THUMBPRINTS

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-25T07:59:00.000-04:00

First Day 2010

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What's Now?

2010-08-23T20:34:00.001-04:00

It has been two weeks since we left Ecuador. We still have the Ecuador "high". A high that we don't ever want to come down from.

I keep asking "what now"? My heart and eyes were open so much in Ecuador to missions. Coming back into my daily life has been a struggle for me. After spending 7 days serving God full time, my daily routines that I thought were high priority, now don't seem important. I know that I am a mom, house wife and business owner, important roles that God has blessed me with, but what more can I be doing for God? The little things in life that I use to stress about now seems silly. My wants and desires for earthly stuff seem useless after seeing how the people in Ecuador live.

That week has made me realize the need to share the gospel more with others here in the states. There are no language barriers here, only fear. I saw how Daniel, Ana and the Word of Life team lived their lives daily, serving God in every aspect. The joy they had and desire to serve Him was so evident in their actions.

So "what now"? I am not sure where God is leading Michael and I. We do know that we do not want to lose that "high" of serving God fully. We know the work in Ecuador is not done and plan to return. We also know the need to share the gospel with those here. We are seeking God and trying to live a life of service to Him.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-18T14:03:00.002-04:00

Ecuador Missions Trip 2010

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A Look Back

2010-08-16T21:25:00.003-04:00

Ecuador 2010

***I had wanted to post each day while we were in Ecuador. We did not have WIFI for the first three days and then my blog would not allow me to post. Everything was in Spanish and I did not have the time to fix it. So here are my daily blog posts for the time we were in Ecuador.***

midnight in Ecuador

We arrived safely in Ecuador around 9:30 Monday night. Went through customs without a problem. The amount of people waiting in the airport was unbleivable. Trying to get through the crowd without losing each other was crazy. Mark & Brittany greeted us once we got past customs and helped us get through the large crowd. Once we got outside we had little children coming up and asking us to buy packs of gum. It was overwhelming.

We finally all got loaded into the buses and took off. And I mean we took off. I thought I had a fear of flying now my fear of riding in a bus in Ecuador trumps that.

We made a brief stop at the main hotel and then made our way to our hotel. Micahel & I were asked to chaperon the college kids. So we were about 6 blocks from the main hotel for our team.

Our hotel room is clean but we had no hot water the first two nights. I think I got about 3 hours sleep but was up and ready to go for our first full day of VBS.

YELLOW

Our VBS program is based on the Wordless Book.

Our first location was at a small church that has been in Ecuador for 30 years. When we arrived the kids we already there. They actaully started the VBS on Monday and had 60 kids. Today we had 130 kids!

The hardest part for us was the language barrier. We had a few interpreters. Very few! But we some how managed to get the job done. For game time we used beach balls. The kids loved the balls, so much that they about took me down trying to get them off me.

There are dogs everywhere. On the street, sidewalks,and rooftops. We joke that it was PET VBS week in Ecuador.

Driving to our second location was frightening. We were in the Word of Life bus on a road not big enough for it! Each bend I said a prayer! I honestly don’t know how we got up and down that hill.

The location was very poor. I have never seen anything like this. The homes were not homes. Everything looks like it was never finished. When we arrived the children were already sitting there ready to go. We set up our puppets and music and away we went. We had 45 kids and they were only expecting 5. We had a blast with this group.

BLACK

After a very much needed nights sleep we were ready for day two. We had even more kids today. The language barrier has been really hard for us during our morning session. At one point we had 40 without an interpreter during game time.

The kids love to play. And kept asking for a ball. They loved the beach balls from the first day.

After lunch we traveled back down that mountian. I have to say that this is my favorite group. The kids are so excited for us to come. There are two little girls that are so full of energy. Michael recorded them and they got all embarassed when they saw themselves. They will keep repeating over and over in Spanish what they want to ask me until I some how figure it out.

It has been two very long days. We are having a blast and are so grateful to be able to come to Ecuador. Thank you for your prayers. The hardes part for us right now is not being able to comminucate. I have not been able to blog since their internet has been out for three days. With no internet means no phone calls. We have not spoken to the kids since Monday around 3pm. That has been hard. We hope to be able to connect somehow tomorrow.

RED

We got internet! We finally got to call home today. We touched base with the kids for about 2 minutes this morning then after lunch the main phone came back. It was a much needed call home to the kids. This has been the longest we have gone with out contact with them. They are having so much fun and put my mind to ease.

Our morning VBS was busy again. The kids love the prizes and somehow I got elected along with Michelle to hand them out. That means we get attacked by 100 + kids each time. To get a little ball brings such joy to them.

After our afternoon session we went to the orphange. We got to spend an hour with the kids and tour the place. We delivered a ton of clothing for them. There are about 25 kids there and they had one staff member on duty til 7 am the next morning!

WHITE

Today was a long day. We had another large crowd in the morning. There was a little girl, Emily, that loved to sing Dios Es Tan Grande. She would walk up to Michael and want to sing it with him.

We finally figure out how to hand out prizes and ballons without gettting attacked. We handed them out through the windows of the smaller rooms. It only took 4 days for us to get smart on that one.

This was our last day at the afternoon group. We enjoyed this group so much. The kids really have nothing and they were so grateful for the little things we handed out. Today we were able to send each child home with a bag of clothes. It was very moving.

It is so hard to describe the area. It was just so poor and run down. Houses were half built and they were living in them with no windows. Roofs flapping in the wind and toilets out back.

There were two little girls there that won my heart. Gensis & Priscilla. They had so much engery and could not wait to play the games.

This week has been so much fun. There is nothing that I did not enjoy doing. The Word of Life group has been wonderful. Opening up their home and serving us all week. We came here to serve them. They have fed us all week and allowed us to hang out at their home . They are true examples of servants for the Lord.

We only got to spend a few hours each day with these kids but it is something I will never forget.

GREEN

Today was our last day of VBS. We only had our morning location. Today they invited the parents to attend the closing program. We have been so blesed by the children in Ecuador. Their little hearts are full of love and are so grateful for the smallest things you give them. Michael and I got attached to a little girl named Emily. Her laugh was the cutest thing and would bring smiles to our faces. We did tape her singing on video one day and you can view it at qik.com/michreyn

The kids wrote us thank you notes, which was a sweet surprise to our group.

After many photos and sad goodbyes we headed back to Word of Life for lunch and back to the hotel to change.

We then got a chance to go to the Equator and do some shopping. We also got to do some street ministry. Michael started us off with a song in Spanish and then we had our puppet team do a skit. Pastor Ken gave a short message and then we had several people that wanted to speak with us about the gospel. It was a cool experience to see our team sharing the gospel.

SUNDAY

Today we attended a local church and then had lunch back at Word of Life. After lunch we went up to the camp that the missionaries are going to be purchasing. It was a wild ride of the hills of Ecuador. Once there we got to go on a hike that was a lot of fun. We took off on this hike not realizing what we were getting ourselfs into, but it was fun. After the hike we spent some time in prayer over the camp.

After the ride back down we went back to have dinner at Word of Life. We had a great time in fellowship with the Word of Life students this week. In Ecuador there are two soccer teams – Liga & Barcellona. Half the boys are split on who they cheer for and we had a lot of fun cheering along with them.

MONDAY

Today was our last day. We started with a tour into Quito and a visit to their White House to see the President and changing of the guards. We also got to tour a church. After lunch we headed into town to a Flea Market to do some shopping.

Then it was off to the hotel to pack up and shower. We headed back to Word of Life for our last dinner and share time.

Daniel and Ana our true examples of missionaries. They pour their lives into the people of Ecuador. We got to hear what each team member repsonsiblity is at Word of Life. We had to leave our mark on Ecuador by passing out Terrible Towels.

Afer a tearful goodbye we boarded our bus to the airport.

TUESDAY

Is it Tuesday?? It feels like we have been traveling for two days. We are sitting in Altanta airport. Michael slept some on the plane and I got maybe 30 minutes in. After a crazy time going throught security and customs and then checking in our bags again, I headed for a much needed Starbucks. It was been a week since I had coffee.

We are looking forward to seeing the kids in a few hours. This week has been amazing. The days were long, but each day we looked forward to doing it again. So much is going through my mind right now and I just can’t seem to get it all down. So I plan to blog over the next few weeks on several other items of the trip.

We are so grateful to go to Ecuador. This has been a life changing trip. Thank you for all your prayers

Less Than 24 Hours To Go

2010-08-01T08:36:00.000-04:00

VBS Location

I can not believe that tomorrow is the day we leave for Ecuador! Please keep our team in your prayers as some things have changed over the past few days in regards to the work projects. We can rest in the comfort knowing that God is in control of every detail of our trip.

I have posted some photos of the area we will be working in for VBS this coming week. Please pray with us as we minister to the children and their families that their hearts will be changed.

A local Church

One of our VBS locations

Another location for VBS

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-28T14:13:00.003-04:00

Guinea Pig

I don't think I will be eating this in Ecuador!

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Less than one week to go!

2010-07-27T09:26:00.003-04:00

Quito, Ecuador

Missions Trip

August 2-8, 2010

Less than one week to go! The excitement was high on Sunday night at our weekly meeting. We started the night in pray and then went over the last minute items. We received donations to take with us to Ecuador. So we spent some time packing up clothes, medical supplies, and personal items.

The kids have been having fun coming up with ideas for the games and learning the songs with us. Grant seems to really enjoy coming up with some dance moves to go along with them. (check out FB for the video)

We are going over our last minute items and getting all our things together to pack. There is no Super Walmart there, so I can't forget anything. But we all know how I love to make lists so I am sure we will be okay.

