Brrrrr!

It was so cold at our tree lighting in The Ville!  But I loved it.  I love this weather...just one more reason why we want to move to Alaska!! 

Here are some pics for your visual pleasure.  I do hope you enjoy.  ;)

I do love this man.  Crazy makin' me laugh face and all.  Isn't he a doll???  I never grow tired of his sweet smile.

Sweet boys.  :)  This was tonight on our town's square.  Aka "The Ville".  I do love our small town. 

Graham was being held in place by Todd.  Because Graham was trying to run away.  Right before we took this, Graham had gone off for a few minutes and a huge group of girls came by asking for him.  They were all older...and they all hugged him...and this mama's heart was so happy that he is so loved at school! 

And look who I ran into!!  My best friend in the whole wide world...sweet Mandy.  I've known her since high school and she is awesome!!

Our beautiful town tree.  ;)  Not exactly Rockefeller Center style, but it does this small town girl's heart some good. 

A great time was had by all.  Even after I learned of some shocking news that took place today at the middle school.  I'm glad I work at the elementary school and not the middle school.  God help all those people.  God help the kids who got in trouble today.  Makes me excited about an upcoming chance to be a part of a praying mom's group for our school kids!!

Anyway...just wanted to stop by and show some pics.  It's been a while since I've posted pics.

Love to all. 

Happy Tuesday!

Good mornting!  Aw, that makes me miss my friend, Christa.  Speaking of the girl...I get to see her in a few short weeks when her and her new hubby make the trek home for Christmas!  I cannot believe it's been two months since I have laid eyes on her.  And yes...we have some time scheduled.  I miss my Madea-watchin' friend!

Today is going to be a God-day.  And hopefully a good day.  :)  I've already prayed, and committed this entire day to my Lord and Savior.  And I know He has it all in His hands. 

I'm so excited about tonight.  It's our annual tree lighting ceremony here in The Ville.  Festivities start at 5:30 with special music from our local schools, Santa will arrive and he will countdown the seconds for our huge tree to light!  And The Ville takes pity on us high tax-paying citizens and the mayor and aldermen pass out free hot chocolate.  :) 

This is the stuff memories are made of, people.  And I cannot WAIT to get started!!! 

And as a bonus, my sister Debi, whom I have not seen in an entire year, is flying in from the great state of Colorado today.  She's not flying in for fun and games, but to be a help to my sister Lisa, who's daughter (my niece) is in the hospital.  I'll be so glad to see her...even if the circumstances are very sad.  And I know Lisa will be thrilled to have her here.  Debi's planning on just being there for her.  As an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, an extra set of hands to help with laundry or dinner or errands...and I'm thankful that her sweet hubby Mike is letting this all happen. 

Family needs family...especially in the middle of crisis. 

That's about it for my day.  I'm also looking forward to Drew's upcoming field trip on Thursday.  We're going to see a play with his Apex class at the Germantown Performing Arts Center.  I signed up as a chaperone, praying my boss would let me go.  She probably will...she's a great lady to work for, and she always urges me to go on these trips while they're young.  I am very thankful to work for someone so kind. 

Heck...I'm thankful for my job, period.  It's not perfect all the time, but I do enjoy what I do.  I enjoy being sociable...which is a huge part of working.  I love meeting new parents, getting to know staff...but mostly I love the kids.  I have a rewarding job to look forward to every single day (I really do, I NEVER dread going to work...unless I'm sick!).  I have lots to be thankful for. 

Well, guess what?  I have kids that need to be woken up and laundry that needs to be folded!  So...I guess I will stop writing.  I hope you all have a blessed day...and if you have some spare moments to yourself, can you please say a prayer for my precious niece, Erika?  And also for her mom, Lisa, her brothers, Jaret and Tyler and her dad, Ed.  Family circumstances are difficult...bad relationships between the kids and their dad...but join me in praying for healing of her body and mind, and for the restoration and healing of broken relationships.  They could definitely use these prayers!  Thanks, and love to all.  :)

My Beliefs

Why am I the way I am? 
Why is my family so different than other families? 
Why do we raise our kids with structure and order and discipline?

Let me let you in on some of my secrets.

I believe that God is a merciful, loving God.  I believe that He sent His one and only Son Jesus Christ to earth to die for MY (and yours) sins.  And by acknowledging Him and asking Him for forgiveness and for Him to come into my heart, then I know without a shadow of a doubt that my home is with Him in Heaven when my last breath on earth has been breathed. 

