Clean room?

We had asked Todd to clean his room last night. I had been using a Magic Eraser and he thought that looked like fun. I agreed to let him do it in his room. In a matter of minutes, his room took a turn for the worst. He had knocked over storage containers that held Thomas stuff. After he got done with the Magic Eraser, he had to clean up his mess. This picture was the way he cleaned up the mess ha had made. I could not help but laugh! I guess everything was off the floor. He then told me it looked like a junk yard. Who would have know he would already be looking for the easy way to clean!

How many days?

This year Todd is SOOO excited about Christmas! We actually have 2 different calendars counting down the days until Christmas. Every morning that is the first thing he does. Then, he tells me how many days until Ba-Ba (Brad's mom) is coming into town, until we go to my parents house, and until Santa comes. He is really excited this year. I know this is going to be a fun year for him. It is a little hard to think about Christmas when we have had 70 degree weather, though. We finally have cooler temperatures today!

I cannot imagine..

I was laying on the bed with Todd as he was preparing to go to bed. We had exchanged our "I love yous" and he was curled up getting relaxed. It was at that moment that I began to think about what my life would be like if I did not have Todd. I am sure I would have more money, but no one's face would light up when I showed them the vary rare Cars character that I had purchased. I would probably have the BMW that I have always wanted, but no one to sing "How Great is our God" with me while driving down the road. I would probably have a bigger house, but I would not hear the patter of feet running around in it. I would have more free time, but what would I do with it? I am sure I would have more sleep, but I would miss out on the sweet hugs and cuddles from my precious son. I cannot fathom how different my life would be without Todd. God gave me this precious soul that lights up my whole life. As many of you know, we have tried to have another child for quite some time and have had no success. For a while, I was so upset that I was not able to have another child. It was then that I realized that God had given me the most precious gift and all I could focus on was what I did not have. It took me some time to change that mentality. I still long for another child ;however, I have a son that keeps me busy and I am blessed far more than most people.

What would you do with $60,000?

My mom went to see a new Costco that just opened. They handed her a Christmas brochure that contained many different kinds of presents. It has things from bikes to dishes. Brad and had brought it home because it had an Escalade golf cart that we were going to send as a joke to someone (it costs $12,000). As we were looking through it, we discovered a cruise that is unreal to us. I have never been on a cruise and do not know if I would like it or not. I am funny about being in enclosed spaces. Brad and I looked this cruise up and it is unreal!! It is a world cruise that is 126 days. It goes all over the world. It starts at $60,209 per person. Who has this kind of money and would those people really shop for their vacation through Costco? I just find this really funny. If money nor jobs were an issue, would you enjoy this or is it too long?

If you would like to see this go to www.costco.com and type in worl tour. Click on the 126 day tour.

Fun site

I have seen versions of this before but there is something funny about Santa doing bizarre things. You can type in commands and he will do them. Things like flip, yodel, hop, and many things that I did just to see what he would and would not do. This guy spent LOTS of time because I only encountered a few things that it would not do. Todd liked it. He really liked hop because of the sound effects. Click here to enjoy http://www.simonsezsanta.com/.

BRRR!

Okay, it is way too cold for early December!!! Tonight it will be 16 degrees with winds gusting up to 20 miles per hour. That is so cold! There is one person in this family that is excited about it being cold... Todd. He wants it to snow so badly. It was snowing this morning when we left for school but it was not sticking. I want it to warm back up!!

Christmas

I am officially done with buying and wrapping all presents except for 2 that I still have to make!! I always like to be done early. I actually got quite a few gifts before Thanksgiving. I have found that the sales those days are just as good as sales now. The best prices are just days before Christmas but I am always afraid that everything good will be gone. I love shopping for other people. I like to wander around until something jumps out as that perfect gift. I guess that is why I go early.

We are really trying to teach Todd about those that are less fortunate and the true meaning of Christmas. That is really hard since it is so commercialized! We had him help pick out gifts for a kid. Our church and all the area churches work together to get children clothes, shoes, and toys for Christmas. Our church was in charge of clothing. It was impossible for him to understand that some children do not have clothes. It is actually hard for me to grasp that concept. I can not imagine not being able to buy Todd clothes. Not only does he have clothes, but he has clothes that are special (Cars, Thomas, ect). I really hope to take him to a soup kitchen when he is older. I feel so many people, including myself, do not realize how some people live.

How do you all teach your child/children the true meaning of Christmas?

Disney cars

I really liked this movie except for the few inappropriate references. However, I have grown to be really frustrated with it. This was the most popular kids movie this year. All of the boys Todd's age love it. They all want these characters for Christmas. So what do they do? They make limited quantities. Now Todd got a lot of them for his birthday. However, they have made more of them since that time. There is now over 34 characters that range from $3.17 to $7.77 (2 in this pack). Some are going on ebay for $25 or more. They are only the size of Matchbox cars. Todd wanted Santa to bring them but "HE" had not been able to find them. "He" refused to pay $25. Well, rest at ease, after NUMEROUS trips to Wal-mart, we have all but 1 and I have not even seen this one. Todd will be playing with a small fortune but atleast we did not pay a fortune for it!!

Thanksgiving

Well, we had a great Thanksgiving. We went to eat at my parents. It was delicious! Todd had gotten the flu shot the day before and was not feeling very well. He always has reactions to shots. He still has a stuffy nose. We have already put up our tree. I love Christmas. It has to be one of my favorite holidays. Every year when I put up our tree it is like going back in time. Every year since I was very young, my mom has gotten an ornament for me that has represented something that happened that year. I love jogging my memory in that manner. I am thankful that most of those years have have come and gone (especially when I was 13 and 14)! We now give Todd ornaments, too. He understands it now and he loves it.

