Color Run

A few weeks ago Ash and I ran the Color Run with Lydia.  Lydia always finds these great races.  

It was Lydia, a WHOLE BUNCH of her friends, and Ash and I.  Nick is cracking me up in this picture. 

Ash and I decided to match and have white hats and blue glasses.

My sweet girl was so excited to be able to share in a race with me. . . without her siblings.  It made her feel extra special to do something with me that I enjoy.

And, since she is a chip off the old block, she happens to love running as much as her Mama.

This was after getting doused with some color.

The purple really got us good!

I love this picture of the two of us.

At the end of the race we all had color packets.  We then decided to have a color fight.  Since I'm the "mom" of the group I stuck with taking pictures.

Lydia, me and Ash

Miguel and Katie

Becca.

Group picture after the run.

Color FIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think I'm trying to open up someone's color -probably Ash's.

Here Ash is doing a "surprise" attack on Lydia - or Ms. Lydia as I make my children call her.

Josh decided to defend his girl and get Ash back - hee!hee!

Colored Happy!

Here we are after we get back into the car.  Everyone kept telling me how white my teeth looked.  I guess it was b/c of all the color that was on my face.

When I got home it was so funny.  Cookie brushed up against my leg and got his own little taste of the Color Run!

The Power of a Cheese Grater

I've been working with this client with real estate for a few months.  He has been demanding, bossy, and just downright rude at times.  I have shown him grace and kindness. . . but would vent my frustration to Jon.  Friday came and it was time to close on his house.  I was so excited.  I'm grateful that he used me as his agent.  However, it has certainly been extremely difficult.

I spent all day in Atlanta trying to get this house closed.  I'll spare you all the boring details of a closing; however, funding has not been released.  We are waiting on one signature.  Yesterday evening I found out he has gotten a key to the house and there have been painters there all day and the carpet is torn apart.  This is NOT his house yet.  This is wrong, deceptive, and AGAINST THE LAW!!!!!!!!!!!

I head to Melissa's to get the lock box.  I'm clearly mad and short. . . not my usual high-pitched, "Hey Y'all" when I walked through the doors.  She and I talk outside.  She had to run inside for a quick potty break and was returning to hear me vent more.  Here comes my client. . . wanting to talk.  She had warned him I was angry and he really needed to let me cool off.  He didn't listen.

Once he raised his voice, mine raised. . . I can't remember the last time I have been so bold with someone.  You know that saying about redheads having tempers?  Normally I'm pretty mild.  However, it all came spewing forth.  When I left the house I was visibly shaking.  I hate confrontation.  I also hated the way I acted. I definitely let my emotions get the best of me.

I get home around 9:00 last night, and I'm just in tears. . . sobbing, crying tears.  I hate for my kids to see me like this, so I sat on my front porch in the dead of the night and just cried and prayed. . . bore my heart before the Lord.

I didn't sleep well last night.  I woke up and just felt so very melancholy.  I praise God that I'm not really a person who has "sad" days.  However, today has been one of those days.  In fact, there were many more tears today.  I'm just so frustrated, discouraged, hate what is happening. . . all of the above, you name it.  I kept trying to snap out of it. . . trying to find things to be grateful for. . . nothing was working.  I went for a run.  I was so emotionally exhausted that I couldn't even finish my run.  I ended up walking.  I couldn't believe all of this has taken that much of a toll on me.

After Jon left to go work I decided to take a cat nap.  My sweet Shelby was having a surprise 16th birthday and her mom was so sweet to include my girls and I in this big day for Shelby.  The kids woke me up and we headed to the party.  I felt better. . . still a little melancholy, but I had a tiny, tiny little bit of a pep in my step.

Well, it got to the time she opened her gifts.  I got her a cheese grater, cheese, and a bracelet from Uganda. Cheese grater and cheese?  What a gift?  Well it was here at my house she grated cheese for the very first time.  I wish I could have captured the look on her sweet face as she did this.  She was so proud of herself.    Anyhoo. . . she looks into the bag, hasn't read the card, and she knew immediately.  She said, "Ms. Michele."  I BUSTED out laughing with my big loud, obnoxious laugh.  I may have even snorted.  We tell everyone at the party the story.  I was probably the only one laughing. . . not very sure because my laughter had taken such control of me.  It's like the girl who is laughing at her own joke. . . pretty pathetic.

That is what did it.  That is what made me feel like myself. . . situation still remains. . . however, after my belly laugh it all returned. . . my pep in my step, my pop in my hop, and my gig in my giggle. . . oh, laughter truly is the BEST medicine.

526.  Making up with Jon.
527.  The ability to cry. . . even if it is hard to stop.
528.  The loyalty of Scott and Melissa.
529.  The coming to my defense of my precious husband.
530.  The sweetness of my kids.
531.  My broker's very kind words.
532.  Sweet apology from Crystal.
533.  My fourth child, Shelby. . . so very excited to be apart of her special day.
534.  Inside jokes and cheese graters.
535.  Not being so serious that I can obnoxiously laugh, give a silly gift, and it to change my ENTIRE day.
536.  Being able to laugh at my own jokes.
537.  Encouraging text from Lydia.
538.  Sweet text from Becky.
539.  Leslie's "I love you message" on facebook.  The girl truly is my 4th sister.  She knows all our family junk and all our skeletons and still loves us just the same.
540.  Forgiveness.

