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!