God & Commercials

Yesterday some of our best friends, Mike & Marty, from KY came to visit us for a few days. They are the family we went on vacation with in July per their request. They are such a blessing to our family. Not only did they invite us back in July they paid for our loding while there. Actually Marty's parents own a time share and that is who we were all able to go, spend time together as a roup and as a family. Regardless, they blessed us greatly! You can read more about those adventures by clicking vacation , I tried to blog daily about a variety of things from tubing to their church we visited. They are also taking CiCi, our black and white kitten. We offered her to them a few months ago and they gladly have accepte4d to take her as their own. In fact they named her CiCi. We will miss her greatly but know she is going to a fantastic family. Today we plan to take the kids bowling. It should be fun. I am hoping to get some reat pictures of the kids that is if I can remember my camera. I swear sometimes I think I would lose my head if it wasn't attached! I received this from a friend through email. I have no idea if it is true but I really like the answers about how God is like certain commercials. Read and enjoy!

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A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at TV commercials and see if they could use them in some way to communicate ideas about God. Here are some of the results:

God is like...BAYER ASPIRIN . . . He works miracles.

God is like... a FORD . . . He's got a better idea.

God is like... COKE . . . He's the real thing.

God is like... HALLMARK CARDS . . . He cares enough to send His very best.

God is like... TIDE . . . He gets the stains out that others leave behind.

God is like... GENERAL ELECTRIC . . . He brings good things to life.

God is like... SEARS . . . He has everything.

God is like... ALKA-SELTZER . . . Try Him, you'll like Him!

God is like... SCOTCH TAPE . . . You can't see Him, but you know He's there.

God is like... DELTA . . . He's ready when you are.

God is like... ALLSTATE . . . You're in good hands with Him.

God is like... VO-5 Hair Spray . . . He holds through all kinds of weather.

God is like... DIAL SOAP . . . Aren't you glad you have Him?

Don't you wish everybody did?(that one is my favorite)

God is like... the U.S. POST OFFICE . . . Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him from His appointed destination.

God is like... CHEVROLET . . .the heart beat of America.

God is like... MAXWELL HOUSE . . . Good to the very last drop.

God is like... BOUNTY . . . He is the quicker picker upper ~ can handle the tough jobs and He won't fall apart on you.

43 Things about me...

A good friend, Shannon sent me this through email. She does not blog but I know she reads mine. Instead of sending on through email I thought I would post my answers here and tag a few friends....eventually I may just put it in an email but for now...


Learn 43 Things about your friends, and let them learn 43 things about you!

1. Do you like blue cheese? yes specially with hot wings
2. Have you ever smoked cigarettes? yes a very long time ago
3. Do you own a gun? NO!
4. What flavor Kool Aid was your favorite? Cherry (still is)
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? every time
6. What do you think of hot dogs? good on the grill or campfire
7. Favorite Christmas movie? Miracle on 34th Street (newer version)
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? coffee
9. Can you do push ups? a few
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? my blue star ring that has been handed from my great grandma!
11. Favorite hobby? video games
12. Are you forgetful? Yes have to have notes and my calander
13. What's one trait you hate about yourself? lack of control- over weight
14. Middle name? Ann
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. I miss my friend Shannon, Look forward to seeing my friends from KY tomorrow (Mike & Marty), and I hate this stupid broken disc drive that keeps moving in and out!
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly have? kool aid (yes i have kids), diet dr pepper and water
17. Is there a number 1 person in your life? God, then Sean
18. Current hate right now? mice
19. Favorite place to be? on the Venice Jetty listening to the waves
20. How did you bring in the New Year? last year - with my kids (Sean was working) this year with a bunch of kids for a lock-in at church with Sean!
21. Where would you like to go? Africa and Ireland
22. Name three people who will complete this: uhm...Not sure but probably at least Michele
23. Do you own slippers? Yes
24. What shirt are you wearing? what shirt? lol seriously I'm in my night gown! :- )
25. Do you like sleeping on satin? Yes
26 Can you whistle? yes
27. Would you be a pirate? Nope
28. What songs do you sing in the shower? when not being interrupted by kids, praise songs
29. Favorite girl's name? Sara Joy-but if I had another little girl "Lilly Delight"
30. Favorite boy's name? Jaron Daniel, Kristofer David, and Eli Peyton - Another baby boy "Wyatt Andrew"
31. What's in your pocket right now? lint
32. Last thing that made you laugh? Kristofer
33. Best bed sheets as a child? Holly Hobby
34. Worst injury you've ever had? Dislocated Knee...ended with surgery
35. Do you love where you live? Yes but my heart is in KY
36. How many TVs do you have in your house? 2
37. Who is your loudest friend? Debi
38. How many dogs do you have? 1 for now
39. Does someone have a crush on you? Just my hubby
40. What is your favorite book (s) Isreal My Beloved
42. Favorite Sports Team? NY Giants, Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins
43 . What song do you want played at your funeral? wow what a question...Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin

