Super Emma!

One morning a few months ago, prompted by a song on a cd of her favorites... Go Fish and an episode of Clifford, Emma asked me if anyone could be a super hero. I said, "YES!" She said, "Well, Cleo on Clifford said that you have to be born a super hero. I said, "Anyone can be a super hero for God if they love and trust Jesus and spend their lives doing what He wants them to do... being kind, helping others, being honest, working hard, trusting Jesus as their savior... She said that she wanted to be a super hero for God. Then she asked for a super hero cape. She gave me the exact specifications: pink and purple stripes. When my mom was here recently, we ( she sewed and I designed) made the cape. It came out great. Emma is so adorable when she puts it one... she swirls around the house and says, "Super Emma is here and ready to help!" When I want her to do something really helpful, I encourage her to put her cape on first... amazing what it does for her willingness. She also talked me into making a mask... that was interesting, but I finally got it to work. Enjoy the photos.

Motherhood Tag

My friend at peterspeapod.blogspot.com started this different twist on tag, so here are 7 things about my journey to motherhood:

1. I had the displeasure of two histerosalpinograms (one before Emma and one before Genevieve)... second time around was much more uncomfortable than the first.

2. We conceived using Clomid... we were on our second to last month using it and if it had not worked, then we would've been done pursuing fertility treatments... God's timing is perfect!!

3. I had gestational diabetes in both pregnancies... the downside was lots of phone calls and visits to the specialist... the upside... monthly ultrasounds to see my little beauties growing and thriving inside.

4. We did not find out Emma's sex (Andy's choice), but we did find out with Genevieve (on the 3rd try) (my choice).

5. Infertility was the most difficult trial for me, but it was also a time of tremedous growth in my life personally and in our marriage... after that battle, we were rock-solid in our marriage and in our relationship w/ Christ... we had to lean on Him and one another SO much and it was SO hard.

6. I had two c-sections and compared to what I thought they would be like, I was pleasantly surprised at the low level of pain. Again, the second was tougher than the first all the way around. One thing that I wish is that I could have just felt one contraction to know what one feels like... all my vaginal birth friends are cringing and saying, "oh no you don't."

7. After infertility struggles before conceiving Emma and beginning the "process" again when we hoped to get pregnant again, we were surprised and delighted when we got pregnant with Genevieve w/o the help of anyone but the Lord... we were especially amazed b/c it was the summer that I spent weeks home and in physical therapy for a torn miniscus in my knee... needless to say that baby making was the last thing on the agenda, so becoming pregnant was even more of a miracle.

8. OK... I'm cheating and adding one more: I breast fed both girls Emma for 11 months and Genevieve for 15 months. They were so different... Emma would take a bottle or the breast easily. Genevieve (after the second week of her life when she was forced on a bottle b/c of an illness and medication I was taking) NEVER took a bottle... she was all breast all the time. That's one gift that I am glad to have given them both.

So that's a bit of our journey toward parenthood. Being a mom is the most amazing and challenging blessing that I have ever had in my life... I love it and my girls!!

Fall Fun! Part Two

Emma posing on our front stoop in front of her loot from the pumpkin patch.

Hey... that guy is just my size... is he a friend??

Mama and Genevieve

Love the shadows!

The cutest 2 pumkins in the world!

Genevieve, the little pumpkin girl.

Emma, the big pumpkin girl... notice the green (leaf/vine) bows.

The pumpkins are as big as Genevieve.

This is kinda cool...

Hay anyone??

G was not too sure about the hayride thing... spent most of the time with her head on my shoulder... checking out the decorations on the side of the wagon.

Emma loved the hayride and the fun music.

Emma and Andy having fun on the hayride... it was chilly.

Genevieve sits with Daddy for a while... but still hangs on tight.

Fall Fun! Part One

We actually got this one at Shop-Rite b/c Emma really wanted one to paint before we went pumpkin picking. Our YUMMY apple pie... all ready for the oven.

We went apple picking... the girls had lots of fun. Emma especially liked picking the HIGH ones on top of Andy's shoulders.

She decided whe wanted to "try before you buy." But I made her wait until we paid and until I cleaned it off (germ-o-phobe).

I LOVE this one... Sweet Sisters and the shadows behind them.

