Hannah & Kevin--Our Family of Seven

2011-10-05T13:07:00.003-05:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2011-04-25T13:42:00.004-05:00

April 13-23 has come and gone again. . .

Whenever you see this:

or this:

or this:

you might possibly see pictures of children laughing, playing and being sweet together. I see that too. I do. But I also see a hole, the someone missing and the what would it be if. . .

That first pic is of Jack, Asa and Ayden playing together in the Old Baylor field last Spring. I can almost see Knox in this picture. Some of my favorite memories of Knox are of him following along as the "caboose" behind Ayden, Jack and Asa.

And then this Spring, we revisited Old Baylor field for another picnic where the kids flew kites. That's Anne Michal (Knox's sister) helping Asa get his kite in the air. She was so patient and loving with him and she was successful in her attempts and Asa had a blast flying his kite, mostly in part to Anne Michal's help. It's a sweet memory for me, but bittersweet too, because I also know that she would have done the same for her brother and I can almost see his blond head there instead of Asa's.

Then yesterday, Easter Sunday, we spent with family and friends celebrating. It is one of my favorite days all year. That's my brother-in-law, Wade (Uncle Wade to my kids and Pastor Wade to the other kids there), pushing Ayden in the rope swing. Jack and Asa are right there along side, half-waiting their turn and half-enjoying the fun that is being had just watching their friend/brother enjoy his turn. Again, I see the hole and wish again for that little blond head to be there in the mix of things.

A friend's comment yesterday on facebook really hit home when she said that Easter was an appropriate day to feel bittersweet feelings: feelings of thankfulness and joy that Jesus defeated sin and holds victory for us and yet feelings of bitter sadness that it was my sin that placed Him on the cross in the first place. So here I am, feeling bittersweetness. . .

You are missed Knoxy.

2010-12-28T12:15:00.003-06:00

19 Years and Counting. . .

In keeping with tradition, here are 19 things I love about my husband:

19. He hangs Christmas lights on the outside of the house.

18. He apologizes when he hurts my feelings.

17. He slows his stride with me so that I'm not 10 paces behind his long-leggedness.

16. I say it every year, but I do love it when he holds my hand in public.

15. He plays with our children and nieces and nephews.

14. He picks up dinner on his way home from work when he knows it will help me.

13. He's not afraid to wash dishes/do laundry even after working hard all day.

12. He looks hot in a pair of levi's, cowboy boots, pearl-snap shirt and hat.

11. He knows how to talk through conflict without losing his head (unlike me).

10. His sense of humor is witty, often dry and very clever.

9. He sends me texts throughout his busy day to let me know he's thinking of me.

8. He covers me with prayer before he leaves for work everyday.

7. He knows his sports and politics.

6. He buys granola because he knows I like it.

5. He loves his parents.

4. He loves my parents.

3. He knows how to keep a secret.

2. He hates facebook, but is ok with me loving it.

1. He never gives up on us.

2010-11-25T20:15:00.006-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Last year, we started a Thanksgiving tradition where the kids wrote and then recited a poem or memorized one and then recited it. I'll be honest and admit that there were moans and groans about this exercise when it was first presented, but they adjusted quickly and when the works were completed, they each were excited to share what they had done. The Andersons and Colemans also participated, but I'll let Marian and Rachel share their children's poems on their blogs. (hint hint)

I LOVE TO SWIM
by Austin Ayers (14)

I love to swim.
I do it everyday at the Aerofit gym.
I put on my goggles and swim cap,
then I swim lap after lap after lap.
I practice hard for every race,
in hopes that I can get first place.
I am going to swim.
I am going to swim the 400 I.M.
I step up on the block my heart is beating fast,
if I want to win, I cannot get passed.
He says, "Take your mark!" and everything gets slow,
then I hear the beep and that means go.
I dive into the great big pool,
the water feels refreshing and cool.
I swim the first 100 butterfly.
At the end I feel like my arms will die.
Then I swim on my back.
It's no time to slow down and no time to slack.
Next I go from back to breaststroke--the slowest one.
I have to go hard,the race is not done.
Now I'm onto free, with a 100 to go.
I have to push through. There is not time for going slow.
Three turns later, I am almost done.
I can see the finish but my arms weigh a ton.
I touch the wall. I finished first place.
Man O man, what a race!
I get out. I feel proud of myself.
Now I have won another ribbon to put on my shelf.

THANKSGIVING DAY
by Addison Ayers (12)

I am thankful for today
and for the food's nice display.
I am thankful for family and friends
and for the Lord, on whom I depend.
I am thankful for my pets
and for the turkey who was caught in a net.
. . .for God's Son who died on the cross.
He is my Lord and my boss.
Those are the things I am thankful for.
Those are the things I do not ignore.

THE DALMATIAN VIOLATION
by Anna-Kate Ayers (10)

I have an appreciation for a certain classification
of a black and white combination which is the dalmatian.
My fascination with this great creation
is my motivation for a future conversation
with my relations for a dalmatian.

In my desperation with a bit of temptation
along with the expectation of no cooperation,
with much determiniation, I found a location and
with great celebration I bought the dalmatian.
But my violation has brought my interrogation.

I HAVE TO MAKE
by Ayden Ayers (8)

My name is Ayden James
and I like to create
with glue, glitter, popsicle sticks
and anything that's ornate.
No project is too small,
nor idea seems too great.
There's only one condition:
that it fit in the Lone Star state.
Bake, rake, break, shake
all of these things are great.
But most of all, I guess it's fate,
I desperately have to. . .make.

TURKEY
by Asa Ayers (5)

Today is Thanksgiving day
and we will eat some turkey.
Then it's time for Christmas
when everyone is perky.
It's not the best time of year for poor, old Mr. Turkey.
Gobble, gobble, gobble. . .BANG!
Now he's turkey jerkey.

2010-10-20T17:30:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-11T18:07:00.011-05:00

Things I Remember and Learned From Denzil Stonestreet

This week, a dear friend, probably my dad's best friend (besides my mom), went Home to be with our Jesus and also with others who have gone on before us. His name is Denzil Stonestreet. He had a stroke a couple of weeks ago and died a few days ago. I've been remembering him and his family lately and decided my random thoughts were blog worthy.

*Denzil and Elaine Stonestreet are the parents of 6 children (Dana, Wayne, Marilyn, Greg, Jan & David--not necessarily in that order--it's been a few years) and many more grandchildren and possibly a few great grandchildren by now. I spent many childhood hours in their home and on their property. When my parents went out of town and had to leave their children behind, the Stonestreet home became a second home to many of us at different times.

So many thoughts are going through my mind. Here are some of them in no particular order:

*Denzil taught me that peaches sliced up and covered in milk with a bit of sugar are delicious.

*I became a master air hockey player in their basement.

*Denzil gave us money whenever we let him pull our teeth. He once gave my sister, Esther, a $20 bill for pulling her tooth, but then told her she had to put $19 of it in the offering plate.

*Said sister, Esther, is named after Denzil's bride, Elaine. Esther's given name is Esther Elaine.

*Their dog, Sugar, was the namesake of our (the Ayerses) first pet, Sugar. The Stonestreet's Sugar and the Dabney's Precious were sister pups from the same litter and the reason I still have a fondness for black and white collies.

*Denzil and Elaine had a huge garden that they generously shared with us Dabneys (and probably others too.) I learned to pick and string green beans, pick and shuck corn, dig up potatoes and carrots, and tell when a tomato is ripe all under their instruction, and my mother's also. Much of the stringing and shucking was done on their front porch surrounded by family, good conversations and the makings of sweet memories. (Elaine & Denzil are on the far right of the picnic table. Next to Denzil is their daughter Jan and then their son, Dana is holding his daughter, Joanna. Behind them you can see their huge garden, where many life lessons were learned and memories made. The young lady getting a drink from the cooler is Sherry Smith. She also has gone on to be with Jesus. Just above her head, you can see a little blonde head. I think that belongs to one of my sisters, either Esther or Sarah.)

*The only time I fell out of a tree in which I climbed was at a church picnic at their house. It was the tree by the driveway/basketball court. Thankfully, no broken bones.

*I spent many hours in their cement pond with my sisters and friends and even witnessed a few friends get baptized there. Pictured below is my friend, Trent, being baptized by my dad. Denzil is in the left foreground of the pic.

*Denzil and Elaine are synonymous with loving, Christ-like, and true friends.

*It makes me wish I could have another son, so that I could name him Denzil.

*Denzil lived his life in such a way that Jesus shined from him. He loved his God, his wife, his family and his friends. I always felt comfortable and blessed to be in his presence. He was generous with his money and kind-hearted toward others. His wisdom was evident in everything around him, yet he was truly humble.

*There's something very comforting to me knowing that he has gone on to be with Jesus. Now he knows. . .just as he is fully known. But please pray for his family. He and Elaine were married for 60 years. Sixty! I can only imagine the deep sadness she is feeling saying goodbye to her sweet Denzil after all this time. Grief is such a difficult, multi-dimensional thing. My heart goes out to Elaine and the entire Stonestreet clan, who in more ways than one, is my own family. The funeral is tomorrow. Goodbye Denzil. I'm looking forward to the day when I'll walk streets of gold with you and rejoice in Jesus Christ, our Savior, together. Thank you for being such a Godly example in my life, for showing me what a husband and father should look like. Thank you for the friendship you gave my dad, my mom, our family. I miss you. I love you.

2010-08-05T09:13:00.001-05:00

Thoughtful Thursday

2010-07-28T08:48:00.000-05:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-07-24T15:18:00.008-05:00

Asa's First Swim Meet
After six weeks of swim lessons, Asa proclaimed that he wanted to swim in a meet (like his brothers and sister). With only one meet left in the season, but with 4 weeks left to practice, he was allowed to join the team. Today was his big debut.

At practice earlier this week, I timed him (for those of you who know swimming, he was swimming the 25 meter freestyle) to see how he might place. His time was 1:14.07. I told him I would time him once more to see if he could improve on that time at all. Well, he gained 11 seconds and finished in a 1:25.75. I told him we'd put the timer away and he could just practice without that kind of pressure.

Here are some shots to document his race:

Ready for his event to be called to the Ready Bench (where swimmers wait, in line, to swim.)

Asa, on the Ready Bench, with other 5 and 6 year olds.

Behind the blocks.

Anna-Kate giving him a pep talk.

A few words from Coach Olivia too, while Anna-Kate bombs the shot.

It's almost time. . .

Swimmers, take your mark!

Go Asa Go!!!

The big finish!

Even a smile for mom!

He got out of the water and shouted, "I'm gonna do THAT again!" And his time. . .53 seconds! Not bad for a 5-year old on his first swim. Good job Asa. Daddy and I are so proud of you.

2010-07-16T14:02:00.018-05:00

Remember when it was cold!

Just in case you are getting tired of the heat, to help you cool off, here's a little reminder of colder, snowy days during our very long winter.

These were taken back in February when it actually snowed here more than it had in 30 years. The kids started off in the back yard. Here are Austin and Anna-Kate on the trampoline.

Addison received kisses from Pippin, our sheltie, while Ayden stood by.

All five of them. You can see that they had started the makings of a snowman in-hands.

A wagon came in handy when transporting snow from the back yard to the front yard, where said snowman went on display.

Here they are with snowman #1: Asa, Anna-Kate, Addison holding the new pup, Pepper, Ayden and Austin holding Pippin.

Then Kevin came home and it was time for Round 2 in the snow.

Of course another snowman was in order:
Austin

Anna-Kate

Asa

Addison--Notice Kevin in the background. He's getting ready to beam his lovely wife with a snowball.

The picture came out blurry because I knew he was taking aim at me.

Like father, like son!

Just a few more:
Ayden

Asa

The finished products:

Six of my very favorite people:

Hope you're feeling a little cooler now.

2010-07-07T14:38:00.004-05:00

Easter Dress Mistake/Recant

Sorry to my three readers, but I lied to you. I didn't do it on purpose and I didn't realize it until after my last post. I remembered that my parents (affectionately called "Savta and Oompah") actually bought Anna-Kate her Easter dress, neither of which are pictured in the previous post. I really am losing it, I know. But it was because they had already bought her a dress that we intended to only buy her one dress. The rest of the story is true though. She did ask if she could pay for the blue dress and when she tried, her daddy wouldn't let her. Sorry about that. Here she is in her Easter dress. Thanks mom and dad for all that you do and thank you for Anna-Kate's Easter dress.

2010-06-28T20:46:00.007-05:00

Anna-Kate's Easter Dress

OK, so I'm a little slow in blogging. If you knew how long it took me to add pictures and arrange each post, you'd be forgiving. Marian watched me put Addison's birthday blogpost together this afternoon and she told me I should switch to Xanga. Maybe I will. But for now, because I resist change so, I'm gonna stick with blogspot.

The real reason for this post was to tell the story of shopping for Anna-Kate's Easter dress. When Spring arrived this year, it was as if our girl had grown six inches overnite. All of her clothes were instantly ready for the giveaway pile. So on her allotted "date day" we headed to the mall in search of some new clothes and an Easter dress. She and I found approximately 8-10 dresses and made our way to the dressing room. Patiently, I waited as she tried them all on and narrowed them down to two.

That's when we called daddy in to be the final judge. He liked them both. So together the three of us decided on the mint green dress. However, when Anna-Kate went back to the dressing room, she asked me if it would be ok for her to buy the other dress with her own money. She hadn't brought her money with her, but if daddy could pay for it, she would pay him back when she got home. I told her she could discuss that with her dad.

So she put her original clothes back on and went out to talk things over. Kevin told her that he would be willing to work with her. Afterall, she did look quite lovely in both of the dresses.

As soon as we arrived home, Anna-Kate ran back to her room to break open the piggy bank, so to speak, and retrieve the money to pay back her dad. But when she tried to give it to him, he wouldn't take it. He was touched that she had wanted to pay for the dress with her own money, but he had wanted her to have them both all along. He told her it was his privilege to pay for the dress and that she should keep her funds for another day.

