CMD Family

Our Sunday PIctures (From Dec 4th)

2011-12-14T22:01:00.002-06:00

They are having so much fun taking their Sunday pictures in front of the Christmas tree!

Our Sunday Pictures (From Nov 27th)

2011-12-13T21:54:00.001-06:00

Man, I am so behind!

Our Sunday Pictures (From Nov 20th)

2011-12-12T21:45:00.003-06:00

Chris' cell phone pictures this week!

This picture cracks me up for some reason. :-)

Our 2011 Family Pictures

2011-11-18T14:40:00.006-06:00

Thank You Melissa M for these awesome pictures!!

These are just a few. It was hard to narrow it down!

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-11-13T20:21:00.001-06:00

Crazy Morning but we got pictures!

Hannah's Logical Thinking

2011-11-11T14:21:00.002-06:00

First, there is something you should know.
Do you know the 12 apostles song?

It is cute and makes it easy to remember the 12 apostles.
Where we worship one of our goals for the Kindergarten class is for them to know this song and the Books of the Bible songs.

Here are the lyrics:

Apostle's Song

To the tune of Jesus Loves Me.

Jesus called them one by one

Peter, Andrew, James and John

Next came Philip, Thomas too

Matthew and Bartholomew

James the one they called the less

Simon, also Thaddeus

The twelfth apostle Judas made

Jesus was by him betrayed

Yes, Jesus called them

Yes, Jesus called them

And they all followed him

Second there is a story about my sweet girl I want to share!

We were in the car on the way to drop her off at school and here is the conversation:

Hannah: WOW! The sky looks really neat.

Mommy: God has made so many beautiful things!

Justus: God made the clouds and put blue up there and God make the trees and the grass and cows.

small pause while Justus is thinking

Justus: God made all the animals and all the people

Hannah: No He didn't.

Mommy: What? Yes, God made everyone.

Hannah: No He didn't. God didn't make the 12th apostle.

Mommy: (completely confused) What do you mean? Yes He did.

Hannah: No He didn't. "The 12th apostles Judas made". God made everyone else but Judas made the 12th apostle.

((if you don't get it go to the top and read the lyrics to the song))

Mommy: (doing everything she can not to laugh out loud) No. The song is using the word "made" in a funny way. Remember that before Justus was born the Doughtie family only had 3 people in it - me, you and Daddy?

Hannah: yes

Mommy: Well when Justus was born he "made" the Doughtie family 4 but God still made him.

Hannah: (thoughtful look) yeah...

Mommy: Well in the song there were only 11 apostles until they said Judas and so Judas "made" the apostles 12 but God still made Judas and everyone else...

Long Thoughtful Pause

Hannah: I think I know what you mean...

Whew! That was a crazy one! Cracked Me Up! :-)

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-11-09T05:01:00.000-06:00

WOW!

I am finally caught up on Sunday pictures.
Where have I been?
:-)

Enjoy!"Mommy, take a picture of me twirling!"
"Mommy, take a picture of me hopping!"

Hannah thought it would be fun if we all "matched" and wore brown shoes. SO, it worked out and she was so excited! We had to take a picture.

Our Sunday Pictures ( From Oct 30th)

2011-11-08T05:36:00.000-06:00

Our Sunday Pictures ( From Oct 23rd)

2011-11-07T21:20:00.000-06:00

Fake Smile.

Real Smile.
Fake Smile.
Real Smile.
Close Ups...
Love To Be Together.

Sunday Pictures (from Oct 16th)

2011-10-30T20:38:00.003-05:00

Chris took the Sunday pictures completely no noticing that we had not done Hannah's hair yet. I thought that was so funny! So, I did her hair and then took the alone picture. :-)

Sunday Pictures (from Oct 9th)

2011-10-29T21:11:00.003-05:00

Our Sunday Pictures (2 Weeks Ago)

2011-10-22T21:26:00.004-05:00

Hannah in the cold TN.Justus in the warm FL.

It was kinda weird for Sunday pictures.
Our family was separated which we do VERY rarely...

School Celebration

2011-10-04T05:15:00.000-05:00

Justus was so excited he got a Birthday Hat when he celebrated his birthday at school.
Thank you Mrs Shana. Thank you Mrs Katie.
((Hannah may never get to do this - poor thing.))

Hannah's Drawing

2011-10-03T05:06:00.001-05:00

A Princess Rapunzel
(we are working on spelling but she is getting better and better at sounding it out!)
:-)

Fall Festival

2011-10-02T22:01:00.002-05:00

Hannah was so excited that she got to paint a pumpkin at the Fall Festival on Saturday it was such a fun night!

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-09-26T05:14:00.004-05:00

Thank you, Poppa Bob, for the family picture!!

Happy Birthday Justus!

