Happy 29th Birthday, John!

For John's birthday I surprised him with an overnight stay at Mast Farm Inn. (Ok, it wasn't actually his "29th" birthday, we just like to make him feel better.) The trip was totally a last minute plan, which says a lot about the kind of friends I have. (Thanks Gail, Kristin, Jess, Celia, and Michelle for watching the kids!). We had a very restful, relaxing time, which is just what we needed.
Since we were in Maggie's stompin' grounds, she made the cakes and we celebrated at her house too! (Thanks, Magz!) ;)

Julianna's Jumpin' Birthday Jam

We celebrated Julianna's seventh birthday at Bounce U.

Bidgie's Third Birthday

This was one of my all-time favorite birthday parties. Maggie and I began planning a few months prior to the party via email... bouncing ideas back-and-forth off eachother. (I always say we make a great team.) ; )
We began the celebration with doggie ears, collars and face painting, and sang a few "doggie songs" to put us in the puppy mood. My niece, Kathryn, recently became the proud owner of a poodle-mix puppy, and brought him over as the guest-of-honor. The children were thrilled to play with a real, live, (very-active) puppy-dog. Next, Maggie led the children in Obedience School, where all the little "puppies" learned how to sit, beg, roll-over and speak. Then they enjoyed some "puppy chow" and milk shakes in their own little doggie bowls. Following the snack, we read a little story and all the children ran off to dig up some bones, which they later used in a game of Fetch. Lastly, we had the most adorable cake (Maggie's discovery online) and opened presents.
Some of my favorite moments were during the gift opening, as Lauren cheerfully thanked each person who gave her a gift, and even allowed another child to open one of her presents for her. She was simply delightful. It also was a joy and honor to have Jamie and Linda celebrate with us and the opportunity to introduce them to some of the people we love most.
Lauren's birthday, as each of our children's birthdays tend to do, was another reminder of the many kindnesses God has so graciously bestowed upon us. It was a reminder of the many people: family, friends, and church members, that He has placed in our lives. I am so grateful for them all.
Can you believe our sweet girl is three-years-old?

Two Valentines

God has blessed me with two Valentines in my life. The obvious one being my true love, John. The other is a little girl who came to me on March 8, 1998, then two and a half weeks old.Alyssa was born on Valentine's Day and had spent her first couple of weeks in foster care. John and I had made the decision to adopt again just a couple months before she was born, and had no idea God would bring this little one into our lives so quickly. Only two weeks after we completed our paperwork, homestudy, and profile album, Alyssa joined our family!
Alyssa has always been full of life and adventure, though my favorite personality traits in Alyssa are her servant's heart and her generosity. Alyssa regularly gives to others, she shares without being asked and often spends her money on others. This kindness truly characterizes her, it's part of who she is.
I'm so excited to see Alyssa growing up to be such a lovely young lady, but especially since her decision to follow Christ. This has been a wonderful year in Alyssa's life, as she has been reborn in Christ, and can now celebrate an even more significant birthday in Him. What a joy for John and I as we watch her responding to the Lord's conviction as her desire to please Him is continuing
to grow.
Alyssa, we love you with all of our hearts and thank God for bringing you into our lives eleven years ago.

I Failed to Mention....

He's nine.Spence celebrated with a Spiderman party.

Take Me to the Casbah

John swept me off my feet and whisked me away to the Morehead Inn for my birthday. (Thank you, Pat, Carey, Gail and Charlie, for taking care of the young'uns!) We had a wonderful time!

The Conclusion of Noah's Birthday

It feels like Noah's birthday was a two-week event! First celebrating as a family, then hosting a pool party, and finally his trip to Carowinds with his buddy, Chris. Here are a few clips...

Growing Up

Noah's birthday was quite different this year than it has been in the past. For one thing, Noah decided he didn't care to have a "themed" birthday party. Although it was important to him to have his best buddies over to celebrate, and to do something special with just one of them at a later date.
On Sunday, we'll have a pool/pizza party to which five of his friends have been invited. (I may drum up goody bags... kids like candy no matter how old they get!). For the following Sunday, he has asked to bring Christopher with him to Carowinds. (Originally, he wanted to go to a Panthers' game with Chris, but didn't want to wait for the first home game.)
Rather than a specially shaped and decorated cake, Noah told me he would like a chocolate raspberry cheesecake instead. (How's that for particular?)
For Noah's birthday gifts, he requested very specific things:
A pair of Vans, (deja vu!); a sports jacket; two Webkinz with clothing; and....drumroll...two rats. (I know, "ew".)
Noah also asked to shop for his gifts himself. So, yesterday he went on a shopping spree with his Daddy.