Haircuts

I actually enjoy getting haircuts. I like to have my hair washed, especially. Then why is it such a dreaded word in my family? Todd hates them. I mean he will do anything to avoid them. He will give up visiting my parents if it means he has to get a haircut first. Twice this week, we have gotten all the way to the chair before he gets to a point where we cannot cut it. We would have to physically hold him down and most places will not cut it under those conditions. It is awful. Let me tell you, his first 3 haircuts were a snap. Then, he got his ear clipped badly. This was before he was 2 and he still remembers it!!! He can't remember much of his 2's bit he remembers this. So, we went to the clippers. He calls this the "buzzy comb". We were going along great. Then, we had someone that had a dull or ungreased buzzy comb and it pulled so now we can't use those. This has been a battle for so long! I feel sorry for him. HE is terrified. His heart rate will increase and he will complain about a stomach ache. That is sad! However, I cannot stand when his hair looks so shaggy. It drives me nuts!! I just purchased a kid set of clippers to see if he will let me do that. We will see! And to make matters worse, his hair grows so fast!!!!!

Proverbs

Brad and I teach the Jr. High class on Sunday mornings. We have been discussing selflessness. In our discussions last week, we got into the topic of gossip and how easy it was to gossip. I remember those middle school years and they are correct. In a time where everyone feels awkward, you try to find flaws in others to make you look better. As Brad and I were discussing scripture for the lesson, we went to Proverbs. Proverbs has always been interesting to me. I really wanted to take a class offered at Harding that was for women on Psalms and Proverbs but it always interfered with an education class that I had to take. During our reading, I came across some interesting, and at times funny, scriptures. Some of them were a great reminder. I am going to post a few of these tidbits of knowledge.


Provebs Chapter 10
8 The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.

19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

27 The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

Proverbs Chapter 12
4 A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Provebs Chapter 13
3 He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

Proverbs Chapter 14
32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.

Proverbs 16
31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life. (Good to know since I have some!)

Proverbs 27
15 A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day;
16 restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand. (Wow that is harsh!)


There are so many good quotes. If it has been awhile since you read Provebs, I challenge you to do so. It has a lot of good things to say.

Running...

I hate it. I never have liked running. Walking, sure, I would do that for long periods of time but I hate running. However, I have done it the past 2 nights. We watch the biggest loser and they lose big amounts of weight. I noticed running was a part of every one of their routines. I need to lose weight and I decided I would never be in the mind-set to run so I would just have to start and hate it. Tonight, we made it a family affair to help Todd learn healthy habits that we did not keep growing up. He killed us. He ran the entire time and kept up with us. If we stopped he was saying, "Come on, you can do it." This is the same kid that ran at the park today for almost 2 1/2 hours non-stop. I am glad he is liking to run, maybe he will not find himself in our place someday.

You will not believe this...

I have a cousin who is pregnant with her 3rd child and is due late Feb. She is only 24 years old and seems to have really bad luck. This story is real and is proof of her odd luck. She was sitting in her house Thursday evening. She looked up and saw a bat, yes a bat, in her house. Somehow they managed to get it out. The next day she phoned the pediatrician to see if there was anything else that needed to be done. They wanted to know how long the bat had been in her house. She told them she had no idea. They informed her that she would need to take rabies shots (all 4 of them). They went on to tell her a bat could bite you during the night and you would have no idea. Can you believe that! How could I be bit by a mosquito and feel it but not a bat? Anyway, she had to wait for the shots to come in. She went today thinking she would have to pay co-pays. Even the co-pays were going to run $600 because of the amount of shots they were going to have to take. However, the company would only ship it to the pharmacy and so insurance is saying they will not pay. Today they had to pay $1700. That is for one time and they have several more. The thing is they have to have these shots because a bat bite can kill you in a matter of weeks. Please pray for them. They did not have the money today and a family member had to pay. I do not know what is going to happen! Her name is Amy. She has struggled a lot, and at times it has shaken her faith!

Halloween

Todd was really into Halloween this year. He wanted to be James from Thomas the Train. He was Thomas 2 years ago but wanted to be James this year. He loved it. We had a Fall Festival at church this year. It was a lot of fun. Todd really enjoyed the hay ride until someone jumped up screaming thinking it was older kids. I thought he was going to die. It made me really mad. We took him door to door trick-or-treating on Halloween because "that is how Halloween is supposed to be". We took him in my parent's small neighborhood because we could trust everyone. He got the best candy from those few houses. It was not your typical mix.. it was snickers, twix, ect.

Special Day

Saturday, I was able to go to an Alabama football game. That is always fun to me, but this time it was more special than usual. I got to go with my dad. We loaded up an drove to Tuscaloosa, watched the game, and drove back that night. It was so much fun. It has been a really long time since we were able to do something with just us. When I was in high school, my dad and I went to all but 2 basketball games one year. We drove to see the away games. My mom was at most of those with us, but that was something special that my dad did for me. I did not realize how much he was sacrificing until I got older. The Alabam football game was a win and so that made this day even better!! I am so lucky and blessed to have such a great relationship with all of my family! So many people do not have that kind of relationship with their dads and I feel sorry for them. It is a relationship that I treasure. Roll Tide, Daddy!

Fire station

Today Todd's class took a visit to the fire station. Several classes walked to the station. It was about 45 degrees when we left. It was a lot of fun. They got to pretend drive the biggest engine and they walked in several more. They also saw their living quarters. Todd thought it was funny that they had to sleep there. There were only two problems. First one was that they got a phone call needing their attention. They had to move all of the kids so that 3 trucks could leave. The youngest kids were scared by the fast change in plans. The bigger kids were afraid that it was their house on fire! The second problem was that they had a man come out in a dalmation costume. Todd and many other kids were not a big fan of that! His favorite part was walking over the train tracks and seeing the buffers on the side track. What can I say, he loves trains!!

So sad!

There was a sad incident that happen in the suburbs of Nashville this week. There were fourteen year old twins that had come home from school. They began to argue over a piece of gum. One of them got mad and picked up a steak knife and stabbed the other brother. He killed him. There are reports that the mom called 911 and tried to give CPR but it was not successful. The brother calls frantically sreaming that his brother was dying they had to get their fast. He is charged with 1st degree murder! This poor mother lost 2 sons over a piece of gum!

