More pics

It was actually raining when were out there but it didn't matter to them. I was hiding under the beach umbrella :) The water was really calm.


My little ones loved the beach. They wanted to be in the ocean the whole time. It was fun but having 30 lbs around your neck is rough :)

Jeremiah came into our room every morning to snuggle :)

I love this pic of the two of them.

There was a boat that came to the beach infront of our hotel every day (3x a day actually) and fired a canon... it eventually became known to our kids as the pirate ship. It was LOUD! The boys would yell "The pirates are coming!" very cute!

We had a lot of great memories. Here's a few...

Jacob would always find a group of girls in the pool to hang out with... older girls! He even gave one a hug and kiss :)

Jeremiah loved swimming but he would be the first to say "i wanna snack" or "i wanna take a nap"

Darcy tried her best to make friends with everyone... young kids and even older men.

Jessica and I spent some "momma/jessica" time... we even did the parasailing

Matthew and I laughed at night b/c our room was sooo stinking bright and we slept with boxers over our face to block out the light!

there's many more but I've got restless kids :)

Friend or Foe?

Most of the time I delete emails like this without even reading them... ya know the ones like you're my bestie and if you love me too you'll send this back to me and to 10 other friends... and if not then your dog will die... yeah i hate those kinds. But today I read this one... I guess it was meant to be b/c I really related to this devotion. It actually sounded like something I could have written myself. I have a hard time finding friends. I really desire to have "close" friends but it just doesn't happen with me. I find someone that I know is a good fit but then they don't put in the effort to be my friend and my feelings get hurt.

Read this... it was emailed to me today and I wanted to share it here.

Women: Friend or Foe?
28 Jul 2009'
Rachel Olsen

"I'm a friend and companion of all who fear you, of those committed to living by your rules." Psalm 119:63 (MSG)

Not long ago I would've told you that I don't much like women. I counted a few as friends, but the rest of the gender I dismissed categorically as too much trouble. Never a "tomboy" by any stretch of the imagination, I just found guys so much easier to deal with. They generally say what they mean, let you know where you stand, and never size you up to determine who has the better haircut.

I didn't want to distrust women, but the majority of females in my life at the time evoked that response. They were catty, competitive, and conniving. They gossiped, backstabbed and manipulated. I have to admit that I often responded in kind. Isn't it strange how addictive relational drama can be?

I'm told you can put a frog in a pot of cold water on the stove and gradually turn up the heat, and it will stay in the pot until it reaches a fatal boil without attempting escape. Evidently the frog doesn't realize how unhealthy the situation is slowly becoming. I can't vouch for the accuracy of that fable - I'd never boil a frog! - but I've been in a few friendships that were like that. I stayed way too long in the pot before I realized this isn't healthy for me, and I got burned.

So what lead me to flip-flop my position on having girlfriends? First, I decided to follow Christ. This sparked many beneficial changes in my mind and spirit. Where I had been cynical and guarded, God's love penetrated and softened my heart. I learned the meaning of Proverbs 18:24, "There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother" (RSV). Christ was now my forever friend who could be trusted completely.

I also made changes in my choice of girlfriends. With the help of the Holy Spirit and lessons on character from the book of Proverbs, I learned to recognize which people and relational patterns were unhealthy for me. I was ready to be rid of the drama! The Bible teaches, "He who walks with the wise grows wise" (Proverbs 13:20, NIV). I wanted to walk with wise women through life. Many of my current-at-the-time friendships ran their natural course and dissolved. A few transformed along with me. But a few I deliberately phased out because my own character wasn't strong enough yet to remain Christ-like in their company.

Meanwhile, I prayed for quality friendships with women of faith. God heard my prayers, just as the Bible promises He does. Fun-loving, God-loving, gracious women at my church sought me out and invited me out. And I made the choice to trust them and invest. I discovered how beneficial it is to surround yourself with women who inspire your walk with God.

Over time, God birthed in me a huge love and great compassion for women. I began seeing them through His eyes and not just the lens of my own hurtful past. I realized that not all women are like those I had known. I also learned to forgive and pray for those who've hurt me. Today I cherish my friendships with the women in my life.

What about you? How are your friendships? Do you find yourself entangled in an unhealthy relationship? Are you in emotional hiding after being burned? Maybe you've written off the entire gender because of the trouble you've seen. Take that to God and ask Him to heal and bring restoration to your heart. Ask Him to send godly, wise women into your life. Then muster up the courage to respond and befriend them.

Neither gender is categorically a foe – but I count myself happy to be sipping tea, playing Dominos, doing Bible study, shopping and sharing my dreams with sisters of the fairer sex. Won't you join us?

