Happy Birthday Ashley!

Ashley and David are home from Romania. Though Ashley was kind of jet-lagging and could have really used some sleep, we headed off to Dallas yesterday to celebrate her 12th birthday!

Happy Birthday, Ashley! We have so greatly loved these last twelve years of watching you become the beautiful young lady you are today.

Movin’ On Up

So the night before we were planning on leaving to spend a few days in Dallas, I was doing some last minute washing and packing. Suddenly without warning I heard a very loud crunching/groaning sound coming from my washing machine.

I immediately thought of Heidi Jo who would certainly call a repairman. But after David took a shot at his repair skills—followed by a shower of nuts, bolts and an assortment of other seemingly important parts cascading onto the floor . . . we decided to take a little trip to Lowes.

Drumroll please: This is the FIRST time in our lives we have ever purchased a BRAND NEW washer and dryer. And since I do laundry non-stop 24 hours around the clock (okay maybe I exaggerate, but sometimes it feels like it) just to keep up with this large household, I am VERY pleased with our selection. The salesman told me you could not possibly put too many clothes in at one time.

It truly does hold a tremendous amount of laundry. And, since they are front loaders, evidently our purchase will pay for itself in the amount of money we are suppose to save on water and electricity—needs less water and takes a much shorter time to dry. Most of all, I will be able to do more laundry in less time. Woo Hoo!!!

So although I have become an avid fan of Heidi Jo’s wit and wisdom, I’m hoping she will understand—I think we made the right decision this time. But, you'll be proud to know, a repairman is coming out this week to work on our oven. See Heidi, I really DO take your advice!

She's Here!

Sam and Lisa had their baby!

Bridget Mary
"Blessed Strength"

Born July 31, 2007

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
—Psalms 27:1

She is so tiny and sweet with lots of hair. Simply beautiful! Both mom and baby are doing great.

You Live And Learn

What you get if you take your four year old to a Chinese restaurant . . . a drum solo!

The Handy Man

So the other day we had what you might call a major leak from an unstairs bathroom into a downstairs one.

Not to worry—my husband jumped right up to fix it. This is where I found him standing on a kitchen barstool . . . which was standing on a stepstool.











Who cares if he can fix a leak. Next time, I'm calling a plumber!

Like Father Like Daughter!

Seriously! She caught it herself off her grandparents' pier!

Summer Fun

Sometimes ya just gotta kick-back and relax!

The Big Day!

I knew this day would one day come. After years of sending other peoples' kids overseas, Ashley is now eleven—old enough for Junior Missions. Today she heads to Teen Mania to begin training for her trip to Romania.

I am trying hard to focus on the right things . . . like how this trip can make a huge impact on how she views the world and her place in it, help her understand how immensely blessed she is and be challenged to make God her first priority for the rest of her life. Or the fact there are orphans and other little kids in Romania who will be forever changed as they get the opportunity to go to Vacation Bible School for the first time in their lives.

I can’t say it is necessarily easy to focus on the right things . . . I’m simply saying that is what I’m trying to do. So if you say a prayer for this team as they head out on Thursday, maybe you could say a prayer for me as well.

Some Things Just Never Change

While driving in the van . . .

Me: Jonathan, can you remind me to stop at the post office?

Jonathan: Okay.

Me: Cole, can you remind me to stop at the post office incase Jonathan forgets?

Cole: Okay.

Jonathan: Hey Mom, there’s the post office. Don’t forget to stop.

Cole: Hey Mom, don’t forget to stop at Chuckie Cheese!

Ahoy Mates!

Ashley and Jonathan are at Grandkids Camp this week. Sporting attire to go with the pirate theme, they looked incredibly cute when I dropped them off at David’s parent’s house on Tuesday. I know they are having a wonderful time—they have looked forward to it ever since last year’s ended.

Thank you “Beauty Grams and Captain Gramps." You are making memories your grandkids will cherish forever!

The Best Thing I Did This Month

I have famous friends.

One famous friend is Shannon. She writes the popular Christian “Every Woman’s Battle” series. She has sold something like a bizillion books. Guess she hit a nerve in today’s society—not to mention the small fact she writes (and speaks) quite well.

In her most recent book, Completely His, yours truly is mentioned . . . maybe this will be my one small claim to fame—so I’ll just go ahead and “let my light shine.”

