Happy Labor Day!

We have had a pretty busy Labor Day. First, we went to my grandparents' house. They live in Joelton in the house they have lived in since my dad was in the second grade. It is next to the house I grew up in. I love going there. I have a picture that sits in my living room of their front porch. It is my favorite place on earth. I can just go there and relax and think about nothing. It is home for me.

Then we went to visit my mom. She is in a rehab hospital after having double knee replacement. She will be there until Thursday and then will have outpatient rehab for about five more weeks. She is doing very well, though.

After that, our Bible study group got together for some burgers at our friends' house. It was so fun. I had been wanting to take a picture of all our kids and we were all there tonight. I also took a picture of our babies. The were born within about five weeks of each other. Luke and Knox were first three days apart, and then Zach and Cooper were three days apart five weeks later. So fun! I love our group so much. We have been together going on three years now and we all love each other so much. We have gotten very close and know that we can count on each other for anything. I don't know what I would do without them! Enjoy the pictures.

I'm still here!

We have really been busy over the last few days. The kids are settled into school and loving it. Luke and I are still working on getting a routine down without Jordan and Claire at home. I have been babysitting during the summer on Tuesday and Thursday. Once preschool starts for her, I will be keeping her on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. So I think once that starts, we should be able to establish more of a routine.

The kids and I have been struggling with sinus issues. I got an antibiotic last Thursday that did NOTHING to help. So they called me in something different today. Luke went to the doctor this morning and he has double ear infections. Jordan and Claire, while sounding terrible, are not contagious. I asked their doctor if they could PLEASE go to school. I really needed the rest. Luke took a really long nap. Pretty nice.

My mom had double knee replacement surgery today. There were some concerns with her heart last week, but she had several tests done and was cleared for surgery. They said everything went very well. She will be in the hospital for a couple of days and then will move to a rehab facility for about a week. Then she will be home. I see a lot of trips to Nashville in my future. Anyway, she is doing well. I am going to see her tomorrow after the kids get out of school. Thanks to my wonderful husband who is coming home when they get out!

Stephen and I will celebrate our tenth anniversary on Thursday. Funny that we both have other plans :-) Not sure how that happened, but I can't remember the last time we actually celebrated on the day of. It is uaually the weekend before or after. Anyway, I can't believe it's been ten amazing years. I couldn't ask for anything more. I have the husband of my dreams and he has given me the family of my dreams. Not to mention I get to stay home with them which was the job of my dreams. I am truly blessed beyond words. Thank you God for blessing me more than I ever imagined possible. I have an amazing husband, wonderful kids, a family who loves me more than I deserve, friends who love me more than I deserve, an amazing church family. Who could ask for anything more?

Like I have said before, "My cup runneth over."

Last few days

This was how our first day of Kindergarten started. She had been really excited and then as we started for the car, she got this look on her face that said,"I am not sure if I really want to go to school."













This was how Claire's first day ended. She ended up loving it!







This was taken at Mellow Mushroom. They have awesome food for those of you in M'boro. Anyway, Luke was quite upset when he had to get out of the bus. It was pretty funny.








This was taken at Stephen's mom's house. His grandfather and his wife were here for the weekend so we spent a lot of time with them.

Another day

Wow, what a morning. Luke woke up about 4:15 and was wide awake. Stephen was already up and Jordan was in the bed with me. Well, I tried to let Luke lay down with me, but since Jordan was there, he just wanted to play. He kept putting his feet on Jordan and "talking"to him. It was pretty funny now that I look back; it was NOT funny at the time. So, I got up and took him to Stephen about 4:45. Well, that didn't work either. And Stephen had to get ready for work, so we just all got up at 5:00. Nice. Luke actually fell back to sleep in the recliner with me, so we both took another nap, but I know I will be feeling it at about 1:00. Oh well. Comes with the job I guess. As I was sitting in the chair holding Luke, I decided to not be too mad about him waking me up to hold him. What more could a mother want but to be unconditionally loved by her baby? Anyway, it was pretty sweet.

Claire ended up having a great day at school. She was talking 90 miles a minute when I picked her up. She told me everything about her day and can't wait for her first full day tomorrow. Luke and I are pretty excited, too!

