Here it is....

Okay, so this will be the short version of a VERY long story.  It all started last year (I told you it was a long story); when we really thought we would be relocating our family to Omaha Nebraska.  In our search for a place to live, we kept school districts in mind for Price.  Of course that meant we needed to live in that school district, but the "best schools" were not anywhere close to Jon's possible future job.  So we started looking closer to his place of work.  The houses in those neighborhoods were charming, (which is a code word for expensive) and since we felt we should rent before we purchased something, we didn't like the price tag that came with these wonderfully charming rental homes, even though the schools were good. 

In my prayers, I started to ask God to show me what to do; where to look.  I was not satisfied with what He spoke back to my heart.  So I ignored that answer...yes you heard right, I pushed His soft answer to my stubborn heart on the back burner and continued to pray for a 'better' answer to my question of "Where do I look Lord?  Where is the balance of home life for our family  (proximity of Jon's job) and education for my children (school district)?"

His answer did not change.  Though His answer was still gentle to my heart (enough that I tried to act like I didn't hear it), His voice over the matter became more frequent.  Soon, this answer of His was keeping me up at night. 

Homeschool.

Why?  And an even better question was  "HOW?" I am a product of a public school and I am a fine, well rounded, educated individual (if I do say so myself).  My major in college was elementary education.  I loved the planning, teaching and creating manipulative's to help find new ways to connect with a young mind,  yet when it came to doing my field work, I decided a room full of  2nd graders was not what I wanted to face everyday.  And so, a whiny "whyyyyyyy?" filled my prayers.  

I remembered a Bible study I had done titled "Called to be a Keeper."  It said that if you run an idea by your husband, and he is not on the same page, then do not take action, just continue to pray. This was my "out."  I knew this crazy idea wouldn't fly with my man.

One night while Jon was folding laundry on our bed, I said, "I want to talk to you about something."  I had his undivided attention.  "Its kinda crazy, but what do you think about homeschooling the kids?" I had not even said 'homeschool' out loud yet.  It felt weird coming across my lips. Not bad, just foreign.  Jon said "I think that might be a good fit for our family."  My heart beat faster.  I sighed in my spirit and decided in that moment to surrender to the call to homeschool our kids.

Here is where we skip forward a few months....
Jon did not get the job in Omaha.  It was a surprise to both of us.  We hit the 'refresh' button on our plans and continued to wait.  But at this point, my heart was sold on homeschool.  Over the last few months, I had been researching curriculum and co-ops, schedules, ideas, reading books, etc.  What a change  had taken place in my heart!!  I told Jon I was actually disappointed at the thought of losing that opportunity with the kids.  Being a man of few words that he is, he said "If it was right for our family in Omaha, why not in Chickasha?"  It was what I wanted to hear, but it didn't settle it for me.  Why the struggle to decide now that we are not moving?  The idea of homeschool was easier to accept if were starting over.  Now what?

This was my list of why it felt complicated:

• We love Price's current school.  He loves his school. 
• There is a waiting list to transfer from our school district to where Price goes.
• We know a lot of teachers there; and they are wonderful. 
• I would still need to keep my 20 hour a week job....and homeschool.
• Some things would have to give (meaning, I will have to drop some plates to keep the most important ones spinning,  which would pretty much be work and homeschool)
• Then there is the whole "what will other people think?" issue....God dealt with me swiftly on that matter, and I thank Him for it.
• "I am so inadequate for this job!"  Not the teaching part, but the being at home...all the time...with both my children.  A precious friend reminded me that "God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called." Thank you Molly. 

This was definitely harder.

But, as I said before, I had done a lot of research on homeschool.  The most important research was when I studied God's word.
" Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, but much revenue comes from the strength of the ox."  Proverbs 14:4

Weird verse, I know, but it spoke so deeply to my OCD.  My house, won't look like a magazine.  It won't.  Not with school taking place at the kitchen table.  Not with children literally in house 7 days a week.  But in that comes the trade off of strengthening my children in their relationships with each other and Jesus all while getting a home grown education.  I am trusting God will make good on the return!


