Happy Monday....

Eeeewwww....Mondays......well anyway, it IS Monday whether you like it or not so might as well make the very best of it right???
Lots of cleaning and re-organizing after a very busy weekend in store for this woman of many hats.
Speaking of many hats...I've been thinking a lot lately about my blog and why I don't post more. Not actually post "more" as in more often but MORE as in depth and meaning etc. I read all these other blogs and the authors are so thoughtful and deep in their writing. (Well many of them are) Anyhow, I know I have very deep and interesting if I can admit thinking patterns and ideas however, I tend to keep them tucked way down inside-perhaps I''ll toy around with a post idea but I let it fizzle in my mind and never get around to posting anything but the small little mundane things of life. NOT to say that my children are small and mundane but I know my posts tend to be like a babybook or a journal which is important to me of course and perhaps to some readers but really how boring is that to read that the Morgans planted a garden...okaaaayyy...

I am involved in so many different things....I'm a pastors wife, school principal, housewife, mom to 4 wild kids, chief cook and bottlewasher basically. Its difficult to narrow things down and focus on one or two particular facets to feast on.

I think I would blog more about spiritual and important things if I kept some separate blogs-one for my incredible journey which is the journey Im taking with God and the supernatural things that happen from day to day, then a family blog for just the everyday fun stuff-I also have a photography blog so I can show off pictures I've done of various subjects. That way, since I have such a vast array of readers, my readers can choose what they are interested in reading whether its about my kids,(which will be homeschooled again after this school year is out so that will be a whole blog in itself) or about our church and the things God is doing in our midst or about my photos or whatever else may be going on in our lives.

I will post the links to these blogs as soon as I have them organized and set up completely.

In the meantime, I am reading The Zookeepers Wife by Diane Ackerman. Its a fairly interesting read-I am fascinated with anything involving WWII. I have been since I was a young teenager and have read many books pertaining to it. The Zookeepers Wife is derived from a journal kept by a woman named Antonina who was, yes you guessed it a zookeepers wife(fancy that-you're a whiz) in Warsaw, Poland during WWII. If you can tolerate indepth discussions of the biological narratives of zoology (I barely can) then you can appreciate the value of this book. If you CAN'T tolerate the biological narratives of zoology then don't read the book...but perhaps you should at least try since it does give an interesting perspective of an upstanding, well-educated, Polish citizen during the Holocaust and the circumstances surrounding it. The zoology lessons do lessen towards the middle of the book and then it is much more concentrated on how this woman Antonina and her husband Jan assisted the Jews by hiding them in their partially irradicated zoo and also how they were part of the underground system that fought the Nazi movement. It is an encouraging book to me in the sense that sometimes it seems that most people turned their heads during such a time of turmoil. It is interesting to read about the local rebellion to such a travesty. Of course, the Nazi's were also anti poles meaning that most Polish people were not acceptable so many were killed along with the Jews for simply being Polish. Two-thirds of Poland's Jewish population was exterminated during the war. Anyhow, after trudging through the beginning of the book, I am thoroughly interested to find out what ended up happening to these kindhearted people.
Stay tuned for more!

Paintin' the Town Red...

Well not exactly, but I HAVE been painting but its the church ladies bathroom I was painting. I wouldn't post about such a mundane task except I had to paint it a total of 4 times. The color I originally chose turned out horrific. I picked it out to coordinate with a picture I had purchased-at the store it was a perfect match but once it was on the walls of a tiny windowless bathroom...it looked hideous. The color was called "February Gold" which to me sounds heavenly and the color swatch was very nice-sort of a deep buttery goldish color. Even the first wall looked great-but once all four walls were slathered with it I wanted to puke. All I could think was Gerber Baby Food Squash. Everywhere I looked I saw that color in a negative light-the road stripes even reminded me of it. I finished the job late Tuesday night around 11:30, I was so disappointed I went home and vowed no one would see those walls the way they were-that I would get up early Wednesday morning to buy more paint and have it finished before service Wednesday night. I did it too! I went and bought "Churchill Hotel Yellow Haze" by Valspar...definitely an improvement but now the color has no punch at all. Its rather plain however, as opposed to the prior I am satisfied.

Rule #1: Don't try wild crazy colors in a 6x6 square foot bathroom.

Anyhow, all's well that ends well, I completed the trim last night and I must say it looks really good!

