Survey

I am going on an all-girls shopping trip this weekend and want to buy some new CD's.
So...what's your new favorite Christian CD/Song/group?

You Will Be Blessed

Please go to the blog Bring On The Rain and read Angie's latest post. If it touches you the way it touched me, share it with your spouse, friends, and co-workers. If you haven't read Angie's story about Audrey Caroline, take the time to go back through her last two months of posts. God is using her like the lamp stand on a mountain top.

Book Number Two

Sunday I finished "Your Girl" by Vicki Courtney. This is a must read for every little girl's mother. Why did I read it? My friend Stephanie and I are doing research for our vision in writing "a mission type" curriculum for G.A.'s, R.A's and Mission Friends next year. We are presenting to our church in a few weeks...please be in prayer for that.

****update- the author of this book commented on my post...talk about humbling! Check out the comments at the bottom of the post!
Back to the book...Vicki writes about raising a godly daughter in an ungodly world. Chip Ingram also has a great study out on this too called "Effective Parenting in a Defective World". I learned tons of great biblical principals in that study as well..

Just to hit the high points:
1. As mothers we need to look at King Josiah. Kings 22:2 says, "he (Josiah) did what was right in the eyes of the Lord...not turning aside to the right or the left." Josiah wasn't raised with a heritage of faith...but he made a choice to not follow in the footsteps of his father/grandfather. As mothers we need to follow the steps Josiah took(a.) Josiah cried out and wept to God - 2 Kings 22:19. What do we cry out for? Direction. In today's world we need to cry out for our children and what they are tempted with and exposed to on a daily basis. We have to be careful not to become desensitized to our secular culture. (b.) Josiah pledged himself to covenant - 2 Kings 23:3. The Word of God is our instruction manuel. We have to teach our children that we don't just do what "feels" right; we have to know God's word and let it be a lamp unto our feet. As mothers we have to ask ourselves...are we following the rules or do we pick and chose the rules that were meant to be broken? Are we in the Word daily, modeling to our daughters and sons that we "pledge like Josiah, to become intimate with God's Word?" (c.) Josiah took action- 2 Kings 23:4-20. Vicki states, "It is not enough to raise our daughters to be prayer warriors...lover's of God's Word...in today's world we must raise our daughters to be activists."


Vicki also talks about "Battles Worth Fighting For"
1. The Danger of Conformity- Are we raising our kiddos to have the courage to stand up for their faith like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo in Daniel 3? Romans 12:2 "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." James 4:4 "You adulterers! Don't you realize that friendship with the world makes you and enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God." God calls us adulterers when we put more energy, time, or money in anything over Him. We are constantly teaching our kids something...(I am going to go off on a little rabbit trail)...what do we say to our kids when we don't have time to go to a Bible Study or Sunday night church, but we make time to get our hair done, watch TV, etc. I am preaching to myself here!
2. Passing Down The Formula For True Self-Worth. The world says your worth is summarized into the equation:

outside appearance + achievements = worth

God wants us to teach our girls that

their worth = who they are in Him.

Vicki asks in this chapter, "Can you (the mom) look in the mirror and say aloud, "Lord, I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." If we can't tell ourselves that, how are we suppose to teach our kids to feel that way about themselves?

3. Raising Daughters who say, "I Don't," until they say, "I Do." Do we teach girls that the only prince charming out there is Jesus. Only He is perfect and can totally fill the God spot in each of our hearts.

4. Dressed to Lure or Dressed to Be Pure - She says that clothing is like a label on a product. What is the clothing that our girls are wearing say about what is inside the "label".

