Happy Birthday baby girl!!

Hurry up and wait.

This is where we are right now. We have applied for a total of close to 25 jobs. Haven't heard from any of them. We did get some good news this week. Lipscomb is going to let Stephen do an independent study with his Greek. This basically means that he will actually have his degree at the end of this summer and not next May. That is a HUGE blessing. I am still trying to figure out what God wants me to do about working. I have applied for a full-time job at a bank. I honestly can't imagine not being at home everyday. But, it may be something I have to do for a time. We also need clarity on the timing of when to move out of our house. Without going into detail, we need to move but aren't sure what that means, when to do it, whether to do it at all.

We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received. People we haven't seen in years, people we talk to a few times a year, my "readers", long time friends, most of our family, we just can't thank you enough for the support and prayers. We are tired, stressed, ready to see what God is going to do with this. Please continue to pray for the effect this is having on our kids. They are feeling the effects of our stress and it isn't pretty. We are trying to shield them as much as possible, but it's hard. I have a lot more running through my mind right now, but I need to save it for another time. We covet your prayers.

That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger.

At least I sure hope it does. Stephen lost his job Monday. I won't go into all the details here. They are still fresh, and honestly they still hurt. We are moving on and ask for your prayers. He has already applied for around 10 positions, some close to home and some not. Right now, he just wants a job.

The one thing I keep telling people, much to their disbelief, is that I am not worried or scared about this. We have been through this two times before. We have NEVER lacked anything. Whether is has been through our family helping us out, our friends supporting us, praying for us, whatever, we have always had our needs met. So, when this happened, strangely enough, I had peace. I hated that it happened, and I hated the circumstances around it, but I had peace. Peace that I know only comes from God. He is our provider. We will keep trusting Him and seeking His will for us, and He has promised to take care of us. So I am not worried about that part.

Please pray for Stephen. Pray that a job comes our way quickly. Pray that God protects his heart. There are some close to us that seem to only want to point out his faults and failures and not let him move on from past/present mistakes. It really isn't very helpful. In fact, it is very hurtful. We are dealing with it. Pray that we will deal with it the way God wants us to, whatever that is. Pray that if I am supposed to work, something will work out that doesn't involve me paying for child care. Pray that the kids won't be scared or worried. Pray that Stephen and I will be able to comfort them and show them that we have faith God will provide, that we can show them their home is stable. Pray that whatever lesson we are supposed to learn through this will be obvious. Pray that our eyes will be open to Him and that we will be looking for God, we will be looking for His will, and we will be looking for what He wants us to know.

If you are a family member, and you didn't know yet, I am sorry that you found out this way. It is still very new (Monday afternoon was when it was official) and we just are exhausted from talking about it, dealing with the consequences and trying to come up with a plan.

We love all of you and covet your prayers right now.

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.

I did it!

I set new workout goals, and today I accomplished my first one! My goal is to workout in the morning on M,T,W and F during the week. Today was the first day and I made it! I was there before 6:00. May seem small to some of you, but this is huge for me. I love my bed and I love to sleep in with the kids. But it's not very productive, so I decided that today was a new day. I have so many things that I want to do, and getting healthy again is probably the main one. So, there, I did it!

Stephen's grandfather's birthday is today. Stephen's dad was here this weekend and told us that they were taking him to lunch yesterday, so we thought it would be fun to show up at the restaurant (in Knoxville) and surprise him! It was so fun and so worth the drive. Of course, I forgot my camera ;) Happy Birthday PaPa!! We loved getting to spend the day with you!

I hope everyone has a great day! Off to the laundry!

Discovery Center

I remembered to take pictures! The one of the girls isn't the best, but the other one wasn't good at all. O well.

I need sunshine!

I need some warm weather and sunshine! I am so ready for summer and the pool! We just rejoined the Y so we can go to the pool again this summer and I have never been more ready. I guess I should work out, too, but I will worry about that later. HA! We are going to the Discovery Center today. Should be fun. I am taking my camera with me; we'll see if we actually get any pictures this time. I am terrible at remembering to take pictures when I am chasing 4 kids! Hope everyone has a great day!

Might as well dance...

My aunt sent me this story today. It touched me and instead of sending it to 10 people, I thought I would share it here.

When I arrived at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window.

Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, and then drive away.

But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself.

So I walked to the door and knocked. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.


There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.


'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.


She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated'.


'Oh, you're such a good boy', she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'


'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly.


