A first, but not the last!

Today was a wonderful day!  I have been looking forward to it for quite some time!  It was my first HM open house....celebrating "Christmas in July!"  Must admit.....getting some decorations out, listening to the Christmas music, and enjoying good friends really puts me in the "spirit!"  


A special thanks to everyone who came!  It was so much fun!!! Will definitely have to do it again. Nothing like a morning with the girls! Even got to see an old friend who I haven't seen in many years! (So good to see you and your precious little girl, Jenny!)


With all of the excitement, I did forget an important part of the party!  the drawing for the FREE square flip book.  So, after everyone left, I folded up all the cards and had my "little helper" draw a name out!

Who will be the winner.........?

????????

Brandi Hinnant!!!

Congrats, Brandi! When I called her to tell her, she said..."I never win anything!!" =) Hope you enjoy making your book!  With 4 little ones, I'm sure she can find some pictures to put in it.  

Sadly, it is the very last day of Christmas in July.  I will close the workshop out tonight late, so if there is anyone who wants to get in on the last minute special savings.....order your credits now, then work on projects when you get the chance! I am here to help you get started, and all along the way.  Lots of great ideas were shared by the group this morning and there was great excitement for getting their "jpeg's" put to something they, along with their family, can be proud of! 

By placing an order today, you receive a free credit for a card as well as a FREE month of premier membership!  This means you have complete access to ALL templates and can use that to make any projects you have purchased credits for.  Be sure to contact me today by phone or e-mail for more info. 

Hoping you and yours have made lasting memories this weekend! 

A new favorite!

"...mesSIahhhhh  ......ALL names......redeemer......MANuel........for sinners....HEAVen.....mesSIahhhhhhh ...lord of all"


OK, so if you didn't get that, it's the version of Jesus Messiah sung by a 3 year old who is just learning it and loving it! It's her new favorite!


Here's the song:
"Jesus Messiah, Name above all names.  Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel.  The rescue for sinners,  the ransom from heaven.  Jesus Messiah, Lord of All."


Savannah heard this song on Sunday, by way of television in her class at church.  It was played while a young girl performed a drama during the main service. On the way home, she started singing parts of it, so we joined in!  Then, I remembered I had it in the CD player.  Well.......... now, we play CD 6, #1 ALL the time.  And my heart so swells to hear her singing along.  


Tonight, on the way home from church while the first verse was playing she says from the back, "Mommy, I want the Messiah one."  =) She's not too fond of the verses, but oh how she loves that chorus.  And you know what....I do too!  What a song!  And though my 3 year old may not understand everything she's singing, I believe those words are being printed on her heart.  


Thank you, father....for the faith of a child.  
"From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger" (Psalm 8:2)

Feelings...

"I'm overwhelmed..."  


We've all said it at some point...I can think of no one who is exempt from this feeling.  Though the cause be unique for all, the feeling exerts a similar emotional state and we feel defeated.  


There are moments for me when "I'm overwhelmed" is an understatement. When I saw this post on "girltalkhome," I read with great interest! If you've never visited this blog, it is a "goldmine" of spiritual encouragement for wives, mothers, and daughters.  It is written by 4 ladies...a mother and her 3 grown daughters.  They share about their family lives growing up with a minister father....and offer so many wonderful "family time" ideas; as well as their current lives with young children and the joys as well as challenges of motherhood.  Wisdom is shared from other contributors and you can find topical studies/series on issues such as spiritual growth, spiritual disciplines, prayer, relationships, fear, beauty, and the one that grabbed me  today....feelings!  


So whether you're overwhelmed by a difficult job situation, finances, a busy  day at home with the little ones (that's me), or what to cook for supper, I hope this is as good to you as it was to me today.  


...and may we all "cultivate gratefulness" (as mentioned in number 5)


Feeling Overwhelmed?
1. Cast your cares on the Lord because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Pour your heart out to the Lord. He already knows the details of your life and what is causing you to feel overwhelmed.
2. Remind yourself that you need a Savior. Feeling overwhelmed is often a sign that we’re trying in our own strength to do what He’s called us to do. We will never succeed with mere physical and mental stamina. We desperately need His grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. He has made us to need Him. If appropriate, repent of pride and declare your complete dependence on Jesus. Tell yourself the gospel in detail. Here are a few sections you can look up to soak yourself in the truth of the gospel: Romans 3:23-26, Romans 5:6-11, Romans 8:32-39. Also consider reading The Cross Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney.

3. Also, meditate on Scriptures to remind you of the truth such as:

Psalm 94:19: When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.

Nahum 1:7: The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.

Isaiah 40:11: He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Isaiah 40:28-29: Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 41:10: Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

2 Corinthians 12:9: My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

4. Guard your mind and enjoy today.

Matthew 6:34: Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. [Also see Matthew 6:25-34.]