"⁴ “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord! ⁵ And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ⁶ Keep these words in your heart that I am telling you today. ⁷ Do your best to teach them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸ Tie them as something special to see on your hand and on your forehead. ⁹ Write them beside the door of your house and on your gates."   Deuteronomy 6: 4-9

Every time after God says to follow these commandments, he also says that in doing so, you will be blessed.  Not monetary blessing, but the blessing that comes from children who learn to fear the Lord.  Psalm 128:1-4

Now, that being said, this is where I lose some listeners.  I am not saying that homeschool is the only way to teach your children about God!  Not everyone is called to full time paid ministry; but that doesn't mean the rest of us can't minister. Some people are called to be nurses or doctors, and that is a wonderful profession, but just because it is an admirable profession, doesn't mean everyone should pursue a career in medicine.  Homeshooling is a personal decision. It is not for everyone.  It is a calling, and we as a family are going to answer it.  It may or may not be a permanent one. Truly only God knows.  

God knew how much (more) I would resist homeschooling had he not put Omaha in our sights. 
He knows how difficult this undertaking is, but he calms my soul when I get all 'Jonah' about it (and sometimes I still feel like running from it).  He knows the blessing he has for our family by spending this time together.  He knows what this will mean and what seeds will be planted and watered during this time when my children are young.  It is time I can't get back.  The slower pace is just what my family needs  (young children and time constraints don't mix well).  The rat race made for one grumpy Momma at times. No more looking into my children's eyes via the rear view mirror as I shuffle them from one activity to another, hoping this time in the car will meet the requirement of interaction they need and want from me.

Down time, learning together, playing together, crafting, experimenting, cooking, living and loving together is just what God ordered.  Sounds like a Johnson and Johnson commercial, right? Ha!  I know there will be times when I wonder where God is taking us on this journey, but I will not question the call to participate in it. 

  

Ask and you shall recieve....

I would like to say that the Daniel fast was a time of extreme clarity. Well, I guess it was in a way, but not in the way one might think. What is the scripture? "His ways are not our ways, his thoughts are higher than our thoughts...." He answered my prayer of clarity, but in an unexpected way. There is NOT a definite path lit up for me to follow after the Daniel fast. Actually, quite the opposite. I feel like the fog is thicker and my 'sight' is not so great about what lies ahead. But at the same time, there is so much clarity about my faith and in whom I trust. That seems like the easy answer when there is no other; I know, but it is true. I have learned so so much about walking by faith; submitting to the will of God, even when it is not clear. Daily trusting Him and his plans for me and our family.

One thing, I have learned is that right now, this is destined to be a season of waiting on the Lord. This 'fog' is here, blinding me to my path because it is not for me to see at this given time. It is a faith building exercise that only comes to its end by taking one step at a time.

There are some things presented as options right now. The place where Jon is working currently, seems to have some interest in keeping him on full time with a career that suits his skills and education. He also had an interview with Devon Energy last week as a financial analyst. He recently received an email inviting him to an interview in June for a train dispatcher school in Fort Worth for the fall semester. None of these options has come to fruition. But more than ever, I know God is working all things for good; because we DO love Him.

On the home front, our recent childcare situation for Maggie Beth (of which we had so much confidence in) has fallen apart. This has caused some stress on me and Jon as we search for someone who will care for her the way we do. But the truth is, no one will care for my kids and invest in them like we do. For that reason, I am eagerly trying to arrange my work load and office hours where I can spend the majority of them at home with Maggie Beth.

During the Daniel Fast, I prayed intently about homeschooling. Yes, let me say it again "h-o-m-e-s-c-h-o-o-l." That 10 letter word that used to make me scrunch my face at the thought of being my children's teacher. What a work the Lord has done on me! (More on that later).

Overall, the lesson I have learned is to take my focus off of seeking God's hand in the situation and focus on seeing his face! He has more for me than just plans! He has a relationship waiting for me that only comes through trusting, praying, seeking, (sometimes lamenting), listening, praising and waiting on Him. In this time of waiting, with his purpose in mind, he will reveal to me and to our family what he has in store for us. He is worthy to be praised.....