Yes, my baby is growing up. We have seen Noah maturing in many areas of his life this year:

Noah has become a more grateful young man. Last night, Noah came out of his room at eleven o'clock. Our conversation went like this:
Noah: "Mom, I have to get my Mossflower book, if that's ok."
Me: "It's too late, Noah, you need to go to sleep."
Noah: "Ok." (He turns to leave.)
Noah: "Mom? Thank you so much for everything today. I've been so blessed."

John mentioned Noah stated his gratefulness for each of his birthday purchases several times yesterday, as well as the time spent gathering them. Noah's thankfulness has become more of a regular occurrence.
Secondly, Noah is a deeply caring person. He regularly watches out and expresses concern for his grandpa. He often jumps up to help Grandpa, to move things out of his way or get things for him, and he lets me know if Grandpa needs any help.
Noah has also grown in sentimentality. Grandma Bett-Bett annually has had each of the children spend the night in celebration of their birthdays. Last year, Bett thought Noah had "outgrown" this tradition, so Noah didn't go. Well, Noah has expressed many times his desire to be with Bett-Bett since then. Pleasantly surprised, Bett will be having him over sometime in the next couple of weeks.
I have also seen an increased diligence in Noah with his schoolwork. He has not complained about his assignments at all, and has even mentioned enjoying his work several times in the last couple of weeks. For a homeschool mom, this is a BIG deal.

Most importantly, we have seen an increased maturity in Noah's relationship with the Lord. A few months ago Noah responded to an altar call at the Rebelution conference by Alex & Brett Harris. Although this was his third time expressing a desire to the Lord to be a Christian, we have seen a more sober awareness of the truth of the Gospel, and his knowledge of doctrine continues to be defined and embraced. He has read several difficult books on spiritual truth including: Do Hard Things, How Can I Be Sure I'm a Christian, Humility, Gospel for Real Life, Living a Cross Centered Life, and is currently reading Morning and Evening for his daily devotions.
The fruit we have seen in Noah's life this year gives me much hope and excitement for the upcoming teen years. What a privilege and joy we have in seeing our children grow.

Twelve Years Ago

Time flies.

You Are My Lovesong

I love you, Boogs! Happy Birthday!

(Some things never change, eh?) ; )

Julianna Turned Six

For those of you who are wondering, our pool is "finished" and we finally celebrated Julianna's birthday with her little mermaid friends...

Lauren's Birthday and a Trip to the Zoo

Had a wonderful time celebrating Bidgie's second birthday
at the NC Zoo with Lauren's birthmama Jamie, big sis Gabby, and Grandma Linda. Jamie brought along Ladybug cupcakes and
party supplies, complete with goodie bags for each of the kids. (The baggies included ladybug suncatchers, "walking" beetles, magnifying glasses, and bubbles... Isn't she so thoughtful?!) Lauren opened oodles of gifts, so she was a happy camper... well, for the most part! :) When she got cranky we all had fun trying to entertain her.
Thank you, Jamie, for celebrating this special day with us. I'm so glad we could be together with this little girl we all love so much.

Disney World

We surprised Alyssa with a trip to Disney World for her
tenth birthday.

Happy Birthday to Spence

With every New Year
comes the celebration of
our sweet gift from the
Lord, Spencer James.
A millennium baby, Spencer was born eight years ago on January 1, 2000. He has been an energetic and radiantly happy child. His cheerful disposition characterizing him since infancy, Spencer began consistently smiling at the young age of three weeks. He delights in making others happy as well. Even tonight we had a houseful of children having supper with us and Spence had them all cracking up. In videos you will notice Spencer making Lauren laugh, as the one below. This is not an uncommon scene:

Spencer also has a very tender heart. He regularly admits his faults when he has done something wrong and asks for forgiveness. Often sympathetic, he notices the emotions of others, and tries to make things better if someone is sad. 
Spencer is sincere and enthusiastic about the slightest kindness. At his birthday party this week, his wholehearted "thanks" were made clear after each gift was opened. He is recurrently grateful without being prompted.
It's hard to believe eight years have flown by so quickly. I distinctly remember Spencer sleeping in my arms the night he was born, and the joy on my Mother's face when we drove by her house to surprise her with our new little one. It seems just yesterday he was pulling out his little "gunnies and fights" (guns and swords) trying to keep up with his big brother, and sleeping with his cowboy hat on. He no-longer calls skeletons "bone-mannies", nor does he refer to my Mom as "Mrs. Grandma". No, my little boy is definitely growing up, and what a delightful "young man" he has become.
We love you, Spencer and hope you have a wonderful eighth year. You bring much joy to those around you, and are a delight to our souls. Happy birthday, buddy.

