Being Moses

Current mood: thoughtful
Category: Life

In Exodus Chapter 4, Moses and God were having a conversation that seems all to familiar to me....

10 Moses raised another objection to God: "Master, please, I don't talk well. I've never been good with words, neither before nor after you spoke to me. I stutter and stammer."

11-12 God said, "And who do you think made the human mouth? And who makes some mute, some deaf, some sighted, some blind? Isn't it I, God? So, get going. I'll be right there with you—with your mouth! I'll be right there to teach you what to say."

13 He said, "Oh, Master, please! Send somebody else!"


I have been feeling for some time that I need to step up and lead a certain ministry, but my lack of trust that the Lord can do anything through me has been holding me back. I have said time and time again to God, "I don't talk well in front of a crowd and I am certainly not good at leading prayer". I am slowly learning to give my life over to God completely and trust in Him fully with everything. "With God all things are possible" is a verse and concept that I know well and have said to others in the past, so why do I keep finding myself doubting.

I am doing a bible study right now that is making things so much clearer to me. I am very thankful that it is being offered at this point because it is exactly what I needed! I am hoping this will give me the push I need to do what God has been asking me to do!

Currently reading :
He Speaks to Me: Preparing to Hear the Voice of God
By Priscilla Shirer

Ready for Autumn, Pumpkin Patches and playing in the leaves!

We have been having an early autumn this year. We have been enjoying temperatures in the 60's and 70's and the leaves have been starting to change. It just makes me that much more excited about Fall activities!!! I have started decorating my yard with harvest decor and have looked up the schedule at the local Pumpkin Patch to see how early we can go enjoy that! LOL I love LOVE LOVE Autumn!!!

Some of you have been asking if we experienced Ike or not. We did! It came through here Saturday night-Sunday. It actually combined with a tropical depression that came off the pacific and also a cold front. Saturday we actually had to take cover in the basement because the tornado sirens went off. We had no tornado but the storm had produced tornadoes that had momentarily touched down prior to getting to us so it was a precautionary measure. We also got LOTS of wind and rain (like 8 inches)over night which caused flooding near us. Everything is back to normal now but there were some pretty strange stories on the news! Like one man had been walking his dog on Monday and came across a crayfish... it had been picked up by the Hurricane and dropped down here in Kansas City!

Here are some new pictures:

Poem about Motherhood

Current mood: thankful
Category: Life

A friend send this along to me and I really liked it...


"A Father's work is from sun to sun, But a Mother's work is NEVER done." Sure, I love tiny fingers, reaching under the door, as they peek in the bathroom, while lying on the floor. "Mommy, what'cha doin'?" They sing in harmony, "I'll be out in one moment," so they wait patiently. Why do they love to stay close, under foot? Entertained, as they watch me launder and cook? I fall asleep each night with a tear in my eye, for I know we've been blessed and not a day will go by, Without thanks to the Lord, for "I am a Mother," this fills me with joy, unlike any other. Each morning, I await, their faces to see, when they rise from their beds and rush to me. Sure I have my days when I'm tired and feel blue, but I'll never resent my cute little two. "Don't you need YOUR time?" Many have asked. I can't say I do, for these moments soon pass. I've known in my heart they will quickly "outgrow me," so, from one Mom to the next, I offer this plea...Please see your child as a gift from above, and cherish each moment they fill you with love. They look in your eyes with trust and with faith, for you are a hero, that none can replace. The cooking, the LAUNDRY, do seem to add up, but don't let these things make you miss them GROW UP. A prayer and a kiss at night's end, I look forward 'till morning, when it all starts again!!

By Diane Garvis

So Proud!

Bryan has been doing so well memorizing his bible verses for Awana Sparks! He has already finished his Flight 3:16 book and moved into his Hang Glider Book (in which he has now memorized the first 2 verses in that book!). He also brought home an assignment that he did in class at school where he had to draw a picture and tell a story. His picture was of the Cross, a Bible and Jesus. He loves to tell people about church and how he is going to go to heaven one day. It makes me so happy to know that our faith is having such a positive influence in his life!

Here is a video of him reciting John 3:16.

Child Personalities- Wow describes my kids perfectly!

Current mood: amused
Category: Life

Jesse is a natural rebel who likes to do things his own way. Get lots of toys to keep your child from becoming restless during down time, and lock those cabinets early. Give him the chance to crawl freely on grassy lawns and toddle around the playground. Embrace his discoveries by letting him collect the rocks and other little treasures he finds. Support his individuality by allowing him to decide which outfit he wants to wear or which stuffed animal he wants to sleep with. And introduce new toys, books, and games regularly: Kids born with this personality are bright and often develop ahead of schedule.

