For Jordyn's graduation, we went on a family cruise to the Bahamas. We had THE best time, lots of fun, sun, and laughs. I love each person in this pic so much and am so thankful to have them. Can't wait till the next one, Oasis here we come!Saturday, May 30, 2009
Cruise photo of the Week
For Jordyn's graduation, we went on a family cruise to the Bahamas. We had THE best time, lots of fun, sun, and laughs. I love each person in this pic so much and am so thankful to have them. Can't wait till the next one, Oasis here we come!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Mother's Day
My awesome family, Mother's Day night.
My beautiful girls singing and playing at the Mothers Day Tea."The decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever
to have your heart go walking around outside your body."
This has been my favorite quote for quite some time. It really puts into words how I feel about my children. I know I may be a little biased, but I think I have the most awesome, talented, beautiful, smart, funny, kind, faith-filled, loving children on the earth. Don't get me wrong, they all have their moments of frustration, but those moments are few and far between. I had an unbelievable "mom" moment this weekend. We had a Mother's Day Tea this past Saturday at church and I had the privilege of watching both my daughters on the stage singing and playing for me (not for me alone, but it might as well have been). To say that I was a proud mama would be the understatement of the year. Not because they are so talented, or beautiful (which of course they are), but because they were using their talents and gifts to serve God. They are adult woment and they chose to do it on their own. There is no bigger blessing in life than that! What a gift they gave me that day. And for the record, they all gave me wonderful gifts on Mother's Day as well. I will think of them as I relax and get that massage, and carry around my "Life is Good" tote, thanks to Colton, Dave and my wonderful husband Patrick as well.
I love you all very much, and thank God for you everyday.
Sooo happy
Just thought I'd share this awesome pic and a little about the couple in it. This is my precious Jordyn and her prince, otherwise know as Dave Longobardo. She has waited a long time to find him, and we are so thankful that she did. Actually, we believe that God brought him at just the perfect time. She has never been so happy, and we are praising God for it. We pray that their love will continue to grow as they seek God's will for their future. I love you both very much.Saturday, May 2, 2009
Grown Up
Yesterday marked a milestone in our family. We moved our oldest daugter Kaley out of our house and into a house with friends in Jacksonville. She only decided to do it about a week ago so I didn't have much time to actually think about it. Then as she was packing on Thursday she would occasionally ask me if I was going to cry or be upset. I said no, because at that time I wasn't. She was actually planning to move out 6 months ago or so, but decided not to do it at that time. That's when I had started thinking about the possiblity and preparing myself for her to leave. When it came right down to it, I was so excited for her to be taking this next step in her life that I never took the time to get upset about the possibility of her actually leaving. I have said before that I am just so proud of the young woman that she has become and that this is just the next natural step for her.
So fast forward to yesterday. After we moved her in we went out to get some lunch with her, then of course we had to pull away. I was even ok then, until Pat said "how did this happen so fast?" That was it, that's all it took, then it was real, my first baby was gone, and the tears came like a flood. And Pat was right, how did this happen so fast, I can't believe 21 years has passed. Where has it gone? I am so thankful for every day we had to teach, and nurture, and love, and grow together. She is an awesome person and is going to do great on her own. Thankfully, she's only 25 minutes away and we do go to the same church so I'm sure the time between our visits won't be long, especially as she runs short on food and I'm cooking at home.
"Thank you God for children who love you and love me, and who by your grace are unbelievably awesome, faithful, Godly, responsible young adults. You gave them to me on loan and I have given them back to you for you to use for your Kingdom." Amen
So fast forward to yesterday. After we moved her in we went out to get some lunch with her, then of course we had to pull away. I was even ok then, until Pat said "how did this happen so fast?" That was it, that's all it took, then it was real, my first baby was gone, and the tears came like a flood. And Pat was right, how did this happen so fast, I can't believe 21 years has passed. Where has it gone? I am so thankful for every day we had to teach, and nurture, and love, and grow together. She is an awesome person and is going to do great on her own. Thankfully, she's only 25 minutes away and we do go to the same church so I'm sure the time between our visits won't be long, especially as she runs short on food and I'm cooking at home.
"Thank you God for children who love you and love me, and who by your grace are unbelievably awesome, faithful, Godly, responsible young adults. You gave them to me on loan and I have given them back to you for you to use for your Kingdom." Amen
Sunday, April 12, 2009
What a difference a year makes!
Jordyn sent out a Twitter the other day saying that she couldn't have imagined a year ago where she would be today. It got me thinking too. I am such a planner so of course I am usually looking ahead and trying to figure out where we're going and what we'll be doing at any given time. You'de think I would have learned by now that God has a plan for my life, and it's not always the same as mine (thankfully). His plan is always so much better. In addition to that, I have a husband who listens to God and is usually very obedient to what He has to say. Sometimes, I take a little longer to convince, which I am not the least bit proud of. All that to say, because of Pat's obedience, we are in such an unbelievable place in our lives.
