I am Thankful for THANKSGIVING and all it brings. The big day: Yummy food, family, laughter, food, great conversations...and Food! Whew I ate way to much today but had a great day too. We celebrated Thanksgiving with Will's side of the family. ALL the cousins were there this year and it was so great to see everyone.
Enjoyed a few games of dominoes, watched the boys play some football outside, and of course re-heated all the food from lunch so we could eat dinner before we went home.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Friday, November 23, 2012
November 21 ~ Day 21
I am thankful that I live in and get to raise my kids in a Small town. I love this little town and all of its traditions. It's a great place to raise a family, in a small school system, and with good neighbors.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
November 20 ~ Day 20
I am thankful for cell phones! I wouldn't mind running over mine sometimes when it doesn't work right or when I'm sick of hearing it ring but I think of how convenient cell phones are it's simply amazing.
We can reach someone or call for help at the touch of a button. I remember times when we couldn't do this. I can remember having to pick up the phone to talk too! Seems like now everyone is more comfortable just texting and not actually talking, which is kind of sad.
Last week our neighbor was in an accident and I noticed that everyone grabbed a cell phone out of their back pockets, called kids, cousins, grandchildren, friends within a few minutes. Call their local preachers and got a prayer chain going, and today I can keep up with his daily progress so easily as they family sits in a waiting room because I can call them on their cell.
SO convenient!!!
We can reach someone or call for help at the touch of a button. I remember times when we couldn't do this. I can remember having to pick up the phone to talk too! Seems like now everyone is more comfortable just texting and not actually talking, which is kind of sad.
Last week our neighbor was in an accident and I noticed that everyone grabbed a cell phone out of their back pockets, called kids, cousins, grandchildren, friends within a few minutes. Call their local preachers and got a prayer chain going, and today I can keep up with his daily progress so easily as they family sits in a waiting room because I can call them on their cell.
SO convenient!!!
November 19 ~ Day 19
I am thankful for transportation! I love hopping in the car and being able to get where I need to go, and I am thankful that I have reliable transportation!
I watch a little documentary last night on the Dust Bowl, one man said the fastest they probably drove was 35 mph and these people were driving for days....weeks!!! I can't imagine! We have so many luxuries today that we take for granted and this is one of them.
I watch a little documentary last night on the Dust Bowl, one man said the fastest they probably drove was 35 mph and these people were driving for days....weeks!!! I can't imagine! We have so many luxuries today that we take for granted and this is one of them.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
November 18 ~ Day 18
Thankful for our Church family. Got to have lots of time today with my Church family and tonight I sit here feeling so incredibly blessed. I love that they lift me up and encourage me when I need it most. I love that there's always a nice hug from someone (or a bunch of hugs) - I love laughing and fellowshipping with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I love that our preacher knows our kids full names and hugs them or shakes their hand every time he sees them. I love that there are people willing to say "thank you" for helping do things. I love the unity and pride that happens within our Church family, and lastly I love that my husband chooses to be a leader within our Church. He is always willing to help, teach, pray, or do whatever they call him to do. Make me proud of the Christian he is , and the example he is to our children.
Today we got to do a devo at one of the local Nursing Homes. Nothing makes me prouder than to see my kids enjoying singing and praying with elderly and learning this valuable lesson in life. We enjoyed getting to do this with our Church family, and this evening we enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner with them as well.
Thankful to belong to an awesome family!!!
Today we got to do a devo at one of the local Nursing Homes. Nothing makes me prouder than to see my kids enjoying singing and praying with elderly and learning this valuable lesson in life. We enjoyed getting to do this with our Church family, and this evening we enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner with them as well.
Thankful to belong to an awesome family!!!
November 17 ~ Day 17
Today I am thankful for Seasons. I love different things about each season, usually say Fall is my favorite, but am sure looking forward to decorating for Christmas right now.
I like to decorate a little for each season (do a lot for Fall and a ton for Christmas), but I just like the changes of weather and changes in seasons.
Always nice for a little "change" :)
Bring on Winter!!!