Face it: Bryan can be stubborn. Your child is likely to resist change of any kind and prefers the security of familiar routines. Take whatever measures you can to prepare him for transitions (such as counting down the minutes until book time turns into nap time) and changes in the usual schedule (such as an unplanned visit from Grandma). Your child is all about comfort: He adored a cozy crib and may insist on covering his big-boy bed with loveys. Kids born with this personality are especially fond of animals, so don't be surprised if he gets really attached to a certain stuffed dog or cat.

Currently listening :
Sounds of Nature: A Sun Filled Stream
By Various Artists
Release date: 1992-03-30

A busy Month Ahead

Current mood: hyper
Category: Life

I am honestly looking forward to this month. I have so much planned and the weather is so nice now! I will be starting to attend Wednesday night activities at the church which include dinner, nursery for Jesse, R.A's for Bryan (its a class that teaches about missionaries) and Women's ministry class for me. Then Sunday Awana's starts!!! I am excited about teaching a class this year but nervous because as of last Wednesday I don't have any help. I will for sure have 5 kids (18 months to 3 years old) and I NEED a helper!!!

Bryan is doing pretty well at school but is still way ahead of what they are teaching. The teacher has just started the book work with them and he loves what the school calls "Specials". The Specials rotate on a daily basis and they have 2 specials a day which include Library, Music, Art, PE and Computers. So far Bryan loves PE, Music and Library. Bryan wants to join the church Children's Choir and will be starting Sparks this year. I am excited about Sparks because it takes them right through the Bible book by book and is a 3 year class. He already has his first verse memorized so he will probably go right into a book.

Jesse is picking up sign language and talking rather quickly now. His favorite words are "ball" and "cool". He likes to color but wont sit for very long and thinks its funny to draw on my table cloth. He has his first Parents as Teachers meeting this Thursday. Parents as Teachers is an organization which gives the parents resources to help them know how to teach their kids and they check up on kids to see if they are where they should be developementally.

Anyway that is about all for now. Chuck is off today so we are planning on BBQing some steak later and maybe setting up the pool for the kids before it gets to cool for them.

In response to the previous post

Current mood: contemplative
Category: News and Politics

I am so not a political type person but I feel that this election is one of the most critical ones in the history of America. If you look at what is going on in the world (Russia, Korea and Iraq) and what is going on in this country (economy) who would you want leading us on our way to fix the problems! I mean even if you dont agree with having the troops still in Iraq or them even going there in the first place, who would you want to lean on to come up with the best plan of action to bring the troops home... some one with 20 plus years in the military or some one who has no background at all.

Obama is the first black American to come this close to being elected President. That is a major accomplishment in itself. But don't let the idea of making history cloud and overpower the real issues involved. I truely believe that to be the leader of this country, right now in this day and age the person needs far more expierence then what Obama can offer.

Bryan's First Day of Kindergarten

Bryan really enjoyed his first day. The schools only offer all day Kindergarten but I think that it will be good for him (and I will have that extra time with Jesse). He leaves the house by bus around 7:15am and comes home on the bus at 3:30. Here are a few pictures.

August Updates

Wow, so much has been going on I don't know where to start! Camp went really well. We enjoyed ourselves despite some drama that happened. Jesse picked up Chicken Pox. Jesse had the spots all over. Bryan had what turned out to be Hand, Foot, Mouth which is similar. Bryan didn't have many spots but ran the fever and had the sore throat and now Chuck has it. Keeping my fingers crossed that I have gotten through with out catching it.

Jesse has made some major steps toward being more of a toddler then a baby. He is running, twirling, talking more, singing, had his first haircut and has now made the transition from crib to toddler bed effortlessly! The next major thing is potty training, but we aren't quite ready for that yet all though he has used his potty a few times.



Bryan starts school in a week (the 18th). The class lists went up last week and he is excited that he has friends in his class. He gets to meet his teacher on Thursday at the school Open House and see his classroom then we have parent Orientation. He is growing up too quick! Even his appearence has changed. He has grown a few inches and lost all his baby fat. He will be starting Awana Sparks in a few weeks and has already memorized his first bible verse for it. He is such a character and loves learning. He has asked me to start reading the set of Children Encyclopedia's to him as a bedtime story!! LOL Its set up so that the info is given in stories which works out good. We are almost done with the letter "A".