Random Ramblings

Just a little random stuff in case you're bored to tears and have nothing else to read.

While we have been a one-shower family for quite a while, while Jon redoes our master bedroom, it has been quite the adjustment.  We're so used to it now, it's really no big deal.  However, NOW we have gone from a 3 toilet family to a 2 toilet family.  Jon has taken the toilet out of master bath to lay tile down.  It's funny b/c the first thing I do when I turn off my alarm in the morning (remember it sits in teh bathroom b/c otherwise I'd snooze it to death) is use the bathroom.  The first few mornings I went to sit and then remembered . . . oops, no toilet.  Made me giggle and smile and not much does that at 4:00 a.m.

Lydia and I were supposed to run a half marathon this Saturday.  However, she's messed up her calf.  She's so sweet.  She told me she would go with me (2-1/2 hours away) to support me.  I told her she was more than worth getting up at 3:00 a.m. for, but getting up that early for ME. . . not.worth.it. (we were going to have to leave at 3:30).  Oh well, at least we got the training in, and at least the money went to a good cause.

Whiel I have washed and dried laundry the last two weeks, NONE. . . not even a pair of underwear, have gotten folded.  It is all in my living room. . . hoping to get to it maybe tonight or not. . . we'll see.

James (my step dad) called me the other night.  He's so sweet and thoughtful.  He was riding all the kiddos on the golfcart when we left Sunday.  We didn't get to tell him bye.  He was calling to tell us he loved us.  Although as a kid I didn't like having a stepdad and desperately wanted my mom and dad to get back together. . . even begging God telling Him I'd give up all my Christmases for the rest of my life (I'm serious. . . I did this MANY MANY times). . .as an adult I realized God just blessed me with 2 daddies, and I'm grateful for both of them.

I'm madly in love with my husband right now.  Just thought you should know that.

Gigi is just precious.  I can't tell you how many times she loves on us wtih food.  She cooks all the time for us.  They will be in SSI for a few weeks while my SIL has surgery.  She came by yesterday and asked us over for dinner tonight and then she said in a sad voice, "Because we won't see y'all for a few weeks."  I'm so glad she loves us and misses us when they are away. 

My Dad has actually been very sweet as well.  We were talking about taxes the other day and I was telling him how much we owe.  He called me back a few hours later and offered tax help advice and even money if we needed it.  A dear lady told me one time to never, ever, never stop praying.  My Papa always said, "As long as there is breath in the body, there is hope."  Praying my dad will not breathe his last breath until he comes to Christ through faith AND repentance.

Life has been crazy, crazy busy . . . more than normal.  It makes normal life look lazy compared to how busy we've been.  I'm trying to be thankful and keep a good perspective.  Sometimes I fail. . . those are the days I cling most to His grace.

I've been staying at home on Wednesday nights from church.  I have a lot of reading that I need to do to prepare for an upcoming event.  It's been really nice to study either God's word or a book written in reference to His word for 1-1/2 hours without being rushed or interuptted.  I've enjoyed the downtime.

The kids are growing ever so fast.  Sometimes my heart is sad if I reflect on it too much.  I'm just trying to soak them up as much as possible before they fly the coop.  I'm ever so grateful to get up at 4:00 a.m. and be able to work at home and homeschool them.  Would I do it over again? Go without sleep?  Deal with the grumpies? The sibling rivalry? The not having much time to myself?  The learning to juggle work and life of a stay-at-home/homeschooling mom?  You betcha!!!!!! You don't have to ask me twice. 

I'm loving running with Becky.  I miss Ang running with us.  Becky has become such a dear friend to me.  We often joke and say running together is better than having lunch together b/c we get to talk, laugh, cut up, share our hearts AND burn calories!!!!!  It's so funny, us long-distance runners. . . we are so very alike in oh so many ways and struggle with some of the same monsters.  Another thing, Becky (being homeschooled all her life) really, really helps me be a better mom.  She is just a tremendous blessing to me. 

You hear all the horrible stuff about having a teenager in the house.  Don't believe a word of it!! Alec is a joy and a delight.  Now ages 8-11 I thought we were going to kill one another, but his teen years have been wonderful.  He's so responsible, so self motivated, and has become much more tender than he used to be.  I'm so proud of him, and I love seeing how God is using him and will use him.  Today he had discipleship with Marty.  He always comes home telling me all that he's learned.  I'm so grateful for Marty and how he is investing in Alec.

Okay, my fingers are tired and I'm sure you're even more bored than when you started this. 

Happy Thursday! 

Great is Thy Faithfulness

My head was buried into his chest. . . eyes closed. . . tears rolling down my cheeks. His strong arms were around me. My voice full of fear and worry asking him all the "What Ifs". His voice was tender, gentle, reassuring and strong, "We don't need to worry about how this looks in the eyes of the world. That is just pride. Our future is brighter than ever. Spiritually, we are at a better place than we've ever been."