He speaks Part 3

The next part of this particular Daniel fast was to read the story of King David and his building an alter to sacrifice something. The gist of the story is that David was to build and alter. He approached a man about some materials and the man said "I will just give them to you." David said, "no I will pay you full price for the materials for the alter for what good is my sacrifice if it doesn't cost me..."

So the devotion for that day asked me to think of something to sacrifice. It needed to be something I could give daily until the fast was complete. I began to think (which was the first problem). I thought to myself "I will give up coffee." But not having coffee was part of the fast itself. I thought "I will sacrifice my Christmas bonus from the church. I will write a check to Mary's Kids in the amount of my bonus!" No that wouldn't work because it had to be a daily sacrifice. Something that would be "inconvenient or stretch me beyond my comfort" so the description said. Okay.....

I began about my day and started to pray about what God would have me sacrifice. Then it hit me like a bolt! Make-up....

"Oh no Lord, surely not make-up." I am not a vain person, and I often went without it (at my own choosing). My mind began to bounce around all the places and events I would attend over the next 3 weeks where I would have to show my pale uneven skin tone. I closed my eyes and sighed. Okay Lord. If you have something to teach to me in this, I am willing to sacrifice make-up for the next 3 weeks.

And so I attended a New Year's party the following day without make-up. There were little cuties with perfectly shadowed eyelids and sparkly lip gloss accented by peach cheeks and eyelashes to die for in the room. Some were good friends. Some were people I didn't know; and here there I sat without a stitch of make-up. I attended church the following day without make-up. Work was not that difficult because I am pretty much alone during that time anyway. I took Price to school and picked him up without make-up on. I attended a girls brunch with some besties (who kept telling me they couldn't really tell I was without make-up, yeah right, but thanks girls : ) They too are all very beautiful. One who is a red haired bombshell with a natural knack for pulling off eclectic and chic. One who was a former Mrs. Oklahoma 2010 (need I say more) and another who has a very polished and trendy touch. And then there was me.

When all was said and done with sacrificing make-up, I learned a lot about myself. I learned I use make-up to conceal what I don't want others to see (blemishes, redness, uneven skin tone, dark spots or circles). I highlight what I want them to see (glossy lips, long eyelashes and perfectly peached cheeks). How reflective that is of my life! Not only in my relation to others but to my God who sees right through "concealer." He is not fooled by my mask. He sees right into my heart. He knows this smile means nothing when my heart is breaking. There is no fooling him into thinking I am better off than I really am. He knows. He cares. He loves me.

All in all the fast was a very spiritual experience for me. The sacrifice of make-up was the most challenging for me. More than the food. I will post again with specific things that were revealed to me during this time of praying for clarity.

He Speaks. Part 2

The next mornings devotion (following the 21 Day Fast from the YouVersion Bible app) was the explanation of the Daniel Fast and where it comes from. Daniel asked to be fed only vegetables and water and not feast on the king's food. His body became lean and impressive to the king...and you probably know the rest of the story. Not realizing what I had signed up for, I had to do some research about the Daniel Fast, and there is plenty of information out there. Luckily, I was on fire to do this. I know God answered my prayer. Not only did He answer my prayer of '"should I be fasting, Lord?" He also answered the "Can you hear me?" question in Daniel 10. I was ready to pour my heart out and listen intently to what He had to say to me.

After a grocery shopping trip with a basket FULL of produce (broccoli, apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries, baby carrots, lettuce...lots of lettuce, squash, bell peppers, sweet potatoes and even kale!)

The purpose of the fast is to be disciplined with what we eat as an act of service. To humble ourselves before God. Hunger reminds us to pray. Our desire for sweets, meats and dairy remind us to pray. I have never spent so much time in prayer. I prayed every time I prepared myself something to eat within the boundaries of the fast. I could only have water to drink! Which was hard for a coffee, tea, soda, lemonade, juice...anything but water girl. I kept reminding myself that water is all my body needed to stay hydrated. I likened it to the living water Christ offers; a sort of 'back to the basics' mentality; both physically and spiritually.

I had asked God to reveal to me what it was he had planned for our family. I not only wanted to see his hand working in my situation; I LONGED and still do to see his face. I wanted to journey through the fast knowing God would show himself faithful to give me clarity...about something. Anything.

