Christmas

The kids had a great Christmas!!  We didn't focus on them getting many presents, but enjoying the things that they were getting. 
Santa brought them a outdoor playhouse; which its in the garage set up right now and will put it in the backyard when it's going to be nice for several days.  They have enjoyed playing with it in the garage and gives them something to do besides just play inside.  Santa also brought them a kitchen for them to play with.  They have enjoyed that alot so far also.  Then they each got a coloring book, stuff for the bathtub (fingerpaint for the tub and foam soap).  They each got 2 books for us to read and a few other small things.  They were very happy and we had a great time also! 

We definitely emphasized Jesus' birth; which is the main REASON for the SEASON!  :)

Today we cleaned the whole house; which included picking up toys, vacuuming, and putting clothes up that were clean.  Now there are clothes being washed and those will also be put up.  Zachary has been enjoying putting his clothes in his closet for me after I hang them up.  Sadie likes to try to put the clothes on the hanger, but hasn't figured that out yet.  :) 

Sadie has been busy with potty training and LOVES to go on the potty.

Tonight they will be spending the night with Mimi and Poppy.  Les and I will be going to dinner with some of our Sunday School Class.  Yes, we're crazy for going out.....it's going to be PACKED!!!  LOL

Love to all - Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  :)

Merry Christmas y Feliz Navidad!!!

We had a wonderful Christmas this morning!!  Remember, Jesus is the REASON for the season and He is to be celebrated too.  Happy Birthday, Jesus!!!!!!

Our morning started off with Santa sending us on a scavenger hunt around the house to finally the garage where the outdoor playhouse was all set-up.  The kids LOVED the scavenger hunt and enjoyed doing that.  After that, the kids opened presents, then played while waiting on MiMi, Poppy and Bob to arrive for breakfast.  The kids showed off their toys, we had breakfast and then played outside for just a little bit with the remote controlled 4 wheeler.  Sadie is now snoozing and I'm even thinking about laying down too.....HA!

From our family to yours, Merry CHRIST-mas!!!!!

Who'd a thunk it?!?!

Our big girl started showing interest in the potty a while back and would want to sit on the potty, but would never do anything.  Well, that all changed 3-4 days ago.  She was pulling at her pants and "talking" to me.  I asked her if she wanted to go pee pee and she said," yeah!" and started running towards the potty.  I got her undressed and she went pee pee!  I was thinking this was probably just something fun for her.  However, whenever I ask her throughout the day; then she will always go and try to go pee pee.  She has pee peed everytime even if it takes her a few minutes.  Well, today, my mom had her before she was going down for a nap and asked her if she needed to go pee pee.  She went to the potty, went pee pee and my mom asked her if she was finished.  Sadie said," No!"  Then she proceeded to go poo poo on the potty too. 

I decided to try to start potty training her and see how it goes.  I bought her some pull-ups today and another potty thing to go over the potty.  She has one that goes over the potty b/c I was NOT going to use a potty chair like I did with Zachary.  I disliked cleaning it up......YUCK!  So, she is training straight on the potty.  Now she has a potty chair for each potty......YAY!  She has a pink Sesame Street one and a Princess one.  I had bought the Sesame Street one at a garage sell several months ago and I'm so glad that I did! 

When she saw the pull-ups; she was so proud and she was showing them to everyone who lives at my uncles house!  It was really cute and she was so proud of herself; that's for sure!!  :)

Pray that this goes smoothly for us and that I would also have discernment if it's not.  I don't want her to feel any pressure and so far it has been totally her idea and she is SOOO PROUD of herself!!!

In case you're asking yourself," how old is she again??"  Well, she's 21 months; she'll be 2 in March.  ;)

Sadie

I'm feeling so blessed tonight.  As I was blowdrying Sadie's hair this evening; I was just praising Jesus for her.  I am thankful for her health, her beautiful hair (is just like mine when I was younger), her sweet kisses in the morning or when she decides to bless us with them, her little attitude, her little smirks, her seriousness, her giggle, and the list could go on and on.  I was also praying for another little girl who is not mine, but is a little bit older than Sadie.  She is just beginning her battle with cancer.  Please pray for Reesey with me and all of her family.  It breaks my heart and makes me treasure my time with my sweet babies because you just never know what's going to be around the corner waiting for you.