Pumpkin Patch

For the last few years, we have visited Gentry's Farm. This is a great place to take kids. It has a corn maze, a hay ride, an obsticle course, slides, exploration areas, and a pumpkin patch. This place is so much fun! The older Todd gets, the more fun it is. The best part is it is run by an elder from an area church so all of the employees are church people. We look forward to it every year. Here are a few pictures from this year.

Where has the time gone?

Todd has been very interested in things he did as a baby..favorite foods, favorite toys, ect. Well, today he saw the jack-o-lantern costume he wore at 16 months old. He really wanted to wear it. I explained that he was way too big for it. He really wanted to attempt. I let him thinking he would quickly realize he could not wear it. Instead, I looked over and saw him in it. It was so funny. I had to share it. I have included the 16 month picture and the current picture. It is amazing how much 3 years makes. It seems like yesterday that he was that little!!

The gentle touch

Last night, I was laying down next to Todd as he was preparing for bed. We had been talking and laughing. He had just calmed down and was about to drift off to sleep. It was at that moment that he reached over and rubbed my face. It was the sweetest, kindest rubbing that can ever be imagined. It was obvious it was a touch of love. It brought tears to my eyes. It was then that I thought about the many times in the Bible Jesus touched someone and they were healed. Yes, I realize Todd's touch had no healing power, but I can only imagine how kind and loving Christ's hand touch must have felt. There is no wonder it changed so many lives, not just physically but it changed the mind-set of people forever. I hope to feel that touch one day but until then, I will cherish every gentle pat from Todd!

Turning 30

Well, I am officially 30 today. It does not bother me that I am now 30. However, it does bring about some interesting thoughts. I researched this year and this is what was happening the year I was born.. the average income for the Us was $12,686 and stamps were $.13, shows like M.A.S.H. and The Mary Tyler Moore Show was popular, the Cowboys were defeated in the Super Bowl this year, the US tested the Tomahawk cruise missiles, and Agatha Christie died. There is a lot that happened this year and of course I do not remember it. I just wonder when I am 60 what my thoughts will be about? A lot has changed in 30 years, some for the best and some for the worst. I never dealt with school shootings, homosexuality, crystal meth. Unfortunatly, Todd will have to deal with all of this. I guess time will tell what my grandchildren will deal with. I would like to think it was a better time, but fear it will only get worse.

Surgery

Well, I took Todd to the ears, nose, and throat doctor today. He thought that Todd needed to have his adnoids removed and his blood vessels in his nose cauterized (basically burned so that they do not bleed so much). He will have to do this at the hospital but will be realeased a few hours after the operation. We have not set the date, but it will be in the next month or so. I will keep you all updated!

Scary

Todd has had problems with nose bleeds for 2 years. This time last year we had to take him to an ENT to get him examined. At that time, the Dr. decided to hold off doing anything because he was so young. Well, he had 3 severe nose bleeds in 24 hours the other day and hasn't seemed right since then. He fell asleep in school. For those of you who do not know, Todd is VERY energetic so I called the Dr. They asked to see him. Well, he was very tired when we got there so he was laying on the table.. not normal for Todd. They took his blood count and said, "You were right. He has lost a lot of blood.. not like transfusion levels." What!!! That thought had not entered my mind! She went on to say that if he had another nose bleed, we would need to bring him back in to double check that. My heart sank. Then she went on to say, we can rule out Leukemia and some other diseases that I do not want to even mention. That was so scary to me. I knew leukemia's major sign was nose bleeds but I thought we had ruled that out before. Anyway, to say the least, it was a scary day. Please keep us in your prayers. I will make an appointment ot talk to the ENT again. If we have to do the procedure, we will have to put him to sleep. I am not looking forward to that.

$1,000,000

Brad, Todd, and I like to watch Deal or No Deal. Part of the reason we like to watch it is to see how lucky we would be. We also like to see how greedy some people are. I was thinking the other day, what I would do if I were to win or get $1,000,000. Of course, Uncle Sam would get a big portion and I would give a big chunk to church and then pay off everything we owe. After all of that was done, we would still have a lot of money. I would share some with family members, too. But, I have always had a dream that I would try to fulfill with the remainder of the money. I have always dreamed of having a christian preschool for children with disabilities. I have known so many people that have had children with disabilities that would have benefitted from this kind of school. It is rare to find christian schools that will bring on children with disabilities. That has always bothered me. Those are some of the families that need Christians the most. Not only could it make a big difference for those within our church, but would be a huge outreach. I am not sure how difficut it would be to accomplish. I do not possess a corporate mentallity. Brad could help in that area a great deal. However, I could take those children in and love and nurture them while their parents had a few hours off. Maybe someday I will be able to tell you all that my dream had become a reality! Do you have any real dream? What would you do with $1,000,000?

Autumn

It is hard to say, but I think autumn might be my favorite season. I love the crisp mornings, the smell of freshness in the air, the chaniging leaves, the beautiful pumpkins, and football. However, autumn reminds me of family. I am not sure why this time of year really reminds me of family more than any other time. Perhaps it is because Thanksgiving is around the corner and then Christmas. I think it is also because of the part that football played in our family. Alabama football was an every Saturday event. Phillip and my dad would plan all day around Bama football. At the time, my mom and I would plan all day around being out of the house when Bama football was on. But the best football memory had was with me and my dad. When I was a senior, my dad and I decided to attempt to make it to every football and basketball game my high school played. That is a lot of games. I did not really realize how hard that would be for him to arrange to be off from work in time to get me to all of the games. We managed to only miss two games the entire season. He and I had the best time. I will never forget those times we shared together. We laughed alot. I now understand that he sacraficed alot of his own time to spend those last months with me before college. What an amazing dad!

