New Chair

I have been wanting to get another chair for living room for a while now. We were blessed with some money for Christmas and Tim gave me the go ahead to look around. I got on Craig's List and found an awesome find. A couple had recently located here for work from Louisiana and purchased a smaller home and were selling some pieces of furniture. I went today and purchased this chair for only $50. It was made by Ashley Furniture and sits very comfortably. So the next time you need something, try out Craig's List...who knows what you will find.

Christmas 2009

We all had a wonderful Christmas spending time with family. We started off the with a wedding - my niece, Sara was married on December 19th to a wonderful young man, Johnny. It was a fun day to share with them. Then the kids and I stayed in Marion for the week of Christmas with mom and dad. Tim rejoined us on Wednesday afternoon. On Christmas Eve, I helped mom prepare our meal that was enjoyed by 17 people, including our 2 adopted family members, Johnny's sisters - Cassie and Chrissy. It was so nice to have them there and get to know them a little better. We enjoyed a wonderful meal and then went to a Christmas Eve service for a message and some songs. Of course, when we returned back to mom and dad's it was time for presents. We each took turns passing out our gifts to one another. I believe everyone had a great time. The funny part was that in the midst of everyone visiting, we realized we were missing Sylar, my 2 year old niece. We found her at the dining room table with a fork eating cake - lots of cake. She was so cute! We concluded the evening singing The 12 Days of Christmas and a couple of other songs. Before bed, I opened a gift from Natalie and Nathan. They made me a tablecloth for our kitchen table. I was so surprised and loved this gift. It is on my dining room table today and will be for many holidays to come.

On Christmas morning, we shared with our gifts with the kids and to one another. Nathan received Pokemon trading cards, Santa Buddies DVD, Pokemon DVD/Board Game, Air Hog, and of course, candy. Natalie received some make-up, perfume, Wii Food Network game, American Girl outfit and candy. The surprise gift for me was that Tim got me a Snuggie - he loves those things and I always made fun of the commercials. So, now we have matching Snuggies. Tim got a new Razorback sweatshirt and some cologne. After breakfast, we got ready and headed over to Tim's parents for another round of Christmas. Tim's aunt and uncle came up from Jonesboro for a little while. Then Tim's brother and family joined us a little later. Of course, we ate and then...you guessed it - Presents again. Everyone was so generous with their gifts and they were all a blessing.

So, another year is almost gone and it goes so fast. I hope to really spend this next year in God's Word getting to know Him better and yielding my life to Him.

Nathan's 11th Birthday

Nathan and his sister (I think they do love each other...sometimes)


Nathan and his new webkinz



Nathan blowing out his candles (for the 2nd try - his sister did it the first time)

On October 13, 1998 we were blessed with the arrival of Nathan Stephen Cain. He came into this world very easy, pretty much like he is now. In the beginning it was hard with his sister being so young (19 months) and he didn't like to sleep much until he was about 18 months. Now, we can't get him out of the bed and can sleep through most anything. God has gifted him with a great mind and he is so creative.

Nathan, we love you buddy and are so grateful to the Lord for giving you to us. We wouldn't want to experience life without you! You defintely keep us on our toes - laughing most of the time.

Happy 11th Birthday Nathan! We love you!

Love you!

Mom

Fall fun

We joined another family from church at a pumpkin patch yesterday. Although I wouldn't recommend this place, the time spent with friends was great. At this particular pumpkin patch you pay to get in and then leave with 2 very small pumpkins. Natalie has named them "Rip" and "Off" - pretty clever I thought. It was also a great day to be enjoyed and be out in the wonderful weather.

More school pics...

First day of school - August 19, 2009

Natalie's new haircut

Natalie sewing

Natalie absolutely loves sewing. She has to get this from her grandmothers, because I didn't inherit this gene. I just don't have the patience for this kind of work. So, while she likes it, I want to help her learn. She is taking some sewing classes at The Stichin Post in Little Rock. Today she made a shoulder bag. I was amazed and so happy for her that she finished it today. As you can tell from the picture, she is proud of herself.

My Friends Place Tea Room

Each summer we take the girls and their great-grandmother to a tea party. They always have a great time and make good memories.

