Still hanging on here!! ;)

Well, it's come to my attention that I haven't been blogging anymore... True! I love facebook waaay too much and it's so much easier to post there... but for those who we love and aren't on facebook, here's a couple new pictures of the kids!

Still here, hanging on ....

Okay, for the two of you that read this.... I'm still here. Slacking on blogging, but here. It seems that my life has started to fill up again, and makes it harder and harder to find time for me. In some ways, I remember fondly the days when we first moved here.. I knew hardly anyone, didn't know my way around - and had even more time to myself than I would desire at times, but yet, felt like I had more time!

Our days here are filling up with baseball for Michael and Christian. Michael seems to have a natural talent that we didn't know about until recently! Apparently all the coaches on the 4 year old teams have tagged him as 'the player' to watch..... Soooo good for my 'middle-child, always-outshined-by-my-older-brother-child'... I love watching him come into his own and flourish! He has such a sweet spirit about him and I enjoy him watching him show that to the world.

I am trying to slow down, and enjoy each minute of my precious babies... because I realize that they are growing up so fast. Trying to take an extra five minutes in the morning to snuggle, give an extra kiss and hug... and stop and listen to what they're trying to tell me. I pray that God continually reminds me of that, as that is what I hope to get from Him, as my heavenly father.

So,... off to have that quiet time now!

The Flu Bug

Well, I haven't been good at updating lately... mostly because our family has had a run in with the flu bug. :( The flu, in a family of four kids, is SO not fun. Especially when one of them can't seem to throw up anywhere but in his bed or on the carpet. All I can say is that I'm glad we have a steam cleaner!!!

Today was our first healthy day and it was sooo nice to get outside for a few hours, in the 'real' world! Who knew grocery shopping could be so fun, because it doesn't involve cleaning up after someone!!! Seriously though... this is one of the hardest parts of 'mommyhood'... the constant well, being a mom! Cleaning up after them, wiping their noses and bottoms and necks... making sure their homework is done and their lunch is made and the sheets on the bed are clean, and their clothes are clean... the menial little tasks that you rarely getted thanks for, but are part of the everyday necessities. And even cleaning up puke. I have quite the gag reflex.... and well, I still managed to do it, despite spending the whole time just trying not to throw up myself.

Anyways, just an update on us.. we're just enjoying being well!

Just sharing a fun pic!

Just sharing a couple of fun pics from our recent visit with Sandy and Alayna - we had so much fun!!!

S

Old picture....

I am involved in a 8 week bible study about writing your own "Spiritual Autobiography". Well, it involves going back through your life and identifying your 'God moments' and the ways He has worked in and through your life. Well, if you know me, then you know one of the most significant events in our lives was the loss of our daughter, Alexandra.

In an attempt to really dig into some of those moments, I found a disc (yes, a floppy disc), which required finding a floppy drive - that had the story I had written after she died. It's the story of her time with us and what I learned about God during that time. Anyways, as I recovered the information on the disc, I found a set of pictures that I had thought long lost. We have 2 copies of these pictures actually printed, but I thought we lost the rest of them. And so.. I am posting one of them. For anyone who hasn't seen her... she had a tiny button nose, and light blonde hair... and will be forever remembered and missed.

Going through a spiritual autobiography is well... HARD. But, such a blessing. It's so hard to read those memories, so fresh and painful, and so sad to see her picture - and remember holding her in my arms for those few precious moments.. BUT - it's also so rewarding. Rewarding to see the ways God has used me these last 7 years. Matured me, and shown me his grace and mercy.... and to see these 4 beautiful children He has given us since. Amazing. It's truly amazing.

The little things. :)

I am having a crappy day today. Seriously... it's too long to explain why, but between issues with Philip's job and old college, and our retarded health insurance company and their stinkin $1000 deductible (can you tell I'm not bitter!), I'm kind of crabby today. I'm human, people - we all have these days. I could sit here and tell you that I instantly 'let go' of it all and went about my day humming "Kumbya" and all that - but well, if you know me, then you know that would be a BIG fat lie. I do get there eventually, minus the humming part, but it takes me a little longer.

SO... anyways, cruddy day, cruddy attitude.. trying to be a good mom still. And then I checked my email. I got the following email from Christian's kindergarten teacher. :)

"Just wanted you to know that when we had our recent fire drill, your sweet son told Mrs. Payne not to worry, he was taking care of a particular student who usually needs someone to walk with him. He’s such a big boy!!!"

Now, my son didn't save the world today or bring me home a thousand dollars.. but he showed himself to be caring and thoughtful and kind. And that, my friends, stopped my day from being so cruddy. No matter what happens with jobs or insurance, it thrills my heart to know that I am (at least for today) raising kind-hearted and sweet kids. I am not sure (and she can tell me if I'm wrong), but I think the child in question, is a little boy in C's class that has down syndrome. I've seen him around the few times I've been in his class. I almost cried, because, my son - without prompting - went out of his way to take care of someone else. That's the kind of son I want to raise.. I want him to be Jesus to others around him.

