One missing

Holly that is...she's away at basketball camp up at Taylor University this week. We go back to pick her up on Friday....which means another stop at Ivanhoes...yumm! We went early yesterday to make a stop at Ivanhoes for Father's Day dinner...and ice cream of course!

This is her 2nd year at Taylor camp - when we picked her up last year she said she was NEVER coming back...it was too much basketball! Amazing how a little time can change things! She even wants to run cross country this year to get into better condition for basketball...all this from a girl who hated soccer because you had to run too much! LOL

David went up to today to have lunch with her and the MC group - there are 5 other 5th grade...oops, I mean 6th grade now...girls there too. I think Abby and I might go up Wednesday and have lunch with them (hmmm, that would mean yet ANOTHER stop at Ivanhoes...I'm gonna need a few extra workouts this week!) That strawberry shortcake everyone was getting on Sunday sure looked good!!

Poor Mr. Kit-Kat misses his play-buddy already...or maybe I should say pest-buddy (but he doesn't seem to mind it). She's usually the one carrying him around the house or chasing him around the house. Maybe he can catch up on some uninterrupted sleep this week in preparation for Holly's return this weekend.

Geek Squad needed

Anyone know how to get the Reactions section at the bottom of my posts off? I can't remember how I put it there and I can't find where to remove it.

WEEDS!

Are a pain in my back, my arms, and the back of my thighs! My Girl Scout Troop finally got started on their Silver Award project today...re-doing the over-grown, weed-infested Alphabet Garden located on the k/1/2 playground at MCE. We spent about 2 and 1/2 hours today pulling and digging up weeds and only got about 1/4 of the way done. Of course, we were spending more time on this area, as it will be the area we re-plant. The remaining 3/4 we will just tear out and MC will flatten out. It really is a good project for their Silver Award - which is the second highest award a Girl Scout can earn. Not only does it meet all the "requirements", it's pretty cool to save something that Girl Scouts originally started - although, we aren't quite sure who - we have some research to do on that. The entire project has to be 40 hours, which can be broken down to no more than 10 hours in planning and the remaining 30 in actual "doing"...with the shape of the current "garden" (and I use that word very loosely!), I don't think we'll have any problems meeting those requirements! There's definately room to work some gardening in to the summer workout routine! We are schedule to return this Saturday for some more pullin and diggin.

I'm really proud of this group of girls. First of all, they are offically "freshmen" now...and being a Girl Scout through junior high isn't exactly "cool", but they have stuck with it and have been determined to earn this award. It hasn't been easy either. Trying to schedule meetings and outings around 5 junior high schedules has presented LOTS of challenges. We haven't really met all that much this past year because of that, but when we have met, they've been focused and gotten things done.

It will be interesting to see who continues on. There are several more awards they can earn. Most in the area of leadership. The highest is the Gold Award - which is the Girl Scout equivelant to the Boy Scout Eagle. I would love to see all of them earn their Gold Award. Not just for the award itself, but for the character building and leadership skills they gain along the way, and for the discovery of themselves that Girl Scouts allows.

It's been awhile...

Wow - has it ever! So what's been going on since April you ask...LIFE! Nothing major, just every day life with 2 working parents, a teen and a pre-teen daughter. So, get ready for a pretty random post...

Of course, we transitioned from basketball to softball, started conditioning for volleyball, ALMOST finished another school year (2.5 days left)...and in about another week or so, will include basketball once again for one. Seems like our lives pretty much revolve around what sport our daughters are playing...and it pretty much does! 4 softball teams between 2 daughters keeps us hopping from ball diamond to ball diamond...well it does for the husband anyway. I don't have to see every game. I'm okay to sit out a few, but not him. But, that's good - it's something he shares with the girls.

I'm kinda anxious about the summer and don't really know what to expect. With my job (working for a charter school), school is out, but I'm a year-round employee. Not quite sure what that means still...have to work out that schedule with the bosses...thankful that "working from home" is an option I an enjoy. Don't really have a lot going on this summer, but there are several things on the horizon for fall that we need to financially plan for - so the summer can't really be too extravegant. Was hoping to make a trip to Gatlinburg or Wisconsin Dells...but not sure the budget can afford much more than maybe a long weekend at Indiana Beach or Kings Island.