God led us to the most AMAZING church, the Journey in Fernandina Beach, FL. We have been going for about 8 months and have had the opportunity to serve with some of the most faithful, humble, God-seeking people I have ever met. God has given our pastor, Darryl, a vision for reaching people in our community, and because of his obedience, God is "adding to the Church daily", just as the scripture says. We have been called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, it's just not about us and our comfort anymore. I was able to see this in action this Easter weekend. We knew that God was going to do something BIG, and in true God fashion, He delivered. Darryl preached an awesome message entitled "Final Destination" and now countless many know where there's is, in heaven. I am so thankful to have been apart of such an awesome move of God this weekend. I can't wait to see what's next!
Another thing I couldn't have seen a year ago, is us living in this beautiful house that God allowed us to build. We (and most of our friends) really thought we had lost our minds trying to sell a house in a really bad housing market. Well, when God is directing it, it's not a problem. He sold our old house, and gave us this new one. He's so good.
Lest you think it's all a bed of roses, it's also been a year of uncertainty for us regarding Pat's business. As a kitchen & bath designer in a bad housing market, it gets a little unnerving at times. But, we know that God is in control of it all, and He will provide. We are careful to give him ALL the glory for every job we get. We know that our faith is being tested, and that it is in these times that we grow in that faith. So, we are thankful for His provision and His leading.
In true mom fashion, I couldn't end without mentioning my children. Kaley is in a much different place than a year ago, she is now in college full-time pursuing a teaching degree, and also serving at church as a teacher for our Journey kids group. She's really awesome with the kids! Jordyn has homeschooled this past year and is about to graduate. She is playing and singing in our praise band at church and for the youth group. God has given her the greatest group of friends there, and I know she is so thankful for them. Probably the biggest change for her is the new guy in her life. God has brought her the most unbelievably awesome, Godly young man, Dave Longobardo. I know it was unexpected for both of them, but not for God, He knew. We are all very thankful for Dave and what he brings to her life. Last, but not least, there's Colton. We hardly even recognize Colton from a year ago, in a good way. To say he has come out of his shell would be an understatement. He is super involved in the youth group leadership at church, and is also on the lighting team for our weekend services. I think he would rather be at church than just about anywhere else, except maybe Haley's house, ha. That would be Haley Hall, his new girlfriend, she is sweet, and adorable, and they are too cute together. We are thankful for Haley as well.
So, as you can see, much has changed for us in a year, and we look forward to seeing what God has for us in the next year, who knows?! For now, we will be content where He has us, and thank Him for His faithfulness and love in an uncertain world.
God led us to the most AMAZING church, the Journey in Fernandina Beach, FL. We have been going for about 8 months and have had the opportunity to serve with some of the most faithful, humble, God-seeking people I have ever met. God has given our pastor, Darryl, a vision for reaching people in our community, and because of his obedience, God is "adding to the Church daily", just as the scripture says. We have been called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, it's just not about us and our comfort anymore. I was able to see this in action this Easter weekend. We knew that God was going to do something BIG, and in true God fashion, He delivered. Darryl preached an awesome message entitled "Final Destination" and now countless many know where there's is, in heaven. I am so thankful to have been apart of such an awesome move of God this weekend. I can't wait to see what's next!
Another thing I couldn't have seen a year ago, is us living in this beautiful house that God allowed us to build. We (and most of our friends) really thought we had lost our minds trying to sell a house in a really bad housing market. Well, when God is directing it, it's not a problem. He sold our old house, and gave us this new one. He's so good.
Lest you think it's all a bed of roses, it's also been a year of uncertainty for us regarding Pat's business. As a kitchen & bath designer in a bad housing market, it gets a little unnerving at times. But, we know that God is in control of it all, and He will provide. We are careful to give him ALL the glory for every job we get. We know that our faith is being tested, and that it is in these times that we grow in that faith. So, we are thankful for His provision and His leading.
In true mom fashion, I couldn't end without mentioning my children. Kaley is in a much different place than a year ago, she is now in college full-time pursuing a teaching degree, and also serving at church as a teacher for our Journey kids group. She's really awesome with the kids! Jordyn has homeschooled this past year and is about to graduate. She is playing and singing in our praise band at church and for the youth group. God has given her the greatest group of friends there, and I know she is so thankful for them. Probably the biggest change for her is the new guy in her life. God has brought her the most unbelievably awesome, Godly young man, Dave Longobardo. I know it was unexpected for both of them, but not for God, He knew. We are all very thankful for Dave and what he brings to her life. Last, but not least, there's Colton. We hardly even recognize Colton from a year ago, in a good way. To say he has come out of his shell would be an understatement. He is super involved in the youth group leadership at church, and is also on the lighting team for our weekend services. I think he would rather be at church than just about anywhere else, except maybe Haley's house, ha. That would be Haley Hall, his new girlfriend, she is sweet, and adorable, and they are too cute together. We are thankful for Haley as well.
