After giving up blogging for quite some time, due to the craziness of our lives at this moment, I decided that there is too much swirling through my head that just has to come out.
I clicked on the blog to find that the last post I wrote was when we were getting ready to leave for FL last February. Funny because we JUST got our tickets again for this coming February and are all really psyched!
Michael and Ryan's soccer season just finished yesterday. They went undefeated only allowing three goals to be scored on them this season. Pretty good since Michael was our goalie and it was his first year in that position!
Dallas has the opportunity to play on a home school soccer team in Schroon Lake. It has been a great experience for him so far. We still have a few more weeks until that one is over, but we are really enjoying watching the kids play.
Our biggest news this year has been the adoption (FINALLY!) of our daughter! Girly is now ours and her name is Sabrina! I couldn't post that while she was only foster. June 22, 2010, God chose to make us the proud parents of an 8 year old beautiful little girl.
Anyone who has followed some of my past posts (most of which I deleted so I could make this public) knows it hasn't been an easy journey. We still have struggles and trials, but God is good and she is moving along and doing great!
My baby is turning 7 tomorrow. Hard to believe. Still home schooling him. He is doing great.
I will be adding more posts soon!
Showing posts with label Blessings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blessings. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Leaving...on a jet plane!...
I am writing this mostly for journaling purposes, but if you care to read... :)
Can't believe it is finally here. We are all super excited to take a vacation like this. We have never done anything like this with the kids, nor did we ever think we would. I always said I would NEVER take my kids to Disney.
Why? One, because they don't have TV or tons of friends who have gone, so the desire wasn't there. They get excited when we take them to Lake Placid or Albany for the night and the hotel has a pool... and Two? STINKIN' EXPENSIVE! We always said that if we were going to spend the money it would be on a missions trip. Aparently, the LORD thought we needed this because it wasn't in our planning.
Growing up some of my BEST family memories were our vacations. My dad always made sure we got away. Guess where we went one year? FL. Oh, and Disney. I remember it like it was yesterday. So. Much. Fun.
We have been blessed! Over and over with regards to this trip. This really ISN'T something we ever thought we would do, but the LORD (and I am not sure why. I guess because He is so much bigger than I even can imagine and have trouble thinking He would care to bless us in this way. What a dumb thought.) ... but He decided to bless us in this way and worked it all out.
As I sat with a friend who had just taken a trip there she explained the "ins and outs" to me I could feel myself getting more and more excited. The kids sat around the computer the other day watching videos of the parks (Disney and Sea World) and I have to say, I haven't seen even Dallas that excited in a long time. I was getting teary-eyed thinking about it and watching their excitement. I know, I'm a dork.
I am nervous, I have to admit. I am a Speculator girl. This is my comfort zone. Going to PA is a stretch. I make myself do it. I am not scared of flying, just nervous at the thought of doing something none of us ever do. Fortunately, the kids are just plain excited so I just am going to sit back and enjoy watching them have fun!
I also HATE the heat. With a passion. It makes me draggy. I prayed for weather in the 60's and sunny. Guess what? THAT IS THE FORECAST!!!! Matter of fact, all three days in the parks are low 60's and sunny. HEHA!
We are also blessed to not only stay with our good friends in FL but to have our friend Daryl who we miss like crazy come and spend the week with us. She is going to the parks with us and just hanging out.
So...we will have lots of pictures when we return. Lots to tell. If anyone DOES read this (I only have like 10 people who can even get onto this blog!) pray for my eye please. It is really bothering me and PRAY for patience. I have a girly that canNOT control herself when excited. I know it is coming though, so I have already been praying. :)
Can't believe it is finally here. We are all super excited to take a vacation like this. We have never done anything like this with the kids, nor did we ever think we would. I always said I would NEVER take my kids to Disney.
Why? One, because they don't have TV or tons of friends who have gone, so the desire wasn't there. They get excited when we take them to Lake Placid or Albany for the night and the hotel has a pool... and Two? STINKIN' EXPENSIVE! We always said that if we were going to spend the money it would be on a missions trip. Aparently, the LORD thought we needed this because it wasn't in our planning.
Growing up some of my BEST family memories were our vacations. My dad always made sure we got away. Guess where we went one year? FL. Oh, and Disney. I remember it like it was yesterday. So. Much. Fun.
We have been blessed! Over and over with regards to this trip. This really ISN'T something we ever thought we would do, but the LORD (and I am not sure why. I guess because He is so much bigger than I even can imagine and have trouble thinking He would care to bless us in this way. What a dumb thought.) ... but He decided to bless us in this way and worked it all out.
