More vacation pictures

Emma, Gavin, Ivey and John ride the kid ferris wheel

Riding the motorcycles

Getting ready to ride the kid roller coaster - YEA!

Chris and the kids go on the train.

Morgan and his dinosaur balloon hat.

Ivey and Gavin on the swings

Gavin getting ready to fly the airplane.

Emma and Ivey getting ready to fly the airplane.

Morgan and Grandma

Ivey and Gavin driving the kid bumper cars

God's Word

Last night as I sat down on my bed after all the kids were in bed asleep and the chores were done, I grabbed my bible and just stared at it. For some reason, I felt the Holy Spirit just say to me, "This...is for you, Jennifer." I guess growing up in church, having darkened the doors of the church every time they opened, I have to be very careful about taking the Bible for granted. It's been in my hand since I was able to grasp it with my little fingers and sometimes I lose the intimacy of its meaning and of its being. Last night, for some reason, I just saw it differently. The fact that God opened my eyes to his love letter to me was welcomed and much needed. It was as if I could actually see the words written on the cover, " To: Jennifer, From: God." I just prayed and thanked God for allowing me the freedom and privelege to have a Bible. I thanked Him for how it has changed my life, how it continues to correct and teach me, how it has never failed me and how it lets me know Him more. My accountability group is reading the book of Matthew and I just couldn't get enough last night. To read the actual words that Christ spoke and how he so eloquently, yet simply, taught his disciples so that they would understand. Yesterday, in the car, Ivey asked me how she can hear God's voice. I thought it was a pretty remarkable question for a three-year-old and, to be honest, I had to think for a minute about how to word my answer so that she could understand. My first answer was, "By reading the Bible. God speaks to us through the Bible. He also speaks to us through other people and other things we may hear or see."

Lord, thank you for your word. Thank you for teaching me and opening my eyes to how precious it is. Help me not to take it for granted and help me to study it more so that I can, in turn, know you more. Amen.

We're back!

Papa throwing the ball with Gavin in the pool

Gavin got a new hat with a baseball on it - he likes to wear it backwards. He gets that from his Dad!

Me and the bear that Chris won from playing a basketball game at the amusement park. More pictures of the amusement park to come later!

Can we say... Ham!

We did manage to get one photo of the five of us together. When the kids get a little older I really want to have professional pictures taken at the beach. But, until then this will have to do!

We had a great time visiting Chris' brother and his family in Charleston and spending the week with my family at the beach this past week. I have tons of pictures, so I'll try to share a few each day.

We're out of here!

We're headed to Charleston in the morning to spend the weekend with Chris' older brother and his family. On Sunday, we're leaving Charleston to spend the rest of the week in North Myrtle Beach with my family. I'm excited to be headed to the beach - sand and sun are my friends!! I'm also excited about getting to spend 10 days with my hubby and our kids, doing fun things and having a good time. I'm sure I'll have TONS of pictures and lots of stories upon my return. A friend will be staying here at the house to take care of the house and dog. I hope you all have a great week because I know I will!!

My newest creations

These are travel mugs that I personalized for Morgan's teachers for end-of-the-year gifts.

Bloomers for my friend's baby

Beach towels for the little ones

I'm loving having this embroidery machine. I've been able to make gifts for lots of people and doesn't everyone love something with their name on it? I've forgotten to take pictures of some of the things I've done, but these are the ones I've remembered.

Spending time with God

I'm tired of Satan getting the best of me. I've really been struggling lately to have my quiet times (reading my bible, praying, working on my bible study, etc.) on a daily basis. I prayed to God, "Lord, you know how much I love you. You know my heart. You know that I want to know you more... why is this such a huge struggle for me?" I met with my accountability group Saturday morning and shared this and I can feel their prayers. Also, on Sunday morning our pastor preached a great sermon about the life I live is Christ living in me. There is nothing I can do to earn his approval, his forgiviness or his mercy. I must die to myself every day and allow him to live through me. So, I said to Satan, "I'm not letting you win this battle. I won't make the choice any more to be too busy to spend time with my Lord every day. I'm not too busy to be on the computer, I'm not too busy to watch TV, so I'm certainly not too busy to spend time with God." I told Chris about my struggle last night and I told him that I wasn't going to get on the computer until I had spent time with God. Lately, God has been bringing to mind something that a friend of mine told me over a year ago. She was talking about how she spent time at her grandmother's house and that her grandmother taught her lots of things. But, one of the things she remembered the most was her grandmother telling her that if she's not hungry for the Word of God in the mornings then she wasn't hungry at all. Basically, since man does not live on bread alone but by every word of God, she wouldn't feed her physical body until she had fed her spirit by spending time with God. I've never forgotten that story. So, the Lord spoke to me yesterday and said, "What are you trying to live on? You are starving yourself!" I surrendered. I spent time in the Word and in prayer before beginning my day today and I plan to do that every day. I know that God knows my situation and how busy I am, but seriously... if I have time to do all the other things, don't I REALLY also have time to spend with Him? Of course, I do, I just didn't want to admit it.