However, one thing that God has taught me a few months ago is found in Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; which says:

Verse 6," Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Verse 8," The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

I was sharing these 2 verses with a friend last night.  I hope that these verses bless you just as much as they have blessed me.  What great reminders that God has already gone ahead of us and He travels through the good and bad times with us.

Here are a few pictures of my Sadie girl and I - Enjoy!!!

 

Sadie and I

 

She was hugging on Kodi - it was funny watching her covering Kodi up with her blanket; then she would lay her head on Kodi.  I think Sadie was getting ready to go to bed at this time, so she was tired.

 

Sadie was reading her book in the cage.  I happened to walk by the playroom and saw her in the cage and of course, ran and got my camera.......LOL  She's so silly!!!!!!!  :)

 

Here was Sadie helping with the laundry one day.

 

Still working on the laundry; almost all done!

 

Here she is dressed up as Cinderella at Halloween!!  LOVE!

 

Here we are just one day; nothing special; just being silly!!!

 

Here she is one morning after she got up - still wearing her pj's....HA!

Christmas Pictures!

Here is our little family of 4 altogether taking some pictures.  I can't believe how fast this year went by; is it really already almost 1/2 way through December?!?!  Well, yes, it is.....HA!

We've been good, but this is the 1st week in a while that one of us are not sick......YAY!  Zachary and I seem to be on the same schedule as far as getting sick.  :)  He had a snotty nose, fever, and cough about 3 weeks ago; then a few days later, I get the snotty nose and cough.  It took us about 2 weeks to get over that, but now we're all over that.  Then last week Sadie went to the doc on Monday and she had bronchitis.  :(  She started on the Z-pack that day and was significantly better the next day.  YAY!  Then Les got the cold stuff, but his is almost gone too.  So, we're finally doing all better in hopes that we stay well for Christmas fun!

I asked my mom to take some pictures for us and here are some of the shots that I just love!  I hope you enjoy them too!!!!

 

Family Picture

Zachary - 3 yrs old

Sadie - 21 months old

 

Another one

 

Sadie and her ladybug

 

Mommy and Sadie

 

Les and Kimberly

 

Here we are again!

 

Zachary on the caboose!

 

Zachary looking through the wreath

 

Sadie looking through the wreath

 

All of us on the caboose

Me and my honey

 

Daddy and Sadie

 

Zachary posing on his own; just love this picture of him with a natural smile.

 

Sadie was playing by falling down on her bottom; she was having a ball.  :)

The last month has flown by since we have each been sick with the tummy bug and now we have the sinus stuff too.  :(  Zachary has been fighting a fever, but I think that's pretty much broke and gone now.  I have felt better, but I don't really feel that bad besides this headache that is persisting right now.  I am ready for nap time today b/c I am going to take a nap with them too!!!  :) 

I have been doing a lot of reading in my Bible and I want to share a few scriptures that have touched me and meant a lot to me.

Deuteronomy 31:6," Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified b/c of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."

Deuteronomy 31:8," The Lord Himself Goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

I have felt comfort in these scriptures knowing that God has gone before me and has prepared the path for me, but He also is going to be WITH me.  What a good word knowing this!  Thank you, Lord.  I hope that this gives you comfort too.

Have a great day!

 

Sadie helping with the laundry!

 

Zachary at dad's work celebrating dad's 15 yrs with Sears.

Fall Already?!

By golly, these last few months have flown by like crazy!

In Sept., Les and I went to Massachusetts to celebrate our 5 yr anniversary!!  We had such a great time getting away for a week w/o the kiddos.  We toured all over the area that we were in (West side of MA), drove to Plymouth, MA to check out the Mayflower II, Plymouth Rock, went and saw the covered bridges in Vermont, rode 4 wheelers in the mountains learning about a maple farm, etc.  It was just beautiful up there and we had a good time just being together.  Here are a few pictures from our trip!!!