She looked at me with her Anna-Kate grin, dimples shining, and shrugged her shoulders, "I tried mom! He said I could keep my money!"

As you can see, she looks lovely in both dresses.

It was a fun moment, as a mom and as a wife. I am blessed. Indeed.

2010-06-28T14:27:00.025-05:00

Happy 12th Birthday Addison!

We celebrated Add's 12th birthday at home with family. I cannot believe how fast he is growing up. Next year, I will have two teenagers in the house. Wow! I don't know if I'm ready for that.

Here are a few shots from his party:

It's always fun to have Savta and Oompah around.

And because he's such a stud and I love him so, here's one of my man looking mighty fine.

Buds: Ayden & Micah

Joshua & Austin

Asa hanging out with the presents.

Christopher's handsome profile.

Addison being silly.

One with dad.

Kisses for the birthday boy.

Happy birthday Addison! I love you and feel blessed to call you "son".

2010-05-17T09:44:00.031-05:00

Our girl hit double digits!

On May 10, 2010, Anna-Kate turned 10. It was her "golden" birthday, as our Anderson friends like to call it. She asked if she could have a slumber party and invite 10 of her friends. That seemed feasible to me and so the plans were made. We invited a few more than 10, but in the end, only 10 came and 8 were able to stay the night. We began her celebration with a hot dog dinner. Her (boy) cousins joined us for dinner, cake and the opening of gifts, but around 6:30 pm, the guys headed over to the Colemans and the girls got in their jammies and prepared to watch an "Anne of Green Gables" marathon. With sleeping bags spread all over the living room floor and the movie started, the finger nail polish came out and the hair braiding began. Giggling, twirling and girly time made for some very sweet memories. Here is what it looked like:

Kisses from mom.

Back row: Cara Beth, Elizabeth, Sarah Bess, Fiona, Annie Rose & Bella Front row: Emma A., Emma G., Anna-Katie and Natasha

Make a wish!

Pretty girls!

Daddy's girl

Kisses from dad

Another daddy's girl

It wouldn't be the same without a shot of Oompah and Savta (pronounced "Softa"--Hebrew for grandmother)

Back row: Annie Rose, Sarah Bess, Cara Beth, Anna-Kate, Emma G., Fiona, Addie & Bella
Front row: Elizabeth, Natasha & Emma A.

French braids for (almost) everyone!

The braids from the back.

These two were still at it at 3:45 in the morning. This is what they looked like at 7:00 am. I really did try to get them to go to sleep around 11:00, then again at midnight. At 3:45, I just felt sorry for their parents and what they had to deal with later on in the day.

the birthday girl

The next morning, the girls who were left decided to release some balloons. A few still had "effective" helium. Only three made it over the trees.

Happy birthday Anna-Katie! I love you and I'm so proud of the young lady you are becoming. I'm glad your birthday was a "10"!

2010-05-04T21:53:00.021-05:00

My Baby Turned 5! How Did That Happen So Fast?

Asa just celebrated his fifth birthday and this year he asked if he could have a "friend" birthday party, which meant that he just wanted to invite his friends over to celebrate with him. So we invited several families to the local splash pad, ordered a bunch of pizza (although Asa's pizza had to be made at home so as to minimize his fat intake), and ate angel food cake for dessert. He thought it was the perfect day. It looked a little something like this:

The cake had fat-free icing too, which turned out to be tastier than I thought it would be.

"I'm 5!"

Asa running through the sprinklers with his buddies, Joshua and Jack. That's Creed with his back to us.

Addison

One of my favorite's. . .Creed braves the water too.

And because Asa's birthday is the day after those 10 days in April that are so difficult for so many and because Knox was Asa's buddy, we released balloons in Knox's honor. We miss you, Knox.

Just a few more. . .Asa with mom and dad. . .

. . .and Oompah and Savta.

From Savta and Oompah's point of view. . .

I'll try and get the rest up on Facebook in the next couple of days for those of you who are interested. Just thought I'd give a glimpse of Asa's day. He enjoyed it so. We all did.

2010-05-02T13:47:00.012-05:00

Spring Pictures 2010

I love my sister. She gives so selflessly of herself, her time and of her camera. Many who know her have benefitted from her generosity. After going through countless photos that she took this Spring, I've chosen the following ones to represent our children's school pictures for the 2009/2010 school year:

Austin (13 years old)

Addison (11 years old)

Anna-Kate (9 years old)

Ayden (7 years old)

Asa (4 years old)

Thank you Marian. Thank you for capturing my children in the way that you do. You are such a blessing to me and to so many others. I love you.

2010-04-13T16:27:00.004-05:00

April 13th. . .again
The above picture was taken on Easter Sunday 2007. This is one of my son, Austin's, favorite memories of Knox. He says, smiling, "Knox liked to come and take the eggs out of my bucket."

Ugh. . .

I don't really know how to put into words all the emotion in my heart, so I'm gonna cop out of this one and tell ya to just click on the "Marian and Wade" link on the right. Her words are at least very similar to mine. I look forward to the day when I don't weep over the past, when all will be made right. . .

When we've been There 10,000 years
bright shining as the sun
There'll be no less days
to sing God's praise
than when we first begun

We miss you Knox. We know you are in a better place, but our hearts are still sad because we ache for your presence again.

Jon and Rachel, Anne Michal, Elizabeth, Emma, Jack and Creed you are in our thoughts and prayers. I love you.

2009-12-27T21:15:00.004-06:00

18 Reasons for 18 Years together. . .

Tomorrow marks Kevin and my 18th Anniversary. Hmmm, about this time 18 years ago, we were just leaving the church to begin our new life together. I can't believe how far we've come since then. In keeping with my blog tradition here are 18 things I love about my man.

I love Kevin because:

18. He has a servant's heart.
17. He keeps blueberry nutri-grain bars in stock because he knows Asa LOVES them.
16. He's a redneck, but he's a very intelligent one. ;)
15. Whenever I tell him he looks nice/hot, he says, "I know."
14. He says I'm beautiful (no matter what I weigh).
13. He makes each of our kids feel special.
12. He stays cool under pressure.
11. He wears his cowboy boots/hat because he knows I like them.
10. He prays for/with me every morning before he goes to work.
9. He gives me roses for my birthday.
8. He puts up with my moodiness.
7. He's a great dad.
6. He gets excited about Christmas.
5. He loves West Virginia as much as I do.
4. He has a great (dry) sense of humor.
3. He enjoys giving gifts.
2. He takes care of me/us.
1. He loves Jesus.

Happy Anniversary Kevin. I love you. I'm looking forward to #19.

2009-11-26T11:01:00.004-06:00

This year, all of our kids wrote a poem to share at our Thanksgiving feast. They felt I should write one too and I willingly agreed. I'll post theirs later, when I have them in front of me and if Marian doesn't beat me to the punch. But here's what I came up with today. Happy Thanksgiving ya'll!

Thanksgiving 2009

Oh the many things I am thankful for
My Savior's love does pour, Kevin loves me more and more
and we have adorable kiddos galore!

Austin was thrown into the mix back in the year of '96
His kicks come from his basketball picks and his licks come when his mind sticks.
That's how he gets his fix.

Then in '98 we knew we weren't done when Addison became our second son
He's tons of fun, loves to run,
but his soccer team, sadly, never won.

Anna-Kate, my girl, is mine that came third in line
she's oh so fine and seldom does she whine
as long as she is first in line.

Then in 2002, who knew we'd have someone new? Son #4, Ayden, 'tis true.
Three kids in diapers means lots of poo and many extra chores to do.
Our home was looking a lot like a zoo. Whew!

And what a surprise in 2005, when Asa, our fifth child did arrive!
He and Ayden jump and jive and move about like bees in a hive.
It's fun and alive until Ace, from the bed, takes a nose dive. Oh the joys of having five!

Anna-Kate says don't forget, Sugar, Ginger and Pippen, our surviving pet.
He does lick, stink and wet, and get me upset. Oh, how I fret!
And yet, we are better with the pets we have met.

So many blessings to be thankful for, family and friends who open their door.
We share Jesus as our core, our sins that He wore, and because of the grace He does pour, our lives can mean so much more.

2009-11-04T13:29:00.003-06:00

Dutch, Reformed

Today, I added a new blog to my bloglist. It is the blog of Brandon and Susie Dutcher. They are friends that we got to know while living in Oklahoma. They are the parents of five children: Lincoln, Lilly, Mary Margaret, Jack Henry and Anne Marie, their newest addition.

I do not have the strength or even the knowledge to divulge to you the story of Anne Marie. She is currently in a hospital in Dallas being treated for a diaphragmatic hernia with which she was born. She has been through so much in her short little lifetime. You can click on the link at the right (Dutch, Reformed) to read their story. Please keep this family in your prayers. My heart is aching for them and the decisions that they are making even today.

2009-10-27T12:47:00.006-05:00

October 27, 2009

Today would have been Knox's 4th birthday. I'm remembering him and praying for his family today. In his honor, a 4 mile run is in store for me this afternoon. . .

I had the special privilege of loving on Knox many times in the nursery and, often, when I look at Asa (my own 4 year old), I am reminded of what he also lost on that fateful, yet providential day in April of 2007. I love you Jon and Rachel, Anne Michal, Elizabeth, Emma, Jack and Creed. I am thankful for Knox's life and so sorry for the emptiness that he left behind. Praying for you still.

Jack, Knox & Asa

2009-10-08T21:13:00.005-05:00

My Most Embarrassing Moment

I guess God figured I needed a light-hearted moment and truly, I can't believe I'm sharing this here, but when I shared it with Marian, we laughed so hard together that well, I felt like we could all use a good laugh. . .

One night this week, we planned on cooking out at our house with the Colemans and my in-laws, who happened to be visiting. So after we finished school, we headed home to start the getting ready process. It wasn't until after I had put the chicken in the microwave to defrost, that I went to wash my hands and realized that the water had been turned off. "Hmmm," I thought "that must be why all those city trucks were on our street." I called Kevin and he in turn, called the city of Bryan and then called me back to inform me that our water would be off from 4:10 pm to 6:10 pm.

By this time, it was almost 5:00 and so I figured we could all make it another hour. I let the kids know they couldn't use the toilets and if they really had to "go", there were a few trees in the back yard they could use. ;)

About fifteen minutes later is when it hit me and I knew I wasn't going to make it until 6:10 pm. I often catch my children doing the "pee pee" dance, but I'm pretty sure they've never seen me doing it. . .until now. I had to go so bad, I walked out back around the side of my house looking for a place where I might be able to, well, you know, go. But then my next door neighbor's upstairs window was inconveniently glaring down at me so I "danced" my way back in the house and decided I could hold it afterall.

Well, another twenty minutes went by and I started thinking I hadn't fully given the back yard its due. I had to have some relief. So I headed out back again to where I had formerly been and copped a squat beside the house, next to the fence. It was the most private spot I could find under the circumstances.

And then it happened. It was in this squatted position that I heard Kevin's voice. And as I was sitting there, mid-stream, I looked out the slats of the fence and I could see and hear Kevin, introducing his dad, my father-in-law, to the elderly accountant who lives next door. I could see them shaking hands. I had a full view of all of them and I just knew that if they happened to look over, they would see me "in all my glory". I was trying so hard to hurry, but I think I had drank a gallon of water, and well, that just takes time. At some point, I was positive that Kevin and I made eye contact and I was just trying to get back in the house as fast as I could, with my dignity in tact.

As I stood up and tried to get presentable, I thought I saw them all look my way, but I didn't stick around to see for sure. When I asked Kevin about it later, he promised me he didn't see me. He did hear somebody there, but he thought it was the kids playing with Pippen, our dog. I really hope he didn't see me. More importantly, I hope my father-in-law and my neighbor didn't see me. And how thankful I would be if my most embarrassing moment was truly just a moment between me and God!

Whew!

2009-10-07T15:04:00.004-05:00

FIVE WORDS

My friend, Rachel blogged about 5 words which someone had passed onto her. So I commented on her post and told her to send 5 words my way and I, too, would play along. The thing is, I completely forgot about it until she reminded me yesterday. Sorry Rachel. And since I'm taking the afternoon off from schooling, I thought I'd take a moment to make good on my word, or 5 words, in this case. The words are: shopping, windows, grass, rain and tv.

I wonder if it's ok to put my first two words together. . .

Window Shopping
Window shopping reminds me of when I was little and my parents would take me out on my birthday. Every year, around our birthday, dad and mom would come and pick Marian and me up from school and take us out to lunch, then a movie and then a new pair of shoes was in order. This was back in the day before malls and all the shops were lined up in a row downtown.

As we walked from shoe store to shoe store, mom would look in all the store windows and comment about whatever was on display. I never understood the point of what she called "window shopping". Most of the time when she saw something she liked, she just commented on it and moved on. I always wanted to go in, but we rarely did. I guess with 9 kids, she gave up a lot. That makes me grateful and a little sad too.

Grass
All the way through junior high and high school, I was the one in my house who was responsible for mowing our lawn. My dad told me he would pay for my cheerleading camp (approximately $100), if I kept up with the grass all summer. I think he got the better end of that deal. We had a HUGE yard, ya'll.

Also, I once heard Kevin say that he thought a woman should never have to push a mower. I'm not saying that that was the moment I knew he was the one for me, but it sure didn't hurt his chances either. Over the course of our marriage, I think I've "pushed the mower" twice. Not bad odds, I'd say.

Rain
Just the word, "rain" makes me a little melancholy. Makes me want to sleep in, read a good book, take in a sappy movie, walk with my honey, go for a run, or watch a marathon Monk, NCIS or Law and Order on USA. I love a good rain. It's good for the soul.

