my new favorite song..

i think this is my anthem. it really explains my heart.

I give you the stool.....

i WAS JUST ON GOD TUBE WATCHING VIDEOS AND THIS video really struck me. I was kinda thinking of my earlier post about the new year.






My decision is that I want to fully give Jesus the stool!!!!!

picture overload

looking forward and reflecting back

I am so ready for a new year.
my to do list consists of
Growing up in Jesus
Give more, Serve more
Growing Kids Gods way..... A must
work on my marriage and myself
get healthy or healthier
a part time job
a better budget and learn to be smart with what we have
get a mentor/accountability partner
go to the doctor and get all my girl tests done
get my thyroid issue under control
I am really looking forward to making some changes for the new year. I am looking at this as kindof a fresh start.
I want some serious changes in my and my family. We are making some very real decisions and coming to a couple of hard decisions and realizations. Pastor talked on Sunday about change and moving in His steps and not our own. He talked about a few things that forced some changes in some minstries. I kinda feel that we are being forced into some of these same things. It is both scary and exciting to see where the next steps are going to lead.

the last two years have been a test of faith and have brought things out in me that i really did not like. I have learned some things and I am still working on some of these things.
we have been through job loss, poor decisions, seperations, a tornado and a few other things that have made me really want to give up and ask why? and to be honest i still have those times.
It is in these moments i am reminded that God is on the throne and I am his child. I dont need to know why, I just need to trust and know that I am loved.

Note to self....

next year do not buy a CHRISTmas tree from Home Depot. no matter how cheap they are.

we ended up with a true Charlie Brown tree after the third day.

It stopped drinking water. every time it was touched the needles fell off.

We were not able to use the lights because of the fire hazard.

So needless to say we took it out CHRISTmas night.

Terry took the dustpan and scooped 10 scoops of needles off the floor. (thank goodness for hardwood floors)

sooo sweet......

i love this little one.

3 years old....hmmmm

he is my challenge. He is my test of patience.

There are days i wonder where i went wrong as a parent.

I watch shows like nanny 911 and supernanny and wonder if i would make the show. and then I realize im not the only one that the only one that is climbing the walls with screaming kiddos.

This is why I cherish these pics...

He cracks me up. He climbs on the fridge and calls it his castle.

hmmmmm.

Merry CHRISTmas...

Just wanted to post a quick Merry Christmas to all my family and friends. God Bless You all and have a wonderful time remembering our Saviour's birth and fellowship with family and friends.
Blessings to all

found....

whew...
I found them. It just occurred to me that i had put them on the floor in between my desk and the wall so i could go through later. *sigh* I knew i had them somewhere. lol
Thank You for the prayers.

missing coupons...

i am just a little bit irritated and i can't sleep!!!!! which is why i am blogging at 3 am. I went to vgs on sunday with my coupons. I have two of those expandable folder thingys and i had a bunch of coupons I had not cut yet. anyway before i left the store i put them in a bag so that it was easy just to grab and take them into the house. well now i cannot find them. It is very irritating because i need to go shopping today and i have a bunch of coupons to file. so please pray that i find them....soon that is a lot of money in savings i am losing.
Thanks

So Blessed!!!!

God is so good.

i posted a list of some of the things we were asking God to bless our kids with for Christmas and He has blessed.
off the list:
1 ds
vsmile
use of steam vacuum
bibles
toby mac cd
mp3 player
ps2 girl games.