He speaks. Part 1

Over the last several months, we have been in a season of waiting. My sweet husband is working a job that serves us well in the meantime, but we know it is not a long term job. To say we are grateful for this job would be a severe understatement! God is so in tune with what we need, even when we don't know it. As we have been 'waiting on the Lord' to direct our path, we have been so thankful even though we can't see what lies ahead. Jon's current job was given to him by a friend of ours who owns a company in our hometown. Jon works in the lab mixing chemicals (he wears the body suit and goggles). He goes to work at 6 and works until 2:30. Most days he picks Price up from school at 3:10 p.m. During wrestling season, he officiates in the evenings on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and all day on Saturdays.

Through our season of waiting, I have done a lot of praying. On a Wednesday, December 28th I believe it was, I was praying in the shower. I call the shower my prayer closet. I do A LOT of praying in the shower! I was asking God, maybe lamenting a bit; talking to him about wanting direction; wanting to see His hand moving in our uncertainty. I asked "God, should I be fasting? What should I fast? How long? What should I do so I can hear your voice clearly in my life and in our season of waiting? Lord, do you hear my prayers?"

The next day, I was sharing with Jon how through the uncertainty of knowing what God had in store for our future, I have not ever felt fearful of the unknown. Later that night I woke from a terrible dream about a snake slithering around my feet. I remember saying in my dream "if the snake bites me on my foot, I will lose my foot. If it bites me on my hand, I will lose my hand..." Adrenaline was racing through my veins. My heart was beating fast. Instantly, I fears went from dreaming about a scary snake, to things that were completely irrational. Fears for my children's health, my health, our safety and lives. Crazy things that I don't normally think about. A spirit of fear had overcome me. Knowing immediately that this type of fear was NOT of God, I reached for my iphone on the nightstand. I opened my Bible app. The bright screen made me squint my eyes as I adjusted to its light. At the top of the screen it said "The Daniel Fast" Knowing I needed God's word to calm me, I tapped the scripture reading; never mind how I ended up on a Bible Plan for a 21 day Fast! Daniel chapter 10. Daniel sees a vision of a messenger. It frightens him (I could relate to that at the moment). In verse 10 the vision touches Daniel, and in verse 12 he says "Don't be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer." Oh my goodness!! Chills ran down my arms and back. These are God's words to me in response to my prayer yesterday!.....

Verse 14 "Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come." Verse 19 "Don't be afraid, for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!"

I felt the ever present Holy Spirit comfort me in my fear. It seemed more than that even. A calm and a peace indescribable washed over me. I re-read the passage; and again. I was shocked and humbled and amazed at how personal God is. HE SAW ME IN MY FEAR. He came with his Holy Spirit to comfort ME. I fell asleep picturing God being aware of everything (even bad dreams) that concerns me. I slept soundly in His love that night. I woke excited to read the next day's devotion of the Bible plan I had 'stumbled' upon at midnight. Just 2 days ago I had been asking God in the "prayer closet" if I should be fasting. He obviously answered with a resounding "Yes, child!" And so it began.....

Tasty Tuesdays

Confetti Pinwheels

1 pkg of Pillsbury flaky croissants
1 jar nacho cheese
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 pkg green onions, chopped

Spread out croissant. Mash together the perforated lines to make it one large rectangular dough. Spread on nacho cheese within 1/4 in of the sides. Sprinkle entire dough with bell peppers and green onions. Roll the dough into itself starting from the longest side of the rectangle, NOT the shortest, so that it looks longer than it is thick. Press the fold together and smooth it out. Cut into the log at a 1/2 in to 3/4 in thick. Lay pinwheels on a cookie sheet. You should be able to see the insides of the pinwheel...it looks like confetti; go figure, haha. Bake according to package instructions, or until golden brown. Enjoy!

Makes a great appetizer, brunch, game day snack or item to bring for a finger food get together.