'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice'.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued. 'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.


'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.


For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.


We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.


As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'


We drove in silence to the address she had given me.It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.


Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' she asked, reaching into her purse.


'Nothing,' I said

'You have to make a living,' she answered.

'There are other passengers,' I responded.


Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.


'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said.

'Thank you.'


I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.


I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift?


What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?


On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.


We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, ~BUT~THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

You won't get any big surprise in 10 days if you send this to ten people.

But, you might help make the world a little kinder and more compassionate by sending it on.

Thank you, my friend...

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.

Fun

This was a fun typing test.

76 words

Speedtest

New pictures

Of course, yesterday, when I went to take Easter pictures, my camera batteries were dead. My aunt took some so I will get them from her one of these days. These pics are from the zoo. Blogger is doing something weird where I can't see the pics when I download them, just text. So I will just tell you about them here. The one of Jordan flying through the air I just thought was funny. I think Luke took it. The others are at the playground at the zoo. Stephen and I were talking and we looked over and Luke was pushing Cammie. They were smiling at each other and laughing. The pic doesn't show that of course;) Hope everyone had a great Easter! HE IS RISEN!!

Really?

I just heard this on TV. "Discover your inner Pokemon!" Seriously?

Sounds...

Tonight, while I sit at the computer, I am listening to different sounds. The dishwasher, the dryer, Claire's nebulizer. Her allergies kicked in today after missing her allergy medicine Saturday night. And all these sounds make me realize one thing...I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. God is so good and He is so real to me.

I have had to go back and revisit the question, "Why do I believe in God?" I have reconnected with a girl that was in our youth group in White House, TN. Her beliefs have changed dramatically. I don't think I could breathe without my relationship with God. I honestly don't know how someone comes to the conclusion that He isn't real or doesn't exist. But I also need to be able to tell people why I believe what I believe. So I am working on it.

What I do know is that He is real, His word is truth, and you can trust Him. Everytime in everything.

I believe...

God did call me to homeschool. I am confident of this. I can't share much tonight, because it is almost 10 p.m. and I need to get to bed. But I just wanted to share that things are much better in my mind. I know God called me here, and He is equipping me with exactly what I need to make this work. He is faithful. Trust Him. More later.

Struggling...

Sometimes I really struggle with what to write here. I started this blog as an attempt to keep out of town family up to date on the kids. Then it became more of a journal of things that I was going through. I am also not sure if I want to share everything I am feeling, because I don't know who all reads this and if I would really want everyone to know what is going through my head. That having been said...

When we decided to bring the kids home, I was confident that God was telling us to do this. I thought we had prayed about it and the signs looked very clear at the time. Now, I am not so sure. Was God actually telling us to bring them home? Was He telling us to just pull them from the school where they were and put them back at their old school? Was I really praying about it at all?

I would like to believe that the reason this has been so hard is because I am in God's will so Satan is just having fun with me. That is the explanation that makes me feel better about this anyway. But I am wondering if I heard Him wrong. This is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Alice, if you are reading this, I don't know how you have done it successfully all these years. I question daily whether or not to put the kids back in school. Are they learning everything they need to be? Right now, the answer is no. Are they happy? Would they be happier with friends? Can I be selfless enough to make this work?

I honestly have no idea. I just know that today, I don't know if I made the right decision. I don't know if they are better off being at home with me. I don't know if keeping them at home will turn out to be the best thing we've ever done, or if it will turn out to be a huge mistake that we have to learn from. I have great kids; I just want what's best for them, and right now, I am not sure what that is.

New pictures

I took these pictures on Saturday when the weather was so beautiful. We are ready for Spring! This was also the first time Campbell was in the swing. She loved it!

Crazy couple of weeks...

Yes, these last couple of weeks have been crazy, but I can't really tell you anything specific we did. School is getting better, more organized. We are trying to stay on more of a schedule. I hope it works. For all you mothers out there who have homeschooled for a while, my hat is off to you. IT'S SOOOO HARD!!!! I know it will be worth it if we can make it work, but MAN it's hard.

One thing that I have realized over the last week or so is that I am selfish. (No comment, Stephen!!) There are so many things that I want to be doing. I want to be able to work out more than 2 days a week. I want to be able to meet my friends for lunch when all their kids are in school, but never do because I have all my kids with me. I want to be able to run to the mall without having to take half the day getting out of the house. I want my house to stay clean for more than 30 minutes.