I am excited about a couple of things this summer. One is a new Bible study group I joined with some ladies from FFC. We are studying the book of Esther with It's Touch Being A Woman by Beth Moore. It looks really fascinating and I'm anxious to get to know the ladies involved better and have some fun expanding my Bible knowledge...which REALLY needs expanding! The other is my Girl Scout troop FINALLY getting started (and hopefully finishing) their Silver Award project. We will be re-doing the Alphabet Garden at MCE...which is basically an overgrown weed patch right now. It will look A LOT different when we are finished and have a new name. The only thing I'm NOT looking forward to is the whining :-) and trying to schedule 5 freshman girls to be in one place at the same time!

WOW - did I just say "freshman" girls?? I can't believe my oldest will be a freshman in 2.5 days. Next she'll be driving, then graduating, then college...okay, I have to stop or I'll start crying.

An Eeyore day...

Today is what I would call an Eeyore day...rainy and glummy outside - kinda reminds me of Eeyore. Top that off with the fact that I am at work and the security company is here working on the fire alarm...setting it off over and over and over...an over! I hope there isn't a real fire today...I'd never know it! LOL

But, the day will get better...regardless of the weather outside. Both kids are going to birthday sleepovers tonight and my husband is taking me out for my birthday. Haven't made up my mind on where yet - but I'm thinking Amazing Joe's - haven't been there yet.

Got a lot of "stuff" spinning around in my head today...so it's kinda hard to write this blog - can't seem to concentrate on any one thing for long...so, guess I'll just go with the thoughts that are popping in and out of my mind right now...

....why do people get so uptight about birthdays - it's just a number!
....I really need to get our Disney pictures put on disc and posted
....speaking of pictures, I need to send the ones we had taken of the girls over 2 months ago to the family!
....money, money, money...there is A LOT of it going OUT this month...softball, summer basketball, kings island x2
....and then there is still Abby's Wash DC trip we need to be saving for
....I would love to go back to Florida this summer
....wonder when we'll have some definate answers at work on how this fall will look
....no kids at home Saturday am - hey, I get to sleep in!!!
....oh no, the fire alarm AGAIN
....what am I going to take to Easter Dinner at Mom's Sunday
....already dreading Monday - gona be a long day in Indy (working)
....I need to get some GS troop planning done
....wish the sun was shining - even just a lil bit

See...there's a lot more floating around up there too...but I need to get back to work.

16 years ago today..

Was my wedding day- doesn't seem like it's been that long ago, especially doesn't seem like we should have a 14 and 11 year old!!

I remember lots about that day - which I find surprising because I'm not good at remembering things. I remember being extremely stressed out - mainly because I am a control freak (ha - who knew - LOL) and did just about everything myself. So of course, there was no one to blame but myself if something didn't go right. Sorry - no big story to tell of a big embarassing moment or major disaster...surprisingly, everything went well...except for the weather. I guess that was one thing I couldn't control. We had a "mini" ice storm that day and it wasn't a good day for traveling. But, as far as I can remember - everyone that mattered was there - actually, I don't recall anyone not making it.

I remember being amazingly calm, even though stressed. I wasn't nervous and had no doubts, I knew this was where I was supposed to be. And, even though there have been some bad times, I still know I'm were I'm supposed to be and with the person I'm meant to be with. God has a funny way of bringing us back to remembering that we are living out HIS plan, not ours.

I remember being surrounded by family and friends. I was recently going through wedding pictures and came accross one of me and my Dad. Of course, now that he is gone, it has so much more meaning - but it also helped me to put some things into perspective. Like - live for today, not tomorrow - be grateful for the time we have with everyone that matters in our lives - and most important - MAKE TIME for everyone that matters in our lives!

I remember having an absolute blast at our reception...and being relieved that it was all over.

I remember feeling on top of the world and feeling like the luckiest person in the world to have a husband that truely loved me for me.

