tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74510630693965916042024-03-13T23:09:56.413-05:00Balancing Life as Mommy and WifeTalks and tales of being a mommy, wife of a youth pastor, daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, auntie, and friend.Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-2685835133739945262011-10-10T15:38:00.000-05:002011-10-10T15:38:54.635-05:00Have you ever....Have you ever hit the ground running as soon as your eyes creeped open in the morning? I mean one of those "skip every thought of routine and just survive" type of mornings? How about being so busy changing diapers, giving baths, getting kiddos fed, playing outside, etc. that you haven't fed yourself or even stopped to go to the bathroom? A few hours later, you realize what has happened and that your about to claim that you're helping potty train and aren't fully potty trained yourself. On your way to waddling to the bathroom you glance in the mirror to see horrible raccoon eyes from being too lazy to take off yesterday's eye makeup. You replay the morning in your brain hoping there were no neighbors outside to see you looking so atrocious. Even if you are rarely worried about "looking good," you are still concern that whomever has seen you prior to this glance in the mirror now thinks you have completely let yourself go.<br />
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Have you ever been swinging on the swing set next to your 2 year old, being careful not to break anything and he shouts "mommy, what's that sound? The swing is broken!" Only to realize he is hearing the horrific screeching of the chain of the swing you are oh so carefully swaying back and forth on. Thanks for the reality check, son, that I am not a child anymore nor do I weigh the amount of a small child or the weight-limit of the swing set. I WAS BEING CAREFUL AND ONLY TRYING TO AMUSE YOUR REQUEST FOR MOMMY TO SWING WITH YOU!!!<br />
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Have you ever laughed so hard you cried because you go downstairs to get yourself a nice cold beverage only to come back upstairs and find your 2 year old with NO clothes on and an infant elephant towel on his head? He may have been screaming something like "I'M ELEPHANT MAN, MOMMY!" Seriously, that would be hysterical.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ngg9Q_iqjlY/TpNXqQeasvI/AAAAAAAAAac/VE-w1JEtiUE/s1600/elephant+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ngg9Q_iqjlY/TpNXqQeasvI/AAAAAAAAAac/VE-w1JEtiUE/s1600/elephant+man.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An edited version for your viewing </div><br />
Have you ever smelled a horrible smell in your car only to find a soured cup of milk under the back seat. Who knows how long it could have been there! I'm sure the smell might be strong enough to gag even the person with the strongest stomach and gag reflux. <br />
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Have you ever changed a diaper that you literally think out loud, "WHAT DID THIS CHILD EAT?" when you have seen every piece of food that has been placed in his mouth! Hmm...<br />
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These are, of course, rhetorical questions for you today. They also may or may not have been some of my activities from today...all before 2 p.m.Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-49175579724667756942011-09-26T18:42:00.000-05:002011-09-26T18:42:38.251-05:00Living room transformationWe have lived in our house for almost two and a half years and we just love it! It is three bedrooms and two baths. We have a big bonus room above our garage, a nice size kitchen, a fenced in back yard, and a big formal living room. When we moved in, we brought all of our living room furniture up to the bonus room since that's where we spend most of our time. We didn't have any furniture (or anything else for that matter) in our living room. The only thing in the living room has been my piano (which was my grandparent's) and toys, of course. Last summer, as a gift, mom and dad helped us get laminate flooring to replace the <em>AWFUL</em> carpet that occupied that space. Several times over the last couple of years we have saved up money to purchase some furniture, but we always had other needs arise. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A few weeks ago as I walked in the door after coming home from church, Aaron had his phone out video taping me. I didn't know if I had won a million dollars or if someone was there to surprise me or what. As I reached the top step coming from the garage into the kitchen, I saw something sitting in the living room to my right. A large couch and love seat occupied the once very empty, very bland space. My first thought was "oh goodness...how much did you pay for this?" He explained that our neighbor had come over that afternoon telling him they had gotten new furniture and wanted to know if we wanted their old couch and love seat...FOR FREE! He went over to look at it brought it back to the house. Please don't misunderstand me. I'm very thankful for our neighbors and thankful they thought of us before throwing it out. They are very clean people and don't have any pets or anything. They didn't smell funny or have any major stains. They are rather large, though, like "Big Comfy Couch" big. They almost swallowed you with big arm rests and mini back cushions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7s7ZkWwtNFc/ToENDIjGbRI/AAAAAAAAAaY/uYCEKpv3Qc8/s1600/couch+surprise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7s7ZkWwtNFc/ToENDIjGbRI/AAAAAAAAAaY/uYCEKpv3Qc8/s1600/couch+surprise.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qjI28miQ4RY/ToEM6eEVYOI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/bWnb-QL3iMA/s1600/couch+aaron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qjI28miQ4RY/ToEM6eEVYOI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/bWnb-QL3iMA/s1600/couch+aaron.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ecveJT85LkY/ToEM9e9chfI/AAAAAAAAAaE/vkL-iGgmXIE/s1600/couch+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ecveJT85LkY/ToEM9e9chfI/AAAAAAAAAaE/vkL-iGgmXIE/s320/couch+before.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">SO- I decided they would be my project. I enlisted the help of my good friend, Lisa Jones, to help with the transformation. We loaded the boys up in the car and headed to find some bargains. We made a few stops and came home with Euro pillows to replace the back "cushions" and a few other pillows to add some color. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DLVvUHr10Ss/ToEM-J4pKOI/AAAAAAAAAaI/etoSiwM_CRA/s1600/couch+empty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DLVvUHr10Ss/ToEM-J4pKOI/AAAAAAAAAaI/etoSiwM_CRA/s320/couch+empty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before putting in the Euro pillows</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8LG2SL3m8s/ToENCXKDsTI/AAAAAAAAAaU/2t8YBLb2xNM/s1600/couch+stuffing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8LG2SL3m8s/ToENCXKDsTI/AAAAAAAAAaU/2t8YBLb2xNM/s320/couch+stuffing.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The nastiness inside the back cushions....we felt the dust mites crawling on us! Ok, that may be exagerated, but YUCK!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gcxT6_OHg8/ToEM74WU-MI/AAAAAAAAAaA/oygmJzQtZsM/s1600/couch+after+shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gcxT6_OHg8/ToEM74WU-MI/AAAAAAAAAaA/oygmJzQtZsM/s320/couch+after+shopping.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It literally took us all day to shop, undo all of the cushions, and make the other pillows, but we finally finished. They look great and feel like brand new couches! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-0NGhfZTzY/ToEM_JWTV9I/AAAAAAAAAaM/j6VeK4fC2UE/s1600/couch+finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-0NGhfZTzY/ToEM_JWTV9I/AAAAAAAAAaM/j6VeK4fC2UE/s320/couch+finish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Thanks, Lisa, for helping!!!</div>Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-74357903479708025682011-09-06T11:59:00.000-05:002011-09-06T11:59:45.480-05:00VAY-CAY-SHUNLast Monday, the Pontious crew packed up my little Accord and headed to Newaygo, Michigan for vacation. We spent the week with Aaron's grandparents. Throughout the week, we got to visit with other family, too. We did lots of canning and freezing, visited a produce auction (which was a little taste of heaven for me), went to the lake, visited family members, played LOTS of cards, and just spent some treasured time with Grandma and Grandpa Hubbard. Here are the events/pictures from the week:<br />
Monday- <br />
We traveled to Michigan, leaving at 6 a.m. The boys were pretty good in the car for the 11 hours there. Desmond was ready to RUN and Lincoln was ready to crawl by the time we finally arrived. We passed through apple and peach orchards and fields and fields and fields of corn and peas. It was beautiful scenery. Aaron and I have always loved to travel together, so it was a fun trip filled with singing, laughter, and much-needed family time. <br />
A few miles away from their house, Aaron and Desmond started singing this sing:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eOPP9nVh2Vs/TmZDHuNQVVI/AAAAAAAAAWU/MmlJPTnvs60/s1600/almost%2Bto%2Bgrandmas%2Bhouse.MOV"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fv15.nonxt7.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D83b384fd51765a4e%26itag%3D18%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1315346302%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3DBB84DB529E140C60249F08ACF212A237F29386BE.123E57D6D99B757BB3F5A82EA30FB7D3D475999%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fv15.nonxt7.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D83b384fd51765a4e%26itag%3D18%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1315346302%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3DBB84DB529E140C60249F08ACF212A237F29386BE.123E57D6D99B757BB3F5A82EA30FB7D3D475999%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Every night at 9 p.m., we had ice cream. Apparently its a family tradition that I've missed out on for the last 8 years. That may be one that we only take part in on a regular basis at their house, otherwise I'll be the <em>size</em> of a HOUSE.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OYC64nAs4Xc/TmZJTC0dO8I/AAAAAAAAAXs/vWFI2q8MmbU/s1600/Vacation+2011+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OYC64nAs4Xc/TmZJTC0dO8I/AAAAAAAAAXs/vWFI2q8MmbU/s320/Vacation+2011+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EeKiqVlRgOI/TmZQd-FzFzI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/G1BFNbpajEs/s1600/Vacation+2011+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EeKiqVlRgOI/TmZQd-FzFzI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/G1BFNbpajEs/s320/Vacation+2011+021.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWUP-smcvwg/TmZQiye-ciI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/X0OwrO4SUfM/s1600/Vacation+2011+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWUP-smcvwg/TmZQiye-ciI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/X0OwrO4SUfM/s320/Vacation+2011+022.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Tuesday-<br />
Can you say <em>green beans</em>? Aaron, Grandpa, and I snapped green beans while grandma funneled them into the jars. I added the canning salt followed by Grandma filling the jars. We tag-teamed everything all week. She'd place the hot lids on and I would tighten them. She'd place them in the canner and we'd both empty it. We did 4 1/2 bushels of beans that day. WHEW! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wpok5pIrJa0/TmZDYieXE-I/AAAAAAAAAWk/OAgTwXi92Mc/s1600/guy+green+beans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wpok5pIrJa0/TmZDYieXE-I/AAAAAAAAAWk/OAgTwXi92Mc/s320/guy+green+beans.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-reJf1nJ4h7o/TmZDZtzjhMI/AAAAAAAAAWo/wYSeW53VBdE/s1600/green+beans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-reJf1nJ4h7o/TmZDZtzjhMI/AAAAAAAAAWo/wYSeW53VBdE/s320/green+beans.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Wednesday-<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Grandma and I juiced several pecks of blackberries and raspberries for jam. The food juicer was messing up, so it took us a good chunk of the morning. We then packed up and headed to an Amish produce auction about 30 miles away. I forgot to take a picture of it, I was so enthralled with all of the amazing fresh produce and the hard working Amish boys. Aaron and I both noticed how hard they worked, and not one complaint or grumble was heard. They knew what they had to do and they did it. Hopefully one day my boys will have the same work ethic! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Grandpa had taken some squash, green beans, and other produce to sell. We also purchased 27 dozen ears of corn along with the makings for some salsa: roma tomatoes, green peppers, jalepenos, and onions. We went straight home and got to work. We started working on the corn about 1 p.m. and didn't finish until around 10 that night. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FAVs_mqTZ90/TmZDfQyqOlI/AAAAAAAAAWs/qOI_U9KwZUU/s1600/guys+corn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FAVs_mqTZ90/TmZDfQyqOlI/AAAAAAAAAWs/qOI_U9KwZUU/s320/guys+corn.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In the middle of our corn work, Uncle Terry and Aunt Sherry came by along with Spencer who was leaving for college on Thursday. We only got to see them for a few minutes, but it was nice to get to see them! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQt0ejk2AIw/TmZDvOiBqlI/AAAAAAAAAXk/BzhugZPcnx4/s1600/terry+and+sherry+-+lincoln.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQt0ejk2AIw/TmZDvOiBqlI/AAAAAAAAAXk/BzhugZPcnx4/s320/terry+and+sherry+-+lincoln.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">At the end of the night, we were all exhausted, but not exhausted enough to not play some cards! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jY3kGWSD91w/TmZJIpETvfI/AAAAAAAAAXo/w4UE-bMeG9k/s1600/Vacation+2011+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jY3kGWSD91w/TmZJIpETvfI/AAAAAAAAAXo/w4UE-bMeG9k/s320/Vacation+2011+024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Thursday- </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We went to visit Grandma Pontious, and got a treat to find Aunt Holly was there and then Martina came soon therafter. We visited for a couple of hours. Grandma seemed to be doing well and it was nice to get to visit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KeUHpGPigx4/TmZJc6uc18I/AAAAAAAAAXw/mZvLdx4Bgrk/s1600/vacation+2011+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KeUHpGPigx4/TmZJc6uc18I/AAAAAAAAAXw/mZvLdx4Bgrk/s320/vacation+2011+001.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sxf0fLusA1Y/TmZJf6B3aUI/AAAAAAAAAX0/A19xiXmWEpk/s1600/Vacation+2011+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sxf0fLusA1Y/TmZJf6B3aUI/AAAAAAAAAX0/A19xiXmWEpk/s320/Vacation+2011+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RD7zJXTgeA4/TmZJjsNbsmI/AAAAAAAAAX4/4rgpUawis_Q/s1600/Vacation+2011+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RD7zJXTgeA4/TmZJjsNbsmI/AAAAAAAAAX4/4rgpUawis_Q/s320/Vacation+2011+005.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dhDjOAliw4E/TmZJl7e8NbI/AAAAAAAAAX8/YqvQ6hHsnCs/s1600/Vacation+2011+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dhDjOAliw4E/TmZJl7e8NbI/AAAAAAAAAX8/YqvQ6hHsnCs/s320/Vacation+2011+006.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMsLoluu3Eo/TmZJnGAOxuI/AAAAAAAAAYA/NOEMA8l6EoE/s1600/Vacation+2011+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMsLoluu3Eo/TmZJnGAOxuI/AAAAAAAAAYA/NOEMA8l6EoE/s320/Vacation+2011+008.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We went to the Grant Depot for lunch...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VmFiw-J3GAU/TmZJs_ZfPqI/AAAAAAAAAYE/-4JqEQ8aUrA/s1600/Vacation+2011+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VmFiw-J3GAU/TmZJs_ZfPqI/AAAAAAAAAYE/-4JqEQ8aUrA/s320/Vacation+2011+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qmj1HjgzidA/TmZJ0F-fG0I/AAAAAAAAAYI/-gPmMn8CXWs/s1600/Vacation+2011+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qmj1HjgzidA/TmZJ0F-fG0I/AAAAAAAAAYI/-gPmMn8CXWs/s320/Vacation+2011+012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krPaqdJEQrc/TmZJ6N_ctxI/AAAAAAAAAYM/9jF1FvaGg8s/s1600/Vacation+2011+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krPaqdJEQrc/TmZJ6N_ctxI/AAAAAAAAAYM/9jF1FvaGg8s/s320/Vacation+2011+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NC9i0Z_rqRo/TmZJ_3uF9nI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/-qijmdM7Ecg/s1600/Vacation+2011+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NC9i0Z_rqRo/TmZJ_3uF9nI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/-qijmdM7Ecg/s320/Vacation+2011+014.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After our return, we made blackberry jam and then started right into the salsa. We all had different jobs: cutting up the veggies, using the food processor, getting the juice out, measuring the processed veggies, stirring the pot, pouring into the jars, putting the lids on, placing them in the canner....and so on. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-St18cDQ1VKE/TmZLj4Kzr7I/AAAAAAAAAYY/d-VLb0jLUqo/s1600/Vacation+2011+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-St18cDQ1VKE/TmZLj4Kzr7I/AAAAAAAAAYY/d-VLb0jLUqo/s320/Vacation+2011+016.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-knoZGaYPQA4/TmZLp8awgaI/AAAAAAAAAYc/AfSi1DBJW4g/s1600/Vacation+2011+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-knoZGaYPQA4/TmZLp8awgaI/AAAAAAAAAYc/AfSi1DBJW4g/s320/Vacation+2011+017.