This is in honor of my two friends who can't enjoy fall the same way they once did. It is my second favorite time of year... after spring. Unfortunately, my allergies cause me to miss more of the outdoor fun than I would like to. Saturday, after our hay ride, I was so sick... itchy, burning eyes, terrible headache, and generally funky feeling. It was worth it to see the girls' smiles and hear their laughter. Emma is a fall fanatic. She was counting down the days until October 1st and then she started begging me to decorate for fall. It's been fun watching her joy as we experience everything fall. Next post: Pumkins and Hayride!!

A Day At the Beach!!

Photos of our one and only beach day this summer! It was Genevieve's first day at the beach. Both girls loved it and we had lots of fun. Seems funny to post these on the first really cool fall day... especially after we were pumpkin picking yesterday and harvest party-ing last night at church. Oh well, enjoy and "think warm, summer, and beach".

Walk For Life!

Our family had a great time last month participating in the Solutions Pregnancy and Health Center Walk For Life. See more about the vital work of solutions by visiting their website at

http://www.solutionswalkforlife.com/

Thanks to the generous donations of family, friends, co-workers, and church family, we raised a total of $1250.00 to support LIFE.

Enjoy the photos of our morning and pray for the workers and clients at Solutions.

Benefits of Being Purpose Driven

As promised.... The benefits of being driven by God's purpose for your life and not all the other junk I wrote about yesterday:

Again, all of the points below came from The Purpose Driven Life book, by Rick Warren.

Knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life. Without God, life has no purpose. Without purpose, life has no meaning. Without meaning, life has no significance or hope. The greatest tragedy is not death, but life without purpose.

HOPE IS AS ESSENTIAL TO LIFE AS AIR AND WATER!

Knowing your purpose simplifies your life. Before doing anything ask, "Does this activity help me fulfill one of God's purposes that He's revealed for my life? People who don't know their purpose do too much, causing stress and fatigue.

YOU HAVE JUST ENOUGH TIME TO DO GOD'S WILL. IF YOU CAN'T GET IT ALL DONE, THEN YOU ARE TRYING TO DO MORE THAN GOD INTENDED FOR YOU TO DO( OR POSSIBLY, YOU ARE WATCHING TOO MUCH TV). PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIVING LEADS TO A SIMPLER LIFESTYLE AND A SANER SCHEDULE.

You, LORD, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you." Isaiah 26:3 TEV

Knowing your purpose focuses your life. You become effective by being selective. Without a clear purpose, you will keep changing directions, jobs, relationships, churches, and other externals- hoping each change will settle the confusion or fill the emptiness in your heart. You think, maybe this time will be different, but it doesn't solve your real problem- a lack of focus and purpose.

IF YOU WANT YOUR LIFE TO HAVE IMPACT, FOCUS IT! PRUNE AWAY EVEN GOOD ACTIVITIES AND DO ONLY THAT WHICH MATTERS MOST. NOT THE MOST URGENT... THAT WHICH MATTERS MOST (MY ADDITION)

Knowing your purpose motivates your life. George Bernard Shaw wrote, " This is the true joy of life: the being used up for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clot of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy."

Knowing your purpose prepares you for eternity. One day we will all stand before the judgement seat of God and give a personal account for our lives. From the Bible, we can surmise that God will have two questions for us:

WHAT DID YOU DO WITH MY SON, JESUS CHRIST? DID YOU ACCEPT WHAT HE DID FOR YOU AND LEARN TO LOVE AND TRUST HIM?

WHAT DID YOU DO WITH WHAT I GAVE YOU? WHAT DID YOU DO WITH YOUR LIFE- ALL THE GIFTS, TALENTS, OPPORTUNITIES, ENERGY, RELATIONSHIPS, AND RESOURCES THAT GOD GAVE YOU?

THE FIRST QUESTION WILL DETERMINE WHERE YOU SPEND ETERNITY AND THE SECOND WILL DETERMINE WHAT YOU DO IN ETERNITY.

What Drives Your Life??

Our church, and four others in our town, began the 40 Days of Purpose on Sunday. It's based on Rick Warren's book The Purpose Driven Life. The daily reading for today is one that caused me to really reflect, so I thought it might do the same for you... if you are interested, then read on.