I remember being full of excitement about the possibilites ahead of us!Thank you David for 16 years of wonderful memories (both the good and the bad!). Looking forward to many more years together- wherever Gods' plan may lead us. I LOVE YOU!

just an update and stuff...

Wow - didn't realize it had been so long since I last posted on here....which, by the way, is one of the reasons I hesitated to start this blog. I was afraid I would get negligent in posting to it.

Well, let's see...what have we been up to since my last post...oh yeah - we're goin to DISNEY!! :-) (insert happy dance here!) 10 days from today...we'll be southbound! Woohoo!!

Both David and I have been - as kids..and neither of us really remember much about it - except I remember that I wasn't impressed. Maybe that was due to the fact that I was there during some convention and every where we went - people spoke a foreign language...and it was so crowded. Don't get me wrong - I know it will still be crowded...but hopefully, we won't hit during a convention of foreigners! The girls are MAJOR excited, they have wanted to go to Disney since they were toddlers. I always said I wanted to take them, but wanted to wait until they were both old enough to not only enjoy it, but remember it...and oh yeah, there's that little thing about being able to afford it! (haha) **sub-thought** can anyone really ever afford Disney..or is it something you just do?

What else has been goin on? Hmmm...pretty much just every-day-normal-life...nothing major really. See...that's the other reason I hesitated to enter the blog world - my life is not interesting enough!!

I do want to give props to my pastor though...the Carpe Diem series was AWESOME! PK you ROCK! Especially the past 2 Sundays. I really wish my 14 year old daughter would have been in the sanctuary for the sermon this past Sunday...but she was in her usual location as a helper in the 2-3 yr old room. I did, however, order a copy of the DVD and have told her that we will be watching it when we get it...it was a very powerful message for a teenage girl to hear - as well as for us adults. David and I have had a rough past 6 months marriage wise and Sunday's sermon really got me thinking and it helped me come to the realization that I have to stop just telling myself that it's not all his fault and step up and let him know that too. I don't know why it's gotten so much harder for me to really talk to him about how I'm feeling than it used to be. You'd think it would get easier. I also have to remind myself to make the WISE decision when it comes to letting the little things get in the way or to escalate into an explosion, it's just not worth it!

Well, time to get some work done...til next time...c ya!

Proud Mama

I'm so very proud of my 14 year old daughter today - she made a tough decision today that she's been struggling with for a couple of weeks now. Granted, it wasn't a major life decision - but it was important to her. It was regarding her involvement in winter guard - and she decided to drop it. She's really been struggling with this, as we have never condoned quitting - the policy has always been that if you start something and make a committment to a team, then you finish it (barring any major problems). Abby just wasn't feeling the whole Guard routine and the ridiculously long practices they have. And, when it began, she was also on the basketball team, so there was a lot of time spent at the school - usually until 8:30/9pm, then home to homework and shower. Some issues arose at the end of the basketball season, then she got sick and had to miss a guard competition...and well, let's just say, it wasn't a happy place for Abby anymore! I was kinda feeling guilty too because I pushed her towards Guard. She was conflicted about quitting because 1) Mom wanted her to do Guard, 2) we don't quit things, 3) she has a good, close friend also in guard she didn't want to disappoint, and 4) she didn't want to disappoint the director - or anyone else....but her heart just wasn't in it. I finally told her it was her decision to make and that I would support it either way. I'm just really proud of her maturity in the time she took to really think through this decision and her reasoning. She's growing up so fast...okay, better stop here before I start crying!!

Small Group

We had small group last night and it brought about an interesting topic that I struggle with. First of all, let me give you some background on our group - we are a couples group working through the "Love and Respect" book and video. We got started last year, then had about a 2 month vacation around the holidays, and have just recently gotten back on track of weekly meetings. We started out learning about the Crazy Cycle and how to stay off of it - or how to get off of it! Those were chapters that both husband and wife read at the same time. We learned about God's direction for husbands to unconditionally love their wives and for wives to unconditionally respect their husbands and how they circle one another.

