Prayer Request!!

Please Pray for the Mck Family http://www.mycharmingkids.net/.

Their beautiful baby boy is very sick. He is getting admitted into the hospital. He quit breathing a few times. So please pray for Baby Stellan & their whole family.

Loose tooth!

***UPDATE****
Gracie lost her tooth at school today. She was so excited! She showed Jody then before she knew it she had lost it. Jody and Gracie wrote a cute little letter to the toothfairy, and drew a picture of the missing tooth. They sure hope that works!

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Gracie has her first "loose tooth". It is on the bottom in the middle, I don't know what that one is called but that's ok I'm not a dentist.

A bit busy lately...

I have been so busy lately and I haven't had time to post some of my Thanksgiving pictures. I guess I will just post this family picture. This is as good as it gets with the 5 of us!

Since these last few weeks have been flying by, I wouldn't even no where to begin. So I guess I will start with...

This is a picture of my dear sweet friends, Herbie & Anna. Over the Thanksgiving break, they were in town visiting Herbie's parents. So Tammy and I came over to visit, mainly to visit Sydney & their new baby Nick. We had a great visit and can't wait to see them again.

Thanksgiving Break Update..

Well, this year I was to do the Thanksgiving meal. This was the best time I have ever had. My kids wanted to participate so bad. So we had my mom come over on Wed. night to help us prepare the turkey & her dressing.

Here's Bryce washing the Turkey!

Here's Gracie and Bryce making the dressing and putting it in the pan with the Turkey!

Tristan also got his hands in it! He helped prepare the green bean casserole.



The dinner was a huge success! Everyone had a great time and loved all the food.

Thanksgiving is Quickly approaching!

This is going to be my 1st Thanksgiving staying at home and preparing all the goodies by myself. I just bought my 1st Turkey, so now I will have to get my mom to come over Wednesday and tell me what to do. Remember I have never cooked a whole turkey, nor have I made dressing to go with it. So it will be a great experience, and I will get to test it on my kids and husband this year. That way if it all goes well, I can spread my wings and feed other family members in the future. Wish me luck!

22 years ago...

It's been 22 years ago, this week, that my dad passed away. My memories, I'm sure are different from Carrol and mom's. I was 11 years old, it was about 2 1/2 weeks before my 12th birthday. A friend of mine had stayed the night that Friday night. The next morning we woke up and went to town because she was on a bowling league. After she was finished bowling we sat outside of the bowling place and talked while waiting for her mother to come pick us up. As we sat outside, an ambulance with it's sirens on goes flying past heading toward my town. I had this feeling come across me and I said to my friend, "I wonder where they are going"? We waited a few moments later and her mother arrived. She took us to her clothing store there in town so we could hang out until closing time. We started getting hungry and walked from her store to a couple of blocks down to Wendy's. We ordered and sat down, then I saw my cousin and her friend rushing in to get me. They told me I had to leave with them because they were taking my dad to the hospital because he had a heart attack. Remember I was only 11 years old, I was not familiar with heart attacks. They drop my friend off at her mom's shop and we rushed to the ER. They took me back to a room where my mom and other family was. I sat there crying because I didn't understand what was going on. All I heard next was, "did you tell her?". They said "no, not yet". They then proceeded to tell me that he died. I felt like my heart fell out of me. They took us back to a room where he was laying on the table in his overalls.

What had been happening at home while I was at the bowling alley? Well, dad was down by the barn working on a car. He started having chest pains. Mom or Carrol called 911 to meet them in our small town, because the closest ambulance was 30 min. away. Mom got the vehicle and Carrol helped put dad in. On the way to town, Carrol started giving dad CPR. When they met up with the ambulance they took over, but I believe he passed before arriving at the hospital. My memory of their story maybe off a little, and I am sure their memories are more vivid that I am even stating.