We would really appreciate all your prayers. We travel Saturday to WV to meet my parents. Our kids will be spending several days with them in NC and then coming back to PA before we get home. We won't be able to have contact with them in Ecuador. Pray that they will be able to enjoy their time and not be too homesick for us. I know it will be hard on us not being able to talk to them each day.

Please pray as we leave Monday at 12:20 pm. We arrive in Ecuador around 10 pm that night. We hope to be able to update the blog during our time in Ecuador. Our Church will also have a blog - http://crossroadsministries.com/Ecuador/.

Thank you again!! We are very excited to go and serve in Ecuador!

Closer to Departure Time

2010-07-16T07:44:00.000-04:00

I can't believe we are past the three week mark.

We have been meeting every Sunday night to prepare for the trip. We have been assigned our groups and our VBS responsibilities. We will be holding two VBS's each day. In the morning, we will be in a local church and then after lunch going out into the city. We will be leading music, running the games and snack time.

We have been really busy learning lots of songs in Spanish. It seems that my kids learn them faster than I do. Michael has also been trying to learn as much Spanish as he can to help us communicate while we are there. I have learned the important phrases:

"Donde esta el bano? Where is the bathroom?

"como esta usted? How are you?

"Me llamo" My name is

And of course the common words that even Marah has learned off Dora - Gracias, Hola and Si.

We have two more planning meetings before we leave and hope to work out all the details of the VBS programs. In addition to the VBS teams we have a large group of men going to work on several work projects as well as a medical team.

We have several items that need prayer as we prepare to leave:

The puppet team as they learn their parts.

The music team as we learn over 8 songs.

The lesson leaders as they review and prepare to share the gospel each day through interpreters.

Work Team -as they are still in need of funds to be able to complete the projects.

We appreciate all your prayers and support over the past several months. We are very excited about traveling to Ecuador and look forward to what God has for us while we minster to the Ecuadorian people.

Publish Post

MI DIOS PUEDE SALVAR - HILLSONG (KARAOKE)

2010-07-15T15:30:00.003-04:00

Here is one of the songs we are learning.

One Step at a Time

2010-06-07T20:50:00.003-04:00

I blogged a while back about taking a step of faith. We took that big step a few months ago when we signed up for the summer Missions trip to Ecuador. We prayed over the decision and felt God leading us to go with the team. We sat down and wrote our first ever support letter. Wow! What a humbling experience that was for me.

I don't doubt that God provides. He has provided over and over for my family. So I have spent the past several weeks praying that God will provide the money for us to go on the trip. And boy did God provide. It has been a humbling experience. So many have blessed us with their support - financially and through prayer. We are so grateful for that.

There will be many steps of faith that I will have to take over the next few months. Some will be bigger than others. But what is so refreshing is that God is leading me up those steps - one step at a time.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-31T08:09:00.003-04:00

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Taking a Step of Faith

2010-03-22T19:29:00.006-04:00

Taking a step of faith this summer. Experiencing something new. Facing some fears. Opening my heart to something new.

When we shared with our children that we are going to Ecuador this summer and how we are following and trusting in God for this decision - our son asked us:

"How do you know if God is telling you to do something?"

We explained that we have been praying about the decision and feel that God is leading us in this decision. Grant seemed interested in the idea of going with us. But was afraid that he would not know their language and did not want any extra shots that might be needed.

When we got home our son went to his room to pray in his closet. Two things he prayed for:

1. That he would stop fighting with his sister

2. And asked God if he should go to Ecuador.

Wow! What faith my little boy has. Hearing him say - "God has not answered him yet", "Maybe tonight in my dreams he will tell me"

Again tonight he said he is still waiting on God to give him an answer about going.

Its been a week now, to let our decision sink in that we are going to Ecuador. Now my faith and trust comes into play. I am learning to totally trust in God for this decision. For our needs over the next few months. Ecuador is going to cost us money, money that we don't have.

I have been in awe of God this past week as my business picked up. Why do I doubt that God can supply our needs. We gives us just what we need when we need it.

I am looking forward to this new journey this year. Taking the biggest step of faith and trusting God not man for my every need.

Bible Studies

2010-03-03T12:07:00.004-05:00

I have been praying and thinking about starting a Bible Study for over a year now. I should really say been running from the idea that I should start one. I worked in the MOPS ministry at our Church for over 9 years. When I stepped down from leadership -I felt lost as to where God wanted me to serve. There were not many options for me. I started to pray about starting a study. Unsure of my abilities to lead a group of women made me run from the whole idea of it. I gave every excuse in the book - recovering from surgery, work, no childcare available, can't decided on a book...... Finally I stopped running and trusted God and took the step of faith I needed.

Tomorrow we start a new study entitled - Premium Roast with Ruth by Sandra Glahn. Not knowing too much about the study but like the idea of a Coffee Club Bible Study - I picked the book. When I got the book last month I was a little overwhelmed by the amount of reading and preparation on my part for leading this study. My first thought was - Lord, what was I thinking. Some of these questions are thinkers. Can I even think that deep into the book of Judges? I was feeling a little intimidated by the whole first week of the study.

I had no choice at this point. It was announce in Church, women were signing up and I even got the needed childcare. God was filling every area I kept saying would not be met. So I started with the preparations for the first study. Was stumbling my way through it and thought okay maybe I can do this. Was ready to go and then the snow came!

The snow was a blessing on my part. It has given me a few more days to review and even re-read a lot of the passages. I got to dig deeper into the Old Testament. Get a better understanding of the passages that are presented in the study.

So tomorrow I am taking a step of faith and following what God is leading me to do and excited to learn what the Lord has shown us in the life of Ruth.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-16T22:36:00.006-05:00

Week Two of our Snow Storm

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Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-10T08:02:00.004-05:00

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Is it really 2010?

2010-02-07T15:33:00.005-05:00

WOW! You know it has been a long time since you have posted when you type in the wrong site to get to your own blog.

Since FB came about I really cut back on my blog. I figured I update enough there that I really don't have much to add to the blog.

I have been debating as to what I even wanted to do with the blog. My big idea for 2010 was to blog a new cookie every day this year. Well since it is 2/7/10 and I have not even made one new cookie yet this year, I might have to re-think that idea.

I did set a few goals for my life this year -

Spiritual

I would like to study a few different books of the Bible. Starting with James. I bought a study guide and will be starting that on 2/15.
I am finally starting a Bible Study at our church - Premium Roast with Ruth by Sandra Glahn.

Physical

My husband & I started a new workout program. We get up every morning at 5 am and workout before he goes to work. We are 6 weeks into and have not missed a day yet.
Eating Healthier - we eat healthy to begin with so basically this was not that big of a change in our lives. We just cut out a few things that seemed to be bothering us now that we have gotten a little older.

Family

My kids amaze me at their knowledge of the Bible. This year we wanted to make our prayer time more affective with them. We started a family prayer journal. Teaching and showing how God answers our prayers. They are enjoying being able to highlight answered prayer each night.

Business

I really would like to see my business grow this year. I am going to add a few new items - dessert cakes and specials each month.
To get into three more locations and increase our wedding sales.

God has blessed our family the past year and we are looking forwarded to this year and what He has planned for us. My goals might not be what He has for me, but I will continue to seek Him as I go through out the year and see where He has me go with my list.

Long Time

2009-07-24T07:55:00.005-04:00

Boy, it has been a long time since I posted. I am sure no one even noticed. The months have just been flying by here in our house.

Summer is almost over and we are getting ready for our annual beach trip with Grandpa and Grandma.

The kids got to go on their first summer trip by themselves this past month. 8 days in NC with my family. At first when we were planning it - I thought this is going to be great. Michael and I don't get a chance to be "kid free" over night let alone 8 days of "kid free". We had made all these great plans for the week. As it got closer to saying good bye to the kids, my thoughts changed. Can I send them off to another state? Will they miss us too much? What if they get hurt or have an asthma attack? I kept asking - are you sure you want to go? YES WE DO!!! So with bags packed and lots of hidden tears from mommy - I sent them on their way.

The first few days were so strange - just the two of us. I think by the third night we just sat and ate in silence. I asked Michael - did we run out of things to talk about? He said he was just enjoying the quietness of our meal.

By the weekend, things had changed. Michael hurt his back and Marah started to get a cough. I of course started to worry. After stopping and giving it over to the Lord and two breathing treatments she seemed to be better. Michael on the other hand was not getting any better and all our "fun" plans came to a stop. After two doctor appointments and a day off work, things still were not improving.

We headed to NC on Thursday night and it was a rough trip down. With lots of stops, stretching, icing and pain pills - we made it in around 1 am.

The rest of the weekend was rough. We officially declared this trip - the "worse" trip of our lives. Michael was in so much pain. He could not sit or stand and sleeping was not working well for him. We decided to make our trip back in two days.

I don't do well when Michael is sick or hurt. He is the stable one in the house. I have lived with a back problem for over 5 years and I knew by looking at him the amount of pain he was in. That consent level of pain and the lack of relief just wears on you.

We made it back home in time to get into the doctors office. We finally were given a reason for all the pain - a compressed disc. After two rounds of treatment that week and some proper exercises - Michael was feeling better. This week he has been able to put his socks on and bend over and touch his toes. So thankful that he is improving.