5. Sugar and Spice and Not Very Nice- Vicki talks about cliques, mean girls, gossip, and jealousy.


Chapters 10-12 talk about arming our girls for battle.
1. Heritage of God's Word - The Word was written by God. It is relevant and reliable. Are we having a devotional time with our little girls every night? Do they witness us having a quiet time?
2. Heritage of Prayer- She talks about modeling the ACTS method of praying. Adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. Okay, I am going to admit it - I had no idea what this was until I read it. It was great to hear her give ideas on teaching our children to pray.
3. Heritage of Faith -
Her Top Ten faith compromisers -
***Not attending church regularly
***Worshipping Only on Sundays
***Worrying/Failing to trust God in times of adversity
***Failing to Tithe
***Being a whiner
***Not sharing your faith
***Failing to put your past in it's place
***Being prideful or legalistic
***Failing to have a daily quiet time.

You Have To Read...

I have finished two books in the last five days that I HIGHLY recommend. I will blog about one book today and the other tomorrow:

1. i am not but i know I AM by Louie Giglio:

*One of God's many names is I AM -Exodus 3:14, "God said to Moses, "I AM who I AM. This is what you are to say to the Isrealites: I AM has sent me to you."
In Hebrew I AM is translated into the word Hayah (think of a karate chop) and then translates into the words I BE or BE. Think of the words BEloved and BEcame and BEheld...just a different outlook on the words.

*Giglio's main idea for the book is that God's Story is so huge. When He created us, He loved us enough to ask us to become apart of His story...not our own story but His story. How much time do we spend putting "every ounce of energy into the fragmented story of us?"

*A Few Cool Things I learned...(1) My new name is "i am not"...."i am not in control. i am not the solution. i am not the owner of anything. i am not in charge of anything. i am not holding it all together... i am not but He knows my name. i am not but He pursued me in His love. I am not but I know I AM."
(2) "For every cry there is one answer: I need help. I AM.
What's the latest thing? I AM.
I need a fresh start. I AM.
My vision is bigger than my resources. I AM.
Nothing's real anymore. I AM.
Who can I trust? I AM.
I'm not sure whose on my team. I AM.
Nobody's listening to me. I AM.
I don't have a prayer. I AM.
I am pouring into others, who's pouring into me? I AM.
If I fail who'll get the job done? I AM.
I'm not sure why I am here? I AM.
I'm tired. I AM.
Somebody just hold me. I AM."
(3) My new prayer for humility is that God will get bigger (greater) so that I can get smaller (less).
(4) I have always wondered about the Sabbath day...I have never heard any preacher explain about how to keep the day holy. Giglio says, "When there is no Sabbath in our lives we become intoxicated by the lie that the sum of our lives depends on our effort alone. We get to the place where we truly believe that the outcome of the story fully depends on us. Sabbath rest is (us) in His lap. Our inner calm waits within His embrace...For when we tirelessly toil, as thought that's what it takes to keep our ship afloat, we steal God's glory, elevating ourselves as sole providers and sustainers of all we have and are. By refusing to slow down and bring things to a halt, we are telling God He is not enough for us." We might as well say, "God, if I don't do my part the entire world will quit turning." Sabbath rest is about us realizing that "He is the only one capable of doing anything eternal in and through me."
"(It) is Christ in you the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27
How about you and I honor God this week "not with busyness, but with stillness."
(5) The One-Word Bible Study Method...meditating on one word a day...letting each word dwell with in us.

I highly recommend this book. It is an easy read, but one of those books you could read 3 times and still learn something different. I big shout out to Ms. Jerri Ann for buying this book for me when I worked the last Emmaus Walk!!!