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Psalm 139:1-3: O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with my ways.Isaiah 26:3-4: You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.

Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

5. Cultivate gratefulness. Start with the gospel and consider all of the other categories of your life (husband, child(ren), home, church, friends, food, clothing....). It may be helpful to write this down.

Nothing gives the believer so much joy as fellowship with Christ. He has

enjoyment...in the common mercies of life, he can be glad in God’s gifts and God’s works; but, in all these separately, yea, and in all of them added together, he doth not find such substantial delight as in the matchless person of his Lord Jesus. -C.H. Spurgeon

My Father, thank you for caring for me.  Surely if you're eye is on the sparrow....I know you're watching me.

Mommy, Where You Are....There I Shall Be!

This was the state of our kitchen at approximately 5:30 Thursday when I was trying to cook dinner and feed the kids before VBS!! Nothing like making tacos with a little fella who finds so much joy in dumping crayons everywhere! Yes, that's his little head surveying the scene he just created....while he repeatedly mumbles, "uh-oh...uh-oh...uh-oh..."   

We were indeed late to VBS, but I can't place blame on little Noah.  It was just one of those afternoons. But a great night at Bible school! 

  

Noah particularly enjoyed the streamers!!

Mrs. Kristin White even let him have his very own backstage pass. He was the youngest ever..."bouncer in training."  So cute. 

And this was the last night of VBS....for us, that is.  Savannah was not feeling well Friday and we stayed in.  Looking forward to posting more pictures soon from the week! Lots of cute faces to show! =)

Good night.

Birthday Fabric!!!

Does fabric make anyone else smile besides me?  It's so enjoyable to try to "think up" projects for a really pretty piece of cloth! I received some money for my recent birthday and knew exactly what I wanted to do with it.....buy FABRIC!!! I've been wanting to make some curtains and found these "pretties" at the fabric store....they make me smile.  

Also found a "frenchy" fabric not pictured that I'm going to use first! Found a great tutorial on-line for a shade, so I'm going to give it a go.  Hoping to do several as well as some other smaller projects.  We'll see what happens....

Hoping you all take the opportunity to do something that makes you smile today! (although my project may have to wait until 10:00pm)

First Night of VBS!

Tonight was Savannah's first Vacation Bible School.  She didn't know what to expect.  But after arriving and getting her "backstage pass," the excitement began to build! She saw friends and had a great night learning, crafting, eating, singing....and being Savannah! =)

Many more fun nights to come...we're sure!  And hopefully, more photos too!  

For now, good night. 

"School" supplies, Dora panties, and a new book....loving the small things of life!

Ever since I was a young girl, the smell of a brand new box of crayons has made me smile.  I have always loved "school" supplies and it was always one of the hi-lights of the new school year..... to go and purchase these brightly colored necessities.  Admit it, you must share these feelings too! Well, Savannah is not in "school", but WalMart already has their school supplies on sale.  We go through markers and crayons quickly around here, so when I saw these in large bins for $1, I couldn't resist.  Crayons were only 25 cents! For $4, we brought home some supplies that will keep Savannah busy for quite a while!  And she'll love every minute... Except, I am going to open the crayon box first! 

Potty training is still a part of our life; however, it is much easier now and Savannah is doing so well.  It was time for new "undies" so I let her pick at the store today.  She chose exactly what I would have expected...Dora.  We decided to get the 4T even though she wears a 3.  (We wash LOTS of "undies.")

And in other news, my $4.65 book arrived this week!  (used from Amazon) I had read other "mom blogs" where this book seemed to be quite the resource!  It is full of creative, educational, low-prep, fun activities for young ones!  Great for rainy days, HOT days, and holidays.  I already have several picked out and stashed up my sleeve ..... I'll be sure to post some of our "busy" activities.  

Loving the small things of life today...

"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together."
-- Vincent Van Gogh 

Thankful for Thirty

***First, let me give credit for this idea to my friend at Hall House Happenings~ who unknowingly inspired me to be thankful for my 30th birthday and to create this post! Thanks, Becky.

What is it about 20, 30, 40....?  Something about that zero behind the number that makes us feel so different.  The beginning of your own personal decade! Sounds a little scary, right? Or maybe exciting! Either way, it can be depressing for some.  Feeling as though their life is slipping away. Regretting choices made...or choices not made.  It's a time of reflection and looking ahead.  For me, I'm challenged to be thankful for thirty. If my life were a movie, it would be a long one!  If it were a book, it would surely be a novel.  But whose wouldn't?  I have so much to be thankful for, don't we all?

Today, I turn 30.  And here is my list...