All of the information below came directly from the book:

The 5 most common factors that DRIVE people in their lives-

Guilt- running and hiding from shame, sub-conciously sabotaging success. We are products of our past, but we don't have to be prisoners of it.

Resentment and anger- clam up or explode on others. Those who have hurt you in the past can NOT continue to hurt you now, unless you hold on to the pain through resentment. \

Fear- miss great opportunities b/c of the fear of venturing out. You must move against fear w/ the weapons of faith and love. "Perfect love casts out fear."

Materialism- thinking that more stuff will mean you are more important, happier, or more secure. Real security can ONLY be found in that which can never be taken away- your relationship with God, through Jesus Christ.

Need for approval- one key to failure is trying to please everyone.

There are other forces that can drive your life but all lead to the same dead end: unused potential, unneccesary stress, and an unfulfilled life.


OK... did anyone see themselves in any of those descriptions? I saw myself in a few. The key is to move away from those fruitless, driving forces and into a life that is driven by God's purpose for me. I'm excited to participate in this journey for the next 40 days and expect Him to reveal some great things to me, heal some old things in me, and prepare me for something amazing that I have never dreamed of.

Next time: THE BENEFITS OF A PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE.

31 Things About Me!

I found this on a blog that I visited today and thought I'd give it a whirl.

1. Where is your cell phone? purse

2. Where is your significant other? upstairs

3. Your hair color? brown

4. Your mother? amazing

5. Your father? distant

6. Your favorite thing? family

7. Your dream last night? none

8. Your dream/goal? wholeness

9. The room you're in? computer

10. Your hobby? scrapbooking

11. Your fear? attack

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? healthier

13. Where were you last night? restaurant

14. What you're not? perfect

15. One of your wish-list items? pool

16. Where you grew up? Louisiana

17. The last thing you did? emailed

18. What are you wearing? crocs

19. Your TV? on

20. Your pet? brown

21. Your computer? new-ish

22. Your mood? frustrated

23. Missing someone? yes

24. Your car? messy

25. Something you're not wearing? makeup

26. Favorite store? hmmm?

27. Your summer? fast

28. Love someone? Andy

29. Your favorite color? pink

30. When is the last time you laughed? earlier

31. Last time you cried? yesterday

For Today...

I found this idea at http://www.thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/. It's called the Simple Woman's Day Book! I was supposed to post a little photo, but couldn't get it to work.

FOR TODAY- Friday- October 3, 2008

Outside My Window... it is dark and windy. Today is our first day that really felt like fall.

I am thinking...about how much my body aches because of this herniated disc in my neck.

I am thankful for...my sweet Emma who has been exitedly working on birthday gifts for me all week with her daddy.

From the kitchen... finally got around to making the vegetable beef soup that I'd been planning all week. Everyone loved it. Feels good to make a yummy and healthy meal for my family.

I am wearing... gray capri pants and a blue t-shirt that has soup splashes on it.

I am creating...a honey bun cake to take to the 40 days of purpose kick off tomorrow night. (http://www.redbank40days.com/) Thought it would be fun to celebrate my b-day w/ our church family.

I am going... to the Melting Pot on Sunday... Andy's taking me there for my birthday.

I am reading... a book about persecuted, Christian women that's published by Voice of the Martyrs. (http://www.persecution.com/)

I am hoping... that my girls will grow up to love and serve Jesus with their whole lives.

I am hearing... nothing, but these computer keys... it's amazingly quiet right now.

Around the house... I'm hoping to be out of pain enough to work a bit around here tomorrow... looking like a small bomb went off... it's been worse, but could be so much better.

One of my favorite things... scrapbooking and creating memory albums for our family to look back upon and thank God for ALL He has done.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: relax, enjoy, and celebrate my birthday... think I can get away w/ a week long celebration? It's worth a try, right?

A Walk Down Memory Lane!

15 years ago- I was one week from turning 21 years old. I was living in Louisiana on my own. Sitting out of college and working two jobs. Lonely and knowing that I wanted something more out of life that what I'd experienced so far. It was only 3 months later that I moved away to be with my mom, step-dad, and sisters in NJ. Hardest thing I ever did. BEST thing I ever did. I was able to get back into school, find a great church and awesome friends. The first few years of living in NJ were times of the most spiritual growth and changing in my life.