As I sat with a friend who had just taken a trip there she explained the "ins and outs" to me I could feel myself getting more and more excited. The kids sat around the computer the other day watching videos of the parks (Disney and Sea World) and I have to say, I haven't seen even Dallas that excited in a long time. I was getting teary-eyed thinking about it and watching their excitement. I know, I'm a dork.
I am nervous, I have to admit. I am a Speculator girl. This is my comfort zone. Going to PA is a stretch. I make myself do it. I am not scared of flying, just nervous at the thought of doing something none of us ever do. Fortunately, the kids are just plain excited so I just am going to sit back and enjoy watching them have fun!
I also HATE the heat. With a passion. It makes me draggy. I prayed for weather in the 60's and sunny. Guess what? THAT IS THE FORECAST!!!! Matter of fact, all three days in the parks are low 60's and sunny. HEHA!
We are also blessed to not only stay with our good friends in FL but to have our friend Daryl who we miss like crazy come and spend the week with us. She is going to the parks with us and just hanging out.
So...we will have lots of pictures when we return. Lots to tell. If anyone DOES read this (I only have like 10 people who can even get onto this blog!) pray for my eye please. It is really bothering me and PRAY for patience. I have a girly that canNOT control herself when excited. I know it is coming though, so I have already been praying. :)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Well...
Lots going on here. Counting down the days until we leave for FL! I don't even care how hot/cold it is there. We are going away! Haven't done a vacation like this with the kids, EVER. Such a blessing.
Meanwhile...
We are spending as much time as possible with very close friends of ours who are leaving as soon as we return from FL. They live at our house (almost!) and are such a part of our family that it will be super hard to see them off. We know that they are doing what they feel God wants them to do, but we are still gonna miss them!
Dallas and Michael finished their b-ball season. Now I have my hubby and two older boys home by 3:30 each day. We just invested in really nice hockey skates for all so now the last few days have been spent playing hockey with their dad and friends at the town rink. Although the skates were expensive, we are learning that some things are worth investing in JUST so we can do something with our kids that they love (it helps that we actually love it too). So much more to say about this, but...another time.
Dallas finished the season with 130 points!
Michael did great in b-ball too for his first year. He had several baskets! He continues to "wow" us with his beautiful photos. Here are a few samples:
Ethan continues to want to do whatEVER his brothers are doing. He has been skating too. He and Sabrina are taking ski lessons through the town and doing great. They can both ski independently and Ethan was skiing down the big trails even last year. It will be so fun to all ski together. Sabrina is almost there.
I just started Ethan in 1st grade Math. It looks like that is what he was already doing so we are doing some jumping to figure out where he should be. He is so easy to teach. He is reading everything he can...including things that are just laying on the table....papers, bills, etc. So funny.
Here is a sample of him playing something on the piano. He is so cute.
Meanwhile...
We are spending as much time as possible with very close friends of ours who are leaving as soon as we return from FL. They live at our house (almost!) and are such a part of our family that it will be super hard to see them off. We know that they are doing what they feel God wants them to do, but we are still gonna miss them!
Dallas and Michael finished their b-ball season. Now I have my hubby and two older boys home by 3:30 each day. We just invested in really nice hockey skates for all so now the last few days have been spent playing hockey with their dad and friends at the town rink. Although the skates were expensive, we are learning that some things are worth investing in JUST so we can do something with our kids that they love (it helps that we actually love it too). So much more to say about this, but...another time.
Dallas finished the season with 130 points!
Michael did great in b-ball too for his first year. He had several baskets! He continues to "wow" us with his beautiful photos. Here are a few samples:
Ethan continues to want to do whatEVER his brothers are doing. He has been skating too. He and Sabrina are taking ski lessons through the town and doing great. They can both ski independently and Ethan was skiing down the big trails even last year. It will be so fun to all ski together. Sabrina is almost there.
I just started Ethan in 1st grade Math. It looks like that is what he was already doing so we are doing some jumping to figure out where he should be. He is so easy to teach. He is reading everything he can...including things that are just laying on the table....papers, bills, etc. So funny.
Here is a sample of him playing something on the piano. He is so cute.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Van...
My van is sick. Went in last Friday for some repairs and should have been done Saturday.
They broke a part. Won't be ready 'til Tuesday. Never called. Hmmmm.
Today. Ryan and I go to pick it up. They are acting all funny. Still don't know if we got the whole story, but the part (not the one they broke, but the original one we went in to get) is possibly defective. Have to order the part.
Ryan was in a hurry to get back to school or he would have asked more questions. Wish they would call and let us know what is going on. Wonder who has to pay for the extra labor time? Us?