I believe that God cares for me...and for every little detail of my life.  Which is why this afternoon when faced with an "issue" out of one of my kids, I was able to pray with him (my kid) about the incident.  I also thanked Him (my God) for guiding me...and for giving me exactly the words to say to this child of mine. 

I believe that life as a Christian should be lived to all that He intended (John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.").  Enjoy your life!  Enjoy your spouse...enjoy your kids!  Neglect the mundane chores every once in a while and let loose with them.  It shows them you're human...and fun. 

I believe that children learn only be example.  Do you often see bad behavior in kids?  If not, observe some in a park.  And when you see that behavior, take a look at the parentals.  

I believe that the Golden Rule is so much more than what we were taught in school.  It's God's word!  "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."  Matthew 7:12  TREAT PEOPLE THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED.  Once again, if you are a parent, watch how you treat others!!!  Your kids little eyes are watching! And they just might treat YOU in that same, non-respectful way someday!

I believe that families are unique...and ours is definitely that way!  We are very selfish with how we spend our time, and with how much (little) we're away from our kids.  Sure, we go out on special occasions.  But we don't often drop our kids off somewhere...my husband and I totally agree on this view, and for us it works.  Even though I realize that for most other people it doesn't work that way.  And for the record...how often do you remember your parents going out when you were younger?  Probably not much. 

I believe that consistency is the key to lots and lots of things!!!  Marriage, raising kids, coaching sports teams.  Ask my hubs...he will agree 100%!  Especially in the coaching department...but that's a whole 'nother blog. 

I believe that we should make the most of what God has blessed us with.  He's blessed my hubby with a strong work ethic...and that man works, I tell you.  He is the least lazy man I know.  Even less lazy than my dad.  Which is saying a LOT.  Working is good for you...whether it's in your home as the mom (or dad), or outside your home.  I am thankful God provided me a job when I wasn't looking for one.  It's gotten us through some very dry spells, and for God's provision...I am thankful. 

I believe that the MOST important decision you make each and every day is your attitude.  Spoken by Dr. Tom Lindberg, himself.  A.k.a. our pastor.  Am I always in a hunky dory mood?  Of course not.  But do I talk much on those days?  Nope.  I won't make phone calls, I won't chat with people at work, I will keep very quietly to myself.  And sometimes I do talk....and then I'm sorry for what I said.  I try and pray my way through those kinds of days.  Which come every three weeks or so.  :)

I believe that I'd better stop here...before I further offend anyone. 

*Disclaimer:  This is my blog, therefore the thoughts and opinions written are exclusively mine.  I am not condemning anyone and I am most certainly not judging anyone for how they do things differently.  Just sayin'...this is what I believe...and why I am the way I am.  :) 

Love to all. 

Never Take For Granted...

The gift of life.  It is fleeting.  Each day should be lived as if it were possibly our last.  Today has been a very sad day in my house.  My niece is in the hospital with health problems right now, and my stepdad's nephew was killed in a car accident this morning.

Life is short.

Twice in the past three or four weeks, lives that were too young to be taken, were taken.  I don't know why this happens...it's not our job to know why, but we do have the assurance that God always works in some huge way as a result of tragedy.  I am thanking Him that my precious niece is able to get the help she needs.  I am thankful that God carries us through trials when we can't walk on our own.

I love the song by Casting Crowns, I Will Praise You in the Storm.  I will praise Him in the storm.  And trust that He's got the situation in His hands.

Life is too short to get caught up in the little mundane things we all get caught up in.  All the dumb little things we worry about...do they really matter in the grand scheme of life?  Do they make a difference in how our eternity is spent?

Nope.

I am thankful that I have little reminders to appreciate all that I have.  Not wealth or stuff, but health.  The gift of LIFE.  I am thankful for a husband who comes home every single night.  I am thankful for a house full of kids who love the Lord and who know where their eternal home is.  I am thankful that should I take my last breath here on earth right this second, that I have the assurance of waking up in the arms of my sweet Jesus.

Do you have that assurance?

Are you taking for granted the gift of life?

Take some time and evaluate your life.  Are you living to the best of your ability, the life that God wants you to live?  Are you living your life in a way that glorifies Him?  Are you displaying the fruits of the Spirit that He calls us to show to others?  If there is a doubt...then take the time to pray just that.  I know I am.