Now, let me say before I get anyone criticizing me, I know how completely blessed I am. I have four healthy kids. I get to spend my time with them. God has entrusted them to me to teach how to love Him. I have a husband that works hard so I can stay home with my kids, which is my lifelong dream. I have a roof over my head, clothes to wear, food to eat, amazing friends, loving family, the list goes on and on.

I am not really sure what my point was in between starting this post and getting the kids breakfast ;) I guess it was just to get my feelings down. I am struggling right now with feeling like I am trapped in a way, not being able to do some of the things I really want to do because of my obligations. On the other hand, I love my "obligations" and really wouldn't trade where I am. Does every mother go through this at some point? I think so.

I'm still here...

I feel like we haven't been doing very much lately. We took a few days off of school. We switched math programs and our new books hadn't gotten here yet. Monday, we should be able to hit the ground running.

Jordan got his expanders put in his mouth yesterday. Stephen has been calling him money mouth. He has to wear them for a year, and then he will get braces. At least that is the plan for now. He thinks it's cool right now, but that probably won't last long.

Claire is still bored being the only girl. Since Campbell can't really play with her yet, she still considers herself the only one. I try to have special girl times with her, but my time is spread thin these days.

Luke is cracking us up. He says the funniest things. I mean to record them when they happen, but I can't get here right away, so I forget what he has said. I can't believe he will be three in June. Time is flying.

Speaking of time flying, Campbell is 9 months old! Claire asked me today how much time she had until her birthday and when I said that she only had three months until she was 1, it freaked me out. I can't believe how fast this year has gone. I knew it would, but it has still surprised me.

God is teaching us, blessing us, hopefully using us, and we know He loves us. We are overwhelmed with the blessing of our family. Everyday, I stop and tell myself how blessed I am to have such beautiful, healthy, loving kids. I get to spend my days with all of them. Sometimes it's hard, but I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Priorities

I have been thinking a lot about priorities lately. Since bringing the kids home from school, I have been really overwhelmed. I haven't done a lot of the things that I had planned. Homeschool hasn't been what I envisioned it to be. That having been said, I still feel we made the right decision. I still feel like God led us to bring them home and that He will equip me to be the mom/teacher/wife I need to be.

My point is this: Will He equip me if I don't ask Him to? I have always struggled in my prayer life. Actually, I don't have much of a prayer life. I can study my Bible all day long. I can worship all day long. My prayer life doesn't come naturally for me. So, I am wondering if the reason I am having so many struggles at home is because I don't spend time everyday praising God for who He is. I don't spend time thanking Him for everything He has done for me. I don't spend time praying for my kids and my husband. I don't spend time praying for Him to fill me with His Spirit so that I can be the woman He has called me to be. Is it any wonder I struggle? Is it any wonder I feel like I am failing? I don't think so.

God, I long to be the woman you want. I long to be the mom, homeschooler, wife, daughter, friend that you want. I want your light to shine through me. I want to be able to point others to you. I want to show my kids that having a relationship with you is unbelievable and something they don't want to live without. I have gotten away from you and I can feel it. In EVERYTHING. I want to hunger and thirst for you. I want to not be able to go through my day without praying to you and talking to you. I know that I am nothing without you. Nothing. What you did for me on the cross I'll never be able to repay you for, but I want to live my life for you. Infuse me with your spirit. Infuse me with your strength. I need you. I need you. I need you.

Keep praying...

Ashley isn't doing well. My heart breaks for that family and what they are going through right now. Please pray for them. Prayer, right now, is their only hope for their baby girl.

Ashley Adams

There is a precious little girl that desperately needs our prayers. I have been following her story for quite a while and it just breaks my heart today. Please go and pray for her.

www.ashleyadamsjournal.blogspot.com

Go vote!

Have you voted today? I was a little bummed that I didn't get a sticker. O well.

Birthday pictures

31...really?

Yes, I'm 31 today. I guess I can officially call myself an adult now. There's no denying it. Not much planned. We were going to the park today, but it's pouring down rain. O well.

Still waiting

The potential father has decided to wait until Monday to decide whether or not he wants to pursue paternity testing/challenging the adoption. In the meantime, Jillian is being released to interim care until he decides. Please keep praying for Keith and Lydia. They are having a really hard time.

More bad news...

