~2008 Family Christmas Picture~

~Ty, Maggie May, Keely & Marlee~
~The Giles' Family 2008~

~Church Wide Christmas Party~

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

The party was last night and thanks to several awesome servants it was a complete success. The sanctuary was almost completely full while the West Amarillo Community Choral sang for the entire congregation.

I was so blessed to see everyone in our church come together in fellowship to celebrate this wonderful Christmas season.

~Jen and Renay's Holiday Recipes~

My sweet and dear friend, Jen, created this blog for us to share our holiday favorite recipes.....she has done an awesome job with it! Honestly hats off to her for all of the hard work she has put into this:
http://jenandrenaysholidayrecipes.blogspot.com/

Stop by and check it out:=)

~There's No God Like Jehovah!~

I woke up this morning with the song in my head........Of course, I'm wanting to stand at this point and sing:

Shining like the sun!
At the trumpet call Lift your voice!
It's the year of Jubilee!
And out of Zion's hill salvation comes!
There's no God like Jehovah! ...

P.S. GOOD MORNING FRIENDS!!!

~Blessed Assurance~

"This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long."

By Fanny Crosby

~Blog Names~

So, I am reader of several(I won't mention #'s so you all won't know how truly obsessed I am) that keep me hangin' on their every word. People are so gifted in that area....anyway, I came across a name of a blog that I truly wish I had thought of......(drum roll please!!!)....."The Rubber Room".....when you open her page the header read....."Confessions from the Rubber Room". She is a mom of course. I thought honestly that name would describe how I feel most days. Come on let's be honest with each other....don't we all feel that way at least some of the time??
I thought in the next day or two I would let you all in to the madness of the blog's that I read. I won't overwhelm you with too many, but post a few of my favs.

I pray that as this holiday season is upon us that each of you are blessed by your surroundings. That the true meaning of Christmas is radiating from you. Praising God for His precious Son.

~Happy Anniversary to Us~

It truly seems like yesterday that we were planning to get married.

November 29th, 2002 was one of the best days of my life.

On that day I married the man that God brought to Tyler, Keely and I. Looking back there could not have been a more perfect man for God to choose to be in our life.

I love Eric so much more than words could ever express.

Happy Anniversary, Babe!

~Sweet Airplanes~

Maggie May and Marlee have an obsession with airplanes now. We are so stinkin' focused on what is in the sky all the time that I was being to loose my patience. Anyway, last night at the dinner table Maggie begins with blessing our food and in that prayer she said:
"And uhhhh and uhhhhh....thank you for all the airplanes in the sky.....AMEN!"

I told Eric that was it I can't wait to see the next airplane in the sky. Now I truly am excited to get to see one today. I had not realized how much she truly loved them and wanted to show me everyone single one she could see.

On another note.....The girlies started Mother's Day Out on Tuesday AKA "school". They are absolutely loving it. Marlee even thinks that she might have some homework at times.:=) They are in the same class as Mason and this next week a sweet friend from church will be in there with them. It is amazing what all you can do when you aren't having to haul two girls in and out of car seats.

Keely and Ty are doing good right now...ready for a long weekend. Ty and Eric are going on a big deer hunt Thursday after we eat. I'm hoping that he gets another deer this year. He is such an awesome kid.
Honestly, Keely is just kinda floating right along. She wanted Gracie to spend the night last night with her and Boppy, so right now that is her highlight. She totally is a living in the moment kinda girl...God bless her for that!

I pray that you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

~My Greatest Treasure~

If your house was burning or some kind of natural disaster was headed your way what would be your most treasured item that you would run back in the house for? Let me clarify.....all of your family is safe and secured and there is just enough time to run back in the house for that one thing that means absolutely the most to you....what would you get??

Well, mine would be my "Good Bible".

I have had this bible since 1989. My mom gave it to me at that time. It is a NIV bible that if any one of you were to see it you would probably think 'man, we really need to get her a new one', but honestly I have several bibles that are very nice. I have really tried at times to find another bible that would suite me, yet my "good bible" has all of my markings. It has even a page torn out in Ezekiel(I think). My absolute favorite books of the bible are highlighted and marked through and through.

My Grandma Baker had a bible of the same character. That is probably where I got all of my traits of writing all in my bible from. I know that I remind my family of her in so many ways, but this is just one of my many favorites that I thought I would share with you today.

Even though these bibles are worn, torn and weathered we would NEVER let them go. Never want to ever loose them.

I feel like that is how God feels about His precious children. He didn't just accept us because we were given to Him. He chose us. He saw all of the 'torn pages', 'the cover that looked so terrible' and 'the markings that we could never hide'.

He loves us just as if were brand spankin' new with out even one blemish. The idea that my precious King would run back into the house that is on fire is so much more than words could ever express in this little brain of mine.

He loves the fact that even though I am not a morning person I prayed that He would help me with that and with His guidance I am able to meet each day with a smile on my face.

He loves the fact that I am not perfect and STILL(believe it or not) struggle with so many things, and yet He is always there to help me.

This song comes to mind:

Matt Redman - You Never Let Go

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth

Chorus:
Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Father,
Thank you for running back in the burning house for me. Thank you for never letting go of me. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to never be afraid to share your wonderful works with all that are around me. Most importantly thank you for accepting me and giving me grace; because with out grace I would be nothing.
We love you and we know that your love for us is so abundant. In Jesus Name...AMEN!

~Christmas is Right Around the Corner~

So, Sisters we have many traditions that we do in our home around Christmas time, but I am wanting to spice it up a little this year. I thought I would enlist all of you guys in helping me with some new ideas. Anyone....Anyone????????

~Gum...(enough said)~

When I was probably 10 or so I remember seeing my cousin have this neat little ceramic bowl type thingie that sat by her bed. I was of course intrigued and clearly needed one of my own. It was a gum holder.
Of course you have probably all read the wonderful book when we were kids that spoke of putting your gum on the bed post, but I needed a gum holder. I say all of that you tell you that Marlee(2 1/2yrs old) apparently needed her own gum holder last night. In your wildest of dreams you will sooooo not believe what I found this morning..... let me back up to set the scene.

On the way home from church my husband, the sweet and precious father to our kids decided to give Marlee and Maggie May a piece of gum. It was blue in color, just in case you were wondering. Of course, at 8:30 in the PM that would not have been my first choice, but you have to choose your battles. Anyway, when we got home he got everyone ready for bed and tucked them all in. Seriously, a PRAISE GOD moment. So, I and apparently he forgot that Miss Marlee had the gum still in her mouth last night. Well, as she begins to pull her pants down this morning to go potty I realize that I know that blue.....what in the world.....oh my goodness???? That little stinker had decided that she would put her gum in her panties to "save it". I guess she was thinking that she could just put it in the elastic part of her panties and it would hold it in place. Kinda like a pocket...she's been obsessed with pockets lately, so that is the only thing I can figure. She now has a absolute exquisite blue stripe on the front of her tummy. When asked what happened...she said "ooooh, Mommy I want some gum!" ;-))))

~Our Friendship with God~

Hello Friends....

I spoke to an old friend yesterday who begin to tell me truly almost my exact feelings. She was literally going through some of the things that I had been battling. As she was talking I begin to do the "yes...I KNOW" and "that is what I'm going through".....then of course the clouds parted and the sun was shining as the Walmart lady said "clean up on aisle 9"(yes, I was one of those talking on her cellphone walking through the store people we all hate) and I had truly understood why our paths had crossed at that particular moment. I told my friend immediately...."that sneak is on attack again!" (as though he ever stops:)

My friends, Satan is on the attack. He doesn't always attack us with the things that we see, so in turn we don't attribute "it" for his schemes. After a wonderful weekend with the girls worshiping our wonderful King you would think that I would be radiating with His glory and yet I'm feeling blah(like so many others.)

