong of words that followed suit. SO... no one won the quiet game. Just plain threatening had no 'fangs' cause those who were to recieve the 'discipline' upon arrival home, just whined about the upcoming ''tactile demonstration of thier disobedience'.

I was about this close (hold your fingers about a centimeter apart) to really losing it...suddenly I started singing a snappy tune called Making Melodies - of course, the kids groaned. I said we will keep singing it until everyone sings with me...it took three rounds. As the last note ended, I started up again with This is the Day. Suddenly I had three quite grumpy children turn into three happily singing children. We each took turns singing different songs with the only criteria be they were songs about God/Christ. The range of artist was from Steven Curtis Chapman, Brandon Heath, Chris Rice, Veggie Tales plus a ton that are just great Sunday Morning Sing a long songs - My God is so Big, Joy Down in My Heart, Lord Prepare Me, ...

I think I know how the extreme makeover occured...each of us were focusing on me, me, me, me, me, me, me. What we needed to make us happy, what we needed when we got home, What we didn't get when we were visiting the cousins etc. Actually we needed the Lord to inhabit us and fill us with His love! I know there is a scripture that says... "the Lord inhabits the praises of his people" - but the reference eludes me. I do know that scripture is true because I saw and felt the extreme makeover myself.

So... next time you are in one of those places...start singing songs that the Lord puts on your hearts, sing out to Him... He is always listening.

Teachers Little Helper - Genesis 2

2009-09-12T15:05:00.000-07:00

Ignore this post.... if you are not Dana or Tara

Also, I know its redundant, but I’ve been told, and believe the kids should write their full name on every paper they do and the date (sometimes abbreviated, sometimes spelled out).

^{Genesis 2:18} The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

In the appendix you will find:

1. Genesis 2

2. Spelling: accent marks, syllables, definitions, etymology (etymology is shaded in grey)

3. Nouns from scripture:

4. Vocabulary study – strongs

5. Scientific Method

6. Poetry Specifics

APPENDIX

ONE

Genesis 2

¹ Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.

² By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. ³ And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

Adam and Eve

⁴ This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created.
When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens- ⁵ and no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth and no plant of the field had yet sprung up, for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no man to work the ground, ⁶ but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground- ⁷ the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

⁸ Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. ⁹ And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

¹⁰ A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. ¹¹ The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. ¹² (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.) ¹³ The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush. ¹⁴ The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Asshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

¹⁵ The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. ¹⁶ And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; ¹⁷ but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."

¹⁸ The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

¹⁹ Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. ²⁰ So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.
But for Adam no suitable helper was found. ²¹ So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. ²² Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

²³ The man said,
"This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called 'woman, '
for she was taken out of man."

²⁴ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

²⁵ The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.

TWO

Spelling – alone, helper, suitable

· Alone: Pronunciation: \ə-ˈlōn\

· Function: adjective

· Adjective: separated from others

A 16 – on etymology website – letter A page 16

alone

c.1300 contraction of O.E. all ana "all by oneself," from all "all, wholly" + an "one" (see one). Similar compounds found in Ger. (allein) and Du. (alleen).

· Main Entry: help·er

· Pronunciation: \ˈhel-pər\

· Function: noun

· Date: 13th century

: one that helps; especially : a relatively unskilled worker who assists a skilled worker usually by manual labor

In the KJV, the bible uses the word help meet

Etymology: helpmeet: letter h page 6

helpmate

"companion," 1715, a ghost word, altered from helpmeet, from the Biblical translation of L. adjutorium simile sibi [Gen. ii.18] as "an help meet (i.e. fit) for him" (Heb.'ezer keneghdo), which was already by 1673 being printed as help-meet and mistaken for one word.

Main Entry: suit·able

· Pronunciation: \ˈsü-tə-bəl\

· Function: adjective

· Date: 1581

1 obsolete : similar, matching
2 a : adapted to a use or purpose <suitable for kitchen use> b : satisfying propriety : proper <suitable dress> c : able,qualified suitable candidate for the job>

fit (n.1)

1823, "the fitting of one thing to another," later (1831) "the way something fits." Origin obscure, possibly from O.E. fitt "a conflict, a struggle" (see fit (n.2)).

THREE

Nouns

Lord - proper

God - proper

man - common

helper - common

FOUR

Vocabulary Study

Original Word	Word Origin
hwwx	causatively from (02331)
Transliterated Word	TDNT Entry
Chavvah	None
Phonetic Spelling	Parts of Speech
khav-vaw'	Proper Name Feminine

Definition

Eve = "life" or "living"

1. the first woman, wife of Adam

King James Word Usage - Total: 2

Eve 2

The KJV Old Testament Hebrew Lexicon

Strong's Number: 05828

Browse Lexicon

Original Word	Word Origin
rz[	from (05826)
Transliterated Word	TDNT Entry
`ezer	TWOT - 1598a
Phonetic Spelling	Parts of Speech
ay'-zer	Noun Masculine

Definition

1. help, succour

a. help, succour

b. one who helps

King James Word Usage - Total: 21

help 19, help meet 2

FIVE

A great example of the scientific method for an experiment (dont do it – just talk about it):

http://www.alkaseltzerplus.com/asp/student_experiments_1.html

A poster that explains scientific method

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/scientific-method-poster.pdf

There’s a sheet in our book to use – not sure it’s the best for our type of experiment…

Jen, my sis, and science teacher extraordinaire is looking for something for us… I’ll email it when she sends it

SIX

Day 1. Read

Day 2. Write first stanza, locate and underline words that rhyme and fill out blanks (poetry sheet)

Day 3. Count syllables in each line and write the syllables next to line – this is called rhythm of the poem

Day 4. Look up word/s you do not know in the dictionary. Write the words phonetic spelling and definition (own paper)

Day 5. (own paper) What is the lesson to be learned or topic of this poem?

Answer questions: Who, what, when, where, how, and why?

Write the lines from the poem, that summarizes main subject

Write a scripture and its sentence for a concluding sentence.

Happy Father's Day, Steve!

2009-06-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

Katy and Kirsten were inspired last night while wrapping Steve's gifts and used their imagination and quite of bit of tissue paper, glue, and gems to make their daddy King for a day.
Steve arrived home about 6:45, welcomed by this sign taped across the door, and I promptly woke the kids to present thier presents to him.
Everyone was a great sport and I think Steve felt honored.

First Steve was given a Golden Medallion that said he was the Best Dad in the World!

Then Sammy gave him a crown and he was given the title of "Papito, King of All Daddies"

Finally he was given a sceptor that named him "Ruler of our Home!"

Happy Dad with realllly happy kids!

I love you Steven - thanks for being a wonderful daddy and a loving husband!

Hope for Honduras

2009-06-09T12:24:00.001-07:00

Hope for Honduras...

2009-05-28T22:02:00.000-07:00

We are OFF!

to Honduras!

Hope for Honduras is a team of 13 people (6 kids, 7 adults) who will minister to children and families.

We are a little nervous and very, very excited.

We will post lots of pictures etc.

In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit

2009-04-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

Brennan being baptized by Mr. Elliot and Morgan by Pastor Billy!

Jennifer by Mr. Elliot and Shannon by Pastor Billy.

Today was a super exciting day! A wonderful family from church hosts an Easter Celebration which includes a baptism.
My sister and her kids followed Christs' example in baptism!
It was such a awesome experience to watch!

The Bike Rider

2009-03-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

On Monday, March 9th, Shannon helped Morgan learn how to ride her bike. Morgan likes riding right into the camera.....

Shannon is the host of the video!

Third Day Concert!

2009-03-11T17:44:00.001-07:00

What a blast we had worshipping in the middle of the Strawberry Festival.

Sammy's First T-Ball Game

2009-02-14T19:47:00.000-08:00

First at bat!
Whack!

Woo! Hoo! Got to First Base!

And Home!
By the way( T-ball has no outs and everybody runs all the bases!)

Of course, there were the moments as an outfielder that he thought the orange clay was more exciting than the game!
More pics to come!

Cousins and Courage!

2009-01-22T18:31:00.000-08:00

Brennan and Sammy got to play the role of Guest Train Conductor and say ALL ABOARD!

We, the sisters, took the cousins (minus Katy due to illness) to the Magic Kingdom.
Our Goal?
Ride the Mountains.
Thunder and Splash!
(and have fun!)
It took a little convincing to get them on Thunder Mountain...
Fortunately we hit the ride with a VERY little line and practically walked on..
Outcome? THEY LOVED IT!

Next Splash!
I personally hate Splash Mountain.. don't like big drops!
But for the sake of my sweet neices and nephew, I went on it and was SCARED to death!
There were some tears when the kids got in line, but we all did it!
Outcome: THEY LOVED IT! (and I like it better now)
Another outcome? We got soaked!
Bonus: I found TSHIRTS at a store in the Magic Kingdom for $8.99!
So, 4 of the 5 cousins got a new shirt!
(katy got one too!)

We also rode Aladdins Magic Carpet AND saw the Enchanted Tiki Room!

We had a fun day together and I was so proud of the cousins for their courage!
(a little proud of me too for not jumping off the boat when I was scared!)

Their names are in the Book of Life and Angels are

2009-01-04T19:18:00.000-08:00

Philippians 4:3
Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Today was no ordinary day. After church today, my sis and I threw the kids in the vans and whisked them off to the Magic Kingdom. Great weather, good crowds proved for an ordinary day visiting a theme park.

Evidently on the way to church, my sister had very serious talks with my neices and nephew about asking Jesus into their hearts. They had a lot of questions and she answered them ... and then told them to ask Aunt Kimmy - me - about it later in the day.

So, each one, (Bren and Shan before the 3:00 parade and Morg before the Spectromagic Parade) throughout the day, came up to me and told me they wanted to pray to ask Jesus into their heart. It was AWESOME to hear them say it and then pray it. It was amazing that God (and Jen) allowed me to walk with them through this life changing decision. I was humbled by the responsibility.

Through Sunday School, Pioneer Clubs, Pastor Billy's sermons and the influence fo believers around them, they chose to follow Jesus. Please pray for them on their journey as the Lord reveals to them their purpose.

Angels are dancing tonight!

Who Started Christmas?

2008-12-22T06:08:00.000-08:00

This morning I heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable. And after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot."

From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry, we already crucified him." For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be.

-- Author Unknown

SNOW!

2008-12-08T19:21:00.000-08:00

We woke and got dressed quick to play in the snow from 6:30 - 7:00 am before we left TN.
As we drove, snow flurries turned into SNOW and yes we stopped and played in a parking lot!

Last Day - :-{

2008-11-30T19:56:00.000-08:00

After Laura left around lunch time we went to Murphy NC to see Bolt at the movies. The theater was established in 1934! The movie was good and the theater was cool!

AND the movie ticket was ONLY $4.00 a piece!

Grandma and her Grandbabies!

Laura and her neices and nephews!

We had a great to time with family this week!

Just enough busy-ness and just enough downtime! Thank You Lord!

Light Up Blue Ridge - FUN!

2008-11-29T18:15:00.000-08:00

Today we went to Blue Ridge, GA to their Light UP Blue Ridge. It was a great event with quite a few fun activities for the kids. Upon arriving, we saw Santa driving the train! He waved at Sammy as the train drove away!

A huge CHAIR was a great photo spot!

We found a Gingerbread Man wandering around and HAD to get a picture...of course Sammy didn't think so!

