Still here...

Just way overwhelmed and way too busy!  Believe it or not, I am still kicking.  I have been down for the past week due to a dry socket, but I am on the road to recovery!

I have had many awesome things going on.  Mainly- tons of photo shoots!  You can slide on over to my photography blog and see some that I have completed!  www.qrsphotography.wordpress.com .  That's been my main reason for lack of blogging.

Another reason is Ruthie has been attending swim practice.  This is something I was super excited about!  She started off not really enjoying it too much.  I felt like a bad mom b/c I made her continue going.  She said it was soooo hard.  However, she didn't realize how much work it would be and she wouldn't pace herself.  She was giving it her all and totally wearing herself out!  She starting enjoying it around the third practice, but still would say it was hard.  She didn't want to quit though.  Today is our last practice.  I am a bit sad, but a bit happy b/c I am ready to come straight home after work instead of rushing!
Here she is learning how to float.

Here she is swimming on her back!  I was shocked at how fast she learned!  I don't know how to rotate the video...sorry!


Last weekend I had a very amazing opportunity to work with the Both Hands Project. My dear friend and her family has answered the call to adopt a sweet, precious soul from Honduras.  This little one has brown eyes that will MELT your heart!  With this project, we went in and helped a widow, in return for donations for the adopting family.  All proceeds go to the adopting family.  I pray that they raise some good money to help.  I was shocked to find out how much it cost.  With that being said, a child IS worth it.  They need them.  We worked all day and got quite a bit accomplished.  The family went back and finished what we started.  It was amazing seeing this kind widow, and giving to her something she may have never received   The project goes on the verse James 1:27 where God instructs us to look after widows and orphans. It was an awesome opportunity and I am so blessed to have helped alongside my friend, her family, my husband, my niece, and a great group of teens and adults!

Randall also had the chance to preach Sunday morning and night a sister-church in a nearby town.  I love seeing my man up there delivering God's Word.  He is doing amazing too.  It's awesome to see the Lord work through him.  I am blessed to be his wife!

Everything else is going well around here.  Super busy, but who isn't.  I am ready for the holidays b/c I missed out on some family time last weekend.  I am ready to see all my nieces and nephews.  I pray it doesn't take me this long to get back on, but if it does, I apologize.

Reminiscing & Missing

I grew up in a fairly large family.  I have two brothers and two sisters.  I am the baby.  My mom called me the caboose.  (Insert eye roll here!)  I used to be soooo embarrassed by that, but I have overcome that....maybe!
Growing up as the baby, my sisters were eleven and ten years older than me.  We weren't super close.  I suppose we were when I was a baby; my mom says Sue basically raised me! Thanks Sue! 
Sharie and I fought a lot.  I think I was nothing more than the bratty little sister.  In fact, when she started teaching at my high school, we all thought it was going to be a disaster.  The funny thing is, she became my best friend.  I loved having her there with me.  It was fun being her student!  As we grew up, I got married and she had a baby (she was already married).  About 18 months later, along came Ruthie.  This just brought us even closer.  She was my go-to when I was having mommy issues.  She is a great mother.  We also started scrapbooking.  We would get together and have scrapbooking nights.  Or at least try!  Usually Simon and Ruthie would fight and our nights would end early or we would just get NOTHING accomplished.  I sure miss those nights.  
I was SUPER close with my brother Joe, who was and still is my hero.  Growing up, he was my EVERYTHING.  My world spun on his shoulders.  He hung the moon. I used to think he would love me more if I was a boy.  I wanted to do nothing but impress him.  He taught me to ride the bike up Denning Hill and hooped and hollered when I made it, making a scene.  He would walk me to the middle of the hallway where I turned left and he turned right and would give me a kiss on the cheek every day.  He was the best.  He helped me through our trying times, and was always there to threaten to beat up my boyfriends if they hurt me.  In fact, Randall was more scared to meet Joe than my dad.  He just knew how much Joe meant to me. 
Here's the issue-  Sharie and her family moved a few towns away; just a little over an hour away.  Sad to say, we don't make it there often enough.  I miss her dearly.  We were working for the same school district.  She transferred schools, which I don't blame her at all.  It seemed like we saw each other a lot more often b/c we would meet up to deliver certain things or just to say hi.  I miss that.  I feel like she is so far away.  I didn't realize how much I did need her.  Yes, I realize an hour away isn't that far, but we are all so stinking busy.
Joe also moved about 1.5 hours away.  He is raising two precious girls and our sweet Eli.  It absolutely breaks my heart to watch them grow up through photos.  Don't get my wrong, I am FOREVER thankful for technology for this sole reason.  It's just hard b/c I never dreamed either Sharie or Joe would be so far away.  I really miss the both of them. I miss their spouses and their children.  It's funny how you take so many things for granted.  Growing up in such a small town, I just never thought we would all be spread out over the state.  I miss them so much.  I am very lucky to have Sue and George close by though!  I love this!  I have just had a really difficult time lately dealing with not having Sharie and Joe nearby.  However, I am VERY thankful for the time that we do have together.  I am thankful for all my siblings, their spouses, and their children.  General idea here- don't take your siblings for granted.  Enjoy every single moment you get with them and treasure it.  Make time for them.  Love you all!