Friday Family Highlight

Yesterday was my sister's fiftieth birthday. It was a busy day as we were all gathered for Christmas at my brother Mike's house, so I wasn't able to honor Pat as much as I would have liked to.
Pat is a woman worthy of honor.
My sister became a Christian when I was just a child, and was the primary person God used in my life to draw me to Himself. When I was a rebellious teenager, Pat regularly reminded me of the eternal consequences of my sin and my need for a Savior. At age 15, in an effort to pursue a relationship with the Lord, I moved to Boone to live with her. Pat and her husband shepherded my heart for two years as I lived with their family.
I carry with me today lessons I learned from those years in their home. First of all, in the two years I lived with them, I never saw or heard Pat and Carey in an argument. They have honored the Lord with a peace-filled home and a strong, loving marriage. Secondly, their home was always one full of faith. Pat and Carey were dedicated to their church, regularly attending meetings and serving in several capacities. Pat demonstrated her faith each time one of her children fell down or was having a difficult time, by stopping whatever she was doing to pray aloud for them. I also distinctly remember Pat and Carey leading their children in devotions every night that I lived with them, reading a chapter from the Bible and taking the time to pray as a family.
As a mother, Pat is extraordinarily wise. She is often the very first person I call when needing advice in parenting, and I have benefited greatly from this gift in her life. All three of their now-grown children are serving the Lord, and although Pat would quickly attribute their faith to God's grace, I know that she has been a primary means of that grace in their lives.
There are many other evidences of God's grace in Pat's life as well. She is merciful, diligent, and intelligent, a perfect combination for the full-time nurse she became once her children had grown. She is a fabulous steward of all God has given her, and extremely generous and thoughtful as well.
However, what I love the most about Pat is her faithful friendship. Throughout the years she has been there when I've needed a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, a faith-filled prayer, contagious laughter, encouragement, wise counsel, and even gracious reproof.
A Christian contemporary group called Watermark wrote a song that describes in many ways what Pat has been to me. Pat framed the words of the song for me years ago, but the feelings are mutual.
More Than You'll Ever Know
Somethin' brought you to my mind today,
I thought about the funny ways you make me laugh.
And yet I feel like it's OK to cry with you.
Somethin' about just bein' with you
When I leave I feel like I've been near God,
And that's the way it ought to be...
'Cause you've been more than a friend to me.
You fight off my enemies,
'Cause you have spoken the truth over my life.
And you'll never know what it means to me,
Just to know you've been on your knees for me.
Oh you have blessed my life more than you'll ever know.

And may the blessing return to you a hundred fold."

I love you, Pat. I hope you had a very blessed birthday.

Happy Birthday, Mom

Three and a half years ago, my family lost one of the dearest people in our lives.

My Mom was an extraordinary person. Faithfully married to my Dad for almost fifty years, mother to ten children, and grandmother to twenty-six grandchildren, there was nothing more dear to her heart than her family. I dream of emulating her never-ending patience, her unconditional love, her ability to balance such a large family, her self-sacrificing servant heart, her unparalleled ability to cook, her gift of hospitality. My trusted friend, my confidant, my Mother. Her absence has literally been felt every day since July 25, 2004.


"A child speaking to a friend of his home, was asked; "Where is your home?" Looking up with loving eyes at his mother, he replied, "Where mother is." Home! What a hallowed name! How full of enchantment and how dear to the heart! Home is the magic circle within which the weary spirit finds refuge. It is the sacred asylum to which the care-worn heart retreats to find rest from the toils and cares of life. Home! That name touches every fiber of our soul. Nothing but death can break its spell. And, as dear as home can be, is the mother that presided over it, and that we loved. Long years may have flown since we saw that home, and since the dearest of all earthly friends has slept the long and silent sleep of death, but that home and that mother will never cease to awaken the sweeten recollections of our lives. "Home, Sweet Home!" -John McCoy from Golden Thoughts of Mother, Home & Heaven.

Today would have been my Mom's 74th birthday.

Happy Birthday, Mom. "May the dear Lord bless you", as you revel in His presence.
We are all thinking of you today, and miss you dearly.