Mr. and Mrs. Jay Yates

Saturday, December 27th my sister-in-law married Jay Yates. This is an incredible story of God's love for two people that have been through a lot! David and I have know Jay for about 18 years. We were in the singles together at Rehoboth Baptist Church. Over the years we lost touch and several years ago his children started going to Loganville Christian Academy (where Debbie teaches). Unfortunatley, after a battle with cancer, his wife passed away. My sister-in-law Debbie also went through a difficult divorce about that time. Last year Debbie was Jay's daughter, Jessica's teacher. The rest is history. We are so happy to have him, Johnny, and Jessica in our family and are looking forward to the years to come.

Christmas 2008

Nana and PaPa with the kids.


Jenna and Angel.


all the kids with Jessica and Johnny. The "new" cousins.


Christmas Eve at Oasis.

Christmas seems like a blur for me. With a new puppy and a wedding on the 27th it was a little crazy. Our internet went down on Christmas Day but I would not have had time to post anyway! We always enjoy Christmas Eve services and this year we went with Debbie to Oasis. For just a moment before the services I stepped away to just try and focus. After hardly any sleep the night before I just needed a few minutes. I ended up in the nursery and God really spoke to me there. Everything was clean, sanitized, beds waiting, boucy seats, etc.. Jesus did not have any of that. Just a manger that was far from sanitized. Why do we celebrate Christmas the way we do was my thought? I have thought about this year after year. Jesus had nothing but we feel it's not a good Christmas if we don't give the perfect gift! After the service began and about 600 people sang the most powerful song, "O Holy Night" (my favorite), the pastor spoke on Christmas from the eye of the inn keeper. Just what the Lord had spoken to me about in the nursery. He opened his barn to the saviour and didn't even know it. Are we opening our lives to the saviour and recognizing what He has done for us? It was very powerful and I came away from there with lots of ideas for next year. I hope I will follow through with them! Santa came Christmas Eve with our new puppie, Angel. Everyone was totally shocked! Christmas day was fun opening presents, playing with the puppies, and celebrating with our new members of the family-Jay, Jessica, and Johnny. The kids all got what they wanted: Jacob, a new air soft gun; Jared, a Razor Power Wing scooter; and Jenna, a Nintendo DS (from NaNa and PaPa). When I step back and think about this Christmas I realize how very blessed we are. God has been so good this year.

Our Little Angel

Tuesday night Jenna's school had their Christmas performance. The title of the performance was Let's Dress Up For Christmas. She had the part of an angel. It was such a good performance and her part was precious. Her lines were:
"Wake up, I've got good news." and
"Glory in the highest cause peace has come to all."

It's amazing how God can speak through little children. Our pastor shared a message on reconciliation that was very powerful. He shared how Christmas can be a tough time of year for so many people especially when families get together. Sad, but true. We must remember that a baby was born long ago to bring peace and reconciliation to the world. It's also the perfect time to remember:

"GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST CAUSE PEACE HAS COME TO ALL!"

Friday was Jenna's Christmas party and, as usual, there was a lot of food and fun. Her class is so precious.

Dear God....

On the way home tonight from Jenna's Christmas performance just out of the blue she asked if she could pray. I had to write this quickly so I would not forget. I said of course and this is what she said:

J-"you don't have to close your eyes Mom (I was driving) but Jared does."
M-Ok Jenna
J-"Dear God. Thanks a lot. Thanks for sending your son Jesus so that we can all be together."

Jared-"What do you think would have happened if Jesus had not come." A big discussion followed that one.

We have had 2 days of 3 kids bickering and fighting and I was at the end of my rope! We had a TERRIBLE evening leading up to the performance. Daddy at the fire station, trying to get everyone fed, kids fighting at the table. What had we done to raise such children? Shouldn't we be celebrating the true meaning of Christmas here people!? I don't want a 13 year old anymore-I want my sweet child back! You know how we do as parents. Guilt, guilt, guilt. What a gift God gave me on the way home. What a gift He gave me through a child's Christmas performance. A great message by Pastor Jimmy on reconciliation (more on that later). "A little child shall lead them..."

Pictures coming soon....

