Friday, December 14, 2007

GIFTS

Four and a half years ago I traded my days of nurturing other's children in a classroom for the daily and daunting task of being a mom. It amazes me how much more I have been the pupil these past few years. Days now are constantly filled with teachable moments for us all and most importantly, I can speak freely to my precious pupils, my children.
In the public classroom, my discussions of Christmas was within a unit study of cultural customs and beliefs. I would just conveniently discuss Judeo-Christian beliefs the last few days before our break. In my mind, I was ending with the real meaning of Christmas in hopes that it would plant a seed in their hearts to inquire more. Some did and some didn't.
But now, as my pupils are my children, if is such a relief to know that Christ isn't just talked about this time of year, but that it is a daily, moment-by-moment opportunity to disciple my children. Do I always seize those moments? unfortunatley no, but the closer my walk is with my sweet Jesus, I know the more "moment-by-moment" it is.
As I dwell on the discipleship of my children, a dear friend directed my path to a new book I got for our family library.
The Ministry of Motherhood
While two of my children went to a game with Chad and one still slumbers, I decided to start reading my Christmas present early. :-)
Most of the people glancing at this page are in the same season with me or are directly related to my little warriors. Either way, I want to share what the first few pages have openned my eyes to . We all desire to impart values or goals or gifts to our children. In this book, Sally Clarkson, has shared the gifts she desires for her 4 children.
I share them with you to 1) enocurage you 2) challenge me to create my own gifts and 3) to remind you that being a mom is the best and most challenging task of training the next generation for God's glory.
G- represents the gift of GRACE
I- represents the gift of INSPIRATION
F- represents the gift of FAITH
T- represents the gift of TRAINING
S- represents the gift of SERVICE
This book walks you through a six week study of each of those values. I'm so excited to start this book and I'll try to share what I'm learning from it.
Blessings to you all!

Friday, December 7, 2007

Holiday Quote

I thought this was a timely quote on my calendar this month:

" To be content with what we possess is the greatest and most secure of riches."
-Cicero


Now I must say that I don't agree that it is the "greatest," but contentment is not easily embraced in our culture. In my mind, it isn't just referring to material items, which IS in abundance here, but more importantly, the uniqueness in the way that our Heavenly Father created each of us. With our own gifts and talents, let us bring it to our tables of friendship without comparison; the joy stealer!

Monday, November 19, 2007

Sheep, Bears and Mandy, OH MY!


Yes, that is a BIG, black bear sitting on a limb!





Talk about a day of sure fun, our family spent Saturday morning of my birthday weekend at WNC Nature Center. IT had a combination of inside reptiles and insects and outside creatures. We saw peacocks, otters, mountain lions, black panthers, coyotes, a black bear, deer, snakes, turtles, and even an added bonus, one of my college roommates: Mandy Walters!
As we were finishing up our adventure we navigated back to the beginning and in walks Mandy. What a God thing! I had just told a mutal friend,"How fun would it be to pop in on Mandy since they had just moved to a town close to Asheville?" God had other plans, He brought us together. I was giddy the whole rest of the day just knowing that I had quickly embraced a sweet friend whom I had not seen in many years....too many. She has 4 beautiful children. Three were with her and one has gone on to be with our Heavenly Father. Mandy just was radiant! She loves being a mama nurturing her young. Oh, I was just a delightful surprise!


Thursday, November 15, 2007

Grandmother's 60th

Tate, Me, LM, Bird, Haywood, Hallsey, Owen(where? red/blue hat), Griffin(where?green/black hat), Hamilton, Chad

Hallsey and Tate

(l-r) Haywood, Owen, Mom (aka Grandmother), Chris (aka Bird), Hamilton, Lisa Marie


Our family had a blast last weekend celebrating Mom's 60th birthday. We all met in Asheville, NC for the gathering. There is just so much to do in Asheville that we barely scratched the surface. Our first adventures when we arrived at the hotel was to check out the pool..it was great! Grandmother arrived while we were there and we decided to go out to dinner at a local mexican joint. Great food! That is one thing you can expect from Asheville...clean food. I tried for the first time a sweet potatoe, black bean, and kale burrito. I must say that my first bite I closed my eyes ( a mental thing) but it was FABULOUS!
While at dinner, we showered mom with goodies including a massage from her therapist back in Chapel Hill and a photo book of all the grandkids that we made on snapfish. It's a great gift for family near and far if they want lots of photos of your little ones.
Dear Lord, thank you for my mom! She is a blessing in so many ways to our family. She loves all the grandchildren with more love than I can imagine and pursues them indivdually. She cares daily for her aging mom, Ivey. She longs for family time with us and for that I am grateful. Lord, thank you for creating her to be who she is!






Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Mommy's Weekends Away

Talk about indulgent, I really pushed the envelope with Chad when these opportunites came up. The weekend before Halloween I went on a business trip with Juice PLus to Memphis for the Fall International Confernence. As always, I was reminded of the big picture in regards to health, the realities that most people either won't, don't or can't make drastic changes in their American diets and that I should be encouraging anyone and everyone in regards to their health and the helath of their families! It was a fabulous weekend to glean from nurses, naturopathic doctors, and common people like me with a passion for health.

Yes, Chad encouraged me to get away and enjoy the time of learning, and so he called in the troops...his wonderful mom. Knowing that he was flying solo 2 weekends in a row, he asked her to come one of those. Of course, she was ready, willing and able. She is always wanting a reason to come and love on the boys. "Her boys" as she calls them.

The very next weekend, I had the opportunity to "Remember, Rest, and Relate" at our church's first annual women's retreat. What fun! About 70 girls of varying ages attended and we were blessed beyond measure to connect, meet, laugh, cry, and remind ourselves of who we are in Christ, how he REALLY sees us. For me that weekend, I savored quite a few quiet moments with my Maker, relished the fall foliage, and spent much time writing. When I wasn't doing that, I actually joined the skit team and got the whole crowd laughing at us most of the time. If you are REALLY interested and want to see a lovely picture of our attire, go to Karen's blog and scrolled down until you see some crazies in 70's garb.

Yes, Chad flew solo that weekend and did amazingly well, as always. I know the boys loved every moment with their daddy and I did too:-) Some of the girls on the retreat kept asking, how are the boys? I would say, "Chad and I's philosophy on weekends away - there are quite a few for Chad- is No news is good news, so I honestly don't know, all I know is that they are having fun!"

I encourage any mom and ALL moms to refresh yourself as a mother and spend some quality time away. I definately came back a better momma and ready for the winter. Hopefully all you girls can do that for yourself sometime!

Our Halloween Treats




We decided the day before Halloween to make our own treats to snack on, and I mean..what a treat. Can't say that cookies are a weekly adventure in our home, so it was extra special to make them. Together we made the dough, rolled it out, used the pumpkin cutter and then baked. While they cooled, we had a lesson in making colors: using icing. They had a blast! If you know much about Griffin, it's that his favortie color is GREEN, so every cookie he made HAD to be green. As for Owen, he is partial to orange but go a little crazy doing polkadots on a few. Much to daddy's surprise we made something he would enjoy. Good ole' fashion sugar cookies! Our day of indulgence....


Mammoth Bubble Bee

I know this seems a little odd, and it was. The boys and I were outside on the blanket one day in October, I look over at the base of a bush in our yard and here was this HUGE bubble bee. I really just stared at it for a few minutes, because it looked like a fake toy that you could find in our playroom. I really just wanted to see if it would move. OH, my goodness, it was beautiful! To give you a point of reference for it's size, it was about 2 inches long! It looked so sturdy, fuzzy and content just sitting there in the mulch. The boys and I watched it for a good while and it barely moved. Just amazing! That is one of the many things I have never done before having children, just stare at a bug? To think that God made that sweet creature. Fun stuff!

Can I ride?

Lately, Tate has been trying his darndest(is that a word...only in TN) to keep up with his big brothers. Most afternoons are spent outside pushing, riding, pulling or moving some kind of object up and down the driveway. THis was a glimpse of a Sunday afternoon before our little chilly-snap. I'm not saying cold, because it really was just chilly! My little boy is growing up so much, I just can't believe how much faster each consecutive child's first years are. Does that make any sense? Oh well, I hope I'm clear! All that to say, I just love our little Tater Bud!

Sharks Alive


There is Owen painting his handmade shark. He decided that the shark was going to be multicolored, but mostly purple. Creative I say! I assisted in the modeling, but he informed me of all the fins needed, shape of the mouth, and we made sure everything was proportional. Great job Owen, I'm proud of your diligence!