I know all these things. . . I just needed reassurance. This was Saturday as I wept in my sweet husband's arm.

God has always, always been so very faithful.

A little less than two years ago our house payment was paid. Jon had sent out over 100 resumes. There was very little money in the bank. . . certainly not enough to make our house payment the next month. God provided Jon with really the best corporate job he has ever had. . . right at the last minute. Two days before Jon got his job someone showed up at my door and gave me a card. I opened it up and someone had anonymously given us $1000.00. To this day, we have no idea who it was. . . just someone being the hands of Jesus.

We still depend on our business money though to meet our financial obligations. The business was low. Here we are at the brink again. Jon sells his truck. Again, God's provision. . . right at the last minute.

It seems like we go through the business money quickly. Unfortunately, we need my income, Jon's full-time income, and the business money. When Jon was out of a job for a year and the real estate market crashed, it really set us back. Some of our poor financial decisions doesn't help out either. Fast forward several months (not sure of the time frame). . . again, business money is low. . . this is becoming a familiar pattern. Jon and Greg put the house they had been working on for months on the market. I put it on there on a Friday. By Tuesday we had an offer. By Thursday we had a contract. Once again, God has remained ever so faithful.

You'd think by this time my faith would be strong as a giant. I waiver. My emotions get the best of me and I cave into fear. This was me Saturday.

Fast forward to now. . . here we are yet again. . . however, this time. . . no house on the market. We have 3 that need to be, but none are close. As I drove to my sister's house yesterday my prayer was very simple, "Lord, I don't even know what to pray. We don't know what to do, but we look to You. Please provide a way. . . a way where You receive all the glory and honor. "

Jon calls me about 3:00 that afternoon. Normally with his job they do their reviews/assessments during the time of their anniversary. For Jon, that would be July. This year, however, his job decided to do them in April (which we had no idea). Jon's boss told him the most raise his job would allow this year was 4%. However, his boss went to bat for him and gave him a 5-1/2%. They had to rigamaroo (not his bosses' words, but mine) things around a bit to get around the 4% cap, but they wanted Jon to be rewarded for his hard work. Last year at his review his boss told him he'd never worked with anyone who had as much integrity as Jon. (Jon would not want me saying this, but I'm so proud of him). Yet, again, God has been ever faithful.

Although I am as stubborn and faithless as an Israelite wandering through the dessert, I'm so thankful for these times. Without these times, we would never see just how much God really does provide in a land of self-sufficiency and abundance (I'm talking United States here). I'm thankful for how we have to depend on God to help us meet our obligations. . . not because we're "super spiritual" (I say that because I don't want anyone to ever think that Jon and I think we have it all figured out. . . b/c we both are very far from that) but simply because we have to. I'm so thankful God loves us so much to allow these things to invade our lives. . . situations where He shows His faithfulness, His love for us, and it is all for His glory. . . that He is ever so faithful. . . even when we waiver, even when our faith is shaky, even when we cave to fear.

With a thankful heart . . . praise His glorious name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

April Fools

Oh how I love tricking my kids on April Fools. This year, though, since it was on a Sunday, I got to trick others as well.

The trick this year?

Fake donuts. Yes, the same ones Jenn. B. got me and Faith with last year. I woke up and made my fake donuts. . . equal parts flour and salt, roll them into balls, a little bit of oil and a little more flour - presto!

Lydia and I ran that morning so on the way home I stopped by Dunkin Donuts and got a box of munchkins. I then dumped the good stuff out for the fake stuff.

I walked in the house and told Jon I'd gotten some donuts. Bless his heart, he's been deprived of food since he had his wisdom teeth out on Friday. He was ready to tear into them.

Check out his expression.

Made us both laugh so hard.
Next, I got the girls.
Hook, line, and sinker.


They were sooooo funny.

Alec snuck downstairs before I could catch him with the camera. But, another victim of the donuts. . .

The first Sunday of every month we serve the youth breakfast. This was perfect. I told our youth pastor was I was up to. Do you know how many belly laughs I got seeing those kids taste the fake donuts. Oh, it was so good. SO!MUCH!FUN!

Digging

In the past two weeks or so I've practically dug through 15 years of memories. . . oh how my heart is full. . . sometimes a little sad.

As I've seen pictures of me and my dad, I've remembered a girl who desperately longed for her Daddy's approval. . . always seeking to win his heart, praying for 20 years for God to save his soul.

I've seen pictures of my precious Papa who I wish was still here with me.

I've come across 2 young pups on a cruise celebrating 5 years of marriage.

I've seen a hair piece Ash used to carry around, hats she wore when we had to shave her head.

I've seen Alec's silky blanket he loved to hold onto (he still has a silky pillow that he keeps in his bed at night. . .shhh!!!)

Oh the books. . . books galore. . .lots unread. . . made me wonder what I was thinking when I bought them. . . a common thread was . . . JOY.