2011-09-25T14:52:00.004-05:00

3 years ago today we were in the hospital holding Justus for the very first time and I was thinking "what am I going to do with a boy?"

Today I am thinking "what would I have done without this boy?"

Justus you are such a blessing to our family. You make us a complete 4!! We love you very very much!

In the hospital.
1st Birthday
2nd Birthday
Our Birthday Boy this year.
One picture from each of the last 12 months.
My How He Has Grown!!!

Happy Happy Birthday Buddy Boo!

Our Sunday Pictures (Last Week)

2011-09-25T13:44:00.004-05:00

Happy

2011-09-17T05:24:00.000-05:00

Our Family

Coincidence

2011-09-16T05:45:00.001-05:00

About a month ago Hannah got to have her friend Chloe sleep over. It was so fun for all of us. We all love it when we get to share time with any of the Stokes family.

Well, Chloe was in her bag getting her PJs out while Hannah was in her drawer getting her PJs out and look what happened!

They were beside themselves excited!!

I HAD to get a picture!

PJ Day

2011-09-15T05:42:00.000-05:00

Before school started we had a pajama day at home.

ALL 3 of us!

It was good for the soul!

First Day of School

2011-09-14T05:36:00.000-05:00

And, finally, our last "First Day of School" for this year.

Justus' first day of school.

Of course, he has been to Sunshine School before and I work there and his teachers are some of his favorite people in the world - Mrs Shana and Mrs Katie. SO, he was so excited and had a blast.

I have a feeling this is going to be a fun and very busy school year...
Look out calendar - I have a feeling you are about to get filled up! :-)

First Day of School

2011-09-13T05:09:00.001-05:00

So, this is the first full day with the whole class there. It is the last day I walked her to class. Now, walking to class by herself is old hat.

Once again - pictures at "The" tree.
Before we leave the driveway.
She is ready to go.
We got there a little early so I made the kids pose for pictures together.
The kids are allowed to go into the school at 8:10 but are not allowed to go into their classroom until 8:25. SO, we got there before 8:25 which meant that Hannah had to sit outside her classroom until the bell rings. Justus wanted to sit with her. :-)
Love this "being nosy together" picture...
Her seat. How fun!

First Day of School

2011-09-12T05:48:00.000-05:00

Yes. Hannah is now in Kindergarten.

Yes. I am trying to pretend it isn't so.

Not for all the reasons you are thinking but trust me when I tell you that you don't want to know all the reasons. My soap box is big so next time you see Chris tell him you are sorry he has to hear all my craziness all the time. :-)

Back to Hannah.

She was completely excited. A little nervous but completely happy.

First we took some pictures outside.
She loves her backpack.
We went to Kohl's and she picked this outfit out. She loved it and was very proud!
Justus would not let the day go by without a picture of him too!
I can't get over this one. She is just too big!
We got there a little early. She had to love on us a little before we went in!
Her seat.
Her Fabulous teacher!
This was the first day of school but only a third of her class was there on this day. SO, we kinda did the first day of school thing twice. There are 21 kids in her class. Crazy!

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-09-11T15:31:00.003-05:00

We were all a little.... grumpy this morning.

Not completely sure why...

BUT that is the beauty of Sunday pictures. You see each week no matter what.By the way, Hannah is NOT that much taller than Justus. She was wearing heals AND she thought it would be funny to stand on her tip toes while I was looking thru the camera (I found out later)...

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-09-09T13:37:00.004-05:00

So, we were out of town this past weekend.

Here is the story of these pictures...

I wasn't sure how far away the church building was and if were were RIGHT on time I knew I would not be able to take pictures before we went in, so I took pictures of them in the van...

When we got there, we had time. I was about to take their pictures when a group on motorcycles pulled up to park near us (behind where I was standing to take the pictures). Needless to say, there was no getting their attention then.

It was really cute actually! :-)

Justus said "Are they going to go in and sing with us?" and was delighted when I said YES!

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-08-30T14:14:00.001-05:00

Hannah picked this dress out herself.

She is very proud of it. :-)

Our Sunday Pictures (Last Week)

2011-08-30T13:41:00.004-05:00

Seriously sorry for how long it has taken.

I SO love blogging but can't always find the time.
Never worry, just because they are not on here yet does not mean I did not take Those Sunday Pictures!

The Aquarium

2011-08-21T05:02:00.003-05:00

One rainy day at the beach we went to the Aquarium.

The kids had a blast.

Here are way too many pictures of the day.
:-)

Water Slides!

2011-08-20T05:48:00.002-05:00

One day while we were at the beach we went to a water slide park.

Here we are waiting to get in.
There are 2 things you can pay for. Either just the kiddie area or the whole park which includes lots of big slides. For our family, me and kids just got the kiddie area pass and Chris got the whole park pass.