Chuck has been busy working nights at the Travel Center. I hate that he works the late hours and I hope it will change soon!!

Chuck and I will be celebrating our 7th anniversary on the 19th. It has gone by so fast!!! I can't believe it! I love him so much!!!

As for me, I have been busy just keeping up with everyone else's things as well as bible studies and I will be teaching Awana Puggles this year. I am looking forward to it. My bible study group is talking about all sorts of activities and I am starting to really make some good friends and have been planning days out with them.

Yo Gabba Gabba pt2 - The Reign of Terror continues!

Current mood: crazy
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities






Brought to you by:

Yo Gabba Gabba- part 1 - and you thought Teletubbies were bad!

Jesse loves to watch Yo Gabba Gabba. It honestly makes me wonder what television is coming to. If you never before heard of this children's show it is quite scary. DJ Lance, an adult, is basically playing with some toys that come to life. They sing songs and dance. Take a look at the videos and let me know what you think! LOL


There's a party in my tummy (other songs on the show include "Dont bite your Friends" and "hold Still")




Dancey Dance Time (when celebrities come and make fools of them self)




Biz's beat of the day (when they teach your kids how to annoy you!)

Short Video of Bryan Singing and Dancing at VBS

Really Long Week

This week I helped out with VBS at church. I had the toddlers (no I am not crazy). It was a long week but I had a great time and I am going to miss some of my little guys! I took a few pictures of them which I will post later this week.

Bryan had a good time and wasn't ready for it to end. He memorized all 5 "Truths" of the week and made lots of cool crafts. He has been singing songs and dancing the hula all week (the theme was Outrigger Island which has a Hawaiian feel to it). He learned a new way to say hi and goodbye (Aloha) and all the kids would say it to each other. I am looking forward to Sunday night family night to see the kids perform and get their awards.

This week I am going to try and relax as well as get laundry done and pack because next weekend we are headed off to camp.

Where the Silence Breaks

Where the Silence Breaks
by Lowell Alexander, Dave Clark, Phil Nash, and Tony Wood

When I seek God in the morning
I feel like I am free
From all the restless voices
Calling out to me
Surrounded by the silence
I surrender to the truth
That to live where I can listen
Is all He calls to me

I want to hear the voice of God
No matter what it takes
I wanna be weak enough
to listen
Strong Enough to wait
It's not enough to know
He's speaking
I wanna hear what He has to say
So I am standing in the shadow
Living where the silence breaks

I can hear Him in the pages
Revealing hidden truths
Old verses with new answers
For what I'm going through
Like water to the thirsty
His word is life to me
I don't want to miss
the moments
When he is calling me

It may be a whisper in the
wilderness
A comfort in the pain
It may sound like rolling thunder
Or mabe like a gentle rain

Currently reading : Experiencing God : Knowing and Doing His Will - Workbook By Henry T. Blac

Wild Weather

The weather here has been pretty fierce lately. We have been having some major storms with lots of rain. Thankfully no tornadoes close enough to us to cause problems.

Some of the storms have brought non-stop lightning. The sky is lit up every few seconds and there is a constant roar of thunder. I love watching these storms until they are close enough that the thunder shakes the house.

The rain we have been getting comes down in bursts of flooding rain. The other night we had so much rain that with in a few seconds the drain in our basement patio was blocked by mud. I had to wade through shin high water to unblock it because the water was seeping under the basement door. The Missouri River (a few miles from here) is flooded way above its shores and it isn't even due to crest until tomorrow!

(photo taken by my mom on Saturday)

Last night when I was driving home a hail core went right over my town and my van was pummeled by what we thought at the time was ping pong sized but later found out it was baseball sized hail! I pulled off the road and under some trees when it first started to hail but then when it kept getting bigger the trees weren't stopping it any more and I had my 2 little ones in the back crying and screaming. I was sure that my windshield was going to brake. I had to drive quite a bit in it to find an actual over hang to get under. It was the scariest thing I think I have been through and the sound of the hail hitting the van kept echoing in my head all night!

We have some more storms coming in later this week, which will mean more floods and severe weather for us.

I forgot to mention that ....

Bryan was in the local newspaper again! :) The picture I took of Bryan and his Classmates at the zoo (below) was sumitted by his preschool teacher to the paper. :) He is just having the best month! LOL

Officially the Mom of a new Kindergartener

He is officially a Kindy! :) Here is a video from Bryan's preschool graduation! Sorry the video is a little shaky Jesse was yanking on my arm while I was trying to record. Sorry this is so short been running around trying to get things ready for our trip to Illinois.