We are happy to have the kids home. And are grateful for the time we had even though it did not go according to our plans. God had a different week planned for us. Teaching me - patience with a hurt husband. Letting my kids grow and trusting that whatever happens - God is in control of our lives.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-07T15:44:00.004-04:00

Day Two of Recovering
from Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy

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Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-11T00:01:00.003-04:00

My best friend forever.
Happy Anniversary - 3/16/96

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Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-18T09:21:00.002-05:00

Marah and her new cousin baby Camren

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Charlie

2009-02-05T08:17:00.010-05:00

We joined the pet owner world in January. Marah wanted a red Betta fish for her Birthday. When Nana was in town she gave her an early Birthday gift on January 8th, her red Betta fish.

After a week of Dad and Mom calling the fish everything but Rainbow, we convinced her that Rainbow was not the name for the fish. She finally settled on Charlie.

We all loved Charlie and he seemed to love us. He would swim to the top of his tank every morning and evening to get fed. He loved to sit in the sun light and at night enjoyed the warmth of the bathroom.

The main problem with Charlie was the temperature of his water. We have been experiencing a lot of cold days here and the house has been really cold. We headed out to the pet store to look at heaters for the tank, but they didn't sell them for his size tank. So we purchased a thermometer to keep a better eye on the water.

We continued to love Charlie and talk to him, but things started to look bad for Charlie on January 27th. The kids had off school and we noticed that Charlie was not as active. He would just lie on the bottom of his tank and did not come to greet us. Marah kept saying his head was changing colors.

When Michael came home that night we decided to clean out the tank and give him fresh water. It seemed to perk him up for a while. We fed him and put him back in the warm bathroom and said good night to Charlie.

Around 10 pm that night Michael came in and told me that Charlie had passed away. I went in to see it for myself and there he was just floating. Poor Charlie, poor Marah. Charlie, her birthday fish, did not even make it to her birthday.

The next morning the kids, again, had no school. Grant decided to let me handle telling Marah the bad news. When she woke up I broke the news to her, that Charlie was sick and had died. Her comment to us:

"I told you that his head was changing colors and he was not blowing bubbles!"

After dinner that night we said our final good byes to Charlie. We had to convince her again that the best way to say good bye was by flushing and not throwing Charlie in the front yard for the birds to eat him.

We promised her another fish, but first must solve the cold water issues. Marah has decided to move onto another type of fish, the Bubble-Eye Goldfish.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-04T00:01:00.004-05:00

SUPER BOWL 2009

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Happy Birthday

2009-01-28T07:55:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Michael!

I want to wish my wonderful husband a Happy Birthday. Thanks for all you do for us - I love you!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-21T07:19:00.003-05:00

Pittsburgh Going to the Superbowl!

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New Year

2009-01-13T18:06:00.008-05:00

I have been avoiding my blog for weeks. Basically because I felt I had nothing to blog about. The holidays were insanely busy, I baked way too many cookies, ate way too much junk, painted my kitchen, slept in a lot, shopped too much and visited every long lost relative I had.

I was just happy to survive the Holidays without any visits to Med Express or Children's Hospital. The first one in two years. We all were able to attend Christmas dinner as a family at my grandma's house. Christmas at my grandparents was always a favorite of mine growing up. I really enjoyed being able to spend the day with some of my younger cousins, my aunts and uncles.

We have started a new year here at our home with some resolutions and lists to do's. We are off to a good start with them all. Some are a little harder than others, like the no TV rule during the school week. I really thought the kids would fight me on this one, but we made it through the first week. We are happier when it comes to homework time and more focused on the tasks around the house.

We enjoyed a visit from my mom. The kids always enjoy having Nana here. This time the good byes were hard on the kids. Marah did not want any one to talk about Nana for a few days because it just made her miss her more.

We added a new member to our family while Nana was here. Charlie, the fish. Marah got an early birthday gift from Nana and Pap. It took several days before Marah decided to name him Charlie and gave up on the name Rainbow.

So far 2009 has been uneventful in our household. I hope to get back to blogging more and crossing off items on my 2009 list.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-26T18:56:00.005-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

We have been enjoying the Christmas Season with Family and Friends. We spent Christmas Eve at Church and Christmas Day with Family. Here are a few photos of what we have been doing this week.

Wii Fit

2008-12-05T18:00:00.000-05:00

My husband bought me a Wii Fit while I was recovering from surgery. The past few weeks I have slowly gotten back into working out and trying the Wii Fit. It has become a fun family activity to do each night after dinner.

There are several stages that you go through each time you start up the Wii Fit.

1. Body Test. This is a series of tests that determines how balance you are, your BMI, and your Wii Fit age.

2. The Wii Fit has started to cause some problems in our house. I am very competitive with Michael. I was holding the Ski Jump and bubble record until he beat me. So now I will be spending the rest of the evening reclaiming my status of a Wii champion.

3. The Wii Fit will take you through a series of workouts. I really enjoy the Yoga. I especially enjoy it when they tell me that I am very stable and that I am a yoga master on some moves. My daughter enjoys the running. Which makes no sense to us. If you know Marah, you know that she is always hot, tired and wants someone to carry her. So for her to run around the room for 5 minutes, just amazes us.

4. We also enjoy the daily comments it will make. It usually will ask if we have seen a family member or remind us that it is someone's birthday and have you considered a surprise party.

If you enjoy the Wii and working out, you might consider purchasing the Wii Fit.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T11:31:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving

from

Michael, Rachel, Grant & Marah

O Give thanks unto the Lord;
for he is good:
because his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalms 118:1

Stuff

2008-11-25T00:01:00.002-05:00

As I mentioned the other day, I have not posted in a while. So I thought I would just post some funny things that my kids have been saying lately.

Last year we invested in some TV's for the car to keep the kids entertained on long trips. Marah watches about 15 minutes of each movie and then moves on to the next one. We did find that she will watch the Bible Story DVD's that we just got. She informed us on our last trip that she was watching -beeshak, booshak, and abendigo.

There is always confusion among kids when they have several sets of grandparents. My Grandmother is still alive and we call her Great Grandma. Well my kids have now started to call my mother in law, "regular grandma". Marah did not realize until Sunday that my mom, who they call Nana, is also their Grandma. Her response was: "No she is not! She is just regular old Nana!" This comes from the same kids that did not know that I had a sister - YOU HAVE A SISTER?! Poor Aunt Angie.

We were watching 30 Minute Meals on the Food Network. Rachael Ray was making meatballs and Mac n Cheese. She was making the meatballs and said we are going to take a commercial break. When she came back the meatballs were finished and Grant looked at me and said: Glad she went to a commercial, it gave her time to finish making the meatballs and saved time. She then mentioned she needed Nutmeg. Marah asked, "I wonder what she is going to use the nutmeg for?"

As I mentioned before, Grant has a huge imagination. This year we have a new bus driver. Grant and his bus friend are convinced that the other bus driver must have died, because why else would we have someone new! They also had a fill in the other week, an older guy with long grey hair. Grant and his friend were convinced something just was not right with that and that all bus drivers are old, and wondered why old men had long hair.

Mom, last night I was hot and took my shirt off to sleep. I think I shirt slept. Because when I woke up it was back on! (grant) (Daddy put the shirt on him before we went to bed)

How Many More Days Til Christmas?

2008-11-24T08:48:00.005-05:00

You know it is getting close to Christmas in my house when....

The Christmas tree is up on November 16th.

I am asked to add that to my list at least once a day.

Toy Wish Books start arriving at Halloween.

The kitchen is stacked with lots of baking ingredients.

Dominick the Christmas Donkey - is played at breakfast time - 5 TIMES!

Run, Run Rudolph is listened to, 3 times on the way to school.

Long Time

2008-11-23T22:05:00.008-05:00

It has been a long time since I really posted. I have hit a bloggers block. It is bad when you can not even start a "bloggers block" post. I think I have deleted three times before I got to this point.

We have been busy - getting ready for our trip to NC and WV this week. We got our Christmas trees up this past week and the kids did their Christmas shopping at school. I have even gotten each kid a gift off their list. I still feel like I have a long way to go before December 25th.

I am still trying to get my energy back from my surgery. I go tomorrow for another follow up appointment with the doctor. I have been told that it could take up to 6 - 12 months before my energy will return. I am just thankful for all the help that Michael has been during all of this. I don't know what I would have done if he was not such an awesome dad and husband.

We have been rehearsing hard for our Christmas program at Church. As in the past, it will be three nights of dinner and a show. This year we are excited that Grant and Marah will be in the program. Just maybe this will get some family and friends to come see it. We had a very long practice tonight 5pm - 9pm, but are excited that we have this coming Sunday off.

As you can tell from this post my life has been really boring. I mostly have been spending my days in the kitchen baking for the Thanksgiving holiday. I am excited that the business is growing and that we had a nice write up in the Pittsburgh Magazine. (http://www.wqed.org/mag/features/1208/homemade_holidays.php). The next two weeks will be very busy for Cookies By Rachel, as we bake 450 dozen cookies for a local hospital. We have started to think (dream) about adding a second kitchen.

Well I just realized I really had nothing important to say, but talk about (boring) self. I hope to post again soon with some exciting things.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-19T08:51:00.004-05:00

Oil or Cream

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Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-05T07:02:00.004-05:00

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Testing things out

2008-11-04T19:08:00.002-05:00

I like to change things up a lot in my house, re-arrange the living room, the kids bedroom and move things around in the kitchen. So I thought I would give it a try with my blog. Not so sure about it yet.

I think I really just needed something to do, so I was not stressing out in front of Fox News!

Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T15:21:00.010-04:00

My kids love Halloween. This year we went with a Star Wars theme. We even were able to pull their cousin Quin in on it this year. Grant was Anakin Skywalker, Marah, Princess Leia, and Quin, Yoda. Grant thinks that Aunt Viv should paint Quin green, so that he really looks like Yoda.