Now, I just hope I can be that as much as he is. :)

Absences

Well, I said I was going to stay diligent about blogging.. and yet, I find myself with big absences again. Partially that's 'busyness' and partially choice. I've realized something about myself, ... that when I am walking 'thru' something in our lives, I tend to withdraw. I want to chew on it, work it out in my head and my heart - and THEN I'll tell you about it. Hence, the absence. We've been dealing with situations with Philip's job and more than that, the spiritual warfare about it - and so I've been trying to wade thru it all... I think we are in that period that comes just before the sunrise, so we're seeing the end in sights, but still can't quite touch it. He's been verbally offered a new job within Cox, but we're waiting on some transcripts from Baker University, etc.... In reality, the situation is so much more complex, but I still don't feel like sharing most of the details in cyberworld. :)

On another note, I have been attending a bible study here with other women called, "Writing your Spiritual Autobiography." When I joined the study, I didn't even really care what we were studying, I just wanted to be part of one. I wanted to get to know other women on a deeper level and start feeling involved. Well, be careful what you sign up for! :) It's been soooo good to get to know these women and learn from them, but man ... writing your spiritual autobiography sure does involve a lot of introspection! It's really good, and really hard. It basically requires you to visit your life and trace the handprints of God in that journey. It's eye opening and yet warming... Hard to visit those times when you realize that YOU were the one that walked away... and yet so great to see how God can turn our decisions into good, if we allow Him.
Partially though, the hardest part for me, is opening myself up to 'being known' by a new group of women. Again, part of this journey that God put us on when we moved. Forcing me to re-open myself, my wounds, my hopes... to new people. Something that, I have to admit, I'm not very good at. Yet, to be women of God, and to allow our hurts to help others, we have to admit those hurts to them. I'm glad to know God is using me and changing me, but it's not always an easy process!!!

25 Things about me...

I did this on facebook, and thought I'd share.

25 Things about Me!

1. I am totally anal/OCD. I make every bed in our house - every day. Without fail. Don't know why, just have to do it...

2. I always wanted to have four girls when I was growing up. I have three boys... what does that tell you about plans? ;)

3. I have friends in my life that I met on the internet. Make fun of me if you must, but we've met up in real life and they're nice people. It's the 21st century!

4. I always wanted to be an actress growing up. Must be why I'm so dramatic

5. My hair gotten more wavy/curly with every child I've had. Weird.

6. In the summer, I love to turn on the AC in the car AND roll the windows down at the same time. Waste of A/C, I know.. but I still like it.

7. I love to rearrange our furniture. Like - totally love it. I don't actually think I'm a good decorator, but I think I just like change.

8. I hate winter and snow. It's fine to go to Colorado and go skiing.. but the rest of the year, I'm great with temps above 65. :) Georgia is suiting me just fine in this area.

9. I'm, by nature, quite distrustful of people. I think it's a weakness... take it or like it, it's just innately how I am.

10. I'm a 'spender' by nature. I'm bad about making impulsive buys. I am currently reforming this, but I think it's a demon I'll always have to fight.

11. I've gotten an epidural with all my kids. Gotta love modern medicine.

12. I collect miniature clocks. Have no idea why I started collecting them, but I LOVE them. Come to my house and you can see my collection.

13. Diamonds TOTALLY are a girls' best friend.. I certainly do love them.

14. I love having a collection of perfume. Something about owning several scents makes me feel rich...?? Weird, I know.

15. I totally love getting acrylic nails. I hate paying 15 bucks every two weeks to get them filled, hence why I don't do it very often.

16. I'm a good speller. I made it some high-up level in school at the spelling bee. Probably makes me a nerd, but oh well.

17. I also loving tanning. In the bed or in the sun.. I know it gives you wrinkles, I know it can cause cancer... still love falling asleep in the sun, and I just like me better with a tan.

18. I had almost a full ride scholarship to college if I would have stayed in Missouri. I turned it down to attend a private Christian college in KS. I met my friends and husband there... but looking back, (and paying off student loans) one has to wonder what I was thinking.

19. I'm not a good cook. I can make a good meal now and then, but really - I'm not. I just get lucky at times!

20. I love learning, love school. Again, probably makes me a nerd... I don't care anymore, - it's a freedom I think comes with your 30's.

21. I always wanted to be 5'8". Don't know why.. seemed just tall enough and not too tall. Instead I'm 5'2". My kids don't have much hope of being tall.22. I have always loved and still love making up baby names. One of the funnest part of having kids was getting to name them.

23. I love taking pictures.

24. I LOOOVVE going to the movies.LOVE it.. One of the things I miss most while having four kids...

25. I love Texas Hold "em poker. Wanna play?

Ups and Downs and Ups and Downs

Well, again today, I find myself both up and down. I used to be able to sit down and have one thought straight in my mind and elaborate on that one thought... but lately, I sit down and a whirlwind of thoughts just zoom at me. Some up, some down.

