Overwhelmed and overpriviledged

Well this Christmas would definetly rate up there with one of the best. If my mom were still here, I might make this my number one. My children all received presents that from their viewpoint were exactly what the wanted and more! They all were very gracious on top of that and really poured out the thank you's this year. We all received gifts from each other, homemade or store bought, all in all they are exponentially wonderful! What a wonderful Christmas eve we had opening our presents that morning, spending time with the kids, and then packing to leave for our annual vacation with the family. Late afternoon we ventured out to find some lunch/dinner and came home for more packing and getting dressed for Christmas Eve service. We had a wonderful service which reminded me once again why we do Christmas and then left for family. Traveling in style with my new Christmas present (yes, mama got a new ride) and breaking it in for our annual treck. We flew in around the time Santa would land on the roof top and deliver his toys, tucked out sweet little ones in only to awaken early the next morning. Able to spend time with my step father and just us, with Christmas lunch and then back to the inlaws for more food and presents. Most importantly we have just been able to hang out and spend time with family and friends and relax. We've enjoyed our annual stay, not that it is over but just wanted to touch base and let you all know, I'm relaxing. Believe it or not I don't even have a plan! I just wake up every morning and then we decide on what to do! Build a Bear, shopping, eating, family, church, reading my newest book, and eating some more! God truly showed me the meaning of Christmas is to follow Him, cry on Him, let Him do the planning, and trust in Him more than I ever have before! Thank you Lord Jesus!

Merry Christmas

Today, in the depths of my heart, I have an overwhelming joy and a Christmas spirit that has not been there before. God spoke to my heart yesterday and truly has continued on into today. He has assured me once again that He is in control. That Christmas is about Him and not just more things for me to do. He continues to show me His presence and His sustaining strength in my life. 2008 has been the most challenging year thus far in my 39 years upon this earth. I believe that He is working in a most incredible way and I am thankful. Today I am thankful for all the hard times past and all the hard times to come, because I know He lives and He lives inside my heart today! I pray today for all of you, that your Christmas will be a merry time of remembering Him and your new Year a thoughtful looking into the future of what your mission is to be in 2009! I love all of you so very dearly and so very thankful for each one of your prayers for my family and I this past year!

My blogging will be sporadic between here and 2009.

On the 11th and 12th Day of Christmas . . .

My true love gave to me . . .

12 beatiful roses

11 degrees outside!!! (brrr)

10 Candy Canes,
9 more presents to buy!!! (I'm running behind this year!)

8 cookie platters,

7 carols singing ,

6 Christmas Parties,

5 hanging Stockings!!!!!,

4 Christmas Stories,

3 Blessings from God,

2 manger scenes,

And 1 Beautiful, lovely Christmas Tree!

My husband gave me a dozen roses for our anniversary and one morning it was 11 degrees outside. But most importantly the one beautiful, lovely Christmas Tree reminds me of the one beautiful tree my Savior was crucified on for you and for me. So as you look at your tree remember that the lights are shining echoing back that the light of the world came and we celebrate that coming on Christmas but that we should be lights of the world always as the evergreen tree never turns brown. We should also reflect that it was a tree that was chopped and made into a cross and that Jesus willing came and died upon that cross for our salvation. This is what Christmas should remind us of! Merry Christmas!

My 15th Wedding Anniversary!

I cannot believe that 15 years ago today, I woke up ready to marry the man I love! I still remember that day and everything about it. I always wanted to be married at Christmas time and I'm so glad I did. Mike is everything I wanted in a husband and more. He is very handsome, tall, athletic, and lots of hair (not sure he will ever lose it). More importantly than looks he loves God above me. He is truly a man after God's own heart. That is what keeps our marraige amazing. He is more than I could imagined in my husband and I am so excited that I've been married to him for 15 years! Woohoo! It keeps getting better and better. I am more in love with him today than I was when I married him 15 years ago. I pray that God will allow him and I to be married many, many more years. I love those anniversaries of 50 and even 60 years of marraige! Thanks to all of you who are helping us celebrate!

On the 10th Day of Christmas . . .

My true love gave to me . . .

10 Candy Canes,

9 more presents to buy!!! (I'm running behind this year!)
8 cookie platters, 7 carols singing ,
6 Christmas Parties,
5 hanging Stockings!!!!!,
4 Christmas Stories,
3 Blessings from God,
2 manger scenes,
And 1 Beautiful, lovely Christmas Tree!

On the 9th Day of Christmas . . .

My true love gave to me . . .

9 more presents to buy!!! (I'm running behind this year!)

8 cookie platters,
7 carols singing ,

6 Christmas Parties,

5 hanging Stockings!!!!!,

4 Christmas Stories,

3 Blessings from God,

2 manger scenes,

And 1 Beautiful, lovely Christmas Tree!

On the eigth day of Christmas . . .

My true love gave to me . . .

8 cookie platters (lots and lot of goodies coming to my house at this time),

7 carols singing ,
6 Christmas Parties,
5 hanging Stockings!!!!!,
4 Christmas Stories,
3 Blessings from God,
2 manger scenes,
And 1 Beautiful, lovely Christmas Tree!

On the Seventh Day of Christmas . . .

My true love gave to me . . .

7 carols singing ,

(my favorites, O Holy Night, Silent Night, O come let us Adore Him, The First Noel, Mary Did you Know?, Christmas Shoes, & While you were Sleeping (Casting Crown's Cd))

6 Christmas Parties,

5 hanging Stockings!!!!!,

4 Christmas Stories,

3 Blessings from God,

2 manger scenes,

And 1 Beautiful, lovely Christmas Tree!

