Please Pray

For some time now I have been reading the blog of a woman in the Midwest (?) who has 4 children ages 3, 2, 1, and 8 weeks. There are 3 boys and 1 girl. She is quite funny and has quite a bit of insight. Her youngest, a little boy named Stellan, was diagnosed in the womb with heart failure and some serious heartbeat irregularities. There were many prayers offered up on his behalf and he was born via C-section on Oct. 29, 2008 with absolutely NO heart problems. A miraculous healing from the Lord! He has done well but all of their kids were sick over Christmas. The older ones are all better but Stellan has been in the hospital for the past few days with complications from RSV. He is doing better but by no means is "out of the woods." I know it sounds crazy that I would ask for prayer for someone I don't even know but I am asking now. Please pray that little Stellan's body would heal, for wisdom and discernment for the doctors and nurses, and for MckMama (her nickname) and her husband and children during this time. If you would like to see her blog, please click here. Thank you so much for your intercession.

Christmas in the Mountains

Yes, it's been almost 2 weeks but I need not tell anyone how busy it's been. Last Monday, we went to a cookie swap at our friends, the Burrough's, house. It was a wonderful time with lots of kids, cookie decorating, gingerbread house making, and pizza eating. Plus, we came home with a great assortment of cookies which was nice. Thanks, Shannon!
Mom arrived on Tuesday (Christmas Eve Eve) and then Drew worked on Christmas Eve. We had a nice day at home and then headed up to the Petrey's for our usual Christmas Eve dinner and a little "service" Daphne usually puts together. We had a wonderful meal, service, and then present opening. Here is the picture chronicle...

Master Ward with his Granddaddy and Daddy. Doesn't he look like a little man!
This is a great picture of Daph and LeeAnne. I just had to include it.

The big girls had a great time playing with the plastic ornaments Karen and Molly had out for decoration. They shared well!

Mary Fran with her ornament basket.

Part of our "service" included Paw Paw reading "The Legend of the Candy Cane." If you haven't read this book you would greatly enjoy it.

The girls singing Christmas carols.

The present gala. We were very proud of them taking turns so well. Our girls got some great puzzles, DVD's, and toys. Ward also got some cute toys.

Christmas morning my mom set out her gifts to us and the kids like she did for Grayson and me growing up. Evie's looking at a ball she got. They also received a doll each, dress up hats, books, and cute wash bins for toys, etc. Ward also got some toys, a wash bin, and money toward his lifetime hunting and fishing license.

Our little man taking it all in...

MeMe gave Evie a real camera. She has shown quite an interest and talent in photography. We'll see where it leads!

Both Evie and Mary Fran got "baking sets" from mommy and daddy. It includes an apron, chef's hat, tea towel, hot pad, oven mitt, rolling pin, and spoon. We also gave them some books and paints and paint brushes in their stockings. They enjoyed pretending to paint MeMe's nails and face. Ward got a savings account and money toward his lifetime hunting and fishing license.

Friday morning we headed down to Columbia to "do Christmas" with Dad and Brenda. Friday night we ate and opened presents with them. Then, on Saturday we got together with all the family on my dad's side of the family. A full weekend!

Pa Pa and B gave the girls these pretty headbands. MF got a puzzle and book and Evie got some wooden dolls that have interchangeable magnetic outfits. Uncle Grayson gave them a Play Doh kit that will be put to good use. You know, when it all comes down to it, the girls are just going to share everything which is something that I think they're coming to understand. :)

Looking through the photo calendar we made for Pa Pa and B.

Ward was quite interested in the lights on their tree.

Precious picture of MF sitting in the chair that was my granddaddy's. This chair is over 100 years old.

The Gary Goodman side of the family.

My dad's oldest brother and most of his family (I wasn't on top of it enough to get pictures of the other 2 brothers and their families). Uncle Eddie Mack's youngest son and his wife weren't able to come as their son was running a high fever. We missed seeing them as Daniel is 2 days younger than MF and outweighs her by probably 20 pounds! :) We had a great time seeing this side of the family and spending time with them.

Evie playing with the pony Uncle Eddie Mack and Aunt Joyce gave her. She loves horses!