I read a passage this morning from Joyce Meyer's book 'Life in the Word' (devotional).....I feel like she was right on in writing this:

When things are right on the inside, outward things don't matter as much. When they don't matter as much to us, God can give us more of them. When we keep our eyes on the true Kingdom of God-on Him. His righteousness, His peace, and His joy-the rest will be added to us in abundance.

Learn to really live the Kingdom of God!

Then I read one of my Proverbs 31 ministries daily devotionals that spoke of the ways for us to stay focused on what was important:

In order to stay passionate about our faith, and live an empowered life free from sin, you and I must participate in our friendship with God by:

1.) Abiding in Christ. (John 15:4, NIV)

2.) Praying daily. (Mark 1:35, NIV)

3.) Meditating on God’s Word. (Joshua 1:8, NIV)

4.) Putting off the old and putting on the new. (Ephesians 4:22-24, NIV)

5.) Being continually filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18, NIV)

6.) Exercising God-given gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, NIV)

7.) Actively sharing the gospel with others. (Mark 16:15, NIV)


All of these things make total sense to me. I feel like so many times we fall short of His glory because we are so self absorbed in the yuckness of our own lives and feelings. We forget that God is a friend to us; He listens to us and He loves us no matter what we are going through at the time. I'm soooo guilty of discussing the "whatnot's of life" with others in stead of sitting down with my best friend(God) and finding a solution to what I am going through. It isn't always easy, so in turn I think we put Him at the end of the list. No one wants to deal with the junk that is eating us up inside....it hurts! I am personally dealing with so many emotions right now that honestly I DON'T want to deal with. I know that TODAY it will be completely different. I am claiming that in the name of Jesus that we are and will succeed in the yuckness of our own lives. We will be the ones that conquer (definition of conqueror:defeats an enemy or opponent)all of the junk that we have left out of our daily discussions with God. We will NOT become victim to Satan & his schemes. We will live in God's glory and be able to share with others what He has done for us. He is our King of all Kings who can do anything.....We must let Him!
1 Peter 1:3

~Wow What a World Wind of Events~

Friday morning I headed towards OKC for WOF along with 32 other woman. It was amazing! Mandesia and Nicole C. Mullen were the Christian Entertainers. Of course, all of the regular awesome speakers were there as well. I loved it. We came home around 10:30PM on Saturday; then got up Sunday morning for another awesome day of worship and learning about our wonderful King.
Sunday around 5:30PM we received a phone call from a gentleman that Keely and Tyler go riding horses with. I was not ready for what I was going to hear on the other end......Keely had been bucked off of her horse. He was taking her to a near by church to get her cleaned up. We quickly arrived about 15 minutes later and decided that she would need to go to the ER. The metal saddle horn had hit her in the face when Clyde(the horse) bucked. Apparently, they were trotting through a park and the sprinklers came on which spooked the horse. When she fell to the ground she had scraped her right cheek as well as landing on her foot. Anyway, we got to the hospital to hear that there would be a 2 hour wait before seeing a doctor. Luckily the nurses went ahead and ordered a foot x-ray, but they would have to wait for the doctor before ordering any more tests. When the doctor came in he told us great news....her foot was not broken, but he felt like she would need a CT scan of her face. The test showed that she had no broken bones, but a blood pocket that had filled up in her sinus cavity. He put her on antibiotics and some pain meds. We arrived back home around midnight. Keely doesn't want me to post the pictures right now, but if you know me but at all I am itching to show you all what she looks like. She is so incredibly tough....she honestly never really even cried. The whole thing scared her, but she didn't show much emotion. She went to school this afternoon for a couple of hours and is ready now for a full day. I am in awe of how strong she is!

~WOF in OKC 2008~

Ladies,

I am leaving in less than 24 hours to go to Oklahoma City for a Women of Faith Conference. We are all so excited to get out of town and be able to experience this AWESOME event! I had my reservation about going, but now I am pumped. Really I should explain....I hated the idea of leaving all of my kiddos and my sweet husband. After much prayer I knew that this is exactly what God wanted for me. My camera(actually Mom's) is already packed and ready for lots of great pictures.
Please pray that we all arrive safely and that Satan doesn't try to weigh anyone down with illness or worries about their family. That sneak will try every opportunity to ruin a wonderful thing that Christian women are needing and wanting.

~Mommy it's the Moon~

I am really a simple minded person, so I personally know that is why God puts these analogies in front of me to share with others. If it were too deep He knows that He would completely loose me. So here is a real quick observation that just blessed me so much, which of course led me to share it with all of you.....

Maggie May is my youngest child(2 1/2yrs old), she hasn't always had a lot to say in the past. As she gets older though she is so full of comments about everything. The other day we stepped out side around 7:00PM. She immediately looks up to the sky and says "Mommy look at the light...it's the moon...Look it's LIGHT!!!" She was so excited that the moon was bright enough to light up the sky. Immediately God says to me "that is like the light that shines on you". I took a few days to take that wonderful word in, honestly not knowing what He meant exactly in regards to me. Then this morning it became really clear:

We are all God's children. There is always a light around us. Sometimes we might wear a jacket to cover it or even use an umbrella to hide it, but it(the Holy Spirit) is always shining within us. That is His gift that we at times don't utilize it as we should. Our love for our precious King doesn't always shine like it should but because of His grace we are given opportunity after opportunity to have a "do over". We can all be light in a world of darkness. We all have moments where we are able to show God's love to those who are around us. It takes courage, but the Holy Spirit will guide us through those moments.

I think back to so many times in my life that I could have used as an opportunity to share God's word...I let those moments pass, but now I am praying for God to bless me with more ways to share the glory of Him with others.

And he said, "Please, show me Your glory." Exodus 33:18

As you all know I love music, so of course the following song comes to mind:
'Let Your Glory Shine' by Lincoln Brewster.

~A Couple of Funnies About the Kiddos~

Everyday is like a 3 ring circus at our house and this one day was truly no different. Keely (our oldest daughter) was writing out of the bible(her newest obsession) and ignoring what else was going on around her. Clearly, if I could ever ask for anything with my kiddos it would be for them to love God more than anything, but on this particular day I had my hand in just about everything in the house. As I was washing dishes and fixing dinner, Keely was supposed to be playing with the girls in the living room. I had been telling her and telling her Keely stop what your doing and just play with the girls for just a few minutes, so I can get everything done in here. The next thing I knew Marlee & Maggie were running all over the house trying to escape out the back door and whatnot.....so the words that were about to come out of my mouth were words that I would have never thought I would say....(drum roll please)....."Keely, put that bible down and help me for just a minute". It sounded so funny 2 seconds after I said it that all I could do was laugh. Any other time I would be encouraging my kids to read their bible and study God's word, but at that moment I was needing another hand or two to help get the escapees from leaving the asylum.

On to story number 2:
Marlee loves to wake up early to hang out with her daddy, so by the time he leaves in the morning(6:30 AM) all 4 kiddos are up and raring to go. Last week I was getting ready in my bedroom when I hear Keely say Momma, you might wanna come in here? (mind you I had not even been in my room 5 minutes) I immediately come running in the living room to find the twins standing there with wet heads. I was horrified to ask what on earth happened, but those were exactly my next words. Keely says immediately "I tried to stop them Momma, but they both put their heads in the toilet and flushed it." I took the girls clothes off and put them in the bath. Once again in the mind of me there was not enough bleach in the free world to disinfect these girls. I bathed them saying a prayer over both of them as I got them dressed again. Honestly, praying that hopefully big brother had remembered to at least flush the toilet after he used it.;-)))

Everyone needs a laugh or two on a Monday morning....I hope you all have an absolute fabulous week. Stay tuned to many more funnies I'm sure.