Ok I am tagging, Michele from Adopted Family, Deanna from Lifetime Intimate Portraits, Tara from Destiny Driven, Jessica from Simple Beauty, Angela from Chaotic Mommy, and Sean from The Observers Desk.

Merry Christmas

It's finally here! The day that has drove my children nuts for the last month! The day we celebrate Jesus' birthday. Happy Birthday Jesus!
In our house we not only celebrate Jesus and the gift God blessed us with over 2000 years ago. But also celebrate St. Nicholas or what we commonly call him, Santa Claus. No seriously we do not celebrate "Santa" but we do have one Santa present for the kids. The "Santa" gift is the cherished gift that they just can't live without. Which for the youngest ones every thing they see ends up being that gift. (smile) This year we seemed to have a theme when it came for the Christmas wish list. The boys were so distinct that it was easy and yet difficult in knowing what to get them. Jaron wanted all "Iron Man" items, Kristofer wanted "Transformer" toys, Eli was our resident "Batman" and Sara well she just couldn't decide on anything. So she was actually the funniest to buy for. Enjoy the high lights of today's adventures~

Peace Be Still...

and the storm was quiet! I have to just thank all of my readers, friends and family for praying. I shared that we were in a storm so to speak and that my husband had lost his job. Well my Jesus came into the situation and said "Peace be still" He also said through a dear friend these comforting and encouraging words-

"The Lord would say to you,
That your pillow will no longer be your head rest
That the tissues no longer to be your comfort
That tears will no longer water your dreams
That digging and seeing nothing will not be your season any longer
You have dug the ditches
And now, God sends His water rolling your way...water that walks
Water that talks
That will show up, and you will not know How He did it, but He will
The ditches are full...in Jesus name!!!!
No more will you ride upon the back of the enemy...
You will ride the great tides of God's provision
With His hand he will bring forth waters in the noon day..
you will see it, declares the Lord
Not even hidden places, Not even in the darkness
But the noon day says the Lord Your appointment has arrived and
your due date has come In Jesus Name"

Isn't that one awesome word! It really ministered to me at the height of the storm and still speaks comfort to my soul. I have to share that this storm has calmed. Yesterday Sean went for his interview for a position within the company he works for and came home and acted like he didn't want to tell me about the job. As if he didn't get it. I had to ask him, "well?????" He looked right at me and said, "I got it!" So matter of fact. When I heard those words I felt all this weight fall off my shoulders. Talk about the best Christmas present ever...other than Jesus I mean!
I will be honest I have been watching the news, I try not to at night when the kids are home but do in the morning...GMA I just love that show. So I am very aware of the economy, gee who isn't, but our area has really been hit hard with factories closing left and right for the last two years. Finding a job is hard and if you find one you have to perform at your best to keep it. It took Sean almost 8 months to find a real part time job. He was doing temp work and that alone took 3 months to find when we first moved here. So the fact that he was able to get this position and it is in the same company is fantastic. He lost his other position due to down sizing in that department. God has been faithful and good these last two years. When things like this happen it honestly brings up questions of: Are we were God wants us to be and satan is scared of the territory he is losing? OR Is God trying to get our attention to let us know that we are not in His perfect will and He wants us to move on.
Sean and I both despite those questions rising up decided to stand against doubt and say, WE ARE where God wants us and satan is just scared. He has been throwing everything he can at us this year everything possible! From illness to surgeries, to illnesses that send our kids to the hospital, to car problems that cost us major money, to Sean losing his job. But you know what the theme has been this whole time...."Faith, Trust, Standing on God's Promises, Declaring His Word over our situations, and then we see the victories...Healings from physical to spiritual, Provisions for our needs, wants and desires in ways we could of NEVER fathomed, and then once again we get attacked with storm and I have to say, despite the stress and worry, God once again stomped all over that mean of devils head.
See, something happened the other night, God spoke to my spirit and once again said, "Peace be still." When I get that in the middle of the night and it wakes you up because it sounds like someone is talking to you, you know it is God speaking. That peace washed over me and some how I just knew that if Sean didn't get the job that God had it taken care of. So thank you all for praying for us. Don't stop! I am positive we will have another storm come our way... its just how the evil little devil works...attacks those that are impacting God's kingdom because we are taking back what is ours and what is God's!