In the kiddie area there are lots of little slides into little pool areas and then there is one "big" slide that the kids can go on by themselves or with a parent (on the big "adult" slides you can only go by yourself). Here are a couple of pictures of the little slides.
Chris comes to the kiddie are and goes down the "big" slide with Justus once. They are getting out of the pool and Chris and I start looking around and Justus is gone. We can't find him. We are not panicked but 2 seconds when we hear him. He is going up to that big slide to go down it by himself. Next thing we know, he is right with us from the slide. He keeps going and going. The lifeguard joked with us that he was in the zone. He loved it. Here are a couple of pictures of the "big" slide in the kiddie area.
After Justus went down a couple of times he goes over to the fence and points and says "I want to go down that one." I said NO. Because he was pointing to this:

Of course, after all the play, snack is needed!
Thank you Aunt Melissa for taking care of all the snacks!

Beach Creativity

2011-08-19T14:38:00.005-05:00

When you are at the beach and you are either 5 years old or 2 years old and you are waiting for all the grown ups to decide what is next... what do you do?

Build things with the plastic deck chairs of course!

And to make it even better. Do it with your cousins!!

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-08-17T13:59:00.002-05:00

Our Sunday Pictures (Last Week)

2011-08-17T13:45:00.004-05:00

The Beach

2011-08-02T05:33:00.000-05:00

After spending some time at my parents we went to Chris' parents place at Emerald Isle.

First Thing - Go To The Beach

Hannah thinks it's fun but Justus is not a huge fan.

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-08-01T13:07:00.003-05:00

Hannah calls this one of her favorite dresses!

AND, yes, if you look back I let her wear this year round. It is short sleeve but has some fallish/winterish colors and so... It is a year-rounder!
Love It!

Where Was Justus?

2011-08-01T05:09:00.001-05:00

You may have asked yourself..

Where was Justus while Hannah got 8 inches cut off her hair?

Well, of course, he was pretending to paint fingernails.

What else would he be doing?

:-)

Hair Cut

2011-07-30T05:07:00.002-05:00

Hannah doesn't like tangles.

Her friend has her hair short.

In the midst of a tangle battle, her friend walks into Hannah's room and says "I don't have tangles."

*sigh*

SO she asked to have her hair cut.

We negotiated and this is what happened.

8 inches got cut off! Wow!

We all love it though. It was fun! Hannah can't get over it!

Let's Go Fishing

2011-07-29T05:43:00.001-05:00

While we were at my parents house near the 4th of July a friend of theirs that has a farm invited us out for some finger foods, fellowship, and fireworks.

We hung out near a lake/pond and Chris was pretty excited that they had some fishing poles. Justus was excited too... Until it actually came catching the fish. hehe! Hannah liked watching but did not want to get near one. It was kinda funny.

I took the beautiful scenery opportunity to try to get some pretty pictures. I got a few but there is one thing for sure - - - I am NOT a photographer! :-)

Book Update

2011-07-28T05:15:00.000-05:00

I am quite behind on my book updates...

I read A Time To Embrace and I liked it. I will admit that it took me a little while to read it because as I started it, I felt like I knew where it was going and I really didn't want to read about that kind of topic.

But it was great! I am glad I finished it. I definitely think I want to read more Karen Kingsbury books. Thank You Rachel for introducing her to me.

After that I read Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. Um. I. Really. Have. No. Words. If you have not read it - read it. Lots of scripture references and illustrations of how to put these scriptures into real life. It is slight parallel to the book of Hosea. Very Interesting. Very Beautiful story and amazing illustration of the love you have for your spouse, your friends, your family, and for God!

READ IT!!!!

I am now reading The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff. A use to not read. Well, I read as little as possible - let's just say that. I have a friend named Lee and he knew me when I didn't read and he gave me this book and said I should try it. He thought I would like it. That was probably well over 12 years ago. The horrible friend that I am - I'm just now getting around to reading it.

Also, I am reading (I am not usually reading 2 at one time but there are some extenuating circumstances that caused this to happen) Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond. I am a fan of the Pioneer Woman and love her Love Story (I read a little on her blog before she put it all into a book).

I will let you know how it goes.

Let's Ride A Train

2011-07-27T05:09:00.001-05:00

At the mall near where my parents live they have a train that kids can ride in (for a small fee of course) around the upper level of the mall.

Hannah and Justus were so excited.

It's kind of neat but if I had to go to that mall with my kids regularly I would wish it wasn't there! They would beg every time we were there to ride!

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-07-26T05:36:00.002-05:00

Our Sunday Pictures (Last Week)

2011-07-25T14:21:00.002-05:00

I Shall Not Be Moved!

2011-07-21T11:37:00.000-05:00

Jesus is my Savior, I shall not be moved;
In His love and favor, I shall not be moved,
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters,
Lord, I shall not be moved.