Madi Bell Farms

The kids at Madi Bell Farms in Houston, MS. They had a great time.

Father's Day 2009

Yesterday, we celebrated Father's Day. It was very sweet and the kids did their own gifts. We started the day with banana nut muffins and smoothies - 2 of Tim's favorites. And the kids gave their gifts to Tim. Natalie wrote a special letter to Tim and made an acrostic out of his full name - TIMOTHY. It was very good. This what she came up with.

T - talkative

I - inquisitive

M -motivated

O - outgoing

T - trustwrothy

H - hard-worker

Y - youthful

Nathan wrote 10 reasons why he loves his dad. Things like playing ball and games with him - spending time with him. These were great gifts and from the heart.

Death is Not Dying

http://deathisnotdying.com/eventvideo/

Please take the time to listen to this.

Natalie' Room

Natalie has been asking for some new bedding for her room. But of course I didn't want to spend a lot. So we have been looking around for pink/brown bedding. Last Friday I was at Walmart and came across this bedding. No it is not pink and brown - but it was cheap and that is always good. I got the comforter, sham and sheet set for $15, the pillow for $5 and the bedskirt for $6. I was so excited and even more so when Natalie said she liked it as well.

More vacation pics...

Tim and the kids cheering the HAWGS

At Pea Ridge

Vacation

Natalie and sweet little Arden

Natalie and Sydney


Nathan and Jacob at SDC


The family at SDC

Tim and the kids on the log ride

Last Saturday we left for a short vacation. We were very blessed to have friends who gave us 4 guest passes to Silver Dollar City for a day. Another bonus was that we were able to spend the night with this family and their 3 sweet children. Our kids and their kids quickly hit off and had a great time together. On Sunday, both families made the drive from Harrison to Branson for a day of fun. Okay, I am not a thrill ride person, but I go for my kids and of course, Tim. We started off at the log ride and then they rode Wildfire - a roller coaster. Nathan said he was terrified and will not ride it again. Their favorite was Waterboggan - you get totally drenched. Good thing someone told me to have them wear their swimsuits. This was a great time of fun and reconnecting with some old friends. When we first met them neither of us had any children and now things have changed.

After the day of rides, we made our way over to Bentonville to see another set of friends. We were going to drive there Sunday night, but decided to stay the night in Eureka Springs. This was a good idea being I had a killer headache and was exhausted from being outside all day. The next morning we drove to Pea Ridge Civil Battlefield and visited the park and watched a movie about the battle that was fought there. Every year on the anniversary (in March) there is an renactment of the battle fought there. After this, we drove over to Bentonville to spend the night with some other dear friends, who also now have 3 children - 2 sweet boys and 1 precious little red-headed girl. She was Natalie's favorite! We enjoyed some time just visiting, the kids swimming and playing basketball and then dinner that night. We have know this couple for about 15 years.

On Tuesday morning we got up, had breakfast and drove into Fayetteville to visit the UA campus. We went by the Broyles Athletic Complex to look around in the museum. This is a highlight for Tim - being he is an alumni. Usually we walk around and he will show us his name in the sidewalk, but decided to head home at this time. We all said it is great to go away, but even bettter to return home. We are so thankful for our good friends and the hospitality shown to us.

Changes happening

After working in our church office for 5 1/2 years, this Thursday will be my last day. Due to some financial issues and staffing changes, some cutbacks in office staff were needed. I can't say that we were surprised, just weren't expecting that day to hear the news. During the summer, since I don't sub, we have always depended on my income to help us until I can start subbing again at the school. However, this summer the Lord has different plans. Please pray for wisdom and direction for Tim and I regarding our finances.

One decision we have made is for me to sign-up as a consultant with Pampered Chef. The products actually sell themselves and the parties are fun to do. And of course, the food is great. So, today I did it - I got my kit with all my info and hopefully will get started with parties in the next couple of weeks. After checking into many options for summer employment, it became evident that this was the only option. Always in summers past the kids came with me, which made it easy. However, most places won't allow to bring your kids to work. So Pampered Chef will give me the flexibility to be with them during the day and set my own schedule. Tim is totally on board with this and he loves their stuff. So, if you want to have some fun and get free products - host a show. It is so easy to do. You can look at the products online at http://www.pamperedchef.com/.

