Christmas Cheer

The kids with their shoeboxes for Samaritan's Purse. A great tangible way for the kids to give to others.

We finally got decorated!! We love our new nativity scene that you can see in the back.

Aubree Fit

Aubree and I had denist appointments this morning. She did great at having her teeth cleaned - a major improvement!! So, I thought all was well in denist land today. HA! HA! says Aubree!!

Aubree picked out her little ring while the dental hygenist (AKA the denist's wife) prepared for me. All went along fine until Aubree decided she wanted the 'oval ring' instead of the ring she picked out. Needless to say, I'm not in the position to be talking very much. I told her that we were not discussing it right then. (Note: I did not say she could not ask and see if it was OK to trade it when I was finished.) Well, the girl had a 2 year old temper tantrum right then and there.

A million things went through my mind: I'm so embarassed that she is acting like this (this is a reflection of my parenting skills), If I get my hands on her...., What do I do??? She did not stop when I calmly spoke to her. I finally asked if I could sit up. Aubree came to me and I calmly whispered 'consequences' to her behavior. She seemed shocked at the consequences and wanted to argue about them. We finished the appointment and came home for the consequences as well as a discussion on appropriate behavior and how much we need Jesus to help us.

As I reflect on this situation through the day, I am reminded of God's love for me and my love for Aubree. I was really upset over her actions; God is seriously grieved by my sin. It's easy for me to forget the consequences of my sin when I'm not in His Word daily. Aubree needs love and direction constantly - even when I think I'm done for that moment. Those many things I never believed when my parents said them, I understand now. Having to take care of the consequences hurt both of us, but necessary for her to learn. God's disciplines hurt but make us stronger for Him. And as Christmas is closer and closer, I remember how precious of a baby Aubree was and can only imagine the preciousness of the Baby Jesus who came to die for my sins. I'm so thankful for His love and forgiveness.

Wedding Shower

I've fallen way behind. I'll attemp to catch up.

We had a wedding shower at our house the Saturday after Thanksgiving for Karen and Scott.

I actually did some 'deep' cleaning during the last few weeks in preparation. And caused a leak!! Newman found it just as guests were starting to arrive.

Mom and Bride to Be!!

I can't believe the wedding is less than two weeks away!!

Thanksgiving Family Picture

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. What other day do you get to eat three desserts??

We enjoyed precious time with all our families. Bryce finally got his cranberry sauce and chocolate pie. I think Aubree loved the desserts!!

(We don't take the time to do family pictures very often. This one turned out OK, so I thought I'd post it.)

Day Off From School

And this is how they fill their time!!

Thankfully, a foam sword and plastic knife are not too dangerous.

Precious Memories

I've always loved this picture of Bryce's hands and Grandma's hands.

Thanksgiving 2006 with Grandma and Grandpa.

We miss you Grandma.

Our Last Two Weeks Pictures

Aubree and Daddy

Sunday afternoon hike at the lake

This seemed to be the best way to pick up the shells so no one had to get wet or fall in.

We did remember to take Bryce's glasses off.

Bryce receiving his Bobcat Patch at Cub Scouts

Tie Dying t-shirts at our 4-H meeting

Are We Invited?

The word invite has been used a lot in our house lately - the kids have been invited to a couple of birthday parties, we've talked about wedding invitations and just yesterday mailed shower invitations for Aunt Karen and Uncle Scott.

Yesterday afternoon, we stopped for a funeral procession to pass. The kids asked whose funeral it was. Then Aubree asked if it was for Mr. C (An extended family member that passed away on Thursday.) I told her that his funeral was on Sunday. In all seriousness Aubree says, "Are we invited?" I wanted to answer her respectfully but she really caught me off guard with her question, I had to pause and keep my grins to myself. Then, I explained that there were some events you were invited to attend and others, like funerals, that normally you can just attend out of respect without an invitation.

Fall Festival Pictures

Fall Festival with Homeschool group at Warehouse. Donut eating game. She was so funny trying - I think she got one little bite. But then she got to finish the donuts!

