WELCOME!!! Come on in and stay awhile.                 

9/9/11

Life today.  We finished the first week of homeschool with all three.  I am one tired momma.  HAHA Time to celebrate with friends, free pizza and ice cream.  I am finally decorating our house.  I will post some pictures of the updates soon.

1/25/11

Wow, where did 3+ years of keeping up with this website go!  I will tell you ... EVERYDAY LIFE with the best husband and children around!  I also started a Facebook account and instead of posting here, I poseted pictures and stuff there.  It just seemed easier.  But I like have my own little spot too.  Maybe a blog wouldbe a better option for me, but those did not exist back in the stoneage when I started this.  HAHA

11/17/08

I do not have a lot to update about.  Lance is still looking for a ministry position in a church or an organization where we can serve for a long time.  We really want to pour ourselves into a ministry.  It is hard to establish anything worthwhile and lasting when we only invest a few years here and there.  God continues to provide opportunity for Lance to work with his friend Jeremy, substitute teach, and do some CPR training.  We are humbled by His provision and constant grace for our lives.

Unfortunately, I am not able to upload any more video of the kids for the immediate future.  The firewire port on our computer broke, so we have no way of transfering it from the camera.  Right now I do not have many new pictures because we had started using the video camera more to share.  I will try to get some pictures up next time.  Hope also has some schoolwork she is very proud of that I need to scan in and post next time.

Please pray for Lance's dad Wilbur.  He is having some health problems.  Please also pray for his mom, Libby during this time. 

Here are some fun questions sent to me by a friend. Thanks Jane for the fun activity!

0. Wrapping paper or gift bags? prefer wrapping but bags if I have waited until the alst minute
0. Real or Artificial tree? REAL, Frazier Furs:  Due to limited resources and little children we have opted for two little artificial trees since Hope was born.  Sensible, but not the same!
0. When do you put up the tree? after Thanksgiving
0. When do you take the tree down? I would like to take it down on News Year's.
0. Do you like eggnog? Yes, but have not had any in a long time
0. Favorite gift received as a child? keyboard
0. Hardest person to buy for? parents
0. Easiest person to buy for? Lance
0. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, several sizes
0. Mail or email Christmas cards? email this year
0. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? anything from a dirty santa swap
0. Favorite Christmas Movie? Scrooged
0. When do you start shopping for Christmas? different every year
0. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes
0. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Red velvet cake
0. Lights on the tree? Yes, preferably white, but hubby prefers colored 
0. Favorite Christmas songs: Oh Holy Night
0. Travel at Christmas or stay home? travel to see family before Christmas,  home for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day 
0. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? No
0. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
0. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning
0. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? the commercialism
0. Favorite ornament theme or color? I love our plastic, acrylic painted ornaments.  Lance and I bought for our first Christmas.  They were cheap, but we had a ball painting them in our little one bedroom apartment in Statesboro.
0. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Ham with all the sides 
0. What do you want for Christmas this year? a generous, giving Spirit

10/22/08

On Sunday after church, we took the kids to the NC State Fair.  They loved it.  I am working on the video so I can upload it.

Lance sent in his video interview to the NC Director of BCM.  We are waiting to hear back from them. 

Lance also sent a resume to a church near Charleston, SC.  It is a SBC church taht is reformed and has elders. Those are few and far between.  From what we can tell from their website, they are healthy and growing.

We recently joined a new small group at North Wake. It is a family group, so the kids join us for Bible Study and some prayer focused on things they want to pray about.  We still meet on Thursday. 

9/28/08

Well, the interview with Cornerstone was informative.  Lance was the first of 10 candidates to be interviewed.  We do not really think this is the place for us, and they will not be making a decision until December so we are pursuing another ministry option.  Lance interviewed with the NC Director of Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) last Saturday.  The job is essentially a campus missionary for UNC at Greensboro.  The next step in the process is videotaping Lance answering a list of questions.  They are looking for someone to be able to start in January.  Please pray for us as we honor God in all circumstances of life.  We praise Him for his provision each and every day.  He is faithful!  We know he will work all things for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.   Also Lance's mom, Libby, and his sister, Kim, are both having some health concerns.  Your prayers for them are much appreciated. 