My 28 Years of Life

Well 28 years ago, yesterday, I was born to Anita and Jim in Austin, Texas. I lived in Pflugerville until I started 6th grade, and then we moved to Paige, Texas (near Giddings) to live on our 90 acre Beefmaster ranch. Looking back on all the fence building , dirt haulin', poop scoopin', and cow workin' I am thankful that my parents moved our family to the country. I use to complain to my mom that I didn't get to shop and hang out with the other girls in town...now I am thankful I grew up with my parents instead of growing up with my friends.
My dad use to tell me when we were driving in t-posts that it was building character. It made me mad then, but now I know he was right (go ahead and gloat Dad-I admit you were right a few times)!! My brother Chad and I spent our nights and weekends working our show heifers and show pigs together...we fought A LOT...but my parents use to say, "The family that fights together stays together." He He!!! After graduating from Giddings High School in 1998, I attended Texas A&M. I graduated Magna Cum Luade in 3 1/2 years on a full scholarship...but as I look back on those accomplishments they seem so inconsequential. What matters are the family values, work ethic, and priorities my Mom and Dad modeled for me. I married Ronnie in 2002 and worked in Waller, Texas, teaching first grade while Ronnie finished his Master's degree. In the Summer of 2003 we moved to Seminole. I thought Ronnie was taking me to the end of the Earth...in fact, we actually saw tarantulas crossing the road while we traveled to "check out" the town. I cried when we drove into town because it was small and there were pump jacks in the middle of town. After we remodeled our first house, made friends in our church home, and had our first son God told us, after a short 18 months, it was time to move. I cried when we left, but we've lived in Levelland for 3 years now and honestly there is no where else I'd rather be.

(below is a pic of Drew when he was one...I think he looks like his Mama!)

I had a wonderful day yesterday. Ronnie woke me up to tell me Happy Birthday which prompted Drew to sing "Happy Birthday". Drew stumped me when he asked, "Mama where did my birthday go?" 3 year-olds are such concrete thinkers. Stephanie, Holly, Niki, Brandi, Chad, Mom, Reta, and Nanny called me yesterday. Then several blogging buddies gave me a shout out: Steph, Charla, Carly, Shannon, and Trey Morgan. Charla's entry yesterday moved me to tears-I don't know if there are any people who know my heart the way she does...Thanks Lala!!!
Yesterday was an incredibly beautiful day...sunny skies and 70. I took the boys for a walk with Stephanie and her two girls. During the boys' nap time, I laid out and studied my Ephesians Bible Study. How blessed am I? I got dressed and headed out to the Children's Hope Fundraiser Haylee Potter and our Sunday School class sponsored. We raised over 2500.00 for a play ground for this foster home. All our friends were there, and they sang "Happy Birthday" to me when we cleaned up. I got awesome gifts: a candle, A&M purse, Aggie shirt, Aggie bracelet, candle, gift card for the shopping trip, money, and jewelry. Again...am I blessed or what?
As I reflected on my year...I have seen God's hand doing a mighty work in my life.
I am grateful for:
1. My faith...I have learned who my God is through His Word. My life verse is Jeremiah 15:16, "When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven's Armies." His Word is what gives me true joy...the joy that is unconditional - whether you are having a bad day, someone you love is ill, or your heart is hurting...the joy that comes from the truth of the Word is unshakable.
2. My health - I am finally feeling like my old self. I think it takes a year after having a baby to get both feet off and running again.
3. My marriage- Ronnie and I have learned so much about each other this past year. We've had several tests...but when you grow together through the tests they become "test"imonies- Thank You Jesus!
4. My boys- My boys are healthy. I love that I get to stay home with Drew and Kade. Sometimes I feel like I need a whistle and referee shirt, but they inspire me everyday to not just talk about Jesus but act like Him too. Their smiles, giggles, and hugs are daily gifts from the Creator!
5. My friends- I have wonderful friends...not just acquaintances, but true blue friends. They love me and I love them. They are godly women who lift me up, encourage me, and hold me accountable. They are sisters-in-Christ!
6. My family's health. My mom beat breast cancer this last year!
7. My Sunday School class- our class merged last year...it was a rocky start, but now we are all on fire for the Lord. We are growing and our focus is on just loving Jesus. God is going to do big things through our class...watch out Levelland!!!
8. My Emmaus Community- I don't have words to describe this community of believers. The best adjectives I can write down are: lover's of Jesus, real, genuine, loving, giving, faithful, prayerful, and unashamed!
9. GA girls - these girl's have truly blessed me this year. I am swimming in testosterone all week at my house, and it is such a blessing just to be a girly girl with these young ladies. They worked so hard this year...not just learning how to be missionaries, but actually being missionaries. We've already had troops email us about receiving the girl's boxes!