Days are flying by

Well, today I feel like I don't have much interesting to write about. We have just been doing our normal routine. Morgan's last day of 5th grade was today - he'll be a "middle schooler" next year. He'll be in the youth group for crying out loud! I can't believe it.

Now on to what's really been bothering me,
I usually rock Gavin at night (I know... some people say he's too old for that, but he's my baby and I can rock him as long as I want to!) while Chris reads Ivey a book. Every night I think to myself, "Wow. I can't believe another day has gone by already." It just seems like the days go by so quickly and that my kids are growing up too fast - right before my very eyes. Tonight I'm a little sad about it. I love the ages they are now. They have enough independence that we feel like we can go places and do fun things, but they aren't so independent that they don't need us anymore. Sometimes I just want time to stand still. I was just talking to Chris last night about a spirit of fear that I'm having right now. It's fear that something tragic may happen to one of my children. I think that it's because, in the past 2 years, I've known people or have read about people, like Steven Curtis Chapman, who have lost children. It's like every time I turn around I hear about somebody's baby passing away - whether it's a 2 1/2 -hour-old baby or a 26-year-old baby. It's depressing, but it's real. I know that God is in control and nothing that happens would come as a surprise to Him. I believe that there is no "Plan B" with God. But, if it really came down to it, would I be able to live out what I say I believe? Would I be able to live through it? I really don't know. I struggle terribly with thoughts about what I could've done to make things different. I could have done this, I should not have done that. Things would have been different IF... I believe that if something happened to my children or to Chris, those thoughts would eat me up inside.

I know these are thoughts from Satan. I know that he's trying to make me doubt my Savior and His sovereignty. But, it's hard. The other day I was doing my bible study "Motherwise" and the day's study was about fear. I have to keep repeating the scripture that was given: 2 Timothy 1:7 says "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Lord, help me to not be fearful. Help me not to be scared. Help me to know that the number of my days and the days of all the people I love have been known by you since the beginning of time. Help me to trust in you and to walk with you with a child-like faith. I don't have to understand everything about you, I don't have to know everything about you, I just have to remember that you love me. Help me to enjoy every moment that I have with my children, with my husband and my family. Thank you for the blessing that they are to me. I love you! xoxoxo

Bad doggie

This is what happens in our house when pets (or children) don't behave. Apparently "doggie" hit his mommy, so he got spanked and had to sit in the corner. My kids love imitating Chris and I - the good, the bad and the ugly. Shall I never forget that they're always watching... Even though they sometimes imitate the things that we don't want them to, every once in a while God lets us see that they pick up on the good things, too. This morning I was getting some clothes out of the dryer and I heard Ivey in my room praying. I tip-toed in there to see her because I thought she was probably standing in front of the mirror watching herself talk (her favorite hobby). But, she was on her knees in the corner of her room with her hands folded and her head laying on her hands. She was just talking to God. Among other things, I heard, "Thank you for my family. Help us to have good day. And I thank you for everything. Thank you for Jesus. Amen."

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to see this precious moment between you and my daughter. May she always seek you and follow after you. May she never stop praising you, bringing glory to your name and laying her troubles at your feet. May she always trust in you. Lord, please take hold of her heart and never let go. Amen.

A few pics from our day at the lake

Papa and my cousin, David, play a game of horseshoes. David is in the Army, stationed in Louisiana. His battalion will be leaving for Iraq in the coming weeks for a 15-month deployment. Please keep them in your prayers.

Gavin pets the fish that Daddy caught.

Ivey finally gets comfortable swimming in the water. The water was freezing cold, but she swam like a fish!

Chris loves to horse around. Here he is attempting a front flip. He almost got all the way around!

Since I'm always the one chasing everyone down with the camera, there aren't many photos of me. So, I decided to take a picture of my flip-flops. I LOVE flip-flops!

Memorial Day Weekend

Ivey playing in the pool with Davis and Sam

Gavin doing his favorite thing, pushing a truck

Chris and his BFF, Stu

Last night kicked off our Memorial Day weekend of events. We went to a cookout last night with our Sunday School class. It was a great time of fellowship. The kids played well together and the parents got a chance to sit and relax. Today, we went to a neighborhood cookout/party after the kids got up from their naps (not really. Ivey stayed in her room but destroyed it and Gavin only slept about an hour and a half.) It was fun as well, but a little overwhelming for the kids because there were so many people there. Tomorrow we will be going to the lake house for the kids to swim and to, hopefully, have a relaxing day. In all the fun and fellowship, lest we not forget the true reason for Memorial Day. We appreciate our troops and the selfless way they have served, serve and will serve our country. Many of them have paid the ultimate sacrifice and we are thankful for that and we are thankful to their families who, unfortunately, celebrate Memorial Day every day. May God bless America again.

Race #2

Today I ran my second race - the Holly Springs Memorial 5K. I ran it in 30:50 which I thought was pretty good. The race was somewhat hilly, definitely not flat. Mom ran the race too and shaved three minutes off of her previous time. Way to go, Mom! Chris and the kids tried to get there in time to see us finish, but I was already through so we cheered Mom on as she came to the Finish line. We had a fun time and got in some good exercise, too. I've been preparing for the 10K coming up in July (what was I thinking??). Right now, it seems impossible but I know I can do it. I'm pretty sure it'll be a walk/run race for me but at least I'm going to give it a try!