I've seen pictures of a happy man who once had his mind intact. My heart broke a little as I remembered my precious father-in-law for who he was/is.

I've seen pictures of Disney. . . one at Hoop-dee-doo Review when I got pulled up on stage and got all dressed up as a can-can girl. Good, fun times. Our friends, the Brisendines, were with us that trip. I remember dishing out strawberry shortening for my family and then all of the sudden one of the stars from the show came and grabbed me and told me "to come on, it would be fun. My kids would love it." He was right :)

I've seen a much, much younger me. . . would I go back and trade my forehead lines for how I've grown in the Lord ----- no way. Give me my forehead lines and my growth in Him any day.

I've come across countless prayer journals. I'm so glad I take the time to do that. Not easy when you live at the pace of 0 to 90 as soon as your alarm goes off. . . but thankful. Some of the monsters I still battle with . . . thankfully not as much. . . but they still rare their ugly heads.

One thing made me chuckle. . . I came across a letter to President George Bush (there goes my whole "think I can change the world" mindset **grin**) I had written to encourage him. I guess I never sent it. . . always such good intentions. . .but that whole follow through thing gets me every time.

I came across countless and countless Bible studies. Oh how thankful I am to the Lord for saving me and keeping me.

I came across a Joy Jar from an old friend. I read every.single.paper. I think there were at least 30. Made my heart smile big . . . a very sweet and thoughtful gift.

I came across when my friends threw me a surprise party for my 30th. They had a "who knew Michele the best" questionnaire. What a sweet memory. Jon cleaned the house ferouciously that day. He had given me that as a Christmas present. I took the kids to meet my mom. When I pulled up in the driveway Jon met me outside. He said he had something to show me inside. I asked him did he get me a new comforter (I'd been wanting a new one for our bed). We walked inside and "SURPRISE" . . .everyone jumped out.

I came across pictures of sweet Alec, his boyish hair and chubby cheeks. Now, when I look up at him, I see a young man.

In my digging, as I remembered and remembered, it made me so thankful for this blog. . . made me want to jot down something every day . . .even if it goes like this:

Woke up - such a blessing I take for granted way too much

Hearing my girls tell me they love me out of the blue. - Both did that today and at separate times.

Having Alec apologize to me this afternoon with a hug (rare for him) for being a grouch this morning.

Morning "I love you" texts.

Lunch with Granddaddy.

Walmart with kids and Granddaddy.

Home for a little bit to work on a real estate contract.

Watching the girls on the hammock . . . wishing I had my camera to capture what my eyes beheld.

Seeing my boy cut both our yard and Gigi and Granddaddy's yard today.

Talking to my mama in the morning.

Texting my friends.

Talking to BOTH Melissa and Kristen the same day.

Cooking spaghetti.

Watching Biggest Loser.

Trip down memory lane.

Getting ready for yard sale.

Hugs from Jon.

More hugs from Jon.

Seeing Hanna ride her bike through the yard. Love watching her hair fly in the wind.

So, so, so much stuff to part with. Reminding myself I am only a pilgrim here.

Missing days when kiddos were smaller.
Grateful for the fun and enjoyment and JOY I have with them now. I'm in such a different place. Oh to have the wisdom in my 20s that I have in my 30s. I'm hoping it will only get deeper and better as my forehead lines get deeper too.

Things Unseen

Wednesday night on the way to church I hit a deer. . . I mean this was like deer parts flying everywhere kind of hit. . . the kind that dents your hood all up and eventually causes your van to stop working.

The kids were so sweet. Ash was concerned about me. Hanna (my animal lover) was sobbing. Alec was helping me console Hanna. They really were all very supportive and loving of one another. It's so nice to see those rare, yet genuine, moments.

Thursday night Gigi came to our house and fixed dinner for us (Yes, she is that precious. . . yes, she cooks for us on Tuesdays, and yes we had dinner at her house on Monday night too). As we were talking about the wreck I was telling her how bad it could have been. I was on a busy road. If there would have been another car in the lane where I swerved to miss the deer . . . it could have been disastrous. Neither of our air bags went off and Ash was in the front seat. She could have gotten seriously harmed. The hit didn't cause me to lose control of the van. I could really go on and on at all the things that could have happened.

She told me something very powerful. . . something I'd never really thought of before. . . that she often thanks God for protecting her and those she loves for the things unseen. I've since started thanking God for those things.. . . the unseen things. . . the things that could have been, but weren't.

This week as I was studying the curriculum I will be teaching in Uganda I learned that we should ask the Lord to "declare us innocent from hidden faults." (Psalm 19:12) Hidden faults. . . I know I have many. I constantly tell people when they are struggling with a particular sin in their life "Well, at least you know. Knowing is huge." But what about the sin in our lives we don't see?the sin we close a blind eye to? the sin maybe others see in us, but we ourselves don't? We are to ask God to declare us innocent from hidden faults. Wow!

Tuesdays Thankslivings

491. Walk to Gigi and Grandaddy's last night.

492. Discovering they had company. So very thankful Gigi is opening her home to hospitality again. She delights in doing this so much.