Below please find the words to While you were Sleeping (absolutely an amazing song, will you be found sleeping?)

Oh little town of Bethlehem looks like another silent night

Above your deep and dreamless sleep a giant star lights up the sky

And while you're lying in the dark there shines an everlasting light

For the King has left His throne and is sleeping in a manger tonight,

tonight Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping

For God became a man and stepped into your world today

Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history as a city with no room for its King

While you were sleeping, While you were sleeping

Mary shivers in the cold trying to keep the Savior warm

Born among the animals wrapped in dirty rags

Because there was no room for Him in the world He came to save

United States of America looks like another silent night

As we're sung to sleep by philosophies that save the trees and kill the children

And while we're lying in the dark there's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky

For the Bridegroom has returned and has carried His bride away in the night

America, what will we miss while we are sleeping

Will Jesus come again and leave us slumbering where we lay

America, will we go down in history as a nation with no room for its King

Will we be sleeping, Will we be sleeping

United States of America looks like another silent night

On the Sixth Day of Christmas . . .

My true love gave to me . . .

Six Christmas parties!

5 Hanging stockings!!!!!

4 Christmas stories,

3 blessings from God,

2 manger scenes,

and 1 beautiful, lovely Christmas tree

I must share with you a story of one particular Christmas party we attended last night. It all happened so many weeks ago when the youth department met together for a meeting and I (since I hadn't volunteered in this group yet) volunteered to put together plans for a Christmas Youth Party for our church. Thinking I have a cousin-in-law who used to a youth pastor maybe had ideas, I contacted his wife, but my planned failed. They had no ideas, but then one popped into my brain. As I was planning this event, I still wondered why such a detailed objective was put into my brain to accomplish this feat, I will never know. Anyway, the project became known as the Great "Amazing Christmas Race" youth party! They had 8 different locations in which they were given a clue, they had to decipler the clue as to their destination and once they got there they were given an assignment to do (eat cupcakes without using their hands, drink a half gallon of koolaid, crush crackers with their feet and eat them, act out the Christmas story for an elderly couple in an assisted living facility, and more). After they had finished the task they were then given the next clue and a toy. All over town were toys they were gathering up to bring to a local charity for children who were less fortunate. Oh they had a blast and the pictures were awesome. Because I was the head leader of all this I had to stay in one cental location and help them along when they got stuck so I was unable to drive around with them, but I enjoyed seeing their pictures. It was a lot of fun and now I'm completely exhausted. Only 2 more parties to go and then we are done for the season! Woohoo!

On the Fifth day of Christmas . . .

My true love gave to me . . .

5 Hanging Stockings!!!!!!

4 Christmas stories,

3 blessings from God,

2 manger scenes,

And one beautiful, lovely Christmas tree!

On the fourth day of Christmas . . .

My true Love gave to me . . . .

4 Christmas Stories :

Isa 9:6 For unto us a Child is born,Unto us a Son is given;And the government will be upon His shoulder.And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Matt 1:18-2:1
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."
So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

Luke 2:1-20
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them,"Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest,And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

John 1:14
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

3 Blessings from God
2 Manger scenes
and 1 Beautiful Christmas Tree

Please pray & say thanks

I posted my third gift my true love gave to me as 3 blessings from God. According to His Word, Children are a blessing from Him. I'm reminded that (and it sad to say that I need to be reminded because sometime it doesn't feel like a blessing) they are blessings and wonderful, healthy children.

I have some homeschooling friends here in my area whose son woke up on Thanksgiving disoriented and altogether not right. They have six children so a trip to the ER room isn't easy but they felt like this warranted a visit. Through many hours and test, the MRI showed a brain tumor and they were sent immediately to a childrens hospital in a larger city nearby. The little boy went through many rounds of test and even surgery to remove the tumor. 70% of the tumor was removed, however 30% was found in the brain stem. It was first believed it was not cancerous and therefore required no chemo or radiation and that the tumor orginated in the brain and grew into the brain stem. However yesterday they were given devasting news that the tumor, according to pathology reports, is cancerous and one of the worst kind. It is already a stage 3 or 4 and it originated out of the brain stem and therefore it will rapidly grow again. He has been given 12 months to live. The heartwrenching agony that my heart is going through does not compare to all that this family is living through. I pray that all of you will join me in praying for little Kendrick and his family as we ask for a miracle! I will keep you updated, but this family needs your help to keep their faith alive and strong. They are very strong believers in the Almighty God!

Also go and hug your children whereever they are and thank God for the health He has given them! Play with them, love on them, adore them, and kiss on them (for those of us who have boys, do it anyway even if they don't want you too). Remind yourself of the blessing you have been given!

On the Third Day of Christmas . . .

My true love gave to me . . .

3 Blessing from God!

2 Manger scences,

and one lovely Christmas tree!

One the Second Day of Christmas . . .

Two manger scenes,

and a lovely Christmas tree!

On the First Day of Christmas!

. . . . On the first Day of Christmas my true love gave to me. . . One Christmas Tree!

Morning! (Good, you decide?)