Rainbow of Green



Some of you may be wondering, "What in the heck is that!" and I don't blame you. A few years ago I thought it was a faint memory from my childhood, and much more colorful now. These are FuzziBuns cloth diapers. Many of you may still be confused, but this is the route we have choosen to go with Tate. In June, after much thought with 2 in diapers, the enormous landfill we were creating with our on diaper collection and to be good stewards of our money, we took the plunge. Literally, into the toilet! Daily or should I say every few hours, I will wash out the diapers, place them in a "holding" bin unitl the end of the day, and at that point, I throw all the diapers from the day into the wash and hang them up to dry overnight.

Yes, I will not lie, it is more effort, time and energy on my part, but to know that we are conserving environmentally and financially, so I press on. Our family by no means gets the award for eco-friendly lifestyle, but to know that I can start this one change to impact my children's future home is gratifying.

So, this is our own rainbow of green in our home every night:-)

Boycott Blogging?

To answer many of your questions, no I'm not boycotting blogging and yes I have lots of interesting things to share over the last month and a half. I have loved getting on and reading all of yours, but quite frankly, being gone 3 weeks in a row as thrown my journaling into a tailspin. Yes, I enjoy it, but no it's not at the top of my list daily. With all that to say....hang on, I'm going to give you guys a rough jab at the adventure I've been on.

Friday, October 5, 2007

Birthday boy

We celebrated Griffin's birthday with friends last Sunday, since we knew daddy would be out of town this weekend. A sport's party with cake for everyone. Some friends took us up on wearing their favorite sport's jersey to celebrate. It was a perfect day to be outside and run and play!
Mom's first icing experience

Owen leading us in "Happy Birthday"

"What are all these people doing here, Mom?"

Jumping fun for all

New basketball so he doesn't have to shoot with a volleyball.


Diesel 10

Gooey Picture










Griffin is king of the day!

Today we have completely enjoyed Griffin! He brings so much laughter and silliness to our family, and it's just great! We decided to let our special little man make all the decisions for the day, and that he did. (Some of you may cringe at the amount of TV time, but don't despair...it's 1 day)

I woke up to the sounds of Owen and Griffin playing upstairs together, and then I hear from Owen, "Today is a wonderful day!" As he makes his way to my room, Tate already with me for breakfast, we started singing Happy Birthday at the top of our lungs as Griffin trailed down the stairs. If you know Griffin at all, direct attention is not something he relishes, so of course he was turning his head in a bashful way (smiling the whole time, I know he REALLY did like the attention).

In the morning, Griffin watched Fox and the Hound 2 while eating a bagel and cream cheese (tofutti). A truly luxury, compliments of Emily and Karen. He then did 2 art projects; slithery snakes and an octopus. For lunch we had quesidillas, soy pudding, and grapes, while watching CARS. Then on to TOYS R Us to redeem a birthday present. Grandparents are so good to send a little green, so we stocked up on art supplies and Diesel 10 (A Thomas Engine). A little side note, unless you want to have a puddle of glue on the floor beneath your cart, I learned not to let your now 3 year old hold the new toy: the glue bottle. It made for an interesting creation, dried glue on his hands, legs, and hair...the fun never ends! :-)

By that point, we all needed naps! Since everyone was eager to enjoy all the new supplies, we spent the afternoon painting, mixing colors, and making gooey pictures. While they dried, we played basketball, soccer, and trains. Dinner and a movie. Quiche, chips, and carrots while glued (hehe) to the tube: Open Season. We finished up the night playing more trains, reading, and giggling.

Well, there you have it.....the joys of my 3 old little guy...GRIFFIN!

Precious Lord, you have created each of my children so uniquely and for that I'm grateful. Thank you for Griffin's love for his brothers, sports, the outdoors, and tv. Guide Chad and I to shepherd his heart for a passion to serve and honor you with his heart, words, and deeds. I'm honored to be his "momma".

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

What's for Breakfast?


A few days ago while I was fixing Tate's porridge, Griffin decided to serve himself another bowl of Cheerios. As you can tell, he wanted to feed every creature that is trying to make it inside our house due to the hot weather. We were able to salvage quite a few cheerios, but more importantly, I am learning to enjoy his growing independence even if it does include a few cheerios to the trash. You would be amazed, I just chuckled versus the alternative.