In my Christ abiding, I shall not be moved;
In His love I'm hiding, I shall not be moved,
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters,
Lord, I shall not be moved.

If I trust Him ever, I shall not be moved;
He will fail me never, I shall not be moved,
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters,
Lord, I shall not be moved.

On His word I'm feeding, I shall not be moved;
He's the One that's leading, I shall not be moved,
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters,
Lord, I shall not be moved.

Chorus
I shall not be, I shall not be moved;
I shall not be, I shall not be moved;
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters,
Lord, I shall not be moved.

And They Can Swim

2011-07-17T05:05:00.000-05:00

If you live anywhere near Camp Nickajack I highly recommend it!! Even if you have to drive a little it is awesome! You can pretty much be guaranteed they will be swimming by the end of the week. As a matter of fact - they were jumping off the diving board on day 2! Amazing.

Mr Bert (Hannah and Justus' teacher) has been doing this for many years and is fantastic!

On Friday (the last day of the swim lessons) they do a little "swim show" for all the parents. It is the first time the parents get to even see the pool.

I suppose, so they don't have to remember so many real names, they give everyone nicknames. Remembering 12 nicknames is probably easier that remembering 36 real names. SO, Hannah was Mermaid and Justus was Shark. The kids think it is great and LOVE having Mr Bert call them their nicknames.

One night I said to Justus "Good Night my little shark" and he laughed and he said "I'm not shark. Mr Bert is not here!" Hilarious!

On the first day Chris asked Hannah in a very surprised voice "YOU put your face IN the water?" She looked at him with big eyes and said "We Have To!" I can't get over it. SO funny!

Notice in this one they are jumping off the diving board in 9 feet of water.
Hannah is better than I ever thought she would be this summer. It is amazing!

Did you see how Justus was "jumping" waiting for Mr Bert to tell him to go? Justus never went before he was told to, but he always was jumping anxiously waiting for his turn. It was hilarious!

Here they are jumping into 5 feet deep water where neither can touch. Mr Bert liked how Hannah would jump out so much. One of Justus' things that we have to work on is that he wants to jump in vertically not horizontally.

Please also note the jig Justus does waiting for his turn. Makes me laugh every time.

Enthusiasm

2011-07-13T14:24:00.001-05:00

Peter said, “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:36-47

This is the kind of enthusiasm I want to have for the Lord.
Why do we not have time for our Christian brothers and sisters?
Why do we not share EVERYTHING we have?
This says they got together every day.
This says they sold stuff to give.
I really need to think. Really.

And Speaking of...

2011-07-12T17:59:00.000-05:00

Nannah and Papa's swing is usually a regular past time when we are visiting. Everyone loves it!

Our Sunday Pictures (Last Week)

2011-07-12T05:55:00.001-05:00

Sunday Pictures at Nannah and Papa Joe's house usually end up on the swing.

Our Sunday Pictures (2 Weeks Ago)

2011-07-11T14:57:00.004-05:00

Sorry I am so behind. I hope to do a lot of blogging this week. We will see how it goes!

I don't know why but there is something about this family picture that I like.It's different.

And we got to share some Sunday pictures with our good friends Cole and Savannah this week too! :-)

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-07-10T05:16:00.002-05:00

We traveled this whole morning.
This is actually Sunday pictures from Sunday afternoon getting ready to go to evening worship.
They were so tired but great troopers!

Happy Birthday Chris!

2011-07-09T05:00:00.004-05:00

How hard you work inspires me.

How much you care overflows my heart.

How handsome you are makes me weak in the knees.

How smart you are makes me so proud.

The patience of your heart brings calmness to mine.

The kindness of your smile makes my heart soar.

The laughter inside you makes my eyes twinkle.

The love you show makes my heart flutter.

The softness of your lips makes me stop in my tracks.

The strength of your embrace insures my safety.

Your commitment to the Lord brings joy to my days.

I love you Chris!
Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Hannah!

2011-06-23T05:05:00.002-05:00

5 years ago today at 4pm we were holding Hannah for the first time in our arms.

(mainly Chris because I felt way too drugged up to hold her.)

Boy has our life changed since then.

Thank you Hannah for coming along and changing our lives.
You are a part of us and we love you so so much!
XOXOXO

1st Birthday
2nd Birthday
3rd Birthday
4th Birthday
(how did I not get a cake eating pic?)
One picture from each of the last 12 months.
My how she has grown right before our eyes.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!
(Party Pictures should come soon!)

He Was Cold

2011-06-22T05:15:00.000-05:00

so I gave him the coat off my back.
:-)

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-06-21T14:25:00.003-05:00

And a Happy Fathers Day to the best Daddy ever!