But isn't it funny how God knows what we can handle. He knew that I was too young to handle the stuff going on at home and he removed me from the situation. Then brought me back in when it was time. He is still working on my life and others all the same way. He prepares us all, if we listen. He told me months before this happend that something was going to happen to my dad. I didn't know what, I thought it was just a nightmare I was having. I would wake up scared and crying because it was like a question being asked to me. Which one is it? Mom or Dad? The answer was always Dad. A few months later it happend. God prepares us all, he knows what we can handle and what we can't.

We buried my dad on November 17th, on November 17th, 2001 is when Jody proposed to me. He changed a sad moment in my life to a happy new beginning. How great was that!

It's getting there!

My sweet sister-in-law, Kathleen, came to visit this weekend while the guys went camping/hunting for the weekend. Little did I know, she would be a woman on a mission. To get you caught up, we just had wood floors put in the living room last Tuesday. Things at my house were put on hold while furniture was moved and floors were layed. So Kathleen came and started cleaning house, laundry, dishes, etc, you name it... she did it. I don't know if she ever went to sleep! But I appreciated that so much, and YES I helped her too! But I took a few breaks and I think she kept on truckin'!

1st weekend of November...

This past weekend was the Youth deer Hunt. Jody took Bryce hunting while we stayed at my sister-in-laws house and hung out. In the middle of the day we played at the park at the campgrounds. No, Bryce hasn't got a deer yet but I am sure he will.

I am a picture junkie, so I hope you enjoy the next montage.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Halloween Pictures!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I VOTED!!

I dropped all the kiddos off for school & sitters, and was there at the polls at 7:30am. Guess what, as I stand in line for 25 minutes, I get to the front of the line to sign in and my name's not on the list. They told me I was at the wrong location. I was ticked, mainly at myself for not double checking before hand. Anyway, I get to the right location at City Hall to vote. I am standing in line when a policeman comes in to tell us that anyone parked on the side of the road will be towed. (It's a dead end street by the way) So I had to get out of line and move my vehicle across the Highway and walk back to get in line. So by this time it's like 8:30am, I am in line. I left there at 10:15am. Needless to say, it felt good to vote but it was a very frustrating process for me.

Happy Halloween!

I hope you all have a great day! We will be going on a trick - or - treat hayride. The kids are excited. Bryce & Tristan are just dressing up in camo so they can be hunters. My beautiful girl is going to be Cinderella. I will post the pictures on Monday. Everyone have a great weekend!

Pumpkin Patch Fun!!

Saturday was a beautiful day to go to the Pumpkin Patch! My pictures aren't the best because of the sunlight but I did my best at the time. My sister-in-law, nephew, and niece's all went along for the fun.

I didn't realize how hard it is to get 6 kids smiling & looking at the camera at the same time! This is the best two pictures of them all.

Here's a picture of my babies with me!

Tristan with his little pumpkin & this is his 1st time to a Pumpkin Patch!

Gracie with her pumpkin. A girl after my own heart... she picked a big one!

Bryce & his pumpkin. He's a pro at this, he said he knew he would have to carry it so he didn't want it to be heavy.

These last pictures are just some I liked of the kiddos.

We had a really great time playing, hayriding, and picking pumpkins!

Miracles happen everyday!!

Our dog Drake is back!

On Friday night Bryce & I thought we heard a door shut outside. I waited a few minutes then looked out and didn't see anything. So we finished watching our movie and then went to bed. Bryce & Tristan were going to sleep in my bed since Jody was out of town. They were fast asleep when I was laying in there saying my prayers. I prayed that the missing dogs would return, and as I was praying I heard a dog bark outside. It sounded like Drake. I jumped up and looked outside, no more barking and I didn't see anything. I thought I was losing my mind. The next morning my mom stopped by and as she was leaving, Drake walked around the corner. The kids were so excited! They played with him a few hours before we left for the Pumpkin Patch.

Missing...

My kiddos are very upset, and I am too! About 3 weeks ago, our little beagle named Rascal went missing. He had came home full of ticks one day after chasing deer in the woods. So after I got off work the next day, I went to purchase a bunch of tick/flea bath stuff for him. Bryce waited outside until dark and he never returned. So if anyone has seen this little beagle with a red collar he belongs to us.