Ruthie, Haley, Alex, & Simon

Haley, Alexis, Ruthie, and Josie

Been away...

I haven't posted in a while.  I have had so much going on lately, that a lot of things have taken a back seat.  I had another weekend class last weekend, a baby shower, a wedding shower, and a family get-together.  It's amazing how busy you can be without even realizing it.
Today, is a much needed stay-at-home day.  Sure, there are things we probably should go get like groceries and other items, but it can wait.  Randall and Randy are napping, Ruthie's crafting, and I am editing.
We received an amazing blessing.  Randall usually works 3 days on, 3 days off, with the 6th shift being a night shift.  This was tough.  One, Ruthie and I are away from home Monday-Friday, 7-4 basically.  Two, when he did get off it was at 7pm, then he would have to shower just to come home, eat dinner, and lay the kids down.  There was ZERO time together as a family.  Well, a few weeks back they asked if anyone was interested Monday-Thursday 7-5 hours.  Randall jumped at the opportunity.  He has always dreamed of being off when we are and being able to attend church each time the doors are open.  Sure, we will be missing out on some money, but money is NOT everything.  We would all much rather him be with us.  He's pretty excited!  He is also preaching tomorrow, so it's going to be a good day!
Things are still a bit tough, from the last time I posted.  Please keep up the prayers for us.  We have full faith that God will pull us through!

Cousins gathered around eating lunch!  It was SO nice to get together and see everyone!

My sweet girl just relaxing and drawing some pictures!

Randy hiding from me!

My sweet girl got an award at school!  I am so glad to see her doing so well! 

My hope is in You Lord

I am blessed beyond measures when it comes to this husband of mine.  He may drive me completely bonkers at times, but there are some times when he knows exactly what I need.  Today was just one of those days.  I was in a funk.  I get into funks quite often and sometimes, I get really, really down. I  won't sugar coat it, I am an emotional wreck.  I would NOT want to live with myself.  I would NOT marry myself. I am not the person I want to be.  I was just down today and I wanted nothing more than to crawl into my bed after the kids went to school and just lay there and cry.  But, life is in full swing and I had to get going.  I was in tears all morning.   Lunch time rolled around and I ran home to grab some lunch.  As soon as Randall saw me, he grabbed me and held me tight.  He knew exactly what I needed.  Yes, it sent me to tears, but I needed that hug so bad.  He knows I am down and he was there to pick me up.  I am forever grateful for him.  He knows just how to explain things to me to open my eyes.

I want to say that I fully trust God and always see the positive in everything and that I always have full faith.  I love it when my eyes are opened to see the full love of God.  I can sit her and tell you that I love God, I worship Him, and that He is my everything.  But, I am still a sinner.  I still fail Him.  I still don't understand why He loves me.  Today was a day when He opened my eyes to so much more.

As Randall holds me, he tells me that God has it all planned out. When He takes some things away, we can't cry and just give up as I was doing.  We have food, shelter, each other, and most importantly- God's love.  What else do we need?  Did I already know this?  YES.  Was I thinking this?  NO.  I was feeling all sorry for myself and letting material things get in the way.  God has me and will never let go.  Randall told me my hope and faith should be in Him and Him only.

As I drive back to work, God just put a song in my heart and again, made me realize how much He loves me.  Yes, things suck right now, but God is always right there....even through the sucky times.  My life is in You Lord, my strength is in You Lord, my hope is in You Lord!

Let me add that I know that what I am going through doesn't even begin to compare to what others are going through- cancer, adoptions, losing loved ones.  But, what makes God so awesome is it doesn't matter the severity, it just matters where your hope lies.  I am so thankful for the God I serve.  All I had to do was fall to my knees and ask for help.  Instead I laid there in self pity.  Thank you God for forgiving me.

I honestly don't know what I would do without a Godly husband.  He wouldn't have known just what to say.  My husband does because He serves God.  Thank you God for opening our eyes and pulling us back to You.

