Friday, November 30, 2007

Picture Happy!!

As you will see I love taking pictures and love sharing them too. We went down to Florida before Thanksgiving for a couple of days. We stayed at my mom's condo on the beach for a night. It was so nice. In the one pic you will see my holding my cute little nephew Gavin. He is growing so fast. The rest are pretty self-explanitory.

Thanksgiving Beach Trip!!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Thanksgiving Memories!!

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I'll be quick.....I have a house full(Chad's sister Kitty,her husband Casey and their 6 amazing kids,Chad's other sister Amy and my niece Audree-tomorrow we have Chad's mom coming in too!) but wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for my family and my life and for all of you. I hope everyone has a safe time and enjoys being with those they love and are thankful for everyday that God gives us to enjoy this life.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Oh I am so one with nature today!!!

First I am loving the weather here today. It was 35 when I got up this mornig but got up to like 74. It was just beautiful. Ok....joke time. Did you hear about the ladybug that told the other ladybug and all 5 million of her friends that there was this great house to come and vacation in for the winter months...................
oh you didnt well let me tell you. We have a major ladybug investation outside our house and some of them are getting in. I have read online there they are very helpful insects because they eat aphids which are little bugs that can be problems for gardeners. Well I really dont have an aphid problem but I do have a lot of ladybugs. They started yesterday afternoon. Just swarms of them surrounding the house. When Chad got home from work he found a couple inside and starting getting them with the shop vac. It was hilarious hearing some comments he was saying when vaccuming a couple of them off the ceiling. "You are not going to win" and "What do you want from us". So today I didnt see any of them this morning but as soon as the sun started to heat things up here they came. Pure ladybug craziness!!! Oh and on top of that I got stung by a yellow jacket on my pinky. I have never gotten stung by one before-it stings pretty good. Maybe they are friends with the ladybugs.....

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Brrrrr.....Chill what happened to Fall???




(It was actually 27 degrees but I had the idea to take the picture a degree later!!)
I knew it would get cold here in the winter but in the fall?? I love the leaves changing and seeing them fall like snow and I do love the crispness in the air, but I wish there was a little more transition. It is really chilly here today. I do love living here and the kids love it too, but I didnt know fall only lasted a couple days!! Fall and Winter in Florida consisted of a few days of 50 degree weather. This is going to take some getting used to.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

I LOVE SUMMER/Fashion Statement




I had to share this pic with everyone. My daughter is just amazing! Everyday she does something that just makes me smile. Yesterday this was her moment. When we are staying home during the day I will let the kids pick out their own clothes and get dressed before we start school. Well Bailey came downstairs yesterday and she was so cute. She knew it was a funny outfit but at the same time she was proud that she put it together. She knew it was supposed to be cooler out but she loves that skirt and shirt so she made it work. Now Braxton came down in a short sleeve shirt and shorts-he is in denial!! (by the way she loved posing for this pic!!)

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Yes I have a dog and a cat!!



I have never really been a fan of Halloween since I have had children. There are way too many scary images then peaceful ones that revolve around this day. We went to a Revival last nigh at a Baptist church down in Butler , where Chad teaches. They had a program at the beginning for the children and it sent a very powerful message to the older children there. After that they invited the families to come to the "trunk or treat". Different members of the church had their trunks decorated and the kids went around and got candy from each one. My kids dont eat candy but they love to examine each and every piece. We usually let them pick one piece from their collection. They also had a bonfire and different games for the kids to play.


I receive emails daily from Proverbs 31 ministries and I think she sums it up well here:

( I know it's kind of long but it's worth it!!)



Spooks, Skeletons, and Saints
By Micca Campbell

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15 (KJV)

Devotion:
When Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” did He mean for us to include ghost and goblins? I view every Halloween as an opportunity to witness to “the dark side.”

Many Christians don’t know what to do with Halloween. They wonder if they should ignore it; protest against it; go along with it, or find alternative ways to participate without offending their faith. We often reason, nothing good can come from evil so why take part in this holiday? Yet, Joseph tells us in the bible that what is meant for evil God can use for good. In that case, Halloween can be an opportunity for us to do good!

Some of you may be wondering if I’ve been living on a far away planet unaware of what Halloween is. No, I’m very much aware of its meaning and tradition. Before Christ, Halloween was part of the Celtic Feast of Samhain. This Druid priest celebration commemorated the beginning of winter. The Festivals consisted of animal sacrifices to the dead and bonfires in recognition of departed souls. Those who participated in the festival believed that goblins, demons, witches and elves were sent from the world beyond to harass the living. For self-protection, the Druid’s would dress up like ghouls and goblins and involve themselves in demonic activities. They believed participating in this way kept them from being attacked by real witches and demons.

The early church responded by moving All Saint’s’ Day from spring to fall and renamed it Hallows’ Eve. In doing so, Christians used the pagan festival as catalyst in which to proclaim Christ’s death and resurrection. Halloween, for the early church, became a time to evangelize. They took something evil and used it for good. We would do well to follow their example.

Halloween is full of trickery and illusions about mystical powers and the living dead. Christians today can use these illusions in comparison to the truth that Jesus overcame the grave by the power of God and is the true Resurrection and Life. Better yet, those who are in Christ will also conquer the grave and live forever in the presence of God. What good news to share on a dark day!

There are many ways to share the good news of the gospel. My church has a Harvest Party on October 31 every year. The children play games and collect candy while the adults enjoy hayrides and wiener roasts. The most significant part about our party is the gospel room. This is where a drama is presented sharing about the good news of Jesus Christ and His saving power. One way for you to share Jesus with others is to invite an un-churched family to your church’s festival.

Another way to participate if you’re a stay-at-home kind of person is not to turn off the lights and hide as some of us tend to do. Instead, be a shinning light on a dark night. Tie scripture or gospel tracks to some candy and hand it out at your front door with Christ-like love and joy.

If you have the gift of hospitality, then have a Harvest party at your house. Invite friends, family, and neighbors to sit around a camp fire or your living room floor and swap Holy Spirit stories rather than ghost stories.

Halloween is not a time for avoidance. It’s a time to communicate with your children, family, and friends that, “yes,” evil, death and the grave are real, but through Christ, we are more than conquerors over it all. What better time to share this good news with others then when our minds are on such things? It’s an opportunity to take something meant evil and use it for good.