Dylan's first haircut

Dylan had his first haircut today. We went to Cool Cuts 4 Kids and Olivia was the one to do the honors. He was very intrigued at first. He got to sit in a car and was fascinated by all of the tv's, toys and different sounds. Of course- after a bit, well the intrigue wore off! Over all he did quite well. It was only the last 3-4 minutes that were a struggle. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Kadyn's First Ballet Recital

Can a momma be any more proud? Kadyn was in her first ballet recital tonight. She has been practicing so hard. She loved every minute of being out there! The first part, they showed us exercises they do in class. In the second part, her class was little dolls! They were TOO CUTE! I am so proud of her! I love you Kadyn!

Eating

Eating has taken on a whole new meaning around our house. Dylan literally eats us out of house and home! He has been eating a happy meal
since he was 10 months old. Lately, we have begun
to smear our food as well. Here are pictures of a
recent outing- on this day he ate and LIKED
eggplant as well as zucchini!! He definitely does not
get that from me! Eric is already looking into a
second job so we can afford to feed him! haha!
Of course this does make future football
scholarships a good possibilty! It is so fun to watch
him learn and grow! Food is definitely something he loves to discover! So, start looking for us at "All you can eat" buffets! That may be the only place we can afford!

Anniversary

Today is my parent's 36th wedding anniversary. WOW!!!! You know at times I would have bet against them as making it if the truth be told. There were times in my teens I thought life would have been easier if they had separated. Yet through it all they are celebrating 36 years. I know that every single moment of those 36 years have not all been perfect bliss-- but I also know they would do it all over. Marriage is not the fairy tale that we girls grow up dreaming about. It is hard work, dedication, and sometimes the sheer knowledge that you made a commitment and you refuse to break it. It is learning how to choose your battles and to say your sorry. It is learning to listen and compromise. I am glad my parents were too stubborn to walk away. I am thankful for their example of working through the hard times. Thank you mom and dad! I love you! Here is to 36 more years!

Kadyn's Baptism

Sunday, May 23rd.....on this beautiful day, Kadyn was baptized. I have already shared her salvation story-but want to share a bit about this special day. She was dressed in a beautiful new dress given to her by Granny Leen. She had a handmade ponytail holder from Great Aunt Clesie. The first thing Kadyn said as she woke up was " Mommy I am getting baptized today!" Kadyn, who can tend to be shy was nothing of the sort. She was so excited all day long. We went up to the baptistry changing room with the 4 other girls. 3 of these girls are good friends of Kadyn's-Adyson Fore, Lauren Martin, and Lindsey Stewart. All of the girls were excited. My dad had the privelage of baptizing all of the girls this day. Of the 4 friends, Adyson was first, then Lauren and Lindsey. Kadyn watched each one of her friends be baptized and proclaim that Jesus is their Lord and Savior. It is now time for Kadyn. I will be honest, my heart stopped for a minute wondering if her shy act would suddenly come upon her. I mean she was about to be in front of the entire congregation going under water-two things which she doesn't do very well. However, Kadyn was so ready to tell everyone. She walked straight out to my dad and when he asked her why they were baptizing her- she did not hesitate in saying Jesus is my Lord and Savior. She did get a little disoriented in coming out of the water- but Pop carried her back to me-- what a precious sight! As Kadyn came out of the water- we realized that all 3 of her friends and their mothers had stayed to watch. How special for these girls.

After the service, we had a celebration party for the girls. What a fun time with family and friends. There was nothing formal planned- but we wanted the girls to always remember this day. We had each of them a tiara with a purple (royal) pillow. They all love playing princess- and we let them know they are now truly princesses of the one and only King! Kadyn also received her first "big" girl Bible from Granny Lou and Pop. She received a t-shirt that says I am a princess of the true King-- from Aunt Kaci and Uncle Clay. The girls had a great time. Kadyn is still talking about the entire day almost a week later. There are MANY pictures from this day. I will probably have to put them in two different blogs-- we will see! What a special day-I know the angels were rejoicing.

The Girls- Lauren, Kadyn, Adyson, Lindsey

Kadyn's royal pillow and looking through her new Bible in her tiara.

Why I Teach

I have been reminded this week why it is that I choose to teach. True, it is not a very lucrative profession. There are many times that a teacher does not feel they get the respect they deserve. Most teachers put in so much time out of the spotlight-at home at night where only their family can see. Yes, it can be frustrating at times. However there are those moments that make it worthwhile. A few examples from this week. Names are not given-- but the stories are real--

A child who came to our school so far behind. This child had seen destruction like most of us do not ever have to face. This child has worked so hard to overcome these things- refusing to let the circumstances of life hold him back. He went to extra tutoring during school, he went to extra tutoring after school, he spent time at home doing extra work, he took time before and after school to work with his teachers-- and it paid off. This child passed both of the state tests for 6th grade this year. He had not passed a benchmark throughout the entire year- and yet his hard work and determination paid off. How cool that I get to be the one to tell him tomorrow!