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's how Aaron helped:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-51bepEikxSE/TmZLuPptfmI/AAAAAAAAAYg/OpyrO1-n-Bs/s1600/Vacation+2011+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-51bepEikxSE/TmZLuPptfmI/AAAAAAAAAYg/OpyrO1-n-Bs/s320/Vacation+2011+018.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Grandma started cutting the onions...and we both had tears streaming down our face. Those were some potent onions!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tfOihRS2RVU/TmZLecUmFDI/AAAAAAAAAYU/Mcvdbysj0k4/s1600/Vacation+2011+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tfOihRS2RVU/TmZLecUmFDI/AAAAAAAAAYU/Mcvdbysj0k4/s320/Vacation+2011+015.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xfm3vGonEJ8/TmZL0s15FjI/AAAAAAAAAYk/Q7v3XoBEcFY/s1600/Vacation+2011+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xfm3vGonEJ8/TmZL0s15FjI/AAAAAAAAAYk/Q7v3XoBEcFY/s320/Vacation+2011+019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It was a team effort ! We ended up doing two double batches of salsa. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QRW4HYIu4hs/TmZDtMs4HRI/AAAAAAAAAXY/zsYt1YFDAZ0/s1600/jam+and+salsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QRW4HYIu4hs/TmZDtMs4HRI/AAAAAAAAAXY/zsYt1YFDAZ0/s320/jam+and+salsa.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Friday- </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Uncle Dave and Lisa took us out to the lake. Grandma and Grandpa had shuffle board practice and a doctor's appointment, so we gladly went out and had a blast. We rode the tubes and Aaron skiied. There was a sand barge in the middle of the lake. Some of the boys caught crawdads and other kayaked. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LlqgFvk_Dz4/TmZNsE09oMI/AAAAAAAAAYs/qGW6KNBe7xU/s1600/Vacation+2011+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LlqgFvk_Dz4/TmZNsE09oMI/AAAAAAAAAYs/qGW6KNBe7xU/s320/Vacation+2011+029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H75FLlXgjx0/TmZNq9LLL0I/AAAAAAAAAYo/v5b_wk4cGy0/s1600/Vacation+2011+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H75FLlXgjx0/TmZNq9LLL0I/AAAAAAAAAYo/v5b_wk4cGy0/s320/Vacation+2011+028.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> The water was COLD at first!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JWcuoPXUJE/TmZNul1L3SI/AAAAAAAAAYw/EPOcZIY1684/s1600/Vacation+2011+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JWcuoPXUJE/TmZNul1L3SI/AAAAAAAAAYw/EPOcZIY1684/s320/Vacation+2011+032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Something strange happened with our camera. These would have been great pics...oh, well!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbU7XutA6Tk/TmZNx0CUBrI/AAAAAAAAAY0/KJMKiRTQGm4/s1600/Vacation+2011+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbU7XutA6Tk/TmZNx0CUBrI/AAAAAAAAAY0/KJMKiRTQGm4/s320/Vacation+2011+034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJ5DI6OKTpw/TmZN0USpZEI/AAAAAAAAAY4/lmdT7KySpI4/s1600/Vacation+2011+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJ5DI6OKTpw/TmZN0USpZEI/AAAAAAAAAY4/lmdT7KySpI4/s320/Vacation+2011+035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ipApGuY0XdA/TmZN62LRxyI/AAAAAAAAAY8/6ostegtebPg/s1600/Vacation+2011+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ipApGuY0XdA/TmZN62LRxyI/AAAAAAAAAY8/6ostegtebPg/s320/Vacation+2011+042.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Lincoln got a good nap in on the boat!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HGbSCAYwL-k/TmZN8uR8aHI/AAAAAAAAAZA/sWwBv48Gm1c/s1600/Vacation+2011+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HGbSCAYwL-k/TmZN8uR8aHI/AAAAAAAAAZA/sWwBv48Gm1c/s320/Vacation+2011+044.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Desmond and I took the kayak around for a little while, too. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TXJAbn9LDQI/TmZOC9dakLI/AAAAAAAAAZE/1A_Sse629C4/s1600/Vacation+2011+046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TXJAbn9LDQI/TmZOC9dakLI/AAAAAAAAAZE/1A_Sse629C4/s320/Vacation+2011+046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji9vR7wEJyo/TmZOI0IYqvI/AAAAAAAAAZI/ChGNCGv4sPg/s1600/Vacation+2011+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji9vR7wEJyo/TmZOI0IYqvI/AAAAAAAAAZI/ChGNCGv4sPg/s320/Vacation+2011+048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Lisa and the boys on the tube</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVm9vXUmE90/TmZOLoz-Z7I/AAAAAAAAAZM/L3RUYynDWyk/s1600/Vacation+2011+049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVm9vXUmE90/TmZOLoz-Z7I/AAAAAAAAAZM/L3RUYynDWyk/s320/Vacation+2011+049.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We had a wonderful afternoon with them! We returned to have a fire in their firepit. We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. They even had hobo pies too. We retired early from such a long and tiring, but fun-filled day with Dave, Lisa, and the boys. </div>Saturday-<br />
We woke up to a bad storm. The rain was falling sideways from the wind blowing so hard. Aaron was watching out the window as a tree limb fell just a couple of feet away from my car. <em>Thank you, Lord, for watching over our vehicle.</em> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AE9kNV1RrXY/TmZPwmc3SlI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/giPEjHMFRnc/s1600/car-limb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AE9kNV1RrXY/TmZPwmc3SlI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/giPEjHMFRnc/s320/car-limb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Lincoln watched as things blew over on the back porch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_OzJvy0EZlg/TmZDt1arKII/AAAAAAAAAXc/9piQaisKI2o/s1600/lincoln+storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_OzJvy0EZlg/TmZDt1arKII/AAAAAAAAAXc/9piQaisKI2o/s320/lincoln+storm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We packed up after the power went out. Dodging the pouring rain, we got the Car. Loaded. Down. I'm surprised there was room for us in there! Grandma and Grandpa sent a bunch of beans, salsa, jam, and corn back with us. What a lovely treat! We headed for Indiana to visit Uncle Kedric and Aunt Sherry. We had a wonderful dinner with them and loved getting to visit some. The boys took right to them and it was just enough time for Kedric and Sherry to get to know the boys a little bit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRDf_6D2qw4/TmZDuauSrzI/AAAAAAAAAXg/yyG743vSEGI/s1600/sherry-lincoln.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRDf_6D2qw4/TmZDuauSrzI/AAAAAAAAAXg/yyG743vSEGI/s320/sherry-lincoln.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYvEeOs7z5A/TmZP31di8JI/AAAAAAAAAZU/KKQhYcVD8K0/s1600/des-kedric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYvEeOs7z5A/TmZP31di8JI/AAAAAAAAAZU/KKQhYcVD8K0/s320/des-kedric.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Aunt Sherry pulled out the Bed Bugs game for Desmond to play. He loved it! He also conned others to play with him too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DYPCyOk7fp0/TmZP-3z-zkI/AAAAAAAAAZY/tBl31iLI-bE/s1600/bed+bugs+-+des.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DYPCyOk7fp0/TmZP-3z-zkI/AAAAAAAAAZY/tBl31iLI-bE/s320/bed+bugs+-+des.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sunday-</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We went to church with Kedric and Sherry, had lunch with them, and then headed for home. We stopped somewhere in Indiana at an outlet mall, just to do some shopping and let the boys move around out of the car. Desmond wanted to "drive" every "car" we saw, so we let him drive a couple.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9AYfUUZfrqs/TmZQF7k5HYI/AAAAAAAAAZc/3STZlZaZXxg/s1600/desmond+dog+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9AYfUUZfrqs/TmZQF7k5HYI/AAAAAAAAAZc/3STZlZaZXxg/s320/desmond+dog+car.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9vFl0fyvBU/TmZQGujjaWI/AAAAAAAAAZg/w45bUdIq2aI/s1600/Desmond+Mouse+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9vFl0fyvBU/TmZQGujjaWI/AAAAAAAAAZg/w45bUdIq2aI/s320/Desmond+Mouse+car.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>We drove through terrible rain storms, but arrived safely home late Sunday night. We were tired from the travels and all of the hard work, but had a great week. We wouldn't trade the time we got to spend with family for anything. <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">That was our week...we worked hard, but had a blast!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ITcwho5zRrg/TmZQMZixaZI/AAAAAAAAAZk/FXpGMWZBxbY/s1600/grandma-lincoln.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ITcwho5zRrg/TmZQMZixaZI/AAAAAAAAAZk/FXpGMWZBxbY/s320/grandma-lincoln.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sj0EptdO8fE/TmZQOA0qfSI/AAAAAAAAAZo/SMp-XO_KR2o/s1600/grandpa-+lincoln.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sj0EptdO8fE/TmZQOA0qfSI/AAAAAAAAAZo/SMp-XO_KR2o/s320/grandpa-+lincoln.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9jjRYjFjIA/TmZQO6SkJUI/AAAAAAAAAZs/ENrTuI6JrtY/s1600/grandpa-both+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9jjRYjFjIA/TmZQO6SkJUI/AAAAAAAAAZs/ENrTuI6JrtY/s320/grandpa-both+boys.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V4AxPqfdy0c/TmZQPj-rN2I/AAAAAAAAAZw/rC6nnj10x8Q/s1600/grandpa-des.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V4AxPqfdy0c/TmZQPj-rN2I/AAAAAAAAAZw/rC6nnj10x8Q/s320/grandpa-des.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"></div>Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-83182695621778783672011-08-22T15:08:00.000-05:002011-08-22T15:08:05.553-05:00Spread your wings...Youth ministry is our way of life. For the most part, relationship building comes naturally to both Aaron and myself. That's not to say its easy, by any stretch of the imagination, but it does make things easi-er. There are several hard things about youth ministry, but one of the hardest for me is letting go. One of our priorities of our ministry is that when our students leave (and by leave, I mean just move on from) our ministry, they are daily persuing a relationship with Christ, know how to share their faith, and are equipped to GO! and make disciples. <br />
Granted, I have yet to send one of my own children even off to Mother's Day out or preschool, but I've sent dozens out from under our ministry into the great unknown. The hardest thing? allowing them to do what we have hopefully assisted their parents to teach them. How do you let go of someone that you have poured your life into? Several, for some strange reason, have allowed us to speak into their lives. Some of them have spent countless hours in our home and seeking us out as mentors. What a blessing it has been to have them as part of our lives! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIvuqq2YZZs/TlK15WkhB0I/AAAAAAAAAV8/HjfJXh5Ly-U/s1600/frosh+-+kar+han.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIvuqq2YZZs/TlK15WkhB0I/AAAAAAAAAV8/HjfJXh5Ly-U/s320/frosh+-+kar+han.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDBeYBbZ4Vw/TlK2IrpH4lI/AAAAAAAAAWA/SAXAVNjs6SI/s1600/Senior+Banquet+2011+071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDBeYBbZ4Vw/TlK2IrpH4lI/AAAAAAAAAWA/SAXAVNjs6SI/s320/Senior+Banquet+2011+071.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GUzpwZUW3jY/TlK2Q0st7uI/AAAAAAAAAWE/B4v-gogajX4/s1600/Senior+Banquet+2011+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GUzpwZUW3jY/TlK2Q0st7uI/AAAAAAAAAWE/B4v-gogajX4/s320/Senior+Banquet+2011+018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHL1iH5-1fc/TlK2SdfUAQI/AAAAAAAAAWI/vQYkasKikBc/s1600/Senior+Banquet+2011+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHL1iH5-1fc/TlK2SdfUAQI/AAAAAAAAAWI/vQYkasKikBc/s320/Senior+Banquet+2011+023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXeePjpue8o/TlK2Ygof4DI/AAAAAAAAAWM/LWHCJnuxm3A/s1600/Senior+Banquet+2011+072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXeePjpue8o/TlK2Ygof4DI/AAAAAAAAAWM/LWHCJnuxm3A/s320/Senior+Banquet+2011+072.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUXwx5gGuyw/TlK2zXFUXcI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/eENe0KRn_T8/s1600/holiday+world+group+pic+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUXwx5gGuyw/TlK2zXFUXcI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/eENe0KRn_T8/s320/holiday+world+group+pic+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Its August. Its a new school year and some of those who just graduated under our ministry are leaving home for the first time or are returning to college. That's hard for me. Its hard to be in our LifeGroups and not see the familiar faces I am used to. I'm sure their parents feel the same way (even more so, obviously), but its hard for me, too. <br />
The good news? We, too, have a whole new set of students to pour into. I'm so thankful for the opportunity the Lord has given our family to invest in our students and their families. It is a true honor and privelege for us. Hopefully, there will be many many more students that give us the opportunity to speak into their lives as well. Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-37263733046142414442011-08-18T22:12:00.000-05:002011-08-18T22:12:20.247-05:00Busy BeesOnce again, I'm playing catch-up. So much has happened since my last post, I'll try to keep everything brief.<br />
- We had several more house guests including Aaron's two youngest brothers and his mom. <br />
- We had a great week at Super Summer Bible School where Aaron and I were crew leaders for the upcoming 7th graders (who are now in the youth group). It was a great week and a wonderful time for them to start to get to know us and vice versa. <br />
- We celebrated July 4th with our best friends and had a wonderful evening.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4KBhZ5ym7cI/Tk3TBIjVHMI/AAAAAAAAAV0/MdEQFoOOK_s/s1600/4th+of+july.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4KBhZ5ym7cI/Tk3TBIjVHMI/AAAAAAAAAV0/MdEQFoOOK_s/s320/4th+of+july.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>- Two of our good friends were united in marriage on July 9. Aaron had the privelege of performing the ceremony and Desmond and our niece, Kiersten, were the ring bearer and flower girl. It was a wonderful celebration of Tonya and Carter and Kiersten and Desmond did a wonderful job walking down the aisle. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nm4k9ILdw-I/Tk3RYO0WtrI/AAAAAAAAAVk/WTGZ---wUJM/s1600/wedding+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nm4k9ILdw-I/Tk3RYO0WtrI/AAAAAAAAAVk/WTGZ---wUJM/s320/wedding+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p_ADzvnXfJU/Tk3RZVOn4II/AAAAAAAAAVo/DFYlZPOgUWE/s1600/wedding+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p_ADzvnXfJU/Tk3RZVOn4II/AAAAAAAAAVo/DFYlZPOgUWE/s320/wedding+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aren't they A-DOR-A-BLE?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wBvBNpenyCY/Tk3RaPlOUNI/AAAAAAAAAVs/7fj3_UfqlWQ/s1600/wedding+candy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wBvBNpenyCY/Tk3RaPlOUNI/AAAAAAAAAVs/7fj3_UfqlWQ/s320/wedding+candy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Desmond with his candy!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-NRGQzGrSs/Tk3Raatol9I/AAAAAAAAAVw/UQ-CW5mW4q8/s1600/wedding+fam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-NRGQzGrSs/Tk3Raatol9I/AAAAAAAAAVw/UQ-CW5mW4q8/s320/wedding+fam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Pontious Family</div>As soon as Desmond turned the corner and saw me, he yelled "Hey mom, where's my candy?" He was rewarded BIG time!<br />
