Christmas blessings

It's hard to believe that 2009 is nearly behind us as we look forward to 2010! But once again, we are so blessed of God, though undeserving we are. We were able to spend Christmas eve with most of my side of the family, lacking only Ryan and his family along with Jared's two children. Then our Christmas day was spent at home, enjoying one another and reflecting on God's goodness to us over the past year.
We have all been relatively healthy with minimal illnesses and minor complications. We have a place to call home with plenty of clothing and food. And material blessings beyond what we need at times!

Charis, who is now 8 years old, continues to do well in 2nd grade schooling. She also proves her talent as a violinist as she played in a recital with other students and ministered in two nursing homes over the Christmas holidays.

Matthew continues to give joy and excitement as he learns to put letters together in reading and writing. Both he and Charis are "A" students. I am so thrilled to be able to teach them at home and watch as the "light comes on" through learning.

Andrew, well.... he's such a joyful personality and seems to enjoy keeping us on our toes with his funny antics. What a treasure he is to all of us!

Faith lights up the home with her (mostly) sweet attitude. She seems to keep the perpetual "I love you" sign on her hand and uses it constantly when she fears she is going to be in trouble for something. As if she thinks it will rescue her from any and all punishment. She brings delight to me when she says, "Oh, I love you, Mommy!" with all sincerity about 30 times a day!

Dennis, the love of my life, is more that what God knew I needed. He takes care of our needs physically through the strength God allows him in working faithfully. A handyman at minor repairs, he put a quick fix on my dryer recently. What seems to be the motor bearing going out was tweaked by a twist of the drum while starting up the dryer! My hero.....

I am excited over what God has in store for us in the coming New Year. Will it be the year of HIS return? Will it be the year I see one of my children come to know HIM as their personal Savior? Will we face trials amid blessings? Regardless, I am going to keep loving my Lord and serving HIM; may I be found faithful in witnessing to those I come in contact with!

...and maybe, just maybe... I'll be a little more faithful to my blog and my "followers," in writing, reading and commenting!

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and ne'er brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne."

It's Been Way Too Long!

I have failed miserably at updating my blog.... but I am going to attempt it once again. I'll admit; I have become spoiled with facebook and the convenience of keeping that updated on a daily basis and posting pictures so much easier (they don't have to be edited before posting!). But then I realize, I have dear friends who still desire to read my blog and see my pictures.

Well, let's see... what have I been busy with in the past four months? Oh, yes! Matthew turned the big 5 on June 22nd. Faith now is 2, as of July 2 and I am growing older, having reached 32 years of life. Dennis also had a birthday on September 21, maintaining his age just above my own.

School has once again started for Charis; now learning 2nd grade, and Matthew in Kindergarten. Charis is beginning to understand multiplication and division concepts and will be learning more how to write stories and journal entries. Matthew is thrilled with each new word he learns and enjoys putting them together to make sentences. He is very creative when it comes to drawing as well! We have been taking advantage of a homeschool program offered by the local YMCA called "gym and swim." On Mondays, they learn more about swimming and water fun, then on Fridays, they do aerobics and exercise.
After pretty much taking the summer off from violin lessons, Charis has picked it back up and we are working on re-learning what was lost and trying to move forward with some new songs.

We are staying busy with church ministries. Dennis is now the teacher of our young married Couples' SS class and we help out in teaching children's church when needed. I enjoy singing in the choir and solo specials as well as a part in a mixed quartet. Each of our children are also involved in a children's choir group. Charis sings with the Joyful JOES (Juniors Of East Side), Matthew is with the Pee Wee Patch club, while Andrew and Faith sing with the Toddler Tunes. They periodically have opportunity to sing specials in "Big Church" which always leaves us with smiles and blessings, often laughter as well, due to the typical antics of the little ones.

We recently enjoyed a trip to Gulf Shores for a week's vacation. It was refreshing to relax and watch the waves of the ocean. The kids had a wonderful time and it was over much too soon.

The summer has come and gone and the fall is here, along with it's colorful beauty. God has truly blessed us and we are so grateful for His Hand guiding us on a daily basis.