Last week we started the chapters on the Energize Cycle - which involves husband and wife reading different chapters. Well, last night we were discussing the Closeness chapter the husbands read and the Heirarchy chapter that we wives had to read and how God made the husband to be the head and how wives need to respect that. And then that word came up - submission. I despise that word! I have never been submissive and don't ever want to be. But what we learned - which is often not shared with women - is that allowing our husbands to take their God given place as the head isn't being submissive in the way we've been programmed to think of it. It's simply allowing him to feel respected as the head of the family - which in turn, allows him to return the love that we desire. A good-willed man will not abuse his position as head of the family. That puts a different perspective on it all together. Although, I still cringe when I hear the word submissive - or any form there of...guess that will just take a little longer to get over!

Busy weekend

Wow - the past 4 days just flew by! I had a 4 day weekend, as I took Friday off and Monday was a holiday, nice mini-vacation.

Friday was spent picking up Girl Scout Cookies and at the MCE classroom Valentine Parties - then to Muncie for some errand running. Saturday was furniture shopping and the girls basketball sectional championship game - way to go Lady MC Bears! Sunday was dinner with Mom and then some more funiture shopping. Sunday was supposed to start with church, but had a sickly one at home...amazing though, she was fine later! Monday was more furniture shopping. Needless to say - I'm so thoroughly confused...I've seen so much furniture in the last 3 days, I don't know what I want!

We are looking for new living room furniture - a couch and love-seat to be specific. I thought I knew what I wanted...but there is so much out there. Couple that with the fact that I tend to over-think everything...and now I can't make up my mind. I did, however, find a new headboard and had no problem making that decision - it's already home and installed (as I just learned from my daughter). I do believe I've narrowed it down to 2 different options - just need to quit "thinking" and make a decision.

Next on the shopping list is a vehicle - oh my, I'm NOT looking forward to that - I hate making decisions involving that much money!

Rainy Wednesday

First for an update to yesterday's "Expect the unexpected" blog...after the post, the rest of the day was pretty much a typical normal day for a k-8 school...I know, sorry - not too exciting huh???:-(

Today, even though it's February - it looks and feels like a gloomy Spring day...I only wish it really was. I love the warmer temps, but I don't like the tease of Spring knowing that ole man winter hasn't left us just yet. Hey, it's sectional time in Indiana - that always brings yucky weather!!

Speaking of basketball - I felt really bad for the MC 8th grade girls team Monday evening loosing to Randolph Southern in the championship game of the Randolph County Tourney. I know they really wanted a county championship to call their own, but that just wasn't in the cards. They gave it a valiant effort, just came up short (about 5 points worth) in the end. Even though Abby was one of those girls who really wanted a win...I was (am) very proud of the way she handled herself. I'm so proud of her for the committment she has towards basketball and volleyball..and now guard (although, that's another story for another post). I wish I had had that kind of motivation and committment when I was in school. Here's a picture of the team huddle at the beginning of the championship game Monday evening...

Holly has one more school basketball game left tomorrow evening, then school ball is officially over. But, her AAU team has entered into a league in Muncie and will be playing through the first of April. This group of 5th grade girls has been playing together since 2nd grade and they are pretty good - although this Muncie league will, I believe, bring some new challenges to the court for them. I believe it will be good for them though - it will help make them better players in the end. David and Randy will be coaching them once again. I'm really proud of David for taking on coaching this team when he did last Fall and for sticking with it. I know it was a big step out of his comfort zone when he did it and putting himself in a leadership role doesn't come naturally for him.

So, with only 1 playing basketball now, our schedule will lighten up a bit...that is until softball kicks into gear...then the schedules go into overload again. I know I complain, but I love it too - at least I know where they are and that they aren't getting into trouble.

Expect the unexpected

I need to learn to deal with the unexpected better...like arriving at work and finding the whole staffing plan for the day blown outta the water...darn sickness! We knew yesterday that we would be short staffed today and had a plan worked out for coverage where needed, then of course - the unexpected happens and someone is sick. We made the best of it and got through - but it starts the day out stressful...and then

A family arrives for a conference with contracted service providers and there's no administrative staff to chair it in the building. Lovely...thank goodness for technology and conference calls! That's the nice thing about having 2 locations...someone from Indy chaired the conference via conference call - not the ideal situation - but one that works in a pinch...and then

A program speaker slated to speak to our middle school students doesn't arrive when expected and a phone call placed finds that he has us on his schedule right smack in the middle of our student lunch periods. Thank goodness for flexible people and schedules, as we were able to push him back to accomodate our schedule...and then

Well, it's only 11:15 am - so we'll see what's next on the unexpected horizon later today.