10 years ago- I had been dating Andy for 10 months and was quite sure that he was THE ONE for me. Things were good... I was in love and lovin' it!! I was the Children's Ministry Director at church and I was working at a private learning center as the Assistant Director of Education. And, if the truth be told, I was anxiously awaiting becoming engaged (which happened 5 months later).

5 years ago- After several hard, long years of battling infertility, I was about 1/2 way through my pregnancy with Emma. IT WAS GREAT! The Lord had finally blessed us with the desire of our hearts... a child. We'd spent the year prior to this taking care of my nephews for the entire school year. They were in second and fourth grade. Another one of the best things I ever did... it was a sacrifice and it forced Andy and I to lean heavily on the Lord for wisdom, patience, and strength... as did our fertility battle.

3 years ago- Emma was a year and a half and I was just about to turn 33. We'd been married for 6 years and since we didn't get to go away for our 5th anniversary, we planned nice trip. We went down to a place called the Whitestone Inn in Tennessee. I HIGHLY recommend it for a romantic get-a-way. It's owned by Chrisitans, there's a chapel on site, an amazing restaurant, beautiful grounds, and awesome rooms. Anyway, it was our first time away from Emma and we had a nice, relaxing trip.

1 year ago- Genevieve was six months old and I finally felt recovered from her birth and my pregnancy w/ her. It wasn't easy... gestational diabetes that was tough to control, very tired and uncomfortable, sick more... after the c-section: ER visit when she was only 6 days old... I had a kidney infection, nursing had to stop for a week or so b/c of meds, developed a major incision problem that lasted over a month. It was a hard time, but I was so full of joy at this new little lady in our family. Genevieve was and is a total Mama's girl, so we dealt with alot of separation anxiety and such. I remember thinking that 35 was OLD, but now I'm almost 36...

NOW- We just began our journey as a homeschool family and it is going great so far. I still need work on being more self disciplined and going to bed earlier... I'm writing this last part at nearly midnight. We'll be celebrating 9 years of marriage soon. I love Andy so much more now than I did 9 years ago, not that I always show it, but I do. I feel joyful in my life right now and blessed beyond belief to have my husband and our precious girls... especially in light of two different friends who lost a child and a wife this past year to cancer. I desire to be a more godly woman, mother, and wife... to be about the things that Jesus is about and to let the rest fall away.

Misty

It's not showin up right now on the first screen, but please scroll down and read a tribute to Misty... it's the third entry before this one.

Out of the Mouthes of Babes...

Genevieve is becomig a little, shall we say "spoiled". We've spent much of the last 16 months telling Emma, "She's a baby, she doesn't understand." "Just let her have that toy so she won't cry." (especially in the car, which is G's least favorite place).

Well, now this little lady does understand... she cries at increasingly loud and dramatic volumes if we say no or take something away. Well, this morning I took something from her and she laid down on the ground screaming. I said, "no pitching fits"... that's southern for "no temper tantrums".

Emma procedes to get down on the floor and lay down. She says, "Genevieve, it's not nice to flat yourself out on the floor like this- it's naughty."

Flat yourself out... that's Emma's 4 3/4 (she quickly reminds everyone she meets) way of talking about a tantrum.

A week or so, she flatted herself out on the floor while she was with her daddy. Later on, she tattled on herself and told me (it's good for us that she will still tell on herself).

Anyway, it was a cute moment... we have lots of them around here, but I don't always take the time to record them and then I forget.

Here's to hoping that none of your kids flat themselves out today!!

Fireproof!

I just saw some information about a new movie, Fireproof. It is from the makers of Facing the Giants. It came out on 9/26, but is only in select theaters around the country. Go to the website and check it out. It seems like a good movie and hopefully for some of you it will be playing close to home. Can I hear you say, date night?? What a novel idea.



http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/

In Memory of An Amazing Woman of Faith!

