Siblings..

Will argue fuss and fight, and this is completely normal. I remember growing up having several rivalries myself. But when you see your own children do this, it's heartbreaking. A few weeks ago I mentioned in another post that we were all upset. Well, this was why. I was looking out the kitchen window watching the boys play Basketball. Everything was fine, until Jared thought Caden threw a soda can at his face. When actually it hit the ball and bounced off and hit him. Jared ran toward him and started trying to punch him in the face. Caden was trying to block while walking backwards on concrete of all places. I hollered so loud, thankfully they heard me. Well, again this weekend another fight. Jeff and I were in the front yard talking to the neighbors. When we returned the boys were fine and asking to eat lunch. Later I noticed Caden's chin, I asked him what happened. He told me him and Jared got into a fight outside and Jared pushed him into the fence. He also said Jared already apologized, and that he also apologized. (Which was very mature of them both). But, after what happened a few weeks ago and this time blood was drawn, happy parents we were not. Jared didn't know he had hurt Caden, and he felt awful. I told him it hurts just as much, or even more on the inside when people fight. Toward the end of our conversation Jeff walks in. He asked what's going on. I told him. Really, all we could say was that we were disappointed. We took away his video games, and added a few chores. We have always told the boys they will not get in trouble for defending/protecting themselves if someone is trying to hurt them. They will get in trouble at school for this, but never at home. Starting a fight is very different though! Caden is a tough little boy, he as been known to hold his own in the past. Jared better be careful about being so aggressive, it may backfire on him. (Praying that this does not happen).

Caden's battle scars.

All we can do is pray. Hoping God is proud of us, as we make our way through this journey as their parents.

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! Psalm 133:1

Loads of Laundry

On Tuesday I was not feeling well, so Grace and I lounged around the house in our p.j.'s all day. Still trying to keep up with the laundry, because if I don't, I'll regret it. I'll be folding it for ddaayyss....

Grace loves to help any way she can.

Folding (rolling) her daddy's socks is her favorite. They are just about as long as she is. :)

Just a Thought

These past two days Jeff has been so wonderful. He has picked up the kids from school and has helped with homework. And in the meantime has been taken care of me. I have been very sick, thoughts of even going to the Hospital. I'm feeling a lot better. Thankful the Lord answered our prayers.

Recently, this thought came to mind... Others, that don't really know what your day or life consist of are so quick to tell you what to do, or how to live your life? Why is this? I have done this in the past myself, and I shouldn't have, I am no better than anyone else.

Don't grumble about each other, brother. Are you yourselves above criticism? For see! The great Judge is coming. James 5:9

Just how Safe are We?...I really Don't Want to Know

About 9 o'clock Eastman started having major problems tonight. I was telling the boys goodnight when I heard something that sounded like a diesel truck. I never said anything. Jared asked, what is that sound? I told him, I'm not sure, it kinda sounds like a truck from down the street. He agreed. This sound was the flames burning from one of there towers. It is now midnight. Sirens are still going off and we have felt the house shake all around us. Very scary. Thankful the kids are asleep. Jeff & I are watching the flames sour high above the trees on all three towers. Praying for those operators tonight.

Spread your protection over them... Psalm 5:11

For Their Nenaw's Birthday

Nenaw had surgery on Thursday, and she is doing well. She will be in the hospital for about two weeks and tomorrow is her birthday.

The kids wanted to make her birthday & get well cards. I personally enjoy the homemade ones myself...I'm just weird like that I guess.

To make her day feel special we will have a small party for her there.

On My Heart Today

• Jeff's job situation-him & 3 other bosses written up.
• Jeff's mothers surgery-praying a quick recovery.
• No more weekly lunch dates-save money.
• Possible job offer for me coming in the Fall.
• Praying we keep our promise to Caden-no hollering (coaching from the sidelines) this Baseball season.

For I am the Lord your God, the one who takes hold of your right hand, who says to you, 'Don't be afraid, I am helping you.' Isaiah 41:13

First Prayer

The reason I started blogging (documenting) is so that one day we can look back and remember what our kids do and say. Jared & Grace especially love looking at old posts and videos.

Today Grace said her first prayer (without being coached). I was shocked I was able to get her on video.

"Dear Jesus, thank you for Grace's table, fork, burrito, my pickle, Amen."

O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me. Psalm 25:4-5

My Daddy's Hat

She loves her daddy so.

When he walks through the door...

you can bet she will meet him there.

Tonight after he set his hat down,

she put in on and told me "my daddy's hat"

She was so precious. At the time everyone was upset or hurt. God has the best timing, he know when we need help by bring a smile. {post more on this later}

Me & My Sweetheart

To my love and friend, love you more today than yesterday and I will love you even more tomorrow.

This One's for Grandma

Looking out our front door today. So beautiful!

Jeff's grandmother lives in Northern Nebraska, so she gets snow every winter and sometimes even too much. Us on the other hand do not get snow quite that often so Grandma this is for you. We love and miss you very much. Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Look Grandma we got some too!

Taken from our back porch.

Jared so won the snowball fight between him & I.
His target, was my face, and he kept hitting his target;)

I did manage to get one good shot in on him.

Ready to go play!

Only my Caden would try to ride his bike.

Daddy's so bad.
He had the kids stand under a tree and he gave it a good shake.

Jared age 10 ~ Caden age 7 ~ Grace age 2

Crying. She was cold and ready to go in.

School was canceled today and daddy was home from work so that made our day even more fun!

A Special Snow Day

Filled with Firsts.

