Updates

Just a quick update on us.

Jason
Jason is currently working at Express Oil Change at the moment.  He likes working there except for having to stand up all day, and all the guys like to cuss, go drinking after work, and talking dirty about women and customers.  Today, he told me that a guy at work was asking about the church we went too and that he need God in his life.  Maybe the sole purpose for Jason working there is to witness to this young man.  We are waiting on the paperwork from Homeland Security to come back, so that he can start on the job in Tennessee.  Hoping that we will hear something this week.  If we do then Jason will have to be up there on Sunday to start on Monday. 

Jase aka tornado
Jase is not playing football anymore because we felt that there was alot of bad sportsmanship going on especially after the first game.  I can't have my baby or my family in those kinds of situations.  He is making new friends at school and in the apartment complex.  He misses his friends from Hernando.  He misses his church friends.  He is such a people person.  It worries me sometimes.  I love watching him grow into the young man that God wants him to b


Aby aka hurricane
Aby is as hard headed as always.  We butted heads tonight.  I thought she would drive me crazy.  She has decided to start lying about everything.  And that will just not work.  We are putting a stop to that quick like.  She lied about eating more pizza than what she was suppose too.  It took 45 minutes of her sitting on the wall before she admitted it.  When I told her that because lied then she would have to spend the rest of the night in her room.  That is when you know what hit the fan.  On the bright side, she did come and say she was sorry for being ugly to me.   She has a strong personality wonders where she gets it from surely not me.


Me
I have put in several applications all over town and still nothing.  I am not very good at playing the waiting game and I never have been.  If Jason gets this job then I will not have to work.  I am still feeling good and everything is still good with my heart and my stress level is down somewhat.  It will go down more when Jason gets on in Tennessee.  I know that it will not be easy with Jason gone but it is what we have to do for a little while. 

A Summer of Firsts

This has not been the summer that I thought it would be.  Where to begin...let's start at the beginning.  I know that I have already talked about some this before in earlier posts so please for give me.

We started the summer out like always.  Get out of school go to camp.  This was Aby's first year to be able to go.  She loved every minute of it.  This was the first time that she has been away from me for that long.  I was more nervous than she was about going.  While they were at camp, Jason and I along with friends, Al and Brittany Fishburn, went to New Orleans.  This was the first time since our honeymoon that Jason and I got away with out any children.  We had a great time with friends.  New Orleans on the other hand was very dirty and just plain NASTY. New Orleans was not what I remembered from my college days. I did enjoy taking pictures and seeing all the different buildings and people.  Loved, loved Cafe Du Monde and the iced coffee.  We loved the Port of Call restaurant.  If you ever go to New Orleans you have to try this place.  They only serve hamburgers, salads, and baked potatoes.  Sooooo Gooood!

In July, a donor sent all the children and staff to Walt Disney.  This was a wonderful surprise to get to go 2 years in a row with an up grade in rooms.  We got to stay at the Caribbean Beach Resort.  Our beds were pirate ships.  We all had a great time.  On the 2nd day, I was not feeling to good.  I did something to aggravate my chest and felt sick to my stomach all day and very weak.  When we got back to our room the bottom fell out of the sky, and who likes to be wet.  Aby and I chilled out the rest of the day.  I hated to end my day like that but I had to care of myself.  Plus Aby needed to rest and cool off.

On July 12th, our world came tumbling down.  Jason was called to Robert's office and we were let go from Palmer Home with no real reason. (Please note that I said Jason was called over NOT me.  I feel that Robert was a coward because he didn't want to face any confrontation from me)  Only thing that he was said was we feel this is not the place for you anymore.  After almost 6 years of service, we were given one day's notice.  I have my own reasons for why we were let go, but I will keep that to myself.  Some days my feelings are all over the place about this and the person that delivered the news.  I am struggling with anger, betrayal, forgiveness, and hatred.  I ask God daily to give me a forgiving heart.  I look everyday for the blessing that I know God will give us.  I love being Jase and Aby's mom, but I miss my other children that I was forced to give up.  I Love and miss them so much and pray daily for them.  I miss my life there but I am learning to trust in God and that He knows what is best for me and my little family.