Memorial Day weekend

Make a Smilebox slideshow

We traveled to Natchez Trace and then to Nashville for Memorial Day weekend. We enjoyed a stay in a cabin ("cabinet" as Andrew called it) and swimming and even a pontoon ride on Pin Oak Lake. Enjoy the pictures of horseback and pontoon riding!

My, My, My!

Another month gone by and I am so behind on updates....

I have so many pictures I could post... I guess I need to upload them in a smilebox and add them that way to save on time. We've had a pretty busy month of May. Finished schooling with Charis and she's anxious to start 2nd grade, am I? Matthew will begin kindergarden. But for now, we will just enjoy the summer months to give mommy a break at least! Look back soon for the smileboxes of pictures!

Way Behind!

Yes, I know! I am way behind in my blogging updates. I have found Facebook to be so much quicker and easier to update on a regular basis, that I have forgotten about the faithful few who rely on this blog for family goings-on; and I apologize to you.

Let's see, I believe I have 2 months to catch up on, so first thing was the picture. The kids are now safe and warm... out of the snow. This was their Easter Sunday pictures, taken before we left the house. The ties did not stay on the boys all day! The girls had matching doll dresses for their dolls (which they didn't take to church either). It was fun to have them all matching and looking so dolled up for a day.

March blew in and out and brought the April showers we are enjoying even today. We started a garden indoors to transplant outdoors once weather allowed for it. And everything we had started ended up dying on us. I told Dennis I didn't have a green thumb... maybe now he believes me. So, it will be off to the store/nursery to start over from someone else's success! Now where do I want my garden to grow...?

We have been busy with school and winding down to only 3 more weeks before we are done with the 1st grade! I suppose it is time to look into ordering 2nd grade for Charis and Kindergarten for Matthew.

The Saturday (18th) following Easter Sunday, Charis decided one of her top front teeth was loose enough to come out. Brave Mommy took a tissue and with a twist and a good yank, Charis became Snaggletooth. Until Monday night (27th), when her second top tooth showed enough wiggle room to let loose as well. Who was left to pull? You got it: Mom again! Now she is "toofless" until the permanent teeth make their appearance. I didn't think she would stay little forever, but it's so hard to believe my firstborn is growing up so fast!

Matthew and Andrew are .... well, boys! The keep me smiling, laughing and running after them, hoping to keep some semblance of clean on them.










And Faith, hmmmm, her hair is long and thick enough I can pull it up/back into ponytails or pigtails! Cute as a button, she is the "life of the party" with her precious little antics. Oh, don't get me wrong; she's no angel. This girl has an attitude all her own! I don't think she gets it from Daddy and I KNOW she doesn't get it from her Mommy.....

A quick video to make you laugh and let you know I'm still here....

Foto Friday ~ Precious Memories

My 4 blessings always leave me with precious memories! Charis, Matthew, Andrew and Faith

Nine Years Ago...

We met on March 27, 1998 at a farewell service for Bro. Stacey Pearcy, who was leaving my church to pastor his own church in Kentucky. A dear friend, Bro. John French, decided that he should play matchmaker and put the two of us together. His plan: to invite Dennis to come to the fellowship at Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church and meet a young lady (me). They traveled from New Hope Baptist Church in Millington to Milan, TN; an hour and a half drive.

The service ended and everyone filed out of the auditorium, headed to the fellowship hall for a bite to eat. As I exited, I found myself face to face with a handsome young man with a bright smile and beautiful blue eyes. Bro. John stood next to him and introduced us to each other: "you both have a few things in common," he said with his wacky sense of humor, "you're both single, saved and searching!" I was instructed to make sure Dennis got a plate of food and some 'nanner puddin' (banana pudding for those reading that may be unfamiliar with the southern term).

So, we fixed our plates and sat down to converse. I asked him '20 questions' trying to get to know him... how old are you, when's your birthday, what do you do for work, any family, are you saved, etc. My final question: "Would you like some banana pudding?" was the last straw.... he doesn't like banana pudding! Truly, I was uninterested in giving in to the matchmaking game and was pretty much just annoying him. He left that night and I never expected to see him again.

