Divine Calling

2012 War for Independence History Tour

2012-01-26T16:02:00.002-05:00

Just a little heads up... for one day only, January 31st, our friends at The Vally Forge are offering 40% off tickets to the 2012 War for Independence History Tour. Looks like it's going to be an amazing tour, and I know for a fact that the fellowship will be unparalleled. :)

A little Savannah get-away

2012-01-26T15:47:00.003-05:00

Isaac just had his yearly business trip to Savannah - and while in years past I took Stephanie and Hannah, this year they're both married! So, I talked my sweet friend Avie (and coincidentally Stephanie's new sister-in-law), into coming along to hang out with me during the days. (Since she's my sister's sister-in-law, we've decided we can claim sisterhood. *grin*) About an hour and a half into our drive, I realized that I had left my camera at home... but thankfully Isaac was trying out an iPhone for work, so he let me borrow it to snap pictures a couple of days. :)

The view from our hotel room

Kaitlyn Joy, happy to have all the attention to herself *wink*

Me and baby girl

The beautiful sidewalks of Savannah

The Owens-Thomas house, which we toured.

I was bummed that indoor photography isn't allowed -

such beautiful Regency Era architecture and decor!

AND, there's a bridge on the top floor over the stairway

connectingthe two sides of the house. Talk about a neat feature!

Sweet Avie

(short for Avonlea... isn't that gorgeous!?!)

The courtyard gardens, where we took a little photo-op

Can't tell ya'll how much I love this girl...

she's such a joy to be around!

This bush smelled absolutely amazing... but had no marker!

Any ideas on what it is??

The cemetery

Spanish moss ;)

Tybee Island!

A little photo fun...

We had planned to eat our afternoon snack on the beach,

but after we were swarmed by birds - we decided to wait ;)

We went and found "our" red telephone booth...

We've taken pictures by it with Steph and Hannah,

and now Avie :)

Catching up, and 3 months old!

2012-01-05T14:35:00.002-05:00

Well, Hello! It's been quiet here.... life with 5 littles has kept me busier, mostly with just little blips of time for computer related things. Hence, I've kept up better with my Facebook account than I have with this little section of the blogosphere. (If you send me a friend request, just let me know you're coming from my blog... I generally don't friend people I don't recognize as being my "real life" friends ;-) )

We had a wonderful few holiday months with family, with Thanksgiving and Christmas to celebrate. Over Thanksgiving weekend, my family took the opportunity to try to get some family photos for the year.

Clay and Hannah

(they're expecting their first little one sometime in July!!)

Philip and Noah

My Mama-dear

Darbyshire's, Franseen's, Johnson's, Weathers', and Banister's

Josh, Heather, Noah, Mercy and Philip

Dad, Mom, Matt, David, Josiah, and Esther

Andrew and Stephanie

Josh and Heather

Between a blessed whirlwind of Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities, Stephanie and I got together for a little maternity photoshoot, where we captured these:

And then, just a few days before Christmas, we all got a gloriously precious little gift!

Titus Valor Darbyshire

December 22, 2011

Stephanie and her baby boy blessing

Talk about kissable cuteness!!!

In all the glorious busyness of life, I blinked and now our little Kaitlyn Joy is 3 months old!!! She's got quite a few little nicknames... Katie, Kaitin, Katie-Joy, Katie-baby... each and every one of us are head over heels in love with her, and she has truly brought so much Joy into our lives! There is nothing that brings an extra dose of sweetness and peace to a home as a new baby. (That doesn't mean that we're not more busy than before... just that the busyness is infused with an extra sweetness and peace. *wink*)

Kaitlyn has been my easiest, happiest baby thus far - and I have been so grateful that God chose to bless us with her at this point in our lives. Motherhood is not for wimps, and I think God knew I needed a little dose of encouragement to keep pressing on.

So far, I've had two thumb-suckers.... Jeanna and William. I'm pretty well sure that Kaitlyn's going to joing their ranks. She's always sucking on something - her fingers, pacifier, anything. She grabbed the lights from our little photoshoot and stuffed them in her mouth, sucking away.

When I pulled them away from her, she (in her usually humorous form) began 'talking at' me.

I hope this finds each and every one of you happy, well, and rejoicing in the many daily blessings which God has given you. It is my prayer that God will draw each of us closer to Him, and give us a deeper passion to follow Him as He leads us through this new year.

The Isaac Weathers Family

2011

Baby Love

2011-10-05T14:08:00.001-05:00

Sometimes

Last night, my darling, as you slept,

I thought I heard you sigh,

And to your little crib I crept,

And watched a space thereby.

Then bending down I kissed your brow,

For oh! I love you so.

You are too young to know it now,

But sometime you shall know.

-Eugene Field

She's here!

2011-10-02T18:26:00.000-05:00

Kaitlyn Joy Weathers was born early Saturday morning, October 1, 2011 at 2:59 am.

This tiny little bundle of joy weighed in at 6lb 14oz, and has already completely captivated the hearts of her sisters and brother.

(Her mama and daddy are pretty smitten as well) :)

Fun with Friends

2011-09-10T14:10:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, we spontaneously decided to load everybody up and head to Helen, GA with some friends to check out the Folk Life Festival. It was so nice getting out of the house and having a fun day trip with friends! For lunch, our friends introduced us to a little German eatery in Helen - where we got some amazing German bologna, saurkraut, fresh bread, pastries.... a very yummy new experience for this pregnant mama :) We weren't brave enough to traipse around the shops downtown Helen (9 kids, 2 strollers, and a very populated main street were enough to deter us), but I'm thinking a midweek trip sometime would be very enjoyable to see the sights in Helen. And there's always a revisit to the Grist Mill... the girls keep talking about what a neat place it was. I had hoped to take the kids to an apple orchard and pick apples before Little Miss makes her arrival, but we'll have to see if that makes it into our weekend schedule in the next 2 weeks! (Of course, we may have longer than that to work with... *wink*)

Checking out the rifle building table

restored 1850s slave cabin

Sisters :)

Little Mr. Isaac :)

Trying our hand at shelling corn

Give it several hearty cranks...

And out pops the husk! Nifty, eh?

Little Miss Hannah

Father-daughter sweetness

William, "being cool"

Jeanna Rose

A "mini-passel" of kiddos

Maggie-dear and her girls

Ultrasounds, To-do lists, and Lake fun

2011-09-02T15:03:00.001-05:00

We had our ultrasound yesterday, and they joyfully informed us that little Miss "got fat". *grin*
They're estimating her weight to be around 5lbs 5oz right now, so she's a little on the "small" side, but she's well in line to be about my other babies sizes. (I have to admit that I'm relieved to hear that she's not too little and quite content to hear that she won't be very large!)

(Not me. Just a cute pic found on pinterest)

Nesting has been going on full force around here, and though I still have quite a bit to do on my list, I've gotten a decent amount crossed off!

art.com

Before Baby To-Do's

* ~~Baby clothes and blankets down from attic, washed, sorted, put away~~

* ~~Bassinet down, changing station set up~~

* ~~Newborn diapers purchased~~

* ~~Postpartum things purchased~~

* ~~Labor/delivery things purchased~~

* ~~Organize food storage upstairs~~
* Organize food storage downstairs (This is our bulk storage area)

* ~~6 week meal plan~~

* Declutter toys in William's room

* ~~Organize Anna's room~~

* ~~Organize and declutter girls' room~~

* 6 week school schedule for girls

* ~~Kids fall clothes down, sorted, washed, and boxed for easy access~~

* ~~Organize and declutter master bedroom~~
* ~~Organize and declutter master bathroom~~

* ~~Organize and declutter den~~

* Organize and declutter kitchen {mostly done}

* ~~Meat/meals into freezer~~

* ~~Baked goods into freezer~~

* Gluten-free baked goods into freezer
* ~~Make more "Belly Balm" lotion~~
* ~~Get Jeanna's birthday gifts and party decor~~

art.com

Baked Goods

* ~~Banana crumb muffins - 3 dozen~~

* ~~Whole Wheat Waffles - 4 dozen~~

* ~~Cinnamon Roll Biscuits - 2 dozen~~
* ~~Blueberry Streusel Muffins - 3 dozen~~
* ~~Pumpkin Dinner Rolls - 2 batches~~