So busy!!!

The last few weeks have been so busy! Lots of end of the school year activities, soccer practices, soccer games, birthdays, visiting the Kindergarten Bryan will be attending next year, Mother's day and the festival! Wow!!! I have really enjoyed having my own vehicle and being able to get around to all the fun things!

Tomorrow is Bryan's 5th birthday! Bryan picked out a Pirate cake and chocolate ice cream. If its sunny we are going to BBQ tomorrow and if not we are going to order some pizza. He is happy that he gets to take cupcakes to his class. :) He is getting so big and wants to do more for himself! Today he wanted to prove that he could pour himself a glass of milk without any help. I know that I maybe very cautious about things but I refuse to let him do that until now. He did great ans was so proud of himself!

I have now started selling Avon. I am hoping to make some extra money to help Chuck out. I always feel bad that he has the stress of being the soul provider, although I LOVE being able to be home with the kids.

Memorial day weekend we are going to drive to Illinois to see our niece, Kursta graduate from high school. It will be nice to see that part of the family. I have only met Chuck's sister Kim once about 5 years ago.

Okay I am rambling! LOL Here are a few pictures from Bryan's field trip to the zoo. It was a beautiful day and cool enough that the animals were all out and playful.

Bryan was in the Local Newspaper!

My little guy had a blast at the mushroom festival and LOVED the Camp Kinnard basketball show ... when they asked for people to join in dancing to YMCA, Bryan jumped at the chance. Rob Kinnard, the local Recreations Director and a friend from church picked Bryan up to dance with him. Here is the image from the paper! :)






The caption reads "Richmond Parks and Recreation Department's Rob Kinnard wore many hats - and in this case a wig - through-out much of the Mushroom Festival festivities. Here, he gives a child a unique viewpoint of the ISE (International Sports Evangelist) performers to the delight of the crowd." Even though it doesn't say his name its still very exciting to see him in the paper and he feels like he is famous because of it too! :)

Bryan's Awana cubbie graduation

Bryan had his graduation for Awana Cubbies on Sunday. This means he has completed a 2 year, 2 book study from the Bible. Awana's is kind of like a boy scouts/girl scouts program but is all about the Bible and memorizing scripture and doing activities that coincide with the Bible studies. The kids earn patches for each section they complete. Bryan has now completed the Cubbies (3-4 year old) group and will be moving up to the Spark (Kindergarten-1st grade) group next fall. Here is a video from his graduation ceremony.

Last night's storm

We had our first severe storm of the year. It was pretty scary at times although we did not have to take cover. The winds were really strong and shook the house, and at one time the sky was lit by 5 strikes of lightning at the same time! It was blinding!

We have no damage here in town (which is good because its the annual Mushroom Festival this weekend). However surrounding towns and cities got hit pretty hard. The news has been talking all morning (even going into extended air time) about all the houses and stores that are damaged or not even there anymore! Chuck just left for work fully expecting to find the store with some damage to it. His store is in an area that has some major damage reports... and when he tried calling the store there was no answer.

I took a video of some lightning so once I get that uploaded I will add it.

My Pretty New Ride!!!

Yesterday we purchased a second vehicle!!! YAY!!! I am so excited that I have my own car again (its been 4 years) and its the type I wanted. We got the best deal ever on it!!! Here's my new toy! LOL

He did it!!!

I am so proud of Jesse!!!! For the last month I have been setting him on his potty every once in a while, not really expecting anything since he is only 14 months old .... but to get him used to sitting on it. He actually used it today!!! He was so proud of himself!!!!

A surprising start to the day

You probably know by reading my update on myspace how I started my day out! This morning at 4:30ish I was woken up by rumbling and shaking. I sat straight up in bed thinking that lightning struck really close to the house. Chuck got up and walked the house. Well we both went back to sleep and I found out later that it had been a 5.4 mag quake centered in IL.

I knew that we lived near the New Madrid fault but I was told that it onlyhad a few quakes and most people never had felt any! HA!!! Just my luck!

What were they thinking?

Bryan’s fish have ick again so I went to the store and got some medicine for them.

Anyway the warning on the label cracked me up it says:
"Do not use on baby whales or elephant seals".... because you know EVERYONE just happens to have a baby whale or an elephant seal in their backyard.... LOL Its almost as good as the label on the cheese spray stuff..."For best results remove lid".

