Day To Day with Jenn

Prayer and Facebook?

2012-01-03T22:47:00.000-06:00

Tonight I was reading through my Facebook page after everyone went to bed (because my family get's annoyed when I tie up our family time on it). I noticed I was praying for those that were hurting, had missing family members, had lost loved ones during this holiday season and then for my own child as I wonder what news we will get tomorrow. In the middle of this, I was going back and forth between Facebook and my favorite scripture website, www.biblegateway.com. There, I can look up phrases that I recall but can't remember the exact scripture for.

I prayed and Facebooked and posted and commented. The thought just crossed my mind, can you have a quiet time, or quality time praying and be Facebooking? The Bible says to pray without ceasing right? I know that it is probably a bit more safe than when I am praying in the car while I'm driving. And to tell you the truth, I think that in the quiet, peaceful bliss with all the sleeping children in bed, that a little prayer with Facebook might just be okay.

Now don't get me wrong. I don't think this is the only way to pray but when you read about and are reminded about all that your friends and family are going through, why not stop and pray for them?!

My thoughts for the day-

Jenn

Photos and Fun!

2011-04-06T17:08:00.001-05:00

After much encouragement and a lot of reluctance, I created a facebook page for my photography. Not that I'm in business full-time but mainly because I needed a place for people to view their photos without me setting up a website at this time.

I was doing an economics paper last semester that had me put myself in an place to open a business and tie in how that would/would not work economically for me. I had always thought I would open a quilt shop since that was my greatest hobby until I had the twins. Since then, my life has revolved around capturing their life and other things. After much research, I really did not have the desire to open a quilt shop anymore and thought, what in the world should I do my paper on. The only other hobby I had was photography and that was all I saw it as. Looking back as one opportunity has led to another, I find myself blessed to be gaining more and more experience. My colleagues have been gracious enough to let me take numerous photos at training events and convention. They have no idea how much I enjoy capturing those moments. Family and friends have let me capture their moments and extended families moments. It has been a joy.

I have to tell you I really wrestled with this move. LOTS! I don't want to in any be "competing" with friends or act as if I am as accomplished or as experienced when I am not. I do though want to pursue something I love and be able to share it with others.

I look forward to seeing what God has in store and where this leads. But for now, I feel like I'm just putting it out there and if anything comes from it, it is soley from God. I am blessed, so blessed.

-Happy Wednesday-
Jennifer

I am always willing to learn, so if you would like to share, let me know!

Cancer stinks!

2011-02-28T15:20:00.001-06:00

I am a daddy's girl, loud and proud! Well, after getting back in the groove to post on my blog, we found out my dad had cancer. All other things in this life seemed instantly a lot less important. Blogging being one of them. Just as the holidays were rolling full speed ahead, we found out that what we were told was a malignant growth was in fact cancerous. It was not a good holiday season but at the same time, we thanked God for our blessings and were so thankful to have hope.

That word cancer puts you into action mode. You start reading, researching and learning about more than you ever wanted to know about something. Every doctor has an opinion, some more than others, of what is the best thing to do. With dad though, there was a question of what was the best. My brothers and I all teamed up and sifted through all the information we could get our hands on and went through all the possibilities. After we got a game plan in order, little did we know how life would change and how the game plan doesn't stay the same.

Today, dad is doing good. Without going into all the details right now, he's able to get out a bit and is recovering from the first half of part of his treatments. Now we reassess and pray. We do a lot of praying.

Mom was looking forward to his hair falling out. That hasn't happened yet. Strange I know, but she jokingly said she wondered if it would come back in black and curly. It made us all laugh. You have to laugh.

One day I hope to share more about this journey, but until then, enjoy every day!

Post Election Reflection

2010-11-04T13:41:00.000-05:00

Instead of posting during or the day after the election, I decided that I better take a couple of days to de-compress and reflect. You see, election time, whether you love it or hate it, seems to put a hop in my step the older I get. I hate the phone calls and bad ads trying to one-up another. I don't like all the signs littering everyones yards and telling me who they are voting for. That just makes me want to pre-decide if I like you as my neighbor and that's not good if you ask me.

When I was younger I voted just to exercise my right because I could. As I am getting older, I actually pay attention to the candidates, their stand on issues and so forth.

