Alright, Alright...Post is at the bottom b/c I always load my pics. wrong!

Alright, I'll post but nothing too exciting. And just FYI I did try to post earlier this month and my computer got a virus... So everyone is well and enjoying the last days of a school vacation that wasn't planned. :) Here's some pre-Christmas day memories to hold you over until I find the cable to my camera:) Oh and for those who have heard me asking my husband a million times about the name for our baby #4 we have officially decided on Sadie Gwyneth. Happy New Year!

We are going to have...

A BABY!!! Yeah! Oh and its a Girl:)

Give me vision

I listened to this song (by Phatfish) last night and thought I would share the lyrics with you:) In every tribe and every tongue, in every nation of the earth, in every people group Your name must be proclaimed. For You have come into the world to seek and save that which was lost now let Your church arise and make Your gospel known. Now the hour is getting late so many millions yet to hear, oh all the harvest, send the laborers we pray. To bring Your sons out from afar, from every corner of the earth and let the prodigals return to you again. Give me vision, I want to see Your kingdom come, give me me passion, to see the glory of Your son. Be exalted Lord for you are worthy and the nations are your heritance. Now kingdoms rage and nations fall and rulers stand against the Lord. Be still and know that He is sovereign over all. His holy purpose will prevail, the church will stand and shall not fail, the God of Jacob is our fortress and our strength. Give me vision, I want to see Your kingdom come, give me passion to see the glory of Your Son, be exalted Lord for You are worhty and the nations are Your heritance. Lord I do pray for a vision, I pray for a passion that Your kingdom will come a passion that surpasses my own selfish desires. Thank You Father for being sovereign over all, let Your church rise up and proclaim Your gospel to the lost, here and in the very corners of the earth. In Your son's precious name, Amen

A Thank you to Friends...

I just needed to Thank three friends in particular tonight, first Kyle and Tara. Thank you both for serving Jonathan and I by watching our children Tuesday night so that we could go out for a date. I know that it wouldn't be your preference to even be mentioned here much less for me to share all of the other things that you blessed us with that evening, but I do want you both to know how grateful Jonathan and I are for you guys, Thank you for being true servants and for all you did, we greatly appreciate it. And to Ms. Katherine, thank you for coming over and helping me tonight. It was a pleasant surprise and a nice treat to have company in the midst of the chaos in which I call home:) Thank you for washing dishes, consoling sad children and loving on my kiddos. It was a joy my dear getting to just hang out!

My Date Night In

So I thought several of you would think this was funny, only keep in mind this is really how it is:)

Jonathan has been working alot lately so we decided a date night was much needed. Instead of getting a sitter at the last minute and rushing out the door in a heavy down pour we chose to have a date night in. Jonathan settled the older kids with a movie after showers and put Lauren to bed after her bath. I ordered take out and took a quick shower before going to get it. I hopped in the car went to Outback and proceeded to wait at Curbside for my order to come out. I waited and waited, when the young server girl finally came out she asked what my name was and phone #. As she searched and searched her receipts she found no such name and asked if I had called the Altamonte location. In my most mature adult voice I said, "Well I hope not considering this is Longwood"

She then replied that this is actually the Altamonte location which I so kindly ignored and again told her I know that I called this location, Longwood Altamonte whatever, get me my food.

She asked if I remembered what I ordered, and I started rambling my food items to her, a chicken parm., a tomato caprese, Calamari. She then said very patiently and sweetly, "Honey we don't have any of that food."

Me easing into my pride so effortlessly I begin to think no junk lady, I guess they should start making it!

I'm staring at her in pure disbelief that I have to wait for my food longer when she says " I think you meant to go across the street to Carrabas"

Oh the taste of Humble Pie, before dinner and everything. I had pulled into the wrong restaurant with the wrong attitude:) By the time I got to Carrabas, my food had been waiting a good 15 minutes and I sleepishly told that server my story. She stared at me in the same wow I feel sorry for you look that the other girl did. I promise you I really am not this ditsy when I am not pregnant! Jonathan and I enjoyed our quiet dinner (after I reheated it) and again almost the same look from him came when I told him the story only it had a little more of, I leave my children with you all day in it. Anyways I hope you enjoy a laugh on my behalf! Oh and by the way....Thank you Kathy, appetizers, salads, and entrees for $8.00! It was Yummo!