1.  I was born to a wonderful family who raised me to love and serve the God who created me.
2.  A sister was born 14 months later and we have so many memories together! We're closer now that we're older, but the memories from our childhood are priceless!
3.  Because life happens, my parents divorced in the 80's and remarried in the 90's.  I have 2 great stepparents who I love and appreciate greatly!
4.  My mother is a beautiful lady who has taught me so much about life and the beauty of God's love.  I never knew the extent of her love for me until the day I became a mother.
5.  My stepdad is wonderful (funny) man who has taught me, probably unknowingly, how important it is to just be yourself! He has a huge heart and even let me work in his shoe shop as a teenager!  I am thankful for the love that he has for my mom and us.
6.  My dad is a great man who has taught me to always give my very best.  He believed in us and always encouraged our success.  Plus, he made almost all of my science projects!  Thanks, Dad. =)
7.  My stepmom is a special lady who always loved and cared for my sister and me.  I am thankful for her gentle understanding nature.
8.  I attended several schools, but have the most memories at Raleigh Christian Academy.  I'm very thankful for the sacrifices that were made so that my sister and I could attend here...as well as North Raleigh Christian Academy, where we both graduated.
9.  My salvation! I gave my young heart to Christ at the age of 6 at youth camp.  There are so many people who invested in my life and cared deeply for my spiritual journey!  I couldn't begin to name them, but I am eternally grateful.
10.  Piano lessons began very early....and the hobby stayed with me throughout elementary, middle, and high school.  Today, I am thankful that I still enjoy playing as well as teaching children to play.
11.  My grandparents are 2 selfless, godly people who played a tremendous role in our life.  We spent many days and nights in that house on Plainview.  And they were days and nights I won't ever forget.
12.  The Christmas mornings spent gathered around Granny and Papa's little kitchen table on a picnic bench for a big breakfast (or steak lunch...depending on the year...we alternated) are memories that can't be forgotten.
13.  I am so thankful for the church I was raised in, Raleigh Church of God.  This is the place where my spiritual journey was nurtured.  This is the place where I made forever friendships.  My mind drifts back and I can remember children's Christmas plays, huge homecoming lunches,  annual"country fair" day, children's church, and so so many more!!!
14.  We were very involved in our youth program at church and had many opportunities that I will always cherish! National teen talent excursions were so memorable and many friendships were made from some of those experiences.
15.  The summer of '98, I met a special guy!  A red-headed, handsome, gentleman!
16.  The fall of '98, I moved 8 hours away to attend school at Lee University in Cleveland, TN.  Great  memories!! I met some special people and learned a lot as this was the first time on my own!
17.  Spring of 2000, I moved back home and began school at Meredith College.  Wonderful school, and again....great memories!
17.  Summer of 2001, I married that red-headed, handsome, gentleman.  And I love him so much more today than I did that hot August afternoon.
19.  Along with an amazing husband came amazing in-laws.  They are all such loving people and I feel so blessed to be a part of their family.
20.  Dolan and I moved to Pikeville and still live in the same great neighborhood filled with people we're thankful for!
21.  We are a part of a great church where we have made so many memories and so many friendships!
22.  In 2003, I graduated from college and began teaching 4th grade at Wilson's Mills Elementary where I met some of the greatest kids in the world!  There will always be a special place in my heart for the elementary classroom, and maybe one day, I'll be back in one.  I'm thankful for the opportunity I had to meet some wonderful teachers and be blessed by the lives of so many children (some of who are 16 now!!!!)
23.  In 2005, several teachers from our school and others in the county set out to obtain our master's degree in education from Campbell.  It was an exciting journey.  I learned so much from those teachers and the professors who guided us!  This experience was an amazing one!
24.  In 2006, Dolan and I were blessed to be able to take a dream vacation to Europe.  We are so thankful for this experience and to have seen another part of God's awesome creation.  The memories we made are priceless.
25.  In 2007, God blessed Dolan and me with our first child, Savannah.  She is a special girl and is so full of life.
26.  In 2009, we were blessed again, with a second child....a son, Noah.  He just turned a year old on July 10th and is such a treasure to us.  He is so loving and we enjoy so much watching his personality develop.
27.  With great excitement, we are anticipating the arrival of our third child, another son, to be born in October of this year.  God is good!
28.  Our little house is not the same anymore, it's now full of toys, stained carpet, fingerprinted windows, and triple the laundry!  But oh, how thankful I am for all of those things!  I know that day is coming when I will look at my front door and wish to see a small sticky handprint.
29.  I am blessed to be at home with my little ones and teach them about the love Christ has for them!
30.  The fragility of life....because it helps me realize the importance of making this list!

So, I'm thankful for thirty.  What a goal to set for yourself!  Creating a list of blessings for the number of years for which you've been blessed to live. (OK, so if you're on up there, this may take some time) Certainly, I could add just one a year.  You know, really I could create a brand new list!  We all could.  We have so much to be thankful for.  I only regret that I don't count my blessings near enough.  God is so rich in love and cares so much for his children.  I must thank Him!