Then on Sunday morning at 7am, our Black Lab (Drake) was at home. By the time we were leaving for church, he was gone. I questioned neighbors to see if anyone had seen him, I drove for miles in every direction from our home... and no Drake!

I know my dogs are beautiful and full blooded, so I feel as if someone has taken these dogs.
What's worse is this is the 2nd time for Drake to be gone. Some people had taken him & called us to return him when he got bad off that they couldn't take care of him anymore. So I just thanked them for returning him, took him to the vet, got all his shots & test done. I fattened him up, and he looks so great! So my kids are tortured for the 2nd time about the loss of dogs!

If anyone reads this blog, please say a prayer that someone will return these dogs or they will return on their own. I have 3 very upset children. You know how it is when your child is upset it rips your heart out too!

Gale's Birthday!

Saturday, Oct 11th we celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday at a place called Whole Hog Cafe. This was a surprise party, her 3 sons with their families, step-son and his family, friends, in-laws, and co-workers were all there for the occassion.


"SUPRISE!" "Gale & her babies!" "Blow out the candles!" "Kids everywhere!"
"Time to PLAY!" (Jake & Sam) (Gracie & Meagan) "Say Cheese!"Oh, I have more pictures but I will get those out and try to put that in a video. If anyone reads this blog and knows how to do a movie/video will you send me a comment and tell me how.

Bow Season...

First day of Deer Hunting w/ a Bow...
Jody killed this 8 pt in the first 20 minutes of sitting.

My Hunting Men!

A few weeks ago, Jody took Bryce & Tristan out in the woods to shoot squirrels. As you can see here, Tristan is all decked out with his toy gun. I don't think they saw any squirrels but Tristan thought it was great!

The fun begins...

My mom was great, she had most of supper ready last night. She sent home some meat w/ gravy in a dish to put in the oven. Then I made some mashed potatoes and peas to go with it. I feed all of them, cleaned the kitchen, threw in a load of clothes in the washer, straightened my room, gave kids baths, put Tristan & Gracie to bed, then snuck off to next door with Christian, Bryce, and Corie. Of course, Jody stayed with Tristan and Gracie if anyone was curious.

Anyway, nothing real fun and exciting happened last night. I think everyone slept pretty good. Corie has a cold, but she is taking some meds for it. This morning was real fun though, I got half way ready at their house and was going to my house to get the rest of me ready. Bryce and I head out the front door and I got stuck in the mud. Yes, I was stuck! I had flip flops on that were sucked in by the mud. I tried pulling out my foot, then my flip flop stayed. I was so mad my favorite and only black flip flops are ruined. So needless to say, Carrol & Mica, I am sorry but you have bare feet prints in your new muddy driveway. I walked barefoot home, which hurt, my feet are tender. Anyway, I am cleaned up & good to go. Kids are in school, Tristan is at sitters, and I am at work. So all is well!

Time for Change!

Yesterday was a "time for change". I bought a van! Yes, now I am a soccer mom without the kid that plays soccer. Gracie wants to play though. She can start soccer in the spring and I can officially be the "Soccer Mom"! Anyway, I traded in the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica for a 2008 Honda Odyssey. I love it so far, I have run the miles up to 90 already, YIKES! I better park it for a while. :)

Anyway, things have been very busy lately. I have a bunch of pictures to share if I ever get them off of my camera. I hope to do that today, if possible.

Today starts the day where my brother and his wife are going to Mexico to meet with some missionaries and check out the area. There are two kid homes there that need directors and they may just be perfect for the job. So while they are there expoloring the area I will have their 13 yr old, 11 yr old for the next 3 days, then I will have their 2 yr old starting Sat. I wasn't sure if I could handle another 2 yr old as I am getting ready for work in the mornings. So a grandmother is stepping in and watching the 2 yr old while I work. Anyway, it will be fun. I will have to post some pictures of our fun.