We're going to Williamsburg?!

Well, Considering that someone told me my baby would probably be born before I updated this blog I thought I should post:) If you didn't hear I have officially gone koo-koo and 2 weeks ago within a 6 hour period of time decided to join our History group (The Rawlsons, Hartliefs, McGaheys,the Masri's and us:)We missed you Tammy!) for a week long field trip to Historic Williamsburg. I left Lauren for the first time (well that was longer then a 48 hour time frame.) She did great of course until I got back home:) Virginia was a wonderful experience!(with some unexpected UPS and downs) The fact that almost every map said one thing and the street signs said another could get any one's temper tempted. My best idea, to follow the shuttle until you get to your destination. Who would have thought getting the cooler would take an hour or renting costumes almost the same, who knew there would be mold in one of the bedrooms. (the reason for the move..the new condo ended up extremely nicer) I don't think Hannah and Hope ever got to Wee Folk but all was good in the end and I don't think Shawnie and Elyse would change anything if it meant changing their close friends the Slacks surprising them (I personally like Shawnie screaming "Oh my God, Oh my God!" right outside of the mental hospital:) nor would I change it if it meant I wasnt able to hear Taylor sing "I am in Williamsburg, I cant believe I am in Williamsburg" or Colin asking questions about the slaves and thier hardships. Outside of some repentance sessions (from the moms:) everyone did great! I think my kids enjoyed Jamestown and Yorktown the best. I am glad that the Lord was so sovereign to create me in this time period, with out houses, horse poop and the medical procedures, I am not sure I would have lived as long:) Ladies, Thank you so much for switching things, from cars to rooms, to just adding more to the brunch in order for Taylor, Colin and I to go. We really did have a blast and the friendships, memories, and experience far out weighed any of the "misfortunes." You Girls are the Best and we cant wait for the rest of this tapestry year! Enjoy our slide show. P.S. I videoed half the time so I didn't take as many pictures as usual.

Bambino number 4

Well, here's our newest Bambino! According to the S/G my due date is April 24th. Everything looks good and healthy. Just keep praying that the sickness will pass, that seems to be the biggest obstacle at the moment. The other day Colin came up to me at 2:00 and asked "Mommy, are we going to have lunch today?" I think I can handle morning sickness, its the all day stuff that's holding me back;) Thanks for all of your encouraging comments, I am pretty sure I can feel excitement creeping up to my throat, but then I start to puke! :) Love you all~

Surprise!

Well, Surprise! Baby number 4 is on its way! We are coming out of the shock slowly:) but Jonathan and I found out that I am pregnant with Baby number 4 about 2 weeks ago. So as I in a daze rejoice at the very unexpected surprise, join with us as we anticipate the arrival of this little one. Oh, and I for one covet your prayers!

Just a cute picture of Lauren:)

Noah's 3rd Birthday!

Well, it was the first Birthday we were able to celebrate with Noah and Mitierra since he's been born! She decided to do whatever theme he picked and he wanted Bob the Builder, so what does God provide on major clearance at the party store? Yup... you guessed it, everything she needed was 2.50 and under! Love it! We had a great time. Noah got an amazing amount of gifts and he loved every minute of opening them up. Although our "Swim Party" was rained out we still decided to continue the festivities inside including the pinata! Enjoy some of the pictures below... Oh, and a big Thank you to TARA...YOU ROCK!

The Science Center

Well, Mitierra and Noah had to go home but God blessed them with many traveling mercies, I'll have to share those for another time. Tonight I wanted to start off the next few posts with some slide shows of the fun things we got to do while they were here. We miss them already But Meti and Noah I hope this brings you Happy Memories...Until next time:)

While I am at it here's another one:)

So, its off to the "Disney Condo" with Kristen and the VanLue's. We piled all the girls (and one brown boy) in Kristen's van and headed on out to the borrowed VanLue Condo. They have a great walk in pool with a water slide that the kids just loved! mel and Cade came in a bit later and we decided that we would shove as many kids as we could in Cissy's van and head to the park down the road. After about 5 minutes of playing it started to rain but we decided to stay. It was great, the kids had a blast and we all made a great memory:) Thanks VanLue family for allowing us to join in on the fun...until next time enjoy more pictures!