Mending

A week ago I dislocated or over extended my right thumb. It is still mending and it still very sore. There are times when I go to pick something up like a pen and it feels like knives are shooting through my thumb and wrist. I have a special brace that I wear and it has help considerably.

How did this happen you might ask, well rather quickly. Honestly it was the beast that did it. Izzy our puppy who is now 8 months old and is on the small size of a golden retriever I would guess still thinks she is the size of a Yorkie! I am serious this do is so strong, the other day I tied her to 5 lawn chairs that were stacked. Just long enough so that I could get her chain set up. The do pulled all 5 chairs half way across our lawn and its a large back yard! I was completely amazed! She has broken two heavy duty chains and we are going to have to find something else.
Now she is not always on the chain. We let her off to play fetch and the kids love to play football with her. She loves it too. But during the day she loves to be outside and we just can not spend all day outside with her so we chain her up since we do not have a fenced in yard.

Ok so needless to say I not thinking straight attached her to the chain without placing the stake into the ground first! Big, huge mistake. The next thing I know is she is running after some birds, I feel the impact of the stake against my thumb, I look down and there is the top knuckle bent backwards in a way it was never meant to bend. She comes running back towards me and I instantly grab my thumb which makes a loud pop and its back in place. I was screaming in pain and Sean was sound to sleep in our sound proof house! So that is what happened in a matter of seconds.

Anyway, I am mending but you know something it's been a week and although my thumbs is slowly on the mend my wrist is hurting the same and that is not good. I can not surf the web or type like I want to. without some kind of discomfort and that is just one reason I have not been on to blog about our daily adventures.

I am proud to say that Jaron and Sara won coloring contests at school. Maybe I have already blogged about this...maybe not. Anyway they won the coloring contests for their classes during the school book fair. They both won a book. We are very proud of them.

This week I will post about Kris and the IEP meeting we had last week. Let me just say this...it went VERY well and I am very excited about how he is doing in school. Yes he is struggling with reading in fact he is a grade behind, but his math skills are really good and that excites us!

Oh and that leaf project Jaron worked on so diligently in Oct...earned him an "A". Plus now when we pass different trees he can tell us what kind they are.

That's all for now...I am beat and am heading to bed!

Till next time....

Crafty

A few days ago I said I would post pictures of what I have been up to lately in the craft department. Well I can finally do so. I only have the two pictures but plan to post more but here is the apron I painted for my friend.

I also have used the holiday coca cola bottles (short fat ones that look like Christmas bulbs) and turned them into a snow globes. I have one done and plan to make another one. The kids have all made their own. I will try to get a picture of them when I have completed both. I have made snowman faces and added hats to the lids. The kids have had lots of fun with thiers.

Some rough storms a blowing.

Right now we are facing some storms. They could be large or small it all depends on what happens in the next few weeks. Please just keep us in your prayers. We are trusting God like never before!

Kreativ Blogger Award

I was tagged by Deanna from Lifetime Intimate Portraits with this wonderful award and meme. Thank you Deanna! You know I love ya! So let's see if I can actually do this and give you some info you may or may not know about me.




Seven things I did before:

1) My very first job when I was 15 was a cook for an assisted living facility.
2) I am a former Wal-Mart employee...(junior year in high school), man that is a long time ago!
3) I was a pre-K teacher for 5 years.
4) I use to sleep walk when I was a 5-8 yrs of age.
5) My Granmom, Mother and I have all lost and held a baby in our hands and they are waiting there for us.
6) My Granmom, Mother and I have all had twins (Granmom and Mom had them prematurely as did I) I am blessed to still have them with me!
7) Fell down a mountain side severly spraining my ankle.