One of those days...

Every have one of those days where you just can't get yourself motivated to do anything - or even feel anything really? That's my day today - just don't feel like doing anything, feeling anything, or being around anyone. I hate these days - because after they are over - I am usually upset with myself for not getting anything done or for treating someone like crap. So far today - I've gotten pretty much NOTHING done and I've not been very nice to David or Abby. Thank goodness Holly went home with a friend after school and is spending the night - or I'm sure, she and I would clash tonight...we do that on a regular basis anyway! What frustrates me even more is the fact that I recognize it, but can't seem to kick myself out of it - and I know I'll feel like crap about today come tomorrow.

what's on my desktop...

This is what's on my desktop....along with a bunch of icons! :-)

Out of the house finally!

YEAH - I was sooooooooooooo ready to come in to work today. 2 days in the house with both kids and the hubby is plenty! I love the fact that I have the flexibility and can work from home when able, but it's also nice to get out of the house and come to work - especially on Fridays - no students, just me and the MPS player blasting! :-)

As you saw in yesterdays post, the girls have been enjoying the snow at home - they got their Dad to take them to the park in Albany yesterday for a little sledding. Today, they are supposed to go to the reservoir for some sledding - pray for no broken bones and that nothing gets twisted!

David was supposed to go back to the Dr Wednesday to get his stitches out and hopefully, get released to go back to work - but, the snow closed the Dr's office. So, now he doesn't go back until next Tuesday - he's itching to get back to work too.

Isn't it weird how we complain about going to work everyday, but then give us a few days off and we are ready to go back?? Well, some us anyway. :-)

Snow Days

The last 2 days have been snow days at the Silvers' home. The girls have been home from school and so have I. The school I work for doesn't have students on Wednesdays, so there was no reason for me to get out in all the lovely snow, so I had a home office day. Then today, my school was closed as well - so I had another home office day. The nice thing about my job is that I have the ability to work from home...but I must admit...I'm looking forward to actually going IN to work tomorrow...and to the kids going back to school (hopefully)!

The girls have definately made the most of the snow and enjoyed the time off. Here are some pics of the last couple of days:

Pictures

I had the day off work today and the girls had the day off school, so I thought I'd take them to get their pictures taken. I've been wanting to do this for awhile now, just could never really find a good time. I scheduled an appointment at JCPenney - we hadn't been there since Abby was like 2 or 3 and a co-worker recently had her little one done there and they were really good - so I thought I'd give them a try again (we normally go to Sears).

First of all, I felt more like an interruption than a customer. On top of the stress already associated with getting pictures taken - I'm a tad-bit of a perfectionist when it comes to things like pictures being taken - so I want the outfit, hair, everything just right. The photographer did some really cute poses with the girls, but she didn't pay much attention to their clothes or hair.

Secondly, after the session was over, it took FOREVER to get the pictures loaded on the computer to see them...while the other employee conveniently took her break and left the one employee to cover 2 customers plus the phone. Once she got them loaded and we were able to view them, she kinda left us on our own - which is good, until you get to the point that you are done or need help and no one is around. While she got some really cute poses, remember, I said she didn't may much attention to their clothes or hair - the good shots all had either something wrong with a piece of clothing or someone's hair over their eye or in their face.

So, after the "non-service" and none of the pictures really satisfying us...we left without purchasing anything....and went to Sears! What should have been an hour experience turned into almost 3 hours...but we got some really good pictures and I, once again, learned that I should just trust my gut on some things and go with what I know!

After today's experience, I think I'll wait awhile before we tackle a new family photo - but you can bet, I'll be making that appointment at Sears...not JC Penney!

MC Guard Pictures

Abby with their 3rd place trophy

Abby and Emily stretching in "staging"

Abby and Emily in full makeup being their usual silly selves!

