I've got the real thing

I never thought it would happen to me. I was not trying to be irresponsible, I just never thought about it. It has never happened in the last 10 years. My computer hard drive crashed...and took all of my pictures with it. I have talked with many "experts" but it is done.
Yes, I am sad, okay devastated, but God has taught me a lot through this:
1. Always back up the important stuff.
2. Never say "that will never happen to me".
3. I am thankful that my wonderful dad printed about 50 of my scrapbook pages for me a month before this happened...including Hallie's first month of life.
4. I have all my pictures since Easter still on my memory card in my camera.
5. I am mostly up-to-date on my scrapbooks...so I still have those pictures.
6. Most of my family takes lots of pictures at the holidays.
7. I have a new and faster hard drive.
8. Not having a computer right at my finger tips helped me to realize that I was on it too much.
9. It could have been worse.
10. As most know, I love to take pictures...especially of my children. They are very precious to me. But the most important thing that I learned through this is that I still have the real thing!

March 2011

Several years ago my husband felt the Lord calling him into youth ministry. After much prayer he decided to start taking classes online through NNU to pursue his ministerial license for the Church of the Nazarene. He received his local license through our church and has been working towards his district license. It sounds pretty confusing...let me try and explain...our church board votes for him to receive his local license (that is the only requirement). Then there are certain requirements for him to be able to earn his district license (A set number of classes finished and a vote by the district board). Once he has reached this point his name will be put out by the district as a potential candidate for a youth pastor position (I think this is how it works!) He then has 10 years to complete the rest of his classes and other requirements before he is ordained as a minister in the Church of the Nazarene.
Well, I am proud to say that my husband has completed his requirements for his district license and in March 2011 he will be interviewed by the district board to receive his District Ministerial License. (They interview as part of district Assembly which is held in March. Josh's last class ended in April, so we have to wait until next March.)
I am so proud of my husband and his perseverance, especially with working 2 jobs while taking his classes! Now we just wait for God's continued guidance and wisdom for the future. Youth ministry is such a passion of his and I know that he will make an amazing youth pastor...because he already does but without the title!

To all moms...

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth
today, but how am I going to live there being so small and
helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take
care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I
don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile
for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able
to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and
sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your
angel will teach you how to speak.."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and
will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means
risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you
anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and
will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be
next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices
from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am
to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, You will simply call her, "Mom."

**I got this from another blog...I hope it touched your heart like it touched mine!

FINALLY!

It is warm outside! To celebrate we went to a nearby pond and fed the ducks with our cousins and then headed over to Arctic Circle for ice cream...did you know that they give out free kiddie cones with any purchase??

Mom Memories

Happy Mother's Day Mom!
I am privileged to have such a wonderful mom. She was always very dedicated to me and our family. Here are some memories of her that show what kind of person she is.
*I played volleyball all through school and she was my biggest fan. She tried to make it to as many games as possible. During club season she would spend every weekend with me at tournaments. One weekend she twisted her ankle walking out to the car and spent the entire day hobbling around the gym. By the end of the day her foot was very swollen and she had to go to the doctor. She never even complained.
*Throughout high school there were many nights when I was up late doing homework. Many times she would sit up with me and make me hot tea to drink.
*The famous Tupperware bowl - my mom has always had this really large Tupperware bowl that we would use to make homemade rolls! Those rolls are my favorite! For this last birthday my mom bought me a bowl just like hers (different color) and gave me the roll recipe!
*All through high school I had choir during zero hour (7 am class). My mom would get up every morning with me and make me a good hearty breakfast. I was involved in sports and needed that good start to my day! She would make pancakes, french toast, eggs and toast, etc.
*My mom is famous for her love of rearranging furniture. She would weekly change around our living room...okay so maybe that is exaggerating, but it could have easily been monthly. My brother inherited her knack for this as he also constantly changes his living room. I do not have many ways that I can change up my living area, but growing up I was famous for switching my bedroom or even switching rooms. I would get that itch for change and would go and ask one of my brothers if they would switch rooms with me. They didn't usually care. My mom was very patient with me and would roll up her sleeves and help me. Sometimes this would even involve moving my water bed.
*After Josh and I first got married my cooking skills were pretty limited (not much has changed in 11 years). I remember the first time I made a turkey. I was on the phone with my mom the entire step of the way. The turkey turned out good, but the process was pretty comical!
*After Katelyn was born, my mom came and stayed with me for a short time. This time was a treasure for me. Being a first time mom was exciting and overwhelming at the same time. My mom definitely made the transition easier. She even got up with me during the night when Katelyn would wake up to eat. She would change Katelyn and then chat with me to help keep me awake.
*When I was pregnant with Makenna I had kidney stones. I spent the last 6 weeks of pregnancy lying on the couch drugged up with pain medication. My mom came down and stayed for a month with me to take care of Katelyn and Brenden. I am not sure how we would have made it without her.

Thank you mom for always being there for me. I hope this day was special for you! Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all other moms reading this!

Happy Birthday Josh!

Thank you Lord for the most wonderful husband in the world. Today he celebrates 31 years of life.
Here are 31 (of the million) reasons I love my husband:
1. He loves the Lord with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength.
2. He is faithful.
3. He is honest.
4. He is a very hard worker.
5. He is a wonderful daddy.
6. He follows the Lord's leading.
7. He is generous.
8. He is patient.
9. He is sensitive.
10. He is an excellent cook.
11. He loves Mexican food and Tex-Mex.
12. He is passionate about what the Lord has called him to do.
13. He is laid back and easy going.
14. He is gentle.
15. He is a good listener.
16. He is willing to read or watch something if I ask him to...no matter how girly.
17. He is calm.
18. He is silly.
19. He is spontaneous.
20. He does not get angry easily.
21. He is loyal.
22. He is NOT selfish.
23. He puts the Lord first.
24. Our marriage is important to him.
25. Our children are important to him.
26. He trusts me and the decisions I make.
27. He goes grocery shopping with me.
28. He gives the kids baths for me.
29. He will stay up half the night making cinnamon rolls for me so that I can have them for breakfast the next morning.
30. He will listen to me talk even when he can hardly keep his eyes open...or if he has heard me tell him the same thing story before.
31. He loves me...and he married me!

Happy Birthday Josh...and I love you!

7 years ago...

I became a mom...the best job in the world!

Happy Birthday, Katelyn, my sweet daughter!

I remember the day you were born.
I remember your wild hair that always made me laugh.
I remember how you would sit and play contently for a long time.
I remember that you took your time learning to be mobile.
I remember how your hair was thicker than mine at the age of 2.
I remember how much you loved to play 'mommy'.
I remember your absolute sweet smile.
I remember the first time you rode a bike at age 3 (with training wheels).
I remember all the millions of pictures I took of you.
I remember how wonderful you were to your little brother and sisters.
I remember how much you loved to bake cookies.
I remember how you were always willing to try new foods.
I remember when you asked Jesus into your heart.
I remember your first day of school.
I remember when you learned to read.
I remember how you did not want to play any games at girls' camp, but still loved it.
I remember that you are very sensitive.
I remember that your love language is quality time...and that it has taken me almost 7 seven years to figure that out.
Thank you for such wonderful memories. (There are millions more!)

My dear girl, thank you for being such a patient girl as I learn to be the mommy that God desires me to be. Thank you for being such a good big sister and always willing to help. I love you little one...even though you are 7 now, you will always be little in my heart! I am blessed to be called your mom!

*Due to the crashing of my computer I am unable to post any pictures at this time...