Mother's Day Weekend 2012

For the first time since starting his new job about two months ago, Perry had this weekend off. It could not have come at a better time! One, for the obvious - MOTHERS DAY =) - but also because it had just been a difficult week for our family and we really needed some quality time as a family. It has been incredibly nice having my hubby around! I mean, just to know I'm not facing the day alone (which obviously I'm never alone, God is always there, but ya know what I mean), it's been nice for the kids to have their daddy around. Just his presence in our house...ahhh, so nice. :-)

Saturday morning I woke up early intentionally. I wanted some time to weed in the garden before the day started and got hectic. For whatever reason, I find it so peaceful in the garden. Just being outside, listening to the birds singing, feeling the breeze, being so close to God in His gorgeous creation. Love it. Simply love it. 

This morning was particularly special. Zeke wanted to help me. Shortly after, Asher came to join. I genuinely appreciate and value this alone time I was able to spend with my sons. Ya know, something I have got to say is reading these marriage books I'm not only learning a lot about Perry and how men think/are, why they do what they do, but it's helping me to learn a lot about my boys. I'm learning how their minds work, why they don't see what I see when I ask them to look for something, etc. I'm learning to appreciate my boys in new ways. I am excited and honored that part of my job description as their mom is to help encourage them to be good, Godly men and I can start by leading by example. It's exciting to know what they witness at home will reflect how they act in their own marriages one day, how they treat their own kids one day. Big responsiblity, for sure, but one that I'll take gladly!

Anyways, below is a picture of Asher helping water the garden. I did take a picture of Zeke helping me weed, but for whatever reason it didn't go through to my email and I already deleted it on my phone. =/ But let the record show, Zeke was a huge help and I so enjoyed conversating (?) with him! 

During our time together I also realized my boys aren't so little anymore. They're growing (fast) into young men. As this is exciting to watch them grow up and see who they'll become, it also saddens me at the same time. I will miss these days! I miss the ones that have past already! But it helps me to realize how precious each day is and how important it is to be aware of my behavior towards them, around them, etc. Can't mess this up - today is the only day we'll get!

Saturday afternoon, Perry went to the movies with his big brother. The kiddos and I visited a friend, Amber, who was closing up shop from her yard sale and she kindly gave us some things that she would have otherwise donated! Then we got a phone call from grandma Lisa and papa Dane to come over - they have bought Asher a bow and arrow (Zeke already has one), purchased Zeke more arrows and more bb's for his gun. Papa Dane is so good about doing things with the boys and making them feel like little men! Grandma also bought Macie a new pair of pj's and an outfit! It was a nice visit!

Macie is thoroughly enjoying all this quality time she is getting to spend with her daddy! They've been cuddling a lot! She even took a couple steps to him Saturday night! It's an amazing thing to witness the love these two have for one another! She adores her daddy and she is his world!

Sweet girl enjoying a lollipop at church while we were waiting for the traffic to clear.

Me and my silly girl, Mothers Day 2012.

Me n my boys, Mothers Day 2012.

Above is a picture of the cookie cake Perry bought for his mother and I. After church we headed to her house where we enjoyed this yummy treat (and where I'm fully taking advantage of the wifi ; ) ). Next, we're going to head out for lunch somewhere and I'm just thankful for more family time before we jump into another busy week!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Nothin' But Good News