Ruthie {my girl}

I knew I wanted to do a Ruthie post as well, so I thought now is as good of a time as ever.  Let's just say this little girl was a big surprise for me all around.  I didn't think she would be a girl, she was.  I thought she would be like me, a tomboy, she is FAR from it.  The thing is, I wouldn't change it for the world.  She has taught me how to play barbies, made me learn to mess with hair, and learn to like shopping for cute clothes for her.  (I still think dinosaurs are easier!)  Let's just say having a girl has been a big learning experience for me and I LOVE IT!  She is my first born, but will always be my baby!  I love this sweet girl.  She's my snuggle bunny, my Georgia Peach, my Sister Bear.  She teaches me so much about motherhood.  God knew what He was doing when He blessed me with her. 

 

She has taught me so much.  I love you sweetheart!

Caution...Busy Weekend Ahead

Heading into a busy weekend....again.  This time, it's not fun either!  I am taking a weekend class.  I will go Friday evening,8-5 on Saturday, and 1-5 on Sunday.  Bummer huh?  I wish I didn't have to, but I would much rather do that then go twice a week every week until December!  I am doing three of these classes, so I am only going 9 days total.  I think I made a good choice, just struggling with the fact that I am going to be worn out.  I really wish I could make it to Homecoming this Friday, but I won't be able to.  Praying our class lets out a bit early, but I DOUBT it! 

Since I really have nothing else to say really, I will leave you with a weekend post full of photos!  We enjoyed ONE last day at the pool celebrating my nephew's birthday!  It was a PERFECT day! 

LOVE.  These girls are AMAZING!

 This is our big boy Jack.  Wonder how I got him to pose?  I am holding a stick above the camera.  He will do anything, ANYTHING for a stick!

 Grabbed this shot for a challenge titled "school" and I LOVE what I got!  Shows my sweet girl ready to come home after a long day!

HAVE AN AWESOME WEEKEND!

Randy {my boy}

Randy absolutely crack me up with some of the things he says!  Randy has got to be one of the best kids at getting out of trouble.  He just knows how to do it with me!  Maybe not Daddy, but he does me!  He has so many expressions and I don't know if he is ever serious!

The other day, he was staying home with Randall.  Randall told him to get dressed.  Randy comes out in a green shirt and blue and orange shorts.  I tell Randy he doesn't match.  His reply- "It be alright Mom, it be alright."

Yesterday we are snuggled in the chair and he says, "Mommy, you have a bra?"  Since when did he know exactly what a bra was?

The other night Randall sent Randy to the fridge for a Pepsi.  The little turkey brought back three.  He said, "One for Sissy, one for Daddy, and one for me!  That sound good Dad?"  Randall told him as long as he got one for me, they could each enjoy a Pepsi!

He always has the silliest expressions.  It started as a baby!

Need I say more?  He's got his Mommy's heart.  That's for sure!

The transition...

We made it through two weeks of school.  Whew.  Wasn't sure we would, but we did.  I knew it would be tough, but to be honest, I think everyone is dealing with the transition pretty well.
Ruthie started 1st grade this year.  She moved from the Kindergarten Center to the Primary School which holds grades 1-3.  This was a big change for her.  She also went from riding the bus in the afternoon to riding it in the morning.  At first, I was a bit worried about it.  I would much rather take her to and from school, but it's just not smart to be honest.  We live about 10 miles from her school.  I work about 3 miles from my house.  So, I would be driving her to school (10 miles) and then back to work (7 miles) and then back to pick her up (another 10 miles) and then back home (the last 10 miles).  It just honestly didn't make sense. So, we decided to let her on in the morning so I am not rushed b/c I am one person who does NOT like to get up in the morning.  She doesn't seem to mind it too much.  I like her bus driver and I think he handles things well.  I think 1st grade will challenge her more.  I think Ruthie is super smart (and not just b/c she is my kid) but b/c she catches on well.  I am excited to watch her learn and grow.  She is reading to us every night and she is surprising us every time b/c she stretches her words out more and more.
Randy is going back to daycare.  I am super excited for him too b/c even though he resisted going, he is transitioning wayyyyy better than I imagined!  He isn't crying when I leave him and I love how they teach there.  He is going to learn so much.  I won't lie, I didn't do a lot of educational things with the kids this summer.  I gave their mind (and mine!) a break!
Being back at work, I am exhausted.  I love my job though.  I am truly blessed to have this job and work with the people I work with.  God has put me here for a reason and I think Him for that.  I miss my babies, but coming home to them makes me treasure them even more.
The transition has been a lot easier than I thought it would be.  I didn't cry too much!  There were a few shed tears, but what mom/school faculty is ready for summer to be over?! Now that schools here, it's football game time!  We enjoy going to the games.  It also means earlier bedtimes and less tv, so I happen to think that's a good thing.

