Today We Celebrate You, Russell!

Tweaked and re-posted because I felt it needed repeated!  :-)

Today is that special day when we celebrate  Russell!  46 years ago, he came into this world with a passion and a purpose that has never stopped.  I'm told how his enthusiasm, his sense of humor and his love for our Lord began at a very young age.

How he would stand on the side of the road outside his house, with a Bible in his hand, and "preach" to the cars going by.  How he would carry his tape recorder around recording himself singing and telling jokes and then play them back, annoyingly, for his entire family - over and over AND over.

There are stories of catching the back yard on fire, while attempting to help his dad kill fire ants.  Stories of jumping off the roof with an umbrella like Mary Poppins, to see if it would slow down his fall.  (He says it worked!)  Stories of breaking the stained glass windows in his dad's church with a rock (on accident) and of sneaking off to downtown St. Augustine on his bike while his parents were at work, and being hit by a red tourist train! (Obviously he wasn't seriously injured).

I could go on and on - but I'm sure if you asked him, and got him started, he could tell you so many more.  I hear these stories and I laugh, but I also see how the Lord continues to use all that passion, enthusiasm and creativity in his life and the lives of those he ministers to today.

One thing that many do not know about my sweet husband is that he was born with a cleft pallet and had to have surgery when he was a baby.  Fortunately, it didn't extend to his upper lip, like most do, but did give him a hole in the roof of his mouth and caused a speech impediment which put him through years of speech therapy.  By the time he was nine, he was struggling in school, was tested and the teachers told his parents that they should find a trade school for him because he may not finish High School and he definitely wouldn't make it to college.

When he was 16 and at Youth Camp, he heard God's call on his life to ministry.  He came home, went back to school and asked the principal if he could have a room each morning before school for a Bible Study.  When I first met him, 28 years ago, he was sitting at a table, teaching through the book of John to his peers.  He has been leading ever since.  He finished High School, he not only finished four years of college, but three years of seminary to earn his Master's Degree.  He came back to the Jacksonville area, got his first full time ministry position and pursued me until I finally gave in.  

Oh how thankful I am for this man. I know that he was created just for me.  God creates all of us for a purpose and it's fun to look back over his life and see how everything has prepared him for where he is now.  He loves the Lord, loves his family and he loves the church.  He is kind and sensitive to others and he desires to lead them to a closer walk with Christ.  He is spontaneous, creative and did I mention enthusiastic and passionate?  He is human, he struggles with things like all of us, but he doesn't hide that.  He is real, he is honest and he is a man of great integrity.


I simply could not imagine my life without him!

I admired Russell's qualities long before we were ever serious.  I even told him one night on the phone, in an effort to encourage him, that he was going to make someone a wonderful husband someday.  And I really believed that!  I just had no idea it would be me!  Turns out that I'm the lucky one that got this man and all of his wonderful qualities.

I can't even begin to tell you what I like most about him.  He is everything I ever prayed for and more.  Even before he was born God knew he was my husband.  God has great plans.

Russell - today I celebrate you!

• I am so thankful that your parents were surprised by your presence because God had to add one more to  their family. 

• I'm thankful that you moved to Orange Park and had the passion to start a Bible Study in our High School where you and I would meet.  

• I'm thankful for the 10 years of solid friendship we shared before we ever began dating.  

• I'm thankful that I am that woman that benefits from all of your wonderful qualities. 

• I'm thankful for your passion, your sense of humor, your serious side, your sensitivity, your complexity, your easiness.  

• I'm thankful for you spontaneity, your sense of adventure and your desire to sit at home and do nothing.  

• I'm thankful for your leadership, for your quirks, for the way we can finish each others thoughts. 

• I'm thankful for the way you love people, for your compassion and your mercy. 

• I'm thankful for your doubts and your fears because I know you are real. 

• I'm thankful that you are always three steps ahead of me and are ever so patient while the Lord works in my life to get us back on the same page. 

• I'm thankful for the two beautiful children you have given me and for the way that you love and lead them. 

• I'm thankful that you love our Lord more than you do me because then you love me even better. 

• I'm thankful for your prayers, your faithfulness and your trustworthiness.

• I'm thankful for your restlessness and your desire to just be.

• I'm thankful for your tenderness, your listening ear and your desire to do whatever it takes to provide for us.

I'm just thankful for you.  Everything about you.  You were meant specifically for me.  I know this is your birthday - but many people have been blessed because you were born.  Thing is - I made out the best!


You have continued to use your gifts and talents that the Lord has given you for His glory.  Your desire to serve and obey our Lord is contagious.  You are my love, my husband and my best friend.  Apart from salvation - you are my greatest gift!   I love you more than you know.  Here's to celebrating many more years of "you".......