Complaint

Todd loves computer games. I do not let him play them much at a time, but he loves them. Many games are educational and he is learning while he is playing. However, he wanted a Cars computer game. I searched for one that seemed to be age appropriate. I found one that was marked 4 and up. That seemed perfect since he is 4 but can play many games that will say 6 and up (Dora, Thomas, Leap frog). We loaded this thing up. He was very excited that to doscoverthat there were a few video clips. Not so fast.. they were locked up until other parts of the game were won. Still, that was not a big deal until we realized he could not win a single game. For any video to be unlocked, you had to win all 10 activities. Here is the kicker, each activity has 5 levels. You have got to be kidding!!! So, I have had to sit and play all of this. Then, to open up ather videos you have to beat your time on all of the activities ad do a race and then beat that time. Come on. It makes me so mad that they marked this 4 and up knowing that no four year old could complete all of these games. He can do the first 2 to 3 levels and that is all. The makers just knew that was the age that really loved this movie. Makes me furious!!

9/11

I had been thinking about the attacks on 9/11 all day yesterday. It was a haunting memory. I can remember teaching when I heard the news and that Brad was in Dallas at the time. All I wanted was for all of my family to be in one place that is safe and sound.

Last night, I saw an interesting Dateline about United Flight 93. It was a discussion with the loved ones of those that lost their life on that flight. It was set up like a timeline based on all of the information that has been discovered in the ast 5 years. As they spoke to the loved ones, the images was as painful as it was that day. My heart ached for these people. They will never get over this occasion. A part of their security was ripped from their hands that day. Yet, thanks to their loved ones, a part of OUR security was saved. They really were heros. As the families talked about their last discussions with their family members, they talked about how calm they were and how determined they were to do something to keep the terroists from destroying something else. They were brave and the true meaning of American! I am so thankful that those people helped protect our country. We will never know what could have been, thanks to these men and women!

So what?

Today on Yahoo a headliner popped up that really humored/frustrated me. It was an article that stated that Brad Pitt has said he and Angelina will get married when marriage restrictions are removed so that anyone that wants to get married can get married (gays and lesbians). The first thought that popped into my head was who cares? I really do not care if they get married. Sure I wished they would not live in sin, but it is their choice. I will not fret and write congress to change the definition of marriage because they are refusing to get married! I think it is VERY egotistical to think that people care enough about your personal life to make such a statement. Sure, people follow stars for the gossip, but are we such a pathetic culture that stars have that much pull? I sure hope not!! Surely, we can stand up for our own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs more than that. Do you really think that people will see that comment and let it sway their opinions?

Music

I have just been listening to some of my favorite music while I worked. Music is a essential to me. If I had to pick my favorite method of worship to God, it would be music/singing. What are your favorite songs? It can be religious or not. I have favoritess in just about all genres! If I had to say today, my favorite religious song is "How Great is Our God" and my favorite sing that is not religious would be "Since U Benn Gone" by Kelly Clarkson or "Skin" by Rascal Flatts.

Entertained

I am amazed at how long Todd can sit and play trains. I have a good imagination, but trains just are not fun to me. Todd, however, has been collecting trains for 2 years now. He has a MASSIVE collection. He has 3 kinds of track,each with different size engines. Each of those trains are played with for different purposes. He will act out things he has seen on Thomas videos for hours. Today, he has been playing trains for almost 2 hours with only a lunch break and a potty break. Don't get me wrong, I am glad he can entertain himself for so long. I just can't see how it is fun for that long. Here is a picture of his wooden track we built today. You can't see his train collection, though.

Worrying

I have started a study called the Fingerprints of God. I have just done one section so I am not sure how great it is, yet. However, the first part had me looking at James chapter 1. I know I have read this a million times but this time it seemed to stick out to me in a way it never had. For those of you who do not know, I tend to be a person that worries. This was a inherited trait that my family fights. I have always had faith that God would take care of me, but I worried. I read this scripture and it was eye-opening. I have included the scripture in two translations. I included these because of the difference in wording. The first one is The Message. I have not always been a huge fan of this translation. I know a lot of people that really like it. I will agree that it says it in simplistic form, but almost too simplistic. However, I thought the phrasing was interesting.

James 1:5-8 (The Message)

If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.



The next version is the version I read it in originally, NIV.

James 1:5-8 (NIV)

5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

I was convicted after reading these scriptures. I have always justified my worrying. After reading this, I realized that this was a lack of faith. I love the part in The Message saying ask without a second doubt. That is so hard for me. I do totally believe that God has his hand over all that I do. I also believe that all will turn out for the good as long as I seek Him. I guess I just never really saw my worring as second guessing God. If you finish reading this to the end of the scripture, it says that if I doubt, I will not recieve anything from the Lord. OUCH!! That is the last thing I want..me making a sorry attempt at life without God's help. I know this was a lengthy blog. It was something that was on my mind and heart.

Do you struggle with worrying? If so, take another look at James. Do you see worrying as second-guessing God?

Family

Unfortunately, my grandparents got divorced after having four sons and being married for 35 years. Due to the circumstances, my dad's family had not all been together since that time. (I was very young when they got divorced). After all of these years, the family decided to get together. It was a difficult situation and awkward at times. I saw my uncles that I had not seen in many years due to busy schedules. It was great to reconnect with family. It is sad to see a family fall apart because of a divorce. I know this is true of so many families. I am blessed that my family has stayed together and is so close. Here is a family picture of all of us at the reunion.

How Great is Our God!

This is a story that I had to tell. As some of you know, Brad has been in a job that is full of people that have put no value on family, much less spiritual things. He was notified not long ago that his company was merging with another company. He looked up jobs because he felt like his job was unstable and he was ready to leave this atmosphere. The problem was that his current job would fire him if they found out he was looking at other jobs. Well, he found only one job in Nashville that was comparable to his current job. He applied. Yesterday at noon he accepted a position that pays more, is less stress, and a much better hours. We were thrilled. Well, 3 hours later, he discovers that his whole company is closing its doors. He and everyone else would lose their jobs. Their last day is Aug. 31st and he is to start the new job Sept. 1st. We could not believe it.

This was such a great reminder to have faith in our Lord. He is such an amazing God and he always provided for us. I do not know why I question Him... well I guess lack of faith. I think I can and have to fix it myself. I am sure God is always thinking .. When will she ever learn. I am reminded of one of mine and Brad'd favorite songs right now. It is How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlison. You can find it on the web, but I have included the lyrics. God is Great!!!!! Have you witnessed ways that God has shown His greatness recently?