NEW VIDEO

9/7/08

This update could not wait two weeks.  Lance has an interview with Cornerstone Baptist Church in Cleveland, NC.  It is on Monday, September 15 at 6:30pm.  Please pray God's will be done in this process.  We only want what will bring God the most glory! Pray will be content with whatever the outcome, either moving or staying and searching more.  Lance has been working on a youth document showing how he would structure the ministry.  It is very detailed.  He is going to have it bound and present that at the interview.  Please pray the church is open to a family based student ministry.  We know parents should be the primary disciplers of their children.  We want to assist parents in this role.

Here are a few short videos to brighten your day! VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2

9/2/08

WOW! Be impressed that it has not taken me 6 months or more to post an update.  It is amazing what a schedule and a daily to-do list will help you accomplish. For me, the more I have to do the more productive I am.  I guess during the busy times you just don't have time to piddle around and waste your time.  :-)

Lance is working with Jeremy again doing home improvement projects until near the end of October.  We are waiting to hear back from a few different churches that seem interested in Lance for student ministry.  Please pray that we will have wisdom and discernment as we make these decisions.  Also pray that we will be able to coincide our lease with any move that will be necessary.

We are beginning week three of homeschool.  It is going great.  See "The School House" for some scanned images of Hope's work.  She took here first math assessment today.  She did great!  She is loving her Phonics Museum.  I think it is her favorite part of school.  It is filled with lots of different activities to reinforce the sounds.  It incorporates music, art, history, and projects along with the phonics.  From the pictures, it is easy to get the idea that we don't do any real work.  We have tons of math and handwriting pages.  Hope just wanted to show you all the fun she was having the past two weeks. 

Grace has a theme every week.  Last week was about cookie.  She learned a new vocabulary word: dough.  We practiced identifing circles, the letter I, and the number 9.  We also do a simple Bible story each week and work on a memory verse.  Last Friday we baked peanut butter cookies in the shape of letters.  We also made pizza dough for homemade pizzas for dinner so she could see and taste the difference.  We watched Barbie as Rapunzel for our Family Fun Night and ate pizza in the living room.  It doesn't take much to get them excited.

Grace always says some of the funniest things.  I always forget them, so I am going to share this one even though the joke is on me.  She came and sat beside me on the couch while I doing my Bible study. She was looking intently at my legs.  I asked her what she was doing and said, "You are sparkling."  I said, "Thank you, but mommy just needs to shave."  No, you are owie like the sparklings. You know the hot ones."   It took me a few seconds to figure out her 2 year old logic.  She was comparing my legs to 4th of July sparklers!!! 

Paul has entered the full-body, throw yourself down on the floor, jerk and kick trantrums.  We just walk away and ignore him.  He gets up pretty quickly and usually complies.  This is the phase where in just a brief period of time, my sweet little boy turns into a ball of aggression that I could have never imagined.   I think he is finally starting to realized that it hurts and that he never gets his way. 

We have also played in the kiddie pool a lot this summer. I finally remembered to take some pictures of all the fun.

 We went to Chick-fil-A on Labor Day sporting our favorite team apparel (some of you may have gotten our last minute email with the details.)  We had to be creative, so take a look at the updated pictures.  We scored four FREE 3-piece chicken tenders with our creativity. 

Check out this video!  Video 2  Video 3

8/15/08

It doesn't seem like it has been that long since I did this.  I guess the numbers don't lie.

Lance is looking for another full-time ministry position for youth, or family minsitry, college or discipleship.  We will see where God sends us this time.  Please pray as the resumes are sent out that God would make his place for us clear. Until then, please pray that Lance will get some more CPR training business to help us financially.   

I am starting homeschool with Hope on Monday.  She is so very excited.  I can't leave Grace out so she has her own "school stuff" too.  They are both growing up so fast. 

Paul is a true boy.  I am constantly telling him not to climb.  He is also a mama's boy through and through. 

Our neighbors from Tennessee came to visit.  Makenzie and Hope had such a good time hanging out. 

We just got back from Myrtle Beach with my parents.  It was the first time the kids have been to the beach.  they loved the big sandbox and the ocean waves.   I posted a few pictures but I cannot find my other media card.  I will try to post more later. SORRY!

3/14/08

I am just not sure how December turns into March, but here we are.  Here is the latest news from the home front.

Lance has officially started his CPR training business.  We are learning a lot about doing business.  He is also substitute teaching until we have enough clients to pay the all the bills.  Please pray our marketing efforts will produce leads.  Check out his website at www.heartlifetraining.com.