Meet Palin

Several weeks ago it was a sad day for my niece Mandy. Her dauchand Millie of only 5 years had to be put to sleep. Millie had a heart condition. Since we all live together in the same neighborhood we all spend a lot of time with Mille and loved her dearly. We have all grieved over losing her. So, we were in a delima. Do we get a dog now since Mandy just lost Millie? Would that be fair? This list went on and only. Finally, Mandy decided she wanted another dog so we all went together and picked one our the Monday before Thanksgivng. Mandy picked hers up Sunday and we will wait until the 23rd since ours is a Christmas surprise! I just can't wait! I think it is so sweet how Palin keeps kissing Mandy and telling her that everything is OK!

Oh, and I'll give you one guess as to who she's named after. Creative idea!

The Joy of Wrapping Presents

For those of you who have known me for a while you know I love to give gifts. I love to shop for, wrap, and give gifts. A couple of weeks ago I checked with our ministry village about adopting a foster child. They had all been taken which was a good thing. She said they had some other families that had turned in a request and I looked at them. One family had a 13 year old boy named Jacob who liked the same things as our Jacob. I had to pick him! Right before I was about to leave she said: "oh, and I tell people who adopt these kids to NOT wrap the presents. Please provide paper and tape so the mother can have the joy of wrapping the present." Well, I just cried, she cried, we all cried thinking about how we take for granted the little things in life! Wrapping presents can be a joy or a burden! Especially when things are busy and you're trying to get done! Let's look at it as a JOY! I'm thankful for the money to buy the gift and most thankful for the person I'm giving it to.

Nutcracker

Jenna's Kindergarten class went on a field trip today to the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre Nutcracker at the Gwinnett Center. It was an abbreviated version for the kids and it was great. It lasted one hour which was perfect. We will go to this again. Last year we went to see it at the Fox which was nice but this one is better for little ones! After the show we had lunch at Frontera restaurant. It's such a blessing to be a part of such a wonderful group of kids.

Christmas Fun

The "other" star of Bethlehem-the camel.


My three specail gifts at Bethlehem.


I look forward to decorating all year.


Me and Cheryl at the tour of homes.

We have had a lot going on already this year for Christmas. A couple of weeks ago my friend (of 18 years) Cheryl and I went to a tour of homes in Stone Mountain. Last week we went to the Ladies Christmas Tea at First Baptist Snellville. The music was by Beloved and they were really good and funny! Saturday night the family went to our annual production of the Journey to Bethlehem. Every year I pray that the Lord will give me something different to take with me and to change me. This year I was stuck by how hard Anna prayed for our Saviour to come. Do I pray that much? I don't think so. The real star of the show was the camel. It was very cute to watch. He liked to kiss you if you sat down by him! We had over 1,000 people go through it. It's truely a professional production. It's amazing for me to see how it all comes togehter. Since I am at the chruch almost every day I saw how for we had to go and only the Lord could have brought it all together.

I'm looking forward to the next 2 weeks and especially to Christmas morning!

So Much To Be Thankful For

Me and Cammie.


All 9 cousins.

Wow, it seems like I have so much to blog about and not enough time! We had such a great week in Kentucky. Spent time with my sister and her kids, went to the Fantasy of Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park, spent Thanksgiving day at the farm with my brother, sister, Aunt Jonnie and Uncle Don (from South Carolina), Mom, and all 9 cousins. My sister-in-laws parents joined us this year too. It was such a beautiful day! Spent the day after Thanksgivng with my high school friend Cammie. We connected after 20 years on Facebook. It was so great to see her again and her family. It seemed like we picked up right where we left off! Friday evening we saw our friends John and Lisa who are in missions with Campus Crusade. Lisa was in our wedding. They were home for Thanksgiving also. It's a long trip but once we get there it's great to be home. Nothing like sitting on my Mom's couch and, having a cup of coffee, and talking. There really is...no place like home.

I have really been overwhelmed with all there is to be thankful for:

Thank you David for being the best husband any woman could ask for. Thank you for supporting me in our trips to Kentucky, watching the kids, running around, etc.. I love you!