Our church's annual camp meeting was less than a month away and who should show up? You guessed it: Dennis Bentley. We spoke a little more every day conversation and I found out that he actually was a fairly nice person, despite the fact that he hates banana pudding. He came again the following night and asked my dad's permission to get to know me.

Through the remainder of that year, we wrote to each other, he called and we visited when opportunity allowed. In July, he informed my dad of his intentions to court me (with his approval) having the ultimate purpose of marriage. Not quite a proposal, but he wanted to prove himself to be more than just a man looking for a good time before being on his way to the next girl. I found that we had more than just the three "s's" in common; our beliefs, standards and convictions were similar and I saw his interaction with children, making a mental note that he would be a great father one day.

December 19, 2008, Dennis came to my house to visit with my parents and me. As we sat quietly talking, he surprised me with a simple question: "Do you know what I'm thinking?"

Trying to read his mind, I offered: "That you love me?"

"Well, yes, that too, but actually, I was wondering if you would be willing to marry me and be my wife?" was his repsonse as he knelt beside me and pulled out a ring. I all but shouted, "yes!" as I hugged him.

Wedding plans were made as we set the date for February 19, 2000. The time dragged by and yet flew as the day drew nearer and all was set in order. Finally, our wedding day arrived with a beautiful sunny day, relatively warm for mid-winter, and the wedding ensued with dear friends and family gathered around us to help celebrate our union vows to one another and before God.

Nine years later, we are still in love. We've had our share of battles and struggles. Life has shown us sorrow and joy in our walk with God and with each other. But our love has grown sweeter and stronger with each passing day. God has blessed us with four wonderful children, along with the promise of seeing three others in Heaven one day.

I have found out that love is a choice. Just as I choose each day to serve the Lord; so also

I choose to love Dennis. Sometimes it's not easy; we both have stubborn wills. But my commitment to him was "for richer, for poorer, in sickness, and in health, to love, honor and obey, till death do us part." And by God's grace, I'll do so till we are parted by death!

And just for fun; in honor of our anniversary:

What are your middle names? Wayne and Yvette

How long have you been together? See the above story!

How long did you know each other before you started dating? about 3 weeks

Who asked who out? he asked me

How old were each of you when you met? I was 20 and he was 21

How old are each of you now? 31 and 32

Whose siblings do/did you see the most? mine

Do you have any children together?Yes, Charis - 7, Matthew - 4, Andrew - 3, Faith - 1 and three in Heaven

How about Pets? not anymore, but we've had a dog and two cats

Did you go to the same school? no

Are you from the same hometown? no

Who is the smartest? he is

Who is the most sensitive? probably me

Where do you eat out most as a couple? my choice: Olive Garden

Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? Tennessee to Wyoming

Who has the worst temper? me?

Who does/did the cooking? both, but he's better!

Who is more social? me

Who is the neat-freak? Neither

Who hogs the bed? he does

Who wakes up earlier? usually he does

Who has the bigger family? I think I do, unless you count steps and halfs maybe?

How do you spend the holidays? Either at home or my parents

Do you have little pet names for each other?Yes, we call each other "Love" and "Babe" He also calls me Doll.

Who eats more? we could have a contest!

Who sings better? I think we both sound pretty good

Who’s older? he is, by 9 months and 28 days

Who does the dishes? me or the dishwasher

Who snores? he does

Who’s better with the computer? 'bout the same, I think

Who drives when you are together? he does

Who is the first to admit when they're wrong? definitely him

Who kissed who first? he kissed me first... on my forehead

Who wears the pants in the relationship? he does, of course!

Who eats more sweets? Probably me

Are you two still a couple? Absolutely!

The Birthday fun:

***** For some reason, I am not getting the Smilebox to work properly on this. There are videos in this to watch as well, so be sure to look for them. I had to go back on the pages for the videos to show up to play!****

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Andrew is 3 years old today!