Mount Greylock (I think that was the name of it)

View when we were riding 4 wheelers (this was actually in New York)

4 wheelin'

Mayflower II

Here we are onboard the ship - it was beautiful!

Plymouth Rock

Wigwam TeePee

Covered Bridge in VT

Welcome to Massachusetts!!!!

With the way that Zachary's birthday falls; he won't be starting kindergarten (right now planning on homeschooling him) for another 2 yrs.  I'm so excited to have this time with him for fun, crafts, reading, playing, and just teaching him the basics for now.  :)  He's got such a heart for learning and when I engage him in an activity; he just thrives.  Makes me very happy to see how much he loves to learn!  I've been blessed with such great kids and I look forward to seeing them grow and develop.  Thank you, Lord, for our 2 precious babies!!!!

Here is a picture of them from today after our walk to the park - we played too, so he was getting tired!!!  LOL

Almost 3 1/2 yrs old and almost 18 months - Love you two!!!

Last Nights T-storms

Okay, so my kids totally sleep through everything; until last night!  They both were woken up by thunder, well, so was I!  It just cracked around us and was very loud!

1:05 AM - I wake up and laying there thinking about how LOUD that was; then a few seconds later I hear," mommy, Mommy, MOMmy!"  I go in there and Zachary says," mommy, the storm is worse; can I come sleep with you and dadd?"  Of course, how can I say no, so I pick him up and take him back to our bed.  We all go back to sleep for the most part.

1:55 AM - I wake up to another LOUD crash of thunder and remember thinking," please don't wake up Zachary."  Low and behold, it's Sadie that I start to hear cry.  :(  I go in there and pick her up and take her with me back to Zachary's room to sleep.  She falls asleep almost immediately, but to no avail; I just can't get back to sleep since she's right next to me.  I pick her up and move her back to her bed.  Then I decide to go back to Zachary's room to sleep alone.......HA! 

I'm not sure what time I finally got back to sleep in a good sleep, but I definitely didn't want to get up when Zachary was ready for me to get up.  I practically begged him to let me sleep a little longer; which for the most part, he let me, but he didn't let that really last very long...........LOL 

Needless to say, the 3 of us all got much-needed naps today!!!!!!!!!!!  Now, I'm off to bed and hope no storms wake any of us up tonight.  NIGHT NIGHT!

Going Green........sort of! ;)

We had a very busy day today to say the least!!!

The kids and I:
- made a compost bin for our old scraps AND cut up some old fruits and veggies that we had that were going bad.  Zachary LOVED breaking the eggshells up for me in the bowl.
- swept the garage out, well, most of it.....HA!
- tore down the twin bed and trundle bed to move to Sadie's room after I get it painted.  The mattresses I moved into her room already and now having Les decide where to store the box springs for now till Sadie moves onto it and gets used to it.  Zachary was a little over 2 yrs old when we moved him into a toddler bed and out of the crib.  I'm not going to rush her, so when she's ready; then we'll go from there.  Zachary has been sleeping in a full size bed for well over 7 months now and he loves it!  We have so many bed options in our house; I love it!  Come on company.....LOL
- Zachary and I started his lesson on God's Creation - he really enjoyed it.  I'm looking forward to each day as he learns the basics and does a craft.  I am hoping to continue to do simple lessons and crafts with him for the next school year.  Then, as he gets older and matures; we'll actually start the homeschooling process.  I don't want to rush him in this and I know he'll let me know when he's ready.  We won't do crafts or lessons everyday, but we'll at least strive to grow his little mind.
- We went to Mardel's to stock up on some supplies for homeschooling.
- We went swimming and oh my gosh, Sadie LOVES the water!  Zachary at this age was not the fondest of water, so it's been fun watching her personality develop and see how different they are. 

Zachary and Sadie - I love you so much and I am so glad that God has given me the opportunity to stay home with you and teach you.  I hope that you enjoy our time together as much as I do.  I know that when I was growing up; I wanted to make the sacrifice to have off brand clothes, not as many toys, etc to have my mom with me.........I will never regret that choice that they gave me.  Thank you, mom & dad for always being involved in my life and helping me through everything!  I pray that my kids feel the same way about Les & I as I do about y'all.  I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!