Today I was able to get together with my mentor, Anne, for the first time in about a month and a half. She's been going through a lot, health-wise, but is bouncing back. What a blessing as she had us all scared there for a moment! As we were talking, catching up on what's been going on in our lives, it really stood out...His amazingness (did I just make that word up? Lol) let me explain. Earlier today, I got in this rare (and I mean RARE) mood to deep clean my bedroom. As I was, I stumbled across an old notebook. See, I've been known to write many a letterd in my day, and I even write to God. This one was dated, like, the first of Nov. 2009. I remember that time last it was yesterday. In my letter to God, I spoke about my complete dislike of where I was working (telemarketing w/ druggies - sounds harsh but I would be at my desk and witness drug deals going down). That job was very difficult for me; 1) I didn't feel like I was bettering the world in anyway - in fact, I was an annoyance. 2) it wasn't even that beneficial for my family financially and 3) I just felt so lost there. And I didn't agree with what was going on. It was so sooo much. In my letter I spoke to God about this. And about my desire to have another child. Somewhere in the letter I mentioned that I feel like He is not there (ouch, can't believe I wrote that). I speak of my marriage, who I am/was, feeling overwhelmed, etc. WOW. That was an insane time in my life but guess what I realized after I reread that from 2 1/2 years ago? GOD IS THERE and He heard me. It was in that same week I got a job interview for a new job, a better job, and I accepted the job offer. It wasn't but 7 months later that I found out I was expecting Macie! And, the feeling of being overwhelmed and the cry for my marriage - well, those feelings went away. Of course marriage is and probably always will be a struggle but my husband and I are in such a better place now. Here's my thing. Did I seriously not realize how He answered my prayer til today? Have I really wasted so much time choosing to feel like I was all alone when in reality He was there along? WOW. So back to today and speaking with Anne, I had nothing but a praise report to give. God has truly blessed our efforts! In the beginning of February, Perry and I started a program called MoneyWise which pretty much teaches us how to be good stewards with God's money. Since February, we have been more cautious of our spending habits, created a budget, and prayed like mad. Sometimes it has felt like our prayers weren't being answered; that we were alone? The days felt like they were going by slowly, painfully slow. But now, just two months into it, God has blessed my husband with a MUCH better job. Its an 8 minute drive from our house, he gets more than 3 hours of sleep per night ( whoop, whoop!) and there's benefits! How a awesome is that?! But that's not all - FINALLY, we're ahead on bills, we're actually saving for things BEFORE we need 'em! For once I feel at peace in my heart about our finances and our future looks more hopeful than it did before! So again, God answered another prayer of mine, and though it felt trying amd difficult at the time, almost like there was no improvement so we might as well give up - that wasn't really the case at all! Wow! Anne was thrilled for us and I was thrilled to share the news! God is good. He really is. I'm learning so much about Him lately ....I am just so AMAZED!! :)

Field Day 2012

Today was field day for Zeke at school. It was kind of bitter sweet; this may really be his last field day in a public school setting. I'm thankful that I've been able to attend all of his field days. Ya know, as much as I was taken back by this school at first, I'm really going to miss some things about it. This year I have been more involved and have met some really nice people, and I enjoyed getting to serve/help the teachers. Ultimately though, I am at total peace with the whole homeschool decision. I am confident it is what God wants for our family, at least for this season in life. I have done a lot of research; joined two different homeschool groups, met and talked with several homeschoolers, attended homeschool events, went to homeschool stores, and researched a lot of programs. I'm feelin' really good about this and I can honestly say that I'm excited to get started! Anyways, back to field day. Asher, Macie and I went for about an hour this morning and took some pics. Will post 'em soon!

Our Garden

Yesterday, April 15th, we started our garden! Woohoo! Last year, we did a garden with our then neighbors. It was pretty successful minus the corn. This year, we went halfies with some good friends of ours, the Ott family. Our landlord plowed the ground for us and we sprinkled some coffee grinds with each plant/seed. We planted A LOT of stuff! Tomatoes, several different kinds of peppers, carrots, peas, green beans, lettuce, onions, cucumbers, squash, cantaloupe - there may be more, I can't remember! I'm so thankful for the opportunity to grow a garden again and to do it with such wonderful friends!

Miss Mace-Mace chillaxin'!

Baby Bryson snoozin' in Macie's old bassinet. 

Michael and Perry hard at work! They actually did most of the planting but I don't feel too bad about that because it will be Amber and I who keep up with the weeding, watering, etc. :)

All our kids playing in the dirt!

Kaitlyn, Zeke, Asher, and Brianna!

Me and my bebe!

Amber and her lil' man!

Oh, how I love these kids!

Our garden after everything being planted! CAN'T WAIT!!!