Gluten-free baked goods

* Cinnamon bun muffins - 2 dozen

* Blueberry Coconut muffins - 2 dozen

* Frozen millet bread (from whole foods) - 4 loaves

* Almond Joy Bars - 1-2 dozen bars

Meat/Meals

* ~~Meatballs - 8-10 meals~~

* ~~Shredded Taco Chicken - 6 meals~~

* ~~Doro Wat - 4 meals~~

* ~~Taco ground beef - 3 meals~~

* ~~Ground beef for vegetable soup - 3 meals~~

* ~~Chili - 4 meals~~

* Shred and freeze cheese

* BBQ Beef - 3-4 meals

* Chinese Pepper Steak - 3 meals

* Beef Stew - 3 meals

On a play-related note, we spent last weekend at the lake with my family.... and had such a wonderful time!

kayaking fun

Mercy Jael

Anna's pose of choice

My Jeanna Rose

*sigh*

Philip and Anna with their beloved (and tired) Uncle Matt

Games

Window fun

Trecking through the woods to the lake

The newlyweds *wink*

My man, showing off his lneeboarding skills

My little kayak girl

So, that's a little of what we've been up to around here! What about you? What's been keeping you busy? :)

T minus 4ish and counting...

2011-08-23T21:06:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not, we're into the "final" countdown before little Miss arrives! (And no, we still haven't picked out a name - though we have narrowed it down to about 5 names *wink*) My original due date was September 20th, but at our first ultrasound (17 weeks), they changed the due date to September 26th. I'm very sure of my dates, but we went with the later date since I tend to "bake" my babies a little longer. There's been some questioning over baby girl's size (she's running on the small side), so we'll get the final say at our September 1st ultrasound as to whether the placenta's still fully functioning and if little Miss is gaining weight appropriately, or if we need to stick with our earlier dates and get stuff started a little earlier. Hence, I'm not sure whether to tell people I have 4 weeks or 5 weeks left. *wink* So we'll go with 4ish - since I'm pregnant, and feeling rather large, and more than ready for the end to be here sooner rather than later. (Are you listening, baby girl?)

It's been quiet around my blog for a while... but, as you can imagine, quietness on the blog means a little more activity going on 'round the home-front. It hasn't been filled with anything too monumental, other than just trying to get things more organized before the addition of little number 5, keeping up with school (we're pretty relaxed, but didn't really take the Summer "off".. again, due to baby), changing our pet status from 0 to 2, fighting fleas on said pets, getting fall clothes out and sorted through so I don't have to traverse into the attic too soon after baby, discovering Pinterest (and subsequently having a new dearth of recipes and crafts to try my hand at), and my most recent undertaking... which I'm still working on - getting a freezer meal list together and into the freezer. I'll be posting my freezer meal list at some point, since I'll probably have need of it again at some point in the future and my blog seems to be the most foolproof place for me to keep that kind of info to have on hand.

I'm trying to remember the advice I've gotten from several mama's to enjoy these years, and soak up the moments. It's such a hard thing to remember when the days feel long and I'm tired. It's hard to not get frustrated by disobediences and bickerings, or to let myself get overwhelmed by constant chattering when my brain feels like it's going to short out. Daily, I pray for patience, love, joy, and the strength to die to myself. (And the longer I'm a mama, the more I realize my own selfishness and shortcomings!) I'm so thankful that we serve a merciful God who gives us strength to accomplish what He asks of us. My frustrations with my little ones pale dramatically when I compare them to all of my own shortcomings. So much of parenting, I'm beginning to see, is one sinner learning to show grace to other little sinners as I try to point them to Christ. (Not discounting discipline and training here, but rather just learning a whole new facet to them).

Speaking of my little ones, they're growing up more quickly than I can fathom - and I've been so busy that I haven't been pulling my camera out very much. Trying to remind myself to remedy that... pictures are such a treasure in years to come!

Davina volunteered herself as my little photographer this afternoon, as I have virtually no pregnancy pictures this time around. She did a pretty good job! (And yes, I look awkward... I prefer to be on the OTHER side of the camera *grin*)

The kittens - Starbucks and Scooter

The growing little ones, the kittens, and our dear friends Emily Rose and Breezy.

(Their family came for a short visit a few weeks ago and we so enjoyed them!!)

I borrowed this picture from Emily Rose - hope you don't mind, dear friend!

And on an end note, though we won't be attending due to the close proximity of baby's impending arrival - my friend Victoria made me aware of a Family Worship Conference that Pastor Marcus Serven is doing in Marietta, GA September 30-October 1. It looks like it will be very encouraging and informative, so if you're going to be in the area you might want to look into going! The registration deadline is September 23.

In Which Life Gets Messy

2011-07-27T22:27:00.001-05:00

My sister and I were laughing with each other on the phone the other day as we started talking about how God stretches us as we have pregnancies and children... and how life just keeps getting bigger and busier. I was laughing at my first pregnancy - how miserable I felt, how glued to the couch I was, how little I could muster up the strength to do... if I had even tried to think of being pregnant with number 5 while raising a 7 year old, almost 6 year old, 4 year old, and almost 2 year old..... well, I probably would have vehemently insisted that it wasn't possible. And yet, through each pregnancy - God has supplied more strength. That's not to say I'm never tired, or that I never feel like I can't push through to the end of the day; but I know now from past experience that I CAN. I just have to do it. (After praying for the strength! *grin*)

Isn't God good to us? He is constantly stretching us, sanctifying us... at times in ways that feel too far and too painful. Yet, He never stretches us to the point of breaking - and that stretching always leads us to somewhere more full and beautiful than we would have dreamed before.

This is what I have to cling to on those days when everything feels "too much". Here's a little glimpse of the woman I am inside: I like order. I like organization. I like quiet. I like peace. I like sanity and solitude. I like cups of coffee with musty old books. I like walking slowly through Anthropologie just soaking up the textures and colors. I like spending Saturdays at yard sales and thrift stores. And guess what? Not one of those things really goes well with children. :) My home, (while neater now than it was when I had two little ones), is not ever going to grace the cover of a magazine. Organization lasts only a short while before it must be attempted again. Quiet is only *sometimes* found between the hours of 1:30-3 and after 9. Peace only visits in short bursts. Sanity and solitude are for the single. Coffee happens every morning, but it's amidst dirty diapers and children's books - nothing you'd find in a romantic antique shop. Anthropologie occasionally makes its way across my google reader, and yard sales and thrift stores happen occasionally, but definitely not for relaxing browsing purposes! :) For a good long while, without knowing it, I built up resentment towards my kids because of all of these things that I had to give up for them. I was having to change... and I like who I WAS. I wasn't so sure about this new diaper bag toting slightly-frazzled-and-tired-at-times-looking mom that I was morphing into. I liked my old glamorous, sophisticated self, and they were slowly stripping that with-it facade away! (Oh the drama!) I read this dynamic post 2 weeks ago, and it really resonated with me.

Mrs. Jankovic goes even deeper in her book, Loving the Little Years:

"... the Christian view of self is very different, and you need to make sure that it is the one you have. We are like characters in a story. Our essential self is not back in the intro, waiting to be rediscovered. Who you are is where you are. When you are married, your essential self is married. As the story grows, so does your character. Your children change you into a different person. If you suddenly panic because it all happened so fast and now you don't recognize yourself, what you need is not time alone. What you need is your people. Look out - look at the people who made you what you are - your husband and your children. Study them. They are you. If you want to know yourself, concentrate on them."

This is the beauty of what we experience in this stretching... this changing of our shallow selves by the people God has put into our lives.

"..the Christian woman needs to see, 'I used to be so boring! Now my character has some depth, some people to love, some hardships to bear. Now I have some material to work with.' A Christian woman's view is always forward and never back. Your identity is to be found and resting in other people...

...People, people everywhere and no time for yourself. But remember that this is your calling. It belongs to you. They belong to you."