****I definitely didn't plan on this becoming a mushy blog, but I let my heart lead me!  :)

2 wks?!

These last 2 weeks have been CRAZY and RELAXING..........HA!

The 1st week was the week leading up to my brother's wedding, so we were quite busy with that and getting everything set up.  I was asked by my brother MONTHS ago to make his groom cake, so I worked on it for 2 days off and on.  Here are pictures of the cake - it turned out awesome!!!

Here is the cake all done with everything in place.  It was 1/2 funfetti and 1/2 chocolate with buttercream icing.  YUM-O!!!

Here is the side angle of the cake board - we thought it would be good to add a track to it, so that is made out of brown sugar and homemade chocolate icing (the writing and outline).

Here is a close-up of the grass that I did for the cake......it looked 100% better once that was finished, but this was very time consuming, BUT worth it and really set the cake off!

This is Christopher's end - he's a Saints Fan & a UT Fan

This is Staci's end - she's a Cowboys Fan and an A&M Fan

Then before I actually did this cake; I made Staci a bachelorette cake which turned out good too.  It was white cake with homemade choc creme and homemade choc icing. 

Here is one angle of the cake (the balls are really purple, but the camera makes them appear blue)

Another angle of the cake

Here is Staci, the bride to be and her cake.

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This last week has been the relaxing week; we've had a lot of fun!  We have played outside, inside, watched movies, read books, went to the movie theatre with a friend of mine (we saw Ice Age...Continental Drift).  Last night we went to the rodeo in Blue Ridge - we had an absolute ball!!!

Today, is Les' 41st B'day - Happy B'day, Les!!!!!  I love you so much and just so happy to have you and how God has truly been blessing our marriage, relationship and family.  I appreciate you so much; what better time to let you know and other's know just how much!  I look forward to dancing with you tonight in Ladonia.  I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  p.s. Made him brownies since that's what he wanted; no cake for him this year.  :)

Zachary and Sadie are doing really well, besides Miss Sadie having a double ear infection (she went to the doc today).  Their cousins, Caleb & Caitlyn are in town and Zachary LOVES to play with them.  Last night he spent the night over at my parents house.  They went to church (Les & I watched online since Sadie had a yellow snotty nose), went to eat yogurt, then went home and played till he finally crashed.  :)

My brother is getting married in a little over a week - yay!  Tonight is his bachelor party with our cousin, Philip, and my hubby, Les.  Tomorrow night is Staci's bachelorette party.  I made her cake today and I think it turned out pretty cute!  I will post pictures once I actually TAKE a picture of it.  I already have it covered, so I will take one tomorrow night of it.  The gals are going to go and eat dinner; then back for a lingerie shower.  Should be a fun time of laughs, good fellowship, and of course, good food!  HA!

Hope you're all doing well - hope you have a great weekend!!!!!

Happy Father's Day

To my own dad and to my hubby too!!!!!

2 great men who are strong in the Lord - what more can a girl ask for?!

Dad,
Thank you for all that you do for me, from helping me build stuff to watching my kids to giving me advice with planting flowers!!!  I love you!!!

Les,
Thank you for loving the kids and I unconditionally.  This thing called parenting has been a lot of fun with you - I'm glad that you're my partner for all of this.  I cherish all the moments that we have together and I look forward to our future and what is in store for us.  God has truly blessed us beyond measure and I am so thankful for that.  I love you and I know the kids do also!

I pray for both of you and know that God definitely broke the mold when He designed you 2 great men.  I love you for each of your personalities; you definitely don't conform to this world by any means.  Thank you for guiding your families down life's path.

I love you, Les!!!
I love you, dad!!!