Seven Things I Do Now:

1) Children's pastor/co-pastor a church
2) Create simple websites
3) Blog
4) Parent 4 young children
5) Fight for what my special needs child needs to succeed.
6) Lead a Women's Prayer/Bible Study
7) Enjoy gardening...even in the winter!

Seven Things I Would Like To Do:

1) Go to Africa.
2) Visit family and friends (PD & Michele you are on the very top of that list!) in Florida
3) Write Children's books
4) Go on a cruise with my husband.
5) Go on a vacation with my husband and kids.
6) Learn to play the piano.
7) Go back to school for web design.

Seven Things That Attract Me to My Hubby:

1) His eyes and legs...yes I think my husband has sexy legs!
2) He loves me despite my failures.
3) He sees me as an equal partner.
4) He is totally in love with God.
5) He supports me no matter what.
6) He is loving, forgiving and faithful.
7) He's funny.

Seven of My Favorite Foods:

1) Brocolli
2) Shrimp
3) Fruit
4) Chocolate
5) Sandwiches
6) Soup
7) Cherry pie

Seven Things I Say Most Often:

1) NO running in the house!
2) Get your shoes on!
3) Are you serious?
4) Stop fighting with your sister!
5) We do not run in the sanctuary unless the you are under the influence of the Holy Spirit!
6) You are not a monkey get down off the counter top!
7) Pick up your toys please!

Now I am to tag seven people. This may be a little hard...but here goes:

Michele at Adoptive Family's Life
Jessica at Simple Beauty
Sean at The Observers Desk

Angela at The Chaotic Mommy

Lisa at The Preacher's Wife
Leah at The Puppy Mill

Ok the other two would be Deanna and Tara but I know that they have already done this meme.

Madea on Relationships

Just wanted to thank all of those who are my roots! Love ya and you should know who you are!

Guest Blogger:Deanna Shrodes

Today my dear friend and sista in Christ, Pastor Deanna Shrodes wrote a post on her blog, "Lifetime Intimate Portrait" titled,"You Raise Your Kids and Let Me Raise Mine..." It struck a cord with me in a mighty way. I have had many occasion where a stranger, acquaintance or even family has told me what I was doing wrong or needed to do differently as a parent with each of my kids...specially with my special little guy Kristofer, who is autistic. Well Pastor Deanna said everything I have wanted to say in a way that to the point! So sit back and enjoy this post!


You raise your kids and let me raise mine...

Recently I've experienced something I want to talk about here on the blog and just say it like it is and be done with it. I'm sick of people trying to insinuate how others should raise their kids. I'm not exactly new at this. I've raised one son to 19 years old who is a wonderful young man of God. No, he's not perfect but in my eyes he's darn close. :-) My point is, my children are not going to hell in a handbasket and I didn't start parenting yesterday. I'm not perfect by any stretch, but on the other hand I am not clueless. One thing that I reallllllly hate are holier than thou condescending attitudes when it comes to parenting. The spirit of slap wants to come upon me many times, I must confess.

I'll say first and foremost this isn't happening with anyone (that I know of!) in our church so it's one reason I'm just openly speaking my mind on this. If it were someone in our church Larry would have asked me to have some restraint. Who knows he might ask me to have some restraint after he reads this anyway? But lately I've had a few people question my choices as a parent and I have to admit it made me just a lih-tle uncomfortable!

Have you ever had someone condescendingly ask you why you are letting your kids watch certain TV shows or movies?Do you have others ask why you are feeding them certain foods without a lot of rules/restraint? (i.e., cookies, pizza, etc.)Are there those who ask why you are allowing them to have certain drinks without a lot of limits? (i.e. coffee, soda)Do people question why you are allowing them to participate in certain activities? (school prom, trick or treating, etc.) How about people asking why you allow them to have a cell phone, or to date?

I do not mind it when someone honestly asks my advice on a matter. It's fine to ask about our household policies or what I have personally found as wisdom for my particular children or family. But I don't believe we are cookie cutters -- I think what works for my child may not work for yours. God speaks to us personally about finding the key to our child's heart and raising each one. In the same way, what is acceptable for my family may not be acceptable for others, and that is fine. For instance, your son may have a very bad reaction to koolaid or soda...mine may not. So don't judge me if I allow mine to have it and I won't judge you that you don't allow yours to have it. Let's parent as the Lord leads us to and not make announcements or judgments about how we do it.