In the wee hours of morning (2:30 am), as I was busily dreaming of something (can't remember), I kept feeling something tugging at me. Finally I realized it wasn't in my dream, but a child. As I opened my eyes and try to open my ears (doesn't happen very easy), Isabella stood before me crying a little and saying she felt awful. So I had her crawl in bed with me thinking that maybe she just couldn't fall back asleep but that wasn't the case. She was incredibly warm. So out of the warm covers I crawl, grab my glasses and head to the medicine cabinet to grab the thermometer and some advil. After stepping on some lego's that my son so wonderfully left on the floor for me to find, I made it to our bathroom and brought her in there to check her temp, 100.8 at the time. She was shaking and coughing a raspy cough. Gave her advil and brought her back to bed with me. After tossing for what seemed like an eternity I finally suggested that we escape to the living room and check her temp again. 102 this time around and a very sick little girl. Of course with that fever your entire body hurts. So after some benedryl for sleep and the raspy breathing, we lay on the couch and talk for a while and then slowly but surely her fever came down and she fell asleep. It is 7:55 and she is still sleeping and I will let her sleep for a while. The other two are up eating breakfast and doing devotions. I haven't had a regular school week since before Thanksgiving and it is driving me insane. We will try our best today, but it looks as if Isabella won't get in much, if any. I was able to go back to sleep around 4:00 am and woke up around 6:00, maybe I can catch a nap? I had a lot of things planned but I find that when I need to slow down somebody seems to get sick and therefore stops me in my path. Today in quiet time, I just asked the Lord to let me glorify Him in being a mom today!

Friday Fotos!

Mike's Granny (90 years old!)

The Roberson Cousins being crazy as always!

Trimming the tree!

Santa House

There were two very prominent families who established my town and one of their houses still stand today and is exactly 100 years old this year. It is a beatiful 2 story home with lots of rooms and lots of antiques orginal to the house. It is for this reason they put on a Santa House every year through the house and the money goes toward the upkeep and personel of the musuem/house.

My children and I knew nothing of this wonderful event until this year while scrolling through the emails, a wonderful opportunity to volunteer showed itself within the pages. We promptly put our names in to volunteer for the Santa House. The Santa House puts on a play and also has a bitty part of introducing them to some of the children that used to live there (by actors) and then they meet Santa (elves are walking them through the house making sure tiny little hands are nice and not naughty) and then onto the kitchen to make a cookie. After the cookie, the elves bring them to the carraige house to participate in making a craft which is the end of the tour.

As I said we all volunteered for 4 of the many days this production goes on. Sarah volunteered to be the Tin Soldier, who so proudly puts out a fire in the toy shop. Isabella is a china doll in the toy shop named Mimi and she also portrays the youngest of the children of the house, Sybil. She comes down the beautiful stairs still in her pj's and looks in her stocking, stomps her foot and disappointedly climbs back up the stairs because Santa has not come yet to fill their stockings. Zech and I volunteered with the crafty bunch. We have helped at least 100 by now kindergarteners and preschoolers make a snowman ornament for their tree.

It has been a wonderful volunteer job for all of us and we are having so much fun. We have two more days next week and then we are through with this experience. We are all so very thankful for the fun we have had the lives we could touch through this. One teacher in particular after I said, "Merry Christmas" promptly corrected me and said, "We say Happy Holidays." Now many of you who know me, know that didn't settle correctly and therefore I promptly told her, "No, Merry Christmas!" I said it over 5 times before the children had to leave! We celebrate Christ birthday not a holiday! Not sure I touched her with the message more than I touched her with a nerve, but I'll say it again, "Merry Christmas!"

My Favorite Son!

Zechariah turns 12 today! Woohoo! He is everything anybody would want for a son! Mike and I are so very proud of him. He loves Lego's, pizza, time with family, and football! He has such a kind heart and usually always thinking of others. He loves to help out and teaches lots of people lots of things that his brain just naturally absorbs.

He is sitting here watching me blog at 6:35 am. He woke up early this morning and sat before his presents waiting on his turn to tear them open! Then onto Chocolate gravy and bisquits this morning for our usual breakfast treat on birthday days. We celebrated with a meal and cake last night due to the fact that today for lunch we will be gone and also tonight we will be at the church.

Thank you God, so very much for giving me this special, favorite son of ours!

Family Reunion!

The day after thanksgiving when all through the house, all my lovely family sleeping and no movement in the house. When what to my lifeless ears do I hear, my alarm, chirping so early and dear. I sprang from my bed, threw on my clothes, and dashed out the door. When upon the lawn the chariot was waiting to take me to the long lines and the shoppers abating! The stores all opened with afoot we all drew near and dashed away, dashed away with holiday cheer! I received all my treasure I had so thoroughly traced through the sale ads the day I gave thanks for His grace! Now after many hours of shopping I needed to settle down for my long winters nap, when only to confront packing and driving many hours to our destination I found a great family awaiting and a Granny to boot who turns 90 in which we celebrated with cheers and hoots! So enjoy this sorted tail of early mornings and shoppings, traveling, napping, and families toppling. Yes, this family although wild and wacky, we have a Granny who has taught us and we are not lacking in love, and fellowship, and most of all the One and Only God above all! We are reminded once again to cherish our families and friends!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

My Thanksgiving:
Sleep in late, quiet time, computer time, send someone out to get the paper for the sale ads, kids sleep in late, watch the parades on TV, start preparations for cooking, start cooking, look through sale ads, put out snack to ward off the starving, keep cooking, after many hours of cooking, eating and saying thanks, clean up, relax with sale ads and get serious on making a list of things to buy, transfer money to cover purchases tomorrow, go to sleep, wake up at 3:00 am to have someone pick me up at 3:45 and go shopping! Woohoo! I love thanksgiving!