"Homeroom" - just one word of caution - no lighters or any other kind of flames allowed...seriously - the room would ignite in an instant with all the hairspray! LOL

New Adventure part 2

Well, the first guard competition of the year is over and we all survived...and they placed 3rd. I was really impressed with all of the girls. It also brought back a lot of good memories...especially the smell of hairspray...I didn't know they still sold Aquanet! LOL

Here are a few pictures:
Well - my internet connection isn't cooperating at the moment, so I'll have to try the pictures another time. It keeps timing out and reloading. Sorry!

I finally flew solo in the 2-3 year old classroom at church today. I was supposed to do this 2 weeks ago - and I ended up sick, then last Sunday, we didn't make it due to the ice and weather. Of course, I had some helpers too - thanks to Melissa and Abby for the extra hands. I always freak out and get all stressed out before things like this, but once I get started...it all seems to come together. The only bad part is I hear Pastor Pink delivered a great service today - guess I'll have to get the dvd! That is one of the area's I always struggle with when it comes to helping out during service - I don't like missing service or worship. Haven't decided yet whether I'm going to commit to anymore "teaching"...we'll have to pray on that one and see where God leads me.

Glad to hear that the mission team has landed safely in Jamaica. I hope you'll join me in praying for them.

New Experience

Tomorrow, Abby will be experience a first and I will visit a memory from 8th grade - now that was a looooooong time ago!! Abby will be participating in her first guard competition with the rest of the MC Winter Guard and I am going along as a helper/chaperone. I participated in guard in the 8th grade and planned to continue on in high school - but back then, they made us choose between band and choir - and you had to be in band to be in the guard. Well, I had been in choir since elementary and had one goal when it came to high school and choir - make Swing Choir. We had 3 choirs in high school and you had to try out for all of them. Typically, you moved up the ranks and if you were serious about choir - you wanted to be in Swing Choir. Our music shows were full-out musicals almost, props, lights, dances - we didn't just stand there and sing. And we had a pretty good reputation and did well at contests. So, long story short - 8th grade was my only year in guard because there was no way I was dropping choir in high school.

I'm looking forward to the contest tomorrow. I'm hoping it gives Abby a better picture of what it's all about. Right now, she's kind of "unimpressed"....along with tired and stressed out with school, guard, and basketball. She committed to finishing out the committment she's made - but next year, she says that if she makes the basketball team - she won't take on guard as well. I can respect her decision and I'm proud of her knowing her limits and taking responsibility...but, secretly, I hope guard wins out. I'll support whatever she decides to do...and who knows - she's 14, she could change her mind multiple times between now and next year!

I've got my assignment as a helper - a box with my name on it that I take on and take off the floor once the tarp goes down. I've got my mp3 player loaded with music for the bus ride and I've got my bag-o-snacks...I think I'm ready!

Wish the MC Guard luck - I'll try to Twitter a few updates throughout the day.

Thoughts

It's COLD and I hate winter!

Wonder if the basketball games for tonight will be cancelled? (secretly, I'm hoping they are)

I love Wednesdays at work - no students - just me and a teacher or two (if they decide to come in as opposed to work from home).

Have I mentioned - I LOVE my job!

Lots to do today - shouldn't be bloggin right now...but it won't take too long. :-)

I'm excited about Saturday - I'm going with the MC Guard to their first competition of the season. Got my assignment and ready to cheer them on.

David has his carpal tunnel surgery tomorrow - hope and pray everything goes okay and that this will help alleviate the pain in his right arm.

Wish I was someplace warm and sunny!

Need to turn on the radio to listen for possible school announcements.

Praying that the Jamaica team has safe travel and are able to touch many lives on their trip.

Looking forward to getting back in to the groove of small group next week.

Gotta get off here and get back to work...thoughts are now of the work I should be doing! :-)

Work on Saturday

No, I don't normally work on the weekends - seeing as how I work at a school, it's typically only Monday - Friday. But, today, we had a VIP visiting our school - the President of K12, Inc. - which is our parent company and backer for Hoosier Academy. He came in yesterday from Virginia and spent some time at the Indy campus yesterday and then with us today. Nice man - great vision for education. I'm glad that I'm part of that vision.