Then we found a train for Kirsten, Sammy and Aunt Laura to ride. Oh yeah, Katy is there too..hiding behind Sammy!
We have had a wonderful day and look forward to ONE MORE day of vacation!

Christmas Morning and S'Mores

2008-11-28T20:46:00.000-08:00

The kids woke up this morning to packages under the Christmas Tree! Yep, Santa Grandma came last night and delivered gifts for the kids. I know its early, but Gail just loves to see the kids open thier gifts! In the picture above, she is in the pose she takes every gift opening opportunity -camera in hand! Sammy recieved remote control Dune Buggy's, Katy a cool sweatshirt with guitars on it and Kirsten a cute pair of pants and matching jacket with Hannah Montana on it. All were very happy!

We ended the evening by making s'mores over an open fire and drinking hot chocolate ! Yummy!
Aunt Laura gave us instruction on how to make AND eat the perfectly roasted marshmellow! Thank you Laura! We still haven't found any snow - but that made tonight more enjoyable and NOT too cold.

Hot Dogs for Thanksgiving - No!

2008-11-27T15:20:00.000-08:00

Could it be a new tradition? Steve put together Gail's fire pit and took it out back - which spurred an idea... how about we cook hot dogs and brat wurst over the fire! It was nice to get out of the kitchen and quite tasty! Sammy, of course, joined us but didn't stand still long enough to get his picture taken.

Next the girls practiced their instruments - Kirsten practiced on Steve's MIDI keyboard! While I peeled potatoes, Kirsten and I were plugged in! It definitely made peeling potatoes much more enjoyable! Katy LOVED playing guitar out on the front porch! They each practiced for a good while BUT all practicing stopped the MINUTE Aunt Laura showed up!

Turkey came out, potatoes mashed, gravy made and then we feasted! Yum!
Sorry no pictures!

See Rock City

2008-11-26T18:59:00.000-08:00

Todays adventures for the Craggs consisted of three words - See Rock City.
Steve loaded up Katy, Kirsten, Sammy AND Daisy and went through the paths of Rock City - up and down and all around!
They came home late tonight worn out and full of stories!

The group of people in the background are standing on Lover's Leap where you can see seven states at one time!

Steven and Daisy crossed the swinging bridge.

While the kids were away, Gail and I (mostly Gail) prepared stuffing from scratch, cleaned the turkey, made broccoli casserole, celery stuffing, peach pie, apple pie, apple crisp and pumpkin pie. I am also working on my 'talk' for saturday at the Ladies Christmas Brunch.

Looking forward to Macy's Day Parade, yummy Turkey Dinner, and Aunt Laura coming!

It Started with a Prayer

2008-11-25T22:11:00.000-08:00

I'm blogging this for my sis.....
Jennifer has wanted a dog for a long time... being a single, full-time working mom of three young kids, it seemed an impossible task.

She prayed about it and waited.

Then she found out a family needed to find a new home for a sweet dog due to the owner's health declining.
The dog a apricot colored minature poodle, 3 years old....
What about messes on the new carpet?
House trained!
What about having to work all day?
Used to being alone during the day!
What about 3 rowdy kids?
Loves Kids!
It couldn't be a better match and then get this her name.. Penny.
She is now one fifth of the Nichols Family. God does have a sense of humor!
Oh yeah.. and the cost - FREE!

Looking for Snow - Found Fun!

2008-11-25T19:06:00.000-08:00

We traveled very windy roads to Gatlinburg looking for snow. We found NONE! But we did find lots of things to entertain US!

First we had lunch at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. It was delicious and there were great one liners all over the store.
"Me and Jenny and I are like peas and carrots."
"Life is like a box of chocolates"
Next we went to Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum. Katy has been talking about going there since our friends have gone. We saw some VERY weird things! And some just plain bizarre things... Katy's favorite was the 4 legged duck. Kirsten's favorite was ...everything. She didn't like the "punishment room" where they showed examples of how people were caged, trapped etc.

Then we went to the skylift to the top of the mountain. Because we were dressed for playing in the snow, the weather didn't bother us much. At the top of the mountain, the kids posed for a picture.

When we got home, Katy and Grandma still had energy to do a craft! So together they made a windsock!
Katy probably loved this part the MOST!

Thanks for checking in!
PS Please pray for my friend Suzanne - she had dental surgery today and is in A LOT of pain!

Turkeys, Mr. Ed and Christmas Cold

2008-11-24T19:05:00.000-08:00

When my parents talked of moving closer to Tampa, every event I attended with our home school group, I thought ... next year my parents might be here! Well, we had our 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Feast last Friday and mom and dad attended it. Not only did they attend it, mom helped plan the crafts and dad carved the turkey! AND we have this great picture of us!

We met Katy's favorite Mr. Ed at a Cracker Barrell in Calhoun, GA. It was a precious time and plans were made for a trip to Haiti in May 2009. We think Steve, Katy and I will travel together. Ed is so excited about Katy being there. He said she is like a celebrity because all the kids know that she raised money for their notebooks and pencils!

Gail had her tree up when we arrived so the kids helped her (for about 10 minutes) decorate it. She also had yummy warm jackets, hats and gloves for the kids. They will help in our quest for snow tomorrow. Katy is planning a BIG snowball fight with Steve and Gail bought little sleds for the kids. SO.. if we dont freeze to death we should have a BALL!

The Ripple Effect

2008-11-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

In Summer of 2007, Katy was inspired to make muffins for Mr. Ed, missionary in Haiti. Mr. Ed visited Terrace Palms 2 or 3 times and each time Katy was more and more intrigued by him and his ministry - the kids of Haiti! Mr. Ed's testimony is simple - he went on a short term mission trip to share Christ with the kids. He then realized that they needed more than Christ - they needed food. He spends his time, pouring his life into kids and their families so they can know Christ!

So Katy made and sold muffins - every Sunday morning for about 4 months. She was very determined and not easily swayed to take a break. She even had a name "Sweets to Help Mr. Ed Beat the Heat!" After her hard work, she had raised over $200.00. She counted it over and over and couldn't wait to give it to Mr. Ed for the kids for Christmas was her hope. One Sunday in December 2007, Mr. Ed showed up. Katy and I ran home (I don't know who was more excited me or Katy) to get his money. Mind you it was in a gallon ziploc bag - a few dollars and lots of change. Her face when she handed it over was priceless! His face was shock. He made mention that he would be extra careful that Katy's donation would go directly to the kids.

Well today, Mr. Ed, emailed... this picture! How priceless! For those of you who ate muffins on Katy's behalf for Mr. Ed. Thank you...

Mr. Ed visited, Katy inspired, TPCC supported, Kids of Hait Blessed, and now you can see their smiles and be blessed... the Ripple Effect.

VOTE - Home School Style

2008-11-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

The air here in the Cragg household is ELECTRIC! The atmosphere walking up to the polls was invigorating! The excitement this election has stirred up is amazing! I am so glad I have the priviledge to vote for the next President of the United States.

The girls and I walked up to the church to vote. (Katie L. came over after she voted to watch Sammy - Thanks Katie) We waited in a short line - the entire time I was bulleted with questions from the girls. Some great questions...some just goofy. But I answered them all! The girls stood by my side as I bubbled in my choices. I cant believe that Katy will be voting for a president in just 8 years! During our walk we talked about why I was voting for McCain. It was an awesome responsibility to tell them how I made my choice - to explain my convictions!

Then came the craziness - after I voted, I was running Katie home and we were inspired by the enthusiasm of sign holders. The intersection near our home had a ton of supporters holding signs. So as we drove by, we honked and yelled. What Fun! We decided to grab the kids and drive around encouraging McCain supporters. We grabbed our yard sign and buckled up. We honked, yelled McCain/Palin chants, sang the "National Anthem" and "My Country Tis of Thee" and prayed and then honked and chanted some more.

We prayed for our nation and we talked about who was really in charge of the elections. "Some trust in chariots, some in horses,[some trust in the presidential elections] but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." Psalm 20:7

Now that's what I call true HOME SCHOOLING!

Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch and LOTS of fun!

2008-10-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

The cousins (as they call themselves) and the moms (Jen and I) dashed after church to Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival! We had a GREAT time! (Except when we lost Sammy - that was bad! Then we found him - that was VERY good)

I am thankful that "the cousins" are making memories together! Thank you Lord!

2008-10-24T17:32:00.000-07:00

Rays Fever!!

2008-10-22T18:35:00.000-07:00

I knew we'd catch it sooner or later...well we caught it! Rays Fever! Yes we are guilty of jumping on board cause the team has done so well but at least we are having fun!

Sammy is sporting a ray hawk! Designed and created by our 6 year old neighbor!

Go Rays!

International Night FUN!

2008-10-17T19:48:00.001-07:00

Tonight was our 2nd Annual International Night for Mission 659 Kids! In my mind the plans started about 2 weeks ago when I visioned a huge plane made of chairs and a white roll of plastic tablecloth. Seriously, I spent hours thinking of how to make it work...how many chairs, what about boarding passes, oh, an inflight safety video..the ideas kept coming. Finally the week arrived and I could not get the image from my head into reality. So, Thursday night I arrived at church and started building the plane. It came together pretty quick! That's the first picture. What you can't see is that off the sides are two large wings of the plane. Everyone who came to International Night recieved a boarding pass with a seat assignment and a Passport to collect stamps from every country and take notes about cool things they learned!

Katy and Kirsten decided on the country of Iceland. Together we learned and talked about Iceland and with help from Sammy - we made a project board about Iceland - Land of Fire and Ice!

At the end of the night, we hand out participation certificates to all the students and pray for each country represented. It was a really great night!

Sammy's Funnies

2008-10-10T21:32:00.001-07:00

Recently, Sammy has said the FUNNIEST things... thought I would share a couple to make you laugh!

Wednesday, we were in a grocery store walking around the 'pharmacy' area...looking for mouth wash.
Sammy: Mom, we need chin soap!
Me: Huh?
Sammy: We need soap for your chin!
Me: Who needs it?
Sammy: Daddy!
Me: Oh, shaving cream?
Sammy: NO! Chin Soap!

Thursday morning he was getting dressed. He sees his belt on the floor in the closet
Sammy: Are those hula-hoop pants?
Me: What?
Sammy: I want to wear hula-hoop pants like Daddy!
Me: Where's hula hoop pants?
Sammy: (now frustrated, digs through his drawer for pants with belt loops) these!
Me: O!

Enjoy Life! Sammy does!

Kirsten turned 8!

2008-09-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

We celebrated her birthday with her friend Ben and 25 of their friends at Pump It Up!
This picture is precious...
Great start to their ninth year!

Look at this picture I found!

2008-09-27T20:45:00.001-07:00

This was three years ago at Kirsten's 5th birthday party!

Eyes of Innocence

2008-09-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

Today I looked into the most beautiful blue eyes! The eyes of a precious 5 year old named Nevaeh (heaven spelled backwards). The first time we locked eyes - they tugged at my heart strings... Not because of how cute she was but because of the 'life' she has already experienced. She lives in a house with her mom, her mom's boyfriend, and his son. Their home is very rustic, their neighborhood not safe. She has had an empty cupboard more than full and has 'seen' the very illegal side of life. On her own she mentions in conversation how mean the boyfriend is... and how mean his son is. She has seen more 'life' than my 38 years have experienced.