Oh, and I almost forgot. The word "rain" also makes me think of my friend, Kierstyn, who commented once about what she likes about going to Six Flags in the rain. I can't really repeat it here, but trust me, it is hilarious. ;)

TV
I have a love/hate relationship with television. Almost everynight, I go to sleep watching ESPN (Kev's choice) or some show on channel 23. USA is my network of choice as my favorite shows are Law and Order (doesn't matter which one), NCIS, Monk and House (I hate to admit that one).

Our kids like Full House and Phineus and Ferb. Both are relatively harmless, pretty silly and yet offer opportunities of discussion (about world views, teenage angst, etc.) that have been good for us, as parents, to have with our kids.

I hate, Hate, HATE commercials. They have become too worldly, too sexy, too suggestive, too everything. It seems like everytime we think we're watching something harmless, like a game on ESPN, or a "family" movie, we are bombarded with images, words and world views that are contrary to our own. Ya know the childhood song, "Be Careful Little Eyes What You See", well, tv makes it difficult to guard your children's eyes (and adult eyes, for that matter) from seeing more than they should.

So there ya go. If you wanna play along, just comment and I'll send 5 words your way too.

2009-09-28T21:29:00.006-05:00

5K Training and so on. . .

OK, I know I haven't kept up with posting about my training, but that doesn't mean I've given up on the training. It's just that our lives are busy, busy, busy now and so I don't always have the time to say what I want to say. To make a long post shorter, two weeks ago I ran 3 days for 45 minutes and walked about 15 and in between those days, I walked with my daughter for about an hour.

Then last week, I upped the running to 50 minutes and then walked for the last 10. And then I walked a day or two with Anna-Kate--again for about an hour each time (I think.) So, I've been doing about 4 miles consistently and I'm feeling pretty good. I have more energy. I wish I could say I've lost 25 pounds in this whole process, but alas, I have only lost about 3. So I press on.

But I have something better I wanted to share. Marian has been posting some poems that our kids have been writing for school. Well Austin wrote a humdinger of a poem today and I just had to let ya'll have a peek. He's brilliant and funny. So here ya go:

In the forest, there are trees of green
some are broad and some are lean.

It is really spooky in the dark
I flinched to the sound of my dog's bark.

I wondered what was behind that tree.
It was really scaring me.

I didn't know what to do.
I felt the tension as it grew.

I knew something was there.
I began to wet my underwear.

I heard twigs begin to break.
I yelled, "Sick 'em!" to my dog, Jake.

I saw my dog run toward the trees.
I tried to stop my shaking knees.

I heard someone let out a scream.
I began to wish this whole thing was a dream.

I saw someone as he ran.
I noticed I held a can.

I threw it with all my might.
I hit him on the back of the head just right.

As I saw that man fall,
I noticed he was quite tall.

Then all of the sudden I became quite sad
because I realized I just hit my dad.

So then Austin read his poem to his dad and his dad had this to say, "Three things: first of all, you don't have a dog named Jake. Secondly, if you threw a can at me, you would probably miss. Thirdly, if you hit me in the back of the head, I wouldn't fall down." And then he said, "You forgot the last part of your poem. It should read, 'After my dad awoke, soon I noticed my nose was broke.'"

Oh, I love my family.

2009-07-26T06:13:00.002-05:00

Week 3--C25K with a twist

Days 1 & 3: Walk 5 minutes. Jog 12 minutes or 1 mile. Walk 5 minutes. C25K: Jog 90 seconds/walk 90 seconds. Jog 3 minutes/walk 3 minutes. Do that twice. Walk 4 minutes. Jog 7 minutes or 1/2 mile. Walk 4 minutes.

Days 2, 4 & 6: Walk 55 minutes or some other form of cross-training i.e. biking, aerobics, etc.

Day 5--Long Run Day: Run 25 minutes or 2.5 miles.

Day 7: Always rest.

2009-07-20T20:58:00.006-05:00

Going from the 5K to a Stronger 5K

I don't feel quite ready to take on a 10K seeing as it took me 40 minutes to complete the 5K. So for the next 8 weeks, I'm going to go through the Couch to 5K (C25K) again with a few adjustments.

Using C25K as my base, Week 1 looked like this:
Days 1 & 3: Walked 5 minutes. Ran 10 minutes. Walked 5 minutes. Then the C25K run/walk split (run 60 seconds/walk 90 seconds) for 20 minutes. Ran 5 minutes. Walked 10.

Days 2,4,6: Walked 55 minutes.

Day 5-Long Run Day: Planned on running 20 minutes or 2 miles without any walk breaks. Instead, I ran the first mile and then had to take a walk break for 3 minutes. Then ran another 12.5 minutes. Walked a mile with my son, Austin, as a cool-down.

Some of you have asked me about my weight loss since beginning this venture approximately 12 weeks ago. Well, drumroll please. . .I've gained about 4 pounds. And yes, that is very discouraging to me. But I keep telling myself that the other benefits of being healthy i.e. heart, lungs, blah blah blah are what I need to remember and upon those things I need to put my focus. Admittedly, this is a difficult task, but I am trying. I am beginning to think that all those "facts" about weight loss and that it comes when you burn more calories than you take in, well those "facts" don't apply to me. I believe that even if I were able to hire the best trainer and nutritionist in the world, I would only frustrate them too. I really do try and do things "by the book" and well, it doesn't work for me.

I'm not trying to complain, just attempting to be honest about the way it is. So somewhere along the line, I just have to be happy with who I am. Be thankful that I am the size I am and move forward.

That being said, today should have been Day 1 of Week 2, but I never made it out the door. Here's the plan should I make it out tomorrow:

Days 1 & 3: Walk 5 minutes. Run 12 minutes. Walk 3 minutes. Then the C25K run/walk split (run 90 seconds/walk 60 seconds) for 20 minutes. Walk 4 minutes. Run 7 minutes. Walk 4 minutes.

Days 2, 4, & 6: Walk (or any other cross-training i.e. aerobics, biking, etc.) 55 minutes.

Day 5-Long Run Day: Run 25 minutes or 2.5 miles. Walk a mile.

2009-07-12T14:30:00.003-05:00

5K Training

I know it's been a while since I've REALLY blogged. Sometimes I start to, but then I get distracted or I decide that what I wanted to say takes too many words so I hit "delete" and walk away. I'm not so sure I want to be vulnerable and lay it all out there, so to speak. But then there's that part of me that wants to be known and heard and thus the struggle ensues. Anyway, all of that to say, I'm going to try and be a little more open (I think).

So along that line, I'm letting you all in on what's been going on in my life for the last 12 weeks or so. In an effort to get back in shape, I began training for a 5K. Following Rachel's advice, I found a 5K training program (online) designed to help beginners like me. It's called "From the Couch to the 5K" often referred to as "C25K". It's a 9 week program that starts with walking and running and slowly moves the trainee to running. At the end of the 9 week program, one should be able to run that 5K (3.1 miles)or for 30 minutes without stopping. Also, this program requires that one run only 3 days a week and that seemed attainable for me.

It was a pretty easy program to follow as it told me each day what to do. Days 1, 3 and 5 were "running" days and it recommended that on Days 2, 4 and 6 I walk or do some other form of cross-training. "Simple enough," I thought.

There was nothing simple about getting my body out there and running, but I committed myself to sticking to it and seeing it through. I found myself praying for strength in order to get through those running moments. There were times I hit that wall and couldn't get through the running, but other times when I pressed through the wall and completed the task before me. When all was said and done, I was surprised that I had many more successes than failures.

The most difficult times for me were when the program dropped the walking altogether in Weeks 8 and 9. I didn't want to move onto the next week if I couldn't complete the current one. So I got hung up on Week 8 and it took me 3 weeks to get to the point where I could run for 28 minutes on all 3 running days.

Then last Monday, I began Week 9, knowing that on the last running day of that week, I would be expeced to run a 5K (or 30 minutes) without stopping. Since I hadn't entered an official 5K race, I mapped out 3.1 miles in my neighborhood and began thinking about what lay ahead of me. I was feeling pretty unsure about my abilities to complete a full 5K so I called up my good friend, Wendy, who is an avid runner, and asked her if she would run along side me. She agreed and met me at my front door Friday morning at 6:30. (How's that for friendship?)

We started out at a pretty good pace, one I was sure I wouldn't be able to keep, and eventually settled into my "barely moving" slower pace. When we hit the half-way mark, I told Wendy we only had a mile and half left. She laughed and said, "You can do anything for a mile and a half, right?"

I rolled my eyes and pressed on, thinking to myself I knew I wasn't going to make it. At the two and a half mile mark, I was still doubting myself, but Wendy just kept encouraging me and telling me how great I was doing (she was lying). She prayed for me and kept right on talking. It was the best gift she could've given me.

When we hit the 3 mile mark, I was barely jogging, but jogging nonetheless. It was at this point that Wendy started talking to me about how to end the race. She told me to think about how I should be carrying my arms and moving my feet. Then, gently she told me how she tries to stand taller and hold in her abs. All the while, we're picking up the pace and I'm trying to learn and respond to her instruction. Before I knew it, we were kicking in the finish. I'm sure it wasn't a sprint for her, but it definitely felt like a sprint to me. And then it was done. Done.

I can't really express the feeling of accomplishment and gratitude I felt at THAT moment, but as I'm writing about it at THIS moment, I am overcome with emotion. I'm so grateful that God allowed me to complete something I started. He gave me a friend to see me through and I feel oh so very blessed.

There's more to this running story, but I'm going to leave it there for now. I apologize for not having pictures of the big day, but even if I did have them, I'm not sure I would post them here. It ain't pretty, ya'll.

2009-06-09T10:11:00.003-05:00

Asa's version of "American Pie". . .

I was singin'
My my this American Guy
drove my levy to my chevy
but the levy was dry
and the good ole boys were drinkin' gracie ole by
and soon I'm gonna be a jedi
and soon I'm gonna be a jedi!

2009-05-29T12:18:00.002-05:00

An Asa Funny

Kevin made a slight error while shaving the other day and in order to fix it, he completely shaved off his goatee. When Asa saw him clean shaven later he said, "Dad, what's wrong with your face? It's all messed up!"

2009-05-21T10:32:00.003-05:00

One year ago, Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman's daughter, Maria, died. Someone steered me toward Mary Beth Chapman's blog today and her post resonated in my heart with the deep pain and loss our own church family is feeling in our own loss. If you want to journey into that realm where grief is tough, but where you can better understand and minister to those in sadness and suffering through trajedy, grab your tissues and visit this sight: http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/marybeth/

2009-04-13T09:15:00.003-05:00

Remembering Knox. . .

An Anderson picture often makes me smile and feel some sadness at the same time. There's always one missing. Here, it's Creed. Oh, how I grieve that he must wait a lifetime to meet his brother. There's a space between Jack and Creed that now, only Jesus can fill. I know Knox is in a better place, but I miss him and feel sadness for his family who misses him more than I.

This is how I remember Knox. It's Easter. He's holding onto a treasured egg he's found and he's got his sippy cup in hand just in case he gets thirsty. He's content. He's got his green paci and he's wearing his crocs. I can't tell it from this pic, but his nose is probably running too.

And if I had to pick a favorite picture of him, this would definitely make the top 5. It was taken that Wednesday, before THAT Friday. He's really happy. That was a lovely morning.

It's hard to believe these April days are upon us again. I'm sorry Jon and Rachel, Anne Michal, Elizabeth, Emma, Jack and Creed. You are continually in our thoughts and prayers. . .and even more so during these 10 days. I love you.

2009-04-11T06:09:00.004-05:00

Pottytraining--Day 3

Rachel told me it could be done in 3 days. I didn't believe her. But there's proof in the pudding, as the saying goes. Asa went all day without an accident; however, each time he went it was on my initiative and not his own. Either way, I think the most difficult part is over--at least I hope it is--and we have made the switch from diapers to big boy underwear.

On a side note, we're going to continue with the pullups at night for a bit; although, he could probably just go ahead a switch there too because most mornings he wakes up dry. I just want to give him a little more time since waking up wet, I'm sure, is no fun.

Way to go Asa. I'm so proud of you. Aunt Mar and Mrs. Rachel knew you could do it. :)

2009-04-09T23:24:00.004-05:00

Day 2--Pottytraining

Well, we had to change clothes 4 times today, but that doesn't necessarily mean things went badly. He woke up in the morning with a dry pullup and then went to the potty. Success #1! Yea!!!

Then, later I suggested he go again and he did, but his aim was a little off and so he still got his britches wet. I count that a success even though we had to change his clothes.

Then as I was schooling in the afternoon, he had an accident. I had asked him if he needed to go. He said, "No," but then went and hid behind the couch. That took the wind out of my sails a bit, but that's how it goes sometimes.

Later as I was putting clothes in the dryer, I heard him run in the back door yelling, "I gotta go poopy! I gotta go poopy!" Everything made it into the toilet. That was great!!!

Then he had another experience where his aim was off and his pants weren't down far enough, but he was at the toilet when it happened, so I count that as a plus.

Lastly, we were at a volleyball game and he started to have an accident and stopped mid-stream and said, "I gotta go. I gotta go." We ran to the bathroom and he finished in the potty.

All-in-all a very good Day 2. Thanks for the encouragement Marian and Ashlee. Thanks for the prayers Rachel. I need them so I don't lose my head. On to Day 3.

2009-04-08T20:28:00.002-05:00

Day 1 of Pottytraining--Not a complete success, but not a total failure either!

He went once on his own innitiative, once on my innitiative and only 2 accidents. Uh oh, better make that 3. Oh well. Not too bad for our first go of it. We'll see how it goes tomorrow. I'll let you know.

2009-03-30T13:46:00.006-05:00

HAVE YOU SEEN OUR DOG?