Behold the Lamb of God

Last night Drew and I and three other couples went down to Mecklenburg Community Church in Charlotte to hear Andrew Peterson on his Behold the Lamb of God tour. He and several other artists have been doing this tour at Christmastime for 11 years now and recorded the songs on CD about 5 years ago (I think). Some of the artists there included Bebo Norman, Andy Gullahorn and Jill Phillips, and Andrew Osenga. Drew and I went last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. We both really like each of these artists' music individually as they are songwriters as well who don't just write "fluff." The music they write is deep and moving and they truly know that it's not about them but about using the gifts God has given them to spread the Gospel.
Drew and I own Andrew Peterson's "Behold the Lamb of God" CD and I would say that if you haven't heard it you need to. It is a telling of the entire story of Jesus's coming. His songs start in the Old Testament and show how all of the earth, Israel in particular, were anxiously awaiting and longing for the coming of the Messiah. The way he puts this into song has allowed me to understand even more the miracle of His coming.
The way the show goes is the first hour all of the artists come up (in a quite unassuming manner) and perform one song each twice (if that makes any sense) and dialogue some as well which is really interesting to see how real they are and quite funny, too. There is an intermission and then they play the whole album through. I was moved again last night at the miracle of my Savior's birth. I was reminded again that it is not about me or my happiness but about Him and His glory and renown.
We tend to get so busy this time of year and caught up in the decorating, baking, gift giving, party going/hosting, which are all good things, but we can just run right by the Miracle of this season. I was reminded again last night of the glory of the Lord, His love for me and for all of his creation, and His sacrifice. I hope you will be able to slow down and revel in His love and mercy.

Family Full Weekend

This weekend we went to Cola town (Columbia, SC) to get together with the extended family on my mom's side. It's her first cousins, their children, and their grandchildren. I'm talkin' 4th, 5th, 6th cousins in attendance. It's great! We now have 8 young children with two (hopefully three) coming next year.
Saturday was quite a full day. We went over to my cousin's house that morning for a visit and to let the kids to play together. Katherine has a son (almost 5 years old) and daughter who's 2 weeks older than Evie. The girls played dress up and all kinds of other "girl stuff." Poor Walker was outnumbered. Katherine said he told her, "Maybe Ward and I can play soccer in the backyard." Bless his heart! Maybe next year, Walker! Katherine and I also had a good chance to talk which was really a blessing to me. After naps, we headed out to a park to meet a photographer mom had "hired" to take pictures of all the kiddos. It went pretty well. MF was timid as usual but a little fussy as I had to wake her up from her nap to go. Gretchen got some great pictures which you can take a look at on her blog by clicking here (it's titled "Joyful, Joyful").
As I said earlier, Sunday we got together with all the family. I can't tell you how much I look forward to seeing everyone each year. It's a growing brood for sure! We didn't get too many pictures as we were busy visiting which is what it's about anyway. Here are the few we took...

The big kids eating. Actually, Ward's the only one not at the table. You can't see Adam very well at the top right but he's there!
Delaine holding Wardy. She came to help with the dishes and just keeping things running smoothly. Delaine is part of the family and had Ward just a smiling like nobody's business.

Another picture of the kids eating. The spread was unbelievable, as usual!

Today was rainy although warmer but nonetheless we were stuck inside. In the interest of keeping things "light" with two tired young 'uns we made brownies to cook while we ate lunch and then had a tea party. Here Eves is pouring a "spot of tea" for her little sister.

Enjoying the "crumpets" once they were served!

On a side note, MF had a hard time going down for her nap but finally did. About an hour later she woke up crying and felt warm. Her temp was low grade (101) but she said her right ear hurt. After a little Tylenol, I checked her ears and found a right ear infection. Thankfully, our pediatrician trusts me and has called in an antibiotic. We have all been slightly "snotty" but nothing big. Unfortunately, it settled in MF's right ear. I can't complain as between Evie and Mary Fran we've only had 4 antibiotics ever. They're both down for extended naps which are much needed and this is a great day to nap.

We had a wonderful weekend and are enjoying the R & R today to catch up on everything. It's really nice to just sit back and enjoy this season.

Mommy's Helpers

The other afternoon, I was cleaning the kitchen sink and counters and Evie came and said, "Mommy, I want to help you." I was pressed for time but determined to slow myself down long enough to encourage her little heart. I handed her a dishrag and told her she could wipe down the oven door. She did so and then proceeded to wipe down the deck door windows, spots on the kitchen and living room floor, our chairs, and the trashcan all with a happy heart. As you can tell in the picture above, Mary Fran merrily joined in the fun. And that's what it was...fun, not drudgery. I desire to lead, our girls especially, by example that all the "work" at home is not labor but fun and show them how to have a happy heart doing it. So often I think of all that needs to be done in our house to keep it running smoothly and get overwhelmed and see it as work. As I commented in a previous post, the Lord is challenging and teaching me to delight in the tasks in front of me...all the tasks. This is something I would like to teach our children now so that they will not have to struggle with it as adults as I sometimes do. As always, though, I am reminded that I am but a vessel and that my first prayer should always be that our children would not see me but see the Lord through me in all I do and say. Thank You, Father, for the chance to mold these young hearts.