493. Watching Cookie "air" pee on every mailbox.

494. Walking hand-in-hand with my hubby.

495. The beauty of spring - azaleas and dogwoods galore.

496. Alec's creative mind and him making a camp stove out of aluminum cans.

497. Hearing Ash make beautiful music with the piano.

498. Having Jon home with us and the "Fab 5" being complete.

499. 12-mile run with Becky.

500. The conversation Becky and I had. Made us both want to keep running.

501. 2-mile run with Ash.

502. Talking with Ash and this, that, the other, and whatever.

503. Homemade caramel popcorn.

504. Hanna asking me to come and cuddle with her several times throughout the day.

505. Laughter.

506. Game of "Family Fun" around the table after dinner.

507. Jon being such a fun dad and making up a game as we walked home.

508. Sound of the birds chirping.

509. Peace.

510. Grin on my face throughout the day just simply because I rejoice in Him for I trust Him. May even the mere expression on my face reflect His glory.

511. Comfy, cozy bed.

512. Jon holding my hand at night as we drift off to sleep right after the sun sets.

513. For "I'm sorry" from my children.

514. For a little time with Jon before he headed off to work on a house.

515. For Alec who makes me laugh and who "gets" me.

516. For love and hugs from my kiddos when they know I'm stressed to the max.

517. For Gigi fixing us dinner tonight - chicken casserole and hummingbird cake.

518. For Tuesday's with Granddaddy.

519. For a littel time to work this afternoon, freeing up my morning.

520. For all the days that don't turn out the way I want them to.

521. For the days and times I cry out to the Lord with a heart of desperation.

522. For Jesus being not just enough, but EVERYTHING.

523. For learning how to say No and learning my limits. . . not having to fit a gazillion things into one day.

524. For encouraging emails, cards, and phone calls from dear friends.

525. For the sounds of the voices of those I hold dear.

Weekend Happies. . . Weekend Saddies

Weekend Happies.. . .:)

The boy who deserves "Best big brother award" for sitting through a fashion show the girls modeled their Easter dresses in.

The boy who thinks he deserves "China Express" for lunch for having to take pictures for his mom.

A sweet Gigi who always buys the kiddos Easter clothes and entered the girls in a fashion show, Saturday.
Beautiful girls.
For the shy one who gave me this face as she walked down the aisle.
For the shy one saying steak was her favorite food and she wants to be a hairstylist when she grows up.
For the beautiful girl with the long pretty hair with a personality to match who then decided, for once, she didn't like all the attention on her.
For saying she wants to be a missionary when she grows up.
For this being the first time I'd ever heard this was her desire at this point in her life.

For the tears that welled up in my eyes and the mascara that smeared.

For the gift of motherhood.
For a hardworking boy who works faithfully without complaining.
For girls who help their mom get ready for a yard sale to sell over half the stuff in their house.
For bags and bags and bags of baby clothes.
For cleaning out a garage and having the time to do so.
For the boy who helped his mama clean the garage.

For a trip down memory lane. I found Ash's hair piece (she carried it around and eventually started pulling her hair and eating it). For the shaved head and she had a big assortment of hats. For a mom who was so scared and so desperate to get her baby to stop pulling carpet after exhausting all efforts with the hair that I sewed socks onto her clothing. For ALL the things God taught me, ridden me of, and did in my life through this season.
For 2 movies the kiddos and I plopped down and watched after working so hard on Saturday.

Weekend Saddies. . . :(

For the 5th member of the "Fab 5" missing. He was out of town working so.very.hard. for our family.

It's Almost the End of the Month

I often tease and say the way to a person's heart in our family is through food. I'm half kidding and probably 3/4 truth.

Around here Dairy Queen has been having buy one, get one for $0.99. This goes on for the entire month of March. We first partook of this one Sunday night after church with our friends.

One night we were out and about buying things for the Bungalove (ewwww. . . I bet you're curious). Anyhoo, the kiddos convinced Jon to take us all there. I was all over the Georgia Mud Fudge.

Thursday I had to take Jaimie home from discipleship. Ash kept trying to coerce me to swing by DQ on our way home. I wasn't budging. I honestly didn't want to spend the money.

Hanna then piped up in the back seat and said, "Please, mama, it's almost the end of the month."

It's so hard for me to resist anyone who can make me laugh.

Guess what I did?

Pulled into the DQ and partook, once again.

Good thing I ran 7-1/2 miles that morning.

Why I'm Having a Hard Time Closing my Eyes at Night

I tease often and say I don't sleep long enough to dream. . . some nights that's probably true.

Because of our busy schedule when I lay my head down I'm immediately asleep. No counting sheep for this girl.

I'm thankful.

Anyhoo, Hanna got a new pet . . . a hamster. His name? Toby.

He really is a cute little rat. . . I mean, hamster.

The other night we are all laying in the bed and Hanna lets the thing just crawl all on her. I'll hold him, but that's about the extent of my hamster lovin'.