On another note, the kids and I planted all our seeds for our garden today. We must have been very hungry when we bought our seeds because we have enough plantings and seeds leftover to plant 5 more gardens at least!
We planted everything you can imagine from oregano to tomatoes (several varieties)...now fingers are crossed that everything will sprout! I thought this would encourage my boys (veggie haters) to want to eat more vegetables however, Caeden was all for planting seeds but would adamantly state that he was not going to be eating those yellow "hings". ("things" meaning yellow crook-necked squash) Sigh...well, perhaps when its picking time he'll come around.

The weather has been so beautiful, all of the orchards are in bloom. I think tomorrow we'll go on a picnic and take some photos for Easter...

No Limits-The Conference

Wow. All I can think to say right off is wow...

We had such an AWESOME time at No Limits this year! For those of you not fortunate to be aware, No Limits is a spectacular conference held annually in Elk Grove, CA. by The Rock Church. It was absolutely incredible-how could it be anything otherwise with such a magnificent church body to push it through.

On Friday evening, we had a very special service where my husband and I, along with many other couples, had the distinct honor of being ordained. It was such a memorable and meaningful time in our lives. We were presented with a certificate of ordination, a special Bible and also a towel symbolic of servitude. Several precious people from Turningpoint Worship Center came to support us-thank-you! We love you so much...

Today, my husband had the privilege of preaching at TRC and during the service there was special thanks and recognition given to particular individuals responsible for doing what it takes for a conference such as No Limits to take place. They did an outstanding job as usual. (This was the 7th year) As each and every helper was acknowledged, I could not help but think to myself that yes, it takes an incredible church body to fulfill the required tasks however, unless the head that turns the neck of the body is engaged with annointing and power nothing would be accomplished. Bishop and Sis. Wilson, Pastor and Sis. Young, YOU are the ones who deserve the standing ovation of gratitude and appreciation for building such a church as TRC and allowing the saints of the most High to be become capable enough to follow your leading and passion for the cause of not only No Limits but also for continuing to fulfill the purpose of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. I LOVE my leadership immensely, I admire them wholeheartedly and I desire to be like them in every aspect that I can. So let it be known...I stand one hundred and fifty percent behind the leadership of TRC...what more could anyone ask for? Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so true. I love you.

My 3 Year Old Secretary

Weeeeelllll....just when we thought we were on the up and up AVA once more came down with a fever-this time I marched her to our local clinic and got her antibiotics. She is still running a fever so she and I stayed home from the Yosemite Trip everyone else took today. (sssshhhhhh...she doesn't know what she missed as they left at 6:30 this morning while she snoozed) Anyhow, she has been an angel all day however, I was getting a little cabin fever-ish feeling so I dressed her for a drive to see the little baby lambs on a farm not far from here. As we left our home I asked her if she would like to stop somewhere for a treat to have while she visited the baby lambs. She immediately requested nuggets from you know where so I agreed. She then informed me she had money to pay for it herself. (she had coins stowed in her pocket)
I told her that was okay, mommy would go ahead and use her debit card. She very matter-of-factly answered,"Okay, but I'll need cash back". Whoa. This kid knows waaaaay too much already.

WAY TOO BUSY!!!!!!!

Okay I am back....my computer crashed conveniently therefore the brief absence.

2 weeks ago we attended the most beautiful wedding of 2 of the most beautiful young people! Well, Heather is beautiful anyway and she did pick a super guy! We love Heather so much and are so PROUD of the lovely young lady she has become!

We got home at 2 a.m. that night then the next day had Caeden's 5th birthday party. It was a hit-we had a bouncehouse in our backyard and all kinds of little midgets running around.

I cannot believe my little boy is 5 years old! My goodness...he's still as cute as a bugs ear too. I told him I didn't think he would be able to turn 5 being that he is so stinkin' cute-I told him they didn't let super cute kids grow bigger than 4. Oh how I wish I COULD stop the clock and keep him little for just a few years more.

Caeden, you amaze me each day with your sweetness-such an angelic, perfect lttle face with big soulful brown eyes with lashes TDF! You are a dream come true!

Don't anyone let his looks convince you of innocence or lack of testosterone-he proves each and everyday his human need to be naughty and his 100% boyishness. He still has a little speech thing going (although he is as smart as a whip trust me)

The other day he made this announcement:

"When I gwow up and have kids, I'm not going to take them to a mean babysitter when they be bad"(my little threat at times-shame on me-head hanging)

Before I could respond to his 5 year old statement of wisdom he kind of jumped like he'd had an afterthought and said, "Oh but I'll nevuh see my kids anyway"

Of course I was caught off guard and confused as to his thinking this and I asked "Why not?"

He nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders and said "Huntin'".

I was pondering this for a second then I said, "Hunting?"

Caeden matter-of-factly answered, "Yeah, I'll nevuh see my kids cuz I'm gonna be gone huntin' all the time as soon as I get my tags".

