What have I done??!?

Okay, so, remember when both my kiddos broke their arms? Whew! It was indeed a rough time. And, during that time we really thought that we had found our dream home in Alabaster. So, that dream home not only had a fenced yard, but also a doggie fence pen thingie. So, we were honestly believing that Andrew would have a dog for his birthday. And, after the kid had surgery - ugh - he had such a tough time coming out of recovery that I'm pretty sure we told him he'd get a puppy for his birthday.

Well, we didn't get the home. No big deal, but there is no way we can have any animal in this house. No way.

We randomly have stray cats come lookin' for birds and chipmunks. I usually shoo them off or get paralyzed with fear that they will attack me. Seriously. It wiggs me out how they just stare me down.

Deano is great with all animals. His entire family fascinates me with there understanding of critters. Did I tell you that his sister found a deer on the side of the road. Put it in her car. Drove it to her home, and let it stay in her tub? I'm sure it was a fawn, but still! Someone reminded her that it was against the law or something. Anyway...it's fascinating, eh?

We see this cat, and at first I'm ready to shoo it away. Then Deano comments on how thin she is. I never ever notice this stuff.

never ever.

Okay. He got me. I gave the cat some left over sandwich meat. Dean gives her milk.

And, at first the kitty just ran away when we came. Oh, and if she did let you near her, then she definitely wouldn't let you touch her.

Beano worked with her, and loved on the girl. She started warming up to us.

This cat has added so much joy to our family. And, I'm totally fascinated by her. I love to watch her scratch trees and spaz out with shoe laces. Don't get me started on the kiddos. She loves them!! They call for her, and she follows them wherever they go.

Alright.

I have more stories, but I gotta stop now.

I am not a cat lover, but I really am enjoying this critter.

Come on! y'all should be proud of me!!

I'll post more pics soon....especially of my Gracie girl.



I dunno. I just feel like God answered our little prayer to get the kiddos a pet, ya know?

I'm such a mushy gushy.



seriously. I'm hoping she'll scare off any gross 'possums that come our way....

I just can't believe it...

My little man is officially 5 years old today. Say a prayer for my boy today when you think of him. He makes me smile so big.

I know you might hit me next time I see you, but....I forgot to tell you that he accepted Christ as his Savior in September. It was simple and sweet. He was sitting on his bed with his daddy before bedtime. Dean was reading the story of the men in the furnace, and it captured his heart.

I love that kid so much.

I'm back...not sure for how long...but, at least for today..I'm sayin' I'm back!

Oooo...my feet are so cold right now. I know. I should totally go get my socks on or at least walk less than 10 feet to get a blanket, right? WRONG! If I go get that blanket or those cozy socks, then I'll hafta pick up the kid's clothes on the floor and get me somethin' to drink. Ya know what that'd mean, my loyal peeps? That'd mean that there'd be no blog. I gotta blog.

Not sure what to blog about, but I just gotta do it.

Many things have changed since I last blogged on this site. Like, I totally have new glasses. And, I love them. Even my mom who HATES glasses thinks that these are stylish. She still doesn't like 'em, but she at least admits they are stylish. I think I resemble Cat Woman. Or a scary school cafeteria lady from the 1950s. Depends on the day. I mean, when I wear my hair net...I totally look like I belong in a lunchroom.

Also, I turned 30!! I'm not sure if any of you wigged out over being 3-0, but I was a bit nervous about it. I just believe that 3o was this age of boringishness and responsibility. I'm just not down with that, friends. Nope. I like to run away from those words. I mean, run fast. fast! But, my day came, and my sweet lover of a husband threw me an amazing party. It was more than amazing it was perfect. And, I gotta say...I'm likin' this age. It's been my favorite number. It hasn't been a month, but my stars! It's been a good month!

There's more stuff that's changed, but I don't wanna bore you with the details. Because, I'm 3o now and I'm determined not to bore the ones I love.

Sooo...

I'm having tons o' fun trying to figure out this homeschooling stuff. I mean, I stress out and beat myself up at times, but I'm totally diggin' it. Andrew is 4 (soon to be 5!) and Gracie girl turned 3 in August. So, right now we're just having fun. I love learning with them. I mean, did you know that a beaver makes a loud BAM sound with its tail in the water to warn the beaver family that danger is near? Okay, everyone knows that one. I'll think of one in a sec that you guys didn't know. Just wait.

Okay, I'm listening to this bluegrass station on my computer, and this song "Joleen" is playing. I don't remember the last time I heard this song, but I know it's been ages. I just know that I always sing it when my friend Carol talks about her friend in Florida Charlene. I sing Charlene instead of Joleen. It makes me laugh. Hey sunshine Carol! If you're reading this, then CALL ME and buy me CHOCOLATE RIGHT NOW!!!!