Sugar went missing last week and she still has not returned. I'm posting a picture so that all of you can keep an eye out for her too. She is sorely missed by all of us. She's a honey-colored lab/terrier mix: honey-colored on top with white shoulder blades and white underneath. She was wearing a purple collar decorated with white bones.

2009-03-02T20:30:00.003-06:00

Hannahology

This is the latest "Tag" floating around Facebook. It's a bunch of questions that I asked each of my children about me. Some of their answers really made me laugh, so I thought I'd post them here too. I asked them each separately so they wouldn't copy each other's answers. It was a lot of fun to do, but it did take a while to get through it all with each of them. Therefore, I'm not tagging anyone. But feel free to take it on, if you so desire.

Here is how I labeled each one:
A1-Austin, 12
A2-Addison, 10
A3-Anna-Kate, 8
A4-Ayden, 6
A5-Asa, 3

1. What is something mom always says to you?
A1: that she loves me.
A2: I love you.
A3: I love you.
A4: Let's go do your phonics.
A5: I love you.

2. What makes mom happy?
A1: chocolate, I guess
A2: daddy
A3: when we are nice to each other
A4: when I give her something
A5: being nice

3. What makes mom sad?
A1: Knox
A2: Not taking me to Disneyland with her and daddy
A3: Not seeing daddy
A4: When I yell at my brothers and my sister
A5: I don't know

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
A1: by tickling me
A2: tickle me
A3: when she tickles me
A4: tickling me
A5: tickling

5. What was your mom like as a child?
A1: cheerleader
A2: I don't know
A3: I'm not sure
A4: I have no idea
A5: apples

6. How old is your mom?
A1: 40
A2: 39 or 40
A3: 40
A4: 14
A5: I don't know, 5!!

7. How tall is your mom?
A1: 5'5"
A2: 5' 6" or something like that
A3: 5'5"
A4: 5 feet
A5: like that tall (as he puts his hand up to my shoulder)

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
A1: get Sonic drinks
A2: Put us to bed everynight
A3: see dad
A4: tickle me
A5: clean

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
A1: laundry or dishes
A2: go on a date with daddy
A3: Well, I'm not sure, cuz I'm not around when you do it.
A4: clean
A5: I don't know

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
A1: being the best cook
A2: singing
A3: cooking
A4: singing
A5: Ayden knows that, but I don't.

11. What is your mom really good at?
A1: making pumpkin pie cake
A2: Wii bowling
A3: singing
A4: cleaning
A5: Forcing (As in using the force)

12. What is your mom not very good at?
A1: video games
A2: Wii baseball
A3: I can't think of anything
A4: nothing
A5: Ugh, I forgot!

13. What does your mom do for a job?
A1: teacher and mom
A2: stay at home and take care of everybody
A3: take care of us
A4: cleaning
A5: I don't know. Can I be done now?

14.What is your mom's favorite food?
A1: salad and mashed potatoes
A2: Moose Tracks ice cream
A3: Moose Tracks ice cream
A4: salad
A5: macaronies

15.What makes you proud of your mom?
A1: that she could do a lot of tricks (like gymnastics).
A2: that she takes care of us
A3: that she makes dinner for us
A4: when she takes me on my date day
A5: she loves me

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
A1: Betty Boop
A2: Fineas and Pherb's mom
A3: Hannah Banana
A4: Super Hannah
A5: I don't know

17. What do you and your mom do together?
A1: play Boggle
A2: play wii or watch movies
A3: go on dates
A4: do school
A5: go to church

18. How are you and your mom the same?
A1: We both like mashed potatoes.
A2: We both like to play Wii bowling.
A3: We're both girls.
A4: We're not the same.
A5: I don't know.

19. How are you and your mom different?
A1: She wears contacts. I don't.
A2: I'm not very ticklish. She is.
A3: She's taller than I am.
A4: I'm a boy. She's a girl.
A5: I don't know.

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
A1: Because she tells me.
A2: Because she tells me everyday and she puts me to bed every night.
A3: Because she takes care of me.
A4: Because she prays for me.
A5: by loving me.

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
A1: That he loves her.
A2: Everything.
A3: That he's there when you need him.
A4: that she gets to sleep with him (hmmm)
A5: tickles!

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
A1: Sonic
A2: the Colemans
A3: Cheddars
A4: home
A5: to get icecream

2009-02-12T09:57:00.003-06:00

A Cara Beth Funny

"Eeny meeny miney moe. Fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and hollered. Just let him go. Eeny meeny miney moe!"

2009-01-28T10:29:00.003-06:00

Fun at Co-op

While at Co-op, Asa, Cara Beth and Jacob can't wait until Mrs. Julie comes. Because with Mrs. Julie always comes fun usually in the form of going outside and blowing bubbles or playing hide-n-seek in the room. Here, Asa and Cara Beth get as creative as they can while playing hide-n-seek in the nursery. . .Asa's in the bucket. Cara Beth is behind the ball. They are too cute.

2009-01-18T20:52:00.002-06:00

JUST BECAUSE

2008-12-27T16:09:00.005-06:00

17 Years and Counting. . .

Tomorrow marks mine and Kevin's 17th year of being married. It really doesn't seem like that long ago that we got hitched. Here are 17 reasons why I love him so:

1. He points me to Jesus.

2. He holds my hand in public.

3. Wherever we go, he sits in the seat that faces the door.

4. He opens the door for me still.

5. He delights in the delights of our children.

6. He lets me wear his big coat when it's really cold outside.

7. He tickles me even when I'm yelling for him to stop.

8. He plays video games with the kids.

9. He remembers my birthday.

10. He tells me secrets.

11. He keeps my secrets.

12. He holds my hand in private.

13. He loves his parents.

14. He loves my parents.

15. He does the Caddyshack gopher dance for my eyes only.

16. He's athletic.

17. He covers me in prayer before he leaves for work each day.

This list of 17 was so much easier to come up with than the previous one. I could go on and on, but then what would I do next year? Happy Anniversary Baby. I love you with all my heart.

2008-12-10T21:19:00.005-06:00

Tagged Again!

This is probably the easiest way to get me to post something new. This time I was tagged by my sister, Sarah, who wants me to tell 17 random things about myself. Are you kidding me? Seventeen? Really? OK, but I'm not sure I can come up with 17 things you guys don't already know. Here goes. . .

1. If Austin had been a girl, his name would have been "Marian Talley". Talley is my mom's maiden name. And if Asa had been a girl, his name would have been "Alyvia LaNae". "Alyvia" because it was a name we both liked that we could spell with an "A". I can't remember the meaning now, but I know I liked it. LaNae is my niece, Hannah's, middle name.

2. When I see families with more children than we have and they seem happy and well-adjusted, I get jealous and wish we had more children.

3. If I know you and your children, I have most-likely prayed Psalm 119:133 for your kids, that God would direct their footsteps according to His word and let no sin rule over them.

4. I love to play Trivial Pursuit with Kevin, Boggle with my children, Apples to Apples with friends, and Freecell by myself.

5. My dream house would be shaped like a donut, with space for both sets of grandparents, a swimming pool and a full-size basketball court.

6. I told Asa that as soon as he started going to the bathroom on his own, that he could start spending the night with Aunt Marian with his siblings. He thought about that and while we were visiting Kevin at Best Buy, he said he had to go. I took him, he went "poopy in the potty" (sorry) and then proudly proclaimed, "I get to spend the night with Aunt Mar!" He hasn't done it since.

7. Cara Beth shares a birthday with Mark Martin, Kevin's favorite NASCAR driver. (OK, mine too.) Austin shares a birthday with Sterling Marlin and Aun Oui (Aunt Wyndi, my sister) shares a birthday with Jeff Burton, also NASCAR drivers. Austin knew these off the top of his head. He's trying to help me, because I'm still flabberghasted that I have to come up with SEVENTEEEN things. . .

8. I love being in church and then looking over and seeing that Kevin has arrived. He works on Sundays and he tries to take his lunch so that he can be there in time for the sermon, or most of it anyway.

9. Kevin grew up on Mountain View Avenue. I grew up on Monta Vista Drive, which means Mountain View. ;)

10. Kevin and I got a dog once when had been married about 2 years. Her name was Sugar, too (the name of our current pet/dog). We had her about a week, but I couldn't handle her. She was a 6-month old German Shepherd puppy and she was WI-LD. We must have looked very unsure when we bought her because the owners told us that if it didn't work out, we could bring her back. We took her back.

11. I have had 4 near-death experiences: a) I fell out of a moving car and into the street (half-way in the street & half-way in the Shop-a-Minute parking lot) when I was in second grade. Thankfully there was no oncoming traffic. Kids at school thought I had been beaten up. b) I had a hernia that almost ruptured and had to have emergency surgery to repair it (while in college). c) My first pregnancy was a tubal pregnancy that exploded in my right fallopian tube. Another emergency surgery followed. d) I got a blood clot in my left leg that ran from my groin to my ankle while pregnant with Anna-Kate. Spent 8 days in the hospital and 6 weeks on bed rest.

12. All semester, my kids have been praying that it would snow this winter and that it would snow enough that they would be able to play in it and enjoy it. This morning, God gave them the answer they were hoping for. We got snow and they played and played and played. Thank You LORD for Your great love for us.

13. I have pretty terrific in-laws. I remember visiting them when we had 3 kids, ages 1, 3, and 5 and going into their immaculate home thinking, "Our children are going to break something or mess something up." They have a beautiful home and I was so worried about us taking our young 'uns into their "fragile" abode, but Papaw must have read the stress on my face because he instantly told me not to worry about anything in the house. He said they didn't have one thing in their home that was more important to them than their grand children. He said the kids could pick up anything in the house they wanted and if they broke it, he'd clean it up. Simple as that. When we visited again, this time with 5 children in-tow, the rules were still the same--the children were way more important than the things. I LOVE my in-laws and so appreciate them, even more than I can say. I wish we saw them more.

14. I watch Law & Order as I'm falling asleep just about every night. It doesn't matter which one, I enjoy all three: the original, SVU and Criminal Intent.

15. I tend to be anemic and thus you will often find me chewing on ice. When I remember to take my iron for a long enough period of time (so that it builds up in my system), the desire for ice goes completely away.

16. Although it was nice to have the snow today, I'm glad that, by Friday, the temperature will be back into the 70s.

17. I miss my husband. He works ALOT this time of year. I miss him.

2008-11-22T14:59:00.004-06:00

I've been tagged by my sweet friend, Kierstyn over at "Party of Five" (I'd link it here, but don't know how. You can find her on the list at the right.) She says I love to talk about Kevin. She's right. So here ya go. . .

Everything you might want to know about my husband:

1. Where did you meet? He says we met at my sister, Wyndi's wedding. He went with his then girlfriend who was friends with Wyndi. I have no recollection of that meeting. I remember meeting him the first week of my freshman year at King.

2. How long did you date? We dated my freshman year and half of my sophomore year in college. We broke up for 2 1/2 years and then got back together in the summer of 1991. We married 6 months later, after I graduated. I feel like I've loved him almost from the first moment I laid eyes on him.

3. How long have you been married? 17 years in December.

4. What does he say that surprises you? Out of the blue sometimes he winks at me. I love it when he winks at me.

5. What is your favorite feature of his? Hmmmm, there is so much about him that I'm attracted to, but I'll go with his height.

6. What is your favorite quality of his? He makes me feel safe and loved.

7. Does he have a nickname for you? H

8. What is his favorite color? Old gold and Blue (WV colors)

9. What is his favorite food? pizza--pumpkin pie cake

10. What is his favorite sport? college ball or little league ball

11. When and where did you first kiss? I think it was outside my dorm

12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? be together

13. Do you have any children? Five: Austin, Add, Anna-Kate, Ayden & Asa

14. Does he have a hidden talent? He has great aim. I tell him all the time that he missed his calling as a pro football quarterback. Oh, and he can pick any lock.

15. How old is he? 40

16. Who said "I love you" first? He did.

17. What is his favorite type of music? He likes all music, except pop.

18. What do you most admire about him? I love that he is dependable and works hard and diligently.

19. Do you think he will read this? Maybe, if he gets around to it after reading ESPN news and Matt's blog.

20. Where did you go on your first date? Probably the dam in Bristol--we used to go there a lot to throw frisbees and hang out with friends. Either there, or the Bonfire restaurant.

I tag Marian, Ashlee, Rachel, Beth, Janelle, and Jamison.

2008-11-10T12:58:00.004-06:00

We have a new reader in the house!

Ayden read his first book today! He did such a great job and I am so proud of him. This reading business has come fairly easily for him and each day he faces his phonics with an upbeat attitude and a smile. Good job Ayden! You are an amazing child.

I know it would probably be more appropriate to have a picture of him actually reading a book here, but I don't have a camera handy, so here's one of him at the reformation party at church:

And just because it's so cute, here he is with his good buddy, Jack:

2008-11-03T10:31:00.002-06:00

CONGRATULATIONS Matt & Ashlee & Gracie Mae!!!!

Welcome Thomas Jackson! We are so thankful that you made a safe arrival. Many, many prayers have already been prayed on your behalf, sweet boy, and more will only follow. I cried when your dad and mom both told me how cute you are and that you weighed over 8 pounds. Amazing! Your mom worked hard through the night and you finally made your appearance just after 5:00 this morning. What a blessing you are. . .a true gift from God. I cannot wait to meet you and whisper in your ear that Jesus loves you. I love you too little Jackson. See ya soon.

2008-11-01T21:58:00.005-05:00

Pumpkin Fun

It is a tradition in our family to decorate pumpkins around this time of year. In the past we've had pumpkins that resembled a clown and a snowman, Bob the Tomato, Batman, and R2D2. We've seen a ghord turn into a pirate ship, a bird's nest and football helmets. Once there was even a working gumball machine as well as an exploding volcano. One of my favorites was a very cute porcupine and there happened to be a fluffy-cotton bunny rabbit that year too. Today we got together with the Colemans (I know, shocker!) and had a little creative fun again. This has always been one of my favorite things we do together and today proved to be no different. Enjoy. . .