The kids had off school today and the weather is just beautiful. We started our day at Starbucks. Then we headed over to our favorite Chick Fil A for free kids meals! Cousin Quin and Aunt Viv joined us for lunch.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-29T00:01:00.002-04:00

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My Tooth

2008-10-27T09:18:00.004-04:00

On Saturday night my tooth has never came out, but tonight we did pull it out and it did come out. I prayed tonight and it came out.

My dad said I could stay up 20 minutes longer if I pulled it out. I went into the bathroom and got some tissue. Mom said to twist it to the right. I twisted to the left and heard a snapped and gave it a good yank and it came out! The end. By Grant, 8yrs old.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-22T00:01:00.006-04:00

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Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-08T07:44:00.009-04:00

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All about me!

2008-10-06T09:00:00.006-04:00

My friend Katrina over at Callapidder Days posted 7 things about herself. She suggested giving it a try today. Since I have been at a blogger's block the past few weeks I thought I would give this post a try. I am sure this is going to be more information than you needed to know about me today, but it is all about me!

1. Starbucks. I will drive out of my way for a Grande, non-fat, no-whip Mocha. My poor family will sit in the car waiting for me for 20 minutes, while I stand in line on a Sunday morning for coffee. When I book hotels, I check to see where the closet Starbucks is located. FYI, family - For our trip in two weeks, there are 8 locations around the area.

2. Cookies. I have a cookie business, Cookies By Rachel, and I don't really care for cookies. I will pass on a cookie; now brownies and cakes I love.

3. 21 years. Tomorrow will be 21 years since my husband and I started to date. We started to date when we were 15 years old, high school sweethearts. We dated 8 1/2 years before we got married, 6 of those years were long distance. We would see each other twice a year on college breaks and talked 30 minutes twice a week.

4. Laundry. I don't do laundry. I am so fortunate that my wonderful husband handles all the laundry - washing, folding and 99% of the time putting it away. He is awesome!

5. Flip-Flops. I love flip-flops. I wear them year round. If it is too cold I just add socks. Yes I am a dork.

6. Organizing. I have OCD about organizing. I love Fridays when the kids come home with their weekly folders and I get to pull out all my colored pens and the calendar and get us ready for next week. I use three calendars - the main one that hangs on the fridge, my Centro Palm phone, and the Family Organizer. Everything is crossed checked daily and each family member has a color. I think I might need help!

7. DVR. I love the DVR. I believe that is the only way to watch TV now. I don't have to deal with commercials and can pause and rewind as needed.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-01T08:08:00.004-04:00

Star, Guinea Pig, 2004 - Oct. 1, 2008

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1996!

2008-09-30T18:04:00.005-04:00

Should You feel old when your son asks you a question "what year were you married?", and then he responds with this -

1996! That is like in the old days when they had dirt on the baseball fields. You know like in Texas.

I have no clue what he means by dirt on baseball fields, because the fields still have dirt. The "Texas" comment I think came from the movie "The Rockie".

Week Two

2008-09-26T08:36:00.001-04:00

I am entering week two of my recovery. I was able to go off the pain medication for a few days which allowed me to feel normal. I feel like I can complete a sentence now and know what I just said.

When I was first told that I was not to do a thing for two weeks, I thought awesome! After day seven I realized that doing nothing is not awesome. It is hard to sit and stare at your house and think of everything you could be doing. Wishing you could jump in the car and run to the store.

I had a few set backs this week. Made two trips to the doctor and then today had to have some blood work done and an ultrasound. The doctor is pleased with the results of the ultrasound. It also put my mind at ease, that I have no internal bleeding, a ruptured bladder or a bowel blockage. As you can tell I have had too much time this week to look up symptoms. The doctors said that I am healing and believes a round of antibiotics should clear up the new problems I am having. They also told me that it will be at least another four weeks before I am totally back to normal.

During this time I have been seeking God and asking Him to teach me something. The past few days have been rough emotionally. I have felt useless and alone at times. Tuesday especially. As always, I called my husband crying. Then I went and got two oreo cookies and my Bible. All week I kept saying -"Teach me Your ways O Lord;" For some reason Ps. 86:11 keeps popping into my mind. So Tuesday I spent some time in pray and seeking God to "teach me".

God is teaching me that I need more patience and to allow others to help me. I am a big control freak. I have a hard time allowing others to step in and help me. I have a hard time asking for help. God has shown me that I can not do everything on my own and to allow others to help.

I have been blessed during this time, I have a wonderful husband that has taken care of me, a sister in law that brings me my Starbucks when I need it the most, and friends that have been providing meals for my family. Plus the many other people that have come by to help with the kids and take me to the doctors.

I am thanking God and praying for each of you. God has blessed me with great family and friends.

Rachel is now on Facebook

2008-09-18T00:01:00.003-04:00

Facebook has been a new thing in our lives. A great way to get in touch with high school and college friends. I have spoken with more college friends the past summer than I have in the past 1o years.

I felt too old for MySpace, and I was unsure at first with Facebook. Once I got signed in and familiar with the features - I was hooked. There are many different applications to to add to your page. It allows you to list your favorite things and information about yourself. It makes me feel like a "hip" teenager rather than someone in her mid-30's.

There are things that I don't like about Facebook. I don't enjoy forwards in my email inbox and Facebook has alot of applications that you can forward onto your friends. You have the option of accepting or ignoring them. I have to be honest - I ignore 99.9% of them. At first I felt bad - thinking the few friends I connected with from high school would probably consider me a snob again -Which I was never one! But after receiving several a day - I finally decided to just start hitting the ignore button and live with the snob title again! I have to admit I do like the "Pieces of Flair" application. It allows you to pick buttons and even design your own.

Facebook allows you to come up with a status on what you are currently doing in your life. I have found it as a fast way to check in on friends during the week. Today I notice a status and was curious as to what it meant. My husband and I got to talking about how you can really get people curious about your life by just giving them bits of information on your current "life status". I sometimes like to use my status to inform my husband that I won't be cooking dinner - so he can be better prepared for take out.

Rachel is now done talking about Facebook.

Mailbox

2008-09-17T08:24:00.005-04:00

This recovery period is wearing me out! I knew I would have pain but I never thought I would have zero energy. I think that is what is so frustrating in my recovery. Each day I am feeling better - the past two days the pain is not as noticeable to me unless I move the wrong way.

So yesterday I thought I would walk to the mailbox. Our mailbox is half way down our long driveway - but I was up for the challenge. I decided to avoid the steps and walk up the yard. Halfway there I thought - I should have brought my phone - I finally reached the mailbox - totally out of breathe. I grabbed ahold of it as if I was drowning in water. I could not believe I was out of energy. I considered just lying down there to nap but decided to try and get back to the house. I figured if I collapsed in the yard someone would eventually find me. I made it to the porch again hanging on to the rail. I slowly made my way up to the bed and took a much needed nap.

I could not believe how weak I felt. I workout at least an hour 6 days a week and yesterday I could not walk to the mailbox! I know it is a healing process I have to go through and in a few weeks I will be back to normal - working out, cleaning, cooking and baking cookies - and begging for a day of rest!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-17T00:01:00.005-04:00

3 1/2 hours of surgery

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Recovery

2008-09-15T11:13:00.004-04:00

Recovery is an act of recovering; restoration or return to health from sickness; restoration or return to any former and better state or condition; time required for recovering. dictionary.com

I am in that act of recovering -waiting to return to health. I had surgery three days ago and now have a two week recovery process. Two weeks of no driving, lifting, pushing or pulling. One week of limited stair climbing. Basically doing nothing!

Doing Nothing - is something that is hard for me not to do. Those that know me personally know that I hate things out of order and have a hard time allowing people to do things for me. The past few days my wonderful husband has been doing the laundry, cleaning, cooking and taking care of the kids and me. I am having a hard time sitting still and watching - I am learning that it is okay that the table chairs are not lined up right - I told you I have issues!

I am following the doctors orders and resting in bed today - I have my laptop, books, TV, a snack, phone and painkillers. I don't think I have sat this still in years.

Thank you Michael for taking care of me, Grant, Marah and the house. You are doing an awesome job and you make a killer grilled cheese sandwich! I love you.

Hospital Food

2008-09-14T14:43:00.000-04:00

I just can not figure out why hospital food is so bad. As I was eating -or at least trying to eat my hospital food this week - I kept thinking how can they mess up Mac & Cheese or even Chocolate Cake. And how can every hospital be like that - Obviously you don't need a food background to be hired for the hospital kitchen.

Then the selections are not the healthiest for you. You just come out of surgery and they want to give you Salisbury Steak, bacon, and burgers.

I would think the medical centers would make sure they were supplying healthy food options for their patients. Food selections that would be easy to digested and help with your recovery.

Two Door Signs

2008-09-13T16:44:00.000-04:00

I have owned my own company for 2 1/2 years. When I first started I never thought that it would go anywhere. But God has truly blessed me - each month I am just amazed at the amount of work He supplies for me. And I can truly say it is all Him -

When you have your own company you get alot of advice from alot of people - friends, family and even locals at the coffee shop and deli. Some of my favorite over the years have been:

You need to put a big chocolate chip cookie on top of your van and drive around!
You need to have your kids eating cookies and then take their photo and put in on our van!
You should go to hotels and they can serve your cookies.

I have gotten some really good advice that I have taken and used. A friend suggested a local deli and even was kind enough to talk to the owner for me. Now you can purchase my cookies daily at the deli.