We love you, Chris!(we had to bend down b/c Hannah took this picture. if we didn't you would see up our noses .. again.)

Playing Ball Inside!

2011-06-17T15:01:00.001-05:00

If you have not played this with Justus yet you really should. There is one warning I will give you though - he is very serious about your feet touching. Very. Serious. :-)

Water Day!

2011-06-15T14:26:00.008-05:00

Today we had water day at the CMD House since I was keeping four extra children. It rained a little and that actually made for the perfect water day. Hot with sprinkles coming down and water to play in. They loved it and I loved watching it.

OF Course there are pictures!

Here are some close-up friends pictures:here hannah is licking snot and justus is yelling cheeeeeeeeese.
oh my - these two are a mess.

Here are some fun play pictures. Don't look too close, you might just laugh and laugh and laugh!:who would you be more afriad of getting pounced by? justus? or willa? does ellie even know what is about to happen?

Here are some semi-artsy pictures. Not everyone was standing still to get some of these!:there is something I really like about this picture of Hannah. this is her serious face. she was helping me fill up the pool with water and she took her job very seriously.

Here is a testimony to the fact that they did not hear me when I told them we were having water day and not mud day:FUN Times had by ALL for sure!

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-06-14T13:29:00.005-05:00

Hannah was faking smiling a lot Sunday morning....

I guess that is what the Sunday pictures are all about -

it shows how we were each week. :-)

Command Center

2011-06-09T06:02:00.002-05:00

SO, I am really trying to get into an organized and simplified mind set and I really want to use this summer to "get my house together."

I have read the blog Org Junkie before but not a lot lately. She has a Learn to Organize link on her website that I thought I would try to follow somewhat this summer and see what I could do.

The first thing on her list is Clothes Purging which I have actually done lately and so I skipped it for now. I may go back to it to be sure I have actually gotten rid of everything not needed.The next thing on her list is to Create a Command Center which I love the idea of and I need in my life! SO here are the steps I am taking to get this done.

#1
Find pictures of family command centers and see what I think would work for our family and what may not work for our family. Here are some that I have found (remember I love all of these. my comments about them are just what they could do for my family and my style. they are all great!)

Love this one. Calendar will be a must for us. I like the idea of the clock - don't know I would have thought of that one. Like the place for pens and paper. This one might be my favorite.

This one is cute. I don't think I could go with only a cork board. I need to be more specific with my space. The bags are a cute idea but I am not sure if it is the look I want.

To me, this one is pretty. I think it looks like you scrapbooked your wall. It is not my style though for organization. I am not sure I would feel neat and tidy with knowing all our busy schedules with this. I would love to do something like this as a decoration piece though.

Love that this has a place to display artwork. That is a great way to make the kids feel involved and know that this is their "command center" too. Something about chalk boards and the dust it gives off makes me now want it in my house. And I would definitely need more than clipboards for each day - I would need a way to plan more in the future. ((Look at that beautiful handwriting!)

I will definitely need baskets. I think this one is more of a craft room with the ribbon but I like the containers used.

Very good idea for when all children are doing all different things. This may be in my future in a couple of years.

I love the R in this one. I really want something in our command center to have our name - either initial or whole name ?

How cute is this one. I wish I had a spot in my house to do something like this. Love the baskets.

I need more than a bead to help me know the date and what is going on but isn't this so stinkin cute? Again - I would need somewhere to plan more in advance than one week.

This one is simple. I wish I knew what the orange background was. ?

This one the owner called a kitchen command center. I like this a lot and am thinking of using this idea for our household chores (adding Hannah and Justus' name to it a little later).

Here is a close up of the meal planning from the picture above. I really love this and may "steal" the idea. My good friend Jennifer and I have been somewhat planning a menu plan project but I may have to talk to her about this one. I may like this one better because it seems easier to add meals to the mix if you try something new and want to add it.

#2
Make a list of what Chris and I want in our command center

ACTIVE PARTS OF CC (needs)
* Calendar of Plans and Activities
* Menu Plan
* Chore List
* Coupon & CG Storage
* Mail/Bills
* Place to Hang (cork board or magnet) Invites and Reminders
* Ongoing Grocery List
* Container for Note Pad and Writing Utensil

AESTHETIC PARTS OF CC (wants)
* Clock
* Family Pictures
* Family Name or Initial
* Candy/Gum Container

#3
Look for a place in our home to put something like this. ( I think I already know where.)

#4
Look for the containers/tools I need to put this together. So far I have checked Wal-Mart, Target, and online at Ikea and The Container Store. I haven't found anything yet...

#5
Hang, Explain, and Implement.

:-)

Wish me luck. I will let you know how it goes - if it goes.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-08T05:20:00.000-05:00

Wanting To Be A Big Girl!