Homeschool Christmas Party

Today we had our last Homepreschool for this year. We celebrated Christmas and had a wonderful time! Daphne hosted us and did such a great job. I'm always inspired by her creativity. Here are the highlights...

Warming up with songs. Here they are doing "I'm Gonna Stand Up..." Nothing like that to get the blood flowing in the morning!
Daph had each child open a present and then we read a book and did an activity based on that gift. MF was first and opened up a cookie cutter.

After reading a book about giving gifts, we made cookies for snack time and then extras to take home to our daddies when they came home from work. Here Heath is demonstrating dipping the cookie dough into sprinkles. They were yummy and our daddy appreciated them VERY much!

Another present was an angel ornament. Daph traced each child's foot, cut it out, and then we glued painted hand tracings that we had done a couple of weeks ago for the wings. Glitter was added as well as a halo. For the faces, you guessed it, a picture of each child!

The next present opened was a candy cane. First, we read "The Legend of the Candy Cane" by Lori Walburg which I highly recommend. It is a wonderful book which highlights not only Jesus' birth but why He had to come in the first place. We then made candy cane reindeer which were quite cute.

I'm not sure which present prompted this as I was making lunch but the story of Jesus' birth was acted out after reading a Nativity story. As you can see, Heath was Joseph, Evie was Mary, and Ruthie the angel Gabriel. Yep, MF is baby Jesus and immersed herself in the character by climbing in the cradle and not wanting to come out. That's our Mary Fran!

Five Years and Still Going Strong

Saturday was Drew and my five year wedding anniversary. He surprised me by having my mom come up and watch the girls all day Saturday so we could spend the day together. We did a whole lot of nothin' and it was wonderful. Drew was on call for the business this weekend and he only had two calls come in which was nice (as it was quite cold). We tooled around Boone and the surrounding areas, finished our Christmas shopping and even caught some of the ASU game on TV while eating lunch. I thoroughly enjoyed our day together and it couldn't have been a better anniversary.
I was, of course, reminiscing about December 6, 2003 while running Saturday morning and thinking where we are now as opposed to where we were then. I realize so much better now what it means to love unconditionally and to accept that same unconditional love. So often we think we're right and somewhat entitled to this and that. We're not. I may have given Drew more grace than I think he "deserves" but the fact of the matter is that he has also given me more grace that I deserve. Even more importantly, the Lord has given both of us more grace than we either one of us could ever earn let alone deserve.
I have been blessed with a wonderful and imperfect husband who loves me in spite of myself. He has an imperfect wife, too, what do you know? :) Just after we got engaged I told Drew he was my Ephesians 3:20 (in a non-sentimental way). That verse says "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than we ask or think, according to the power at work within us," and verse 21 goes on to say "to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever, Amen." I (and we) desire the Lord to be glorified in our marriage. He has given me a husband who is exactly perfect for me and surpasses all of my expectations. All glory to Him!
Thank you, Drew, for loving all of me and promising to always be here!

Mountaineer Sheet Metal

Last night was the annual Mountaineer Sheet Metal (MSM) Christmas party. MSM is the HVAC company Drew's dad started when he and Dustin were 2 years old. Twenty-six years and still going strong! The Lord has blessed the company even in these hard economic times and we are very grateful.
Back to the party...it is usually held at Dan'l Boone Inn (a restaurant that serves family style) but this year we had it in a different location and had Dan'l Boone Inn cater. It was wonderful! We were all able to talk and visit and the kids had plenty of time to run around. Winston has built a great company and the employees are like family. It's so nice to see the families and catch up with all of them. Winston gives all the kids a gift each year suited to each of them and this year the families each got a basket with homemade breads, jam, and cookies to enjoy. Here are some highlights...

As you can tell, the MSM employees are a growing bunch. Here are all the kids with their gifts. We have thirteen kids (the 2 babies and 2 older kids aren't pictured) between twelve families!
Here Evie, Ruthie, and Mary Fran are enjoying their new books.

Grandmama and most of her young un's. It was at the end of the night as you can tell. :)

Thanks, Winston, for the great work environment you provide and for all you do for us!

My Cup Runneth Over...