So, for some 'ups'.
*Michael says the other night, "Mom! Ethan almost learned it all!! He can burp, toot and whistle... Now he just has to learn to snap!".... as he runs away happily. Apparently, those are the important skills for being a 3 or 4 year old boy. :) You can imagine what my house is like on most days. :):):)
*Trinity is jabbering all the time now. I should try to capture it on video next week, but the problem is that she rarely speaks on command .. she just mimicks you all day long. Ie, you tell her she's poopy and she yells at you "POOPY!!!". :) She says bubba, hi, dad, mom, more, all done, bye, love you, please, thank you, Bear, Zeus and her favorite new word "NO!" :) That's just a short list, and I just love the phase we're at - where she just seems to absorb information like a sponge!!! We also have to keep all bathroom doors shut, as she has discovered the joys of unrolling toilet paper. Good thing I get all that TP for pretty much free!!!! She is officially a toddler now, and most days it makes me so happy to realize that we are on the road to having four 'big kids'.... formula done, bottles done, babyfood done, etc.. I still have a little sentimentality some days realizing my 'baby' is the last baby. I guess we always knew someone had to be the last one!

Some 'downs'
* Still working on my dad's job hunt. It's been 5 months now and I am more and more sad all the time that he's not here. God and I have many, many discussions about it. And to be brutally honest, I felt for a while He kept telling me "Your timing is not my timing." GRRR.. Not what I wanted to hear. BUT, I am happy to report I felt a distinct change in that this weekend. I feel like He says now, "The time is drawing near". I am so encouraged and excited about this. Now, I always have to keep in mind that God's sense of time is not always measured in days and hours and weeks.. but still I have to trust that this indeed God's voice, so please keep praying!
*Philip's truck seems to be ca-poot. I'm sure that's not a word in real life... but it is in my house. We are now faced with the dilemma of putting $1200 into a car worth about $2000.. or having to get him a new one. Now, having just finished reading Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover", having to take out a new car loan is NOT what he preaches... but sadly, we are only in month 1 (though we ARE on baby step #2) into our plan... and here we are. So, we are trying to figure out the wisest decision to make.
*Also relating to Dave Ramsey and his financial wisdom, we are faced with some decisions about life insurance and debt and other such decisions. Some are not cut and dry decisions, so it's tough making those. BUT, we are committed to getting debt free and living 'like no one else, so later we can live like no one else'... (If that phrase is unfamiliar, read good ole Dave)
*And last but not least, the issue that has been plaguing our family for several weeks now, but which I haven't felt like I wanted to divulge much. Philip's job is well, unsure. We are pretty sure he will have a job, but the job that we moved here for is no longer an option (barring a miracle). I don't want to get into how it all came about here on blogging world, but anyways... it's hard to think that the job we moved her for (the one we left our family, friends and home for) is gone. If' I'm honest, we moved here because God told us to... not for a specific job, but still. So now we are again in transition and waiting on God to 'make clear the path'. So please keep us in prayers!

Email Devotional

Man, I wish I could take credit for what I'm about to post, but I cannot!! I got it in my email devotional. Pretty much hit the nail on the head for me, .... thought it may be what someone else needed to hear too.

"Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as He did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father caries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place." (Deuteronomy 1:29 - 31)

Sometimes our troubles seem unending. A week can feel like a year if there is intense pain or profound sorrow or inordinate fear. What if that struggle goes on for a year?

The Israelites experienced their share of trouble. They wandered in the desert for forty years; not two weeks, not six months, but forty years. During that time they faced hunger, thirst, discouragement, rebellion, sorrow, sickness, fear and death.

At the beginning of the book of Deuteronomy, it is recorded that, finally, the Israelites stood on the verge of entering the Promised Land. Before they entered, God had Moses give them a history lesson.He reviewed the laws God had given them and reminded them that, "During the forty years that I led you through the desert, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet." (Deuteronomy 29:5)

He pointed them to the truth of how they had survived their long existence in the desert -- God carried them.There is a lesson for us to learn in the story of the Israelites, whenever we are fearful of the future or weary from our trials.

We are not to look ahead and wonder how much we can endure. Instead we are to look back, remember what God has done in the past, and acknowledge how He has sustained us.Then, we look to God to carry us, one day at a time.

Oh God, I can see a path in the history of my life and know that You have carried me. Please continue to do so, because I can do nothing without You.

Trinity's crazy!

.......

I don't have a title for this... I feel like my brain is in a thousand places at once, and am having a hard time focusing on one idea! I am so 'up' in some ways.... I feel so blessed here. I am developing good friendships, happy with our church, get to start in a women's bible study this week, love putting my kids to bed at night and talking about their day, sitting at the dinner table and laughing with them all - things, in many ways, are SO good. Good, because I truly believe that we are in a place where God led us. Good, because despite a hard road to getting here, I am so content with my four kids on earth and how unique they each are. Good, because I have a husband who is my best friend and whom I couldn't get through a day without. Good, because it's an amazingly peaceful feeling to rest in God and his knowledge, his will, his care, his hand...

Philip and the kids and I went to dinner tonight (thanks to the gift card we had received for Christmas)... and it was so nice. Nice to just sit at the table with my husband and my kids, laughing, being silly, sharing a dessert... The kids are getting old enough to have conversation with us (mind you, crazy conversation). But it's just NICE. I'm so happy that we're all together, that everyone is healthy, that my children are growing up with two parents who love them. We are so truly blessed.

