My current purpose

Wow! As I stated in my earlier blog, so much has changed for us in the last 7 weeks. Due to unforseen circumstances, we were forced to make a decision to change churches. It was painful, it was gut wrenching, it was down right heartbreaking! I was treated horribly by a church leader, and let down by people I respected and looked up to. Then again, so was Christ! In the last seven weeks, I've reflected on a lot of things and realized that part of the reason we've gone through this is because God has been talking to us for a long time, and we resisted His voice. Change was needed for many reasons. The main reason, for our children. Their spiritual health and growth is our responsibility. We were comfortable, we were "happy" or so we thought, and we were in a rut! Christopher was getting absolutely nothing out of church, except to spend many hours watching mom and dad "serve". Caleb was just there playing with friends. For what purpose? So mom and dad could work in their "ministries". Seriously? My eyes were opened wide this week when we visited a new church and my children's eyes lit up and they asked "when are we going back to church". Christopher told me all about his "Bible book" and what he learned in Children's Church. I woke up Monday morning singing a song from the service on Sunday.... WHAT? I got my happy back! I see potential for ministry at this church, but one thing I want to be sure of this time... NEVER again, do I want to get bogged down so much in ministry that I neglect the reason I am doing the ministry, or neglect the needs of my husband or children. That being said, my current and most important purpose... Mine, my husbands, and my children's needs spiritually! Meeting those needs through church worship and at home. Being a Christian Wife first and then mother.

Down but not out!

I can't post much today, cause i'm not even supposed to be on the computer due to tendonitis and a much needed but very painful cortisone injection. The past few months (well I haven't blogged since January and we are now at June) have been POWER PACKED but I will catch u up in a few days when I am able more to type. Right now, my title is "Down but not out" and that is how I feel. Satan has been on the war path, but he is not winning. God has my family in the palm of His hand and we know He has big plans for us. Small catch up. Christopher finished first grade, and is enjoying his summer. I'll post about his little "trials" and our fix soon. Caleb has one more year at home with mommy and thinks he is a "mini-me". We are enjoying our summer and our new pool. Headed to the beach in July and can't wait! Catch up in a few days. Ta-ta for now!

Seriously!?!?!?

Time flies when you are having fun! I just got on to see someone else's blog and realized It has been over a year since I last blogged. My baby was heading off to Kindergarten. WOW, has it been a year and a half? He's now almost half a year into first grade and my little one is 3 years old . Let's see, I'm not even gonna try to remember it all, but a major summation would be CRAZY! My dad passed away Jan. 31'st 2010. Truly one of the worst days of my life. Fred had surgery for a hernia the next day. Within a few months he went to school, retrained for a new job that turned out to not be "legit", and was unemployed until YESTERDAY. I started my own business "ForeverSmiles Photography" and have loved every moment of it! I have a new website up and running www.foreversmilesphoto.com if your interested in checking out my work. Besides that, let's see, thanks to my inlaws, we took a very excited 3 year old and 7 year old to Disney World for Christmas. It was a magical trip for the whole family. Fred's parents, sister, and friend, along with us four and my mom had a fantastic time! Christopher wants to live there and Caleb wants to "go back to Disney World RIGHT NOW!". The day after we got back, i had "the rest of the story" as far as my hysterectomy goes. In other words, the doctor removed my last ovary and tons of scar tissue and adhesions. Much worse than I ever anticipated and I am still recovering, but happy to say, I am feeling better each day! My mom received her 5 year award at work just last night and I was able to go and celebrate with her. I am chairing an event at Christopher's School this next month and continue to volunteer in his class. I am also the media coordinator at our church, as well as the Children's music coordinator, where we just hired a FANTASTIC new pastor. I think that brings me up to date, except to say that as we start this new year, I am going to do much better at my blogging. I am HUNGRY for God's word and have started a new bible study and am just loving learning how to be a better Child of God! It's amazing the miracles that occur when we strive to line up with God's word... I've seen it and i'm living it! I can't wait to share with anyone who wants to read the blessings in my life!! Night for now, or should I say morning since it's 2am.!!!!! More blogs to come.....

I blinked AGAIN!