2011-06-07T05:31:00.000-05:00

She loves it when we can get her hair up in a towel even if it is for just a minute. :-)

The American Legion

2011-06-06T09:22:00.003-05:00

We were at the grocery store and we saw some of our very good friends. "Papa Herb" was wearing a hat that the kids had never seen before and were very curious. He was so sweet to let Justus put it on and get a picture. Justus thought he was pretty big!

Thank you Papa Herb for making our day!
We love you!

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-06-05T21:50:00.003-05:00

Hosea Is Hard

2011-06-03T15:41:00.002-05:00

The book of Hosea is kinda hard for me. It is written like a poem and has meanings I don't know all about but it has helped having a group of us girls talk about it for the last couple of Fridays in a little Bible study/mom release session we do.

This scripture stuck out to me today.
I have been thinking about it.

Hosea 10:12-13
Sow for yourselves righteousness;
Reap in mercy;
Break up your fallow ground,
For it is time to seek the LORD,
Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.
You have plowed wickedness;
You have reaped iniquity,
You have eaten the fruit of lies,
Because you trusted in your own way,
In the multitude of your mighty men.

Layne's Birthday

2011-06-02T05:18:00.001-05:00

We went to Layne's birthday party and we completely forgot our camera. It was a puppy party and in the goody bags Hannah and Justus got a puppy hat.

Aren't they cute?

(hannah wanted to pretend she didn't like it.)

Our Cicadas

2011-06-01T05:02:00.001-05:00

These
are
pictures
from
the
trees
in
our
yard!!

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-05-31T19:40:00.003-05:00

Troubles

2011-05-27T06:46:00.001-05:00

Why can I not blog on My computer?
No one knows!

BUT hopefully I will get to the bottom of it soon so I can update this thing.

:-)

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-05-23T15:18:00.003-05:00

This would SO be me.

2011-05-20T14:52:00.002-05:00

To Hannah and Justus

2011-05-18T14:53:00.001-05:00

A Mother’s Prayer
Words by Rachel Aldous
Music by John Mandeville

My sweet baby on loan from above.
No better treasure could I more love.
I stand here beside your bed as I pray
I lay my hand on your head and I say:

May you grow up to serve Him
all of your days.
May He lead you and guide you
in all of your ways.
May His hand bless your future with
friendships that last.
May you cherish your youth
and not grow up too fast

I stare in wonder at your tiny frame.
Just to think that God knows you by name.
He knows every hair on your beautiful head.
He knows your thoughts before they are said.

May you grow up to serve Him
all of your days
May He lead you and guide you
in all of your ways.
May His Hand bless your future with
friendships that last.
May you cherish your youth
and not grow up too fast.

Prayer:
May God grant you peace
in the midst of a storm.
May God give you strength even
when you’re forlorn.
May you answer the door when
Jesus comes knocking.
May wisdom guide when
your mouth is talking.
May discretion protect you
and keep you pure.
May you never stumble
or fall for a lure.
May your heart remain humble
to the very end.
May uprightness and truth
be what you defend.
May the world not ensnare
or change who you are.
May the light that's within you
shine like the stars.
May angels surround you
body, spirit, mind.
May favor and peace be yours to find.
May rejection and pain
never reach you.
May your spirit grow bold
for what you’re called to.

May you grow up to serve Him
all of your days
May He lead you and guide you
in all of your ways
May His Hand bless your future with
friendships that last.
May you cherish your youth
and not grow up too fast.

As you rest in God’s care I will rest, too.
Knowing that Jesus is watching over you.
Amen

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-05-16T14:38:00.003-05:00

Cold Mornings

2011-05-11T22:56:00.000-05:00

You know THOSE mornings when you wake up but you don't want to actually get out of the bed because it is cold outside those covers?

In the spring on those mornings you can't do much about it. You aren't going to turn the heater on and you know that you will feel SO hot in the same room that afternoon.

Well this is what Hannah and Justus do while they wait for their breakfast on cold mornings.

Lamb of God

2011-05-11T05:06:00.000-05:00

Your only Son
No sin to hide
But You have sent Him,
From Your side
To walk upon this guilty sod
And to become the Lamb of God

Your gift of Love
They crucified
They laughed and scorned him as he died
The humble King
They named a fraud
And sacrificed the Lamb of God

Chorus:
Oh Lamb of God, Sweet lamb of God
I love the Holy Lamb of God
Oh wash me in His precious Blood
My Jesus Christ the Lamb of God

I was so lost I should have died
But You have brought me to Your side
To be led by Your staff and rod
And to be call a lamb of God

Chorus

Oh wash me in His precious Blood
My Jesus Chris the Lamb of God

A Great Pastime

2011-05-10T05:11:00.000-05:00

Putting Kroger stickers on your nose.

Surprised you didn't know that.