So we moved back to Columbus, where Jason's family lives.  Jase and Aby are loving being back with their Grandparents, but they miss their brothers and sisters also.  Jason starts a new job on Monday.  It is not what we wanted but God will provide for us.  He is going to keep looking until something better comes along or maybe this is were God wants him to be either way we are very grateful for the opportunity.  I am still looking, but it is very hard with one vehicle.  But I have hope and faith and that is all that counts.

So as always I have a crazy busy life, but I am learning to slow down and enjoy that little things...

Let the Summer Begin

In just the last week, we have been really busy and on the go.

The kids got out of school on May 25th, we left for New Orleans on May 26th, and they left for Camp Palmer on May 27th.  Last week was very crazy trying to get everyone ready and packed.  I had an emotional melt down about leaving Aby or her leaving me.  I think that the thing was that she has never spent more than a night away from Jason and I, so now it is official my baby is growing up.  (But since she has gotten back she is always pretty close by) And she came back with manners saying excuse me and thank you alot more than when she left.  I love it!!!!!!

New Orleans was a blast.  Mostly because we could get away from the normal and just relax.  No schedules.  It was really dirty than I remember.  We loved the french market and Cafe De Monde.  We did walk down the famous Bourbon Street only once.  It is so hard to believe that I would go down there in college and party.  It was so nasty, with almost nude photos hanging for everyone to see.  I am so glad that my children were not down there to see that.  They are in serious need for some Jesus.

Well, since the kids have gotten home on June 1st, we have been running around like chicken with no heads.  Next week, we have VBS at our church, a group staying on campus, and the whole campus is all affected by the group.  The group will have to stay in one cottage and the other two will be either a all boy and all girl cottage.  I am not really looking forward to the extra stress and everyone being uprooted.  The only good thing about next week is that our off time was put off a week, but then again you never know.  This is just the 1st week of summer.


And for the record there are 60 days left until school starts.

As always my life is CrAzY!

Jase

Jason and I watched as Jase received his certificate to 6th grade.  Wasn't it just yesterday that he was starting kindergarden.  I can't believe that I have a 6th grader.  Jase is such a well rounder little man.  He is smart and athletic.  There is nothing that he wouldn't try at least once.  He loves being outdoors.  He loves the Lord, and he has such a tender heart and spirit.  I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for him.  I am already praying for his wife to be a godly woman that will love the Lord and my son.  I am so proud of my little man.  He has made my life so blessed.  I am so proud to be his Mom.

Tator Tot Casserole

Just thought that I would share one of my children's favorite meal with everyone.

Here is the recipe if you want to try it out:

1 lb. Hamburger Meat
1 Bag Tator Tots
8 oz. Sour Cream
1 Can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 cup Milk
1 package of Shredded Cheese

1. Brown Meat.  Drain and put in bottom of 9x13 dish.
2. Layer with tator tots.
3. Mix sour cream, soup, and milk together.  Then pour over tots.
4. Top with cheese.
5. Bake at 375 for 45 minutes or until tots are done.

Strawberry Shortcake for dessert

Oh to be a kid again

I just love the rain.  I love to sit on the porch and watch it rain.  Today Jason was going shopping with me today to find a cute sun dress to where to our upcoming fundraiser when the bottom fall out of the sky.  Well, we waited a few minutes then we decided to make a run for it.  I slipped off my flip-flops and off we go.  It was great.  I was soaked on one side and I stepped on a rock, but we laughed all the way to the truck.  Remind me of the time as kids, we would play in the rain and make mud pies, and then try to talk our sisters into taking a bite.  What great FUN!!!!!  Why did we have to grow up?  Why as adults do we forget the simple things that made us happy as children? 

Oh to be a kid again...

Updates

Well, since I didn't write a word in February.  I guess I will let you know what happen in the wonderful 28 days.

Are you ready for it? 

IT WAS VERY CRAZY AND BUSY!  Who knew that you cram so much into the shortest month of the year. 