WHEW!!!!! And here I thought the kids had some sort of predeath intuition and I was about to hyperventilate. Once I finished laughing I informed him he'd better rethink his little plan!!!

So then the rest of our time has been spent rotating the cold from hell amongst ourselves...I was first, then Ava joined me...she had a fever so then I started running a fever to tag team with her and then Chandler stepped in and wow did he ever get sick! He always gets hit pretty hard with whatever hits. Then Elise got it and then we thought we were all going to get well and that Dad and Caeden would be the lucky escapees but that was not to be so! Well actually, Doug jumped in with this "I think I'm coming down with it" routine...just enough to get him a few days on the couch...sssshhh...I love him anyway-its okay, can't say I wouldn't jump for a chance to plant my seat down for a day or two. Anyway, then Caeden finally came down with it and burned with fever all night last night. So we have been on lock down here in Cowtown! Its a weird bug-it tends to come and go-like you feel better and think you're on the up and up then "whammo" its back in full force.

Oh and my daaahling hubby bought me a new TOY!!!!!!!!! He knows I've been wanting a truck but its not the most practical with 4 kids so he got me a Yukon...its super fine its totally loaded and has cream leather and a huge sunroof-I LOVE IT!!!!!!

Thank you BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SMOOCH!!!!!!

Setting the record straight

Well, I have been sick with one of the worst colds I have ever had...and yes I must repent for the fact that I have let my household duties slide and I have been holed up in my bed for a few days. I do get out enough to feed my kids, prepare my kids school lunches and school uniforms, take them to school and back, pick up dirty laundry and toys about the house, dump the trash and check my email but for the most part I have been laid up. I am taking antibiotics and today I feel much better and even went to Dollar Tree and Wal-Mart to prepare for the childcare job I will be fulfilling this weekend during our church marriage seminar.

My reason for feeling the need to "set the record straight" is based on the fact that this morning I received a disturbing phone call regarding myself...I heard a rumor that I was on my deathbed! When I was asked this bizarre question, I was certainly taken aback and shocked that no one had informed ME if that was the case!!! Anyhow, I just want to gently remind everyone that people who have had cancer in the past still get ordinary viruses and flu bugs and guess what? They even get headaches now and then!!! And guess what??? That headache does NOT mean they have brain cancer!!! Can you believe it???

Now, I do appreciate the concern one may have for someone who's had failing health in the past-my recommendation however, is to refrain from jumping to conclusions, grabbing the handy dandy telephone and spreading the awful news but instead pick up the phone and call that particular individual and tell them you are thinking about them and praying for them. One could not have TOO MANY prayers being sent up to Heaven...but the negative reports being tossed around our circle of fellowship??? That I do not appreciate.

Okay, no harm done-just want to shout to the world that I am alive and kickin' and plan to do so for quite awhile yet...if you hear otherwise please ask me first before you commence your session of weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Valentine Fakes

Don't let them fool you...they love each other about as much as I love dirty laundry. (((sigh))I know this will change in time...

Can I confuse my readers any more?

Okay, I know this is wacked but I have to do this...I began this blog in sometime in the early part of 2004. Then someone gave me a free membership for a year to www.typepad.com which at the time had a lot to offer great and mighty bloggers such as I. I blogged there for awhile and neglected this blog, THEN I neglected that blog as well and basically dropped off the blog planet.

In the back of my mind I knew that I needed to get back on it as soon as I could, so eventually I picked up where I left off...but which blog to use was the question. So I chose Typepad thinking it would have more options for fun stuff like photo albums etc. Unfortunatly, its causing me problems-I am not able to log in and I am thinking they would like for me to pay a humongous yearly fee which I will not do so that leaves me with the decision to switch back to blogger which suits me just fine. Its much simpler to use and I can manage all my blogs at once. (kids, business, church etc) I can link my flicker account to this blog so you can still see pics of my kids.

So I said all of that to say that I am going to do my best to transfer some of my favorite posts from typepad to this blog. I will also be trying to get this link out to my old and new faithful readers in case they don't have it anymore. So if anyone wants to share this url please feel free to do so!!!
I'm sorry for the long drawn out boring explanation but to keep me from being labeled as a blog freak you know, I gotta 'splain m'self...