:-)

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-05-09T05:01:00.000-05:00

What a Happy Happy Mother's Day!

AND Lord's Day!
It was just beautiful!
One of the things I got for Mother's Day is the dress I am wearing! I was so so excited. And Hannah was so so excited that she HAD to wear the same style dress as me! :-)

I took this one.
Hannah took this one. (It makes me laugh.)
Chris took this one.
Anyone want to vote on the best angle? haha! Just Kidding.

Thank You!

2011-05-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Mom for being there my whole life.

Thank you, Mom for being there when I was feeling down.

Thank you, Mom for giving me a peace of mind.

Thank you, Mom for buying me things.

Thank you, Mom for walking the miles and guiding me through the path.

Thank you, Mom for your laughter.

Thank you, Mom for being all that you could be.

Thank you, Mom for your gratitude.

Thank you, Mom for believing in me.

Thank you Mom!

My love for you comes from deep in my heart!

I love you!!

Happy Mother's Day!

So!

2011-05-07T05:02:00.000-05:00

So!
Our son had no summer pajamas.
So!
And we didn't want him to get hot.
So!
Don't judge us by our son's pj's!

hehe!

East To West

2011-05-06T05:07:00.000-05:00

I heard this song the other day for the first time and I loved its message. God's forgiveness is so hard for us to understand because it is so GREAT!

East To West
by Casting Crowns

Here I am, Lord, and I'm drowning in your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don't want to end up where You found me
And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight
I know You've cast my sin as far as the east is from the west
And I stand before You now as though I've never sinned
But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west
'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other

I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light
I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me
You're holding on to me

Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west
I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
One scarred hand to the other
From one scarred hand to the other

Easter Eve

2011-05-05T05:07:00.000-05:00

The afternoon/evening before Easter we had some friends invite us over for grilling out, playing, hiding and dying Easter eggs.

(We forgot our camera so I had to "steal" these from Alaina - thank you Alaina!)Thank You, Alaina and Phillip for inviting us over for all the fun!
What is a little sentimental about these moments is that the wives of all three families that were there (me, Alaina, and Sara Jo) have all been friends since elementary school. Seeing all of our children play together was very fun, odd, wonderful, surreal, beautiful, and sweet. It was quite a lovely evening! :-)

Leaving My Mark

2011-05-04T05:16:00.000-05:00

My Grandmom and Grandpop gave me a devotional journal that I read pretty regularly. I could not help but to be moved by this one...

I Want to Leave My Mark for You
by Anita Corrine Donihue

Scripture:
Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Devotional:
I know not what each day holds or what time I have left to serve. This I do know, dear Lord, I want to leave my mark for You.
Help me to make every day count. Remind me to lay aside my own wants, to be willingly inconvenienced and used for You. Let me not put anything before You, no matter how good it seems. Help me shed bad habits that slow me down from doing Your will.
I can only leave my mark for You by replacing idle time with purposeful movement. When I rest, I open my heart that You may fill me with Your strength and spirit.
Teach me to let go of yesterday, live fully today, and look with excitement toward tomorrow. I am awed as I daily come to know You more. I feel You shower love upon me like a refreshing summer rain.
Even though I am unworthy, I long to reach the end of life's journey and see You face-to-face. In the meantime, Lord may I use each day, each hour, each moment to leave my mark for You. Amen.

Easter Eggs

2011-05-03T05:08:00.000-05:00

Do you like Chris' Easter egg that he made?

I love it!

:-)
<3

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-05-02T14:41:00.003-05:00

A Little Secret

2011-05-02T05:12:00.003-05:00

In this picture Justus has on big boy underwear.

In this picture it is his 3rd day in big boy underwear.

Is he really going to be a big boy?

How Great Thou Art

2011-04-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

Easter Afternoon

2011-04-29T05:16:00.000-05:00

Our very wonderful friends Matthew and Jennifer invited us over for lunch and Easter fun Sunday afternoon. We had SO SO much fun and appreciate their family's hospitality.

Here is Justus wanting to get his Easter basket and go hunt eggs even though we had not even eaten lunch yet.
Here is Hannah showing off all the eggs she found in the Easter egg hunt.

THE GIRLS!
THE BOYS!

We are starting to keep an eye on these two! :-)

Easter Morning

2011-04-28T05:09:00.003-05:00

Easter morning hugs.
Yes, those are their "pajamas" which is the play dress Hannah wore the day before and the shirt Justus wore the day before. Who needs official pajamas!??

Looking thru their baskets. We stuck with the tradition we started last year and stole from some friends. Bathing suits in the Easter basket. They loved them and their candy too!

Hannah excited about gum.
Justus excited about chocolate!
Sweet Smiles!

