New TKD Progess

Since I last updated this page, the kids and I have all started taking Tae Kwon Do. Here a few pictures of us at class and during testing.

Proud Mommy moment

Many of you know that in October Kathryn recieved her dupty-black belt in Tae Kwon Doe. It was a very challenging test for both of us. I have never been so proud of her as I was that night. She inspired me to be a better person,watching her fight so bravely.

Here are a few pictures of her testing

Jesus, I want!!

Lately I've been really making the attempt to spend more quailty time with the kids. Somehow it always seems that the big kids are neglected for the little kids or vice versa. One of Jasons favortie songs is. "Jesus Loves Me', except I say Jason instead of me. Last night he was suppose to be going to sleep, and yelled to me, " Jesus,I want"!! What a sweet sound those few simple words had. Brought tears to my eyes and a blessing to my heart. It made me think how we all need to say those words alittle more often.
Then my loving 20 month old , asked for more Veggie Tales!! I should have known he was trying to avoid bedtime ;)

Still alive and kicking ;)

Sorry, that I havent been better about keeping this updated. Hubby is still working from home throwing everything out of whack. I think though we are starting to find out new 'daddy' schedule. By the time we get really good at working around him, he'll be gone again, and we'll be working out a new routine.
But thats ok. Its been nice for the kids to have him home more. Its the little things that he misses out on, while he's on the road. Kathryns advancement for deputy black belt testing, Johnathan doing 4 sections in one night at Awana, Ryan learning to cut and 'write' his name, and Jason learning to take his diaper off and streak at will. Yeah, all the glamerous stuff of a stay at home mom hun?
Sometimes in all the chaos, and the excitement, I get so caught up and focused on little things, that I too forget to just enjoy the kids. It wont be long till they will be grown, ready to take on the world themselves. I hope and pray that I am doing the 'right' things, doing a good job, and truely helping to make them better people. Working in as many child-related areas as I do, I have started picking up on annoying, personality traits that other mothers have passed on to their children. Boy was that time for me to take a quick inventory, of my own traits, and flaws :O Hopefully, I am honest enough to see them all, and to ask the Lord to help me to overcome them.And most importantly with his guidance and strength not pass them on to my children.
WHEW!!! Poor God so much to take on and work through with so many people- makes wonder what I'm complaining about? My job has to be way easier!!

So far so good

Well its offical, all of our 'school year' activities are in full swing. I'm thrilled AND believe it or not-its actually a relief to jump in and get to it. Bizzare thought hun? The kids have amazed me with their eagerness and zest for falling back into a 'normal' routine. Whatever that is HAHA!
Its amazing to watch Kathryn becoming such a level-headed,independant, responsible Godly young woman. Shes so amazing she takes my breath away. Its an such an overwhelming honor and blessing bestowed on me to see where God is leading her. And Johnathan, he's just full of himself ;) Actually, lately I have seen glimpses of the man that God intends him to be. I am bowled over with awe and admiration then. He's going to be an incredible father and husband.
Ohhh and Ryan, I just love the a 4 yr old mind works. He's very clever,very much a know it all (even if he's wrong), extremely independant, and wears his heart on his sleve. No apologies for it either. He loves me 'too much' for everything from being his mommy to filling his juice cup. I pray that quaility never changes. Sometimes the world makes us hide our hearts wiether we want too or not.
Then theres Jason...... sometimes Mommys boy... sometimes Daddys boy... all the time up to something. But hey, he's not quite 2 yet thats his job. Dont let his short stature or his lack of vocabulary fool you, he is a 'big boy', and will give you a run for your money.
What a blessing it is to watch them all grow, and become their own person.Its a double blessing and sense of relief to know that I am raising them to love God, and to follow him, and his plans for who they are really meant to be.

Things that make ya go hhhmmmmmm........

Its said that those who dont learn from history, repeat it. Have you ever wondered why as humans, we havent learned those lessons yet? Just think how much more wonderful life would be if we only had to fall just once? Would it change our walk with the Lord for the better or the worse?
About the time I think all the past short-comings and hard learned lessons, have been put to memory, and life has moved on,I am reminded how wrong I am. Its so frustrating to 'see the answer', and others dont see it. Then you have to wonder if you really have the 'right' answer.It all seems so clear, but that answer isnt to be.
Maybe, its a grounding reminder, that I am not all grown up after all. That I am still a part of my earthly family, and that no matter how I wish it wasnt so, I am needed by them. And that truthfully, I still need them. WOW-now thats a big girl pill.
After all the things tonight that keep me saying hhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmm, I am just thankful to love, to be loved. Knowing if the Lord has brought me back here again, theres more here for me to learn. Thankfully, theres no limit on falling down.

I made it :D

YEAH ME!!! I made it :D Now that I am here, I'll look around get some ideas, and get my page moving. I've been meaning to do this for a while, and have kept putting it off. As silly as it seems I just couldnt think of the right title. Then it just kinda came to me, I have prayed more in the last few months, then I ever thought I would.Not just praying, but getting honest, no holds barred prayer and answer time with my Lord. God is so good, he knew actually what I was going to need, and provided beyond my wildest dreams.
I had a couple of friends and family members tell me that I do too much, that I really needed to back out and enjoy my life. Then I was sitting in church last week and Pastor Mark gave us our 'homework', well its always more like 'lifework'.
This was it:Fill in the blanks for YOUR life..."God made me ____________ , (or) God has given me __________ ......And when I _____________, I feel His pleasure!"
As soon as I heard it I knew my answers: God made ME to be a servant, God has given ME a servants heart/ability. And when I serve, I feel His pleasure.
Amazing how just a few simple words could clear up so much for me.