If you don't have her book, I cannot recommend it enough! Mine is now about 30% highlighted, and I was being very stingy with my highlighter! *wink*

One of my favorite quotes? "Fat souls are better than clean houses."
This one stopped me in my tracks. Oh, I've known it for ages - housework dulls in comparison to what's really important. But fat souls? No, I can't say that's been my area of concentration. I've sought to train my children's behavior... I've tried to catechize them in the faith... I've tried to zealously guard their attitudes and hearts... all well and good things! But truly pouring myself into nurturing their souls and fattening them up? I've been remiss in this too often. It's so easy for me to get caught up in my to-do list that we spend our days cleaning up (the house and our outside demeanor's), and I don't take the time to pour into their souls.

Today was a practice in that soul-pouring. We played today. We laughed around our breakfast, we watched a little movie, we made homemade modeling clay (recipe #6 if you're interested) and crafted it into little sculptures. I let Davina spend naptime with me instead of resting in her room. (We had fun!! We exercised, we read, we snacked...) After naps, we loaded up and went to Target to get the things we needed for finishing our project.

We came home, ate dinner, and spent the rest of the evening covering clay in paint and bathing it off of ourselves. It was exhausting! And it was FULL, fresh, meaningful, and sweet. I didn't wave away their myriad questions because my brain was tired. I dug in, answered them as best I could, and thoroughly enjoyed the process. I'm going to fail at this... I won't always live my days so full. But this is a season of stretching, and I'm glad for it. And I'm going to try to remember:

Our little ones take a lot of time... a lot of brain power... a lot of selflessness.

But oh, how preciously worth it they are! And I know from previous and current experience that those chubby cheeks fade away all too quickly.

The constant guiding and training lets up and moves into something that looks a lot more like camaraderie and friendship.

The messy paints will one day be stored away in a box on the shelf, and I'll pour over the memories and pictures and wish that I could wipe up those messes just one more time for my own little ones.

Because life is a vapor - and these years with little ones are short. THIS is the time I've been given to pour into their souls, THIS is my opportunity to nurture them and love them and cuddle them and make messes with them.

"Motherhood is hard work. It is repetitive and often times menial. Accept it. Rejoice in it. This is your toil. Right here. Those are their faces. Enjoy them. The days of your life are supposed to be full of things like this...
...You will not even remember the work of this planting when the harvest of joy overwhelms you." - Rachel Jankovic, Loving the Little Years

Mr. and Mrs. Clay Banister!!!!!

2011-07-06T15:04:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday, July 2, 2011, we were blessed to be a part of yet another wedding in the family!

William Clay Banister and Hannah Grace Johnson covenanted together before God and many witnesses, entering into one of life's most beautiful partnerships... marriage.

Clay and Hannah have been such a joy to watch throughout their courtship and engagement, and the day of their wedding was no exception! The atmosphere was full of joy, beauty, laughter, excitement, and a sense of wonder at THE relationship that our earthly marriages point to... Christ and His bride.

Hannah asked me to be one of her bridesmaids... so although I was able to snap some of these pictures, I'm blessed to have many of them due to a dear friend, Sarah Roberts; and my wonderful brother-in-law, Joseph Weathers. I'm putting their initials after their pictures to give them credit... they did a wonderful job!

The Day Begins

The note Clay wrote Hannah that morning... she was already

in the clouds when I arrived to do her hair and makeup!

Getting ready! -SR

Heather-dear

Josiah -SR

Lydia, expertly applying makeup :) -SR

Several sweet girls from our church came to help

do hair.... they were such a blessing!!! -SR

Beautiful Bethany -SR

My Sweet Jeanna Rose

My Darling Davina Grace

Esther Johnson and Chelsea Banister

The lovely Bride -SR

Beauty -SR

Cuteness personified -SR

I adore this picture of Clay adjusting Hannah's veil! -SR

Joyful smiles all around -SR

Heather and Josh -SR

Again, because it was too great not to post ;) -SR

The Bride and her flower girls

Lovely, Sweet Sisters

Maggie and Lydia Banister

A bride, 2 ring bearers, and a cutie pie in a vest

Beautiful Girls

Lydia Banister and Sarah Roberts

-SR

Me and Baby Girl Weathers -SR

All the guys... -SR

Happiness and Joy -SR

The bridal party, minus the moms -SR

All the girls... -SR

-SR

Hannah and myself -SR

Heather and Hannah -SR

Stephanie and Hannah -SR

All the married Johnson sisters -SR

Happy Couple!

The Banister Family

Cousin Cuties

William and his Mema-dear

Think they're excited?

A daddy and his boy

Baby Olivia - the newest member to the extended

Johnson Clan

Isaac and Mema... Love this woman so dearly!!!

Isaac and Clay

The countdown's begun....

This picture was just before we walked over to the sanctuary.

My own wonderful in-laws

And my little man with his classic William Face -JW

The Ceremony

A joyful father and a beaming bride -JW

-JW

A sweet time of blessing and prayer

-JW

The long awaited, much anticipated FIRST KISS!!!! -JW

Mr. and Mrs. Clay Banister!

-JW

Happy parents!

-JW

The Reception

Sweet Friends

Many of the dear young ladies from our church were such sweet

servants during the entirety of the weekend... they were such an

asset and helped the weekend to flow so smoothly and beautifully!

Mema Johnson and baby Oliva

Josh and Pete, a longtime family friend

My lovely, radiant Mama-dearest

My Papa Hamilton

My man! (And two of our cuties, of course)

Anna Verity

Mercy and Anna, the cousin cuties

Me and my girly

Uncle James, Uncle Ben, Aunt Kim, the happy couple,

Frances, Papa, and Mom

Eve, Hannah, and Carrie

Three very sweet girls!

Morgan and Joy

(Joy's one of my "Titus 2 mom's", and what a JOY she is!!)

Avie and Autumn... Sisters, dear friends.... I love these ladies so!!!

And they're off!!!!

A continuation of the birthday fun...

2011-06-22T20:43:00.001-05:00

June, for the time being, is our birthday month. Davina's birthday on the 15th... and then William and I follow her one week later on the 22nd. We actually ended up celebrating William's birthday a little early with Isaac's family on Father's day... he was SO excited!

I was almost 12 before my first brother was born, and he turned 9 a month before Isaac and I got married. I say this to preface the fact that boys were fairly unfamiliar to me! I was actually a little nervous when we found out that William was a boy... I'd managed to muddle through 3 years of pink, and was a little hesitant on how I was going to manage the blue. I still have days when I wonder what I'm doing... pink OR blue... But this little boy has been a huge joy to his mama's heart!

William is my little juxtaposition of contradictions...

He's one of the most gentle children I've ever seen,

and he can whack a tree apart with a plastic chainsaw cover like you wouldn't believe...

He's always got something going on in his little brain,

and he sometimes doesn't seem to be thinking anything at all...

He's a family-guy, a homebody,

and he loves to wander off and explore...

He's my darling little serious-boy,

and my goofy little loudmouth...

His current favorite color is pink,

and he has a fascination with guns - any shape, size, form...

In short, he blew our home wide open with noise, creativity and passion - and it's never been the same since. And you know what? I like it that way... :)

His new cowboy boots were quickly confiscated by little sister - who never misses the chance to wear big brother's shoes:

My Birthday Boy

And just for fun, here's a shot that Luke got of Isaac and I... :)

Picture Sweetness

2011-06-20T21:47:00.002-05:00

Seven Years of Sweetness

2011-06-17T21:28:00.000-05:00

June 15, 2011 ushered in the 7th birthday of my firstborn! I can't even begin to tell you what a joy this girl is to my heart, and how often God uses her sweet spirit and her strong conscience to convict me of wrong attitudes in my own heart. Davina Grace, "Beloved Grace", is our precocious, serious minded firstborn - and she has brought so much growth, learning, and laughter to this home of ours!
Countless times I am overwhelmed with God's mercy in giving us a firstborn daughter whose heart is so desirous to be joined to ours. Please pray for this mommy... I struggle at times to be open and genuine with my children, and I realize how deeply important it is that I open myself up to develop a full and sweet relationship with them.