Surprise Family Fun Night

2011-04-27T05:33:00.001-05:00

At Mrs Mindy's House

2011-04-26T05:08:00.000-05:00

EVERYONE.

Gets.

To.

Dress.

Up!!

FUN!
FUN!

School Program

2011-04-25T05:11:00.002-05:00

Hannah had her Spring program and it was so so cute. Each class was assigned a color to wear. Hannah's was red! Here she is with someone from another class assigned to wear yellow! :-) Reese. She is in my class.Here is Hannah ready to start the day. She was so excited. Daddy and Justus came to watch her!Here she is waiting in the hall for her turn to go on the stage.AND, here she is in action!It was a fun day!

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-04-24T20:47:00.003-05:00

Happy Easter!

New Book

2011-04-23T05:05:00.000-05:00

Well, I am finished with my first Karen Kingsbury book. A Time to Dance was great. It is about marriage and about finding the Lord in your marriage. I liked it. I love reading christian authors. The outcome of the book may have been predicted as I was reading it but the way they came up with it was NOT at all what I thought. Beautiful!

I am not on to the next in this series. I am reading A Time to Embrace by Karen Kingsbury. I will let you know how it goes!

List Fan

2011-04-22T05:01:00.000-05:00

I am not sure where I get it from (ahemmm.... mom!) but I am a big fan of lists. The lists in the Bible are sometimes what helps me the most to understand what God wants us to know in the Bible. SO, here is a Bible list....

Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with

The belt of truth buckled around your waist,
The breastplate of righteousness in place,
Your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

In addition to all this, take up

The shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one
The helmet of salvation and
The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Surprises

2011-04-21T05:48:00.000-05:00

Why is it when you have kids that everyone who comes to see you thinks they have to bring a "little something" for the kids?

This past weekend we got new Sunglasses from Aunt Wendy and Mollie.

Aren't they the cutest?

Sweet Little Love Song

2011-04-20T05:09:00.000-05:00

I Cross My Heart
by George Strait

Our love is unconditional, we knew it from the start.
I see it in your eyes, you can feel it from my heart.
From here on after let's stay the way we are right now,
And share all the love and laughter
That a lifetime will allow.

I cross my heart and promise to
Give all I've got to give to make all your dreams come true.
In all the world you'll never find a love as true as mine.

You will always be the miracle that makes my life complete,
And as long as there's a breath in me, I'll make yours just as sweet.
As we look into the future, it's as far as we can see,
So let's make each tomorrow be the best that it can be.

I cross my heart and promise to
Give all I've got to give to make all your dreams come true.
In all the world you'll never find a love as true as mine.

And if along the way we find a day it starts to storm,
You've got the promise of my love to keep you warm.
In all the world you'll never find a love as true as mine,
A love as true as mine.

What a Birdhouse!

2011-04-19T05:21:00.004-05:00

A very close friend of ours made these bird houses for his grand- children. YES, out of an old Golden Book! Isn't is awesome!?

School Days

2011-04-18T05:10:00.000-05:00

On school days the 2 little ones (ages 1 and 2) have taken a nap at school. The 3 big ones (age 4) have not. SO, when we get home the 3 big ones lay down for a rest and the to 2 little ones don't have to.

When the big ones aren't around, the little ones get a little silly!

Our Sunday Pictures

2011-04-17T22:32:00.004-05:00

We. Are. Back.

Olive

2011-04-16T05:06:00.002-05:00

During the Com- munity Helper month at school we had a veter- inarian come in with his little dog, Olive. She was cute and Hannah actually liked petting her.

The Heart of Worship

2011-04-15T05:30:00.000-05:00

On our trip I got to be DJ with the CD player in the car. I heard a song that I hadn't heard in a while. The name of it is The Heart of Worship. I've been singing it for days.

When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless Your heart

I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus

King of endless worth
No one could express
How much You deserve
Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath

I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
And it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus

Chorus:
I'm coming back to the heart of worship,
And it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus

Baby Lamb

2011-04-14T05:08:00.001-05:00

We have a good friend named Allison and she has a baby lamb. That baby lamb was so cute!

Yes, I know that lamb means baby sheep and so I should not have to say Baby Lamb together. I know that it is redundant.

However, this lamb is one week old. This lamb has no teeth. This lamb has not lost her umbilical cord yet. To me, this is a Baby Lamb not just a lamb.

She was so cute I could have taken her home! :-)

Idea from Aubrey Johnson

2011-04-13T05:02:00.001-05:00

From his book Love More, Sin Less..

Sanctification is the process of growing more in love with that which is truly worthy of love.

Temptation is Measuring Love

Sanctification is Maturing Love

There are 3 ways to view the work of sanctification:

Position - you are a child of God.
Process - your heart is changed.
Product - your life is reformed.

1 Thessalonians 5:23
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:25-27
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.