Just like old times

When I was a kid I used to get ear infections quite frequently. I remember days and nights of crying and screaming because my ear hurt so badly. My mom would try to ease the pain with a heating pad or whatever, but I always ended up in the ER for some antibiotics. As I got older, I would tell my parents that my ear was hurting and we would automatically head to the ER - no questions asked. Well, the last ear infection I had was when I was a senior in high school. Until now... I've had 3 since January. My ears have been "itchy" the past few days and I was afraid that it was coming on. I woke up last night about 2 AM with my inner ear throbbing and tons of pressure. OUCH! I got out of bed and found some ibuprofen (and I'll admit that I had some amoxicillin left over from a previous diagnosis, so I popped one of those too). I hope this isn't going to be a recurring thing because ear infections really hurt!! But, I'd much rather it be me than one of my kids. Now I'm off to being mommy... even in the midst of an ear infection!

Praise the Lord!

We found out today that Morgan passed his CRCT test in Reading and in Mathematics. It is now a requirement for 5th graders to pass both portions of the test in order to advance to 6th grade. Morgan has struggled in both of these areas, but after two Reading classes each day and afterschool tutoring in Math and Reading twice a week - he seems to have pulled it off. He didn't pass by much, but at least he passed. We can breathe a big sigh of relief and can now think about what we need to do for next year. Needless to say his summer isn't going to be all fun and games. He will definitely have work to do each day to stay on top of things in Reading and Math. I guess I'll be making a trip to Barnes and Noble this week to buy some books and workbooks for the summer.

We're not giving up!

Today didn't go so well in the potty training world. Gavin had 3 accidents plus an incident of peeing on the floor after bathtime. If I could just stay in the house for a whole week, I think he could get it... but that's not likely to happen! He loves wearing underwear which is good, but he doesn't always tell me when he needs to go potty before he actually goes. Sometime he does tell me that he needs to go which is another step in the right direction. I tried taking him to the gym today with big boy pants on... big mistake! I put a piece of tape on his back that said "Please take me potty" and I told the worker to try to take him often. When I went to pick him up he was wearing the same clothes, so I thought he had stayed dry. Not exactly... he had gone pee in his pants but they didn't know it. The worker said, "I asked him if he needed to go and he said 'No'." Needless to say she doesn't have kids and doesn't understand the world of potty training. You don't ask a 2-year old if they need to go potty, you just take them! So, I think we'll try putting him in underwear at home and pull-ups when we have to go out until he gets better at going potty. But we're not giving up!!!

Getting closer

I'm hesitant to say that we are "potty training" Gavin. He has gotten the hang of going number one in the potty, but that's about it. Yesterday around 9:00 in the morning, he told me that he wanted to go pee in the potty. So I ran with it. After he successfully went potty, I put him in big boy underwear - Thomas the Train to be exact! He did so well! He only had one accident the whole day. Of course, we have to take him potty every 45 minutes so that's putting a little bit of a crunch in what we do. If we go out I just have to remember to take him to the bathroom before he has an accident. He's a little bit shy of the adult potties. I think he's afraid he may fall in. I'm not sure if this is the end of diapers or not, but we're getting closer. YEAH!!!

Happy 7th Anniversary to US!

Today is my and Chris' 7th anniversary. Seven years just seem to have flown by.

Seven things we've done in seven years:

1. Bought/sold our first home and then bought our second home

2. Bought/sold/traded 6 cars - now we're sticking with what we have!

3. Given birth to two children

4. Quit Jen's job to be a stay-at-home mom/ Chris started a successful business

5. Gained 74 pounds (collectively) and lost 70 pounds (collectively)

6. Found a new hobby in running - ran a half-marathon and 3 5-K's

7. Prayed more, cried more and laughed more than we have in our entire lives

The past seven years have been awesome and I look forward to many more! I love you, Honey!

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Happy 30th Birthday to Me! Wow, I can't believe I'm 30! I remember thinking as a kid that 30 was old - it isn't!! I went out to dinner with my mom the other night and I asked her how it felt for me (the youngest) to be turning 30. She said, "It doesn't really feel any different. I think I'll really feel old when my children turn 50." I agree!

Last night, Morgan, Chris and I went to the Braves game. It was freezing!! The temp was about 60 degrees and the wind was blowing. We had to go buy sweatshirts by the 2nd inning because there was no way we would have made it to the 9th. We ended up leaving in the 7th because we were so cold. The whole point of us going on Friday night was to see the fireworks after the game, but we didn't get to see them this time. We are heading up to the lake house today to spend the day - hopefully it'll be relaxing. Tomorrow is my and Chris' 7th anniversary. This week has been a big week for us - Mother's Day, my birthday and our anniversary. Whew! Now I'm ready for the beach!!