My Beautiful Birthday Girl

Sand Castle Cake

Miss Anna Verity

Sister Sweetness

Grandaddy and Grandmommy

On Thursday, we took advantage of the family pass program that Zoo Atlanta is doing with the Georgia Library. We met up with some dear friends and family and thoroughly enjoyed watching the kids experience the zoo for the first time!

Kangaroo on steroids?

Mr. B :)

Miss Hannah

Watching Intently

Andrew and Stephanie

A Girl and her Daddy

Komodo Dragon

Mr. B again!

Dragon Ride

The silverback gorilla

"A glance from him can silence a family dispute

or discipline a naughty youngster, yet he is very

gentle with his family."

Look closely - see the baby gorilla?

My little meerkat

First taste of cotton candy...

None of the kids were very impressed!

ERGObaby giveaway - go enter! :)

2011-06-13T22:36:00.004-05:00

If you've got little ones, or plan to have them around in the future, you really need to head on over to Two Of a Kind, Working On a Full House for their ERGOBaby giveaway!

If you haven't ever heard of ERGO, you're definitely missing out... I tried out lots of different baby carriers before finding the ERGO, and I love mine (It's seriously getting worn out from MUCH use, which is why I'm entering this giveaway myself!)

Some Goaty Fun

2011-05-31T21:22:00.000-05:00

Two weekends ago, we loaded the kids up and headed to a goat dairy in Anderson, SC for their "Kids meeting Kids" day. We'd never been before, so we weren't sure what to expect - but the kids had so much fun! (And I rather enjoyed the goat cheese and goat fudge samples... yummy!)

It was so much fun watching their faces light up at seeing the baby goats!

Checking out the baby goats...

"He's eating my finger!!! It tickles!!!"

Flowers for the rabbit...

If you're anywhere local to the Anderson, SC area, Split Creek Farm is doing their "Kids meeting Kids" day again on June 18.

Read of the day...

2011-05-25T12:50:00.005-05:00

Though I'm suspecting most of you visit Ladies Against Feminism, I wanted to link to an excellent, beautiful, and oh-so-encouraging post that they put up this morning. If you haven't read it, please take the time to go read it - you will be so blessed!

Here's a little snippet... read it in its entirety (a must!!) here.

But what have buying groceries, changing diapers and peeling vegetables got to do with creativity? Aren’t those the very things that keep us from it? Isn’t it that kind of drudgery that keeps us in bondage? It’s insipid and confining, it’s what one conspicuous feminist called “a life of idiotic ritual, full of forebodings and failure.” To her I would answer ritual, yes. Idiotic, no, not to the Christian–for although we do the same things anybody else does, and we do them over and over in the same way, the ordinary transactions of everyday life are the very means of transfiguration. It is the common stuff of this world which, because of the Word’s having been “made flesh,” is shot through with meaning, with charity, with the glory of God.
But this is what we so easily forget. Men as well as women have listened to those quasi-rational claims, have failed to see the fatal fallacy, and have capitulated. Words like personhood, liberation, fulfillment and equality have had a convincing ring and we have not questioned their popular definitions or turned on them the searchlight of Scripture or even of our common sense. We have meekly agreed that the kitchen sink is an obstacle instead of an altar, and we have obediently carried on our shoulders the chips these reductionists have told us to carry.
This is what I mean by profanity. We have forgotten the mystery, the dimension of glory. It was Mary herself who showed it to us so plainly. By the offering up of her physical body to become the God-bearer, she transfigured for all mothers, for all time, the meaning of motherhood. She cradled, fed and bathed her baby–who was very God of very God–so that when we cradle, feed and bathe ours we may see beyond that simple task to the God who in love and humility “dwelt among us and we beheld his glory.”
Those who focus only on the drabness of the supermarket, or on the onions or the diapers themselves, haven’t an inkling of the mystery that is at stake here, the mystery revealed in the birth of that Baby and consummated on the Cross: my life for yours.

My prayer is that I embrace this reminder, and live it fully in each moment - not getting distracted by the seeming mundane drudgery, but focusing on and living out the mystery. My life for yours.

Find of the week - Girl's edition

2011-05-24T14:20:00.004-05:00

Little heads up for mama's of girls... Children's Place is running a memorial day sale and has their girl (and baby girl) leggings marked down to $5. If you use the coupon code RETAILMENOT5C you'll get an extra 15% off, making them $4.25 each. Shipping's a flat $5.

We put these capri lace trim leggings under the girls skirts ALL the time, and I've loved the quality of the Children's Place leggings!

They've also got lots of other clothing essentials marked down to $4 and $5 as well, so ... have fun browsing around! *wink*

Find of the week - layering tank

2011-05-10T16:37:00.003-05:00

I don't know about you ladies, but I have a difficult time finding tanks and tees to put under my shirts/dresses in order to make them wearable. When I DO come across a good one I buy one of each color I frequently use, since... it's going to be a while before I find more! :) My prerequisites are: modest neckline that's high enough and fitted enough to keep me covered up top, and a long hemline. (My daily life with littles just isn't conducive to worrying about what's showing while I'm living life!)

Yesterday, after my ultrasound appointment, I stopped into Target to get a couple of things. Isaac's mom was graciously watching the kids - and since it was just me... I did something I NEVER do: I browsed. *wink*

While walking through the ladies clothing section, what did my eyes light upon but ... a tank top that fits my requirements!

AND... it was on sale! Normally they're $9, but they're on sale this week for $7. Even though they have them in a myriad of gorgeous colors, I restrained myself and only got my basics... Black, White, Grey, and Dark Blue. I did size DOWN one size in order to make it more fitted for layering.

So, ladies... If you have the same issues that I have finding good layering pieces, then you just may want to consider getting yourself over to a Target.

They also carry the entire collection of them online.

Baby Update: It's a ...

2011-05-09T19:55:00.000-05:00

We had our 20 week ultrasound this afternoon... halfway there!!

I never cease to be amazed when I see those images flash up on the ultrasound screen... God truly is an amazing designer!!

I'd been strongly suspecting that we were expecting a boy, due to similarities between this pregnancy and my pregnancy with William. I've always considered myself to be pretty intuitive when it comes to my body.... but today I got a little reminder that it's all in God's hands and that we rarely guess right... *wink*

Turns out that:

It's a girl!!

God apparently has entrusted us to bring a good bit of "pink" into this world... *grin*
Although I've had to give William a few little pep talks on how much he's going to love this little baby girl, we're all very excited to meet this new little girl in about 20 more weeks!!

A little family picture (& video) catch-up

2011-05-05T22:09:00.000-05:00

Just a little glimpse of life over the past few weeks... And yes, it's basically just pictures. I've been holding off with grand plans of actually getting some writing done, but - life just isn't going to cooperate with that, so - pictures it is!

We were blessed to be able to meet up with our friends, Jeremy and Emily, and their adorable little ones for dinner after the funeral for Mr. Lee. Emily's sweet mom was kind enough to snap this picture.
Thanks for sending it over, Emily!!

And just for a little fun viewing pleasure...
Little Miss Cuteness,
or "Bananabelle" as she is currently being dubbed by her sisters and brother.

Curing the Cravings

2011-05-05T21:10:00.000-05:00

With pregnancy comes cravings.

'Nuff said, right? *wink*

However; since don't do dairy, try to avoid wheat, and have tried to cut sugar out of my diet.... I have to get creative sometimes! After Anna was born, my sweet tooth was satisfied with dark chocolate... And up until the past week, I've relied on it to come to my rescue in dire situations.

Newsflash though... I'm NOT one of those petite little pregnant women who gains 20 pounds while she's pregnant. In fact, during my pregnancy with Davina I gained 50 (yes, that's fifty) pounds! (I had NO nutritional knowledge. At All.) After Davina was born, I started learning more about nutrition, the importance of exercise, and have managed with subsequent pregnancies to reduce my weight gain - but I still always gain between 35-40 pounds. I've learned that for myself - I have to be cautious of hidden sugars while I'm pregnant. But I still have a sweet tooth!! And my beloved dark chocolate bars have sugar... What to do, what to do....