Dear Lord, I want to have good friends, and to be a good friend. Help me to develop godly friendships, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Is there someone you can befriend? Striking up a friendship can be a great way to introduce a gal to Christ.

Reflections:What is the current state of your friendships – are they nurturing? Godly?Are you open to making new friends? Why or why not?

Power Verses:
James 2:23, "And the scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called God's friend." (NIV)Proverbs 22:11, "If you love purity of heart and graciousness of speech, the king will be your friend." (GNT)

My favorite pics... or atleast some of them :)

Us

Jessica

Darcy

Jeremiah

Jacob

Beaching It

We're having a blast here in Panama City. The kids don't want to get out of the ocean. But they won't let go of us and its rough. They wanna bounce in the waves... which I love to do just now with 35lbs wrapped around my neck! LOL We go back and forth between the pool and the beach. They swim like fishies. We head home tomorrow.

Jessica wasn't able to bring a friend (b/c her friends mom wouldn't let her go) so I've tried to spend some girl time with her. She really wants to parasail but I can't bring myself to paying $120 for us to do it. Although I remember begging my parents to let me do it :) I wonder if I can talk the guy down on his prices.

We'll I'd better cook lunch for these hungry pirates :) I have lots of pics to share when we get home :)

Enjoy the pics

Rocky, Tara, Blaine and our crew minus Darcy who was riding the gator with Papa Wayne

We had a really good time at Jessica's party

Jessica & Stephanie

Jenga blocks... their new pasttime is building castles with these blocks :)

Darcy's "wild hair" for VBS... she's such a cutie!

Making it

I've been overwhelmed with the thought of having to do my paper for my new testament class so after weeks of putting it off I finally sat down today and started on it. So far I've got 2 pages typed. It has to be at least 3 pages and no more than 5. I don't think I'll have a problem doing 2 more pages. Once I got started it came pretty easy... its just having the time without distractions to do it. I want to have it done before we leave for the beach on Friday morning.

The weekend after this weekend we go to Mentone, AL with Matt's family. The following week school starts for Jessica and the little ones start that next week. Busy Busy Busy. I've registered for my fall classes. I'm taking 9 hours. I'll be taking my math 090 online. Speech is tuesdays & thursday at night and my bio 201 is on monday and wednesdays during the day. I'm hoping to go and speak with a nursing advisor tomorrow. I need to ask some questions about my schedule once I get into the nursing program.

Jessica's birthday came and went. She had her party at her nana's (her dad's mom) but none of her friends showed up.... only 1 girl from school. Rocky and Tara came down with their son, Blaine. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed ourselves... I just wish her friends would have came. Oh... her dad called her on her birthday. We didn't tell him we were having her party at Nana's ;) This was the first time he's talked to her since Christmas (unless you count the time he spoke to her in the driveway at his parents house a few weeks back).

Well I'd better get off the computer. I've got to study for a psychology test on thursday.

My little guys and the burnt out mom

First a short something about the boys :
This applies to both of them. When they don't want something or to do something they say "I can't wanna____" its the cutest thing ever :)

Now moving on to the Burnt Out Mom:
I've lost my mom of the year award :( The last few weeks have been really stressful. I realize as a parent that my kids are bored and that they don't desire to sit and chill like myself. I know that I need to pick my battles. I know as kids they get into things and disobey but my job as a parent is to deal with those things in a godly way. I catch myself feeling guilty for the way I've acted towards them but I continue to do the same things. I'm in a rut. One of our good friends gave me a book called parenting for the burnt out parent... I really wish I could find it right about now! I read on Staci's blog the other day about yelling (she had no idea what I'd been going through) and it made me feel guilty all over again. One amazing thing about kids is they have that same sort of unconditional love that Jesus shows up.... or so it seems. Even after losing my temper my kids still want to rub noses with me and give me all their kisses.

Tonight in class we watched a video about a child who suffered from a mental disorder and I began to tear up. I'm so grateful for my kids. They are beautiful, healthy and smart kids. I tell them all the time that they make my heart grow bigger... its amazing how much love you can have for your children. I have a lump in my throat right now just thinking about it. They are precious gifts from God!

I refuse to stay in this rut!

Catch Up

Our roof is on... it looks nice. I'll get a picture when its not raining :)

Our ac upstairs is out again... like really out now. I have to call someone to come out... its beyond my hubby and fil now.