I wrote this in memory of Misty LeBlanc, who went home to be with the Lord on 9/23/08, after a brave, faith-filled battle with brain cancer. Although I knew Misty when she was younger and hadn't seen her in quite a while, through her husband's blog I was able to re-connect with her and in the months that I read it daily and prayed for her, I loved her more and more as a sister in Christ. I hope that in some small way my remembrance of her will provide a bit of comfort to Darren. I also hope that when Olivia is old enough to read it, that it will encourage her to know what an amazing mother she was blessed with. That she will see how her mother impacted lives of many people.



If you want to make a memorial donation in Misty's name, please visit http://www.leblanclife.com/ and look for the post on September 24th and scroll to the bottom for details. I ask that all of you continue to join me in prayer for Darren and Olivia as they grieve.



In Memory of Misty LeBlanc

Seems like so long ago when I first met that sweet, blonde girl who could sing such a beautiful song. Her faith and love for Christ was evident all along.


Although I haven’t seen her in quite a few years, I prayed for her daily and shed many tears.
She was not that young girl anymore, but a loving wife and mother… whom her husband and daughter adored.


She was strong, having to endure illness and pain that most of us cannot understand, but she never lost her faith, she trusted her Savior and held tightly to His hand.


Misty’s legacy is so powerful that none of us will ever fully comprehend- What an amazing woman of faith she was, right until the very end.


She was wise, too, because she chose a husband who would know just what to do…


He loved her, cared for her, fought for her, prayed for her, cherished her, spoke out for her, sacrificed for her and hoped for her healing too.


Not a wishing kind of hope, but a steadfast, faith-filled, hope- based on the Word of God.


Misty and Darren shared that hope with thousands… being vulnerable enough to share their story… they did it because they knew that it was Jesus who’d get the glory.


I know that now that sweet, blonde girl is once again able to use her voice. She’s able to sing praises to her Father and for that I rejoice!


There is still sadness when I think of her beautiful Olivia growing up without her mommy and of Darren without his love. Although it doesn’t make sense to me right now, I know that God has a perfect plan that He’s working out from above.


I’ve been changed by Misty’s life… a more faithful and hopeful Christian, mother, and wife.


I know that I am not the only one… the stories of Misty’s impact have just begun.


As she settles into her heavenly home, may it bring peace to Darren and Olivia to know that they are never alone.


The same God who created the universe and sent His Son to die, gives power, comfort, and more hope for each day. He has you wrapped in His loving arms of compassion and there He wants you both to stay.


-Stacia Jacob (September 2008)

Prayers for Misty... and Darren and Olivia!

I have a heavy heart this morning for the LeBlanc family. I've been thinking of them and praying for them all weekend. I woke up this morning, looking for an update, but there isn't one, so I am praying today that the Lord of the Universe would reach down to Misty and heal her broken body... that He would wrap the entire family in His loving arms, giving them strength, comfort, hope, and whatever else He knows that they need for this day. Please join me in praying today!

Life

It's been almost a month since my last post. Why? I am not sure... each time I sit down at the computer and think I may write something... I don't. I feel distracted and overwhelmed; like my mind and fingers aren't working at the same time. That's partially because I have been having a lot of unexplainable pain and numbness on my left side, especially my elbow, hand, and fingers (maybe my carpal tunnel acting up, but that doesn't explain my shoulder, hip, and leg).

Also, I've been busy this summer. Between family things (picnics, birthdays, parties) and church and friend activities, swim lessons and Andy building a shed... we haven't had much of a breather this summer. Not how I had invisioned it when I was looking forward to summer last spring.

The girls are growing and learning so much each day. They bring us so much joy! Don't get me wrong, they are also a lot of work, but worth every bit of it.

I guess that I've been overwhelmed and worried (obviously I should read Philippians 4 a bit more... I read it last night and it was a good reminder to me about worrying less and praying more) about my questionable health issues and a bit apprehensive to begin our homeschool journey. I know it's the right thing for us this year and I have all the resources I need, but I just need to get started and see for myself that it's going to be a good fit for us. So now I am officially rambling.... see why I haven't blogged in a while? I'll be back with some photos of our summer fun... hopefully soon.

I did have one cool additon to my blog this summer... the playlist. I was oh so proud of myself for figuring it out and getting it to work... on my own. I've said many times before that I am not the most computer savvy chick on the block, so that was a nice accomplishment!