Enter my amazing sister, Heather, who came up with this recipe while I was pregnant with Anna. It's AMAZING. Seriously, truly yummy!

Coconut Fudge - Basic recipe

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup honey (adjust to your liking)

2-3 Tbsp peanut butter

3 tsp vanilla

2/3 cup cocoa powder

dash of celtic sea salt

Mix all of these ingredients together until smooth. At this point, you can either leave the fudge as is, or add in yumminess to your hearts desire.

This time around, I added:

shredded coconut (about 1/3 cup)

cocoa nibs (about 1/4 cup)

We've previously added slivered almonds, raisins, orange zest, dried cranberries, and a ton of other yummy add-ins.

When the fudge is to your liking, lay a sheet of plastic wrap in a glass container or small baking tin.

Spread mixture evenly, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until "hard".

This makes a soft fudge... and it is bound to put a smile on your face!

*Okay, so it's not exactly "curing" the cravings... but.... it's satisfying them in a healthy way - so I think that kind of counts?

Enjoy!

Helping Families hit by the Alabama Tornadoes

2011-04-30T07:56:00.000-05:00

As you all know by now, the devastation caused by the tornadoes that ripped through Alabama a few days ago is immense.

According to the Associated Press:

Emergency officials have raised Alabama's death toll to 238, bringing the total number killed in seven states from devastating tornadoes to 329.
It is the deadliest day for twisters since the Great Depression

Isaac received news very early Thursday morning that some dear families in Alabama had been hit very hard. He woke me at 1:30, telling me that he was going to shower and pull some things together and head out to help. The devastation he arrived to was overwhelming.

Lee Home

Boyd Home

Many of you may know the Lee family through Mrs. Lee's blog, and the Crawford family through Kelly's blog, Generation Cedar.

These families have much rebuilding to do, and above all they need our prayers. They are also desperately in need of financial help right now. Our dear friend, Peter Bradrick, has set up website to raise donations which are going directly to the local church, Christ Church Branch Cove. You can specify which family you wish to donate to. There are also videos you can view of the families describing what occurred and what needs they have. Please go to THIS WEBSITE; view the videos and consider donating to help these precious families. They are going to need help rebuilding their homes, paying hospital bills, and so much more. There is much to be done.

Most of all; pray for healing, comfort, and that God's glory be witnessed by many in a mighty way. This is an amazing opportunity to be able to reach out and love the body of Christ.

31 Days to Clean

2011-04-27T14:57:00.002-05:00

Sarah Mae over at Like a Warm Cup of Coffee is giving away her new ebook, 31 Days to Clean, for FREE until midnight (EST) tonight to anyone who blogs or tweets (#31daystoclean) about it!

You can read the reviews for this anticipated ebook on Amazon.

So what are you waiting for? Head on over... ;)

Homeschooling Giveaway for Georgia Folks ;)

2011-03-08T12:56:00.003-05:00

My friend, Mrs. Ours, over at Yes They're All Ours is hosting a giveaway for Georgia homeschoolers. She's giving away a one year subscription to homeschoolcompliance.com, an e-filing service run by a homeschool dad.

So, if you're a Georgia homeschooler, and this interests you - then head on over and enter to win. The deadline for entering is Friday, March 11!

Sunshine, Sweetness and Surprises

2011-03-02T15:17:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been gloriously warm and sunny and beautiful around here the past little while... and the kids and I have been soaking up the loveliness! This has been a huge blessing for me because... well, I'm getting ahead of myself - we'll get to that in a bit. *wink*

My little people have been getting so big!!

Little Man

Can you believe it? She's almost 15 months old now!

Cutie pie

Skinned knees, dirts, trucks - the stuff a boy's life is made of... *wink*

Cleaning up "sissy's" hands

Their new favorite place to be.
Anyone have tips on getting red mud out of clothes??

Now, on to the excitement...
Remember these two??

Can you guess why they're so happy?

He asked her to spend the rest of her life laughing with him, helping him, and building a family.
And she said? Yes, of course! *wink*

Brother sister sweetness

The Mama and The Papa ;)

That's not all though!! I've saved the best news for last!

These four cuties are soon to be five!!

Baby Weathers is expected to arrive September 2011! The "morning sickness" seems to be a bit more intense this time around, although I'm quite willing to admit that I've forgotten prior pregnancies... that DOES seem to happen. *grin*

The kids are quite excited about the prospect of a new little baby around the house to dote over... and I'm head over heels in love already - I can't wait to hold a new tiny wee babe in my arms!

Here and There on the www...

2011-02-03T20:48:00.005-05:00

A few worthwhile reads from around the world wide web, with little excerpts to spark your interest... *wink*

On Parenting:

"Kids...need to learn that the root issue is their sin, and they need to be taught the remedy for their sin. Chastisement is not for the benefit of frustrated parents. It's supposed to be for the benefit of the child. And in order to get the full benefit, they need to understand that the real problem is their sin - sin that offends God." ~John MacArthur

Parenting: It's Never an Interruption

"The sin, weakness, rebellion, or failure of your children is never an imposition on your parenting. It is never an interruption. It is never a hassle. It is always grace. God loves your children. He has put them in a family of faith, and in relentless grace he will reveal their need to you again and again so that you can be his tool of awareness, conviction, repentance, faith, and change. And because in these moments he asks you to forsake your agenda for his, this opportunity of grace is not just for your children, it’s for you as well.
But my problem is that there are moments when I tend to love my little kingdom of one more than I love his. So I’m impatient, discouraged, or irritated not because my children have broken the laws of God’s kingdom, but the laws of mine. In my kingdom there shall be no parenting on family vacation days, or when I am reading the paper on my iPad, or after ten o’clock at night, or during a good meal, or . . . I could go on."
Read the entire article here.

On Womanhood:

A Challenge to Women (John Piper)

That you develop a wartime mentality and lifestyle; that you never forget that life is short, that billions of people hang in the balance of heaven and hell every day, that the love of money is spiritual suicide, that the goals of upward mobility (nicer clothes, cars, houses, vacations, food, hobbies) are a poor and dangerous substitute for the goals of living for Christ with all your might, and maximizing your joy in ministry to people's needs.

When All the Ducks Are In A Row

What I'm learning lately is not that the decisions we make are not important. They are. But I'm learning that they mean nothing when they are not offered up to the Lord as humbly as the prayer of that second man:
But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ {Luke 18:13}
If our convictions do not flow from a heart that realizes daily that it is only by God's grace that we evendesire to please him... if the choices we make come from a prideful need to exalt ourselves above others... if we cannot reach out to others with the glorious news of the gospel because we somehow feel they are beneath us... if we are speaking with more authority and dogmatism than God's Word... if our gospel begins to include steps that will make the hearers look more like us than like Christ...

In essence our righteousness does not exceed those empty works of the Pharisee (Matthew 5:20), and unless our hope is solely in the righteousness of Christ Jesus (Romans 3:20, 1 John 2:2)...

We are no longer walking in grace. We are offering filthy rags (Isaiah 4:6). We are loveless, whitewashed tombs (Matthew 23:27, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

The Amazon, Snow, and Geneaologies

2011-01-17T19:46:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been quite an eventful few weeks around here! Isaac just returned Thursday from Peru, where he was adventuring in the Amazon with a group of men... I'm sure there will be many pictures of his adventures to share, but for now, I'll just share a couple of Machu Picchu. Isn't my man an awesome photographer??

During Isaac's 15 day adventure, we were kept busy... a wonderful few days spent with Avie (can't tell you how much I love this girl!!), a North and South marathon with my sister-in-law, Esther, and... will wonders never cease... we got snowed in at my in-laws! Anyone even remotely familiar with GA knows that we don't get much snow. When we do get snow, it's usually a dusting and melts within a day or two. Not this time... this snow brought around 6" and, as I type, my front yard STILL has more than GA usually sees.

