I Will Read in 2010

I love to read! I have always loved to read! However, I have not read as much lately as I would like to so I have said I am going to change that this year. Proudly, I can say I have. I am even trying different kinds of books as well. I have already ready 5-6 books this year and I must tell you about one of the ones I just read! I will admit I am kind of partial to all things in the book -

1. It is Christian fiction (a new love of mine)

2. It is about history (an old love of mine)

3. It was written by a fellow FHU alumn who I went to school with

4. It is about Shiloh (Civil War is one of my favorite periods)

5. It reminded me of so many things right in my own backyard

The book you must read - Love is a Battlefield by Annalisa Daughety. I could not stop reading it.

If you are looking for a good read this winter or anytime, you need to check this one out. It is the first in a series of books featuring our nation's parks. Two of the others she is working on are called Love is Grand (Grand Canyon) and Love is Monumental (Washington Monument). I can't wait for those to come out. I am sure you can go to Annalisa's blog and order the book or you can click here to buy the book as well. Go now - you won't regret it!

A West TN Blizzard

Thursday night we got a call saying school was cancelled for Friday. They said a BIG storm was coming our way but wen we woke up Friday morning we thought we had missed it. However, by 9:00 that morning freezing rain was coming down . . . . The kids stayed by the window giving me constant updates on what was going on outside . . .

2 hours later, we had 4 inches of snow/ice and our backyard had been turned into a winter wonderland. After Cecily went home, we bundled up and had some fun in the snow. It was hard to walk in it but that did not stop any of us!

The kids in the snow

Laura Beth

Carter

After climbing up to the top of the tree house

and then sliding down

I am sure we will have more adventures in this snow because it is not going away any time soon. Damon worked yesterday morning and it took him an hour and a half to get home (it usually takes 30-45 minutes). Then, his truck got stuck in Mom and Dad's ditch. About 1:00, ice started falling from the sky and kept falling until 6:30 or so. So, we had an inch of ice on top of the 6-8 inches of snow on top of the 1/2 ice!!! The kids asked if we were having a blizzard and I told them it was as close to a blizzard as West Tennessee would get!

High School Musical Marathon

Some of our college kids had never seen High School Musical - any of them. My kids thought that was just horrible! So, Friday night we all met at our house to watch HSM 1 & 2. We ate finger foods, made smores (an Alex and Ashley tradition) and enjoyed being with each other while watching the movies. After Laura Beth and Carter went to bed, we enjoyed catching up with our college kids, and that turned into a mini Glee marathon.

our typical family picture
the whole group

our AMAZING kids - all of them!

We are planning to watch HSM 3 later in February for a pajama/breakfast night! We are already palnning on and looking forward to that day!

100th Day of School

Cecily and I enjoyed spending the 100th day of school with Carter on Friday. The school had celebrated earlier by having a blood drive. They collected over 100 cups of blood from parents, teachers and volunteers. We enjoyed going to Mrs. Michelle's class for centers full of the number 100! Carter and Cecily color a number 100 with 100 squares
One of the mothers in Carter's class made 100 cupcakes for the whole Kindergarten.
Melissa and I put them in the shape of the number 100.
Everyone enjoyed the 100th day!

Dear Colt McCoy,

Dear Colt,

I have been meaning to write this letter to you for sometime now. I am writing as a mother, an Alabama football fan, but, most importantly, a Christian. I have laughed telling people I am a Texas fan by marriage. I love college football so willingly watched Major Applewhite, Chris Simms (not so willingly there) and Vince Young play. However, I never formed an attachment to any of them - until four years ago. As you have gone through Texas, my now 6 year old son, has turned into a college football fan and an even bigger Colt fan. He runs around in his Texas football jersey being Colt - we have even had to call him Colt. However, usually after he reminds us he is Colt, he looks at us and tells us, "And I am going to church tomorrow after the game because that is one thing that makes God happy." He knows and realizes how important your faith is to you. Because of seeing how important it is to you - as you play your sport - he tries to make it a priority as he plays, goes to school and leads his life. You have taught him something that as a mom I have tried to talk to him about, but you have shown him how to live it. I can never thank you enough for all of that.
Our house was divided on January 7 - some of us cheering for Texas and most of us cheering for Alabama, but I can honestly say we were all cheering for you. Our hearts were broken when you were put out of the game and I struggled to explain to a 6 year old boy how he would never see one of his heroes play in a Texas Longhorn uniform again. While some of us were happy with the Alabama win, the wind was taken out of us because we knew how serious your injury was.
Thank you for always "standing on the Rock." Thank you for not just talking all the talk about being a Christian but for living as a Christian. Thank you for taking your faith seriously. Thank you for being a hero on and off the field for my little boy. You will always have a fan in me and my family.

