Category: Uncategorized

Last night was the Spring Sports Banquet for Carmel Christian. Mack has been on the JV baseball team and it’s been a good, maturing, challenging, fun, hard season. I was so proud to hear all these nice things his coach had to say about him. Did his sisters roll their eyes at him being the nicest person anyone could know? Yes, they did. But they were proud of him, too. In their own special way. 🤣

One day, when Mack no longer has braces, we may get to see his teeth again.

Mack, you are a nice kid—always talking to people and laughing with people. You have worked hard on the baseball team and for the baseball team. I watched you all season—and I wasn’t surprised one bit that this Cougar Pride Award was given to you. I love how God made you, and I pray you continue to live for His approval always and look for ways to serve those around you with a good attitude and maximum effort. You are loved!💗💗💗MOM

Raising Ruby, Molly, and Mack has truly been a great joy. We have had the privilege of spending lots of time together. Lots and lots of time. Inevitably, choosing to spend my time with them means I did not spend time on other things. Some say you can have it all, but I haven’t found that to be the case.

We enjoyed many days at home in pajamas during those early days of newborns and toddlerhood. Then, there were ten years of home schooling. So many lessons and field trips and books and play time and meals.

For sure, motherhood around here hasn’t been glamorous or polished. We just had lots of regular old days. And I wouldn’t trade it for all the money in the world. A quick glance through old photos floods my mind with memories.

While Molly and Mack were playing in their pajamas.

But lest you think these are super sweet, there’s also this one:

Which reminds me of the time Mack came out of the bathroom with his head all wet and said he had flushed his head in the toilet.

And this photo reminds me of the time we took the girls to see the musical, Little House on the Prairie. Molly was so upset afterwards. She thought she would get to meet Laura from Little House. When she realized she wouldn’t get to meet her, she cried and cried with her bonnet on her sweet little head.

Above we have Ruby doing what she loves to do—annoy Mack! She looks quite proud of herself.

I remember this photo with Mack like yesterday. He loved taking the picture and then looking at himself. We just sat on that swing for quite a while snapping photos. What a cute little face he has!

And baby Mack was getting so big at this point—but not too big to nap on my lap.

Here’s sweet Molly. She has always liked baking and helping in the kitchen. Look at her proud smiling face!!!

And she has always worn whatever clothes she wanted! Even in the kitchen. 😊

We used to go to a waking trail regularly. We loved being outside and it was always great to wear the kids out!

This was one of the most fun family trips we ever had. Camping—of all things!

I did my best to pass on my love for puzzles! (And I have very few pictures of Ruby she would allow me to post because Ruby spent most of her younger days half dressed!)

Snow day in Georgia with nothing much to do but eat pancakes and ride four wheelers with the neighbor.

Motherhood has been a sanctifying tool. I have learned so much about myself, about God, about how to give of yourself when you don’t have anything else to give. I’ve learned about how to love and serve, how to ask for forgiveness and show grace. I’ve learned how to cook chicken many different ways. And I’m painfully aware that even though I always thought I’d be an amazing mom to teenagers—this season has been the most challenging by far. But here we are—still loving and growing and maturing and supporting each other. These three kids are loved by me. I love how God made them, and I am grateful He entrusted them to me to be their mama. I know all the time invested and sacrifices made are not in vain.

What a beautiful day for Prom! Ruby went with a friend from school who is also in the Ignite band. Their group was large and fun!

Molly’s group was fun, too! Josh went to her photo session. And Mack. There was a little back and forth on who got mom at their pictures. They say Josh needs me to not be awkward with these kinds of things. Probably because he cannot for the life of him understand their schedule. You get ready with friends. You meet everyone at a photo place with parents. And then you go to dinner and then there is usually an after party. He’s like, “What happened to the guy picking the girl up and snapping a photo in front of the fireplace and sending them off?” So he girls weren’t sure he’d know what to do. But he did just fine.

They both had a fun, fun evening! Thankful for sweet friends and respectable dates! I’m equally thankful it’s behind us. These things wear me out for some reason. 👵🏼

I’ve been a little teary the past day or two. There’s just something about holidays that make my heart extra sensitive to missing my Mama. I cried while I peeled potatoes and made her potato salad. I fought back tears when I thought about all the Easters she made sure we had pretty white hats, new dresses and ruffle socks with shiny patent leather shoes. And a new purse, of course. And she got us to church. That’s was a big deal in more ways than one.