I like to decorate a little for each season (do a lot for Fall and a ton for Christmas), but I just like the changes of weather and changes in seasons.
Always nice for a little "change" :)
Bring on Winter!!!
Friday, November 16, 2012
November 16 ~ Day 16
I am thankful that I am able and wiling to GIVE. I love to help others, I want to be the friend that anyone knows they can call on, and I don't mind giving -- it brings me joy. I've had people along the way lend a hand when I needed one, show up to help without being asked, and go the extra mile for me. In return I want to pay it forward. I know I miss opportunities, I know they are probably right in front of my face, but I hope I will be unselfish when I'm needed, I hope I will always have my eyes and ears open and ready to help anytime I am able.
I am thankful for giving people and I am thankful for those selfish people in my life, it reminds me of what I don't want to be like. It is my hope that I am a servant and they I'm doing God's will in serving others before myself each and every day.
Acts 20:35
"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
James 2:14-17 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
I am thankful for giving people and I am thankful for those selfish people in my life, it reminds me of what I don't want to be like. It is my hope that I am a servant and they I'm doing God's will in serving others before myself each and every day.
Acts 20:35
"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
James 2:14-17 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
November 15 ~ Day 15
I am writing this post after a LONG and stressful day. So may not go into much detail but will say that today I am Thankful for Prayer! I spent most of my day in prayer as one of our dear friends/neighbors was suffering. God is Good and prayers are being answered.
I am thankful that I can talk to God as a friend and can have that communication with him. I pray now that in days, weeks, and months to come I can pray for God to give me peace and understanding, to calm my fears, and to protect me and my family.
God is Good!!
I am thankful that I can talk to God as a friend and can have that communication with him. I pray now that in days, weeks, and months to come I can pray for God to give me peace and understanding, to calm my fears, and to protect me and my family.
God is Good!!
November 14 ~ Day 14
I am thankful for Food! haha. Well it's important to be thankful for food, you gotta have it - right? I love food that I shouldn't love and I don't love food that I need to love, but I like to eat. Therefore, I have to workout everyday!
It's a tough situation. ;)
In all seriousness though I am thankful that I don't have to wonder where my next meal will come from and that my kids do not go hungry. We are very blessed!!!
It's a tough situation. ;)
In all seriousness though I am thankful that I don't have to wonder where my next meal will come from and that my kids do not go hungry. We are very blessed!!!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
November 13 ~ Day 13
I am thankful for the honor of getting to be a mother. Last May I made a big change and quit my full time job to be a Stay at home Mom. I only work part time now and I LOVE it! I am so very thankful that Will works so hard to allow this for me and our children.
I love the time I get to spend with my kids now that I'm not working 50 hrs a week. I love getting to be the one that takes them to ALL their activities, picking them up from school, and helping them with their homework. I love that I have the time to enjoy my kids and all the joy they bring me. I wish I could've began this journey 9 years ago, but if that were the case I'm not sure I could appreciate it quite like I do today.
I love being a mom, I love my kids so much, I can think of no greater honor than to be called "mom"
I love that each of my kids are so different and I love how they all need a little bit of different parenting. However, I hope I never fail at making sure all 3 of them know that I love them to the moon and back, I love them all equally, and I am so incredibly proud of them! I have failed in many ways as a mother, but I pray each day for patience and guidance and that I am raising all of my children in the best way I can. I want them to grow up to be Christians and to someday have families of their own. I pray for each of my kids daily ~ they are my world!
Thankful to be a MOM.
Proverbs 31:10-12, 25-30: "An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life ... Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 'Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.' Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised."
Monday, November 12, 2012
November 12 - Day 12
Today I am thankful that God blessed me with a Sister; although she was taken far to early in life I am thankful I had the 16 years I did have with her. Cortney was beautiful inside and out. She was my sister, my best friend, and one that I could talk to about anything and everything. Her smile would light up a room and her personality would too! Today is her Birthday and the memory that keeps popping in my head is the memory of the Birthday Parties we'd have each year. We had a full basement in our house we grew up in. It had one bedroom and a laundry room and the rest was just a big room to hangout, play pool, and just play! Cortney would invite all of our friends for her birthday and we'd probably have 50 people down there. Some of the funnest memories I can remember.