Race for the Cure!

Ok, Here's the 1st picture of the morning of the three amigos! Remember we got up early, so please be easy on us!

"GET READY... GET SET.... GO!!!!!"This is just a picture of all the thousand of folks in front of us in the race, we were heading to the second bridge.We are on the second bridge looking back at all the people on the 1st bridge. I thought the picture was pretty cool b/c you can see all the people that are watching from the boats below.
And here's the Governor of our Beautiful state shaking hands as runners go by... I was on a roll so I took this picture while still walking. (Yes, I am talented like that!)Tammy with two DJ's from the local radio station. This is how long it took us to walk 3.2 miles (5K). But really it's not accurate b/c we took a stop or two for pictures along the way.
Finally... "FINISH LINE"!!!! And saving the best for last...
Firemen on top of the fire truck dancing and getting ready to drop their overalls! (They have regular pants underneath though!)

My will power is being tested!

On Monday, my friend and I started the weight-watchers program. I have tried programs, and even weight watchers after I had my T-Gage but I was unsuccessful. I don't think I had the right mind-set at the time. This time I am jumping in with both feet. If you don't know me, I have always ate what I wanted, and when I wanted it. I didn't have a problem with this theory until I peeked over the mid 20's. So now in my early 30's and I still just can't get it right! I am still learning the healthy, portion-sized meal stuff.

Anyway, I have been working on eating better for 3 days now! WOW, I'm so proud. I am needing to lose around 30 lbs. So I will start my countdown online! So say a prayer for me that I will be successful at this, because my will has been tested last night and I past that test but it's only 3 days of this.

Last night, I took Gracie to her gym class. I walk in the door and to the right was a "Big" table of desserts. I thought "Great, I am being tested!" I walk pass and Gracie stops me " Mom, I want a cookie", "ok" I said. She eats her cookie and off she goes to class. I, of course, went to my car & sat. Then time for class to be over I went back in. Luckily, by this time, the nice man with all of his goodies was packing up. As I stand there waiting on Gracie to get finished, I start talking to the man about our church doing that kind of fund-raiser. He gives me his information and business card. Here comes Gracie out, so I am watching her and not the nice man. I turn around and the nice man hands me a box of chocolate chip cookie dough. Yes, I said it a FREE BOX OF COOKIE DOUGH! That's just what I need, when I am on a weight watchers diet. He said for me to cook it up and see how we like it and let him know about the fund raiser. Once again I didn't eat the cookie dough, Gracie took one though as a snack on the way home. Man, that was easy... it's a good thing I prayed for God to help me with urges or I wouldn't have made it! Thank you God!!!

Are you Jesus!

I was sent this email and it may be true or it may be fiction but either way the message is true and powerful. So please read the story below...

This is really powerful and makes one think!!!!

A few years ago, a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding. ALL BUT ONE !!! He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned. He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did.The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight. The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket. When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, 'Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?'She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, 'I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly.'As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, 'Mister....' He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, 'Are you Jesus?'He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: 'Are you Jesus?'

Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace. If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.

You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.

Another prayer request...

A friend of mine, Tracy, is going in for surgery on Tuesday. Please pray for her that all the procedures go well and that she heals up quickly. Also pray for her husband & two sons that they can handle the daily duties while she is out.

Talent in the family...

Last night at church we had "Kids Night". It's where the kids run the whole night church service. My beautiful niece "Corie" started off with a beautiful song. Everytime I hear her I think she just gets better & better.

