The Kids NOW...

As I was reviewing my blog....I noticed it had been awhile since the kids had been seen :)

Here they are --- growing so fast! (And as usual, half naked just for you Aunt Rie :))

Dreams...

Do you think God grants you your dreams and desires? 

I believe He does! 

The rumor is true...the Green Family is headed to Colorado Springs, Colorado! 

If you can remember, a year ago, Chris and I were day-dreaming about leaving Muskogee...went and looked at Kennewick, Washington.  Recently, we visited Colorado Springs and fell in love with the place!  This country girl is headed to a big city and outta Oklahoma.

Now, why do I give God the credit for allowing this dream to become reality???

It begins a year ago.  When Chris first approached me about moving away, I blew him off and allowed him to dream.  It wasn't until a small still voice told me, "You better ask me about moving."  I immediately prayed and received an overwhelming peace that we were to move.  I didn't know where, how, or when...just knew that God had a plan and to expect some major changes to come before us.

Again, when we first tossed the idea around about moving...we were looking for Chris a job so I can stay home.  Unfortunately, due to the salary of law enforcement employees, this was undoable for our family; and the nature of nursing salary, my salary is better suited for a beginning.  So, after returning from Colorado Springs in August, I began the process for obtaining a Colorado Nursing License.  The moment I got my license, I put my application out there in numerous areas and received a phone call for an interview within 3 days.  Of course, they didn't do phone interview, so Chris and I made a 36 hours round trip drive to present myself in this interview.  Now, this interview was in an area that I have no experience in, but I was attempting to make an impression with these people so that they could share with the others that I am committed.  I went in for the interview with absolute peace and felt at home...2 hours later...I'm offered the job with a start date!  I will be working at Penrose Hospital in the Cardiovascular Unit! I am so excited and bursting with joy that when I think or talk about this change...I can't help but smile!


How is this God?  It's the indescribable peace that is only from Him. 

This process has taken a lot of divine wisdom and discernment already, but He is in control!!! 

All those who are scared for us, sad for us, maybe even upset with us, please pray for the peace that God has given me about this move.  I do pray that God's glory will show through this move because it has made me look crazy when I explain what we are doing and why!  I will miss all those here, but you are all welcome to come visit! :)

To new beginnings, with a God who is "the beginning and the end"! 

Cheap Entertainment...

I smile when I think of how God has truly blessed us with a vast variety of "cheap entertainment"!

Just last week we had this...

And today, we have this...

As you can see, in both instances...Ryan doesn't have much to do with getting his hands or feet dirty! :)

God's creations are beautiful! God is good, all the time!

Happy Valentine's Day

I can't help but find myself asking questions about love...What is love? Is love conditional or unconditional? What example of love do we have? So, to answer my own questions:

What is love - a sincere emotion with actions or reactions for a person/persons or something.

Is it conditional or unconditional - depends on what that person or something has done to you, right, therefore that makes it conditional? But I can honestly say that my love isn't based upon someone else's actions...love isn't a loosely used word, those I love...I really love.

What example of love do I have -

where to begin...first with my loving parents (love you Mom and Dad) and sisters (you too Angie and Hollie); then move onto extended family that have always been a true support through all my years (Grandma and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, also my in-laws);

now my loving husband and children (as often as I take them for granted, they still cuddle up and give me kisses);

yet the greatest example of love is God and His son..."For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1 His love gives such peace that surpasses all understanding and through His love, we can love others...loving others with a love that make people know they are loved and encouraged. God's love is evident in every breath and every created thing surrounding us, every circumstance both good and bad, and in each person we touch with His love.

So now I ask....who have you loved today and all the days to come? I must encourage you though, to know this love you must know the Savior. To know the Savior, you must call upon His name, confess and repent of your sins, and be willing to commit your life to His will.

I hope you all know and find the true love "Valentine" and if you already have, I pray that you have told Him how much He means to you today. Then, let those around you know your love!

Happy Valentine's Day from mine to yours! May you all know God's love for you too!

Happy Birthday Chris!

This wonderful man that God has truly blessed me with is turning yet another year older...much to his disliking :). I'm so blessed to have been with him through the last 10 birthdays and look forward to many more to come. Love you much Chris! Hope you have a good birthday!

Gratitude!!!

As this winter storm, "Oklahoma Blizzard 2011", has seemed to paralyze multiple towns in Oklahoma and around the United States, it has also brought in some ungrateful people in Muskogee, OK. What do I mean by this? So many people complaining about suffering from cabin fever, how the city or county can't clear the roads, there are no groceries, restaurants or stores are closed, or that it is just too cold.

Life's Instruction Manual (aka the Bible) states, "Do EVERYTHING without complaining or arguing," Philippians 2:14.