I have a small book of pictures of me and Cortney that I cherish beyond measure. This pictures cracks me up of us when we were little.
I'm holding a gift in my hand, not sure when it was taken or whose birthday but I love it!
Cortney and I would play, and play, and play together when we were little. We shared a little 4-wheeler and I'd give her rides all over the pasture on it. She got to drive on occasion but she had far more wrecks than I did so I usually drove. We would play "house" and "Church" in the basement for hours on end. We'd swim, jump on the trampoline, and ride 4 wheelers all day everyday.
This picture was taken in Stillwater and was taken the weekend before she was killed. Cortney got to come stay with me in the Kappa house over her Fall Break. I love that my college friends got to meet her. We talked all weekend about when she'd get to come to Stillwater and hang out again, and about when she graduated that she could live there too!
This was taken in front of the Kappa house the weekend she
came to stay with me, and we were heading to a game.
THANKFUL for these final fews days I had with her. Enjoyed
many laughs and some made precious memories with my best
friend one last time.
Today she is having a Birthday celebration beyond what any of us can imagine. She is 32 years old today and I can help but wonder what she'd be like if she were still here. I know one thing, she's having a BIG party like she had so many times when we were growing up, and she's smiling down on us. Love you SO much Cortney ~ So very blessed and thankful to call you my Sister.
"Sometimes when life seems difficult I remember our childhood days full of laughter & love. Then I am able to life my spirits and lighten my outlook. The memories we share remind me of how lucky I am to have a sister like you. People we meet see a little of you in me and a little of me in you. I look at you and my eyes look back. I speak and I hear your voice.
The memories we share remind me of how lucky I am to have a sister like you." (from a book Cortney gave me when I graduated.)
Sunday, November 11, 2012
November 11 ~ Day 11
Thankful for our Veterans! Happy Veterans Day!
My Papa was a Veteran and I sure wish I could hear some of his stories today; now that I am "more mature" and I would be able to remember them. I remember him talking about the war, and as an adult I cannot imagine the things he saw, heard, and lived through. A man prayed this morning in Church and thanked God for those serving our country now and for those that have served in the past. He said ".......be with those that have seen the worst, had to kill someone to protect themselves and to protect us, and who unselfishly serve this great country. Bless them." Wow! Serving this country is such a way is beyond what I can imagine. God bless our troops!!!!
My Papa was a Veteran and I sure wish I could hear some of his stories today; now that I am "more mature" and I would be able to remember them. I remember him talking about the war, and as an adult I cannot imagine the things he saw, heard, and lived through. A man prayed this morning in Church and thanked God for those serving our country now and for those that have served in the past. He said ".......be with those that have seen the worst, had to kill someone to protect themselves and to protect us, and who unselfishly serve this great country. Bless them." Wow! Serving this country is such a way is beyond what I can imagine. God bless our troops!!!!
November 10 ~ Day 10
Today I am thankful for Family TIME! It's not often enough that all 5 of us get a whole day together. Today was one of the times. We didn't get to stay at home, had a busy day but it was a FUN day.
We went to Stillwater to my nephews 1st Birthday, the kids were excited to see and play with their cousins then we went to OKC shopped a little and had a nice dinner at Olive Garden. Not gonna lie, it was a little stressful and hectic doing some of our shopping with everyone in tow but it was funny when it was all said and done. I loved having Will with me to help control the kids and it helped him see what I do each and everyday. I think he needs a reminder sometimes of why I'm so worn out by the time he gets home everyday! haha.
Great day -- LOVE my family!!
We went to Stillwater to my nephews 1st Birthday, the kids were excited to see and play with their cousins then we went to OKC shopped a little and had a nice dinner at Olive Garden. Not gonna lie, it was a little stressful and hectic doing some of our shopping with everyone in tow but it was funny when it was all said and done. I loved having Will with me to help control the kids and it helped him see what I do each and everyday. I think he needs a reminder sometimes of why I'm so worn out by the time he gets home everyday! haha.
