The Duncan Files

My Sweet Girl

2009-05-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

I was busy in the kitchen and Anna Kate was sitting in the floor watching me. She said "Mommy, everytime I see you, all I want to do is rock". At almost five, she still loves to rock with me in the big rocking chair and I love to oblige.

Compliment?

2009-05-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

Just now Ben was talking about the baby and how big Little Squirt would be at this point. I was explaining it to him and Anna Kate wants my belly to be bigger. I explained to her to just have patience and it would be big soon enough. Ben then said "Yeah, mom this is a God thing. Cause you were really too old to have a baby!" I said "Excuse me, but I'm not too old!" He said "Oh well, I don't know about all this pregnant stuff!"

This is going to be an interesting nine months!

What?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

2009-05-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

We just found out this week that we are expecting Baby #3 sometime in January. I couldn't sleep the night we found out. I tossed and turned and finally fell into a fitful sleep at around 1:00 AM. Not because I was upset, but because there were lots of emotions heaping up around me. I had some anxiety, some excitement and some shock. I just really wasn't sure I was going to have more. Anna Kate will be 5 in August. We had kind of started wanting a third one around the time Anna Kate was almost 2 but I had been on this nasty medication for my RA and I had to wait two whole years after going off of it to try again. (Keep in mind the rheumatologist didn't give me this little warning when he put me on it--I found it out for myself.) I could have also taken meds to get me off the meds (sounds ludicrous, I know!) and when I prayed about doing so, it just seemed as if the Holy Spirit was telling me wait! So, we waited.

I really figured by the time that the two years had passed that I would either feel too old to have another or that my insides would be so messed up again that I couldn't conceive. The two years were up January of 2008. Do you remember what we were doing at that time? MOVING!!!!!! I really wasn't up for more change at that point. I was in transition, money was extremely tight, Scott had started a new job, the kids were a little unsettled and I was babysitting. It just didn't seem like it was time.

Finally, I started feeling like I might want to try at least for one more. I vacillated back and forth constantly. Scott had wanted another one for awhile and my endo has been flaring up and I figured I had better try. I used my trusty little monitor once. However, it made my mind focus on what might not happen rather than what God has already blessed me with. I made the decision to not rely on the monitor this time and that if God wanted to bless again, then so be it.

I took the test one night before bedtime and laid it on the shelf in the bathroom. I came out and started getting things ready for bed and thought "I better go check that test even though it's probably not positive". My jaw dropped when I picked it up. I walked out in the hallway and said "Scott, you won't believe..." Anna Kate and Ben were saying, "What, what?" (We didn't tell them right then--I needed it to sink in) We walked into the bedroom in disbelief and then stopped ourselves...why in the world were we surprised? God gave us Ben and Anna Kate, why couldn't He give us another? I don't know about everyone else, but when God does something amazing for us, I turn around in disbelief sometimes and I don't know why!

So, was it planned? Sort of...but we both figured my plumbing was all broken again. I have been having a horrible time with the endo lately. However, God blessed again in His time and for that I am thankful. Surprised that my insides worked but thankful.

Blessed Be Your Name

2009-05-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your Name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your Name

Every blessing You pour out I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the Name of the Lord
Blessed be Your Name
Blessed be the Name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious Name

Blessed be Your Name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be
'Blessed be Your Name

Blessed be Your Name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

You give and take away
You give and take away
But my heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your Name

Reception

2009-05-06T06:10:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from the reception that our church threw for Scott Sunday evening. Honestly, being the center of attention is not my forte, but it was soooo nice! The ladies worked so hard and there was such a good turn out. So supportive and generous! We had a really good time and was actually a whole lot better than the graduation itself! Thanks to Larry and Mary especially...they have been so great to us, well, the whole church has. But it means so much to work for and with Larry and Mary. I think all four of us are quickly becoming good friends. It's so nice! So, enjoy the pics. I think my dad took around 600 pictures over the weekend, but these are the highlights from the reception, I guess. At the end, I put one from graduation that I absolutely LOVE. You'll see why once you get to the end.

Cheesecake! They had regular cake too that had the crest of the school on it. Even though Scott and I are different in many ways, dessert and homes are two ways we are very similar! We've always had the same taste in homes and how to decorate and also dessert! Two staples of life!!!!!

Ben's little buddy Christian...the thing about these two is that they both LOVE to talk. They both try to outdo one another and can be pretty comical!

Mark and Debbie Bandy...a sweet couple. He sings in the choir with me and does a great job!

Jim Rowe, one of the deacons. He has had so many health problems but he remains so faithful.

This is Daniel and Gina Booth, Christian's dad and mom. Let me tell you, Gina is so helpful to me. Sometimes she comes and picks up Ben and she take Ben and Christian EVERYWHERE or they just stay at home and play. It kind of helps me in my day. It gives me a little conversation, but also, gives me one less kid to care for, even though he's mine.