I took Jessica to Altanta yesterday. I didn't want to leave her. She has 1 roommate and they share a bathroom with 2 other girls.... those 3 girls are all from the same school. They go to a christian school and I was able to meet their parents. They all seemed like really nice good kids. I felt a little better about leaving her. She called me at 10:30 last night to tell me she was having fun but was really tired. Its going to be a long week for her. They'll stay busy from 7:30 till 11:30pm.

Jessica turns 14 on Saturday.

They boys are doing great with pottying training. They wear diapers at night only (only cause I don't want them to pee on their mattresses). They're having issues with pooping in the toilet but I know that takes a little more time. I've cleaned up a lot of poop in the last week but I'm confident they'll conquer it soon!

School is going good... I'm kinda burnt out and wishing I wouldn't have taken classes this summer. Its hard to make myself go to class when there's so many other things I could do with my family. But its all going to be worth it :)

A weekend of fun!!

Jessica's bf was able to spend the day with us on Friday.

Jeremiah learned the concept of peeing outside. He did this all weekend long... and one time Matthew said Jeremiah went outside just to pee! lol

Darcy loves ribs jus like her big sis (but of course i'm not allowed to take pics of jessica while she's eating)

Uncle Matthew with Cody

More fun on the 4th

This was actually the last thing we did that night. Jeremiah loved em. Jacob didn't come outside and Darcy wanted more.

Jeremiah screamed more more more... I really enjoyed watching him freak out over the fireworks

Darcy hated them... I was the same way when I was a child. She started out outside but stayed inside most of the time. She freaked out... like F R E A K E D OUT!


this was the beginning... jacob didn't care for them. he disappeared inside and watched tv


Jessica was incharge of doing the fireworks while we watched

My Girls

Jessica... I can't believe she'll be entering into the 9th grade this year. My baby is growing up!

Darcy Bug

The simple things in life

Girls Trip with Gog

They went to Gatlinburg... they stopped by the Mayfield factory to take a tour.
Darcy loves icecream!



Jessica and Darcy

Darcy got to go on stage at the Comedy Barn... my mom bought the video and we tried to watch it the night she brought them home but it was only funny to my mom and the girls... guess you had to be there to enjoy it. Darcy watches the video over and over all the time! Thanks mom!

They rented a car to take drive... Jessica liked it. Now this is the car she wants when she turns 16... only 2 years away! OMG!

Boys being BOYS

Jeremiah, Cody and Jacob (my camera had fogged up and I didn't realize it)
I hope they all stay close as they grow up.



Jacob says "wook at my hat!"

Apparently my kids aren't the only ones that like to mark on themselves with Sharpies! LOL
(no this wasn't done while at my house)

Productive Weekend... but still relaxing

Matthew and his dad worked on the house today. They didn't finish but it should all be done by the end of the weekend. We're getting our new roof next week so we need to finish all the painting before the roof goes on.

I painted our picnic table with $10 oops paint from the local building supply store. Its green but not shade that I care for... but its okay. I really wanted to paint it like a neon color or hot pink... something wild and bright. I might go back and repaint it but I just needed to get something on it b/c its already warping.

Jessica's bf was able to come over today and spend the day with us. He's a very polite kid.... atleast around us.

Tomorrow we're grilling out with the family. Everyone is coming here and we're going to let the kids play in the pool while the adults just chill. Well matthew and his dad won't be chilling... they'll be working on the house :)

At some point this weekend I have to take my midterm for my new testament class. I have to do it before midnight on sunday.

I'm really enjoying our weekend so far. Last night Matthew and I watched Stop Loss... great movie but I cried the entire way through it... AND cried myself to sleep! I don't cry over chick flicks (much) but give me a movie about military and I'll cry everytime! I think its easy for most american's to forget about whats going on over seas but that movie really made me stop and think... and pray! I prayed hard for our military last night. Soooooo don't get all caught up in the fireworks and food over the fourth but remember why we're celebrating and for all the troops and their families.

Procrastination

I hate it when I put things off... esp when I KNOW they need to be done. Today I did it... finally. Now if I can just stick with it!



btw i balanced my checkbook :)

Our Weekend Getaway with the Boys

I tried to add more pics but they got out of order and I'm too lazy to try and fix them. Saturday night we had 30lbs of crawfish... I had 4 plates (maybe more).

My fish... I caught this all by myself... although I would have gladly accepted some help with reeling it in but no one offered :( This stupid fish drug me all over the boat! My arms felt like noodles once I got it on board. We both caught one and then we called it a day. The boys did really good but we could tell they were getting tired. We spent a lot of time swimming and then we caught a bunch of croakers... last we tried fishing for the big boys... snappers... but we caught red fish instead... still big enough for me!