Exciting times

Ivey and Gavin went down to the basement and then came up a few mintues later to get some baskets. I followed them back downstairs to see what they were up to. They were catching lady bugs...dead ones. Back in the fall, when ladybugs mate we were inundated with ladybugs - ladybugs were everywhere, especially in our basement!! Ivey and Gavin were having a great time picking them up and putting them in their baskets, so I just left them alone. To each his own, I guess!

For lunch I made hotdogs with cheese and BBQ sauce. This has been one of my favorite meals since I was a kid and was one of our dinner staples right after Chris and I got married. I remember the first time I made them. I had a cookbook for kids when I was little and decided that I wanted to make dinner for the family one night. Hotdogs with cheese was one of the recipes. To my family's surprise, it was actually pretty tasty. You just slice the hotdogs lengthwise, tuck in some cheddar cheese and pour a little bit of BBQ sauce on top. Broil them in the oven until the cheese melts and your done! YUM!!

Push...Pull...

I took this picture this evening while we were outside playing. Well, the kids were playing with Daddy while I sat, watched and worked on a gift for someone. Morgan was at the basketball court so that's why he isn't in the picture. I thought it was funny and ran inside to grab the camera.

Honey, I think you're too big for a ride in the wagon anymore... some people just never grow up!

I love "good" days

Today was what I would consider to be a good day. Even though I woke up long before I was ready to, I was able to start out my day on the right foot - having my quiet time with my Lord. Yesterday, I was in a little bit of a bad mood (for reasons that I haven't quite even figured out myself). So, this morning after I got up, I found my bible and my bible study book along with a pen laying on my bed - the doings of my husband. He knows that when I'm in a bad mood, it's usually because I need to spend time in the Word. So, I just smiled, chuckled to myself and appreciated the thoughtfulness. I continued reading in Psalms which is where I am right now and then did Day 5 of my bible study - Wisdom for Mothers. After that, we woke the kids up, dressed them and I waited for a little while before heading to the gym for my normal Monday morning class. After the gym, a friend of mine brought her daughter over because she and her husband are trying to work on his parents' house that was hit by a tornado this weekend. The kids playing together well. After doing a little refereeing and explaining the house rules, everything was fine. I actually even got a little bit of organizing done. Chris brought me lunch home, so after the kids went down for rest time we ate lunch together. After Chris got home from work, I headed back to the gym to run 3 miles with my friend, Kelli. She is an avid runner and I was able to sweet-talk her into training me for the Peachtree Road Race. And let me tell you - there is HUGE difference in running on a treadmill and running on the street - whew! Kelli is very encouraging and doesn't mind holding back for me. I know that it's not that great of a workout for her - but I'm usually dying by the end. She keeps me going by talking to me most of the time which helps me to keep my mind off of what I'm going. My new treat after running is getting a red Gatorade at the curbstore on the way back to the gym. Anyway, later on, Chris cooked dinner and the evening was spent playing, cross-stitching and making Rice Krispy treats. Nothing to exciting...just a good day!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to you, Mom!! And to all of my friends and family who are moms, too!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

Watching the airplanes

We went to the Dekalb Peachtree airport today with some friends. It was the first time I had ever been there and it was pretty cool. We had a great time playing on the playground and eating lunch in the restaurant nearby. It's really neat because as the kids are playing and eating, they can see the airplanes taking off and landing. Even though they are the smaller private airplanes the kids don't care. They were so excited just to see the airplanes so closely.

Moms with small children can relate

I had an incident today that I thought was quite humorous. If you're a mom will small children, you'll understand...

Picture this:

I'm not even sure when I went to the bathroom last, but I now know I can't hold it anymore. Gavin wants me to read a book, so I sit down to read a book. After all, it should only take a minute. Then, Ivey wants me to get the stamps and stickers down for her, so after reading the book I go to the playroom to get the stickers. I am literally about to pee in my pants, so I finally tell them to "Hold on a minute!" and run to the bathrom. I sit down and, lo and behold, the toilet paper roll is empty. So I pull my drawers (that's what we call them in the South) back up and head upstairs to get more toilet paper. Gavin stops me on the stairs and wants me to help him put on his shoes. So I do. Ivey is trying to find her shoes, too, because she wants to go outside to play. I finally get to my bedroom and look around - I can't remember for the life of me what I went upstairs for. Oh well... it'll come back to me. And did it ever! As I started to turn around it hit me! I need to pee!!! So I run in the bathroom and grab some toilet paper for the downstairs bathroom and quickly sit down to use the toilet...FINALLY!

Motherwise Bible Study

Noteworthy saying of the day:



Ivey: "Gavin, I need to go potty. Do you wanna come and flush it?" Apparently she thinks he's her personal servant...





I've decided to teach an eight week bible study from the Motherwise collection in the Fall at my church. I first heard of Motherwise several months ago at a MOPS Conference and thought it would be amazing. I was thinking "Boy, I sure wish somebody would teach that class at my church." God was saying, "Yeah, I sure wish someone would teach the study, too. How about you?" So, I decided to give it a go. It's the first study of the series and is entitled "Wisdom for Mothers." It's not a "Twelve Steps to Being a Better Mom" kind of class. It is a class that will help moms "find biblical answers to important questions about marriage, children and work. In addition to the Bible study, you will learn how to improve your mothering skills and will find helpful mothering tips designed for moms of all ages. Based on Proverbs 31." I'm doing the study myself before trying to teach it (what a novel idea!) and am on Day 4. I really look forward to doing it each day and am finding that many of the verses I read help me to mother during the day (another novel idea!) If you live near me and are interested in coming to the Bible study, let me know. It will start in the Fall on Tuesday mornings after kids go back to school. Like I said, it's an 8 week study so there's no real long term commitment. I am really looking forward to seeing what God is going to teach me and how He's going to use me to encourage other moms.