Her mom is in the midst of a very hard decision...do I take my daughter and unborn baby to a 'safe house' (and make my boyfriend very MAD) or do I go to his friends house until he convinces me to come back to him...

As easy as this decision sounds...she is really struggling.
Her words: If he finds out that I went to a domestic abuse shelter he'll be soooooo mad at me, he would.....

Logically, well there is no logic...
Please pray for this new family that the Lord put in our lives. Please pray for little Nevaeh for her safety, for her to know Jesus.

* As time has passed, more lies have been revealed ... more deception. Steve and I are disheartened. We are trusting that 'God's Word does not return void'. After picking Nevaeh's mom up from a bus stop at 10:30 pm across town, we had a 30 minute drive to take mom and daughter home. Steve and I spent the 30 minutes telling her of God's love for her and how He will take care of her. I also spent time telling sweet Nevaeh about talking to Jesus who would be listening.

Disney on Ice - Worlds of Fantasy

2008-08-31T12:19:00.001-07:00

Granparents surprised us with GREAT tickets to the Disney On Ice show yesterday.
Here's some of our favorite moments!

Minnie and Mickey waving to the crowd.

"Cars" entertained the crowd by 'driving' on the ice. Sammy asked if they had 'skates' on their wheels?

Ariel zoomed by! The costumes for all the characters were WONDERFUL!

The Faires were debuted and Tink was assigned her 'name'. It was very fun to see the story line unfold ... reminded me of the scripture that says we are all here for a purpose - to do our jog.

Happy Girls and Sam! Sitting on the stage with the flowers! We had a chance to 'feel' the ice. It was cooooooold!

One Camera, Six Cousins and the Room above the Garage

2008-08-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

This video was created at Grammy and Grandaddy's house. The older cousins are directing the other cousins. What imaginations they have! One afternoon at the Grandparents while the mommys escape for a little bit of shopping, now we have a few directors and actors!

Lakeland Sister

New School Year, New Schools

2008-08-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

Inside of my Third Grade Classroom

On Monday, the kids and I are starting our next adventure. We are going back to school. The kids will be starting school in a new school and I will begin work at my new school. The kids are soooo excited, but also sad. We have spent a good 3-4 days a week with our cousins and that will now be limited to weekend time. Not to mention all of the great new friends we have made at Terrace Palms Community Church. They so wish I could home school as I wish I could. If the right opportunity came along,we could make ends meet, and it is God's plan, I would love to step away from my mission field as a school teacher to begin homeschooling.

With that said, I will be at my new school, working with third graders. I am excited and a bit nervous. Please keep the students in my classroom in your prayers. Many of them are coming to school, where they are safe for the first time, receiving hot meals more than once a day, and we as teachers can show them God's love. We may be the only light they see in their worlds. Did I mention that my principal opened our first faculty meeting with a prayer, thanking, praising and asking for Jesus' guidance throughout the year. Prayer in school from where I was working was totally out of the question. My theme for my classroom is FROGs. You can's see them real well, but my calendar is made up of frogs, I made some magnets of some plastic frogs my adopted sister gave me, and my job board is one HUGE frog. Frogs are on my desk, will make up the Birthday board...EVERYWHERE!!! Its my secret message to my babies....Fully rely on GOD! Quite similar to the message I received earlier this week from a secret someone.

Thank you for all of the prayers you have said for us.

A secret someone shared this verse with me the other day in a card. I had just studied the same verse the previous day. Paul was writing to the church in Ephesus. In Chapter 3 Verses 20-21, he is praying for spiritual strength. This is my daily prayer.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever, and ever. AMEN.

Thank you for keeping my own children and my 17 new babies in your prayers, especially this coming week.

Lakeland sister

Go Bucs!

2008-08-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday we 'toured' Raymond James Stadium! How fun! The kids had a ball. We walked ALL over the stadium... the best part.. my mom came with my nephew and neices. I am so thankful they live so close and we can have fun together.
I don't think I realized how much I missed being with my family until now that they are so close and a part of my every week! Thank you Lord!
PS Mom, I need one of the great pics you took of all the cousins!

Happy Birthday Granddaddy!

2008-08-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

What a great day!
Started it off at church listening to my sweet husband filling the pulpit while our pastor is away. Steve did such a great job. I know he wrestled and struggled and prayed over what he would say and I think it all paid off!

To end the day, we traveled to see the Grandparents and cousins in Lakeland to celebrate my Daddy's birthday. Delicious grilled steak, Jen's twice baked potatoes and a yummy salad (and those crescent rolls). Yummy.

I love the pictures on this blog, the first one has a picture of my dad where his, "Number One Grandad" home made button that Katy made for all the kids to present to Grandaddy. He is also wearing a bead necklace given to him by Morgan. The second is where he is surrounded by his 'grands' and if you notice my sis and I are in the background being goofy!

I love you Dad and it was great celebrating your birthday with you!

What Happens When You

2008-08-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

Mix 40 children, 10 pounds of flour and me?
A huge mess!

On Thursday night we had our Crazy Olympics at Terrace Palms. Once again, when I was sure the events would fall flat and the kids would be bored, the Lord sparked ideas and how to implement them and the night was a huge success! All the glory goes to the Lord!

I absolutely love telling kids about Jesus...I love getting them excited about life and pointing all things to the Lord.

Steven Curtis Chapman shares his heart ..

2008-08-05T04:38:00.000-07:00

on national television.
Good Morning America came to their home and interviewed the family for 5 hours.
They will air 6 minutes of the interview on Good Morning America on Wednesday August 6th. Please be in prayer that the Lord is glorified and peoples' hearts are changed.

Check out the new SCC page to get a glimpse of the interview:

http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/

Good Advice - Do Not Rush. Trust. And Keep a Quiet Heart

2008-08-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

Found a great quote:

"I think I find most help in trying to look on all the interruptions and hindrances to work that one has planned out for oneself as discipline, trials sent by God to help one against getting selfish over one's work. Then one can feel that perhaps one's true work - one's work for God - consists in doing some trifling haphazard thing that has been thrown into one's day. It is not a waste of time, as one is tempted to think, it is the most important part of the work of the day - the part one can best offer to God. After such hindrance, do not rush after the planned work; trust that the time to finish it will be given sometime, and keep a quiet heart about it."
Anne Keary, 1825-1879

What a great reminder that we think we have a plan for our day- then the Lord changes our plans - what's my typical reaction.... hopefully more accepting after this reminder.

This is Papa Jim in his earthly glory

2008-07-28T15:39:00.000-07:00

Papa Jim loved kids, he loved his kids, his grandkids, he loved EVERYONES kids!
I think he really was a big kid himself! This picture was taken at the Mathis home (they opened their home and pool to us on Fridays) one Friday after a day of swimming. Papa Jim defined swimming as throwing kid after kid after kid into the air where they would "scream like a girl" and splash into the pool. Then get back in line to do it again.

Papa Jim was a giver and we were blessed to recieve what he offered. Love to our kids, invites to his pool, paint on our walls and probably the most precious, a portrait of our children.

He is now in Heaven...raising his arms to worship Jesus, bowing down at the foot of Jesus. He is in true Glory and he will be missed on earth.

I will not forget his cardboard testimony...
"I want the Lord to set Terrace Palms on Fire!"

This is what it's all about . . .

2008-07-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

See those smiles...
We are blessed...
Tonight I have the cousins... my three and my sisters three.
We ventured to Busch Gardens and stopped for this picture in the eggs outside the Land of the Dragons.
You'd think going anywhere with 6 kids from 4 to 10 would be difficult. It's not! I would go anywhere and do anything with them...I can't wait for our first mission trip. O, wait.. we did that ... Sunday night we, with my sis and Bodyguard Bob, went door to door in a neighborhood taking orders for school supplies. All the kids did great AND we have orders for some backpacks.
Just wanted to drop a line and show you (whoever you are who read this) that I consider myself INCREDIBLY blessed.

Tomorrow, I'll add two more to the six, Papa Jim's grandchildren, and then have a couple over for dinner. It should be an interesting day!

Toothless Wonder

2008-07-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

Where are her teeth?

Before Christmas she lost a top tooth... cute...
Before Easter she lost the other top tooth... cuter
"All I want for Easter is my two front teeth"

About a month ago she lost the bottom right... getting weird
Last night she lost the bottom left... now she looks like she has a pumpkin mouth...very weird!

OK, now for sure she is a Toothless Wonder.
She's a cute one...

One of the Coolest Grandmas Ever!

2008-07-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

We were sooo excited to have the grandparents at Sammy's birthday and this picture will make the memory of their attendance last FOREVER!

You have to admit if you've ever been at Pump It UP, that when you see those big blow up 'moon bounce' toys.. you can't resist the urge to jump in! That's exactly what my mom did! Walked in, put on socks, climbed the ladder and SLID down. She had no clue what she was in for... except for fun. This picture tells it ALL. Unfortunately, it was the ONLY slide (or anything) she went on AND even had 'rub burn' on her elbow to remind her of her bravery!

Later in the morning, I heard Katy pressuring another 'mom' to go on the slide. This 'mom' really HATES slides of all types. So, as her husband was cajoling his wife to go... Katy piped in "even MY GRANDMA went down it!" Too Funny!

Happy Birthday, Sammy!

2008-07-16T04:33:00.001-07:00

Sammy is 4!
I can't believe it!
He had a great birthday party and one of the greatest things was that his aunt, cousins, and grandparents were there! It was the first of many birthdays where we celebrated it all together! Sammy was soo excited to have them at the party.
He loved opening presents of course, but this picture really says it all.
This gift was from his grandparents and it was a car that he really wanted.
Happy Birthday Buddy!

Update on Papa Jim:
He had surgery on Monday. We are hoping for the best ... according to the doctors he has a 2% chance to gain movement. With the doctors report bleak...the Lord has plenty of room to show His amazing self.

Jim Lancaster's Cardboard Testimony

2008-07-09T04:30:00.000-07:00

Jim Lancaster sat in the service on Sunday - absolutely loving the cardboard testimonies. When he drove away from church, his life changed forever.
He was in a car accident that resulted in him being paralyzed (temporarily In JESUS NAME). When I visited him last night, he mentioned how much he loved the Cardboard Testimonies. I asked him what his testimony would be... he told Victor the answer last night.

Sunday morning while in the shower before church I prayed the Lord would light a fire under the congregation.....
I just didn't know he was going to use me for the wick!"

Let the fire blaze in our hearts and minds!

TPCC's Cardboard Testimonies

2008-07-06T20:08:00.001-07:00

We were so blessed this morning at TPCC! I was so moved by the UTUBE video that we did our own.

Here's a few....
Asperger's Syndrome dictates that I won't understand abstract things...
I know Jesus loves me!

Contemplated suicide....
Living for Christ!

Rejected by my mother...
Accepted by my Father!

Insecure always seeking acceptance...
Secure accepted by God.

I should have died 1 year ago in a car accident...
Now living and working for Christ.

I left church 15 years ago..
God brought me back.

Those are just a few.. they were truly a blessing to our congreation.
What would your cardboard testimony say?????

Prayer Request: A loving couple of Terrace Palms were in an accident tonight.
Please pray for Jim and Jennifer. Jim will be having surgery tomorrow on his the disc(s) in this neck. We are asking the Lord for a MIRACLE!

Cardboard Testimonies

2008-07-03T07:36:00.000-07:00

I thought this was awesome, and wanted to pass it on!

Passing on the News..