Tasty Tuesday

BBQ Chicken Pizza

1 pizza dough, or prebaked pizza crust
1 jar favorite BBQ sauce, (mine is the Head Country hickory smoke with the yellow label.)
1 pkg cheese for pizza
1 pkg pre cooked fajita chicken
1 red bell pepper
1 green bell pepper sliced into small strips

bake pizza dough for 7 min or so (if not premade), remove from oven, spread on BBQ sauce, top with chicken, bell pepper and cheese. Bake for another 7-10 minutes until dough is cooked through. Yummy with ranch dressing on the side and sweet tea : )

Thankful

I always pictured myself as a stay-at-home mom. I was for five blessed years with Price. I treasure those days and I am grateful for them. When Jon's career made some changes, so did our budget. I found myself in need of a job to help cover expenses. We had our house on the market, but no real plans of what to do next. It all depended on when our house sold and what the circumstances were at that time. We felt a little adrift, but God is so good and always so faithful.

In a passing conversation with our pastor at our church, he asked "what are your plans when you sell the house?" I honestly didn't know. I disliked saying those words, because I am 'the girl with a plan'...always. He offered the house the church owned as a rental for us. I thought 'well that is certainly an idea.' After talking to Jon, we truly felt a peace about leaning in that direction. One day, I called Ezell, (the pastor) and asked him if I could take a look at the house. He met me over there and while we were visiting, he said, "you know, we are looking for a secretary for the church. It is just part time, 20 hours a week, but in exchange, you can live here rent and utilities paid." I couldn't believe it! God, yet again, had provided. There was a precious lady at the church who was available to keep Maggie Beth during the 5 hours a day that I would be working. She and Maggie Beth are at work with me during the day. I am able to take Price to school and pick him up. I can attend field trips and school events when I need to. When my kids are sick, I take off work, no questions asked.

All this sounds great, but the reason I love working at the church is because the people I work with are God loving, generous, kind, hard working, diligent but laid back, funny, sweet, caring and wonderful people. Like myself, they are not perfect, but no one expects perfection. There is such grace and love in these sweet people. When I say 'people' I mean the pastor, his wife who is the children's minister, youth pastor, elders and deacons. They pray for my family, this church and each other. They seek God's will for the direction of the church. They put God first and family second and the job third.

I have found it so refreshing to work with people (for over a year now) that are consistent. Sure, there are 'bad' days, or when people are a little more on edge about something, but that is where showing grace comes in. It has been so important for me to work with people who are uplifting and thoughtful. I am blessed beyond measure to have a friendship with my co-workers. It truly is important to the success of a job, particularly the job of a church. Not many people can say they are happy to go to work. I miss staying home sometimes, but I also know God has a purpose for me as the secretary of our church. My path crosses regularly with the needy, hungry, broken, sick and lost.
I am so thankful to God for his provision and his path for me. Though in the days of feeling in limbo, I know he is working all things for good. I am thankful he saw the bigger picture; the one with me as the church secretary for a precious church that loves the Lord. Great is his faithfulness.

Tasty Tuesday

Ham and Cheese Yummies

1-2 packages Pillsbury flaky croissants
1 package sliced American cheese
1 package deli sliced smoked ham

Open croissants. DON'T tear into triangles. Two triangles make a rectangle shape. When you unroll the dough there will be 4 rectangles. On each rectangle mash the perforated lines together and spread the dough out just a bit. On one end, place a slice of cheese. Top with ham. I use 2-3 pieces, kinda mounded. Fold the empty side of the rectangle over the ham and pinch edges together, enclosing the hame and cheese. Bake in oven at 375 for 11-15 minutes. Ovens vary, so just watch for the croissant to be golden brown and not doughy.


I know this 'recipe' is all too basic, but you can get as fancy as you wish. This is simple enough for a Saturday lunch at home with the familyor a quick meal before soccer as the kiddos are doing homework. Its even good for new take on a sandwich for a kid's lunch at school. Just don't pack it when its warm, or it gets soggy in its steam. Wait until it is room temperature to pack it.

Try mesquite turkey, your favorite cheese and a slice of tomato. Add bell peppers, pickles, Swiss cheese, or pepper jack. Use deli sliced roast beef and a drop of your favorite sauce. The possibilities are endless. My kids have fun with this and they always eat better when it is something they have created!