Having said all that, I want to share that our family is also going through an incredible test of faith. I don't really want to share the details on the world wide web, but needless to say, many of the things that we assumed were established and givens about our future here are, well, unsure. Again, not up for sharing it all via the web, but it is truly crazy and truly difficult. AND YET, as was reaffirmed to us in church this morning, what a wonderful peace to know that we are where God wants us. We all make mistakes, we all sin, we all fall short - but WOW, the knowledge that we are God's children and that no matter what, we are in relationship with him. We are sons and daughters, and no matter what mistakes we make, we will always be his sons and daughters if we have accepted his salvation. (This part is all taken from today's sermon)..... :) We can alter the fellowship we have with him by our actions, but none of those actions can affect the relationship, any more than we can stop being a son or daughter to one of our earthly parents. No matter our actions, we will always be related to them... and the same is true of our God. Once you become his son or daughter, nothing you do can affect that. WOW. How 'bout those cookies??? So anyways, despite the trials we are going through and how we may have gotten there, there is such a peace in resting in God.

Well, I feel like I just verbally "puked". HA! Not sure if you got anything out of all of that, but I think I certainly feel better!

Ready to goooo!

Last night Philip and I sat down with a list of bills, paper and a calculator! I did research all day on Dave Ramsey's steps, and we are all set to go! We actually already set aside our 1K emergency fund (out of money we got from his bonus. We were going to pay off a bill with it, but based on what Dave says, we're doing this). We have a list of the bills, amounts, and goals! I actually (being the Type A person I am) typed up 2009 Financial Goals List for us, complete with the month/date of when we plan to have that bill paid off and it's on my wall in front of my computer!! That way I can see it everyday and be reminded of our goals! I also (again, Type A person here!) made an excel spreadsheet for us so that we can track our goals and progress. I'm really excited to see our progress, so we can see how much debt we've paid off YTD. Seeing it on paper is SOOO good for my motivation level. I am SERIOUSLY excited about it! Mind you, none of this information is actually NEW information (except maybe the Emergency fund mindset). Sadly, Philip and I are just not good at doing what we know. BUT, I will have to say, we haven't ever actually come up with a 'plan' and goals and such. This is pretty new for us, and hopefully it will be life changing for us. We even left room for us to save up for family vacations, and other events!

The older boys went back to the respective schools today... and though I love them, THANK GOODNESS. There is something to be said for a schedule! I loved having everyone home for 2+ weeks, but after it's been raining for a week, I think we were all needing some mental stimulation! Ya for school! :)

New Years Resolutions

Okay, generally I'm not one to jump on the NY Resolutions-bandwagon... but I do have some things which are highly motivating me. Motivations, not resolutions. :)
1) I have gone back on Atkins. And to all you naysayers, who say that it's not necessary.. well, it's necessary for me. I gained over 5 lbs over the holidays.. and yes, that's not much, but it doesn't feel good when the jeans that were loose 2 weeks ago are now tight! I am still on my attempt to get to my pre-pregnancy weight. And its not really just about weight, it's about getting in shape and feeling good about who I am - even after having 5 children. So, I am ready to start doing wii fit and P90X. (If you don't know what p90X is, go to www.beachbody.com and check it out). My old college friend, Cara, sent me her day 1, day 45 and day 90 pics from doing P90X. I don't want to fork out the money for a gym membership, nor am I good lately and about wanting to put all the kids in the nursery there or take time away from Philip and the kids in the evening to go to a gym. SO, I have a treadmill in my basement, I have Wii Fit (which is seriously fun too) and P90X. Between those three, I should be able to have a variety of exercises at my hand and get my booty in shape (and yes, I meant that literallY0.

2) I am trying to get the book "Dave Ramsey's Total Money makeover". I am generally not one who likes to share or discuss our family's financial information... but I will just say in general that we have lots of student loans and more credit card debt than we should. We've learned some hard lessons in our marriage and have had more times than I like to admit that we were NOT good stewards of our money... and we are still paying for it. So I am getting on the Dave Ramsey wagon, and as the bill-payer in our family, we are GETTING ON TRACK. Got any tips, suggestions, encouragement? PLEASE share. ;)

Happy New Years all!

Returning from the long absence!!!

Well, it's been a few weeks since I've blogged... Those last few weeks before Christmas were just a mad house with shopping, cleaning for the company, school activities and such. It felt truly mad there for a while! We were Soooo happy to have all our family here for a week over Christmas though. They all stayed from Saturday to Saturday and although it was slightly crazy at moments, it was soooo much fun. We played tons of games, made cookies, made a ton of great food, went to the Georgia Aquarium and to the wildlife reserve... and all in all, just had a wonderful time.

Having said all that, it's also nice today to have our house sooooo quiet! :) Philip is blessed to have this week off work also, so we are enjoying a week of Daddy time. I even got to go see a movie this weekend with a girlfriend and her daughter!!! (BTW, Marley and Me is a GREAT one). We are trying to fit in a date night for mom and dad, but we still have to work hard to find a sitter for all four kids (anyone free one night this week, or afternoon this week - we'll take what we can get! ha!).