Word of God Speak

In my quiet time the past two nights, I've been reading and re-reading this particular scripture. It just reminds me that God never leaves us, even in our deepest despair. I personally know a family who lost their son 2 years ago. He was a friend of Chris' from high school and I met him after Chris and I started dating. He passed away suddenly while playing ultimate frisbee with his friends on Saturday morning, May 13th, 2006 - the day before Mother's Day. Colby would have been 28 years old yesterday - those are pictures of him above. A guy that truly cared about others, wanted them to know his Lord and Savior and whose closing saying in his journal entries was "All of me for only You." I also know of several other families whose children have passed away within the last year. This Scripture speaks to me and I think it would be comforting to share with those who have lost children. I encourage you to send a note to those moms whom you know that have lost children to encourage them and let them know you're thinking about them. I can't imagine what losing a child would be like, but I can imagine that Mother's Day would be very difficult. I hope these Scriptures encourage you as well and that you'll remember them when you are in a very low valley of life.

Psalm 34:17-20
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles. but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

As Christians, we are not promised a great life. We, actually, are promised to have many afflictions, persecutions and trials. But, we are also promised that God will deliver us from those. We know that, in Him , we have hope and that he will bring us out of the pit, sometimes swiftly and sometimes slowly. Please remember those moms in your prayers this weekend who are struggling and waiting patiently for God to deliver them from the pain that must be so raw on days like these.

An addition to my last post

Well, first of all let me clarify... I DO NOT HAVE ANYTHING AGAINST HOMESCHOOLING! I love my friends and family who homeschool their kids and I will gladly support them in their decision to do so. And, even if I did have something against it, it's not my business to burden others with my opinions. What I was trying to say in my last post is that I think whether to homeschool or not to homeschool is a very personal choice - and it should stay as such. I believe that the choice of what to do about childrens' schooling should be one that parents should pray earnestly and wholeheartedly about and that it should be catered to the child's needs. If one of my children needed to be homeschooled, another sent to private school and another to public school, I would do that in a heartbeat. I hope you know what my heart is and that I'm not trying to criticize homeschooling or public schooling. You know what you and your child's needs are, so please don't criticize anyone else for the decisions they make for themselves and their child. We all love our kids to the ends of the earth and want to do what is best for them. Just in case you're wondering, I don't remember anything particular that anybody said over the weekend. I just remember hearing the topic come up and I said to the person next me, "The sooner this conversation is over, the better." The conversation ended soon after that and we were on to another subject. So, these posts are not directed to any particular person or group of people. I'm just trying to be honest about something that all moms face. No one should be either criticized and looked down upon, or exalted and set on a pedastal because of their schooling decisions. None of us can take away the sins of the world and that is the real problem. No matter what, our kids are sinful and there's not a darn thing we can do about it. We can't protect them from it, we can't take it away from them, we can't even do the right things for them... we can only pray for them and teach them God's Word and leave the rest of it to Him.

I love honesty. It's such a beatiful thing!!!

Watch out! Your toes may get stepped on

This past weekend I was able to spend the night and most of the following day with some of my closest girlfriends. Since the "Girls Weekend" was to celebrate the birthdays of myself and another friend, we tried to invite people who were friends of both of us. So, please know that if you weren't invited it's not because you aren't my friend. (I have lots of AWESOME friends and each one of you are special to me in a very unique way.) I'm not sure why I'm trying to offer an explanation, but I know that, as women, we tend to get our feelings hurt easily... sometimes too easily. I think that jealousy and hurt feelings are part of the curse that God handed down to women when Eve ate the fruit of the forbidden tree. Another part of the curse is gossip. Of course, with more than one girl talking with another, I'm sure that we said things we shouldn't have. No specific thing comes to mind at the moment, but I'm sure that I did. I spent time with God this morning confessing and asking forgiveness for involving people in conversations that really had nothing to do with them. Besides that, we had a great time talking about family, church, school, children, husbands, marriages, makeup, clothing... all the stuff moms love to talk about. I can say that, by far, my least favorite conversation EVER is about homeschooling vs. public school. I have been involved in these conversations on numerous occassions and every time I can feel my blood boiling. When this particular conversation comes up, the sooner it is over the better. It doesn't matter to me either way what your preference is, but I hate talking about it. I don't know why. I guess it is because there are so many different views about schooling and I can't stand when someone tries to push their views, beliefs or convictions about it onto someone else. To be more specific, I don't feel that homeschooling is the best option for me and my children and I'm tired of feeling guilty about it. Now, that may change in future and if it does, then I don't want to feel guilty about that either. As women and moms, we constantly compare ourselves to other moms. We always think that someone does it better than us. That someone else is a better wife, a better mom, a better this, a better that and, some times, as moms we don't mind bragging on ourselves a bit here and there either - sometimes in inconspicuous ways. I think this is another reason why I hate talking about homeschooling vs. public school. You know it's true...there is a stigma attached to homeschooling moms. The stigma is that homeschool moms care more about their kids and are better moms than moms who send their kids away to school. You may say "I don't think so" but you know it's true. What do moms say when they talk to a homeschooling mom? They say "Wow. I don't know how you do it. I could never do that." On the same note, why is it that moms who send their kids to school feel guilty for NOT homeschooling and homeschooling moms don't feel guilty about NOT sending their kids to school? Do you see my point? I'm sure I'm stepping on A LOT of toes here, but it's just something I can't stand. I don't think that homeschooling is better than public schooling or visa versa. I think that each parent is entitled to what they believe is the right path for their child whatever the reason. And, to be honest, I think we should keep our reasons to ourselves unless specifically asked by another person.