Tasty Tuesday

Chicken in Southwestern Cream Sauce

6 chicken breasts
1 jar of your favorite salsa (I use mild Pace thick and chunky)
1 can sweet corn, drained
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 pkg cream cheese

Place chicken in slow cooker. Pour salsa, corn and black beans on top. Cook for 6-7 hours on low. Throw in the cream cheese an hour before dinner time. Mix cream cheese until smooth before serving. We had Spanish rice on the side and a salad.

Tasty Tuesdays

Creamy Tortellini Soup

4 and 1/2 cups water
1 can vegetable broth
2 packets McCormick alfredo mix

mix these items in a slow cooker. whisk until smooth

add:
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp oregano
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 and 1/2 cup mushrooms

mix and let simmer for 5-6 hours

add 2 cups dry cheese tortellini (I used the frozen ones, and dumped in a little more than 2 cups ) to the crock pot, let cook for 45 min-1 hour.

Add:
1- 12 oz can evaporated milk
6 cups torn fresh baby spinach leaves
sprinkle individual servings with shredded parmesan cheese.

This was a delicious meal. It was a teensy bit spicy for my kids to eat. Price kinda wrinkles his nose at mushrooms, but Jon and I really enjoyed it. Fortunately, my in laws took the kids to eat dinner, so Jon brought home a bottle of red wine and we dined on the creamy tortellini soup alone....ahhhh. Might also be good with french bread loaf for dipping.

What's that I hear?....Nothing!!

I was changing sheets and folding laundry on Friday. I could hear Maggie Beth in her room digging through her beaded necklaces and talking to her babies. I kept about my merry way, enjoying the smell of a pumpkin spice candle and Clorox (the smell of order and bliss in my opinion). Suddenly I heard the sound that pierces every mothers heart: silence. I quickly dropped what I was doing to find my dear daughter elbow deep in the toilet. She had unraveled the entire roll of toilet paper and put it in the potty! To my horror, the toilet paper had absorbed most of the water in the bowl. I fetched a plastic bag and began removing the toilet paper by the handful. I even had to reach down into the neck of the toilet to pull out globs of wet mushy toilet paper. My gag reflex is very sensitive when it comes to the toilet (flashbacks of pregnancy with Price). All this time Maggie Beth is right by my side saying "what happened?" When I felt the job was sufficient enough to try to flush the remaining mess, I held the plunger in one hand and crossed my fingers with the other. Luckily, it all went down okay and things were back in working order. I addressed Maggie Beth in a firm voice and said something like "We don't put that much toilet paper in the potty. It makes big mess and can break the potty." Maggie Beth is very sensitive to discipline; especially with me. First the alligator tears began to well up in her eyes, then her bottom lip began to protrude, then finally an audible cry. I said what do you say? "sorry" as she rubbed her chest in a circle (sign language for sorry). I picked her up and said "I forgive you."

Some may think I should have followed up with a time out, but I felt she had understood her wrong doing. I am trying to parent with my spirit. Not that it gives my kids an out, but I try not to think too much about what the parenting book says, or what my friends would/or think I should do, but tap into the Holy Spirit and let him help me evaluate my kid's heart and actions and let him lead me. I want to make a connection with their heart when I discipline and not just make the flesh obey in the moment. More on that another day....

Tasty Tuesdays

Tasty Tuesday's will be coming back for a few weeks. I have family tested a few new finds and would love to share them.

Reminder: I am a crockpot, simple casserole kind of girl. You won't find any fancy dishes around here. Honestly, I look at the ingredient list and if I deem it too long, then I move on...I mean, who has time to hunt down crazy items in the grocery store or 'specialty market'? Simple, yummy and kid friendly are what appeal to me!

Starting next week, I will post a recipe every Tuesday. I would love to have your feedback.

Happy fall friends!

Seriously?!

One cannot say for sure what the weather will hold in Oklahoma. Record lows in January. Record snowfall in February. Crazy wind and hail in April/May along with tornados (May 24th). Rediculous heat in July and August. Earthquakes in November and more tornados! The extremes are wild around here ya'll! This chart explains it well.......

sweeeeeet!