“Beth has four young children of her own and all of the responsibilities that come with marriage and motherhood. However, Beth also made time to volunteer with the local CASA chapter (Court Appointed Special Advocates), serving as a liaison between abused children and the court to determine the best interests of the children. Her passion for abused and orphaned children blossomed to the point that she and her husband, Dave, completed all the paperwork, jumped through all the necessary legal hoops, and became foster parents to displaced children. Not only does Beth have plenty of love for her own family, but she has enough to go around to other children who may have never experienced God’s love in their own dysfunctional homes.” (pg. 123)

Wow, I don’t sound too shabby when you put it that way!

In all seriousness, I started reading this book the moment it came in the mail (she sends me a copy of all of them) and I couldn’t put it down. She had me hooked from page one.

Shannon didn’t put me up to it (I doubt she even knows I have a blog), but I am highlighting her book because it is an incredible journey of how one woman’s response to tragedy led to a closer walk with the Lord. I believe it can be a true source of help and strength to so many people who live under a cloud of guilt and condemnation.

If you're yearning for a good read that will sweep you away and return you with an inner make-over—this one's for you. But please be forwarned . . . you'll need a big box of tissues at your side!

Nicholas!

Nicholas is all boy! At ten months he loves to play with his toys, slide across the floor (army style), laugh at his siblings, attempt to talk, and grin at everyone who makes eye contact.

We've (me) been working on saying "Mommy" since he was born. This is generally how is goes:

Nicholas say, "Daddy"—"Da da"
Say, "Ashley"—"Aa lee"
Say, "Jay Jay"—"Ay ay"
Say, "Colie"—"Ol lie"
Say, "Mommy"—"Da da"

Isn't that just the way things go?!

Daddy’s Home!

Yesterday after David got home from his fishing trip, we celebrated his belated birthday by opening presents, going out to lunch and a game of putt-putt.

Ashley (age 11) did incredibly well and actually made FIVE hole in ones. As we were leaving she asked her dad,

“Is there a prize for the one who made the most hole-in-ones?”

That prompted a quick response from Jonathan (age 8):

“Is there a prize for the one with the most humility?”

There’s No Place Like Home

Having lived on the east coast, west coast, Colorado and Washington State (the most un-churched state in the Union), and lots of other states somewhere in the middle, I am still, after 11 years of being a Texan, occasionally shocked by the culture. Like for instance the other day. I called a local hardware store to inquire about renting a stump grinder. They put me on hold and the on-hold music began, “Celebrate Jesus, celebrate . . .”

It reminded me of when we first moved here. I was in Victoria’s Secret buying perfume. (Really, I was buying perfume.) A saleslady approached me and smothered my hand in one of their fragrant lotions and then informed me I should try their new line of hosiery . . . perfect for wearing to church. (I’m not kidding—that is what she said.)

Though I avoid our local grocery store because the prices are way higher than Walmart, I do occasionally enjoy stopping in just hear the music as I grab a loaf of bread or gallon of milk, “Jesus is the answer for the world today . . .”

And then the best one of all. A few days ago I decided to open a new bank account. The banker made a little small talk while his fingers flew on his keyboard detailing my personal information. In between my home address and phone number, he asked what church I attend.

Knowing he didn’t need such information to ensure the success of my financial future, I’m assuming he was simply concerned about my soul. I love that about East Texas! Had I fumbled for an answer, he would have invited me to his.

No, we don’t have the Rocky Mountains or the Seattle skyline . . . but I must say, sometimes it’s kind of nice living in the buckle of the Bible belt.

The Gift

Well I suppose gifts are always nice . . . like the one my father-in-law is hopefully enjoying right now. For his 70th birthday this year David and his brothers gave him what is called a “fly in” fishing trip way up in northern Canada. “Fly in” simply means it is too remote to get there any other way. Though personally I would consider it worse than prison for ten days, I’m sure my father-in-law, husband, and brother-in-laws are having the time of their lives.

I went on one of these little trips to Canada once . . . I was new to the fam, and simply didn’t know any better. (The picture is eleven years old).

I kid you not, their only sustenance for ten days will be twinkies and the fish they catch. Their living quarters will be worse than squalor and their only form of entertainment will be fishing and cards. (If you can call fishing entertainment).