Spring Break & Easter 2012

Last year for Spring Break, we went to Galtinburg. This year, it was very low key, very peaceful. We stayed home and attended every event the library had! It was nice to get to sleep in a little extra and stay up a little later. Good memories were created :) 

Over Spring Break, Macie started walking by herself with her toy. She getting so big!!

This is so funny. I found Macie chillin' in her brothers closest! She loves that SpiderMan chair and we would find her relaxing it throughout the week. Silly girl!

The wind knocked down the basketball net and the kids had fun climbing over.

It's the simple things in life :)

Macie snackin' on a rice cake, sittin' on the treadmill.

Sunday 4-1-12: KidStuf is a program for families at our church. This month we're learning: God loved, God gave, we believe, we receive, we show, we shine. So, this is a picture of my babies holding their glow sticks - shinin' away! :)

A police officer came to the library to teach about stranger danger!

My sweet boys being very attentive. :)

Then a fire fighter came and taught everyone about fire safety.

Another day, the boys made dragon flies!

Asher got to participate in this class and make the sound of RAIN!!

This is when the Humane Society came.

I AM SO THANKFUL FOR GOOD FRIENDS!!

Saturday 4-7-12 My friend April and I took all five of our kiddos to some Easter egg hunts! This is a big deal because I'm always big on one egg hunt is enough but yeah...this year we splurged! And it was a great time with great friends!

Carter and Macie, Asher, Zeke and Gracie.

A puppet show after one of the egg hunts.

Asher & Gracie in a fire truck. Zeke didn't wanna go.

This was the second egg hunt. I didn't get a picture of Zeke and Gracie because they were in a different field; April stayed with the big kids and I had the babies.

Gracie is so funny! She wanted a shot gun!

My loves on Easter morning with their chocolate bunnies!

Our family Easter morning 2012.

Daddy and Macie at Grandma Lisa's house after church.

Asher at the egg hunt at Grandma's.

Zeke, huntin' eggs.

Silly boy! Candy teeth!

Church was fabulous this Easter. I am so thankful to be a part of my church! I do believe I go to the best church everrr! And Perry had an interview today; he has signed up to be a small group leader at Transit; the middle school environment at our church! I'm so excited for him and what God is doing in his life! 

Happy Easter!

Happy Birthday, Asher!

4 years ago today at 4:55pm (that's what the hospital said, I thought it was 4:56) my sweet, sweet Asher man was born! Right from the start, he was such an easy going baby! He started sleeping through the night at just a couple months old, he was very easy to put to bed, he always had a smile on his face and still does!

Asher is such a happy boy! He has a fabulous heart! He really looks out for the ones he loves especially big brother, little sister, and mommy! He loves God and loves learning about Him. He constantly prays for others - if you have a one time prayer request, no worries, Ash will keep praying that pray for ya months later! He says the sweetest and random things, "I love you mommy no matter what!" For no reason he will just blow me and Macie kisses, he's good about giving random hugs and encouraging words. Sometimes when he gets in trouble, he says in a kind of panicky voice, "Do you forgive me?"

Asher melts my heart. I am so thankful God gave me him and I so wish he would stop growing up sooo fast!!!!

Love you, Asher man, for ever and always NO MATTER WHAT!!!

Life Without God

"I don't believe Christianity is the only way."

Yikes.

Those are the words I just heard spoken by someone I am very close to, someone I love very much.

What do you say to something like that? Especially when that person comes from a broken and very abusive home, all done "in the name of the Lord"? My heart is broken, my mind is racing.

I don't know how people live w/out God. I take such comfort when there's a situation I'm faced with and it has me baffled, I can just go to Him! He can and will lead me! Or during tragedies or difficult times, it's comforting to know that there's a bigger picture than me in the here and now. That God takes care of those who love Him. It's good to know that when I'm at a lose, He is not! He is up to something good and marvelous!

But what about those who are at a lose? "I don't know what to do." they say. What do I say? I try to seek the Lord for advice but they don't believe. So, when they're at a lose, they really are. Sometimes I give my Christian advice anyways. And I'll pray for them. I think one of the biggest ways to witness to someone is not by preaching, but by the way you conduct and live out your life.

I love this person so much. I have faith that one day she will embrace Abba.