We had a wonderful weekend. After a great Thanksgiving with Drew's side of the family, my dad, stepmom, and brother came up on Friday. Bless their hearts, they arrived to our "decorated for Christmas" house but not cleaned up from the decorating. :) The mess got cleaned up and after the girls woke up from their naps we met Drew at Lieberman Farms to pick out our Christmas Tree. The Liebermans have a great Christmas tree farm and organic trees. Here are some highlights... Here we are standing next to our choice. She's a beauty and got lights and decorations on Saturday.

Drew went to cheer on the Mountaineers in the freezing rain Saturday afternoon and we decided to stay inside and cheer on the Gamecocks (to no avail). After their naps, the girls colored the elves Uncle Grayson brought up for them. Thanks, Uncle G!

PaPa and his grands

Three angels

What we woke up to Sunday morning...ice. Thankfully, the temperature got to a balmy 35 or so and the ice melted for the most part. After being treated to breakfast at the Mountain House we said "goodbye" to our family. Thanks, PaPa, B, and Uncle Grayson for a great weekend!

This year we are celebrating Advent with our entire extended family. Dustin and Daphne have put together some great devotions and we had a wonderful time seeing everyone. Drew's Great Uncle AD and Great Aunt Dixie were in town, so that was a very special treat. Here they are with their great-great nephew, Ward, who they met for the first time last night.

We read the story of Gabriel appearing to Mary (Luke 1:26-38) last night and acted it out. First, Halee and Molly acted while the little girls watched. Ruthie was Mary and MF Gabriel. It was too much!

This morning we woke up to one inch to a little more of snow this morning. It snowed off and on all day and was beautiful. After lunch, we put Ward down to sleep and suited up for some playing. Mary Fran was OK with it all but Evie loved it!

Eves throwing snowballs

The girls catching snowflakes on their tongues. Childhood is so much fun, especially the second time around!

Reflections on Thankfulness

As I was running this morning, I was thinking of all that exists in my life and what I am thankful for (as cliche as it sounds). The past couple of weeks, especially this past weekend through Tuesday, were extremely busy. I woke up Monday thinking of all that needed to be done but thankful for that work because it meant I have a purpose. Work at your hands is a wonderful thing when you see it as the Lord sees it. Here are a few other reflections...
The fact that I am up by 7 AM (and a couple of times at night) means I have a healthy baby who is able to get his nourishment from me without any problems.
The fact that I cannot sleep past 7:30 means I am blessed with healthy children who I get to stay home with everyday.
The fact that I have a mess to clean means I am blessed with a roof over my head and a house to take care of.
The fact that I have bills to pay means we have heat when it's cold, air conditioning when it's hot, water running through our pipes, and lights when it's dark.
The fact that we have to pay for oil changes and gas means we have a reliable car to get from one place to another.
The fact that there are dishes to clean means we have food to eat.
The fact that I have an increasing amount of laundry to do means we have clothes to keep us warm and covered and the increasing amount means the Lord has seen fit to continue to add to our family.
The fact that I have someone else to consider when making decisions means I have a husband who loves me and protects me.
And most importantly, the fact that I can be certain I will one day spend eternity in Heaven means that at the beginning of time Jesus looked down the passage of time, saw me, and humbled Himself to come to Earth as a baby, be persecuted, and die a horrible and cruel death so that I could spend eternity with Him. Even more importantly, He didn't do it just for me but for every one of us.
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are able to see blessings in every part of life.

"J" is the Letter of the Day

It's Tuesday so that means Homepreschool. We hosted today and "J" was the shining star. We warmed up with some songs and learned "John Jacob Jinglehiemer Schmidt" (it's in your head now, too, isn't it?). Then, we took turns running to the letters that I called out to review all our "old" letters and introduce our "new one." After reading "My J Sound Box," we did a coloring page and then read "Jack and Jill." Everyone had a good time acting it out as well as "Jack be nimble." That was all by design as the weather is not conducive to being out and these kids need to run off some energy! :) Jell-O jigglers were next and everyone got to choose either a pumpkin or turkey. Yummy!
Back to reading and we read and talked about the First Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims and Indians and what they ate. Then, we made turkeys but not just any turkeys...jakes. Yes, that's right, jakes are young, male turkeys that my lovely husband taught me all about. What fun we had!
Last, but not least, we talked about the best "J" word of all, Jesus. We read a couple of books about Him and His birth. After that, we danced to "Joy to the World" by Bebo Norman. It's a more upbeat tempo and the kiddos had a great time. Just take a look...

Dancing the morning away! Candace was my helper today and did a great job. Thanks, Candace!
MF and Heath getting their groove on...

Now we have MF and Ruthie and Heath and Evie. Joseph didn't seem to mind going solo but did find a partner in MF later. :)

Here we have our "jakes." Can't wait to dig into the real thing Thursday!