I am updating:) The Fourth of July

So I heard that I needed to update, so I am. Here's some pics. from the 4th of July. We had a last minute get together with Wayne and Michelle and Canon:) We had fun, a trial go with home made Mohitos a really yummy steak dinner if I do say so myself and of course good ol' hillbillie fireworks that cost way more then they are worth. I hope you guys enjoyed your fourth of July, it was a much needed reminder of my failure to be grateful daily for my freedom!

Train Ride??

Mitierra and I wanted to take the boys on a train ride. The plan was to hop on board and ride to Kissimee where we would go through the small town's shops and have lunch there and then come back to WP. Well, to say the very least our plan didn't happen, the train was running so late that our time in the Kissimee town was getting shorter and shorter and the sun was getting hotter and hotter. We decided to cancel our reservations and do it another time. As we are headed to the car after a lengthy refund process our train finally arrived. We later found out that several people forgot their luggage on the train we were suppose to take and they were stopping it downtown to remove all luggage from it and search for the missing luggage. Not only would we have been on that train with little to no time in the town but we would have been stopped sitting downtown while they looked for the luggage. I am so thankful that God "saved" us from that "misery!" We ended up having a fun day and had a yummy lunch at Chik fil a to the train another day I guess:)

Finally a new post...

Well its still raining but I thought I would post anyways;) Mitierra, Noah, And Grandma all piled in my parents van and went to the Sanford Zoo. We had fun despite the heat. I think Lauren's favorite part was getting out of the stroller and running around and the kids were really excited to pick something from the outpost store. Enjoy the pictures:)

So I was at the beach this past weekend. Rick and Debi invited us to spend a couple of nights with them in their usual condo. (They rent a two bedroom two bath place right across the street from the beach every year, its a great place despite the 70's wallpaper and slightly cheesy decor) How could we say no!:) Anyways, as the kids were riding waves on their boogie boards with their daddy and Lauren was amazingly playing close by in the urine infested water I was watching the waves crashing, small at first and then bigger as time went on. I also took notice in the approaching storm, it was far in the distance but quickly and powerfully came closer to shore. The sky grew dark and you could begin to hear the thunder get louder. We decided of course that it was time to get back in doors and soon came the pounding rain. Much was put on hold while the storm took its place. Plans for the afternoon changed, but soon the rain stopped. I know you may be expecting me to say that next came the wonderful sun and it was shining and all was grand, but it didn't happen exactly that way. The rain came to a crescendo and slowly stopped, the dark clouds stayed for quite a while and when the wind blew what rain was left in the trees fell down. Everything was wet and soggy outside and pretty much undesirable. We didn't continue on with what we had planned because the storm change that. I guess sometimes I expect God to bring the sun out too early in the storm. When trials or circumstances come that are more then unpleasant I arrogantly think that now should be the end of the rain. But God in His wisdom knows that sometimes the dark clouds need to stay out longer, the wind still needs to blow and the aftermath of the rain will still come down periodically only so that in the end His name will be glorified, His kingdom will advance and the Majesty of the Lord will be displayed. I read this quote in a book, it said "The pain of our shattered plans is for the purpose of scattered grace." I wonder how far God's grace has been scattered lately? I love that in whatever manifestation suffering is in there is always God's sovereignty and that in the end His name is always proclaimed and glorified.

One more for tonight...

To my dear friend Elyse~Thank you for always encouraging me, being patient with me (especially with homeschool questions) and for always having a soft heart that understands:) Love ya!

Colin Graduates Kindergarten!

We are so proud of Colin! I cant believe how big he is getting, He just had his Kindergarten Graduation last night. All of our close family was able to make it to celebrate with us~ Noah, Sage, and Canon did so well and they were even excited for Colin, I heard a few Whoo-Hoo's from Canon:) All of the Daddy's honored their graduate, Jonathan did such a great job! I was going to read a short tribute until I found out all of the other family's were giving the dad's an opportunity to do so. Just thought I would post what I had prepared since I didn't share it last night. Colin, I had this verse in mind when I thought of you graduating Kindergarten tonight. 1 Corinthians 3:7 says: “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” Colin I am so thankful that I can rely on God to give you growth, through our fun days with homeschooling and field trips to our more difficult days dealing with our heart attitudes and weariness, I can truly say that only God gives the growth. I am so thankful that He has allowed you to grow in so many ways. From beginning to read, to losing your first tooth this year and all the way to asking probing questions about the Lord and Salvation, I am amazed at His kindness to us. Colin I love you and I am so very proud of you. Congratulations on graduating kindergarten! Love, Mommy, Daddy, Taylor and Lauren

My surprise which probably is no longer a surprise since I took so long to post is...