My Littlest "Gur"

Isn't Ava just the picture of health and vitality??? I love this little girl with so much spunk, attitude and sweetness. She loves to squint her eye at me and say,(slowly with a southern drawl) "Imunna bust yer brains out". I know it sounds rebellious but I promise, its just the cowboy lingo of the day. She's a mischievious one I tell ya, if you're missing anything important just ask HER.(she probably won't tell you where it is though)

Can anyone even fathom the fact that a doctor slammed my medical file on the exam table because I refused to abort this child? No matter what the future holds I am thankful beyond words that God gave me the courage and strength to allow this precious baby to have life. Her life is a testimony of Gods grace and mercy. I love you baby girl!!!

Caeden!!! 

We got some fish today...

Hmmm and you're like "So?" Well, these fish are not ordinary fish and they were very unplanned fish but I have to tell you about how they came to belong to my son Chandler.
We were at Wal-Mart right??? Okay, I hate Wal-Mart because I always spend bookoos of money there-I'm supposed to be saving by going there but I can NEVER get out under $100.00. (same with Costco) ANYHOW, we are going down the shampoo aisle getting NECESSITIES but the shampoo aisle is so conveniently placed right next to the fish tanks and EVERY time we go down that aisle I am incessantly bombarded witht he question "Can I get a fish?" (((Sigh))) I do so despise saying "No not this time" ALL the time so I mulled it over in my mind a bit as fish are not too expensive and I rallied with,"Well, okay but I think it would be best if we bought the fish for your classroom at school". That went over much better than I anticipated as Chandler visualized himself as the great hero of his classroom. So. He picks out a beautiful nice sized goldfish. We let Caeden pick out a .28 cent feeder fish. We have them in the bag. Now the new question is,"Can I carry the bag by myself?" I know you think I am so insane... Me, the kindhearted sensitive mommy that I am-I just KNOW Chandler's desire to show his fish off to anyone who will look his way-soooo-I-said------"Sure!!!! But be VEEEEEEERY careful or something may happen!!! You never know what!!!(in this case of course we DID know what could happen but, ahem, you got to know me by now, alittle on the dingy side.) I figured I would watch him EVER so carefully and I DID and he did GREAT!!!! You should have seen his beaming face each time someone would smile at him and say,"Wow! I like your fish!" It was so worth it. SO meanwhile, back in reality, I glance at my watch and realize I have less than 15 minutes to get to the register, purchase my cartful, exit the store and get in the car to go pick up big sis from school. Oh!!! We have to hurry guys!!! So we head to the oh so wonderful new SELF-CHECKOUTS we now have in our so modern Wally World(a WHOLE blog in itself-I HATE those things but they always look so much more inviting than the line that trails into the photo department) (((Sigh))) I actually made it through the process without any hang-ups can you believe it!!! I scanned the fish without a glich and handed them back to my dear sweet boy and instructed him AGAIN on his careful handling of the bag...I am now sliding my debit card through the slot...we are almost DONE with this creepy place when SPLAT...my foot and lower leg are drenched with OH MY GOD...FISH WATER!!!!!! I don't even WANT to look down but I do and there they are flopping all over the floor AT THE CHECKOUT STAND!!!!!!!! I really thought I was going to go bonkers that very moment. I raised my hand like a silly schoolgirl and yelled,"I need some help over here!!!" Oh it was such a moment in time. I got the help I needed-the girl came and scooped up the fish and they put them in a new bag and we were on our way!!! Can you guess who carried the fish bag out to the car??? You guessed!!! Um, I really can't blame a 6 year old for a busted fishbag can I?

Happy Birthday Chandler!!!

6 years old!!! I can't believe it buddy!!! My little "Caboy" is growing up!!! Front teeth missin' and all you're still the cutest cowboy Mommy knows!!! I gotta tell what happened this morning-"birthday morning"-I sent Chandler to the bathroom to brush his teeth, soon thereafter I sent his older sister to do the same. When she went in, I heard the motherly tone of voice she so often embraces, inquiring "What are you DOING???" The soft answer was a voice hoping Mommy wouldn't hear, "Shaving"...Ahem...I enter the scene...I could not contain my laughter, the little guy had shaving cream plastered ALL over his face, his school clothes had dollops of it here and there as well. It was quite a kodak moment I can assure you!!! Maybe we'll post a picture of that sooner or later. Anyhow, he was quite perturbed I didn't allow him to continue

as he insisted he "knew how to do it".

(((Sigh))) I'm so glad shaving days are not really here yet...I don't want to even GO THERE!!! For now, I'll settle for unbrushed teeth now and then, dirty undies stuffed under the bed and little army guys all over the floor. Chandler you are mama's biggest prince-I love you dearly and hope that not only your birthday is filled with joy but that your whole life is blessed beyond measure.

You have truly brought your mommy pure happiness.