Matthew's fish.... I think mine was bigger :)

Jacob's fish.... we caught a bunch of these little guys (croakers aka bait fish for the big boys). They boys loved it!

Jeremiah with is fish... (sorry I didn't get this one turned around)

Matthew and my dad on sand island with the boys. We swam here for a long time.

Jacob and Jeremiah on Sand Island.

Us... we really enjoyed spending time with the boys

Daddy with his boys

My Bucket List

I don't have one but this is something I would love to do!

CLICK HERE!

Whats something you've always wanted to do???

woot woot

I made a 94 on my psy test. To be honest I was kinda disappointed b/c I wanted to make a perfect score but I'll take a 94. One girl made a 60 and another one made a 74... so 94 is waaaay better.

Momma and her boys!

School is going good. I have my first test tonight in psychology... not panicing :)

My girls are gone on a trip with my mom. This is the first year Darcy's gone on the 'girls trip' and i'm a little nervous. I hope all goes well.

Matthew and I are taking the boys to my uncle and aunts house near dauphin island. My dad is going too. We hope to spend some good ole quality time with the boys. They'll get every bit of our attention. We'll spend Saturday at the beach doing whatever they want us to do! We may even take them fishing on the big boat. They'll love that!!! I remember spending my summers with my aunt and uncle and taking many trips on the boat. We used to go to this one little island that was covered hermit crabs.

While I was typing that last sentence my aunt called to tell me that my cousin was going to take off work and wanted to take us to the island. Isn't that funny how God works. Here I am typing about childhood memories and she calls to tell me that. neat. anyways... I'm really excited about spending time with my boys over the weekend.

Keeping you informed :)

Matthew went to work today but he shouldn't have... he's having a horrible day. His bandage slipped off b/c its all sweaty but he was able to wrap it again. He's hot, weak and his stomach is messed up... I know its b/c he's on slight pain meds and in the heat. He has to drive his truck on the site and so far he's had to jump it off 3x and right now he's working on it. His poor thumb is throbbing.

Aunt Helen is doing good. She didn't have a pacemaker put in. They're keeping her to regulate her medicine and all that jazz.

Jessica and Darcy are leaving Wednesday to go on their girls trip with my mom. They'll be back next Tuesday. Pray for a safe trip. I'm a little nervous about Darcy... I just know she's a lot to handle.

We're going to visit my uncle and aunt this weekend... they live near dauphin island. It will be a fun trip with the boys.

Oh... Jessica had a great time at camp!

OUCH!

Matthew called me a little after 11am this morning to tell me he cut his finger and needed to go to the emergency room. I knew he was hurting but I had no idea. He was working near the house so he was able to drive himself home and then I took him to the ER. It was taped up when he got home so I didn't get to see it until we were in the ER. He didn't have to have stitches... they cut the "flap" off and took an Xray... he broke his thumb! Smashed actually. Poor hubby. He's in a lot of pain... he said its hurting more tonight then it did while were in the ER.

Warning... Pics are graphic :)

Home Sweet Home

Jessica should be here any minute. They came back a day early and I know she's tired. She's been hoarse most of the week. I may be traveling to Dothan tomorrow to visit Aunt Helen... still trying to get things lined up for the kids... Matthew is working tomorrow.

Tee Tee in the Potty!

I thought I'd give you a quick update on my potty training adventures. Jeremiah is doing pretty good. He tells us when he has to go potty. Just #1... #2 hasn't happened yet but I know its the hardest to accomplish. Jacob is getting better too. He's atleast sitting on the toilet which is waaay more than what he was doing. And every now and then he'll tee tee too. They're wearing diapers at nap time and bedtime... and a lot during the day but they don't tee tee in them as much. And we've been trying to get them to dress themselves... I didn't realize how much I've been holding them back by doing everything for them. But even if they learn to tee tee they still can't pull their pants down and up by themselves.

Aunt Helen

They've postponed putting in the pacemaker. She has MRSA and they're observing her. I'm not really sure whats going on but Matt's dad is on his way there and hopefully we can find out more. Thanks for your prayers.

Please PRAY!!

Aunt Helen is in the hospital. I don't know all the details but her heart stopped this morning and they were able to bring her back. She's in the cardiac unit.... I'm assuming at a hospital in Dothan (she has several "homes").

I realize she's 87 years old but its still very hard to think of her not being here. I love this lady like she was my grandmother. She's everything I want to be when I reach her age. She's a FIREBALL!! She was up here a few weeks back and she stayed a week... we saw her as much as we could but now I'm wishing I could have seen her more.