February 16-17, 2006:

I had been having contractions over the course of two days. They would be frequent, but not strong; then strong, but not frequent. This day started the same way: contractions about 20 minutes apart, but not alarming. Dennis went to work and I started with cleaning and tending to Charis and Matthew. The day progressed with not much excitement. I could feel the tightening in my stomach with certain things I did, or ways that I moved. The time between contractions spaced out, but still somehow I knew that today was the day. So, I prepared the best I could. Everything was ready at the house. We would be having company, Dennis’ mom, while we were in the hospital, so I wanted to make sure all the laundry was done, house was cleaned and meals prepared somewhat in advance for a day or two. My overnight bag was partially ready. Then we headed out the door for groceries.

I went to the usual stores, starting with Wal-Mart. I leisurely strolled around, pushing my cart with Matthew in it and Charis walking beside me. I met several friends while there. Each one asked of my condition. I informed them I was walking around, preparing for labor. Then I continued with my shopping. It took a few hours to get all that I needed; going to three different stores. I returned home, put the groceries away and prepared supper. Dennis came home about 5:00 pm and we sat down to eat. My contractions had eased off throughout the evening as I cleaned up after the meal. We soon readied the children for bed and had our family devotion time. At 9:30 pm, Charis and Matthew went to bed, while Dennis and I sat up, watching T.V.
After a few moments, I felt a contraction strong enough that I began to time it: 40 seconds. Moments later another one hit, harder than the last. I stood up and paced, glancing at the clock as I did. The time was 9:55 pm and another 40-second contraction. Dennis took notice and asked if it were time. “I think so,” was my reply.

He headed to the children’s rooms and woke them up, gathering their clothes for the next day and placing them in an overnight bag. I finished packing my own. Another contraction at 10:00 pm and I realized we would certainly be heading to the hospital for baby #3 tonight. I called Dennis’ mom, she couldn’t make it until the next day, so we made arrangements with a friend to keep the kids over night. At 10:30, we walked out the door, contractions still 5 minutes apart and ranging from 30-40 seconds.

On the way to the sitter’s, I called the doctor. She told me to come on in and they would check me out. Between contractions, I felt fine. I would chat with Dennis and the kids, telling them their baby brother would be born soon. At the sitter’s, I gave instructions, told the kids bye and we were on our way to the hospital. I was excited; I was going to have this baby tonight. Dennis was skeptical, he thought we would be sent back home to wait for another day or longer.

We arrived at the hospital around 11:30 pm. Just before getting out of the car, another contraction started. Each one was still 5 minutes apart, so I knew when it eased off I had exactly 5 minutes to get to triage before the next one hit. I grabbed my purse, got out, shut the door and practically ran to the hospital. Dennis was right on my heels wondering how I could be so fast if I were about to give birth. When I walked into triage, I told the nurse who I was. She pulled my records and sent me to a room. I was evaluated, measuring at 5 cm dilated and fully effaced. She checked me into my own labor/delivery room at 11:55pm.

Hooked up to a monitor and waiting for the doctor, I continued to have contractions, now about 3 minutes apart and getting stronger. I immediately asked for an epidural and received it in short order. Dr. Zite arrived and checked my cervix; I was at 7 cm. She and the nurses hovered near the door for the next few hours.

At 3:00 am on Friday, February 17, another contraction hit and the monitor indicated a drop in the heart rate of the baby. Fearing the loss of another baby, I pressed the “call nurse” button and informed them of what was happening. Next thing I knew, Dr. Zite and 3 nurses were hovering around me telling me we needed to get the baby out now. I didn’t want another caesarean, so they fixed the bed and I began pushing. The baby did not want to come out and yet, I could not stop the urge to push. Contractions seemed to not let up for me to get my breath. A nurse brought in a mirror for me to watch progress. That helped as I was able to see the head crown, I bore down with more stamina to push him out.

What a relief it was when he came out crying. The clock said 3:15 am as Dennis cut the umbilical cord. The baby was weighed and measured at 7 lbs, 10 oz and 20 ½ inches. We were moved to a recovery room shortly after but it wasn’t until some sleep and breakfast that we finally named him. We wanted a Bible name and we wanted to use my grandfather’s name as well. And that's how Andrew Harold was born three years ago on February 17, 2006!

Tonight we will celebrate this special day as a family. Our plans are to eat at Incredible Pizza, play a few games, then come home for cake and ice cream and presents.