Thank you to my brother Dale for hosting Thanksgiving each year at the farm. Thanks to Karen and Aunt Jonnie for the great food!

I'm so thankful for my great kids. Going home can actually drag up some old feelings that I would rather forget but it helps me see where the Lord has brought me and it blows me away.

Thank you for my Mom who has been through so much through the years and has such a good outlook on life. She did a great job raising us and I don't tell her that enough-thanks Mom!

Thank you for my in-laws, that's right, my in-laws. I don't know where we would be without them. So many people can't believe I love living beside my mother-in-law. She is an awesome person and has taught me so much.

Thank you Jesus for saving me and giving me this wonderful life. I seem to always get too bogged down with all there is to do from day to day and I want to do better at being more thankful for the everyday things in life.

Happy Thanksgiving

THE GOOD NAPKINS

Ahhhhh.....................The joys of having Girls.

My mother taught me to read when I was four years old (her first mistake).

One day, I was in the bathroom and noticed one of the cabinet doors was ajar,

I read the box in the cabinet.

I then asked my mother why she was keeping ''napkins' in the
bathroom. Didn't they belong in the kitchen?
Not wanting to burden me with unnecessary facts, she told me that
those were for 'special occasions' (her second mistake).



Now fast forward a few months . . . It's Thanksgiving Day, and my
folks are leaving to pick up my uncle and his wife for dinner.

Mom had assignments for all of us while they were gone.

Mine was to set the table (her third mistake).



When they returned, my uncle came in first and immediately burst into
laughter.


Next came his wife, who gasped, then, began giggling.
Next came my father, who roared with laughter.

Then came Mom, who almost died of embarrassment

when she saw each place setting on the table with a 'special occasion' Kotex napkin at each plate, with the fork
carefully arranged on top.

I had even tucked the little tail in so they didn't hang off the edge!!

My mother asked me why I used these
and, of course, my response sent the other adults into further fits
of laughter.

'But, Mom, you said they were for special occasions!!!'

Pass this on to your girlfriends who need a good laugh or anyone who
has a daughter!


Life is too short for drama and petty things,

so kiss slowly,

laugh insanely, love truly

and forgive quickly,

and for heavens sake,


use THE GOOD NAPKINS whenever you can!

Monday With Mom

Jenna giving Anna a sweet kiss at the Bistro.


NaNa, Grandma, and Jenna.


Jenna and Brody.


Jenna and all her Kindergarten friends.


When we were praying about where to send Jenna to Kindergarten I knew I wanted her at our church preschool. It's only 4 days, 1/2 day and I just was not ready for her to go to school all day. We just LOVE her Kindergarten class! She has such great teachers and really good friends. One thing we do is designate Mondays to be our "Monday With Mom." Some days we have to do a project around the house but most days we have fun! We stared earlier in the year by having a Barbie Diamond Castle party for all the girls in her class. The movie had just came out so we made a party out of it. We ate lunch, made a picture frame, and watched a part in the movie that the girls could sing and dance to. They were so cute! They had so much fun and the Moms had fun hanging out. We have gone to Chuck E Cheese and last week we went to the mall. Jenna rode the carousel and had lunch with her friend Brody.

Yesterday was the best Monday so far! We have been wanting to go to The American Girl store and bistro for quite some time. Since Grandma was here we decided to go and NaNa went with us. We were going to purchase the Kit doll but Jenna decided on the "just like you" doll that does not look "just like her" (she does have blond hair anda few freckles on her nose). She named her doll Anna (at first, she named it Jenna). Boy, it was so hard letting HER pick what SHE wanted and not what Mommy wanted-ha. The lunch was awesome. The bistro was decorated all pink and has little booster seats for the dolls. SOOOOOOOOOO cute! It was so special to have NaNa and Grandma with us!

Fall Family Fun

Daddy worked really hard in the yard Saturday and made a big pile of leaves. The kids could not wait to jump in them today! The were even fighting on who could go first. Mom and dad joined in the fun too. We are also glad to have Grandma here this weekend!

The Lord has really given us some beautiful weather and colors here lately! I'm so thankful for my beautiful neighborhood!