Jeremiah 29 verse 11: (New International version) 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'

What's White and Red and Dirty all Over?

One of Noah's birthday presents was a water table from Grandaddy, Grandma, and Brandon.  Sunday evening was a great time to break it in!!  I'm not sure which one had more fun....It was pure joy for me to just sit back with my camera and watch brother and sister play together so well.  

The water table was placed so conveniently beside the sandbox....so Savannah did what any child would most likely do.  She dumped mounds of dirt into the table.  No big deal....so Noah splashed in it and got a little dirty.

But THEN, she got the bright idea of scooping some of that lovely mixture onto Noah's red head!

It was in his ears, his eyes, noes, eyebrows....you name it!

So, the onesie came off!  That was a start, right? Off to the sandbox he goes....to play?  No, to eat!!!

So within seconds after this picture, we headed inside straight to the tub.  I stripped them both down in the garage and we were off to get squeaky clean. 

So, what's white and red and dirty all over??? 

"One"

In spite of the tremendous heat, today was a great birthday for a sweet little boy and his loving family and friends.  Speaking of heat, in the slideshow above, you'll notice a few "foggy" pictures.  You can thank the humidity for that!  It was taking my camera a while to adjust to the extreme temperatures.

Menu: Hot dogs (cooked on the grill by a dear daddy who stood in the rain to get them perfect...and a special thank you to the umbrella holders!)  Macaroni Salad, Fruit Salad, Chips/Dip, Baby Goldfish =), and a delicious cake made to resemble a baby building block! Noah even had one for his very own!  He picked at the icing for a few minutes, then began to create a "crater" type hole in the side of the cake as he dug with his right hand-keeping the left hand almost completely clean! So funny.

His gifts were all very special and you can catch a glimpse of those in the pictures above.  By the way, if you haven't already done so, you can click on the rather fast slideshow above and it will take you to the picasa website where you can browse the pictures at your own leisure.

Dolan and I want to thank everyone for helping to make this such a great day for Noah.  You helped to show him just how special he is!  We love each of you so so much.

I almost forgot.....
Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to our sweet Noahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, Happy Birthday to you!!! =)

A year has passed

Tomorrow, our little Noah turns one...

What a precious blessing he is to all who meet him.  A year has passed and I pause today to share some memories dating back to July 10, 2009...the special day Noah entered this world.  

He arrived at 12:50 p.m. at Johnston Memorial Hospital weighing 7lbs and 14 oz!  

Look at that red hair!!! I prayed for that! =)

Big sister, Savannah meets him for the first time! I love this picture.

Snugglin' with mama.  

At home...safe and sound in his bassinet.

..love those newborn feet!

Snugglin' with daddy!

All dressed up for his first Sunday at church!

Sleeping sweetly...

Head up!

For Halloween (Hallelujah night at church) he was a farmer, complete with a mustache paci! 

Sister was a cow.

Morning devotions at Myrtle Beach....helping daddy hold the Bible. 

Posing for Christmas Cards!! Such a happy baby...

A visit with Santa!

Christmas Morning!

Bright eyes!

Sitting up!!! 6 months old.

Baby food!!

This became one of his favorite places to play!  It was always so funny to lift the flap of the couch and see his HUGE smile!  His little way of playing hide and seek! 

Playtime!

Big sister shows him how to ride the "4-leeler."

And this is the reaction after a little fall...

CUTE!!

Dedication Day! (8 months old)

He loves to play the piano and especially when Savannah joins him!

Easter bunny!!! Wasn't scared a bit!

All dressed up for Easter with his handsome daddy!

Standing in his crib! 

Love the bumbo seat!  Enjoying a snack outside on the deck!

Hmmmmmm.........

"Yes, Mom? I'm not doing anything....."

"It was her!!!"

And here they are again....getting into mischief in mommy and daddy's room!

White Lake (May '10)

He has found that he can climb onto Savannah's bed with relative ease and does so often!!  On this day, I walked in to the sound of Savannah "reading" him a Bible story. =)

Lovin' the outdoors...

The dining room table was covered with sewing "stuff" this particular morning in June, so we had a nice breakfast, complete with the company of Elmo, in the sunroom!  FUN!

Enjoying the outdoors at Uncle Fred's and Aunt Denise's on Father's Day weekend.

And loving his sink bath with Nana.

And today, well, those little feet are a little bigger and a little stronger.  

A year has passed, and what a big boy he is now!  His personality develops more and more each day and we're all pretty fond of it.  He is a snuggly baby, so patient and loving.  Always smiling! 

Noah, we love you so much.  

Happy Birthday!  

Our prayer is that you become all God wants you to be and that your heart is always open for Him.  You are a special blessing and today, we celebrate you!