Finding Food Chains




The last few weeks Owen has been really interested in animals, what they eat and what eats them. So that started our "hunt". The first food chain we created was from his memory of "Finding Nemo." IT amazes me as to what they learn from observation of a movie 3 years ago. We got out the movie and watched parts of it again to make sure we had our facts straight. (Besides the whale eating the shark..I think we are on target) .
Today he wanted to check out other habitiats and different chains within those biomes. He decided on his own creation. Rodent eats plants, fox eats rodent, and cougar eats fox. We learned that most chains aren't longer than 4-5 cycles (animals). Is this the beginning of homeschool? I don't know, but I do know we didn't even realize the learning. It was natural, comfortable, and fun to meet Owen where he is interested. Just a glimpse of our afternoons!

Friday, September 14, 2007

More than just music

Tonight our family went to a local favorite, Mellow Mushroom, for dinner. As always we enjoy the energy and enthusiaism that restuarant creates, but tonight was different. Owen and Griffin had brought books in to read and were drawing some pictures while Chad and I talked. Owen turned to me and said, "Mommy, is this music honoring to God?" Hummm, I thought for a moment and had to respond. "I can't hear the words, but more than likely it's not buddy. So although we can't personally turn it off like we could our T.V. or radio, we need to always be aware of what we are listening to." Can't say I ever thought about that at 4, much less at 30. Now, with all that said, trust me, Chad and I love all kinds of music and Owen has learned a few lines to some popular hip hop, but I just thought it was challenging to me to always be ready to defend the gospel and respond to those moments.

Take the time to be encouraged....

I'm invisible.
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.
I'm invisible.
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and t he mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going. She’s going... she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in.
I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it.
I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:
No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.
The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything. A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because Go d sees."
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've bake d, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.
I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because the re are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals.
We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Monday, September 10, 2007

Frisbee Golf






I have been meaning to put these pictures up for a couple of days. Our family spent Labor Day afternoon at Barfield Park. We all attempted to play frisbee golf together and then go for a short hike/stroll. It was so fun to see Owen and Griffin get really excited about making it in the goal. Granted we had a par of 20 versus the suggested 4. All the while, it was fun being together.

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Ice Cream Sundae Par-Tay


Laughing at his new "Give a Mouse a Cookie" friend.

Checking out all the excitement!


Griffin checking out his "new" tricycle that friends brought over for him. NOw he can pedal on our walks at night. He is super stoaked!



Own counted down the hours to Tate's party. He was definately the most excited to celebrate!




Emily drawing a....rainbow?


Anthony and Gabe






To start the party off right, we made a huge sidewalk sign with washable paint, and then all the other children chalked and blew bubbles, or jumped.



Drew Baker and his family came with their newest addition: Brock (2 weeks)









Friday, September 7, 2007

"Tate-a-bud" turns 1


We have had such a great day celebrating Tate! I got up a little earlier than normal to surprise the boys with their favorite muffins, Banana Chocolate Chip, for Tate's birthday. We all love these muffins, so it was fun to watch Tate join us in indulging. At lunch we packed a picnic and went to a neighborhood park. All the boys enjoyed the swings and Owen and Griffin tried out the climbing wall. It actually backs up to a friend's house, so we were able to get out of the hot summer for a little while. Then tonight when Daddy got home, we went out to eat and came home for a walk. It was such a restful day enjoying Tate!

Tate loves to babble, crawl like crazy, pull up, try to destroy his brother's creations, chew on anything, laugh a hearty giggle, and be our human vaccuum. He brings so much laughter and pure joy to our lives. I must say, my favorite part of the day was when the boys were all dancing to Daddy's ipod music "Bad to the Bones" and Griffin reaches down and kisses Tate on the head. Impromptu! Precious! Unforgettable! Frequently I will find Griffin doing that just to remind Tate that he loves him.

I am so thrilled to see all three of the boys showing some kind of endearment to one another. That is what our life is about. Celebrating each other, learning from each other, challenging each other, refining each other, and loving each other.

Precious Creator of Life, thank you for blessing our family with Tate Landry. Help us to guide his tender roots to a need for you and a desire to live wholeheartly for you. We need your love and grace in nurturing this little, tender warrior for battle. Teach us all!