~My Sweet Family~

I blog often about my wonderful immediate family, but don't really ever take the time to talk about my love for my sweet and precious parents, sister and brother-in-law. They are absolutely such a vital part to our lives. I can't imagine what it would be like to not have them to talk to or see daily.
This is just a glimpse of my addoration for each of them....

My Sweet Daddy....
He is the rock. Even though I am 33 yrs old(shhhh don't tell anyone!) I still love to climb up in his lap and have him rock me when I am sad. Daddy can do anything...at least that is what I have always thought. He is a true jack of all trades. I love the fact that his love for God is so deep and that he is still learning daily more about Him. I see Marlee and her love for Eric & it reminds me of my love for sweet Boppy!

My Terrific Momma....
She is the one person(here on earth) who always seems to know the answers. She is the true "Momma Bear" who is going to parent us to the day she dies. We look to our Momma for so many things, but honestly she has taught me mostly that there is no dream that you can not achieve. She is a hard working woman that pours love into everything she does. She is the foundation for my walk with Christ. She never gave up on me and what God had/has in store for me. She is a terrific wife, mother & Nana.

My Loving Sis.....
We did everything together growing up. She was/is my best friend. She is so different from me, but that is why I love her so. She is a caring person who has done so many countless things for me that I never deserved. She is my person. She knows that sometimes all I need is to cry and I know that my quirks probably drive her crazy, but that is ok because I am her sister and she loves me. Sis' devotion to serving and loving God is much more than words could ever express...she is an awesome person.

My Wonderful Cam.....
Cam has been such a wonderful blessing to our family. Even though we are only a few months apart in age he is like a big brother to me.....truly the brother that I never had. His love for my sister, nieces and nephews is something that blesses me every time I am around him. He would do absolutely anything in the world for anyone. Above everything he has an undying love for God that shines through in all that he does. I can't imagine our lives with out this man in it.

I thank God for my great family and the part that each of them play in my life.

~Very Frustrated~

Please pray for our family this morning. We are struggling right now and need every one's prayers. Satan is trying to attack us from every angle. We speak it in unity with you all that he doesn't have a place in our lives and that we do not care for the foolishness that he tries throwing at our sweet family.

~The Verdict~

Well, the verdict is in...even if I don't agree with what happened this evening. I know with out a shadow of doubt that God is in complete control of our Country. He will take care of each us. His Word is the truth and we can stand strong in knowing that.

Father,
I ask that you be with all of our nation as we accept this decision and I pray that you guide us in the right direction. We know that you have control over everything and know what is in store for each of us. You are great and bigger than all of these things. We love you and we know that you love us.
In Jesus Name...AMEN!

~Old Socks~

I hold on to all the "old socks" that come out of the wash and have lost their match in the washer/dryer. For some reason I never think that we can just throw away that lonely sock that has no match. I'll hold on to some of them for up to a year. They all have their special place in the sock basket.
It is funny because really and truly it is one of my things that I do like to do in laundry...matching socks that is. There is such a feeling of accomplishment, almost a high, that comes from every sock having it's own match and a place in the drawer.

I say all of this because I feel like we all hang on to so many things from our past that God has already forgiven us for and doesn't even remember, but we hold on to it. We may visit it daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly, but we haven't released this junk that is holding us in bondage. God wants nothing more than to pour out His blessings upon us. He wants us to be happy and fulfilled knowing that He doesn't hold on to the junk. It is Satan that wants to keep us from being and serving as an awesome Christian Soldier for our wonderful King.

Daily I pray for God's blessings to be poured out upon me and that I will allow the past to stay in the past and not invade my day to day life as well as my future.

Father,
You are so awesome to love us unconditionally. Forgive us when we don't "deserve it" and be here to guide us every step of the way to your much awaited Kingdom. We love you and we know that you love us. Thank you for everything you do for each of us.
In Jesus precious and holy name...AMEN!

~Vote~

~Today is ELECTION DAY....Don't forget to go VOTE!~

~A Thorn~

Oh Ladies, The Lord is working....He kept waking me up all last night with the same word. I had heard this word 2 different times yesterday during the day and kinda went ummmm? Everyone was really busy yesterday, so I didn't want to say STOP-I need some confirmation. I didn't want to be making things about me when clearly others have their own lives, but now I know that I was supposed to say STOP. I know that the Holy Spirit was telling me to read on this....discern what God is telling you through me. So now I am going to share with each of you and hopefully it will bless you in what you may have going on right now...IT TRULY DID ME!


I have spoke of the daggers from Satan, so in turn we think of this huge thing that he may be doing in our lives to keep us from doing God's work. The word that I kept hearing was "thorn". Let me explain...In Matthew 27:29 it is written about the crown of thrones that they placed on our precious Jesus. It is so descriptive that your heart just breaks at the idea of an actual person having to go through such pain and suffering.

Then in 2 Corinthians 12:6-10 Paul is writing to the church in Corinth and says: If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it, because I don't want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, " My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work though me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I know that this is kinda long, but stay with me..."My grace is all you need." This is truly what God is wanting us to know. Rely on GOD. He is all that we need. Things will not be perfect, but because of the Grace he has for each one of us it will be absolutely all that we need. Remember that a thorn may not be so bad...it may be exactly what we are personally needing to make us stronger.

We all have moments of weakness, but I am blessed to know that God's love for us is much more than the things we have going on in our lives. RELY on Him to get you through difficult times. His love endures!

I absolutely love Paul's teachings...the idea of a man going out and spreading the gospel as he did, still just blesses my heart. When we look at the bible we can find so many people that are so enduring of God's love. Which in turn gives me such joy to know still and always that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

~Blogs~

So, clearly I love blogs...I mean truly obsessed. I follow honestly probably more than I should actually admit to. Right now I have gotten on a blog circuit of sorts that is absolutely fabulous! I find myself sitting and reading for a least a couple of hours every night and after my study in the morning; while drinking a few cups of coffee I read several to keep up with what is knew.

It's official-even though they are not soap operas they are basically in the same ream of addiction for me personally. I used to watch Y&R and Days every single day without fail. Truly planned the days events around making sure that I was home to watch "my shows".
Yes, I wondered all of the same cliffhangers as many of you....cried many a tears as my favorite characters were dying with some kind of"unheard of/not even named yet" disease that there was no cure for....I'm right there with ya sister. I watched every single wedding that took place to the same husband 25 times and cried through those as well. Seriously, my life was hanging on every episode. You couldn't get me to talk to on the phone during 11 to 1 because I was too engrossed in "my shows". You probably are thinking man she was and is really messed up....and that's OK because I AM! Thanks to my own personal convictions I decided that this was not something that I needed to watch anymore.

[I'm not placing judgement if you do-I personally was obsessed and couldn't do it any longer.]

Anyway, I say all of that to bring you to my "new" obsession. BLOGS! I have had my blog for some time now and really just read those of you that I personally knew not really venturing out to unknown territory....but girls there is a whole other world of bloggers out there that I am LOVING!!!

I'm honestly almost to the point of knowing all of their names and animal's names...OCD-I KNOW! Truly, I am being blessed daily by the love that each of these women have for our Lord. They have the same struggles as the rest of us, which just blesses my heart to hear.