Donut Face!
While at the party, Bryce got involved in a mean game of dodge ball and took a hard hit to the face AND glasses. Thankfully, the technician at Costco fixed them up like new!!

Our Cinderella!!

Our Pirate!!

They had a blast at the Fall Festival at church. Bryce played games and accumulated a lot of candy. Aubree went back and forth between the big slide and jumping castle.

We finally got her to change clothes. And she got her face painted. She picked these out (she has a puppy dog on the other side.)

17 Years Ago Today

When I write it like that, it seems like a very long time ago. Well, I guess it was...

Newman proposed to me 17 years ago today. I was a sophomore in college. He had been working for the City for about a year. We usually did not see each other during the week, but that night we met for dinner at Darryl's. After dinner, he took me to a shopping/business complex with a beautiful water fountain at the entrance. He had me sit by the fountain and close my eyes. When I opened them, I had a huge plastic spider ring on my hand along with the diamond ring which was turned upside down. Then he asked me to marry him.

We will celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary in December!! I can't believe how God has grown both of us in love for each other as well as blessed us with two wonderful children.

Our (Last) Week in Pictures

Bryce's 7th lost tooth. And it's not gotten any easier. I needed a chapter on "Kids who are traumatized on having their teeth pulled." It was loose for a very long time. He's even tried to pull it himself, but it became a desperate situation when a permanent tooth got yucky looking because it was not being brushed as it should. Nonetheless, he still got his dollar!

Crazy hat night at AWANA.


Their first hot chocolate of the season.

With marshmallows and animal cookies.

Aubree's artwork. As you know, kids have a hard time of letting 'stuff' go. I read in a magazine to take a picture of them with 'it,' then trash 'it.' A much easier situation for all involved. (I actually may have kept this one, but there are many more that are gone!!)

Bryce's Journal Entry

One of Bryce's LA lessons last week was Journal Entries. We introduced them one day, and the next day the assignment was to write an entry. The following is his journal entry about our field trip to the local newspaper on Thursday (as dictated to mom.)

Newspaper Field Trip - Thursday, October 23, 2008
Uncle Brinn talked to us about the newspaper.
He showed us the camera which was old.
He showed us the one who worked there and he showed us how they burned the paper.
Then, we went to the place where they had ink. He told us not to come over to the side where he was.
We got a Mini Page.
He said to us, "Who thinks they want to be someone who works at the newspaper factory when they grow-up?"
He told us it was fun!

Congratulations Scott and Karen!!

Sonlight Moment

Our homeschool cirriculum is from a company called Sonlight. Bryce loves it! Reading the History/Geography and Science is his motivation to get his Math and Language Arts done. Every once in a while we get that WOW moment of confirmation. And yesterday, we got one.

Newman's dad was visiting while the kids were playing. Aubree got out her Wiki sticks and Bryce started playing with her. They went into the kitchen where we couldn't see them. Then, Bryce asked Aubree if she wanted to do a "little play" for PawPaw. They made little Chinese coins and strung them on a string made from the Wiki Sticks. They pretended Bryce (Little Pear) was buying a tang-hulur from Aubree the shopkeeper. They even made two tang-hulurs (candy on a stick). They exchanged the coins for the candy and played on and on. Later, I explained to Newman where it all had come from. One of Bryce's Read-Aloud books that we just finished was called Little Pear. It's about a little Chinese boy who gets into a lot of mischeif and the books teaches some Chinese customs, etc. It was a cute book that kept Bryce's attention. Newman said he appreciated the explanation and could now better understand what exactly the kids were doing.

And I forgot to take a picture...Can you believe it??

Our Week in Pictures

We went to the Pumpkin Farm on Thursday for a Field Trip. The kids had fun picking out their own pumpkins. We went on a hay ride, saw some animals, had a picnic lunch with MeMaw who was able to go with us and the kids played on the slide. The kids lined our pumpkins up on the front steps.



After the pumpkin farm, we went to Costco to get Bryce's glasses. He loves being able to see distance things now. While we were getting a snack at Costco, he asked mama if he needed to take them off to eat!! I think they make him look older. He's adjusting well and trying to take good care of them.