- We went to the National Association of Free Will Baptists in Charlotte, North Carolina. We saw our TDF kids compete, our brother-in-law speak at the National Youth Conference, lots of friends from high school and college. At the awards assembly, we were caught off-guard when they announced the "youth leaders of the year" award. They began the list of things "they" do (as described in the application letter from teens/parents/churches,etc.) and my honest to goodness thought was "I'm so glad someone's doing those things!" As they proceeded to describe these people with phrases like "they are always there when we need them," "they are always available to counsel," "they invest their lives in their students," "their home is just an extension of their ministry," "they have taken the opportunity to feed a high school football team nearby," and "they even have a student living with them." I was finally clued in to the fact that someone had nominated Aaron and myself. I could not believe it! It was an AMAZING HONOR and we were so grateful to receive such an award. That's not why we do what we do, but it was nice to know that we are appreciated. It meant a lot, but come to find out, our students are the ones who nominated us. That meant SO MUCH MORE!<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">- We went to meet our new niece, Rachel, on the way home from Charlotte and dropped Desmond off with Aaron's mom in Bristol. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lg72dO3w80U/Tk3QCticp3I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/QjvWkMFPwY8/s1600/aaron+and+rachel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lg72dO3w80U/Tk3QCticp3I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/QjvWkMFPwY8/s320/aaron+and+rachel.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LpzSa1w405k/Tk3QGH9Iv4I/AAAAAAAAAVU/DzE16hdjnO4/s1600/julie+and+lincoln.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LpzSa1w405k/Tk3QGH9Iv4I/AAAAAAAAAVU/DzE16hdjnO4/s320/julie+and+lincoln.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- Desmond stayed with Aaron's mom for a couple of weeks while we were at camp in Panama City, Florida. They all had a blast and Desmond was spoiled to pieces.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">- Meanwhile at camp, one of our young boys gave his heart to the Lord! Several other students made life-changing decisions. It was an incredible week of camp!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2UgfaWIZ71Q/Tk3QqNLT6CI/AAAAAAAAAVY/h3Uzc3LMAVA/s1600/lincoln+skim+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2UgfaWIZ71Q/Tk3QqNLT6CI/AAAAAAAAAVY/h3Uzc3LMAVA/s320/lincoln+skim+board.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lincoln thoroughly enjoyed the beach and being spoiled by 75 people!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ow11OTqQcA/Tk3Qrc7_8AI/AAAAAAAAAVc/YKNPn949fDA/s1600/lincoln+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ow11OTqQcA/Tk3Qrc7_8AI/AAAAAAAAAVc/YKNPn949fDA/s320/lincoln+beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QeX9p9SsvFw/Tk3QtT6u2II/AAAAAAAAAVg/kQH96PXRo9k/s1600/lincoln+and+aaron+at+the+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QeX9p9SsvFw/Tk3QtT6u2II/AAAAAAAAAVg/kQH96PXRo9k/s320/lincoln+and+aaron+at+the+beach.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- We got back from camp and all other travels and finally settled day for a little bit. Clifford is still living with us and we are loving having him as part of our family. He's such a huge help. He will be going to Tennessee State University studying Agriculture Science in a couple of weeks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Lincoln is now 7 months and is CRAWLING and pulling up already! WOWSERS! That flew by. He's getting so big and is such a people-person. He LOVES to be the center of attention, and is not lacking in the love department. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AB84uIjJxCE/Tk3TFpGc_nI/AAAAAAAAAV4/Idy9VChp79c/s1600/lincoln+7+months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AB84uIjJxCE/Tk3TFpGc_nI/AAAAAAAAAV4/Idy9VChp79c/s320/lincoln+7+months.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Desmond is 2 1/2 and potty trained. He's doing really really well....with the exception of #2 sometimes. He is conversational like never before and picks up on so much that we don't even realize. His new love is bowling. He loves it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had quite a busy summer, so I just covered a FEW of the highlights. I'll honestly try to take more time this fall to catch you up on other things. We are so blessed!!! Thanks for reading...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-53239285505643494852011-06-22T13:33:00.000-05:002011-06-22T13:33:55.423-05:00Living WITH Jesus, not just FOR Him<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Last Sunday our pastor was out of town so another man from our church shared with us during our Kaleo (Sunday night) service. He and his family have been missionaries to the Kurds here in Nashville for 15+ years (if I'm not mistaken). He shared from his heart about ministry and even some of his personal struggles with being in ministry. What he shared really hit home for me. **You can check it out at <a href="http://www.donelson.org/">http://www.donelson.org/</a>** One of the "AHA!" moments for me was when he stated that "sometimes [he] gets so busy giving and giving and doing and doing that [he is] living FOR Jesus and not WITH Him." WOW! That's powerful stuff. I think if we are all honest with ourselves, we are all guilty of that - and I'm the world's worst. Those words just kept resounding in my head and, obviously, they still are. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We are in student ministry. Students are our passion. We currently serve 13-24-year-olds in our church. Think back to when you were in that age group. For some of you, it was not too long ago and for others...well, its been a couple of years. Think about all of the decisions there are to make in that timeframe. What life-changing things you had to face that would effect the person you would become. The ministry opportunity that we have been given is an amazing responsibility. I DO NOT TAKE IT LIGHTLY. When students come to us asking for advise, help, or guidance, it is not something that we "give a whirl." It is too important of a position to do that! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XrIn4Ahva0Y/TgIz-vj0G1I/AAAAAAAAAVE/-QMRWmY8JTo/s1600/aaron-+ministry+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XrIn4Ahva0Y/TgIz-vj0G1I/AAAAAAAAAVE/-QMRWmY8JTo/s320/aaron-+ministry+blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I've stated before and I will again that MINISTRY IS NOT AN OCCUPATION, BUT A LIFESTYLE. I wholeheartedly believe that. If you are a follower of Christ, you are a "minister" of the gospel, or you <em>should</em> be. That too should not be taken lightly...the responsibility to share the incredible gift of salvation and eternal life with everyone you come in contact with. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-841RyF7n3lc/TgIz_rn4WMI/AAAAAAAAAVM/5SRsv_NKxgc/s1600/bigstuff2010-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-841RyF7n3lc/TgIz_rn4WMI/AAAAAAAAAVM/5SRsv_NKxgc/s320/bigstuff2010-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I also believe that ministry is an overflow of your relationship with Christ. It all goes back to the vertical relationship (with Christ) being where it needs to be before the horizontal relationships (others) can be right. Daily spending time in the Word and in communication with the God of the universe is vital to you and to your ministry. As ministers of the gospel, we <em>should</em> be sharing our faith. We <em>should</em> be helping those in need. We <em>should</em> be "going to Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria and to the uttermost parts of the earth." That starts <em>where</em> you are with what you've been given. Your neighbors need salvation, so do your coworkers. Your FAMILY needs Christ as the center of all that is spoken and done.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Don't get me wrong, I'm preaching to the choir. I need to do a better job of living life <em>with</em> Christ and not just <em>for </em>Him. I am counting on all of you to hold me accountable for that. At the same time, I want to challenge you too to do the same. I pray you find yourself having an overflow that you can't help but share with everyone around you. That's ministry, my friends.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Siyc8zVXNHk/TgIz_eGWrCI/AAAAAAAAAVI/oIsMCJ9rE2Y/s1600/bigstuff2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Siyc8zVXNHk/TgIz_eGWrCI/AAAAAAAAAVI/oIsMCJ9rE2Y/s320/bigstuff2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
**Pictures courtesy (and with permission) of the amazing Tammy Gentuso**Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-4770201368366422772011-06-05T23:21:00.000-05:002011-06-05T23:21:29.233-05:00Holiday World, House Guest, and Weedless GardenWe've really been busy the last few weeks. Part of being in youth ministry is celebrating big events in our students' lives. Thus, we have been to several graduations in the last few weeks, the last being this past Friday night. Memorial Day weekend, we took a group of 11 seniors to Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana. It is the most family-friendly theme park EVER. We LOVE it there! (They even have a nursing mother's room which was nice to escape the heat to change a few diapers and such.) Free drinks and free sunscreen all day long, reasonable park food prices, great rides and a wonderful water park. We went a couple of years ago with a group of seniors and Desmond was only a couple of months old. This time, we took both boys, and Desmond had the time of his life! They have lots of places for small kids to play. He was too short to go on most of the slides and some of the rides, but we were able to find plenty to keep him busy and wear him out. Here are some pictures from the weekend:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxuWRnmd9j8/TexRqcX_6SI/AAAAAAAAAUI/UKJ9z1uWbuU/s1600/holiday+world+a+n+d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxuWRnmd9j8/TexRqcX_6SI/AAAAAAAAAUI/UKJ9z1uWbuU/s320/holiday+world+a+n+d.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The first ride of the day for Desmond. He was fine until Aaron walked outside of the fenced area. He screamed and cried the whole time...until it was over. Then he said, "I go again!?!"</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kn-IQ3BKa0M/TexRseXIleI/AAAAAAAAAUM/SPPr5Fw5d4I/s1600/holiday+world+des+and+santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kn-IQ3BKa0M/TexRseXIleI/AAAAAAAAAUM/SPPr5Fw5d4I/s320/holiday+world+des+and+santa.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are the boys with "Summer Santa" (he's been on a diet)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkDRBqFxGpU/TexRx9efpmI/AAAAAAAAAUo/gXVNR-ebrcE/s1600/holiday+world+lincoln+and+santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkDRBqFxGpU/TexRx9efpmI/AAAAAAAAAUo/gXVNR-ebrcE/s320/holiday+world+lincoln+and+santa.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xSbvXhmVKm4/TexRs7YutJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/weK8UtZR_pw/s1600/holiday+world+des+boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xSbvXhmVKm4/TexRs7YutJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/weK8UtZR_pw/s320/holiday+world+des+boat.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Desmond LOVED riding the boats. He wanted to ride one of every color...so of course he did!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6XgWjFfAis/TexRt53uRiI/AAAAAAAAAUU/CYgyGrmoSSc/s1600/holiday+world+des+corn+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6XgWjFfAis/TexRt53uRiI/AAAAAAAAAUU/CYgyGrmoSSc/s320/holiday+world+des+corn+dog.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He also loved the corn dog. Excuse the picture. I'm glad he held the corn dog up or this may not be appropriate to share! ;-)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P-sjglX0d_g/TexRu4zk3gI/AAAAAAAAAUY/h-f0JtWwj1Q/s1600/holiday+world+des+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P-sjglX0d_g/TexRu4zk3gI/AAAAAAAAAUY/h-f0JtWwj1Q/s320/holiday+world+des+fish.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Riding the fishies</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AnWzbWfIq90/TexRvofYSvI/AAAAAAAAAUc/TbUadeOQgAQ/s1600/holiday+world+des+sleep+aaron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AnWzbWfIq90/TexRvofYSvI/AAAAAAAAAUc/TbUadeOQgAQ/s320/holiday+world+des+sleep+aaron.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They were both worn out!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dbbviYSoo3Q/TexRwHlP--I/AAAAAAAAAUg/HuV87Jf_Oxs/s1600/holiday+world+des+sleep+stroller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dbbviYSoo3Q/TexRwHlP--I/AAAAAAAAAUg/HuV87Jf_Oxs/s320/holiday+world+des+sleep+stroller.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This cracked me up...it was day 2.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YkUmceiJTvI/TexRw3WOxYI/AAAAAAAAAUk/Gwe4dRQp_fk/s1600/holiday+world+holidog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YkUmceiJTvI/TexRw3WOxYI/AAAAAAAAAUk/Gwe4dRQp_fk/s320/holiday+world+holidog.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Desmond and Holidog ("hod-e-dog")</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fR5M4B4ZoYM/TexRyehWWnI/AAAAAAAAAUs/eB-Xy47FZqQ/s1600/holiday+world+lincoln+happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fR5M4B4ZoYM/TexRyehWWnI/AAAAAAAAAUs/eB-Xy47FZqQ/s320/holiday+world+lincoln+happy.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lincoln had a blast too!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjudSGy3CNo/TexRzu_FFsI/AAAAAAAAAUw/MdlLPglhQzg/s1600/holiday+world+lincoln+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjudSGy3CNo/TexRzu_FFsI/AAAAAAAAAUw/MdlLPglhQzg/s320/holiday+world+lincoln+hat.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have a few videos I'll have to share later of Desmond playing in the water. He loved every second of it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After returning from the trip, one of our students moved in with us. Its kind of a long story how it all happened, but we've arranged for him to live with us for a few months. Thus far, he's been a huge help and Desmond is loving his new big brother! His name is Clifford and he just graduated high school. He's a great kid with a huge heart and wonderful story. He spent three days this past week helping me weed the garden. Here are my garden helpers and my beautiful garden, WEEDLESS thanks to his hard work!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_t6bJ1LaOeE/TexR12dk4LI/AAAAAAAAAU4/cnAxbzXJfQs/s1600/cliff+and+des+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_t6bJ1LaOeE/TexR12dk4LI/AAAAAAAAAU4/cnAxbzXJfQs/s320/cliff+and+des+garden.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-APYo8Epf4ns/TexR2YknwaI/AAAAAAAAAU8/30FbRsv0Og0/s1600/garden+6-3-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-APYo8Epf4ns/TexR2YknwaI/AAAAAAAAAU8/30FbRsv0Og0/s320/garden+6-3-11.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div>On Saturday, Aaron's dad came into town for a few hours. Its nice that he's close enough to come here for the day. We had previous plans before we knew he was going to be here, so we got to visit for a little while. He was excited to see his grandkids!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eygsfrxvEUc/TexR0xO3dQI/AAAAAAAAAU0/NtCROPX8StM/s1600/todd+and+lincoln.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eygsfrxvEUc/TexR0xO3dQI/AAAAAAAAAU0/NtCROPX8StM/s320/todd+and+lincoln.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Can you believe how big Lincoln is getting? He turned 5 months this past week. That's hard to believe! He's started sitting up now and just randomly falls over. He's so cute and the happiest baby in the world...unless he has a belly ache. But hey, who isn't a pill when their tummy hurts?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next few months are, of course, the craziest time in our lives. Between weddings, trips, camps, visitors, and much much more, we will be in and out like crazy. I'll try to keep you updated as I am able. This weekend, my best friend is coming into town with a few students to go to Precepts Boot Camp. I'm excited to see her again, even if it is for a day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pYVacwE0DG4/TexR4gdZLfI/AAAAAAAAAVA/FhXUhltTPtY/s1600/des+happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pYVacwE0DG4/TexR4gdZLfI/AAAAAAAAAVA/FhXUhltTPtY/s320/des+happy.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Desmond's Bible verse for this week is "God made...everything." He's doing a wonderful job reciting it. We are trying to teach him how to pray. For his bedtime prayers, we pray and then ask him who he wants to pray for. He has his "usuals" and then randomly chooses others to pray for. He repeats after us and it is the sweetest thing in all of the world to hear my sweet little boy offer up prayers on behalf of our dear friends and family. Oh, that his relationship with Christ would grow deep and flourish! That is my prayer for my boys - that they would fall madly in love with our Savior and have a personal relationship with Him. This is a HUGE step in the right direction for Desmond. What a privilege it is to have the honor of being his mommy and teaching him these things. "Train up a child in the way he should go. When he is old, he won't depart from it." We're trying to do our best! What about you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll close for now. Thanks for reading. I'll leave you with this thought: What are you teaching those around you about the Savior of the world? You're either encouraging them to fall in love with Him or pushing them away. Do you know Him yourself? </div>Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-22591987380850658322011-05-19T15:16:00.000-05:002011-05-19T15:16:44.697-05:00Oklahoma Trip - May 2011<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Last Thursday, our family headed to Oklahoma for some very special occasions. The trip took about 11 hours to get there. The boys did great, until we got about 30 minutes from my parents' house...and the screams started. The only thing that kept Desmond somewhat contained was me singing (and dancing) "This is Poppy's exit. This is Poppy's exit!" It was quite the site to behold! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv2W5LmrSQc/TdVvLraCk3I/AAAAAAAAARo/xvcOJ3Lo7rY/s1600/cool+dude+des.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv2W5LmrSQc/TdVvLraCk3I/AAAAAAAAARo/xvcOJ3Lo7rY/s1600/cool+dude+des.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We made if fun and finally made it. I enjoy road trips with my family, particularly Aaron. :-) We used to take road trips all the time when we were dating and it was so nice to be alone with him and have hours on end to talk and enjoy each other's company. This trip was no different (besides the boys screaming in the back seat from time to time). Aaron is my very best friend and I love to be with him. After being together almost 8 years, he still makes me laugh, makes me smile, and I enjoy his company.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On Friday, my brother graduated from medical school! He is officially Dr. Darin Gwartney! I refer to him as Dr. Brother, but I'm the only one who can call him that! I am so proud of him. He is so amazing! He has worked so hard (and Whitney and Levi have too) for this accomplishment. This road is not over yet, as he starts his residency at OSU Medical Center in July. Friday afternoon was a Christian Oath Ceremony that he had organized. It was wonderful to see several of the graduates come together to worship the Lord with their gifts. It was awesome to hear them read the oath that (paraphrased) "its not the power of medicine, but the power of the Great Physician that heals" and "doctors are only vessels used by God to heal the sick and broken." POWERFUL WORDS, especially for people entering the medical field!