Wow i am about in tears. We are learning obedience and trying to be smart with our money at least smarter than we have been. We were considering spending an certain amount of money on a wii system for the whole family and found a very good deal. We contacted the seller and had the deal worked out. But i was not really feel peaceful about it. It was over our budget even though it was a great deal and i didnt like spending that amount on a game system. So I emailed the guy and honestly told him why we had to back out. (he said he had other proscpects) I felt a whole lot of peace flood over me after that email. But I still was unsure of how much and what we were doing about Christmas for the kids. That is when I emailed friends and family and posted the list. Terry has been working as a driving instructor for the past month. (he really likes it)and has a lot of opportunity to share his testimony. He shared it with one of his students and his student shared with him. He is a new Christian and told Terry about not having any money for Christmas.
Terry felt the tug to Bless him in spite of our situation and bought him a card and put $70 in it
which is everything he had. He took him the card and left. Terry got a call a short time later from the student saying thank you and he was pretty speechless. He said his wife was in tears. While all that was going on i got a phone call that someone wanted to Bless us with a $25 gift card. and Terry got a call from his boss saying that they were very impressed with his work and they were rewarding him with a raise, pay for all of next week(he is only working mon. and tues.) and a small Christmas Bonus. That is just the beginning of a rollercoaster of blessing since
I last blogged. I am pretty much feeling like I am God's favorite Kid!!!!!

looking.....

Hi all,
i am looking for a couple things for the kids for Christmas. As you know the economy really stinks so i thought ask if anyone has any good websites ideas or these items used that you dont use or are wanting to part with for a fair price.
I know that its late but we really cant help it. We are just trying save as much money as possible and want to bless our kids after rough couple of years.

heres the list:
Use of a steam vacuum
3 nintendo ds's (used)
ds games
vsmile system and games
littlest pet shops
dress up or princess stuff
little girl's Bibles
teen girls Bible
Mp3 player
disneys sing it for playstation2
playstation2 games(for girls)
guitar hero
Guys Life Application Study Bible
Any Christian music
Skillet
Relient k
Stellar kart
Toby mac
idog
please let me know if you have anything like this and how much you are asking.
God bless and thank you,
Merry Christmas,
Amy




poor baby

I got a call the other day from Noahs preschool saying i need to come and get him because he woke up with a horrible bloody nose. They were right it was bad. Acacia(his teacher) said she has never seen that bad before. i had to bring his blanket and mat home and scrub it. I could not believe it myself.

More savings.

Part of my busy week consisted of a coupon swap on monday and then grocery shopping on tuesday.

Kroger. 367.24. - savings 141.50 total paid 225.74 61% savings overall.At Walgreens Total was 35.12 savings totaled 15.58 I spent 19.54.

Long day.......

What a long day. We got up early this morning and prepared to go to Payton's funeral. Honestly that was one of the most beautiful funerals I have ever been to. God was so glorified in that little girl and through her people could see Gods love. Her pastor told the story of when accepted Jesus and was baptized. He shared some wonderful stories of how she lived. he also gave friends and Family the Chance to come and share how she touched them and changed their lives for the better. At the end they played a song they taped of her singing at their church "Here I Am to Worship". She was such in a inspiring Girl.

Payton is Healed!!!!

About a month or so I blogged about a beautiful 11 year old girl with cancer. on Saturday night around 9pm payton was healed and is now dancing with Jeaus and enjoying a heavenly home that we only wonder about on earth.
God, I thank you for Payton and the time that she spent here on earth. I pray you give comfort to her family and friends as they wait to see her again. I know she Loved you and that her life touched so many and that she is touching lives with legacy she leaves behind. I know we dont always understand why but you have a plan and purpose and our only job is to Trust you. God your grace is sufficient and I ask for grace upon us as we celebrate her life and get through the next days, months and years without her beautiful smile in front of us each day.
In Jesus Name,
Amen

coupon swap

hi ladies, If anyone is interested i am planning on having a coupn swap at my house on mon. Dec 8 @ 1pm. I thought it be a good opportunity to get together, pray, and swap coupons that we may not use or get some that we need and don't have. Let me know if your interested. God Bless, Amy

ok God I get it.........