What I am thankful for:
My husband, my children, my mom being with Jesus (even though it is hard), safety in all our travels this year, health, trials and tribulations of this year (they are bringing me so close to Jesus), a wonderful marriage, my children growing up (even though it is bittersweet), a house and roof over my head, heat (because it is chilly outside), Christmas decorations reminding me to be a Light for Him this season, my sisterchick friends (they really stick with me), all my other friends, my homeschooling community, my in-laws, my family, baby Josiah being here (Erin not being in the hospital for Thanksgiving), a sisterchick friends daughter committing her life to missions abroad, and so much more. Most of all I'm thankful for Jesus, who truly has sustained me through one of the hardest years of my life. Jesus is truly my all in all! There is a song that I sing and it goes round and round in my head during these times. This is a song by Cindy Morgan, "How can I ask for More?"

There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight, and being cradled by the moon
Catching fireflies at night
Building castles in the sand
Kissing Mama's face goodnight & Holding Daddy's hand
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more
Running barefoot through the grass
A little hide and go seek
Being so in love, that you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark, when there's no one else around
Being bundled 'neath the covers, watching snow Fall to the ground
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more
So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I've made along the way
So if there's anything I've learned From this journey I am on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cause there are questions without answers
Flames that never die
Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise
So thank you Lord, oh thank you Lord How could I ask for more!

May your Thanksgiving be filled with many blessings from above!

Pictures from the 10th Birthday Party

In our family we only give Big birthday parties for certain years and the other years we have a simple family party with lots of presents and maybe a friend or two stay over. Well this was the year for the big party, 10th! Isabella wanted to have lots of her friends over and wanted to skate, so we partied at the Family Activity Center at our church. They had a blast! She received four diaries, a jillion and one chapsticks, and lots of girly stuff.

My baby turned 10!

I've been reminising a lot these days as my children continue to get older and taller and wiser (sometimes to big for the own pants). They are a unique lot that God has given us and we are so very proud of them.

My baby is no longer a single digit. She has passed onto the double digit phase and every much a girl! She loves sports and wrestling with her daddy and she is good athletically, however girly is very much how I can describe her. She loves dressing up and makeup and her hair done. She loves manicures and pedicures. She loves anything of high fashion (too expensive for her own good most of the time). She is all heart too! She loves so very freely and wants your approval of her too! She is a daddy's girl through and through and she loves to snuggle everyday with one of us. She doesn't like to be alone and loves to be surrounded by her family and friends.

Oh my how they grow and how bittersweet it is. She told me that she missed her grandma (who is with Jesus now) because she used to play barbies with her, but she was glad she could be with Jesus now. She has told me how much she wants to be a mommy when she grows up and to homeschool her children as well. However she wants to join public school because she wants to be in the drill team and dance on the football field, LOL! She is everybit who God made her and I pray blessings upon my baby! Even though she is growing up, and the others too, they will always be my babies! Happy Birthday!

Saturday night by the fire!

Saturday night the Adult 4 and the youth hosted a camp fire and hay ride event outside our city limits. The kids and adults all bundled up because the north wind was blowing and it was cold! We sang, roasted hot dogs, talked, went on the hay ride (I stayed back and warmed my toesies by the fire) and then to end we made smores with roasted marshmellows. MMM! It was delicious and fun. We all came home smelling like fire and frigid, but our hearts were warm with good fellowship and tummies full!

What a week!

Sorry no Friday Fotos today, just some updates and such.

Last week sometime I had my sister in law invite me to Facebook and join. Relatively easy and amazingly three other people found me within two days. However as I was getting comfortable with the process I decided to try and get a contact added and therefore clicked on the "add contact" button. This proceeded to send my computer into a crazy and interested few minutes only to tell me that my contact list was empty. Didn't think much about it then, but a few minutes later I get a call from a sweet friend saying she was confused. I thought, "Okay", she needs some help, so I buckle down to get her information thinking she really needed my help. Nope, she thought I needed help because she had just received an email from me saying I've been hijacked in London and I need money wired to a Western Union account and now! It had my signature on it and everything. Needless to say that is where her confusion was and my confusion started. That night I received at least 20 phone calls stating the same thing and wanting to let me know of this email that is being sent out. If that wasn't bad enough, if you replied to it, you got another email back which was in three different forms. Some got some nasty language and demanding money, some received a nice email but still asking for money, and some received a middle of the road one demanding money still. After many a phone call, stepping in dog "poo" that night, leaving my purse somewhere, and driving all over my city to different events my children had and my phone ringing off the wall, I was wiped out. Thankfully one the places I had to attend, a friend of mine who is more computer savey than me, plopped me down in front of a computer, and helped me change my password and up my security and deactivated my Facebook account. Whew! I was wiped out that night and thought the nightmare had ended.

That was not to be because in the morning when what to my wondering eyes do appear, it wasn't eight tiny reindeer, it was an email account that was drained of all my contacts. Not even one left. Whoever hacked into my system stole all my contacts names and emails account numbers. I was frustrated beyond belief.

I continue to get a call or two about another email, but it is not from my account anymore and only if you replied to that email. I learned I don't like facebook because that is where it all started and I learned that my friends are truly concerned about me and it was wonderful to talk with them all. I'm glad its Friday and this problem has been resolved. I'm estactic that my friends love me and helped me out with this scenario. However I haven't received my money girls? LOL, just joking, love you all!

Computer Hacking!

Please forgive me for any of you who recently received such horrible emails from a computer hacker who got into my system. It is completely bogus and I'm completely at whits end about it! They took all my contact list and therefore if your one of them, I do not have emails for anyone anymore, and I need them all once again. Thanks,

Star Gazing!

I'm fairly sure those people that read my blog will really understanding how insane I really am after reading this post. However I am truly sure some of you would have done the same!

