Marathon pics part 3

Marathon pics part 2

Country Music Kids Marathon

Jordan and Claire participated in the Kids Marathon last Saturday. I have a ton of pictures to post, and I still haven't figured out what Blogger is doing to my pictures when I am trying to post them, so it may take me a couple of posts, and there won't be captions beside them. Anyway, I am posting so many pics to update the family, so I hope everyone enjoys!

The kids ran with a group from church. At first, they were running just to run, but then we decided to turn it into a fund raiser. The kids had to each raise at least $50 to participate, and the money went to our local Room in the Inn to purchase new furniture for them. We raised enough money to purchase a couch, loveseat and microwave. We only expected to be able to buy them the couch, so the kids did an awesome job! We are so proud of them!

Claire's caterpillars

Claire has two caterpillars. Their names? Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens. Nice.

Remember

Sometimes it's easy to get into the daily routine and forget that families are seperated. Men and women are still sacrificing to keep our country safe and allow us to be free. Say a prayer for them today.

American Idol Shout to The Lord

How cool is this?

Be careful little ears what you hear...

Lately, since having the kids home all the time, I have had quite a few crazy days. Stephen is awesome at letting me have some alone time. He never complains when I go out at night or just have some time by myself at home. Anyway, when the kids are fighting or just playing loudly, I sometimes say, "I could use a vacation, BY MYSELF!" Half-jokingly, because I believe after about two days of that, I would miss my kids terribly.

Well, Claire came to me this morning and told me she had a "terrible nightmare." She said, "Wanna know what it was about?" Sure. She said that we were all at home, but I was going to go live somewhere by myself. She said I asked her if she wanted to come with me, and she kept saying yes over and over. I don't know if that meant I didn't take her or if she didn't get that far in her dream before she woke up. Regardless, she was terrified that I wanted to live by myself in her dream. Then she said, with a huge smile and a relieved tone of voice, "But then I woke up and we are all still here and it didn't really happen."

I have been really bothered by this. I never intended for them to think I didn't want to be here. I explain to them that sometimes Mom needs to have some time by herself to refresh, reconnect with God and that time makes me a better mommy. But I guess sometimes I convey through my tone of voice or the look on my face that I want to be somewhere else.

I don't. I consider my children four of God's GREATEST gifts to me. I love that I get to be at home with them. I love that even the "big kids" get to be here everyday. Even when they are fighting, like right now :) I need to be more aware of how I am coming across to them. I hope this helped someone.

I need help!

I don't know if it's the carbonation or the caffeine, but I am addicted to Coke/Diet Coke, whatever I can get my hands on. Is there anyone out there who has overcome this addiction? I seriously want to cut this out, but I have terrible headaches, am irritable, etc. when I try. Do I just stick it out until I don't crave it anymore? This sounds so silly when I actually type it out, but it is a real problem to me and I really want to stop. I know I'll feel better and I know I'll be setting a better example for my kids.

So scary...

I have tried to avoid jumping on this bandwagon, but I watched a video today that changed my mind. This whole Oprah thing has gotten totally out of hand and it is so scary to me. So, at the risk of sounding too preachy, watch this video, and pray that the Spirit will prick the hearts of those who are being led astray by this false teaching.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9eW6OpZiTk

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect."
2 Samuel 22:31-33

So many thoughts, so little time.

Some days I don't share here because what I am going through is too private. Sometimes, I don't share here because what I am going through wouldn't make sense to anyone else. But days like today, it's because I have so many thoughts that I can't decide which ones to share.

I followed a story last year, which many of you did also, about a little girl named Copeland Fair Farley who was born with Trisomy 18. I have visited their blog, www.conorbootheandgirls.blogspot.com, pretty regularly in the last few months since Copeland went to be with Jesus. Today, when I visited them, I saw an incredible video they made to help share their hope and faith in God and what He did with them through Copeland and that whole experience. I also learned that they are expecting another baby. If I could pick anyone in the world to have the blessing of a baby, there would be many, but they would surely be on my list. I was changed by Copeland and her testimony. I am so thrilled for them. Please pray for a healthy baby, for Boothe's health, and for them to experience joy that can only come from God.

I hope you are having a blessed day. Hold your children and tell them how much they are loved. Most importantly, tell them how much God loves them. He is good. So very, very good.

Thoughts...

I was riding home from a birthday party tonight and I was in the car by myself, which is a rare occurance these days. I had about a million thoughts running through my head. If they made any sense to anyone but myself, I would write about them here. Anyway, Chris Tomlin's version of Amazing Grace came on the radio, and I was struck by the words in the chorus tonight.

My chains are gone,
I've been set free.
My God, my Savior
He ransomed me.
Like a flood,
His mercy reigns.
Unending love,
Amazing grace.

They just touched my heart in a new way. I hope you are blessed.