We had some major discipline issues with Jordan last night. He didn't even get to go to church. Stephen stayed home with him to get him to bed on time. I had to go ecause I teach the 4yr olds. Every other Tuesday, our Bible study group meets from 6:30-8:00, so they don't get to bed until at least 8:30. Their normal bed time is 7:30, so that makes for a pretty rough Wednesday. Next Bible study, we are going to see how it works if we meet at 6:00. I know it will probably help with the issues with Jordan. He just can't stay up late two nights in a row. And I hate making him stay home from church, because I want him to know that is a priority for us. But last night there just wasn't another option. Anyway, he seemed fine this morning.

Don't forget to count your blessings today. "My cup runneth over." Have a great day everyone.

First day of school!

Well, Claire started school today, but it didn't go anything like I thought it would. Luke woke me up at 6:00, which was good, but then we both fell back asleep on the couch till 7:00, which was not good. So we were kind of rushed. We still made it on time, but it was close.

Claire has been so excited about school and being in Mrs. Bargatze's class that I thought it would be a breeze, but I actually left her screaming. Not sure why she didn't want to go, but she didn't. I finally told Mrs. Bargatze to just take her and I had to make a fast getaway. Anyway, they haven't called me, so I guess she is okay. She never does that, so I am not sure why she did it today, but I know that once we get into the swing of things, it will go much better. She loves school and the idea of being big is really fun. I told her if she does well today that I would take her to get ice cream after I pick her up.

I took a few pictures and will post those later. Have a good day everybody!

Yikes!

Boy does time fly. Jordan, my oldest son, started first grade last week. I can't believe it. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. He is such a sweet child. He loves reading, playing with Luke and Claire, swimming, being with his friends. He is so smart. I love being around him. I couldn't have asked for a better first child. I love him so much. Claire starts Kindergarten next week, so I will let you know how that goes.

Stephen really wants this picture on the blog, so I thought I would put it here, since I am talking about Jordan. He also loves to boogie board! Have a great day everyone!

Long time, no blogging

Hey everyone. Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. Luke has some sort of illness and has been extremely clingy the last few days. I actually have a lot on my mind and would love to get some opinions, but I don't have time to write about it right now.

But, being the hilarious family that we are, I wanted to share a joke that my 6 yr old, Jordan, made up. And just so you know, he is not allowed to share this joke at school.

Jordan: "What do you call the private part of a duck?"
Me: "What did you just say?"
Jordan:"What do you call the private part of a duck?"
Me: "I don't know, what?"
Jordan:"a booty quack!"

I have laughed till my sides hurt.

Pictures from last week

Our first view of the beach from our balcony.



Luke's first trip to the beach! This was before he realized he didn't like it.





Jordan thought boogie boarding was the most awesome thing ever!






Claire couldn't let her brother out-play her!











This is how we spent our mornings until it was time to go out to the pool/beach. Our kids get up pretty early, so we usually had a couple of hours in the morning to lounge around.








The last night of our vacation-What a way to end the week!














Obviously the kids had a great but tiring week!

Just kidding.

Well, we aren't moving after all. Stephen turned the job down. I know, I know. Can't you people just make up your minds? I am sure this is what everyone is thinking. But the closer it got to making the decision, the more it felt wrong to leave.

We are very at peace with the decision and now we can throw ourselves into the work at church that we had been anticipating and praying for for some time now. And Stephen can keep doing what he is doing at State Farm for now. But we feel God's peace that we made the right choice.

I will be posting pictures from the beach tonight, so stay tuned!

We're moving!!!

After waiting all week on our vacation for the phone call, the Atlanta job came through today on the way home. Go figure. We have decided to take the job and think it is the best move for us to make right now. We are very sad to leave here, though. We have some great friends here that I am not sure what I will do without. But they are already planning visits to Atlanta, so I know I won't be totally without them. And I know that God has some friends already in mind for me, so I am not going to worry about that right now.

Anyway, we don't know when we will move; he didn't talk details today. I guess that will come Monday. Anyway, just wanted to let everyone know. Keep praying!

It finally rained

They have been saying that there was a 40% chance of rain all week, but it has been sunny everyday. Well, today it happened. We were in a beach shop when the downpour hit. I can't complain. I have gotten too much sun; I think I have sun poisoning. Very itchy. Anyway, if the sun comes back out, you will still find me by the pool. I'm crazy, I know, but I only have one more day here so I plan on soaking it up.