I was pretty excited this year, so see what happened. Even though I told myself I was not going to watch the news all night...I did. I cheered and booed and talked to the tv like the newscaster could hear me. I was pulling for our long time mayor because he has proven to be trustworthy and a man of good character and wise. The other candidate against him is my neighbor. Now before he started running I didn't like him, after I saw he was running it really made me sick. You see, he's a very well networked businessman and so is his wife. Prominent in the community and all that jazz. They are great at working the social scene, but they stink as neighbors. They don't acknowledge us across the street (or the other neighbors either. I know this because it comes up in conversation) but if we are at a public event, they smile, introduce themselves (because they can't remember we live across the street) and act like they really are excited to meet us. Really? Three times now in 5 years? Give me a break. There are other stories that aren't worth going into and a whole blog that could be written on about how your spouse reflects who you are but I think you get the point. I guess in my mind, a good neighbor as talked about in the Bible is of much better value than a figure head. But that's my opinion only. You see, I grew up in home where my parent split the political parties and have been married over 50 years to tell about it. They have modeled to me that politics, although are important, aren't everything. After all is said and done, you don't always get your way all the time. It doesn't matter which side you are on, you win some, and you lose some. The most ruler that cannot be kicked out of office is Jesus. And as long as I am following Him, things will turn out just fine. I know this because I've read the end of the book and as a little song says, "for the Bible tells me so." So I feel our town lost one this time around. You might see it as we gained one. Either way, he doesn't rule my life and Jesus is who I truly need to reflect on!

Good day everyone-
jenn

The To-Do List

2010-11-03T22:26:00.000-05:00

Today was one of those days that I just had a lot to do and when I start a day like that, there is always more that gets added along the way to the list. So here's a run down of the day:

1-Up and showered BEFORE I left my room. That's amazing in and of itself since I usually leave to let the twins out before I get one which postpones a shower indefinetly.
2-Fed four children, did the dishes and picked up the house. Got the BG's to shower and loaded in the car to go to my parents to say good-bye to some friends.
3-Arrived 30 minutes late to say good-bye (at 9:30am), so we turned around and came home.
4-Started school for the day at 10am
5-BFF from Tulsa stopped by for a short visit! Yeah!!!
6-Katie left for music and handbells at 11:30 and I got an itch to clean out the garage.
7-Noonish, the remaining kids get hungry. I stop to feed them and slip back into the garage.
8-Put twins down for nap at 1pm knowing they probably won't sleep but I needed them to "try".
9-Morgan finished 3 days of math and her spelling and grammar for three days. She get's the rest of the day off to read.
10-Start on laundry. Rewash the load that got forgotten and fluffed the other one a few times.
11-3pm- Katie's home and I'm tired. I have them read while I work on my school.
12- Finally let the twins back out and put on a movie. Get the car loaded with donations from my fall house cleaning and everyone enjoys some popcorn.
13-Everyone gets ready for church and I get a break....okay I had to go to Walmart and we all know that is not a break.
14-Went by cousin's house to take a Birthday card.
14-Everyone home, fed, teeth brushed and in bed.

I'm tired and after three loads of laundry, two loads in the dishwasher and multiple pick ups of the house, I'm done. It's not a glamorous life, but it's my life and for the most part, I love it!

Tomorrow, maybe I'll have the energy to reflect on the election. I need a day though to choose my words wisely! ;)

Good night-
jenn

Another Halloween!

2010-11-01T22:32:00.000-05:00

As with every year, I am always hoping for easy to make or cheap costumes. And with every year, it starts out that way and grows. With 4 kids and all within trick or treat age, costumes were a must. Last year we were fortunate to borrow the twins but this year, we went with Ryan's idea he's had since they were born. The twins were Thing 1 and Thing 2 from Dr. Seuss. And quite fitting I should say. I bought their red sweat pants and shirts at Walmart for $3.50 each piece. That's $14 for the clothes. I purchased white paint for $2.47 and blue hair paint for $2. So the twins costume was a grand total of say $20ish (with tax). Not bad for two costumes, right?

Next though we had to tackle the BG's. We went costume shopping and I was ready to pay the $20 for the pre-made costumes at the Halloween Express, but....the Fall Festival's theme at church was 50's. They really pushed it at church and mailed out fliers and before you knew the girls wanted to participate and enter the costume contest. I thought, great! I've been wanting the girls to be something other than vampires and grim reapers. I mean, how hard can a poodle skit be to make? I was on a mission. I found the felt at JoAnn's up north on sale for $2.99 a yard. I bought two yards of pink and two of blue for $12. I thought, good, this is starting out well and cheap! Well, then I had to either make a poodle or buy one. I found an iron-on and bought two. Purchased pom poms to accent and some bling for the belts and leashes and finally zippers. That was another $30. CHOKE, CHOKE! Oh, and then we had to find shoes. I refused to spend the money on the two tone shoes and thought that knock off Keds from Academy for $10 each were a deal. Plus, when we are done, I can take paint pens and decorate them and they might want to wear them again!

So, all together all four girls cost us around $82 for Halloween costumes. I guess I could have bought the pre-made ones for that cost and saved a lot of time and gas money driving around, but I like to think mine are cuter and made with love.

I hope you had a safe and Happy Halloween!