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YbBz2Orp5vM/TdVwsgP3WQI/AAAAAAAAARs/AIQQSmX7ySQ/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YbBz2Orp5vM/TdVwsgP3WQI/AAAAAAAAARs/AIQQSmX7ySQ/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+114.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Here is my brother at the Christian Oath Ceremony.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqFwuI7SiYs/TdVw7HYFmzI/AAAAAAAAARw/Eu2dzzC0Izs/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqFwuI7SiYs/TdVw7HYFmzI/AAAAAAAAARw/Eu2dzzC0Izs/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+119.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here is our fam at the Christian Oath Ceremony. It was so special to get to be there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxGiihyPnWQ/TdVx36qI39I/AAAAAAAAAR0/FnwBaAMzwPA/s1600/G+fam+at+chri+oath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxGiihyPnWQ/TdVx36qI39I/AAAAAAAAAR0/FnwBaAMzwPA/s320/G+fam+at+chri+oath.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Desmond was with my friend all day)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We went to lunch with 20+ family (from my sister-in-law's side too). Here is Uncle Aaron and Aunt Casey spoiling our sweet nephew with some ice cream. Hey, we are allowed to do that! (apparently, neither one of us thought he was opening his mouth wide enough!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs94r180aHI/TdV1jQWpcGI/AAAAAAAAATM/h3Owkqn1jmk/s1600/a+and+c+with+levi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs94r180aHI/TdV1jQWpcGI/AAAAAAAAATM/h3Owkqn1jmk/s320/a+and+c+with+levi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">Friday evening was the graduation. Besides accepting Jesus as my Savior, marrying my best friend, and having my two baby boys, this was one of the most proud days of my life! When they called his name, it gave me chills and I screamed so loud! DR. DARIN GWARTNEY! WOW! It's official! All of that hard work. Another cool thing about the graduation is that he got to graduate with his sister-in-law, and their father-in-law got to participate in hooding them. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Here is Dr. Hollie Black, Dr. Kevin Black (doctor of pharmacy), and Dr. Darin Gwartney after the cermony. Looking good, folks!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aKjOiJy8KXI/TdVyoOJsa6I/AAAAAAAAAR4/LH0BjfIJ9EI/s1600/hol+kev+dar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aKjOiJy8KXI/TdVyoOJsa6I/AAAAAAAAAR4/LH0BjfIJ9EI/s320/hol+kev+dar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--AKK_ymFXRA/TdV2Lcguj9I/AAAAAAAAATc/xAjG-2wAyvo/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--AKK_ymFXRA/TdV2Lcguj9I/AAAAAAAAATc/xAjG-2wAyvo/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+145.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xm8Z2LYLGLY/TdV16p6l3xI/AAAAAAAAATY/Snm22yKB4X4/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xm8Z2LYLGLY/TdV16p6l3xI/AAAAAAAAATY/Snm22yKB4X4/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+142.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">We properly celebrated at Braum's immediately following the ceremony! ;-)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">On Saturday, my parents threw a reception for Dr. Hollie and Dr. Darin at their house. We had fun decorating as you will see. My mom is so creative! I love it! See if you can pick up on some of the small details...they're the best. Here are some pics from the occasion:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ib4qpltTcyA/TdVzrewjBYI/AAAAAAAAASI/lsDsDLDVmzs/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ib4qpltTcyA/TdVzrewjBYI/AAAAAAAAASI/lsDsDLDVmzs/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+160.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Confetti</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LKGsVxWSyTQ/TdVz5F8o4wI/AAAAAAAAASM/ojRxXRKsIIo/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LKGsVxWSyTQ/TdVz5F8o4wI/AAAAAAAAASM/ojRxXRKsIIo/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+161.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Party favors (for the kiddos, of course)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWZZtwfNdCg/TdV0ERl_n8I/AAAAAAAAASQ/cMLqIE7iroY/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWZZtwfNdCg/TdV0ERl_n8I/AAAAAAAAASQ/cMLqIE7iroY/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+164.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W4cts4Y9g1E/TdV0NseOKjI/AAAAAAAAASU/mKc74Ka8lMs/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W4cts4Y9g1E/TdV0NseOKjI/AAAAAAAAASU/mKc74Ka8lMs/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+165.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Patient belongings bag included several things from Darin's elementary years.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zz-kek6Fvjs/TdV0U2NxGsI/AAAAAAAAASY/AiXlMsOOj88/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zz-kek6Fvjs/TdV0U2NxGsI/AAAAAAAAASY/AiXlMsOOj88/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+166.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The centerpiece (before food was added)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ypPkboY3W34/TdV0cmIbH2I/AAAAAAAAASc/_hczmpsuAtw/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ypPkboY3W34/TdV0cmIbH2I/AAAAAAAAASc/_hczmpsuAtw/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+167.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Card drop-off</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--p_dyt2nCow/TdV0iio9-sI/AAAAAAAAASg/3XEN_y1IlGk/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--p_dyt2nCow/TdV0iio9-sI/AAAAAAAAASg/3XEN_y1IlGk/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+169.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Operation, anyone?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyxv_eibotg/TdV0qYKNh8I/AAAAAAAAASk/dY_vZ7vOsdU/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyxv_eibotg/TdV0qYKNh8I/AAAAAAAAASk/dY_vZ7vOsdU/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+171.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SJtIdh8Etig/TdVzY1mN-2I/AAAAAAAAASA/UloiT61xoQM/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SJtIdh8Etig/TdVzY1mN-2I/AAAAAAAAASA/UloiT61xoQM/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+158.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3V16GpNFeZY/TdVzgAvXj_I/AAAAAAAAASE/vc_3XVHd89o/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3V16GpNFeZY/TdVzgAvXj_I/AAAAAAAAASE/vc_3XVHd89o/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+159.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The spread...and incredible cake!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Asrtg3aRm9Y/TdVzSXyvypI/AAAAAAAAAR8/0u6p3Iwtk7E/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Asrtg3aRm9Y/TdVzSXyvypI/AAAAAAAAAR8/0u6p3Iwtk7E/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+155.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Svo7e5ppYjM/TdV0wL_Z52I/AAAAAAAAASo/0fDV5YQ-RaM/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Svo7e5ppYjM/TdV0wL_Z52I/AAAAAAAAASo/0fDV5YQ-RaM/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+172.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-18IQwBvcqy4/TdV0z7dzcfI/AAAAAAAAASs/p7PxC5uuRcM/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-18IQwBvcqy4/TdV0z7dzcfI/AAAAAAAAASs/p7PxC5uuRcM/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+173.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZKsjFN9zQE/TdV08pwUzmI/AAAAAAAAASw/PNDvgRK7iDk/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZKsjFN9zQE/TdV08pwUzmI/AAAAAAAAASw/PNDvgRK7iDk/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+175.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lincoln wasn't into the party too much. He was being loved on by Mammaw Nel!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFoe33is3Fg/TdV1EFVwq2I/AAAAAAAAAS0/uWQfCzQHCQM/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFoe33is3Fg/TdV1EFVwq2I/AAAAAAAAAS0/uWQfCzQHCQM/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+181.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Same goes for Owen in Happy's arms!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38cncj_4QIg/TdV1J0QO92I/AAAAAAAAAS4/eY18WgnsaWM/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38cncj_4QIg/TdV1J0QO92I/AAAAAAAAAS4/eY18WgnsaWM/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+182.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And then Aunt Betsy arrived...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTw0-dBKmmQ/TdV1QOHBT3I/AAAAAAAAAS8/YL22Oi7FkWY/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTw0-dBKmmQ/TdV1QOHBT3I/AAAAAAAAAS8/YL22Oi7FkWY/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+188.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dad dressed appropriately!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kWMpnquY1Ww/TdV1YhJTIbI/AAAAAAAAATA/flijnUCJFHI/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kWMpnquY1Ww/TdV1YhJTIbI/AAAAAAAAATA/flijnUCJFHI/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+189.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Mom and dad with their son, the good Doctor!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JaChef5lgnE/TdV1iDzQzvI/AAAAAAAAATE/AteIo8-KvBw/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JaChef5lgnE/TdV1iDzQzvI/AAAAAAAAATE/AteIo8-KvBw/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+190.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Levi, Desmond, and Ellie played together all afternoon!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhS_3vPdBSI/TdV1vmi3tgI/AAAAAAAAATU/0SsGlEKD5CU/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhS_3vPdBSI/TdV1vmi3tgI/AAAAAAAAATU/0SsGlEKD5CU/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+125.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sunday, we enjoyed worshipping with my home church family and seeing lots of familiar faces. For some, it was their first time meeting Lincoln in "real life" as one lady put it (thanks to facebook!). Sunday afternoon was a baby shower for one of my best friends, Cassie. They are expecting their little boy, Ranger Lee Walker in July! WOO HOO! I was so glad I got to be at the shower! Here are some pictures from this event:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-70qHzeok0OI/TdV4SYzkNHI/AAAAAAAAATg/PChv_k2rLEY/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-70qHzeok0OI/TdV4SYzkNHI/AAAAAAAAATg/PChv_k2rLEY/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coveralls - camo for hunting with daddy!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WsmmRsKk1sM/TdV4dvd6msI/AAAAAAAAATk/Oup1MLbwXDQ/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WsmmRsKk1sM/TdV4dvd6msI/AAAAAAAAATk/Oup1MLbwXDQ/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Friends reunited after 3 years!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fbfodFtSxHM/TdV4oTmzZQI/AAAAAAAAATo/G4c4ZhNIXO8/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fbfodFtSxHM/TdV4oTmzZQI/AAAAAAAAATo/G4c4ZhNIXO8/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+195.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PUQwQrwv1Zo/TdV4wN6uuQI/AAAAAAAAATs/6QPCU0xnh48/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PUQwQrwv1Zo/TdV4wN6uuQI/AAAAAAAAATs/6QPCU0xnh48/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+197.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RqOsuFdaRs8/TdV43pl7esI/AAAAAAAAATw/1m4PkxJxNfU/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RqOsuFdaRs8/TdV43pl7esI/AAAAAAAAATw/1m4PkxJxNfU/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+198.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qRHGk4b8rw/TdV4-DvO31I/AAAAAAAAAT0/8PQ_kbW36h0/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qRHGk4b8rw/TdV4-DvO31I/AAAAAAAAAT0/8PQ_kbW36h0/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+199.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The happy, expecting couple.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VbgW9LEa31w/TdV5FAl6s_I/AAAAAAAAAT4/ReaFTQueO9c/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VbgW9LEa31w/TdV5FAl6s_I/AAAAAAAAAT4/ReaFTQueO9c/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love these ladies!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NeL2ZiOTVCk/TdV5Ygm8xzI/AAAAAAAAAUA/17hwOS-MAWg/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NeL2ZiOTVCk/TdV5Ygm8xzI/AAAAAAAAAUA/17hwOS-MAWg/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+226.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Desmond was partied out!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxWZ5LvyY58/TdV5jlgL3jI/AAAAAAAAAUE/h2ZNQtbV8-E/s1600/Darin%2527s+Graduation+228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxWZ5LvyY58/TdV5jlgL3jI/AAAAAAAAAUE/h2ZNQtbV8-E/s320/Darin%2527s+Graduation+228.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And so was Lincoln. Hey, she got some good practice! ;-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Overall, we had a busy but great weekend. I'll post more pictures and tell more about the "little moments" of the trip in a later post. That's all for now! Thanks for reading...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"></div>Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-1499608077510883342011-05-08T15:17:00.000-05:002011-05-08T15:17:15.444-05:00Mom's the Word<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">To be completely honest, I don't even know where to begin this post. I suppose HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY works, but that's not enough. I'd like to tell you a bit about my amazing momma. You see, I'm just like my mother. All of my life, people who know my mom have called me "little Becky." They say I look like her, sound like her, act like her...everything I do reminds someone of my mom. For the longest time I'd look at them and say, "no I'm not!" Why I ever did that, I have no idea. I suppose I was in denial because I've always know that I'm just like her. Now, I take it as a huge compliment! Thank you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you think I look like her? She was my age when this picture was taken.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iUnRedH6UfI/Tcb5JTGQO3I/AAAAAAAAARY/KlMztC_RHOQ/s1600/mom5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iUnRedH6UfI/Tcb5JTGQO3I/AAAAAAAAARY/KlMztC_RHOQ/s320/mom5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXF7rsbdNE8/Tcb5Io9cnKI/AAAAAAAAARA/ZjTOFywFe7E/s1600/mom2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXF7rsbdNE8/Tcb5Io9cnKI/AAAAAAAAARA/ZjTOFywFe7E/s320/mom2.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wYNubIdyqqk/Tcb5JHsu16I/AAAAAAAAARI/d3MOvoI01GM/s1600/mom3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wYNubIdyqqk/Tcb5JHsu16I/AAAAAAAAARI/d3MOvoI01GM/s320/mom3.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Mom and I after last year's marathon. She came to cheer me on...it meant so much to me!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2iSojyVrQKw/Tcb5IrvLtAI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/vJ6FW3AK5NI/s1600/mom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2iSojyVrQKw/Tcb5IrvLtAI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/vJ6FW3AK5NI/s320/mom1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My mother is absolutely wonderful. To be honest, she's just like her mother who was an incredible lady. My mom is creative, funny, a good cook, a wonderful wife, a mentor, a great friend, and so so so much more. Especially after my second year of college, we became especially close. I talk to my mother practically every day (judge me if you want, but its not going to change). You see, she's not just my mom, but she's one of my very best friends. In a later post that I'm preparing even now I'll tell you about some of my dearest friends, and believe you me, she will be in that one too! She's my encourager, my prayer warrior, my sounding board, my boys' Grammy for Heaven's sake. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKR1qkPbTDk/Tcb5JNQUGSI/AAAAAAAAARQ/_ivHUa9wG6E/s1600/mom4.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKR1qkPbTDk/Tcb5JNQUGSI/AAAAAAAAARQ/_ivHUa9wG6E/s320/mom4.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Even though Desmond is only 2, I have realized that raising children is an incredible journey, but it also DEMANDS sacrifice- of many things. I have come to appreciate so many of the sacrifices I know that my parents have made for me. Most of the things I appreciate, I am sad to report that I didn't necessarily appreciate them at the time. All of the basketball, softball, volleyball, soccer, track, indoor soccer, drama, band, choir, etc., etc., etc. that they put up with...and the cost of those things just amazes me. I remember the first basketball game my parents missed. I was probably in 5th or 6th grade and they made sure to have someone video tape (you know, with the BIG HONKIN' on your shoulder kind of video cameras) it and they sat down and watched it with me. They were at EVERY game and concert. Mom is my biggest fan!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I cherish my mom and I hope that I have been able to let her know that. If not, MOM, I CHERISH YOU! What an amazing gift God gave me...even before I was born. For all of the sacrifices you've made, things I know and don't know about, THANK YOU! I love you so much! Happy Mother's Day!</div>(there will be plenty to post later too!)<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mom in her element:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2XzcMVf--oY/Tcb6FN4bJfI/AAAAAAAAARg/uovG6PxI83Q/s1600/mom%2Band%2Bdad%2Bw%2Bboys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2XzcMVf--oY/Tcb6FN4bJfI/AAAAAAAAARg/uovG6PxI83Q/s320/mom%2Band%2Bdad%2Bw%2Bboys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-76577746237591579422011-05-04T17:26:00.000-05:002011-05-04T17:26:52.311-05:00Why Blog?When I was considering starting blogging again, I really thought about what the purpose of my blog would be. Would I just vent everyday ramblings to the unknown world? Tell you all the hilarious stories about my awesome boys? Tell you about the Savior of the world that I love and serve? Well, yes. All of those. But I want there to be a purpose to my writing. So, I guess you'll know what you're getting into if you continue to read on. Here are the purposes I came up with other than those previously listed: I want to encourage anyone who happens upon this page. I want you to have a smile on your face and feel like someone has given you a pat on the back. I want you to get to know me and my family. I'd love to tell you about my friends, my church, and my passions. Hopefully I can keep it up to where you will walk through some of this short life with me. <br />
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I think that in order for you to get to know me, you need to know my heritage. So, fresh on my mind (since he and his family were here this past weekend) is my brother, Darin. Darin is my older brother by 3 years. He was a Senior and I was a Freshman. I've always said that he got "the brains, the height, and the looks" and all I got was coordination! Sorry, bro, but truth be told, you were in college before you had full control of those long limbs of yours! My parents have said the whole time we were growing up, "oh, this is our favorite age!" Now they say that this is their favorite age because we have both given them grandboys. Well, if I'm honest, the same is true about the way I feel about Darin. You see, with Darin being my older brother, it was his job to make sure his little sister didn't grow up a wimp. It was his responsibility to beat me up but also to protect me. <br />