At least we have a very nice vehicle to use in the meanwhile. What would I do without a car for what will be a week Friday? We are thankful for that. I am sure we WON'T be thankful for this bill. Ick.
Such is life. *sigh*
They broke a part. Won't be ready 'til Tuesday. Never called. Hmmmm.
Today. Ryan and I go to pick it up. They are acting all funny. Still don't know if we got the whole story, but the part (not the one they broke, but the original one we went in to get) is possibly defective. Have to order the part.
Ryan was in a hurry to get back to school or he would have asked more questions. Wish they would call and let us know what is going on. Wonder who has to pay for the extra labor time? Us?
At least we have a very nice vehicle to use in the meanwhile. What would I do without a car for what will be a week Friday? We are thankful for that. I am sure we WON'T be thankful for this bill. Ick.
Such is life. *sigh*
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Teenage Blessings...
Dallas, age 14, 9th grade
Michael, age 13, 7th gradeThe two older boys are more of a blessing than I can express here. Last night I was reading (yes, you read that right...I was reading) and Dallas came into the living room and started chatting with me. Michael followed a minute later and it turned into one of those conversations you want to always remember.
Laughing, teasing...then serious. Issues going on at school. How they are dealing with them. What some of their friends are doing and how it bothers them.
I love these boys. Can't wait to have them back home with me, but SO thankful for what I see the LORD teaching them through their experience at school.
Are they perfect? HA!
Are they going to mess up? Of course.
Do I stand over them EVERY night and ask God for wisdom? Protection? A love for Truth and A love for HIS word? YES!
I pray so many things for these boys. I feel that I tend to focus on Ethan on this blog because I am with him so much and because he is stinkin' adorable...
...these two are stinkin' adorable too. I LOVE the age the are at right now. So fun. Watching everything we do and imitating how we handle situations. *gulp*
They each have different issues they are dealing with. Weaknesses and areas the LORD is using in their lives, but they are one of the biggest blessings God has given to us.
Michael read through the entire bible last year. Quite an accomplishment for a (then) 12 year old. I knew he was doing it and prayed Eph 1 for him every night. That the LORD would give him the spirit of "wisdom and revelation"...that he might know HIM better!
Both boys are on honor roll. Dallas struggles with Math and Michael with homework in general (he would MUCH rather be playing) :). BUT they are both pressing on. Helps when your dad is a teacher there and knows EVERYTHING that goes on at school. Including all the grades you get!
Dallas is graduation from LPCS this Spring. Can't believe that. Home with me next year. Michael is doing better and better now that he is getting the hang of "school" and what is expected. He has jumped up to the top of his class and is learning that one of his gifts is public speaking. Who knew.
Sorry, braggin' on them a little. Just wanted to. Going to go watch them play b-ball now. Can't wait. Love these boys.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Weekend...
We had a great weekend. Very full, very busy, very tiring...but fun. VERY ready for Monday morning.
Friday was beautiful. It has been for the last week (until yesterday). Fall in the Adirondacks is unbeatable. The Ministry Center is breath-taking. I am drawn to that place and want to stay! We were there a lot this week.
Friday morning we were at the barn. We walked the donkeys down to the lake and spent time enjoying the beautiful scenery. We hiked up my mom's mountain (that's what we call it) behind her house to the lean-to and ate lunch looking at this:
After that, we ran home, grabbed girly off the bus and headed out to the boys soccer game. It was so beautiful and soooo much fun to watch all three of them (Tyler plays too) play together. They won 5-0!
Saturday was spent, again, up at the barn in the morning when four of us had the opportunity to ride. Dallas and I rode Pearl (the HUGE spotted draft horse) and Ethan and girly rode Snickers the cute pony.
Friday was beautiful. It has been for the last week (until yesterday). Fall in the Adirondacks is unbeatable. The Ministry Center is breath-taking. I am drawn to that place and want to stay! We were there a lot this week.
Friday morning we were at the barn. We walked the donkeys down to the lake and spent time enjoying the beautiful scenery. We hiked up my mom's mountain (that's what we call it) behind her house to the lean-to and ate lunch looking at this:
After that, we ran home, grabbed girly off the bus and headed out to the boys soccer game. It was so beautiful and soooo much fun to watch all three of them (Tyler plays too) play together. They won 5-0!
Saturday was spent, again, up at the barn in the morning when four of us had the opportunity to ride. Dallas and I rode Pearl (the HUGE spotted draft horse) and Ethan and girly rode Snickers the cute pony.
That's me!