About 2 months ago another pastor's wife in the area sat across from me at dinner and said, "Do you want to go and see Beth Moore live and in person down in Houston on November 10th?" What else would I say, "Yes, yes, and another yes!"

What I didn't know was that we were driving 6 hours to get to destination, stay the night, and drive another hour to get to the church we needed to arrive at yesterday morning, to stand in line with 150 other pastor's wives so that we could have lunch with Beth Moore. We sat a table over from her and had her staring nose to nose to us and speak to us as pastor's wives and share in the full time ministry tricky situations that we get ourselves into, rave more on the complications about self tanner that she uses, and God speak through her to each of our hearts (at least He did mine) and then rush off stage to another taping on another bible study she is doing and not get to shake her hand. Then if that wasn't enough, get back into our vehicle and drive another 7 hours home, which was really 8 1/2 hours because of traffic, potty breaks, rain, and meals!

Was it worth it! You bet! I did a little star gazing at a woman I profoundly respect as a woman of God. She is a size 2 I'm sure of it! She is in person an excitable lady of God, but does she love Him as much as she proclaims? I don't doubt it one bit! She loves God to her very core!

I had a wonderful time sharing with the other pastor's wife lots and lots of stories as she did with me and the girl time was fabulous. There was a lot of chocolate involved (we happened upon a store that had Ghiradelli chocolate 75% off! Woohoo!) and lots of laughter. Yes, if you read this right, I drove 15 1/2 hours to have lunch with Beth Moore and not even get to meet her. But I wouldn't have changed it and I'm glad I went. God is good and always speaks so wonderfully to my heart, even as insane as this ladies heart is!

Saturday Funnies!

We needed to make a Walmart run as Sarah was playing volleyball this past Thursday and we had a few extra minutes to look so off we were looking at Christmas presents. Zech had discovered something and was engrossed in looking at it when Isabella, out of the blue, as serious as she could be asked, "Mom, does your butt itch sometimes like mine?" Too Funny!

Friday Fotos!

Novel Writers?

I've got to tell you about the new fashion happening at my house. We have arguments and fights here from time to time on a normal level. But I have to explain to you that some of these arguments when looking back on them will just make you laugh and realize you are not a normal family. I know there really isn't a "normal" family, but ours just makes me realize how insane we might be!

The argument arose yesterday about the fact that Sarah was on the computer for the 3rd time and he hasn't had his chance. Now most of you by now are thinking that is pretty normal around our house. What you don't know is he is arguing and she had this complaint just yesterday about him, that they are complaining about not being about to WRITE A BOOK! Yes, you heard it here first. My children want to WRITE! No complaining, no fussing over the actual mechanics and the assignment. Just irritating remarks because they can't do their assignment more! LOL! They would if I let them all spend all day writing their "books" that they have started. I have found a new website and you need to check it out because it is one of the inspirations behind why they want to write so much! www.tikatok.com

Another reason that stirred my children up to write is a field trip we took at the last minute on Tuesday to a public school to hear an author speak of his books. Some of you might have heard of him, Rick Riordan and his Camp Half-blood series. It is a series of books that he wrote to help his boy learn Greek mythology. Basically he imagined what it would be like if you found out that your mother or father was really a Greek god and you, because you are their children, are half-blood Greek god's! It really is an exciting series, however I must warn you as I was warned it does have some language in it. Nothing more than what they already hear and because he was writing to an audience that his sons age was, he put some of it in there. His speech was awesome and the kids loved his imagination. They even were awe struck that he was rejected by his publishers 14 times, but he kept up his perseverance! He is also in the midst of helping them come out with a video game and maybe even a movie to be released in the Summer of 2010!

So to say the least their inspirations were based on a real live author and their excitability of using the computer in a unique way of writing a book. So do I have a budding author or authors living in my house? Who knows, but when they finish their books, I will post where you can read them and you be the editor and see what you think. In the meantime, I'll sit back and listen to, "Mom, I'm supposed to be on the computer to write now! I want to do my writing!" and enjoy even if it is in a whinny voice.

Who's Who of American Academic Excellence

Congratulations should go out to Sarah and Zech Roberson who were nominated and accepted into the registration of the Who's Who of Middle School American Academic Excellence. I'm so very proud that they were nominated and chosen. They will be elligible for future scholarships for this honor. They have both worked so very hard at their academic acheivements and it is very gracious honor to be recognized for those acheivements. Sarah received straight A's for her first 9 weeks of school and Zech all A's except one B (an 89) [Isabella got straight A's too!]. They both do very well in school and have had to buckle down in the midst of the chaos that has errupted in our house over the last several weeks with so many large events to deal with.

What does the next 9 weeks hold for us? So far a field trip to see an author who inspired them to writing and becoming a writer. They have a book to publish by Christmas (not formally, just for fun) and autobiographies to learn to write and they will participate in our annual Christmas letter. They are all volunteering in the Santa House as either actresses in a play or as a volunteer. We will be there 4 days. We have a Christmas Parade to be in for the MARS Robot team will be proudly displaying our trophy! There are birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries all mixed up in there. Sarah and Zech both have camping trips to look forward to, and Isabella and Zech a Christmas musical to sing for (no acting in this musical, just songs). I'm sure I left a lot of it out but this is just a snipet of our extra curricular activities along with some of our curricula to be accomplished over the next semester.

They are all three doing very well in school this year and having a lot of fun with the extra stuff along the way!