Well, I was hoping you would be able to see the pics in the collage they made, but they are kind of hard to see. There were actually two. It was quite nostalgic looking through all those old pics. There were pics of my papaws who are with Jesus now and pics of Tay and Erin when they were little. Then there were pics of my babies...sniff, sniff.

This is Rachel Greene. She is one of Larry and Mary's daughters. Anna Kate and Ben LOVE this girl! She spoils them a bit, I think! I think this girl has run more laps around the church for them than any one person has walked around the loop of the church. Anna Kate's eyes literally light up when she sees Rachel.

Dave Calvert and Tim Stover. Dave is the husband of our Life Skills Director and is over our most of our prayer ministries, if not all. Tim is married to Kristen and they are expecting their first little one soon! They are such a sweet couple!

This is Art and Carolyn Dean. Such a sweet couple. I think my dad had her in school while he was teaching at Mid-Americal. That was the school that was at River Cities a very long time ago.

Scott and his dad. We love our Pop!!!!!

The girl in the middle is Michelle Protzman, our youth leader. She's great at it! The man is Bill Black and he's the one that heads up the missions trip to Mexico every year. His daughter and son-in-law has a little girl around the age of one and she's now pregnant with twins!!!!! The whole family is so excited and I have to say, Bill is one wrapped Papaw!

This is our Pastor, Larry, serving the cake. I was going to serve it but he insisted that I go and enjoy! He and Mary are so not about themselves. I think I have said this before, but Scott and Larry are so much alike.

The girl standing there in the black is Kristen Stover, her husband's pic is above. The other is Emily Reynolds. Emily comes to see me every now and then and her company is so welcome and FUN! She can sing too...we love having her back!

Here is just a random shot of Anna Kate that I thought was funny. She makes this face sometimes when her picture is being taken. I can't quite figure out what it means...

Here we are talking to Lisa Rhoades. Her husband coached Ben's Upward basketball team and did a great job. Ben keeps telling me that Coach Randy is going to coach him next year. Although I don't know if that will be the case, it still shows how much Ben liked him.

Going through the line for food. They had us go first...I was a little embarrassed but the food was great!!!!!!!

Patsy Escue, my granny and Shawna Rocknich. Patsy Escue and her husband, Charlie have been around from the beginning, even before the church was RCCC. Shawna is a very sweet girl. She was in my Bible study this past year and I enjoyed getting to know her.

Beth Calvert...our Life Skills Coordinator. She and Scott work pretty closely together planning the curriculum for the small groups. She also came and helped me to paint Ben and Anna Kate's room. Sweet lady!

Scott's mom and dad. I was so glad they were able to come to the reception. I think Anna Kate and Mimi are getting after Pop for something. I can tell by the pointed finger and the look on Mimi's face. Anna Kate and Ben LOVE their Pop and Mimi! They especially love when they have all their grandparents together in one place...spoiling, spoiling, spoiling!!!!!

Here we are holding the cake...they really did think of EVERYTHING!

What a spread!

I love the pink punch and boy was it YUMMY!!!!!

This is Bobby and Wanda Hall. They are a homeschool family and hae three kids. Sweet as they can be!!!!!!! The whole family! Bobby and Wanda are "mentoring" us unoffically in child discipline. Thanks Bobby and Wanda...you guys have been such an encouragement!

Here's the pic I love. Grandad and Scott. I love this generational thing. Grandad has been right there on so many of our big days and has been actively involved. We love you Grandad!

Well, that was just some of the highlights. I could have taken hours to post pics, but don't have that kind of time. Thanks to everyone who was involved this past weekend!

Graduation Day

2009-05-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

Here is Scott and the kids with the sign we made for Scott. It has been up for several days...I do believe the rain is taking it's toll. We are just so proud of him we wanted everyone to know.

Here is Scott and his dad at dinner. There is a little Mexican restaraunt about a minute from our house and we LOVE it. Of course, keep in mind how much Scott LOVES chips and salsa. We had a good time with our families that evening.

Here he is walking in. I just can't believe we, er, I mean he is done! Granted, he'll be going on to Liberty, but this is just such a milestone. Fourteen years ago, I never would have dreamed that he would turn out the man he is. Not that he wasn't a good man then, but my how he has changed....for the better!

Here is just a few of the men from his graduating class. There were only 11 graduates. God blessed us so with having a Bible college so close to us. Especially a Bible college with good teachers. Scott has grown so much in the last fourteen years. We are also extremely thankful that he was able to go to school while applying it in ministry instead of going to school for four years and graduating with a degree that gave him knowledge that he didn't know how to use. Not that we considered any of the ministries he has been involved in a trial and error ministry, rather, as he learned he was able to apply it to ministry, especially in the later years. I'm sure you wouldn't be surprised how many times God orchestrated things to Scott's advantage in that. He would tell me over and over how things were connecting to classes he was taking. That was a God thing!!!!!