Gonna leave you with a few fun photos from my sweet niece's birthday party!  It was a blast!

Thinking ahead....

My heart is heavy and full of joy today.  I have so much on my mind, I feel as though I can't concentrate.  I keep thinking about what's ahead in our lives.  I know we are to live in the moment, but after reading another blog today, my mind can't seem to focus.  Let me explain....
I have a friend I used to work with.  She traveled to Honduras during Spring Break.  There she met a VERY precious little girl.  After meeting her, she knew right then, she wanted her.  See, this precious little girl is in an orphanage.  She is unwanted.  My friend and her family want her.  Their hearts are crying out to her.  They want to give her what she needs.  Not just what she wants, but what she needs.  She doesn't have a home, a family, someone to love her forever, or a good supply of food.  My friend just wants to give her her basic needs, plus MUCH more.  Things aren't moving along as they had hoped, there are some trials, but God is still moving.
This morning, I was reading my favorite blog.  Ashley Ann is truly an inspirational mother and wife.  She loves with all her heart and knows how to put it into words that make you wonder what you are doing with your life and are you really making a difference. She lets her kids be kids.  She's crafty and just full of joy! I love her blog.  This morning I was excited to read about her trip to China where she met her daughter.  Ashley has been on an adoption journey for a while.  She has known for many years she wanted to adopt.  Today, I finally got to see photos of her little one.  My how my heart leaped with joy.  She is absolutely gorgeous.  Her smile melted my heart.  The photos of her looking into Ashley's eyes and seeing her new dad hold her with tear-stained cheeks.....there are no words.  It just makes me sit back and wonder, "what am I doing?  Am I making a difference?"  I am not saying you have to adopt to make a difference.  But something is moving in my heart.  I can't explain it.  I don't know if it has to do with all the pregnant people around me, traveling to Honduras, or reading about these adoptions.  I just know God is moving in my heart.  He is telling me something.  I need to be still and listen.  Randall and I have both been led to foster.  And the odd thing is, I think we are both leaning towards the youth.  Most people would prefer younger ones.  For some reason we both see us with teenagers.  We both have agreed to look into it a lot more in about five years.  We want to be financially stable.  We are far from it.  We want to be able to support these kids on our own.  We have no idea what fostering involves, we just know we want to be a part of it.  I know that there are so many out there without a mother or father.  It breaks my heart to know they feel unloved.  Working with the youth, I see so many craving attention.  It burdens my heart b/c I want to give it to them, but they want their parents.  I want to make a difference.  I want to do what God is calling me to do.  I want to give love where love is needed.
I realize this is a lot of rambling, but I am posting b/c I want to ask for prayers.  Pray for our family as we open our hearts and allow God to guide us and show us what He wants.  Not what we want, but what He wants.

I'm Back! {Honduras Trip}

Whew....what an amazing trip I had!  It was such a blessing!  Let's just say there were a few kids who made me truly want to adopt and bring back home!  One brother and sister in particular!  They were well taken care of, but their sweet souls just made my heart ache for them b/c I want them!