2008-07-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

From Jim Houser's (Steven Curtis Chapman's Manager) Blog

Too Blue To Blog
Sorry, very tough to blog right now. Hard week friends. Pray on for this family.

Planning to finalize decisions tomorrow on what Steven hopes will be tremendous opportunities for the Gospel to be heard by millions of people. Check back. : )

Maria Sue Chapman has not been at the forefront of my mind every waking minute of my day. But I am sure she has to her family.

Mathew Gliddon has not been at the forefront of my mind either. But I am sure he has to his family.

My life has continued on ...there's haven't.
Will you join me in praying for them, again? Pray that they would have peace and joy. I am sure they are still hurting...

Thanks, Kim

Toooo Much Fun and 8 Impactful Words.

2008-06-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

Well, my sis and I are living only 30 minutes apart AND we are reaping the benefits! We've enjoyed days at Adventure Island, meals together, and making plans for future excursions. The kids also enjoyed a week of VBS together at a local Tampa church.

One of the best things is that she 'fits' into my circle of friends. It's like she's always been a part of us! AND her expertise in education will be a blessing too.

Another great thing??? She found a great music program for kids near her house and my girls can take music lessons there on our "Lakeland Day". (With my mom and dad moving so close, we are planning a Lakeland Day (at least afternoon) to work on special projects in our home schooling curriculum). God is sooo good.

My sis is still waiting to hear what grade she is teaching and see her classroom etc. But there is such a great comfort in knowing she is HIRED. AND Terrace Palms has chosen her classroom as our "School Supply" Mission. She knows she is in a 'lower income school'.

God is sooo good! Thank you Lord for blessing us! All of us.

During my Bible Study I read a great gem in scripture...
Paul says in Ephesians 3:14 "For this reason, I kneel before the Father". What an easy act (to say), to kneel, but yet its so much easier to stay on my tush! Lord, thank you for being approachable, help me get on my knees to talk to you!

Finally, I am posting!

2008-06-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

It's a rainy day outside, here in Lakeland. Yes, the kids and I are officially Laklanders. We have been officially in our house here since June 12th. I have spent the last week or so unpacking all of the boxes that consumed our garage. I can almost pull my van in again. My kids have spent the last week with my sister, going to VBS and swimming at Adventure Island or other venues. She has been a tremendous help to me. THANK YOU!!

It is still surreal. Being this close to my sister and knowing I can just hop in the car and see her in about 30 minutes. How blessed we are. She is currently on an adventure to visit her mother-in-law and other extended family members in Tennessee.

Other big news: I have a job!! I had three interviews on Monday. I was offered a job to teach 3rd or 4th grade in a school that is very similar to the last school I was in. Thank you to those who have kept my family in your prayers, I truely felt them.

So things are falling in to place to some degree, but knowing my God, our lives will continue to be an adventure of a lifetime.

I love you sis! I am so glad to finally be so close!

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T13:14:00.000-07:00

Hey Steve..
Can you believe this is your 11th Father's Day! Each year you grow and change and become even a better dad! Thank you for seeking the Lord and desiring Him first!!
I love you

God Is In this HIGH TECH World - I KNEW IT!

2008-06-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

The following is a blog entry from Jim Houser, who is responsible for the day to day management for Steven Curtis Chapman.

Ever Heard An Invisible Voice?
Have you ever heard an invisible voice? Those of you who've read the blog for awhile know that I'm not prone to overly emotional spiritual moments. I'm a grandson of the pastor of a Bible church, son of an elder/treasurer of a Bible church, love expositional teaching, and I'm a conservative sort of guy. Admitting here now that I don't even raise my hands to worship(!) A few do at my church and I'm freed up to do it : ) but I don't because the truth is I wasn't raised that way and I'm not a good enough singer that I can sing and do that at the same time. : )

I've never heard God speak audibly to me. I've felt Him give direction or say things through a peace in my heart over the course of my life, but never an audible voice. With that set up, I think I can tell this story now. I think I can get it out now.

On Wednesday May 21st, around 5pm, Maria Chapman was hit in the family driveway. Chaos, Tragedy, Awful ensued. I was actually on the phone with Steven when the accident happened on the other side of the house. That's a different story for a different day.
Maria was declared gone around 6 or 6:30p, but I spent most of the evening among a thousand other things, making "no comment" to the media on her condition. We didn't confirm Maria had gone to Jesus until 9:45p or so, because not all of the family, specifically the two little girls had not been told yet. It was important to me that though it was unlikely they would be near a radio or tv and see it or hear it... I still wanted them to know first.

We then spent the evening at the Chapman's home church, Christ Community Church, with friends who had gathered to pray, serving the family anyway I could, interfacing with the media, writing a press release, standing alongside many other friends trying to hold Steven, Mary Beth and the amazing Chapman kids up, trying to keep up with the amazing pastors at the church scheduling meetings for the next day, oh yeah, and I was awfully sad too. I loved that little girl very much. I loved all the people hurting so badly very much too.
What I'm driving at was it was a crazy, crazy, crazy time.

I was emotional, so sad, thinking about an early morning back at it, completely spent, my mind racing with questions for God, for Steven, for answers I would need to have in the morning... actually a little unsure if I could even drive home through the exhaustion and tears.

I remember Geoff and Jan Moore were the last to leave the church at 11pm or so. I remember the parking lot being empty, mine literally the only car. I started my car, I remember looking at the dashboard and seeing the time, 11:07. And then I'm telling you as sure as I am typing on a computer right now, I heard someone say... "the world is going to show up at his website tomorrow." So much so that I turned and looked in the backseat of my car. So certain I had heard someone that I got out of the car and walked around it. I heard an invisible voice.
Now, of all the things I did think of and handle that night, I had not had one thought about this website, something I work on almost every day. With the craziness and the grief and the sadness, I had not considered it at all. I would have missed it. Maybe realized by lunchtime the next day. I called my web guru and said, "Dale, I won't go into why right now but I'm pretty sure the world is going to show up at Steven's website tomorrow. Can you help me with some emergency html tonight?" Dale and I worked through the night trying to accomplish two things (that I thought Steven and the voice would want...) 1. The Gospel be honored. And 2. As much as possible that the world meet sassy, sweet, fun, amazing Maria.

So, you're thinking... Jim thinks that's a message from God? Does God care about websites? If that's a message from God... seems like a pretty lame message. Maybe Jim was just a little loony from the exhaustion and emotion. Fair enough. But... Friends, I'm not a spiritually emotional sort of fellow. There was a voice. He said, "the world is going to show up at his website tomorrow." ok, look I'm bolding it to make sure you know I really think and know it happened. There was a voice. He said, "the world is going to show up at his website tomorrow." See bold. I mean business.

And I'll admit, it took me a few days to even tell my wife the story. I doubted myself. The website, whatever. We lost Maria and God is giving messages about websites? How about "Maria is safe with me" or "The Chapmans will be ok" instead God? Or how about talking to the Chapmans, they really need to hear from you. Come on.

I've just realized in recent days why the website was so important on that day, why I think God did care, why I think the Holy Spirit tapped me on the shoulder about it audible style. The next morning, the world did show up. Way more of it than I could have expected. Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, radio stations around the country, CNN Headline News, MSNBC.com, FoxNews.com, LATimes.com, Entertainment Tonight, etc etc... and their viewers and listeners. When they got to StevenCurtisChapman.com we had a video showing off this amazing, crazy fun, gusto little girl and a small quote from me (because I didn't want Steven stuck with it if it was bad) And I was trying to show what I already knew just hours into this valley... that the Chapmans believe the Gospel is true... even now. Especially now. That video and that quote went around the world, quite literally.
I pray God used it for His glory. I think He did. I was honored to be a part of it, and I would have missed it. He had to speak so loud I could hear Him through the haze I was in that it actually had to be out loud. If you doubt that God cares, I ask you to watch for Him show up in the little things the next few days. I think He still speaks through His word, through His Spirit, sometimes in most unusual ways too. Actually... now... I'm quite certain of it.
Thank you for your prayers for the Chapman family. You are holding this family up and I'm so grateful to you.

I thought this was a GREAT testimony to God who really does take care of EVERY detail.
God Bless You and please keep praying for the Chapmans.

Super Hero? Me? You? Yes!

2008-06-10T05:48:00.000-07:00

As I was studying Ephesians 1:15-19, I found a scripture that really WOWED me!
Specifically verses 18 and 19,

18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,

I discovered today about the 'incomparably great power' for us who believe. We are given GREAT POWER. We are Super Heroes! I was so touched by this scripture because sometimes I feel powerless, unable to control myself, my attitude, my tongue, etc. Sometimes, I honestly feel like I play the role of the villain! But right here in the scriptures it tells me not only do I have power, but I have incomparably great power for US who believe and you have that power too.

As I try to finish this blog with a perfect closing sentence, Sammy is seeking my attention. He wants to cuddle while watching TV. So, I will use my Super Hero powers to love him and kiss him...

She's Moving! She's Moving!

2008-06-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

While saying the title of this blog - picture me doing the happy dance!

It's official! Jen and the kids are moving to Lakeland on Wednesday... HOOOORAY!

AND she has 3 (yes 3!) interviews at Elementary Schools that may possibly hire her!

I am so excited about Jen moving closer. Our kids can have fun with each other and we can hang out together BUT mostly, I am excited because I have the best church family and the greatest friends and now she will have them too! Boy is SHE lucky!

Love ya Jen!

There's a lesson here somewhere!

2008-06-02T20:03:00.000-07:00

While at Weeki Watchee, we encountered this very friendly boisterous peacock. He would fan open his tail as we approached and then just stand in the middle of the sidewalk and turn around and around and around. We just watched.
As I downloaded the pictures, I thought what an amazing contrast... how beautiful the peacock is from the front and yet he had no problem showing us his 'ugly side'.

Recently, a friend told me that she is tired of being wrong. She is trying to live a holy life and a submissive wife but keeps getting tripped up when things don't go her way. When she asks for encouragement, I try to help her see the big picture of glorifying God. So, she told me she was tired of getting it wrong and then she said that she doesn't think I am ever wrong or have the same problems she has. I certainly have a laundry list of problems, I have an equally long list of sins I fight every day and I have a tripply long list of sins I have to ask forgiveness for... Why doesn't she see these faults? Do I only flaunt the good stuff? Do I bear my 'ugly side' to her?

The peacock let us see both sides of his tail feathers which were created by God. The same God created me - the good and the ugly. I guess my prayer would be that as I minister to my friends and encourage them to be holy that I would let them know that I also struggle being holy. And seek their encouragement also. So, please pray for my friend, that she would not think she is the only one stuggling with being holy - not to give her an excuse to stop trying but to perservere in her pursuit of holiness.

FBC! FBC! FBC! FBC!

2008-06-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

FBC is a chant we hear ALL the time now! It stands for First Baptist Church which is where the girls have been cheering for the basket ball teams. One squad cheers per game and cheers for both teams. Tonight they recieved their VERY FIRST TROPHIES EVER! They are even personalized! Katy of course wants to build a trophy shelf and Kirsten just kept looking at hers! They were soo excited.

We joined our friends at Dairy Queen after the awards ceremony to enjoy some ice cream and talk about the beautiful trophies. Katy and Kirsten insisted on bringing their trophies in the restaurant with them!

Weeki Watchee Watch Out!