Happy Birthday, my love!   ~ Me

Rock the Universe!

When September hits, it's down hill for me.  Life only grows increasingly busy as Christmas quickly approaches.  Jarod's birthday is always that mile marker for me.

I realized yesterday that I had not updated my blog in two weeks!  What's up with that?  Well, school is in full swing, BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) has started up again and I've had lots of Calligraphy and Apparent Project stuff keeping me busy on top of that.  Plus just the normal "mom" stuff.  Sitting down to blog just hasn't been on the top of my list.  Until today.

Last weekend (on Jarod's ACTUAL birthday) his youth group went to Universal Studios for the Rock the Universe event.  Now, as you know, I am a complete Disney fan so I had not been to Universal in 15 years.  But Jarod asked me to go along and I wasn't going to pass up a weekend riding roller coasters and listening to our favorite Christian bands perform.

 Visiting Sponge Bob with Dariel, Chase, Cliff and Joe

I love this pic of Jarod enjoying Newsboys.  We were on the front row - could see the guy spit.  That's cool, ya know.

It's funny - when I was Jarod's age, I loved concerts!  My first concert ever was Farrell & Farrell and DeGarmo & Key. Ya - Google that one!

I was about Jarod's age.  I remember it being soooo cool to see these bands Live!  I spent the rest of my teenaged and early adult years going to concerts.  You could get in to see Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and even Petra for less than $10 a ticket.

Now when someone comes in town, I think - ya - no.  I can think of so many other things to spend that money on.  Okay - so Russ and I did see Michael W. Smith with the Jacksonville Symphony this past Christmas but that was a special treat and only the two of us went!  I could have bought groceries for the cost - or filled my van with gas, TWICE or......!?

I digress.... I say all of this to say that Russ has taken Jarod to concerts before, but I have not been with them.  It was such a joy watching Jarod get excited, sing, fist pump, clap and worship along with both Newsboys and Tobymac (his favorites).  I think it was one of the highlights of my weekend.  That and the fact that he wanted me right there next to him!  

I LOVE that he loves Christian music.  Songs that worship our Lord with band members that don't glorify themselves and the things of this world, but point their fans to Christ.  There is already so much stuff out there for him to fight against, it's great to know that positive music is blaring through those ear buds on his iPod.

On Saturday, the group got him a special birthday cake and we all had lunch together before heading over the park again.  I'm so excited about the youth group at our church.  It's a great group of teens who love to have fun and learn more about Christ together.  For so long, Jarod has been our little guy who hangs out with the youth trying to fit in.  Now he does.  He is one of them and it was so neat to watch that dynamic all weekend.

 

Joe, Cliff and Chase with Jarod

These guys are great.  I hung with them all weekend.

The whole group.

 Jarod is a way cooler surfer than me!!!!  

The rides were absolutely awesome!  I think we rode The Mummy over and over!  But we finished the weekend off with this:

Absolutely worth the two hour wait!  167 ft drop!

It doesn't get much better than this kind of craziness -

Whoo hoo!!!!

What an awesome way to finish off your birthday!  13 will definitely be one for the memory books!

Until next time.....

Thirteen

Wow - the word "teen" can now be officially used in our home.  Well, almost.  Jarod's birthday isn't until this Saturday but we celebrated a little early this year.  The next few weekends are full of activities like Universal Studios and camp outs so I had to bump it up a bit.

I have had a few emotional roller coaster moments in the last few weeks.  In case you missed the latest emotional uproar, you can read that here.

God is so good. Since that post, I have stepped back and watched Jarod handle his new journey with great maturity.  I think he was ready for the challenge.  He has done so well getting himself up in the morning, keeping himself organized and handling the challenge of a new school, new friends, new teachers, etc.  He is really enjoying school and is excited about going each day.

He has joined FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and has signed up for the leadership track.  He will be trained so he can lead the different Bible Study discussions and be able to answer questions that other students have about Christ. We were thrilled that he volunteered for this and are excited to watch him step out and take a stand at school.  He's already making some great, Christian friends which is a huge answer to my prayers. 

It was time for the change - time for the challenge.  Even though I was nervous about all of it, Jarod has stepped up to the task and is proving that he is capable.   I am so proud of the young man he is becoming.

I am enjoying the change in our family dynamic as well.  Anne is up first in the morning.  We have her alone for about an hour.  Then Jarod gets up after she leaves and we have him alone for about an hour as well.  Then I have Anne alone  again for two hours in the afternoon before Jarod gets home from school.  Having them one on one has made for some great bonding time, good conversations and less competition between the two of them.  Things have calmed down and and settled into a nice routine.