...and the winner is....

Pampers.  In case you missed the question (I didn't post it, I'm just being facetious), it was, "What is your favorite Christmas commercial?"

This one wins.  For now.

Enjoy!

a no church Sunday morning :(

I am missing church today.  :(  Along with all the boys.  We usually don't let them all miss just because of one kid, but today Todd had to be there at 8:30 and since it's a Sunday after a holiday, I figured they would be watching a movie in kids' church.  So.  Here we all sit. 

It's 9:13 a.m. and Drew just asked if he could have chili from Krystals for breakfast.  Leftover from Aunt Trish being here the other night.  Lol...it's gonna be that kind of a day.

Back to the reason I'm missing church...Jonah has had fever since Friday.  It's not a high fever...the highest it got was 101.4, but it's sticking around.  The only symptom he has besides the fever is a cough.  He feels fine and acts completely normal, but because he has fever, we're staying away from people.  Well, people that aren't related to us, anyway. 

It's been such a great time off school and work.  We got started off on a great start...Jonah and Noah went to the Orpheum with Mimi and Papa, and Todd and the older boys went to a U of M basketball game with some friends.  I spent quality time with my sister Trish on Wednesday night when Todd worked for the sheriff's department.  We watched Eat Pray Love when all the boys went upstairs for the night.  I asked her if she would start coming over to keep me company on the nights when Todd rides.  Because Christa used to do that all the time, and I miss having someone around to watch girly movies with! 

We were with family the entire day on Thankgiving, and on Friday we decked our halls.  :)  And then Jonah got sick.  We went to Dad's that night to celebrate Thanksgiving with him, and Todd and Jonah met us at the zoo for the Christmas zoo lights.  Yesterday my mom, Drew and I went out and did a little shopping, and Todd and the other boys all got out for just a bit.  When we canceled our plans at our friends' last night, we decided to go to my mom's again for the last of the leftovers.  :) 

And here we are today.  I love looking at all my Christmas decorations.  This is my favorite time of year.  Jonah was so cute yesterday morning when he woke up.  He turned on all our Christmas lights and said, "Mommy, our house is so pretty with all our decorations up.  Don't you know that I sang Christmas songs in my head all night last night?"  I told him that he hadn't, in fact, sung those songs in his head, but OUT LOUD for about an hour.  Yes, my baby sings in his sleep.  Is that not the most precious thing you have ever heard?  Well, after it stopped being creepy, I mean. 

Well, I have laundry waiting on me.  Imagine that.  I better get a start on it all.  Love to all!

Black Friday?

I don't get the big deal about Black Friday.  And why Black Friday?  I don't even get the name.  It's no surprise that I detest shopping.  I do enjoy Christmas shopping, because I put thought into the things I buy for others.  I love giving gifts, so some shopping is definitely required. 

My husband has even been known to go out on this day.  Last year, for instance, he stayed up all night on Thanksgiving night so he could be first in line at Walmart to grab the big gifts from Santa.  God bless his heart.  I wouldn't do it if my life depended on it. 

The only thing I do not love about this time of year are the throngs of people everywhere I go.  Good heavens, it is impossible to get around.  And the traffic is horrible, which is why we stay in Collierville or Germantown (and out of Cordova!!).  Needless to say I pray for extended periods of time during this crazy season!  Lol.

I know some people do it, and more power to you.  And last year, Todd saved a couple hundred dollars by going out early.  And for that I am thankful.  It's just not for me. 

Today I will celebrate this day by decorating our house for Christmas with my kids.  Noah has been up since 7 anticipating putting the Christmas tree up.  That is first on our list of things to do this morning.

And I hear the hubs stirring upstairs...so...happy day to you all!

weird thoughts

*I'm typing this on November 22nd, 2010, and it is 72 degrees outside.  Weird!

*Praise God, it's a 2 day week!  An hour into work today, I was counting down the minutes till I can stay home with my family!

*I had a major thankful moment this morning as I thanked God for a husband who works his tail off so I can stay home and just be with my kids.  Sure, extra money would be nice, but we choose to go without a lot in lieu of me staying home when they're home. 