Anyway....

Does everyone know that I'm a coalminer's daughter?

My dad has worked in the mines as an electrician for...umm...forever. Yes, you can sing that song to me next time you see me.

I just recently have obtained this obsession for diamonds. I mean, if you know me at all you know that I'm not the jewelry wearing kind of girl. I'm not flashy, and I'm not really in need of sparkly things on me. Well, I do think I'd like sparkly body glitter, but I'm too thrifty to spend even a dollar on it.

It's weird. I was spending some time in prayer. And, in a quiet moment I saw this picture of a diamond. A diamond? I mean, seriously? A diamond? Sounds whack to me. I totally believe Christ is the diamond and I'm the greyish blobber blob.

I mean, I always picture me kindof blobbish. No real form. No real detail or sharpness. I don't know if any of you have a secret hidden ugly picture of yourself. But, that is my picture. And, I love that the mighty, strong and amazing Creator of all beautiful things would love this blob of a blob.

Never would I ever think of myself as a diamond of worth though.

It's a Biblical way of thinking though. I think. My great deeds are as filthy rags, yet He sees my clean and blameless. Like other bloggers have said...He sees Christ in me...

I just don't quite get it. I can't fully wrap my self-centered brain around this thought.

Rereading this blog is so difficult. It seems so basic, eh?

You know what I learned about diamonds? Again, something EVERYONE knows. They can only be sharpened by another diamond.

He is so lovely. So strong. And, I'm so stinking needy and desperate for a change in the way I think.

I love the thought of His truth washing the dirt off this jewel.

I'm not really sure I have explained this correctly.

It's kindof like that new white robe thought. I keep thinking "but I'm gross!!!"

Oh, Precious is the flow that makes me white as snow!

It's a thought that delights me, but I just don't quite get it.

As always - thoughts, quotes and Scripture are always always appreciated and needed.

Oh, and ya gotta just gotta scroll down this page and check out the pick on the very bottom of the page! It's gorgeous! You're gonna love it!

I remember holding my sweet son in my arms as a newborn baby. I don't remember if he loved to be held or if I just loved holding him. I think it was both. I remember singing to him, kissing his perfect cheeks, and I remember praying for him. I remember longing for the day to tell him about Jesus. "Let him know you soon, Lord." I've prayed it over and over again for both my kids. I know that a true relationship with my Lord and Savior will be the only thing that gives them hope and true peace in this rotten world. And, I've prayed for people to come into their lives to tell them this truth. Selfishly though, I have hoped that I could be there when the questions come.

Monday was a perfect example of this rotten world. I got caught up in myself. I fleshed out quite a bit. I was grumpy. I got anxious over a few things. I cried a bit over feeling inadequate.

Can I just say I hate days like that?

I fixed dinner, and was so overwhelmed with this frustration of my failures that I had to leave the kitchen without eating with my husband and kids.

I rushed to the master bedroom and shut the door. Somehow I ended up sitting in the shower. I thought about actually taking a shower. Usually that helps me shake off the tears, but this time I wanted to feel the tears on my face.

I struggled with my thoughts and prayed a great deal. I was determined not to leave that tiny bathroom until God showed up. Although, I did consider climbing out the window and leaving, but as I was about to make my escape I heard the kids outside the window. Back to the shower. I suppose He didn't want me to leave either. I just wanted Him to give me the grace to love on my kids for a few more hours - even though I didn't feel like it.

He did show up.

He gave me that peace that passes all understanding.

So, I went outside to watch the kids play for a few minutes. I told Dean-o that I was okay, and that he could go rest if he needed (he was up 'til the wee hours the night before).

It was almost bath time. Dean went to bed early.

Andrew was sitting on the floor. He looked up at me and asked my why Jesus had to die on the cross.

It wasn't eloquent like I imagined when he was a newborn in my arms. I fumbled quite a bit, and over explained myself more than I can express.

But, he listened. We actually talked about Salvation and the need for Christ's death for 45 minutes. It was both awkward and beautiful.

He didn't accept Christ as his personal Savior Monday, but I'm overjoyed y'all. I am actually about to boo hoo just thinking about it.

I will post more details of the conversation soon.

I just wanted to share an amazing story of God "showing up."

I really do have so much to tell about what He is doing in my life, but I'm just not the best at expressing these thoughts on paper or web.

Oh, and I also hate talking about Andrew and not my sweet Gracie girl. She is a gem, and I love that girl so much.

To me this post is just about how much God loves me, ya know?

He loves me so much, and I just don't get it, ya know?