One nation under God

Last week, Will and his kindergarten class said the Pledge on our local Christian radio station. Will and another classmate actually introduced the class and if you would like to hear them head over to 1049theriver.com/say-the-pledge/ and scroll down to Bailey Elementary Mrs Fisher's class. Will was very excited to participate let alone get to introduce his class on the radio.

I find it timely that this past few weeks in our study of Isaiah in BSF we are looking at the judgement of the "nations". We saw how God has a plan and will use nations to accomplish that plan, whether in victory or defeat. I find it so comforting that even when it feels sometimes that our country is not abiding "under God", I know he is in complete control of all things. "For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? Isaiah 14:27

I am thankful during this week of Thanksgiving for the freedom I have in this country and even more thankful for the freedom and security I have in Christ. It was just icing on the cake to hear my little one echo these freedoms on the radio.

American Girl Madness!!!

A couple of weeks ago myself, Abby and my mother and mother-in-law headed to Chicago to visit The American Girl Store. Abby has had a few of their things and has always wanted the Kit doll. So for here birthday we all flew over to Chicago for a few days to celebrate.


Here Abby is thinking "Seriously Mom, another picture". We ate lunch there and the table settings were so cute. They had trivia cards for us to answer while we waited and each of Abby's dolls had their own high chair and cup/saucer. It is really over the top but was super cute and the food was actually good.


After a full day at the store we were all a little tired but it was so worth it. They really help create an amazing experience and memory there. Abby got to get her picture on the front of a magazine to take home and also got her picture placed up on the big screen. We were able to gets lots of American Girl accessories as Christmas gifts for her and just enjoy the wonder of a store completely filled with dolls and every accesory ever known.

Abby really is a special and sweet girl and I know we all cherished the time we got to spend with her on this adventure. The memories made were precious for sure and I am so blessed to have such a loving circle of women to call family. Thanks to Donna and my mom for helping me guide Abby to be the wonderful little lady God has designed and longs for her to be.

Halloween 2010

We had a great but busy Halloween this year. Abby was Padme Amidala from Star Wars and Will was Captain Rex from Star Wars the Clone Wars. Of course Will did not like the helmet that came with the costume and did not wear it but at least we got to see his cute little face. Fortunately for his birthday he just got a Captain Rex helmet that talks that he will wear so I expect to get alot of playtime out of his costume.

The kids had Harvest Parties and a Halloween parade at school on Thursday and the Trick or treat was that night as well. Then the next evening Will had his first birthday party ever with friends. He and about 12 other 5-6 year old boys ran around PumP it Up for two hours, they had a blast.

I never thought that a movie Mike and I watched as kids would be something we would have in common with our own kids. It has been fun to watch the movies as a family.

My little man is Six!!!

Today my youngest is turning six, where has the time gone. Will keep us laughing around this house. He is the perfect mix of silly and sweet, tough and sensitive. He loves his family, friends, sports and any toy imaginable. Will was born on beggars night and will be sharing his birthday today with beggars night again. He is going to have his first ever birthday party with friends. He and about 12 other 5and 6 year old boys will be tearing up Pump it Up tomorrow night. October is a busy month with both Abby and Will having birthdays two weeks apart. I am so grateful for this little boy!

Here is my Will around 6 months old. It is amazing how God has shaped this unique little boy over the past six years. I pray that the tenderheartedness that God has so blessed him with will continue to be a mainstay of his character as he gets older.

Abby is Eight!!

Yesterday by little girl turned 8. I can not even begin to write what a blessing she has been and continues to be in my life. She is sensitive, caring, beautiful, thoughtful, silly, cautious at times but full of adventure at times. For her birthday this year she had her first sleepover at our house. She invited her best friend Regan over and they had a ball.


Here is Regan and Abby the morning after the sleepover!!


Here is Abby just under age two her first night in her big girl bed!!

Also this year for her birthday Abby, me and both her her grandmothers are heading to Chicago next week to go to the American Girl store. I am so excited to spend this special time celebrating a very special girl. Most of all I am so happy that she is first a child of God and she knows it. She knows that Christ is her Saviour and that is the best gift a child can give to their parents. Thank you dear Lord for this little girl.

Out Live Your Life

I just recently read this book by Max Lucado. It is only my second book to read by him but I am of course very familiar with his name and impact. I can say that this book was convicting, inspiring, heart felt and practical. The main purpose of this book I think is found on page 68 "Works done in God's name long outlive our earthly lives". Each chapter guides you on how to make a difference in this world now and have a lasting impact for Christ after we are gone. I enjoyed the short chapters as it kept me on task and allowed me to read small bits at a time without getting lost or off track. It also offered a scripture verse and prayer at the end of each chapter which I found useful in summarizing the key points. The prayer will also serve as a great reference to help me as I strive to make the changes I know God wants me to make. There was also a great balance of biblical examples(Moses,Paul and Stephen) as well as personal stories from Max and others.

Some of my favorite parts of the book are as follows:
Chapter 6 OPEN YOUR DOOR: OPEN YOUR HEART- Call us a fast society, an efficient society, but don't call us a personal society. Our society is set up for isolation. We wear ear buds when we exercise. We communicate via e-mail and text messages. We enter and exit our houses with gates and garage-door openers. Our mantra: "I leave you alone. You leave me alone."

How I long for the days of front porches and kids running in and out of yards as the parents gather and discuss the events of the day. I love the convenience of technology but I need to make sure I don't let people become inconvenient.

Chapter 13 DON'T WRITE OFF ANYONE- God used Paul to touch the world. But first he used Ananias to touch Paul. Has god given you a similar assignment? Has God given you a Saul?

This gave me hope for those I know that do not know the love of Christ or have turned away from him. I am encouraged that God may choose to place someone on my heart that I need to reach out to when no one else will. I can only hope that I am willing to listen and respond to God's prompting on this.

Chapter 15 PRAY FIRST; PRAY MOST- Grant me the grace to treat everyone I meet as someone for whom Jesus died and rose again. Let there be no unwholesome or unholy distinctions in my eyes and no unworthy favoritism in my actions. Rather, make me into a vessel through whom Jesus shines.
I love that, a vessel through whom Jesus shines. What a great mental image of what I should be striving for and can achieve through the power of the Holy Spirit.

We are privileged to be able to serve along with our Lord and this book is just the tool to help us show that to others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

It's that time of year!!!

I love College football but more importantly I love the Buckeyes. Tonight is the beginning of a great season and my whole house is pumped. Abby and Will went to school wearing their buckeye gear today and we will definitely be watching tonight. It is funny how weekends become more exciting or planned around Buckeye games in the fall. We are planning on going to the OSU vs Ohio game and are fired up to watch all the games we can from our home. So I am grateful for the simple blessing of college football but also that I get to live in Ohio and be an Ohio State Buckeye fan. GO BUCKS!!!