May 1st

Well, it's officially May 1st, 2008. Sixteen more days until my 30th birthday!! I can't believe I'm almost 30! Time flies when you're having fun!!

Up to nothing

Ivey and Gavin playing hide-and-seek. The feet and hands gave them away!

Well, I've been busy learning how to use my new machine. Yesterday I read the manual and figured out how to change the bobbin, change the needle from embroidery to sewing, how to sew a straight line and a few other odds and ends about sewing. I actually made my first sewing project, but I can't tell what it is because Papa thinks I ought to patent it. I wouldn't want any of you stealing my idea! But, I promised to share the millions I make! (I'm just kidding... about making millions) I bought several things at Wal-Mart to practice embroidering. I still have to get the program on my computer squared away so it'll be another week or two before I can start getting creative with the embroidery aspect. I'm looking forward to it!





Things are moving along here. Ivey and Gavin have 2 more weeks of preschool and Morgan has 4 more weeks of school. He took the GCRCT last week and I'm praying that he passed it - or else we're looking at summer school. In Georgia, the kids in 5th grade have to pass the Reading and Math portions of the test in order to advance to 6th grade. If they don't pass the Reading and/or Math portion, then they have to attend summer school in order to have one more shot at the test. Morgan has really struggled in Reading this year but has improved by leaps and bounds since the beginning of the year. The bad thing is that if he didn't pay attention to the test or didn't really try or had a bad day, then his future is at stake. The test is unforgiving. No matter how much improvement the student has made or how much they actually know or can do, if they do poorly on the test they have to go to summer school. It stinks! I hate these tests - even as a teacher I hated them because it makes no sense to base a student's future on one test. Anyway, let's just hope that all will turn out okay.

My new hobby

As if I need something else to do... But, nonetheless, I have a new hobby! My grandmother owned a really nice embroidery machine and before she passed away she promised it to my sister. Well, my sister doesn't have the time to use it, so I asked her if I could borrow it. She graciously said "yes", so I have it now and have been excited about learning how to use it. I decided to get it out yesterday and see what was involved. There are many parts and things that I don't know how to use yet, but in time I'll figure it out. I found the user's manual online and downloaded it for free, so now I have to find time to read it. I have a neighbor friend who owns two embroidery machines so I asked her to come over today to help me set mine up. She showed me the basics of how to use it, so I did a little project tonight. I embroidered 4 napkins for my mom. They were Christmas napkins that I purchased on sale at Target after Christmas, so I figured those would be a good place to start. Now, I have to go find some cheap fabric to practice others pictures on. I'm so excited!! Everyone should know what they're getting for gifts from the Smathers family for a very long while... personalized gifts!! And, yes, I would be happy to embroider anything for you, unless you are a friend of my neighbor Paula and I promised her I wouldn't take away her business! Thanks, Paula, for your help!!

Fun in the sun

Our friend Kalyn

Our friends Michael, Michele and Mikayla (yes, they're triplets!)

Ivey playing on the slide

Gavin gets in some b-ball time


Ivey and our friend Xander

The other day we took advantage of the beautiful sunny day and met some friends at the park. The kids had a great time and I even got a little tan.

Would anyone like an 11 1/2 - year old?

Mommy and Morgan

Showing off his awards at the end of 1st grade

So it begins... my little boy isn't a little boy anymore, I officially have a tweenager! Yes, tweenager. He's not a teenager yet, but he's beginning to act like one. I can't believe it... When people ask me how old my kids are and I tell them that my oldest is 11, they normally say "You don't look like you're old enough to have an eleven-year-old!" I usually say, "I'm not" and smile. Because, I'm not! But, that's what happens when you have your first child at the age of eighteen (that's another post for another day.) Anyway, about the tweenager, a.k.a. Morgan; the eye-rolling, the attitude, the arguing, the making-faces-when-you-think-your-mom's-not-looking and the mumbling under your breath has all begun. PLEASE HELP ME, GOD! What happened to my sweet little boy?? When we have one of our little "moments", I think to myself, "One of us isn't going to make it... either you or me, but one of us has to go!" For example: The other day he wanted to go play at a friend's house after school, but I told him that he had to read a chapter of his AR book first. He wanted to read it at any other time than then, but I stuck to my guns and said that he had to read before he went outside to play. Well, that really made him mad. I walked out of the playroom and he threw his hands up in the air and made an ugly face at me. The only problem, for him, was that there was a mirror directly in front of me so I saw what he did! BIG MISTAKE! I spun around and immediately he said "I'm sorry." I thought, "Yeah, you're about to be!" If he were smaller than me, I would have beat him, but instead he spent the next hour and a half in his room. Needless to say, he got his chapter read and then some. Morgan is a pretty easy-going kid, not agressive or mean and usually a really good kid - but the tweenager years are here and the teenager years are coming quickly. Please pray that we both make it through!