Mock Elections

Yesterday, after enrichment, we drove over to the boys and girls club here in our town where several moms and several "poll" volunteers were gathered and set up a "Mock Election" for our homeschool community.

As we arrived, the children were all given a voters registration card and ask to complete it. They stated that Texas drivers license and their social security number wasn't necessary due to the fact that many are under 16 (therefore no drivers license), but also it was just a "staged" election anyway, we were just trying to provide the children with the experience. After the registration card was completed by most of the children, the leader of the volunteer "poll" group spoke to us about the importance of voting and more good information the kids could glean. One of the Homeschool moms in charge of the event spoke to the kids about the importance of knowing who you are voting for, the importance of reading the entire question and such before voting. That we are to "campaign" for our votes before we vote, but not while we are standing in line and while we are voting.

The children were then asked to line up and start the process. They handed their registration cards over to some "older" teenagers who wrote their names down and had them sign their names and such and handed them their ballot. This led to another line to wait their turn to cast their votes for President (we had 8 candidates on the ballot, all who are real on the real ballot you and I will cast today or if you have already voted) and then silly questions like referendums to vote for. An example of one of the questions:

If you as an older sibling do not keep your room clean, you will not only have to clean your room, but your younger siblings rooms as well. Yes _________ No __________

This received a lot of laughs and "No way" comments to "Yes" my older sister would always have to clean my room and so on. Another example:

The Homeschool Groups Robot Team is the best! Yes___________ Yes ___________

No that isn't a typo, it was literally the only thing you could vote for was a "yes" answer.

After they made their votes, they went and put their ballot in the "Ballot Box" and received a "I voted" sticker. This was truly a learning experience for all the children involved and it really helped them to know the voting process. Yes, most of us have learned all about the electoral college and such and the Popular vote vs the Electoral votes. However the children received a great view for how the whole procedure was arranged.

We received the voting results last night on the president only and McCain won by a land slide with 46 votes! Woohoo! You already knew I was his supporter! Obama received 6 votes and an independent received 1 vote. The rest of the voting results will be posted near the end of the week. Truly it was

My day (coming up!)

Good Morning! Last week wasn't too bad of a neck breaker and this week looks to be less hectic as well. I like those weeks and days, but some days are worse than others, like today!

5:00 am - wake up - wash face
5:10 am - spend time with God and prayer
6:30 am - spend time on computer answering all those emails and blogging
7:00 am - wake kids, get dressed, make bed
7:15 am - breakfast
7:30 am - put face on (makeup) and get hair done
7:50 am - start printing and packing back packs and gettting everything ready for Enrichment
8:30 am - walk out the door and go to enrichment
9:00 am - OT class to teach (5 kids)
10:00 am - Homeschool Board Meeting & Picture day for the kids
11:00 am - sign language class (3 kids)
12:15 pm - go to boys & girls club and kids participate in Mock Vote
1:00 pm - drop books off at the library and head home
1:30 pm - eat lunch
2:00 pm - do school (math, reading, science, & latin)
4:00 pm - Couple to pick up kids and take them to eat and Upwards Celebration at 6:00
4:30 pm - start to get ready for pastor appreciation dinner tonight at 6:00
5:30 pm - walk out door with hubby to dinner
6:00 - 8:00 - attend dinner
8:30 - home and kids come home after being spoiled by couple
8:30-9:00 - showers, bedtime snuggles, and prayer and kids to bed
9:00 - 10:00 - Hubby and I visit finally from all day and take our sleeping pills and wait for them to kick in.
somewhere around 9:30 - 10:00 fall asleep
5:00 am - wake up again and do it all over! (except with different stuff!)

Yes, we have a busy day today!

Beauty & the Martian & Hummer Salesman

Happy Fall Festival (no I don't like Happy Halloween!) Thought you would enjoy the pictures of the kids in their costumes for our annual Fall Festival. Isabella is "Belle" from Beauty and the Beast, Sarah is a Martian wearing her MARS outfit from the robot contest and Martian antenaes, and Zech is nothing really (he doens't like to dress up) but we dubbed him the Hummer salesman since his shirt had a Hummer on it! He like that idea. We had fun, ate way too much candy!

Six for the Road

Have you seen this TLC show? We happened to catch it last night on accident but it was interesting to say the least (at least to us). This family, who homeschools, actually sold their house and bought an RV and they are traveling to all fifty states (not sure how they will make it to Hawaii) and truly educating their children on the wonders of God's glories He has bestowed upon the US. They have two teenage daughters and two very active boys. Last night the show was on dissecting a frog and how their daughters didn't want to and the boys did. They had also stopped somewhere to run a fireworks stand for 12 days and the hardships on this effort were tremendous. I'm not sure how they survive, but somehow they are doing it and adjusting with all of it.

I'm fairly sure I couldn't do this but it intrigued me. We want to take a trip to Washington DC next fall and I've been planning that road trip. However that will be a 2 week adventure at the most and not a whole years worth of planning to go to. The adventure they will experience is so much more than a classroom could ever teach them. The mom is still doing their core subjects and such but going above and beyond the call of duty by giving them a hands on experience of so many things families just don't get to explore. Just thought I would let some of you know what you could watch on TV if you really had some time in the evening to just watch (doesn't happen very often in this household).

Calm before the Storm

Robotics is over and my huge ladies event is done, Upwards has one more week and we are in a calm period of time. That doesn't necessarily mean we don't have a lot to do, we just have less work outside the house and less meeting in the evenings. What it does mean is that we have to buckle down with our school work, get to cleaning our house (it really has been left to itself these past 6 weeks!), and get ready to start thinking about the holidays.