Mitierra and Noah are in town! They arrived this past Tuesday and will be in Orlando until the end of July! We are so excited and we even get to celebrate Noah's birthday with them. A first since he's been born:)

I hate how this loads pictures and text~Read post at the bottom

Alright, Alright.... I deserve all the grief from you loyal friends that actually read this blog. (thanks;) There's not much to post about but here are a few pics. of SOME of my closest friends. (And the last one is just for me) Happy Birthday guys! P.S. Stephanie you take the best pictures even through all of the moaning and groaning! Next time I post I will have a surprise for you all:)

Mothers Day

Ahhh...Mothers Day:) I hope you all had a great one, if not check out the last few posts on the GirlTalkblog In honor of my Grandmother (we call her Mimi) we traveled to Jacksonville to celebrate her 80th birthday with a surprise party. My Aunt Gina and Uncle Thad hosted and did a terrific job, we had ribs and salmon waiting for us as we went a day early to visit. yummo:)I think my Mimi was blessed and even cried when she blew out her candles, probably making up for her response when we all yelled surprise, her matter of factly "I knew it all along." The weekend ended with many memories made including one that my oldest sister Maraya would like to forget! Check out the slide show below and you'll see what I am talking about!

Missions

We had our last International Community School meeting for the year last night, they highlighted thier graduates of 2007, had testimonies of parents and staff from this year, and then towards the end had all students who were participating on a missions trip to stand and give the information of where they were going and what they would be doing. There were quite a few which was really neat to see, some were nervous you could tell, as they muttered "Um...going to um...work with poor children" and others simply replied with their name where they were going and casually stated what they were going to do, work in a children's camp, build houses, help in an orphanage. All wonderful things, all great kids, but one stuck out to me, a 5th grade boy destined by God's sovereignty to be in a wheelchair most of his life if not all. He along with the others stated his name, where he was going (to a disable camp locally here in Florida) and what he was going to be doing..."Share Jesus Christ to those there in the camp." I loved it! His wisdom for what the mission truly is delighted my heart:) I was going through a few old pictures late last night (I couldn't sleep:( and this was one of my favorites. Some close family friends traveled to China last year to live out the mission, they adopted a beautiful baby girl, Katherine Mei. I believe rescued her from a life only God truly knows of. I (along with many others I'm sure) would love to travel across and to many countries to live out the commission, to spread God's glorious gospel, to give comfort to the dying and hope to the lost, and although it would seem that in this season God has not called me to that, I believe that He has. Here locally just like Bradley, the 5th grade boy last night. I am thankful for the vision that God has given me for far off places but also for my own family room, where 3 children are that need to hear His gospel, (repeatedly) that need to be comforted hourly lately, and that need the hope that is in Jesus Christ. Pray for the nations, if God enables you GO! but also remember the mission that He has called you to right now, is it your children? Your neighbor? Perhaps your unsaved husband? Family members that call you "Jesus Freak?" (yes it has been said to me) Be encourage that God has allowed us all to partake in His calling to the mission field!

Taylor's recital

Taylor had her second piano recital last night. She did so well. She played "Pretty Frog Hop." I cant believe she is growing up so fast! Here are some pictures for you all to enjoy.

AHHHHH!

AHHHHH! Only 2 more weeks of school! Can I hear a hoot hoot!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dearest Kristen, Happy Birthday to you! I hope you had a wonderful birthday my dear Friend!

Spaghetti anyone??

Just one of me and Jonathan...Isnt he cute!

Easter

Thank you Tara

Alright...I have to give a big stinkin' thank you to Tara, your friendship is such a blessing to me, I got off the phone so encouraged. I didn't think everything was great and perfect but just the reminder that I need to rely solely on the Lord and not preparation, early mornings, or by no means my own strength was so helpful. You did all that within a few minutes on the phone and you did it so gracefully and honestly. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! My love to you Friend.

Lauren's the cutest cupcake

Just some pics. of Lauren's birthday party. Thanks to all of you who were able to celebrate with us. She is the cutest little cupcake:)