10. My future: I know that I know God has big things planned for me and my family this next year. (Phil 1:6) I feel like He is leading me into a very big project this summer (please be in prayer...more details to come at a later date). I can see that He has perfectly orchestrated my upbringing, life events, personality, and career training to prepare me for what He wants me to do today. Kinda like King David. His thinking is so above mine...and I am "a planner" like Charla says, but I am so thankful I am not in charge of the Master's Plan! I also feel like God is going to do big things through my family this year...I can't wait to see it unfold. Thanks to my hubby, family, and friends for making this days so special...but most of all

I want to thank you Jesus for forming me perfectly in my mother's womb..."for I am God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for me to do." Ephesians 2:10...thank you Lord for taking the time to provide an inheritance for me on Earth...my eternity has already begun here. I know I will see the fullness of it in heaven, but I praise you for where I am now. Thank you for every blessing...it is all from you Lord and it is all for you Jesus. Amen!

(below pic of Kade at one year- I know he looks nothing like me, but I had to include him too!)

It's been almost 10 years...

When I was a freshman at Texas A&M I was in a terrible car accident. I rolled my Ford Explorer three times on Hwy 21, near Dime Box, Texas. Three years later we realized it was the result of a faulty Firestone tire. On that sunny Sunday in October my life was spared by the grace of God because I had not yet surrendered my life to Christ. I still get chills thinking about how much my God loves me...even when I was still a sinner (Romans 5:8). He was giving me a second chance to come to Him...and I am so thankful. Before I was taken to Austin in the helicopter, three fellow Aggies drove up on the accident. Danny, Chad, and Darsey comforted me until help arrived. It amazes me that complete strangers would care enough to stop, get me out of the mangled vehicle, and wait around to make sure I was okay. Aggies taking care of Aggies. You gotta love it!!! I amazed all the doctors in the ER...no head trauma! I was given 150 staples in my head and sent home the same day. I did lose most of my hair on the left side and had a really hard time completing my first semester at A&M. Danny, Darsey and Chad came to see me after I was released from the hospital and told me that after they got me out of the car I kept telling them, as I was going into shock, that I was a member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 2002. Now you just try and tell me that I don't bleed maroon. Whoop!!! I kept in touch with all three of them for the remainder of my freshman year, but we eventually lost touch. I think about them every Christmas when I hang an ornament filled with ashes from the last Aggie Bonfire on my tree that Danny gave me. Out of the blue on Saturday, I received an email from Jessica White, Danny's wife...whom I have never met. Come to find out she is a friend of my SIL, Charla. Jessica gave me the link to their blog and I enjoyed getting to catch up on their family. From their blog I also linked up to Chad and Darsey's blog. It has been a blessing being able to "reunite" with them over the Internet. They are beautiful people...and they now have two beautiful kiddos between the two of them.

2nd Night of Bible Study

WOW is all I can say. God is good! We had 14 girls in attendance last night for our Bible Study on marriage. Most arrived at 8:45 and we closed around 10:05. Three called in about missing due to illness, being out of town, and Christi Moore had a 7lb. 7oz. baby boy yesterday named Brody. Congrats Christi! (In case you didn't hear all of that...we have 17 girls on our roster!!! =) These girls are dedicated to letting God use them to improve their marriages. I can see Him already at work. The discussion last night was AMAZING and Holly did a fabulous job leading us. "Lord I thank you for this group of ladies and I thank you in advance that marriages will be healed and improved over the next 15 weeks. Your Word is life to us Father. Lord we do not want to be lukewarm Christians...set us ablaze with your Holy Spirit. I praise you for the friendships that are budding and I pray you would nurture all the girls as they seek your will for their lives, marriages, and children. Amen!"