Great day -- LOVE my family!!
Friday, November 9, 2012
November 9 ~ Day 9
I am thankful for my parents. I am thankful that they drug me to Church every time the doors were open and instilled in me the importance of Faith. I am thankful that I had a mom willing to take me to a million activities and run the "Bus Route" (As I refer to it these days....) daily and shuffle me and my friends around. I am thankful that my mom was a teacher and was able to be home with us when we weren't in school. I am now getting to enjoy those same times/ opportunities with my children. I am thankful for the times my parents took us to the lake (Every Saturday in the summer), those were precious memories that I will always cherish. I am thankful that my dad gave me the wisdom of 'bargaining', being business minded, and standing up for myself. (I realize more each day how much of my dad I have in me.) I am thankful I got my dad's "technology" skills and not my moms. Haha
Now that I'm a parent myself I see more and more the effort and time and unappreciated times they had with us growing up. My parents were involved in all aspects of our lives, and I am thankful for that. I think it made me the person I am today.
And today, my parents are my kids Mema & Papa. They are so good to my kids. They love spending time with them, getting on the floor and playing, chasing them, and just truly enjoying the time they get with them. All 3 of my children love them so much and I am grateful for the grandparents they are to my kids. I love that when my kids are with them, my kids are for sure well taken care of and having a great time.
I am blessed with a great family!!!!
Now that I'm a parent myself I see more and more the effort and time and unappreciated times they had with us growing up. My parents were involved in all aspects of our lives, and I am thankful for that. I think it made me the person I am today.
And today, my parents are my kids Mema & Papa. They are so good to my kids. They love spending time with them, getting on the floor and playing, chasing them, and just truly enjoying the time they get with them. All 3 of my children love them so much and I am grateful for the grandparents they are to my kids. I love that when my kids are with them, my kids are for sure well taken care of and having a great time.
I am blessed with a great family!!!!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
November 8 ~ Day 8
I am thankful for my FRIENDS. I won't name them one by one but will say I've learned a lot in the past few years about friendships and trusting. I no longer trust easily and I choose my friends wisely. I have realized more in the past year than ever that I after seeing who to trust and call a true friend; I've found some AMAZING friends! I am a very cautious person, I've been hurt by people that I cared for so much that it made me never want to trust again. However, thru that hurt and loss of trust I've found new friends that are true friends.
I am thankful for my friends that are good listeners. I am thankful for my friends that help me reach my goals, and share the desire to reach the same goals. I am thankful to my friends that make me smile. I am thankful for my friends that when I hug them hug me tighter in return. I am thankful for my friends that pray for me. I am thankful for my friends that I cannot talk to for a period of time, yet we can still pick up where we left off. I am thankful for my friends that challenge me to be better, stronger, and to grow in my faith. I am thankful for my friends that trust me with their problems. I am thankful for my friends that let me help them, and that show up to help me when I least expect it. I am thankful for my friends that ask me to go on a lunch date :), I am thankful for my friends that send encouragements when I need it most. I am thankful to my friends that love my kids and help me out when I'm in need.....
I can go on for awhile but I've seen and realized that my friends are more like family. I am beyond blessed with some of the BEST friends a girl could ask for! I hope I am as good of a friend to them as they are to me. Don't know what I'd do without them...
Blessed!!!!
I am thankful for my friends that are good listeners. I am thankful for my friends that help me reach my goals, and share the desire to reach the same goals. I am thankful to my friends that make me smile. I am thankful for my friends that when I hug them hug me tighter in return. I am thankful for my friends that pray for me. I am thankful for my friends that I cannot talk to for a period of time, yet we can still pick up where we left off. I am thankful for my friends that challenge me to be better, stronger, and to grow in my faith. I am thankful for my friends that trust me with their problems. I am thankful for my friends that let me help them, and that show up to help me when I least expect it. I am thankful for my friends that ask me to go on a lunch date :), I am thankful for my friends that send encouragements when I need it most. I am thankful to my friends that love my kids and help me out when I'm in need.....