My friends who are adopting the twin girls went to the hospital this morning to pick up one of the babies, and the lady from Bethany met them there. She said that a guy showed up saying he is the father and doesn't know if he wants to give up his parental rights. They thought another guy was the father and were just waiting to get his signed papers back. At least this is what I understand. Obviously, we don't have all the details yet. Anyway, this has been a huge blow because they thought they were done with this part. Please keep them in your prayers. I can't imagine what they must be going through.

Please, please pray for Lissy

My friend Lissy got her results back from the brain tumor they removed. I am not sure what the name if the tumor is, but is a 4 (on a scale of 1-4) and it will come back at some point. She will start chemo in pill form and radiation five times a week starting next week. They said that the type she has is most common in people over 50 and the life expectancy for that age group is around nine months. But since she is younger and in good health otherwise that she will have longer, but of course they can't make any promises. This was the worst possible news they could've gotten, so you can only imagine where they are right now. Actually, I can't imagine where they are right now. They have two young sons, Kindergarten and third grade I think. Please lift Lissy and Joel in your prayers. They are scared, but they are also people who trust God and know that he can take care of them.

Second blog

I have started another blog that will be dedicated to my adventures in homeschooling. I am having a hard time seeing what I am getting done, so I thought I would take some time, hopefully each day, to record the day's events. Hopefully, this will hold me accountable to actually doing some work! Anyway, if you want to follow along, the address is www.homeschoolblogger.com/shirley4. This blog will still be here, too.

Ouch...

I got myself a personal trainer for my birthday. We are getting more then we thought back from the IRS, so I decided to do this. I have been wanting to for a long time. Two of my friends from church were going and we got a group rate. So, we go Tuesdays and Thursdays for 30 minutes. We will do this for nine weeks, and then we can do another session if we want. It is going to be really good, but I can tell that I'll be sore tomorrow. Running is going well, but I haven't been as consistent as I'd like. I am supposed to go Mon, Tues, Wed and Friday. I have missed at least one day each week because of sick kiddos. But hopefully, I can stay on track from now on.

The kids are doing well. School is coming along. Unfortunately, I am having trouble finding a routine, but we're getting there. Jordan will be getting the first phase of orthodontics this month. I think they start with expanders. Anyway, that should be fun. He is so excited about it, but I think that's because he has no idea what he's in for ;)

Campbell is cutting her first tooth finally! She has been soooo fussy today. She still hates baby food. I think it's the texture. Not sure what to do about that. She just started sitting up, which was later than the other babies. I think, because I am busier, I don't have as much time to work with her like I did the others. I am trying to work this "practice time" into our daily schedule.

Well, that about covers it for us. Hope everyone is doing well. I haven't taken any pictures the last couple of weeks. Maybe I'll get some this week.

She signed the papers!!!

Keith and Lydia are proud parents of twin girls!!! Lilly Beth and Jillian are their names, and they are beautiful!!! Thank you for all your prayers. We can't wait for them to get home!

You can visit them at www.tennesseepartyof5.blogspot.com.

High School Musical

My dad got tickets to HSM at TPAC. I took Jordan and Claire and they had the best time! Especially Claire. She loves both movies and was so excited! She could hardly contain herself. It didn't start till 7:30, so she was pretty tired when it was over. Towards the end, she kept asking me how many songs were left. She stayed awake, but she was sooo tired. The picture of just her is after the show. Their faces were really red in the others because we had just gotten inside after walking from the restaurant. They were freezing! Hope everyone has a good day.

UPDATE on the twins

As of right now, the birth mom is going to give the babies to Keith and Lydia, but she doesn't want to sign the papers until Friday. The larger twin will be released from the hospital that day and she wants to be able to call the nursery and get updates on how the babies are doing. But the plan is for her to sign the papers Friday morning. Please continue to pray that this is what will happen. Pray for Keith and Lydia while they wait. Pray for the birth mom, Bridgette, I can't imagine what she is going through. Thanks.

Please, please pray

First, my friend Lissy had her surgery yesterday for the brain tumor. They think they got all of the tumor, which is good news. The bad news is that they don't know what kind of tumor it is, but they do know that it isn't benign. And they also know that it is a rapidly growing tumor. She will have to undergo some sort of treatment, like raidation or chemo, but they will not know anything definitively until Tuesday. Please keep them in your prayers.