Whilst snowed in at the Weathers, the kids had their first sledding adventures - these videos came from my phone, and let me just warn you - prepare to laugh. Especially on the second one. :) Alas, I've no pictures because... my camera was in the Amazon being put to much more intriguing use. ;)

Due to the extremely unusual winter wonderland, we were able to get out Saturday and have some snow time with Daddy! My sister Heather, her husband Josh, and their kiddos were here for a visit... so there were many laughs and lots of fun.

Noah-boy

Daddy and Anna-girl

My baby :)

All that sledding wears a girl out!

Josh and Mercy
She's having fun... really!

Heather dearest

Crash!

Bliss :)

So, that's our month in a nutshell! I feel like I have so much buzzing around in my head that I hope to one day put into words/ organize/ do, to share - but for now, life with little ones is keeping me pretty well busy! Loving every moment of it... I'm constantly being reminded that the little day-to-day things that don't seem like "big accomplishments" are the most important things that I can be pouring my time into right now. And I'm constantly in prayer that I will be a better steward of my time with each passing day! Just came across a lovely new-to-me blog a couple of days ago that's gotten me into an organizing mood! Now if only there were more than 24 hours in a day!! ;)

Want something fun to do with your kiddos over the next little while? Memorize this song with them... you'll soon know the complete genealogy from Abraham to Christ. It's catchy too... my kids LOVE this song!

Matthew's Begats, by Andrew Peterson

Weathers Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T20:27:00.002-05:00

We spent Christmas eve celebrating with Isaac's family, and Christmas morning was our little family time. For now, Picasa web slideshows are going to be the way I put pictures on the blog, since my picture space is full! Hope you all had a very merry Christmas with thoughts centered on the Savior!

Johnson Christmas 2010

2010-12-22T23:34:00.001-05:00

Slideshow of the family festivities ... you can click through to the album if larger pictures are desired. :)

TSA Travel Terror

2010-12-08T20:55:00.001-05:00

A humorous look into the TSA Travel Terror:

Monday demonstration at the ATL

2010-11-27T14:08:00.003-05:00

As I posted before, we had planned a TSA protest at the Atlanta airport on Wednesday; but due to permit and timing issues, we had to reschedule it. The airport has granted us a permit for Monday, the 29th, and we are hoping to be able to gather a large group together!

Here are the details:

The airport has now granted us a permit for Monday the 29th, from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Monday is supposed to be a fairly high volume day for air travel... so hopefully we will get our message out to a lot of people. At this point, since it's not on the "national opt out day", the main focus will be on the security procedures that the TSA has imposed, versus on getting people to "opt out".

We will meet on the sidewalk at the South Terminal, beside Door S1 at 10am. You can come for any amount of time that you have available, you don't have to stay the entire time.

Some signs will be available, but feel free to bring your own, provided that the fall within the airport sign requirements - "Signs can not be larger than 2ft x 2ft and cannot have any stick/pole attached."

Thanks you all for your support and help in this effort. Hopefully with continued focus on this issue we will be able to change the hearts and minds of some decision makers.

If you are able to come, please consider joining us as we seek to protect privacy and freedom!

Comment or email with any questions! Hope to see you there!!

The Wedding of Andrew Darbyshire & Stephanie Johnson

2010-11-27T00:24:00.000-05:00

On November 21, 2010, we had the blessed privilege to join my sister Stephanie and a dear young man from our church as they covenanted together before God in marriage. It has been such a delight to all of us as we have seen how greatly God has blessed both Andrew and Stephanie by bringing the two of them together, and everyone's joy was clearly palpable on that sweet day!!

Andrew and Stephanie decided to have a small family ceremony in the mountains of North Carolina, so we made a destination weekend out of it, arriving to the cabins on Saturday afternoon and staying until Monday morning. Saturday was spent in sweet fellowship together as we walked around the grounds of the beautiful house we were able to rent for the weekend, and Saturday night we sat around the bonfire together singing praise songs. Sunday morning dawned beautiful, and we lingered over breakfast together before beginning the wedding preparations. We gathered together outside to witness the joining of two who are so very dear to us all, and rejoiced together to witness Andrew and Stephanie's first kiss... (the term we've all coined for them throughout their courtship has been "natural", and it even transferred over into their first kiss - no awkwardness for them!) I can't even begin to tell you how many times we all just giggled and laughed at how cute the two of them were together!

Then the feasting began, and wedding pictures, followed by some good old-fashioned dancing (fun!!) Then it was time to see the happy couple off.... with a large fanfare of silly string. *wink*

I had a grand total of 1,306 pictures pulled off my camera from the weekend, and though I've narrowed them down to 113... I thought it best to just link to the Picasa web album, rather than trying to upload that many pictures straight to here. So, you can watch the slideshow below, or you can click on it to get straight to the web album!

Enjoy!

It's about that time! (for Christmas cards, that is!)

2010-11-26T12:25:00.000-05:00

So, Thanksgiving’s over and Christmas is just around the corner! We enlisted the help of my sister Heather over the wedding weekend, and Uncle Joe yesterday to capture quite a few pictures for our Christmas cards this year. (Hey, it’s pretty difficult to get all 6 people looking at the camera AND smiling… still not sure if we accomplished that!)

For the past few years, we’ve sent out photo cards… and that’s what we’re doing again this year! I personally love receiving photos from all of the dear people we know and love… we display them on our refrigerator all year long, and have tangible reminders to pray for our friends and family.

This year, just like last year, we’re going to use Shutterfly for our photo cards… they have always sent us high quality cards, and they run great deals during the holidays! (And I don't have to make an extra outing to get them!) Shutterfly has an excellent selection of cards this year… I have a few favorites picked out: (But I reserve the right to change my mind!)

Right now, Shutterfly has a 30% off promotion running on their photo cards, Buy one get one 50% off on their calendars (these make awesome gifts for the grandparents!!), and they even offer cards that you can customize for birthday parties and other fun get-togethers. They're also offering Free shipping on orders $25+ through December 1 (use Promo Code SHIP25 ).

There's even more coolness though... if you're a blogger, you can get 50 photo cards for FREE. See? Super-cool!

So, what are you waiting for? Take advantage of this awesome deal, and bless your loved ones with some family pictures this year. ;)

Atlanta TSA Protest

2010-11-23T08:52:00.003-05:00

My dear, wonderful husband is organizing a protest of the invasion of privacy that the TSA has launched upon the American people. We're going to be gathering together at the Atlanta airport tomorrow morning for a peaceful protest, in order to make a visible stand for our privacy. If you're anywhere in the area, please consider making the drive to stand with us. You don't have to be flying that day (we aren't!).

More details below, and please email or comment with any questions! The larger the crowd we have, the bigger our voice is!

Time	Wednesday, November 24 · 10:00am - 12:00pm

Location	Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Created By	Isaac Weathers, Joseph Weathers

By now I'm sure that you have heard of the invasion of our privacy and freedom by the TSA with their new "naked xray screening procedure" and "enhanced" pat down procedure (aka government groping procedure). These are amazing invasions of our freedoms and liberties that are in direct opposition to the Constitutional and our God given rights and liberties. These actions are being taken in an effort to get one step closer to making us "sheeple" that will allow the government to do ANYTHING to us in the name of "security" (including taking naked pictures of us, our wives, daughters, and sons, and or groping all of the above). This is a grievous offense to us as a people and should not be allowed to continue.

In order for this to stop, you and I ("We the People"), must stand up to this tyrannical and out of control government and demand that it cease! In an effort to do that there is a campaign ("National Opt Out Day") which has been started; it is requesting people to opt out of the TSA naked xray screening procedure on November 24th, the day before Thanksgiving. The 24th is one of the busiest air travel days of the year and the hope is that this mass "silent" protest will force our officials to listen and stop this assault on the American people.

