8 years and counting!

I really can't believe it has been eight years since I walked the aisle to become Mrs. Chad Michael Vinson! I just love him so much and God has blessed our marriage in so many ways. As silver is put into a foundry to be refined, so has our relationship. Some of those moments have included moves, family and friend losses, disagreements, three bundles of pure delight, time constraints, and financial limitations, but I can truly say we can NOW look at those times as a blessing. They have made us hungry after God's Word, cling to His mighty hands, love each other more sacrificially, and learn not to depend on our own strength!
I just love waking up with my best friend, and I'm so thankful that he loves me on my yucky days....believe me...I've had a few! We were just talking recently about how much God has changed both of us in the last 8 years and for that I am eternally grateful. One of the best parts besides living with Chad is that I get to serve with him. We both dearly love our youth kids and have a heart for that next generation. I diddo Chad's words to me in my anniversary card. "I know there will be more steps in the future and I'm thankful to God that you/Chad will be with me stepping right along!"
I love you, Chad!!!

Juice Plus Phoenix Conference!!!

Last weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to go to Phoenix Arizona for a long weekend. You ask, why AZ? Well, six years ago I was introduced to an amazing whole food (real food) supplement found in a capsule. Because I knew my dad was battling cancer at the time, I wanted to change the course of my life's health. After learning about the continued research versus testimonials, I knew this was what I needed.

This conference celebrated the 15 years of Juice Plus, and really shared the "creator's" story. Dr. Santillo is a naturopathic doctor whose dad was also battling cancer, and with his background, knew that fruits and veggies' chlorophyll cells fit blood cells perfectly, in return, provide healing to a sick body. So, he choose nutritionally dense fruits and veggies, juiced them, extracted the water, salt and sugar, and put them in a capsule. Amazing! Some people ask how all that food can get into a capsule.....truth be known, if we were too dehydrated we would fit in a baggie. I know, bad mental picture but true. :-)

So....getting away for a few days, I come home refreshed to serve and love my boys, thankful to my mother-in-law for coming help care for everyone, and excited about sharing the benefits of fruits and veggies with everyone. The majority of us know that they are good for us, but real life kicks in, and Juice Plus makes it real simple.

I truly am thankful that someone shared with me and know I am changing my family's future with good nutrition.

If you want to check out what this long message is about and see the research for yourself, go to www.juiceplus.com/+lv47788

Blessings!!

Sowing and Reaping

We had such a fun day on Thursday finishing out the beginning stages of our little garden. This is my first garden and I'm so thrilled. I remember growing up harvesting veggies out of my grandmother's garden every sunday after church, so this brings back some fun memories. While I was in Biloxi with our youth group, my mom worked her tail off getting the boys to do some planting. I came home to 3 excited boys just beaming with excitement about their flowers and veggies. They planted 2 tomato plants, 3 pepper plants and about 5 broccolli plants. She had also gotten some seeds to sow. That was our job this week. We sowed squash, zucchini, beans, beets and more tomatoes into little trays and will later transport them.

While we were working, getting dirty in the soil, and talking the conversation of sowing and reaping came up. It was just perfect timing for me and the boys. Earlier this week I had asked a friend for some Godly wisdom with training my oldest. During our conversation she stated, ultimately we are to teach them that they reap what they sow...in all areas of their life. So, this thought resonated in me while I was outside with the boys. So, not only did we talk about sowing and reaping with gardening, but also our actions, words, truthfulness, and other core issues.

Now, I am hopeful of this gardening thing, but I have more faith that God is planting more than I could ever dream of in my heart and the boys' hearts. My prayer is that we all would be mindful of our "sowing and reaping" as we go through our day.

What are you sowing?

My Little Helpers

This past Tuesday I spent more time than normal cleaning and tidying up around the house. I had anticipated Thursday and Friday being full, so if I was going to have a "clean" house, (That phrase is debatable) Tuesday was the day. I usually like to get the boys situated in an activity after we have tidied up, but this day I was explaining how I also needed to mop today. Owen then states, "Mom, I'm a great mopper! Let me do it!" I was so taken back, I just said...Go for it. It was a perfect opportunity to guide him and train his little helping heart. I was so proud of him and his willingness to offer. Now, it may NEVER happen again until he is assigned mopping, but for now, I will treasure it.

My other two monkeys, Griffin and Tate, also pitched in with chores. Yes, it takes twice as long, but I just love the fact that my boys are learning the skills to do housework. Chad does an amazing job helping out around the house, so I know his example is definately contagious ...What a blessing! I know how much I love his help, and maybe, Lord willing, some lovely daughter-in-laws will reap the blessing as well.

Cohen Bennet

O.K., so I'm a little slow in sharing some absolutely incredible news....... Eric and Mandy Moore, dear friends, have adopted a baby boy!!

Cohen Bennet Moore

He arrived Thursday, March 20th, and they brought him home from the hospital on Saturday. He is gorgeous with those big juicy lips! I agree with one of Mandy's friends, "I just want to take a bite out of those cheeks!" If you don't know Mandy and Eric, I would encourage you to check out their adoption journey and Cohen. :-)

Congrats Moore Family....we are on call if you need us...!

Biloxi, Mississippi

I had the wonderful opportunity to go on a stateside mission trip with Chad and 18 other youth and adults last week! We went to Biloxi, MS to assist the Salvation Army in Katrina restoration. I could not believe the devastation in that area from the storm. One local shared with us that 2000 bodies washed up on the shores of Biloxi and that many of the homes are still uninhabited because of that.

While we were there we helped clear debris from work sites, scraped paint off of one woman's home then only to repaint it, painted a boy's and girl's home that is turning into a women's shelter, and then assisted another lady in her newly built home. Our youth did an incredible job serving, sacrificing, bonding with each other, and making memories.

Something holy happens when you get away from the normal daily activities (youth and adults) and throw yourself into a cause that is great and larger than yourself. I know for some youth and myself, it was a wonderful reminder of how blessed we all are, and that there is such a greater reward internally when we sacrifice our time and talent.

Yes, we was uncomfortable leaving the boys for 5 days, but they were completely loved and cared for. Mom and Ivey came in and had a blast with them. Mom was definitely tired by day 5, but the guys loved her time here. Chad and I also loved knowing that our boys had the chance to pray for our trip and realize through that that life is bigger than our family. We look forward to the day when they will get to travel with us and serve!

Family Night

Today our family took full advantage of the rainy day and rested up! It was great. I think everyone in our family actually fell asleep for awhile...rare, but a blessing. Because we slept so much, we decided to do something completely different. Chad and I had heard a while back of a place here in town that has a "Family Night" at an inflatable, bouncing place. We called and took the guys! They had a blast and all of us got out lots of energy. This just might become a "surprise" night for the guys every so often. If you are in the 'Boro, I would highly recommend it. Next time, we think it will be fun to get multiple families in on it.