We've had some mysterious illnesses... Michael had to go to the Minute Clinic last weekend for a sinus infection, and the PN said she heard a heart murmur. I, of course, came home and googled it... and was prepared for it to be something or nothing. We took him to the dr today, and lo and behold - she couldn't find it! :) Ethan has also popped up with a mysterious lump in his neck, measuring 3 cm x 2 cm.... they decided it was a swollen lymph node - maybe cat scratch fever... anyhow, we're getting him on antibiotics. Trinity is on antibiotics for yet AnOTHER ear infection (I hope to get to the ENT in January) and the CAT is on antibiotics for some mysterious illness too.... Good grief!

I'm also quite sad because my laptop seems to have finally decided to "bite the dust". I'm currently using Philip's laptop... which I will probably have to inherit, as mine was the only computer we had with internet at home.. The joys of technology. :)

Please continue to pray with us about Dad's job. It was so hard to have him leave here after Christmas and go back to Missouri. We have such a deep desire in our heart for him to live here, and one we believe he shares... Philip and I both feel we have kind of 'slid off the saddle' in our prayer life lately, so we have renewed our ferver in that area and will be lifting this up daily. Please join us... We truly and finally feel settled here in GA. We feel like it's home, despite missing our family and friends so much.

Catching up...

Well, as life has gotten busier, I've gotten less and less frequent at blogging.. which I said I wasn't going to do!!! But, I fall into old habits easily.. so anyways, trying to catch up here.

Well, much to my chagrin, we are still waiting on Dad to find a job here. I keep on "PUSH"ing (Pray Until Something Happens), but everytime I pray about it, God's gentle (and sometimes not so gentle) voice reminds me "MY timing isn't your timing." :( I know He has it in his hands, and his will, but if it were in my hands, He would be here already! Obviously, it's not. Despite the 30+ resumes we send out a week! He has been getting phone calls on a weekly basis, phone interviews, and even has at least one or two interviews during the week of Christmas when he's here. I suppose I need to 'let go' a little, but we have room for him, He wants to come, We want him to come... HELLO, what are we waiting on?

On a happier note, we are just grateful... we are grateful for Philip's job, for what God is doing for him and through him... and for our home, our family, where GOd has led us. We are happy here, despite missing our friends and family. We are happy to be wherever God has led us!

Tis the Season... to pass it around

At least in our house it seems.. Pass it, catch it... Any kind of illness, that is! Poor Trinity was really sick last week! After 2 dr visits, and 2 days of 103 fever, poor girl had another ear infection and possibly strep. She's on day 4 of antibiotics and seems to be finally feeling better. Good to see my happy girl again!! Then last night, after we have a great afternoon of some Christmas shopping (complete with a sitter for the boys), we look at Michael and realize he is getting pink eye. :( Thank goodness we have drops left from last spring, so we started dosing him up. Christian was up coughing all night, which warranted him to stay home today from school... so I've been home with the four kids, trying to sanitize and isolate all those nasty germs. Fun. Winter season with four kids always is interesting here!!

We did finally get a tree up this weekend, and are having fun getting them in the Christmas spirit. Mostly though, we are just counting down the days til December 20th, when all the family comes to visit! YA!!! I wish it were this weekend already!!!

Christmas gifts

Well, Christmas has snuck up on me yet again. I'm all psyched for thanksgiving, and then bam-I have 24 shopping days til Christmas!
I've tried to start some on-line shopping, as it doesn't require me to take ANY kids to a store where I hear , "Can I have this, can I have that..." or the "I want" . (Commonly referred to as the "Green eyed monster" in our house!) My dilemma this year is what to get my kids this year for Christmas that A) Wont be laying around the house in 2 weeks B) Can't be used as a weapon of mass destruction against a brother, sister or parent C) Won't cost me an arm and a leg but D) Make my little green eye monster happy. :) Really truly I want to not 'overdue' it this year, and teach my kids more and more about the spirit of Christmas as they get older. YET, I want them to have wonderful memories of Christmas' spent as a family. I *Think* we are getting one big present that will be for them all, and then one small one for them to open. But then you have stockings too... you see how it so easily gets out of hand. I think for stockings, I want to stick to stickers, temporary tattoos... you know, little items... Our family is coming to visit this year for Christmas, and to us, that means more than anything we can open, but when you're 3, 4 and 6.. you still want something to rip the paper off of. :)

Got any great suggestions on how to remind my kids of the "reason for the season"?

Back from traveling!

Well, after a long absence on the internet world, I have returned! :) The kids and I were gone for 8 days and it was quite a whirlwind. I felt like I spent the entire week before we left, getting ready to go and then the day we've been back, I've spent trying to unpack and do laundry... and I still have neither one done! :) It's quite a task to get 4 kids halfway across the country with snacks, toys, blankies, pillows and everything else they need! I am happy to say though that I drove with just the kids and I, the entire journey to KC. We had a very nice dinner with Philip's Uncle Lynn and Aunt Gloria, who now live in Nashville. We then made it all the way to Paducah, KY and spent a very-unrestful night together in a hotel room. :( Other than that, we had few glitches in the road and got there Saturday afternoon. I now feel like I have conquered the world by driving 14 + hours with them all and still having my sanity!