Fun with one

Yesterday, Gavin and I spent the morning together after we dropped off Ivey at preschool. We ran to the grocery store real quick to get some lotion and then we headed for Petsmart. Since Charlie uses the bathroom in our front yard, her urine is burning our grass and our yard is starting to look pretty bad. Since getting a fence is out of the question right now financially, I decided to take another approach. I went to check out what Petsmart had. I did end up buying some really cool stuff that you spray on your yard and it is green so it covers up the yellow spots until the grass can grow back in. I also bought some pills to give her when we feed her that keeps her urine from burning the grass. I read some reviews on it and people say that it actually works, so we'll see. But, before I could even get to the doggie aisle, Gavin was fascinated with all the fish. I had left my camera in my car, but I wish I could've taken a picture of him running back and forth among the fishtanks. He also loved looking at the hamsters, birds and cats. It truly was free entertainment for both of us. After that, we went home for a little while and played outside before heading to meet Chris for lunch. I really enjoyed spending time with just one kid as I always do. I love to be with just one of them sometimes. I think I have a different appreciation for each child since I've had more than one. I'm not saying anything against people who have only one, but because I have 3 I see how unique each one really is. And, I appreciate the break of only have to concentrate on one child instead of three.

What's so complicated?

Right now I'm watching the anchor people on MSNBC talk about the Pope celebrating Mass at Yankee Stadium today. They said that there are about 500 deacons there to give communion to about 57,000 people. They keep saying "Christians" this and "Christians" that. First of all, Christianity is not about the Pope. Christianity is about Christ. All Catholics aren't Christians and all Christians are not Catholic. But, that's a whole other post for another day. Anyway, one of the anchor men for MSNBC said "Christianity, among other things, is about a complicated set of ideas." I say, "Really?" What's so complicated about the fact that you owe God your very life, but Jesus paid the ransom for you and me? What's so complicated about the fact that even our best intentions, our best acts, the best of our best is as filthy rags to a perfect and holy God? What's so complicated about the fact that the ONLY way you can get to heaven is through Jesus? What's so complicated about God loving you so much that he sent his son, Jesus, to live on earth as a man, suffer and die for all mankind and raise back to life three days later, so that, if we put our faith in Him and only Him, we can live with him forever?

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Isaiah 64:6 "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away."

John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes unto the Father except by me."

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

What's so complicated about this? Well, Mr. Anchorman, it's complicated to YOU because "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18

Please pray for this family

My sister, Stephanie, emailed me this evening and told me about a friend of hers whose 14-month old daughter passed away this past Monday. Her daughter, Meredith, was diagnosed in January with brain cancer. One day before Meredith's first birthday, her mommy (my sister's friend) gave birth to their second child, a month before her due date, which was also the day that Meredith was having brain surgery to remove the tumor. And among all of this, there were family relationship difficulties as well. Can you possibly imagine what this would be like? I can't, and, quite honestly, I don't want to. Please pray for this family. They held the funeral for their baby girl, Meredith, this afternoon and I can't imagine what they must be going through. Pray for healing and peace for Meredith's parents and family. Pray for strength for my sister's friend that she will be able to cling to our God in order to be a mommy for her other baby during this extremely difficult time.

Be the light...

I met a friend and her son at the park today and while we were there another mom came up with her 7-month old baby girl. You should know that this park is very remote and quiet and not many people come there - which is why we like it. Anyway, this mom was extremely friendly and we started a conversation with her almost immediately. She moved from San Diego to Alpharetta about a year ago and they have now bought a house in Woodstock. Of course, after asking her about her family (she's the 5th of 6 kids - 4 sisters and 1 brother), her husband, where she lives and about her adorable little girl, I said, "Well, do you guys go to church anywhere?" This is the question that could make or break the conversation... she said, "Well, I don't really know what I think about that. My husband is extremely against indoctrinating our little girl with religion, but I grew up Baptist all my life..." Immediately, I said "Oh, really." That kind of took me off guard since her husband is so "against" indoctrination - whatever that means. She said, "But, I really like church because there's such a sense of community and encouragement there." I said, "Yes, there is..." Ok, where was I supposed to go from here? I wanted to be a light in this mom's world today. I have been praying about being a light for Jesus and that people would look at me and see Him. But, honestly, in this moment I wanted to say "So, it's OKAY with you that you know about heaven and hell, that your husband is probably going there when he dies and that you're going to let your sweet daughter figure out for herself that, without Jesus, she's going there, too?" But, since I couldn't exactly come out and say that, I just invited her to my church and told her about MOPS. I told her that if she ever decides that she wants to start visiting churches, that we would be glad to have her. She sat down on the ground to talk to me about MOPS which I was thankful for. In the very least, I hope that I was able to get her thinking about going back to church. I guess I planted a seed, I hope I did. And, Lord, please make it grow.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men..." Matthew 5:14-16

