Birthday Week

I feel like a little girl today... I am just so excited! My husband has planned a birthday week for me. It started Wednesday when "the rest of the spices" spoiled my husbands weekend surprise by telling me I was spending the night with Janelle Saturday after our church's Christmas party. Yea!!!! Then the kid in him could be contained no longer and he gave me my present, a beautiful pair of earrings, to wear on our date Friday night. I was instructed to take Friday off work and get my hair highlighted and cut. (I need it so badly) The fun continues with a day of shopping with Janelle on Saturday. Sunday I am sleeping in and missing church (gasp). Monday evening I am taking my daughter to a movie. And finally Tuesday (my actual b-day) we are going out for a family celebration. I am so grateful for this time. Thanks Honey!!

Calling All Prayer Warriors

Tod has had an interview for a new job. He has been asked back for a second interview. Please pray with us. Tuesday December 4th at 10:00 is the interview. Thank you all.

New Member

I am sad to report that I am a new member of the "I forgot my child" club.

My husband and I always drive separate to church because I always need to be there early. Today we had a Thanksgiving feast potluck after church and when we were done my husband took our oldest son home and left me our other two children. I needed to help clean up, so S went to play in the gym and H was with her friends. When I was done I went to the gym and gave S a five minute warning while I went to get H. I looked high and low for that girl and couldn't find her, I called home to make sure she didn't change her mind and go with her dad. Finally, I found her in the nursery. ( the door was closed and only one light was on so it looked dark) Anyway, by the time I found her I was READY TO GO. So we left. When I got home my husband said "Where's S?" Are you kidding me?

Thankfully we only live 2 minutes from church and a friend was already on her way with him.

Running the Race

My oldest son runs Cross Country, if you have never been to a meet; it is a lot of fun. The spectators get almost as much exercise as the athletes, because you run from place to place trying to watch them run the course. The boys high school team finished 4th in our State this year and the girls finished 3rd. Their coach held a small banquet for them on Friday. When he was speaking he emphasized that Cross Country was a TEAM sport. Sure individuals run and can place 1st, 2nd, 3rd and so on, but the GOAL is for the team to place. I love how he encourages the guys to run in groups and stay with each other as much as possible. Near the end, they ‘kick it in’ and just run as hard as they can. It made me think about running this race here on earth, it is a team effort. We can encourage and support one another for the good of the team. It is not a competition with each other really, it is doing our best, while supporting and running along side one another, building each other up to finish strong. Like Dawn did here and Janelle here and Carissa here and Alana here. I love this little world of blogging. I love reading about your life, your triumphs and struggles are such an encouragement. Blessings friends. Thanks for trusting us with your thoughts.

More Than a Neighbor

I just wanted to give a shout out to Dawn for saving the day. My car wouldn't start this morning and like a good neighbor and a even better friend Dawn loaned me her van for the day. Isn't she awesome?

Saturday...

All I have to say
About Saturday
It was alot of fun
but I really WON!!!!

God is in Control

I mentioned on Carissa's blog that we are going through a life change right now. My husband is looking for a new job. He has been the Property manager of a local resort and they are doing some budget cuts. I really do feel like God was preparing my heart prior to hearing the news from Tod. I felt like God was going to do some work in my life. I didn't know what and I hoped it wasn't Tod losing his job, but I knew that whatever it was, God was in control. All I can do is trust Him and cling to His promises. We have been here before and God provided this particular job. So we will "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let our gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [we will] not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present our requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." It struck me the other day when I was repeating this verse, that after we present our requests to God, it doesn't say he will give us the answer we want, it says his PEACE will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. That was so signicant to me. I don't know about you, but my mind could really do a number on me if God's peace wasn't guarding it.

God has given me everything I have ever hoped for:

• an amazing man that I love with all my heart and that loves me
• three beautiful, fun, energetic, healthy kids
• encouraging, challenging, and incredibly fun friends
• oodles of family that live here
• a comfortable home
• a great church family
• and so much more

I am blessed.

Don't Hold Your Breath

All righty then! I have absolutely nothing to say. Before I started this blog I thought of tons of things to write about, and now... nothin', notta, NOT-A-THING! Why didn't I start this thing in the summer time, when I was home and had way more time?

Being Real

One reason I decided to start blogging is because it is a non-threatening way to really be yourself. I am drawn to REAL people. I just love it when you feel like you've known someone forever. I want to be a person that is 100% REAL. My personal struggle in being real all the of time is whether or not I feel "safe". It is much easier to be real when someone else is being real. So... I am striving to be the initiator; to be safe in the fact that it does not matter what others think of me, because my identity is in Christ. I am not here to impress anyone, but to leave an impression of God's love.

Are Moms Super Heroes?

I overheard my kids as they were going down the stairs...

"S, we get to dress as Super Heroes on Friday!"
"Who are you going to be, MOM?"

Be still my heart.

My Man

Thirty-nine years ago, God created the perfect man for me. He is witty, thoughtful, and charming. He is an awesome dad; it definitely comes natural to him. He is a great cook and is always willing to give me a night off. He is a servant of Christ and to our family. I love him with all my heart.

Happy Birthday Honey!! You’re the BEST!!!!

Let me explain the name

My husband and I have three kids. Ever since our youngest was about one or two, my husband began describing our kids as Salt, Pepper and the Rest of the Spice Rack. Our first two are as different as... you guessed it salt and pepper. One is a boy and one is a girl. One is athletic and one isn't. One is outgoing and one is shy. You get the picture. Then there is our youngest... he is the Rest of the Spice Rack. He has a little bit of everything. Each of our kids adds there own special flavor to our family. They are my favorite people in the whole world. How would you describe your kids?

Here Goes...

I finally decided to give blogging a try. I don’t know if I can keep it up or if it will be worth reading. I have loved reading other people's blogs. They have made me laugh, made me cry, encouraged me and inspired me. So here goes...