Why I added the video

The other day in the car, the kids and I were waiting to pick up Chris from work. I was listening to my Sara Groves CD Chris gave me for Valentine's Day. She sings really fast, and so I kept pausing the song to figure out the words. This gave me the opportunity to share the meaning of the song with the kids. David and Caleb asked lots of great questions. I will post some later, but for now, listen and let me know what YOU think.

When The Saints, Sara Groves

When The Saints, Sara Groves

Lyrics

Lord I have a heavy burden of all I've seen and know

It's more than I can handle

But your word is burning like a fire shut up in my bones

and I cannot let it go

And when I'm weary and overwrought

with so many battles left unfought

I think of Paul and Silas in the prison yard

I hear their song of freedom rising to the stars

And when the Saints go marching in I want to be one of them

Lord it's all that I can't carry and cannot leave behind

but your word has compelled me

when I think of all who've gone before me and lived the faithful life

And when I'm weary and overwrought with so many battles left unfought

I think of Paul and Silas in the prison yard

I hear their song of freedom rising to the stars

I see the shepherd Moses in the Pharohs court

I hear his call of freedom for the people of the Lord

And when the Saints go marching in I want to be one of them

And when the Saints go marching in I want to be one of them

I see the long quiet walk along the Underground Railroad

I see the slave awakening to the value of her soul

I see the young missionary and the end of the spear

I see his family returning with no trace of fear

I see the long hard shadows of Calcutta nights

I see the sisters standing by the lepers side

I see the young girl huddled on the brothel floor

I see the man with a passion come and kicking down the door

I see the man of sorrows and his long troubled road

I see the world on his shoulders and my easy load

Adventures

Adventures During These Days!

We have been packing boxes. We had this bright idea. Okay, mostly it was my idea, but Chris thought it was good too. We moved the girls into the boys room. And have turned the girls room into the box room. These kids were so excited to get to have a 6 week sleep-over, they were willing to clean and clean and clean to make room. So now, we can hear the giggle of 4 little children having private conversations. I tried to sum this up in my scrapbook, by saying that I would never be able to truly scrapbook these moments. As these are moments that only shared by them. God is so wonderful to give us 4!

I must also announce that box #25 has been packed!! This is a big deal for me!

And the Grand Finale....David has completed his reading books. I thought he would want to say he was finished until next year, but he just asked where the next set was. I was really happy with the improvement. This is the same boy who at the beginning of the year, was not very happy about reading!

Now for Today's little tale....This time on Caleb. Now for those of you who remember, The boys have the bunk beds from the cabin. Well since Indiana Jones (david), his father (caleb), his sister (abigail), and his girl (julia) all live here, there have been quite a few adventures. So today, Caleb hooked his belt onto the post of the top bunk and climbed up to the top bunk. He had to help Indi! Needless to say, we reviewed a chapter of Bed safety that I believe we had not written until that moment. Because as parents, you never expect to have Indiana Jones' Father climbing up the corner post on the bunk bed.

Most of you probably feel the same way I do. God has blessed me with the treasure of these children. Their Daddy and I enjoy each moment with them....the crazy days, the adventure days, the home-school days, and the cuddling, Hug & Kiss Days. May you delight in yours today!

PORTRAIT TIME

There will be "hard copies" mailed out shortly. But I couldn't wait for you to enjoy them now!

The Girls with Best Friend Molly

And of course, babies to match!

Amy and I became best freinds right after we started attending church at Wedgwood. So naturally, our children have become very close. The girls are often called "twins and a friend". Amy and I wanted some "good" pictures before we moved. It was not as emotional as I thought, but all the same, we were teary.

Let's go Shopping!

Paw-Paw George gave the girls these really fun

grocery baskets with food. So I decided to set up a store for them in their room.

I used their 2 chairs as the car.

Set the table up as the store and the baby dollchanging table as the check-out.

Caleb loved being the grocer. And they ploayed for a good 2 hours, just the 3 of them, until David stoppped building with his legos to notice! Enjoy!

Waiting in line!

Look Ma, they don't match today!

They were sad too, Abigail got something on her shirt and had to change.

Todays Ramblings

I have been pondering a lot today. I think it all started this morning when I awoke to the sound of a sleeping family. I looked out my kitchen window and saw this beautiful foggy haze. I was blown away by the majesty of God. And then this afternoon as I watched the kids play in the backyard. The sun was bright, spring hung in the air, and laughter made me grin. I again, was taken aback by the beauty of my King. It could be because I packed another box today. Working slowly, I am trying to not be overwhelmed in the end. I was feeling sad about leaving some of the great friends I have made here. All godly Christian friends who are so good at nurturing, praying, and listening. Maybe I was grieving, because Chris talked with Leif's parents today. Leif is never far from our minds, but today, I just missed him. I think because we are heading back to Phenix City, and Leif visited us there so much. I thought about what he sacrificed for our freedom. I thought about how much he gave in a short amount of time. Everyone who knew Leif was touched by him. He encouraged new believers and challenged older ones. Again, I was thankful to God. I am not a songwriter, but I couldn't contain the song in my heart. I just sang Him my praises. And tonight, when I tucked the kids in, I held them a little closer and loved them a little more. I am blessed beyond measure. God has given me such peace in this transitional time we are living. I told someone today, we don't know where we will be living, but God does. I have faith and peace. And for those who know me, I like to have a plan for these things. Organization is my friend. God, has yet to reveal all the details of the plan, but we know where we are headed and the ministry he will have us do. I am just getting to enjoy the ride. Chris and I were talking about this today, that it will be so nice to have a little break (in Al) before heading into our full-time ministry. It will be so nice to enjoy each other, getting refreshed and recharged, and getting to be around our family and friends that we have missed so much in the last 3 years. Like I said, God is so good to us. And this, all of this today, made me appreciate God in a new way.