May God's richest blessings flow down on you and yours and may He continue to bless you as you bless those around you!

Psalm 18:30-36

In a recent Bible study, we were learning about breaking down strongholds we (with Satan's help) have put up in our lives. The point was brought up that too many times we focus on fighting the war against Satan. While we do have to war against Satan, it should not be our focus. Our focus should always be on spending time and growin closer to the One who can help us defeat Satan and blow up those strongholds. When our focus is on spending time with God, we are closer and closer to godliness which will help us defeat our enemy. As always, God's word says it best:

As for God, His way is perfect;

The word of the Lord is flawless.

He is a shield

for all who take refuge in Him.

For who is God besides the Lord?

And who is the Rock except our God?

It is God who arms me with strength

and makes my way perfect.

He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;

He enables me to stand on the heights.

He trains my hands for battle;

My arms can bend a bow of bronze.

You give me your shield of victory,

and Your right hand sustains me;

You stoop down to make me great.

You broaden the path beneath e,

so that my ankles do not turn.

-Psalm 18:30-36 (NIV)

A New Family Member

Christmas morning we were given a gift and this is what the tag said on it . . . . Inside was an Auburn baby rattle from our new neice or nephew to be!!!! So that is right, folks, Richard and Amy are going to be parents in September 2010!!! At first, we were not allowed to tell, but Amy has been to the doctor and could not keep it a secret anymore! Laura Beth was so excited that she could tell now. She loves her cousins and can't wait to add another one in the future!

My Barnabas

ME: I can't seem to cook rice right these days! (After I thought I had almost burned some for Damon)

CARTER: Oh Mom, you are amazing at whatever you do!

ME: Thank you, Carter, I needed that!

CARTER: Well, you just are!

Thank you, Carter, for being my little encourager! You always know just what to say! I hope you are always like this with everyone you meet!

We Are Back!!!

Thursday night we went to Wayne and Kim's to watch THE game. We had lots of good food to eat, but, I think only the kids ate! The rest of us were a tad nervous! We enjoyed being together and cheering on our team. The game was not what I thought it would be. I think it TIDE is back on the football scene and I am so glad. I am not a fair weather fan, who will always stand by my team, but it is a little sweeter when you are winning!

Kim and Wayne trying to enjoy part of the game
When we realize we actually had won the game!
Carter and LB giving Katy high 5's!

Carter wanting to give me one!

Watching the trophy ceremony

National Championship Rookies - this is the first one mine remember.

They were 2 and 3 when Texas won.

This is Katy's first!

Until next year . . . . . ROLL TIDE ROLL!

Snow!!!!

We were so excited to have a half way decent snow (less than 1/2 inch but, hey! we are in West TN! We take what we can get!) this week. The kids were called on Wednesday night saying they would be out of school Thursday and Friday which they were so excited about for two reasons - one being snow and two being they could stay up to watch the game Thursday night. They were especially excited to be able to spend two days with Cecily. It was ridiculously cold so we did not stay out long but we did have fun for the time we were out!

Laura Beth
Where is Carter?

Sweet Cecily

Chip eventually loved the snow

My 3 babies!

The Day Our Family Is Divided

Well, today is the day. This morning all four of us are very happy people. By tonight, only some (or one) of us will be happy. Yes, today is the day MY BAMA teams plays HIS TEXAS team. I was told I had to leave the house which meant I was taking the kids with me because at that point both of them were pulling for BAMA as well. However, things have changed a bit. I am still leaving the house only to go to Kim's house so we can both yell together. Damon, however, has to work until midnight tonight. (Bless his heart.) He says he is making a shirt that says "Do not tell me the score of the game," and is hoping to make it home without hearing ANYTHING about the game. Then, while it will take us 4 hours or so to watch the game, he will sit and watch it in a matter of 2 hours - maybe (depends on how good the game actually is to him!) - thanks to the amazing DVR!

