Another special Happy Birthday!!!

M niece Alyssa has turned 8 and my Dad well we won't say!!! I hope you both have a wonderful b-day! Alyssa you still need to tell mommy what you want aunt Julie to buy you for your b-day! We love you bunches!

A day Of Fun!

We went to the pancake festival for brunch, then off to run a few errands. On our way we stopped at the park. We played for quite some time and I broke out the camera. I think i got a few keepers. Hope you enjoy the pictures. We had fun making memories. It was a beautiful day outside.

Snow Castle!

Yes I said Snow castle. The kids made a snow castle not a snow man! They had so much fun being off for a few days. Sorry the picture is dark but it is what I got!

The stories that could be told

We went to the Faith mission tonight. It is so wonderful seeing our children being used of God. Teaching them to be a Servant for God's work is one of the most important messages Pastor Elms taught! My Children remember this message and talk about it often. Tonight Our kids made us PROUD! Well from the moment we got to the mission the kids had their aprons on and worked very hard. Filling bowls with peach cobbler. Setting the table and of course eating. But then came the proud moments that makes a momma cry! During the service they set right in the middle of the people. Worshiping and singing with all their hearts!!! Then they went to the dinning hall and SERVED!!! They filled everyone's tea glasses Many times. Then Seeing Mason & Howie playing with the children and Madison oooohing over the babies. Howie was right in the middle of all this serving up tea and helping out were ever he could. The kids bring joy to a room. Where joy is not always found. These people have so many stories. One lady with 2 little boys said she just moved here. She has a car to her name and that is it. She is just looking for a fresh start. We were able to talk awhile and she is going to bring her children to church Sunday. Looking for that fresh start! Others just needed to get a jump start in life. I heard Madison tonight giving advise to a man. I listened waiting to step in if needed. But I didn't have to she made me proud. A sweet man was commenting on how nice it was of her to serve the tea. She told him well its what the Lord would do for you. He looked at her puzzled that a child would know this. Then she told him I know life is hard right now but God can help you if you just trust him. My family had to live in a trailer for awhile while my dad was out of a job. God took care of us and gave my daddy a good job and we never went hungry. If you trust God he can help you get where you need to be. I know that the Holy Ghost was speaking through our children this evening and showing others a God that wants to change the stories of their lives. I did not have to to step in on this conversation. I stood back in amazement at the work God was doing. Thanks Pastor Elms and Pastor Holley for all you have put into our children. Its not just the parents and our life stories that have taught these things. Many people were touched tonight. Hopefully some lives will be changed. I am looking forward to the new stories we will hear next time we go.

ITS COLD OUTSIDE!

BRRRRRRR!!!! We have enjoyed being off today and now we will be off again tomorrow! The kids had fun outside today. They Wrote their names in the snow ice. Made snow balls and just had fun. Hope you all can stay warm the next few days!

Happy Birthday!!!

Wesley I hope you have a wonderful birthday! We love you bunches. Just can't believe you are growing up so fast! Here are a few pictures for all to enjoy of the birthday party!

Fun with the Girls!

We went to Alice and Wonderland today with the girls scout troop. They had so much fun!!! Here is a slide show of the Characters. The girls got to be on stage after and earn a badge. They did a little acting! And had a blast!

Happy Birthday!!!

Kelsey I hope you had a wonderful day! You are growing up so fast. We love you lots!

Let it Snow!

Snowmen fall from heaven unassembled. I found this saying and clip and it is to cute. We really want it to snow around here!!!

A few captured Pictures

I need Joesph or Sis. Karla to email me one of all the quizzers together. My battery died before they all got together. But here is what I have. Thank you everyone for keeping our quizzers in your prayers!

I caught it on video!

Madison and Mason both answered correct questions at the tournament today! I caught Madison on my camera! They both are trying really hard and we are so proud of all they are doing! All the other quizzers are doing awesome also. We are so proud of all their hard work! I got a few video clips and pictures I will post.

Oh how Sweet!

Madison was trying to encourage her brother and made him a card today! It was so sweet and unexpected. The front says GO MASON YOU ARE DOING GREAT
The inside says SHINE YOU CAN DO IT! YOU CAN DO BIBLE QUIZZING BETTER THAN US!
Then she drew a picture of a bible and wrote love Hammy the mouse and Madison. On the back she wrote I LOVE YOU! I love how close they are with one another. Mason had a rough day quoting today. I think he forgot everything after chapter 6. We finally just had to stop. Pray for these guys as they are putting the word od God in their hearts.