Sometimes we feel so alone in our daily walk, but God has blessed us with one another to encourage and lean on. Girls, I am claiming right now that we are going to be wonderful and mighty woman for God. Nothing is going to slow us down or break us.

~TAADAA!~

TAADAA!
Whatcha think?
I love it!!
Thanks to my sweet friend, Melissa,
for setting up my new layout
-it looks AWESOME. ~;-)))

~Good Morning~

Bible Study was so good last night. Beth Moore can speak to me sometimes as though she actually knows me and knows exactly what I am needing to hear.
I had prayed awhile back for God to place with in me a desire for His Word. A desire that would be so strong that I honestly couldn't wait for my time with Him. Well, He did just that, but of course Satan didn't want that.
I found that as I grew even closer to Him that I would have more and more trials that I was faced with.
Then a friend of mine called a couple of days ago with some of the same issues. I was so glad to not be alone in this...to be able to share with someone the frustrations of trying to walk my walk and dodge the daggers from the enemy. Praise God that I have too many blessings to count right now. You have to look at it that way...truly looking at every moment in the day that you can be grateful to God for blessing you with even patience when dealing with a 2 1/2 yr old or two. When you look at our sole purpose in life....it is to live and walk in His light it puts so many things in to perspective....It is not always easy, but sometimes we get so wrapped up in the everyday motions of life that we forget our purpose.
I haven't always been very clear about what my purpose was, but then realized that it can change daily.
Beth said last night something that was completely true for me "Someday God is going to tell us(as she looked at her watch) that it is time to get off". Meaning of course, that if you are wasting all of your time here on earth looking for the moment when something is going to be over you are going to miss all of the opportunities to do what He has planned for you. It made total sense to me. I hope that I parphrased it well so that each of you could get the point as well.
I don't want to always be looking so far ahead that I miss what is going on right now. Miss the blessing that He constantly pours on me. Also, I don't want to be so consumed with everything that I don't have that I am not grateful and doing the most with what I do have.
We always tend to just remember the negative and forget all of the postive things that are happening in our lives. Satan is so sneaky in being able to deceive us; making us doubt & stumble.
Praise God that we have his Grace and the Holy Spirit within us to realize this foolishness.
This was kinda long, but what I felt this morning....I hope that you all have a wonderful day!~!
~r

~The Camera~

So, I had missed place the camera...well actually I guess you could say that I lost it. I have been looking for almost 2 weeks! On my chest of drawers I have a ton of my purses....anyway I had looked there several times before and had not seen it. At this point I am really trying not to freak out, but when I can't find something it drives my absolutely INSANE. Truly the OCD coming out.(haha) In the weee hours of the morning I wake up with the vision that it is under the purses. Ladies, I must say it was there! It was sitting there not even looking as though it was ever lost at all. Waiting for me to take another picture.;-) I am so thrilled. It's the little things that give me great joy this morning. I'm totally forgetting about the girlies playing in the pee on Saturday because this morning I can claim victory in finding the camera.
~r

~Real Quick~

Believe it or not we have snot STILL! It did not go away over night??? Hopefully Miss Maggie May will begin to feel better today.
~Make sure and get your flu shot....just a reminder! Maggie doesn't have the flu; I think it is just allergies, but this is the begin of "flu season".
The germaphobe in me is truly freakin' out every time I hear a sneeze or "Mommie....I'sss has ssssnot." I really try to make it about the kids, but at times I get so overwhelmed with the whole EEEEEWWWWWW Yuck factor that it takes me a minute to come back to reality and remember that they really do need me.:-(
I have to say that my friend Jen, is sooo right about the fact that at least it is not yellow or green-we can find the upside in ANYTHING.;-))
~r

~So, It's Official....."

So, it's official on this Fall morning............we have clear snot! I'm sure that it's allergy related, but it explains the sleepless nights we have been having this past week. It is really funny to here Maggie say "Mommie....I have ssssnot.....keeeeenex, please."
Benadryl will be our best friend for the next couple of day. That usually does the trick. ;-)
~r

~What a Busy Weekend!~

All weekend we have been on the go.....Our lives seem never to slow down.
Isn't it funny how different seasons of your life tend to make you
wonder if it will "always" be like this? I can't say at this point I would change a thing. :-))
Since Eric has been home more the kids and I always look forward to 5:30...it's the golden hour. We are able to sit down and eat dinner as a family. I have a wonderful story to tell you all.....
We pray before ever meal and have really encouraged our little girls to pray aloud as well. Marlee and Maggie have now started fighting over who gets to pray first. Marlee looks so serious in her prayers....head bowed in her hands waiting for the moment to holler "AMEN". Maggie is the prayer police...she wants to make sure that everyone has their hands properly folded in front of them with their eyes closed and head bowed. Clearly, she hasn't picked up on the fact that if her eyes were closed she wouldn't be able to see who else had open eyes. Not that it really matters; it is just so comical to me. Anyway, Maggie was deep into her prayer the other day and said: "God thank you for the blessings and the food...Jesus Name AMEN!" God bless my sweet little girl who at times has such few words to actually say. Then you have the big kids that say their prayers as well and by the time we are all done our food is cold and it is finally time for bed...just kidding, but it is such a routine at our house. A routine that I LOVE!!! I am so blessed that my life turned out like this. I never would have thought that I could ever be loved by so many and that my love for them would be so indescribable. Dreams really do come true....even if you take the long route to achieve what God truly has in store for you.

Eric and I were in the nursery today with all the kiddos....it was so much fun. We have been upstairs teaching the older kids, in turn I had forgotten how much I love getting to be in there with the babies and toddlers. We had them singing with Josh(our Worship Pastor) the song by Kim Walker "How He Loves Us". This is my new favorite song, so of course we had to sing as well as, get out our maracas & tambourines. My girls have heard it so much that they know the words....I love seeing them all worshipping our Father.
Of course the kids really just know the chorus. If I do nothing more in my life except teach these kids that our Father loves us no matter what we have done. It is an undeserved love, but He does it. He is the constant in our lives. He is the one that is always in our court anxiously awaiting for us to talk to Him and be with Him.

Praise you Father for all of the love you have poured out upon each one of us!

Thank you for your precious son who died on the cross for all of our sins.

We love you and we know that you love us.

In Jesus Name.....AMEN!

~r

"How He Loves Us" by Kim Walker:
He is jealous for me Love's like a hurricane,
I am a tree Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
and I realize just how beautiful
You are and how great your affections are for me.
Oh, how He loves us so
Oh, how He loves us
How He loves us so.
Yeah, He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves.
So we are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean we're all sinking
So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss
and my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets when
I think about the way
That he loves us,
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves He loves us,
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves
Cause He loves us,
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves
Yeah, He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves

~He's Listening!~!~

So, I am shouting from the roof top that "God healed my car!". Cam & Charlie just delivered it. When they got to the parking lot to pick up the old Suburban it just cranked right up. I had been praying over my car for the past 2 days and HE did it. He healed my car! Praise God for listening to even the smallest of prayers.

Of course a big THANK YOU goes out to Cam & Charlie for taking the time to look at it and bring it home to me today. You guys are the BEST EVER!
~r

~Remembering What is Important~

You have to watch this:

http://www.maximumreferrals.com/bridge

~r

~A Deep & Long Sighhhhh~

So many things have happened in the past 2 days, but today I am CLAIMING victory in the name of Jesus that we ARE going to have a GREAT day!!!!