We did a spider pumpkin.

Here's a peek at the Coleman's pumpkins. Can you guess who they did?

That's right. . .Bert & Ernie!

Here are all 3 pumpkins together.

And, of course, it wouldn't be complete without a picture of everyone together.

2008-10-27T13:09:00.004-05:00

Celebrating AND Grieving

Our church family is celebrating AND grieving today. We celebrate the life of a boy given to us, Matthew Knox Anderson, and grieve because he was taken from us at such a tender age. Today he would be 3. Oh how I miss him! He was always a joy and that is how we cling to him and remember him in our hearts. But the pain and sting of death still hurt and so sorrow and sadness remain our companion. I have learned through this tragedy that even as Christians, we suffer. Albeit, we do not suffer alone, but it still aches, still burns and quite frankly, still makes me want to vomit. But we love him still and it is because we love him so much that the wound goes so deeply.

I love you Anderson Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers today and everyday.

2008-10-18T21:30:00.008-05:00

School Pictures

As most of you already know, I happen to be related to a fantastic photographer who also just happens to look an awful lot like me. OK, she looks exactly like me. Anyway, every year she gives generously of her talent and her time to me and to sooo many others so that we can have fabulous school pictures of our kids. Here are a few she took recently. Thanks Marian. You're the best!

Austin--12 years old

Addison--10 years old

Anna-Kate--8 years old

Ayden--6 years old

Asa--3 years old

She also took some of the five of them together. . .

And then I jumped in for a few. . .

And we had a little fun while we were at it. . .

Thanks again Mar! I love you!

2008-10-15T21:39:00.005-05:00

Proverbs 31's Wife of Noble Character

Whenever I read Proberbs 31, it's easy for me to see all the places I fail to measure up. For instance, I have never "considered a field and bought it" nor have I "planted a vineyard out of my earnings". All the members of our household are not "clothed in scarlet" and I have never "made a covering for my bed". But recently as I read Proverbs 31, my spirit felt convicted as I felt like the LORD showed me something I could do. Three verses jumped out at me, starting with verse 25. It reads:

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom;
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

The part I want to speak to here is at the end of verse 27, "and does not eat the bread of idleness." Whenever I have read this verse in the past, I took it to mean that I needed to keep myself busy while at home, i.e. dishes, laundry, etc. But I saw something a little different as I read it this time.

I think it's interesting that the author used the word "bread" here. Bread and breaking bread were very significant parts of Jesus' ministry. Often when He preached and taught people, it was while He was sharing a meal with them. Thus, He ministered while eating.

How does that translate into my life? Let's see. . . In the morning, I wake all my kids up and they come into the kitchen and have breakfast. After everyone is settled, I usually sit down at the computer and check my favorite blogs, just while they are eating.

Then we head into the living room to start our school day. We begin with Bible, then Math, Spelling, Science, Phonics and whatever else we can fit in before 12:30. At that point, I head to the kitchen to put lunch together. I get everyone's lunch on the table and then I sit idly at the computer to check what might be new on facebook. My excuse is always, "I just need a minute to myself. I've been taking care of everyone else all morning and this is my break."

This is where that verse comes in, a wife of noble character "does not eat the bread of idleness." I felt as if the Spirit said to me, "Don't eat the bread of idleness; instead, eat the bread of relationship and communion with your children." I took that to mean, "Don't sit down at the computer and be 'idle' while your kids are eating. Eat with them. Break bread with them. It's what they need. It's what you need."

I resolved to give that a try. So for about 2 weeks now, after preparing breakfast and lunch for my children, I have fixed my meal also and have been sitting down at the table to "break bread" with them. In the beginning I thought it would drain me, but what I have come to find out is that it rejuvenates me. It is at the table that the kids open up and share what is going on in their lives. So even though I have been with them all morning, it hasn't been relational really, it has been more of a teacher/student type of communication. It is at the table when they laugh more freely and talk more openly when the pressure of school is off. (Well, duh!) I'm sorry it took me so long to figure this out, but thankful that God opened my eyes to my own sin and foolishness.

I want to tell you that this has changed my life for the better. I'm not saying I'll never miss another meal with my children, but I am saying, from now on, I will definitely be more intentional about eating the bread of relationship and communion with them and thus avoid one more way of eating the bread of idleness.

2008-10-04T22:04:00.003-05:00

What's your favorite part of the day?

This is a question I ask each of my children either at dinner time or at bedtime. Tonight when I asked Asa what his favorite part of the day was, he matter-of-factly answered, "NOT going to the potty."

2008-09-20T09:57:00.006-05:00

Kids say the Darndest Things

We were at Marian and Wade's last night and all the kids were playing and making up their own jokes. Micah comes over and says, "What am I? I have 100 eyes, 4 feet, 5 bodies, 10 ears and a mouth." And then, Christopher blurts out, "Ugly!"

To say that Micah was bummed that his brother stole his punch line would be an understatement. But that didn't stop him from giving it another go. . .

"OK Aunt Hannah. I have hair down to here (points to his shoulders). I'm wearing a Texas A & M shirt and sunglasses on my head. Who am I?"

I replied, "You're meee!"

He was very pleased that I had figured it out and that it had made me happy. Then Ayden stepped in and said he had one. . .

"My turn mama. OK, I have hair down to here (points to his shoulders) and I'm wearing a t-shirt and I have sunglasses on my head, but not those sunglasses (points to mine). My sunglasses are cool and they have style! Who am I?"

The punchline isn't near as funny, but in case you're still hangin' on for it, he said, "I'm a rock star!"

2008-09-14T22:01:00.003-05:00

What a Big Week!

On Wednesday, Asa went all day without his pacifier and I decided that if he didn't ask for it at bedtime, I wouldn't offer. He didn't ask. I didn't offer. He went the whole next day without it and then right before bedtime on Thursday, he said, "Where's my paci?" Kevin picked him up and distracted him for a few minutes and then he was off to bed without it and he hasn't asked for it since. So for the first time in 12 years, we are paci-free! Amazing!

Also on Wednesday afternoon, Anna-Kate asked me if she could get her ears pierced. Kevin and I had decided long ago, that when she was old enough to ask about it, we'd discuss it then. Well, she did ask a few years ago, but she didn't pursue it, so we let it go. But this week, after 2 days of persistent asking from her, Kev & I sat down with her and talked to her about the pros and cons and we stressed to her that it would hurt, possibly alot. She was not discouraged in the least. Therefore, we told her that she could. So on Friday afternoon, we headed to the mall and she got her ears pierced. I was very proud of how well she did. Kevin and I were both holding back tears, but she didn't shed even one. (Aunt Mar took pictures, but I haven't downloaded them yet. They're forthcoming.) The earrings she chose were/are very pretty and she looks so beautiful and well, grown up. How did that happen so fast?

Then tonight, I was praying with Anna-Kate when the boys got out of the shower. I heard Austin take Asa into my bedroom where Ace would wait for me to put his diaper and pajamas on him. As soon as Anna-Kate said, "Amen", I kissed her and told her I needed to go help Asa get dressed. When I got into my room, Austin was finishing up with Asa's diaper. I couldn't believe my eyes. Austin had put Asa's diaper on him. I told him how proud I was of him and that now I could count on his help in the diaper changing department. He did not like that idea and told me to forget I had ever seen him do it. Of course I told him I was only kidding, but it was a fun moment for me to see him helping me without being asked.

Ahhh (sigh). . .what a good day. God is good.

2008-09-12T22:27:00.003-05:00

I apologize

for being gone so long. We went away on vacation and when we came back, our computer had died. For almost 2 months we have been computer-free. Sure I've missed checking blogs, facebook, email and the news, but a new "normalcy" has crept up on me. I CAN live life without a computer and I was a much more productive mom too. Living without a computer means starting school on time, not after checking blogs; washing dishes during lunch and folding a load of laundry during a small break. It means I spend more time with my kids instead of telling them to hold on while I finish reading something of less importance.

On the other hand, it meant that Marian had to print up all the important homeschool emails and hand deliver them and many "important" emails just sat in our inbox. It meant that Austin had to hand-write his paper in writing and if I wanted to check up on blogs, facebook, etc. I had to do it at Marian's in all of my "spare" time.

Anyway, thanks to Eric & Theresa (who got a new computer and practically gave us their old one) we are online again. Thanks guys.

So much has happened since I last posted and I have tons to share, but I'm not sure where to start. AND it's getting late and Hurricane Ike is headed this way, so Lord willin', I'll post something new tomorrow or the next day, or whenever I can get around to it.

Later.

2008-07-16T21:07:00.006-05:00

Can you guess. . .

what Anna-Kate and I did today?

I'll give you a hint. . .we both lost 11 inches. . .

(Sorry about the quality of the picture. It was taken with a cell phone.)

We've been talking about doing it for a very loooong time and we finally did it. We said goodbye to our long locks. She looks so cute and we are both happy with the outcome. Even daddy likes it. That is a definite plus!

2008-07-14T13:27:00.004-05:00

Last night. . .

Pastor Jon & Mr. Josh took Austin, Addison, Anne Michal and Lizzy to a Bombers baseball game. While they were out, I was remembering the times my dad took me to see the (Charleston) Charlies play. I have such sweet memories of those games and as I was reminiscing, I said a short prayer that Anne Michal, Lizzy, Austin & Add would make a sweet memory together.

When they got home, I knew as soon as I opened the door that God had answered my prayer. All four children were standing there and they were just beaming and they were giddy. Yes, Addison was giddy. ;) They told me how they were the main attraction for "Take Me Out To The Ballgame". Someone asked them if they wanted to help out with the song and they all said, "Yes!!" Austin said the microphone was "this close" to him. (Use your imagination) And Anne Michal's Bombers Bingo card won her a free ticket to another game. So, although the Bombers lost the game, it was not a loss for our children.

Thanks to Chris & Debbie for passing on the tickets. Thank you Jon & Josh for including our boys. They had a great time and made a sweet memory and this mom was very blessed. I wish I had some pictures but, alas, I do not. Sorry.

2008-07-13T18:41:00.004-05:00

Hey ya'll, did you know. . .

that John Ferguson has a new blog? I just spent some time there catching up and liked what I read. I thought many of you would want to tune in also. You can find him at http://kicking-the-darkness.blogspot.com/

Enjoy.

2008-07-10T21:27:00.005-05:00

The Latest E-Mail Tag

In an effort to avoid being called reluctant again, I am posting an e-mail questionnaire my family has been sending around. We do this about once or twice a year just to keep up with one another. So, if you're up for it, consider yourself tagged. . .

1. What is your occupation? Wife, mom, home-school teacher, church nursery worker

2. What color socks are you wearing? Not wearing any right now, but usually you can count on white.

3. What are you listening to right now? The TV in the background--The Parent Trap is on Disney.

4. What was the last thing that you ate? Chicken fajitas

5. Can you drive a stick shift? Last time I checked I could.

6. What color would you be, if you were a crayon? Cry Blue--Someone once told me that when I cry, my eyes get blue-er.

7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Kevin

8. How old are you today? 39 baby and soooo ready for 40! Bring it on!

9. Favorite Drink? Sonic Diet Vanilla Coke or Amaretto Sour, depending on the time and the mood

10. What is your favorite sport to watch? Whatever sport my kids are playing at the time & college football

11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yep

12. Pets? Our dog, Sugar

13. Favorite food? mashed potatoes

14. Last movie you watched? Wall-E

15. Favorite Day of the year? Christmas

16. What do you do to vent anger? the silent treatment and then I yell

17. What was your favorite toy as a child? Hollie Hobbie doll & Boo Bear

18. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Spring

19. Cherry or Blueberry? How 'bout peaches?

20. Where do you want to go on your next vacation? The beach or the mountains. . .either sounds nice.

21. When was the last time you cried? I'm probably due.

22. Who is the friend you've had the longest? That's easy, Marian. First, we were womb-mates and then, for 18 years, we were roommates.

23. Favorite smell? Gardenias & honeysuckle. . .both bring back sweet, childhood memories.

24. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? Cheese

25. Favorite car? The one that's reliable.

26. Favorite cat breed? Only cat I ever liked was one that adopted me. She always came around when my best friend, Kim, and I were hanging out and talking on the front porch. We always said, "There's that cat again." Eventually, we just started calling her, TC for 'That Cat'.

2008-07-04T17:57:00.007-05:00

I Love the 4th of July!

Because my best friend in high school, Kim Erskine, was born on this day, just 40 years ago. The picture above was taken at my house before our Junior/Senior Prom. She and her date, and my date and I all met for pictures before leaving for the evening. That picture is so like her. It always makes me smile. She was such a good friend to me.

Anyway, she and I celebrated her birthday many times on the Kanawha River (in West Virginia) while watching the fireworks. She used to say the whole country celebrated her birthday. Oh, how I miss her! She had a great sense of humor and we had some great times together. So, where ever you are, Kim Erskine, I hope this day is a great one for you! Happy Birthday. I miss you friend and I love you dearly. God be with you!

Just a few more shots for good measure. . .
Here we are in the van getting ready to leave for a youth beach trip. Aren't those sunglasses hot?! And yes, we are both sportin' a mullet. . .ahhhh, the 80s.

At Ocean Isle Beach on one of our youth beach trips. . .

Kimberly Rae Erskine

2008-06-30T11:58:00.004-05:00

Today is Austin's 12th birthday!

How did he grow up sooo fast? I can't believe he's 12. We celebrated his birthday while his Aun Oui was in town because their birthdays are just a day apart. When we lived in OK City, they celebrated together every year. It was nice to be able to do it again this year. Thanks Aun Oui!

In honor of his birthday, I'm posting a poem I wrote for him a little while back.

