4.11.12

We're on Spring Break this week.

We started the break with an unplanned trip to the woods

A make shift grill and campfire next to a creek was the perfect spot.

Katie protected us from the bears :)

Me and Zach...before the prom

More pictures to come. I want to play around in PhotoShop before I publish them.

He was a very handsome boy...he cleans up well :)

Merry Christmas 2011

From our family...

...to your family....

Merry Christmas!

Celebrate His birth...and

Be joyful in ALL things.

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.

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

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.

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....

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)

Your legacy

In a couple of weeks we will celebrate our 25th anniversary. In less than 9 days, we will celebrate 20 years of parenthood.

Remember when we brought him home? Remember how he cried from 11 PM to 2 AM?

Every. Single. Night.One of my fondest memories from those first weeks of parenthood is forever imprinted in my mind. You're stretched out on the couch with Clay across your chest. It was a perfect moment...until the colic hit and we spent another night trying to console the inconsolable.

Thank goodness for those magic drops the doctor prescribed!

You are an amazing dad. You willingly worked two jobs that allowed me to stay home with the boys. You've given up dreams of your own to provide for us. Your faith and quiet strength has been a consistent force in our home. We've been blessed.

As the boys grow up, I've watched them watch you. Now that they are entering adulthood, I see bits and pieces of you in their words and actions. I love that.

While we don't say it nearly enough, we love you. Happy Father's Day!

Mom's in Rehab

Now that's a title that will get attention :)

My dad and I went this past Friday to admit my mom into a full-time rehabilitation center. While she was receiving excellent care through home health, she wasn't progressing as well as hoped. Her doctor decided to step-up the game plan and pulled a few strings to get her admitted.

I can't say enough about the quality of care she has received from her doctors. Dr. Dixon and Dr. Pruitt are the best.

She would prefer to be at home right now. The beauty of full-time rehab is she won't get a choice. She's there for 10 days. We're hoping those 10 days will result in a marked improvement and once she realizes the benefits of rehab, she'll be more willing to work at home on her recovery.

Instead of pushing her to do for herself, we are guilty of stepping in too soon. It's hard to know when to push and when to step back. Part of her rehab includes family education sessions to help the caretakers make those decisions.

We are leaving in a few minutes to attend worship services at the rehab center. I'm looking forward to it. She hasn't been able to attend church in over 6 weeks. It will be nice to worship together.

P.S. The worship service was really nice. Mom was the only patient that attended but it blessed my heart to see so many nurses attend the service. It was confirmation that she is in good hands. I wrote out this verse and gave it to mom. I told her that next week when the rehab is hard and she feels overwhelmed to remember that she is an overcomer.

I believe I am an overcomer, more than a conquerer, and nothing will keep God from carrying out His plans!

Romans 8: 32-39

Be Joyful in All Things

Mom's pathology report came back. The mass was cancer. It also means she has cancer in another location. The next few months will be spent trying to find the primary site.

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to be Joyful in All Things.

All Things....those two words encompass the good, the bad, and the ugly.

True joy seems to be a hard emotion for many folks. People are certainly happy but joyful...well...that's different.

Why?

I'm convinced that true joy walks hand-in-hand with contentment. Contentment comes from a personal relationship with our Savior. Contentment is a fringe benefit our salvation.

However, worry and fear will cloud the joy in our lives. Since I'm a "worrier" by nature, I have to consciously decide to focus on the joy.

Even in the middle of uncertainty and pain, there are brief moments of joy...gentle teasing, spontaneous laughter, sweet memories, and dreams.

Rest in those moments. Rest in the joy. Rest in Him.

This lady is a beautiful writer and her words were a blessing to me this weekend.

A long recovery

Mom came home on Tuesday. She was still weak but we were hopeful that being home would speed up her recovery.

My sister called on Thursday morning worried about mom's progress. Her O2 levels kept dropping and she was having hallucinations. By the end of the day, she was re-admitted back into the hospital. She'll be in the hospital over the weekend.

A small clot was found in her neck where the central IV had been placed. Hopefully, taking care of the clot will also take care of her other symptoms.

I'm headed back down to the hospital. This is one time that living in the mountains is a huge inconvenience. The hospital is 55 miles away and it takes over an hour to get there.

Please continue to keep her in your prayers.....

An Update on my Mom

My mom's surgery went well. It was approximately 8 hours long and the doctor was happy with the results. Initially the mass was thought to be a biliary cystadenoma. However, the initial pathology report was inconclusive. The recovery has been tough, but she gets a little stronger each day.

For those who said a prayer for my mom.....thank you.

I'd like to hit the pause button....

There are so many things going on in the next few days...

My oldest is getting on a plane tomorrow to fly west. He'll spend the summer with his grandmother and work with his uncle. This is a good thing. I'm happy for Grandma Sandy....she'll feed him well and I suspect my skinny college boy will come home with a few, much needed, extra pounds on his frame. He'll also get to spend time with Bob's family. He may even learn to ride a horse :)

But.....I'm going to miss him. I really hate all this growing up business....

My mom's surgery is scheduled for Tuesday. She has a Biliary Cystadenoma. Approximately 60-70% of her liver will be removed. We've been warned the recovery will be long and hard. My family would appreciate your prayers. Prayers for a successful surgery, no signs of malignancy, and a quick, uneventful, recovery.

This morning, all the "stuff" ahead has left me a little depressed. So today, I'm hitting the pause button and putting aside the fretting and fear. I'm going to embrace the day. I've written the following verses on a slip of paper to carry around today. The words calm my heart.

I bless GOD every chance I get;

my lungs expand with his praise.

I live and breathe GOD;

if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy:

Join me in spreading the news;

together let's get the word out.

God met me more than halfway,

and he freed me from my anxious fears.

Psalm 34: 1-4

(The Message)