Go See "The Gift"

Praise In Motion is pleased to present "The Gift". Bringing the real Spirit to your Holidays!

When my friend's daughter Caitlin was 7 years old, she saw this amazing production. Praise in Motion had quite an impact on her and she decided to join En Pointe School of Dance. Now, 8 years later, Caitlin is a part of Praise in Motion and will be dancing in "The Gift". This beautiful story portrayed through dance will really start your busy holiday season off right!

Saturday, November 15th, 2008
2:30pm and 7:30pm
Murray Arts Center of Mount Paran Christian School
2230 Stilesboro Road, Kennesaw, GA 30152


Saturday, November 22nd, 2008
2:30pm and 7:30pm
Georgia Mountains Center, 301 Main Street SW, Gainesville, GA 30501


Free admission. Love offerings appreciated.

Bring the family to see Praise In Motion in "The Gift".

Call (770) 381-5787 or (770) 985-4299
email info@praiseinmotion.org
or visit
http://praiseinmotion.org

Halloween Fun

We had so much fun Friday night. For years we have gone to our church's fall festival but decided last year that we would like our kids to experience the whole trick or treating thing like we did growing up. We went to a local neighborhood for about an hour to trick or treat then headed over to our friends, The Haynes NEW house! They are in the middle of moving in but wanted to meet the neighbors. Guess there is no better time than Halloween night! We had a great time visitng and hanging out. (The boys thought that they were really cool when they got to trick or treat with teenage girls without Mom or Dad around!) We're so happy for them and their new home. Boy, did the kids get a ton of candy! Now they won't notice it so much when I get into it. Love those little Twix bars!

Happy 17th Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary! I love you and can't wait to spend the day together. After all these years I love you more than ever.

Finally

Sunday, November 2 David and I will celebrate 17 years of marriage. 17 YEARS! It seems unbelievable. After some really bad relationships, I FINALLY let myself believe that David was for real. I feel more thankful than ever that our marriage has lasted this long and that we are still in love. Not only are we in love but I like him too! I have never seen a man work so hard for his family, never complain, and still help around the house. He keeps going when I would just fall apart. He is a man of God and I am so proud to be his wife. I stumbled on this song by Fergie while watching Regis and Kelly one day. Thank you sweetie for making my Cinderella dream come true. Can't wait for Stoney River on Sunday!

"Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. In his shade I took great delight and sat down, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He has brought me to his banquet hall and his banner over me is love." Song of Solomon 2.3-4



Finally

Ever since I was a baby girl I had a dream
Cinderella theme, crazy as it seems
Always knew that deep inside that there would come a day
When I would have to way, make so many mistakes

I couldn't comprehend as I watched it unfold
This classic story told I left it in the cold
Walking through an open door that led me back to you
Each one unlocking more of the truth


I finally stopped tripping on my youth
I finally got lost inside of you
I finally know that I needed to grow
And finally my maze has been solved


Finally
Now my destiny can begin
Though it will have a different set
Something strange and new is happening


Finally
Now my life doesn't seem so bad
It's the best that I've ever had
Give my love to him finally


I remember the beginning you already knew
I acted like a fool, just trying to be cool
Fronting like it didn't matter, I just ran away
On another face, was lost in my own space


Found what it's like to hurt selfishly
Scared to give of me, afraid to just believe
I was in a jealous, insecure, pathetic place
Stumbled through the nets that I had made


Finally got out of my own way
I've finally started living for today
I finally know, I needed to grow
And finally know that it must be so


Finally
Now my destiny can begin
Though we will have a different set
Something strange and new is happening


Finally
Now my life doesn't seem so bad
It's the best that I've ever had
Gave my love to him finally


Finally, finally


Finally
Now my destiny can begin
Though it will have a different set
Something beautiful is happening, is happening


Finally
Now my life doesn't seem so bad
It's the best that I've ever had
Give my love to him finally


Oh, finally, finally, finally

5 Things Meme

My friend Jodi tagged me for a meme and I really am terribe at these things. It takes me forever!