*Have I mentioned my hubby?  He's my hero.  He would give anyone the shirt off his back if they asked.  Not only that, he is the most helpful soul I have ever met.  I haven't seen him much the past 7 days, we've pretty much been passing each other, but he does things for people that he does NOT have to do.  And he does them anyway.  I pray they're thankful of the time he gives them.  I pray they NEVER take advantage of him. 

*I am thankful for each blessed moment God gives me with my kids.  I promise to build them up, not tear them down.  I promise to help them, never hinder them.  I promise to teach them the values and morals that I was raised with, and I pray that they never know one moment of life without God guiding them and them listening to His leading. 

*I love Christmas music!!  And will enjoy listening to it as soon as I get The Christmas Window songs out of my head!!!

*I am thankful for such awesome parents.  I'm very thankful for the relationships we have, and I'm thankful that my kids thoroughly enjoy all their grands.  ;)

*I pray every day that the boys see examples in Todd and myself of how you should treat people.  And how you would like to be treated in return. 

*I pray every day that my boys stay close to one another.  I don't ever want them to grow apart. 

*Just because I want to, my kids will probably sleep in a big 'ol heap on the playroom floor.  Because what's life without a little randomness???

*We will enjoy eating pancakes and bacon in front of the tv tonight as we get caught up on the Amazing Race.

*Speaking of that show...when I sang Amazing Grace in church last week, I caught myself accidentally singing Amazing Race.  Wonder if my choir bud next door to me picked up on that???

*I think my kids are raking our leaves right now.  And by "my kids", I mean "Jonah".  Because he's awesome.  Even if he did just have a little melt down.

*I was blessed today because I had mercy on my kids and cleaned the garage.  God has mercy on us everyday, it's the least I can do as their mom.  Even if it was all their mess and not mine. 

*I love the sound of a basketball dribbling on my driveway, kids playing in the yard, someone jumping into leaf piles, and laughter. 

Well.  I have to get our fancy gourmet dinner started.  I'd hate to disappoint.  Love to all.

****Updated two hours later...the raking I heard in my yard was ten children raking the leaves in my front yard.  They were making the world's largest leaf pile and they were all taking turns jumping in.  Fun!  Kids are awesome. 

tRaDiTiOnS

Do you have any?  I'd love to hear them!  I'm always looking for new ideas.  One of my goals this year is to say yes to my kids more.  If they ask if we can take the long way home so we can look at Christmas lights, I plan on saying "Yes!".  I am going to stop our regular devotions for the time being and we're going to start a family Advent one I'm getting from Lifeway.  I plan on remembering the Reason for the season even more this year. 

There is one very busy week we're going to have practicing and then performing The Christmas Window at our church.  In fact, it's a week that I will be there every day for eight days straight.  I'm tempted to just pitch a tent and stay.  If I don't have to be there, then my kids do have to be there.  It's a fun time, though, and one I look forward to.  It's a great outreach for our city...and speaking of that, I would love for all of you to come!  We'll be performing Friday night December 10th at 7pm, December 11th and 12th, all at the same time.  It's free admission, and something that the whole family will enjoy.  I'd love to see you all there. 

Well...I don't know how I got so sidetracked, but now it's time for me to go.  I have to eat and do a few more things before I leave for work.  I hope you have a blessed day.  I challenge you to think of a new family tradition this year.  I also challenge you to make the holiday came alive in a more personal way this year.  I've got my ideas on how I'm going to do this, but I'd love to hear yours. 

Love to all. 

and the Christmas lights kicked my rear

Oh yes they did.  My sweet 79 year old daddy is my new hero.  I volunteered my kids and myself to help him with his outside lights.  We got there at 9:30 and left at 4:00.  Of course, we would have left sooner if Noah hadn't decided to lock my keys in my car. 

My hubby had to come rescue us all the way from Southaven, MS.  Took sweet forever, but we got to visit with Sandy, so that was nice. 

All in all the lights weren't really bad, but there is something about fresh air that just takes it out of me.  I am exhausted and am counting down the minutes till I go to bed! 

Thank the Lord today is Saturday, because we went to my mom's and Bill's for dinner.  :)  And after leaving her "dressed up for the holiday" house, I am ready to yank all my decorations out of our attic!  We're actually going to do that this week....hopefully on Monday so I can get a start on all of it.  This really is the most wonderful time of the year!

And thanks to WRVR, I have pulled out my Christmas cd's!  My current favorite is Natalie Grant and Casting Crowns. 

Do you have a favorite? 