As I close my eyes the kids are still in our room and I feel something on my chest.

It's the hamster.

"Oh my stars."

I quickly told the children to get him and and get him fast. I may or may not have raised my voice. I'll let you just use your imagination **wink**wink**

After giggles galore. . . including my own. . . we then discovered something else.

The thing had pooped on me!!!!

Now, just imagine the laughter that erupted from that one!

After calming everyone down I then told them I needed my sleep or I would have them all up with me at 4:00 a.m. I may or may not have threatened them. I'll let you use your imagination.

I then close my eyes and start to drift. I feel something else on my chest. This time I'm not as nice, and there certainly isn't any laughter coming from me.

Wanna know what it was?

A zuzu pet. . . . at least with this one I didn't have to worry about it poopin' on me.

Two Things

The grocery store is not my favorite place to be. I tease all the time and say, "I spent too much money and have no fun doing it."

However, there are two things that will get me to the grocery store quicker than a skinny minute.

1. Coffee.

2. Toilet paper.

'Nuff said!

How We Live

Isn't it funny how we try to cover up how we really are? After all, if you were coming to dinner/lunch at my house. . . I doubt it would look like this. . .

I would have it as nice as I get it. . . certainly not perfect, but at least in a place where you feel at ease and at comfort.

Sometimes don't we do that in our spiritual lives as well? We want to smile our smiles, nod our heads at everything the pastor says? Act all "spiritual" and "good" when the truth is . . . we're not. . . we want to put people at ease and comfort. . . not say anything too revealing. . . not speak what is truly on our hearts, but smile and nod and maybe throw in a "praise Jesus" here and there. Is it because the church is so judgmental that we're afraid of being rejected? Is it because we're too ashamed? Is it because we don't want to offend anyone?

In Romans 2 Paul is talking to the Jews and he's saying, "You who teach, do you not teach yourselves? You who preach that you should not steal, do you steal? You who says one most not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?"

As a faith family our church has been going through a money series, both Sunday School and Pastor David. Todd teaches the students and then we break into groups for questions.

Today we talked about greed.

I was nervous, more nervous than usual. My hand was shaky. My voice was quivering. I could not stand before these girls and tell them not to be greedy, not to be selfish with their money. I had to confess my own guilt . . . my own sin. . . my own selfish pursuit of the American dream. I would not even stand before them as I normally do when I teach. I had to sit down . . . to lower myself. I've been deceived and I have fallen hook, line, and sinker. I take all the blame. I desire nothing less than God's wrath.

I've spent money on yet another pair of blue jeans when 5 pair already hang in my closet. I bought another pair of shoes because those are the ones that are "in" this season. I live in a 3300 square foot home in the nicest neighborhood in my town. And really my list could go on, and on, and on. . . . I stand convicted.

Yet, there are mothers in the world that are giving up their children because they don't have enough food to produce breast milk. There are mothers in the world selling their children for a meal. They are so hungry they are delusional. There are children starving to death. There are mothers washing their pots and pans in sewage waste (I've personally seen this with my very own eyes and at times wish I could stop seeing it. . . but many, many more times I'm so thankful that NOW I know). There are people who need to hear of a Savior who took on God's wrath for their sin. There are unreached people groups who have never heard the Gospel. There are brothers and sisters in Christ being persecuted throughout the world because of their faith. There are little girls who are being prostituted out in order to provide a way of living for the family. And really, the list could go on and on and on . . .

But, I have sat here looking all pretty in my big beautiful home, inviting my friends and family to come in and enjoy.

All I could do was pour out my heart to these girls. Tell them where Jon and are I. Tell them where we've been. Tell them where we're going. Tell them of how God has lavished His grace on us, yet again and again and again. . . providing a way out. . . a way out we don't deserve. Oh how I truly, from the very deepest depths of my soul, praise Him for providing a way. . .

Pretty Toes

One-on-one time is precious with my children. Today I took $10 and my baby to go and get her nails painted.

She just loves doing this. She is so funny. The little Vietnamese lady came near her and Hanna attaches to me like peanut butter on jelly. I told Hanna before we left I was going to let her pick out my polish (no pedicure here folks, just a painting and it was more to be "doing" something with Hanna than anything. . . pedicures mess up my running feet). She rubbed her little hands together and said, "This is going to be good."


She picked this pale purple. I'm a dark polish girl. . . hence my yellow toenails because of the years and years of dark polish. She said she picked this color because she knows I don't ever wear this color on my toes.
We then went and got groceries and then to the office. Just the two of us. While walking in the parking lot the following conversation took place.

Hanna: "Mom, what day is today?"

Me: "It's Friday, why?"

Hanna: "Because today has been the best day of my life."

466 to 490

466. Reading through my Guyana prayer journal this morning and the tears that swelled up while reading it.

467. Seeing Hanna sitting in a tree.

468. Seeing Hanna run to go and meet Jon when he got home.

469. Watching Hanna ride her bike.

470. Listening to the children giggle as I was trying to take a 30-minute cat nap. My flesh would normally get angry and get onto them. Instead, I quietly thanked the Lord they were giggling, and they were here with me.