More Bloggin' Buddies

My friend Stephanie started a blog today: www.stephaniehodge.blogspot.com

From the bulletin Sunday morning:
"How many mistakes I have made with the children because I was concerned to the point of worry. But a mother who walks with God knows He only asks her to take care of the possible and to TRUST HIM for the impossible." The late Ruth Bell Graham

Weekend in Childress

Ronnie and Nanny. Ronnie and I went home to Childress to spend time with Nanny because last Thursday was the first anniversary of his grandfather's death. I love the way Ronnie loves on her. He really enjoyed staying up with her and talking and laughing Friday night.
Kade has an obsession with shoes. He use to just carry them around in his hands, but now he wants to wear them. He usually scoots around in my flip-flops. Sunday he was wearing Nanny's shoes and trying to dance and jump at the same time. He wants to jump like Drew but it all he does is bounce on one leg at a time.
Nonni (Ronnie's mom) giving Kade a hair cut. Charla is feeding him Skittles to keep him still!
I had Ronnie take a picture of me, so that when the boys look back on their pictures one of these days I have proof I was there.

This is the best picture Drew has taken in a year. It is so hard to get him to look at the camera, be still, and smile at the same time. Charla and I told him not to smile at the camera and...viola!!! You have to love reverse psychology!

We stood on the bridge while the wind was blowing the water underneath us. Drew said we were on a boat.

My sweet Kader Tater!!!

I had the best Mother's Day. Ronnie cleaned the house for me Friday while Holly, Amanda and I mailed off 117 boxes to the troops. I am a clean in the middle kinda girl, but Ronnie cleans the walls, corners, and under all the furniture. It was a great surprise, so Sunday I wasn't expecting anything. When I got back from Church, he had a card waiting for me by the mirror. It was one of the singing cards that played, "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch...you know that I love you" and he gave me some money for my shopping trip at the end of the month. He really out did himself! I keep opening up the card and listening to the song...I can't wipe the smile off my face!

Drew fed the ducks at the park. He chased them when we first got there...hence, all the duck are in the water. He was saying, "Come here ducks...don't be scared!"
Charla took some great pictures at the park in Childress. Two years ago a tornado went through there, but the community has done a wonderful job rebuilding!
Drew was walking on this concrete step above the water and we saw six or seven catfish underneath the water. Those fish had to be at least 2 foot long. Ronnie brought his dad's boat home from Childress. It is an '87 model and in awful shape. He is going to remodel it and hopefully have it ready for the reunion in June. Drew is so excited about "catching a big fish...we gonna put the boat on the big water."

Kade's new tenny runners. We had to go buy him another pair Friday. When he put them on JC Penny's he bounced all around the store. He would look at us, smile, and say, "Hee..Hee!" He was almost walking like a Summo wrestler...picking up one foot and slamming it down. So cute! The boys love going to the mall and seeing the "big water" (a.k.a. fountain)....I know we need to get out more!