Conquering the House

2010-10-30T18:56:00.000-05:00

Today I sat down for the first time in a long time and thought to myself, I am happy with my house. Not the way it looks from the outside or the decorations on the inside, but the organization and function of my house. Let me go back oh....about 15 years to let you know where I'm coming from.

When Ryan and I got married it was my first real house to keep. (I went straight from the dorm room!) I was already an organization freak but I loved trying to figure out the best and most organized way to keep everything. I had to have the dished done before bed each night. That soon changed. My ultra organization self married a not as organized self. He helped me see that the dishes will still be there in the morning and that visiting with company is much more important.

Well, baby #1 came along and my idea of nesting was taking the vacuum apart and cleaning it. Yes, I was still that bad! Through baby #1 I had all my daily chores done by about 8:30....A.M. and time to scrapbook and coupon clip. My pantry was organized and I cleaned out my car every Friday.

Baby #2 arrived and things got a little more....shall we say, busy. We had moved into a house from a mobile home and with more space and another baby, we filled it up. I remember at one point that baby stuff engulfed our home in every room. It was a great house though. 1550 square feet. Huge for four of us! Well, we did our best and filled up that house. We have always been the kind of family that takes hand me downs. Furniture and clothes, you name it. It has served us very well and have been so blessed by the gifts of others. Everything from couches to beds to dressers and clothes we have been so fortunate to accumulate.

Then, we moved again.....to a bigger house. And we had quite an awakening when we moved. We filled up a moving truck in a few hours and realized very quickly we needed another. So with the addition of another truck plus two pick-ups and my car, we only left a few items that decided we could part with. WE HAD STUFF!

We almost doubled our house size and with all our stuff we filled our new house. Fast forward and the addition of the twins, we accumulated more stuff. Well, I love this show called, "Hoarders" on A&E and one day I just decided I had had it. Enough of having stuff. I mean, what's the point of keeping it if you can't find it when you need it? So over the past couple of months, I have gone through my entire house (attic and all closets) and looked at everything I had. If I NEEDED it (need is a strong word you know) I made sure to keep it and put it where I can find it. If I wasn't sure, it went and if I knew someone else could use it and didn't know if I would ever use it again, I gave it away. I have been so blessed by the gifts of others, I wanted to let things go so that while they were still useful they could be used and loved by someone else.

Here's what I've learned. I love my house so much more when there is less in it. I can clean my house so much easier without all the stuff taking up space in it. My kids are less distracted by the clutter and can find the most important stuff in their rooms. How many McDonald's toys do you really need anyway?

Did I get rid of all the stuff? No, but I am much closer and less stressed about keeping up a house with 4 kids and husband. I've been cooking more and enjoying my space rather than feeling swallowed by it. Will it stay this way? I don't know. But for now, I'm happy.

-Jenn

Finally Friday!

2010-10-29T23:18:00.000-05:00

Fridays are an off day for us. What I mean is that instead of getting our school work done in the mornings so we have the afternoons off, Morgan has tennis for two hours. So today, instead of having my mom come over and stay with the twins, we all loaded up and went to watch and sit in the van. Not the most fun for the twins but they seem to be getting used to it. We watch for a little bit and then we fire up the DVD player and they watch a movie while I play Words with Friends or crochet. After doing that for a little over an hour, we ran to McDonald's to grab some fries and a drink. Not the healthiest but our little treat!

So after arriving at home, it was back to the books. I had my mom run by to stay with them so I could run to Hobby Lobby to gather the last little bling to add to the poodle skirts and also to grab some grocery's so we could eat.

After wrapping up homework really late in the day, the BG's got to go to a friends house for a sleep over and that gave me the evening to knock out the Halloween costumes. Pictures to come soon! But for today, here's a glimpse of the twins late today both playing so quietly. It tried to sneak up on them but they saw me an posed for the camera. Have a great weekend everyone!

-Jenn

It's a hard days work.

2010-10-28T15:25:00.000-05:00

Today Morgan went to get her eyebrow's tidied up!

I had to finish my reading for class so the BG's watched the twins for me. Gabby's quite the electronic engineer. She can work an iPhone at 2!

I wanted to keep the twins up today and not let them have a nap so they would go to bed early for their dad since I'll be gone. Well.....that didn't work out so well. I tried!

The homemade rolls are getting ready to come out of the oven so off I go to steal some before I head out. Have a great night everyone!

-Jenn

They are growing up so fast!

2010-10-27T21:11:00.000-05:00

I used to take pictures all the time of the twins and the big girls. For some reason, life has just been busy and the camera got put away. Today, I pulled it out and snapped a few fun moments.

Izzy pulled mommies sun glasses off her head after we had been out taking Katie to music and handbells, and were back home getting ready for a nap. Of course, Gabby didn't want to be left out.