About a year ago I got a magnet door sign for my Van - just one. And I have gotten several orders and alot of people asking me about my business. So it has been useful. But we only got one sign - and the joke was I was only letting 50% of the community know about me.

Having one sign was not a big deal to me - but to our friend - it drove him nuts. I would laugh everytime he would say - MIKE GET HER ANOTHER SIGN! So when I got my new car - I made the big investment and bought two new signs for the KIA and now the business is just flowing in! And Jason is very happy now.

Puppy Love

2008-09-05T16:55:00.005-04:00

"Mom! You have got to call "c"s mom! He is spreading word about "r" and me - saying we like each other - and WE DON'T!! He has the government's phone number and is calling the news stations!"

I could not stop laughing - I told him no first grader has the government's phone number and no news station wants to hear about you and "r".

For the record - I agree with "c" I think Grant does like "r".

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-03T00:01:00.003-04:00

6:45 am

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One Last Trip

2008-09-02T20:18:00.003-04:00

We made one last trip away this past weekend. I wish I could report that I stayed at a Five Star Hotel with a warm bed, clean sheets, room service and a spa treatment. Instead we headed for the hills and camped in a tent. I must admit we did have fun.

We camp with a great group of friends at a nice site. So I knew I could make it two nights in a tent. What I did not know was that they started to close the shower houses at 10:00pm til 6:00am each night due to something gross that some campers were doing. So when I found out that after 10:00pm I had to either go to the woods or use a port a jon - I was not a "happy camper"!

After we all set up our tents - we started a fire and Chef Tom started dinner - After dinner we decided to head over to the camp dance and enjoyed watching the kids dance. Marah entertained us all with a frog she found and caused one member of our group to pee their pants from laughing so hard. After that we decided to head back and get the kids settled in for a movie in their tent. Around 11:00pm all the kids were asleep and I realized I had to use the restroom - some decided to head for the woods but I decided to try out the port a jon. So Michael and I headed up the road with a flashlight and found a smelly - but clean one to use.

Around midnight we decided we all better get to bed. That is when I remember why I don't camp much - Marah woke up and wanted back in our tent. Then Grant woke up and moved back in with us as well. So we had two kids and a large air mattress in a small tent. I eventually moved Grant in bed with us and covered Marah over with all the other blankets. I ended up in between Grant and Michael - which kept me warm - but I think I got maybe two hours of sleep. I lost feeling in my right leg, Marah kept waking up talking and confused, Grant kept hitting me in the face and Michael just snored away.

Finally 6 am came and I got to use the shower house. I started some coffee and eventually by 7:30 am the rest of the group was up and Chef Tom was making us breakfast. Michael held a small church service for us and the kids said Bible verses for chocolate bars.

We spent the day around the fire, pool, playing corn hole and many trips down the hill to the restroom. We had a total of seven kids - ages 2-8. They played great together and we only had a few injuries along the way - that our "safety engineer Jason" took care of.

Part way through the day I got sick - so Michael decided we should pack up our gear and plan on leaving around 9 pm. The kids were disappointed but we told them that they were only missing sleeping in a cold tent.

We had one last meal prepared by our Chef Tom and decided to call the weekend "Meat Fest 2008".

It was an enjoyable weekend and I must admit I did have fun and will be back next year.

Heart Break

2008-08-28T21:23:00.006-04:00

I experienced my first heart break for my son today. It was his birthday - a special day for a kid - we started the day off with a gift from Nana and Pap and promises of more gifts and a dinner out.

As the bus door opened this afternoon the bus driver asked if it was Grant's birthday - I said Yes and he proceeds to tell me that No One wished my son a "Happy Birthday" at school. Grant turned and looked at me with tears in his eyes and said not one person wished me a "Happy Birthday" Mom! Marah yells from behind - I DID GRANT!

As we walked back to the house I started to feel awful - knowing I did not send in a "Birthday Treat" for the class. Thinking I am the worse mom around - why did I not send one in?! The school has changed the guidelines for parties and I was told that they were cutting them out this year, but I still should have emailed the teacher...... By the time we got home I was in tears on the phone with my husband - explaining the awful day our son had and how I felt that failed him as a mom.

Grant looked so sad and down - that I sent him to play his new Wii game without starting homework and promising that we would have the best time tonight celebrating his birthday.

I went off to email the teacher asking if I could send in a treat for his birthday since I did not do it today. Then I called the school to see if that was even allowed - they said oh yes Mrs. Reynolds we do allow "special treats" with the following rules. So after I got all my rules for the treat -I had a plan in mind. (which is still up in the air - since the teacher emailed back stating they were told no special treats)

After I had a good-long cry - we went out and had a very nice dinner. As we were putting him to bed he tells me - "I am still upset about no one remembered my birthday. He said - even after we did the birthday chart - TWO DAYS ago - they still forgot!"

I know there are going to be many more heart breaks for my son - but the first one is the hardest. To watch your son feel hurt and sad - hurts you even more as a mom.

Dear Grant, this world will let you down and mommy might even let you down at times - but God is always going to be with you and carry you through your days - especially the bad ones. Keep your eyes on Jesus and grow with Him. I love you Grant and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Happy Birthday Grant!

2008-08-28T14:15:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Grant!

I am so blessed to have a great little boy! He turned 8 years old today!

Stories

2008-08-27T15:45:00.004-04:00

We never get the full story on the days events right away from Grant. It always seems to come out at dinner after his belly is full as to what he has done that day at school.

Last night at dinner we got all the details on how Marah made it to her classroom. She is in full day Kindergarten and has two classrooms - a AM room and PM room. We asked Grant to make sure she got to her room on the first day. We found out this last night:

Grant: Well we could not find Marah's name outside the first room so I took her down to the other room and had her put her backpack there. Then I told her I had to get to my class and asked if she could find her way back. She did.

So the person that I am - stressed all night that she will be wandering the hallways at school - lost! So all morning I kept reminding her to go straight to the AM room and just ask the teacher what to do - not Grant!

I wonder what we will learn tonight at dinner......................

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-27T00:01:00.003-04:00

There is a story behind this ear:

Grant got bite on Friday night at our camp out and his ear doubled it size throughout the next day. Poor Boy!

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First Day

2008-08-26T15:02:00.006-04:00

Today was our first day of school. Grant entered 2nd Grade and Marah started full-day kindergarten. I was a bit nervous not knowing how Marah would do getting on the bus - but she got on without any tears - (mommy handled that area).

I spent most of the day wondering how they both did - especially Marah. When I meet them at the bus stop after school this is what their comments were:

Grant: I love second grade - I did not even get in trouble!
Mom, were you worried about Marah all day - I could tell in your eyes when we pulled away.

Marah: You were crying?!!
Grant did not keep his butt in the bus seat (a rule we went over last night)
When I asked what her favorite part of the day was: She said the only thing I remember was art class and I liked it!

Marah is looking forward to tomorrow and Grant is sad that his one friend did not return this year. Daddy and Mommy can't believe we already have homework!

Camp Out

2008-08-23T15:04:00.012-04:00

Last year we went camping twice -a big step for someone like me - who HATES to camp. My idea of camping was the Hilton Inn, but I stepped outside of my comfort zone and went. Our friends assured me that we would stay at a nice, clean and safe campsite. - Meaning No Bears!

We had no camping gear -so we had to buy a tent and an air mattress - two important items to camp with. The first time we went it was awful! I did not pack enough blankets for us and we slept on a slope all night - well I sat up and cried most of the night. At one point Grant woke up and said -I can't sleep like this it is too cold! But we survived and I was crazy enough to try it again the following month. This time we stayed two nights and had level ground and a better air mattress and lots of blankets. Our friends were proud of me because I think we only showered once all weekend! Yikes!

We were the loudest group at the campsite and I believe the only crazy ones in tents. Everyone else had campers. So as soon as the sun came up (6:00am) - so did 7 kids. Yelling I am hungry, lets go swimming and I want a ride on the golf cart!

We have not had a chance to camp this year -So last night we decided at the last minute to camp out in our back yard. After much running around and pulling out all the camp gear we were all set up by 8:30. We had the fire going and eating ice cream. The kids thought it was the greatest thing ever. Once again I was reminded that I really am not made to camp. I was too cold, the air mattress kept losing air and my back was killing me! So finally at 5 am my wonderful husband said - Go ahead and go inside and sleep in the bed - I will stay out here with the kids! He is the greatest! Grant, Mike and I got up at 7 am - moving very slowly and Marah - well she slept til after 8 am - something about that camp air!

After my three camp experiences I found the must have items you need to camp with:

Three room tent
High end air mattress with flannel Sheets and lots of blankets!
Hooded sweatshirts
Flash Lights
Coffee Pot
Marshmallows
A hat - because there is not flat irons allowed
A TV - which I did not know was a camping item until we showed up last year and they pulled one out of their car!
Roasting Sticks - A must have to cook all meals on.
Shower Shoes - which I swore I would never stay at a place that requires you to wear when you bathed.
Lots of junk food!

Now last night Grant set up his side of the tent. His requirements were:

sleeping bag, pillow, his raccoon, blankie, a chair, karate belt, lightsaber, and a cell phone.

Well I survived another camp out - and I might try it again this weekend.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-19T21:57:00.008-04:00

arrrr!

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Our last day

2008-08-16T22:51:00.003-04:00

Where's Grant??

Every year I search for a deal at the outlets - once again I found one.

We had a great time at the beach with our family. The kids did not want to come home - but once home they were excited to be back in their own beds.

2008-08-15T16:21:00.003-04:00

We have had a great trip and are sad that we will be leaving the beach tomorrow.