Well.  It's almost 9:30 and my bed is calling my name!  So is my newest book...so, with that I will say good night!

Why I Go To Bed So Early

1.  Wake up-5:30-5:45 a.m.

2.  Make Graham's lunch, get his breakfast ready.  Usually oatmeal, muffins, or toast.  This morning it was microwaveable sausage biscuits.  Wake Graham up at 6:20, have breakfast and devotion.

3.  6:45-Sit down and check email and facebook.

4.  7:10-Graham leaves for school. 

5.  7:15-Start making breakfast for Drew, Jonah and Noah.  Usually cheese/cinnamon toast, sausage biscuits, or muffins.

6.  7:20-Wake up Drew, Jonah and Noah.

7.  7:30-Breakfast and devotion with them. 

8.  While they finish breakfast, start laundry.

9.  7:45-Go upstairs and get dressed.  And listen to extra kids arrive.  (Alex comes everyday, Ryan is Mon-Wed, Myles is only occasionally.)

10.  8:20  Kids are all dressed, leave for school.  This takes from 8:30 until 9:00 every morning.

11.  9:00-Come back home, finish laundry for the day, I sit down with another cup of coffee (usually the 3rd by now) and start my Bible study homework.  Currently I am doing David: Seeking a Heart Like His by Beth Moore and it's ahhhhmazing!!

12.  10:00-Clean kitchen, start making Drew's, Jonah's, Noah's and my lunches.  Mine usually consists of a drink. 

13.  10:45-Leave for work.

14.  2:15-Home from work.  Sit down and check email.  Get caught up on all my DVR shows.

15.  3:20-Graham gets home, ten minutes later, we leave to pick up the other boys.

16.  4:10-Get home from dropping off extra kid(s), start looking through folders and backpacks while the boys unpack their lunches from the day.

17.  4:30-Start on dinner. 

18.  6:30-Dinner has been eaten, kitchen is clean, homework is complete, I go upstairs and change into pj's!!!

19.  Kids usually play outside until about 7:00 and they come in and take showers.  We usually watch a movie or they get caught up on their DVR shows.

20.  9:00-Prayers have been said, boys go to bed.

21.  9:30-Most nights, Mom joins them upstairs, but in HER bed. 

Repeat and start all over almost exactly 8 hours later. 

:)

Thoughtful Mornings

How do you spend your mornings? 

After I wake up and do all the usual things~shower, make lunches, get breakfast ready~I spend time with the boys at the kitchen table while they eat breakfast.  I'm not a breakfast eater, so I usually just drink my coffee as they eat.  While they eat, I read a passage of Scripture that goes along with our devotional for that day.  Then I move onto our devotion.  I pray for them and their day either right before or right after I read the devotional. 

I did this same thing last year, but it was in the car while we waited in the car line, and last year's devotional we used had one Scripture to read, not necessarily a passage.  I like this year's book better.  I think it suits them more, since they seem to have matured by leaps and bounds since this time last year.

This routine has totally changed our mornings, therefore changing the entire course of our day.  This time we spend talking, reading Scripture and praying is priceless to me, and I am pretty sure they feel the same way.  Especially since most of our mornings are so smooth now.

The Word goes down deep into their hearts, and I always pray that the Scripture will replay in their minds all day long.  All in all it only takes about 5-10 minutes (depending on how awake they are) and when they're finished eating, instead of running to turn the television on like they used to, they now are active in the mornings and either play upstairs or outside if it's nice enough. 

The reason I am writing about this is because I would like to challenge you to re-examine how you spend your mornings.  Our mornings are almost always smooth and peaceful.  We do have exceptions, but for the most part, all is well each and every morning.  If you want to try this, don't be discouraged if the kids balk at the idea of this.  It took about 6 weeks of consistency before my kids stopped asking if we were going to have devotion.  Now they just automatically come downstairs, grab their breakfast and chocolate milk and sit down at the table.  If you are in need of some recommendations of a good devotional, I encourage you to do your homework online.  Go to the Lifeway Christian Bookstore website and search under devotion, then maybe age or gender.  It took me a while before I found the book that we're doing now.  I'm about to stop doing this one for the moment, however, and start a new one on Advent.  It's for the whole family and it's one I saw advertised in the Lifeway flier I receive every month. 

If you are more interested in the one I'm doing, leave a comment and I'll let you know.

Love to all.