After not taking a nap but being down long enough for me to recover, they resumed their daily activities of working puzzles, playing with playdough and getting into trouble for climbing on the kitchen counters while I try to get dinner in the oven. Dad took them and Morgan to church tonight, which also gives mommy a break. Now it's off to read and study for my quiz at school. Tomorrow, we will do it all again. Till then....

Jenn

Bathroom re-do

2010-10-26T16:49:00.000-05:00

Our bathroom project was going to be one of those quick and easy (no-cost) re-do's. Dear hubby didn't care for the color too much and my parents had left over paint from their house, so I picked a color and we were going to paint and brighten up the room. Well..... the twins decided to flood the upstairs bathroom above this one and cause some water damage on the ceiling. It didn't look too bad after it dried so we thought, okay, let's paint the ceiling before the walls. It probably needs it anyway! The popcorn came off the ceiling where the water damage was. Hmmm....plan B. We decided to scrap the ceiling. Dust was everywhere but after working on it for months, it was finally ready to paint. After the painting we decided to update the mirror and start updating the accessories and fixtures. Here's the progress so far and if our track record stands, it will look like this for a few years to come.

I was inspired!

2010-10-26T16:38:00.000-05:00

Today at MOPS we had a blogging guest speaker, Kelly Stamps from kellyskornerblog.com. She was fun, real and gave me a greater purpose for blogging. I always think I will get to the scrapbooking or writing a letter to my kids, but at the end of the day, I'm just too pooped. But Kelly inspired me to take just a few minutes a day to blog so that I can have an online scrapbook of sorts to look back on. So after a loooonnngg break from my blog, I'm back. Thanks Kelly! Now I have to go figure out again how to add pictures!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-11T12:48:00.002-06:00

It's another year and another time to figure out finances and where we want to spend our money. It's also time to pull the tax documents out and start putting everything into Turbo Tax. We always get back something and we always have to have the conversation of what to do with it. It's doesn't stick around or even buy us anything fun. It's usually a "which bill do you want to pay first" kind of conversation. All this is to say, we have been blessed that every year I have surgery or something major has caused us to get behind, God has always been generous to allow us to get caught up, or close to, with a tax return. This year is nothing different. With my two major surgery's so close together, that has a stack of bills I can't even look at without tearing up. But God will sustain us and we will pull through. He always allows us to have more than we deserve.

So count your blessings and let's look forward to a great and healthy new year!

For we NEED a little Christmas!

2009-11-28T18:39:00.005-06:00

Well, this holiday season started out kind of sad. We lost Ryan's grandmother November 19th, so we traveled to Wichita early to have her funeral before Thanksgiving. I didn't feel like taking pictures, so since we are back home and decorating, I thought I would try to now get in the spirit and decorate the tree. I'm missing the lights and garland for another tree, so one is all I have done today. It's been a stay in your jammies all day kind of day. And tonight, we have been outside roasting hotdogs for dinner. Nice and easy and family time. Just what we needed!

Brrr...

2009-11-18T12:55:00.002-06:00

Well, it's finally cold enough outside to put on a fire. Day before yesterday, I fired up the fireplace. The smell and the warmth spell winter to me. Last night, we blew up the king size air mattress and curled up in front of the fire. That is, Morgan, Katie and I. There is something about doing that, made me realize it is time to slow down. Thanksgiving is just a week away and then follows Christmas. With all the hustle and bustle of shopping, decorating and cooking, I feel like I overlook just spending time together. This season, I am going to try to work on that. I am cutting back the gifts for my kids and we are going to focus on the real meaning of Christmas and just enjoy each others company. Isn't that what Jesus did? He spent his time here on earth and just wants our time in return.

Happy Holidays and take some time to cuddle by the fire!

My gardener!

2009-05-11T13:31:00.003-05:00

I have this great gardener that is going to grow me a garden this summer. He is really reasonable (free) and very handsome. Okay, he's my hubby. Ryan has built a garden box this year and is trying his hand at gardening. We are both hoping for the best but I am one of those, "I'll believe it when I see it" kind of gals. So far he has growing corn, tomatoes, peppers (red, orange, yellow and jalapenio) squash, green beans, peas, and carrots. Like I said, we'll see how it goes. He has done all his research but I think he's got it packed in too close. I'm sure we will have something to show though for all his efforts. I love salsa, so I will be canning if all the tomato plants produce.

Anyway, this was a really good picture of him with a real smile (not one of those get it over with ones) so I thought I would share.

Have a happy week!

So busy, but not too much for some fun.

2009-05-05T09:29:00.003-05:00

Life has just been flying by lately. I've packed a lot into April with a project for work and now I am ready to slow down for the rest of May. Just an update, my friend's baby has made it through surgery and is starting to be fed with a tube. I can't imagine going over a week without eating. But this little guy has just been holding on and making progress so fast. It's amazing how the body works and how something so small can survive. I am still praying though for they are not out of the woods yet. He is still in intensive care for a couple more days.

