I can not beleive...

I bought gasoline at Kroger in Seymour last night for $1.67 a gallon!!!
Can you believe it?

Two daughters

I am sitting here reading emails on my computer while the girls are sharing Jody's computer. I am just listening to them getting a long and working together on their project on Webkinz. They are being so sweet while talking to each other and taking turns with each other. They are asking each other their opinion about what they should do, etc... This is not totally unusual for them, but it just caught me in a sad/happy moment. Maybe because of Thanksgiving being a few days away and I am looking at things with a thankful heart.

I am sad because they are growing up so quickly. They have gone from being just sisters to now being friends. When they are away from each other for a significant amount of time they call each other to see how things are going. When they get back together after time away from each other, they share with each other what they did, what people said, but most importantly what they were wearing!!

I am also sad because they no longer need me to be the referee to work out battles or arguments. If they have a problem, most of the time, they are able to settle it on their own. They have learned how to get along and what to do if the other is bothering them (without having to yell for me).

I am sad because "play" no longer means having me around to do things with them. They are happy if I am around to play with them, but they are just as fine if I am not. They like to play Wii together, dance, play with dolls, fix doll's hair, ride bikes, take a walk, read a magazine, look at catalogs, pretend shopping, pretend to be in COLLEGE and live away from home, etc... and they can do this without me.

They are working with preschool children at church. I have watched them interact with the children and I am so proud and yet sad!! I am proud because they do an awesome job talking with the children, finding out what the child needs if he/she is upset, playing with the children, making up games and songs (some I had done with them when they were younger), and caring for the children. They both have such a caring heart. But it makes me sad because in my eyes I see them 2 and 4 years old and they are suppose to be the ones being cared for by others and still in the preschool department. Not the "big kids" who help with the children!!

They are dancing a tap dance duet Friday at the Fantasy of Trees. I have watched them learn this dance, I have watched them practice for many weeks, and I am so excited to watch the dance at the Fantasy of Trees. While practicing, they love to dance together and they show it in their expressions. I hope this shows in the Fantasy of Trees, but nervous feelings may take over!! And I love to hear them correct each other while practicing - no one can tell you like it is like a sister can!!

I am happy because I have 2 daughters whom I love very much who are becoming closer friends each day!! I am happy because I get to experience this growing relationship with them and help it grow by providing opportunities for them to do many things together. Thank you God for giving me 2 daughters!!

A Mother's Thankful Heart

A Mother's Thankful Heart~

I come before you Father to thank you for this life
the blessings you have given me as a mother and a wife.

I'm thankful for my children as I watch them grow and play
knowing that each moment will live for just today.

I'm thankful for the laundry
for the dust to wipe away
I'm thankful for the problems
that make me stop and pray

I'm thankful for my husband's job
the roof over our heads
I'm thankful for our daily food
and the comfort of our beds.

I'm thankful for the errands
the phone that always rings
I'm thankful for the tears we cry
for the joy the laughter brings.

I'm thankful for our family's love
the way we sit and talk
the simple games we often play
the picnics and the walks.

I'm thankful for the little things
that make up everyday f
or therein lies Your love, Lord
and the wonders of your ways.

I'm thankful for the memories
that life has brought my way

I count it as Your Blessing,
to be a Mother every day!

Hi

I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted. Nothing exciting has been going on, just the normal every day stuff. We are beginning a remodeling project to the house, so that is keeping me busy and keeping the house a mess!! I will post pictures of the completed project.

It is cold. I love fall and winter but for some reason this year I am cold all the time. I can't have on too many layers of clothes. The only time I get warm is when I am in my car and have the heater blowing full blast in my face. It is so nice!! Of course some of the others in the car with me do not think so. I advised all who ride with me and do not like HEAT, to sit in the back of the van and I will gladly open a window for you!! It does not help that Jody is in San Diego this week where it is 80's and sunny.

I have been putting out my Christmas decorations. I have my Christmas tree out and decorated and the Christmas trees in the girls rooms are out and decorated. I have a few other Christmas decorations through the house that does not get in the way of the remodeling project.
I made some ornaments with my friend Allison who sells Uppercase Living. We had a great time making these ornaments and socializing. I will post pictures of the ornaments later when I know where my camera is... I have a few other projects with Uppercase Living that I will post pictures of soon.

We celebrated the birthday of a friend today. We went to lunch and then made a cookie cake. I left before eating of the cookie cake but I heard from Taylor and Aubrey that it was delicious!! Happy 9th Birthday Rebekah. Thanks for letting us join in on your special day!!

Tomorrow after school, we have piano lessons, haircut, errands to run, dance lessons, and Living Christmas practice!!

I do have some prayer requests: Please pray for Jeremy Frye and his family. Jeremy is recovering from a 30 foot fall in the mountains a couple of weeks ago.

Also for Adrienne, Jim and Owen. Jim and Adrienne were planning on adopting a baby this week. The baby was born on Thursday last week. Jim, Adrienne, and Owen went to the city where the baby was being born, took care of the baby after the birth, met the birth mother and the grandmother of the baby, and felt like everything was going well with the adoption. On Monday, the birth mother changed her mind and had the baby taken to the agency instead of letting Adrienne and Jim take the baby home with them. Yesterday the birth had the baby brought to her home. It seems like the birth mother has changed her mind to let Adrienne and Jim adopt her baby girl. Please pray for Jim, Adrienne and Owen. You can read their story at http://www.our-journey-to-parenthood.blogspot.com/

So, that pretty much wraps up my world right now.