However this week, although I will clean and we will get some school done, I'm going to rest. I'm going to maybe read a book, take a nap, go shopping because I want to, and more. Today, well enrichment continues, and then we will head home to clean up what looks to be a Tornado that hit the inside of my house. We have a few weeks before Upwards Basketball starts up along with Isabella's birthday, Thanksgiving, going to Granny's 90th Birthday party, Zech's Birthday, and then Christmas. All that coupled with parties, shopping, and school, well lets just say the storm will hit again and I will be busy continuously from here on out.

My Lord sustains me and keeps reminding me to focus on Him and what really matters and that is what I am continually doing! He matters and showing the world His glory!

We Won Third in NT Best Award!

I cannot tell you how proud we as home educator parents are for our children! They have worked so very hard the last six weeks in preparing for this competition. There are two sets of awards given out for this competition. One is for the actual Robots and its driving and although in the Semi finals our drivers actually got us into first place (Sarah and Caleb!) our finals round didn't go very well and we placed fourth! However 4th from 14 teams is awesome still and therefore we are still very proud. Although as the judges announced those, they come to a point where they say, the robotics challenge is great and all that is not why they do this competition. They do it because they want to see schools come together in an effort for teamwork, best sportmanship, and spirit. Therefore they place the NT BEST Award higher than the actual Robotic award and we were given 3rd place in that award and Wow how spectacular that is! I am so very proud of my three! They did their work seriously on top of all the schoolwork they had! Mom didn't slack off very much during this six weeks and so we are still ahead of the game and doing our BEST! Go Home Educators Around Texoma (HEAT!), you all did a wonderful job!

You Tube Video of our MARS Team

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8cH6uFsza4


Click on the above post and it will take you to our video for our MARS Team. The kids did such an awesome job!

Friday Fotos!

Pray for the MARS Team and Sarah our driver (all the drivers & mechanics & rack transporter (Zech is one!), competition is Tomorrow (October 25th, starting at 9:00) We have to be there at 7:30 am which means we leave here at 5:00 am! Woohoo! Go, Mars, Go!!!!!

I'm off to see the Wizard!

In all the discussions we have had of late, one strikes me as particularly amusing. RADAR our robot at the mall day was erratic in his movements at points of the competition. The judges even saw it and started checking it out. They inspected the batteries, the parts, and all the other pieces that make up RADAR. In doing so they finally suspected and finalized that they believe RADAR's brain maybe had a malfunction in its hard wiring and therefore they gave us a new brain to reprogram and attach to RADAR before Game day. Now as I was thinking about this, I started pondering how many of us has a hard wiring defect in our brain and would love to trade up! I know I would. My children, as sweet as they are, often tell me that my brain must be leaking or malfunctioning. I forget to do things like go down an alternative road to get to my house because they have my main road blocked off. I've forgotten a half dozen times and every time they seem to be with me and say, "Mom, where are you going?" I want to tell them something smart you know, but usually it is just, "Yes, mom forgot AGAIN!" I forget other things as well like to pick up milk when we are out, to sign them up for this or that, or get something copied for school. These are all simple in their nature however to children when Mom forgets something to them is wrong. They also love to point out when Mom doesn't do everything right! Kids truly help you become humble. Well at any point of this discussion I realize that I would love to have someone give me a new brain, an upgrade, and reprogram my design. While we are at it, maybe they can reprogram all those quirks I seem to have and those eradicable movements I get every now and then. I would love to have a brain for math and science because I still don't like those subject. My brain would function to a more outdoorsy kind of view of life than a stuck in the mud and in the house kind of person I am. Maybe I would even be a genius! Who knows, but because I am in the midst of the wildest kind of chaos that ensues my days here lately, I truly feel like the scarecrow without his brain. He and his friends simply followed the yellow brick road and set off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, all to receive parts of themselves they needed. So today I'm off to see the Wizard to get a new brain. Hmmm. . . isn't that a lot like going to see the God every morning in our quiet times. Oh Lord, truly I need a new brain or at least someone to reprogram it. He says to me, "Go to my Word!" His Word is all we need! It will reprogram all of us!

Toilets (to clean or not to clean!)

Interesting enough we are having such a funny little discussion in my house in the midst of the robot mess, stress, chaos, we are in. You see all my three darling children have chores to complete in the mornings and one of those is the bathroom. They scrub the sink, the mirror, the counter, pick up things from the floor and so on. Also they are to wipe down the toilet every morning (because too many little people who don't care too much about toilets reside in this house and use this bathroom a lot!). Also until about a month ago they scrubbed the inside of the toilet every morning. Well mom found a neat invention, but costly and therefore has changed this routine to scrubbing once a week. This neat invention is just a handle that you attached a scrubber that already has bleach, cleaners, and scrubbers in it. You simply attach it to the handle, dunk it in the water, and voila the cleaners are released and off you go.

So the reason for my post is this: All my little people are getting mad at the others because they haven't had a turn to clean the toilet! LOL! Isabella's turn is on Mondays and even though she has been told she isn't to clean the toilet, she does so anyhow and there ensues the arguement. Zech and Sarah haven't had the pleasure (too funny I know) of cleaning the toilet with Mom's new invention (or purchase). So I have to tell her, yesterday once again, DO NOT clean the toilet because your brother and sister want too. Now you can't punish her for this, I mean seriously who punishes their child when they WANT to clean the toilet. Not this momma, however these new cleaning scrubbers are $4.00 (w/tax) for 6 of them and that categorizes them expensive and I don't want to have to buy them every week for the enthusiam of my children wanting to clean the toilet.