Monday-
Without going in to every little detail I will sum it up with Keely had a reaction to one of her meds. So, I went and got her from school and she stayed at home with me and the girlies. That night I had the "Beth Moore" bible study up at the church. I went & cried(I had already decided I wasn't going to,but of course someone asked..."how are you?" and the flood gates were opened:-) about the day that I had been having; left to head home, but thought I would get gas before heading to the casa. Pulled up to the gas station.....hopped out of the car....put some gas in.....jumped back in the car.....go to start the car and a BIG FAT NOTHING happens. Of course, at this point I am freezing because clearly it would have been the best idea to wear a jacket, but I didn't. Anyway, I try it again & again & again....NOTHING! I call all the men in my life....Eric, Dad & Cam. Eric was at home with all the kiddos asleep and couldn't do anything unless I wanted him to load everyone up and come to town. Dad was working. Cam...thank goodness....was able to come and rescue me from the freezing car. While waiting for him to come I manage to find a flimsy t-shirt type jacket in the back seat to put on....did I mention that it was dark and cold! I don't like darkness anyway, but to be stranded was completely freaking me smooth out. Cam came really quick and assessed the situation determining that it might be the fuel pump. There wasn't anything that we could do right at that moment so he pushed and I steered(clearly I got the best job out of the deal) to move it out of the way.
That night it seemed as though I could hardly even pray because at that moment I didn't even know how to do so without being angry. So many things that happened to me were just everyday normal things that happen to everyone, but when you are feeling attacked in every single direction you feel as though you are scared or afraid to do anything. I know that is one of my greatest demons that I personally have to deal with. The spirit of fear! Some days it isn't as bad as others, but so many times it can be debilitating. The fear comes over you keeping you from doing the things that you normally would do with thoughts of the "what if''s". Fear is of SATAN not of God. God tells us that we are not to be fearful.(Matt 8:26) Why is that when things are going good then it is so easy for us to say that God is in control, but the minute times go sour we have so many doubts? Of course, I know the answer, but at this point I'm wondering if I am the only one that struggles with these scenarios or if this is a common occurrence with everyone? How can you be "okay" one minute with the daggers that Satan throws in your direction and in the next minute you want to crumble?
This is a true testament of "praise you in the storm".
As a teenager in youth group we would sing a song that many of you might know "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say REJOICE." I have been singing that over and over in my head knowing that is exactly what I am supposed to do.
Praise God that He loves us just as we are....He knows that we are going to slip or stumble, but is always there with a helping hand to keep us from completely falling.

~r

~Keely is doing good and went back to school today. We are praying that God leads us to the correct combo of meds.

~Just 2 Things~

So, I was blessed by a WONDERFUL book a week or so ago that I LOVE! It is truly a "must read" for everyone. The book is titled 'Praying God's Word' by Beth Moore. The book is about how to break free from spiritual strongholds in your life. Some of the topics include but not limited too: Unbelief, Pride, Deception, Insecurity of Feeling Unloved, Feelings of Rejection, Loss, Unforgiveness, Depression, & my very favorite....Overcoming the Enemy. There are 15 chapters in all; clearly awesome in there own accord. I can't put this book down. She speaks on my level and at times it is as though we have battled some of the same things that Satan has thrown our way. Satan can be so deceiving at times where we think that our battle is with a person when it truly is with him. Anyway, you must get this book.....even if you don't think that some of the topics I listed are of your interest there is something in there for EVERYONE!

On to #2.....
I have spoke before about my love for Proverbs31 Ministries and many of the speakers, but my absolute favorite is Lisa TerKeurst. She has her own blog that I LOVE...LOVE to read! You have to read this blog......http://www.lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/. Her most recent post that I am wanting EVERYONE to read is "Why I ate 172 M&M's in church yesterday". I think that it speaks to all woman that have issues going on in their lives....whether big or small.

So, I pray that you all have a very blessed week.....I'm sure that as the day goes on I will have some more great stories to share.

~r

~This Morning~

Eric isn't feeling the greatest, so today I am staying home with him instead of going to bible study & running errands like most Fridays. This morning I woke up to 2 little girls sleeping in my bed which probably explains the extreme pain that I am feeling in my lower back.;=))

So, I have a "purse angel"! The most awesome thing ever happened on Sunday. I was leaving church when Josh, our worship pastor, came up to me and said that I had a package in the office. And oh course in disbelief I say to him "For me???"
I went in there to find a gift sack with my name on it.....no card just my name on the outside. I opened it to find a beautiful brown purse. I had been admiring another friend of mines at church, so I just assumed it was her that had got me the wonderful purse that will match anything. When I asked her about it she said that she had no idea what I was even talking about. I have a couple of suspicions, but nothing confirmed. Truly God knew a day that I needed that most, so in the world of me who ever did this was my "Purse Angel". Thank you so much. I LOVE IT!
~r

~Sweet Sounds of the Whining Dance~

So, here's the thing the girls keep waking up at the crack of dawn....YIKES! Anyway, they are doing this "whining dance" at around 8:30 AM because they are so SLEEPY! It is driving me crazy. Then if we take a nap in the morning we have to deal with the fact that come late afternoon the "whining dance" revisits our home. We are in a transitional stage right now that I know will soon change, but in the mean time it is very frustrating.

A couple of OMGoodness Twin stories......They are true "Partners in Crime"! Sis, referred to them as that a few days ago and honestly that is the best way to describe their actions.

They have poured out all kinds of items in the frig....problem solved by a wonderful frig lock.

Marlee has painted her toes, as well as her eyebrows with my mascara.

Maggie has dumped the pee out of the potty all over the floor.

We've had another run in with the lotion on the bed and floor.

They decided to eat some candles while singing "Happy Birthday to you Mommy."

They have found every cent in our house to bring to me...."Oooooh Mommy MONEY!"

They have figured out how to play in the sink in the back bathroom, so if you don't see them that is where they would be hiding out.

~I'm really not complaining, but thought I would share a few things that have happened recently in the Giles' home.~
~r

~Those Little Stinkers~

Can't a girl take a bath? I was in the tub yesterday....enjoying the peace and quiet when a soft knock on the door from Ty brought me back to reality that I have to hurry up and get finished bathing.
The knock on the door went something like this:
Ty: "Mom?"
Me: "Yes?"
Ty: "Ummmmm.....where would you keep some big towels out here?"
Me: "WHY?"
Ty: "Ummmmm......you know the big pitcher of Tea, Chrystal Light & Juice in the frig?"
Me: "Yes?"
Ty: "Well, the girls dumped all of it in the kitchen floor."
Me: "WHAT!?!?...Your kidding, right?"
Ty: "Ummmmm....no Momma, I really need to clean it all up."
Me: "There are towels in the dryer...I'll be out in just a minute."
So, I get out of the tub....not even shaving my legs! Dry off. Throw on some clothes. Go out to the kitchen and let me just say God bless Ty's heart! He had really done a pretty good job of cleaning up a terrific mess. 4 big towels soaked with wetness awaited me in front of the washer, but at least I didn't have to walk out to what I can only imagine was a HUGE mess. Ty was such an awesome helper for me yesterday. He was blessed with 2 little sisters that "soaked up" every ounce of him being out of school.
They will be so disappointed today when the big kids aren't here. :(
~r

FYI-We put a lock on the refrigerator last night! ~;-))))

~Thank You Friends~

Well, there are no real good words to truly express my love for each of you. The love that you have shown in concern for our Keely Girl has been such a wonderful blessing to us. Thank you for your prayers and your loving/encouraging words. Even though we know that all of these things could be so much worse and we praise God that we have the medicines to treat her.