What I am organizing is in addition to, and encouragement of, the "opt out" campaign. It is a protest at the Atlanta airport (the busiest airport in the world) on November 24th at 10:00am, coinciding with the national "opt out" campaign. We will hold signs and picket at the main security checkpoint (in the public areas around the security checkpoint area) encouraging travelers to "opt out" of the xray screen process and also to bring attention to this atrocity. This will not be a loud or obnoxious protest, but rather a peaceful and respectful one that will let our leaders know that we have had enough. We will obey all laws and will not seek to cause a physical "disturbance", just an intellectual one. :)

This is yet another egregious item to add to the "long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object which evinces a design to reduce us under absolute Despotism, it is our right, it is our duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for our future security." If we do nothing about this, our children and their children will pay a heavy price. So will you please consider joining us and inviting your friends and family as well? Please pass this email on and lets have a great turnout! We will provide signs for you if you let me know that you will be coming. If you can't make it to the Atlanta airport, please consider going to your local airport instead.

Nevada Trip

2010-11-17T16:17:00.000-05:00

So, Isaac and I are actually in the beautiful state of Nevada right now, as he had to come to Las Vegas for a business conference and he brought me along. We decided to come a few days early and make it a romantic sightseeing getaway, and thus far we've visited Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon West, Greggs Hideout (Lake Mead), and Valley of Fire State Park. (In that order, too!) When I uploaded the pictures, it pulled them in reverse order, so.... without any further ado:

Fire Valley

Isaac, traversing the thick red dusty sand
(It's harder than it looks, ya'll)

Petroglyphs

Yep, that's Isaac up there!

The drive down into Valley of Fire is gorgeous!

My Man :)

Much to my joy, there was a site at the Valley of Fire with petrified logs...
The kids and I had just listed to a Jonathan Park last week that dealt with petrified logs, so this was of particular interest to me!

My man again :)

Greggs Hideout

We though this would be a great photo spot, so we hiked up...
proved to be more difficult than we had thought, because the terrain was very "pebbly"...
getting down was an adventure :)

Our view from the top...
(see? It's higher than it looked in the previous pic!)

They weren't kiddin'!

A short unplanned stop...

Love this man'o'mine! His adventurer spirit makes life SO MUCH FUN!

Grand Canyon West

Grandmommy, these are for you.

My adventurer husband is also your adventurer son! ;)

See the tippy top of the little mount in the center of the picture?
That's where we hiked to...

For this picture :) (Check out the view in Isaac's sunglasses!)

Remnants of a historic mining tram used in the 1930s that stretched 8,800 feet across the canyon to a guano mine.

Doesn't that look like FUN?? (eek!)

Indian Sauna...

I'm so blessed by this man!

My Indian Brave

Very cool roofing :)

Have I mentioned my thankfulness for my stove and oven?

We had to step over this crevice (that was open all the way down!) in order to hop to the other side for more views

A mere foot or so and the sovereignty of God separating him from a 4,000 foot fall

Beautiful Sunsets!

Hoover Dam

Lake Mead

Hoover Dam

Jeremiah 29:11 and multi-generational promise

2010-11-16T13:16:00.000-05:00

This is an excellent message by Voddie Baucham on the promise in Jeremiah 29:11 and how it affects the way we should live our lives. Grab a cup of coffee and sit down with a notepad! I jotted down a few of my notes below. Enjoy!

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" - Jeremiah 29:11

“That promise usually rubs up against real life and we find ourselves in the midst of cognitive dissonance.

We have a couple of ways that we try to clear up this cognitive dissonance:

-Perhaps there’s a problem with God. (‘I have a disease and the disease is killing me. Excuse me, God… killing me isn’t prospering me… You messed up and You need to fix it.’)

-God is impotent. The harmful things are from the devil. Because this is God’s plan, He’s just going to prosper us… he’s not going to harm us. He’s just going to give us hope and a future, so anything that’s not prosperous – that’s from the devil… anything that gets in the way of our hope and our future – that’s from the devil. This way of thinking would have God impotent, powerless in the face of the devil. I agree with Martin Luther who wrote that ‘even the devil is God’s devil.’ My God’s got the devil on a leash, amen? The devil doesn’t do anything without permission from my God.

-There’s a problem with me. God wants desperately to do this stuff, but I just don’t believe enough. This way of thinking would have us more powerful than God.

“This promise is all about legacy.”

“ If I look at Jeremiah 29:11 and I rip it kicking and screaming out of context, and look at it through my ‘American eyes’… through my egotistic, narcissistic, materialistic American eyes; then Jeremiah 29:11 is all about my pockets being fat and my body being healthy. That’s all it’s about. Right here, right now… Me and mine… More stuff for me, better life for me. And if that’s the case, then every time something negative comes into my life I’ve got to justify it somehow, because it just doesn’t line up with this promise.

HOWEVER, if this is a multi-generational promise, and if God is making a promise that I may not even see in my own lifetime, then difficulty comes into my life and I say, “that’s ok.” Why? Because the promise may not even be fulfilled until my children’s children’s children are on the scene. And if that’s the case, it’s fine for me to have hardship – but God’s promises are not brought into question because I’m going through hardship.”

“Jeremiah 29:11 was never meant to be an individual promise. It’s a corporate promise.”

“Here are some ways we twist this verse:

First of all, we twist it because we make it a promise directly to us when it was a promise made directly to a specific group of people under specific circumstances during a specific time and in a specific place.

Secondly, we twist it because we make it for now when it was actually a multi-generational promise.

Thirdly, we twist it because we make it for ME when it’s supposed to be for US."

"I meet people everywhere I go who torture themselves trying to figure out what they’re doing wrong because they’re not getting their prosperity, and they’re not getting their health, and they’re not getting their hope the way that they see it."

“Some of the most godly people in the history of the church are some of those who suffered the most. Where do we get this from? And oh, by the way, if God would crush and kill His perfect, spotless Son – who do you think you are??”

What are some things that are different when we understand this promise in its context?

1) Lay down roots. Be in it for the long haul, have a long-term view and a long-term perspective. Be “base” for your children. Don’t live your life for you – live it for generations to come.

2) Prioritize marriage. Take an active role in the selection of mates for your children. If we want them to be prepared for marriage we’ve got to start working on it. We spend a lion’s share of our time preparing our kids for college, and no time preparing them for marriage. Newsflash: their marriage relationship is far more important in the long run than any degree they will ever earn from college.

3) Put a premium on children. ‘Multiply there and do not decrease.’ Where does our legacy come from if we don’t put a premium on children? Where does the next generation come from? How many warriors would go into battle saying ‘I want as few arrows as possible’? If we believe in multi-generational vision and we’re here to leave a legacy, it changes the way we view children.

4) Impact the culture. ‘Seek the welfare of the city you’ve been taken captive into’. One of my prayers is that people who despise Christians would go ahead and despise us, but would have to admit that we bless them. We’re here for the long haul… let’s be a blessing to the culture. Let’s have a multi-generational view. Let’s mentor the next generation so that they can impact the world long after we’re gone. Let’s live in such a way that it’s better when we’re gone because we’ve been here, and let’s raise an army of young men and young women who think the exact same way so that when God’s promises are fulfilled there are men and women who are our legacy who are there with arms wide open to receive them.”

October 23, 2010 - the day she said yes!

2010-11-01T23:05:00.000-05:00

So, this post is a little late in coming, but things have been joyfully full around here! As you may have read over on Stephanie's blog, Andrew and Stephanie are engaged! (If you haven't read it yet, you must! Go. Now. *grin*)

This may come as a little bit of a shock to some, since they only courted for 7 weeks... so I want to address some questions that we've been asked:

1) "Courtship" has many faces, and there is no one set formula to follow - it's going to look different for each and every couple!

2) The reason that both Andrew and Stephanie chose a "courtship" model over the typical dating model seen today is many-fold; but here are a few of the top reasons:

By virtue of the fact that marriage is a picture of Christ and His bride, Andrew was very desirous to pursue Stephanie in a way that would guard her purity as well as his own.
Both Andrew and Stephanie greatly desired to show the world and those around them something different. They wanted to give Christians an alternative to the way the world "does" love.

3) Despite popular opinion, courtship is not devoid of romance! In fact, after watching Andrew and Stephanie (and Clay and Hannah), I'd have to say that courtship can be much MORE romantic! A guy has to get creative in the way he woos his gal when he has family members watching, and when there's a level of physical purity outlined in the relationship.