Rain

2008-08-14T08:57:00.003-04:00

What do you do on a rainy day at the beach?Pray that the rain will stop.

Eat and Watch Noggin.

Wii Time

Nap with Dude

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-13T07:55:00.005-04:00

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We need a Lifeguard

2008-08-12T08:52:00.005-04:00

Oh the excitement we have on our family vacations. Josh - Aunt Virginia's boyfriend and Michael were trying out some new surf board when Josh got hurt. As you can tell they over reacted more than they needed too. Josh was fine - more upset that we called the lifeguard over for a little "bleed" than anything!

After a quick clean up from our friendly lifeguard we were back to having some fun - at the pool not on the boards!

But not before we did our daily wave to Grandma and Grandpa.

Let the Fun Begin

2008-08-10T22:43:00.011-04:00

We started our day off with a little family church service by Grandpa. Michael played some music while some of us tried to remember the words to "Blessed Be Your Name".

We spent most of the day at the beach and the pool. Quin made it down and seemed to enjoy the sand. Grant went nuts ridding the waves while Marah and I made sand castles and collected shells for her new sea shell collection.
After dinner tonight we went over and walked around Barefoot Landing and Grant decided that he wanted to spend some of his vacation money on the rock climbing wall. He got half way up and decided that was high enough for him and headed back down. $5 well spent! Then he tried to convinced us he wanted to do the bungee trampoline - We decided that he was not ready for that - if he could not climb the wall we were not spending $20 for him to chicken out of the bungee jump.

Fun in the Sun

2008-08-10T16:45:00.004-04:00

We arrived in Myrtle Beach around Noon on Saturday. The kids just could not wait to get the condo and then off to the beach. Once we unpacked we got to spend some time at the beach before we headed out to dinner - "Real Italian Real Fast" - Fazoli's that is.

Here are a few photos of our first day at the beach.

The family was waving to Grandpa and Grandma

Traveling

2008-08-09T22:31:00.005-04:00

We decided at the last minute to leave for our vacation on Thursday night at 8:30 instead of Friday morning. We were all ready and thought - hey lets jump in the car drive about 4 hours and stop and then drive another 3 and stop in to visit with my sister. It sounded so good at the time. 2 minutes into the trip we almost hit a deer, 3 hours into the trip the "check engine" light came on in my very new 2008 Kia, and then once we got into Beckley it took us three stops to finally find a hotel that had a room.

We had a lot of fun spending the day with my sister at her new home in NC. I realized what I want for Christmas now.
My nephew got an ATV for his birthday and I think I had just as much fun as the kids did.

I don't want a Guinea Pig - even though Star was cute and sat with us all day.

We left my sisters house around 8:30pm and headed over to Florence, SC to meet up with my in-laws.

More to come...............

My 9 on the 9th

2008-08-09T08:28:00.001-04:00

We left for the beach on Thursday, and spent most of the past week getting ready. My kids were so excited and drove us nuts all week - basically my fault - my husband claims I am the worse when it comes to trips, birthdays and Christmas. I can't help it. I love the excitement of new things and giving gifts that I usually get the kids so excited that he goes nuts.

When I sat down to write out our list of items to take - I started with the most important ones that I knew we would need for the at the beach.

9 Things I have to remember to pack for the beach

1. Swim Suites - The only thing my kids will be in all week - why do I even pack other clothes?

2. Beach Towels and Beach Chair - I plan on taking my towel and chair and planting myself on that beach all week and just enjoying watching my kids and husband play in the ocean.

2. Sun Screen - I don't want us to look like "that" family at dinner the first night - all red and everyone gasping as you walk by.

3. MP3 Player - for those walks that I dream that I might get to take.

4. Books - Maybe I will finally get to read one of those books I have had on my list.

5. Camera - for all those great family photos - that I hope I get to be in this year.

6. Wii - for that family fun time in the condo.

7. Sunglasses - which I need to find a new pair. A girl can never have too many sunglasses.

8. Maybe the laptop.......... - To stay in touch with my BFF's back home.

To view more 9 on the 9th visit "Mrs. N over at All that Naz

Back to School

2008-08-06T09:01:00.008-04:00

I hate to see summer come to an end, but I love to shop for back to school items - clothes, backpacks, pencils, glue........... I see all those supplies and I just love it! I always loved as a kid to go and get my backpack, all the paper items and oh the new shoes!!

My kids get so excited over the smallest items. I buy them a pencil and it is the greatest thing ever in their lives. About two weeks ago we were at the Village and found the backpacks and lunch boxes. You would have thought I gave them each a million dollars. They wore those backpacks for days around the house. Talking about how they were going to place their school items in there and how neat it is that the lunch bag fits right in the front - awesome!!!Yesterday morning I got an email from the school saying we could come and get the "back to school packets" - I got all excited - the supply list would be in there!! We went and spent about an hour at the store picking out all the new supplies we would need for the year - debating on normal crayons or the twisty crayons - twisty won the vote.

This year Grant will be in second grade and he got to pick out his first three ring binder. Which I might add - there is not a big selection of cool designs for boys - so we settled for a black binder. Marah decided to get a dog folder that looks like our neighbors dog Daisy. Oh the decisions we were faced with yesterday.

When we got back home we spent about 20 minutes sorting the items and packing up our backpacks.
We start school on August 26th. Grant will be in second grade and Marah will be in all day kindergarten. This year I will be the sobbing mommy at the bus stop sending my baby girl off to school. Even though we had a fun day of getting our supplies - I am not ready for school to start.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-06T07:50:00.004-04:00

School Starts in 20 days.
Are you ready?

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Wordless Wednesday

2008-07-30T13:00:00.003-04:00

Co-Parenting

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Healed

2008-07-24T15:38:00.004-04:00

Three years ago Marah was diagnosed with Kidney Reflux. Something that has been managed over the past three years with daily medicine. Each year we had to go back in and have a VOIDING CYSTOURETHROGRAM (VCUG).

You may ask what is a VCUG? A voiding cystourethrogram (SIS-toe-you-REE-throw-gram), or
VCUG, is a video X-ray of the bladder and urinary tract at work. They insert a catheter into her and fill her bladder up and take X-Rays to see if anything is going up into the kidney. Basically it is pure torture for her and us. The first two years I was voted to go in with her but last week Marah wanted her daddy to go in with her.

It is so hard to see your child lying there in pain and crying out to you - asking you to get the people off me and take me home. I could tell by Michael's face that it was a rough 30 minutes of her crying and begging with him. No parent wants to see their child suffer. It took Marah about an hour to talk or even look at me in the eye. But after some Starbucks, a a bagel and a visit to the toy store - she was smiling again.

Friday morning I called and got the results of the test and we are praising God that Marah is healed!!!!

Fear at 5

2008-07-23T10:08:00.004-04:00

Nothing frightens you more at 4:00 am than hearing a child yelling DADDYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!! As if they are being attacked by some evil monster. Our daughter Marah has always been frightened of loud noises - whether it is a big truck, fireworks, or a storm.

So when we were woken at 4 am today with her yelling in a big panic about the storm that neither of us heard - we thought she totally lost it!

Poor Marah has shaking and we were telling her there is no storm! When Grant walks in and goes - huh, don't tell Marah, but I just saw lightening out my window - can we sleep in the basement?

So off we go - bedding, stuffed animals, blankies, and two crazy kids. After we got everyone settled into their new bed - mom and dad headed back upstairs to try and get some sleep. Still no storm - at 4:30 am they were still up - at 5:00 am Grant decided he was too hungry to sleep and came upstairs to get us - after some fruit I never heard them again til 9:00 am!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-07-23T09:36:00.004-04:00

7 yr old boys...........

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Weekend Fun

2008-07-22T09:00:00.005-04:00

We started off with getting the news that Marah is healed of her kidney reflux - so no more medicine and awful tests!!! PRAISE GOD!

We attended the Washington Wild Things Game with our Church.

Stayed for the fireworks

On Saturday we went and saw - Todd Jones Band - with a group of friends.

Get inside that head

2008-07-18T14:04:00.006-04:00

Trying to entertain Grant and Marah today - I told Grant that I saw aliens hanging upside down in the front tree. He asked what color were they? Purple with green dots. Well mom they are really evil monsters not aliens. So off he went with super soaker in hand and defeated them all for me.
Then we noticed that there were red with orange dots Monster Aliens hanging off my yard tent. So once again my son saved the day while Marah sang away at them.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-07-16T11:13:00.007-04:00

I love my Daddy

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Learning to be grateful

2008-07-15T19:58:00.011-04:00

As I placed Grant and Marah's plates in front of them tonight I got - "I don't like that" . Grant did not like the macaroni & cheese and Marah - broccoli. But tonight we were standing firm with both of them. You each must try the one item that was placed on your plate.

Michael decided to draw numbers - whoever chose the number closest to it got to sit and watch the other person eat their "awful item". Marah chose #1 and Grant #3 - the number was one - so Grant had to go first.

Grant decided to top his with ketchup and started into the mac & cheese. Half way through it we got a "YUM! It is good with ketchup".

Next was Marah's turn. Took a little longer than Grant to get down the tiniest piece of broccoli. There was a lot of in and out of the mouth. Then the gag reflex kicked in - then lots of water was drank - finally I pulled out the Ranch Dressing and the dipping started.

That one little piece was now in about 4 pieces - finally it made it into her mouth!

Michael's turn - he hates black olives but wanted to show the kids that he could eat something he did not like as well. His face explains it all.

Sing Loud! Sing Proud! GO UPWARD GO!!

2008-07-15T08:11:00.005-04:00

I have a little cheerleader in my house this week. Marah is attending Upward Cheerleading Camp. Grant is attending their Basketball Camp.

