Yeah we have another niece!

Wow...our family just keeps growing and growing and growing.  We had two nieces born this year!  Stephanie and Adam (Brett's sister) had their first baby.   We are so super excited!!!  She is actually early, if I remember right her due date was Christmas Eve!  God is good!

Mia Joy was born at 8:48pm. (they are a day ahead of us)
She is 7 lbs 15 ounces and 20.5 inches long.

Satan is after me!!!!

I'm totally loosing my mind this week!  Yesterday was an AWESOME day besides the fact that I hit and killed a squirrel.  That made me sooo sad.  And today...I have been going insane searching for a misplaced signed blank check!  Agh!  How did that happen I have NO idea.  I have tried so hard to hang on to that thing all week, and today when I need it...go to get it, it has grew legs and walked off.  Go figure!  Try as I might!!!!  Anyways...I'm very stressed.  I seriously have been looking for this check all day...w/ the exception of the 1 1/2 hours I went to the bank and out for coffee.  Poor kids probably think their Mom is going nuts.  Ha...I am!

Good Morning!

I am feeling 80% better today...sleep helped! The snow is coming down and its so pretty out this morning. Brett and I got in some good devotion time this morning. He is a great husband. I admire his strongness and patience. I guess this is the shortest entry ever...my little ones are needing me!!! Thank you Lord for good sleep! :)

And illness hits...

Up till this past weekend I have been thinking how fortunate I have been to avoid being ill. Sunday came and I had a sore throat, Monday a bad headache, Tues full blown sick. Agh! And my little Eli is sick and then Brett got sick too. I'm still sick (and the other's seem to be quite better)...and I was the first to come down with it. Go figure!!! Tonight my right lung hurts. It feels bruised, not sure what is going on there...but if it doesn't feel better tomorrow...I may have it looked at...or listened to rather! I am in self pity mood though. I've been sick (like I said) since Sunday. And I just can't seem to grab the rest I need. Like I told Brett...Moms don't get sick days. I still have to cook, change diapers, clean (although I have to let some of this go b/c I truly don't have the energy to do it!) etc etc etc. I could just really use some TLC. Where do we Moms go to get such a thing when we are sick and they all still rely on us?! All I have been able to do is pray that I am better soon. I'm truly sick of being sick!

Words to "You're Not Alone"

You're Not Alone
I search for love When the night came and it closed in I was alone but you found me where I was hiding and now I'll never ever be the same It was the sweetest voice that called my name saying You're not alone for I am here let me wipe away your every fear My love I've never left your side I have seen you through the darkest night and I'm the one who's loved you all your life All of your life You cry yourself to sleep cause the hurt is real and the pain cuts deep All hope seems lost With heartache your closest friend and everyone else long gone You've had to face the music on your own but there is a sweeter song that calls you home saying You're not alone for I am here let me wipe away your every tear My love I've never left your side I have seen you through the darkest nights And I'm the one who's loved you all your life All your life Faithful and true... Forever For my love will carry you.... You're not alone for I... I am here let me wipe away every fear... Oh yeah My love I've never left your side I have seen you through your darkest night Your darkest night And I'm the one who's loved you all your life All of your life

Well the cut and paste didn't work like it should...but nevertheless here are the words!

Here are some shots from our BIG 13 year old's party!

I love this photo!
All of them acting goofy!

Chow on some crackers and then blow the ping pong ball across the table. Too funny!

Brett is saying "Ewwww!" Cause someone blew a bunch of crackers out of their mouth onto the ping pong table! :)

Micayla w/ her friend Beth.

Brett...I love you so much. Thank you...from the bottom of my heart for loving me. For being here for me, for being patient and supportive...you are truly The Man of my dreams. (Brett brought these roses home one night after band practice. I was already asleep, so they were waiting for me when I got up in the middle of the night w/ Z. 12 roses with 12 paper strips, one in each rose...12 things he loves about me.) Awwww! It touched me deeply!
Our Baby Z gearing up for Christmas. She wants to be Santa's helper!

A song for my Mom...

The song on my play list by Meredith Andrews is for my Mom. She lost her Mom and Grandma this year and I know time is very difficult for her now. When I hear this song, I think this is what Jesus would sing to her. Hang in there Mom...life will get easier. Love ya.

On the search for our Christmas Tree!

I appreciate Brett's desire for a real tree. Growing up as a young child my Dad always took us through Blairs Tree Farm searching for that perfect 12 foot tree. And I remember really enjoying it as a child. When Micayla was young...we just had a fake one, b/c I wasn't adventureous enough to go and get one w/o a man's help. But now...I have come full circle and can once again enjoy this adventure with my wonderful husband and three wonderful children. Thank You Jesus!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

The Lord listens...

As I struggle through my days this past week or so, with feelings of inadequacy the Lord whispers to me that he is faithful. And He reminds me that He has me right where He wants me...even if I'm not enjoying every minute of life. Struggles are opportunities for growth and times of discipline. Ewwww...the thought of being stuck in the middle of a thick mud hole and struggling to break free from its uck is pictured in my mind. Spiritual growth can be difficult. The Lord gave me a verse yesterday...and I continue today to meditate on its deeper meaning as it relates to my life right now. "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:6. I believe the Lord is patient with me always...especially during growth and discipline. Its me who is not patient nor kind to myself. I allow satan to rip into my thoughts and tear at the things I know to be Truth. I allow him to cause confusion and chaos. All to be kindly reminded that God is sovereign and victorious over satan and He is bigger than any obstacle I may face on this earth. *Big Sigh* What a relief!

THANKSGIVING!