I sent a love note in Price's lunchbox last week. I never dreamed he would send one back for me to find when I cleaned it out.

I love love love his tender heart. Precious boy.

Car Accident : (

Time is flying by much much faster than I appreciate. I feel I blink my eyes and the days go wizzing past me. Since I last posted, a lot has happened. I was in a car accident. It was a residential street and a woman ran a stop sign. I spun around in the street and ended up the opposite direction I was driving. You know the statistic that says accidents usually happen close to home? I was just 2 blocks from my drive way. I was fine and turns out the other person was my college room mate! She had just picked up her daughter from pre-school and was taking a different route home than usual, and never saw the stop sign. Fortunately, her daughter, her almost 2 year old son and unborn baby are all okay. I am too. I am still seeing a chiropractor (our friend Dr. Chris) and he continues to work out any kinks that come up.

The accident totaled out beloved swagger wagon. The insurance company came back with a fair offer and some amazing church friends gave us a gift to help with the purchase of a new van. The timing was more than perfect for my one year bonus from the church. God is so faithful to see us through every circumstance.

We found a 'new' van. We traveled to Broken Arrow the day of OU/TX; actually pulled into the parking lot of the dealership at kickoff. Jon said "I never thought I would be sitting in a dealership parking lot about to buy a minivan of all things, at the kickoff of an OU/TX game" Haha!..there is a reason God doesn't let us see what our future holds : ) The vehicle was a burgandy Toyota Sienna, just like my other one, just a different color. After test driving the van and paying for the car in full with cash : ) we made it to a sports grill for lunch. The kids were with us and they did AMAZING! Real troopers!! Maggie Beth rode with me in the van and slept the whole way home. As we hit the city, it began to rain. A nice soaking thunder and lightening storm. OU stomped a hole in Texas and we pulled out the Wii Dance Party game and had a nice family evening. It was a perfect end to an already great day.

The 'new' Swagger Wagon

Hello Kitty

My Warrior pirate and my Hello Kitty princess in her pajamas and sparkly pink slip on shoes.

We took it to the doughnut shop. Leaving it in the car was not an option.....pick you battles.

The bag goes to Wal-mart. It had to have a special red sticker on it when we went in so they would know we brought it in with us and weren't leaving the store without paying for it.

Yaya bought Maggie Beth a Hello Kitty backpack. Boy, does she think she is some kinda cool now that she has a backpack like Bubby has. So now every time we leave the house she thinks she needs to take it with her like Price does when he goes to school. In public, she gets many smiles and comments about how the bag is as big as she is, which makes her walk with a little more swagger.

The Character that is Maggie Beth

Here are some pictures that give you a peek into our Maggie Beth. She is a character for sure. She keeps us laughing and guessing what she will do next....

Never say 'never'

That would be my daughter...wearing Dora pajamas, holding a Dora doll, drinking from a Dora cup and watching Dora the Explorer. Never say never people....Never say 'never'

Best friends

I grew up an only child. I had a half brother and sister who are 9 and 10 years older than me. I vaguely remember them living with us, but even when they did, it was for a short time. I did have cousins who were like my siblings. I loved being an only child, but there were times I wondered what it would be like to have have someone close to my age who lived with me. I would see my friends fight with their siblings, but then at the same time, it was like they had a built in best friend. That is how I see Price and Maggie Beth. Though they are 4.5 years apart, they play together. Every morning through the monitor, I hear my children saying good morning to each other. What a precious way to start the day. They are always calling each other to play or asking where the other one is. They like to sit by each other at the dinner table and play in the covers of our bed. Price will pour a drink for himself and his sister. Maggie Beth will grab 2 bowls when I am dispersing snacks, knowing her brother will want one too. They roll around on the floor, Price gives horsey rides and as you can see from the pictures, they are also partners in fight crime! Maggie Beth loves wearing his clothes and putting on his shoes (which, she has a shoe fetish anyway...) Price is great about sharing treats and taking turns with special toys. A friend once told me that a sibling is a gift. Some may say it divides love among children, but true love doesn't have to be divided; it multiplies. What a blessing it has been to watch these two little people develop a relationship!