The Key to Parenting

If you think you're going to find it here, you are sadly mistaken!  Don't you wish you had an instruction manual on how to raise kids?

Well, guess what?  We do!  It's called the Bible.

This morning I was reading in Proverbs and read this verse:

Proverbs 19:18  Discipline your children while there is hope.  Otherwise you will ruin their lives.

Huh?  I know I have read the book of Proverbs in its entirety, but I do not recall this verse.  Maybe because I was reading in the New Living Translation this morning.

I look to the Lord for daily instruction.  I know that I am to follow His commandments, and I know that He has practical advice on marriage and parenting.  Why not pull out the ol' Bible and try giving it a good read?  You just might be surprised at what you find inside.  I personally love the book of Proverbs~there is lots of wisdom to be found within the 31 chapters.  And there are some that are just downright funny...like the verse that says a nagging wife is comparable to a dripping faucet! 

May your day be richly blessed today, and every day.  Love to all.

a rainy day

Tonight is my favorite kind of night.  It's rainy and cold, so it was the perfect excuse to come home and get into my fleece pj's!  We're talking 4:45, here.  Yup.  I also had the makings for potato soup going by then.

:)

I told you, it's my favorite kind of night!  Todd came home exhausted and headache-y.  And proceeded to go straight to bed.  In case you didn't know, Todd got ahold of 4 free tickets to last night's University of Memphis marathon game.  That started at 11p.m.  He went with Graham, Drew, and his dad.  We figured we'd just check them in late the next morning.  But at 10:30, they were still snoozing, so I decided to let them play hooky.  Because we never do that, and because every once in a while...everyone deserves a special treat.  Especially after not getting home until 3a.m.

;)

So...I've had some thoughts rambling around in my little brain, and I thought I would be so kind as to share.

Also, I don't know what else to write about.

Unless you want to hear my newest Bible study, and I'll probably talk about that anyway.

So...

~Today it hit me that Thanksgiving is next week.  Wha?????  Where did this year go?
~I love kid shows, and I am proud to admit it.  Many days when the kids get home, I've already caught up on the ones I like.  Can we say, Hannah Montana Forever??  Anyone???
~I have found a new hobby.  Painting.  Well...I guess you can't call it a hobby if you don't have supplies to support it, but here's hoping.
~I am so thankful for a God that I can pray to...that I can sing praise to...and that allows me to love only as He loves.  I'm also thankful for the songs of praise He puts in my heart.  If you ever hear me humming...that's why.
~I love Sarah Palin...I did before, but now I do even more, thanks to her 8 week show on TLC. 

Well.  Speaking of...my kids are watching Sarah Palin's Alaska, and I'm going to join them.  And, that was all that I could think of.

Love to all. 

Another Blessed Week

We are on borrowed time.  I know that.  I also know that my kids are not my own.  They are only on loan to me from God the Father.  I know that He has time in His hands.  I know that we should live each day as if it were our last. 

And I am still stunned at the horrific tragedy a coworker is going through.  I'll post the link to the article below.

Click HERE to read more specifically about it. 

Talk about a jump start into putting your life into perspective.  I got the phone call on Thursday night about my friend and all that night, I tossed and turned thinking about it.  I spent half the night sleeping, or trying to, and the other half I spent praying for her during this unimaginable loss.  And the next day, I was either crying or fighting tears. 

Even the kids at school seemed to sense there was something horribly wrong, and there was a strange hush around the school.  Never have I felt more thankful to work with such an amazing staff and administrators.  It's nice to see how everyone pulls together in the event of something tragic...and the little (sometimes HUGE) things I keep hearing about how the school stepped in and filled a gap in some way make me so proud to work where I do. 

All weekend, I have felt so blessed at all the little moments that make up my life.  I am so thankful that I have these amazingly healthy boys...even if for only a brief time.  I am remembering to enjoy the smaller things in my life.  For instance, when Graham didn't want to go to his WyldeLife meeting Saturday night in favor of going to Nana's and Big Daddy's...who am I to tell him otherwise??  It's not going to be long until he starts wanting to hang out with his friends instead of his family. 

I am going to thank God for every piece of laundry and every toy I have to pick up off the floor.  As I smooth all the wrinkles out of their sheets every morning, I will remember to rejoice that these precious children God has blessed me with, are mine to care for.  I will laugh along with them when I hear them laughing in their rooms at night, instead of going to sleep.  I will make memories with these boys. 