How Great is Our God Lyrics
The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice

He wraps himself in Light, and darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end
The Godhead Three in One
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb

Name above all names
Worthy of our praise My heart will sing
How great is our God

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

More info.

Well, Brad made his video debut, as planned. It was quite an experience! He was supposed to be done by 2 or 3 am. However, they had a 6 1/2 hour rain delay. He got home at 6:50 am and was supposed to leave for work at 7:00 am. As you can imagine, he was exhausted! He ended up sleeping 2 hours and then going to work.

The song is called Some People Change by Montgomery Gentry. Here is the link to the words and if you click the music note, it will play the song. http://www.borderline-productions.com/mg.html He is in the part where the chorus starts singing. It will be a slim chance to see him in the video. He is not sure when the video will be released. Will let you know if we find out!

Famous?

This is a story that is so funny that I had to share. The country group Montgomery Gentry is shooting a video in the area where we go to church. The video seems to be spiritual in nature. Their video casting director asked for men in the church to submit a picture along with your age to them to be considered to be in the video. They wanted men aged 35-75 year old. I submitted Brad eventhough he was a little under the age and I submitted my dad. Well, they have received a confirmation and they were chosen to be in video!! The video is going to be set at night so they have to be there from 6pm to 2or 3 am Thurs/Fri. At the end of the night, they will receive $75 cash!!! That is the best part to me. Just thought you would like to know that I am the daughter of an actor and married to one, too!!

To be like Him

I have been doing some thinking about true christianity. I have been reflecting on people I know and have known that I felt really depicted what Christ would want a christian today to be like. I think I have been blessed with so many outstanding christian people in my life... many of whom are in my family. When I began to think about this, so many characteristics came to mind. I think you have to be humble, self-less, forgiving, loving, compassionate, trustworthy, knowledgeable, and serving just to name a few. If you had to say, what characteristics do you think are "must have" qualities to be a true depiction of christ?

Love

I love having a child that is able to express himself. Yesterday, I was laying on my bed trying to get rid of a headache. Brad was playing with Todd. He told me that Todd started to put stickers on my purse. When Brad questioned him, Todd told him he was trying to make a heart to show me how much he loved me. After much discussion, Todd decided to make me a card instead. He rushed in to my room to show me his card and how hard he had worked on it. Let's just say that is something I will cherish forever. There is nothing that can replace the words and actions of a child that show such extreme love and devotion!

The power of God

I have been really thinking about the power of God, lately. Sure, I think about it often, but it seems like this is something I find I have been thinking about in my private times. When I think about his power, so many things come to mind... thunderstorms, rainbows, birth of children, the human mind, the list could go on and on. What are a few things that you think of when you think about the power of God?

Vacation

We had the chance to go to Galveston, Texas for vacation this year. Brad's dad lives there now so we went to spend the week with him. While we were that way, we decided to drive to San Antonio to Sea World. Todd loves sharks and water animals so we thought it would be fun. He LOVED it. We got there at 10:00 and did not leave until nearly 6:00. It was very hot but that did not keep him from walking all over the park. He loved the shows. We were one of a few select families that got our picture taken with Shamu. That was amazing to see the whales interact with their trainers! Todd also got to feed dolphins and sea lions. He thought that was really neat, too.

There was only one part he did not like. He thought he wanted to ride the log ride that was 6 stories tall. We tried to convince him otherwise, but he insisted he would like it. We decided that we would not know if he liked it if we did not give it a try (afterall, Brad and I would ride rollercoasters for a living). Well, he loved going up and hated coming down. After the first drop, he was crying and his heart pounding. There was nothing we could do, so he had to endure the last drop. Let's just say, he may never ride a log ride again!

It was nice to relax and spend time with family. It was something Brad really needed and deserved! Todd and I are so grateful that he works so hard in a job that is so difficult so that I can stay home!

Fourth of July

We had a very busy holiday weekend. My mother-in-law was here all weekend. We enjoyed her visiting. We also had Todd's birthday party on Saturday. Can I just say that party organizing can be exhausting!!! We had a great time, though. On Monday, we had a family fireworks party at my parents. Todd was so tireds after playing all afternoon in the scorching heat. We did fireworks and Todd loved them. He wanted more. Then, on Tuesday, we went to a nearby community to watch fireworks. It was a lot of fun. TOdd really enjoyed "the big fireworks". The bigger they were, the more he liked them. It was a fun weekend, but now we need a few days to recover and get back to normal. Hope you all had a great time.

Birthday Boy

Yesterday was Todd's 4th birthday. That is so hard for me to believe. I have been organizing pictures and have come across those pictures of him when he was so tiny and unable to do much or share his opinions. Now, he is so active and share his opinions plenty. He is such a joy. I love the fact that he has developed into his own person. He definately acts some like me and some like Todd, but there is also plenty of Todd in the mix. I am thanful every day that God gave me the blessing to be Todd's mommy. (I will have birthday party pictures after Sat. We will have the party then).

Cars Movie

Okay. I do not know how many of you have seen the Cars movie, but since Todd is a boy, he was dying to see it. It was good and had a good story line (priorities, friendship, putting others first, ect). However, why do you put a curse word in a G rated movie.. not just once but twice? And, why do you put in a few suggestive comments? I know it was for adults, but it aggitates me. Todd loves this movie and there are things in there I do not want his exposed to.

The producers of the toys undershot production. I looked on e-bay. Toy cars that were $3.17 are going for up to $48! I can not believe that. Boy are we in a have to have it know society! I told someone the other day, they will be out again soon. Todd will learn the importance of patience! Although, his birthday is Monday and that is all he wants.