This week going to be in my book very busy:
I have house work to do
Laundry
An eighr page paper to write abou computer crime-- any volunteers?
Womens ministry
Refined meeting
youth on Wednesday
christmas Play at cornerstone.
Girls night out
Jingle fest on saturday
Figure out bills
and a slew of other things.....
I dont know why i do this to myself and I God said oh you no don't because you need to REST.
On Monday the brakes on my van went out which is a serious issue. and womens ministry was cancelled due to weather. On tuesday I really dont remember it was kind of a blur. Oh wait thats the day I got laundry and a bunch of things caught up around here. Yesterday I woke with a horrible migraine. I was in bed practically all day long except to go to the doctor. Today well I am gonna try to rest a little because I am still feeling the effects of yesterday. i am gonna work on some light stuff today. I have a little helper cuz she isnt feeling her best either.
Pray that i can really pace myself and take on too much.

Beautiful Snow....

Ok so i usually am the one that says that it can snow the week of christmas but this year i kind like it. Its pretty. Here is the scene outside my dad's front door in Byron.

This picture screams hot chocalate and seat in front of the fireplace!!!!

Bummer of a day.....

Well day started out a little discouraging. I was really looking forward to going to Bible Study especially since womens ministry was cancelled due to the weather. After that I was gonna go to a coupon swap which I really needed to go to but as i was taking the kids to school i realized that I really have a brake issue in the van. So I am now home blogging and praying about what God has for us and wondering where He is gonna supply the money to get the brakes fixed. We are trying to get things paid and got up but this is not easy when you are trying to get got up from a long lay off. We have quite a few things to pay off including a couple of people. We have more going out than we do coming in. Christmas is just around corner and we are having long conversations of how to handle it this year. The kids know that things are tigh and that we just cant buy like normal. I just would really like to Bless them this year because we have had a rough couple of years.
Im really trying to truly focus on the positive:
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Matthew 7:7
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

From Plain to Beautiful....

picture overload...

"Give me a kiss mom"

Not everyone can touch their nose with their tonge. This girl has talent. hehehe

ok my ladies in red whitney, haley, and raven(whitneys BFF) Can you guess who has a little too much pink makeup on?

ok nick and his bff Hayden are in their one and only place to be in front the tv with video game controllers in their hands. Who knew 12 year olds were so easy?

out of the mouth of babes...

My sweet Noah just announced to be with his super heroe face that he He has Power. I asked him what kind of power? he said God is my power!! i said cool thats the best power to have. He said yeah and with God i can do anything!!!!! mind you he is 3 years old!!!! I love these little moments.

Every night i pray that angels camp around all the kids' beds and that the only dreams they have are of a heavenly nature. That God orchestrate their dreams. I can see Noah flying around with his super powers saving others from evil in Jesus name. Because at 3 years old supers heroes are the career choice of little boys (lol)

Happy Thanksgiving..

I was toolong around on Godtube and found this video. I think that It is sad that it takes a Holiday to recognize sometimes how thankful we are. We have had a rough year and i have found myself questioning and grumbling quite a bit. Sometimes I wonder how I am going to get through the next day and why things are so hard but I think that the more i question and wonder the longer i walk around the mountian I am supposed to go over.

Poor Terry...

We had the pleasure of going to my dads house for thanksgiving. Poor Terry woke up sick this morning. So he stayed home. I guess he gets a day of peace. I will of course bring him some food home and some dessert. Please pray that whatever bug this is leaves quickly.
Lots of vernors and chicken noodle soup:)

fireproof....

Terry and i went to see Fireproof on Friday. it was amazing. I am not one who gets emotional especially watching movies but i needed some kleenex and waterproof mascara.Terry and I have had some issues the last couple of years and watching the movie and thinking about what pastor has been preaching on really got me thinking about who I am and how I relate to my husband and everyone around me. In the movie, the plot was kindof centered this book called the Lovedare. wow...... I recommend. we went to the christian bookstore directly after that to buy it. I need to get another one though because I felt like I should give it to someone today and i did. There is website to: www.fireproofyourmarriage.com.

totally encouraged!!!!