An entire 6th grade this year that has had ups and downs. They don't always get along and today was a different story. Today was the big Cluster meet among several other schools. I did not get to go. I was the "lucky" one who got to stay behind with those who did not quite make it. The stories I heard of the kids cheering each other on, supporting each other! They came in a bit down thinking they had received 2nd place. They would be the first 6th grade in the history of the school to NOT get 1st place. The teachers were congratulating them, but still- a gloomy feel. The principal came on the intercom to announce the results to the entire school. She announces from 6th-3rd place. She got to 2nd place and all were expecting to hear our school- but no-- by a small 6 points- our kids won! They had helped each other out and pulled out a victory! You would have thought they had won the gold medal! They were all jumping up and down-screaming- hugging! What a great sight to see these kids work together.

Last but by far not the least--the young girl who comes with fear in her eyes needing someone to talk to. Questions, wanting answers- searching- wanting someone to just listen--and she came to me. She trusted me.

Thank you Lord for giving me an opportunity to make a difference. I pray that You will guide me each day- let my words be your words. Let me not take credit for what you are doing through me. I know there are many times I wish I did not have to work- however-- I am thankful that you have provided me with such an opportunity to minister.

Kadyn's Salvation

Oh my dear Kadyn, words cannot express the pure joy in my heart! On Sunday, April 23rd, you walked down and accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour. How beautiful you were! I want to have this moment captured for you forever- so that if you ever doubt whether or not it was real, you have this to look back on and remember-- it is real. Kadyn, Christ has already made a difference in you. Even at 4 years and 10 months, there is a change. Here is a record of events as close as I can get:

You have always asked questions about God. You have always loved going to church and you have loved going to day care at the seminary. You heard daily at "school" about Jesus. You heard weekly about Jesus at church. You and I talked most days about God in some fashion or form. Along about March of this year, you began asking specific questions about God. Who He was, where he was, etc. You would ask these questions a few at a time and then a few days would go by without anything. I know now that you were taking in every word and thinking about it. You would then come back a few days later and tell me what you took as truth, based on conversations we had previously had. At the beginning of April. you asked me what it meant to ask Jesus in your heart. We talked about letting Jesus be the King of your life. These days, you live in a world of princesses, princes, kings and queens. You tell me that the king is the one who is in charge. So I thought this analogy might help you understand. We talked about how Jesus didn't really live in your heart for real. That He was there to guide you, to help you make good choices, and to help you know when you had messed up. We talked about how He had fought the devil and won! We talked about how Christ died on the cross for you to save you from your sins, but that He came back--He rose from the dead. You told me that night early in April that you wanted Jesus to be your King. This being the first time that we had talked specifically about salvation, I was not sure that you had a complete understanding. I asked Mrs. Karin to talk with you that Wednesday night. She talked with us and boy did you talk her ear off! Mrs. Karin said at that point you knew all the answers, but that you did not yet understand that Jesus did this for you; that He would have done this for you even if there was nobody else. You had not yet personalized it. Another week goes by and during this time your good friend Adyson asked Jesus into her heart. You watched her walk down front on Easter Sunday morning. We had the Lord's Supper that morning and you wanted to know everything about it; why we did it and what it all meant. You told me on Tuesday that Jesus was telling you it was time to ask him to be your King. Again, at this point I was thinking you just saw Adyson walk down and you wanted to do the same. On Wednesday evening- the week after Easter- you heard mommy and Mrs. Angie talk about Pop going to baptize Adyson. When we got home from church, you began sobbing. You were afraid for Adyson. At this point you did not understand baptism and it scared you. I talked to you for a long time explaning that Jesus told us to be baptized. We talked about it being a way to let everyone know that you had asked Jesus into your heart. Still, you were upset. We called Granny Lou and she talked to you for a long time as well. You were still upset when you went to bed, but told me that you were going to pray and ask God to help you. On Thursday after school, you told me you needed some girl time. We ended up taking a bath together in the big bath tub. While there, you asked me more questions about baptism-you wanted me to show you how it was done. We talked through it again and I showed you exactly what would happen. You looked at me in the bathtub and told me Jesus was telling you it was time- you needed to ask him to be your king. Again, I am wondering. You were so upset the night before--was this just because your friend had done this? I told you that I wanted you to pray until Saturday night and that if you still felt Jesus talking to you, that we would have Mrs. Karin talk to you again. Off to bed you go. At 12:30 a.m., you woke me up-- mommy it is time--being half asleep I did not know what you were talking about. You said Jesus woke me up mommy-- it's time for me to ask Him to be my King. I again told you to keep praying and that we would talk to Mrs. Karin on Sunday. You told me you didn't need to talk to her. Jesus told you that baptism is a good thing. You didn't need to be scared anymore. He loved you, He died on the cross for you, and He saved you from your sins. Again, I said keep praying. This kept up on Friday and Saturday. So, first thing Sunday morning, April 23rd, I found Mrs. Karin and asked if she would talk to you. When I picked you up from Sunday School, you told me you had already asked Jesus in your heart. Mrs. Karin saw us and told me there was no doubt! You understood and realized it was for you! You told me right then that you had to tell everybody! Granny Lou was not at church, daddy was not at church, but you would not wait to go down. We found Pop and told him. You wanted to walk down to him. We called and Granny Lou rushed up to the church. You went down front and were not shy! You told everyone that you asked Jesus in your heart!
Now, Kadyn what you keep telling me over and over is that you prayed in your room by yourself on that Thursday night after you woke me up in the middle of the night. You tell me that you asked Jesus to be your King. That you knew He died for you; you knew you made bad choices and you asked him to forgive you.
Since this, Kadyn there is a change in you. You can be a shy girl at times. However, you have not been shy in telling people about your decision. You have gone to people you didn't know and told them. You response if you are being disciplined is different. You have personalized this. I cannot tell you how proud I am of you. You are not only my daughter, but you are my sister! I love you so very much! I have been praying for you since before you were born and I thank God that you have come to know Him at such an early age. I know that this does not mean your life will be easy, but always rest assured that you are a child of the true KING! He will never let you go. My prayer for you now is that you will continue to be as eager to know Him as you are right now. I pray that your desire is to keep learning, studying, and growing in the Lord. Kadyn you are destined for great things! I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for you!
I love you!