I am also still trying to increase our Shaklee business but that has taken a backseat to helping Lance with the main source of income.  If you know anyone who is looking for natural supplements, a weight loss program, household cleaners that are safe to use around children, pets and the environment, please refer them to my website.  Sometimes, the info can be overwhelming, so they are more than welcome to e-mail me and we can talk about their needs.  It is so amazing; Lance has not had a single RX since he started taking the Shaklee vitamins and Immune supplements in almost two years.  I am also still teaching a MOPPETS class until the end of May.  Recently I also picked up a student for math tutoring.  Her father is in our small group.  I have also signed up to do some Mystery Shopping for different businesses.  It is interesting.  When you write it all out, no wonder I have not updated the website. :-)

Hope is well on her way starting to read.  She knows and writes all her letters and numbers.  She also knows the sounds of all the consansonts.  It is so amazing.  We are going to start Kindergarten home school for her in the fall using the Veritas Press curriculum www.veritaspress.com. She is so excited. She will have art, bible, math, and reading/writing classes.

Grace is talking up a storm.  She thinks she is as big as Hope.  She imitates everything we do especially Hope. She songs lots of songs, knows her ABC's and counting, and some of her colors.  She always seems to have a smile on her face.  She is also officially potty trained.  We take her places without diapers.  :-)  She is very proud of herself.

Paul is walking!  He started taking steps several weeks ago but he is really good at it now.  He is saying, dada and bye-bye all the time.  He says mama less frequently but so sweetly.  He babbles and makes this va-va sound. 

Lance and I have been leading a small group for our church since November. We are very small right now, but that makes it a little easier to get to know the other families better.  Once all the winter colds and flu pass, I pray our group will be able to meet regularly on Thursday nights.

12/27/07 - Oh, so much to catch up on. 

Grace turned 2 on December 4th.  She had a great Winnie the Pooh birthday party with a few friends.  Lots of presents and sweets!  Unfortunately she had a stomach bug by the end of day.  She recovered quickly.  All the grandparents came to celebrate.

This year for Thanksgiving I decided to buy a very large (18 lbs, Paul-size) turkey.  I wanted to do the least amount of cooking for the week as possible.  Well, I succeeded.  We ate turkey for lunch and dinner for 7 days.  I think we will have a ham for Christmas. HAHA

Lance took his Instructor training course on December 20th.  He has to do two supervised teachings before he is officially able to start his business.  He is still working everyday with Jeremy.  They are in the process of fixing up a rental house.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Lance's parents, sister, the twins came to visit us before Christmas.  We had a great time just being together.  We spent a very quiet Christmas at home with just the five of us.  On Friday, we are expecting my parents, sister and niece. 

One bottom tooth has now multiplied into 6 teeth for Paul.   He loves to eat. He loves to make spitting sounds and drool.  He hates for his mama to walk out of the room.  He loves being on the move.  He hates sitting still.  He is ALL boy.  He can pull up and cruise the couch.  It is only a matter of time before he walks. My prediction is by 9 months. CRAZINESS :-)

We are starting to potty train Grace.  She is doing good.  We hope to report great progress over the next month or so. 

Hope is starting to ask math questions like, "What does 2 and 3 make?"  I love it. 

The girls got new sheets and comforters for their beds from meme and granddaddy.  They love them.  They are getting a few other things to help them decorate their room and make it their own. 

11/11/07

Paul started sitting up and crawling well within two weeks. He is now officially on the move.  He also has one bottom tooth coming in which is making him a little uncomfortable.

Hope is my big helper.  Her new self-appointed "chore" is to sweep the kitchen everyday.  This is quite a big task since Grace loves to make a mess at each meal. 

I am also starting "school" with Grace.  We are studying cows this week.  Hope has been learning her phone number, address, and 911 procedures in case of an emergency. Check out "The School House" page for some pictures.

Lance took his CPR/AED/First Aid classes this past week.  He learned alot.  Now he is waiting to take the Instructor Training class at the end of December.  We are going to have to start thinking through a website and name for Lance's company.  A friend is going to help Lance market the business.  Lance is working everyday through December with our friend Jeremy from church.  He is doing handyman jobs and learning so much.  We are grateful for the work and the experience Lance is getting. 

