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.

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! 

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!

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!

Wordless Wednesday {7.25.12}

Wordless Wednesday 7.18.12

How am I going to do it?

Even though it's been sooooo hot, it's still summer-time and I love being home with my babies.  I know, you are tired of hearing about summer and how much I love it, but how can I not?  Look at the joy I have at home!

Say cheese Mommy!

Striking a pose!

My beautiful girl!

Ruthie and her big cousin Alex.  Summer time around here means lots of cousin time!

"Nuggled" with Daddy watching tv.

Wondering why I am taking a picture of her while she pays with her dollhouse.

More nuggles with Daddy!

Love this one of Randall.  He loves to just enjoy the simple things in life!

This is how I woke up this morning.  They think sleeping in the living room is the greatest thing ever!  They were all covered up this morning!

Being honest here, I love my job, but I have no clue how I am going to go back.  It breaks my heart b/c my heart is at home.  I know I post this every summer, but I think it gets harder and harder.  I am just thankful I have my babies and summers off with them.  My cup is never half full, it's overflowing!

Simple Things

Heat waves call for indoor activities.  It is too hot to do anything but swim.  Sometimes I get a bit too much sun or I get a bit burned out.  I decided to go to my "Fun Activities" board on Pinterest and picked one out. It was fun, but I suggest doing it with cardstock and maybe painters tape.  I just did it quickly to give the kids something to do.  They LOVED it.  Randy keeps asking when he can paint again.  I hate to say it, but man it's messy when it comes to him!  Next time I need a cheap tablecloth I can throw away!

Love how she took her time and made it soooo "Ruthie!"

And well, he just made it "Randy"- a MESS!  Love this pic b/c you can see how he's squatting in the chair b/c he isn't quite tall enough just yet.

Even though it was a mess, he was very intent on doing it his way and he stayed focused!

Love this sweet girl of mine.  She is always smiling.  We just chopped off all her hair, so this made me kinda sad!

No, I don't have any pics of the final project, but their "R"'s were taped so when I took it off that was the only white part.  While it was neat, the paper crinkled and Ruthie's tore some.  So, that's why I recommended painter's tape and cardstock.

WE CONQUERED OUR FEARS!!!

That's right!  We conquered that fear!  Ruthie was terrified to jump off the diving board as you might remember from this picture- her pouting b/c she was too nervous.

Well, here she is jumping off the diving board!  Whoop whoop!  (I took this with my sister's iphone)

The SAME day, Randy conquered his fear too!  For some odd reason he would NOT get off the steps.  I remember Ruthie doing the same exact thing.  Stubborn kids.  They do this every year!  Well, here is Randy chilling out on the steps with my dad trying to convince him to get it....

And here he is conquering his fears too!  WOOOOHOOOOO!  (Taken with my sister's iphone) Now, we can all get in and cool off!

LOVE us some summer time fun!

Church Camp 2012

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y that's the Christian battle cry!

Let's just say church camp was another amazing spiritual experience.  I don't even know where to begin!  Bro. Travis brought his A game again.  He hit the youth up with some amazing lessons.  Tuesday was my personal favorite.  He talked about miracles and how we tend to ask, but don't really truly have the faith to move mountains.  He asked anyone who was dealing with some burdens and needed deliverance to come to the altar and pray and believe that a miracle will happen.  Let's just say I was moved.  God moved in that camp like none other.  To see youth living for the Lord and worshiping Him and leaning on Him through their trials is what makes my love for the youth even more so.  Just our church alone had 6 salvations!  WHOOP WHOOP! One was a young man that we all thought was saved and he did too.  He realized he was too young to really understand.  This young man has already shown a lot of growth in his ways in the past week! I love watching God work in the youth.  I am so proud of all!  It was a long drive, but so worth it.  Randall and I get to take our two kids along and they fell in love with the youth all over again.  Randy had his people, which he called, "MY Jodie" or "MY Rylie!"  Ruthie had her little buddy this year, so she was off playing and learning the whole time.  Church camp is such an experience.  I hear of a lot of camps that have more games than worship.  That's one thing that I can say about this camp, when we have service, THE LORD BRINGS THE SERVICE!  It's such an awesome experience!

Is there anything more precious than teens gathered at the altar?

This is my sweet niece  Yes, she is taller than me!  ( I think I was going downhill though....)  She is such a blessing in my life.  All my nieces and nephews are.   Haley has just been amazing to watch grow in the Lord.  Randall and I have been amazed at seeing her faith and her growth.  Let's just say I KNOW that I KNOW that she is a child of God!

And of course, my dear husband.  I am so thankful for a man of God!

Summer has begun!

Have I mentioned that I love summer time?  Well,  I DO!  I am off during the summers, thank goodness.  I love the fact that God allows me time with my precious kiddos!  The past few summers I have let summer pass me by.  I don't know what happened, but we didn't do much together.  This summer, I am fixing that!  I plan on being busy, but not too busy.  Perfectly busy.  I want to enjoy our time together!  So far that has meant ball games and the pool.  We are not going to let life pass us by!

Just sharing a few photos of our summer so far!  Let's just say my kids have been FILTHY and FULL OF JOY!

Enjoying the evening by coloring on the trampoline!

Randall and I on our 9th anniversary!

Um, nice get-up Randy!

Waiting to head to the pool!

Pouting b/c she was scared to jump of the diving board even though she did it a million times last year!

Playing ball with a tball bat, football helmet, and a small soccer ball!

LOVE this one!

Haley playing ball!

Pappy attempting to convince him to get in the pool!

He was NOT gonna get all the way in!

Al doing his crazy flips!

Enjoying an empty field before Hay Hay's game!

Simon doing his crazy flips too!

Enjoying a little dirt and sour candy at Hay Hay's game!