4) We would stress that no matter what you call it, the important principles here are:

courtship doesn't make people any better or more holy than dating does! Christ and Christ alone makes us holy; we do these things out of love to Him and in an effort to mirror Him to the world.
waiting to pursue a relationship until a) God shows you the time is right, and b) God shows you the person is right.
approaching that relationship with a fear of God. We serve the Almighty God, maker of heaven and of earth. He has absolute authority over every area of our lives, and if we fear Him we will turn every area of our lives over TO Him.
physical purity is a beautiful thing to bring into marriage, but - emotional purity is much overlooked in this day and age. Young men and women who have not striven to keep themselves pure emotionally will have kept themselves pure physically only for the outward appearances of it... this is idolatry and pride. Purity is good, purity is a blessing, but a person's purity or lack thereof from past experiences should not cause us to cast them aside. Our righteousness is as filthy rags before God... even the most emotionally and physically pure person in this world is filthy before God. Christ is our purity. There is so much healing, beauty, and blessedness in this!! (And as a side note, I would add that as mothers we need to be very careful never to set purity up as an idol for our children.)

5) A Christian approach to pursuing a marriage partner comes at things in a completely different angle. Traditional dating says, "Hey, there's somebody I'm attracted to. Why don't we go out and see if sparks fly? If we get along, why don't we see if we're physically compatible? If all that's the case, then why don't we play at it for a while to make sure it won't go away?" <-- This way of approaching relationships operates out of the Greco-Roman view of love... either you're hit by cupid's arrow or you aren't. IF you fall in love, then you have to make sure it's strong enough that you won't fall out of it. The problem with this is that we see love defined much differently in scripture... love is an action, not a feeling. Because of this, the Christian approach to marriage, in essence, boils down to two people with a passion for Christ, common goals, a common view, a joint understanding that love is something which must be worked at, and a mutual attraction. Once a couple has gotten these issues resolved, there is no "magic time wand" that must be waved over the relationship to make it ready for the marriage step.

6) Andrew and Stephanie were able to observe each other in church, group, and family settings for over a year; during which they were able to learn much about each others families, worldviews, and observe a mutual dependence on and passion for Christ. Because so many of the little kinks that generally come along with a courtship had been casually talked through in multi-family settings before there was any interest on either side, the actual "I-want-to-get-to-know-you-better-so-I-know-if-we-should-pursue-marriage" phase was quite short.

7) Due to the slight "long distance" aspect of the relationship (about one and a half hours driving time from house to house), much of the courtship was done for days at a time at one house or the other. Spending days at a time together created an "intense" courtship experience, where everyone was able to get to know much more about each other - they were able to cover stuff much more quickly than if their courtship had taken place over a handful of dinners each week.

Now, for the fun stuff.... on to the pictures of the happy couple!

Mom and Dad's first glimpse of Stephanie after the proposal

Happy sisters... (See Steph sneaking a glance at her man?)

I can't even tell you how happy my brothers are!!

A very happy mother-in-law to be!

Heather

Avie

Hannah

Avie was dear enough to snap this picture of me

Autumn, where were YOU?!?!? Missing you greatly in this lineup!

"The Box"

Goin' courtin'....

2010-10-01T21:38:00.000-05:00

Remember those "wonderful happenings going on" that I mentioned earlier? Well.... *wink*

Remember this gal? Sister mine?

Remember how she's been at home busying herself with helping mom and learning the ins and outs of being a homemaker while she waits for God to bring along the man He has for her?

As of 3 weeks ago, Stephanie is officially courting, and I can't put it any more beautifully than she has herself: "It's been well worth the wait!!" God truly has been good, and has brought a beautiful thing about in His time, which is always perfect!! Stephanie took a step of faith years ago in her desire to obey God, and has had a beautifully rich time being fully invested in her family, and now - God has seen fit to add another wonderfully beautiful and joyous and rich facet to her life! We are rejoicing!!!

But, I'm not finished sharing....

Remember this gal?

Other sister o' mine?

Well, just over a week after Stephanie and Andrew began their courtship, Hannah began courting another wonderful young man from our church!

So, these two dears, who have always dreamed of going through this phase of life together...

are giving us all a whole lot to smile about!

We were able to have them, "their guys", and two other couples from our church over last week, and we all had such a joyfully fun and wonderfully refreshing time together over dinner and games. (And watching the most adorable little baby.... the precious blessing to these two dears.)

See what I mean?

Can babies get any cuter??

Sweet Fellowship

The beginnings of our Dutch Blitz tournament

Needless to say, Steph and Hannah are basically two huge smiles... hence the reason I end up with pictures like this:

And this:

And so, these days are gloriously sweet and oh-so-much-fun-to-watch... We're getting a front row seat in a truly glorious display of God's grace, His mercy, His kindness, His love, His goodness, and His faithfulness!

The Four
(We've gotta come up with a good moniker for this quad)

"Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
sing the glory of his name;
give to him glorious praise!
Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.
All the earth worships you
and sings praises to you;
they sing praises to your name.”
Selah
Come and see what God has done:
he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
He turned the sea into dry land;
they passed through the river on foot.
There did we rejoice in him,
who rules by his might forever,
whose eyes keep watch on the nations—
let not the rebellious exalt themselves.
Selah
Bless our God, O peoples;
let the sound of his praise be heard,
who has kept our soul among the living
and has not let our feet slip.
For you, O God, have tested us;
you have tried us as silver is tried.
You brought us into the net;
you laid a crushing burden on our backs;
you let men ride over our heads;
we went through fire and through water;
yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.
I will come into your house with burnt offerings;
I will perform my vows to you,
that which my lips uttered
and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.
I will offer to you burnt offerings of fattened animals,
with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams;
I will make an offering of bulls and goats.
Selah
Come and hear, all you who fear God,
and I will tell what he has done for my soul.
I cried to him with my mouth,
and high praise was on my tongue.
If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
But truly God has listened;
he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
Blessed be God,
because he has not rejected my prayer
or removed his steadfast love from me!"

-Psalm 66

And Then She Was Five...

2010-09-29T14:45:00.000-05:00

Today my sunshine girl turns five! Our little Rosie is growing up, losing her baby look... and delighting our hearts more and more each day. Jeanna Rose is a ray of sunshine in our family, bringing such a joyful happiness and brightness into the mix... she truly is a gift from God!

Happy Birthday Rosie-girl!!

Yesterday afternoon we met with Isaac's family and my family at a park to celebrate "our" girl, and oh what fun we all had! We ate and talked and played until it got dark and they closed the park up... so we moved the party to Wendy's where we ate and talked and played some more! Somehow we made it through the entire evening without thinking to get a group picture, so a good many people haven't been captured in these pictures... (guys, ya'll have to help me remember to take those group shots I always forget!!)

Birthday girl

My Mom and Rosie

Hannah and Steph

The Cake, directions loosely followed from here

Birthday kisses

Stephanie dear

Camera fun

The men cooked dinner ;)

MY man

Sweetness

Heather and Steph

Philip Zachariah

Josh and Heather

Sunset and Seekio

Noah-boy

Continuing the party at Wendy's

Frosty fun

We know how to fill up a Wendy's ;)

Little Miss Mercy

The Overpopulation Myth

2010-09-21T20:42:00.002-05:00

Hat tip to Kelly at Generation Cedar for sharing on facebook

Things we say wrong...

2010-09-17T22:07:00.003-05:00

Seen and shared on facebook.... but I just had to share it again here for all those who don't do facebook. :)

Look Alikes?

2010-09-14T22:17:00.000-05:00

Jeanna Rose, 2006

Anna Verity, 2010

Jeanna Rose, 2008

Anna Verity, 2010

Saturday Sunshine

2010-09-13T14:58:00.005-05:00

This past Saturday, we went with my family to help some friends in their tomato field... talk about FUN! (Of course, seeing as how I was only in the field for a short time due to the kiddos, the other might say differently...) We all agree, though, that tomato fights are the surest way to bring joy to the situation. The lack of pictures attests to the difficulty in carrying a camera around while trying to string tomatoes.... degree of difficulty = virtually impossible. ;-)