In the last month a few people have criticized me about what I allow my children to do, or what I do with them. There's a lady who works with my eldest son at the movie theater who is a member of another AG church. The other night she saw me come into the movie theater with my daughter. I was excited to come back from Africa and take her on a mom/daughter outing. This woman (who works in the concession stand there) told Dustin that she saw us come in and go to the movie and she felt it was very inappropriate that I was taking my daughter to this PG movie. She made a big deal about it and basically told Dustin she felt it was a sin what we were doing.

I know some Christians still don't believe in going to the movies. Well, I am not one of them. I am not going to criticize somebody else because they don't go, but please keep your comments to yourself that I do. I was raised in an atmosphere where we were never allowed to go to the movies and trust me, it did absolutely nothing for us as far as keeping us from sin. We were no more holy because we didn't go to theaters. In fact many of the kids I grew up with in the church ARE going to hell in a handbasket. It's unfortunate and actually tragic. What drove them away to this horrible backslidden state many are in? Maybe it was all these silly rules that were nothing but a bunch of legalism. I believe it's these sort of attitudes (being told that if Jesus came back while we were in a movie theater he wouldn't be able to find us...HOW STUPID!) that pushed people further away from God and the church than closer to them. I came to realize that Jesus can find us whether we are in a movie theatre, wearing pants or makeup, or drinking a cup of coffee. If somebody's Jesus isn't enough to find them through all that, they aren't serving the same powerful Jesus I am.All I can say to that is, I hope that lady definitely decides to stay in her other AG church, thank you very much! It really was none of her business, quite truthfully, what I was taking my daughter to see.

Two other people asked me about things of the same nature recently, with a very condescending attitude.Make no mistake, Jesus is coming back! He will find me no matter where I am because I am His child. He will take me to heaven whether I am in church, in a movie theater, or cooking supper. If He holds off a little longer on coming back, I really cannot wait to see what some people's kids turn out to be like. Will all this super protection and forsaking of soda and movies with any kind of "worldly" theme (in some people's eyes) produce perfect children? In my experience, people with very rigid rules for the sake of rules tend to produce kids who are kind of unbalanced later in life and can sometimes really go bonkers. In fact, it's interesting Dustin just told me today that the son of the lady he works with absolutely hates her. And he said, "you know Mom, I think if she were my Mom I would struggle with that too." Interesting. One thing I have always heard is, "rules without relationship lead to rebellion." I also believe rules without a sensible reason lead to rebellion.

When I was a child, I loved coffee and sometimes at church fellowships I would try to sneak a cup. The adults never let us kids drink it because they said it would "stunt our growth." Coffee drinking by kids was strictly forbidden, like it was whiskey or something. I now know that's a load of bunk. Savanna has been drinking coffee with me for YEARS. In fact her Grandpa Shrodes got her started on it when she was just a baby. If you have ever seen my daughter in person you know she is tall. She has been the tallest child in her class every year and no one can ever believe she's is as young as she is when I tell them. So much for stunted growth. No, she does not drink coffee all the time, usually just here and there on special occasions, but we do not make a big deal of it because I believe there is no reason to.

My philosophy as a parent is that when I can say yes, I do -- because we do have to say no to enough things -- why not say yes to things when we can?As far as my eldest "child" - he is now the age his father was when we got married. He is a young adult - not a child anymore. He chooses his diet and his movies himself and I trust him to do so. My middle son is not far behind...he'll be 18 in three more months. And Savanna...well, she's eleven and I'm just sayin' to all the condescenders out there...you raise your kids, let me raise mine. Do me a favor and don't ask me with that snooty attitude why we are going to a certain movie or buying our 11 year old a latte.

If my kids are going to hate me, I want it to be because I said no to things that really mattered. I refuse to make a mountain out of a molehill with my kids and make an issue out of things that are small in light of eternity.

I think people have too much time on their hands. I have way too much to do to worry about what other people are feeding their kids or what movies they let them watch. My own household is all I can handle and it keeps me busy enough.

Deanna Shrodes

Me Again-Deanna you are such a great friend. Thank you for being so candid and honest!

What I've been up to.

ok so earlier today I said I wasn't going to post here and for you to check out Broken Potterie (my other blog). Well I finally finished my two projects. One being the tye-dye tshirts for the kids at church. ( which this picture is not the best shirt..it was one of my first)

Also, the kids have been asking for bed tents. So I worked for 3 hours creating these fun areas complete with Christmas lights. I am exhausted!