I can go on for awhile but I've seen and realized that my friends are more like family. I am beyond blessed with some of the BEST friends a girl could ask for! I hope I am as good of a friend to them as they are to me. Don't know what I'd do without them...
Blessed!!!!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
November 7 ~ Day 7
Today I am thankful for something I find myself complaining about often....MY HOUSE!
I am thankful for a roof over my head.
I am thankful that it provides me with an A/C and a heater. **SUPER important**
I am thankful that I have a garage to park in **That's really important**
I am thankful that I no longer have a smurf blue bathtub in the master bathroom *also very important*
I am thankful that we do not live beyond our means...I see many people our age (and younger) in new HUGE houses. It's so tempting to want to build and live up to those 'measures' but I am thankful that we aren't doing that. We work hard for what we have and simply cannot afford any better than this. We bought a "fixer upper" and have done maybe half of what we'd like to do, but in time it'll get there, we love that we get to make it 'ours'.
I feel blessed to have as much as I do!! Don't get me wrong, having a place that's not a constant project would be awesome, but having a mortgage that stresses us out isn't awesome.
So I complain A LOT about trying to keep my house clean (Which I can't seem to do...), however I am beyond thankful that I have a nice home to raise my kids in and to just call HOME!
I am thankful for a roof over my head.
I am thankful that it provides me with an A/C and a heater. **SUPER important**
I am thankful that I have a garage to park in **That's really important**
I am thankful that I no longer have a smurf blue bathtub in the master bathroom *also very important*
I am thankful that we do not live beyond our means...I see many people our age (and younger) in new HUGE houses. It's so tempting to want to build and live up to those 'measures' but I am thankful that we aren't doing that. We work hard for what we have and simply cannot afford any better than this. We bought a "fixer upper" and have done maybe half of what we'd like to do, but in time it'll get there, we love that we get to make it 'ours'.
I feel blessed to have as much as I do!! Don't get me wrong, having a place that's not a constant project would be awesome, but having a mortgage that stresses us out isn't awesome.
So I complain A LOT about trying to keep my house clean (Which I can't seem to do...), however I am beyond thankful that I have a nice home to raise my kids in and to just call HOME!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
November 6 ~ Day 6
Shifting gears a little today, enjoyed getting to write about all my favorite people that I live with, but today since it's Election Day (and I'm sitting here waiting to find out who our new President is...) I am thankful to live in the U.S.A. I am thankful for freedom, thankful to worship where and when I want, thankful that today I could go to the polls and vote!
I consider it a privilege and an honor to vote and I've voted every time I have had the opportunity since I turned 18.
I've seen positive and negative ALL day about the election, I've prayed a lot about the outcome. It literally scares me to death. Perhaps the best thing I've read today was this:
Who will I vote for?! I will vote for the most pro-life candidate, because God hates the shedding of innocent blood (Proverbs 6:17). I will vote for the most pro-Israel country, because God blesses those who bl
ess Israel & curses those who don't (Genesis 12:3). I will vote for the most pro-debt reduction candidate, because the borrower is a servant to the lender (Proverbs 22:7). I will vote for the most pro-work candidate, because God says if a man goes not work, let him not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). I will vote for the most pro-marriage candidate, because God is for marriage as defined in Genesis 2:24. I will vote for the candidate who most closely believes government's purpose is to reward the good & punish the evil (Romans 13). I will vote based as close as I can on God's word (2 Timothy 3:16), knowing that whoever gets elected, that God is the one who puts all men in authority (Daniel 2:21). As the late man of God, Dr D James Kennedy said, "Lord, give us the leader that we need--not the one that we deserve."
--as stated by Karen Shepherd Brantley
--as stated by Karen Shepherd Brantley
Thought this was very fitting for today. God Bless our Nation!!!