Just for laughs

Faith loves to get the spray bottle and squirt it, usually into her mouth. But this time, I caught her doing otherwise. I kept hearing her squeal with delight and when I went to check on her... this is what I found:

She says "cheese" in anticipation of getting her picture taken. Doesn't it make you just want to reach through the screen and give her sugars!?!

A busy month of events

February is a busy month of events for me and my family. We start off with the 4th being my nephew, Benjamin's birthday. Benjamin was born the day we found out we had lost Bethany, so he holds a very special place in my heart! I don't think of him without thinking of Bethany and vice versa.
Then of course, on the 6th is Bethany Joy's special day. We speak of her to the other children and keep her picture on the mantle with the others, so she is remembered fondly.

Today is another nephew's birthday: Nathan is now 3 years old! He is the firstborn of my middle brother, Ryan, and his wife, Abria. We don't get to see them often, but we love them dearly. Happy Birthday, Nathan!!!

On the 14th, when most people enjoy the frivolties of Valentine's Day, I think of my baby brother, Jared. He is Benjamin's father (and a great one at that, I must say!) and the torture of my childhood! I love you, Jared! =0P

Again on the 17th, we will be celebrating Andrew's 3rd birthday. Abria and I were expecting at the same time. She beat me to the punch by only a week, but it was fun sharing the anticipation together! More on his birthday in a week or so....

Two days later, Dennis and I will share our 9th wedding anniversary. When I married him, I married my best friend; and he is still my best friend today. I thank the Lord for blessing me with such a man!

So, you see, February, the shortest month of the year, is one filled with memories and joys, more so than any other month! Happy February, my fellow bloggers and readers!

6 years ago today...Bethany Joy

It was July 2002. I had recently come back from a long trip for a family visit with Charis, who was 6 months old, and my parents. Oh how sweet it was to be reunited with my husband. Now, I had found out I was pregnant. What bliss!

For 20 weeks I carried this unknown child, love growing as time went on. We had an ultrasound which showed a cyst on the baby's brain. Possibly Trisomy 18? A second ultrasound a week later ruled that out and the cyst had disappeared.I had a girl; I was ready for a boy. Dennis would be excited for sure. But we wanted to be surprised. Days, weeks, months passed on and the baby grew. I could feel the hiccups on occasion. And those feet! Wow, definitely a kicker. Each doctor's visit would send me home with a good report.

Monday, February 3, 2003 dawned to a beautiful day. I carried on with my typical SAHM business: tending to my now 1 year old daughter, cleaning house, preparing supper for my husband's return from work. As the day wore on, it seemed I was not feeling much movement from the baby. No worries since I was 33 weeks. This being my second child, it was close to time for the baby to descend, readying for delivery. As big as I was getting, there couldn't be too much room to kick and squirm as often anyway. I poked at a little nub of knee, or maybe a heel, I don't know. It was protruding from just under my ribcage. I felt it move at my prodding and my concerns fled.9pm, we had put Charis to bed and were sitting quietly discussing the day. I shared with him my thoughts on the baby, again pressing that persistent little foot, mentally noting it was in the exact same spot. I had a doctor's appointment scheduled the next morning, so I planned to ask about when movements slowed down. And we went to bed ourselves.My appointment was at 11am, Dennis was at work and Charis was with a friend. The nurse came in, checked my bp, weight, etc. Then she pulled out the Doppler to hear the heartbeat. This was my favorite time of each visit. But with the first try, she couldn't find a rhythm. A second and even a third with no results. "I am going to get the doctor, maybe I am not doing something right." "Sure, go ahead," I thought. "She is not going to find it either." Already, I knew in my heart that this baby was gone. So I prepared myself for the worst. I wanted to get off the table and call Denns, but the doctor came in with two other nurses before I could get up. She squeezed the goo on my belly and tried the Doppler herself. The only sound heard was the "whoosh-whoosh" of the placenta and a faint, slow and steady heartbeat: mine. We moved to another room; one with an ultrasound machine. I was hooked up and watched the screen for signs of life...anything. And there was nothing. The heart was still, the baby was still. I asked to find out the gender. Doctor tried to comfort me with "it's not your fault" and "please don't blame us." I was numb. I wanted my husband; I wanted my mom. I wanted to cry, but I couldn't. She led me to her personal office and told me to call whoever I needed. I had time to decide when to deliver the baby. I called Dennis first. "She's gone!" was all I could get out around the lump in my throat. I heard his muffled cry, "No!!!" and then, "who?" his first thought was that I meant Charis. "The baby." We had discussed boy's names but never considered a girl. He told his boss and immediately left work to come to me.