Fun kid stuff

Don't you remember when you used to do this to your hair as a kid when you took a bath? I do and it hasn't lost its humor. Still today, putting shampoo in a child's hair and making it stand up as if it had wood glue in it is still as funny as it was 25, 50 and 100 years ago. Did they even have shampoo 100 years ago? Anyway, during bath time last night, Chris did this to Ivey's hair and she thought it was hilarious. We tried to do it to Gavin, too, but his hair is just too short. We all got a good laugh out of it and those moments are fun. Maybe tomorrow, when we all take showers, we should put shampoo in our hair and make it stand up and then look in the mirror for a good laugh. :-)

Keep on keepin' on

Nothing much exciting is happening here. We've had a busy, but fun, Spring Break and I'm glad to be getting back to our routine this week. Isn't it funny how we long for something different, but then when it comes we are just as ready to get back to the same ol' thing? However, I have to admit, that I am definitely ready for summer break! Gavin keeps telling me that he wants to go swimming which is really funny because he isn't old enough to ever remember swimming. He hears Ivey talk about it, so I guess he thinks it must be good. I'm ready to head to the pool and hang out with friends and family. I'm definitely ready for a week at the beach in June. The beach is my absolute favorite place to be and who better to spend a vacation with than family?! Also, this summer, I will be heading back to India in July for 16 days. Honestly, I would have to say that I have mixed feelings about that! Part of me is excited about going, but part of me just wants to stay home and take it easy. This will be my third trip to India - first to Bangalore, second to Coimbatore and Ooty and this year I'm going to Hyderabad. India is a very difficult place to be in pretty much any way that you can imagine and it's extremely emotionally difficult to be away from my family for 16 days. I'm sure that I will be posting more details about the trip as it gets closer. But please pray that God will give me a sense of peace and confidence that I'm going where He wants me to go. In addition to vacation and India, the summer consists of more of my favorite things...Vacation Bible School, no schedules, no schoolwork, barbecues, fireworks, Braves games and flip-flops! I'm ready for you, Summer!

"Big Boy"

Gavin has always been known as "Big Boy" in our house. When he was born I would talk to him in that silly mommy voice and say "Hey, there, big boooooy!" Ivey was only 16 months old and she picked up on me saying this. She would copy what I said, so ever since then we've called Gavin "Big Boy." Now I can hardly believe that he really IS a big boy! He's been playing around at going potty. He's gotten really good at going after bath time, and he may go in the potty once or twice during the day. I don't push it on him, he'll be ready when he's ready. Lately, he found a hat that Chris and I bought him a while back. He's been wearing it because Daddy wears hats and he wants to be like Daddy. Plus, I think it's really cute when little boys wear baseball caps. He's also been getting quite the little attitude to go along with his "big-boyness." One of the things we're working on is apologizing. He doesn't see the value in apologizing, so when he refuses to say "I'm sorry" he has to sit in the corner. He usually turns around to see what we're doing (I know what all you great moms out there are going to say - "Put the chair in another room." And I should. But, I'm not going to yet.) Anyway, when he's sitting in the chair and turns around to see us, I say "Turn around, Gavin." So, instead of turning toward the corner, he turns his chair around so that it isn't facing the corner anymore and sits down. I have to try hard not to laugh because he really doesn't understand what I mean. He's very sweet, but sometimes he's a few fries short of a happy meal - if you know what I mean! Someone asked me not long ago what struggles I have with Gavin. And, it's this - Gavin doesn't have a serious bone in his body. Everything is a funny to him! It normally keeps us laughing, except in times of discipline. Gavin is going to be one of those class clowns that teachers love but hate and that everyone loves to hang out with. We love you "Big Boy!"

It's finally Spring

Today is a beautiful day here. It's in the mid 70's outside and sunny. As the kids and I were in the yard today, I noticed that I now have my first flower of Spring. Spring has sprung! It's a purple iris - very beautiful. Sandy, my mother-in-law, actually gave me several of these out of her yard last year and I transplanted them to mine - thanks, Sandy! Irises are one of my favorite flowers and it's actually Gavin's birth month flower. It is one of the three that I have tattooed on my back (if you've never seen my tattoo go back to the blogs from October of last year and I posted a picture of it there.) I decided that I would try to have the birth flowers of all three of my kids in my yard. So far, I have two - the iris for February (Gavin's birth month) and the aster for September (Ivey's birth month). The calendula which is in the marigold family is Morgan's birth flower and I don't have any of those yet. Now that the weather has gotten warmer, I've gotten the itch to plant some more flowers so hopefully in the next week I can get some planting done while the kids play outside.