We had a wonderful week with family and friends, and the boys especially enjoyed seeing everyone, since this was their first trip back since moving. The drive home was all in one day, but thankfully Philip was with us, so it was easier with 2 drivers (although harder to do it all in one day). I am just happy we all made it safe and sound there and back! We are looking forward to all our family coming to visit in about 3 weeks for Christmas!

I am also happy to report that when we got home, it actually felt like "home" now. I miss all our friends and family still, but it clicked, as we drove in our garage - we were home. Canton and Georgia are now home to us, and in spite of it all, that feels really good. Welcome home!

WONDERFUL Saturday at a Wildlife Reserve

Well, it has been a wonderful weekend. A reminder that I still think God "Drew us apart to draw us together." We spent pretty much the whole weekend together as a family. It was relaxing and just wonderful.

Saturday, we took the advice of my new friend Kristin and took the kids to a local Game Ranch/Wildlife Reserve. It's about an hour drive, close to Stone Mountain. OH My goodness, it was worth the 50 minute drive!!! We had so much fun, as you can tell from the pictures! It's filled with deer, squirrels, chickens, rabbits, pigs, bears, cougars (the dangerous animals are caged) and more... The deer and the tame animals just wander through the park and are fed, petted... it's amazing! We had deer following us, eating from our hands - they even let the kids hug them! The squirrels would literally run up to you, sit on their back feet and beg from you. It was simply awesome to be so close to all of these 'wild animals'!!!! Makes me think how wonderful it must have been in the Garden of Eden - where Adam and Eve walked among the animals and just 'hung' with them, as my kids would say. I can't even imagine walking beside a mountain lion... talking with them maybe? All beyond my imagination, but our little glimpse this weekend was exhilirating! We plan to take the rest of our family when they come for Christmas!

I'm off tomorrow night to do my first bargain workshop here, and then spending the week getting ready for my long journey with the kids!! :) Anyone have any extra benadryl?:)

My bargain workshops starting here... :)

Well, since moving, I have been FRUITFULLY enjoying living in the land of double coupons!! :) Both Publix and Kroger (my local grocery stores) double coupons up to .50... and have some dang good sales too! We moved and had to start totally over with freezer goods, which sucks, cause I had my whole deep freeze packed (we gave the deep freeze away to Jonathan and Tabby). So anyways, I now have a side by side freezer upstairs and another one downstairs.. not as big as a deep freeze, but still. I have now FILLED those freezers to the BRIM, and pretty much for almost nothing. :) Not to mention the slew of other great deals I've found.

Anyways, Philip has been telling some of his co-workers about my bargain shopping classes, as well as some of our new neighbors. I also met a lady the other day at CVS, as I was checking out... I was having a particularly good "CVS" night.. paid almost nothing for an entire cartful of stuff. She wanted to know how I did that, and after a little talk, she is hosting my next Bargain Shopping workshop here.

I might just say that I was content to let that go... not that I don't enjoy it and not that I don't think it's a great thing to share... I just figured that since I hardly knew anyone here that it wasn't realistic to start something that basically requires networking. I guess God has other plans!!! I am trying to let myself just be used by him, however he wants!!!

Family and such

Just had to say that we had a most wonderful time during the last 24 hours. Philip's Aunt June, Uncle Lowell, Uncle Lynn, Aunt RaeEsther and his grandma all stayed with us last night! June, Lowell, Rae Esther and Grandma were all on their way back to Pennyslvania and we learned that Uncle Lynn now lives in Nashville, so within a 4hour drive!! The amazing part is that we have a big enough house to accomodate everyone too!!!! The boys had a blast learning some new 'kung fu' moves (as they call them) from Uncle Lowell and I was reminded time and time again where Trinity gets her red hair and her looks!! She is DEFINITELY a Wise! :) Anyways, we had so much fun having a big taco dinner with them, and talking... its so nice to see family!!! So who's next? :)

I also heard back on my dad's interview... He had been waiting and waiting to hear... only to find out there is MORE waiting! Apparently, they want the 'interim controller' to give his input on hiring - and he was out this week and now all next week too.... so we continue to pray and wait!~ Did I mention that I HATE waiting? :) :):):) Maybe God's trying to sneak in a lesson on patience! :):):)

Other than that, we are enjoying the warm fall weather in GA. This week has been in the 70's and man, it's NOVEMBER! I'm looking forward to seeing what winter is like here!

And we also decide that we are going to KS for thanksgiving! ya! We are so excited. It should be interesting though, because the kids and are going to drive the 12-14 hours, and spend the whole week and then Philip will fly in on Wednesday and join us. Christian has the whole week of school and it seemed like a waste not to pack in some great friends/family time while we could. I think I need some prayers though for all those hours on the road with 4 kids! I must be crazy!

Our newest addition!!!

Daddy brought home a surprise for us on Halloween night!! His name is Zeus, and he's just about the cutest thing ever! He doesn't ever get to walk, because there is a long line of hands waiting to hold him! :) Technically, he was Trinity's birthday present... but I think we all know who the cat lover is in this family!

Bear thinks he is a proud new 'papa' because he follows this kitten around like it's his little lost baby. So all in all, I think he's fitting into the family quite well!

We also had a wonderful visit with Paula and Herb this weekend, who stayed with us for the weekend. It's always so nice to have family here - feels like a breath of fresh air, since we miss all our family so much.