Also, I have submitted an application with our school district for a position at the new middle school scheduled to open in January 2010. Please pray for this opportunity - this is what I would really like to do and I could be around my kiddos.

Mother's Day

I knew my family was planning something special for today. There had been lots of whispering and talking behind closed doors. My wonderful husband who does struggle with being creative, did a great thing. He got up at 6:00 a.m. this morning and went to Cracker Barrell to get me pecan pancakes. I had shared with him earlier in the week that these were a favorite of mine. This is a huge sacrifice for him - Tim loves to sleep, especially on a rainy Sunday morning. I am so blessed. At breakfast I opened my cards and there were such sweet words. Natalie and Nathan together did an acrostic using the letters in my name (I'll share later) and framed it. Nathan made a craft called a God's eye. It wasn't special because of any gifts received, but that they took the time to show me love. I have the best husband and kids in the world.

Her children rise up and call her blessed;her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently,but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31:28-29

Thinking Good About Him

I read this post today from the GirlTalk blog and it really encouraged me. I have a long way to go, but the Lord is gracious and good.

October 24, 2008
Thinking Good About Him
As wives, we frequently face situations where we are tempted to think harsh and critical thoughts about our husbands. Sometimes we are more inclined to concentrate on what our husbands are doing wrong than what they are doing right. We are more aware of their deficiencies than areas where they excel. But if we submit to these temptations they will only dampen any desire to do them good.

In her book Love Has a Price Tag, Elisabeth Elliot includes some very good counsel from her husband for wives:

“A wife, if she is very generous, may allow that her husband lives up to perhaps eighty percent of her expectations. There is always the other twenty percent that she would like to change, and she may chip away at it for the whole of their married life without reducing it by very much. She may, on the other hand, simply decide to enjoy the eighty percent, and both of them will be happy.”

The apostle Paul understood the influence of people’s thoughts and feelings on their behavior. He exhorted the Philippians in this way: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worth of praise, think about these things” (Phil 4:8).

As we choose to focus on our husbands’ many commendable qualities—to enjoy the “eighty percent”, we’ll be amazed. We’ll grow in our eagerness to encourage, serve and love them—to do them good all our days.

Posted by Carolyn Mahaney on October 24, 2008 at 04:08 PM in Marriage Permalink

American Girl Dolls enjoy Easter

Natalie is still enjoying her American Girl dolls and I am encouraging it as long as it lasts. Most girls her age would think this is childish, but she doesn't and I am glad. She had a lot of fun getting them ready for Easter.

Rocket Launch

On Saturday, Tim and Nathan spent about 2 hours building a rocket to launch. They worked very diligently and well together. Tim lets Nathan do a lot and Nathan understands what he can't do. I think Tim is having as much fun as Nathan - maybe more. I am glad they have this that they can do together and enjoy one another's company. We did launch the rocket; however, it was never recovered. They look for a while to try and find out to relaunch it, but no luck. Tim thinks it burned up in the air. The next project is one that goes 2,000 feet up. That should be interesting.

Menu for the week

Here is my menu for this week. Tonight I was going to have spaghetti, but a friend surprised us with lasagna.

Monday - Lasagna from a friend

Tuesday - Tacos

Wednesday - Eat out

Thursday - Steaks with veggie/potatoes

Friday - Good Friday Service at church - Hamburgers

Saturday - Maybe pizza

Natalie turned 12...