I hope you all have a fantastic Thanksgiving! All of us have so many things to be thankful for this year. Even if its been a tough year for you, you can be thankful for another day to give God you best! I am not writing here today, I have a great message at my other blog today...hec it out by following the link to Broken Potterie.

Jaron is in the News!!

Creal Springs students celebrate Great American Smokeout

(Click on title to be take to the actual article, click on small picture under the main picture and you can see a pic of Jaron!)

By Matt Hawkins
Marion Daily Republican
Fri Nov 21, 2008, 11:07 AM CST
Creal Springs, Ill. -

Creal Springs School celebrated Thursday in style. Posters adorned one wall of the gym, while the cheerleaders and band pumped up the student body with a message — don't smoke.A pep rally culminated Thursday's Great American Smokeout, an annual anti-smoking event sponsored by the American Cancer Society.Students competed in a poster-design contest, one student wrote a book about the dangers of smoking and another made a t-shirt for the day. As of Thursday, 50 students turned in pledges promising to avoid smoking or tobacco products."It's become quite the deal," Creal Springs nurse Jessica Lennon said. "I didn't expect such a turnout."Cameron Stephens' shirt warned of smoking's dangers."My parents try to tell me not to smoke," he said. "I thought this would be a smart way to show people to not smoke."Several students got red-faced in a workout demonstrating smoking's effects on lungs. They tried to jog in place while breathing through a straw."It was hard," Chelsa Simmons said. "It feels like your lungs are small. It was hard to breathe."In the poster contest, Brad Rodriguez and Ryan James received top honors. Semi-finalists included Clayton Caplinger, Tayvin Robinson, Jaron Kelly, Damien Smith, Duncan Jornlin, Kyle Boaz, Dakotah Quertermous, Seth Hamilton, Kaylee Condoulis and Lecsee Akers.

A great little find!

Ok so today I have been trying to catch up on all my blog reading. Honestly I don't follow that many just those I have linked on the right. But I happened to take a trip over the The Preacher's Wife and she listed a link to a new site that she had been introduced to. So I thought hey why not could be new, fun, interesting... WHAT A GREAT BLOG! If you are like us and try to be good stewards of every penny God blesses you with this blog will be right up your alley! The "Cent"sible Sawyer gives all kinds of links to coupons, free-bees ideas on how to save. If anyone else knows of a great site or blog you want to pass along, send it my way!

Not just another day for us!

I am still under the weather. I thought I was better but then I was hit yesterday again. I think this time may be food poison but I am not sure. All I know is I hurt and I am so tired o being sick. I have offically lost 10 lbs over night just from beingsick. Dont worry I am making sure to stay hydrated.

On another note, 11 years ago today our first born son was born. SeanPatrick is in heaven having a grand time with Jesus and is great grandparents and grandpa. Each yer I think this year will be different, th pain will not be there, but it is. The ache to hold him one more time is always there. The what ifs, the wondering what his personality would have been like. The why it had to happen. All still there, never goes away.

SO today I say Happy Brithday SeanPatrick Egene Kelly, my precious little angel! We love you baby boy! We will always love you! Want to read more about our baby boy? Click here.

Under the Weather

Yesterday while shopping at my favorite store....Wal-Mart. I was suddenly hit by the worse stomach bug I have ever been hit by! I had the twins with me and let me tell you something, I am glad I know the layout of the store. I knew exactly how to get to the restroom quick! I truly thought all of my insides were about to explode and come hurling out of my mouth. Seriously though, you know I am sick when I stay in bed for more than 12 hours!

By the time I got home, after stopping several times to relieve my stomach on the side of the road, I walked into the house woke Sean up said "I'm sick," and fell in bed. I only got up to grace the bathroom a few times through out the afternoon and night. It was I must say the worse night of my life...or close to it! I have never had my stomach hurt so badly.

When the sun came up (which btw I was falling into bed at 1:00 PM) I felt much better. I am still really weak and my stomach is still hurting but nothing like yesterday! Now my only prayer is that my kids do not get this. Although last Thursday night Jaron and Sara were up vomiting so maybe I got this nasty bug from them. All I know is I do not care to ever have it visit me again!

Teddies are best!