This is something new for both of them since we have not bought into the whole sports world - Grant has not seemed interested in playing a lot of organized sports. We have tried - at age 3 we signed him up for YMCA Soccer -he only lasted three games - he showed no interest and would just run in a circle while the other kids played. We tried again two years ago with another soccer program - he seemed bored again. Then this past spring we signed him up for Upward Basketball and he loved it! He learned a lot and seemed to improve throughout the season. Marah - well we tried some ballet two years ago and it did not go too well.

When we heard about this three day camp at a local church we decided to allow the kids to join. You never know what you will get with Marah - she will be all on board until the second the thing starts - then freak out on us. But yesterday we had a huge success! She loves it and the whole neighborhood at 8am today is hearing -

SING LOUD, SING PROUD, GO UPWARD GO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Weekend Fun

2008-07-12T21:37:00.006-04:00

"Secret Agent Man"

This is what Grant has been dressing in since Friday - Around the house and town. Today at the softball game he changed into the "secret agent man" - we got alot of stares and a comment from his friend - "Hey Grant that is a pretty cool outfit".

Washing the new car.

This is Marah - after we told her that Thursday is her kidney test. Pray for us. It is not going to be the big awful one that she had to have the past two years - but still scary for a 5 year old.
More to come on Thursday. (Grant was trying to get her to stop crying)

That's so Awesome!

2008-07-11T11:03:00.006-04:00

Grant will be 8 next month. Over the past year he has grown into this little man. He is no longer my baby boy and I have enjoyed watching him grow up this past year. He does stuff now that I use to watch other kids his age do and think will we ever be at that stage with the kids.

Grant has also been known to pick up on word phrases he hears from us - especially his daddy. I remember when he was about two and I go walking by him and he yells - HOTTIE! Or last year when Pap and Grant were wrestling and he yells - "want a piece of me old man?"

Some of his new phrases he uses daily are - That's So Awesome Dude! SWEET!! and my favorite came yesterday when I asked: Who wants a root beer float? - I got YOU ROCK MOM!!! I thought Wow - I rock! What every mom wants to hear her kid say at some point. I just pray that when he is 16 I will still "Rock".

My 9 on the 9th

2008-07-09T23:51:00.006-04:00

This past week has been insane. I had my biggest cookie order yet and several others that called in - so I did not have much time for myself or anyone else in my family.

9 Things I plan on doing after my 10 am Cookie delivery on Friday:

1. Grande, nonfat, no whip Mocha from Starbucks
2. Getting two miles in on the treadmill
3. 20 Minutes of Pilates
4. Getting some laundry done
5. Taking the kids to the Library and for some ice cream
6. Returning a ton of email
7. Cleaning my house
8. Checking my inventory
9. Get ready for my hot date with my husband!!!

I probably won't get to half this stuff on Friday - but it is worth a shot..........

Little Ears

2008-07-05T09:57:00.008-04:00

We have had a busy week - my parents are in from Florida, we bought a car and I have been baking cookies like crazy for weddings and graduation parties. Plus we hosted our annual 4th of July picnic with our church family.

All week the weather has not looked good. They were calling for rain - 70% chance of rain. If everyone came I would have 15 kids (under the age of 8) and 18 adults. I must have said - 15 kids all under the age of 8 too many times this past week - Because Friday morning Grant came in all excited -saying today is the 4th of July and remember we will have 15 kids all under the age of 8!
We ended up with 11 kids all under the age of 8 and 14 adults (and two babies due in August). The kids were wonderful, we only had one injury, and about 10 minutes of rain. Michael did some fireworks for the kids and we had lots of good food. We are truly blessed with a wonderful group of friends from our Church.

Nightmare of buying a new car

2008-07-01T08:01:00.001-04:00

Our van is a 1997 and we thought we would like to replace it before our vacation. We have been searching the web for cars and decided this month to go out and test drive cars. We went over to Enterprise - they have a "No Haggle" policy and they don't work on commission. They left out - "we won't let you leave" policy on their list! All we wanted to do was test drive the car and leave - figuring since they don't haggle - should not be a problem - WRONG!

My wonderful husband HATES to car shop - due to the fact that you have to end up being mean or rude to the salesman to get away - two things he does not do. So it took me a week to get him to test drive again

Second test drive: We headed over to a local use car lot in South Park. Compared to Enterprise -it was a wonderful experience. They let us go out on the test drive on our own, offered more than what we had thought on our trade in and let us leave without even asking for a name or phone number!! I fell in love with the Pacifica. We decided to take it over to our mechanic - things went down hill from there - the report was bad - DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!!!

Third test drive(s): One Saturday we headed over to the local Dodge dealer to test drive several cars. Nothing seemed to be right for us. I had to laugh when the salesman said - well we came in "close" to your monthly payment - NOT! So again we came back home and started the long search again.

Fourth test drive: AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This might have been the worse experience yet. The salesman had no clue about what he was selling and came no where close to were we wanted. Then when he came close and we still said no - he acted worse than my 7 year old. He stood up and stomped off - which was kind of funny considering the buyer usually is the one that gets up and walks out.

Car shopping can be torturous! And that is what our past month has been like. We have been at over 10 dealerships and test drove over 15 cars.

This past Saturday we decided to make one final stop at our local KIA dealer. Not really thinking we would find anything. We meet a salesman - that was very nice and told him we would be back on Monday with my dad to look over the car.

We returned last night and test drove three more cars. We decided to have him run the numbers on the "demo" car in the show room and three hours later it was sitting in my driveway!

We have really spent the past few months praying over this purchase. I started to pray a few months ago that God would provide a car for us and to make the decision clear and give us the peace about it. Each test drive - I would walk away knowing that this was not the car - at times I would get frustrated but then I would go back to God seeking Him. It is so amazing what you learn through pray. I have been reading - "Let Prayer Change Your Life" - and prayer has. God has become so real to me the past few months and seeing Him lead us through this decision has been awesome.

We made it

2008-06-27T22:44:00.004-04:00

Today was our last day of swim lessons -YEAH!!!!
I am so proud of Marah - she went in everyday excited to learn how to swim. Each night should would tell us what she learned and today we got to see it at the "swim show".
I wish I had my video camera because Marah doing the back float was hilarious. Of course she had to be held up the whole time. And when she did the back float she was so stiff that her legs and arms stuck straight up in the air as if rigamortis set in.

Grant-Man

2008-06-26T19:50:00.007-04:00

There is always a laugh when you hang out with Grant. One of the things I love about my son - is the joy he brings into my life each day. He is always putting a smile on our faces - whether it is his smile, hugs or his funny sayings.

Just a few things have come up this week that we got a smile from.

Grant was helping Michael clear out the back lot and he found a ball - Grant says: You know what they say "losers sneakers, losers sweepers."
Yesterday on the way to swim we were listening to a song that goes "Hail, Hail Line of Judah...." . When we got done Grant goes - I love that song - I can keep up with it and sing it all - "HEY, HEY LIGHTENING JUNIOR!"
We were car shopping to day and for some reason the guy thought a truck would fit my needs. Grant looks over at him and says: Where are WE going to sit?

Looking forward to what smiles he will give me tomorrow.........................

Heaven - seen through the eyes of Grant & Marah

2008-06-23T12:58:00.013-04:00

What Heaven will look like - by Grant

After Grant had a spiritual discussion at church with his friend, Alexa - he was very worried all day about Jesus coming back, taking the saved to Heaven and sending the unsaved to hell and then destroying the earth. Michael told him not to worry about it - you won't even be here.

Today on our way to swim lessons Heaven was brought up again and they had so many questions:

Are there cars in Heaven?
What kind of clothes are we going to have in Heaven?
What kind of house will we have?
Is Nana & Pap going to be there?
Is Jesus going to have food there for us? (Marah's)

Some other topics that were brought up by Grant:

"Wonder if David will let me play with his slingshot. And if he will have any sheep up there with him that I could pet - since I have never done that before. Is Noah's Ark going to be there?"

And Marah hopes that Goliath is not there because that would be scary!

I asked the kids what they thought Heaven would be like:
Grant - It is going to be beautiful with streets of Gold.
Marah - Jesus will love us.

So what do you think Heaven will be like?

YES!! I'VE MOVED UP!!!!

2008-06-19T14:49:00.007-04:00

I've Moved Up! Is what every parents hopes to hear at some point at swim. We have been waiting along time to hear Grant say those three words to us.

Swim lessons are half over and today the parents got to sit in on the lessons. I was starting to get disappointed this year and knew Grant was getting frustrated with the back float. Grant has been working really hard and passed all levels of the front wall expect the back float. My poor son has no body fat and is so tiny that he just sinks. The swim coach has been working with him all week to get him to move up to the "side wall".

This will be his third year at this level. The first year he was so short he could not let go of the wall. The second year he could let go, but had a hard time keeping his head above water. This year he is standing and jumping and swimming with no help from the coach. If only he could do that back float.

As I sat there today I kept seeing the coach going over to him and having him float and then watching his little body slowly sink down and the coach pull him back up - then seeing the disappoint on his face and even on hers. As a mom I wanted to run over and jump in and help him but I sat there holding my breath each time he would try. Then a miracle happened he did it!!! I then see the coach talking to him and Grant shaking his head up and down and getting a big grin on his face as she points to the other wall. Then we all hear him yell - YES!!!! I've moved up!!!!!!!!

I was so proud of him - not giving up and working hard each day. Great job Grant!!!!