These pictures were taken the week after Kadyn accepted Christ. The picture of her holding the Bible-- they told her to look like she was reading- to have a more serious expression on her face. She told them she couldn't- the Bible was a good book- one that made her smile!

The Whisker

So, I just finished my shower and as I am putting moisturizer on my face I find it--AGAIN! The whisker. Now, let me tell you, this can be quite annoying at times--it sticks out-- right at the end of my chin. If I do not yank it early enough I am sure the entire world can see it protruding from my chin. It must be gargantuan! However tonight- I find myself changing my mind about the whisker. My mother has a whisker or two. My grandmother had a whisker or two. Now, on the Friday before Mother's Day, I find myself lucky to be in the company of such women. See, my mom has taught me many things throughout the years. I am sure there are many things she wishes I would forget! However, my mother has been a great example of what a mother should be. My mother has always been my biggest fan, my biggest cheerleader. My mother has always supported me, even if she didn't always agree with my decisions. My mother has always prayed for me- even when I know at times she had to feel her prayers were not being answered. My mother held my head when I was sick. She stayed up with me at night. My mother cried with me in both good and bad times. My mother has celebrated with me, but most of all my mother has loved me-no matter what. See, she had a good example. Her mother taught her the most important thing about being a mother--Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. She set the example for my mother and I am so thankful that my mother followed in her mother's footsteps. My mother was not always perfect. She made mistakes. But she always shared her love of the Lord with my sister andme. My mother modeled reading the Bible. My mother modeled how to pray. My mother encouraged us to be involved in church. My mother found ways to send us to every camp and activity the church offered. My mother knew what was important- what we needed to be the foundation of our lives. She knew she would make mistakes, but she also knew that Jesus would never fail us. She made sure we knew that. My mother can be a bit qurky at times. She loved to skate in the kitchen and I used to be so embarrassed! Now I get it-- my mother loves life and lives it to the fullest. So thank you mom--thank you for teaching me the most important things in life-- thank you for showing me how to live life to the fullest-- you know- we need to skate in the kitchen again! It has been far too long! As for my whisker-- I wear it with pride--after all- I am in the company of some really great ladies! I love you!

Two Steps Forward

What a day Dylan!! Another milestone for you! Today, you took your first two steps on your own! There was no hand to hold, no couch or table to support you! You were motivated by getting daddy's keys out of his hands. You probably did not even know you had let go-- but you kept going and went forward. Of course- you would not repeat your performance, but it is definitely a start! I look forward to many more milestones with you--keep moving forward--I Love You sweet boy!

Through the Eyes of a Child

The Bible clearly tells us that we need to have the faith of a child. As an adult, I sometimes forget this; the simple truth of God's love for us. Today, Kadyn, you were a picture of this for me. I have had, well let's just say not one of my best days. I have been through many emotions in my day since I left you this morning. I was dealing with this when I picked you and your brother up today, trying not to let you see my frustration, hurt, etc from my day. On our way home, you began sharing with me everything you learned at "school" as you put it. You began to tell me about God's beautiful world and how it is all around us-- just look! "You can see God everywhere!" Then you began to sing with your whole heart, well "teach me" as you said the following song:
"God's beautiful world, God's beautiful world, He made it for you, He made it for me, I love God's beautiful world."

All night long you have been ministering to me in your own sweet way. Maybe you sensed that I was not ok, maybe it was God working on my heart through you. Whatever the situation may be, you have been my reminder that the things in this world, the work situations, the money frustrations- they are nothing--all we have to do is look around us and see God's beautiful world that He made for us--because He loves us-- Thank you for being my reminder! Thank you for wanting to "teach" me your song--your voice will forever be angelic to me! I love you!

Trying This out!

May 2, 2006

Ok- so here goes my attempt at this. I want to journal these days-- I want to remember the sweet and innocent things the kids do. I want to be able to share with them as they get older. Hopefully this will help me do that. Of course I am new at this-so I am sure it will take me awhile to learn! So this is for you Kadyn and Dylan....These are the thoughts your mama had as you grew- the laughter, the tears, the good times and the challenging! I love you both!