Happy Father's Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Measuring Day for my Mommy

My mom was back in the doctor today to have her spot measured.  Dr. L said that it had grown some and would be getting in touch with Dr. B.  Dr. L would like to have another PET scan run to see what's going on inside as far as the cancer is concerned.  We just pray that there will be no more cancer spreading and that it is localized to where they've been measuring.  It's definily scary, but at the same time, I can cry and pray out to Dr. Jesus!!!!  I shed a few tears driving while the kids slept on our way home, but I feel so much better now.  I KNOW who's in charge and I can't believe any of Satan's lies that are whispered LOUDLY b/c all Satan cares about is destroying us.  We know who is ultimately in charge and I rest in that truth.  As I was telling my mom over the phone," you know you're in God's path when Satan is attacking us."  Please Lord, continue to give me Your strength through all of this.  Continue to help me leaning on You & letting You guide me.

Thank you, Jesus, for dying for me and my sins.  Thank you for Your love.  Thank you for your healing hand.  I love you, Jesus!!

HUGE zuchinni

This was from our garden - man, it LOVED the rain we had last Wed........HAHAHAHA

These pictures literally do NOT do is justice; it's just huge all the way around too!!!!!!!!  I can't wait to cut into it and see if it's just too big to use or what.  :)

Jesus Calling, Enjoying Peace in His Presence

This devotion book that my mom gave me for Mother's Day is awesome!  If you need a good devotion book; then you should try this one out.  It's short and a perfect way to start or end the day. 

Rejoice in the Lord; again I say Rejoice!!!!!!

For THIS is the day that the Lord has made!!!!!!

15 months!

Little Miss Sadie is 15 months old.......TODAY! 

She is just growing like a little weed and doing really well.  She's a great eater, loves to play, is sleeping all night, has been weaned for about a month now, walking everywhere, is a snuggle bunny, and so much more.

She's such a joy to be around and we're so blessed to have her as our daughter.

Sadie, we love you and so happy with who you are!

Belly Button Blowing Fun

Sadie thinks this is just too much fun......LOL  She loves to pull up my shirt and find my belly button; then she proceeds to open her mouth and try to blow my belly.  It's so funny and now Zachary wants to get in on the fun.  Tonight I was laying on the floor with them and both of them were attacking me and trying to blow my belly.  We all just laughed and laughed!!!!!!  Good times with these 2 crazy kiddos.  :)

I love you, Z & S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  xoxoxoxo

Guest Blogger!!!!

This week I did a guest blog for Today's Housewife - how fun is that?!

You can check out the post that I wrote for them here.

I am planning on writing for them again next month, so stay tuned for that post.  :)

Let's see, we have been very busy the last several weeks since I last posted.  I do have good news from my D&C that I had done a few weeks ago.  The doctor said that there was a polyp, but everything was benign.........Praise the Lord!  My mom had uterine cancer back in the summer of 1999, so I couldn't help but think about that in the back of mine.  While I was doing my best to trust in Him; I am human too.  But, I checked out great!

Zachary is working on potty training and he's doing VERY well at it.  He still doesn't want to poop in the potty, but most of the time he will when encouraged.

Sadie is walking - SHE IS BUSY!!!!!!!!!  She has recently discovered that purses go on your arm to carry.  It's the cutest thing watching her carry her purse.....HA!

Les & I are doing really good and we have our reservation for a trip to Massachusetts in September for our 5 yr anniversary.  I'm really excited about going up there and getting away several days!!!  WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!

I can't think of much more at this particular moment, but have a great day!

Blessings!

Girls

Sunday night we all went to Taco Bueno after church.  There was another family in front of us ordering.  They had a daughter, I don't know, maybe 7 yrs old.  Well, I hadn't noticed Zachary staring at her, but Les came and stood next to me and Zachary literally pushed his daddy out of the way.  We were like," what's he looking at?"  We followed his gaze and there was the girl....LOL  He was grinning as big as possible and just giggling away.  It was so funny!  The girl's parents were laughing too once we all realized what was going on.  This was the first time that he's ever done anything like that and it was really cute.  Gosh, he's growing up so fast; he's going to be a little heart breaker!