Must make a correction!

Madison learned 7 verses in one night not 6. But Wednesday we only got 3 done because of my staff meeting and church. We will hit it hard again tonight they are trying really hard!

Giving an update!

Madison and Mason were so excited when I read all the cheering on today! The kids asked for me to blog an update. Mason learned 3 verses tonight and Madison learned 6....Yes I said 6. They had a quick snack after school and was finished with homework by 4:30. We started on verses and then went to Girl Scouts and Luby's for dinner. Back home for review and then 10 minutes of Wii fit! Good reward for 6 verses! 23 verses to go at 6 a day she can be ready by Saturday! Go Madison and Mason We are so proud of you!!!! You can do it

Ok I really did it and on a Monday!

These are the kids new ornament for this year that Gramma bought them and brought home from Disney World! Thanks Gramma and Grammpa!

I cooked dinner on one of the craziest nights of the week for us. I picked up the kids got home at 3:45. We got home work done by 4:45 and dinner on the table by 5:15. Sloppy Joe's, green beans and salad. WOOOHOO I cooked! Todd dashed off to drop the kids at quiz practice by 6 while I cleaned up the kitchen and rested a few minutes from a really long hard day. The 1st day back after being off for the last 3 weeks from my surgery. I made it I just was pretty wore out. Todd picked me up and we went to prayer and then choir practice. Now I think I am finally getting sleepy and headed to bed after a relaxing cup of Starbucks. Todd surprised us on the way home by pulling in.....He wanted a white chocolate hot chocolate :) Yummy!

Well I wanted to say even though life gets busy sometimes stop and make memories along the way. Take time for the important stuff. We all chipped in and got it all done. The kids even learned Luke 10: 7-11 tonight in the middle of all the going. Keep them in your prayers, Which I we know you are praying. Mason needs10 more verses completed by Saturday for our Life Tab quiz meet, and Madison 30. Six verses a day not to bad she can do anything she sets her mind to do. I think a little spark of fire was set inside my little procrastinating child. I am proud for their hard work and all their trying. By Saturday they should have 100 verses memorized!

Well the only thing we have left this week is Church on Wednesday.....They can do it!

Have a great Tuesday and remember Bro. holley says its the day to start our diets!

I am telling on myself :)

I made a list of dinner ideas and posted it on the fridge. I have promised to try to cook more this year. Well out of the mouth of babes Madison saw the list. Madison said.....Mom what is this list, I then explained and her reply was, "Mom you really know how to cook all these things?" Oh my poor children. I just have never really liked to cook. I love their pure honesty! If any body has any great easy dinner ideas I woud love to have them! I guess this is one of my new years resolutions along with the typical loose weight. We did purchase the Wii fit and I am starting it this afternoon! I plan on posting a picture of our Wii family soon so be watching!

Try not to get in the rat race!

Back to work and school tomorrow we go. Christmas break was wonderful and a much needed time of rest. I know it will be hard to get everyone up in the morning, but we will try. Especially since it is 1130 and I am not asleep yet. I think I might just have to take a nap with my pre-k kids tomorrow. Try to stay out of the rat race this year... that would be a great new years resolution. Hope you all have a wonderful Monday and a blessed week!

Kids Got their Wii

We had a wonderful time relaxing, and are now back in WF enjoying the New Year. The weather has been great so we have played outside with the kids. We have also played the Wii hours upon hours. Yes I said Wii!!! For those who have not heard the kids have quoted 60+ verses each. Todd promised them $1 per verse towards their Wii. They have done great and bought it with their own money. Between good grades, b-day $, chores $ and quoting they earned their Wii. God also blessed them back for giving of their money to the Christmas for Christ offering. Several added some money to the Wii fund....God knows who those angels were and He will bless them back THANKS. The kids have learned a lot this year about giving. They have always been so willing to give of their things. Keep praying for them they are struggling with learning the verses for quizzing. They are so close but they are tired. The school system puts so much on them and their brains just need a break. I am proud they are putting the word of God in their hearts and that is what it is all about. If they could just get this first tournament I think they might get an extra push of excitement. Keep all the quizzers in your prayers! Now Madison and Mason have to earn time to play the Wii by learning their verses.

The Annual Kids Christmas Story

The Kids came out with towels and ribbons on their heads. They were ready to tell the Christmas Story......Before we could open presents WOW! Hope you enjoy!