School

I went to visit Wal-mart the other day and realized they are clearancing out the summer merchandise and moving in school supplies. I had gone to the store alone (doesn't happen very often). As I passed this isle, I became very sad. Todd will be attending preschool this year and next year he will be in school. That is so sad to me. I love to go places with Todd and talk to him. Sure a break is nice now and then, but I love his company! Once he starts school, the amount of time we spend will greatly lessen since 5 year olds have to have homework. I hate that school starts so early in the summer and goes so late in the spring. There is not much "summer break" now. I have to wonder how this is effecting kids today. Is it good for them to have this sort of schedule or is it creating bigger problems. Just curious on your view points. I will post mine later.

VBS

We are having VBS this week. Brad and I are in charge of something totally different this time. In the past, we have always done the lesson part because other people did not want to do that. This year, we were asked to do the games. We have had a blast!! No wonder people like the games. The kids love them. They have all had great lessons that are taught and it is fun. However, I remember when we went to VBS. It was a highlight of the summer. That is not the case now. Why? I do not understand why VBS has lost it's influence. Many churches have gone to a one day VBS. I am not sure if that is any more effective. Perhaps VBS is becoming a time of the past. That is so sad to me.

Amazed

I am often so amazed at how people handle difficult situations. I guess that is when you see a lot of people's true character. I am so proud of my cousin, Julie. She just turned 29 and has been very ill for quite some time. She was recently told her only way to live was to have the gastric bypass surgery. (She has a lung disease that is slowly killing her. She is overweight and they think that if she lost weight it would help her lungs recover). Because of her health problems, most doctors will not take her on as their patient. She has told them she will definitely die if she doesn't try something, so why not try it. She has found a doctor that will do it but is not very qualified for this high risk scenario. However, she is a christian and her husband is a pastor. My cousin has taken this situation with arms pointing upward. In every situation, she knows it is God's plan and she is at peace with that idea. I ask that you pray for her and the doctors that will be with her. I just hope that in adveristy that is much smaller than hers, I can point upward instead of question God.

Pool Time!!!

Today Todd and I made our first trip to the pool for this season. He was afraid of the "big pool" last year. He loved it today. We stayed for 2 hours and he was TIRED. He loved it. The funny thing is, a man took our photo without me knowing. Shortly after, he asked could he use it for the paper. Great! Out of all of the people at the pool, he wanted us to be in the paper. I agreed, only because we were in the 5' section so you could not see my body. Anyway, I anticipate many trips to the pool. We had a blast!

Favorite Verse

I have many favorite Bible verses. They often change depending on what guidance or encouragement I need at that time. However, there has been one verse that I have liked for some time. It is Micah 6:6-8.
"With what shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before the exhalted God?
Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

I sang a chorus song that was based on this verse in high school. I loved the song and enjoyed singing it, but it followed a very dramatic song about the crusifiction in our song line-up. The two paired together got my attention each week. Just thought I would share it with you.

What is your favorite verse, story, or parable in the Bible?

Recess

I read an article this morning that stated that some schools are taking away recess from kids. Obviously, the kids are really upset and so are many parents. I would have to agree. That is a time that kids can relax and have interactions with their friends. I would think that inappropriate behaviors would take over if they did not have that outlet. Plus, you hear everyday about the rise in childhood obeseity. Why would you take away one time to help target that? I hope that Todd gets recess. Something tells me he will need it or we will get LOTS of phone calls!

Wow!!!

The other day, Todd and I went to Lowe's. I loaded up a flat cart with 3 bags of soil (each 40 lbs), 3 bags of mulch (3o lbs each), and 1 bag of rocks (50 or more lbs). I was stopped looking at a flower and looked up and Todd had pulled the cart down the isle. I could not believe it. He was able to push it, pull it, and turn it, un-assisted. Now that is a strong child. He only weighs 42 lbs. He pulled over 250lbs by himself!!! That is over 6 times his weight!! Think about that. Think about how much you would have to pull to be 6 times your weight. There is NO way I could do that!

It happened!!

Well, something happened today that I knew would happen eventually... Todd got in trouble in Sunday class!! For those of you who do not know, Todd is VERY active and determined. Both can be great qualities, but not when it goes against what you are wanting him to do. We have rehearsed how he is to act in class many times and he failed to do it today. His teacher said, "He was a little wild today. We had to give him a choice and he made the wise choice". UGHHH. I hate those akward moments. He and I talked and then I had him apologize to her. He also missed out on some play time with his friends because he had already played with them instead of listening to his teacher. I was so frustrated that he acted up. I found myself saying, "You know better!!" Then, it was as if God cattle-prodded me. Isn't that what we do when we go against God's will? I could hear God saying, "Carrie, you know better!!" I learned early on in my parenting trials 2 important things about raising Todd... 1). He got his traits from me and Brad, and though we might not like the traits he has inherited from us, that is who he is. God made him special and it is up to us to help raise him to use those traits for God's glory. Both energy and determination are vital to serving the Lord!! 2). Through Todd, the Lord is teaching me numerous lessons! Praise God that he is patient with us just as we must be patient with our children!!!

Boys will be boys!

Today was a nice day to work in the yard. The high was 72 and there was a slight wind. I went to help my mom load and unload soil and mulch to put in her new yard. I stayed and helped her for awhile. Todd was playing when I found lots of worms. He loved to hold them and then put them back in the soil. Then, he asked to bring his trains outside and play. I agreed. I knew he was having a really good time. We could hear him having the trains talk back and forth and laughing. After close to 2 hours, I decided to go home. I went to help him load up his trains and they were covered in mud. He had found a pile of mud and the trains made "train tracks" in the mud. I had to go and hose them (and him) off. Well, I guess you can say he is creative!! He would live outside if I let him.

Remember those days?

This weekend has been so busy. Brad and I agreed to help with an after-the-prom lock-in at church. Boy, did that bring back memories!! The pressures to have a certain dress, to look a certain way, and pretend to be someone most girls aren't. It was really funny to hear them talk about their night. As usual, the ones that went as friends had more fun. However, what made this so much fun is we played volleyball and basketball for hours. I was so sore the next morning it was rediculous!! We enjoyed being a part of that special night for the kids. I would not trade with them for anything. I am glad to be done with those teen years!!!