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When we were young, we didn't really get along so well. He was my brother for crying out loud! We weren't <em>supposed</em> to get along! On road trips, there was a line in the minivan seat. You <em>didn't</em> cross, touch, or even think about touching that line. On many occasions I'd yell out, "MOM! He's looking at the line! I know he thought about crossing <em>my</em> line!" Ugh...my blood is boiling just thinking about how frustrated I got. He acted all innocent, but he was the instigator. I ALWAYS got in trouble. <em>ALWAYS</em>. It wasn't fair! He would egg it on and I would be the one to get in trouble. Was I usually to blame? Sure (mom, don't take this as admition to anything), but HE WAS TOO just for pushing my buttons.<br />
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When he turned 16, he gained some independence and of course was in high school. It took him away from a lot as far as I was concerned. If he had a ball game, I had to go. If I had a ball game, he had something else to do. That's life. It really didn't bother me that much then. <br />
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Then our life got "flipped turned upside down" in 2000. Our dad was asked to consider moving us from Missouri (where I was born and raised, and Darin had lived there since he was 2) to Oklahoma to his home town. After much prayer and consideration, our family felt that the Lord was leading us to Locust Grove, Oklahoma. For Heaven's sake, the nearest Wal-Mart was 20 minutes away! We were used to being 5 minutes from everything but a mall, not that we even lived in a huge town in Missouri. So, we packed up and left. Darin and I moved to Oklahoma the day before his Senior and my Freshman years of high school. The church had given our family the opportunity to stay in MO until Darin graduated, but he felt that we needed to GO! Boy, in the back of my mind, I wanted to slap him silly! How dare he (or God) take me from everything I knew! But we went. On the first day of school, Darin was practically the only person I knew. There were a few familiar faces from us going there as kids to visit our grandparents, but that was it. We lived there for a few weeks with some family friends before our parents sold our house and moved down. I leaned on him. He <em>was</em> my family for that time. We still had our disagreements and such, but we were all each other had.<br />
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He graduated and moved to college about 40 miles away from home. I continued playing sports and trying to get involved in school stuff. I saw him very little, but looked forward to him coming home. That's when I started really appreciating him. I saw how hard he worked. I knew he was an outstanding student, follower of Christ, and human being. Oh, to be like my big brother.... My senior year, our softball team was playing in the District finals not far from where he went to school. It was finals week for him. Again, he hadn't been to many games of mine at all for all of my life, so why would he come to this one? During about the second inning, I heard a familiar voice from the stands. He had taken a study break to come see us play and we won! More than a victory for me was my brother being there. As I choke back the tears, let me tell you that from that day forward, our relationship changed. I respected him as a man. It meant the world to this little sister and he even came home a few times to watch me play basketball that year too.<br />
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He went on to graduate with a Pre-Med degree, got married that summer, and I had gone to college in Nashville. We didn't get to talk much because of busy schedules and lives, but each visit home was great to see him and catch up like we were never apart. <br />
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He and his family came this past weekend to cheer my dad and I on during the marathon. Most importantly, though, was Lincoln's baby dedication on Sunday. He made sure that I knew he wanted to come for that. Again, it meant so much to me! <br />
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Darin is graduating from medical school next weekend. He not only has passed med school, but has EXCELLED in everything he has done. I will be there with a smile on my face, and probably a proud tear in my eye. THIS IS ONE PROUD SISTER! I love you, bro!Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-64894410965778888092011-05-03T12:26:00.000-05:002011-05-03T12:26:12.222-05:00ReSTARTs and Catch-upsYeah, yeah, yeah. I know its been one year since I last posted. I know last time I restarted my blog I said I was going to do better. Well, this busy life got the best of me and I honestly did not even consider it much over the last year. However, I've been thinking about it more frequently in recent days, so I hereby vow to write when I have the chance. It may not be very often and then again it could be a couple of times a week. I'm not making any promises about a certain number of entries, just when I get the opportunity. So now, I'm taking this opportunity to let you in on what has happened in our lives in one year- its probably going to be a long post.<br />
Last fall, our church had the opportunity to start feeding the football team from the high school across the street from our church. 75+ football players, managers, and coaches were in the doors of our church once a week for 9 or 10 weeks. WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY! We got to know several of them. They saw our faces on Thursday and then on Friday nights at their games. It was a HUGE door the Lord opened for us. Since then, a couple of the players started coming. One, in fact, joined our church a few weeks ago and has become a leader in our youth group. Praise the Lord! I can't wait to see what He's going to do in the future with that opportunity.<br />
Also in the fall, I had a job opportunity arise. I have been doing medical transcription work since last August. What a blessing it has been! I am able to work from home, usually during nap time or after the boys have gone to bed, and still have a great paycheck. A great friend of mine helped to train me and for that I am so grateful!<br />
My last post was about the flood and me running the marathon. Yesterday marked one year since the disasterous flood in Nashville. It was an emotional weekend and day, even though we were not directly impacted by the flood waters. Our church was repaired and back in running order just a short 8 weeks after the flood. The many families in our church were displaced for a while. The last of the families that were able to reconstuct their homes got back into their home in November. The Lord taught me so much through the families who had to face the disaster day after day. He showed Himself like only He can- as Provider, Comforter, Shelter, our Rock, and many other things on a daily basis. It was amazing to see how He continued to shine through each and every member of the families impacted. It was also incredible to see His hands and feet at work. The body of believers here in Nashville, in the country, and around the world jumped right in to help with everything imaginable. Although it seemed like a complete loss, much was gained through the entire experience. <br />
Also in the last post was me running the marathon. Well, as it turns out, I got pregnant shortly after running that race. Needless to say, I didn't get to run any other races last year. (wink, wink!) On January 2, 2011, we had a beautiful baby boy named Lincoln. He weighed in at 7 pounds 8 ounces. After going through labor and was ready for delivery, they informed me that he was footling breech and I would have to have a C-section. That was a hard blow, but he came safely - which is all that really matters. Mom stayed with us for three weeks and it was a huge blessing. I wasn't even able to lift Desmond for 6 weeks! Wow! that's hard to do. We made it though. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IdoswrlVoVU/TcA2fiiTC2I/AAAAAAAAAQE/u-kaeBztBYk/s1600/announce.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IdoswrlVoVU/TcA2fiiTC2I/AAAAAAAAAQE/u-kaeBztBYk/s320/announce.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyuqu97mSNY/TcA2lMbiLzI/AAAAAAAAAQI/-i0tS8niR0s/s1600/family+1-9-11.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyuqu97mSNY/TcA2lMbiLzI/AAAAAAAAAQI/-i0tS8niR0s/s320/family+1-9-11.bmp" width="222" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fk9TjAAz-TE/TcA4AT5qagI/AAAAAAAAAQY/-OOdmjK9Y_8/s1600/lincoln+4+mo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fk9TjAAz-TE/TcA4AT5qagI/AAAAAAAAAQY/-OOdmjK9Y_8/s320/lincoln+4+mo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In September, I convinced my dad that he needed to run the marathon with me this year. I knew I needed something to work for and motivate me after I had Lincoln, just to get the stinking baby weight off of me. After many guilt trips, he finally agreed to run it. He started training, running the least of three miles several times a week. He started a 10 week program in February to prepare for it. Amazingly, he finished the 1/2 marathon this past Saturday in 2:24!!! Not bad for an old guy! I'm so proud of him!!! Now, I obviously did not know that I would be put out 6 weeks after having Lincoln, and that it would be so hard to train with having two kids, but I did. I finished my second 1/2 marathon this past Saturday as well. The time doesn't matter, I crossed the finish line. Needless to say, I'll continue training and working hard to run more in the near future.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvIDGdiC2KU/TcA381-xPiI/AAAAAAAAAQM/IiZATw6aipY/s1600/me+and+dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvIDGdiC2KU/TcA381-xPiI/AAAAAAAAAQM/IiZATw6aipY/s320/me+and+dad.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEdL9syltWg/TcA39skf0cI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/goTDXnKZiwE/s1600/dad+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEdL9syltWg/TcA39skf0cI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/goTDXnKZiwE/s320/dad+run.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4drXx2C6_Qg/TcA3_LZGrXI/AAAAAAAAAQU/n4wiQPikDh0/s1600/me+and+des+marathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4drXx2C6_Qg/TcA3_LZGrXI/AAAAAAAAAQU/n4wiQPikDh0/s320/me+and+des+marathon.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>My mom, dad, brother, sister-in-law, and nephew all came in for the marathon. Because they were all going to be here on Sunday, we had Lincoln's baby dedication that day. My brother is about to graduate from medical school next week (GREAT JOB DARIN!) and so he won't be able to be at much for the next few years because of residency. We thought we'd take the opportunity so he could be with us at the dedication. My goodness! Our church family is so wonderful. I was overwhelmed by their response during the dedication and our pastor had such encouraging words to share about our family. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXaf2WrIkW0/TcA4B485WoI/AAAAAAAAAQc/N_5SjRar9tw/s1600/dedication+church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXaf2WrIkW0/TcA4B485WoI/AAAAAAAAAQc/N_5SjRar9tw/s320/dedication+church.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqC69kPX4ak/TcA4JXHQscI/AAAAAAAAAQg/sJ0eTXLhM-c/s1600/fam+ded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqC69kPX4ak/TcA4JXHQscI/AAAAAAAAAQg/sJ0eTXLhM-c/s320/fam+ded.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Aaron and I started P90X 4 weeks ago. We just started week 5 of it yesterday. I can't believe the transformation I have seen in Aaron! We took our 30 day pictures yesterday and he looks amazing! Its definitely not easy, but its fun to go through it all together.<br />
In February, Desmond turned 2. I can't believe it! He's getting so big and is talking like a 5 year old. He's so much fun, but it can be trying at times with temper tantrums and fits. Most of the time, he is only like that for us and not others, thankfully. He loves trucks, motorcycles, all kinds of sports, and riding his bike. He likes Mickey Mouse, Handy Manny, and WoddyBuzz (as he says it). He loves to sing songs too. He knows his ABCs, can count to 30, and loves songs like the B-I-B-L-E, Old McDonald had a farm e-i-e-i-o, and Jesus loves me. Its fun to watch him learn new things every day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9hiKd75WMnI/TcA6ABARb7I/AAAAAAAAAQk/TKW6HMNTc5k/s1600/b%2526w+alley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9hiKd75WMnI/TcA6ABARb7I/AAAAAAAAAQk/TKW6HMNTc5k/s320/b%2526w+alley.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PX5_5KfXLfU/TcA6B7rOeuI/AAAAAAAAAQo/HwHn2IigbCI/s1600/chair+color+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PX5_5KfXLfU/TcA6B7rOeuI/AAAAAAAAAQo/HwHn2IigbCI/s320/chair+color+cover.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rSpMDPMIre0/TcA6Cxxio9I/AAAAAAAAAQs/e0z6BxfKBRo/s1600/color+alley+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rSpMDPMIre0/TcA6Cxxio9I/AAAAAAAAAQs/e0z6BxfKBRo/s320/color+alley+run.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YKntF-Kw5E0/TcA6IHkqeGI/AAAAAAAAAQw/-hCao_ZqGkE/s1600/b%2526w+boat+w+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YKntF-Kw5E0/TcA6IHkqeGI/AAAAAAAAAQw/-hCao_ZqGkE/s320/b%2526w+boat+w+shoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Well, I know that's not everything, but I think its a pretty accurate recap of the last 12 months. Check back (no telling how soon) for more updates from the Pontious household. Thanks for reading and I'll leave you with this smile:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KD5-tpFHohA/TcA6jy_ZcFI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/_d_A9h2CDO0/s1600/smile+b%2526w.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KD5-tpFHohA/TcA6jy_ZcFI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/_d_A9h2CDO0/s320/smile+b%2526w.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-4609522124676185172010-05-12T14:15:00.000-05:002010-05-12T14:15:36.879-05:00Floods, Family and FinishesOnce again, time has gotten away from me and so has my blog. I have been so busy, this has actually been the last thing on my mind. I'll catch you up:<br />
First, I have accomplished 2 of my main new year's resolutions already. I now have a garden and it is growing! I'm loving nurturing the plants and keeping out the bugs and weeds. So far, I have green beans, peas, watermelon, squash and tomatoes coming up. The second is finishing a 1/2 marathon, which I completed on April 24th. My good friend, Carrie, and I finished the Country Music Marathon in 2 hours and 49 minutes. We were so excited about this accomplishment! The best part was finishing with Desmond. I didn't think I would ever see the pictures from it, but here are a few the marathon people took. Des gave me a huge kiss and hug and smiled the last tenth of a mile he ran with me. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S-r5yBMAx9I/AAAAAAAAAOs/aLeYdlyHe90/s1600/finish.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S-r5yBMAx9I/AAAAAAAAAOs/aLeYdlyHe90/s320/finish.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S-r5xQdOkJI/AAAAAAAAAOk/eXTvwtn6I94/s1600/kiss.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S-r5xQdOkJI/AAAAAAAAAOk/eXTvwtn6I94/s320/kiss.jpeg" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S-r5zFeTcTI/AAAAAAAAAO0/rxvTQzh8wrM/s1600/friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S-r5zFeTcTI/AAAAAAAAAO0/rxvTQzh8wrM/s320/friends.jpg" /></a>Here are my running buddies and partner. (me, Carrie, Katie, and Rhonda)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S-r53dxVlqI/AAAAAAAAAPM/SwugeUQ_QPc/s1600/mile+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S-r53dxVlqI/AAAAAAAAAPM/SwugeUQ_QPc/s320/mile+6.jpg" /></a></div>Here are Carrie and I at mile 6 - I got emotional knowing we would see my family.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S-r50HUCpcI/AAAAAAAAAO8/um1CyXPwV1A/s1600/arms.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S-r50HUCpcI/AAAAAAAAAO8/um1CyXPwV1A/s320/arms.jpeg" /></a></div>Some time during the race...can't believe I had enough energy to raise my arms! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S-r52X1iNrI/AAAAAAAAAPE/3B9Agn0vsic/s1600/me+and+carrie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S-r52X1iNrI/AAAAAAAAAPE/3B9Agn0vsic/s320/me+and+carrie.jpg" /></a></div>Carrie and I after the race. I was so blessed to have her by my side the entire journey...literally, start to finish (even training). <br />