I called my mom, trying to sound chipper for her sake. She was on her way to the hospital. My sister-in-law was in labor with her first child. I broke down. We decided to wait 2 days to deliver, so that family and friends could travel to be there.

Thursday, February 6 started with snow. We had to be at the hospital at 5am for the induction. My parents were there. His mom was there. Friends dropped in to pray with us and encourage us. At 4:12pm I pushed a beautiful 4 lb. 12 oz. baby girl out. But there was no cry. Only the sound of the busy doctor and nurses cutting the cord, wiping her off and telling me to push for the afterbirth. They laid the baby in my arms. She looked so content, her arms folded across her tummy, her eyelids closed. Wait... did her eyes move? No, only my wild imagination hoping against hope. We were left alone for a few minutes, just my husband, our baby and me. We wept silently. Then we asked for Charis to come in. She didn't understand the solemnity. The baby was "icky" and she didn't want to hold her. I nearly hated having to share my baby with the visitors, but I knew they shared in my loss, somehow. We named her Bethany Joy.

I was released from the hospital on Friday. My heart was heavy, and my arms were empty. Instead of carrying a baby in my arms, I carried a plant. Someone was thoughtful enough to send one to the hospital. But it didn't replace the aching I felt.

Saturday, we had the graveside service for her. It was cold sitting outside, but I felt a warmth inside from peace that only God could give. I was given Bethany to hold during the entire service. I felt as if I was given a second opportunity to tell her goodbye. As friends and family came by to comfort us, they hugged our necks. Some kissed the baby, others felt it too morbid. No matter, she wasn't really there anyway. My goodbye wasn't final that day we laid her to rest. She is in heaven with her Father. And there she waits for me. We don't know what caused her death, but we do know that now, today she is whole and happy. She never had to face the suffering we face here on earth. No sickness or pain for her. Only eternal joy in the presence of God. That was the peace I felt, the peace I feel today. She may be gone, but her memory lives on, even if it was only a brief one.

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

Foto (and video) Friday

Here it is again... another Friday, and I'm playing along with Tracy for a Foto Friday. Today's challenge is Kissy Faces. Babies always make the sweetest kissy faces, so here's two of mine and a video to boot!


Kissy Faithy!


Andrew's kissy face

This is a video of Faith running to give Daddy 'nite 'nite sugars!

Texas trip and Virginia visitor

So, after a phone call and several discussions on Saturday, we decided on Sunday morning to make a whirlwind trip to Dallas, Texas. Straight there, straight back. That's right, it's a 7-hour trip, but Dennis had to be back in time to get rest and be at work on Monday morning, so it left us with little choice. So we loaded up the kids in the van and headed down the road.

Why, you ask? Well, let me answer...

Checking out the web, the two Big D's!

Dennis' dad, "PawPaw Danny" is from Virginia, but a job transfer landed him in Dallas, where he's been for quite some time. He's laid off work for a few days or so and we felt like it would be a good opportunity to have him come spend some time with us and the kids. Having no vehicle and all other modes of transportation ruled out, the only option was to drive there and pick him up. We arrived about 4:30pm, ate some dinner with him and headed back on the road to arrive back home at 1am, Monday morning.

The kids are certainly eating up the attention PawPaw's offered and I'm thinking he's rather enjoying himself as well.

Charis decided to help Pawpaw rake up leaves and dump them in the burn pile. When you don't have a wheelbarrow, a trash can works wonders!

Just hangin' out with Pawpaw!

Andrew's buddy.... Pawpaw Danny.

Matthew and Faith spoilin' Pawpaw.