I want to extend a sincere emotion of appreciation for all the countless hours that ODOT, Muskogee City and County employees, Small businessmen/women, and Individuals who have sacrificed their TIME, FAMILY, and their own SAFETY to provide us with clearer passageways.

As a Healthcare employee/supervisor, these men/women have made it possible for staff to be present for work to provide patient care. As a mother of four, these men/women have made it possible for my family and I to go to town and expend some energy other than at home.

As a Healthcare supervisor, I want to extend a grateful heart to those employees who have put in multiple hours to ensure patient care was provided, even sacrificing your TIME, COMFORT, and SAFETY as well. If it weren't for your dedication to your occupation and employer, patient care would have suffered. You all stepped up to the challenge and I greatly appreciate your diligence!

"Give thanks in ALL circumstances..." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

God has provided families with a means to slow down and enjoy each other with the beautiful white landscape. As evident through Facebook, many families have taken advantage of the snow by sledding, or staying in and watching movies and playing games. Enjoy and relish these moments that God has provided! We have created this fast pace lifestyle for ourselves that eliminates quality family time. Create lasting memories and maybe even gain a realization of the necessity of quality family time. It won't be long and the "normalcy" of life will return!

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...He (God) has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11

Now, let me return to my family for our time with each other! :) May God Bless you all!

Better Late than Never

Happy Belated Birthday Raelee!

Raelee turned seven years old!

That is so hard to believe.

She is growing so big and strong.

Raelee is a girl who loves pink

and fancy things.

She is a girly-girl!

We love you Raelee!

(PS. Sorry this tribute is so late!)

My how time flies!

I can't believe it has been so long since I had last posted. Sorry for those who try to keep up with me and my kids! Here is a quick preview of what has been happening. Just waiting on pictures to upload, I reviewed my folders of pictures from the computer. It makes me very sad and happy all in one as to how each child has grown into the little person they are!
Back to current events...

Halloween 2010 - We were the Ghostly Family...

Angie and Ryan (yes that is Angie's hair standing up!)

Here were the kids, Audrey was our fairy!

The girls are still doing well in school. They both recieved awards at the 9 week assembly - Koalty Kid. Just so happened the day of award ceremony was

Crazy hair day for drug free week! (Momma is a proud one)

And last, but not least, all four of my lovelies together (in the best pic out of many).

Every moment is a God given second. Without Him, we would have nothing! Thank Him for all things and in everything.

Thanksgiving has also come and gone since I last blogged...it was spent with family - fellowship and of course FOOD!

Hope all yours are doing well!

I'm a Big Boy NOW!

Ryan has been moved to the "big bed", a bunk bed in the boys' room. I purchased Jack some "Cars" linen to entice him to go to the top bunk and put "Transformer" linen on the bottom bunk for Ryan. He took to it like a champ! This boy has no problems going to bed when it's bedtime, as long as he's by himself.

Again, it's hard to see them grow up so fast, but I also get to finally get rid of the crib and changing table. That crib has survived 4 children in the last 6 years and is still going strong! On to bigger and better things? God willing, here we go!

I look forward to what God has in store for us all as a family as we develop and grow together as a family unit and in HIM!

Four Posers?

I can't help but chuckle when I see the results of my attempts to capture a posed picture with my four lovely children...

If it isn't one who isn't looking, it's all!

Although on occassion, they happen to all look at once...

Since I was showcasing my children, thought I would add a similar pose from our "fifth" child, Maggie...

As you review these photos, you can only imagine what it is like with our four (or five) lovely well behaved little angels! HAHA! :)

Never a dull or quiet moment when the kids are awake! Thank you Lord for such healthy and onery little ones!

Friday Night FUN!

So, what did we do on this Friday evening....outside to play!

Here's my attempt to get all four children in a good pose, but that continues to be difficult at times! :)

Christalynn is posing for us though!

Ryan is getting around so much, he is into everything!!!!

Here's my look alikes! These two are the big sister and big brother of the genders.

This is a cute picture of them!

God is an awesome God! He is provider of everything; from the breath we breath, the beautiful weather to play in, and the miracle of children. Thank you Lord for your blessings both big and small!

Reviewing previous postings, it's a joy and a sadness that parents feel when they see their children grow up. It's hard for me to imagine that Raelee will be 7 in a couple of months and Ryan has already turned 1. My babies, they aren't babies anymore! Must enjoy and cherish every small moment we have with our children because time goes by so fast!

Happy Birthday RYAN

My baby is 1!

Ryan loved his cake that Great-Grandma made for him!

Ryan is walking and keeping up with the other kids! He is growing up so fast!

Happy Birthday Ryan! We love you!