My three growing boys all love their teddies. Jaron got Boggie when he as one. It was a birthday present from his Granma Dede. Boggie has been there through vaccinations, hospital visits, bedtimes,any time Jaron needed his little friend. Boggie still plays an important part of his life when he is sad or sick.

Kristofer has his Rexie. Kristofer has never been attached to stuffed animals. His dinosaurs yes but not stuffed animals. His Granma Dede also gave him a teddy bear named Boris but Boris never sparked that much interest in Kris. Until this year! For Kristofer's birthday he kept asking for a nice loving teddy bear. So we got him one, picked out a cute outfit with a dinosaur on him and we surprised him. Rexie has not left his side! He wants Rexie to go with him to school but it's not allowed. So we decided today that w should take a picture and later we will print it out and he can take Rexi with him to school. A comforter when he is stressed and overwhelmed.

This morning before the boys went to school we took these pictures. Eli was still sleeping so when he got up I took his picture with his bear named Teddy. Eli named his bear all by himself. He loves him a bunch and a few weeks ago Teddy got an x-ray with Eli when we had to take Eli to the hospital due to his breathing difficulties...croup.

The boys

Just wanted to share a couple of pictures today. Over the weekend Kristofer lost one of the top front teeth and today he brought home the other. Now I guess he could sing "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth" lol! He looks to cute with them out. We had a hard time understanding him before, now it is truly difficult!

Then we have the teenager wanna be! Jaron found my prescription sunglasses and loves them. I think he looks mighty handsome with them on. He is such a great kid! Been such a helper lately around the house and with the kids. He has started reading the younger ones stories before bedtime. Normally I do it but lately he as wanted to do it. The other kids love it. He is growing up so fast. It's hard to believe he will be 9 in March.
My boys. I love all three! They are great kids!

Not here today..over here.

If you came here to read something today....sorry I am blogging over here. Come read what the Lord laid on my heart this week and today! It is powerful! So come chck it out at Broken Potterie...my other blog.

Playing in the Leaves

Today I took my camera with me to pick up the kids from school. Enjoy these wonderful pictures!

Eli's nice goose egg on his forehead. He fell head first down two steps out of the school bleachers.

As you can see the kids had a blast today playing in our neighbors leaves. Yesterday the trees were full but over night the wind from the cold front that came in blew them all off. Much to the joy of the kids!

Teacher Conferences

Yesterday afternoon was the dreaded teacher conferences. No it wasn't really dreaded. Our kids are great kids and do well in school and have never been in trouble. So for that am SO THANKFUL! I met with Jaron's teacher first. She is an interesting person. I will lave it at that! Although I know she is a good teacher and Jaron is enjoying the class she is different. It was good to know that Jaron is doing well. His teacher stressed what a positive influence he is on his peers and how well behaved he is in class. That makes a Momma's heart soar with pride!

Then it was off to talk with Kristofer's teacher and special ed teacher. Honestly I talk with them so much that last night was a recap basically. But I did learn some things that really encouraged me! The biggest question I had was, "how much work is Kris doing in the classroom compared to the resource room?" YAY! Kris is doing 98% of his work in the classroom! This is HUGE! It means that once or twice a week other than tests, he may take a worksheet to finish with the special ed teacher. Otherwise when he spends time with her he is actually doing other things to increase his reading skills. Which he is very low on but they are seeing improvements and that is very encouraging too!

Oh Something I wanted to let my readers know...I have a new blog. It's called Broken Potterie. When I first started this blog my intentions were to use it to update our extended family on the goings on of our family. This way family members from Florida to NY to Colorado could keep up to date and feel a part of our lives from afar. Since starting it I have realized I have a desire to write more about spiritual things, devotions that truly touch my heart, a journal so to speak. An honest open discussion of the struggles and valleys an the mountain top experiences. So I have started a new blog. I hope to write daily there but I can't promise that. I have been writing on another site under the same title but decided to bring it here close the other site and let my faithful readers know about it. On the other site I kept it private but that doesn't encourage anyone and I want Broken Potterie to do just that, encourage others to know;

1. You are not alone in your struggles!

2. Even Pastors and Pastor's wives struggle!

3. There is hope when you trust in Jesus!

4. We are all human and have flaws!

There is a link to Broken Potterie on the right under the blogs I follow. Come by check it out and let me know what you think!