I should have known this would be the year we played each other because pictures like these taken from last year did not happen. I still can't believe we are playing each other. We have been dating/married for almost 14 years and this has never happened. I have always been supportive of Texas and ever since Colt McCoy has been the quarterback I have been a relatively big fan of Texas! So it is with a heavy heart (on Colt's account) that I will be pulling against them tonight.

As for the kids, we have tried not to make our problem their problem. Laura Beth from the get go has supported the TIDE in amazing fashion, if I do say so myself. She tried to see if she had a different BAMA shirt she could wear for each day this week, but we didn't. I am sure if the Tide comes out with a win the short sleeve smocked Bama dress will be worn on Sunday to church.

Carter, oh Carter. Right now, Carter is wearing BAMA gear but has declared (as we knew he would) that he does not know who to cheer for - Texas or Bama. He likes them both and how can he cheer against Colt McCoy who goes to church on Sunday? (I feel your pain there, son!)

I told Damon last night that I was glad we were playing Texas in this game because if we win (which he thinks we will) I will be so very happy! However, if they win (which I think they will), it won't hurt as much because it is to a team I like and respect. (If it would be to some other Big 12 or Pac 10 team I might be physically sick.)

I am sure something will be posted tomorrow but until then . . . .

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!

Believe God

I have heard Hebrews 11:6 my whole life,

" . . . .and without faith it is impossible to please God

because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He

exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

Well, I have never had a problem with my belief in God. I honestly can say I "earnestly seek Him" each day. But then someone asked me,

Do you believe God?

This is an entirely different question, and, while I wanted to answer with an immediate "YES!" I had to sit back and reevaluate!

Do I really believe God and what He says?

God wants us to believe Him and put all of our faith in Him knowing He has amazing power He can use. In Mark 9, we read of a father who told Jesus,

I do believe, help me to overcome my unbelief!

This man, I believe, struggled with what a lot of us struggle with. We believe in God but sometimes have a hard time believing God. I want to 100% fully believe God and place my trust in His word.

Increase my faith!

- Luke 17:5

When we do believe in God, He will give us His strength. I want to believe in the hope that God promises to all His saints.

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened

in order that you may know the hope to which He has

called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints.

and I want to tap into that same power that raised Christ from the dead.

and His incomparably great power for us to believe. That power is

like the working of His mighty strength which He exerted in Christ

when He raised Him from the dead.

- Ephesians 1:18-20

I want to start now to walk with God in "steadfast belieft" and not just run to Him for "temporary belief." (Beth Moore)

Lord, I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief

and

increase my faith!

Resolve EVERY DAY in 2010

I will be honest. I am not a big New Year's Resolution kind of person. I have made them in the past and, like so many, didn't follow through with them. as I have gotten older, I have notice I make "resolutions" throughout the year for different things and I almost do better at that for some reason.
On New Year's Day, I was watching ESPN radio - crazy, I know! One of my favorite talk radio personalities, Colin Cowherd, made a point that has not left my mind. He said (in a nutshell, I have slept since I heard it) . . . .

Sometimes we focus too much on resolutions that will take things

out of our lives (weight, smoking, etc) and that is sometimes

very necessary. However, why not this year resolve to add to your

life and the lives of those around you?

I love that last line! I am going to but that on my refrigerator, mirror and anywhere else I deem important to remind myself to always look for things to add value to my life and the lives of others.

What can you add this year to your life?

Our Wish for You in 2010

My grandfather shared this with many of his friends and family. I thought it was perfect in what my family wishes for each and every one of you. May 2010 be filled with so much of the Lord's goodness for you and yours.

MY GIFT AND WISH FOR YOU

for

THE NEW YEAR

A mind - Open and creative

A heart - True, receptive and soft

A spirit - energetic, with a heavenly direction

A soul - Full of praise and thanksgiving

A body - Healthy and well cared for

A faith - Steadfast, with glory to God

Emotions - Stable and filled with love

A desire - To do God’s will

A will - Set to accomplish God’s purpose for you

A memory - That God has made you very special

A satisfaction - That you have done your best

An attitude - tolerant, understanding and forgiving

A determination - to make the world a better place

A love - That knows no bounds

A joy - Giving you peace of mind and happiness

A blessing - To sustain and keep you.
J. Walker Whittle