I am slowly starting to add more customers to my Shaklee business.  At least we have not had to spend any of our own money on the website and the business cards.  A mom I met while living with our friends call me and placed an order.  When she was looking for a distributor, she recognized my name.  There aren't many home-based businesses you can start with such a small investment. I am enjoying it.  If that ever changes, I don't think I would continue.  I am also learning about the part nutrition plans in our overall health.  We are what we eat!  Anyone who would like to be on an e-mail list that provides nutritional information and recent research just sent me an e-mail.

10/26/07

WOW!  Where has the month gone.  We are still unpacking, but a majority of the boxes have been emptied.  We are working on some business opportunities now.  Lance is trying to figure out how to become CPR/first aid/AED certified to start his own business training others.  It is in the begining stages so please pray for us.  We are also trying to start a Shaklee business.  We now have our own website to easily provide nutritional supplements to others.  Check it out for more information or if you are just curious. 

Paul is crawling and trying to sit up.  It is not coordinated yet, but he can go where ever he wants.  He also initiates peek-a-boo to get our attention. (I will save you the counting on your fingers, yes he is only 5 months old.)  I thought I had at least one more month.

Grace can say her ABC's and can count to 12 and sings alot.  Hope just seems like a little adult.  She picks up everything. Hope and Grace go around the house singing all day long.  Hope is going to be a song writer when she grows up.  She narrates our entire day through song. 

9/26/07

We moved the bulk of our belongings out of storage and into our new townhouse on Saturday.  We decided to rent for a year and see what God has in store for us.  Many of our friends from our small group came to help.  What a blessing.  Nana and Grandaddy also came us from GA to watch the kiddos.    We spent the rest of the time coming over during the day and trying to unpack and organize. Today we moved the rest of our possessions from our friends' house.  This is the first night we are here through the night.

9/19/07

The job at the car dealership did not work out.  We are actually glad.  The hours were 60-70 hours a week.  Lance has an interview on Friday with a company called Baker Roofing.  It is a sales position.  He also made a contact with an adminstrative staffing agency.  Please keep praying.

We signed the lease for a townhouse on Monday.  We are moving in this Saturday.  It has three floors.  The main floor is the kitchen, dining area, living room, half bath, and deck.  Upstairs are two bedrooms and two bathrooms. One will be the girls room and the other will be a guest/play room.  Downstairs is the master suite with a small little room for a study.  That will be Paul's room.  French doors lead out the back to a small patio.  There is lots of room (1600 sq. ft.) with plenty of storage.  I will post some pictures once we get settled.    

Check out the new pictures.

9/12/07

Lance has been assigned to a car dealership in Durham.  Pray he will have success in this job.  Pray he will be salt and light to his coworkers.  This is very different from what we planned, but we know God will use it for his purposes.  Pray for us as we adjust to a schedule with late nights and some weekend work. 

I attended some training today for MOPPETS.  I am going to be teaching a class of toddlers twice a month for a group called MOPS - Mothers of Pre-schoolers that is supported by North Wake Church. It is a great opportunity to mentor women in our community who may not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Lance and I will be starting up a new small group at North Wake in October.  We are praying about a few of the couples in our current group joining us as we multiply (not split) in an effort to make more room for others to be a part of this ministry. 

9/10/07

When we took Paul to the doctor for his 2 month check-up he weighed 11 lbs 14 oz already.  He is a growing boy.  I would put him closer to 15 lbs by now.  He smiled the first time on Father's Day and has started cooing and laughing.  He now trys to imitate your experssions, laughs when he is tickled, and sits up in the exersaucer.  He loves to play and to be held.

Hope and Grace are both doing fine.  They are adjusting fairly well considering all the changes.  Grace is starting to talk more and more.  We here new words everyday.  Hope is becoming such a girly girl. (HAHA She did not learn this from her mother!) 

We sold our house on August 3rd.  Praise God! Pray we will have wisdom about where to live once Lance gets a job.

Lance has been working for a friend at church that does handyman projects.  Sometimes he gets alot of work during the week, other weeks are very slow.  He has resumes out at several more companies.  Lance is attending some general cars salesman training this week.  Pray he will be assigned to a dealership close to Wake Forest. 

We love you all and thanks for the many prayers you have already said on our behalf.  We serve a Savior that is gracious and promises to meet our needs.