The Ultimate Challenge

My husband mentioned the other week, "Lets get rid of the TV and computer." I happily agreed to both and felt the heavens open up with angelic singing since I pretty much hate TV and wouldn't die without a computer and have always wanted to be Amish. But then he started back peddling.... and issued a 40 day challenge for our house. No TV or computer(other than bill paying) for 40 days. The goal is to "unplug" our kids and and have us plug into each other more.
Last night was night 1 and is was great! We had good conversations and the girls even played with each other more rather than playing with the babies and watching TV.
However, the enthusiasm is losing momentum already. Ariel and I are the only strong holds in this radical movement and I have my doubts about her. I will keep you posted!

THE PRODIGAL CAMERA RETURNS!

Thank you, Sweet Jesus! My camera came home with the girls from church activities tonight. It was hanging out in the hand bells room for the last month , how it got there who knows but I have it back! Memory Card and all! Thank you! Thank you! Praise God!

(And just on a side note of the kind of man I married, Mo tried to convince the girls to put it in my room and wait for me to find it so I would think I lost my mind. Jocularity! Jocularity! )

Happy Birthday Kami!

Kami is 12 today and my baby is growing up fast. It does pass you by in the blink of an eye. It seems like last week she was shorter than me and now we are almost eye to eye. She had a slumber party last night that we are still recovering from at the moment. I have heard that you can judge a person by the company they keep and I think it is true. Kami has some great friends and they are all lucky to have each other. I asked them at midnight to start quieting down while playing charades for fear of waking the babies and although they didn't go to sleep, I never heard another sound. A new ipod, clothes and itunes cards were at the top of her wish list.

The gifts I see in you, Kami, are: leadership, persuasion, humor, loyalty, and creativity. You are a shining star baby girl and we love you so much. It will be amazing to watch the adventures the Lord has planned for you!

We hope you "find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take."

Happy Birthday Kami!

I am not a good (cyber) friend.

I am such a loser! I have this facebook acct. which I never go to but all these friends keep asking me to confirm them but I don't have time to confirm them much less post anything or accept them into my "moms circle" or "top girlfriends list" or confirm or send a "heart message" or even add my birthday to their calendar!
In the words of my good friend Larry Beam, " I don't need another friend!". I'm too dang busy doing the mom thing and friend thing to add it to the cyber world. I mean, I live by my palm and have to schedule everything, including "taking care of relations" with my husband! Dad-gum! I need a vacation. Calgone take me away!

Julius is 2!

Had a family party for the big man on on the block today, Julius! We had a lot of fun after a day of basketball and it was nice just to relax while giving a party. Not playing hostess has its advantages. Julius got a cool drum that plays the ABC's from my parents but by far, the most favorite gift is the globe light up thing that was like 2 bucks at Wal-mart. Figures!
Happy Birthday, Ju-Ju and we love you! Isn't it sweet to know that even though he wasn't born to us the Angels still danced on his birthday too?!

Prayers Appreciated

This might sound strange but when you pray, please lift up Julius and Ariel's biological parents. We have been praying for them since the babies came to us but have felt lead to ask others to pray for them as well.
We don't know the full picture of what to pray for but the Lord does. It seems to me through our written correspondence that the mother genuinely loves her kids but has made some poor choices. We stated that we will be praying for them and she has been encouraged by this and has asked that we continue to do so.
Pray as you feel lead and don't be afraid to pray that the parent's lives are changed and come to know Christ or even come back to Him if that is the case. And that the family can be reunited.
We love them but to God be the glory if a miracle is in His plans and we will be blessed either way.
Thanks!

We are Still Kickin'!

To answer my friend, Shelly's question, Yes, we are still alive! Here is the short story: I am too busy to write on a blog! I miss it and haven't read for pleasure in weeks but we are doing well. Here is the long story:
Mo is just getting over a cold. Watched ALL the kids for me last Friday so I could go out to eat with a friend and to a movie. MY HERO!
Kami is good--back into the grind of school and missing Guitar Hero way too much. She now has a new best friend...a cell phone (for home use only.)
Kori is running crazy and loving it. We are now in full swing of 2 basketball leagues and judo with a judo tournament coming up at the end of the month. She keeps her inhaler close by but keeps on running.
Julius is a 2 year old in full strength despite his second birthday coming on Saturday. He is all boy and a whirlwind of energy...no wonder he sleeps so well at night.
Ariel is getting soooo chubby! I love it! She now has 2 teeth and continues to be a social butterfly. I can already see it on her report card: "Has difficulty controlling talking." A true girl!
I am in the middle of a new bible study. Esther: It's tough being a woman. Amen to that! It is great and I am learning so much as I usually do with Beth Moore studies. My New Years resolution to get into bed earlier isn't panning out obviously.

I've got a few pictures coming soon and hope all is well in your world!