Austin Dabney is our first child of five,
when he plays with his siblings, the room comes alive.
He has three brothers and a little sis too.
When his cousins come over, there's no tellin' what they'll do.
He leads them in sword fights and battles galore
as they run with great courage and pound on the floor.
He takes time out for Sugar, his sandy-brown pup.
He trains her to sit and not to jump up.
He likes to eat spicy chips that he and dad share
while he sits in his lap in dad's big, comfy chair.
When he gets hurt, he jumps, wails and screams.
Nothing can be done to help, so it seems.
He tries to calm down, puts his hands on his hips,
says a short, little prayer and then gets a grip.
He loves to watch NASCAR as those stock cars soar.
It's not dull to him. His eyes are pinned on 24.
We have tried to teach that Mark Martin is best,
but he has chosen Jeff Gordon and grouped Martin with the rest.
He awaits March Madness as if it were some holiday.
Then he manages our brackets in his own unique way.
He's so excited to see his favorite teams win,
he's glued to the set from beginning to end.
He's a fan of all sports, but basketball's his game.
He's a star on the court and destined for fame.
All-in-all, our Austin, he's just tons of fun,
but the best thing about him. . .he belongs to the Son.

Happy Birthday Austin. I love you.

2008-06-30T09:06:00.003-05:00

An Asa Quote

"I like our home. When I walk through the door, it makes me feel good inside."

2008-06-25T13:29:00.006-05:00

Just in case you were wondering. . .

what a week's worth of laundry looks like for 5 children, here's a glimpse:

I did my part. . .

And the kids did their part. . .

All done for the week!! Wahoo! Wahoo!

And now (sigh), here we go again. . .

It NEVER ends!!!

2008-06-22T22:17:00.004-05:00

Asa's Thoughts

Asa has been thinking about Knox this week. One day he came in and said, "Mom, I'm mad about Knox."

I said, "I'm mad too."

He replied, "I wanted to play with him."

The next day he came into the kitchen and announced, "I want to play with Knox--tomorrow!" He then turned and walked out of the room.

Then, yesterday as we were discussing Creed's baptismal feast and where we were going for it, I told him we were going to the same house we went to for Knox's baptismal feast. Asa thought that meant we were going to see Knox and began clapping and yelling, "Yea! Knox!" I don't think I told him that Knox wouldn't be there. I figured he would find out soon enough.

Ugh!

We sure do miss you Knox. I think this would have been a very fun weekend for you.

2008-06-22T22:11:00.004-05:00

An Austin Funny

Austin had this conversation with his Aunt Wyndi (affectionately known as Aun Oui):

Austin: Aun Oui, you should come to the baptismal feast today.

Aun Oui: I'm really tired Austin, so I think I'm going to stay home this time.

Austin: But I want you to meet everyone.

Aun Oui: I'll meet them at church tomorrow.

Austin: Ahhh man, you would have more fun tonight, because people are more fun when they're not all dressed up.

2008-06-22T22:03:00.004-05:00

An Ayden Funny

"Mom, I used to play with Savta & Oompah (his grandparents/my parents) all the time. But now, I just don't know what to do with these old people."

2008-06-20T10:10:00.008-05:00

I know I know! I've been a very reluctant blogger. Sorry Rachel. I've been wanting to share something our family has started doing, but haven't had the chance as we have had visitors in our home for the past 3 weeks and it has been difficult finding the time.

In order to explain where I'm coming from, I want to start at the beginning. So bear with me and I'll see if I can make some sense of it all.

I have an "extreme" personality. (Surprise surprise!) By that, I mean I tend to take things to the extreme. For instance, in the past when I have worked out, I thought it important to work out for 2 hours or more everyday--6 days a week. (I'd do 7, but my dad convinced me when I was younger, that it was better to honor God and the Sabbath.) Anyway, I would get up at 4:30--another extreme--in order to get my workout (and a few other things) done before my kids would get up. All or nothing baby! I'd rather train for a marathon than a 5K, and truthfully, competing in the IronMan in Hawaii would be the ultimate thrill. When I was a swimmer, I swam butterfly because someone told me it was the most difficult. Sky diving and bungy jumping sound like fun to me, and in that same vein, I've always desired to be a very small size, even though as an adult, I've never been smaller than an 8.

It has been a life-long struggle of mine to keep my body at a "healthy" weight. I say "healthy" because my ideal of "healthy" is probably very "unhealthy". I fall victim to the world's view that I should be a size 2, which I have never been, and so no matter what size I am, whether an 8 or a 16, I am continually aiming for something smaller. It's sin, I know. I'm getting to that.

You know that commercial where the people walk around with a scale chained to their ankle to symbolize that they carry their weight with them wherever they go? Well, I could so relate to that. That is me. It is ALWAYS on my mind and it rules over me. I am confessing that as sin to you as I have confessed it over and over to God.

Raising a daughter, I realize how my "unhealthy" view of weight can negatively influence her. And this has forced me to try and find balance in my life, especially in this area. So, I have made a few changes. I want her to know that exercise is important, but that it is not "ALL-important". I don't want it to rule over her the way it has ruled over me.

Therefore, in order to find some balance, I have decided to implement a few small changes in our home. First, I asked Anna-Kate if she was interested in becoming my "work-out" partner? She excitedly said that she would. Now, three to five days a week, she joins me in the living room and we work out with an exercise video. (I've accumulated a few over the years.) None of them is over an hour long and we do it together. As a workout partner, she is a joy. She encourages me and she talks and giggles most of the time. We have a great time and sometimes even the boys join us. I've told her that by exercising, she's helping to keep her heart and her body "healthy". I try to avoid saying, "thin" because I don't want that to be her ultimate goal, even though it is still my struggle. (Feel free to pray for me in that area.)

Another small change we have implemented is that now, about 4 evenings a week, we take a family walk together after dinner. We are very privileged in that our back yard fence leads right into the playground of a neighborhood school. After dinner, we head out the back door and we walk around the school a couple of times. We start at the monkey bars, make our way over to a couple of hop-scotch boards where we all play it together. Addison has won every time. Then we head over to the playground where they run, climb, play and slide. Then we do it all again. The whole walk is about an hour. It isn't aerobic in the least, but it gets us off the couch and away from the tv. We connect with our kids as we talk, walk and play. It is one of the best things we have EVER done. When we tuck them into bed at night and ask them about their favorite part of the day, they almost always say "the walk". I encourage you to give it a try.

We took some pics the other night as we took our walk, so I thought I'd share. Enjoy!

Here's to small changes & finding balance!

2008-05-27T07:58:00.006-05:00

This Tag came from Lindsey--Andrew & Adam's mom. . .

(I stole this picture from Lindsey's blog. :) I hope that's ok.)

Finish the Statements. . .

Maybe I should be working out.

I love the smell of steaks and chicken on the grill.

People would say that I love babies.

I don’t understand why .

When I wake up in the morning I want to go back to sleep.

I lost my willpower to exercise.

If there's a dessert in the room I'm ignoring it (at least for the moment).

Life is a precious gift.

My past made me want to guard my children's hearts.

I get annoyed when Victoria's Secret commercials show up in the middle of my children's television programs/movies.

Parties are not a good time to have a meltdown.

Dogs are tollerable.

Cats are not, seeing as Austin is allergic.

Tomorrow is only a day away.

I have low tolerance for my children when they argue.

I’m totally terrified of being morbidly obese.

I always knew I would . . .I don't know if I've ever always known anything.

Never in my life have I bungy jumped.

High school was awkward and not knowing who I was.

When I’m nervous I pray and bite my fingernails.

Take my advice When it comes to parenting your children, it's ok to pick & choose your battles, just remember to let other people do the same.

Making my bed rarely happens--Sorry mom!

I'm almost always trying to figure out what we're having for dinner.

I’m addicted to sugar.

I want someone to fix my facebook account.

I tag: anyone that's reading this and wants to give it a try!

2008-05-12T12:16:00.005-05:00

Three down, two to go. . .

Addison & Anna-Kate celebrated their birthdays this past weekend. Anna-Kate turned 8 on Saturday and Addison turned 10 on Sunday. We decided, in our true fashion, at the last minute, to have a pool party. We decided at 1:00 on Saturday afternoon to have it at 5:00 that evening. I had been thinking of putting it off for a week, but then realized that we already have plans next weekend, so we made a few phone calls, gathered up as many of our friends who could be as spontaneous as we are, and we met together to celebrate two beautiful children.

I love you Addison. I cannot believe you are 10! You are a delightful son and it is a joy being your mother. You are intelligent, creative, obedient, hard-working and a wonderful addition to our family. I'm so glad God blessed us with your presence. Happy birthday son.

I love you too Anna-Kate. How did you get to be 8 so quickly? I love your sweet laughter and tender heart. You are smart, beautiful (on the inside & out), artistic, genuine, and eager to please. Our home is more well-rounded with you in it. You are a blessing and I'm glad to be your mom. Happy birthday beautiful.

Here are a few more shots from our evening at the pool. . .

Anna-Kate & Lizzie

Christopher, Kenneth & Addison

A self-portrait of Ayden & me

Anne Michal

And my very favorite from the day. . .

I posted the rest on my facebook page. It's much easier to post them there than it is here. So if you feel a need to see the rest, you can check them out there.

2008-05-12T10:10:00.004-05:00

Just finished reading. . .

Holding Onto Hope by Nancy Guthrie. I cried buckets. It was good because I needed to cry.

I also read that link on Rachel's blog--cried some more.

It's so strange. Sometimes when I feel like I should be crying or that I'm "expected" to cry, I can't find a tear. But then, outta nowhere they come (the tears, that is). I've probably said that before. Anyway, sometimes it's in the grocery store, which I really despise, and sometimes in the privacy of my own bedroom, which I greatly appreciate. Sometimes I get to share them with my husband, my mom, a sister, or a friend and then sometimes it's just me and Jesus.

This grieving is a journey. It's a journey I expect to be on the rest of my life. I don't say that to depress anyone. I am just trying to get a handle on what is now my life, my family's life. My marriage is affected. My kids are affected. Their friends are affected. Oh, how I love my children's friends!

Bless be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love. I've sung these words many, many times before, but they ring differently now. Knox's death is a tie that binds my heart to his family's heart, my sister's heart, and your heart in Christian love. It is difficult for me to call it a blessing at this stage, but I know God has a purpose in it. His name is glorified. I become less and He becomes more. I trust in His word and I know His ways are higher than mine. I'm learning what it means to walk by faith, and not by sight. I've been blind-sided and my sight is gone. The things I so willingly accepted as a child, I don't "see" anymore. But I trust in God and in His word. I cling to Him now and I know He clings to me, but the beauty lies within His grip and not within mine. I'm not strong enough to hold onto Him in these dark shadows. I'm in and out, feeble and weak, tired and oh, so sad. I'm thankful He doesn't leave it up to me. He walks this road with me. He leads me. He is an ever-present help in my struggle. And for that, I love Him more.

2008-04-25T23:01:00.011-05:00

Asa's Birthday Party

went off without a hitch. We went to the local splash pad with some family and a few friends. The kids had a great time playing in the fountains and thankfully, it wasn't too crowded. Asa's birthday cake was angel food cake (for it's low fat content because his diet is still restricted to low fat) with strawberries and cool whip. He didn't even notice the difference in the nutrition choice and enjoyed having some cake for a change. After cake and presents, we headed to our house for a little pizza. . .yes, we did dessert first. The kids didn't seem to mind at all. All-in-all, it was a great birthday and fun was had by all. See for yourself. . .

Asa's third birthday

Rachel's so cool, she's gotta wear shades.

Gracie Mae & her mommy

Jonathan & his mama

Gracie Mae's parents

Isn't Joshua too young for a mustache?

Ayden

Jonathan & his daddy

Gracie Mae

Jack

Anne Michal

Anna-Katie

Austin

Micah

Addison

Cousins are sooo cool!

Silly Christopher

Emma takes aim.

Lizzie & Cara Beth

Cara Beth cools off

The Birthday Boy

The gang's all here!

Asa & mommy

The birthday boy gets kisses from dad.

Thanks Marian for all the great pictures. I'm only realizing now that I didn't even get one shot of you. . .grrrr.

2008-04-24T20:34:00.006-05:00

April 24

Happy Birthday Asa! I love you more than words can say. You are a ray of sunshine that brightens my every day and your sense of curious adventure makes me laugh right out loud. Oh, what a treasure you are! I'm so thankful God gave you to us. I hope you love being 3 big guy.

(We aren't celebrating his birthday until tomorrow, so those pictures won't appear until afterwards. Here are a few to tide you over until then.)

2008-04-23T11:51:00.018-05:00

April 23

So many events have happened on this day. It is a happy-sad/sad-happy day for me. If I had to define the word bittersweet, I would need only say, "April 23rd". For one, just 40 years ago today, Kevin was born. So happy birthday baby! Below are pictured just a few of the reasons why I love you so much. I love your goofy side as well as your serious side. Your strength and support continually overwhelm me. What a joy it is to be your wife, your partner, your lover and your friend!

Parenting with you inspires me to be a better mom. The way you love our children is a blessing that goes far beyond anything they could ever realize. But you should know that it doesn't go unnoticed. I notice how you lead them, touch them, love them, kiss them, play with them, celebrate with them and show Jesus to them. Thank you for journeying down our road with me, wherever it has been and wherever it leads us. I would not want to do this with anyone else. I love you. Happy Birthday!

But April 23rd also carries some heavy memories for me also. In 1995, I had a tubal pregnancy that exploded my right fallopian tube. The doctor told Kevin after the surgery that he couldn't save the tube and that we would possibly never have children. Well, we all know how that turned out. But there's still a part of me that mourns the loss of one that never came to be. . .