4 Years Old

It is so hard to believe Abigail and Julia are 4. It seems like just yesterday I was amazed to be holding two babies, and trying to figure out who was who. Four years later I am still amazed. In fact, I often feel the same way I did the moment I saw them on the ultrasound...Blessed. I am so thankful to serve a living Savior. God was true to his Word. He heard the desire of my heart, and gave me girls. I feel so blessed to not only have 2 sons, but 2 daughters as well. I feel full and delighted!

For the party today, the girls invited a few of their friends to join them for a baby doll picnic. All the girls had a good time playing with the baby doll food and eating cupcakes. Abigail and Julia were so thankful for each and every gift. in fact, 5 hours later, they have tried on every article of clothing, opened every present (minus the play-doh & bear stitching), feed their dolls cupcakes a good 10 times, and have counted their pet shops until they get confused and start over. Julia is even wearing a swimsuit, pink shirt, and a dress all together. Because she is soooo happy to have so many nice things.

Smiling while waiting for the party to start. Chris gave the girls these special

Happy Birthday plates.

Enjoying the picnic

Gabby and her baby
Presley
Bethany
Avery
Brooke

Emma

Megan
Molly Jayden and Jack-Jack

One more Snow Picture

We walked up the street to the Suel's House to play in the snow with some friends. Jamie snapped this picture of the kids. The kids mouths are all open because they are yelling "SNOW"! We are so thankful to live on campus with other Christian families. We will treasure these friendships for years to come. God is so good to us!

I did It!

I made 2 cards last night. this is my first solo attempt at stamping!

SNOW Twice in one week!

Our Southern Snowman...Coca Cola Man!

Getting ready to go play in the backyard.

Our Heavy Snow flurries!

I love Snow. I love the cold that nips at your nose. I feel awake! I feel refreshed. I feel invegerated. I feel like making a snowman!

Early Birthday Surprise!

Happy Birthday from Grandmama Jan & Daddy Barron

Mom and Dad got the girls these cute Bitty Baby dresses. I was really happy because the theme for this years party is a "Bitty Baby Picnic". We are having Cupcakes! And all the girls are bringing a doll to have a picnic lunch. EXCITING!!

Mom and Dad also got the girls sassy seats for their babies. You know the fun we will have with these?

More Snow Pics

Okay I couldn't help but show you the snow fall. After I put the girls to bed, I realized that we had gotten some "good" snow. So, I got them up and let them play for about 15 minutes. Notice how Caleb started off in his Pj's and then changed into some pants. ENJOY!

We've got snow!

About 20 minutes ago, we saw some flurries. We just had to go out and make our pictures. Mostly, because I have pre-made snow scrapbook pages. HE He! But the kids looked really cute, and we even sent their pictures to the local news in hopes of making the evening news!!

FACETS

I haven't blogged much this week, because I have been at work on the FACETS of a Woman Conference at our church. My best friend, Amy Hudson and I were together on the special Events team, serving in the position of Breakfast decorations, and lunch tables. We had a really great time in the preparation. Now for the conference, it was amazing. Our main speaker, spoke on the topic of forgiveness and grace. It was really good to take time to really think and ponder and let the Lord speak. Then we got to go to break out workshops. The first one I went to was Mrs. Kay Meredith's, our pastors wife, she spoke on our brains. And how our brains are working differently than they did 30 years ago. It was interesting, I wish it had lasted longer. The second workshop I attended was Luajanna Ross' Prayer. God has revealed some great and exciting things about praying. I think our ladies class is going to have to get her to come to our class for a longer workshop. She is one of those ladies you could just sit at her feet and let her teach you. Then we broke for lunch. It was really tasty and the dessert was out of this world! Then we went to our third workshop which was missions. I just wanted to check it out. We had a good time, playing a world focus game like jeopardy. It made me realize I need to be more aware of the world around me. Our last general session was about Grace. And how God's grace is enough to cover all our troubles. And if we don't allow him that, we are putting ourselves above God. That was a new way for me to think about it. It ended with all of us coming down front for prayer. I was moved when my two dear friends sat on either side of me and prayed. I was humbled to tears, when we prayed about my leaving. God has blessed me with some great friends at this church, and I will truly miss them all. I was doubly blessed, because my mom and my neighbor got to come with me. That was like icing!
After the conference the girls from my Sunday School went to Blue Masa for a de-briefing session. This was very insightful, and I truly think this was a great close to a long week. We got to laugh, share our favorite things from the workshops, talk about what God had revealed, and discuss any questions we had. It was so nice to be in an environment where I felt safe to be vulnerable. Thanks to Andrea, Sharon, Tonya, and Amy who hung until late, and a thanks to Pam, Kim, Melinda, and Rachel for a fun dinner! It was a gift to be with you all!
I still can't find all the words to let you know how great this conference was. Let me just sum it up to say that my cup is full and over-flowing. It has been a fantastic weekend.