Another Q&A

44 ODD Things about Me!
1. Do you like blue cheese? no
2. Have you ever smoked? Ever? yes...and then I vomited
3. Do you own a gun? Well, Ronnie does. I think I'd like to have one too...He said we could get one in pink!!!
4. What flavor Kool Aid was your favorite? Don't like it
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Yes, especially the boys
6. What do you think of hot dogs? No way...I get to thinking of all the stuff in them and I decline
7. Favorite Christmas movie? White Christmas (classic) and Frosty the Snowman (the old one that comes on regular TV every year.
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? water with crystal light energy.
9. Can you do push ups? yes...pull-ups no.
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring and Aggie ring.
11. Favorite hobby? Scrapbooking, reading, blogging, walking
12. Do you have A.D.D.? No
13. What's one trait you hate about yourself? I talk to much. I was just ready yesterday in 1 Peter 3:4 "You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit."
14. Middle Name? Marie
15. Three thoughts I am having? What do I need to do before bed? I need to work out. I wish I could just crawl in bed and read.
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly consume. Water and diet coke.
17. Current worry.Getting our boxes out to the troops tomorrow
18. Current hate right now? Losing weight
19. Favorite place to be? outside in the sun, listening to my praise music, and studying my Bible
20. How did you bring in the New Year? The Crutchers came over and we watched a movie and ate O'Hana's
21. Where would you like to go? Mexico
22. Name four people who will complete this? Holly, Shannon, Brandi, and Carly
23. Do you own slippers? Yes but I wear flip-flops
24 What shirt are you wearing? Pink tank top
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I don't think I ever have!
26. Can you whistle? yes2
27. Favorite color? Brick Red
28. Would you be a pirate? No...I would always be afraid of getting caught. I am a follow the rules kinda of girl
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Praise songs and veggie tales...it depends if Drew and Kade are up and crying at the shower stall
30. Favorite girl's name? Grace
31. Favorite boy's name? Drew and Kade of course
32. What's in your pocket right now? Don't have any
33. Last thing that made you laugh? Ronnie giving the boys their bubble dos last night (see below post)
34. Best bed sheets as a child? I can't remember anything before kids...loss of brain cells!
35. Worst injury you've ever had? Car accident when I was 18...I lost most of the hair on the left side of my head and got 150 staples in my head...
36. Do you love where you live? Yes...if you would have asked me that a year ago I would have hesitated, but I can truly see how God is working in my life right now. I have WONDERFUL friends and I love our Emmaus Community.
37. How many TVs do you have in your house? 4...for some reason that makes me really sad to say.
38. Who is your loudest friend? I think I am the loudest...I am going to work on that
39. How many dogs do you have? 0
40. Does someone have a crush on you? hopefully my hubby
41. What is your favorite book? Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
42. What is your favorite candy? Starburst Jelly Beans
43. Favorite Sports Team? Gig ‘Em AGGIES!!!
44. What song do you want played at your funeral? I Can Only Imagine...I Will Praise You In This Storm...I want it to be a celebration, not a funeral.

Bubble Time

Ronnie gave the boys baths last night...he made them bubble hair do's. The boys loved it, and I think Ronnie had a good time too.

New Layout---I'm Lovin' It!!!

Okay...have you ever had one of those days that you wish you could have a BIG cry? The tears start welling up in your throat and continue to get larger and larger until you feel like ther are all going to explode like a volcano. That's how the last 24 hours have been for me. I don't know if it is lack of sleep because of the storms, hormones, Satan trying to steal my joy, or a combo of all three.
I went to church this morning for Bible Study, came home, put the boys down, and then I checked my email. "I love your new layout" was what the first email I opened said. I thought...new layout, what? Then I remembered my SIL, Charla, asked if she could update my blog layout for my birthday last weekend. I LOVE IT!!! I didn't even tell her what I wanted...she just knows me! I feel so loved...I don't know if it's the fact that she knows me so well, that she took time to make something personally for me, or that it was a TOTAL surprise. The older I get, the more I enjoy surprises because they are few and far between. It just really touched me today! God used her to as a means of grace to me. Thanks Charla...I love you and I am so blessed that God brought us together. It's the best present ever.
***If you'd like Charla to update your layout...you can leave her a comment on her blog rcjenkins@blogspot.com or email her at cjenkins@childressisd.net . She is awesome!!!

Thank You God

Our Bible Study had 13 women in attendance tonight. Three more were unable to attend but called for their books. IT WAS WONDERFUL!!! I felt the Spirit moving in that place...God is going to do mighty things in our marriages. Please be in prayer for my friend Holly who will be leading the Bible Study. I know God planned for her to do this from the beginning of time. I know she can do all things through Him.