2008-06-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

Weekie Watch Out! You have 2 new mermaids looking for a job! Katy and Kirsten, who are a bit mermaid crazy right now, had a wish come true ..they got to see actual mermaids! Our friends, The Gliddons had family passes. The performance was based on the Little Mermaid and below is Ariel! It was amazing yet funny to watch. In the picture below, you can see a turtle swimming by her head. The stage for the show is a spring and the turtles there are very used to the mermaids. They kept stealing the show!!

Weeks worth of Fun!

2008-06-01T19:57:00.000-07:00

OOO!

Katy and Kirsten enjoyed the tour of the Temple Terrace Garden Club's Garden including a butterfly garden. Katy is inspecting this plant for a tiny little caterpillar. (5/21)

Steve working with Drew (neighbor boy), Sammy, Michaela (best friend) and Kirsten to start the nails in what would be come rungs of a ladder.

Over the weekend at a home school convention, I bought Steve a book about buiding a tree house. It's something the kids have wanted for EVER! So.. we put a list together and traveled to Home Depot, bought the necessary wood, lag screws, rope etc and TA -DA.. we built a tree house. Or a tree platform as Katy likes to call it. We will add walls and a roof as time and money permit.

We did it!! The Cragg family built our first tree house! (uh, platform)

Oh, soo proud. Sammy loves it when Daddy and he wear matching shirts!

Katy is Double Digits!

2008-05-21T05:13:00.001-07:00

Oh My Goodness! I am the proud mother of a 10 year old! Oh, my Goodness!

Katy had a GREAT birthday! Started out at the park with her favorite friends, then to the dr. (didn't love that part), lunch with Dad, and ended the day with a BLOW OUT party at Pump It Up! Close your eyes and imagine 3 HUGE inflatables (moonwalk, huge slide and obstacle course) and 26 kids running around crazy! Now add the adults..actually big kids! We donned our socks and jumped, slid and obstacled with our kids! I think all of us who 'gave it our all' last night can feel it this morning!

I am blessed to have a 10 year old and am excited to see how the Lord will use her to bring Him glory for the rest of her life.

What is your magnifying glass looking at?

2008-05-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

Right now, I am reading a GREAT book with some ladies from my church: " What Happnes When Women Say Yes to God" and there's part of a chapter that really made me stop and re-read it and really want to apply it to my life. For those of you who have this book, its in Chapter 5 on page 85.

It says "When we focus our minds and fix our attention on Christ, He is magnified made bigger in our lives. When we focus our minds and fix our attention on life's obstacles, they will be wrongly magnified and made to appear larger than they really are. Our attention is like a magnifying glass- whatever we put our attention on becomes larger and more consuming of our time and energy. We desire to focus on Christ alone, but sometimes other things seem bigger, and so, without even realizing it, we shift our focus."

Galatians 5:17 addresses this:

"For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want."

I have in my hand the magnifying glass and I have the Holy Spirit in me from the top of my head to the tip of my toes AND so do you. I will pray that your magnifying glass is FROZEN on Christ.. please pray the same for me.

Mouse! Go Team! AAAAAA! Hooray! Terrific!

2008-05-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

MOUSE! Kirsten and Katy did a FANTASTIC JOB on their performance they worked on ALL year! The costume changes were fast, the props were adorable and the dance steps were quick. My heart swelled with pride and my eyes with tears as my sweet girls made memories to last forever.

GO TEAM! We had a great family night at a Tampa Storm Game! We all loved the BAM BAMS - inflatable plastic sticks that you BAM together to make lots of noise. I think we brought all 5 pairs home and at the time of this typing...there are NONE left! Thank you Daisy!AAAAAAA! Steve volunteered at a Catholic School Carnival so the kids and I went to enjoy the carnival with him one evening. All was fun .. UNTIL.. Katy and I jumped on this ride. IT WAS THE SCARIEST RIDE I have ever been on... O, it was so scary. I prayed sincerely asking the Lord two things.. PLEASE don't let me fall out AND please make it stop! Because all I could think about was safety MORE than how fun the ride was, I think I've gotten too old for carnival rides.HOORAY! We stopped by Lakeland today and Jen stood in her OWN doorway and waved. It was a beautiful thing and she and the KIDS were sooo excited! TERRIFIC! My friend Tara stepped WAY OUT of her comfort zone by saying "YES!" to God to speaking at a Mother's Day Brunch today. She looked like a natural! My favorite thing she said is that "our parenting styles start when we are born.. we parent how we were parented... and it is passed down". Lord..help me to raise godly parents for my grandchildren!

Happy Anniversary Steve

2008-05-08T03:27:00.000-07:00

Fifteen years ago today, I woke with butterflies knowing it was the day we would be wed. I remember going to get my make-up done, getting dressed at the church and walking down the isle with my dad ... the ceremeony was beautiful and flawless. Our reception was sooo much fun and our honeymoon at Disney was FANTASTIC.

Fifteen years later, our day is full of LIFE... I teach, you teach, I teach again, you practice with the worship team.. then you work. Know that even in the busy - ness of today... I love you! I am glad I am busy with you! See you for pizza at 5:00 pm?

Changes?!?

2008-04-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

I am not sure if it is the actual changes that throw me for a loop or the trying to make a change. Let me explain. We have been in the process of building a house in Lakeland. My kids had no idea what that meant until recently. They saw the building process in stages. Our house started out as just a flat piece of land, dirt was added, concrete and bricks. We added a memento to thefoundation. Soon they were shouting "we have studs" when they over heard a conversation, only to turn around ask "what is a stud?" Over Spring Break we traveled to visit my sis and her family and on the way stopped at our "house." My kids could not control themselves. They could not believe that a house now stood where barren land once was. They were amazed as I was.
The building of our own personal houses should travel the same path. We start out barren and little by little we add to our foundations, through trials, triumphs and sorrow. We know the Builder is with us at all stages, but why are we so resistant to change?
My sister and I have vowed to take better care of ourselves, and with a lot of leaning on each other and the Lord, we will become healthy women. But its those changes again that stand in our way. We as christians, must first change our hearts to FULLY rely on the Lord. We all know that, but do we trust it?
2Peter 1:5-8 says, "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; adn to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perserverance; and to perserverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Change happens, whether we like it or not. We have two choices: embrace it with love or to allow us to be ineffective and unproductive in all aspects of our life.

I choose Love....

Lakeland 2Ber

Yeah!

2008-04-28T05:34:00.001-07:00

Up at 6:30...exercised with Leslie Sansone 4 mile walk...Thank You Lord!

Happy Birthday Steven!

2008-04-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated Steven's birthday...it was such a fun day! Started out with a great morning of worship! Arby's was the birthday boy's choice of lunch!

In the afternoon, Steve did his FAVORITE thing - nap time! Then came the most fun! We and a few of our friends met at Chuck E. Cheese for a GREAT time of Family Fun!

Happy Birthday Steve, I Love You!

Its Coming At Me from Everywhere!

2008-04-25T18:52:00.000-07:00

Self Discipline...

It's a Fruit:
Galatians 5: 22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

It's a like city with no protection:
Proverbs 25:28 "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control."

The call to be self-disciplined and have self-control is coming at me from everywhere...or my lack of self-discipline. The latest place is from a great book that I highly recommend..'When Women say Yes to God.' I am HORRIBLE at self control and discipline. Here's how the cycle goes...i stay up late, eat a unhealthy snack, am too tired to exercise in the morning, am mad at myself, so I stay up late, have an unhealthy snack, am too tired to exercise, etc.

So, I am going to say the following scriptures until I get it through my EXTRA thick skull that going to bed earlier helps my entire cycle of my day AND helps me love my family in a Godly way.

Titus 1:8:
'One who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.'

1 Thesalonians 5:8
'But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.'

So, again I will try again to make healthy decisions. Yes, I am talking about food, but I am also talking about going to bed on time, getting up to exercise, making time for daily Bible Study, etc. Will I ever get it right? Will I ever have to stop fighting my flesh?

Mark 14:38 'Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

Monday is the day it all begins... April 28th will be a day that the Lord will give me the Holy Spirit... to give me self-control!

Chapman and Cheerleading

2008-04-19T17:50:00.001-07:00

Friday and Saturday this weekend were FULL of memory making activities. And thank you Lord we were ALL together to make the memories!
Friday night we ALL went to see Steven Curtis Chapman in Lakeland. We had soo much fun as a family. Steve and I could focus ALL our attention on the kids...we weren't in charge, weren't organizing, weren't planning...just enjoying and they loved the attention. One of the best moments of the night was when SCC sang the song Cinderella. It's a 'Butterfly Kisses' type song with a little girl asking her daddy to dance. Here's the chorus...

"So I will dance with Cinderella While she is here in my arms' Cause I know something the prince never knew Oh I will dance with Cinderella I don't wanna miss even one song, Cuz all to soon the clock will strike midnight And she'll be gone"

Here's a picture of Steve, holding his Cinderellas while they sang thier hearts out! Daddy had quite a few tears fallen...so Kirsten got a little teary too.
Sammy loved the show and asked if he and Daddy could play their guitars on stage when he got bigger. Cant wait!

On Saturday morning the girls cheered on the First Baptist Church basketball teams. They started out a bit timid and quiet, but quickly got in the 'spirit' of the game. They were tooo cute! Naturals!

Rachel, friend from church, are on Team B and Katy is on a different squad with her friends Michaela and Sarah!

Like I said, it was a memory making weekend.

Update on Mathew:
Tuesday is Mathew's service. Steve is singing a Steven Curtis Chapman song (imagine that) called "With Hope". Please pray for Karen, Mat and Andrew.

This is not at all how
We thought it was supposed to be
We had so many plans for you
We had so many dreams
And now you've gone away
And left us with the memories of your smile
And nothing we can say
And nothing we can do
Can take away the pain
The pain of losing you, but ...

We can cry with hope
We can say goodbye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no
And we can grieve with hope
'Cause we believe with hope
(There's a place by God's grace)
There's a place where we'll see your face again
We'll see your face again

And never have I known
Anything so hard to understand
And never have I questioned more
The wisdom of God's plan
But through the cloud of tears
I see the Father's smile and say well done
And I imagine you
Where you wanted most to be
Seeing all your dreams come true
'Cause now you're home
And now you're free, and ...

We have this hope as an anchor
'Cause we believe that everything
God promised us is true, so ...

So we can cry with hope
And say goodbye with hope

We wait with hope
And we ache with hope
We hold on with hope
We let go with hope

Good Bye Mathew

2008-04-16T19:30:00.000-07:00

You know when you watch a football game and both teams are good? Even when the winner is announced - you walk away saying...both teams played the game really hard. Well, the game was between Mathew and Luekemia. Both fought hard, but luekemia won. He went to be wtih the Lord today, his mom's birthday. Please continue to pray for his family, Mat, Karen and Andrew. Please pray for peace, for wisdom of what to do now, for friends to be there for them, for healing, for grieving, for everything. And please pray for my role in thier lives. I need to really seek and hear the Lord to know when, where, how, what...

Thanks for all your prayers.

its a sacrifice - is it worth it?

2008-04-10T20:39:00.000-07:00

Another great visit with Mathew... it reminded me a lot of watching my kids 'firsts'. You know that feeling when you hear them say something amazing and kind of pause and replay it over and over in your head. But for Mathew, they aren't his firsts...they are the 'little miracles'. He'll be zoning out and all of the sudden 'awaken' and have a little conversation with inflection and excitement in his voice. Everyone around is aware how special his words and actions are...
With him more interactive, I found it harder when I left. For some reason, when he was a bit unresponsive it was easier to understand ... but with him talking and active and cute and funny it's soo much harder. It's unbearable to think of what the future holds. So, I don't think about it until I'm on the way home.