Happy Anniversary

Chris and I celebrated our 9th year anniversary August 21st! It is so hard to believe nine years and four kids later, how much it seems like yesterday that we met and married. God truly blessed me with a man who loves me, my family, and God!

Our extended families (thank you Jack, Lyle, Hollie, DJ, and Angie) were gracious enough to keep our kids to allow Chris and I the opportunity to go out of state for our anniversary. We had a great time in Washington state in the Tri-Cities area (three cities surrounding the Columbia River). The weather was to be jealous for! This trip was also a quick trip to see if we would want to relocate our family to the area, but Chris wasn't chosen to further the interviewing process for the Kennewick Police Department.

So, now we can say we had a chance to enjoy our anniversary in a state neither of us had ever been before. 5 years ago, we went to New Orleans, LA as the girls stayed with their grandparents. I see a trend happening, where shall we go in the next 5 years? God only knows that answer!

Chris, you are my love and best friend! Thank you for what you do and how you care for us! Look forward to many more years to come! :)

First Day of School

Poor Christalynn was so nervous on her first day! The teachers sat them down in the cafeteria as other children were eating breakfast and Christalynn was telling a teacher, "I don't want to eat! I already ate at home!"

Raelee is growing up so fast! She lost her 5th tooth the night before the first day of school!
Christalynn is my crazy eccentric child! She makes you laugh! And Raelee who likes to show off, makes you laugh too! (I needed to do some cropping on this photo!! :))

So the first day of school has come and....gone! Both Raelee and Christalynn are in school together, Raelee First Grade and Christalynn Kindergarten. This is so crazy to believe! What happened to my cuddly little baby girls, now they are my big cuddly little girls. Raelee's teacher is known to me and my extended family from when I was a child, so Raelee had gotten the whole "you better be good because your teacher knows me and your MawMaw & Granddad!" speech. Christalynn's teacher is the same teacher Raelee had last year, so Christalynn got the "your daddy and I know your teacher from last year and your teacher knows to call us if you are any trouble" speech. My girls are good girls, just like to enstill some fear into them that they can't get away with anything. It definitely worked with me as a child when my parents knew everyone, surely it will work for me raising my kids! :)

So now its just boy time...haven't decided if this is good or bad! I will lose my "Momma Boys" at this rate!

And here is Ryan, who my baby will be turning 1 year old tomorrow! Happy Early Birthday Ryan! I can't believe it has already been a year! God has blessed me with a child who is so independent, very active, and not at all a cuddling baby. Ryan has been the finishing touch to our family.

I love all my kids, in their each unique personality. It is so fun to watch them grow together. The Lord is good, all the time!

Welcome Home

God gives so many blessings in life, yet there is nothing more priceless than our ultimate homecoming when we have reached our eternal home with Jesus and our Heavenly Father to our mansion He has prepared for us.

Papa has finally reached that destination and is able to enjoy life; singing, dancing, laughing with family and friends who have gone before as well as Jesus! Papa is healed of all ailments and knows everyone by name.

Papa has left such an impact in so many lives, but here some of my most memorable things about Papa...

1. Very active and serving member of church

2. He was loving, always had a kiss and hug when he saw me

3. Taught me hard work, as I spent summers in the hayfield with him

4. Taught me how to drive; I would sit in his lap controlling the steering wheel as he did the gas on our way to church
5. He could always make you laugh with a joke or some little made up tune he would do.

6. He was a tinker man, ducktape and bailing wire could fix anything

7. Loved kids, had a ball in his pant pocket and candy in his shirt pocket. Always made him light up when he could make a kid smile!

8. Above all, Papa was saved and I will see him again when Jesus calls me home.

Papa's favorite Bible Verse is 1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." As there is so much temptation in life, God always provides an escape! No more temptation for Papa, God has provided his escape!

Will see you soon Papa, from your #1 Granddaughter!

"I'm ma back!"

As I am quoting a Mario Brothers game after killing off all your men and they quickly reload you back with more..."Im ma back!" Although, I am not as quick to "reload" as the game considering it's been almost 2 months since I was last on here!!! :(

So, what has happened since May 8th...

I definitely learned my lesson on doing "May Firsts" as I jinxed poor Jackson that night! Shortly after posting that blog, he fell in the shower and had his first busted eye. Almost bad enough for stitches, but I was able to butterfly it closed. Saving any weak stomachs, I decided not to post the picture that I had taken of him. Jack is such a big boy, with a very high pain tolerance! He cried for a very short time & sat so very still for me to finally get his eye butterflied after two or three attempts!!! :) (You can see the butterfly job in the new big family photo!)