We are still waiting to hear about the possible job offer for my dad, so PLEASE keep praying. :)

Miss 'Thang' is walking!

Happy Birthday Trinity Zion!!!!!

My baby is ONE today!! My baby girl, for whom I prayed for 5 years for - is turning one!!! I still distinctly remember the day, in my prayer time, when God told me, "You will have another baby. A daughter. Her name will be Trinity Zion, for she will be a new beginning and a healing." I wasn't pregnant yet, and in fact, we weren't both on board to even have another baby yet... Now, I'm not one to doubt God or his voice, but considering what He was saying was exactly what I'd been hoping for ever since the day Alexandra died (another daughter), it was almost one of those 'too good to be true'. A few weeks later, Philip said "Let's have another baby"... and exactly four weeks later, I was pregnant. :) I held those words so close to my heart, hoping that they truly were God and that she was a girl. At 20 weeks, Lynn (the same sonogram technician who was there and told us that Alexandra had died) said, "I can tell you 100% what you're having. That, my friend, is a little girl!" I still am tearing up just thinking about it. Philip and I cried all day, I think!! I love my boys more than words will ever express, and yet, there was something so healing for me about having another daughter. She truly has been lived up to her name "Zion" ... she has healed a part of my heart that was, until now, untouched. After a scheduled induction, in which she never progressed past a 4, 28 hours of labor, then a c-section - she is worth all the wait!

She is now walking and trying to talk, and has been the sweetest, most amazing little girl I could have ever asked for! I pray that with a name as powerful as her, that God continues to use her in amazing ways! Happy Birthday, baby~!

Slowly but surely...

Slowly but surely, this feels like home. :) I actually have TWO whole friends here now. Friends that I talk to on a regular basis and who I can call if I need to talk or vice versa... what a good feeling. I still miss my friends back in KS so much that if I think about it much, my heart hurts.

YET, there is an overwhelming peace about being where God wants us to be. The sermon at church yesterday was about Jonah and running from God... and it was a great feeling to know that we are NOT running from Him, but have done (to the best we can) what we feel like He wants us to do. And, it's a really good feeling to not be church-hunting anymore. As we sat at our prayer couch Saturday night, thanking God for sending someone to lease our house and for all He has done for us, I again reiterated that this church, in so many ways, is the most unlikely of places for us. :) Yet, we started giving our tithe to this church this week (instead of sending it back to KS) and man - it feels very good to be more and more settled.

We did a little more decorating this weekend, while my dad was here. OUr house really feels like our home now. :) I feel like in many ways, that my heart is in two places... but that God is slowly but surely filling my heart here. I firmly believe He has us here for a reason, although those reasons are still revealing themselves day by day. We had many conversations with each other and others, before we moved, about how much easier it would have been to pack up our home and our kids to move away if God had called us to the ministry, or to missions or something that the 'churched' define as 'ministry'. Yet, He didn't. He simply called us to be obedient and to follow the urgings in our hearts to go to a city where we knew almost no one and had to rely soley on HIM. Maybe that alone was His simple calling... I don't know, but I'm thankful to be able to tell my kids as they get older.. "Why did we move to Georgia?" "Because God told us to". :)

On a last note, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE having a prayer couch. In 8 years of marriage, we've never had something like this before, and in many ways, it's changing our prayer time together.
Please continue to pray for my dad through this week, and for the hiring company. I cannot even express how much we hope for him to get this job!!

HALLELUJAH - P.U.S.H.

HALLELUJAH!!!!!

Words cannot express my job today! P.U.S.H. WORKED! The company working with our house called today and OUR HOUSE IN KANSAS is under lease/purchase contract!!! Pray Until Something Happens - and IT DID!!!!!!! We have been paying 2 mortgages for 3 months now, and thank GOD, that time is ending!!!!!!! You can't imagine the amazing burden that has been lifted!

I also wanted to update.. My dad had a job interview here on Friday! He already had a trip planned here, and on Wednesday, a company called and asked if he could be at an interview on Friday. :) Well, he sure could! The interview went well! He has a follow up phone interview on Monday or Tuesday, and then they will make the decision by the end of next week (they also have 2 more interviews). Not only would it mean he would move here, but it's a substantial pay increase for him!!!! So please continue to P.U.S.H. on that!!!! :):)

Did I mention HALLELUJAH!?

P.U.S.H.

There is a little church down the road that I pass about 5 x a week, if not more. I pass in the way to Christian's games, as well as Walmart and various other destinations. Honestly, I'd be surprised if they have 50 people at their church.. but they have a little announcement kiosk by the road. For the past 2 weeks, they've had the following message on it.
"P.U.S.H Pray Until Something Happens". I LOVE IT ! It is my new personal motto. :) I wrote it on a sticky note and stuck it in the kitchen and am going to put one on the bathroom mirror too!! I have a couple of things that I'm "Pushing" for for, such as my dad getting a job here and moving (asap too!) and our house in KS to lease/sell. For anyone who doesn't know, we are on month 3 of paying 2 mortgages and although I am eternally grateful that God has provided for us to be able to pay them both, we can't continue to do it forever. It's making it impossible to pay off debt. So please remember those if you are thinking of us.