Its been a very early day for me. The Lord woke me up bright and early...4am...I honestly asked for it though. These past several weeks and have been quite difficult for me and I have asked the Lord to help me to put Him first everyday...before computer time, before everyone else wakes up, etc. Its been quite the morning. Satan badly wants to destroy the work of the Lord. I can't tell you how many things have screamed for my attention already this morning. Nonetheless...I got in some good time with the Lord. As I was journaling I was reading through 2 Peter and I'm reminded of the world around us and the false teachers which inhabit this earth with us. How true today, as it was 2,000 years ago. All you have to do is turn on the TV to get...not just a glimpse of immorality, but a big "splash in the face dose" of it. (Duh...and to think I contemplated getting cable to watch "John and Kate plus 8.") I'm also reminded that the Lord is returning and Peter reminds us to live "spotless, blameless" lives. (2 Peter 3:14). And to grow in the GRACE and KNOWLEDGE of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Do you think much about how you grow spiritually? A friend reminded me this week how important it is to be in God's word...everyday! The adversary is always waiting for us to loose perspective and he jumps like a cheetah on prey. I probably have the growing in GRACE understanding better than the "in KNOWLEDGE" part. And we are reminded to test everything against the unchanging truth of God's Word. How often do I loose sight of that!?! I should even be testing my thoughts! It says EVERYTHING. (I know I'm jumping all over the place, I'm just sharing with you the things that were laid upon my heart and that I took note of).

The most reassuring thing I read this morning...2 Peter 3:8-9. God's timing is perfect and even though we don't understand it...he does know what he is doing. He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Also understood to me as...The Lord's patience mean salvation to many. That's heavy! The Lord is patient, sovereign and loving...waiting for His children to fall at His feet. Fall daily!!!

I am Thankful for so many things...

Most importantly for my Savior Jesus Christ...without Him, I am nothing!

For the gift of eternal salvation. For Grace and Mercy neither which I deserve.

For my husband...whose love and devotion is more than I could ever wish or ask for.

For my three beautiful healthy children...they are so precious. And I thank God for entrusting them to Brett and I to raise for His glory.

For my parents

For my Grandparents...those still here and those that have passed. They each have added so much to my life. I would not be who I am today w/o their influence on my life. I lost two this year...they will be greatly missed during the Holidays. They brought so much to my family...and have left an everlasting impact on many of us. (Grandma Judy above at Caydee's 4th Birthday).

For health and wealth. Thank you Lord that I was born and raised in America where I am free to worship You!

I am thankful for my siblings. And especially Tabitha this past week, who bravely volunteered to take my little ones so I could have some time to myself. Thanks...you brave soul! (she had mine plus hers = 2 under one, a full of energy almost 2 year old, and a five year old!

Thanks for my church family...Salisbury is my church home. For Pastor Scott and Karen who help me grow in Truth.

Enjoy your families this year and pray for those who are less fortunate. :) God Bless!!!

New Video

Hey I finally figured out how to save video in a usable format from my digital video camera. Here's a little snippet from Noah's 1st birthday party of Eli!

Random Photos for you to enjoy!

Having fun at Fox Ridge State Park! We got attacked by Lady Bugs!
My beautiful girls...swinging!

All three of my kids...swinging!

My precious baby girl. Its amazing the joy each child brings into your life.

Eli and Daddy play in the leaves!

Eli with Uncle Dave!

We all went bowling while Aunt Ashley and Uncle Dave were visiting. Here Eli carries a six pound bowling ball, all by himself!!!!! Such a big boy! Check out his cool shoes!

Go Eli!

Zahavah and Uncle Dave!

Aunt Ashley, Uncle Dave & Zahavah

Many different Zahavah faces!

Brrrrr...its cold outside!

Exploring the barn at Agape!

One of my favorite photos...I loved playing at my Grandpa's growing up...some of the best days of my life!

Trystan and his Mommy

Notice the cross in the background

Awww...my little Eli saying "Daddy"...thats the only way to get a smile out of him!

So little!

And little Tin Tin

This is too funny...I got Eli coming down the hill and as I was getting to snap the photo...he fell!

ITS FRIDAY!

Outside my Window...Cool but sunny and beautiful!
I am thinking...Can I please just get a minute to myself?
From the learning rooms...I'm so proud of Eli!
I am thankful for...for my faithful husband...and Savior!
From the kitchen...Yummy homemade bread! Way to go me and Keri! And Eli and Trystan.
I am wearing...Cozy sweats and Nike sweatshirt.
I am reading...I have no time to read but when I do...The Love Dare.
I am hoping...This new president of ours can do the country some good...even though he lacks all the morals I believe in.
I am hearing...Elmo
Around the house...Let's see...clean dishes in the dishwasher, a load of laundry needing to be done, and tons of clothes to be put away...my job is NEVER done.
One of my favorite things...Coffee, which I currently lack.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Brett is racing tomorrow, then maybe a little browsing the mall, dinner at my Aunt's on Sunday and I would love to get some photos of my children before all the beautiful leaves are gone!

Happy Halloween!

TRUNK OR TREAT AT SALISBURY!

Eli's favorite trunk was not his Big Pappy's Snoopy Peanuts theme...it was the trunk w/ the bubbles...he stayed there a long time! Guess what is going on his Christmas Wish List! That's right...a bubble machine...bathtime will be so much more fun!
Cousin Noah grabbing Eli's tail...they are both Monkeys...although Eli looks like a mouse.

Another bubble pic...the best one for sure!

He liked this trunk too...the sword anyway!

Big Pappy decorated up our van w/ Snoopy / Peanuts! I thought it was one of the cutest!

Zahavah and Launah!

Darn...I wish Tab and her kids would have made it for this pic!

My little Monkey / Mouse

My upset Jack-O-Lantern!

We really enjoy reading to Eli. Every night before bed we read at least one book. And every morning and after most naps we find him in our reading spot....all by himself with a book! He is such a great little guy.