As most of you know, here in Nashville we have had some major flood damage. Our church basement suffered quite a bit of damage along with about 22 families in our church. 8 of the families we are closest to live on one street (Miami Ave). All of them suffered great losses. Most of their material possessions were damaged and their homes are not fit to live in for the time being. Almost all of them had at least 3 feet of water in them for 5 days. We spent this past week helping them recover and clean up. The task is just started and the finish line is not yet in sight. However, the Lord has been so evident! Instead of me being a blessing and encouraging my friends, they have done just that for me. We are so blessed to have them in our lives and they have showed me how to give thanks in all circumstances. Thank you, Lord for your many blessings! Please join me in praying for everyone effected by this natural disaster.<br />
Mother's day was great for me. Aaron and Des surprised me with a picture and frame inscribed "Train up a child in the way he should go - when he is old he will not depart from it." It means so much to me! It was a great family picture too. I am so blessed to be Aaron's wife and Desmond's mommy. My, what a responsibility we have as parents...I pray for Desmond that he will be able to see through us how much God loves and adores him.<br />
Speaking of Desmond, he is now officially walking. He is so funny to watch...he swings his arms up by his head to balance himself. He is Mr. Personality...and loves food. At the present time, he is cutting 8 teeth. Ugh! What a nightmare! 4 have poked through and I wish the other 4 would! It means lots of sleep, grumpiness, drool and more grumpiness. I'm just glad he is getting them all over at once!<br />
Well, that's all for now...more to come. Stay tuned.Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-36104940288519354902010-04-09T17:35:00.001-05:002010-04-09T17:37:10.246-05:00Easter, Pictures, Savings and more!!!Last week, I informed you that I was hopping on the "coupon train." Well, I just want to update you on some of my savings in the last week! It is so exciting! I love a challenge, and I feel like this is one big challenge for me...just to see how much $$$ I can save. I'm so competitive, it is ridiculous! Anyways, last week, I sat down with my ads and coupons. Boy, it puts a spin on shopping. I made my grocery list AFTER looking at the ads. My friend (<a href="http://www.couponqueendiaries.com/">www.couponqueendiaries.com</a>) that I was telling you about has given me several pointers. She said the idea is to buy things only when they are on sale, but buy enough to last you until they go on sale again. That way, you never run out of things and have to rush out and buy things for full price if they don't happen to be on sale that week. She says eventually you get to the point that you are buying 2 times the amount of groceries for 1/2 of what you were originally paying to begin with. I like that idea, especially with teenagers over here all the time. So, I started my adventure.<br />
It took me about an hour and a half to 2 hours with my ads and coupons, but I got my list and headed out. The other obstacle was having both Des and Riley. Whew! It was an adventure, but they were both so good. Back to the coupons: I first stopped at Publix where I spent $17 and saved over $18! Wowsers! Just <b>a few</b> of the good deals I got there were margarine ($0.60/tub), Cheerios (($0.50/box), salad dressing ($0.45) and yogurt ($0.25/cup). I forgot to take a picture once I brought it all home, but I will try to remember from now on. I then headed to Kroger - it is nice in our area because all of the stores are within a mile of each other. At Kroger, I spent $30 and saved $22!!! I stopped at a couple of other stores too...totaling out the day spending $68 and saving $47!!!! Let me take this opportunity to pat myself on the back. Thank you, thank you! So, I would say I did pretty good. I think that 2 hours of planning beforehand was worth it! That is like making $23.50 an hour! For this stay-at-home mom and strict budget cruncher, that's a great paying gig.<br />
Moving on, Resurrection Sunday was this past week. We had a special invitation to join our "adopted" Nashville family for Easter dinner. What a lovely afternoon we had! We had an awesome meal and then headed out to take family pictures. Here are a few of them:<br />
In this first one, Des looks like he has no neck! hahhahah! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-K8TE-OCI/AAAAAAAAAMU/CpUdJ4sOcl8/s1600/no+neck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-K8TE-OCI/AAAAAAAAAMU/CpUdJ4sOcl8/s320/no+neck.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-KyQgCi4I/AAAAAAAAALk/oEErUcps1oo/s320/fam+easter.jpg" /> I love this family pic</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-Ku9C4prI/AAAAAAAAALE/v9N0Mj3QeFw/s1600/2+clap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-Ku9C4prI/AAAAAAAAALE/v9N0Mj3QeFw/s320/2+clap.jpg" /></a>Best of friends!<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-Kxpxe6TI/AAAAAAAAALc/Yk5DpxlzedU/s320/boys+arm.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-KzrHNiCI/AAAAAAAAALs/m1GpR756N6U/s320/friends.jpg" />We are so blessed to have such great friends!<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-K0k_evBI/AAAAAAAAAL0/DwSJ_1CpsFQ/s1600/grin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-K0k_evBI/AAAAAAAAAL0/DwSJ_1CpsFQ/s320/grin.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-K2IxYUlI/AAAAAAAAAL8/5PJ8n_VlZjY/s1600/grin+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-K2IxYUlI/AAAAAAAAAL8/5PJ8n_VlZjY/s320/grin+2.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-K6NYJ7qI/AAAAAAAAAME/gThitt74bVI/s1600/happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-K6NYJ7qI/AAAAAAAAAME/gThitt74bVI/s320/happy.jpg" /></a><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-K7A_G8JI/AAAAAAAAAMM/WWUr6LFWQVk/s320/happy+boys.jpg" /><br />
Watch this progression of photos...it is a perfect display of their personalities!<br />
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-K92_RFfI/AAAAAAAAAMc/9jvl2CpFpWE/s320/progression+1.jpg" /><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-K_LfGZXI/AAAAAAAAAMk/TXz_DJKhQko/s1600/progression+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-K_LfGZXI/AAAAAAAAAMk/TXz_DJKhQko/s320/progression+2.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-LAZf8KRI/AAAAAAAAAMs/PA_EiyX1w94/s1600/progression+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-LAZf8KRI/AAAAAAAAAMs/PA_EiyX1w94/s320/progression+3.jpg" /></a><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-LB4b6mYI/AAAAAAAAAM0/JXxuVM6MPL4/s320/progression+4.jpg" /><br />
Mayer - "I didn't do it mommy, I promise!" ^<br />
Des - "Ok, best friend, we can be friends again." ><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-LEU4EPhI/AAAAAAAAAM8/btKCsone9q8/s1600/smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-LEU4EPhI/AAAAAAAAAM8/btKCsone9q8/s320/smile.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-LGMW_wcI/AAAAAAAAANE/MEIPgg84ByQ/s1600/smiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-LGMW_wcI/AAAAAAAAANE/MEIPgg84ByQ/s320/smiles.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
GREAT EASTER celebrating our RISEN Saviour!<br />
I also need to share with you a few of Desmond's 1 year pictures. I know there are lots to look at, but I'm sure you'd rather see these than read anything I have to say...here is our sweet Desmond:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-NZmAmg_I/AAAAAAAAANM/zoSu3ZskySM/s1600/blueeyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-NZmAmg_I/AAAAAAAAANM/zoSu3ZskySM/s320/blueeyes.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-NeVX8CjI/AAAAAAAAANU/8BkxVUd7efA/s1600/bnwc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-NeVX8CjI/AAAAAAAAANU/8BkxVUd7efA/s320/bnwc.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-Nkzg2zVI/AAAAAAAAANk/ca7Pyclqp9g/s1600/cheese2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-Nkzg2zVI/AAAAAAAAANk/ca7Pyclqp9g/s320/cheese2.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-NpCsxHCI/AAAAAAAAANs/jkuk2y6Piqs/s1600/clap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-NpCsxHCI/AAAAAAAAANs/jkuk2y6Piqs/s320/clap.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-NtQn03UI/AAAAAAAAAN0/NcelgFZ-bTI/s1600/daddydes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-NtQn03UI/AAAAAAAAAN0/NcelgFZ-bTI/s320/daddydes.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-OATDtQqI/AAAAAAAAAOM/bApGYwriU34/s1600/des1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-OATDtQqI/AAAAAAAAAOM/bApGYwriU34/s320/des1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-iXjuV-NI/AAAAAAAAAOc/jSSDjQcA-AE/s1600/Desmondbnwc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7-iXjuV-NI/AAAAAAAAAOc/jSSDjQcA-AE/s320/Desmondbnwc.jpg" /></a></div>There are plenty more and I will share them soon. For now, that's all folks! Happy Easter, happy couponing and happy Thursday!Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-56625382345553196532010-03-30T13:27:00.000-05:002010-03-30T13:27:24.871-05:00Pampered Chef and CouponsSo, as previously stated, I want to start couponing. I LOVE free stuff and great deals. I thrive on them. I feel better about myself and my purchases when I am able to find one. Being a stay-at-home mom and a youth pastor's wife, we are on a pretty strict budget. I have a few websites that I frequent; one being a lady from our church's site: <a href="http://www.couponqueendiaries.com/">http://www.couponqueendiaries.com/</a> which I love!<br />
I signed up for my Sunday paper and received my first one this past Sunday. I was so excited to tear into it and see what kind of deals I could find! I have to admit, I still am not completely positive of what I'm doing, but I'm trying to work at it. For my first trip ever to Publix yesterday, I spent $17 and saved $9! Ok, not that great, but I had only one week's paper to prepare and had to get certain things that weren't necessarily on sale. I'll keep that $9 in my pocket, though!<br />
I had a Pampered Chef party at my house last night with my friend Beth as the sales rep. She did a great job. I had invited 20+ people. Several ladies weren't able to make it, but there were 18 (not including family members of some and Beth and myself!) It was a great night of food, fun, and cooking utensils! hehehe! As you know, when you host a party like that, you receive a certain amount of free stuff according to how much $$ your party brought in. Last night, I got $60 of FREE stuff and 2 items 50% off. I spent $17 and got almost $100 worth of stuff for my kitchen. I'm so excited about it! Here are most of the items I was able to get...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7JBQ3JMrHI/AAAAAAAAAKM/rflocbk4INI/s1600/bbq+basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7JBQ3JMrHI/AAAAAAAAAKM/rflocbk4INI/s320/bbq+basket.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7JBhKqKCwI/AAAAAAAAAKU/AtQblweJ9AI/s1600/cooker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7JBhKqKCwI/AAAAAAAAAKU/AtQblweJ9AI/s320/cooker.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7JByvl71UI/AAAAAAAAAKc/aZDK3FSEnXk/s1600/loaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7JByvl71UI/AAAAAAAAAKc/aZDK3FSEnXk/s320/loaf.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7JCB06Hh7I/AAAAAAAAAKk/dtvywnaBy74/s1600/pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7JCB06Hh7I/AAAAAAAAAKk/dtvywnaBy74/s320/pot.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7JCRhaoeXI/AAAAAAAAAKs/qr5JBEZ35eU/s1600/scraper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7JCRhaoeXI/AAAAAAAAAKs/qr5JBEZ35eU/s320/scraper.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7JCc4UMhnI/AAAAAAAAAK0/IP1NJPXBHcM/s1600/recipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S7JCc4UMhnI/AAAAAAAAAK0/IP1NJPXBHcM/s320/recipe.jpg" /></a></div>If you didn't get to come and want to order something, go to <a href="http://www.pamperedchef.com/">www.pamperedchef.com</a>, find what you would like to order, and email me your order.<br />
If you know of any free stuff or good deals, let me know! Happy bargaining...Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-26789826195821297702010-03-26T00:09:00.000-05:002010-03-26T00:09:37.362-05:00Gardening BeginnerSo, I'm going to start venturing out and trying new things. First on the list, growing a garden. I have quite a brown thumb...I tend to kill all the plants in my house, so I'm not sure how this is going to go. I bought my first packs of seeds today and I'm not sure that was the right decision. Should I buy the seeds or the plants already started? Should I plant the seeds now in small pots so they are small plants when it is time to put them in the ground? How is a girl supposed to know all of this stuff? Well, the lady across the street seems to know a little bit about everything...actually, she thinks she knows A LOT about EVERYTHING. Anyways, she's a good neighbor to have and I'm thankful for her being on my neighborhood watch. Regardless, she is apparently on-board assisting me in getting my garden up and running. I want to have tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, green beans, peas, watermelons, squash, etc, etc, etc. I LOVE FRUITS AND VEGGIES!!! It makes my mouth water just thinking of all of the fresh stuff I will have this summer and fall.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S6xBhTNbfXI/AAAAAAAAAKE/i_VsoTQIdec/s1600/fresh-veggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S6xBhTNbfXI/AAAAAAAAAKE/i_VsoTQIdec/s320/fresh-veggies.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So, where to start? I've read a few things on mapping out your garden and such, so I think I will start there. Dad is coming next week, maybe, so I think he may help me get the soil ready. With this crazy weather we are having, who knows when I will actually be able to get the plants in the ground.<br />
Do you have any helpful hints for me? Truly, people, I'm up for trying anything. Do I need to add anything to the soil? What type of seeds should I use? Let me in on the gardening scoop...I appreciate your help and will keep you posted on the progress. Bring on this challenge!Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-72233662089804226132010-03-24T09:10:00.001-05:002010-03-24T09:10:39.627-05:00Lock-ins and moreLet me just start by saying, I despise staying up all night. I always have. I get a headache around 3 a.m. and feel like doo-doo the next few days. They are even worse now. This momma needs her sleep! We had a lock-in this past Friday night with 65 teenagers. We had a great time, but I'm just now getting fully recovered from it. What is the point of making yourself feel miserable because you stayed up all night and played games? I would rather have 5 activities 5 days in a row than stay up like that. BOO!!!!<br />
Needless to say, it all went well besides one trip to the E.R. for one of our teen girls - she broke her arm. The kids had fun playing dodge ball, giant volleyball, hide and seek, cards, and so much more.<br />
