Yes....we are Hillbillies :)

Clay and a group of friends playing with a camera attached to his motorcycle helmet.

Merry Christmas 2011

From our family...

...to your family....

Merry Christmas!

Celebrate His birth...and

Be joyful in ALL things.

Fall Ball

A few pictures from this year's Fall Ball.

And yes, one of them actually danced....guess which one?

He even danced with me :)

The Last Game

Zach's last high school football game was Nov. 4th. He had a great season.

This helmet has seen its fair share of tackles this year.

He was first in the 8AA & 8AAA regions for interceptions and placed 7th in receiving. He had a total of 42 receptions, for 431 yards. He had 43 tackles, 17 assists, and 7 tackles for a loss. He also had 18 kick returns for 283 yards.

The seniors line up for one last picture.

With few exceptions, he never came off the field during a game.

After the last game, we all walked onto the field for one last time. It was bittersweet.

Fortunately, a very sweet young lady was there to cheer him up. She certainly puts a smile on his face.

Congratulations Zach. You fought hard and finished well....you also kept the faith. You kept your head above the bickering and criticism. You quietly stood by your teammates and you proved yourself to be a leader. Now take what you have learned on the field and use it to make a difference in this world.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

Thanksgiving

It's quiet at my house this morning. Soon, I will be cranking up the oven for pies and mac n cheese....my contribution to Thanksgiving Dinner.

I had every intention to have a daily Thanksgiving post this month. *ahem* Didn't quite work out as I had planned.

This month has been CRAZY. I even have a *beautiful* stress rash on my arms and legs as proof.

I believe it is important to focus on the good things, the positive things, the blessings in life. Here's my list:

Bob - I married well....despite being young (2 weeks shy of 19) and totally unprepared for marriage, I somehow managed to find the perfect person.

Clay - He's grown up a lot this year. He is confident, dependable, honest, and a hard-worker. We rode together to a wrestling meet last night and the conversation was good. He's got a smart head on his shoulders and an incredibly giving heart. I'm so proud of him.

Zach - He celebrated a birthday this week. He's had a tough couple of months but "the old" Zach has returned and I'm thankful. He's my quiet, stoic one that is often misunderstood by those who don't know him well. He's the one who will always sit on the couch with me and slowly open up his heart. He's the one who has taught me to sit still, be patient, and listen for the meaning behind the words.

Adam - Adam has always been our "perpetual sunshine." He got his learner's permit this month. He posted on facebook that his first driving experience was "intense." It was. His first wrestling match was last week. He lost his match. He was disappointed for a little bit but within the hour posted the following on facebook: "Well I was the first person to loose in wrestling in Union County history." *his spelling--not mine* Bless his heart. You can't be around Adam and not smile.

Health - I'm thankful that both my mom and mother-in-law are doing well. They both still have health issues but they are doing much better. The spiritual and physical strength these two ladies have shown this past year is amazing. I love them both.

Service - I'm always thankful for opportunities to serve. This year, we were on the opposite side of the fence. We were the recipients of service. Some folks may not even realize how they "served" my family with their kinds words, sweet cards, and prayers. But oh-my-goodness....how blessed and loved we felt during that time.

Family - Today my family will meet together to eat, laugh, argue (just a little), and love on each other.

My job - I really love my job. This year is one of those "overwhelming" years where the sheer number of students is whipping my rear-end BUT....I have the most amazing classes. I absolutely love each and every one of them. I'm just frustrated there are so many (187 to be exact) that need "more" of me and I can only stretch myself so far.

5th Grade Sunday School Class - I just love this group. They are so funny and sweet. They bless my heart in so many ways.

Katie - Everyone needs a sweet beagle in their life. She's always happy when we get home and the perfect companion on the couch. Every evening she will put her face on my knee and give a sweet sigh of contentment....my heart instantly melts and forgets about the chewed up underwear in the driveway :)

Thankful... Day 2

Today I am thankful for sweet hymns. They soothe my soul in the midst of a crazy day.

Thankful...Day 1

Today I am thankful my mom and mother-in-law are healthy and doing well. We are blessed.

A Prayer for Revelation

Last winter I chose a specific one word prayer for the boys. Throughout this year, God has been answering those prayers....in little and big ways.

This week was another answer to prayer.

Dreams written out on paper

Clay made a bold decision this week.

College English has paid off! Who would have thought Clay would use the words "minimalist fashion"? We won't mention anything about the misspelled words :P

He's decided to follow his heart and intuition.

A change in plans, a sense of direction, peace over the decision.

I used the following quote on Zach's senior ad. As Clay talked, debated, and weighed his options this week, I was reminded of the quote.

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

Steve Jobs

For a believer the "inner voice" is the Holy Spirit. God has a plan for Clay. I pray he will continue to follow his heart and intuition by fully relying on God.

Everything else IS secondary....

One Happy Family

I recently wrangled my guys into a family photo session.

There were a few moans and groans....but...overall, everyone promised to behave and smile for the camera.

We met the photographer at the local park on a Sunday afternoon.

The leaves were beautiful. The weather was amazing. It was simply gorgeous....

A perfect day for pictures.

A great day to celebrate FAMILY.

all photo credits: Dana Kogod Photography

Great memories.....

Be Strong

It's not exactly been the season everyone hoped for during those long, hard summer workouts.

It was suppose to be "The Year" when all the hard work paid off.

Last night was only our second victory of the season.

This season has been filled with disappointments and discouragement. It has also revealed how human nature can get a little ugly when things aren't going as expected.

Through it all, Zach has made us proud. He has played well....extremely well. He's usually on the field for the entire game. He's strong and resilient.