I will start from the beginning!
On the way to the airport, it was POURING down rain.  We have prayed for rain all summer.  It finally hit so hard that we almost missed our flight.  Let's just say nothing was going to stop us.  Our flight was delayed a bit.  We were supposed to have fifty minutes in between our flights.  That quickly changed to twenty minutes.  We were running through the Houston airport.  I thought for sure we wouldn't make it.  We did thank goodness!  When we arrived in San Pedro Sula, a man accidently took off with my back pack which held my Kindle (way of communicating while down there) and many other things.  I take off running again and try to explain to him with hand motions that he had my back pack.  We get it figured out, but I was scared b/c here I was running through an airport with sawed off shotguns and I don't even speak their language!  Thank GOODNESS I got my bag back b/c as it turns out, only 3 people received their luggage.  Guess who did not? That's right- ME. I was so grateful to have some extra clothes in my carry on.
After we arrive we meet up with our AMAZING helpers, Manuel & Maira and the best Honduran driver- Louise!  They are absolutely the most helpful, loving people you will ever meet.  They take us out to eat at the Power Chicken.  YUMMO!  It was deliciouso!  Once we got to the hotel (about a 2.5 hour drive) we settled down in time for dinner.  Let's just say we were WIPED OUT!  The next three days we visisted two schools in the morning, ate lunch, and then we visited two schools in the afternoon.  Some even stuck around after school was over just to see us and hear God's Word!  I love the fact that we are allowed to share God's Word IN SCHOOL in Honduras.  If only that could happen again here.....  I think it's such an opportunity for me, b/c I work at a school.   I have to travel in order to bring God's Word to the public schools.....
All the schools had amazing children.  The boy I fell in love with was at the gate when we arrived.  He just smiled at me the whole time.  I kept my eyes out for him while we were there.  After we handed out the Shepherd Bags, we were able to enjoy some play time with them.  I played with him for a while and his sweet, gorgeous sister came up to me and I asked her if she was his sister.  She said yes, and I just wanted to scoop them up and go home!  They were so precious.  He hugged me many times and told me thank you.  He even kissed my cheek as we were leaving.  Needless to say, I left in tears.  I am so grateful for the little Spanish I know!
We were able to eat at a wonderful resturant and the other was so polite to us.  She did anything we needed her to.  She was one gorgeous woman too.  The mayor of Santa Barbara (where we went) even came along the first day and sent assistants the next few days.  She even paid for our spectacular hotel!
Before we hand out Shepherd Bags, our preacher preaches some and Manuel translates.  After, Manuel preaches some more.  Asks them to bow their heads, say a prayer, and then raise their hand if they meant it.  Seeing those precious glowing hands raised....there are no words.  Many souls more going to Heaven and when I get there, I can't wait to see their little faces!
The first time I went, I was a bit uneasy b/c all around me it felt evil.  I didn't feel safe where we went the first time in 2010.  This time, it was a whole different story.  We were accepted everywhere.  These people haven't had to experience the devil.  I am so happy God's seed was planted before the devil came.   Last time, I went to learn to put God first in my life.  I had put my family first and I knew that was wrong.  Leaving your children and trusting that God is protecting you all is a hard thing to do and I was so blessed.  I have God first in my life and I was able to relax and truly enjoy the country and their people!
We had some amazing people go with us.  Two special youth girls went.  What an experience!  They kept us on our toes and had us laughing until tears were running down our legs!  HAHA!  They are such precious souls and I think it is VERY important for younger generations to see poverty in true form and see what they have compared to others.
I am one blessed woman.  Now, to share some photos.......

Me and some kiddos on the first day, first school.  The one in the middle LOVED the camera!

 

Here is my boy....yes, I wish he was here with me now....

 

And here we are with his sister.  Isn't she breathtaking!?

 

Precious little saved souls I will one day see in Heaven!

 

Checking out what they received in their bags!

Lots going on around here...

As you might have noticed from my Wordless Wednesday post here, we have been remodeling a room upstairs.  I wish I would have taken a photo before we started demolition!  Let's just say my husband is good at demo!  We have come a little bit further, but I need to take a photo!

Last night we met with Ruthie's teacher and a few of her classmates.  I think it is going to be a great year!  She seems super easy going, fun, and energetic, but also very laid back.  I think Ruthie will truly enjoy 1st grade.  Now, if you remember reading all my blog posts about kindergarten, you might remember my worries.  Let's just say they aren't any better.  She went from being with ALL kindergarten to being with 1st-3rd grade.  I am worried sick.  I was in tears walking in last night.  May sound silly to you, but I just don't do well with this whole growing up thing!

I haven't mentioned it here, but I am going on another mission trip to Honduras.  I honestly don't know if I posted about it the first time.  I don't think I ever shared photos either.  I am a bit upset b/c I believe I lost all of them by deleting them on accident..... the whole folder.  :(   Bummer.  I am super excited that I get the chance to go again.  I think I am more prepared and I have to say even more excited this time.  We get to hand out Shepherd Bags to four schools a day I believe and handing them out is so exciting.  I love seeing their little faces light up.  If don't mind, please be praying for me.  I will be leaving behind Randall and the kids, but I am excited for this adventure.  Nervous too, but extremely excited.

School will be starting soon and I am not ready.  Of course, you already know that though.  It's just a very difficult thing for all of us.  We all have to get into a whole new routine.  Please be praying for our family as well.

I also forgot to post that I lost 1 inch off my waist last week.  No pounds, and I was a bit bummed, but I am still going strong!  :)

And b/c I can't post without a photo.....  apparently I am obsessed with sleeping photos.  Yes, he is asleep with his eyes 1/2 open!

Wordless Wednesday {8.1.12}

Wordless Wednesday 7.18.12