Angry and disgusted

I do not watch Dateline very often. However, Brad and I watched the first time they aired the show on sexual preditors. They aired the 4th addition to that show tonight. It makes me so mad and so sad. These nasty men are after under-aged girls and sometimes boys for sexual favors. Of course it is all set up. They are now arresting the men on the spot. Here is my deal, it is obvious they are just after these young people and they are totally unable to make the correct decisions for themselves. You know there are women that would be willing to do the same things in every part of the country. It is just sick!!! I cannot stomach the thought of how often men do this and get away with it and FOREVER alter a child's life.

I have seen so many bad things on the news come from myspace recently. I decided to log on and see what it is like. No wonder kids are getting in trouble. There are young children doing poses to impress others. Many of these kids claim to be bisexual or homosexual. Brad and I have said that in the very near future, our computer will be moved to the living room where we are able to see what is going on at all times. It is amazing how young kids are getting exposed to inappropriate things on the internet. I pray that the police are able to arrest more and more of these men to save our children.

Characteristics

There are many traits in Todd that I love. He is affectionate, passionate , laughs a lot, eager to help (unless he is tired), and really funny. He is also very stubborn. Yes, that is challenging at times, but in his teen years I will be glad he is so strong-willed! But if I had to choose my favorite trait, it would be his tender heart. Since he was young, he has loved babies because they are "sweet and cute". He also hates for other children to cry or be upset. He wants us to be happy with him. Numerous mornings if I have not been smiling, he wants to know why I am not smiling. He also loves to help. I am so blessed to have a child that has such a tender heart!! I hope that he continues to have that kind of heart as he grows older. What is your favorite traits in your child/children? I would love to hear your thoughts on how special your children are!!!

My Brother

O.K., it is out to my brother that I have a blog. He is not into this sort of thing so he has been teasing me since he discovered it. I decided I would make him known to everyone. Here is a picture of him from college, I believe. He is trying on an Alabama shirt that he wore when he was younger. Attractive!!

Putting all of that aside, I really do have the best brother ever. I have always idolized him. No one could get me to laugh like him. I cherish the memories of our childhood together. Sure we had our fair share of fights, but we couldn't stay mad at each other long. I am very blessed to have had such a geat brother. (Maybe the kind words will make up for the picture!!!!)

Bumble Bee

I just love this time of year!! I enjoy being able to be outside. I also enjoy it not being 100 degrees. Most of all, I enjoy flowers and bumble bees. I know most people do not like bees. I do not enjoy them stinging, but I can't help but look at them and marvel at them. It is so amazing that a creature like that can fly. Scientists have been confused about the bee. They claim a bumble bee should not be able to fly. He is too large for the proportion of his body and wing size. I think that is a neat thought. When I first went into teaching, I wore a bumble bee necklace. I did that to remind me that many kids I would encounter would have been told by many people they would never be successful or make anything of themselves. I would often reach for that necklace and say a silent prayer for my students. I still think of them regularly and wonder if they were able to fly like that bumble bee or did too many people convince them otherwise. I hope they are flying high and proving those people wrong!!

Where does the time go?

I have begun keeping a 5 month old baby girl one day a week. As many of you know, we have tried to have another child for over a year. I know that God is in control of this scenario, but it still makes it hard. As I was holding this little girl, it brought back so many wonderful memories of Todd at that age. I miss the days that he would fall asleep in my lap. I often think I would have done things differently had I know that was going to be my only child to hold and cuddle. Do you regret not cherishing those moments?

I do love the age Todd is at now. He has such a great sense of humor and is very loving. There is nothing sweeter than the words "I love you, Mommy".

A day to reflect

I strive to think about Christ on a regular basis, but it is days like today that I seem to really reflect on His sacrifice and the meaning and emotion behind it. I was thinking today how Mary must have felt during this time. I have a son and I cannot fathom the pain she must have endured. I wonder if she was like "Why me", "Why my son", "Take care of this some other way", or "I don't care about everyone else". I cannot imagine! I also can't imagine what that was like for God to endure. Christ having to look down on His mother in such pain would have been so hard to do. Christ's death, burial, and resurection is something that sometimes becomes so mundane. It pains me to even admit that. It is not that I forget how that forever altered my life or how precious that event was, I guess I forget how painful that must have been for those He was closest to. Yes, for me it meant eternal life, but for them, at that moment, it was total pain, heartache, and confusion. I want to try to rememeber that event as a whole, not just part of it. It truly was the ULTIMATE SACRAFICE for me!!

Reaching Out

I have been thinking a lot about those that are lost in this world. I recently bought Casting Crown's Life Songs C.D. It has really made me think!! I love the messages to all of them and I enjoy the upbeat music, though this one is mellow. I have copied the words to one of their songs that I love. Sometimes I feel I have to know all of the Bible to convert someone to Christ. I forget that the same God is by my side that helped so many people in the past convert others. This song is such a great reminder to show Christ's love and all of the rest will fall into place in His time! My challenge to you is to show someone that love!!! Let me know if you have a chance to show that love this weekend!

Love Them Like Jesus
Written by Mark Hall / Music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

This song is a sequel - an answer to the questions posed in "Here I Go Again". When I fear what to say, I've taken my eyes off Jesus. He will restore. He will rebuild. He will answer the questions. My place is just being there, loving them, and pointing them to the Father.