Didn't know if I was going to make it here this morning though - just about didn't make it out of the neighborhood with the ice covered streets. Pulled out of the garage and down the drive way to the street to just sit there and spin my tires. Finally got some traction and realized that the direction I was headed entailed going "up hill" before getting out of the neighborhood. so I turned around and headed out of the neighborhood the other direction. The main road wasn't too bad. I had to take Abby to the school for guard practice before heading to Muncie - went totally out of my way, but I wasn't chancing the county roads.

Well, visitors are gone, so we are headed for some lunch then back home. Hope we don't get any more rain/ice mixture.

Multiple Blessings

I've been reading a book I requested and received for Christmas, "Multiple Blessings, Surviving to Thriving the Twins to Sextuplets" written by Jon & Kate Gosselin from the Jon & Kate Plus 8 tv show. Now, first of all - I DO NOT VOLUNTARILY READ! I've always hated reading and have never been able to get in to just leisurely or voluntarily reading a book. When I start reading, I can't concentrate or absorb what I'm reading because my mind wanders and starts thinking of everything else I should be doing. So, the fact that I even requested the book is a miricle in itself! But, I'd heard a lot about it and how Kate writes a lot about her faith in God during their pregnancy with the sextuplets and beyond. I deperately want to develop a deeper relationship with God and trust in my faith, so, I thought this would be a good place to start. Plus, I watch the show regularly and think they are great people and marvel at what they do.

Each time I pick up the book to begin reading, I have to make myself stop. Sunday, I almost finished it (I have 1 chapter plus some of Kate's journal entries to finish). I made myself stop because I needed to get off the couch and take care of a couple things. This couple are amazing! Within 5 years, they had 10 children - first twins, then sextuplets. Jon lost his job TWICE and was unemployed from pretty much the onset of her pregnancy with the sextuplets...and Kate's faith in God is unbelievable! Can you imagine being an unemployed father of twins, your wife is pregnant an on bed-rest with sextuplets and you literally have no income coming in?? There were so many obstacles they faced and so many chances to question why...but they never did...and still don't.

I would highly recommend the book to anyone struggling with their faith in God or wanting to strengthen your faith. It's definately been a good place to start for me and I'm actually looking forward to finding my next reading assignment in this same venue. Any suggestions??

Happy New Year!

Here, we are already - 2 days in to 2009. I never believed anyone when I was younger when they would talk about how fast time goes by...I do now that I'm living it. Just have kids, time will absolutely FLY by! Just doesn't seem possible that I'm 40, have been married for 15 years, and have 14 and 11 year old daughters.

We spent New Years Eve at the Roberts' with the Bickfords' and had a great time playing games, eating, playing the Wii, eating, talking, eating, and did I mention...eating?? Haven't been up that late in a LONG time...didn't get home til 2:30, but it was a lot of fun and THANKS Roberts' family for opening up your home to us once again. Looking forward to the 3rd annual New Years Eve gathering!!

New Years Day was spent taking down all the Christmas decorations and getting the house back to "normal". Also spent about 4 hours cleaning out Holly's room and came out with 3 totes of Goodwill donations, 2 more totes of outgrown/not wanted clothing, and 2 totes of trash (which includes broken stuff and stuff just not worth giving away). She has the smallest room of the 3 and I truley believe, the most stuff in it! It's refreshing to walk in to her room now and actually see the floor and have room to move around. We'll see just how long it lasts! :-)

Just 2 more days till the crazy, busy schedule commences once again. I work for a charter school in Muncie, so I've been off most of the past 2 weeks along with the girls. It's been so nice not having something going on every single night. That will soon come to an end though...back to work, back to school, back to basketball practices and/or games just about every night...if not basketball, then guard, girl scouts, pto, smallgroup...always something. Eventhough it gets a little overwhelming at times, I'm glad that the girls are active and that we all have the opportunties that we have. God puts us where he wants us for his purpose and we just have to trust in his plan.

Happy New Year everyone - I pray that we all grow closer in our relationship with God and have an awesome 2009.