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Quote of the Month

Sometimes the most urgent and vital thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest.
~ Ashleigh Brilliant

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Real Life; Real Community

I am always amazed at what God is doing in all of our lives and what we need to learn. For some, including our family, it is a repeated pattern, and the last few weeks has been no exception. Life can be messy, tiring, joyful, and rich, but we all were created to share each of those moments with others. Sometimes with immediate family and sometimes with other family God puts in our lives.
A few weeks ago, Chad fell victim to a violent stomach bug and within the same week my back locked up. When I say violent, I mean, stuff coming from every direction leaving him quite a few pounds lighter(not needed on his physique). For me, it meant I could not walk the first day and could not lift anything, my precious little ones included. Days have passed and I am grateful for our doctors' wisdom, rest, and most vitally, our community of family and friends.
Chad's mom flew in on a moments notice and my mom came the day she left. Knowing that we were not back to 100% when mom had to leave, , we were a little nervous about being "on our own." Amazingly, God had already orchestrated the whole event. Since Wed., mom's departure, the boys have a picnic at the park, our lawn has been mowed, meals have been brought over, and today the boys are hanging at one of our youth family's house. Talk about rich blessings! God was already stirring in the hearts of these servants as to how they could be blessed. That is how God works, but we as humans, myself included, don't like to FEEL needy. Hello, we are all needy, why else do Christ die! But so often we get comfortable and complacent to always "help" others that we don't recognize our own need for community. I am so grateful that Christ continues to teach me my need for others.
No it is not always easy to say you need help, but the more honest I am, and less sanitized I am, the more approachable and real God makes you.
P.S. Take a chance, and don't act like you have it all together, because if you did, then you don't really need a Savior.
Just recently, our church videoed some couples on their experience of real community. Check it out!

Friday, August 17, 2007

Adrenaline Junkies

Today we had the chance to go out on a boat with another youth couple and their 16 month old. We opted to only take Owen due to possible risks and room with the two little ones. We had an absolute blast. Chad and Owen tubed, Owen and I tubed, Owen tubed solo, Chad and I knee-boarded, and Chad skied. Yes, my failed attempt left me having a harder time getting my foot in the ski without tipping my body over. Quite a sight to any onlookers! Anyways, the best part was.....cliff jumping. Yes, I think Owen has a double dose of "adrenaline-junkie" in his veins. Chad jumped off about a 40 foot drop, and Owen and I jumped off about a 10 foot drop. Not bad for the first time and only being four! My days of bungee-jumping have since past, but I must say even today it was SUCH a thrill. Sorry for no photos. I was kicking myself for not bringing it for all these firsts. I guess that means we have to go back. DARN :-)

Thursday, August 16, 2007

104


















Well, I have taken some time away from blogging, but it has not necessarily been on purpose. My days have been filled with much, and many nights I didn't have the energy to share my joys and struggles. You may be wondering why I choose the entry title of 104. Over the last two weeks, I have experienced:


  • the temperature being on or around 104 and finding creative ways to enjoy that with my boys
  • 104 smiles
  • 104 times of putting my second child in his "big boy" bed during naps...by golly he's got it
  • building 104 forts in the family room
  • 104 books per day
  • 104 games of hopscotch on the kitchen floor...look for the pics
  • 104 puzzle "put-togethers"
  • 104 minutes of outside play, which for our family, it's usually 3x that on most days
  • 104 minutes of "Sprinkoline time" - if you are unaware as to what this is, it's the combo of having your sprinkler under your trampoline...super fun
  • 104 minutes at "Splash Pad" - a local park that has water fun for all ages
  • 104 "mommy watch this" moments while we have resurrected their playroom toys
  • 104 laughs (bug-eye pics)
  • 104 pieces of artwork
  • 104 times of putting up the tupperware cabinet after Tate has explored

Yes, these days have been long and weary at times, but all the while, I'm so grateful and thankful to have had those moments with my boys. Motherhood at home is hard, But so rewarding! The days of their childhood are so quickly fleeting, but I am committed to treasure, relish, savor, and enjoy each of them for who they are.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Monthly Milestones











Some exciting news in our home....Tate is crawling and exploring like crazy! You can tell he is just loving the freedom. Needless-to-say, I have to be on my "cleaning ball" a little better. Over the last few weeks, we have spent many an afternoon at the pool. That is two HUGE milestones, one: Griffin getting in the water (at the beach i the spring, it took him 4 days laying in the lounge chair to get in) and me conquering my fear of taking all 3 to the pool solo. Griffin now loves the "frog pool" at the YMCA. It is a refreshing break to our hot summer days! IN the pictures, Daddy joined us and was helping Owen swim some. Also, Tate is waving bye-bye and signing all-done. On a few occasions he has said, "ah du, ah du." He is definately a Vinson if this is any sign of future verbal skills. haha




Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Walk It Out

I tell you what, one of my greatest joys thus far as being a mom is to witness my first born ask Jesus to come into his heart and take away his "yucky" sin. What a precious moment! Yesterday, Owen wanted to play with the Resurrection Eggs which display the story of Easter, so he and his brother were talking out the story and playing with the figurines. Soon into their time he asked if I would read the story. I was thinking "great moment to drip truth on a heart, not anticipating the return."

As we were reading we got to the picture of people on one side of a huge revein and God on the other. As we talked about the picture and what that meant for us, I asked him why those people can't get to God, and his reply " They have yucky stuff, aka sin in their heart and God doesn't. So the story went on about how there is nothing we as people can do ourselves to get to God, and that Jesus had to die for our yuck, because he was perfect like God. After talking some more, he wanted to pray....Talk about a fullness of emotion. I was in awe of how a mighty God loves each of us and draws us to HIm in different ways. But I must admit, the Father of doubt didn't miss a beat, because in my mind I thought, "at four, can he really comprehend" Yes, I believe at his ripe age he can and does.

Later that night some youth girls came over to babysit. I asked if anything interesting happened, and they said no, but something sweet did. "Owen was jumping on the trampoline pretending to be an animal and he announced to everybody that he can never die....of course they asked why...he said, "because I have Jesus in my heart and I'm going to Heaven!"

Today we were talking some more and I asked him how he was going to get to Heaven, he said, "I guess I'll walk." Well, the pictures in the book have the people walking across the cross to God. At first, Chad and I just chuckled, but as I thought about it, he's right. All we have to do is "Walk it out!" Walk out our faith relationship with everyone we come in contact with. Oh, to have the faith of a child.


Heavenly Father, my heart is full of richness to know that Owen has trusted you as his Savior. May he continue to grow in wisdom and stature to multiply your kingdom. Guide Chad and me in your ways as we cultivate a home of gentleness, love, patience, truth, forgiveness and grace. Thank you for entrusting us with his life!

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Celebrating our Freedoms

Tonight while coming home from an evening of fun with friends, we were talking about why people were shooting off fireworks. We talked about how this was one way of celebrating all the freedoms we have in our country and we have so much to be thankful for. Well, this is Owen's list of thanks and reasons we should shoot fireworks. Freedom to:

  • Go to the grocery store
  • Eat ice cream (Griffin eats SO delicious)
  • Go to parks
  • Go to church and Bible study (CBS)
  • Play in the pool
  • Read any book we want
  • Jump on the trampoline
  • Play with sparklers
  • Go out to eat
  • Read the Bible
  • Listen to music
  • Play with friends
  • Watch movies
  • Play with animals
  • Say prayers
  • Play Frisbee golf
  • Jump off a diving board

Yes, we as Americans do have quite a bit to be thankful for. Life is definitely not perfect and neither is our world, but we must still be thankful and not cynical. Especially all the people that are serving our country in arms way, and their families back home that are missing sweet time with their moms, dads, brothers, sisters, daughters, grandpas, or grandmas.

Monday, June 25, 2007

I was a girl from the 80's because.....

my hair was bigger than my face
I had a stash of garbage pal kids (maybe not all girls)
smurfs was my Saturday morning fun
I dreamed of being wonderwoman
I wore "units" tube belts, skirts, and shirts
my earrings and belts were as big as my hair
I had multiple cabbage patch children with birth certificate in tow
I owned an add-a-bead(or pearl) necklace
I now laugh at the lace leggings and leg warmers
I owned a little wooden handled purse with changeable covers to match most outfits
I loved "Thriller" and had my own white glove

......can anyone add more?.......

just a few memories from purging my gargage

(oh, yes! I forgot to mention earlier, but while in NC I cut about 12 inches of hair off to donate to locks of love. Instead of my hair being down most of my back, the longest part touches my chin...it was definately a shocker to Chad)

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Trip to NC

Great grandmother Ivey trying to hold on to Tate.
Grandmother in her favorite spot.

IN the mud..where Aunt belle and the boys would rather be


Sorry Jen, it was the only one on my camera!



My sweet boys!