If you notice, Aubree's pumpkin is the biggest. And she knows which one is hers!!!

Can't show much from our Friday shopping day!! A very successful shopping trip for the bride and her mother. Both will look very pretty!!

Dr. Akin's Sermon on Sunday

When I was in school, I found it helped me to come back from class and type my notes (nerdy girl, I know.) Thought I would do that here and share.

Dr. Daniel Akin is the President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC.

The title of his sermon was "A First Century Vision for the 21st Century Church." The scripture he referenced was Acts 2:14-47. I felt the message was very clear and contiues to impress on my heart how important our church family is.

He explained 5 points about "A Church That Pleases God."

1. Exalt the Savior
His sermon is Jesus-centered

2. Expound the Scriptures
A Scripture saturated church
He had a true story of a self proclaimed atheist who understood
the importance of the resurrection. (I appreciated the simiplicity
for myself as well as talking about it with the kids.)
A. It would take a God to raise Jesus from the dead.
B. Jesus is that God.
C. There is heaven and hell.
D. The Bible is true.
E. He (Jesus) makes all the difference.

3. Edify the saints
Disciple making church
A. Teaching church
B. Loving church
C. Praying church
D. Giving church
E. Worshipping church

4. Embrace the Holy Spirit
Biblical balance is the key
He had a great explanation about spiritual gifts.
God gives them to you. We are to know
AND exercise them.

5. Will evangelize sinners
Be a soul winning church - teach repentance.
A family - where membership matters.

This is an hour sermon condensed tremendously!!!

Our Week in Pictures

At Grandmama's on Saturday.

Engagement news from Aunt Karen!! Congratulations!!

Bryce's Cub Scout Uniform

The kids weren't real thrilled with the tangerines but love the juice. So, Daddy suggested giving them each one and letting them drink the juice. They loved it. At least one hour worth of entertainment at lunch today!!! Aubree even stood on the stool to squish hers and loved it when the juice came to the top. What little joys in life when you're a kid!

What a day!!!!

God is good. All the time, God is good. What a day!!

Bryce had his eye doctor appointment this morning. What we thought would be routine eye appointment to get glasses turned out to be but nothing routine. As the doctor was checking Bryce’s left eye, she told him to hold real still that this was the eye she needed to look at really good. Then, she told me she was concerned about the optic nerve and it being swollen. OK, so what does that mean?? She said it was 98% chance of calcium deposits. What about the other 2%? She says really about ½%. What about the 1/2% then? Reluctantly, the dr says “a mass and that’s all you’re going to remember about this conversation.” I promise no (not completely true, of course) but I needed to know. We head out about 11am to schedule an MRI. Just so happens (NOT – it’s God) they can see us at 11:30am. The doctor said she would call with the results in a couple of days. We check out of the eye doctor and head around the corner to Radiology Clinic. I called Newman at work as we were driving. I assure him we’re OK. We get checked in. Bryce does an amazing job during the MRI. I am so proud of him. As we go to Costco to order his glasses, I’m wondering if I’m going to be able to sleep the next couple of days. I keep reminding myself – God is good. God is in control. He will help us handle whatever the results are.

It reminded me of having a baby. Women have babies everyday, but with Bryce it was my first labor, delivery, etc. I had no idea what to expect or anything. Today, it was definitely scary thinking something may be medically wrong with Bryce. I had to keep reminding myself we had dedicated him to God. We praised God when we were expecting; we praised God when he was born; we praise God for Bryce. But wow, it’s hard when you think something is wrong. I think about others we know that have dealt and are dealing with medical issues.

Bryce and I ran by the house to get his toys before going to church so I could get a some work done. We had a message from the doctor. She said Bryce was “fine and no problems.” It was calcium deposits. PRAISE THE LORD. I called her back immediately!!! She said she has NEVER received MRI results so quickly. (God knew I needed to sleep the next couple of days!) I told her I was very thankful she had received them!! I could instantly feel the relief flow through my body. My emotional tank is drained today but filled with awe of how God works through all circumstances.