10 years ago I:

1. was about to move into our new house
2. had a 3 year old and a 4 month old
3. lived in Stone Mtn with my in-laws
4. directing preschool but not 30 hours a week!
5. was not near as stressed out

5 things on today’s “to do” list: (for Monday actually)

1. enjoy my Monday off with Jenna!
2. laundry (as usual)
3. look over Ren-Web to see what Jacob has to do this week
4. try to put Jared's border up
5. exercise

5 snacks I enjoy:

1. Fritos
2. popcorn
3. chips and dip
4. cereal
5. hershey bar

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:

1. pay off our house
2. pay off my mom's house
3. give, give, give
4. update our house, or maybe move!
5. TRAVEL!

5 places I have lived:

1. Frankfort, KY
2. Lexington, KY
3. Richmond, KY
4. Georgia
5.

5 jobs I have had:

1. The Limited
2. The Gap
3. Christian Armory Bookstore
4. JC Penney
5. First Baptist Church

The rules say I have to tag 5 people but I don't know anyone to tag that has not been already except:

Joy at Joy in the Burbs
Chelle who is too busy right now to do this. She is taking her readers through the LOVE DARE on her blog. Check it out!

Go DAWGS!

David and had a great day today in Athens! The weather was awesome, GA won, and we got to see our good friends Jeff, Suzie, and their son Griffin. After the game we had dinner in Athens. Such a nice break and time to just hang our with my hubbie.

Family Adventures #2

I'm going for the wind blown look! Ha



So lately we are into adventures at my house so Sunday we decided to climb Stone Mountain! (It's on our "list of things to do".) It's a very nice hike but pretty steep at the end. I was so proud of everyone because we all make it! I wasn't sure if we would towards the end and the tram was shut down for maintenance! Then we found the perfect spot by the grist mill for lunch. It was beuatiful and the kids had so much fun taking their shoes off and playing in the water.

Also, yesterday we had the most awesome sermon on Change (it will take about a week to post online). Pastor Ronnie reminded us that, yes, we want change but are not willing TO change (more on that later). One thing we want to change in our house is to have more fun so this fit perfectly!

ScreamFree Parenting Dinner

I'm sad to say that last night was our last ScreamFree Parenting class. We had a dinner and fellowship time for our last night. I gave out the Waffle House hats as a visual reminder to keep our cool in all circumstances! I can't believe how fast the 10 weeks went. When I first started this class I thought the 10weeks would not go fast enough. I was nervous about speaking and basically, it scared me to death. But when God is in something, He takes over. We had such a great time during the 10 weeks and I saw many people change and families touched. It was exciting for me to go from being so nervous to now feeling a whole in my heart because the class is over. I will probably do another one but don't know when yet. I want to say a big thank you to all my class members. We had such a great group! Check out ScreamFree web site for more information!

ScreamFree Parenting...changing lives one family at a time. Starting with yours.

What's On Your List?

A few weeks ago in my ScreamFree Parenting class we talked about a question that was asked on the DVD: "When was the last time you REALLY enjoyed your children?" That hit home with me. Of course we love our children but we have not been enjoying them very much. I aked the class to write down 3 things they have been wanting to do with their family. One of mine was to start taking little day trips. Just time away together. Today we went to Burt's Farm and Amicalola Falls. We all climed to the falls (not all the way, just the 175 steps) then came back down on the trail. I was amazed at how well everyone did. Jared especially surprised us by getting ahead of everyone and climbing on everything. He even wanted to go again! It was such a beautiful day and we could not have asked for a better time. On the way there we saw 5,144 scarcrows in Braselton, GA. If you have not seen this you must go! It is really neat. At Burt's we got our pumpkins then went on the hayride. We also had a very nice picnic on the lawn at Burt's. The kids said some really funny things:

Jenna (on her way to the falls):
"I can make it. Little Jenna just needs to take a rest from time to time."

Jared (when we sat down to eat):
"Now this is waht I call nature."

Jacob (one the phone with a friend)
"Oh, we're going to some pumpkin thing."
Oh, well. Gotta love middle schoolers!

What are some things you want to do with your family? It could be something simple. Another thing on my list is to chill out at bedtime and enjoy that time more. How about it, let's enjoy our kids more (and life)!

"Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth." Psalm 57:5

Giggling Babies

This is so precious. Have a great weekend, laugh a lot! Hit stop on my playlist.

Success of Fireproof

From and e-mail update I get form Fireproof:

Thank You ... Thank You ... Thank GOD!
Throughout 2008, you have followed the behind-the-scenes story of FIREPROOF, an action-packed love story about a fireman, his wife ... and a marriage worth rescuing.

Friday, on opening day, you experienced the movie firsthand. With friends and family, with small groups and entire churches, you went. And laughter, tears, and cheers filled 839 theaters across the country.

Today, as movie-industry insiders look at all of the statistical data from yesterday, they are trying to figure out how in the world a movie they didn't even know about was one of the most popular movies in the country on Friday.

That's right: FIREPROOF was the No. 3 movie in America yesterday (Friday)! You have thoroughly confounded Hollywood.

Will FIREPROOF stay No. 3 the rest of Opening Weekend? By industry standards, it seems extremely unlikely. The next five movies that finished behind FIREPROOF are playing on approximately 2,500 screens each.

So the key is that people like us keep showing up at movie theaters, both today and tomorrow. Let's show Hollywood that FIREPROOF is the kind of movie you will support. Let them know that this is more than a movie ... it's a movement.

As we found out with Facing the Giants two years ago and FIREPROOF last night, with God, all things are possible ... even in the movie industry. Make that especially in the movie industry.

Thank you! And thanks for continuing to support FIREPROOF on this all-important weekend.

Read This Review on Fireproof

Fireproof marries God and Filmmaking





from USA Today

My First Number

Last Saturday our church held the 6th annual 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run. I decided to give it a try and walk the 5 miles. Jacob ran the 1 mile. I have to say it was a lot of fun! I'm totally addicted now and will be finding more to participate in and take the whole family. I came in #252 out of 289-wow! I finished in 43minutes and 28 seconds. I learned very quickly that these events take on a personality of their own. It'a all about the clock. We'll see if I stay motivated to actually run next year! However, I will not let that 60 year old man beat me again! What was his name-I believe it was Tony Hewatt (our Minister of Evangelism)! Ha Ha His time was 24 minutes. Somehow, I don't think I will beat him.

Back to ScreamFree Training

A couple of weeks ago the training director of ScreamFree Living asked me to come back to facilitator training and speak about what I am doing with my class on Wednesday night. I was totally shocked and honored that they would ask me. So tomorrow I'm heading to Duluth to speak to a new group they are training and having lunch with Jenny Runkel and Brandi (from the April training group). I am so excited about this and can't wait to share. I'm also sad that my group only has 3 weeks left! I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store next for me! I'm ready to lead another class or do a weekend class.

ONE MORE WEEK!

FIREPROOF the movie opens in just one week. It's going to be amazing to see what God is going to do through this movie! You need to get your tickets for opening weekend because many shows have already sold out. Here is some neat stuff I got from an e-mail update that I receive from Fireproof:

September 26 ... and Beyond!
A week from Friday, FIREPROOF will be playing in more than 800 theaters across the country. When Facing the Giants opened on the same weekend two years ago, it played in 441 theaters. Looking back, we saw what happens when you "prepare for rain."

Next weekend, the forecast indicates there could be some amazing precipitation in the form of further impact on the movie industry. But it will take your support of FIREPROOF when it opens in theaters nationwide. How this movie does on its first three days (September 26-28) will determine how long it will play in theaters.

Is your umbrella ready?

Upcoming Programs
You will be hearing and seeing a lot about FIREPROOF in these final days before the film opens. Here is a quick list of some wonderful FIREPROOF media opportunities in the coming days:

TBN: The Making of FIREPROOF (Behind the Scenes), Sunday, September 21 9 p.m. PDT/Midnight EDT (following a special showing of Facing the Giants at 7 p.m. PDT/10 p.m. EDT)
Focus on the Family: Monday-Tuesday, September 22-23 (featuring Kirk Cameron, Alex Kendrick, Stephen Kendrick, and Jim McBride)
NBC's Today Show: Tuesday, September 23 (8 a.m. and 10 a.m. hours, featuring Kirk Cameron)
FamilyLife Today: Wednesday-Friday, September 24-26 (featuring Alex and Stephen Kendrick)

FIREPROOF T-Shirts and Hats
Kerusso has created a line of T-shirts and baseball caps that help you let others know how you feel about FIREPROOF ... and your marriage. There are specific shirt designs for both men and women.