So, this weekend, we celebrated Jarod.  You only turn 13 once and he is quite excited!  13 has a few "rights of passage" around here and our family came over to help us honor him.  Here is our evening in photos -

He asked for a guitar cake this year - he always challenges me.

Jarod had a Birthday helper this year!  He is so patient with Chloe and she adores him.

Nana & Papa looking on 

Brothers!!!!  Uncle Ray and Russ

Uncle Marc & Aunt Sam

They bought him is first bottle of cologne - he was quite excited!  Now to convince him he only needs ONE spray! 

Jarod with Nana & Papa

Uncle Ray

Uncle Marc, Aunt Sam & Chloe

Family shot

Happy Birthday to You!!!

Jarod received his first cell phone for his birthday.  He was thrilled.  He's waited a while as we are the odd parents who wouldn't let him have one until we NEEDED him to have one.  

His other big birthday gift is that he is going to Rock the Universe at Universal Studios in Orlando this weekend with his Youth Group.  He will be there on his actual birthday (Sept. 8) and is so excited!  He invited me to come along and chaperone so I'm excited as well.

He has a few Scout Camp Outs this month also.  One being for the induction into the Order of the Arrow.  He was selected for this back in the spring and it is quite an honor.  He has officially made Star Scout, which means he is only two ranks away from Eagle.  How crazy is that???  

I am so thankful for these glimpses that the Lord gives me.  In many ways, he is still my little boy.  But as I step back, let go and allow God to work in his life, I do see pieces of the man he is becoming.  I know that all those pieces will eventually come together like a puzzle and he will stand before me as a grown man.  It's humbling and overwhelming to know that it won't be long.  Time does go so fast.  I know there will be mistakes - bumps and road blocks along the way.  But the Lord continues to answer my prayers.  So far, on the things that really count - Jarod is moving in the right direction.  And on those days we he doesn't, we will be there to help him up and encourage him on. 

Happy Birthday Jarod!  God has great plans for you and I am truly humbled and honored to be your mom.  I am so proud of the young man you are becoming - of the choices that you are making.  You have adjusted to the challenges well and you are showing great courage and responsibility.  I love who you are becoming - I love that you are a leader and an example to others.  I love that you are sensitive and kind.  Most of all, I am thankful that you are mine.  Continue to trust God - knowing that His plan is best and know that your Dad and I are here for you along the way.  I look forward to the years ahead and all that He will do to make you into His man. 

I love you.

 Until next time.....

Today We Celebrate Russell

Today is that special day when we celebrate  Russell!  44 years ago, he came into this world with a passion and a purpose that has never stopped.  I'm told how his enthusiasm, his sense of humor and his love for our Lord began at a very young age. 

How he would stand on the side of the road outside his house, with a Bible in his hand, and "preach" to the cars going by.  How he would carry his tape recorder around recording himself singing and telling jokes and then play them back, annoyingly, for his entire family - over and over AND over.

There are stories of catching the back yard on fire, while attempting to help his dad kill fire ants.  Stories of jumping off the roof with an umbrella like Mary Poppins, to see if it would slow down his fall.  (He says it worked!)  Stories of breaking the stained glass windows in his dad's church with a rock (on accident) and of sneaking off to downtown St. Augustine on his bike while his parents were at work, and being hit by a red tourist train! (Obviously he wasn't seriously injured).

I could go on and on - but I'm sure if you asked him, and got him started, he could tell you so many more.  I hear these stories and I laugh, but I also see how the Lord continues to use all that passion, enthusiasm and creativity in his life and the lives of those he ministers to today.

One thing that many do not know about my sweet husband is that he was born with a cleft pallet and had to have surgery when he was a baby.  Fortunately, it didn't extend to his upper lip, like most do, but did give him a hole in the roof of his mouth and caused a speech impediment which put him through years of speech therapy.  By the time he was nine, he was struggling in school, was tested and the teachers told his parents that they should find a trade school for him because he may not finish High School and he definitely wouldn't make it to college.

When he was 16 and at Youth Camp, he heard God's call on his life to ministry.  He came home, went back to school and asked the principal if he could have a room each morning before school for a Bible Study.  When I first met him, 26 years ago, he was sitting at a table, teaching through the book of John to his peers.  He has been leading ever since.  He finished High School, he not only finished four years of college, but three years of seminary to earn his Master's Degree.  He came back to the Jacksonville area, got his first full time ministry position and pursued me until I finally gave in.  

Oh how thankful I am for this man. I know that he was created just for me.  God creates all of us for a purpose and it's fun to look back over his life and see how everything has prepared him for where he is now.  He loves the Lord, loves his family and he loves the church.  He is kind and sensitive to others and he desires to lead them to a closer walk with Christ.  He is spontaneous, creative and did I mention enthusiastic and passionate?  He is human, he struggles with things like all of us, but he doesn't hide that.  He is real, he is honest and he is a man of great integrity. 