Agricultural Field Day

(The kids and I were asked to write and article to be submitted to the newspaper. It was submitted but not chosen. So, I thought I'd "publish" myself by sharing along with a few pictures.)

Agricultural Field Day at O Park was a great school day for Bryce and Aubree. Our group started with the County Animal Control at 9am and ended with petting a calf after 2pm. We learned how important safety is with lawn mowers, ATVs, guns and forest fires. We saw tractors and a corn and hay baler demonstration by the FR Tractor Club.

Bryce, 7 years old, reported his favorite part was petting the pig, llama, turkey, rabbit and calf. He even wondered if the pig was a “spring pig.” Aubree, 5 years old, reported her favorite station being the Water Conservation where the children played a relay race using doggie poop bags to pick up ‘play’ doggie poop. The lesson being to clean up after our animals so our water supply stays clean. Both children enjoyed learning how to sew a button with the NC Cooperative Extension ladies. Both children have been faithful to water the pansies given to them by the County FFA. When asked their least favorite part, Bryce said the vegetable table which is where I learned the most.

As a homeschool parent, the day was well spent. I was most impressed of how hands- on everything was for the children. In the NC Wildlife & Safari Club trailer touching the wild turkey, animal hides and other animals was encouraged. Everyone was very gracious in all the questions asked by our group. Thank you to Mrs. G with 4-H for inviting the homeschoolers to participate.

September Beach Pictures

I love how the ocean glistens. Of course the kids are cute, too.

This was the day before Hanna came in.

We went to a driving range. Aubree did not quite have the patience.

Looks like Bryce knows what he's doing.

The kids had a great time running and playing in the ocean.

My JOYS in life...

Serving the Lord. I was saved when I was 26. I attended church off and on for most of my life. While in Japan as an exchange student, my eyes were opened to God. Years later I learned more what it meant to make Jesus the Lord and Savior of my life. I know that I fall short each and every day, but I’m thankful for His grace that covers me.

Serving my husband. Newman and I met way too long ago – I’m not writing any other details so it can’t be held against me later. We had no clue when we got married what exactly we were getting ourselves into. This December we will celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. The first couple of years of our marriage were very tough. Then God became part of our marriage. We have grown together and learn more and more everyday. I’m truly thankful for his love for the Lord and for me!

Serving my children. What joy – when life is fun and even when life is hard. Who would have ever thought I’d be a mom – I sure didn’t. (When Newman and I went through our pre-marital counseling, we told the pastor we didn’t want children.) Wow, God has a way of changing us, doesn’t he? Bryce is 7 and in 2nd grade. He’s our laid back kid who loves to talk. Someone once told me that I needed to pray (and we do) that God will use his talking to glorify Himself. Aubree is 5 and she’s doing preschool work. She’s my mini Karen (my sister) according to my mother. Aubree is very strong willed and can make my blood boil in one second and make me laugh the next second. We’re praying God will use her stubbornness to serve Him.

I have started this blog to keep family and friends updated on the kids and our life. Sometimes they do and say the funniest things. The children bring so much joy to so many people and I thought this would be a great way to share this gift God has trusted to Newman and me. I’ve learned so much! I also want to share my heart. Words are not easy for me, but this is my attempt to ‘face that giant’. PLEASE comment because that will encourage me to trudge on!

I Fell In A Rice Field

What an introduction...At the prompt of a friend, I thought this would be a place to jump into the blogging world.

Yes, I fell off my bike down into a rice field . I was a 16 year old exchange student in Japan. I rode my bike home from the train station after school. As another bike and I were coming down the street we met a car and a lady walking her dogs. Down Jennifer went!!! (Thankfully the fields were not full of water.) The other bike went on. The lady with the dogs asked if I was OK and could she help me up. I answered her in Japanese and up I came. Then the look of shock was on her face as she realized I was a gaijin (foreigner.) I thanked her and headed home feeling pretty embarassed by the whole ordeal. Since I was OK, I felt no need to tell my host family. Being the only gaijin in our small town, the lady knew exactly where I lived and who to call!!! My host mother met me at the door.

It's amazing how vivid embarassing moments are no matter how long ago they happened.