Maybe in the wake of all this robotics event they will figure out a robot to do their chores for them! Happy scrubbing!

We are going to Public School!

Well at least for an hour anyway! R.A.D.A.R. is becoming famous these days and he is making many public appearances on TV, radio spots, and newspapers. Because of his popularity, some public school have requested a demonstration of his wonderful abilities. Sarah will demonstrate Radar today at Katy Haynes elementary school to a group of 6th graders! So we in our MARS T-shirts and camo pants are headed to public school to put on a show of our robots abilities. The kids are excited about showing off their talents and getting a chance to peek inside public schools! (for some reason they think these schools are exciting?!, it is just a world unknown to them and so it is a mystery ready to unsolve for them).

Video of Sarah Driving

Meet R.A.D.A.R.

Radar has two forklifts in the front to pick up the plane pieces and a claw in the back that will place the plane pieces where they belong on the plane.

Here are some pics of mall day and our T-shirts/camo outfits and of course the star of the show R.A.D.A.R. Our team really stood out that day with their t-shirts/camo outfits. The back of the shirt is designed as a machine being built saying, "Release the machine."

Full Speed Ahead

Well Mall day was a success and we are racing towards the end of a very long six weeks. 5 days and counting we are on our mark, ready, and about to say, "Go!" To see who of all the teams truly built the best robot. We have already had a meeting on drivers, two meetings tomorrow, three on Tuesday, two on Wednesday, three or four on Thursday and who knows how many on Friday to try and beat the clock! We leave out of here at 5:15 am Saturday, to get to our destination on time and set up, check in with our robot, and much more.

We are all very dead tired, cranky, stressed, and yet still trying to do school in the midst of all the chaos! We will survive and so very glad that God is faithful and will see us through!

Drivers Needed (and prayer too!)

Friday our robot was finally complete and we had driving competitions to see who our 6 drivers are going to be for mall day and for competition day. Sarah had made up her mind that she wanted to try out. Honestly I think for me I sit on two fences half the time with my children. One is the fence of doubt. Doubting whether or not my child can or cannot do something and knitpicking all their flaws. The other fence is the cheerleading fence when you believe beyond on a shadow of a doubt they are truly the best children in the world. Well Friday I was on the doubt fence! I watched her perform and my thought was, "No way will they pick her." Now to defend her and be on the other fence, there were only about 2 drivers I thought were even worthy for it. So we had about 15 children try out for driving auditions. They were timed, had to go through and around obstacles and such and mimic a dry run. Sarah was about 5 down in the line. They had a few kids who scored the same and so they had a run off and I'm still thinking Sarah will not get picked. So what happens when they announce the winners? I about dropped my jaw, and so did Sarah by the way (she was on the doubting fence too) that she was 3rd from the top!!!! Also she was the only girl picked! I was awed, amazed, shocked, and everything else in between.

Now here is where the prayer begins. She did very well under pressure at Mall day! We survived and we were one of two teams who even got close to building out planes. Even her daddy (who was on the doubting fence too) was impressed! But Mall day is a totally different day than game day. So please pray for her throughout this week to take this completely seriously and that she really understands the workings of the robot. She is now the leader of the robotics team (as all drivers are) and we score by her building or failing. Also pray for us because there are a ton, and I mean a ton of meetings this coming week including one today. Sarah will have meetings everyday this week on driving and Zech will have meetings for the Oral Presentation to tell why our robot is the best and Isabella will have meetings with the Spirit Team (she was chosen team captain of that and you should see her lead, she is quite the cheerleader and leader for this team!). Please pray for our sanity, we are so very tired from everything and we just need rest but that won't happen for this week for sure.

One more week to go! Please pray also for the competition on Oct. 25th, safe travel, safety of the kids, and the pressure/competition of it all! Way to go Sarah! (I promise to post some pictures as soon as I am able!)

Friday Fotos!

Old friends come to visit (Summer 2007)

Queen for the day? Maybe too many queens!

The Big Bad Wolf's Story

Today in school we learned the meaning and the importance of voting. In class we had a news reporter (mom) tell the story that she heard from the Wolf in the classic fairy tale The Three Little Pigs and that he claims that he was framed!!! The wolf was simply trying to get a cup of sugar and had a cold. He went to each pigs house and knocked but they were rude and wouldn't let him in much less give him a cup of sugar. Because of his cold though and his allergies, he would sneeze and end up blowing the pigs house in. He also concluded that the first two pigs were obviously not intelligent since they had built them a house of hay and sticks and therefore their testimony should not be admissible! He continued his story letting them know that by the time he had gotten to the third pigs house the cops were already on their way and they found him sick and tired and judged him because he was mad that the little pigs had not been friendly to him, but they took the pigs side of the story and that is the story we have known for the rest of our Once upon a time time.

Now my three little (no they are not pigs) students had to decide which way to cast their ballot (yes, I know this is a court/Tv case but pretend it is an election type jury situation). So we dicussed our bias's to the story we have already known and to the new story and discussed who we thought to be truth. We debated and it got a little heated (I had to remind them that their opinion was not truth, just opinion). Zech wonderfully reminded us that we had to list the facts. So I sent them all to a different room to think over the fact presented to them, draw a picture of the character that best represented his side of the story and who they thought were telling the truth. Do you know who won? It was 2 against 1 and the pigs won! (I think the voting was a little tainted by our bias's, what do you thing!) It was too funny of a fairy tale, but my three little voters got the idea of how, why, and what to vote on!

Friday Fotos!

A blast from the Past Pictures!