Trinity has been getting four teeth this week. FUN! She is getting up in the night, early in the morning, refusing to nap and just hanging on me non-stop. Joyous! BUT it is fun to see her get those top teeth and look more like a big girl. :) She also learned to say "Cheez" and scrunch her nose when she thinks you're taking her picture...and to take my phone, put it to her ear and pretend to talk. Not even one and she wants her own cell phone! LOL. But we crossed a major milestone this week - we are DONE With formula - FOREVER!! TO some, that's a nice thing, but considering I've been buying formula off and on for SIX years - HELLO - it's amazing! :)
Again, God has given me such a peace that our little family (okay, not so little) is complete. There are times I see those tiny babies or those pregnant mama's and for about 20 seconds, I feel that 'tug' .. and then my kids start screaming and fighting in the background and that vanishes as quickly as it came. :) It's an odd feeling to know that part of our lives is behind us and done (the being pregnant and having babies part), considering I'm only 31... yet, I don't really want to do it all again! I still have 7 non-budging pounds of baby weight to lose (suggestions anyone?), we're now done with formula, I only have one in diapers .. I don't want to start over, I just enjoy being pregnant and enjoy having a newborn. But, as with everything else, there is a time and place. Our time and place is over for that, and it's time to 'raise' them. Next year I'll have TWO kids in school full time.. I'm anxious to go back to school and go back to a career.. but it's just weird to absorb we're never having anymore babies. Anyways, I'm rambling ... I seem to have a lot of time on my hands this week, combined with lack of daytime-adult-conversation - so cyberworld gets to be my audience. ;) I guess if you don't like it, don't read it!

PS.. Here's a picture of my crazy girl from this week!

End to the church hunt!

Well, God has both a mission AND a sense of humor!!! As everyone knows, it's been a long couple of months of 'church hunting'. To go from a church home that literally is HOME and family, and to try to find that again is nothing short of miraculous....and well, probably wrong. God didn't lead us 14 hours away to put us in the same spot.

We've visited several churches, both big and small. I think we were looking for a fit, for family, for a place we felt like 'home'. Last week and today, we visited a church called "The River". It's a church plant, located about 5 minutes from our house, and is about 120 people. It's a young church, rough around the edges... Worship isn't that smooth yet, there are so many things that are still being figured out. Last week, we came home and Philip said that something 'clicked' for him... that he felt like maybe there was a spot for us and work to be done. Quite honestly, I came home thinking "well, where do we try next"? We even had another church we planned on visiting today, but decided last night that it was too far and for convenience sake, we would go to The River again.

Did I mention that God has a sense of humor? :) Today's message was about Jonah and Ninevah... how God sent him to Ninevah and it wasn't what Jonah had envisioned for his life. Well, call me Jonah. God gently - okay, NOT so gently, reminded me that He sent us here for reasons. Not just for Philip's job, not just for the friends we're making, but for a plethora of reasons. I believe the River might be part of that. There is a time to 'be served' and a time to 'serve'. I believe, after being so loved, taught, trained, blessed.. etc, that God has moved us to another place and another part of the journey, and that its time to put some of that to use. He has built in us a strong foundation of faith and family, and there is a need for us at the River. I guess I feel like we spent 10 years in Kansas being 'raised' like we raise our kids. Now we are (so to speak) like the 18 year old, being booted out and told that 'it's time to practice what you were taught'.....

Anyways, long story short,.. I think we found our church! It's not at all what we were expecting, nor looking for, and yet, I believe God has a place for us there. I am dreading it and excited, all at the same time... if that makes sense. Excited to see what He has for us and how He continues to stretch us.. as well as dreading the 'stretching pains' that will inevitably come along. We are where we are.. right where He put us. Thank you for the prayers of leading, as I believe He is showing us a step at a time. Funny how Gods plan is almost NEVER what we foresee, and yet turns out to be just perfect.

Now if we can just get someone to rent our house in Kansas! :)

Patience

For the past several days, I feel so often like I fail more as a parent than I succeed. If you don't know what I mean by that, then you probably shouldn't read the rest of this. :(

Let me begin by saying that three of my four kids are pretty easy kids. We have a few bumps in the road, but for the most part, they don't stretch me as a parent. Then, I have one of my children, who shall remain nameless in blogging world, ... who, well, stretches me. I can't decide if he is more like me than the others or the complete opposite, but no matter which one - I have days where I feel like I just can't WIN! Not that parenting is a win/lose situation, but you know what I mean. No matter what I do, this child is never happy, never content, never satisfied. If I give him chocolate milk, he wanted juice. If I give him juice, he wanted milk. Simple choices like "What do you want for breakfast" turn into a 20 minute argument because I don't fix it right, etc. I love this child more than words can express...but I just don't know how to get through to him!!!!!

I started thinking today how much God must identify. No matter what He gives me, I always find something else to want or complain about..... Gee, I feel like the pot calling the kettle black.
I'm glad that God continues to be patient with me, humble me, teach me and show me grace. Therefore I will continue to pray that I can do the same for my child and my children. God don't give up on me yet and I won't give up on them either!