On another note, I took a trip to Texas last weekend to catch up with some old friends. I miss my friends from Texas but life just gets busy and it's hard to get together. Still though, we manage to coordinate a trip here and there and catch up on each others lives. This trip was to celebrate my friend Tammys 40th birthday. It was so funny to see how un-exciting we probably were compared to years past. We sat at home most of the time and watched movies, talked and danced. Yes, we bebopped around like we were all that and laughed so hard at ourselves that we decided to capture it on video. We also decided that it would be a good idea to get dance lessons because our moves were ancient! Other than to get out for food and a trip to Sam Moon and the mall, we were very low-key and we like it that way. No make-up and good company!

Pray for Kole!

2009-04-26T17:42:00.003-05:00

Please pray for my girlfriend from college, Virginia's, little boy. His name is Kole August Miller and he was born on Tuesday, April 21st. He is 7lbs and 3oz. After he was born and they took him to do the clean up and measurements, he was not returned to his mommy like she was expecting. After her husband repeatedly went down and they started working on him, they discovered he had the two main arteries that come off the heart switched. The plumbing wasn't filtering oxygen into the blood as it is supposed to. They flew him to Las Vegas to a Childrens Hospital and he is currently stable. Virginia and her husband are now at the Ronald McDonald house there and waiting till his surgery which is scheduled for Tuesday. They are Christians and have the best spirits as possible in this situation. Please pray for the doctors and for little Kole to pull through. They are keeping the hole in the heart open to allow as much blood through and keep him alive till surgery. Also pray for Virginia and her husband Derek. They are away from there other two boys which have yet to see their little brother and now are away from mommy an daddy.

Thank you, thank you!

Here is a picture of Virginia from several years ago. She's holding her oldest Drew and my little girl, Katie.

Long Time No Talk!

2009-03-28T09:26:00.005-05:00

This post rings true of several things. One, as you can tell, I haven't talked on my blog since before Thanksgiving. Lots has been going on and it is probably more than one day in a blog can handle. The brief run down is that before Christmas, my parents had there 50th Wedding Anniversary, we had Christmas, Katie's birthday was the 31st of Dec. and we surprised her with a couple of friends and took off to Tulsa to the Aquarium and Incredible Pizza. Next I went to Denver to the MOPS home office for my yearly training and then the twins turned 1 in February. I'll add a few pics to update. The most recent event, if you call it that, was reconnecting with my best friend from junior high and high school. Rebecca and I lost touch 9 years ago after the busyness in both of our lives. I'll post later the long reunion in coming, but you know the kind of friends that you might not talk to daily but you can pick up where you left off? That's what happened to us. And to me, that was a great day in my life.

Till later, enjoy the pics of recent events. I think they are actually in reverse order. I'm still learning this blog stuff!

Another one bites the dust!

2008-11-26T20:27:00.002-06:00

Yep, Morgan is down for the count. After debating whether we should try to tackle a big trip yet with the twin, we packed up the car (completely). I was waiting today for Ryan to get home from taking Morgan to the dentist. He called and was running through McDonalds to get us lunch on the go. After he got the food in the car, Morgan tossed her cookies (if you know what I mean) and that put an end to the trip. I proceeded to unload the car, call all family and make a list of grocerys to get so we don't starve over the weekend. I am thankful though that she is old enough to get the bathroom and that will save my sanity and water bill from more laundry. There's always something to be thankful for!

Picture Tag

2008-11-25T16:31:00.005-06:00

Okay, I think I've been tagged before but just didn't understand it. I may even mess it up this time, but here we go...

4th picture from my 4th folder is...Gabby asleep in the Johnny Jump Up. I think she was 5 or 6 months old here. Morgan used to fall asleep in it too. So cute. But then I'm mom.

So I'm going to tag Bree, Steph and Shelley.

Poor Katie!