So, as you can see, much has changed for us in a year, and we look forward to seeing what God has for us in the next year, who knows?! For now, we will be content where He has us, and thank Him for His faithfulness and love in an uncertain world.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Happy 21st Birthday Kaley, here are a few of my favorite things.....about her
1. She wears flip flops 365 days a year, no matter the temperature
2. Koozie collection
3. She calls me Schmom
4. Generous
5. She loves to dance
6. Big purses
7. She loves, loves, loves summer & the beach
8. Awesome friend
9. Sweatpants!
10. She cries with me watching Extreme Home makeover
11. We're Parrotheads together
12. She is positive she was supposed to be an only child
13. She loves a good steak....with ketchup
14. She loves kids, and will be an awesome teacher
15. She loves Jesus
16. Always willing to try new things
17. It's never too early or late in the day for chocolate
18. Funny!
19. Never needs an excuse to go shopping
20. There's nothing she wouldn't do for her family
and...
21. 21 years ago today, God blessed me with the most wonderful baby girl
I used to think I would dread my children growing up, but that all changed as it started happening. Now, I am so thankful for the awesome adults they have become. That doesn't mean I don't feel a little old today, but the pride I feel knowing that Kaley is such a wonderful young woman of God far outweighs the dread. As I get small glimpses into who she will be in the future, I smile and continue to thank God for all He has done in her life. I love you today and everyday, Happy Birthday to my first baby.
2. Koozie collection
3. She calls me Schmom
4. Generous
5. She loves to dance
6. Big purses
7. She loves, loves, loves summer & the beach
8. Awesome friend
9. Sweatpants!
10. She cries with me watching Extreme Home makeover
11. We're Parrotheads together
12. She is positive she was supposed to be an only child
13. She loves a good steak....with ketchup
14. She loves kids, and will be an awesome teacher
15. She loves Jesus
16. Always willing to try new things
17. It's never too early or late in the day for chocolate
18. Funny!
19. Never needs an excuse to go shopping
20. There's nothing she wouldn't do for her family
and...
21. 21 years ago today, God blessed me with the most wonderful baby girl
I used to think I would dread my children growing up, but that all changed as it started happening. Now, I am so thankful for the awesome adults they have become. That doesn't mean I don't feel a little old today, but the pride I feel knowing that Kaley is such a wonderful young woman of God far outweighs the dread. As I get small glimpses into who she will be in the future, I smile and continue to thank God for all He has done in her life. I love you today and everyday, Happy Birthday to my first baby.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Mental inventory
The funniest thing happened this morning. Colton had has wisdom teeth out yesterday so he's been down for the last day. He decided to watch a movie this morning but realized that his movies had not been organized since we moved. Being the movie fan that he is, his movies (all 300 or so) are always in alphabetical order. After he sorted them, he notified me that he was missing 2 movies, who notices 2 movies???? Much to his delight, I realized that I had the 2 movies he was missing in my room. Oh the relief he had! I began thinking how funny it was that he knew he was missing 2 movies out of 300.
Then I started thinking about another situation that happened recently with Jordyn. For those of you who already know Jordyn, you know she tends to be a little (or a lot) OCD about certain things. Namely the location/inventory of her personal items. To say that she was a little stressed out about the whole packing/moving process would be an understatement. In order to have control over her things she decided to pack and load ALL of her worldly posessions into her truck and cart them around for 2 days, no kidding. She felt that if she did this she would know where her stuff was at all times. It worked for her.
The funniest thing to me is that the above mentioned situations make perfect sense to me. The apples didn't fall far from the tree on this one. I know that I have a mental inventory in my head of ALL items in my house. I also know if something comes in that doesn't belong here. Last week I was doing the laundry and I noticed a pair of girls socks and another undergarment that didn't belong to anyone in our house. After investigating I was able to identify the owner of the previously mentioned garments. Then this morning when I was on a dirty clothes search in her room I came across a very cute vest that I had never seen before, low and behold it was brand new. I'm telling you, it was not in my mental inventory, yet.
Who knew that OCD was hereditary?
Then I started thinking about another situation that happened recently with Jordyn. For those of you who already know Jordyn, you know she tends to be a little (or a lot) OCD about certain things. Namely the location/inventory of her personal items. To say that she was a little stressed out about the whole packing/moving process would be an understatement. In order to have control over her things she decided to pack and load ALL of her worldly posessions into her truck and cart them around for 2 days, no kidding. She felt that if she did this she would know where her stuff was at all times. It worked for her.
The funniest thing to me is that the above mentioned situations make perfect sense to me. The apples didn't fall far from the tree on this one. I know that I have a mental inventory in my head of ALL items in my house. I also know if something comes in that doesn't belong here. Last week I was doing the laundry and I noticed a pair of girls socks and another undergarment that didn't belong to anyone in our house. After investigating I was able to identify the owner of the previously mentioned garments. Then this morning when I was on a dirty clothes search in her room I came across a very cute vest that I had never seen before, low and behold it was brand new. I'm telling you, it was not in my mental inventory, yet.
Who knew that OCD was hereditary?
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