Lovey mine

This is the sweetest lullaby I sing to the little dollbaby...
"Cuddle up a little closer Lovey mine
Cuddle up and be my little clinging vine
Love to feel your cheeks so rosy
Love to make you comfy cozy
Cause I love from head to toesy
Lovey mine!!!"

Isn't it precious??? Tonight is windy and stormy outside...I can't sleep therefore I am blogging about my baby.
Ava, you darling little butterball you!!! You are my sunshine!!! I can't believe how quickly you are growing. I can't squeeze you and kiss you enough! I love your little gurgly laugh...I love how you pump your arms and legs when you are excited...I love how you gaze at your daddy in wonder and admiration-you're a daddy's girl we know!!! You amaze me everyday with your sweetness.

We call her Miss Smileypants! 

It's the chubby arms I like best!!!
Don't ya wish you could kiss her???
She is 6 months old and the joy of our lives...you'd never know she was a preemie-from 5lbs 4oz. to a whopping 17lbs 14oz!!!!! She is off the charts in height and in the 95th % in weight! Better slow down chickie!!! We are so thankful for this beautiful child God has so graciously given us.
 

Homesick...this is for Michele

Song by Mercy Me on "Undone" Album

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times

And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you

But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry

Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face

If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place

Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways

The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know

But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same

Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face

If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place

Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbyes

And in Christ, there is no end

So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have

To see you again

To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face

If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place

Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

...in loving memory of our friend, Tiry Ray Scott.

Graduated with honors from this life January 14th 2005

Left behind...a gorgeous wife, Michele, three stunning daughters, Chelsea 12, Alli 10 and Dakota 7.

AND TONS of friends and family... he will never be gone from our thoughts and hearts.

Bacon and eggs...in Heaven!!!

That is what Ty Scott is feasting on today I am sure!!! He is no longer suffering, his body is healed and he is HAPPY!!! We are sad that he is gone but his gorgeous smile and loving heart will FOREVER live in ours. I don't think he ever knew the meaning of the word "rest" so I won't say "rest in peace", instead I will say, "Fix our mansions up for us Tiry...remodel them till they are better than even God can do!!!" I know he would be thrilled to do it and Heaven is a perfect place where we can do what we want right??? So have at it Ty...you got all the tools you need!!! We will be anxiously awaiting the day we see you again...

Dakota said, "Did you hear about my Dad? He died." I answered, "Yes honey I did but you know he's in Heaven now right? He's not sick anymore!" She says,"Yeah, and he's like,"Why are ya'll cryin' down there?" He's like sayin' "Let's have a party!!!"".

Our spirits are willing...but our flesh is weak

I haven't blogged in awhile...that is because everytime I begin to search myself for something worthy of blogging about, I get all emotional and tweaked out about "things". I serve a BIG God...one that will NEVER let me down. Of that I am sure of. Nevertheless, my flesh is weak. Not because of my recent illness or treatment either. It's because my heart is so heavy for the one's I love who are facing extreme unfortunate circumstances right this very minute. I don't know what tomorrow holds for me-but right now I am carrying the burden of my friend's impending death. I cannot avoid blogging about it anymore. Don't get me wrong, where there is life there is hope and I believe in miracles. I would not be surprised one bit if God decided to raise Ty up and he were to ask for bacon and eggs. Until that happens though, I have to reflect on what is actually happening right now. That is the fact that he is dying. It hurts to type those words. I can truly say however, that Ty is ministering to SO many peope right now. His life is such an incredible example for us all. I was remembering that just a few weeks ago (actually about 2 months-it just seems like weeks) when I dropped Chelsea off or something, Ty came out to my truck and said "Hey partner!!!" Of course I was like "hey!!!" and we talked for a bit you know but what I was thinking was "you know we ARE partners in all of this"...some people would tell me,"no you're not because you're not facing the same battle he is" and no I may not be and no I don't want to either but rather than look at his circumstances as hopeless, I look at him as a total pillar of HOPE...I really mean that. It may not be hope to live forever but it is hope that no matter what we face, we are able to endure. He is a true picture of that hope. I don't anticipate having the same situation but I do know that if I do...I will ALWAYS be able to "be partners" with Ty and Michele. And so the title of this blog "our spirits are willing but our flesh is weak". We are willing to trod the path He has chosen for us...our flesh may get in the way with its weakness but we will overcome any and all obstacles we come against. Michele and I are planning a cancer booty-kicking Half Dome climb in the spring...

Our littlest Angel...3 months old!!!

Is she not growing like a weed??? She is a dream baby...can't love on her enough!!! She sure loves her Daddy...smiles EVERY time she sees him!!! What a special little person you are sweet baby mine...

My precious brood...