Wow, who knew potty training could be so easy?!  I guess what I hear from the older generation; when they're ready; you'll know it.  Literally, Zachary went pee pee on the potty at Market Street and him and I went to buy pull-ups that afternoon at Wal-Mart.  He has been telling me ever since that he has to go pee pee.  Has he had accidents?  Of course!  BUT, he is doing awesome and I just can't believe how fast he's training with very minimal instruction.  Proud of you, Z-Man!!!!!!!!!!!!  :)

Big Boy

Zachary has his 1st dentist appt today!!!  Seems like forever ago since I made the appt and now it's finally here. 

Zachary is doing awesome with potty training and we're doing it very non-stressful!!!!!!! 

Our big boy is growing up so fast!!!  Zachary, I love you so much.  :)

This was taken yesterday while we were outside playing.

4 Wheelin' Together

I just love my babies, Zachary & Sadie.  I just feel so blessed by the family that God has given me.  :)  Here is a video of Z & S riding on Zachary's 4 wheeler; this is the one that he got for his 3rd b'day. 

This video is longer than the video that I had put on FB.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!

D&C

Here in a few weeks I am going to have a D&C done to remove the little polyp or whatever it is that was in there.  With my mom's history; they want to be proactive with whatever it is.  She had uterine cancer back in July '99.  As of right now, I am not nervous, but I will be glad when it's all done.  I will be sedated and I am very glad about that.  I did really well during the hystosonogram, but there was one point that I could no longer take the pain and hollered out," OUCH!"  Poor Les was in the waiting room outside of the sono room and he heard me.  :(  Once that happened; then the pain all went away and it was no big deal after that. 

Have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!

Kristy & Sadie

A HUGE thank you to Kristy for coming to get Sadie for a few hours for me.  Les and I wanted to take Zachary fishing for a little bit and she was so sweet to come over and get her.  They went to Wal-Mart together; then back to Kristy & Wayne's house for a little bit too.  They said she ate green beans and noodles.  :)

It was also the first time that Sadie has spent time with a non-family member; even though Kristy is like family!  I know Sadie had a great time, but she was also happy to see me.  She just kept smiling at Kristy & Wayne while we were talking and just having an absolute ball.

THANK YOU, Kristy & Wayne for taking good care of little Sadie bug.  Love y'all!!!!!!!!!!!

Hystosonogram

That BIG word above...........well, that's what I had done today.  Overall, it wasn't that bad and the part that was painful; didn't last very long at all.  The doctor came in after the actual sonogram and inserted the forceps, got the catheter and balloon thing all in place, and then inserted the saline solution.  I started with some mild cramping and then it got unbearable and I sort of yelled out," OUCH!"  Les was in the sonogram waiting area and he actually heard me holler out.  That part was done in no time and the cramping was gone pretty quick after that.  While it wasn't that bad overall, I definitely don't want that again.  :)  However, I was told that I would have cramping and I didn't have any cramping after it was all done, so Praise the Lord for that!!!! 

With the results, my doctor decided to do a D&C on me.  It's going to be in the office in the procedure room and I will be sedated.  I am not nervous about that and I am going to just keep praying over it.  My God is still in the healing business and I believe that! 

Have a great evening!!!!

Happy Easter, Edith

Wow, this was a really good story!  Please read it and if you have any questions or you would like to know Jesus; please contact me & let's talk.

THE STORY OF EDITH BURNS...

Happy Easter!

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas. She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns.

One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her.

Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved.

Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure.

Edith began by saying, “My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?"

Beverly said, "Why yes I do."

Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?"

Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church, and dressing up." Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Phillips said, “Beverly, don't call Edith into the office quite yet. I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting room.

After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and when she took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr. Will, why are you so sad? Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?"

Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the patient." With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back and it says you have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long."

Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad? Do you think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I'm going to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!"

Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is!"

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did not show up. Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would have to be moving her story to the hospital and said, “Will, I'm very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here next to me in my room who need to know about Easter."

Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff to patients were so excited about Edith, that they started calling her Edith Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.

Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she was a "religious nut". She had been a nurse in an army hospital. She had seen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane. She had been married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by the book.