But then, on April 23, 2005, I went into labor with our fifth child. I thought Asa would make a great birthday present for his daddy, but God had other plans. And although I labored all day on the 23rd, Asa didn't make his grand appearance until 6:41 am on the 24th. So Asa will celebrate his 3rd birthday tomorrow!

And then there was April 23, 2007. I don't really have any great words, but I miss Knox so very much. I feel his loss daily. I know he celebrates now, for he sees and knows far more than I can even comprehend. But I hope. And I look forward to being with him again one day, along with others I know and love who have gone on before me. What a day of rejoicing that will be! I love you Knox. Oh, how I miss you!

2008-04-16T09:40:00.008-05:00

Tell me again. . .

Why I cannot fall from grace? Is "once saved always saved" good reformed theology? I'm only looking for scripture here and interpretation of scripture. Someone told me recently he didn't believe in hell and that if someone didn't choose God, then when he dies, he just disappears. Well, that is CERTAINLY NOT scripture and it was just something he made up to make him feel better. So, I don't want to exchange the Truth of God for a lie here. I want/need Truth.

Another close friend expressed to me concern recently that it was hard for her to believe that there would be people in hell that God loved. I did my best to argue the other side of that, but, in the end, I came away feeling depleted & a little sad. So, I'm genuinely asking for a little help from my friends here. . .

Isn't hell total separation from God and therefore His love also? And does God love everyone or just those He "elects", His chosen? Does it go against God's character to hate those He created? Can someone reject their own salvation? Scripture guys, I need scripture. Also, try and remember that I'm still just a girl. So, be gentle.

2008-04-09T18:47:00.022-05:00

Life's Simple Pleasures (in pictures). . .

family

a new baby

a popsicle grin

missing those 2 front teeth

having a twin sister

swim lessons

having an Uncle Lance

a flip on the trampoline

grandparents

time spent with a dear friend

finding a good catch

Christmas morning

a good water fight

finding his ticklish spot

hand-me-downs

celebrating with friends

youth!

and growing old with my man.

2008-04-07T15:26:00.004-05:00

There's no place like home. . .

Anna-Kate said to me this morning, as we were grocery shopping, "Mommy, do you know what's better than Disney World?. . .Our Family!!"

I hope she would still say that if she were to ever visit there. But I agree with her 100 percent. Kevin and I spent last week in Orlando. Best Buy picked up the tab for approximately 1,000 employees and their guests. They gave us free tickets to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks, as well as a one-day pass to Disney. They paid for our stay at the Hard Rock hotel, our airline tickets and many of our meals. We had a fantastic time and we so appreciate everything Best Buy and it's sponsors (vendors) did to make it possible AND enjoyable.

Marian and Wade graciously took care of the kids for us and so we knew they were in good hands. But boy did we miss them! Everywhere we turned, the things we saw reminded us of them. As the sun came up Saturday morning, I was out of bed pretty early and ready to head for home. Kevin and I were both ready to get back to those we love. Unfortunately, as events took place, our flight was delayed and then cancelled and then it spiraled downward from there. We finally made it home around 5:00 am Sunday morning where we stumbled into bed; although, Kevin was right back up at 6:30 in order to get to work and open the store. No rest for the weary you might say.

I finally got to see the kids around 1:00 pm and THAT was one of the most fun times I've ever had in my entire life. Disney doesn't hold a candle to the greetings I received from our children and niece and nephews. It is so good to be home.

That is the short version. . .here's a picture for Matt. . .

2008-03-30T20:35:00.004-05:00

An Asa Funny

Asa LOVES it when he gets to wear his belt. I found out why this morning as he was getting ready for church. His usual Sunday attire is a pair of cackies (sp?) and a golf-style shirt (tucked in) with a belt. After I tucked in his shirt and I was buckling his belt, he pulled on his belt and said, "This means Best Buy!" See. . .

Kevin dressed and ready for work, saying goodbye to Asa.

Asa dressed and ready for church last Sunday (Easter).

He loves to be like his daddy. How cool is that?!

2008-03-27T17:45:00.002-05:00

Easter

I, like Rachel, had been dreading Easter this year. My memories of last Easter were still so very vivid. It was a little chilly that day, but that didn't hinder us from venturing outside where the kids had a big Easter egg hunt. My friend, Vicki, had hosted the event at her house. She's such a great host. The food was delicious and I remember lots of laughter and sweet moments of watching all the kids play together and love on one another. Adults and kids played together. It was just sweet.

But then, "How do we do it again this year?" I wondered. Uugh. We're missing someone so precious, so vital. I didn't want to do it without him. But we must.

So, we all gathered again. This time at Suzy's house, but much of the same crowd was there. A few more, a few less. I felt myself feeling the same things I felt last year. Sweet memories were being made. Parents playing with children. Kids hunting eggs. Guys and gals "catching up". Laughter and sweetness. This year though, tears were shed, as we remembered Knox. Oh how we miss Knox! He would have been chasing Asa around as Asa chased Jack and Jack chased Ayden.

But this Easter was truly good and sweet too. God was in our midst. He comforted me in my sorrow and he brought laughter through tears. He reminded me that He knows my pain. He will carry me/us through this. While our hearts long for His return, we do what we can to enjoy Him in the now and the here. The pain is still with me, but so is His love. And for that, I am eternally grateful. Our God is good and I love Him with all that I am.

2008-03-24T12:43:00.003-05:00

Honey, I'm so disappointed!

Last time I grocery shopped, I picked up some more honey because I had run out, and I like to use honey as my sweetener. I grabbed the one in the little "bear" jar and felt thankful that I had remembered to pick it up. After using about half of it, Austin says to me, "Hey mom, this honey has MSG in it."

I took the bear from him and it was then that I noticed my error. The name of the honey was called "Texas Honey Blend". It was NOT raw honey, just packaged to look like it was. I didn't even know they made such a thing as "honey blend". Immediately I turned over the bear to see what his ingredients were and, to my disappointment, it read: high fructose corn syrup, sugar, honey, corn syrup, natural flavor (which may or may not actually contain MSG-my words, not theirs), caramel color.

The reason I buy honey in the first place is so that I can put one less artificial thing in my body. I was opting for something "God"-made, not man-made. Honey is sweet enough as it is. Why add sugar and all that other goop? Grrrr. I won't make that mistake again.

2008-03-22T17:48:00.000-05:00

He has risen.

He has risen indeed!

2008-03-20T11:39:00.001-05:00

If you haven't checked out Matt's blog yet, you should!

2008-03-19T13:12:00.011-05:00

My friend Katharine brought her camera to church on Sunday night. . .

She took some fun pictures that made me smile. Maybe, you too, could use a smile:)

Gracie Mae & Cara Beth have some fun with the white board.

Anna-Kate

Asa makes goofy faces

Ayden & Jack join in.

Oh, how I love these boys!

Jack gives it the half-grin.

Best buds--Jack & Ayden

Cara Beth gets a boost from. . .

Brian, of course.

Cara Beth gets lovin' from Aunt Hannah and mom (I'm on the left, Marian is on the right, for those of you who couldn't tell ;)

Me and my Asa

2008-03-13T23:26:00.008-05:00

I've lost count. . .

So, I don't know what round this is, but Sarah is back in the hospital. She went to a different hospital yesterday evening. They treated her symptoms with some pain medicine and caffeine (why, I don't know) and then sent her home because she was feeling better. Then this evening, all of her symptoms returned, with a vengeance, and she is back in the ER. This time she is at Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City. When I spoke to her, she had just gotten into an ER room (after 3 1/2 hours of waiting) and was continuing to wait for a doctor to come see her.

She was tearful when I spoke to her and she sounded tired, tired of this ride. I prayed with her. Will you pray too? Will you pray for my sister's complete healing, for her health to return to her and that she would not suffer any long-term consequences from the meningitis? Also, please keep her husband, Derek, and their children, Elizabeth (17) and Jenna (13) in your prayers too. Ask that God would take away their fears and give them His peace which surpasses understanding.

Thank you.

This is a picture of Jenna with Austin and Joshua. They are more than cousins. They are great friends.

And these are my nieces, Hannah (Wyndi's daughter) and Elizabeth (Sarah's daughter) is on the right.

This is Jenna and Derek:

This is Sarah, doing what she does best. She is a pediatric nurse in labor and delivery. She is actually taking care of her/our nephew, James, in this picture.

We're still praying Sarah. I love you.

2008-03-11T06:40:00.002-05:00

Sarah's home!!!!!

She went home yesterday and rested most of the afternoon and evening. Please keep her in your prayers. She and her daughter, Elizabeth, are supposed to go to Albania on Friday for a short-term mission trip. They can cancel as late as Thursday, but she's not sure if she wants to and/or should.

Thanks again to those of you who prayed for my sister and for us during this (meningitis) roller coaster ride.

I love you Sarah.

2008-03-06T09:49:00.002-06:00

Thursday's update on Sarah. . .

Sarah went home again yesterday, but after only a few hours, her symptoms returned with a vengence, and she headed back to the hospital. Here's the email that her husband, Derek, sent out today:

Well it's day 9 of Sarah's menengitis experience. Round 3. And I know she's
going for the TKO! Satan must really not want Sarah and Elizabeth to go to
Albania. Sarah came back to the Edmond E.R. Last night after only a few hours
after leaving. She started having back pain and bad headaches the minute we
arrived at home. Sarah started having numbness in her hands and legs again.
They did blood work and a C.T. Scan, and again they all came back normal. We
moved back into the main hospital around 11:30. Room # 312. I am actually
thinking about ordering one of these chair/cots for our house (not!). They will
do a M.R.I. Some time today. We know that menengitis symptoms usually last 10
days, and are greatful that Sarah has had a day here and there, where she has
felt well enough to go home. Sarah is awake and eating breakfast. She still
has that old headache. Pray for Sarah's complete healing and rest. We
love all ya'll. :) Derek

Thank you to all of you who are praying for Sarah. Please don't stop as this is a scary road to walk.

2008-03-05T09:05:00.002-06:00

Sarah's Wednesday morning update. . .

Here's the update that Derek sent out this morning:

Good wednesday morning to ya. We love Jeff Berry! Jeff was the
anesthesiologist that came from Lakeside Hospital, where Sarah works, and did
Sarah's blood patch. Edmond Hospital, where Sarah is now, wasn't going to be
able to do the blood patch until today. Jeff came last night and Sarah had
instant relief. Sarah slept better last night than most. This morning she is
having a little pain from the blood patch procedure and a small headache. The
headache pain in only about half what it used to be. She is in good spirits and
thinks the chances of her going home in the next 24 hours is good. Please
continue to pray for Sarah's headaches and for her back to heal quickly. Uncle
John stayed with our girls again last night at our house. Pray for John and our
girls, as I am sure that they need rest and are ready for a normal routine
again. Pray for the Bradley family. Wyndi has missed a week of work to be here
with Sarah and me. They have done SO much that I could not possibly put into
words how to express my gratitude. We have been so blessed with all the support
from all of our family and friends. Well now that i've gone all sappy and am
crying, i'm going to say TTFN. Derek

Thanks D. We're continuing to pray. We love you.

2008-03-04T12:40:00.001-06:00

Another Sarah update. . .

Derek sent out this email this morning:

Good Tuesday morning. Just wanted everyone to know that God is good, all the
time! We found out that Morphine gives Sarah a headache. So they changed her
to a different pain med, and for the first time in weeks Sarah had NO headache!
WAH-HOO! She actually slept some lastnight, and ate breakfast. The first meal
she's had in a few days. Naturally when the meds wear off, the headache
returns. We will probably stay another night in the hospital as Sarah really
doesn't want to have to come back anymore, and the doctor wants to see the
results of her thyroid test. Anyway, sorry this is so late in the morning. I
forgot to bring my phone charger and my phone died. I asked the doctor about
Sarah seeing a Neurologist. He said that the Neurologist did Sarah's spinal tap
and is updated with all of Sarah's records. If the Neurologist thought he
needed to any other testing, he would already have been doing them. Anyway,
Sarah is awake now and feeling good as long as she is on pain meds.

Thank you to all of you who have prayed and continue to pray for my sister. We love you Sarah!

2008-03-03T12:56:00.002-06:00

I just got a call from Sarah. . .

and Derek. They were on their way back to the ER. She was beginning to feel numb and tingly again and her speech was slurring. They both sounded scared. Please keep them in your prayers. I'll post more when I know more.

2008-02-29T12:26:00.003-06:00

If I were. . .(This is Austin speaking)

If I were a shoe, I'd be a Nike.
If I were a city, I'd be Bluefield.
If I were a season, I'd be Summer.
If I were a car, I’d be a Ferrari.
If I were a vegetable, I’d be broccoli.
If I were a fruit, I’d be a grape.
If I were a color, I’d be blue.
If I were furniture, I’d be a couch.
If I were a country, I’d be Italy.
If I were a beverage, I'd be a root beer.
If I were clothing, I'd be shorts.
If I were weather, I'd be sunny.
If I were a dessert, I’d be friendship bread.
If I were a plant, I’d be a pine tree.

2008-02-28T11:18:00.002-06:00

Another Sarah update. . .

The doctors have changed their original diagnosis of viral meningitis to bacterial meningitis. At least they think it is bacterial. They had to take some cultures and those results take a few days to get back, so as a precautionary measure, they went ahead and treated her with antibiotics. She has responded well to them. She is "herself" today and Derek said it "was very good to 'see' her." He said she doesn't remember anything about yesterday, other than the beginning moments in the emergency room.

Bacterial meningitis is usually much more serious than the viral kind, because it takes so long to diagnose. It often looks like many different things i.e. the flu. But because Sarah had been on antibiotics a week ago, they said that really helped her in the long run.

She is still in the ICU, but they are going to move her to a regular room later today. Derek said they will probably let her go home tomorrow (Friday).

We love you Sarah!

2008-02-28T08:44:00.003-06:00

Sarah update

She DOES have spinal meningitis--the viral kind. Here's a copy of an email Marian sent last night. . .

