Home Sweet Home

Well, we've been cooped up for the last three days. Jarod developed some sort of rash from head to toe and we have been home bound since Sunday. Not sure what it is or where it came from. It has the Dr. baffled as well. It started on his arms and face - no itching, no fever. He just didn't feel well. By Monday, he was itching like a mad man and it was all over from head to toe. Still no fever or any other symptoms. The Dr. didn't know what it was, we just had to treat it with Benadryl and oatmeal baths. We would get about three hours out of the Benadryl before he was climbing the walls. He is doing much better today. He actually slept all night last night. He'll be going back to school tomorrow. No one else in the family has gotten it so it remains a mystery.

It's actually been a nice break. I love being at home. Russell laughs at me - I can stay in the house for days - I don't even go out to check the mail. It's so cozy! I never have liked running here and there, being gone all day. When we lived in Opelika, and Jarod was a baby, we only had one car. Russ would take it to work and I would stay at home with Jarod. It was so nice. But, those days are over. So, the Lord gives me a few days together here and there. It will be over in a few hours as I have a Bridal Open House tonight at The Wedding Party.

Not too much else is going on with us. Russ is having Red Ribbon week at school and has had to dress up in some weird way all week. Monday was Mis-matched day - what a site! Yesterday was Rock Star day and today is Camouflaged day. Tomorrow is 70's and 80's day. I guess I should be taking photos......

Well, I guess I will go finish my laundry and pick up a bit. Until next time......

Living In Midian

Cami is studying the books of Moses this year in Bible Study Fellowship. One of the many good materials they produce is the Home Discussion Guide, which we have been going through as a family after supper. We have had many good conversations and prayer times doing this together. Last week we talked about how Moses ran to Midian after he killed the Egyptian. He knew God had a plan for him, but he would not see it for forty years. During this time, he kept his father in law's sheep. Then, without warning God spoke to him through the burning bush and off he went to Egypt to deliver God's chosen people from bondage.

I realized that I am also living in my own Midian. I know that God has called and gifted me to serve Him in His church, but I am still waiting for the what, where, when, and how. In the mean time, God has placed me in the field of a junior high school as shepherd. I do not know what God has planned for me, but I am learning everyday to trust Him. He has put the desire to preach His Word and make disciples deep within my heart - It just won't go away. So, I pray that I will be ready when He speaks to me from a burning bush. That I will be willing to go wherever He sends and do whatever He says.

Make me know Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day.

Psalm 25:4-5

On the Path,

Russell

Camping Out at Fort Clinch

Jarod and Russell spent Friday night camping out at Fort Clinch with the Cub Scouts. They sure did have a lot of fun. (Jarod is behind the boy in yellow in the center) The only major problem they had was being woke up by raccoons in the trash cans.

After breakfast, they got to tour the Fort.

Jarod discovered the bathrooms - of course, being 9, all he could do was giggle.

They also got to watch them fire the cannons. How fun is that?

We are finally settling into normal. Russ and I are done taking weekend excursions by ourselves. At least until our next anniversary. What fun it was though! Report cards go home next Friday. I can't believe the first nine weeks of school is over already. The holidays are upon us.

I have taken on being a Discussion Leader at Bible Study Fellowship this year. So my Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are busy. It's proving to be such a blessing though. I was so concerned about my time management with all that being a DL entails but God has been so gracious, and so far, so good. I am able to stay on top of my house, my business, my kids and do BSF. It's quite exciting to be a part of it all. I know that God honors studying His word and He will make it all work out.

Russ is busy with School and Cub Scouts as he is the Assistant Cub Master this year. He loves it. I was a big grumbly last night having to sew 7 patches on his uniform, but all is well. I did not inherit my mother's love or talent for sewing. I have no patience for it. Now, my brother, on the other hand. He has the talent for it and is creating an entire workshop in his home so he can build his puppets. I guess I'll ask him to sew the patches on next time.... Hee Hee! Sewing is definitely one thing I took for granted as far as mom was concerned. I just always figured she would be around to do it. I can't believe that this December will be 6 years since her passing. Where does time go? I miss her.

Until next time.......

She Surprised Me!!!!!!

Yes, it is true that I am not so easy to surprise. I have an irritating way of figuring things out - But not this time. A week prior to our anniversary, Cami and I enjoyed a childless weekend at Disney. That alone was great, but Cami was plotting another weekend away during our anniversary.

Sometime before, Cami did a calligraphy job for a friend who happens to own a beach front Condo. Instead of the regular form of payment, they bartered out a deal. Yes, the job for two nights in the condo. So I came home from work on Friday and she says "Get in the van. We're going to dinner in St. Augustine." I kept asking what's going on. She only smiled in return. After dinner, we went over to the beach area. We kept driving down A1A all the way to Crescent Beach. When we did not turn to go back, it all came together! Then she pulled into the complex confirming everything.

Cami is sweet and all, but she is also devilishly sneaky, and I love her for it! We had yet another great weekend reconnecting with each other. I guess we are due two weekends alone after six weeks with our kids in a pop up!

Happy Anniversary!

Ya know, sometimes you just have to get away. This past weekend, Russ and I did just that. A little early, as our actual anniversary isn't until the 27th. But you take the babysitters when you can get them.