5 things

I just read this post on someone else's blog and I thought it was kinda fun, so here it is:

5 things to do today

1. get Emma from swim lessons
2. go to the grocery store
3. figure out something to make for dinner and do it
4. work on the never-ending laundry pile
5. start organizing our homeshool room

5 snacks I enjoy

1. cheez-it four cheese crackers
2. chocolate... any kind
3. popcorn
4. peanut butter and a banana
5. soft pretzels

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire

1. buy homes, cars, and pay for schooling for any family members
2. let Andy quit his job so that we could volunteer and travel
3. give to my favorite Christian organizations
4. buy up the whole block that our church is on so that we could expand
5. share it and make a difference in as many lives as possible w/ it

5 bad habits

1. too much time being sucked in by screens... computer and tv
2. leaving things lying around instead of putting them away
3. staying up way too late at night
4. interupting people (esp. Andy and Emma) when they are speaking
5. I don't have anymore... didn't you know I'm basically perfect? (kidding)

5 places that I've lived

1. A nice, southern state
2. A pretty good, northeastern state

5 places I've worked

1. Winn Dixie (grocery store- cashier and cash office)
2. Medical Center and Law Firm (doing file work)
3. CJB-NatWest-Fleet bank (cashier) (bank changed names 3x)
4. FBC (children's ministry director)
5. Christian school (first grade teacher)

I'd like to know more about you... leave a comment or publish your own 5 things post.

How We Love Our Kids

I saw this video on Youtube the other day, also. It has brought tears to my eyes every time I look at it. It makes me wonder..... if every parent loved their children as much as these parents loved this little boy.... what a different world we would live in. If we celebrated our childrens every moment and encouraged them daily. If we looked beyond the surface and saw them with the eyes of God... especially in the tough times.

If every parent loved their children like these parents loved their little boy.... WOW! What a different world this would be.

Click the link to see the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th6Njr-qkq0

Cardboard Testimony

I came across this video on Youtube and it made me smile, praise God, and cry. It's very moving and it has really gotten me to think about what my cardboard testimony is.

Click the link and view the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ

The more I think about it, I would need an entire refrigerator box worth of cardboard to really give a full testimony. These are a few, though:

Infertile.................. Mother of 2 amazing daughters

Angry...................... choosing to be joyful and thankful for all that HE has done

Single, impatiently waiting.............. happily married to my prince

Fruitless Christian................... trusting the Lord to help me grow and change

I could go on and on, but I won't. I want to hear from some of you. I hope that this topic is as meaningful to you all as it was to me. You can either comment, email me, or post about this on your own blog.

Real Beauty

Click each link below to see 4 videos, and then read my comments, below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNFpoAt5PkA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rSjh52fGTg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWNYndqFTR4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUsKIApTewQ


Sometimes God really wants to get my attention about something, so He sends me the message in a couple different ways. First, I had lunch today with a friend. We were discussing a local Obstetrician/Gynecologist who also performs various types of cosmetic procedures. It is disconcerting to me that a Christian Doctor, who has vulnerable, pregnant women (many who feel fat and unattractive) under his care would also perpetuate the myth that women need to FIX what God created. I'd love to speak with him and hear his reasoning. He even advertises on the Christian radio that I listen to with my girls all the time. I'm leary for them to hear this message... lest they begin to think they need "fixing" too. Tonight I received and email and blog link from a friend about this very same subject. All I can say is Woah! We are out of control. If we, as Christian moms and dads, don't become strongly pro-active in teaching our girls about true beauty from God's perspective, they will become victims of the "perfect woman" mentality. Truth is that not one of us is perfect, but we were created by a loving and perfect Creator who doesn't make mistakes. I just heard a challenge at my in-law's church last week: spend the same amount of time caring for the inside of you (prayer, Bible study, fellowship with others, service/ministry, etc.) as you do each day on the outside of you (shower, make-up, clothes, hair, brushing teeth, flossing, contacts, perfume,etc.) WHAT A HUGE DIFFERENCE THAT WOULD MAKE FOR ME!! So for today I am choosing to ignore that huge wrinkle collection developing on my forehead, my frizzy hair, my smooshy nose, dry elbows, saggy boobs, acne scars, funky eyelashes, pasty skin... just to name a few. I also choose to ignore the imperfections in others today. I can't make it 5 minutes w/o the Lord's help on this one so maybe I need to spend a little more time focusing on my inside today.