My brain is tired and my body is sore because I started working out with a personal trainer at the gym.  Today was only my 2nd day and I am feeling it.  But I know that all this pain will be worth the gain in the end when I am a skinny mini or at least skinnier than I am now.  I am so excited.

More to come later!

The Sense of a Goose

This was just a little nugget that I found tonight. I wanted to share it with you.

 

As each bird flaps its' wings, it creates an uplift for geese following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds much greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.

LESSON: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because the are traveling on the thrust of one another.

The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

LESSON: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging, and not something else.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies at the point position.

LESSON: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and share leadership.

When a goose gets sick or wounded it honks for help and two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help protect it. They stay with the sick goose until it is able to fly again or it dies. Then they launch out on their own, or with another formation, or catch up with the flock.

LESSON: If we have as much sense as a goose, we too will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong

I may not have given birth to you but...

Straight from the heart of a "Mom"!!!!!!
Not a Mother, but a Mom......

You did not grow under my heart,but you grew in it.

Yes,it does make you wonder sometimes, doesn't it? But, then we are reminded of Solomon when he told the 2 women that he would cut the baby into for both to have a piece and the real mother spoke up and said No, just let her have the baby. That was a test and it proved who really loved the baby. It proved who the real Mother in this case...but the point was who loved the baby.
No, you are not the real Mother that gave birth. But, it proves that you have real love for the child......and makes you a "Mom" and it also proves that you did grow up to be a Christian adult that is successful in her life and it a great "Mother" and a great "Mom"!
The hardest part of being a Mother or Mom is letting go of your children. Remember the first day of school....it only gets worse. Then there will be the first day of college....the day they get married and so on. Happy days, but with some sadness,too.

This is something that my MOM sent to me the other day in regards to an earlier post.  She is a beautiful women that is a great example to me that I love very much.  Thanks Mom and Pop for always being there.  Love you guys.

BitterSweet

Today is a sad and happy day in our house.  One of our children is leaving to go back and live with his mother today.  He came to us in June and has won the hearts of everyone on campus.  He always has a smile on his face.  I am going to miss him very badly.

I know that this is a good thing and this needs to happen and should happen.  A mother should raise her children that is how it should work in this world.  Unfornationaly that is not always the case, I know this and it is still hard to accept sometimes.  Some mothers need to be slapped accross the face for how stupid they are and how they treat their children.  They take for granted the fact that they can give birth especially when there are so many out there that can't, and we all know that those couples would be great parents.  Don't you wonder what was God thinking and what does that have to do with His Will.  Of course, I always think that I could do a better job at parenting, and I am not perfect by far.  I like to think that I am raising great children that will one day be up standing christian adults that are successful in every area of their life. 

Well, enough of my soap box because I could go on all day about this issue.  My prayer will be that this is God's will in his life, to give his mother wisedom and guidance, and  he will be happy.

Very Grateful

There has been a lot going on since me last post.  Let me count them for you.

1.  I have had a heart attack and had to have open heart surgery.  5 bypasses.  Talk about scary.  I still can't put into words the feelings that I had when the doctor told me or now as I am on the road to recovery.  Some days are better than others. I am so thankful for all the people that stepped up to help us out in this very difficult time.  We had some friends that took Jase and Aby so that Jason could stay with me at the hospital even though it put their count to 13 in one house.  Can you imagine?  I am so grateful to have a great doctor that cares.  I am working closely with the doctor to make sure that this will not happen again.   

2.  I have lost 45 lbs in the last year, and I am looking forward to losing more.  It is great to buy a smaller size.  I can't wait to reach my goal. 

3.  I have made new friends in Brittany and Al.  They are the new houseparents in the other house.  It is great to have friends to talk too.

4.  I have a great job that is very rewarding at times, but it can be very challenging also.  I have a great group of children.  I found out that our 10 years old has been witnessing to one of the other kids in the cottage.  How awesome is that.

5.  I am grateful for my old friends.

What are you grateful for this year?