471. My Passion "White Flag" CD that came in the mail today.

472. Reading to my children.

473. After lunch time of studying God's word together.

474. Hearing Alec pray.

475. Hearing Hanna pray.

476. Hearing Ashley pray.

477. Seeing Jon in the Word in the mornings.

478. Jon sharing with me a scripture he read this morning. Job 19:17. Look it up. Hope it will make you chuckle too.

479. Remembering my first Sunday at the church in Guyana. To really know what it is like to surrender all.

480. Watching Cookie interact with Toby the hamster.

481. The beauty of spring.

482. Bradford pears.

483. Kisses from Jon.

484. Hanna always hanging out with me, helping me do whatever.

485. Ash and Hanna making oatmeal chocolate energy balls all by themselves. Very yummy.

486. Alec's sense of humor.

487. Eating dinner together as a family.

488. Staying home from church tonight to study for our Uganda trip (lots to read).

489. A good sweat and a good run this morning.

490. Ashley loving me the way she does.

A Different Kind of Tuesday

Well most of our Tuesdays around here are the same. . . time at Granddaddy's. . . they each are unique on their own, but we know every Tuesday where we will be.

However, Gigi and Grandaddy are out of town right now.

So, although we didn't spend Tuesday with Granddaddy. . . we did get to spend it with a very special person.

I guess she would be called my 4th cousin by marriage? Who knows? The bond we share is stronger than any human blood anyway. . . she is my sister in Christ. . . and she is precious.

Her name is Laura Lee.

Her mom, Lynn (who is just as precious) is James' cousin. A few years back at our first cookie bake Laura Lee and I instantly bonded (our bond in Christ, I'm telling you). She missed the cookie bake this year and I was really disappointed. However, Lynn gave me her cell and told me she was going to Passion. I was stoked.

So we decided to meet up there. Let me tell you, this was quite a chore. . . when I was free she was in community group. . . when she was free, I was serving.

However, we did manage to meet up and spend some time together.

You'd thought we talked every.single.day the way we instantly bonded (I LOVE relationships like that)

Well back in late January she texted me telling me she wanted to see us during her spring break.

Yesterday it worked out that her mom had a meeting nearby and we got to meet up with both of them.

Time sure did fly in the presence of these two ladies.

We did the usual catching up. . . what we've been doing here, there, and yonder . . . and then from there our conversation centered around the Lord. It was wonderful. One of those times you just walk away feeling so full.

Another special thing is that I got to talk to Kristen extra long. We don't get as much phone time as either one of us would like, but when I get to talk to her, it is always so good. I love her so much and I'm so very proud of the mother she is.

Then, to boot, the kids got a cookie at the Great American Cookie Factory. That was probably the highlight of their day.

My kids are so sweet. They sat there for such a long time while Lynn, Laura Lee, and I talked.. . . although they were included in the conversation. They didn't fuss or whine or say "when are we leaving". They were patient.

Then after that we had to go and open up a house. We were there for over an hour. Again, they were so patient. I'm so thankful for the grace my children given their working/homeschooling mother. They are precious and definitely an overflow of God's grace on my life.

Spartan Race

Now, let me just start off this post by saying I am a runner. . . and I run because I have no other athletic ability whatsoever.

This weekend proved my point exactly.

A few months back Lydia found this really fun Spartan Race. . . obstacles, trail running, the whole works.

Well, the 20-year-old that still lives inside me signed up and signed up with a bang. Oh yeah, I signed up my husband too (we are the ones that when we watch college football we think we're the same ages as the players and cheerleaders).

A few days before the race I decided I better do some investigating.

My investigation scared me.

I was scared even more when I had to sign the waiver that said there is a risk of death from fall, getting hit by a vehicle, or drowning.

Sure. . . sign my life away. . . no worries.

I was so delighted to get to share this experience with Lydia, Jon, and the sweet Davis boys (young men actually)

Lydia and I before the race. Check out my race get up. I'm such a weenie when it comes to the cold. I texted her that morning and asked her not to disown me because I looked like a bad impersonation of Pippi Longstocking (shoot, she's probably way too young for Pippi).
Jon doesn't like cold either. He stayed in the car while these boys were posing.
We then wrote our names on the Wall of Valor. I did so terrible in this race my name doesn't need to be written anywhere. . .



The wanted you to write your race number on your arm and across your forehead. I half jokingly said, "like the sign of the beast". . . no way. Lydia did get hers written on her neck. The 35-year-old in me wasn't letting any ink but makeup touch my face or neck.
Me and my hunny.
The three of us. Jon kept teasing Lydia telling her he was either going to hate her or love her after this race. . .
This race was crazy. Here are some of my favorite memories.

Looking at the first 6-7 foot wall you had to hoist yourself up over. Jon asked me if I wanted help. "No I want to try it first". I moved my arms and legs as fast as I could, put my hands on the top of the wall and couldn't even get my leg up. . . shucks. My sweet husband then proceeded to hoist me over that wall, as well as the 10-15 more throughout the course. He certainly got his workout in lifting me up so many times.