Veteran's Day

We went to the Veteran's Day parade this morning in downtown Knoxville. It was nice to spend the time thanking and honoring the Veterans that were at the parade and to remember the people serving our country at this time who could not be at the parade. We appreciate all you have done for our country. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Inspiration

Grab a box of tissues and watch this amazing man.

7 Prayers a Day for our Children Challenge

1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring (child's name) word of your unfailing love, for she has put her trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)

2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)


3. While they are eating: "Teach (child's name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)


4. When they go out of the house: "(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)


5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)


6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)


7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)

One of the most important things I am privileged to do as a mother is to pray for my children every day. If you are a mom (or have someone else you want to pray for specifically), I hope you will join me as I do this for the next 7 days. I have been challenged by Angie at http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/ to pray these prayers each day for my children. Will you accept the challenge and join me as we pray 7 prayers a day for our children? Let me know if you decide to join me, and please keep me posted (either by comments or emails) if God reveals anything to you/your children this week and I will let you know how our week goes. Have a great (and prayer-filled!) week. And may God bless you and your children richly.

Pictures

We did pictures of the kiddos today at Covered Bridge Subdivision If you like to have outdoor nature pictures taken, I would recommend this subdivision for your pictures. There are lots of great backdrops for pictures. Here is a preview of some of the pictures. As you can see in the pictures, they had a lot fun playing around!! I can not show them all because some will need to be surprises!!

I can't believe how Taylor, Aubrey and Bennett are growing up. I have been looking at pictures from past years this week. It seems like not long ago it was just Taylor for pictures and then Taylor and baby Aubrey and then Taylor , Aubrey and baby Bennett. Now they all seem so grown-up. I am so proud of you Taylor, Aubrey and Bennett! I love you guys and you are gorgeous!

Saturday Fun

Today we went to Fall Festival at Farragut Primary School. This is where my niece Kaleigh goes to school. She had a music program with other 2nd grade classes. They sung really cute songs and had really cute motions. Kaleigh, you did a great job. I really liked the apple song and of course Rocky Top!! Thanks for inviting us.

We also went to Bella's birthday party. Bella is Kaleigh's Yorkie whose official birthday is Tuesday but we celebrated with her today. Bella, we hope to have a dog cousin for you to play with someday. Here is a picture of Bella at her birthday party.

From Bella

Prettier Look!

You will notice that I can now change my fonts and the color of my text on my blogs. That is because Taylor and Aubrey have their own blogs now and they have showed me how to do new things on my blog. One of the things that I love about Taylor and Aubrey is that they are so smart about technical things like computers, cell phones, etc. They get this from the Dad and I am so glad they are able to figure things like this out on their own.

Anyway, go over and visit their blogs. Aubrey's is http://aekrocks.blogspot.com and Taylor's is http://tnktales.blogspot.com

Disney on Ice

We went to the Disney on Ice show tonight at the Civic Colisieum. The show was good. It featured all our favorite rides and the Incredibles. It was just like being at Disney World seeing the rides (okay maybe not just like it!!)

We attended a workshop at the end of the Disney on Ice show where some of the skaters demonstrated different skating moves for us. They also told us what it was like to travel with Disney on Ice.

the Park

What do you do when you homeschool, it is a beautiful day, and Dad is home???

You pack a lunch, go the park and have lots of fun!!

That is what we did Thursday. We finished school, went to piano lessons, and enjoyed the beautiful day with Dad at home at the park. We enjoyed God's beautiful creation, got some pictures, and we got PE time!!

Sevierville Winterfest

I am ready for Christmas. The girls danced in Sevierville at the Winterfest. There was hot chocolate, pop corn, games, Christmas lights, Santa, fireworks, and Christmas music. The Grinch was also there ( I know some of you will relate to him!! ). We had a good time and the girls did a great job dancing. I will wait some before putting out my Christmas decorations - but not too long!! Maybe some of these pictures will help you get into the Christmas spirit as well!

The election is over.

The election is over.

Here are words from pastor Pete Wilson...

"Today is a new day. It’s a new era. Regardless of who you voted for or why, it’s time to switch gears. It’s time to pray for Obama as he transitions to become the President of the United States."

To read further, click here http://withoutwax.tv/2008/11/05/time-to-move-on/

Baptism Pictures

Here are some pictures from Taylor and Aubrey's baptism. In the first pictures you will see Mr. Chris talking to the girls about the baptism will happen. There is a picture of Mr. Chris and the girls together. Then there are pictures during the baptism.

Mr. Chris is the Children's Minister at Sevier Heights. He has been so kind and sweet to the girls since we started attending Sevier Heights. They both were in the children's department when we started attending the church. He welcomed them into the group and made them feel like they belong. He is great with children and does an awesome job as the children's minster at Sevier Heights. Thanks Mr. Chris!

Go to the previous blog to see the video.

Taylor and Aubrey baptized

What a great day!! It is always exciting when someone is baptized. But when that someone is your child, it is a hallaleuigh experience!! Tonight both Taylor and Aubrey were baptized.

If you missed it you can see it here!!

(be sure and turn off the music on the blog)