Second, my friends Keith and Lydia have been on a major roller coaster the last couple of days. The birth mother decided she wanted to keep the babies, but she is still going back and forth. She is 20, already has a 14mo old daughter, is wanting to go back to school, has no husband/boyfriend and no family in the area. Her friends are trying to talk her into keeping the babies anyway. Please pray for this situation. Keith and Lydia have already gotten their hopes shattered once last year by the birth mother changing her mind. I can't imagine going through it twice. I am trying to see both sides, but right now, I can only see this through my friends' eyes, and it hurts. We are waiting to find out what happened, so as soon as I know something, I will update. Please, just pray.

Please pray...

My friend Lissy Edmonson from church is having surgery to remove a brain tumor today. Please pray for the doctors, nurses, her husband Joel, and their two boys. The tumor is small, but it is a very risky surgery. Thanks.

Yay for Keith and Lydia!!!!

My sweet friends, Keith and Lydia and their little boy Will, have been travelling the road of infertility for several years now. They have been through so much. They decided over a year ago to travel the road of adoption. They have been waiting for I think about one year for the call, and it came this week. TWIN BABY GIRLS!!! They were born this morning in Jackson, MS, so they will be travelling in the morning. Please join me in praying for health for the babies (I think the birth mother was only at 34 weeks, so they are in the NICU right now) and safety for Keith and Lydia as they travel. I am so excited for them; I can't imagine how excited they are!!!

Will you be a Johnny today?

This video was so inspiring.
http://www.stservicemovie.com/

My legs hurt.

Well, I overslept today, so I didn't get to meet my friends at the track. Luke has a cold and didn't sleep well. But I did make myself go to the gym. It was much harder running by myself. I didn't make it the whole time. I also thought it was harder to run on the treadmill. Anyway, tomorrow I am definitely making it to the track. My legs are KILLING me today. I really didn't think I'd be that sore, but man, it hurts. Power through. That's what I keep telling myself. I am never going to get any fitter/healthier if I let the pain stop me. Please tell me it won't hurt forever!

My plan for today is to eat better, make smart choices about what goes into my body. For school, stick to my schedule. Get the kids through all their work and not let them turn on the TV till after 2:00. They have plenty of library books to read if they need a break from school work. Read my Bible. Do laundry. That about sums it up. I hope you have a great day. Do something healthy for yourself and your family!

New day

Well, today is a new day for me. I got up this morning and met two friends from church and we RAN TWO MILES!!!! You have no idea how huge this was for me. I have been talking forever about being different and changing my life. My family is not known for its healthy lifestyle, but I want that to be different for my kids. So the change has to start with me. And I did it! I felt so good. And if I hadn't gone with other people, I wouldn't have done it. And I also wouldn't have made it the whole time. So, Thanks Amy and Kristin! See you at the track tomorrow morning!

another fun test

You Are a Ham Sandwich

You are quiet, understated, and a great comfort to all of your friends. Over time, you have proven yourself as loyal and steadfast. And you are by no means boring. You do well in any situation - from fancy to laid back. Your best friend: The Turkey Sandwich Your mortal enemy: The Grilled Cheese Sandwich

What Kind of Sandwich Are You?

Contest Entry

I em entering a contest to win a basket of homeschool goodies. Most of you know that we just started homeschooling our two oldest. After a lot of prayer and listening for God's direction, we knew this was what we were supposed to do. Three days into it, I have no doubt. It has been a great week! As far as the contest goes, I think I should win the basket because I am new to this. I don't have a lot of the things in the basket and they would prove to be VERY useful to my 2 yr old. Especially the paint can with magnets. He would love that! Some of the things in the basket were things I wanted, but couldn't spend the extra money, like the small chalkboard. So, Heart of the Matter, please oh please pick me! If you want to visit this new online magazine, go to http://www.heartofthematteronline.com/. Thanks!

Oops!

I was supposed to tag eight friends along with the "8 things about your kids" post, so I tag all four Cosby's, Elijah and Noah, and Ethan and Nina. Also, the reason Claire's says 10 things instead of 8 is because Jordan ended up with 10. Of course, it had to be fair so Claire wanted 10 as well. Lovely.

8 things about Campbell...

