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.