My aunt took the kids for a few days and we took off and went to Disney alone!!!! I know, I know, how can you go to Disney without the kids? Well actually, it was pretty easy! Last year, for our 10th Anniversary, we took our first cruise. It was the first time that we had been away together for more than one night, without the kids, that was not ministry related. We were hooked! We decided then and there that getting away by ourselves for our Anniversary was going to be a priority.

We drove to Tampa late Thursday night, spent the night and snuck out early Friday morning before the kids woke up. We were in the parks by opening time. We spent our day park hopping and riding the "big kid" rides that the kids can't or won't go on yet. Friday night we went to a nice dinner and then to the Cirque Du Soleil in Downtown Disney. What an awesome show! An hour and forty minutes on non-stop action and awe. If you ever have an opportunity to see it, don't pass it up. It is amazing!

Saturday we did the "Keys to the Kingdom" Tour at Magic Kingdom. It is a 5 hour walking tour of the theme park. It is an adult only tour as it reveals a lot of secrets that make Disney so awesome. We got to go "backstage" and see where they keep things like the floats for the parades and where Tinker Bell lands when she flies from the castle. We got to visit the underground tunnel system and learn how everything works. We had VIP seats on a few rides while we searched for the Hidden Mickey's. We learned a ton of history about the park, had lunch in Liberty Square and finished exhausted! But, not to exhausted to go ride more rides!!!! So, we hit our favorites and then went back to the hotel. I would tell you more, but I don't want to ruin the magic!!!!

We slept late today, did some shopping in Downtown Disney and met Marcia to pick up the kids. With presents, of course! I mean, if you are going to go without them, you might as well bring them something. They had an awesome time themselves. Sasha (that's what the kids call her) took them swimming all weekend. First to the pool and then Saturday to the beach. Jarod came home with about 9 complete Sand dollars! I was so excited as it's hard to find complete ones around here.

It was so nice to get away and have some adult time. I believe that God honors that. Maintaining and preserving our marriage relationship is so very important. I'm thankful for 11 wonderful years with Russell. It hasn't always been easy. There have been some really rough times, especially around the time that my mom was so ill and I was caring for her. We were put into a pressure pot and all the "yuck" came out. But it made us stronger and better. We have the wonderful relationship that we have today because of those tough times. We have a strong friendship as we were friends 10 years before we even dated. It's hard to believe that I have known him for over half my life. 22 years. I hardly remember a time in my life when he wasn't a part of it, even if only in some small way. God has truly blessed me with an amazing, Godly man. He is an awesome father, husband and friend. I pray that we have many, many, many more years to love each other and glorify God in the marriage that He has cultivated.

Until next time......

Happy 9th Birthday Jarod!

Jarod's Cub Scout Cake! We celebrated tonight with his Scout Pack. It was a lot of fun , but it all went very quickly. I only got these two pictures of the cake. Better then nothing, I guess.

Happy Birthday Jarod!

Jarod's Birthday Trip to Disney

Most of you know that we are huge Disney fans. We have passes and go all year long. One of our favorite times is for Jarod's birthday. Kids are already back in school and it's usually the same weekend as The Night of Joy. Because everyone is coming in the evening for the concerts - the park is empty! Man, I just gave away one of our secrets. Anyway - this year was no exception. And thanks to the added excitement of Hurricane Hanna, we walked on every ride with little or no wait!

This year they moved Night of Joy to Hollywood Studios and had the "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party" at Magic Kingdom. So, we got to enjoy all the Fall decorations during the day, minus the crowd!

What is a trip to Disney with out visiting with Cinderella? Anne talked and talked and talked to her! Cinderella didn't miss a beat! She kept right up with her and made "Princess Anne" feel so special.

We stayed at the Coronado Springs resort this time and the kids got to enjoy the water slide on Saturday morning. This is Anne's first water slide experience ever. As soon as the water hit her, it flipped her around and she went down backwards. She did great - but after Daddy caught her and asked her if she wanted to go again, she politely answered, "No, I'm good." Hee Hee!!! I'm telling you - she'll try anything once!!!!!

Jarod, of course, is a pro!!!!!

Finding Nemo ride at Epcot

This Sting Ray was just smiling and saying "hello!"

YUMMM!!!!!

Of course, you have to say hello to Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore.

And another favorite - Mary Poppins!!!!

We came home on Saturday night and Sunday, Russ preached at his Dad's church while I attended another Bridal show at UNF. This was my last show until January. Have a couple of Open Houses next week at "The Wedding Party" on Philips Highway. Should be fun.

Tonight is Jarod's first meeting of the year for his Cub Scouts and I'm taking a cake for his birthday. It's cooling now and then I will decorate it. This year Jarod wanted a Cub Scout theme so it shouldn't be too challenging. I will post photos, of course. I can't believe he's 9 today. Next year will be double digits! Yikes! Where does time go? Seems like yesterday he was born and I was rocking him to sleep. Now, he's too heavy to sit on my lap! I'm so thankful for him. He brings joy and laughter into our home and challenges me as a mother and as a person. We are watching God grow him into a fine young man and are so proud of him and the decisions he is already making.

Happy Birthday Jarod!