What do you think about lock-ins? Do you have any memories or thoughts about them? Are you on my side about despising them?Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-71496058757760020842010-03-16T17:03:00.003-05:002010-03-16T17:15:42.430-05:00Heritage: Episode IIOk, so friends aren't technically considered part of your "heritage," but when you have some of the friends I have, they might as well be family. Throughout my mere 24 years of living, I have had (and still have) some absolutely amazing friends. We have laughed and cried together. When I am down, they build me up. They pray for me and with me. They support me in everything I do and attempt (well, most of the time!). I consider myself very blessed to have these special people in my life. I want to run just a FEW of these wonderful ladies by you...so you can get a small insight into the support system I have around me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_3A_HZPMI/AAAAAAAAAIU/fkTUb2fTJfY/s1600-h/wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_3A_HZPMI/AAAAAAAAAIU/fkTUb2fTJfY/s320/wedding.jpg" /></a></div>First, my friend Yasmin. We met when my family moved to Oklahoma in 2000. We became fast friends, although we are so very different. She was the cheerleader (which I am not a big fan of) and I was the athlete. She is the girly-girl and I am the tom-boy. One thing we have in common - our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That is an amazing bond...a sister-hood, literally. She is absolutely one of the most amazing young ladies I have ever known...of course I'd want her as my best friend! She is single and allowing the Lord to use her wherever and whenever. She is from Peru and speaks Spanish as her first language. When we were in high school, we were always in each other's homes. If I wanted to know what everyone was laughing about, I had to learn spanish. Don't get me wrong, I do not speak fluently by any means, but I can understand a whole lot more because of Yas and her family. We love to have fun and be silly together. We love to travel - particularly in Europe. It was our life dream to go to Spain. In 2006, we got to realize that dream when we were there for a mission trip. Little did she know, the Lord would call her there 2 more times and who knows how many times in the future. She is passionate about knowing Christ and sharing that knowledge through the teaching of the Gospel and His Word. She is AMAZING!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_3CFK6hHI/AAAAAAAAAIk/9r58VXH7vZQ/s1600-h/preggo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_3CFK6hHI/AAAAAAAAAIk/9r58VXH7vZQ/s320/preggo.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_3653lnYI/AAAAAAAAAIs/qQhSMjkBGys/s1600-h/laugh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_3653lnYI/AAAAAAAAAIs/qQhSMjkBGys/s320/laugh.jpg" /></a></div>Yasmin and I have a great friend together - Cassie. Cassie just got married almost 2 years ago. Now, Yas is the outcast in our friendship for 3. Cassie and I love to play sports and to be outdoors...we are the tomboy athletes and Yas is our cheerleader...haha! The 3 of us love to be together. With Yas out of the country and me in Tennessee, we don't get to be together just the 3 of us very often. But when we are, anyone around will need earplugs. We LOVE TO LAUGH! And we are loud when we laugh...and that is an UNDERstatement! Cassie married a wonderful young man named Gary. Cassie is a teacher and basketball coach at her old school in Oklahoma. She and her husband serve as youth workers in the church we all attended in high school (which happens to be where my parents serve in full time youth ministry). They are such a wonderful asset to their ministry! Cassie also loves Jesus and loves to share the gospel with others. She, too, went with us to Spain...what a wonderful memory-making trip!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_27ulDVBI/AAAAAAAAAIM/Dj7_jk8XrJk/s1600-h/castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_27ulDVBI/AAAAAAAAAIM/Dj7_jk8XrJk/s320/castle.jpg" /></a></div>Cassie loves to hunt and play any sport...well, almost any. She is very competitive. In fact, when we were in high school, we went to rival schools. When we played the Wildcats, we were fierce competitors on the court (her team won all the time), but we looked out for one another at the same time. We love to play any kind of card games together. I am so blessed to have Cassie as one of my best friends!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_3BtYmqsI/AAAAAAAAAIc/_3LIhQGppVA/s1600-h/church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_3BtYmqsI/AAAAAAAAAIc/_3LIhQGppVA/s320/church.jpg" /></a></div>I came to Nashville in 2004 when I started college. I made several wonderful, lifetime friends at school, but none like Yas and Cassie. Aaron took a position as youth pastor at a small church just outside of Nashville in November of 2006 - just before we got married. We served there for 2 1/2 wonderful years. We have some wonderful friends from our years there...our previous pastor and his wife in particular. Blaine and Donetta. Blaine, the pastor at that time, became a mentor to Aaron in his first position of ministry. Donetta did the same for me...we became fast friends! After a year of service together, the Lord called them to another ministry in Arkansas. It was a difficult time for us, but we knew they had to follow where the Lord was telling them to go. She was my friend away from home and I love and apprecaite her very much!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_4w0T_Y7I/AAAAAAAAAI0/Q_DUgIE3I-w/s1600-h/donetta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_4w0T_Y7I/AAAAAAAAAI0/Q_DUgIE3I-w/s320/donetta.jpg" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>When the Lord called us to our current ministry, Aaron and I (selfishly) prayed for good friends. Especially being in the ministry, friends become essential for encouragement, support, love, shoulders to cry on, ears to vent to, etc. etc. Little did we know, those incredible friends were just around the corner. We had attended our church while in college, so we had a few friends from our time then. The music minister and his wife were having a baby the same time we were. (Today is their son's birthday, by the way - happy birthday, Mayer!) That in itself was a blessing - to be going through the same season of life together. Through every step of our first year of parenthood, we have been through it together. Through our first year of ministry at TDF, they have encouraged us and showed us the ropes. Carrie is the one I am running the half marathon with next month. We have been training together. If it wasn't for her, I probably would not be doing it. Not only did Aaron and I get friends, but Desmond has his very best friend in their son, Mayer. They are two peas in a pod!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_-c7Yt6JI/AAAAAAAAAJE/SznNW561sVk/s1600-h/boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_-c7Yt6JI/AAAAAAAAAJE/SznNW561sVk/s320/boys.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_-fyxO1pI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/gJKgZWoYQcA/s1600-h/hawkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_-fyxO1pI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/gJKgZWoYQcA/s320/hawkins.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_-fHPVdfI/AAAAAAAAAJs/f6zxavr6UXs/s1600-h/our+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_-fHPVdfI/AAAAAAAAAJs/f6zxavr6UXs/s320/our+boys.jpg" /></a></div>They are such a wonderful family - and its not just the 3 of them. Since both Aaron and my family are far away, for the most part, their families have adopted us as their own. Carrie's whole family lives here and attend our church. Her parents have become Desmond's adopted grandparents...and Carrie's sister, Katie and her husband have become great friends as well. To say the least, we could not be more grateful for them! <br />
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Last, but certainly not least, my mom is one of my best friends. There will be a more in-depth post about her later. For now, she is one of my biggest supporters, and always has been. .She prays for me and lifts me up. She has been and still is a wonderful example for me to follow. I love my momma!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_-eG8AepI/AAAAAAAAAJc/O8uG7sYg5LI/s1600-h/mom+and+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5_-eG8AepI/AAAAAAAAAJc/O8uG7sYg5LI/s320/mom+and+me.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S6AANtlOtHI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/Q1fbrUZ1tns/s1600-h/mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S6AANtlOtHI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/Q1fbrUZ1tns/s320/mom.jpg" /></a></div>Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-89343407463654322022010-03-10T11:36:00.002-06:002010-03-10T11:38:51.620-06:00Lots to updateWe have a lot to catch up on, so here we go!!!!!!!!<br />
Last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, we took 40 TDF students and 8 adults to Paoli, Indiana for a ski/snowboarding/tubing trip. We got in late Friday night and hung out for a while and also had a "re-image session." All day Saturday we ski'd, snowboarded and tubed. I decided to ski - it was my 2nd time going - and I had a blast. I'm getting better at it! I'd love to live somewhere I could go more often, but I'll take my once a year trip for now. I took a couple of tough spills and was very sore Sunday and Monday, but it was well worth the adrenaline rush! I love it! I also got to spend some time on the slopes with my hubby which was nice. He taught me to do new things (thus a few of the spills I took), but it was fun to be with him. Most importantly from the weekend, our lives were changed. We used the "ski trip" as our winter retreat. Aaron "spoke" from his heart 3 times and our students' hearts were tender to the Word of God. Lives were changed - hearts and minds were molded, "re-imaged." Thank you, Lord for a mostly injury-free trip, but for helping us realize how we can be more like you!<br />
We returned home Sunday afternoon and mom and dad came in late Sunday night. There is a youth pastor's conference going on in Nashville, so dad has been attending that while mom has hung out with Des and myself. Aaron's mom was also in town (expecting the delivery of my sister-in-law's baby girl), and she didn't have her before she left for home. We have had several adventures in these few short days. Let me just let you in on a few of them.<br />
Monday, we spent some time with Aaron's mom, sister, and niece...along with my mom. We had a nice lunch and visited for a while before she had to fly out. Mom went with me to go get Max - he's a 6 year old boy that I get from school and spend a couple of hours with until his parents get home. He has a 13 year old brother, Alex, and an 18 year old sister, Casie. Because of all of the pointless snowdays, they have extended the school days 30 minutes for a couple of months to make up the days. So, we headed out a little later than usual to get him. We picked him up and headed to his house. When we pulled in the driveway, their garage door was open. Weird! I tried calling his parents to see if they perhaps just forgot to close the door when they left...no answer. So, we sat there for a second and then decided to head on inside.<br />
As we entered the house from the garage, we noticed the lights were on! Then....we heard footsteps upstairs! We darted out of there! When I say darted, I mean we have never run so fast back to the car in all of our lives! Mom stood erect next to the house thinking whoever it was couldn't see her if she was under the overhang. I shoved Max in the car - literally, SHOVED - mom was screaming at me to get in the car and call 911. Mom sat in the front passenger seat and I DOVE in on TOP of her. My legs still hanging out the car, the nice 911 man (lets call him George) answered. Max didn't know his address...and all I knew was the street name. I finally wiggled and squirmed to the driver's seat (probably hurting mom in the meantime) and pulled out of the driveway.<br />
George assured me the police were on their way and when it was safe, we needed to get away from the house. I pulled in front of the house next door to where I could pull away if Mr. Robber came running out of the house. We noticed all of the lights were on throughout the house and there was a strange car parked next door. Mom SCREAMED the license plate number and I tried to calmly repeat it to George. Mom tried relentlessly to get a hold of Max's parents and I stayed on the phone with George - Max prayed in the back seat. After about 10-12 minutes of waiting, 4 police cars pulled up and they piled out. One of them stood behind a tree - gun pulled, staring at the front door. One went darting through the garage after Mr. Robber and another was pulling a HUGE rifle out of the trunk to use on him. After several minutes (seemed like an eternity) of them searching the house, the front door finally opened. They had him! The police officers escorted him out....Max's older brother, Alex! WHAT!?!?!? Are you kidding me? Come to find out, instead of Alex and Casie going 30 minutes late, they were going 30 minutes early to school. Casie had dropped Alex off and then headed to play practice...forgetting to close the garage door in the meantime.<br />
Well, our heart rates were through the roof and blood pressure sky high - all for nothing. We could have made it a much more interesting ending, but I'm glad it wasn't. I'm just so glad mom was with me and we were able to have the right state of mind to do all the "right" things. WHEW! My blood pressure is up just reliving the story to you...and that's only MONDAY!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yesterday, my sister-in-law had a dr's appointment early, so she brought my niece over for me to watch her. I went and picked up the other little girl I watch, so mom and I had 3 little ones. We had to run an errand at a friend's house and when we were on our way home, heard that they were going to break my SIL's water. I was going to have a new niece! Kaylee Ann was born at 3:04, weighing in at 8 lbs and 11 oz and was 21 1/4 inches long...I think. She is beautiful and perfect! Everyone is doing well...grandkid number 8 on Aaron's side! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5fX3HzytoI/AAAAAAAAAIE/hvOqp_UEoi0/s1600-h/DSCF3576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5fX3HzytoI/AAAAAAAAAIE/hvOqp_UEoi0/s320/DSCF3576.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5fXo8OqMcI/AAAAAAAAAHs/nKaHdC-i57w/s1600-h/DSCF3564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5fXo8OqMcI/AAAAAAAAAHs/nKaHdC-i57w/s320/DSCF3564.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5fXt6g7XuI/AAAAAAAAAH0/DWF-M6diIag/s1600-h/DSCF3582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S5fXt6g7XuI/AAAAAAAAAH0/DWF-M6diIag/s320/DSCF3582.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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Needless to say, it has been an exciting, eventful past few days. Mom and dad head out today, but will be baack soon. That's all for now...toodaloo!Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-22129083534480849602010-03-02T12:15:00.003-06:002010-03-02T12:18:30.415-06:00Out of Touch<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S41P7Rs3vnI/AAAAAAAAAGc/AyJrGFy1AgE/s1600-h/DSCF3521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S41P7Rs3vnI/AAAAAAAAAGc/AyJrGFy1AgE/s320/DSCF3521.JPG" width="320" /></a>I have been out of touch with the cyber world this week. I have had a husband still on the mend from having his tonsils removed, a 1 year old with another tooth coming in, not to mention we painted our bonus room last week! Needless to say, it has been crazy around this house. This week isn't looking to be much different. Aaron is feeling better, but still not 100%. We have rescheduled our ski trip from last month to this coming weekend. Des will be staying with his Mawmaw and Pawpaw (Curt and Mary Holland) - they are his "adopted" grandparents here in Nashville. I am looking forward to a great weekend with our TDF teens!Des and I went to Pleasant View Christian's basketball game last week. That is the school I taught and coached at last year. We got to watch our girls win...and advance to the finals of the state tournament! I am so proud of them! Des was there last year, too, but he was only a week old! Here are some pictures of Des and me at the game. What a big boy I have!! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S41RuZbbEsI/AAAAAAAAAGk/q2R7wiZvf7Y/s1600/1+year-+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S41RuZbbEsI/AAAAAAAAAGk/q2R7wiZvf7Y/s400/1+year-+done.jpg" width="252" /></a> Mommy, do you think I can play basketball someday? Well, for now, I'll just play with these fun colorful rings...they taste pretty good!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S41T2AARbNI/AAAAAAAAAHM/2iyo0ApIQcI/s1600-h/all+smiles+-+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S41T2AARbNI/AAAAAAAAAHM/2iyo0ApIQcI/s320/all+smiles+-+done.jpg" width="313" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Look at all of those teeth!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S41T4GcABVI/AAAAAAAAAHU/clNp0wuGlRk/s1600-h/drool+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S41T4GcABVI/AAAAAAAAAHU/clNp0wuGlRk/s320/drool+done.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S41T7ZDmbPI/AAAAAAAAAHc/1U1p_Czsu9g/s320/with+mom+done.jpg" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Despite what daddy thinks, he <i>is </i>a momma's boy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm sure I will have pictures from this weekend...for now, that's all folks! Have a blessed week.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-65765039615001719462010-02-22T15:03:00.000-06:002010-02-22T15:03:32.542-06:00FREE STUFF!I love free or low-cost stuff. I love to save $$$ any way I can. A good friend of mine just let me know about this website: www.busymomsbible.com Enter your information and the first 5000 ladies get a free Busy Moms Bible. Check it out!<br />
Update on Aaron: He is doing much better today. He had a rough weekend, but has more energy and is in less pain today. Thank you for your prayers!Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-83653698849063345072010-02-19T17:52:00.001-06:002010-02-19T17:56:36.340-06:00Wife turned nurseMy husband, Aaron, had surgery yesterday to have his tonsils removed. At 24 he waited a little late, but better late than never. He usually gets strep throat between 4-8 times a year. He had surgery scheduled a few years ago during Christmas break, but we decided to get married instead. OOPS! :-)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S38kpGsU5JI/AAAAAAAAAGU/iOfeeh4DAQc/s1600-h/wedding+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S38kpGsU5JI/AAAAAAAAAGU/iOfeeh4DAQc/s320/wedding+2.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S38knhckhfI/AAAAAAAAAGM/gI8JHaOpNBo/s1600-h/wedding+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S38knhckhfI/AAAAAAAAAGM/gI8JHaOpNBo/s320/wedding+1.jpg" /></a></div>What is it with men when they are sick? They become big babies. I love my hubby and he is a good patient, but can not seem to do anything for himself. As his wife, I love taking care of him, but it wears on you when it is 24-7. I also have a little boy to take care of so, essentially, I have to babies on my hands for a few days. However, when women are sick, we have to take care of ourselves and everyone else still. There is not much time for us to be babied. I suppose that is why we are the nurturing mothers...and the fathers are just rough and tough with the kiddos.<br />