Because, for now, God has blessed me with these little gifts of life. 

I will try my very hardest to never take one single moment for granted.  And I will life to the fullest...the way God intended.

I challenge you to do the same. 

***If you read the article I posted a link to, and feel led to help this family with the financial burden of getting these boys back home to Memphis for their memorial services, you can get in touch with the people at Bank Tennessee in Collierville.  A foundation has been set up in their honor to assist them during this time of loss.  And please remember this sweet family in your prayers as they walk through this valley.***

Love to all.

What???

It's been forever.  FOREVER.  And yet I can't seem to make myself stop and write.  I don't really know why...except maybe that all my posts were starting to look the same. 

And then I thought...who cares?  I started this blog more for family than anyone else, so I will continue to write stuff about my amazing family for them.  And for me.  Since I'm not so great at the pictures/scrapbooking thing. 

It's been a really busy past few weeks.  We've been home, but when we're home, there is always something better to be doing!  We had so much fun watching Jonah and Noah play soccer, but thankfully, yesterday was our last game.  We can officially have our Saturday's back. 

Halloween has come and gone.  We had our annual celebration at my house.  I cooked a HUGE pot of Taco Soup, and we had fun with friends and family.  My friend Jessica joined us this year with her sweet little 3 year old boy, Carter.  Her hubby is one of the managers of Bone Fish out here in the Ville, and I hated the thought of her being alone on Halloween.  :(  Plus I really like her.  She's awesome. 

We had an amazing week of fall break before Halloween.  I would personally love to kiss the cheek of whoever put that week back on the Shelby County Schools calendar.  A whole week off...with no holiday to share it with...was ahhhmaaaazing.  We did something fun and fabulous everyday.  We had lots of time with friends, which is even better.  God has richly blessed us in the friend department.  We've got two couple sets that we are very best friends with...one from church, one from the Ville, and I thank God every day for them.  To have friends is wonderful.  But to have Godly friends...well, that's the icing on the cake. 

So fast forward to this week.  It's been busy, but it's been great.  Graham is full steam ahead in middle school.  He's in FCA as an officer (well, not officially, but he's on the tech team, so that includes him), he's in Bible club, he's in band, he stays after school every Thursday to watch the Lady Dragons and then the Dragons play basketball...he's very involved.  Sometimes it's exhausting keep up with it all, but all is well so far.  He's about to become more involved in a local church's jr. high youth group, too.  Our church is lacking in that department, and he's expressed interest in going to another youth group.  So...with this being said...it's been busy. 

The others are business as usual.  School is going great for them.  We have open house coming up next week in the elementary school, and they are always excited about that.  Drew has had several major book reports due since August, and Jonah and Noah have had a really big project due in their classes.  Ugh.  Drew was fine...he did his alone.  Jonah and Noah...well, come on.  Second graders doing a model of a building?  Alone??  I think not. 

This weekend has been the best.  My awesome hubby bought a fire pit Friday night.  So we made a beautiful fire in it and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows for s'mores.  With our friends.  :)  We sat out there for 4 hours.  It was the perfect night...and the kids all LOVED it.  I never knew that happiness could be found in a fire pit bowl, but we sure found it!  I foresee lots more nights just like that one.  And we can take it on camping trips.  :)  Fun times!!

Another random thought...I'm having commitment issues in choir.  This is our busiest time of year-Christmas production time.  And while I can make the Wednesday night rehearsals, I am struggling with the Sunday afternoon ones.  Today, for instance, Todd is in class all day.  This is something he has to do to keep his first responder license.  And today we have a two hour choir practice.  I just can't make my kids sit through it with me...not when daylight is scarce now (thank you, daylight saving time) and there is energy is to be spent outside with friends. 

See my dilemma? 

Maybe you don't, but it's huge for me.  And with it being the Christmas season...well...who knows what the outcome is going to be.  I need to pray about it some more. 

Well.  My kids are now up and getting dressed for church.  I need to join them and do the same thing.  I hope you all have a marvelous Sunday.  I am looking forward to mine...worship service is always my favorite time of the week.  I have lots to thank the Lord for this morning.  If you're not attending church today, I encourage you to find one to attend...whether in person or by watching it on t.v.  And if you need one to visit...why not try mine?  Click on the picture to the right...the one that says My Beloved Church. 

Love to all.