Matthew 11:28-29 / I Corinthians 3:7 Isaiah 55:10-11 / 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 2 Corinthians 12:9 / 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 16-18 Hebrews 4:14-16 / Matthew 11:28

The love of her life is drifting away
Their losing the fight for another day
The life that she's known is falling apart
A fatherless home, a child's broken heart
You're holding her hand,
your straining for words
You trying to make - sense of it all
She's desperate for hope,
darkness clouding her view
She's looking to you

Just love her like Jesus, carry her to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don't need the answers to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves her and stay by her side
Love her like Jesus
Love her like Jesus

The gifts lie in wait,
in a room painted blue
Little blessing from heaven be there soon
Hope fades in the night,
blue skies turn to gray
As a little one slips away

You're holding their hand,
your straining for words
You trying to make - sense of it all
Their desperate for hope,
darkness clouding their view
Their looking to you

Just love them like Jesus, carry them to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don't need the answers to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus

Lord of all creation holds
our lives in His hands
The God of all the nations
holds our lives in His hands
The rock of our salvation
holds our lives in His hands
He cares for them just as He cares for you

So love them like Jesus,
Love them like Jesus
You don't need the answers to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus
Love them like Jesus

The Mess

Have you ever wondered what is going through children's minds? I often wonder what my 3 year old is thinking. He can explain a lot of things but when he is quiet and it is obvious he is pondering something, I wonder what it is. He has started doing something the last few days that I just do not get. He loves The Lion King. We happened to purchase the sound track years ago. He loves it! That is all he wants to listen to and he has many songs memorized. There is one song that has very dramatic music and he has begun to dump things out onto the floor during this song. I mean EVERYTHING... trains, crayons, puzzles, ect. I have been helping him pick these up and that hasn't made him think twice before dumping them out. So, today, he had dumped out trains, crayons, and plastic Easter eggs. I turned off his music and made him pick all of it up! It took him forever, but he managed to get it done. When he was done he said, "Mommy, that took forever. I'm not going to do it again." I explained that was why I wanted him to pick it up so he would realize how long that mess takes to clean up. I just wonder what he is thinking as he dumps all of that out!

A Fun Trip

Brad had to make a trip to Cincinnati, Ohio. He has been working an unreal amount of hours and I hated for him to travel by himself. I searched on the internet and found they had a great zoo and aquarium. So, we all headed off. We went to the zoo today and it was GREAT! We were there from 9:30- 3:00. Unfortunatly, Brad had to work and couldn't enjoy it with us. Todd really loved the train and the monkeys. I am so thankful that God has blessed us with such a sweet, energetic, little boy! He and I laughed so much today my side was hurting! This is a picture of him riding the train. He was playing Diesel-10 from Thomas. Long story. Just look at his sweet expression!

A Sweet Image

We recently attended a relative's birthday party. At the end of the party, the kids all took the balloons and released them outside. Todd, my son, loved this. He was really excited about this idea.

We went to the dollar store a week or so after he had released the balloons. He asked to buy a blue, star-shaped balloon. I agreed. As soon as we stepped outside, he asked to let it go. I asked him to wait until we got home. He fell asleep on the way home, and I forgot about it. The next day he saw it and wanted to let it go. We stood by the car and watched it fly up. He, again, was very excited. We got into the car and he described to me the following....

"Mommy, God just reached down and got His balloon." I asked him what did God do with the balloons. He said, "Oh, He holds them". I asked him did God hold them just for a minute or a long time. He said, "Forever and He knows that balloon was from me".

It hit me. What a touching and sweet image of God. Can you picture God holding every balloon that has ever been released. Todd went on to say that balloons made God happy. I am so glad that Todd, who is only 3, has such a warm impression of Christ. I have not been able to get that picture of God holding balloons out of my mind. Perhaps that is what is meant when we hear that heaven is going to be a happy place. Maybe that is why the Bible says to be like a child. Just maybe we will receive balloons upon our return. An amazing thought from a child's mind!

Hurt

Last night, it was just about time for Todd to go to bed. He had stayed up a little later than usual so he could see Daddy (he had to work late). He had rounded the corner and was running at a fast pace to see Daddy and he ran, full force, into the corner of the footboard. I was on the computer in the other part of the house and heard the impact. He came crying to me for comfort. He wanted me to get the "hurt off of him". As I was calming him down, I kept thinking about how much I wanted to get his pain to tranfer to me so he wouldn't hurt. Through that experience, I was reminded of how Christ must feel on a constant basis. I cannot imagine the hurt he must endure. He tried to take that pain away on that horrific day, yet we turn our backs on Him so often. He was so willing to sacrifice His life for us, and yet we, so often, can be just like those who beat Him and cursed His name. I pray that I can remember the pain I experienced last night when Todd was hurt and us that as a reminder that Christ suffered the ultimate pain for me.

Parenting trials

You know, being a parent can be so hard!! My son really loves to go to the church on Mondays and watch daddy play volleyball. Well, he plays with his friends while daddy plays volleyball. It is a fun thing for all of us. Today, Todd was throwing a fit. I told him to stop or he would not get to go to the game. Instead of stopping, he chose to kick it up a notch. When I told him he wasn't going to go, he got upset. I hated to take that away, but he has to learn to get himself under control. The sad thing is, once he did calm down, he said in a weepy voice, " My friends are going to be sad because I am not there". How sad. However, I know that he had to receive discipline or else he would intensify that response to get his way. Boy it can be hard, though!!!

Dancing with the Stars

I have to admit that I have watched Dancing with the Stars this season. I had never watched it but Jerry Rice caught my attention. I have loved this show. It is all about hard work and dedication. I even voted to keep Jerry Rice in the finals. I will admit that he is not the best dancer, but he is the most out of his environment. Drew is the best dancer and deserves to win. He has dominated. Stacy is good, but not as good as Drew. I am looking forward to the ending! Who do you think will win?

Cabo San Lucas

My husband and I just returned from a 4 day all expenses paid trip to Cabo. It was a lot of fun. The weather was perfect!!! We stayed right on the beach so we could walk down to the beach. We also enjoyed a sunset cruise, although it was cloudy. We were able to see 4 whales that looked amazing. It was one of those times when you enjoyed the creations God has given us. We got lost at one point and saw the citizen's real living conditions. We are such a blessed country!

Wished I had another child.

My husband and I have been trying to have another child for a year. This has been difficult because we were able to get pregnant right off with my son. I have a wonderful relationship with my mom and would love to have a daughter to share times with like my mom and I have. What is the most frustrationg is that people that do not want children have them all of the time! I was going to the mall the other day and saw a woman with 7 children and another one on the way. I wondered if she wanted that many children or if it was against her religion to take birth control and she is hoping to not have any more. I hope that some day soo we will be able to have another child: boy or girl. But, atleast God gave us the most wonderful son!!!