While there, I school Mathew, I encourage him to paint, talk, create. This visit I took a 'deco-plate' kit. He had a plain white plate and 6 markers to create his own plate. You know what he drew... a rainbow to remind me of God's Promise. Thank you God.

I will go back, even as it gets harder. I am welcomed and wanted there. I pray non-stop to say and do the right thing. But after this visit, more than ever, I see the 'cost' for my family and friends. Forgotten promises, shallow conversations because I am not able to talk more, solemn mood, lack of patience with my kids, housework piling up, strains and stresses in catching up. Being so close with such sorrow is numbing and honestly puts me in a funk.

Knowing that God has me in Mathew's life for such a time as this, I need to call on Him not only working with Mathew, but also to help me in the transition back into 'reality'. As always, just by asking, God will fill me with His Holy Spirit to glorify Him. I need to lean on Him all the time. Through Him, I will be the wife, mother and friend He wants me to be. Is the sacrifice worth it? It's not a sacrifice, its another lesson God wants me to learn about Him.

To my friends and family I have 'checked out' on... I am sorry. By His mighty power, I will do better.

Spring Break + Cousins = FUN!

2008-04-08T17:25:00.001-07:00

Cousins in line for Rhino Rally!

Jen and kids have been here since Sunday afternoon. One of my favorite things about them coming to visit is the explosion of excitement when they first arrive. The cousins are sooo happy to see each other. Busch Gardens, Nims Island, Chuck E Cheese, and the new house in Lakeland were all stops we made while they visited. We had yummy home cooked dinners on Sunday and Monday and tonight after a 2nd full day of entertaining, we decided McDonald's could do the cooking for the kids!

With 6 kids, 6 years apart, our time together when they were younger was always challenging. My dad said, with 6 kids, 6 years apart you can always count on one thing - someone is always crying. Our visit this time was so great because the kids paired up and bounced from one activity to another. Computer, TV, dress up, and complete craziness - but NOT much crying. All 8 of us, even played Apples to Apples together AND everyone had fun!

I am so thankful that my parents and sister are moving closer to us so we can have more times like this. I have the greatest friends in Tampa - Jen and her kids are going to fit right in! Thank YOU Lord!

Mathew Update: Mathew has had a complete turn around. The drs/nurses have figured out the needed meds/blood/platlets and he has more energy and more excitement for life. He still has luekemia, but he now has energy and wishes to be fulfilled. Katy and I are going tomorrow to visit. I think/hope he might be in the mood to do more 'school' type activities. Can't wait! Thanks for the prayers.

Where did you come from?

2008-04-02T05:42:00.000-07:00

"Where did you come from?" is a question my sweet husband often asks my percocious 3 year old. At times, we are just amazed God blessed us with a 3rd baby and a BOY at that.

So this morning, while Steve was climbing into bed after a very long night of work, Sammy jumped in our bed to snuggle (well, really, bounce around but we get a snuggle in there once in a while). Steve posed the typical question to Sammy, who had just climbed into bed.

Steve: "Sammy, where did you come from?"
Sammy: "The floor..."

Too funny, the obvious answer.

Update on Mathew: Katy and I had a great visit with Mathew on Monday. Though Mathew was kind of out of it, Katy greeted him and then spent the rest of her day playing with Andrew and their new puppy. The most precious time of the day occured sitting on the porch with Karen as she talked about the things mom's dread talking about...funeral plans, etc. Please continue to lift this sweet, sweet family in your prayers.

SOOON!

2008-03-31T16:35:00.001-07:00

Well, we are on the final countdown. Just some finishing touches inside the house and it will be ready for move in. We will most likely close on the house at the end of April. Wow it seems like only yesterday when we were picking out the lot!

In other news, I will be in the Lakeland area this week, talking to a recruiter at the School Board. I am still on the hunt for a job in Polk County as a teacher. The kids and I will be in Tampa next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Looking forward to some R&R time with my sister.

Love is in the AIR

2008-03-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

This weekend we attended one of the most ROMANTIC weddings ever! It was soo much fun and so romantic. The best part, in my opinion, was when the groom, Matt Hires sang the song he wrote to propose to Rachel. It was soooo sweet!

There's another reason why I loved the wedding - I love hearing the vows and remembering what I said to my sweet husband almost 15 years ago. I did vow to love him for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. You know marriage would be so much easier if it was just a vow to love him for richer and in good health, the happy times, etc. But that wasn't I vowed, I promised. So, I left the wedding with a renewed desire to love and cherish Steve through all the good and even the bad. I love you, Steven.

Kirsten, Me, Steve and Katy at the wedding reception... the girls were guest book attendants.

Mathew update: I am off to visit Mathew tomorrow. Katy is going with me. Karen (Mathew's mom) wants me to bring all the kids. I can't go 'dote' on Mathew if I'm keeping them out of trouble so I thought I'd take one. Through talking and praying for Mathew, I think she is prepared, pray for us as we do this together. Also, my sweet church has completely stepped up through tons of prayer, offering to watch the kids AND having a hot meal for my family when I come home completely exhausted. I am richly blessed.

Entertaining an Angel

2008-03-25T19:03:00.000-07:00

I spent a long day with Mathew on Monday - very long day. I went with a bag full of goodies (an activity for every subject) and a few extras. He was as eager as I've seen him, willing to turn the TV off, nodded or uttered yes/no to my questions. We spent at least an hour. It was sooo wonderful and my day wasn't over.

Next I rode with Karen and her 2yo Andrew to pick up lunch...it was a breather from the hospital air and a time for her to make calls to orchestrate her son's move home. Karen and I ate lunch sitting in her car at the hospital. It was easier to keep Andrew strapped in his car seat with a DVD playing. I did my best to stay quiet (you know how hard it was for me!) as she talked and I listen. It was a precious time - to listen to a heart of a mother filled with hope for a miracle and disbelief of the current events. I prayed for wisdom and prayed for wisdom with every word I uttered.

Next, my duty was Andrew... 2 yo little brother who lead me around the hospital as if it was his home - which he has known ALL his life. At one point, while I had him on the hospital play ground he said he wanted Mathew. After a stop at gift shop to see what I would buy for him (such smartie!), we went to see Mathew. He immediately went to Mathew's bedside and 'checked' on him. Karen said its almost as if they switched roles.. now Andrew is the big brother.

The discharge from the hospital kept getting delayed... they thought it would be at 3... when I left at 5:30 they were still waiting. So for the last 3 hours I was there, Mat, Karen and I would keep switching roles.. one sitting with Mathew, one chasing Andrew and one 'fetching' items needed or packing the car. It was truly exhausting.

At one point, Karen and I had a brief minute with Mathew and Karen put her head on my shoulder...she is so overwhelmed with bringing a critically ill child home AND a very rowdy 2 year old, who for the past 6 months has been catered to by everyone.

The last part of the day, I was alone with Mathew and remembered our Salvation Egg given out by our church. It had seven items that represent the last days of Christ. I went through the story and showed him a Wordless Book. It was so hard to talk to this little boy about heaven, knowing he would be Home soon. I am sure he heard me and I am standing on God's promise that "God's word never returns void!"

On Mathew's caring bridge website the following journal entry was made in the guest book.. I thought she said it beautifully..

Dearest Mathew,
From your hospital room, you teach us so much. Because of you, we Mommies and Daddies hug our children a little tighter every night. We appreciate every moment of wonder and togetherness. We nurture the bond our children have with their brothers and sisters.
You are a wonderful boy – full of strong will and hope. You are loved by so many! Thank you for reminding us to love so thoroughly and wholeheartedly.
Dear Karen & Mat,
I cannot imagine the intensity of emotion you are feeling. I am so deeply sorry. My heart aches for you and for what you are having to endure. Every excruciating decision is made with the utmost of love and consideration for your Little Mathew – and so each decision is the right one.
Because of Mathew, we are reminded of how fragile life can be – but we are also learning how strong and determined we are capable of being. For your fine example, we thank you.
It is raining today as I write this and it feels so appropriate. We are crying tears for your precious child who is fighting so hard against what is ailing his little body. May God bring him comfort and peace.

I truly appreciate all the prayers lifted for me as God uses me in this family's life. I am humbled that He thinks I have something unique to offer. Thank you for keeping the Gliddon family in your prayers. I plan to go back on Monday, Mathew wants to do more school - so we will!

Happy Resurrection Day!

2008-03-23T18:12:00.001-07:00

Kids being goofy in their new Sunday Clothes!

Happy Resurrection Day!
What a WONDERFUL day. We started it off at church singing great praise and worship, great teaching AND 2 kids in our Sunday School program became Christians. What a WONDERFUL day!

After church, the kids and I went to lunch and then to a park in Zephyrhills with a 'play in the water' area. It was SUCH a beautiful day and we are exhausted!

We hope your Resurrection Day was a good one!

Opportunity of a Lifetime

2008-03-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

I've been given the opportunity of a lifetime. As I've blogged about before, I have 5 year old friend who is fighting luekemia. Sadly, he is losing his battle. The luekemia is back for a 4th time. There's no more medically that can be done. The term 'quality of life' is being used and considered in every decision.

I've had this family on my heart since their first diagnosis. I have helped where I could, but since they live in Palm Harbor, I wasn't able to provide meals, I wasn't able to help with their younger son and I wasn't able to visit with Karen like I thought I should. I emailed her once in a while, signed the guestbook on her website and called a few times.

A little while ago, Karen asked me to come to do 'school' with Mathew. She respected my decision to home school, knew my 'teacherish' personality and knew I loved Mathew. I prepared a few things for her 'to do school' with Mathew. Due to the ups and downs (mostly downs) of his illness, I never delivered it.

Finally, this past Tuesday, my schedule cleared and Steve was home all day so I went to hospital, book in hand to entertain Mathew. It was an incredible day. I helped all day long, I encouraged, I listened, I smiled (under my mask). I rubbed Mathew's head (when he let me ), I became a wall flower when I had to, too.

Mat, Mathew's dad, offered to pay me to come back. They were so glad I was there, they were so appreciative. And it was the genuine kind of appreciation. For a couple minutes throughout the day, they could stand in the hallway and not be in 'charge' of answering Mathew's every wish. They trusted me to do that.

I went back Thursday (yesterday) to 'watch' Mathew for an important meeting that Mat and Karen had to attend. I spent all day - just helping - entertaining.

As I walked away, I finally figured it out. "for such a time as this". God calls us to serve him when/where He wants us. He didn't give me the chance to help Karen and Mat earlier because He wants me to help them now. Mathew wants to go to school. So I, the teacher, will bring school to him. We will work on academics and lessons so Mathew feels like he is in school.

While there, I will pray like crazy, I will listen and I will pray some more. It is only through the strength of the Holy Spirit that I can stand beside the bed of a little boy whose about to be called Home.

I need to add how wonderful my husband has been. He has watched the kids and not complained. Also, friends have come forward to help with my kids as I love on Mathew.

So, to me, this is an opportunity of a lifetime. Pray for me as I seek the Lord and His will as I help and for you I pray the same in your life.