Monday, November 5, 2012
November 5 ~ Day 5
I am thankful for my baby Kate!
What a surprise she was for us, and I cannot imagine a day without her.
She makes me smile all day everyday, and it's just TOO FUN!
She is the first one of my babies that I've had the honor of staying home with.
I have loved and treasure each and every second. We both LOVE when it's time to get the
"School kids" and miss J & M daily.
She is funny, she is a stinker, a wild woman, and she is precious!!
Her smile and cute little voice melts my heart and I'm honored to be her mother.
I'd love to freeze these moments and let her be my baby forever....
it's so much fun!
She is a handful and fun all in one.
Mommy loves you to the moon and back Kater!!
Lovin' her daddy!!
Silly girl ;)
Sunday, November 4, 2012
November 4th ~ Day 4
I am thankful for my my Madi in the Middle :)
Madi is so sweet, she is kind, she is SMART, she is a big helper,
she loves everyone and she is happy!!
She loves doing "projects" (as shown above). She loves playing school, organizing things, and bossing anyone she can around!!
She loves to PLAY and have FUN!
She has always wanted to do a Lemonade Stand and got to
do that this summer. Probably was one of the biggest highlights of her summer.
She loved every second of it, worked really hard at it,
and didn't expect to make a dime.
She did it with a giving heart and for a good cause.
LOVE this sweet face!!
Madi Grace has blessed my life so much. She loves unconditionally and
is just an absolute sweetheart! I can always count on a hug from her and I can count on her to lend a hand anytime I need it.
I love you to the moon & back Madi Grace!!!!
Saturday, November 3, 2012
November 3 ~ Day 3
I am thankful for my firstborn, Jaxen.
I feel so blessed to be his mother. Seems like only yesterday I was leaving the hospital with this baby boy and wondered 'what in the world am I doing??? I don't have a clue how to take care of a baby!'
My eyes were opened to challenges and long sleepless nights. My eyes were opened to a whole new world for sure...A world of not knowing how much you could love until you held your own baby for the very first time. Jaxen is a sweet, funny, CUTE, and awesome kid!
He loves sports and everything about it! He loves to play football, basketball, baseball, actually anything that involves "play" he loves it.
He's an outgoing kid and everyone loves Jaxen!!!
His teacher just told me those exact words in our recent conference and she's so right.
I am thankful God blessed me with this sweet boy 9 years ago. He has blessed my life in so many ways and continues to bless me each and every day. I couldn't be more proud of the young man he is becoming and pray each day that I am raising him the very best I can.
I love you to the moon and back Jax and am SO proud of you!!!
Friday, November 2, 2012
November 2nd ~ Day 2
I am thankful for my husband. He's my best friend, he is my other half, and he is the love of my life. I am proud of the Christian he has become, the father & husband he is, and the rock he is in our world. He makes me laugh everyday, supports me in all I do, encourages me, and is simply amazing. Don't know what I'd do without him in my life.
I love you Will!!!
I love you Will!!!
Thanksgiving
The month of November always remind me of giving Thanks, as it should. Last year I did the daily thanksgivings on Facebook but thought it would be neat to do a daily blog of thanksgivings on here. I hope I can keep up as I normally do not blog daily but sometimes its good for the soul to stop and say thanks for the things you don't normally say thanks for.
I read a quote this year that said "What if God only granted you today what you thanked him for yesterday" talk about an eye opener!
So with that I will begin my daily thanksgivings :)
November 1st ~ Day 1:
I am thankful for my Faith. We live in a country that we can worship when and where we want, we can pray publicly, we can ask for forgiveness, and we serve an awesome God. I am thankful for this freedom and beyond grateful to be a Christian.
I read a quote this year that said "What if God only granted you today what you thanked him for yesterday" talk about an eye opener!