Anyway, Gracie loves to sing but she doesn't like to get up on stage and sing by herself. So Corie said she would sing with Gracie, they did a great job together. They sang "Here I am to Worship". Later on in the night, they had all the children's church kids sing a song. And yes, Tristan & Josie went to the stage and did the hand motions too! In the middle of the performance, Tristan realizes he doesn't have his shoes on. He leaves the kids on stage, runs to me to put his flip-flops on, then runs back to join the group. Before he could get back the song was over. Bless his heart, he just started crying, saying "I want to sing!". He was really upset, I had to take him out of the church for a few minutes so he could calm down. At the end of the performances, they had the kids that are working on memorization to get on stage to say what they have learned. When it came to Gracies turn, she gets on stage & nothing came out. I was on stage with her, and actually turned her back to the audience & still nothing. She was froze, kind-of embarrasing but I have to remember I would have never done that when I was her age. Anyway, by the time the night was over I was exhausted. I am very proud of my children for getting up there to begin with. I am proud that they are getting into church. I am just proud to be their mother!

A Working Weekend..

I feel we are definately making progress now on the house. It has been bothering me for weeks that nothing was getting done. My dear, sweet husband has been having back troubles. So it has been difficult for him to stand or stretch or bend to get the necessary stuff done to see some progression. He is definately a trooper, he took some meds then started sheetrock mudding so that by the end of the week we can spray our walls. So please say a special prayer for both of us, one that he will not have anymore pain in his back and two that I will have the patience for all of this.

The Dash...

I received this email a long time ago but I loved the message so much I just wanted to re-share it.

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In July 2006, a short 3-minute movie was launched on the Internet called The Dash. Since then, over 40 million people from around the world have watched it; and over 20,000 a day continue to watch it as a result of people passing it along. The movie has been more successful than we could have ever imagined. More importantly, however, it has inspired many, many people to reflect on their lives and ask that all important question, 'Are my priorities where they should be?' I hope you enjoy this movie and share it with those who are close to you.

Click This Link to View: http://www.dashpoemmovie.com/

What my little one is learning...

This morning it was cool outside so I put a long-sleeve shirt on Tristan. I told him to go get a short sleeve shirt out of his drawer to take to the sitters because it will get hot in the afternoon. So he marches in his room and brings out his football jersey. I told him that he needed a play shirt because I didn't want that shirt to be left at the babysitters. So I took him back to the room and put up the jersey, I then reached in the drawer and found a play shirt. He looked at me (with sad little eyes) and said "that's supid". I said "what did you say", he said " that's supid". I then realized that he is using the lovely word "Stupid". He was mad that he couldn't wear the jersey so to show his frustration the other shirt became "supid". I know the older kids have been calling names so he has learned it from them. That word, along with a few others are part of my pet-peeves.

Bible Millionaire

I just thought I would share this because I am so proud. Bryce has always been shy at church and not wanting to participate in different activities. But now he is in a competition group at church where each kid will memorize and study verses so they can play a game that competes with other groups of kids. Right now they are in the memorizing stage, he has been getting out his folder and going to his room to study. He just about has his 1st paragraph passage memorized. I am very proud of him.

Pictures of Bryce...

He went to a Birthday party for his 1 yr old cousin (on his dad's side). I am not sure if he contributed in the party functions but I do know he played football in the yard. All I know is he doesn't look the same as when he left the house. Which he looked really handsome, hair not sweaty & he had his nice new jersey on. But these pictures were sent of him and I thought I would share. Sweaty or not... here he comes!!!

Prayer Request

This is a Prayer Request for a family I have never met but love to read their blog. The mother is 31 weeks pregnant. She was told 2 months ago that her baby wouldn't make it much longer and he has. She went to the Dr yesterday for her ECHO, (which he has been scoring 8/10, then 9/10, then 10/10) he scored baby Stellan at a 6/10. Which means he is not doing so great right now, but as we all know prayers can help. Whatever God's will is for this family they are willing to accept, but please pray that they will remain strong and faithful. Here's MckMama's website if you would like to check it out...http://www.mycharmingkids.net/

Today's the Day!

The camper is SOLD! A part of me will miss it, but the other part of me is glad to see it go. It took up too much of my yard to park it. I am ready to have my side yard and driveway looking spiffy! (If that's a word)

It is an awesome camper, and we all had a great time camping in it. Here's what it looked like...