2008-11-25T09:55:00.003-06:00

What a week! To say the least, I'm physically and emotionally tired. (The physical part I'll explain now, the emotional will be for another post.) Now I get to pile into a car with everyone tomorrow to travel 6 hours and sleep in two rooms for three nights. Did I mention the twins hate riding in the car. Sounds fun I know and we haven't been to my in-laws in over a year. Not really able to back out but let me update you about the last week. Last Tuesday, Katie comes home with pink eye from school. I start her on the drops that minute because as any good moms does, I saved the leftovers from a couple of years ago when she had it. She stayed home on Wednesday and I sent her to school on Thursday. Backing up a bit, Wednesday night, Izzy throws up before she even eats dinner. Yuck! I'm hoping she's just overly congested from teething, but knowing it's probably a bug. So after I take Katie to school on Thursday, and get Gabby to physical therapy, I get a call from the school saying Katie threw up and at that exact moment, Gabby throws up too. I go get Katie and begin the never ending laundry and nursing. Friday 1am, I wake up sick. Yep, it's bad now. Ryan takes off work because I'm down for the count. Saturday, we are all better but tired. Thank goodness for 24 hour bugs. Anymore and I would have had to go the laundry mat. So, Monday comes around and Katie comes home with an itchy head and yep, you got it, head lice. I could have screamed! I got in the car, went to Walgreens and purchased every potion to get the job done. Spent 4 hours doing her hair and even washing Morgans just to check and see. I wasn't going to miss a beat so Katie even slept in Mayo to make sure to smother any remaining critters. Poor thing. Last night as we painstakingly went through her hair, she said, "Why me mom? Why do I keep getting sick?" I didn't have an answer. I just kept saying, "I'm so sorry, Katie, you didn't deserve this." Know one does really.

I'm hoping for a good Thanksgiving and that whatever else is floating around at school will die and we can make it to Christmas with out another rash of oddities.

Wishing everyone safe travels for Thanksgiving!

Flu Shot....Ouch!

2008-11-07T12:46:00.002-06:00

Yes, we did it! There was a free drive through clinic today in town and I figured up that with all of us, it would cost a fortune to go to the doctor to get them. So, I took the girls out of school at lunch time, packed the bottles and piled in the car. It was awesome! Now, I use that term because we waited for 20 minutes and were on our way. Know one left the car and only three of the four kids screamed. Now that's a success in my book. The BG's (Morgan and Katie)were the loudest. I thought I was going to have to wrangle Morgan out of the backseat and pin her down. But let me tell you, those ladies there are good! They grabbed her arm and stuck her before she could back out. Katie had gone before her and they were doing the twins all at the same time. I've never seen something run so well. The girls were out of school for a total of 55 minutes.

If it weren't for the free clinic, I would not have bothered getting the shots this year. Thank heavens for those little blessings! That's $100 I can spend on diapers or firewood! It's getting cold outside!

It's finally over... or has it just begun?

2008-11-05T10:39:00.002-06:00

Well, I voted last week. I hope you did too. I can't say the outcome is exactly what I desired, but I do know one thing. God is still God and that hasn't and won't change. After Jeff (my brother and pastor) did his sermon series on Revelation, I thought that one day, now or in the future, things would "change" as we know it and get a lot worse before they ever get better. Whether that will happen with our 44th president or not, I don't know. But I do know that either way the election went, and know matter who our next president would be, he will need our prayers just as much as anyone. We are still a great nation and hopefully still "Under God" as our Pledge of Alligance states. In that, I hope we can come together, pray for our country, our next president and that he will seek the guidance he needs (hopefully from God) to lead us the next four years. Then, in four years we will do it all again.

God Bless the USA!

HSM 3

2008-10-29T21:08:00.003-05:00

If you have girls, you will end up seeing this movie at some point. Just do it! It was good to actually have some new music and finish out there high school years. Yes, I have to say I was kind of excited to see it myself. I let the girls invite a friend and it turned into three adults and ten kids! Crazy as it seems, it wasn't too bad. I liked the second movie over the first, but I'm not sure that the third is my favorite. It was cute though and fun to think back to those high school years. Mine were definetely not as fun as theirs were, and we didn't dance and sing down the halls, but I did do drama and dance company and it reminded me of those long hours I spent after school practicing. They make it look so easy on screen, but I remember blistered feet and brouses from being lifted, dropped and spun around. It was fun though and a memory to say the least. I hope my kids childhood is more easy than mine. Wouldn't it be nice if it were just like the movies???

2008-10-07T20:16:00.003-05:00

It's here! Thanks to my good friend Jennifer, I was just in time to run down to Target for their opening day. Was it everything I hoped it would be? Yes, and more. I just got through going to the one in Conway, Fayetteville and Dallas trying to find the twins shoes. Sounds easy, but two in the same size and style is harder than you think. So off I took to Target tonight and walked through the doors, to the shoes and got my babies their first pair. Very exciting for me. Probably a little overboard. But all in all, I hope to never set foot into Walmart again. Okay, that's a little drastic, but I can bet it will be awhile till I do. Thank you Target!

Loving EVERY mother of preschooler.

2008-10-06T14:57:00.007-05:00

This weekend, we had a very interesting guest, Lynne Spears at convention. This is as good of my pics as I got. The purpose of her coming has really gotten me to think and wonder if I am looking for every mother of preschooler to welcome to MOPS, or church, or just who I think would fit in. This article sums up very well why she was there. I found this on several websites by using google. I believe it was released by MOPS.