Today we went to the Anna Maria Island Pier. It is 94 years old. Pretty cool. We walked to the end of it and there was a restaurant and a deck where you could look out on the water. The coolest thing was watching two dolphins come up out of the water. They never swam up to the deck while we were there, but this lady said that they had been coming right up to the deck. It was still cool to watch them in their natural habitat.

We couldn't have had a better vacation. The kids have been great, Luke has been great, we have gotten some quality time as a family. Thanks to the Daniels for sharing their beautiful condo with us. We couldn't have done it otherwise. We owe them! We head out bright and early in the morning. Actually, it won't be bright at 4:30 a.m. but it will be early. Pray that we have a safe trip. Look for pictures. We haven't taken as much as I would have liked, but I think we got a few good ones. Hope to see everyone soon!

Babies and sand don't mix

I discovered today that Luke really doesn't like the sand. The first couple of times, it was new and fun. Now, to him, it is just annoying. He gets this look on his face like, "Why do you keep bringing me down here? You know I don't like it and will just cry until you take me back in. It gets in my face, my eyes, my swim diaper, just stop bringing me down here!" It is quite funny. I imagine tomorrow will be spent mostly at the pool, except of course during Luke's nap.

Still here...

Still here in Florida. Having a great time. Monday was much like Sunday, playing at the beach, then to the pool, then rest, then do it all over again. Yesterday we decided to take a break from the sun and went to the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. It was fun but hot. A lot of the exhibits were outside, but the kids enjoyed it. It was a nice break from the routine.

We came back to the condo and Luke and Stephen took a nap. I got some time with Jordan and Claire which was nice. I don't get to do that much anymore. I took them to the pool for a while. We came back in and Stephen and Luke were still asleep, so we went to the beach for a while. The kids dug in the sand and found all kinds of treasures. They have been so good this week. I am so glad they have fun together and enjoy being around each other. Last night we went back to this ice cream place down the street. So good!

Today looks like more good weather. It really couldn't have been better this week. Sunny everyday. Nice breeze. I guess God heard me. Anyway, off to play. Stay tuned for more stories from Florida...

Great first day

Our first day here was great. We played in the ocean for a while; Jordan learned to boogie board. It was so fun watching him. He had the time of his life! Luke loved the sand, although he loved it a lot more the second time we went out after he learned to keep it off his face. Anyway, in between our trips to the beach, we played in the pool. Claire and Jordan practiced what they learned last week in their swim lessons. Stephen gave me some alone time while the kids were having their rest time and Luke was taking a nap. I got to lay by the pool all by myself. It was so quiet. Dare I say I was bored? But it was nice for a while. I learned that while I am chasing the kids around at the pool at the Y, the top of my legs don't get a whole lot of sun, so they are a little uncomfortable this morning. O well, that is what Florida is for, right?

Last night, we got on what was supposed to be a trolley (they have three, but one was in the shop so we rode a bus) and went around the town. We got off and ate at a restaurant called the Beach House. Very good, but I forget how expensive Florida restaurants are. Or should I say vacation spot restaurants. I think we may have blown our eating out budget for the week. We only planned to eat out twice, but that may have done us in. It was fun, though. We sat outside right by the beach and then we walked to this little ice cream shop. So good! Then we caught one of the actual trolley cars and rode home.

Today we are in for more sun and I think some rain. There is a chance for it everyday, but it is sunny right now. We are really being hit with the fact of how amazingly blessed we are with our kids, our marriage, and just our family in general. Sorry I can't post any pictures, but I will post more later. Have a good day!

Hi from Florida!

Looks like I do have inernet access from here. I didn't know there would be a computer here. What a place! It is so nice. The weaterh for the week looks okay, scattered thunderstorms all week, but it's Florida so there should still be some light at some points. When we lived in Florida, it rained about every afternoon so I'm not too worried. The kids are having fun scoping out their boundaries. Our repair bill at the end of the week should be quite exciting! Anyway, I don't have a way to post pictures, but I will let you know how our vacation is going. Have a great week everybody!

On the road again...