***UPDATE***
I just got an email saying they were going to put a pacemaker in on Thursday... PLEASE PRAY!

Advanced Weight Loss Clinic

Have any of you visited the Advanced Weight Loss Clinic? Do you know of anyone who's gone there? I've had a few friends go there but I didn't really know exactly what they did there. But I found their website and read up on it. I'm going to make an appointment sometime next week. I need to find out all the cost involved. So far I know that you get 3 shots weekly or every other week (which ever you prefer) and its $35 for the shots. I know there's a start up fee but I'm not sure what thats all about.

Check out there site... Advanced Weight Loss Clinic

Catching Up

We had a fairly uneventful weekend. Matthew didn't work but he and his dad worked on the house. They're trying to beat the roof guys. The new roof is being installed on July 8th! Again, if you need a new roof or just think you want one... let me know! Remember its costing us a few hundred dollars! This guy is legit. Our roof had hail damage and most roofs do! He came out to our house and went over everything with us. Its simple and hassel free!

Jessica left this morning for basketball camp. They raised enough money to pay for camp but we've spent so much money just buying all the stuff she'll need for camp. Thankfully grandparents helped. Pray that the girls come back unified. All that drama I shared with you all a while back with the girls picking on each other... well they're part of the team so pray!

School is going.... its taking a lot of time and I have to make myself leave the house but once I'm there I love it. I love my teacher! My online class is alright... I don't know if online is my thing or not. You have to be pretty disciplined to make yourself do your assignments. Some classes are fairly easy and you go at your own pace but this class is not that way. Its one week at a time... no getting ahead!

Question

I've been thinking about Nursing lately and what area I would like to go into. There's soooo many different things to chose from and I want to make the best choice. In my psychology class 5 out of 6 of us are going into nursing. They're always talking about what they want to do and how much different nurses make... well of course I wanna get the most I can after putting forth so much effort. This is where YOU come in... tell me what you know about nursing and the different areas. I know I have a few nurses that read :)

I'm still alive

I know my post have been few and far between lately but I'm pretty busy. I was talking with Jamie the other day and we both agreed that facebook is easier b/c it only takes a minute to put up a little status update and be done.

Summer is here and my kids are home with me every day. I'm still potty training the boys. Jeremiah is waaay ahead of Jacob but every now and then we can convince Jacob to potty. I'm really not stressing about it b/c IF I have too... I can keep them home next year and go to school at night. It would be harder and I would have to really discipline myself. I'd be going to school 4 nights a week.

Classes are good. I'm really surprising myself in psychology... I didn't realize how much stuff I had retained. He asks us questions and I know the answers! LOL The smaller class makes me more accountable. I read my chapters b/c he's going to know if I didn't since we have a small class. My new testament class is harder than I thought. I don't know if harder is the right word but its a lot of reading. We have to participate in discussions on the forum and at the end of each week we have a quiz. The quiz part doesn't bother me.... its the discussion part that does. I'm not good at putting my thoughts down and there's a lot of pressure there. Some of those people are extremely smart and I'm intimidated by how well they express themselves.

Next week Jessica is going to basketball camp. I've gotten used to her being here. Not only is she a big help but she's someone I can somewhat have conversations with. We can sit and watch TV during naptime and just hang out.

Well I'd better get off here. I've got some stuff I need to do. How's everyone summer?

Its Going...

School started this past week. I have the same psychology teacher for my 210 class. There's 6 of us total in the class this semester. 5 of us had it together last semester. Its going to be a good semester. My New Testament class has got me a little worried but I think I'm going to be okay. There's a lot of reading... and every week we have a quiz on what we've read.

In other news... I'm potty training the boys and its not going so well. Jeremiah is doing alright but Jacob wants nothing to do with it. NOTHING! I have to get them potty trained before they can go to school next year.

Matthew's working today. I love that he's so close to home... somehow it helps to know he's only 12 minutes away. We've driven over there a few times to visit with him. One day this past week we had lunch together... in the car :)

We're getting a new roof at no cost to us. If you want details let me know I'll be happy to share my secret.... don't worry its very legit.

Busy Busy Bee

Thats ME! We stayed pretty busy this weekend. Aunt Helen is up visiting and we spent some time with them. Jessica and I went shopping with my mom and sister Sat & Sun looking for her a bathing suit... she found one AND so did I!!! Whooo hoooo! Sears had tons of suits and very cheap!!!

Matthew and I ate dinner with my parents Friday night at Mizu's... the sushi was good but the service was bad. And I wasn't impressed with my meal. I'd go again though.

School starts tomorrow and all the sudden I have that anxiety all over again.