"Author Lynne Spears and Leading International Mothering Organization Challenges More Than 4,500 Moms to Include, Not Judge

Last update: 11:28 a.m. EDT Oct. 4, 2008

GRAPEVINE, Texas, Oct 04, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Author Lynne Spears, mother of Britney and Jamie Lynn, challenged over 4,500 mothers today, encouraging them to "reach out to every mom around you." Lynne joined the stage with MOPS International CEO Elisa Morgan at the MOPS International Convention in Grapevine, TX to talk about some of her personal mothering experiences.

Morgan joined Spears in challenging moms to befriend others who "might not fit the mold of how you think a mother should look; you've got to look beyond what you see on the surface."
In her introduction of Spears, Morgan reminded audience members of the purpose of MOPS International, a leading mothering organization that provides community to over 100,000 mothers of preschoolers. "We know MOPS exists to encourage, equip and develop every mom -- no matter where she's been or what she's done...EVERY mother of preschoolers -- including moms like Britney and Jamie Lynn Spears."

The purpose of the 2008 MOPS International Convention is to help mothers understand that when they are loved and accepted just as they are, they will be empowered to care about other moms. "Having Lynne Spears here today is a demonstration of how we can build bridges to other moms and bring them into a community of hope and encouragement -- no matter where they are at in their mothering journey," Morgan said.

At the conclusion of the interview, Morgan and MOPS International President Naomi Cramer Overton presented Spears with two complimentary MOPS International Memberships as a gift to her daughters, and a membership to FullFill, a community for women in all seasons of life.

About MOPS International

Founded in 1973, Denver-based MOPS International is a non-profit organization that creates communities and resources to help make "better moms who make a better world." A MOPS group is a place where moms can come -- just as they are -- to build friendships, receive mothering support, practical help and spiritual hope; all to help make better moms for a better world.

MOPS International serves more than 100,000 mothers of preschoolers from all walks of life. The non-profit organization exists to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ.
MOPS volunteer Coordinator, Christy Cowan feels her time invested in strengthening moms is worth every minute: "Our group reaches not only families across the world -- through MOPS International -- but moms across the street. Our local MOPS group provides authentic community and ways for moms to make friends and grow in parenting skills. In a MOPS group, we see moms get the support they need to be better moms and that makes a huge impact on their families, communities and the way they reach out to make a difference in the world."

MOPS International Convention

When a new mom experiences mothering, it can feel like a roller coaster of emotions. Not knowing what will come around the next loop or tunnel can make a mom uncertain, but if she experiences the ride with other moms she'll have something in common ... MOPS. Mothers of preschoolers find community, friendship and support in more than 4,000 local MOPS groups across the United States and in 32 countries internationally.

From Oct. 2-4 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, more than 4,500 volunteer leaders who help moms make those vital connections with other moms will gather for training, inspiration and networking. These volunteer leaders, who are moms themselves, give 15-plus hours a month with MOPS International to facilitate MOPS groups where moms can find a support network and grow as women, mothers and leaders.

National Speakers and Artists The 2008 MOPS International Convention features authors and speakers Patrick Lencioni, Erwin Raphael McManus and Julie Barnhill, along with MOPS International CEO Elisa Morgan and MOPS International President Naomi Cramer Overton. Musical guests include Plumb, Avalon, Nic Gonzales, Jaci Velasquez, Kim Hill and Go Fish."

What a weekend to remember!

2008-10-06T14:16:00.003-05:00

The line up was amazing and the women were fantastic. It amazes me every year that I have an opportunity to work with such great leadership. I really feel unworthy at times. Here is a pic of Plumb. She was awesome and just gave birth 9 weeks ago. I couldn't jump around on a stage and sing like that after my kids. I'll try to figure out how to put a slide show up of all the artists, but till then, check my Facebook for the pics.

I need so much sleep to catch up, but it was worth it! Next year, Nashville, here we come!

I'm tired and the Adventure hasn't even begun.

2008-09-29T19:48:00.002-05:00

Do you ever feel that way? Tired before it even starts? I have been eating sleeping and praying about MOPS for weeks now. It's down to the wire and convention starts in a couple of days. I have been on conference calls, drove to Little Rock to meet with my team and all to be prepared for the training and event. Now I have to say it is the biggest event I've ever been involved in personally. To see 4000 women come together, worship and learn how to be better leaders and mothers, just amazes me. It is energizing and exhausting all rolled together. I'll post some pics when I return, but pray for my safety in driving, my hubby's old car and for my health. I always tend to get worn down with no sleep. Ryan could use a little prayer as well. Four girls, soccer practice, gymnastics, golf, Awanas, and birthday party to navigate. I hope it makes it through.

Want more info on MOPS, go to www.mops.org.

She's just like me.