One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick. Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot.

When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, “Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you."

Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work. I'm not interested."

Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family."

Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will never happen," and curtly walked out of the room.

Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say, "God loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you."

One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, "I'm so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special day"

Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked everybody here the question, "Do you believe in Easter but you have never asked me."

Edith said, "Phyllis, I wanted too many times, but God told me to wait until you asked, and now that you have asked." Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith said, "Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?"

Phyllis Cross said, "Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart, and I do want Jesus in my life "Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings of angels.

Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you know what day it is?" Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday."

Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis!"

Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did some of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a Happy Easter.

When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand, she realized Edith was dead. Her left hand was on John 14: "In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."

Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down her cheeks, said, "Happy Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!"

Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to a table where two student nurses were sitting. She said, "My name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?" 
(Author Unknown)


If you believe in Easter, forward this on. God works in wonderful ways, and to believe in his power is to truly be free. If Jesus had e-mail, he'd do the same for you.


(Actually, maybe He just did)

"Father, bless this person in whatever it is that You know he or she may be needing this day"

Problems

Today's events that are leading up to Jesus' crucifixion was about the problems that Jesus would face with the Pharisees.  The scriptures that I looked up and found in the Gospels were talking about how the Pharisees questioned Jesus' Authority.  The scriptures are: Matthew 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; and Luke 20:1-8.

The other part was the prophecy of Jesus on the Mount of Olives.  The scriptures that I read for this part are: Matt 24:3 (whole passage), Mark 13:1-23; and Luke 21:5-24.

PRAISE REPORT:
My mom got news last month at her ultrasound that the surgeon thought that there was some more cancer and thought that maybe the spot had grown.  She went back today (1 month later) and the spots that they thought were cancer; were actually blood vessels.  The spot has not grown.  We can't stop praising Jesus!!!  It was such an answer to prayer - God is so good.

Thank you to all who pray for me & my family.  We have a lot going on and we couldn't do it all without the prayers that YOU are sending up for us.  Love you!!!!!!

1st Rose of the Season!!!!

Here is a picture of my 1st rose on my bush this year.  I trimmed it up a few months ago and I was really hoping that it would do better this year.  So far, there are so many blooms that are going to be blooming here very soon.  I can't wait to see them all opened and gorgeous!!!

ENJOY!!!!!!  :)

Purification

This is the week that is leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus for my sins and your sins.

Today I am meditating on the purification of the temple.  As I was thinking about this particular thing, it made me think of not only a structure/building, but also our bodies. 

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 3:16," Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?"

We need to take care of our bodies and care for them just like we would anything else.  We have the Spirit of God in us when we choose to become followers of Jesus by asking Him into our hearts.  WOW!  That is exciting!!!!!  My spiritual birthday is April 1986, and I have since rededicated my life in October 2010.  I was feeling like I was not as close to Jesus as I have/should be and man, what another exciting time of renewing my relationship with Jesus!!!!!!!!!  WHEW!!!!!  :)

What does it mean to you to purify the temple????

Thank you, Jesus for dying on the cross for my sins; man, I don't deserve it, but you show the amount of love you have for us by doing that for us.  Praise you, Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Daddy Daughter Moment

So sweet, I was putting Zachary to bed and I had him all tucked in, read his favorite story of Samson from the Bible, and then we're also reading this Toddler Bible.....we're in the story of Noah.  So, after all that was read and he was ready for bed; I left his room.

I went looking for Sadie b/c at night I nurse her to sleep and that's that.  Well, I am walking around and I go outside where I hear Les' voice on the phone and I go to grab her, but she's sound asleep!  It was just too cute.  I went to go get her burp cloth and came back for her.  Of course, I stood there oohhhhing and awwwwing over it.  :)  I took her from his arms and tucked her into her bed. 

She is finally sleeping 12 hours at night straight & what a great accomplishment.........YAY!!!  Normally, she wakes up 1x to nurse and back into bed in about 25 - 30 minutes.   I hope that this is a new trend b/c I'm LOVIN' it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fun Times w/ Friends!