Russell, today we celebrate you.  How thankful we are for you - for your love and your leadership.  We are thankful for the husband and the father that you are.  Our family is truly blessed to have you.  You have continued to use your gifts and talents that the Lord has given you for His glory.  Your desire to serve and obey our Lord is contagious.  You are my love, my husband and my best friend.  Apart from salvation - you are my greatest gift!  Thanks for being you.  I love you more than you know.      ~ Me

Happy birthday Dad you make me happy every day.  I love you Dad. You are the best!  I love you so much!  have a great birthday.
 Love, Anne

Dear Dad - Thank you for always being there for me and thank you for always loving me even through the hardships.  Even though we both have our moments together, we can still get along.  I love you and Happy Birthday.  Jarod

Happy Birthday!!!  We Love You!!!!

Vacation Getaway

We were supposed to go on vacation the same week Russell came down with Bronchitis.  Fortunately, we were able to reschedule it for this past week.  We were so thankful for the ability to do a last minute switch for a stay at the beach, especially in July!  God is good. 

Here is our vacation in photos -

We arrived at the Condo on Crescent Beach late Wednesday afternoon.  We unpacked the van and the men took their "vacation positions." 

This didn't take long at all.  Jarod had spent the day at his new Jr. High for a "Moving Up" Day.  He was tired and ready to chill.  Russ, still recovering from his Bronchitis, became tired quickly and had a hard time breathing after unloading the van and climbing the steps to the Condo in the FL heat and humidity. 



So after a bit of rest and relaxation - and checking out our view for the weekend,

 

We headed over to the Matanzas Inlet Restaurant for dinner. This was our view while we ate - 

After dinner we headed to the pool to cool off and let the kids play -

While the moon rose above us

The next day, we headed to the beach to play

Love this one of Anne

Russ took Anne out further to teach her how to jump the waves.  

Love this pic of the three of them

Anne did great and had an awesome time but when she was headed back in, she got clobbered!  You can't hear it on the video but Russ and Jarod are yelling for her to hurry.  I love her face when she turns around and see the wave coming.

No worries - she was fine.  I turned the video off to get to her.  She decided to master her Sandcastle skills for a while after that

Such talent.  :-)

The guys decided to ride the waves on their Boogie Boards

Love this!

And this!  Such determination!

Love his face in this pic!  So much fun!

Jarod kept catching waves that would bring him all the way in.  It was awesome!

We played until late, stopped for dinner and then took the kids for ice cream.  You just have to splurge on ice cream when you go to the beach.

 

One of our favorite things to do when we visit this Condo is walk down around the end of the island, under the Manatzas Bridge and watch the sunset.  The kids decided to collect shells along the way.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this pic!!!

I don't think it gets much better than the beach at sunset

Under the Matanzas Bridge

Another Fav!!!!

Friday, everyone was exhausted so we just had a lazy day in the Condo.  We decided to stay out of the heat of the day and play in the evening.  Jarod got a new Skim Board and wanted to try it out.

It's a lot harder than it looks!

Anne wanted to fly her new kite - 

"Let's Go Fly a Kite!"

Partially eaten Chocolate Cake and Key Lime Pie

We went to South Beach Grill for dinner that night.  At the end of our meal, our server brought two desserts with candles in them, wishing Russ and I a Happy Birthday.  I looked at Russ, baffled and he looked at me.  Then we both turned to Jarod who was grinning from ear to ear with pride!  We thought he has excused himself to go to the bathroom, but he took it upon himself to tell our hostess that we were on vacation celebrating our Birthdays.

I was just so impressed with his creativity and thoughtfulness.  We don't typically do this at restaurants so the fact that he did this was a huge surprise to us.  So thankful for the glimpses of a tender and giving heart that God is molding.  Being almost 13, we don't always see this side.  I honestly felt like God was reassuring me that He is working in Jarod's life and answering my many prayers.  I know it sounds strange - but these desserts gave me hope as we enter the teens years.  I needed that!  :-)

We checked out on Saturday and headed in to Downtown St. Augustine.  One of our favorite places.

One of my favorite restaurants is Cruiser's Grill.  There are only a few in town.  One is out at Jax Beach and I made sure we went at least once or twice a month when we were driving out to the beach for church.  Now that we don't go out there anymore, I have withdrawals.  LOL!  They do however have one in St. Augustine and I requested we have lunch there.  My family complied.  So thankful!

A great time was had by all!  This getaway was more needed than we realized.  So very thankful for it.  Can't believe there are only 2 weeks left of summer.  It's winding down quickly.

Until next time......