2008-09-24T15:44:00.004-05:00

I always felt awkward growing up. I didn't ever feel like I fit in anywhere and at some points in my life now, that feeling creeps in every once in awhile. Well, I have a carbon copy of my personality in my oldest. She came home the other day and was missing assignments and down on her reading score and I told my husband how much I had taken away and what the plan of action was. She has the personality that is influenced by others and not the take charge type. My mother pointed out to me that I was the same way. I let my best friend growing up run the show and I didn't mind a bit. Well, watching Morgan is like reliving my childhood. She has a friend that does the same to her and she thinks she hung the moon. I want her to be stronger and more independant and sure of herself. When I was telling all my worries to Ryan, he asked if I was really worried about her grades and attitude or was I just seeing myself in her and what I didn't like about myself. Boy was he right. I think I will learn more through my daughter than I will ever teach her.

I hate snakes!

2008-09-18T20:12:00.004-05:00

Well, today I killed my third snake. Yes, I said snake. We live in a very old and established neighborhood but are at the end by acres of woods. With that comes deer, we have three right now that come up daily and graze. There is also raccoons, armadillos, rabbits, hawks, skunks, possums, scorpions....well, you get the picture. When we moved in, there was actually a peacock that came with the house we named Pete. We fed him and he actually became fairly tame and would just want by while we sat outside. The neighbors caught him one day and called animal control to pick him up. We were sad. Anyway, our first snake experience was when I was actually hanging new curtains in my daughters room, stepped down off a stool and almost onto a snake. Yes, it was in the house. It was small and only a foot long. I found a bucket, trapped it and slide a nursery rhyme book underneath and carried it outside. I find this amazing considering I used to not even kill a spider. So I killed it with a shovel and threw it out in the woods. My second experience was finding one on the front porch when I was trimming the shrubs. This one was a tad bigger at about 3 to 4 feet long and about and inch and a half around. I called the neighbor over to help me with this one, but it slithered off into the bushes. The third snake was climbing on the house in the back yard side. Again, I got a shovel, beat it to death and dumped it in the creek. That brings me to my finding tonight. I pull in the driveway and notice what looks like a huge earthworm. As I decide to inspect it more closely, I see I just killed a snake. I ran it over with the car!

Here is the lessons I've learned about our snakes. #1 - They always come out in October. I know it's September still, but the weather has cooled off and so they probably think it's October. #2 - Know your snakes. The first three I described were King Snakes. They are actually good and eat rodents and bugs. But you see, the one I hit with the car, was a Copperhead. Those are the bad snakes. #3 - If you kill a baby snake, the momma is probably not far behind. Tonight's snake was a baby and so you can bet I will be keeping my shoes on outside.

Who knew living in the city could be so .......well, nature filled!

The Paper called

2008-09-10T09:57:00.003-05:00

Well, the newspaper guy called and left a message on my phone. We are playing phone tag at the moment, but honestly, I thought they could care less about my articule. I am hoping secretly the whole thing goes away, but I guess if my neighbor appears again with his dog, I'll just start picking up the mess again. I have decided to try to show some mercy and grace in the situation. I thought to myself, "What would Jesus do?". Now I don't think that much, which I probably should, but will give it a go till my sin side kicks in.

On other notes, the only writing I plan to continue with is for MOPS and that is a much more worthy cause of my time and thoughts. Speaking of MOPS, it's 20 days till Convention in Dallas and I am getting geared up. My mind is so forgetful since the twins, but I am tired of that excuse and need to get it together. So much to do, gotta go for now.

Neighbors be nice.

2008-08-27T15:39:00.002-05:00

Here is a letter I sent to the paper today. I couldn't put all the words in I would have liked, (there was a 300 word limit) but you'll get the picture.

"I have lived in Fort Smith for three years now. I love the people, schools and what the community has to offer. I’ve never had to confront a neighbor before with a problem, but today I just couldn't take it anymore. You see, my neighbor has a Labrador he walks every morning. Now he doesn’t come down my road every day, but when he does, his dog usually poops right in front of my house in the street. It wouldn’t be a big deal if he would pick it up, but he doesn’t. We have four children, two who ride bikes and get the poop in their tires as well as I get it in my car tires and then in the garage. It stinks and I get tired of picking it up. My husband asked his son a year or so ago to please pick it up but with no luck. So today, I came home to a pile of poop and decided to go down, with his poop in a bag and plea my case and ask him to please pick it up. He refused and was adamant he would continue if he pleased. In fact, he got in his car and followed me home. That seems a little rash don’t you think! After talking to the appropriate police department, it is not okay or fine for that to happen. So I called in a complaint. It seemed reasonable to talk to him first, but looking back I guess I should have just called in the complaint to begin with. I don’t understand why neighbors can’t talk (not argue) these things out. I make my kids talk things through, why can’t adults do the same?"