Their first snowfall together in 53 years.

First thing this morning, Caden catching snowflakes.

Caden's first Grandparent's Day at School!

First snowball fight.

Caden's about to nail Jared with a snowball:)

Building their first snowman with out mine or daddys help. Good thinking Caden, that snow was cold!

Doing a great job guys!

All done!

Ms. Grace giving Mr. Snowman "the look" you have a leaf for your hair.

And of course the sillies.

****We enjoyed our small winter wonder land***

***We hope you enjoyed yours***

Keeping Our Kids Safe

Protecting them from sexual abuse and cyberspace. Was the topic at my MOPS meeting today. Jeff & I talk to the boys quite often about these topics, and I'm thankful that the boys already knew a lot of what was discussed, but I can't wait to educate them on what I learned today. I feel a little overwhelmed but grateful for all the wonderful information. I have a much better insight on how kids think and respond to this type of abuse. I would love to share with you all the info but it's too much to blog so I will leave you with some great books and websites the counselor spoke of and recommended.

{Click on to enlarge}

Back in The Day of '88

The last day of Middle School, Aimee was 12 and I was 13!

We were movin on up to Jr. High...woohoo! When perms were in and pants rolled up tight around your ankles.

We've learned so much

since those days...thank the Lord Jesus. The value of a true friend, how precious and fragile life really is, the importance of family, and the love of a husband & child, and one sweet baby girl we will one day meet again in Heaven.

A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17

Sisters?

No...but I sure do think these two could pass for sisters! We enjoyed our evening over at our good friends house, for their Super Bowl Party tonight. Grace walked in with this cute outfit on that she got for Christmas from her Nana & Papaw. To our surprise Ms. Abi also owns this cute outfit, so we just had to get a picture of them together! Too cute girls.

Well we don't look alike, like our girls do, but we have been friends (since 1988) for 22 years so we might as well be sisters ;)

Brothers and sisters in Christ- Colosians 1:2

Ummm...God can we talk?

Please Lord I said I needed some extra cash, but this wasn't what I meant!

Painting Day

Jared & Caden have really enjoyed working with their daddy, on this big job that he has had going on, and their daddy has enjoyed their help. This has been a great learning experience for the boys and a great way for them to earn a little extra money.

Today was painting day! All suited up and ready to go! They are just too cute...sorry...I mean handsome;)

Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

I Can Read my ABC 's

Grace loves to watch the Leap Frog Alphabet movie. Lately, she has wanted me to write the alphabet so she can call or sound them out loud to me.

She did great up until the letter "V" she noticed her daddy, and got side tracked. She also knew that the end was near, so she was stalling and started whispering. That's our Grace for us ;)

Worship & Worry

• A good friend lost his job today.
• Jeff is working on Friday?!!-were told 32 hours a week.
• Jeff's mom will be having hip replacement surgery 2-18.
• Neighbor's son, also a father of 3 tried to commit suicide.
• Our 4th grader is on a 6th grade level.-proud of you son!
• Our 2nd grader got his money stolen from his wallet several days ago.

There are days I don't feel like I've learned anything, then there are days like yesterday, when I learn so much.

What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see. Hebrews 11:1

I'm Beginning To Wonder...

If I will ever get well. I am so tired of not feeling well, and posting about this! Huh~ Anyways, just when I start to think I'm feeling pretty good...I start coughing and lose my voice. Sorry, this is how I'm feeling today so thought I would journal.

I will leave you with pictures of Grace playing at the New Mc D's. We met up with our MOPS group for lunch today. We had a great time, and the play area is really cool! The area for the older children is really cool as well. Even cool enough for the boys to enjoy it. We'll take them next time when they are out of school.

With all that is going on in Haiti, and elsewhere in the world, a lot of people are truly ill and suffering. So for this, I am truly thankful that I am healthy for the most part. ~ Just praying I feel better soon.

Caden told us that Nana & Papaw had lunch with him today! What a nice surprise!

Aimee, do the bows look familiar..reminds you of someone..? Thanks for all the cute bows. I know, I know, you gave them to her over a year ago, but she's just now getting enough hair to finally wear them.

Maybe The Beginnings of A Musician...

Don't know, but just maybe. He got this music today, and has been playing for us most of the afternoon. He is really enjoying his recorder, and says he is ready to learn more songs. The Lap Top computer was the best we could do to get his music up so that he could see it. If he's serious about music, we might need to invest in an easel.

Jared , not bad, not bad at all son!

Warning: If your volume is turned up, you might want to turn it down a little ;)

Thankful & Blessed

Grace & I have been under the weather this past week. Grace was not feeling well Thursday evening, and has been running a high fever since Friday morning. We decided if she was still running fever this morning, I was going to call the doctor. Well, she woke up fever free and has stayed that way all day. Thankful she is feeling better, and that she didn't have the flu.

Also, Nana & Papaw came over this weekend to give the kids books, books, & more books and lots of toys. They said, they didn't want them anymore and wanted to give them to the kids. Jared read for hours last night, he was in book heaven! He has already earned his six flags ticket and the cut off date is still another four weeks away...he's just like his daddy, he loves to read! Blessed to have my parent, not because they bring the kids books & toys, but because they care and love our children.

We saw our sweet friends & neighbors outside as we were driving in from getting the boys from school today. So we let the girls sit and talk for about 10 minutes, which was a nice break from being indoors over the past 5 days. Thankful for this time with her sweet little friend after being so sick.

~ Too cute little two year old girls ~

~ Sitting & talking together on their blankets ~