We finished at the barn and I got the chance for a night out with the girls to go shopping and have dinner. We didn't get home until almost midnight.
Last night our youth group did a progressive dinner for our senior citizens in the church. That is always so much fun. We love serving them in that way. It was a great night.
Today is back to normal...we are headed to the barn!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Ouch!
I have shingles. IT HURTS!
I am WAY too young for this. It is common in people over 65! I am 38...doesn't it know that?!
I am thankful for my friend who listened when I was complaining about my aching back and my rash...looked at it and said, "That looks like shingles". (She had it last year. She should know.)
She was right! Thankfully if you get on meds within 72 hours of the rash (not fun) it makes it not quite as horrible, but still pretty yucky.
I wouldn't have thought of shingles but I went to see my doctor first thing this morning and she knew right away that is what I had.
Apparently, if you have had the chicken pox, it lays dormant in your body and something can trigger it, mine, they think, was triggered by my Remicade treatment. Possibly.
Anyway, the question that keeps coming to mind is, "How can I glorify my LORD in this situation?" I just want to complain, I want sympathy. (So any is welcome.) :)
We have a meeting with Social Services Friday. It is REALLY messed up (their fault). Long story that I probably can't print here anyway.
Side note: We are flying to Florida this February and weren't going to tell the kids until Christmas. I was so afraid I would slip (and have several times, but no one caught it). RYAN slipped (RYAN!!!) last night and Dallas caught it. I am sooooo excited that he slipped and not me!
I got to tell the rest of them (girly heard with Dallas) and they are so excited. None of them have ever flown before. Now we are all going to be researching and they will be able to help us plan what we want to do while we are down there. We are thinking Disney and/or Sea World will be on that list. Ethan wants to see an alligator....and look down on the clouds.
I am WAY too young for this. It is common in people over 65! I am 38...doesn't it know that?!
I am thankful for my friend who listened when I was complaining about my aching back and my rash...looked at it and said, "That looks like shingles". (She had it last year. She should know.)
She was right! Thankfully if you get on meds within 72 hours of the rash (not fun) it makes it not quite as horrible, but still pretty yucky.
I wouldn't have thought of shingles but I went to see my doctor first thing this morning and she knew right away that is what I had.
Apparently, if you have had the chicken pox, it lays dormant in your body and something can trigger it, mine, they think, was triggered by my Remicade treatment. Possibly.
Anyway, the question that keeps coming to mind is, "How can I glorify my LORD in this situation?" I just want to complain, I want sympathy. (So any is welcome.) :)
We have a meeting with Social Services Friday. It is REALLY messed up (their fault). Long story that I probably can't print here anyway.
Side note: We are flying to Florida this February and weren't going to tell the kids until Christmas. I was so afraid I would slip (and have several times, but no one caught it). RYAN slipped (RYAN!!!) last night and Dallas caught it. I am sooooo excited that he slipped and not me!
I got to tell the rest of them (girly heard with Dallas) and they are so excited. None of them have ever flown before. Now we are all going to be researching and they will be able to help us plan what we want to do while we are down there. We are thinking Disney and/or Sea World will be on that list. Ethan wants to see an alligator....and look down on the clouds.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Nice...
Nice...because it was BEAUTIFUL out today.
Nice...because I got some answers today.
Nice...because I saw my oldest stand up for my girly today.
Nice...because I saw my oldest HELPING my girly today.
Nice...because I got to have coffee with a friend and see her new sweet baby.
Nice...because I got to eat dinner at my favorite restaurant with two of my favorite people. (It was super yummy!)
Nice...because two more of my favorite people babysat for us. (Mr. Cef - if you don't get that, that is how Ethan spells Keith - cute.)
Nice...because I am learning more each day about how dying to self and living radically for Jesus isn't supposed to be easy.
Nice...because I have four beautiful children that I have been blessed enough to take care of and a wonderful husband to kiss good-night.
Nice.
Nice...because I got some answers today.
Nice...because I saw my oldest stand up for my girly today.
Nice...because I saw my oldest HELPING my girly today.
Nice...because I got to have coffee with a friend and see her new sweet baby.
Nice...because I got to eat dinner at my favorite restaurant with two of my favorite people. (It was super yummy!)
Nice...because two more of my favorite people babysat for us. (Mr. Cef - if you don't get that, that is how Ethan spells Keith - cute.)
Nice...because I am learning more each day about how dying to self and living radically for Jesus isn't supposed to be easy.
Nice...because I have four beautiful children that I have been blessed enough to take care of and a wonderful husband to kiss good-night.
Nice.
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