Anyway, Aaron is doing great. He has only had a little bit of pain...but he is highly medicated! He has been sleeping a lot, eating ice cream and mac n cheese, drinking gatorade and ginger ale, and being lazy trying to recover. I hope it is a quick recovery!<br />
I appreciate all of your prayer for Aaron and for myself - patience is a virtue, Casey.Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-21464325615161352122010-02-16T15:58:00.002-06:002010-02-16T15:58:52.220-06:00I have a 1 year old...now that's just crazy!<meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 9" name="Generator"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 9" name="Originator"></meta><link href="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/AARON%7E1.AAR/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><style>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Saturday was Desmond's 1st birthday. I simply can not believe this past year has flown by so fast! My baby is not an infant anymore...he's a 1 year old! He's a big boy...starting to take his first steps and talking all the time as if you should know what he's saying. It is so much fun!<o:p></o:p></div><o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p> <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"> <---Des in the wagon his Poppy made him! It is awesome!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S3sTk5I7D-I/AAAAAAAAAFk/sMPYWGL_ESc/s1600-h/cake+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S3sTk5I7D-I/AAAAAAAAAFk/sMPYWGL_ESc/s320/cake+face.jpg" /></a> <o:p></o:p>On Saturday, we had a big party with friends and family...over 50 people! Our little boy is most definitely loved! He was spoiled with some great gifts and lovin's. Seeing as though he loves food in general, he had NO problem DEVOURING his cake! Needless to say, he enjoyed it a little too much. When I woke him up Sunday morning to go to church, he had thrown up in his crib and fallen back asleep in it. YUCK! He had to get another bath and the sheets and bumpers all came out to get bleached.<o:p></o:p> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S3sTmcxcHNI/AAAAAAAAAFs/nYlaLgZWjKw/s1600-h/cake+yum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S3sTmcxcHNI/AAAAAAAAAFs/nYlaLgZWjKw/s320/cake+yum.jpg" /></a> <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S3sTjXLzHvI/AAAAAAAAAFc/oKZgpwX4x9E/s1600-h/boys+in+wagon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S3sTjXLzHvI/AAAAAAAAAFc/oKZgpwX4x9E/s320/boys+in+wagon.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <---Des and his best friend, Mayer<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">As you know, Sunday was Valentine's Day. It took me back to memories of last V-day. I was totally surprised Des had arrived and was overjoyed to have a Valentine and a Jr. Valentine. This year was no exception. My boys loved on me and it was a great day.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">My mom and dad got to come visit for a few days too. They came in Friday night for the party on Saturday and just left this morning. Whenever my parents come, TONS of stuff gets done around our house. When we moved in this house last May, they did so much work to makeover several rooms. This visit was no different. Although many of the fix-its they made were not necessarily noticable to the average Joe, they make a HUGE difference to us! We get to see them every few months, usually, and it is always nice for Des to see his grandparents - and them love on him! He is one loved little boy!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-44486974169396900512010-02-12T08:49:00.002-06:002010-02-12T12:22:57.629-06:00Time Flies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S3VoynJmj4I/AAAAAAAAAEU/ozuxJJRZt4s/s1600-h/ultrasound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S3VoynJmj4I/AAAAAAAAAEU/ozuxJJRZt4s/s320/ultrasound.jpg" /></a></div><br />
One year ago today, I was GREAT with child. I was 8 months preggo (or so I thought - my due date was March 10) and had been teaching 4th grade and coaching girl's basketball at a local Christian school. I was loving it, too! On that particular day, we had just begun our regional basketball tournament. And because it was a Christian school association, I had to wear a dress to coach. I'm not the kind of girl that wears a dress, not to mention while I'm coaching! I'm one of those coaches who is on her feet the entire game, jumping up and down and everything else. Being pregnant didn't stop me from that! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S3VoqwS1loI/AAAAAAAAADs/n8l7XNXlzjw/s1600-h/preg+me+and+caleb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S3VoqwS1loI/AAAAAAAAADs/n8l7XNXlzjw/s320/preg+me+and+caleb.jpg" /></a></div>My girls had come so far and had improved so much, it was unbelievable, even to me! You see, to begin our season, we juggled a few girls and only a couple of the 10 we ended up with had ever played organized basketball before. We had a long road ahead of us and I never dreamed we would even be able to compete at the year-end tournament. We had our opening game on Thursday of that week and beat a team we had already beaten a few times throughout the season. I was beaming with pride for my team!<br />
That game started around 1 p.m. and I arrived home about 4 p.m. With nothing to do that evening, and orders from my doctor, Aaron and I stayed at home to relax. We were just laying on the couch, well I was partially on and my belly was hanging off. As every woman who has had a child knows, I was having to frequent the bathroom. I got frustrated because it seemed as though after I had rocked back and forth several times, and with the assistance of my husband to get up, I went to the bathroom and came to sit back down. As soon as I got comfortable, I'd have to go right back! Since I didn't have to teach the next day because of the tournament, we were up later than usual. A little after midnight I had gone to the bathroom. By the time I merely got back to the couch, I started to head back. UGH! While waddling my way through the living room, I felt a gush of warmth on my thighs. Was I urinating on myself? NOPE! I couldn't stop it.<br />
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"Umm...Aaron, I think my water just broke," I said.<br />
"What? No it didn't." he said as he stayed relaxed on the couch.<br />
"Uh, yeah...I can't stop it and its still coming!"<br />
Surprised, he replied, "oh my goodness, let's get to the hospital!"<br />
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He scurried through the house to pick up my bags that I already had packed and grab a few loose items. I stayed put in the living room as my water was still breaking! He quickly returned and said, "Casey! What are you doing? Let's go!" "Oh yeah, that sounds like a plan...I don't want to get this everywhere!"<br />
After a few minutes, I felt like my water had stopped coming, so I headed to the bathroom where my wonderful husband had put some clothes for me to change into. I removed the watered down sweats I had been wearing and started the bath water. "What on earth are you doing? Let's go!" said my anxious husband. "I've got to take a shower...I feel nasty after that!" Plus, my contractions hadn't started yet, so I figured I was ok for a while. I suppose he was more anxious because he knew we had at least a good 30 minute drive to the hospital.<br />
I quickly rinsed off and dressed and was finally ready to go. We trekked our way to the hospital and he hit every stinking pot-hole in between. My contractions started just a few minutes after getting in the car. We got to the hospital about 12:30 a.m. and I had called ahead to let my midwife know I was coming. She met me at the door and took me upstairs. The contractions were every few minutes at this point, but weren't too terrible. When we got settled in my room, she checked me and I was dilated to 3 and 100% effaced. It was just a matter of time...<br />
About 2:30 or so, they gave me an epidural (which was amazing). At that point, we were just waiting. My midwife checked me a few times through the night and then around 5 a.m. said that I was at a 5 and projected it would be mid-morning when my baby would come. My parents were coming from Oklahoma and had left around 3:30-4 a.m. with a 10 hour trip ahead of them. They knew they wouldn't be there for the birth, but hoped to be there very soon after. They had a shift change at 7, so the new midwife came in about 7:15 and said, "you're a 10, let's deliver this baby!"<br />
Aaron quickly woke up from the cot next to me. We weren't ready for that! We knew he would be born that day, but not so quickly! She left the room and returned a few minutes later. Because of the epidural, they had to tell me I was having a contraction. At about 7:25, I started pushing. After 2 series of 3 pushes, he had crowned. Our lives were about to change forever! The very next push, out Desmond Aaron Pontious came into this world! 7.5 lbs and 20 inches long, born at 7:38 a.m. on February 13.<br />
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My reaction? "He's not ugly!" Ouch, sorry Des. "He's absolutely perfect!" I called my mom a few minutes later as the nurses were cleaning him up. <br />
"Mom, do you hear that baby crying in the background?" <br />
"yes," she replied," why on earth would they have a baby in your room?" <br />
"Well, that's Desmond - your grandson!"<br />
"No way! You had him so quickly? I thought it was going to be mid-morning!"<br />
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</div> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S3VoucYkwyI/AAAAAAAAAD8/eMZclUVyGBc/s1600-h/mommy+and+des.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S3VoucYkwyI/AAAAAAAAAD8/eMZclUVyGBc/s320/mommy+and+des.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S3VowMcHdpI/AAAAAAAAAEE/q0S2IET-gmg/s1600-h/daddy+and+des.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S3VowMcHdpI/AAAAAAAAAEE/q0S2IET-gmg/s320/daddy+and+des.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S3VowgalUfI/AAAAAAAAAEM/FJVxYdwsdJ8/s1600-h/des.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S3VowgalUfI/AAAAAAAAAEM/FJVxYdwsdJ8/s200/des.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><br />
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We got the word out to other friends and family. We were such proud parents. I wanted to soak up every minute, every event, every visitor that came to see our handsome newborn. He was delightful and more amazing that I could've ever imagined! Little did I know, that little boy has brought me such pride and joy in 364 days. He has taught me so much in such little time. I love him more than I knew I could...and it just gets better every day!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S3Voz-q3PnI/AAAAAAAAAEc/tOC-L8i7FsU/s1600-h/mohawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S3Voz-q3PnI/AAAAAAAAAEc/tOC-L8i7FsU/s320/mohawk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Happy birthday tomorrow, Desmond. Mommy loves you so much!</b></div>Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-14842185710966959122010-02-08T11:29:00.000-06:002010-02-08T11:29:34.203-06:00Running MadI HATE running. I absolutely despise it. The only times I prefer to do it is if I'm being chased by something or if I'm chasing something (like a basketball or softball). I understand the importance of being in shape, especially when trying to perform on a team. However, it is the worst torture for me. Last year when I was coaching, I told my players on the first day that they would be running like crazy before and during the season. I did it for a reason, and a very good one at that. You see, you can't be a good basketball player if you play 3 awesome quarters and are tired for the 4th. We could not play to the best of our ability unless we were in better shape than the other team. Yes, good defense and making a shot here and there are important. BUT, it inevitably comes down to the 4th quarter and whether or not we could continue playing at a high level for all 32 minutes of the game.<br />
I'm just now starting to run again after having Desmond. Yes, he will be 1 on Saturday - back off! And I still hate it. However, I'm seeing the importance of taking care of myself. I can't be the best mommy and wife unless I put my health and shape first. "If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!" I guess in my case it would be "if momma ain't HEALTHY, ain't nobody health." There are more children in our future. I want to be healthy for myself and for him/her/them. I've got to "go the distance" to take care of myself. <br />
I've decided to set a goal for myself this year - to run a half marathon. I'm actually going to walk/jog it. I'm not interested in RUNNING it. I want to finish the race. I'm thankful for my friend, Carrie who is willing to jog/walk it with me. We have already started training for it. The race is the last weekend in April. I will be sharing more about it later.<br />
It sounds funny, but my relationship with the Lord is just the same. How am I supposed to "bring up my children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" if I, myself, am not doing it? I have to stay on top of it - keep it healthy. What good is a luke warm Christian? none...the Lord will spit you out of His mouth! Get healthy, stay healthy...be healthy in every area. I'm trying to do my best. Are you?Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451063069396591604.post-47203357920607855482010-02-05T13:07:00.000-06:002010-02-05T13:38:39.063-06:00Heritage: Episode II'm so thankful for such a wonderful family, on both sides. I want to give you a better picture of our families, from deep within. In this post, I simply want to address my husband Aaron's maternal grandparents. Grandma and Grandpa Hubbard. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S2xyo2UdLhI/AAAAAAAAADE/V-g32Zeqk2w/s1600-h/Houser+family+011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S2xyo2UdLhI/AAAAAAAAADE/V-g32Zeqk2w/s320/Houser+family+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434844896430992914" /></a>They are simply amazing! In the almost 7 years that I have known them, they have made me feel like their own granddaughter. I KNOW they love me. <br />When you visit their home in Michigan, you will find Grandpa tending to his 1/2 acre garden and Grandma baking pies. Grandpa will surely take you on a tour of all of his flowers, his garden, and the blueberry bushes out back. You will find out where he bought them, who he bought them from and what a bargain he got on each plant. Last summer, we had the opportunity to spend a few days with them in their home. It was a wonderful time. In one day alone, grandpa picked and we canned 90 pints and 17 quarts of green beans. Although it is their hobby, it is also their way of providing for their family still. We left there with two boxes of green beans and a box of fresh salsa. They provide all of their children and married grandchildren with green beans, salsa, corn, strawberries and so much more. They are so giving and we appreciate the fresh produce in the dead of winter! They are both such hard workers.<br />They both also like to have fun. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S2xypaB2r_I/AAAAAAAAADU/XDdub5Wa4_o/s1600-h/Houser+family+046.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S2xypaB2r_I/AAAAAAAAADU/XDdub5Wa4_o/s320/Houser+family+046.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434844906016649202" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S2xypNlWIpI/AAAAAAAAADM/2rZEBueUGSk/s1600-h/Houser+family+044.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S2xypNlWIpI/AAAAAAAAADM/2rZEBueUGSk/s320/Houser+family+044.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434844902675849874" /></a>For the winter months, they head to their home in Florida. We are blessed because they just "happen" to come our way from Michigan to Florida and back. Usually they stop for a couple of days each way. We play every card game you have ever heard of...and even ones they have made up themselves. They are so competitive, and even worse with each other. Its hilarious, but great at the same time! <br />I cherish them because they have been an example for everyone to follow. They are so giving and encouraging. Every time we are together, they want to know how our ministry is going. They tell us how proud they are of us being willing to serve in full-time ministry. They tell us what the Lord has been doing in and around them. They are so excited about serving our Savior! Grandpa always prays, "that Thou might bless this our dear family, oh Lord." And he has!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S2xyp5o7BcI/AAAAAAAAADc/PH_etMrUtzk/s1600-h/Houser+family+084.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jUDIpm5oC1k/S2xyp5o7BcI/AAAAAAAAADc/PH_etMrUtzk/s320/Houser+family+084.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434844914502010306" /></a><br />I'm so thankful for the Godly home they brought my mother-in-law up in. They have backed her up and supported her through everything, I know. I appreciate her because of the love that she has for me and the home she raised my husband in. When Aaron's dad left, she was solely responsible for the well-being of her 5 kids. She worked so hard (at least 3 jobs most of the time) just to provide for their necessities. Yet, she still gave sacrificially to those around her. She also made sure her family was in church and that her children saw what a Godly woman and mother should be. Thank, you Julie! Because of you, my husband is the wonderful man he is today.<br />I'm so thankful for this wonderful part of our family. I look forward to sharing more of our rich heritage with you.Casey Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00481531464110713231noreply@blogger.com0