Just Like Riding a Bike

2008-03-12T20:34:00.000-07:00

Kirsten, my sweet girlie, 7 year old has finally conquered riding a bike. Thank you cousin Brennan for his 'hand-me-down" bike! She really struggled mastering balancing, turning, stopping, starting. None of it was easy.

This past week, I celebrated 1 year of doing weight watchers. I have really struggled mastering 'counting points', stopping when full, starting healthy meals as opposed to 'fast food'.

Just like Kirsten never gave up, she kept getting back on sometimes in tears, sometimes in apprehension of almost getting it. I am not going to give up. I am going to keep trying, stay focused and strive for healthy eating.

I know that whatever I do without the Lord is in vain. So, I will recommit to my healthy eating not by my own strength, but with the Lord's strength and His will power within me. He can do this through me...I can't do it alone. With His strength I will get back on the 'bike' and keep trying. Kirsten is a great encouragement!

To my friends who support me - thanks. Don't give up on me - kay?

And for your struggles... I will pray for you.

Please pray

2008-03-08T06:18:00.000-08:00

In the past I've passed this family's name around as a prayer request. Again, I must draw attention to them and to little Mathew. Below is the website where you can get information about him. Following the web address is today's journal entry.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mathewjgliddon

We are up against the wall... The biopsies that were taken from Mathew's nose are consistent with Aspergillus. Therfore, he will be in surgery @ 7:30 this morning (Saturday) to have it all removed from his nose. What does this mean? It means that 1. he will have an unsupported nose due to cartilidge being removed. 2. Mathew will need plastic surgery in the future. 3. We are unsure about transplant now & when, not anytime soon. 4. Mathew will have open wounds in his nose that will be corrected later. Quite frankly, I am at a loss of words right now. If we wait, the tissue damage can worsen, and certainly one cannot undergo transplant with this in the body. This is a very, very bad fungal infection and it has to be sugically removed. Unfortunately, we are hitting all of the bumps in the road. NORMALCY- that is all we want.... Mathew needs a lot of prayers as well as all of our other friends who are fighting. Baby Kaylie - 2yrs old and a former neighbor next door to us on the 2 nd floor, is also believed to have Aspergillus. Currently, she is in ICU and fighting a hard battle. This is something that is really frustrating for us and although there are different types..... We are concerned.

I can't imagine going through all they have gone through and will continue to..Mathew is only 5 years old!

2 Men and 2 GPS's and 3 cars

2008-03-06T05:04:00.000-08:00

Here we are ready to drive the uhaul truck to drop it off. We have 2 cars and 1 uhaul truck. 4 adults and 3 children. One kid per car, one GPS in truck and one GPS in RAV - the Avalon has to follow. This is going to be the easiest 'drop the truck' trip in our lives. How could anthing go wrong?

Problem #1 -
The Avalon with no GPS is in the lead. Problem. How can she know where to turn when she doesn't know where we are going? She had an idea of where the Uhaul store was, but she wasn't sure...

Problem #2 -
As mentioned yesterday, the driver of the truck wouldn't follow the recommendations of the GPS. So we are going where the driver thinks we should go, not necessarily in the fastest most efficient way.

Problem #3-
The destination in the truck GPS is NOT the same destination that is in the GPS in the RAV. After traveling for a bit, I called Steve in the RAV to check in. As we chatted, I discovered that he was heading to a different store. He plugged in the Combee store while I plugged in the US19 store. Fortunately, he wasn't far off our course so he adjusted his and showed up minutes after we arrived.

The entire day resonated with lessons from God for me.
Lesson #1
How often do I 'fall into line' behind someone in their beliefs who has no idea where they are going? Instead of following the Leader, God, I follow someone who looks like they know what they are doing.
Lesson #2
How often do I 'know' the answer for me is in the Bible, but yet decide to take my own path and ignore the instructions written just for me.
Lesson #3
How often do I minister with someone side by side and never talk with them about our 'final destination'. Not heaven, but the end result of a project. I, like Steve and I did with our different GPS's, assume everyone is heading where I am and we all have the same 'goal' in mind. Now, thier goal and my goal I am sure are similar and Godly, but if you don't communicate with each other how will I know thier "destination" and they know mine.

Once again, how cool would it be if our Bible's would talk out loud like GPS's do... I think mine would say the same thing every day...

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart..."
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart..."
"Love the Lord your God with all yoru heart..."
"Ask forgiveness AND love the Lord your God with all your heart..."

I pray today that I will follow the one true leader, I will use the Bible God had given me and I pray that I will share my vision for our kids ministry with others. And for you... I pray the same. Thanks for reading!

My Dad and the GPS

2008-03-05T04:08:00.000-08:00

I am what one would call "directionally challenged". Seriously, directionally challenged. This is evident throughout my life but one of the silliest places I get turned around is a mall. If I walk into a store I have to look back and remember the "BIG" store on the end so I continue walking away from it. Seriously, directionally challenged.

You can imagine my excitement when GPS's came out for the average man. We bought one and it has been soooo helpful. The arguments about 'where do we go' are minimal between my husband and I. The question 'will we be there in time?' Is always answered because our GPS has an arrival time on it. I LOVE MY GPS. I will trust my GPS even when logically it doesn't make sense. It has never let me down. (Well, one time, with a McDonalds in VA).

A couple weeks ago, my family helped my parents unload a UHAUL truck for their upcoming move. It was an exhausting kind of fun where you could easily mark your success. Empty truck, full storage rooms JOB DONE. We were at the stage of returning the truck to the closest U Haul facility. We called the require number and were given 2 addresses. My sweet husband plugged them both into our GPS to see which was closer. The US 19 store was chosen.

I jumped in the truck with my daddy and son and off we went. I was holding our GPS and ready to tell my daddy which way to go...I was going to make returning the truck a cinch!

"OK, dad, turn left here".
He went straight saying, "I know a better way."
I waited while the GPS recalculated. "OK, dad, turn left here".
He went straight again saying, "I know a better way."
GPS recalculated again.
Each ignored turn, the "arrival time" added minutes.
"Ok, what do we do here?"
"The GPS says make a U turn and go back to the road."
"No, how far until the next turn and when do we turn"
"I don't know dad, the GPS doesn't know where YOU are going and which route you are taking."

We finally found our destination (10 minutes later than originally estimated) and returned the truck. I chuckled to myself when my sweet dad told my mom the GPS messed up. And then I made a Godly connection.

Isn't my dad just like you and me. We have the Instructions we need. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth). The Bible is FULL of instructions we need to live a life that Glorifies God. But so often, we think our way is better, quicker, faster (it's not) and in the end we refer back to the Instructions to get us out of the trouble we are in. How cool would it be if our Bible had a voice like my GPS.

"Speak with respect to your husband"
"Show love with your words and actions"
Recalculating...
"Ask forgivness... again"

I pray today that I would use the Bible as my GPS for my life trusting it whole heartedly. And for you... I pray the same. Thanks for reading!

Happy Birhtday to Me!

2008-03-04T05:28:00.000-08:00

What a GREAT day already...

after my hour long with friends. I was greeted at home with a Birthday Banner and attacked with Silly String! I love my family!

Yep, She Did it Again...

2008-03-03T05:28:00.000-08:00

Beth Moore is amazing and this blog page needs to more clearly point to God than point to my goofiness on a daily basis .. so todays truth comes from Stepping Out by my friend Beth. "On this mysterious pligrimage (life), we will find that when we do meet difficulties and sorrows, they were not meant to stop us but to form character required for our great harvest in the coming season."

This quote reminds me of the famous Blackaby quote from another Bible Study, Experiencing God - "God does not form you from your past, but creates you for your future".

Personally, that means that every struggle, difficulty, obstacle I learn to over come (miscarriage, food issues, Biblical marriage, parenting) if I lean on God and learn from Him through it, I will be available to minister in His name when someone crosses my path who has or is having the same struggles. I will be able to point their gaze toward the One who helped/is helping me.

Thank you Lord that you 'find' me still usable and continue to teach me through my failures and my triumphs.

Happy Leap Day!

2008-02-29T05:20:00.001-08:00

It's been a great week in our Tampa home...
On Monday we went to Wordspring Discovery Center in Orlando. We all learned about Wycliffe Bible Translation...amazing! http://www.wycliffe.org/ Their goal is to translate the Bible into each language that speaks to their heart. At this time there are 5912 groups of people that dont have a Bible in their language. How incredible if this field trip was a catalyst to spur one of our kids to become a Bible Translator! We'll see...

On Tuesday, we went to Lakeland to help Mom and Dad unpack a 24 foot uhaul truck into a storage facility (You are welcome, Sis). The kids did great and it was a great calorie burner! (Sammy said to my dad while riding in the Uhaul truck on a bumpy road, "Granddaddy, why did you get a bumpy truck?" AND Sammy said to Grandma in response to her saying..."pretty soon we are going to move here and live here" Sammy's reply "here at the restaurant?" (we were saying goodbyes in the parking lot).

MORE PICS COMING...

On Wednesday, Kirst and I went to Let's Eat and made 16 dinners! Kirst was such a great little cook. She is so excited about tyring all the delicious dinners we made!

On Thursday, Pioneer Clubs hosted a Pajama Party - we all wore our PJ's to church. How fun! Getting home and getting everyone ready for bed was EASY!

Today, Leap Day we are heading to the park with friends for a picnic lunch. Its cool here, but its supposed to get warmer.

Framing - CHECK!

2008-02-25T15:49:00.000-08:00

Well, my sister was kind enough to take this picture on her way down to Lake Worth for a visit about a week ago. They are framing the inside of the house. I can't believe how fast the process moves. Today, my mom and dad, with a little help from me, loaded a moving truck with boxes and furniture to take to storage in Lakeland. My new house will be ready to move into around the beginning of May. I will be done with teaching around June 6. Not very long now! Please continue to keep my family in your prayers in regards to our move, the kids coping with the move, and mommy (me) finding a great school to teach at. OH and for our Lake Worth house to sell!

Opposites Under the Same Roof

2008-02-22T08:40:00.000-08:00

Today we are having a 'lazy' day. I have a cold, Katy has a sore throat AND we have no place to go (because I cancelled our plans). So, I decided to work with Kirsten on her math. Now Kirsten and I have been working through a 2nd grade math book. She finished book A, but before going on to book B, I decided to work with her on her addition and subtraction facts. She understands the process, but gets so overwhelmed with every problem that she just guesses the answer...COMPLETELY and TOTALLY frustrating to her teacher .... me! We sit together in a big rocking chair and do her work, she reads a problem (18-9=) and tears well up in her eyes. We read it outloud and together decide how she will decipher it...we do this same process...every day...over and over... and still her eyes fill with tears! I know this too will pass, but she is so different Katy's math mind.

Katy on the other hand, is a math whiz...like her teacher...me! She looks at a word problem and writes the answer without doing the "figuring out". She struggled with long division, but once she figured out the steps...no problem!
Today, assuming since she wasnt' feeling good, that she'd take the day off from school. As we were cuddling watching TV, she retreived her math book (part b, exercise 35)... I said, "Kates...you can have a break from school today.." Her reply..I know mom, but I'll do it just for fun!

How can I (really God) created such opposites! I have to work so hard not to lose my patience with Kirsten, I have to work so hard not to just TELL her the answer, I have to work so hard when teaching Kirsten math. I know God is teaching me through this...I hope I am a good student.