We had such a good time tonight hanging out with Jeremy & Holly.  We grilled burgers, had deviled eggs, and bourbon & brown sugar beans......YUMMY!

Since it was such a nice evening; I wanted us to all walk to the park and it was such a nice walk down to the park.

Here's a picture of Sadie & Sebastian playing with her picnic basket and the little food that goes along with it.  It was really cute!

Love this!

God's Embroidery

When I was a little boy, my mother used to embroider a great deal. I would sit at her knee and look up from the floor and ask what she was doing. She informed me that she was embroidering. I told her that it looked like a mess from where I was. As from the underside I watched her work within the boundaries of the little round hoop that she held in her hand, I complained to her that it sure looked messy from where I sat.
She would smile at me, look down and gently say, "My son, you go about your playing for a while, and when I am finished with my embroidering, I will put you on my knee and let you see it from my side."
I would wonder why she was using some dark threads along with the bright ones and why they seemed so jumbled from my view. A few minutes would pass and then I would hear Mother's voice say, "Son, come and sit on my knee." This I did only to be surprised and thrilled to see a beautiful flower or a sunset. I could not believe it, because from underneath it looked so messy. Then Mother would say to me, "My son, from underneath it did look messy and jumbled, but you did not realize that there was a pre-drawn plan on the top. It was a design. I was only following it. Now look at it from my side and you will see what I was doing."
Many times through the years I have looked up to my Heavenly Father and said, "Father, what are You doing?" He has answered, "I am embroidering your life. " I say, "But it looks like a mess to me. It seems so jumbled. The threads seem so dark. Why can't they all be bright?"
The Father seems to tell me, "'My child, you go about your business of doing My business, and one day I will bring you to Heaven and put you on My knee and you will see the plan from My side."

~Unknown Author

Beaver's Bend!

You're probably wondering what happened to me since I haven't blogged in 10 days!  HAHAHA

We took a fun trip to Beaver's Bend last week for hiking, being with family, and just enjoying the outdoors.  :)  My parents came down for a few days and that was a lot of fun to have them there also.  We took them up a trail to overlook the river below.  I was so proud of my mom for making it up to the top and doing so well.  We all got to the top and then it started thundering and raining just a little bit harder.  We took several pictures (to come later!) and then started our way down.  Sadie was sound asleep on Les' back and Zachary hiked most of it.  My dad seemed a little hesitant about 1 incline, but we continued on and I know he was glad that he came on too.  It was just beautiful up there overlooking the area!!!  :)

We were able to see the dogwoods; which is why we planned our trip when we did.  We really wanted to see them blooming and we did!  The first day we were there in our camping area; there was 1 tree and the next day there were more blooming and so on and so on.  Just beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Overall, we had a great time and some really funny stories.  :):)

LOTS and LOTS of RAIN

We have been having a lot of rain for several hours now........about 2 1/2 hours ago we already had 1 1/2 inches of rain.  I am curious as to how much we have in our gauge now.  It's been lightening up a storm and thundering a whole lot too.  Sadie is tucked in her bed and we're all watching Mrs. Doubtfire.  HILARIOUS movie if you haven't seen it!

Have a great evening; it's 10:27 PM already and we'll all be turning in for the night in just a little bit.....NIGHT NIGHT!  :)

Weather

I am getting nervous about the storms that are heading our way!  I get scared when there is severe weather and no one is here, but me, well, besides the kiddos.  :) 

I remember when Zachary was only about a month old so and there was a severe storm.  Zachary slept through the whole thing in my arms; in our hall closet.  It was green outside and the wind was CRAZY!  So far today we've just had a TON of wind and it keeps trying to blow our mat away that's in the breeze way.  HA!

Have a blessed day - CBT!

So excited!

Well isn't this just so exciting to be able to blog from the e-mail that I use all the time?!  YES!

Here are a few pictures of the kiddos - enjoy!

Here are Z & S enjoying cake on her 1st b'day!

Can you tell just how much S likes the cake???  HAHAHAHA!

Z REALLY enjoyed the cake and has a nice icing face to prove it!  He really got into it this year.  LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!