Here are some more silly labels I found:
"Do not use if you cannot see clearly to read the information in the information booklet." -- In the information booklet.
"Caution: The contents of this bottle should not be fed to fish." -- On a bottle of shampoo for dogs.
"Do not use while sleeping." -- On a hair dryer.
"Not intended for highway use." -- On a 13-inch wheel on a wheelbarrow.
"Please keep out of children." -- On a butcher knife. (a little scary)
"For use by trained personnel only." -- On a can of air freshener.
"Remember, objects in the mirror are actually behind you." -- On a motorcycle helmet-mounted rear-view mirror.
"Not for weight control." -- On a pack of Breath Savers.
"Fragile. Do not drop." -- Posted on a Boeing 757. (Just for you Dad)
"Using Ingenio cookware to destroy your old pots may void your warranty." -- A printed message that appears in a television advertisement when the presenter demonstrates how strong the cookware is by using it to beat up and destroy a regular frying pan.
"Remove occupants from the stroller before folding it."
"Warning! This is not underwear! Do not attempt to put in pants." -- On the packaging for a wristwatch.

Bryan is getting so much older

Tomorrow is Bryan's Kindergarten screening. He is so excited because he knows that it means he will be going to the all day, every day school next year. Right now he is in preschool only a few hours 2 days a week but would love to be in school all the time. I think Kindergarten (well school in general) will suit him. I has such an amazing desire to learn.

Also this Spring he will be starting Soccer!!! I am so excited to get out and watch him play! He says that he will also want to take basketball in the fall and Karate. Once he is 8 he can also join drama if he chooses. I think he would be great at it!

Happy Birthday Jesse!

This year has truly flown by! Jesse is now a big 1 year old whose personality is really starting to shine. He is a funny little guy who loves to laugh and has a smile that well melt your heart. He is very different from his big brother ... almost night and day. But that is a good thing because I love seeing them be them selves!

I am starting to get baby fever again but I really want to wait until this summer to start trying for our 3rd and final baby.

Completely Humbled

I am humbled.... completely floored by how God can work through us. In December I made a music video for youtube using one of my favorite Christmas songs, mostly because I wanted to send the song to several friends. Well tonight I was going through my videos and was surprised to find with in that month my video was viewed over 11,000 times! I as I looked I noticed it was linked to several times (meaning people had added the video to their websites and blogs). The very first link brought me to tears. It was the blog of a wonderful women struggling with brain cancer. She wrote about how the Christmas season, the video and the song brought her hope! I feel blessed to know that God touched someone else's life through me!!!

Startling News

I had a Optometrist appointment this morning. It had been 2.5 years since I had an eye exam because our old insurance only paid every other year. Anyway after the exam the Dr told me that I am legally blind in my right eye and barely legal in my left. In fact, he said, I would not be legal to drive in my current glasses!!! I was hoping to get contacts and was told that I would not be able to because of how severe my eye sight is.... but frankly I am just happy that I can see after what I was told! I will be needing (eventually) to have Lasik or I will end up legally blind and not be able to drive. We went over all the financial details of it and it will end up being $1800 out of pocket. We will probably be going through with it next year so that we can increase our FSA amount. But for now I am fine just getting my new glasses.

My boys crack me up

My boys crack me up, which is a good thing lately since I have been sick with a stomach bug twice in the past 2 weeks and needed the cheering up!

Bryan is getting older and with it comes new questions and thoughts! This morning, while eating a banana he sat with a contemplative look on his face fo a long time. He finally turned to me and asked "Mom what do they call Alaskan Bananas?" LOL He also is working really hard on learning how to read. He is on book 10 of a learn to read set and is doing very well. He told me that he wants to learn to read and spell so he can understand his daddy and me when we spell things. He is acting so much older these days! Acting more and more like an older boy. He loves cars, dinosaurs, pirates and wants to take Karate (he has to protect us from bad guys, you know). He also has decided that girls have cooties... but thinks he may marry one someday.

Jesse on the other hand is my sweet cuddle bug. He is pretty much attached to me. He says dada and Bubba and sometimes mum. His newest thing is sneezes. He thinks they are funny and the little pumpkin smile that he gets cracks me up and melts my heart! He wants so desperately to be a big boy and play in his brother's room, he will sit on the floor and bang on the door and do a Tarzan scream until Bryan opens it for him. He HATES baby shows (unless Elmo is in it) but loves to sit and watch any kind of sport. He is sooooo close to walking! I can't believe this year has flown by! My baby will be a year old next month!!