Books of the Bible and Silver Eagles

On Sunday, Charis and Matthew were presented with a Silver Eagle Award. This award is given by Bro. Bob Wright, a man in our church who started this program in 2004 for any child of East Side who could recite the books of the Bible in order. Charis and Matthew were the 37th and 38th recipients of the Silver Eagle award.

In the summer, we had started working on helping Charis to learn them, so she would find it easier to follow along in her Bible during preaching. One night, we noticed Matthew trying to say them before she did. So, we switched gears and worked with him as well. Knowing how easily embarrassed Matthew gets, I decided to let them go together to quote the books and receive the award. So, they both went to Bro. Wright on Sunday, November 30th and quoted the books of the Bible. As you can see, I was correct in my assumption, as Matthew kept inching closer and closer behind the pulpit while Charis stood in confidence.



I am so proud of both of them. And still enjoy listening to them recite the books.

Not to be outdone, Andrew loves to "recite" the books of the Bible too. So, sit back (pause the music) and get a kick out of the smilebox videos as each one says the books of the Bible!

Make a Smilebox postcard

In the second video of Matthew, toward the end, he's trying to see me behind the camera. I still get a good laugh when I watch it! As for Andrew, well, nearly anything he does (good, of course) is cute! I had finished recording the first video, trying to keep him somewhat in order and he decided he wanted me to record him doing "Matthew, Mark, Luke and John." Hence, the second video... how many "First and Seconds" did you pick out?

*~Foto Friday~*

Today's Foto Friday theme is "Special Friends" per Tracy and so I am going to have to post a couple of pictures.


The first ones are the Andrzejewski's, our dear friends and missionaries to Portugal. They left a year ago with assurances to our children and theirs that it would be 5 years before they could come back for furlough. Charis is counting down the years (only 4 more to go) and keeping up with who will be how old (the kids, not the adults)when that time finally comes!



And the next ones are the Lanham's, who moved away 3 years ago to a far away coast called King Cove, Alaska. Charis doesn't think it's too far away and that we should be able to get there quickly (if we could travel as fast as her finger does across the United States wall map!)







It would fill quite a page for me to upload all the pictures of all my friends who hold a special place in my heart, but these two will have to do for now...

Darkness - a poem

I was carrying Andrew down the stairs this morning before sun-up. It was so dark I could hardly make out the steps as I counted my way down. He lay his head on my shoulder, relaxed in complete trust. As I pondered his faith in me, I began this poem. Amazing how the Lord uses little mundane things in our lives to speak to us!

He's leading me in a new path
One I've not been on before.
I'm not the first, won't be the last
He's led so many more.
This place is so much different,
yet the same as all the rest.
It's one more time of molding me;
my faith in Him to test.

We say, "I'm afraid of the dark!"
But that's truly not the case.
For darkness holds just shadows
Which light can fast erase.
What we fear most is the unknown
Of what may lie ahead.
But with my hand held close in His
I know I'm safely led.

Just as He's brought me through before
He'll do so once again.
And I'll come out rejoicing,
Bringing glory to His name.
So as I travel down life's road
The next step I can't see.
I'll lay my head upon His shoulder
For he is carrying me.

I suppose I must....

I love Christmas time, and would rather keep all the Christmas decorations up and Christmas music playing, but I suppose I must take the tree out and pack away all the decorations for another 10 months and 6 days (if I wait until the day after Thanksgiving). So, my blog is getting its 2009 facelift and the music changes for awhile. I am so thankful that I can have Christmas all year long in my heart though. It's not about the tree and the lights, the decorations, the food or the presents. But rather the presence of my Lord and Saviour. Christmas is about the babe in a manger who willingly left His throne in Heaven to take on the robe of flesh; becoming man so He could feel our infirmities and give His life for ours on the cross. Christmas extends to the grave where He lay buried for three days and then gloriously arose to promise us eternal life when we simply put our faith in Him.

Christmas is the joy that flows through my life.
Christmas is peace that comes from trusting God.
Christmas is love that shows to all mankind.
Christmas is Christ! And when you know Him, you have Christmas all year long!