Since that incident, further progress with Jack is that he is saying more words, less accidents with potty training & continues to be so very active. He is developing more with his personality. Thinks he can shine his cute little smile and get away with anything. If that doesn't work, he'll turn his head to the side work his big blue eyes with his hands under his chin and say "Peas"! Just makes you melt!! But there are times you have to be strong against such cuteness!!!

Raelee...she is still in gymnastics and likes it. Currently on a competition team, therefore she is working on routines for when they begin competing in November. Wow, not real sure if I'm ready for all this!! She thinks she is big stuff as she gains confidence in herself and learns new bends and tricks!

Christalynn...has lost another tooth! Finished her first art class last week. Her art work will be displayed at the Arrowhead Mall on July 9th & 10th. She enjoyed her class, I think she didn't like the fact that she had to get up to go though. She too is in gymnastics and likes playing around with her teacher who happens to be a girl we know from church, therefore Christalynn tends to get away with playing around instead of learning!

Both the girls had a great time at Vacation Bible School at Timothy...Raelee was saved! Trying my best not to be judgmental...she doesn't give me the indication that she knows what she has done, or why. Do we even, older in life, understand what we have done or why? I do know that it's by His grace and love for me that He even chose me! So, why can't I accept Raelee understands that and has accepted that? Needless to say, we haven't allowed her to get baptized yet until I know she understands what she is doing, not just because her friends were with her at the time and they are all doing it!

Ryan...already 10 months old. Can stand on his own, has taken a few steps, but not walking yet. Can walk pretty good if holding his hand though! Definitely crawling EVERYWHERE! My little human vaccum cleaner for sure! He certainly loves his older siblings and is anxious to be able to keep up with them. He too has a dashing smile that he thinks gets him out of trouble too!

Chris and I, we are just working and enjoying life with the kids. Trying to hang on to every minute and capture every memory while making more memories. Praying God keeps His hand of protection and guidance on our family as we enjoy life as the unit He has created us to be!

Hope you all have been doing well! I have been trying to keep up with you all as much as possible. Look forward to seeing some of you at the 4th of July celebration with family!

May's Firsts

Even though it is just the beginning of May, it has brought more than flowers...here are a few firsts going on in our family!

This isn't really a first, just Jackson posing during the first of May! :)

Raelee fell in love with her Kindergarten teacher. This was at her Kindergarten "Celebration/Graduation" ceremony. Raelee was recognized for every day striving for excellence in everything she did! Good Job Raelee...making your parents proud!!!

Christalynn lost her first tooth! She was so excited to be like her big sister in loosing her teeth!

The next pose is of first haircuts.... Old Ryan

New Ryan!

Children are so fun! Brings life such happiness and enjoyment! You never know what may happen next! Hope you enjoyed some of our firsts in May!

A first for me is this Mother's Day will be complete with ALL my children. God has truly blessed me! Praying HE is blessing you too!

Happy Mother's Day!

As I reflect on Mother's Day, I can't help but think of all the times I said, "I won't be like my mom! She is crazy!" I believe all kids say that, but reality is...you do carry your mother's traits & you are like them. I find myself saying phrases that my mom used so many times with me, "I'll get on you like a mess of ants!" The girls just look at me, like I'm crazy!! What's up with that?!

My mother is a God fearing, Christian woman, who is hard working both inside and outside the home! She raised me as well as my two younger sisters in a manner that we carry on her legacy in our children. She has shown me how to work hard, love my husband & my children, & serve my LORD.

My mother is a very loving person and in return is very loved by many, especially me and my family! Thank you MOM for what you do for us! Now, I want to be more like my mother as I age!!! Although, still haven't wiped my kids face with my own spit and thumb...still pretty gross to me now as it was when I was younger!

Love you MOM!

Posings

Just thought I would share of few pictures of these kids from this morning as they were posing!

CHEESE! Look closely, you may identify what we had for breakfast this morning!

This picture makes her look so grown (growing) up!

It's hard to believe how quickly they grow up. (Oh my, I sound like my mother and my grandmother. I remember them both saying that...gma to my mom, and my mom to me).

Christalynn, what do you say! She is silly!

My belly is full and I'm SLEEPY!

Every time he blinked, the harder it was for him to open his eyes up.

Aren't these kids adorable! Yeah, I'm bias!! It's a mothers' right!

Answered Prayers

I want to thank all of you who happened upon my blog, or those who follow, for the prayers that were needed last week. God heard our requests and granted the healing power that we were so desiring. God is an awesome God that when human understanding is no longer, HE comes with HIS abounding glory to show HIS power and might. God blessed us with HIS power, therefore we can look back and know, know, that it was HIM! Praise the LORD, all is well to the road of recovery!

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalms 37:4

"Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisifies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalms 103:1-5

God is so good....ALL THE TIME!