I thought I would send another update before going to bed b/c dad and mom will
wake up and wonder the latest news. Esther & Laura both just called a little
bit ago and both said that Sarah was diagnosed with spinal meningitis (the viral
kind). The drs. say 3 more days of a good-sized headache and fever, but really
it just has to run its course. They may send her home tomorrow (Thursday) with
a pic-line (not sure how that's spelled) but basically that means medications
can be given through the I-V. What a day. And I was here in TX and not in OK.
I'm so thankful for the gift of a large family. We love you Derek, Sarah,
Elizabeth & Jenna, Wyndi & Bryan & Hannah, Jenna & Brian, Esther & Rico,
Jacqueline, Jonathan & James & John. I know I was tense all day and I'm 8 hours
away. Please know that everyone is still praying. We love you all.
in Christ our strength,
Marian

Thank you for your continued prayers for our sister.

2008-02-27T22:17:00.005-06:00

This is my sister, Sarah, and her husband, Derek. . .

Today, by some wierd circumstances that I am not even sure how to relate, she ended up in the Intensive Care Unit in an Edmond, OK hospital. Currently, they are running various tests to see what could be wrong. Her symptoms were odd and it took hours for them to finally take her seriously. I think, initially, they thought she was having an adverse reaction to a self-induced drug overdose. For a while, she didn't know her name and didn't recognize her husband or our sister, Wyndi. She was having severe head pain and a skin-sensitivity issue that I don't know how to explain.

My sister, Wyndi, kept trying to tell them that Sarah was not acting like herself, but they were not listening and they were treating Sarah with little respect and much attitude. It just so happened, of course by God's providence, that the Director of Care Management (or something like that) had once worked with Sarah. Wyndi was able to get ahold of her and she came as soon as she heard. As soon as she walked in the room, she hugged Derek and then said she'd be right back. When she left the room, the doctor asked Derek how he knew her and he said that she was a close, personal friend of Sarah's. This lady then came back in the room and said that Sarah was "the best RN she had ever worked with." It was then that they began to treat Sarah differently.

The doctor looked at Wyndi and said something like, "Tell me again, from the beginning, what happened." This has been an all-day affair. They sedated Sarah because she was in such pain, but she came out of the sedation faster than expected. However, it looked as if she was doing some better because she recognized Wyndi and Derek and she knew who her own name. But then her temperature, which had been normal all day, suddenly spiked to 102 and last we heard they were taking her for a spinal tap, to check for spinal meningitis.

Please keep Sarah and Derek in your prayers. They have two daughters: Elizabeth and Jenna, who both have the flu. Uggh.

Many of you sent emails to Asa while he was in the hospital. I cannot tell you how much that meant to us to know that sooo many people loved us and were praying for us. I checked to see if the hospital where Sarah is staying has such a service and they do. If you would like to encourage her and/or Derek, you can send them a little note, prayer, or scripture verse through the hospital. Her name is Sarah Bendure and she is at Edmond Medical Center(Oklahoma) in the ICU. If you go to their website you can just click on the tab that says "Patient email".

I'll post more when I know more.

2008-02-27T01:01:00.004-06:00

I'm up--might as well blog. . .

I LOVE. . .

my man in his hat, boots & blue jeans

to hear my name coming from the mouths of babes

laughing with good friends

reconnecting with old friends

God's mercy

the hugs my children give so freely--to anyone & everyone

praying through struggles

the hope of heaven

to watch Anne Michal with Asa

that Gracie Mae & Micah K. know my name

the body of Christ

my pastors & their families (present & past)

going to the movies and having a bag of popcorn

Sonic drinks

sleeping through the night and waking up knowing I've gotten a good night's rest

a good hair day

a sweaty workout

listening to my sister play the guitar & sing

pictures

Ocean Isle Beach, Bluestone Conference Center & Perrow Presbyterian Church

watching Austin play basketball

reading with Addison

playing with Anna-Kate's hair

listening to Ayden

cuddling with Asa

5231 Monta Vista Drive, Cross Lanes, West Virginia

King College

walking this road with Kevin

that Kevin has "dear" friends

having a twin sister

a good beat I can dance to

when Cara Beth looks for me in a crowd

Steven & Deborah Scott in the Philipines

working in the nursery at church

Christmas morning

when a plan comes together

seeing the light at the end of the tunnel

a clean kitchen

Westminster Presbyterian Church

time spent with the family

playing foosball with Asa, Ayden & Kevin

a good school day

holding Kevin's hand

seeing 11:11 on a clock

Chloe & Sylvia

Christian & Felix

Alex

listening to my children pray

listening to my husband pray

Psalm 18

being asleep at 1:47 in the morning. So, goodnight.

2008-02-16T15:35:00.005-06:00

When you see Anna-Kate at church tomorrow,

ask her how she did in her basketball game. As her mother, I am taking the liberty of "stealing her thunder", so to speak. This is her second year to play basketball and we are more than half-way through this season. Only 2 games left. I guess what I'm trying to say is that, in the 2 years she's played, she's just not that aggressive and she can often be seen on the court, watching her team play. See below. . .

But not today. She scored ladies and gentleman!!! Her first time ever. It was great. In the league where she plays, they usually try to match up the teams, skill for skill. Well, someone messed up on Anna-Kate's behalf today, because the star of the other team was the one covering Anna-Kate and she, in turn, was to cover her. I bet the other girl scored more than 12 points for her team. Anna-Kate just couldn't keep up.

But then Anna-Kate had a moment, one beautiful moment. She was dribbling the ball down the court, and by some miracle, she broke away from the giant who was covering her and drove it right down the lane and then she did it. She shot a lay-up and she made it. Oh I was sooo proud of her. I cried. Aunt Marian cried. If Ashlee had been there, she would have cried too. (I can always count on Ashlee.) It was a great moment.

Way to go Anna-Kate! I love you.

2008-02-11T09:31:00.001-06:00

I stole this from Kierstyn's blog (Party of Five on the list on the right--I still don't know how to link it.) I was supposed to give one-word answers, but sometimes I needed two. Anyway, here's a little useless trivia for ya. . .

1. Where is your cell phone? bedside table
2. Your significant other? work
3. Your hair? bedhead
4. Your mother? servant
5. Your father? hardworking
6. Your favorite thing? laughter
7. Your dream last night? lost
8. Your favorite drink? Sonic
9. Your dream/goal? healthy
10. The room you're in? computer
11. Your ex? married him
12. Your fear? loss
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here
14. Where were you last night? church
15. What you're not? sleeping
16. Muffins? blueberry
17. One of your wish list items? lasik
18. Where you grew up? West Virginia
19. The last thing you did? hug Austin
20. What are you wearing? jammies
21. Your TV? friend
22. Your pets? Sugar
23. Your computer? a pain
24. Your life? good
25. Your mood? up
26. Missing someone? always
27 Your car? messy
28. Something you're not wearing? shoes
29 Favorite Store? TJ Maxx
30. Your summer? awaiting
31. Like someone? Kevin
32. Your favorite color? sky blue
33. When is the last time you laughed? half-hour ago
34. Last time you cried? yesterday

2008-02-10T21:51:00.000-06:00

Conversation between Asa and Mr. Brian

Brian was sitting on the ground outside of the church with Asa on one side and Cara Beth on the other. Brian shared this conversation with me. It went something like this. . .

Asa: Whatcha wanna talk about?

Brian: I don't know. How about your daddy?

Asa: My daddy's amazing. . .what else do ya wanna talk about?

2008-02-08T22:41:00.000-06:00

Another Asa Update. . .

Asa had a follow-up appointment today with his GI doctor in Houston. We have been anxiously awaiting results from some genetic tests taken before Asa left the hospital over a month ago. To make a long story short, his results came back. . .

NEGATIVE!!!! Kevin and I breathed a sigh of relief when the doctor gave us the news. He said he shouldn't have to see Asa again, unless he has another bout like his previous 2. Asa did have some blood drawn today to see if his enzyme levels were back to a baseline number. The baseline number, or his lipase count, they want to see for him is 120. When he had blood drawn 2 to 3 weeks ago, his lipase count was above 650. So it was still elevated but no where near the 40,000 from his first visit or the 15,500 with his second trip.

It was definitely good news today! I do feel a little lighter. Thank you to all of you who prayed for him and for us. I have no words to express our appreciation. Thank you doesn't seem to cover it, but right now, it's all I've got. So, thank you.

2008-02-02T14:40:00.000-06:00

An Ayden Funny

Today at Anna-Kate's basketball game, Ayden was sitting next to me. He looked up at me and said, "Mommy, I have a headache. . .only it's in my tummy."

2008-01-24T20:24:00.000-06:00

Asa update. . .

Some of you have been waiting along side of us for Asa's genetic blood tests to come back. After jumping through a bunch of hoops today, I finally found out that his test results were. . .(drumroll). . .

still pending. The doctor didn't know what was taking them so long as they don't usually take this long, but that didn't change the outcome. So we continue to wait. He has a follow-up appointment in the beginning of February, so maybe by then, we'll know something more. We'll keep you posted.

2008-01-14T09:30:00.001-06:00

A Prayer Request for Christopher

Please keep my nephew, Christopher in your prayers today. He has a doctors appointment with his neurologist (in Houston), an EEG scheduled and then he's off to do bloodwork--not much fun for an 8-year old. I spoke to Marian a little bit ago and she said he was fine, just a little nervous. Christopher has been 3 years without a seizure and so today's EEG will measure the activity in his brain to make sure he hasn't been having small or "petite maul" seizures. If everything comes back clear, then Christopher will get to ween off of his meds, which is exciting, but also a little scary. Please pray however the Spirit leads you. Thanks.

I LOVE YOU CHRISTOPHER!

2008-01-12T20:31:00.000-06:00

An Asa Funny

When my mom showed up at the hospital to see Asa, she walked in wearing her famous "grandchildren" necklace. (She's wearing it here with Asa.) Asa was instantly attracted to it and hopped up on her lap and started asking who was who. It just so happens that "Asa" hangs exactly in the middle of this awesome necklace and so the first one he pointed to was himself. He then asked about the two on either side of him. One was Ayden, the other Joshua. He then looked up at my mom, affectionately known as Savta (pronounced "Softa"--Hebrew for grandmother), and asked, "Where's Jack?"

2008-01-11T23:27:00.000-06:00

OK, I know Asa has been back home (again) for a week now,

but I'm just now getting to the blog. Sorry. He had a doctor's appointment today to check his enzyme levels. His lipase count was down from the last count of around 653 (I think) to 425 today (normal would be around 100). So, it is still elevated some, which might explain his several complaints of pain yesterday, but nowhere near the levels we saw before. They ran some genetic tests before we left the hospital, but it will be at least another week before we know any of those results. He now has a GI doc in Houston. They told us that a child of his age with 2 bouts of pancreatitis in such a short time of each other will buy him a GI doctor for a while. Please continue to keep him (and us) in your prayers. I think Kevin and I are both feeling a little "antsy" about the upcoming results of the genetic tests. We are trying to rest in the will of our Heavenly Father, whatever that may be, but admittedly, we are anxious, weary and struggling some. On a more positive note, Asa looks great and 99% of the time says he is feeling great. Today when we got to the doctor's office, he looked up at me and said, "My tummy's not hurting mommy, so we can go home now." He really has been such a trooper through this whole ordeal.

. . .We started back to school this week. Aunt Marian took school pictures for us. Here are my favorites:

Austin (11 years old)

Addison (9 years old)

Anna-Kate (7 years old)

Ayden (5 years old)

Asa (2 years old)

All of them together

Thanks Mar for the great pix. You are such a blessing in so many ways. I appreciate all you do for us. What a great wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend you are! I love you.

2008-01-03T10:41:00.000-06:00

Asa is all smiles

Asa & Austin

Marian, Aunt Fav, Hannah & Aun Oui

This is Marian again posting for Hannah:
Wade and I along with Carol Stanley took the rest of the Ayers' children as well as the Coleman clan to Houston yesterday to visit Asa, Kevin and Hannah. Asa had an MRI done yesterday so that the drs. could look at his pancreas and gall bladder in more detail. They thought that possibly there was something wrong with the gall bladder as well, but the MRI showed that his gall bladder was great and that his pancreas was the only thing that was showing any signs of swelling and inflammation. The drs. are going to do some more bloodwork and some genetic testing today. Earlier in the week they were projecting that Asa would be in the hospital at least until Friday, and possibly through the weekend. That is still what they are saying. Yesterday, Asa's enzyme count was at 500 and the goal for a little guy his age is less than 100. So there is definite improvement (from 15,500 all the way down to 500), but I don't think they will let him go this time until his numbers come into the normal range. As far as Asa's pain he has not had much. He has a couple of spells a day that last for 10 seconds or so each time, but other than that he is in good spirits. The drs. seem to be pretty impressed with this fact saying that Asa should be in so much pain, they can't understand why he isn't doubled over more than he is. This to me is a testimony of God's grace, mercy and goodness. Asa has had no pain medication for which everyone is very thankful. So that's what I know for now. All the kiddos had a great time getting to see Asa and being in the hospital. Two of my sisters (Jenna & Wyndi affectionately known as "Aunt Fav" and "Aun Oui") flew in from Houston. They arrived on Tuesday and are staying until Friday. All of the children are getting royally spoiled by their 2 aunts. Aunt Fav and Aun Oui took many of them to McDonald's last night which is within the hospital, but still a pretty big venture to undertake. They also gave each child some kind of toy. I think Aunt Fav and Aun Oui (French for Aunt Yes) are renting a car to come to Bryan today to hang out some more and to do some more spoiling. Our church family has been great also lending a helping hand in many ways. My mom is flying in (all the way from Albania) and arriving tonight. She is going to stay a couple of weeks, I think. Thank you so much for all of your prayers.