But the thing that makes me the most proud, is his refusal to participate in the bickering and blame. His journey through this season has resulted in an amazing personal and spiritual growth. When faced with the challenge to stand up and/or speak up for what is right, he has quietly stepped up to the plate.

Football pads and helmets are a modern-day version of armor. Physical strength is mandatory on the football field. However, as he steps away from the field, I pray he has learned that true strength comes from the Lord.

"Finally, Zach, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you (Zach) may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

Ephesians 6:10 -11

Fall Break

I'll be camping, knitting, and napping.

How we spent our Sunday

Be the Church

Another Football Post....

I know...

how creative of me....

another football post.

Imagine that?

Zach was one of the team captains for the first home game.

This time of year we spend a lot of time at football games...Thursday night JV games and Friday night varsity games. Practice the rest of the week means late suppers or a trip to the drive-thru. Too many trips through the drive-thru....

A little face mask action going on. The referee didn't catch this one btw.

The next week will require a lot of travel time. Zach's game is over 94 miles away. Adam's game is around 60 miles away. Needless to say, we're all zombies around here by Saturday morning.

We won the first game and lost last night. When the other team has a player who can run a 4.2, and can somehow wiggle out of every tackle....it doesn't bode well for the opposing team. Zach tried to chase him down but his 4.7 just couldn't keep up with a 4.2.

So far, Zach is having a great season. In his first game, he had 65 yards receiving and 1 interception. According to the stats in the paper, he had T-2, A-4, TFL-1. (Don't ask me what the numbers and letters represent. I have no idea.) He was Defense Athlete of the Week.

However, the one award he is most proud of is the Wood Award.

A sweaty, tired, but happy football player after the game.

This is an award the defensive coaches hand out each week for the "hardest hit". He added another Wood Award to his growing list.

To say he enjoys tackling is an understatement :)

An Update on Sandy

My MIL made it through the surgery. The mass was cancer. We're waiting on the pathology report to determine the type. She will require chemo as a precaution.

This morning in my prayers, I am thankful she survived the surgery. I'm thankful that Bob is there by her side. I pray the cancer is not aggressive and the chemo treatments will take care of any stray cancer cells. I pray she will grow stronger each day and her health will return...so she can dig in her garden for many, many seasons....watch each grandson graduate high school....attend their weddings....and enjoy great-grandbabies. I give praise to a Heavenly Father that loves us and carries us through the tough times.

Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

The First Game of the Season

First home game is tonight.

The beginning of the end for one player.

The first game as a high school player for the other one.

I'll try not to cry.

Prayer Request

My mother-in-law will have surgery this Friday. She has two large masses that will be removed plus exploratory surgery. The masses are so large she can't eat more than a few bites and is in constant pain. She is getting weaker and weaker every day.

Our family would be most appreciative if you remembered Sandy in your prayers.

Imagine the laundry

Senior football players after a hot, sweaty day at football camp.

Zach is #15.

The dirty laundry was epic. Words can't describe the smell....

My Priceless Art Collection

I have a priceless art collection. Each piece was eagerly carried home in a backpack. A few never survived the trip. Those that managed to arrive safely were greeted with appreciation and safely tucked away.

Until last week...

when I decided it was time to display my priceless collection.

This corner of my home brings a smile to my face every time I pass by.

A smack up the side of my head...

For the past two days I have been running around in a self-imposed tizzy. The "to-do" list that seemed so do-able in June, now seems impossible and frustrating. So many things to do before school starts.

For the record...my "tizzy fit" happens every summer.

This morning after rushing to Walmart, going through the crazy mental check list, and feeling overwhelmed, the Holy Spirit said to me.....

"Did you walk 3 miles to get water for your family?"

"Did you wash your family's laundry in a river yesterday?"

"Hmmm....someone really needs to get over herself."

My mental smack up the side of the head was well timed and deserved.

44 Trips around the Sun

Today I'm thinking about all the blessings that have filled my 44 years.

My family. I was fortunate to be born into a family of believers...good people who love the Lord and serve Him in their own humble way.

Bob. I prayed for a godly man and God answered.

Clay, Zach, Adam....my three blessings. I simply love being a mom.

Grace. Oh, the mistakes I have made and how thankful I am for second chances.

Forgiveness. Finally accepting true forgiveness and learning to let go of the shackles of fear, worry, and shame.

Peace. Sweet contentment. In good and bad times. Knowing that He holds me under His wing.

Today my heart is full. I am a child of God.

I'm thanking you, God, from a full heart,

I'm writing the book on your wonders.

I'm whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy;

I'm singing your song, High God.

Psalm 9: 1-2

(The Message)

The Front Porch

My front porch... a place for family treasures, hand-me-downs, and thrift store bargains.

The rocking chairs were given to me as a college graduation gift. Bob bought one and our landlord bought the other one. The table is a hand-me-down from my mom. The cushions were a Goodwill find and then later covered with a thrifted fabric. I saw the bolt of fabric and left the store without it. Later that evening I regretted not buying the fabric. I gave my mom a call and she went back to the store for me. I think the entire bolt was $5.

The ladder is all that is left of a bunk bed Bob made for the boys. The gray birdhouse was made by Bob's Uncle Wayne. It has a Kansas car tag for a roof.

My mother-in-law made this mosaic ball. She used glass tiles to cover a bowling ball. It is gorgeous.

My $2.50 thrifted side table. It was in sad shape but a coat of apple green spray paint was all it needed.

The purple petunia was a Mother's Day gift from Adam.

This year I used flowers for my hanging baskets. I usually buy ferns. Ferns are much easier to grow. While I like the flowers, I do not like the baskets I used. I'm a lazy gardener and I need something that can handle not being watered every day. I'm going to have to rethink the flowers next year.

Now if the mosquitoes would just go away... I might be able to sit outside and enjoy the porch :)