But it’s hard to stay sad about missing her on Easter where we celebrate a Savior who conquered death. He did not leave us hopeless. He is our living Hope. My Mama may not have been able to find hope in her last days, but He was there with her. He never leaves us or forsakes us. He’s coming back for us. And I cannot wait. Praise His powerful name!

In our little family of five, we celebrated today our risen Savior. We know He walks with us. We know He helps us in all the challenges we face—and we are facing them in our family. To do lists are long. Appointments on our calendar continue to be added. Change for most of us is on the horizon. Heavy burdens are carried and regularly rolled over to God—because He cares for us! Praise His powerful name!

Guys had a great fishing trip and us girls did a bunch of nothing.

Then we went shopping and found a spot to eat in Calabash.

It’s been a relaxing vacation, that’s for sure. My favorite time is the quiet morning as the sun rises and the birds chirp. Last week at home I read in Psalm 100:3
“Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”

G. Campbell Morgan says an even better translation for the middle part is “It is He who has made us, and HIS WE ARE.” I love that. I spent some time writing this out and personalizing it for every person in my family. Each of us has lots going on. Big changes. Big challenges. Big frustrations. Big opportunities. Big decisions. I need God to speak. I need God to move. It is tempting to wonder if He will be as clear as I need Him to be. Or if I will be too distracted and worried to hear His voice. I want the best for my kids. I needed the reminder that God made each one of them specifically, personally and with great purpose. His they are!

So this week as I’ve prayed for them, spent extra time with them and watched them, I’ve said in my heart…..

The Lord placed me as wife and mom of this crew. It will be overwhelming, and I will flounder without the anchor of the truth that The Lord has made me and His I am. And with Him, I will be able to fulfill all the purposes and plans He has made me for—and the same goes for each of these faces I love. I can trust Him fully and completely for guidance and direction and wisdom from above. He is good and faithful. Amen.

It’s been a little chilly, but we are still having a great time away!

Enjoyed a lazy day! Thankful!!

So good to drive away from our normal routine! Gracious, we are grateful for a break.

It’s March 30, 2022. I am 45 today. As I walked into the sitting room with my coffee in hand, I spot several cards on my chair—a sweet gesture to show how my family has thought of me and prepared to celebrate me with words, which is my favorite!

Josh scoots out to work. The kids shuffle off to school. And Rolo and I sigh deeply and settle into the quiet morning. She naps on the chair because she has been awake for at least 30 minutes and can’t help but shut her eyes.

I open my Bible and put on my reading glasses. I don’t hide the fact that “Lord, it’s my birthday and I could really use a word from You this morning. Something clearly from You for me.” I don’t normally approach my Bible in this way, but I was feeling sassy on my birthday I guess.

I read Psalm 69, 70 and 71. It was chapter 71 that caught my attention. The subtitle is “Prayer of an Old Man for Deliverance.” I thought it was kind of funny of the Lord to do this, but after I read it, I was so deeply encouraged.

Verse One says, “In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed.” And I have written in the margin, “Let me finish well.” I was just soberly reminded that a faithful life is of great value when I read Josh’s words of love for me in his card, and he was sure to emphasize the fact that we have a committed and faithful marriage. Our choice to love the Lord and love each other every day is a gift to each other that cannot be overstated. O, Lord, help me finish well.

Verse 5 and 6 spoke to me also, “O Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth. By You I have been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother’s womb; My praise is continually of You.” The Lord has been the constant in my life. He created me, He knows me, He helps me, He forgives me, He cares for me, He sustains my life—today and every day up until this day.

Verse 14-16 are so good—“But as for me, I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and of Your salvation all day long, for I do not know the sum of them. I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord God; I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.” I love that line “for I do not know the sum of them.” It’s like saying in regards to His faithfulness and care for me, “I don’t even know the half of it.” I would be face to floor all the rest of my life if I could fully understand and comprehend His great love for me all these 45 years.

So if there is one thing I want to do today, on my 45th birthday, it’s speak up for God. He has been so personal, so good, so kind, so patient and forgiving, so gentle and caring to me. I don’t want to imagine my life without Him. He has “shown me many troubles and distresses” and comforted me through every one of them.

“Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:25-26

My sweet workout buddy, Jenni, gave me the cutest earrings. And my trainer made me do lunges with 45 pounds—I guess in honor of my age! So thankful for health and friends today!