Father,
Thank you so much for all that you have blessed me with. We love and adore you knowing that we would be no where with out you in our lives. Father, please wrap your healing arms around all of us during this time of uncertainty. We claim today healing whether it be through medicine or a true miracle. Thank you for giving us your wonderful son to die on the cross; forgiving us of all our sins. We love you and we know that you love us.
In Jesus Holy Name.....AMEN
~r

~Where to Begin?~

So, I have been putting off this blog until we talked to the doctor about Keely, so that I would have some answers. We went to the doctor yesterday (the neurologist). He absolutely adores her. Which is such a blessing, because she is not always the nicest person when we are in there. Anyway, of course we are going over school stuff...which is basically the same thing that we deal with every year....the teachers really don't know how to reach her and she is so far behind kids her age that it makes it difficult to meet her needs. I still don't know the solution for this...and I don't want my answer to sound cynical, so I'll just leave it at that. The doctor ended up changing a couple of medications she is currently on hoping that this will help with the situations at school and at home. She now takes 4 pills in the morning and 3 pills at night along with an inhaler & nose spray. Please keep her in your prayers....one of the new pills is really large. We realize that at this time it is inevitable for her to be on a lot of medications, but as her parents it is just so hard to do this day in and day out. She is becoming more accepting of the problems that we have to discuss in a doctor's visit which is HUGE. We aren't having to do a "song and dance" around the issues, but just talk freely. I hate that it is so complicated when it comes to stuff with Keely. She doesn't just have one thing wrong with her; it is a combination of several things....one medication may work great for this problem, but the side effects need to be off set by another medication. It is just really an endless cycle at times.

I ask that you pray for clarity that we are doing the right thing for Keely....we doubt ourselves at times knowing that Satan can use those doubts to do his work, so please pray that we are able to see God's light at the end of this tunnel.

Keely is such a wonderful gift from

God that we love and adore.

We know with out a shadow of doubt she will do

GREAT & WONDERFUL things in her life

to bring people closer to The Word.

~r

~TGIF~

~Thank Goodness It's Friday~

Yeah......It's Friday-This week has been dragging on FOREVER! Hope you all have a GREAT weekend!~!

~r

~A GREAT Mom Devotional~

I have been signed up for this daily devotional that is sent to me(e-mailed) for some time now and I used to, more often than not. just click on the delete marker never evening reading what it said. I was convicted recently that this was just one more way that God spoke to me and started reading them again on a daily bases. The site is Proverbs31 Ministries. I LOVE IT! I especially like this lady that I am posting about today. Her name is Lysa TerKeurst. I really can relate to what she is saying about everyday life. Take a minute to read below the devotional that touched me this morning:

October 2, 2008

Good Mom,

Bad Mom,

Good Mom

Lysa TerKeurst

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26 (NIV)

Devotion:
Good Mom? Bad Mom? Good Mom? Bad Mom? Do you ever feel as though you are the ping-pong ball in a heated match bouncing constantly between feeling like a good mom to a bad mom?

One minute I have a great discussion where my child finally gets it... GOOD MOM!

The next I get an e-mail from a teacher that lists the three parents who have yet to turn in that permission slip and I am on the list for all the world to see... BAD MOM!

I calmly handle the stresses of the morning routine... GOOD MOM!

But then during the afternoon homework session, my child's irresponsibility over a last minute project just about sends me over the edge. I find my neck muscles tensing and my voice rising... BAD MOM!

I make sure they pack something healthy for lunch... GOOD MOM!

The schedule falls apart in the late afternoon and I wind up feeding them sugar cereal for dinner... BAD MOM!

Sometimes I feel like that ping-pong ball mom bouncing from feeling good to bad. Yesterday morning I sat down at the kitchen table after getting everyone where they needed to be and cried. Sometimes having kids is the greatest thing that has ever happened in my life. Other days I feel like the task of parenting little people is driving me to the brink of craziness. Just the other day I was processing some recent family things with my friend, Renee, over the phone. Suddenly a strange theme seemed to arise. I just started laughing. I told Renee that so many of my days seemed to tell the same kind of story... I was on the verge of a breakdown and then I spent time with Jesus and He made things better. Renee quipped back to me, "Well, isn't that where most of us live every day?" Not that we are on the edge of a breakdown, but we live in a place of utter dependence on God. I know as a mom, I live in constant need of His love, encouragement, wisdom, perspective, strength, patience, and grace. Anything I do right as a mom is because of my constant dialogs with God. Anything I do wrong as a mom is because of trying to do things in my own strength and slap wearing myself out. That's where grace steps in. And I need lots of grace. God's grace steps in and says, “Lysa, you are doing better than you think. Stop bouncing from feeling good to bad to good to bad. In the good times, rejoice and thank me. In the not so good times, call out to me quickly." And suddenly it occurred to me; with God I'm never a bad mom. I might be having a bad moment... or two... or seventeen. But a few bad moments do not define me as a bad mom. God's grace is there to cover me. Teach me. And even in the middle of a bad moment, interrupt me, redirect me, and change me.

Forgiveness is there. Love is there. A second chance is there.

You are a good mom my friend even if, like me, you’ve had a few bad moments... you is the exact mom God knew your children needed. Let's live in that truth today.

Dear Lord, being a mom is a great privilege but one that can be so challenging at times. Teach me how to lean on You with every action and every reaction. And when I mess up, please help me to not define myself by my mommy failures. Help me to only be defined by Your love that assures me and Your grace that covers me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

~Here is a link to both sites that I love to read.~

http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/

http://www.lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/

~Things the Girls Say & Do~

We have had such a wonderful time listening to the girilies talk and play....here are a few things that they say or play all of the time:

Marlee loves to play like she is the "Mommy of her baby doll"....she will feed her, change her diaper & put her down for a nap. She loves to tell you all about her baby...most importantly her baby doesn't like to wear clothes...she just "don't liiiike it Mommy!".

Marlee of course, loves to talk and she is so excited to say when all 6 of us get up in the morning....."Daddy, you waked up! YEAH!....Mommy, you waked up! YEAH!" and so on. You can't help but smile at the sometimes 5:30 in the morning wake up routine with that girl. Maybe she will be the Cheerleader in the family??

Maggie loves to watch the movie Cars. She is mesmerised by "Lightening McQueen". She could honestly watch it 24/7.

Maggie is so impressed when anyone...(yes I just said anyone)...can make it to the potty with out having an accident that she will give a standing ovation screaming "Yeah...you go potty.....you made it!" I see a wonderful encourager in the making :)))!

~r
John 9:38 "Yes, Lord I believe!" the man said. And he worshiped Jesus.

~Remembering Something~

WOW~ It just hit me today a great memory from when I was a kid. (I really should say a teenager.)
We grew up in church....never missing a Sunday morning or night, Monday Night Bible Study or Wednesday evening service. If the doors were open we were there. If there was something special going on you better bet the Baker's were going to be apart of it. Well I say all of that to take you to a wonderful memory of some of the most wonderful girls from our youth group. Just as we go through hard times now, it of course happened when I was a teenager
(believe it or not??:-)))).
These girls were AWESOME! They would say wonderfully encouraging words, send a note or make a phone call just when I needed it. Anyway...I have been blessed to catch up with some of them now on "Facebook". It has been so great to see some of these people and just reconnect. Even though I haven't spoke to some in 15 years...I can honestly say that I love them still so much and praise God for the great impact they had in my life.
So here is a little shout out to the Central Church of Christ Youth Group Alumni!~!;-))))
~r

~2 Down & 2 to Go~

Well, the decision is FINALLY in....drum roll please....we decided on what the twins would be for Halloween. INDIANS! We think that it will fit them perfectly. I also had the idea of everyone in our family being Indians, but Sis said that even if I went around singing "One little, two little, three little Indians" it still would not change Grace's mind of wanting to be a Cheerleader.:(
I thought that it would be so cute for us to number off starting with Eric being number 1, Me #2, Cam #3, Sis #4 and so forth, but I guess everyone needs to be their own little original person.....Keely didn't go for the idea either.
I'm still holding out for all 4 of the kiddos to be the cast of "The Wizard of Oz". Clearly, Tyler is getting to old for this dream to come true.
I'm a crazy woman when it comes to deciding the Halloween attire. I have to know the plan and start working on it entirely too early, but somehow it gives me comfort to already have things in place.
I'm also the girl that bought pumpkins 2 weeks ago....I know I have some issues.