I really had a challenging week and I really had to learn to trust and put my faith to the test. I don't want to got into a lot of detail because I don't feel that I should right now. Lets just say that The week started out VERY stressful. There are a couple of things that added to the stress that i can mention:
my van: antifreeze leaks, back brakes are going, and i need a new ignition(we start it w/ a screwdriver right now lol)
School: I have a paper that i need to start and finish.
the House: hmmm where to start lets just say i need to catch up on a few things.
My digital camera has finally bit the dust and I really like to take pictures.

Every week i get an email with weekly verses. I was really encouraged when i read them and then i had the week i did. I read them again today and wow!!! Totally encouraged again.
Here are those verses:
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. --Psalm 119:105
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. --John 17:17
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. --Psalm 1:1-2
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. --Psalm 95:1-2
I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way - in all your speaking and in all your knowledge. --1 Corinthians 1:4-5
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
Enter [the Lord's] gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. --Psalm 100:4-5

I am really thankful for all that i have and I didn't really appreciate it until this week!!
I wish I could give more details but But I cannot at this time. One Hint the issues above are pretty minor. If you would like to more email me we could possibly talk. I covet your prayers I thank God for this tremendous peace i have.

powerful podcasts...

I found and subscribed to true woman podcasts on i tunes. I listened to a message called a woman after Gods heart. I cannot explained how much i needed to hear that message or really explain in words i got out of it. So i thought i would pass the info along.

If you have i tunes: go to the itunes store and in the search engine put true woman. It should come up in the podcast section. It is a free download and subscription. I HIGHLY recommend.

Love.......

Why is it so hard to to truly love our neighbors and family. Pastor talked about how if we would truly love others the world really would be a different place. It is way easier to hold hurts and unforgiveness but it so much more devastating in our lives and when we do hold those things we just spill that out of us instead of the Love that God commands of Us and ultimately turns to sin because we are deliberately disobeying.
Matthew 20:37-40
37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

It is especially hard at least for me to love to really reach to people who intimidate me or have a tendency to be challenging. I really try to turn the other cheek and give the benefit of the doubt.
It really takes a lot for me to get upset or mad (except when its my own family--- i seem to lately have real short fuse) I am so guilty of taking things personal and really pulling away instead of taking those things to God and immediately taking those things to Him and killing the roots at the source. If i really would do that I would to be able Love my neighbors and family more effectively. I am so Thankful for a pastor who does not beat around the bush and really challenges us to truly "Be the Church" to live a life that truly shows Jesus. It is not easy.
Thank you Pastor Jim for your obedience. God Bless.

remembering.............

Here are a couple videos i discovered of Noah when he was about a year old. I think I knew he was gonna be a charcter. Boy, how time flies.

some ideas needed...

I have a few housekeeping things i am trying to come up with and since i dont have a creative bone in my body I need some ideas.
1. chore chart ideas and motivations
2. rule chart and creative discipline
3. 3 year old tantrum remedies
4. good grade motivations (this is a real issue with Nick- mostly a responsibility
issue)
5. free time activity ideas
6. sibling argument remedies.

I know I have some creative people out there with some fresh ideas. cuz I am just short of calling supernanny. lol

learning.....

I am really struggling with a few issues. I believe I have talked about this a little bit before. I am really struggling with feeling a sense of belonging. I know that i need to overcome this and that I have the Lord but I really just need some prayer to really push through this emptiness.
I have tried to hang out with different groups but always up feeling like the third wheel or I say or do something that makes me the outcast. I also think that this stems from being a social outcast as a teenager and younger. I know that Joyce meyer has a book called approval addiction and would love to get my hands on the audio version. I just thought I would share this because its on my heart and now i have daughters and I really am starting to see some of what i went through starting to develope in very subtle ways not as severe as what i had though.