Well, it's been a while since I've blogged, but evidently I have blinked AGAIN; My baby headed off to Kindergarten this morning!!! It seems just like yesterday, that he was a 5 lb 13 oz. baby and now, WHAT.... He went to school! I have received a couple of updates through the day from friends who are there that he is having a GREAT day. Like I expected anything else? He is such an amazing child.... he adjusts to his surroundings and always goes with the flow. I am so proud! He is insisting that he ride the bus this year, but I flatly said "NO!" to it this morning. My baby was NOT going off to school and me not walk him in, hug him bye, etc... so we compromised. He is riding the bus home today... t-minus 1 hour and 15 minutes and counting. Brownies are in the oven, cold milk ready to pour... I can't wait to hear about his first day! Off for now, the little one is demanding some attention... I'm sure you'll be hearing more from me, as we tackle MANY firsts this year!

15 Years

Today, my wonderful hubby and I celebrate 15 years of wedded bliss! Hmmmm, wedded bliss? Well, maybe not every day, but YEAH! God blessed me with an amazing man. He is a considerate, loving, patient, hard-working, did I mention patient, caring, sensitive, dedicated, and did I forget to mention PATIENT husband. He is my best friend, my lover, my confidant, my rock! He's also the world's best daddy to our two gorgeous sons. Thank you God for creating him just for me. I love you Fred!

Best Friends

I always thought, having a best friend was a "girly" thing. Seems I was wrong. As you will see evidenced by the pictures I am posting, Christopher now has a "Best Buddy"! Growing up, I always had friends. I always had close friends , and I always had a best friend. However, we were never "exclusive". We didn't shut others out of our friendship, we didn't exclude people from our activities, we just knew we could always count on each other. AND.... to this day, we are still just as close, and still know we can count on each other. Our lives have gone in two totally separate directions. Her kids are older, mine are younger. She's doing the middle school/high school thing, choosing classes, school trips, boy scouts, etc.... while mine are just heading off to school, starting sports, saying their first words, etc.... Even so, we remain close. There is a bond, that cannot be broken. We both have other friends, even very close friends, but... WE JUST KNOW !!!!
I'm so glad Christopher has found that kind of friendship. Zachary and Christopher are two of the most amazing boys I know and they have a "love" for each other that brings tears to my eyes. They don't see color, they don't see barriers, they just see the opportunity to be there for one another. This year they are in the same class. They may not always be, but one things for sure, they'll stay close! Even when they "fight" (thank God for boys, one minute their hitting, the next their hugging) they always say "I'm sorry Buddy", and move on. In such a mean world, it is a refreshing sight!!!! God bless these two sweet children, and God bless my dear sweet, BEST FRIEND FOREVER, Daphene... Love ya girl!!!

Blogging

I try, honestly I do! But look at the time I'm blogging, 12:09 AM!!!!!! With the recent events in this family, life has not been condusive (sp?) to blogging- it just isn't. The madness has officially started.... My 5 year old discovered he is a social butterfly (or is that dragonfly for boys?). He has discovered a new friend (his best friend in the whole word mommy!) that lives only four doors up. Zachary would be the appendage on Christopher's right hip. They are inseperable. In addition, we have started t-ball. Not only are they playing t-ball together (like they would have been torn apart for that), they have enlisted a tight group of friends to play with them (Landon, Brooke, Ryan, and Makai). What a fun group they are- I can't wait till games start! This weekend alone, we had t-ball practice, a birthday party, neighborhood easter egg hunt, and cookout, then Easter Sunday with church, dinner at grandparents, another easter egg hunt, and then of course playing with Zachary (like you thought he'd miss a day). Where does that leave Caleb you may ask. RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERYTHING! At 18 months old, he is discovering the world, somedays faster than we'd like. When Christopher takes off up the road on his bike, whom do you think is following as fast as his little Fred Flintstone legs will follow... That's right- CALEB! Fortunately, Zachary (the bestest friend) has a little sister who is absolutely an angel and loves Caleb, and vice versa. Amber and Caleb have quite a time playing together too. Temper tantrums for this not even two year old are not a daily event, but more than likely an hourly event. I'm told this is normal... REALLY? OMG, we are setting boundaries minute by minute and he's testing them second by second. Honestly, I wouldn't change a thing! Life is hectic, chaotic, crazy and downright fun and happy!!!!! Did I imagine life as a mother of two would be like this.... NEVER... it's so much better than I could have ever begun to think up. I LOVE THIS PHASE! Am I exhausted? You bet! Is my life full of exclamation points, YEP! Do I love it? You better believe it!!!!!!!!!