Now you all can sleep knowing that the big decisions have been made at the Giles' house.:-))
~r

~E-Mail~

I know that many of you might not enjoy getting e-mails, but I honestly have to say that I LOVE THEM! We tend to just click on the forward marker and not pay much attention to the little notes of kindness and whatnot's that say so much. I recently received an e-mail that touched me. It was sent to several people, but to know that I was thought of enough for someone to share a scripture, a thought or even a joke with me....brightens my day. I love when my oldest and dearest friend, Jen, sends me an e-mail that is what I call a "catch up" e-mail. She will let me know what all is going on in her life, as well as, her kiddos. It is so much easier for her to sit down and type out everything all at once so that when we do get a chance to visit I am completely up to speed with everything.
We tend to take for granted(sp?) all of the awesome things that God does for us daily. If we take a moment everyday to thank Him for His blessings we will see that even an e-mail can bless someones life.
Just a thought aloud. Have a wonderful week!~!
~r

~Funny E-Mail~

~We have all had this happen at one time or another...

When you have to visit a public bathroom, you usually find a line of women,

so you smile politely and take your place.

Once it's your turn, you check for feet under the stall doors.

Every stall is occupied.

Finally, a door opens and you dash in,

nearly knocking down the woman leaving the stall..

You get in to find the door won't latch.

It doesn't matter, the wait has been so long you are about to wet your pants!

The dispenser for the modern 'seat covers' (invented by some one's Mom, no doubt) is handy, but empty. You would hang your purse on the door hook, if there was one, but there isn't - so you carefully, but quickly drape it around your neck,

(Mom would turn over in her grave if you put it on the FLOOR!),

yank down your pants, and assume ' The Stance.'

In this position your aging, toneless thigh muscles begin to shake.

You'd love to sit down, but you certainly hadn't taken time to wipe the seat

or lay toilet paper on it, so you hold 'The Stance.'

To take your mind off your trembling thighs,

you reach for what you discover to be the empty toilet paper dispenser.

In your mind, you can hear your mother's voice saying,

'Honey, if you had tried to clean the seat,

you would have KNOWN there was no toilet paper!'

Your thighs shake more.

You remember the tiny tissue that you blew your nose on yesterday -

the one that's still in your purse.

(Oh yeah , the purse around your neck, that now,

you have to hold up trying not to strangle yourself at the same time).

That would have to do. You crumple it in the puffiest way possible.

It's still smaller than your thumbnail.

Someone pushes your door open because the latch doesn't work.

The door hits your purse, which is hanging around your neck

in front of your chest, and you and your purse topple backward

against the tank of the toilet.

'Occupied!' you scream,

as you reach for the door, dropping your precious,

tiny, crumpled tissue in a puddle on the floor,

lose your footing altogether, and

slide down directly onto the TOILET SEAT.

It is wet of course.

You bolt up, knowing all too well that it's too late.

Your bare bottom has made contact with every imaginable germ

and life form on the uncovered seat because

YOU never laid down toilet paper -

not that there was any, even if you had taken time to try.

You know that your mother would be utterly appalled if she knew,

because, you're certain her bare bottom never

touched a public toilet seat because, frankly, dear,

'You just don't KNOW what kind of diseases you could get.'

By this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet

is so confused that it flushes,

propelling a stream of water like a fire hose

against the inside of the bowl that sprays a fine mist of water

that covers your butt and runs down your legs

and into your shoes.

The flush somehow sucks everything down with such force

that you grab onto the empty toilet paper dispenser

for fear of being dragged in too.

At this point, you give up.

You're soaked by the spewing water and the wet toilet seat.

You're exhausted.

You try to wipe with a gum wrapper you found in your pocket

and then sneak out inconspicuously to the sinks.

You can't figure out how to operate the faucets

with the automatic sensors, so you wipe your hands

with spit and a dry paper towel and walk past the line of women still waiting.

You are no longer able to smile politely to them.

A kind soul at the very end of the line points out

a piece of toilet paper trailing from your shoe.

(Where was that when you NEEDED it??)

You yank the paper from your shoe,

plunk it in the woman's hand and tell her warmly,

'Here, you just might need this.'

As you exit, you spot your hubby,

who has long since entered, used, and left the men's restroom.

Annoyed, he asks, 'What took you so long,

and why is your purse hanging around your neck?'

*Seriously, every time I go to a public Rest Room!

~r

~This Speaks for Itself~

~turn up the volume~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2sZuJbxi8Y
~r

~Happy Anniversary~

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad! We are so blessed to have you both as our parents. It is amazing these days to find couples that have been married for 37 years! WOW! God has truly shined through your marriage reminding us all of your love and devotion to Him as well as each other.

We love you guys....
~r

~Just a glimpse into our week....~

So, just when you think that nothing else could happen…
~The dog’s have diarrhea all over the coach.
~Maggie has diarrhea all over the everywhere.
~Marlee throws up.
~Tyler accidentally shuts Maggie’s finger in the door.
~I had a blow out on one of my tires.
~I have been sick.
~Maggie’s tube is coming out of her ear and has made it bleed.
~Marlee & Maggie pour out numerous different things all over the everywhere…(syrup, conditioner, lotion, hand sanitizer & whatever they can find that squeezes out.)
~I have washed my 300th load of laundry this week and still not done.

*I’m really not mad, but honestly thought you all might find some humor in everything that has happened. As well as, give you a hint of all the wonderful aromas that are coming from my house. Not to mention the glorious sound “Momma…Maggie just..." or "Momma....Marlee just…”
Go ahead laugh….I am that is what is keeping me sane!
~r

~BMI~

So, this morning after talking with a friend...names will be kept anonymous.....we decide that we needed to calculate our BMI(Body Mass Index). Yes, I know the thought of "what were you thinking" is coming to mind, but it only gets better....clearly, I won't be putting my numbers out there for everyone to see, but it truly is a sad day here at my house.:-(( Not only do I need to loose weight, but the stinkin' BMI chart was completely depressing....even if I was <18.5 I wouldn't like the names....
It would need to read: "Renay you are skinny! Don't change a thing!" :-)

Check out this precious gift called the BMI Chart:

BMI Categories:
Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25-29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

***I know you are all thinking I must be about 18.6...:-))????
~r

~NKOTB & 90210~

I maybe 30 something and have 4 kids, but I love the

New Kids on the Block & 90210!

They are both BACK~

A dream come true.:-))

I know that you are all rolling your eyes right about now, but I don't care....I could sing every song of the NKOTB and recite every episode of 90210 at any given time.

I guess that it is inner child inside of me wanting to be back

in high school....

why I have no idea??

Right about now you are all probably thinking of

Brenda, Donna & Kelly or should I say Brandon, Steve & Dylan....

Then of course, the infamous songs....Covergirl and Summertime....

Donnie was my favorite!

Once again get your lighters ready....start the swaying....here we go:

You thought that I would list all of the lyrics.....

I decided to spare you every detail. :-))

Have a wonderful week....and stop laughing....