So with that I will begin my daily thanksgivings :)
November 1st ~ Day 1:
I am thankful for my Faith. We live in a country that we can worship when and where we want, we can pray publicly, we can ask for forgiveness, and we serve an awesome God. I am thankful for this freedom and beyond grateful to be a Christian.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Trunk or Treat
This is the 2nd year we've had our Church Sunday School class and their kids over for a trunk or treat party. Our class has for sure grown over the past year and we had lots of little ones running around. Some adult dressed up and the kids did too. Great evening, great fellowship, great friends!!
Stacey (Red hatter), me, and Amber
the BIG clan of kiddos!
Me, Trisha, and Melinda!
Jaxen, Tucker, and Charlie
Baylie and Madi
Kate, Charlie, and Syd
LOVE being surrounded by these amazing people. Good times!!!
Halloween time...
Lots of fun festivities come this time of year. My kids have always enjoyed dressing up, going to the carnivals, and of course Halloween Night.
Jaxen thinks he's getting too old to dress up :(
He couldn't decide what to be and settled on being an OSU Fanatic!
I think he pulled it off well!
Madi chose to be a Twister girl. She saw it in the costume catalog and loved it!
What a cutie!!
...and then we have Wonder Woman! Fits her perfectly. She's not real girly
so she was all about this costume!!
...and we are off to the first costume party.
The library has a story time and costume contest each year.
It's always fun to go and let the kids see all their friend in costume the week before Halloween.
Batman and Wonder Woman
Tycen and Kate - this is one of Kate's buddies at her babysitters house.
They play so well together and are just too cute!
The Witch and Twister Girl
This is Madi's Best Friend Ali. They love playing together and are
the best of friends!!!
Enjoying some treats!!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Fall Break
Over the kids Fall Break we got to go to Stillwater for Homecoming. We enjoyed a little shopping, going to the walk-arounds, parade, the big GAME, and ended our trip to Stillwater by celebrating Bo's 3rd Birthday! We had a great trip and tons of Fun!
Mama and her babies in front of the library
Jaxen, Daddy, and Kate cheering on the Cowboys!!
Miss Madi having fun at the game!
What a great weekend!!!
...on my mind
I am always a little hesitant to write what all is on my mind but have had a few things lingering lately so as my "therapy" I'm going to spill it on here... haha
I TRY so hard and work even harder to be the best wife, mom, & friend that I can be. I worry about people, I pray for people, I fret when I think someone is upset with me, and honestly I tend to put so many people above my own needs that it later comes back to slap me in the face. I am NOT perfect and not proclaiming to be the best at anything but can promise you one thing. If I say "I'm praying for you" I am! If I say "Call me if you need help" I mean it! and if you need a friend to listen I hope you know I will be there for you anytime day or night.
There's been situations and hard times in my life that I've learned to rise above, I've suffered loss, and I've felt pain in my heart that hurt so bad I didn't want to take another breath. I am a strong person and I realized that even more in the past few weeks. I don't tell my feelings much, I bottle them up inside, and I cry when nobody is looking. I smile when I'd rather not and I hide it when my feelings are hurt far more so than I should.
I've always following the idea that "Be kind to everyone you come across for everyone is fighting some kind of a battle" so I always tell myself that someone has it worse than me and with that I give them the smile that might make there day, or simply say a quiet prayer for them. Because I have suffered loss I hurt when other hurt, I feel a pain in my gut when someone is suffering the pain that I SO remember going thru.
....however... I've learned that I keep way to much inside, and sometimes the hurt is simply unbearable.
I came to realize this last week. It's been 15 years since I lost my sister, and I completely dread the anniversary day each year. My friends came together and were there for me, helped me keep my mind busy, and were just friends to me. The "day" one of my dear friends checked on me several times and when she learned I'd be home alone with my kids that night asked to me to come and hang out with her and her kids. I kinda wanted to stay home and just be sad but I decided against it. We went and hung out and to my surprise she asked me all sorts of questions about Cortney. She asked me how she died, about memories I have, and just listened to me talk. I can't remember the last time someone just listened or cared to take the time to hear about my very best friend, to hear about the days following the worst thing that's ever happened to me, the saddest memories of my life. She cried with me, she hurt with me, and she listened!!! I think all too often we get wrapped up in what is going on in our own lives to realize when someone hurts. We get too wrapped up in our own issues and our own feelings to think of others. We worry so much about how someone is treating us to think about what their day must be like.. I know I do. I put my family first and always will but hope I can be the friend she was to me that day and will always listen when I need to. I hope I am that friend that knows when to call or be there at the right time, but if not I know that my prayers are going up daily for the special people in my life.