I love the girls God gave me (and the boy)...I pray He gives me what I need to teach them all they need to know... especially how to subtract 18-9=...!

Wrestling Gators

2008-02-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

What happens when the Florida State Fair is in town AND Steve craves fair food? We take and afternoon off the daily routine and travel 5 minutes down the road to enjoy the FAIR! Tho our trip was short, the kids had fun feeding goats, sheep, chicken and even brushing a HUGE cow. Unfortunately, my camera batteries died so.. no pictures.

We then decided to catch the Alligator Show. Toward the end of the show, Kachunga, the alligator wrestler, asked for volunteers. Katy hesitated and then with my help, raised her hand and was chosen. They asked her typical questions and teased her about being eaten by an alligator.

Katy was positioned behind the alligator wrestler and on the count of 3 he jumped off, still holding the all-important jaws. I think the picture is supposed to be of Katy looking scared to death...but she was so 'into' being photographed that she didn't notice. Too Funny.

Kirsten and Sammy were allowed to hold the 'albino' alligator (only 90 in the world) for a small fee ($5.00 each)!

Steve ate the fair food he'd been craving, the kids experienced farm animals and reptiles and I learned to always bring my back up camera battery!

We ended the day being "POURED ON" when the skies opened! It reminded me of my childhood when my mom twisted activities 'gone bad' by saying..oh, now its an adventure!

WE HAVE A ROOF!

2008-02-12T13:29:00.001-08:00

Yay! I have a roof. I just received these pictures from the construction manager. He says that the framing should be done and ready for inspection next week.

You are looking at the house from the garage. And notice, there are windows. I was so excited when I saw this picture. Have not posted much, been busy with packing things and preparing our house to be sold.

Trying to get my resume completed so I can start applying for a job....

Thank you for all of your prayers!!

Lakeland 2 B'er

Dreams Come True

2008-02-10T20:27:00.000-08:00

Homemade Cake...with HoT PinK icing from Publix...

Royal Fairy Katy!

Princess Kirsten with home made Fairy Wings.

In early January, my girls (7,9) approached me about having a sleepover with their friends for Valentine's Day. My girls love having sleepovers and love hanging out with their friends. So as we talked (they badgered, I bartered) we set a plan...they would forfeit their allowance, do all the work and the clean up. A date was set 2/8/08 and the count down began. Oh, how my girls planned and prayed and prepared for their Royal Fairy Fuzzy Friends Sleepover. Every free minute was spent discussing every last detail to the evening. At times, I thougth I was going to go CRAZY!

So finally the day came and the energy level was HIGH. We started our morning off with a discussion about food, supplies needed and errands that needed to be run. Katy took notes, Kirsten talked details we were ready to go. Errands were done and we were back home making cake and mixing muffins AND doing our text book work for school.

Before the royal friends arrived, both girls told me..."Mom, thanks for making our dreams come true."

After school, we needed to prepare the house. I said simply asked who is going to do what? Both girls volunteered to take care of necessary chores. Because of the training for the past month, they knew what needed to be done AND knew how to do it AND did it willingly.. Thank You Lord!

The Royal Fairy Fuzzy Friends Sleepover was a GREAT success. It wasn't a success because all the planned activities were completed, it was a success because I saw the 'heart's' of my girls friends. Kind, encouraging, sweet, inviting are a few words to describe them. Thank you Lord for giving my girls friends that have YOU in their hearts. And thank you Lord for helping me make my girls' dreams come true.

Foundation - check!

2008-02-01T10:25:00.001-08:00

"The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." Matthew 7:25!

Congratulations Sis! YOU are the proud owner of a foundation!!

Lordy, Lordy Look Who's Forty!

2008-02-01T10:24:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Lakelander 2b sis!
Hope you had a great birthday!

Can't Get it Out of My Mind

2008-01-31T19:52:00.000-08:00

A dear family friend of mine, woke up and his life changed forever. He was diagnosed with luekemia on Friday. He was admitted and chemo started on Monday. I just can't imagine how much my life would change faced with 'life threatening' news. He has a wife of three years, a very sweet brother and sister, and wonderfully caring parents. He has a wonderfully supportive church home and I am sure he has one where he lives now.

But I just can't get him out of my mind. I literally think of him and my little friend 5 yo Mathew (who is also fighting for his life with luekemia). When I wake I rush to the computer to check for updates hoping for good news, then check them through out the day. I don't know why their hurts hurt me so bad, make me so sad - but I have been in tears for them for days.

So, with my sadness, I pray, plead, beg to the Lord to be BIG! To fill their needs, to heal their bodies and to be glorified. And He is being glorified... if you go to their http://www.caringbridge.org/ (visit mathewjgliddon or joelmartin) and read their guestbooks you see the words of His children encouraging them in their fight.

So, I guess since its on my mind that's why I've blogged it.

How can life turn around just like that?

2008-01-26T20:17:00.000-08:00

All of a sudden I was overwhelmed and totally disgusted with myself, as a mom, as a Christian, and a wife. Seriously, I was on top of the world (which means I had ALL the plates spinning simultaneously) and felt like my life was doable!
Then there was the CRASH heard around the world. All the plates stopped spinning and crashed to the ground. As I looked around, I didn't have the energy to get a broom to clean it up so...I just sat down on the floor amidst the mess.

Today, I found a broom and have cleaned up the mess...but I dont feel like the plates are spinning yet. I feel like everything is in slow motion and I am just BLAH! Looking back over the week, I tried to figure out how I got here. And I have figured it out..I think...#1 - lack of sleep - going to bed WAY to late! #2 - not enough Bible Study . So I will live and learn and change that this week.

Tho, I was stubborn and did not turn to the Lord when I was struggling. He sure reached out to me. The perfect song came on the radio and my super supportive husband told me what I needed to hear.

Admist my slow motion - I did do 'school' today with my kiddos. We are working on projects for the Imagination Fair. The best part of the day was talking to my 3yo about how things sink or float in water. Boy did we have fun.
Here's a picture!

Update on New Year, New Start

2008-01-23T21:02:00.000-08:00

Well, its been about three weeks since I tried to start something new in my home. The three areas were home management, quiet times with the Lord and exercising/eating right.

The results:
In the area of home management the kids are definitely on board to helping A LOT more and we are keeping the house A LOT neater!
In the area of quiet times, I am not where I want to be. Everyday brings new challenges to 'fight' for quiet times. Please keep praying for me!
In the area of exercising and eating right...I've lost 5 pounds I gained over the holidays and I've exercised 3/4 times per week. My eating is not GREAT. Till cheating a little too much of the 'not so good' foods. I think I'll switch it up a bit and try eating the CORE plan with Weight Watchers next week.

Overall, I feel like I've made some great new starts to the year and can't wait for my habits to continue to change.

Posted by Tampa Sis

More Pictures, Great Fellowship!!

2008-01-20T11:19:00.001-08:00

This past weekend the kids and I journeyed to Tampa via Lakeland to spend some time with my Sister and her family and to check out the progress of our house. The house looks ready to have the foundation poured. My family and my sisters family signed our names on a piece of paper which was written, "As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord." We crumpled it up and dropped it down the foundation wall to the left of the front door. I have included some pictures so you can see.

The kids and I had a great visit with my sister and her family. WOW!! Cant wait until we are closer so we dont have to try to squeeze everything in on a weekend.

Lakeland 2B'er

More Wisdom from God via Beth Moore

2008-01-15T19:24:00.000-08:00

"in our last lesson, I received a fresh instruction from God about becoming more deliberate in setting my gaze. If I have low expectations, skewed feelings, and impaired spiritual hearing, my eyes are either looking in at myself or out at people and circumstances. God wants our eyes fixed upward like somone down on her knees at His feet."

That really spoke to my heart...and to my outlook. So often I get in a funk when I look at the circumstances around me. I, at times, am just like my kids. If things don't go the way I planned or thought they should, I pout (or more adult-like fall into a funk). And that saying ... 'when mama aint happy, aint nobody happy' is so true. When I fall into a funk...sure thing, the girls and even Sam get grumpy too!

So, I need to keep my 'eyes fixed upward' like I am on my knees looking at Him!
Join me...keeping your eyes on Him!

YAY!! The Walls are Growing!

2008-01-14T14:14:00.000-08:00

Ok, my parents were wonderful enough to make a detour to Lakeland this past weekend and to take a few pictures of my growing house. I am SOOOOO excited!!! ( I won't mention they are also building a house in the same area....=P)

I worked very hard this past weekend in our Lake Worth house trying to get it ready to be sold. It is very close. Most of the major stuff is done.

A BIG YAY!!! goes to my TAMPA SIS for her amazing ability to set a goal and keep on track, well actually setting several goals and staying on track !!

Me on the other hand, I am not doing so well staying on task with my goals. Right now I am house focused and I am not keeping up with my bible studies....so many goals and my focus is all wrong. So this morning I changed my schedule. I woke up a little early (5am...yuck )and did my bible study in the morning and my day has gone well; I journaled my eating, my stresses and some goals for the week! I have to say though I have an awesome role model of how to keep on keeping on in my TAMPA SIS!!

This week I have added a goal of getting my resume together. One more step to moving to Lakeland!!

More later....

Lakeland 2 B'ers

Good bye 5

2008-01-12T19:29:00.000-08:00

Yes! I weighed in today at Weight Watchers.. and I lost 5 pounds this week!
Unfortunately, its 5 pounds that I lost in 2007, but I'm back in the groove.
Tampa Sis

AAAAAAAAAAHHH! - Sigh of Relief

2008-01-11T04:37:00.000-08:00

What a refreshing morning. It's amazing that the Lord, who is on his throne, gives us exactly what we need. This morning as my exercise alarm went off I was thrilled that Sammy was not up. (He has been up the past 3 mornings BEFORE my exercise alarm). I exercised and when I finished, he was STILL not up so...I did Bible Study.

This mornings nugget: "God calls us to look to Him, seek and find in Him, but He wants us to approach on terms based on who He really is. Not as we think we'd like to make Him." Instead of a treating God like a buddy, like a person, I need to talk to him like He is looking down at me from his Almighty Throne! Boy, that is humbling..

Why o Why??

2008-01-10T20:20:00.000-08:00

Why is it when I get on a roll and I am in a rhythm do things just go KaPLooeY!?!?

The kids were doing their chores and school with joyful hearts. I was getting my devotions, exerices and my chores done. Then all the the sudden the house looked like a bomb had gone off - and company was coming for lunch!

I was soooooo frustrated, so full of frustration! So, I walked the dog...and tried to chill out. Of course, I prayed to get things in focus. Weighing on my mind, besides company coming - lost camera!, lost cell phone!, NOT enough time!

I know my house will never look like a Better Homes and Gardens house. If my children are going to grow their imaginations, there will be projects-in-process around the house (hopefully - not too many). And while I have a three year old, there will be toys on the floor. Thank you Lord for him.

I guess I thought this "new outlook and habit" would make my house picture perfect ALL the time. Wrong! It has given us all better habits, it has given the girls new skills (they cleaned the toilets today- my 7yo response - that was cool, I"ll do it again for you). And slowly but surely we'll be masters over the clutter.

The Lord is so good. There is a balance I need to find that I worship the Lord more than my house. That I think about serving the Lord more than feeding my face and that I look for the good in those around me not focus on the annoying. Lord, make me balanced!

Posted by Tampa Sis
(update: found cell phone, still no time and NO CAMERA!! UGH!)