When God Paints

I received these pictures from my friend, Lisa Taggert, today. The top left is Bakersfield, California. I opened them and said, “Okay God…I know what I need to talk about next.” I don’t know about you guys, but I struggle with being “too busy.” Satan loves to keep us busy because it kills our joy (because we are tired), steals our enthusiasm (because we are overwhelmed) and destroys our purpose (because our priorities become distorted). I am often too busy just to sit back and “enjoy the ride” and look at what God is painting…just for me.
I am reading several books right now…one is Beth Moore’s, Discovering God’s Purpose for Your Life. Isaiah 6:3 says, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven's Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory." Isaiah 45:18 says, "For the Lord is God, and He created the heavens and the earth and put everything in place. He made the world to be lived in..." The NIV says "He fashioned and made the earth..." Why? So He could reveal himself to YOU! I learned a new definition of mercy Friday from Bob Yandian. He said, "mercy is God reaching out to man" and "grace in action". God created the mountains, ocean, stars and sky to reach out to me because He is rich in His mercy. Beth asks in her book...why didn't God choose another planet...why Earth? He picked earth because we're on it! Praise God!!! God paints like this so that when we seek Him...we will find Him. He is in everything...every detail from the painting of the flowers to the rolling of the waves. This was a great reminder to me to put down my cell phone, go outside with my hubbie and boys, and just breath in the west Texas sunset. That sunset is God DAILY revealing himself to me. Ronnie always tells me he feels closest to God out on a tractor in the middle of Wellingtion, Texas. To him that is the most beautiful thing on Earth. For me I love going home and seeing my parents place. The back pasture if full of green grass, huge shade trees, and a little creek running along the fence line. I also see God's glory in my boy's eyes when they smile, I hear it in their sweet giggle, and I feel it in the sweet rise and fall of their chest at night when the sleep. Why did God do it...why did He fill this black hole with beauty and then put me on it? So I would come to know Him. Thank you Father!

What is your favorite God painting? What does God use in your life to reveal Himself? I am interested to see the responses!

Party...Party...Party

We had another wonderful weekend. Friday night Drew and Kade were invited to Haydn's 4th birthday party at Jumpin' Jungle. The boys loved it; I kinda liked it myself. Drew ran from one inflatable slide to the other. Kade stayed with me and we went down the big slide several times. What a work out! I would jump with Kade and then just whiz down the slide...he giggled and wanted more "maa"!!! After we came home Friday night, Lala and Sich (Ronnie's brother and SIL) came over to spend the night, so they could go to the fertility doctor in the morning. We all stayed up and visited till mid-night. They left early Saturday morning, so the boys and I laid down for a mid-morning nap. Brady's First birthday party started at 2. The sports theme was a big hit with my boys. Balls...balls... and more balls!!! Later that night we all went to Lubbock (without kiddos) to Brady's daddy's surprise birthday party. We ate at Cattle Barron and enjoyed a dinner with no puffs, sippy cups, or bibs!!! Brandi's mom and two of my older G.A. girls kept the boys. THANKS GUYS!!! But when I finally picked up the boys Saturday night, Drew got in the car and said, "Mama, no more party...I go home!"

Again my pics are out of order

Ronnie watching the boys for me Saturday morning!!! Can he really handle them all by himself when I go with my friends on our shopping weekend? I will let you decide!

Drew told Kade not to go in the street. Kade's feelings were hurt!!!
Drew helped Ronnie clean-up and shape the bushes in the front yard!!!
Drew said, "Mama, I real tall!!!"
Drew was looking for snakes (a.k.a. electrical cord in the dirt that powers our lights)
Ronnie's brother and Kaders Friday night! Rich and Kade have the same eyes. You should see Rich's baby pictures! No, Rich and Ronnie look nothing alike. Rich is dark headed and really tall (kinda like Drew) and Kade is fairer complected and has blondish hair like Ronnie.

Kade at Brady's 1st Birthday party!
The boys at Brady's Party...they wore their Aggie jersey's b/c like Ronnie's friend's (Dustin and Jim) say, "That is just how we roll." =) Drew playing with his new ball Brady gave him. He came home and tried to shoot it in his basketball goal, but he said, "It's to big...it no fit, Mama."
Kade helped with the yard work too. He was pulling the t-ball thing around the yard with his baby puppy.

Please be in prayer for my grandmother, Nana Jo, this Tuesday. She will be undergoing eye surgery and has been suffering with several illnesses for the last 5 months.

Also, my friend, Niki Stobb's step-dad, Don Backen, will be having triple bypass surgery Tuesday morning!