It's not funny...I know I'm a nerd!

~r

~Who Am I??~

I came across this song....it is one of my favorites. We all have fears and struggles. Today this song just spoke to me louder than usual. The Holy Spirit gives us the affirmation that each of us are needing whether it be through His word or speaking to us directly, but I also feel like He can use absolutely anything to get our attention or make us realize what He is saying to us. So many times a song or a kind word that I was needing to hear will speak volumes, which lets me know He is saying: "hello....it's me....listen to what I am saying!!"


by Casting Crowns
Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart.

Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,(ocean)
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
I am yours.
Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.

I am yours.
I am yours.
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am yours.
I am yours.
May God Continue to Bless You All~r

~Seeking Privacy~

SEEKING PRIVACY

The following humorous piece was sent to me author unknown:

ATTENTION CHILDREN:

The Bathroom Door is Closed.

Please do not stand here and talk, whine, or ask questions.

Wait until I get out.Yes, it is locked.

I want it that way.

It is not broken, I am not trapped.

I know I have left it unlocked, and even open at times, since you were born,

because I was afraid some horrible tragedy might occur while I was in here,

but it's been 10 years and I want some PRIVACY.

Do not ask me how long I will be.

I will come out when I am done.

Do not bring the phone to the bathroom door.

Do not go running back to the phone yelling, "She's in the BATHROOM!"

Do not begin to fight as soon as I go in.

Do not stick your little fingers under the door and wiggle them.

This was funny when you were two, but not now.

Do not slide pennies, Legos, or notes under the door.

Even when you were two this got a little tiresome.

If you have followed me down the hall talking,

and are still talking as you face this closed door,

please turn around, walk away, and wait for me in another room.

I will be glad to listen to you when I am done.

And yes, I still love you.

(signed)Mom

*My sweet friend, Jennifer, sent this to me and I just had to pass it along......HA HA ;-)))))

~r

~It's Raining Mommy!~

Marlee and Maggie have been obsessed with the rain this evening. It is as though they have never seen it before. "It's wraining Mommy!" "Let's go see!" I have always seen Sis' kids get excited about the rain, but the girls never acted one way or another. It was absolutely adorable.

Of course a song comes to mind by Michael W. Smith....I love this song:
Let it rain
Let it rain
Open the flood gates of Heaven
Let it rain
Let it rain
Open the flood gates of Heaven(Repeat)
The Lord reigns
Let the earth be glad
Let the distant shores rejoice
Clouds and thick darkness surround Him
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne
Fire goes before Him
And consumes His foes on every side
His lightning lights up the world
The earth sees and trembles
The mountains melt like wax
Before the Lord of all the earth
The heavens proclaim His righteousness
And all the people see His glory.

Let it rain
Let it rain
Open the flood gates of Heaven
Let it rain
Let it rain
Open the flood gates of Heaven.(Repeat)
~r

~Is this week over yet?~

This has been one crazy week....All I have heard from all three of the girls is crying and screaming. I don't know what is in the air out here?
Tomorrow I think we will head to Splash for the day to get out of the house...that is if it doesn't rain. Maybe that is it....We are used to swimming in the afternoons and we haven't in a day or so. HMMMM?? Who knows?? All kids go through phases, but seriously I am needing Daddy to come home for a few days for some relief. :-)))

On a different note....
I was able to visit with some one at church tonight that I had no idea we had so much in common. WOW! Once again, God has hand picked some one to share a story or something in their life that I could relate too. I pray that I will be that kind of person to someone. It's amazing how just a kind word or a smile from someone can be the thing that changes their mood or what they are feeling at that moment.

Thank you Father....you have blessed me with so many wonderful things in my life. Too many to count. Thank you for giving us grace, your unconditional love and most of all your precious Son. We love you and give you all of the glory in all that we do.
In Jesus Name....AMEN!
~r

~Fun Games for Kids~

I wanted to share a few of the websites that Keely loves to play games on:
http://www.girlsgogames.com
http://www.funbrain.com/
http://www.starfall.com/
http://shop.knowledgeadventure.com/Departments/JumpStart-Series.aspx

~;-))))enjoy!
~r

~God Is Working~

I have been pondering so many different things lately. Typically I am the worrier, stresser & all around people pleaser....it has caused me so much grief mentally, emotionally & physically. So, finishing up this last bible study has really helped me so much...but God has shown me so much more over the past month that makes me understand even more why we go through different trials in our lives. God convicts us in different ways...He may be working on me one way, but someone else totally differently. One of the things that I would honestly do would be to always pray that "the other people" in my life would change instead of me changing. I know that sounds ridiculous, but follow me...If I was upset or thought I should pray about something; I would start by saying aloud or even quietly "please change this situation or how this person feels" instead of praying for God to change my views, my heart & open my eyes to His grace. Why do we tend to be so hard on ourselves and others when God shows us amazing grace? Why do we find ourselves judging others when it does not even matter? Life is way too short for us to be trying to figure out others....God needs us to deal with ourselves. I have said it before, but this is so true for me....I am a slow learner and need to be hit over the head several times to learn what God needs for me to do. Satan is so sneaky that he worms his way in to our lives before we even know it. He plants seeds for dissension and resentment.
So, here I have been dealing with all of this when our awesome pastor delivers the greatest sermon....he does this often:-)). After the sermon and as we are singing one of the last songs I was down on my knees praying that God would send someone to me with a word of encouragement. We gathered our things & said our "good byes" when a very godly woman that I respect comes up to me with a great word of encouragement. Of course, all I could do at this point is break down balling like a little baby. She was a true gift from God. I needed to hear every word and to just have her arms around me.
It is amazing to see God working in my life. We all have struggles that we deal with and even allow them to consume us, but God has shown me His grace and love time and time again, which blesses me more than I could even express.

Thank God that I have an awesome family, friends and church who love me just as I am..they have been such a blessing to me with arms around me time and time again allowing me to realize what is important. You have all been hand picked from God and sent in to my life.
~r
The sermon series is "Transformation"...if you get a chance to listen you can link it from my favorites.

~Cellphones...YIKES!~

So, we have had an extra cellphone for about a year now that we let Tyler use when he is going to be away from home for an extended amount of time.....anyway, a couple of weeks ago he got it wet while out horseback riding. No biggie...it was just an old free phone that was on it's last leg. We decided that I would call this morning and get another "free phone" or a least a cheap one.
I was so proud of myself.....I held my ground as the customer service rep was trying to get me to upgrade on all of this stuff. I told her my whole life story and she gave us a new phone for hardly nothing. I am still on cloud nine about that......when I decided to go out to put some shock in the pool and dropped MY CELLPHONE in the water! No, I don't have insurance on it and even if I did it doesn't cover water damage. Clearly, this was not one of my finer moments! Luckily my sweet brother-in-law has a phone that I can use until I am eligible for another phone. You can't make this stuff up???
~r

~Camp is Hot!!~

I got a phone call from the campers saying that "it's hot"! Please keep them in your prayers while they are gone. I know they are having a blast. Eric is loving every second and of course Keely has had a great time. We..the girlies, Tyler & I....are ready for them to come home. Marlee walks around asking everyone "where's Keely and where's my Daddy?" I let the girlies talk to their Daddy last night and literally thought I was never going to get them off the phone. What can I say...we just miss those two and are ready to see them. ~;-))))

~r

~The Hair-Do!~

So, many of you have already seen it, but for those who haven't I thought I would take a cheezie picture to show it off. Clearly this is my natural hair color. I love it!!! It is super short, but so fun and easy. The best part is with me you never know how long I'll keep a do and thank goodness for hair that grows so fast.

~r