We head to Anna Maria Island, FL tomorrow for our first family vacation. We are so excited. We have been on vacations with our extended family, but this is the first time Stephen and I are taking the kids somewhere-just the five of us. The kids are so ready to go. They have been counting the days. We are coming back next Saturday, so I won't be posting till then. I know you all will be on the edge of your seats waiting till I get back. Just kidding. But hopefully I will have some good pictures to share.

As for the job situation, Stephen had a really good interview for the job in Atlanta. Actually, he was interviewing for one of three positions, not just one position like we thought. We feel pretty good about the chances of him getting one of the jobs. They are supposed to call us while we are in Florida, so we will let you know asap. Hope everyone has a great week!

Moving might not be so bad

Wow. Do you ever have one of those days where you keep saying things that you wish you could take back? Ever have one of those days where you KNOW your attitude is not reflecting Christ at all and wish you could start over? Well, today has been one of those days for me. I know how stressed out Stephen is right now and I am not only being unsupportive of him, but I am making him feel 100 times worse.

He is always thinking about how to better our family and providing for us. He is always excited about family time. He loves that he is able to let me stay home with our kids. And if he thinks this job in Atlanta is what we need, why in the world would I question when I know that he is thinking of the kids and my best interests?

Yes, I would miss my family and my friends terribly, but God will provide everything I need. Even if it is gas money to come home. And at least I would be coming home from Atlanta and not Columbus, OH. And there are worse places in the world to live. I know God has a plan for us. And I am trusting Him to take care of us. He always has.

So, honey, if you want to take this job if it is offered, then I say go for it. And if you want to turn it down, then go for that, too. I trust you to make the decision that is best for our family and I will support you 100%. I love you and am so proud of you!

The job saga continues

One of the jobs that Stephen posted for a couple of weeks ago called him today for an interview. This one is in the Atlanta area. Closer to home, but still not home. The interview is Friday, so we will be able to dwell on it our entire vacation that we leave for on Saturday. I can hardly wait.

Seriously though, I do want what God wants, I just have no idea what that is at this point. I am finding myself second-guessing everything, and not because I doubt God, but I just want to make sure it is His voice I am listening to. Anyway, here we go again. Stephen has to take his cell phone on our trip because they will probably call him while we are there and will want an answer right away. We'll let you know.

We're Not Moving!!!

Stephen didn't get the job in Ohio. It came down to him and one other person. We had been praying that God would clearly show us what He wanted us to do. Not getting offered the job was pretty clear. We are so relieved. Neither one of us wanted to move. We love Murfreesboro, our church, friends, family, etc. so we are very excited. We are going to Florida on Saturday and we were so worried that we would be thinking about this all week.

That sounds so silly now because even if we hadn't known if he would get the job or not, worrying about it certainly wouldn't have helped and it would have made our vacation very stressful for no reason. God knew what He was talking about when He said not to worry about tomorrow, that it had enough trouble of its own. Matt. 6:25-34 has always been one of my favorite passages. Funny since I tend to worry a lot. But everytime I read that passage I am reminded that I am not in control anyway and no matter how much I worry, the worry isn't going to help anything. Focusing on God and His kingdom is all I am required to do. God wants us to leave the rest to Him. He WANTS to take care of us. I know for a fact that if you are seeking God first, everything will be taken care of.

Thank you all so much for your prayers during this time. We don't know exactly what the future holds, but we are confident that we are in God's will, for now anyway.

Interview update

Stephen called as soon as his interview was over. He didn't have a very good feeling about immediately after the interview, but after he talked to me, his manager here called him. She said that it sounds good from the questions they asked and his responses. He was worried that the interview was pretty scripted and only lasted 45 minutes. She said that all interviews are supposed to last about that long and that shouldn't be a bad sign. She also said that since those managers have been talking to so many other people about Stephen that they may have already knows the "off-script" answers and just wanted to talk to him specifically about the job itself and not much about him personally.

Anyway, he now has about four hours to kill before his plane brings him home. As of right now, even if they offered him the job, we still don't know what God wants us to do. Neither one of us has any clarity right now, which we thought we would have (at least some) after the interview. But God knows when the best time to reveal His plan is, so we wait. Please keep praying. This is a HUGE decision for our family.