Pictures from Natalie's Birthday

Natalie and her cousin, Shelby at

American Girl in Dallas

Trip to Dallas

Last Thursday Natalie and I left for a trip to Dallas, TX to visit the American Girl Store. Also, along for the ride was my sister, her 2 girls, my mom and Tim's mom. We made our first stop in Sulphur Springs, TX and spent the night. On Friday, we arrived in Dallas around 11 a.m. and the girls were dying to get to American Girl. They were all amazed and so excited. We let them just look around and take it all in that day. Natalie's 2 dolls, Kit and Kirsten did visit the beauty salon to have Kirsten's hair done and Kit's ears pierced. They looked around to get some ideas as to what to buy. We then back to the hotel to give them some time to swim. On Saturday morning, they were up bright and early and ready to go again. Natalie decided to buy a third doll with her birthday money. She bought Ruthie, Kit's best friend. Also, she got 2 outfits and 2 pairs of shoes. After this we had lunch in the American Girl Bistro. The waiters came out to sing happy birthday to all the girls and gave them a brownie. It was a lot of fun seeing Natalie enjoy something she has wanted for a long time. I figured my time was running short, since she will 13 next year. I will post some pictures later. If you have a girl, this is definetly the place to take them. I wish they had this when I was a young girl.

Science Fair update

Last Thursday, March 12th was our school science fair. Both of the kids had a project to do this year. Natalie chose to take 3 of the same plant, but water them differently (amount and when). Nathan chose to test whether or not graphite in a pencil was a conductor of electricity. They had to prepare their science boards with all the normal info - problem, hypothesis, photos, research, charts, conclusion, etc. And they did a great job. At the parent night last week, Natalie discovered that she placed 2nd overall for the 6th grade. Nathan however did not place this year and was devastated. He is the one that loves science and just knew he would place. This was a good lesson for him in how to lose graciously. It was still hard watching him being so disappointed. We are sure next year it will be an amazing project. Natalie will get to present her project to the Bauxite School Board in April and then go to the district science fair in Arkadelphia in May. She is excited, but was very shocked at how well she did.

Nat's seizure checkup...

Yesterday, Natalie had 2 doctor appointments - one with the pediatrician and one for a seizure checkup. Back in 2006 she was diagnosed with petit mal or absence seizures. We were able to take part in a study at Arkansas Children's Hospital that has provided all medical testing, meds until a year ago and regular appointments. Yesterday, she had an EEG performed to see if there is any seizure activity. Apparently, something showed as abnormal. This means we won't be able to start weaning her off the medicine. They usually start doing this when you are 2 years seizure free - her 2 years was November 2008. I have to say Natalie is a trooper and does whatever they ask her to do. I am glad that if this had to happen to one of my children, it was her. I am not sure her brother would be quite as accomodating. It was a good time for she and I just to talk and catch up with another. Not much you can do while you are hooked up to machine for an hour. She always enjoys eating in the hospital cafeteria and they do happen to have really good food. She also enjoyed the day off from school. We'll see today when she comes home with make-up work. I have encouraged her to go into a field in the healthcare industry and work with children. She knows a little of how it is to have tests done, blood taken, etc. She is very relaxed and trusting in these situations. Who knows what God has for her. All I know is I love her more and more everyday.

Natalie turning 12 and Misc

I can't believe my baby girl is growing up. Next Saturday, March 14th at 10:45 p.m. she will turn 12. Since my niece's birthday is in April, we have planned a surprise trip for the both of them. They are going to be so excited. Natalie keeps saying can you believe next year I will be 13. I think I might hide on that day. She is maturing into a lovely girl. We are still working on some things with her, but she is a preety sweet person. She loves younger children and can't wait to start babysitting and make money. There are so many things I would differently with her. I would enjoy her more, laugh more and just sit back and relax. I would have yelled less and been more patient. Actually that is my goal for this year, to be more patient and calm with her and yell less. I tend to get caught up in the moment and let myself get carried away. I love my kiddos and want to be more patient with them. I also want to be kinder to Tim, he needs it. He is so patient with me and puts up with a lot.

Science projects

I am so glad we are almost done with not 1, but 2 science fair projects. They are due on Tuesday and I am excited. We have been working on this since October. Natalie chose to take 3 of the same plant and give them different amounts of water. This was pretty easy for her, since she really is all that excited about science. Nathan of course, chose to build somethign. He took a battery, attached wires to it and used the inside of a pencil as a conductor. The light bulb would light up when the wires touched the graphite. These projects always turn in to parent projects. I will post pics later.

2 Sweet Boys

These are the 2 sweet boys I kept today for a friend of mine. I just love this age.