I got in my car to come back that night and shed quiet tears the whole way home. I didn't realize how much I need to talk until then. I needed to share those stories, to cry, and I needed a friend.
I hope that I am that friend to someone and I hope that God will give me the ears to listen when I need to.
I TRY so hard and work even harder to be the best wife, mom, & friend that I can be. I worry about people, I pray for people, I fret when I think someone is upset with me, and honestly I tend to put so many people above my own needs that it later comes back to slap me in the face. I am NOT perfect and not proclaiming to be the best at anything but can promise you one thing. If I say "I'm praying for you" I am! If I say "Call me if you need help" I mean it! and if you need a friend to listen I hope you know I will be there for you anytime day or night.
There's been situations and hard times in my life that I've learned to rise above, I've suffered loss, and I've felt pain in my heart that hurt so bad I didn't want to take another breath. I am a strong person and I realized that even more in the past few weeks. I don't tell my feelings much, I bottle them up inside, and I cry when nobody is looking. I smile when I'd rather not and I hide it when my feelings are hurt far more so than I should.
I've always following the idea that "Be kind to everyone you come across for everyone is fighting some kind of a battle" so I always tell myself that someone has it worse than me and with that I give them the smile that might make there day, or simply say a quiet prayer for them. Because I have suffered loss I hurt when other hurt, I feel a pain in my gut when someone is suffering the pain that I SO remember going thru.
....however... I've learned that I keep way to much inside, and sometimes the hurt is simply unbearable.
I came to realize this last week. It's been 15 years since I lost my sister, and I completely dread the anniversary day each year. My friends came together and were there for me, helped me keep my mind busy, and were just friends to me. The "day" one of my dear friends checked on me several times and when she learned I'd be home alone with my kids that night asked to me to come and hang out with her and her kids. I kinda wanted to stay home and just be sad but I decided against it. We went and hung out and to my surprise she asked me all sorts of questions about Cortney. She asked me how she died, about memories I have, and just listened to me talk. I can't remember the last time someone just listened or cared to take the time to hear about my very best friend, to hear about the days following the worst thing that's ever happened to me, the saddest memories of my life. She cried with me, she hurt with me, and she listened!!! I think all too often we get wrapped up in what is going on in our own lives to realize when someone hurts. We get too wrapped up in our own issues and our own feelings to think of others. We worry so much about how someone is treating us to think about what their day must be like.. I know I do. I put my family first and always will but hope I can be the friend she was to me that day and will always listen when I need to. I hope I am that friend that knows when to call or be there at the right time, but if not I know that my prayers are going up daily for the special people in my life.
I got in my car to come back that night and shed quiet tears the whole way home. I didn't realize how much I need to talk until then. I needed to share those stories, to cry, and I needed a friend.
I hope that I am that friend to someone and I hope that God will give me the ears to listen when I need to.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
MIssing my sis....
Missing someone isn't about how long it's been since you've seen them or the amount of time since you've talked. It's about that very moment when you're doing something and wishing they were right there with you" ♥.
I found this quote and it's so fitting so MANY days in my life. I find myself thinking about my sister and just wishing she was with me for those "everyday moments." Of course I missed her on the 'big' moments (my wedding day, her graduation day, birth of children, etc) but when it comes down to it I just miss my best friend and our relationship we had.Today marks 15 years since I heard her voice, gave her a hug, and saw her big pretty smile. I remember so many things so vividly about her but would give just about anything to hear her voice again, to hear her laugh, and see her! October 23rd is always a very hard day for me, just seems like I relive that same October day in 1997, wish it were just a bad dream.
I love and miss you so much Cortney!!!
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