One obstacle we had to pull these heavy concrete blocks with chains like Spartan slaves. I got so tickled at Jon. He is covered head to toe in mud and he has a speck of mud on his tooth. I laughed so hard I could hardly contain myself. It was one of those moments when some sort of emotion was going to hither forth. . . it was better it was laughter than tears.

We had to carry a 50-pound sand back on our necks/shoulders up this steep hill and back down. A girl said, "Ok, this is just like carrying a baby." I said, "None of my babies ever weighed this much." A man replied, "I have a 10-year-old that doesn't weight this much."

They had Spartan sized monkey bars. I attempted every event because what you couldn't do you had to do 30 burpees. I HATE burpees. I got all the way to the end until I had two more bars until I was at the end and I fell. I joined Jon with the burpees, as I listened to him laugh at me. (He was cheering me on just moments before . . I heard the "go baby" as I was swinging my legs while hanging from the bars to get momentum).

The mud pit was 400 feet. You had barbed wire above you. It was a belly crawl and very, very gross. I kept thinking, "I hope no one has peed in this stuff." It was really disgusting.

Oh yeah, all the young-uns (everyone minus Jon and I) didn't stay with us long. They all have their youth to motivate them. They inspire me.

Seeing Jon take a wrong step and fall pretty deep in the muddy river/water. It was really funny.

Jon and I finished at exactly the same time. It really was a blast.

Lydia was amazing. She got like 20th overall woman. I'm so proud of her.
Her knees did suffer quite a bit.
The three Spartans. . . or maybe Jon and I should qualify more as fartans because we both felt old doing this race. It kicked our tails.
Our crew. . . love these guys!
Jon was so ready to get the icky mud off him.
What a great day and great memories. I'm so glad I got to experience it with such dear people, especially Jon and this sweet thing - Not only do I have the honor of studying and memorizing God's word with her every week, but we are friends, we get to experience life together. . . although many years separate our ages, our hearts are very close.
I guess I should note Jon and I's time . . . 1 hour 59 minutes. . .

Giggles Unheard

One of my favorite sounds is laughter. . . especially the giggles of my children.

All 3 of my babies can get to laughing and just make me laugh. . .even though I have no idea what they may be laughing at. . . just a contagious giggle each of them has.

Last night I sat up in bed as we all watched American Idol together. I purposely did this because I'm one of those gals that as soon as her head hits the pillow I'm out.

I wanted to watch the end of American Idol and then was hoping we'd read "Kisses from Katie" (our family read right now).

I'm not quite sure at what point I feel asleep sitting up, but I did. All I remember is Jon woke me up and said, "Are you going to lay down?" To which I don't think I answered. I just smiled and laid my head on my comfy pillow.

This morning Jon informed me that all the kids were laughing at me as I had fallen asleep sitting up. You'd think I would have heard their sweet/mocking laughter?

Guess they were just giggles unheard by their tired mama.

In Two and a half days

Having laundry caught up. . . and when I say caught up. . . I mean all laundry washed, dried, folded, hung up, and put away. . . it's a rarity. . . and I do mean, rarity, around here if ALL of that is done.

I felt so accomplished last Saturday. The kids and I had it all done. I really thought we all deserved a medal. . . hee!hee!

Thankfully though it was all finished because my dryer went caput. . . wouldn't even turn on the poor thing. He must've been tired and broken and just wanted to be left alone because he wouldn't turn on for anything.

No biggie. . . this happened right when I got back from Guyana, and after seeing those precious women wash our laundry by hand with a bucket and washboard, adn then hang the clothes on the line dripping wet, and that hot Guyaense sun drying them for us. . . the last thing I would ever do is complain about my dryer being broken.

I just figured I'd take the laundry over to Gigi and Granddaddy's on Tuesday.

However, this is what piled up in just 2-1/2 days. . .

3 baskets O-V-E-R-F-L-O-W-I-N-G

Tuesdays Tidbits

• Woke up at 4:00 a.m.
• Headed downstairs and spent time in prayer.
• Got a cup of green tea.
• Started work.
• Ran 8 miles with Lydia.
• Finished work while kids started school.
• Went to Granddaddys.
• Greeted by Grandaddy with "I love you" - precious man.
• Read Gigi's Tuesday note to us.
• Got everyone's plates fixed.
• Ate lunch.
• Girls pulled weeds for Gigi. Talked with Granddaddy.
• Called girls in to finish school.
• Read to girls. Grandaddy slept sitting up.
• Studied my Bible (in Romans right now).
• Grandaddy and kiddos played basketball outside.
• Gigi home.
• Got home and took shower and got ready.
• Fixed dinner.
• Lydia and Josh came over for a "Fiesta" night of tacos, salsa, and cheese dip.
• Enjoyed their company around our dining room table.
• Ate Lydia's yummy cake balls. . .so thankful we ran 8 miles that morning.
• We all played Kinect.
• Hugged Lydia and Josh goodbye.
• Time for bed.
• SLEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!