I wouldn’t mention this small fact except that we are missing both Father’s Day and David’s birthday (fell on the same day this year). So what do you write when your husband is in the middle of nowhere and he leaves you at home alone for ten days with your four kids?

Though David tends to travel far more than I am able to fully appreciate, there are more ways than I can count as to why I’m so glad he’s the one I’m married to. And since it’s such a special day, I’ll try to list a few:

• David can make me laugh even when I’m so mad I could scream. (I usually laugh after I scream)

 • David is a very devoted father and his kids know they are the center of his world. Everytime he comes home all three kids (Nicholas isn’t big enough yet) jump on him and smother him in kisses. He makes everything in their world happy.

• David takes time to help others along the way. He holds an open door to everyone that needs an ear. I have found over the years many of the young people he ministers to think of him as a father. Now that this number is well into the thousands, one might think he wouldn’t have time for every single person who calls with marriage problems, ministry troubles, life decisions and the like . . . but David makes the time. He returns EVERY call. I love that about him.

• David works really hard to be a better person each day than he was the day before. He is slow to anger (in fact he is rarely angry), quick to say I’m sorry (and truly mean it), an eternal optimist and sees the good in everyone. He is not afraid to speak the truth, but has a way of doing it with just the right amount of empathy that takes away the sting.

• He is lifelong learner. He makes lists of books recommended by those he hopes his life will emulate (both from the past and present) and reads with an undying thirst to learn and understand. It is quite commonplace at our house to see books lying around that are rare and hard to come by. To find and read such books are simply part of who David is. He is incredibly bright but refuses to be satisfied with where he is at. He pushes the learning envelope as far as it will stretch.

• Probably the trait that attracted me to David the most was his childlike faith and complete devotion to God. After all these years (14 to be exact) it is still my favorite.

• He loves me . . . even when I’m not very lovable. He lives his life in a way that makes me want to be like him. There are so many things about him I admire. His love language is “Gifts of Service”—which is kind of nice (translates into washing dishes, running to the store when we’re out of milk, feeding the baby at 4:00am . . . I suppose the list is endless.

So here’s to you, Babe. Happy Birthday. I’m so blessed to have you in my life—you truly are a gift.

And Happy Father’s Day. You’re the best dad I could have ever asked for to Ashley, Jonathan, Cole and Nicholas!

Prime Time

When we found out we were pregnant with Nicholas, Jon and Kelly bought us one of their favorite baby things—a baby monitor where you can watch your little one on a tiny TV screen even when it is pitch black in the baby’s room.

We love it! When not asleep, Nicholas is entertaining to watch playing with his fingers, lifting his toes high over his head or swinging at his duck mobile.

One of Cole’s favorite things to do before going to bed is to climb up on my bed and watch what he calls, “Nicholas TV”. He laughs at his baby brother and even tries to talk to him through the monitor.

The other night after watching “Nicholas TV” for awhile he asked, “Mom, doesn’t this TV ever get any other channels!?”

A Little Time Off

We’re just finishing up a week of vacation. Most moms know, family vacations aren’t really a vacation for mom.

I won the discussion and we ended up staying here. With a baby it’s just easier to stay near home. We have been visiting local fun spots like the lake, the zoo, and Splash Kingdom.

Next month we’ll take another week of vacation and visit my parents, friends and extended relatives in Indiana.

We’re hoping to visit the fun places I grew up with: King’s Island, Ft. Wayne Children’s Zoo, and Conner's Prairie.

It’s always great visiting my parents because our days go something like this:
My Mom: Sleep in—let me get the baby.
My Mom: Let me make you all breakfast—what would you like?
My Mom: I’ll clean up here—you all go out and have fun!
My Mom: Let me watch the kids tonight. Why don’t you go to the movies.

You get the picture—not just a family vacation, but also a vacation for me!

I Know I Do

Don’t you just hate it when . . .

You finally arrive at your destination only to discover your four year old is wearing swimming flippers instead of shoes?!

The Pay Off

They say imitation is the best form of flattery . . .

A few nights back we were all out at David’s parents’ house with the extended family. I fell in love with the little jammies our cousins Henry and Jonah were wearing.






I had to go to four different Walmarts in order to find them in the right sizes for both Cole and Nicholas.

Can I just say it’s really, really hard to take a presentable picture of a four year old with a nine month old!

Can You Say Obsession?