On the Bright side i have been really working on being purposeful or intentional in what i say and trying to really take things to prayer instead to others. i feel I have been a burden to some people with my issues and it seems like the last couple years there have been ALOT of issues.

these videos really struck a cord in me:

im catcing on:

Im catching on to the coupon thing, i think. I went to Kroger twice this week and both times did very good. They some VERY good deals going on.
My first trip: My total was about $280 and after sales, instore coupons and my coupons my total was about $153.00. savings of $122. Yes!!!!
my second trip i dont remember totals off hand but my savings were something in the neighbrhood of $75. not bad. I know I have a lot to learn but im catching the coupon bug and its a great bug to have.:)

New Pictures

A good friend of mine who happens to be a photographer blessed me with taking pics of the kids and family pics on Saturday. We had a great time and we really needed them done. Noah was an infant when we got them done last time. Anyway I really want to thank Megan cuz I really was BLESSED by getting them done. I changed our individual pics on the blog to the ones just taken and I thought I show you what a ham Noah is Below:

Has it really been a week?

Wow i guess i am slacking. maybe not I have been super busy.
lets see there is....
5 messy kids
a mountian of laundry
a house to keep clean
college classes
parent teacher conferences
youth leader meetings
youth on wednesdays
Whitney dance on Mondays
coupon clipping and hunting
Family pictures
i know there is more and i just cant think of what.
sometimes i wish there were more hours in a day or i had a personal assistant.
(wait I have 5) lol jk
anyway God is good and I am learning to really prioritize and not sweat the small stuff.

I am a little disappointed in the decision to elect Obama for president. I dont know what God has planned but i know i can trust Him in know that He is really all i need. I dont understand but I dont have to. I was browsing on God tube and came across this video and it really spoke to me.

on my heart.

When we lived in Swartz Creek, my kids went to school with a little girl named Payton Cram.
Last year this sweet little girl (11) found out that she is a cancer patient. She loves Jesus with all of her heart. Her aunt goes to our church and is in my Tuesday Bible Study. She is fighting and is in a lot of pain. She is currently trying a new experimental treatment.
Below is a link to a news story they did about her.
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=5869245

She also has a website:
http://www.caringbridge.org/
enter in: paytoncram
Please pray for this sweet little girl.
I dont know every detail about her cancer but im sure the website will explain.

Thank You.

I just want to thank everyone who helped me with Light the Night!!!! You were truly a blessing and helped love our community who Jesus really is.
God Bless You.

childlike faith.

On Saturday Kelsey was playing a game on the computer and in the background i had music playing. She was so sweet singing the song We fall down (Chris Tomlin). I was almost in tears listening to her sing it word for word and all i could think is i wanted that child like faith. To be able not to worry about what others around me were thinking and to be able to focus on him without limits.
i found myself praying for that.
Here is a video with that song included.

just remember.....

in light of the election tomorrow i thought i would repost this again. i found myself gatting anxious watching the tv and all the polls and stuff. I really do not want a certain obama to be pesident but its not all about me. i am one vote. I reread this and had to remind myself of who is in control...... God.
I got this email and thought it was good so.....I got this email and thought it was good so.....
TEN PREDICTIONS NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION:
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.
ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS STILL IN CONTROL? AMEN!!!

things still needed for Light the Night..........

Hi everyone,
I am making one final plea for items needed for light the night.


6-8 white or light colored flat sheets (double or larger)
commercial size coffe maker
cups small for cider and medium for coffee (Themed if possible.)
napkins
lawn chairs
a bubble machine
Prayer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
christmas lights
tent
Anything to work with the theme.......

Thank you in advance!!!!

Eph. 5:1-2
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
www.shaklee.net/psalm121
www.myspace.com/child_of_god1975

bearing your cross.......

I got this emailed to me and i thought it was so good i had to pass it on. Thanks Agi:)

Awesome!! We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot. Whatever your cross,
whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine, after the rain....
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall;
But God's always ready, to answer your call....
He knows every heartache, sees every tear,
a word from His lips, can calm every fear...
Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish, by dawn's early light...
The Savior is waiting, somewhere above,
to give you His grace, and send you His love.
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle!

Our new Family Member

Hi my name is Oreo and I am a 2 year shih tzu. I love my new family member. I get lots of attention and i think i am a favorite!!!!

Go Blue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am sooooooooooooooooo Cute!!!!!