Please Pray!

I am asking anyone who reads this blog and who has faith in God's power to heal to join me in prayer for a family that desperately needs it. I will not go into all of the details of their situation because it is quite difficult, however they asked that Christians everywhere share their blog information and more importantly that we pray for them. They are Darren, Misty, and Olivia LeBlanc. Misty has stage IV brain cancer that isn't responding to any treatment. The LeBlanc's faith is awesome and inspiring... in the midst of this tragedy. Please take a day this week to fast and pray for them... or even more than that if the Lord lead's you. Their blog can be found at www.leblanclife.com.

VBS

one of our science experiments was to make raisins "dance" in Sprite... it worked.

Pastor Ty our fun scientist (left)

(right) Genevieve can't wait until she can join the big kids

Emma went up front to help with the singing at the end. She's posing (r) after the finale.

Emma helped me and had a nice math lesson by sorting 100 each of 5 Bible memory buddies. She counted by 5's, 10's, and 1's. She sorted colors and characters. It was a FUN math lesson. Our church had VBS this week (b.k.a. Bible-cation-school, by Emma). Our theme was Power Lab and we learned how Jesus gives us the power to: be thankful, help others, be brave, live forever, and tell others the Good News! It's a fun, science theme w/ lots of cool experiments. (SEE PHOTO TOP RT.)

Genevieve stayed in the nursery and had fun w/ one other little girl. We taught her to say the catch-phrase of the week: AHA! It's adorable to hear her, but she will NOT perform for people at church when I try to make her say it.

Emma is having such a great week. She's in a group that's mostly visiting kids.... only 2 from our church. This has been good for her because she isn't bossy at all. She struggles w/ that, but she usually doesn't boss strangers around too much (although she has been known to scrap with new kids if she feels like they are wronging her or someone else... she's got a keen sense of justice, but a 4 year old approach to handing it down- not a good mix).

She has a girl in her group w/ a cast up to her thigh. Emma was really concerned about the little girl's inability to "have any fun" or "play the games", so she decided, with some helpful suggestions from Mama, to bring her magnetic dolls and play with the girl during recreation time. It was a blessing for Emma and for the girl- of course Mama was so happy to see her developing a sense of giving and sacrificing for others, too.

She's learning SO much about God's Word, His Plan through Jesus, and lots of great songs and motions. This week has brought up lots of questions too... I see a new awareness and interest in spirtitual things... so I am going to answer her questions and encourage her to keep asking.

We are worn out tired and the girls have been taking 2-3 hour naps all week... Genevieve is still sleeping and it's going on 4 hours (she's missed her morning nap every morning, but is making up for it in the afternoons). Friday is the finale and we'll be done w/ VBS for another year. It's so great for the kids of our church, for kids in the community, and it's a great way for us to reach out and shine the love of Jesus into a dark world. Enjoy these photos of our week.

Well.... this is a continuation of the post and we're all done with VBS. We survived. Emma thrived! It was a great week and I heard her this morning singing one of the songs- word for word. Too cute!

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I have to say that it is no fun to check my blogs and feel like nobody is reading them. I haven't had a single comment on the last 2. Part of the fun of blogging is feedback and conversation with others. If you are reading the blog and enjoying the photos of my family, then please leave a quick comment to let me know. Thanks.

Our Little Dancer!

As promised, here are more pictures from Emma's dance recital.

She loved dancing this year. We were blessed to find a dance studio owned by a Christian woman. Emma's teacher was the best... a formerly homeschooled young lady who's in her first year of college. She was so sweet, taught the girls alot, and most important for me; she was a positive role model for Emma to look up to in dance and in life.

They danced to VY Word (that's how Emma says Thy Word) for ballet and I've Got A Halla-Ree-A Heart (that's how Emma says Hallelujah Heart) for tap. They really did a great job to say that they are only 4 years old (2 were five). They kept looking at one another for reassurance, though.

The entire recital was great... the older dancers were amazing... all of the music was good- it seemed more like praise and worship time at church rather than a recital. There were dancers, singers, musicians, and dramatists... encompassing all of the arts.