I remember when I was a kid my dad saying, “There’s a new show on television I think we should watch.” My sisters and I responded with groans because we wanted to watch something else (I don’t remember what). My dad threw out what he knew would seal the deal, “It’s a show with a bunch of kids in it—just like the Brady Bunch!!

Instantly he won us over. I grew up loving Thursday nights with John-boy, Mary Ellen, Jason, Ben, Erin, Jim-bob and Elizabeth. Thanks to great channels like Hallmark, nerds like me can relive their childhood memories of the great depression, the warmth of the Walton farmhouse, the charm of Ike Godsey’s store, and the simple ways of life in the Blueridge mountains of Virginia. We can also catch all the later episodes we were too cool to watch during our teenage years.

Yesterday, on my birthday of all days, the Waltons were replaced on the Hallmark channel with “Murder She Wrote.” What’s up with that!!?? Knowing dvds have been made of everything that will sell, I googled “The Waltons” to see what was out there. Jiminy Cricket!! My passion is shared by multitudes of like-minded fanatics like me. There are Walton websites, museums, books, memorabilia and a whole Walton fan community!

So now thanks to amazon, not only do I have the first five seasons, the TV premiere, and the famous Homecoming heading my way, (a little birthday present to myself) I have joined the blogasphere world of everything Walton. Don’t you just love living in the 21st century!

Congrats!

After the four year old girls reminded us that “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend”, the boys sang their hearts out to “Singing in the Rain”—complete with top hats, sparkling ties and umbrellas. Their “Hurray for Hollywood” theme was incredibly cute.

Cole graduated from pre-school with flying colors . . . which really just means he knows them all.

Congratulations little graduate. It’s on to K-4. We are so proud of you!

The Rain Just Doesn’t End

Since Friday was our last day of school, we made our now annual trip to Dallas to watch the Rangers play. My sister and her family made the trip as well.

Unfortunately, we never made it out of the stadium parking lot. It starting raining so hard we decided the wetness was more than we could endure. So while other diehard fans waited out the lengthy rain delay and watched the drizzly game quite late, we opted for “Steak and Shake”, played cards in our hotel room, and purchased Charlotte’s Web on pay per view for the kids. In spite of the weather we had a great time.

Though the rain continues on . . . and on, and on . . . we never complain. Rain in East Texas is something we ALWAYS need. Since we usually experience drought, (followed by many dead trees—we currently have 7 from last year that need to come down) we are thankful indeed!

Summertime Blues

Don't you just hate it when your ice cream melts faster than you can eat it?

I'm Back

I had just decided to re-enter the blogging world after my somewhat lengthy departure when my plans were changed. After days and days of rain (an anomaly for East Texas), the kids and I were sitting in the living room when a bright flash of pink lightning cracked so loudly I thought for sure it would be followed by one of our hundreds of trees plummeting to the ground.

After checking at all the windows for damage, it appeared to have not caused any . . . until the next day when I tried to get online. I was quite thankful at that moment for the Apple sales lady who had convinced me to buy the extended warranty for my computer.

Since the totally geek (a huge compliment in my book) guy behind the counter had to order a part, we had to make the two hour trip twice before admitting me back into the 21st century . . . and happy to be back I am!

Numbering Our Days

Teach me to number my days aright so I might offer to You a heart of wisdom. Psalms 39:4

It has almost been three months since my last post. I won’t try to fill you in on all the household happenings during my blogging absence, but maybe in the weeks ahead I will highlight a few.

One of the biggest was the passing of Kelly’s mom. What a shock to all of us. Just a few weeks ago she was sitting at our kitchen table sharing pizza and a game of cards. How seldom we reflect on the fact life is but a breath. She was only 54.

Though all of us are deeply sad for Kelly who was incredibly close to her mom, and to Jordan who won’t get to grow up with her, we know “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15

Her funeral in Wichita was a true tribute to a life full of love for God, service to others and commitment to family. One of her main ministries was to prisoners. What an incredible treasure she took with her to the throne of God—the salvation of so many lost and hurting people.

Kelly’s mother lived a life well-lived . . . the kind of example that helps us remember life is short, this material world will one day disappear, but relationships and our service to God are eternal. Kelly’s recent posts about her mom as well as the one she wrote on our shared birthday last year is amazing. With renewed commitment, I want to number my days, reflect on what is most important in life and make daily choices with one eye on the present and the other on eternity.