1. I have about a thousand nicknames, but the most popular are Campbell, Campbell Anne, Campbellina, Cammie, Cam-Cam.
2. I look a lot like my big brother Jordan. Especially the hair.
3. I smile with my whole body. It is precious, if I may say so myself.
4. I LOVE my mommy, so much so that I never let anyone else hold me. Well, sometimes I let Daddy hold me as long as Mommy is out of sight.
5. I will be 8 months old on the 17th.
6. I HATE baby food. Mommy has to put cereal in my bottle so I will sleep at night. I really need to eat food, but I am going to see just how crazy I can drive my mom before I give in.
7. I am still not sitting up, nor do I have any teeth. Seriously, I am trying to drive my mom crazy.
8. I am the sweetest little thing in the world. I have a sweet personality and love to snuggle. Mommy is going crazy, but I have a feeling she wouldn't change a thing about me.

8 things about Luke...

1. I will be three in June.
2. I am hilarious. Definitely the most outgoing personality of the Shirley kids.
3. I LOVE "Cars." Today, Daddy said something to me and I said, "I'm not Lukey, I'm Lightning." I watch the movie at least once a day. Well, I turn it on, but usually walk away after Life is a Highway, which is my favorite song.
4. I had to have a "Webkinz" just like Jordan. It is a pug named "Muscles Jimmy." Jordan's was named Jimmy, but mine is bigger.
5. I do everything Jordan does. I love him so much.
6. I can be the sweetest little boy on the planet. I can also NOT be the sweetest little boy on the planet.
7. I love strawberry milk. Or as I say, "straw milk." Sometimes I will take apple juice, but not often.
8. I am growing up way too fast, at least that's what my mommy tells me.

10 things about Claire...

1. I will be 7 years old in March.
2. I love to dance and sing.
3. I like to play with my little sister and my brothers.
4. I like to put on make-up.
5. I love to dress up.
6. I love to do any kind of art project.
7. I am very sweet and smart. I am getting very good at reading!
8. I am hilarious. I make my mom laugh all day. (Claire just said that everyone is hilarious except for me. Nice.)
9. I have lost 8 teeth.
10. I love my aunt Becky. I want to be just like her.

(Claire and Jordan helped me with their lists.)

8 things about Jordan...

1. I just turned 8 years old.
2. I love to read; I am on a 6th grade reading level!
3. I love to play with my little brother and sisters.
4. I love to play games; my favorite thing is when we have family game night.
5. I got a GameBoy for Christmas and it is really hard for me to put it down. Whenever we have a break from school and my mom can't find me, she knows where to look.
6. I love sports like my Daddy. When I grow up, I want to be a soccer star.
7. I like helping my mom during homeschool.
8. My favorite food is apples.
9. Yes, you get an extra. My favorite show is Jonny Test. Mommy has never heard of this show. Do you think she needs to monitor what I am watching?
10. Ok. One more. I love to run, for fun. My mom doesn't understand this.

Fun

What Your Latte Says About You

You don't treat yourself very often. You find that indulging doesn't jibe with your very disciplined life. You are a very frivolous person. You don't take anything too seriously. Why should you? You have a good deal of energy, but you pace yourself. You never burn out too fast. You have a healthy relationship with caffeine. You're definitely not dependent on it. You are a child at heart, and you don't ever miss the opportunity to do something playful. You are deep and thoughtful, but you are never withdrawn.

What Does Your Latte Say About You?

First day of school!!!

(Scroll down; I posted some new pictures today.)

Here are a couple of pictures from today. We had a great first day. We went to the Lavergne Library for story time; they have one for homeschoolers, and it was really good. Worth the drive. We went with my friend Kristy and her boys, Noah and Elijah. They homeschool Noah, too. Then we got lunch and took it to the park. It was really windy, so after we ate we went to their house for a little bit. I forgot my camera so I don't have pictures from that.

Then we came home and did some light school work. They did some handwriting, Bible, then had some free reading time. This is the first picture. I imagine this will become a familiar scene around my house. I love it.

The second picture is of our "classroom." We got a new kitchen table, so we moved our old one downt to the playroom. It is perfect for school. Hope everyone is enjoying their day; we sure are!!

(Well, I can't figure out what is wrong with blogger. Or maybe it's the user ;) Anyway, this post is a little messed up. Sorry.)

Misc pictures

I cleaned some pictures off my camera today. Thought I would put them here.

Happy New Year!!!

I can't figure out what it is, but something is wrong with my posting. Anyway, this is a picture of my brother, dad and me on Thanksgiving. My dad sent it to me today and I love it. I think it's the best picture we've ever taken together.

I hope everyone has a wonderful new year! I can't wait to see what God has in store for us as we begin homeschooling again, as Campbell turns one, as we just go about our everyday lives. My prayer is that we live our lives to please God.