Going Shopping with Kids

2008-06-17T17:26:00.009-04:00

Need I say more - I could just stop with the title and all moms would understand. But of course I won't - partly because I am considering this cheap therapy! Oh what a day we had - it all started with leaving at 9:15am to make a trip to Starbucks for some coffee time with mommy - then off to swim lessons - (yes - we are still doing that) - then to Chick Fil A drive thru - then to the Strip District to shop.

As you know I have my own Cookie Business and am always looking for a good supply house. I heard of Restaurant Depot - a place for food business owners - WOW!! I thought - this is awesome - I can get everything at one stop - Sam's at times does not carry everything I need.

So off we go - First Mistake - taking the kids. This place was crazy!! Everyone has a rusty flat bed - going in different directions with wheels that don't work well. Forklifts flying by - blowing their horns. Second Mistake - leaving my list at home!!! Third Mistake - not doing a walk thru first. Fourth Mistake and the big one - losing the first time shopping pass somewhere in that warehouse!!

What have I learned from this shopping experience - NEVER take my kids with me, wear my running shoes, take WD - 40 to oil those wheels, pin my list and membership card to my shirt!

My Before & After with BooMama

2008-06-17T15:34:00.004-04:00

BooMama's Before & After Bloggy Extravaganza came at a perfect time - I have a huge list of projects for around the house. So I am up for the challenge -

My list:

Move old fridge out of my kitchen and create a better Cookies By Rachel workspace
Put that old fridge in the Laundry Room
Organize Laundry workspace

The list can go on and on - but the rest involves my wonderful husband and a group of guys to rip off a front porch and I don't think they would appreciate me committing them to this "Before & After Bloggy Extravaganza".

If you would like to join in on the fun check out BooMama.

Father's Day

2008-06-15T21:53:00.011-04:00

Fathers Day Present
by: grant (7yrs old)

Fathers day is a day for your dad.
I love you dad because you love us, you pray for us, and you care for us.
God loves you dad because you are special.
God is waching over you because he loves you.
I love you Dad because you are speshol.
You are the best Dad in the younovest. (universe)
You have been the best dad a kid cood ever have.
Your going to have a graet day I now that you love me.
You are speshol Dad.
You are the bestest singer in the world.
You love me Dad.
You are the best Dad in the world.
You are the best gatar player.
Fathers day is a day for your Dad.
Your going to have the best Fathers Day.

Day one of swim lessons

2008-06-10T21:21:00.007-04:00

This is the third year of us going to Ringgold for swim lessons. Grant's 3rd year and Marah's 2nd. I really debated as to whether I even wanted to do it this year, but Michael really insisted that they take them. So for the next 13 days I will be driving 25 minutes out to Ringgold for swim.

I don't really mind the drive - the lessons are very cheap ($30 per child for 3 weeks M-F /50 minutes) - I get to walk for 45 minutes while they swim - THE PROBLEM: MARAH - she hated it last year - cried every morning and had to be pealed off me many times at the door.

So when we mentioned it to her this year she said she did not need them - she already knows how to swim. We explained that she needed more lessons and would have lots of fun - since her BFF Averi would be there with her again. For the past couple of weeks we have been talking about the lessons - promises of new swimsuits, beach towels and even a special treat at the end of the three weeks. This past weekend I finally thought she was on board with it - we got the new swimsuit and all she talked about was not being afraid this year.

Today at 6:45am she got - I DO NOT WANT TO GO TO SWIM LESSONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So we talked, prayed, and made more promises of treats and prayed some more............

On the car ride out - we talked about how Jesus will be sitting right next to her the whole time and she did not need to be afraid - I get - MOM - He is in my HEART and does NOT come out! Then I get from Grant - well even if there is not enough room for him to sit next to me - he could just sit on my head. I decided to just give up at that point. When we got there we all prayed and proceed down the path to the pool. The whole time - panic was all over Marah's face.

Since today was the first lesson the parents were allowed to come in and watch. As soon as we walked into the pool area the tears started to come out. Marah does not through fits - she just sits and cries quietly next to me - but this time she started to sob and that drew many stares in my direction. After a few minutes the kids were asked to come sit on the front bench. I walked Marah over and she sat - still crying "Mommy I don't want to do this!!" My heart breaking the whole time - finally one of the swim coaches comes over and asked if she would like to go over to the water - I was so surprised - she went!! She took her over and next thing I knew the tears had stopped and Marah was in the water!

Will she go in without tears tomorrow?? I will keep you posted!

Today is Thursday and Marah has not cried since day one - Tuesday of swim lessons!!!

9 on the 9th

2008-06-09T18:27:00.009-04:00

From my friend Katrina - I heard about - "Mrs. N over at All that Naz has started a monthly meme called "9 on the 9th." Participating is as easy as can be -- just post 9...of anything. On the 9th of the month."

9 Reasons NOT to get off this chair and go outside

1. Already spent 4 hours in the very hot sun watching my kids swim
2. My sun burn hurts too much
3. Still way too hot out
4. I am way behind on returning my email
5. I need coffee
6. Still eating my M & M's and might have to share :)
7. Still working on my 9 on the 9th
8. Too lazy
9. I have the perfect view of watching my adorable husband power wash the house!

Zigarettes

2008-06-06T15:13:00.005-04:00

From time to time we have those "talks" with our children - a few weeks ago Michael was telling them about Cigarettes and shared with them -

*How unhealthy it is to smoke - you could get sick from it and might die
*If you start - some have a hard time stopping
*Can turn your lungs black

Well anytime you have those "talks" with my two - it always leads to weeks and weeks of questions and comments:

*Grant went to Church and informed Alexa - Stay away from those Cigarettes - They are bad for you!

*Marah - was with me at Starbucks and yells - I don't see anyone outside smoking one of those "Zigarettes" mommy. It can make your throat turn BLACK and you could DIE!!!

So anytime I see someone smoking I can plan on some comment coming - mostly from Marah - like today - Mom, I smell zigarettes! He is smoking!

Imagination

2008-06-02T21:33:00.006-04:00

Grant is finishing up his First Grade this week. We are just amazed at what he has learned this year. What we have really been enjoying is all the little stories that he has been writing and his drawings. His imagination is now coming out on paper.

Grant has always had a big imagination - he had an imaginary friend -"little monster". Little Monster was around for a while - Once we left him at Target and I had a very upset little boy - wanting me to drive 25 minutes back to get an imaginary friend. (I ended up going out that night acting like I went to pick him up) He eventually went off to College - University of Kentucky - and then we came to find out last week that he passed away - from being shot.

If you drive by my house - you might see him running wild in the yard - talking to himself - sword fighting the air or using his mighty karate moves on someone that only Grant can see.

Zoo Trip

2008-05-31T21:45:00.007-04:00

I decided to go on Grant's Zoo Field Trip - At the time it seemed like a great idea - Michael was going to go and we would make it a family day of fun. Well he ended up not being able to go - so off to the zoo I go with two very excited goofy kids!

Marah has only been to the zoo one other time - as an infant - So basically this was her first time really enjoying the zoo. She - being our Princess - needed to be pushed the whole time -and only got out for when she absolutely could not see an animal at her level.
We meet up with some of Grant's class mates and got the "real story" on the one armed monkey - not sure if a 7 year old knows the "real story" - but he took a shot at it.

The kids had a blast - I was worn out from pushing Marah - Grant's legs hurt because he had to walk the whole time (and added that next time he gets to be pushed around and Marah has to walk!) And I think we ended up setting a new record time of making it through the zoo in less than 2 hours! Kids will leave early for Milkshakes anytime!

But I Prayed...................

2008-05-07T12:23:00.006-04:00

But I prayed.............is what my seven year old told his dad last night -
Grant has been praying for me since last week that I would not get sick - He has strep throat and I have not been feeling well since then. Yesterday I really felt under the weather and decided to go Med Express. Out of the blue Grant decided to go with me - I ended up not having strep - but they are treating me with some antibiotics since my throat is swollen.

Grant asked me on the way home - so are you sick? - I said yes and nothing else was said about it until we got home. Grant is an unbelievable kid when it comes to prayer - he is the first to pray about something - if something is wrong he will go to his room and pray. He prays on the bus for the kids to remember their lines for the play - he will continue to pray for you even after you die! Something we are still working on.

Some of my proudest moments as his mom - is not when he wins a game or gets a good mark (they are great achievements) BUT when I see spiritual growth in his life. A few weeks back - he got up early and saw his dad praying and Grant goes to kneel next to him and pray - that is the life I want for my son - to be a follower of Christ - to go to his knees over life's problems.

My prayer as a mother for him is to continue on this path of prayer - learning that God does answer prayers - it might not be what we want at the time - but they are an answer to prayer.

So what do I say to Grant - I tell him - that YES I am sick -but I will be better - and that I was able to get the help I needed for this illness.

Thumbprints??

2008-05-02T13:05:00.007-04:00

I have been wondering - should I blog or should I not???? I have decided to give it a try -
I have been debating on whether to even post my blogs. This is a big step for me. What do I have to even post? I thought maybe I needed to have purpose for this "BLOG".

Should it be all about me - since I have such an interesting life - HA!! or
Should I use it as a place where my sisters in Christ can post our weekly thoughts???? Should I post about my kids or what God is teaching me......

I asked my husband - what do you think about blogs? "I think you are bloggy" was his input.
As you can tell he was NO HELP! Just too many goofy remarks.

So here I go .............

"Thumbprints" - well since I am the cookie person - I thought of naming my blog "Thumbprints" because it was "THE COOKIE" that started it all - So I went with "Thumbprints" Goofy - probably....... But hey it is my blog!