The women's shirt, which comes in hot pink, says "With all my Heart" on it. The shirt references Mark 10:9, "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." The men's shirt has a logo similar to a fire department's shield, including the axes and the firemen's cross. This navy shirt features a reference to Ephesians 4:25, which begins "Husbands, love your wives. ..." The baseball cap has a similar look and feel.

The shirts and hats are available at Christian stores and online.

Learn more about FIREPROOF T-shirts from Kerusso

DAWG-gone Good Weekend

This weekend we went to my aunt and Uncle's in Sumter, SC. David, Jacob, and Uncle Don planned some time ago to go to the GA/SC game and me, Jenna, Jared, and Aunt Jonnie hung out at the house and watched (most of) the game on TV. We also enjoyed swimming while they were at the game and the kids loved swimming at night and getting in the hot tub after they got back. It really was a great time, especially since Georgia won 14-7. Sorry Uncle Don, but thanks for such a great weekend!

In Jacob's exact words: "This was the best weekend ever!"

Please Remember

David was scheduled for work today but could not go in becasue he is sick. I wonder how many people that happened to on Sept. 11th? How many wives can still kiss their husband (or vice versa) each morning because something kept them away from those buildings? So many people lost a loved one on that day and we must never forget what our country went through on Sept. 11th. It's so easy to forget. My husband is a fireman and I forget. I know I take for granted all that they do for us for very little pay. And our troops. Let's remember them as well. Thank you so much men and women for all that you do for us!

She's Engaged!

We are so excited because last Sunday my sister-in-law Debbie got engaged! About a year ago she met a great guy named Jay. Jay was a friend of ours from way back in our "Rehoboth" (Baptist Church) days. Jay and Debbie met at LCA. We never would have dreamed that one day this wonderful guy would be our brother-in-law. They are such a great couple and we are so happy for them. Added bonus: Jay's son Johnny is in the 7th grade with Jacob. They are great buddies! The wedding will be December 27th and we can't wait (and I'm sure they can't either).

Yours

When I was in Myrtle Beach I heard this song. It sounded like he wrote it after Maria died so I checked into it. He had already written the song then added the last line. Praise God we are His! Hit stop on my playlist.

Myrtle Beach

After checking out the weather Mom and I decided to go ahead and go to Myrtle Beach. We stopped Monday at my aunt and uncle's and had such a great time visiting, talking, drinking coffee, and just hanging out. Tuesday we went to Myrtle Beach. It's just 2 hours from my aunt's. The weather was beautiful. We ate great food and had a good time being together and watching the convention (yeah, I know, kinda boring). The best part was sleeping in and being on NO SCHEDULE! On the way home we stopped and had a 2 hour lunch at Chili's with Aunt Jonnie. It was so great to have uninterrupted time with the girls. Thanks so much Mom! I will never take this time for granted!

Special thanks to my dear huband and NaNa for "holding down the fort" while I was gone!

A Few Days Of Rest

I'm very excited because my Mom is coming today. I'm taking a little break from getting the house ready while trying to watch the GA game (yeah, their back and ranked #1). On Monday Mom and I are headed to my aunt's (shhhh don't tell the kids) for one night then on to Myrtle Beach for two nights. I'm so thrilled to get away with my Mom and just have some time to sleep, read, and relax.

Special thanks to my dear hubbie who took a day off work, will get all 3 kids where they need to be, teach our ScreamFree Parenting class Wednesday night. feed the kids, do laundry. Hey, now I know why I need a break! Ha You're the best, honey!

Rainbow Chasers

Taken at Jared's school



Taken at the end of our street.

Tuesday night we had the most incredible rainbow in our neighborhood. We "chased" it down our street to Jared's school. It was gorgeous! This picture does not look real but it's real. A beautiful reminder of God's love for us. It's safer than chasing tornado's too!