Our God is amazing and I'm so thankful He has seen fit to use us. Even though we may feel inadequate or as if we can't be used, God proves faithful always. We have gained so many friends through ministry...and to think my stubborness could have ruined all of that! Thanks to God that He changed my heart regarding full-time ministry! The blessings we could have missed!

I'll post other pictures later from the reception at our church last night and talk about that then. Dad has those and I'm waiting to get them from him.

Easter

2009-04-14T06:43:00.000-07:00

The kids picked their Easter outfits this year. Ben had to have a shirt and tie like dad. I tried and tried to talk him out of it and told him the only reason dad still wears a shirt and tie is because that's what he has. Nothin' doin'! Although, by Easter morning, he had decided he didn't want to wear his tie. Um...WRONG! Since I bought it and I let him pick it out, I made him wear it. I must admit, he did look cute! Anna Kate on the other hand LOVES wearing pretty dresses. She was all disturbed and worried because I didn't buy myself an easter dress. I had to reassure her over and over that mommy didn't want an easter dress! Not against them, I just don't like to wear them!

All in all, the kids looked adorable and I have a pretty good lookin' husband too! Church was great that morning! The church was packed and Ben still had on his tie when I picked him up from class! I can almost guarantee he won't have that on again this year and I'll NEVER buy another one for him. Anna Kate, on the other hand, has already asked to wear her dress again! I'm sure we'll get plenty of use out of her easter attire!

We had Easter dinner and an egg hunt at mom and dad's after church. The kids were so excited! Mom went all out on the eggs. I think there were around 80 eggs hidden! That's just like my mom too! We were only supposed to have sandwiches for lunch too, but we had the works! I know some people might think we're crazy but I love living this close to mom and dad! My dad and mom always think about others first...which is why mom went all out and filled 80 eggs with candy! She wanted her grandkids to have fun at her house! Dad and mom live their lives for others. My dad helps us constantly with fixing the house...he teaches Scott as he goes. My mom is constantly on the go taking care of others in the family, using her vacation time for dr. appointments and such, and then always seems to have energy for the grandkids!

Anna Kate putting her eggs in her basket...

Ben and Anna Kate comparing how many eggs they had in their baskets! Candy in every one of them!

Thanks mom for helping make Easter so fun for them! They loved it!

FLOWERS!!!!!!!

2009-04-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

Some flowers started coming up in a flower bed out in the yard. Anna Kate ran to me today and said "Mommy, those flowers you took me outside to see yesterday are turning in FROSES!"

They are actually tulips, but she insists that they are "froses". I'll have to show her the difference later this evening while we are outside!

Not a fairy tale...

2009-04-07T16:29:00.001-07:00

Anna Kate asked Scott to read a book to her he brought home from a recent conference. It's a really neat book for kids and it talks about how the story of Jesus is not a fairy tale and why it's not. Scott read the part about where Jesus rose from the dead.

"Nobody ever died like Jesus. Not even in fairy tales. Nobody ever rose from the dead like Jesus."

Ben piped in and said, "It's a good thing, cuz they would be zombies. Aaaahhhh!!!!!!"

Oh, that boy!!!!!!

Boyfriend?

2009-04-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

Anna Kate came to me after AWANA tonight and told me she had a boyfriend. I asked her who...here is the conversation...

AK - Mommy, I have a boyfriend.

Me - Who is it?

AK - It's Riley.

Me - Daddy will punch him in the nose.

AK - No!!!!!!

Me - You better not hold his hand.

AK - Okay..........(hesitation) well, I did.

Scott looked at me a little slumped over...

Me - Anna Kate, you held his hand? (My tone here was panicked. I know it's just hand holding but I am definitely not ready for that!!!! She's only four!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

AK - Well, yeah, when we played Ring Around the Rosie...

Scott felt much better...

Monday Night

2009-03-31T09:09:00.001-07:00

We did random activities on Monday evening. Unless we have someplace to go, that is usually what happens. Here Anna Kate was trying on her recital costume for her ballet recital in June.

Here she is trying to look mean with her brother's boxing gloves. I don't think it's possible...

Here are Ben and Scott throwing some punches. Ben could play like this all evening. Scott is such a great dad but eventually, he tires out. :-) Ben definitely has more energy than his dad!

A little confusion?

2009-03-31T06:12:00.000-07:00

I have to clarify something. From the looks of the comments everyone thinks Scott built the deck on the front of the house. The deck was here when we bought the house and we wanted to go back to the brick and concrete stoop because it matches the house. The last picture posted is what it looks like right now. We have managed to plant grass in the big mud hole, however, we still have to get the gravel off of the side and plant more grass there plus fill in the hole. We also have to clean the brick up and put new rails up. I'll post more pictures once we get more work done, but with the rain and Scott's schedule, work days have been few and far between. We are hoping for a good Saturday evening!

I just wanted to clear up any confusion. Scott and I are both great at ripping out, but not so good at building...although we try! Hopefully, we can get the whole front done in the next month, or so! Once Scott graduates on MAY 2, it should be a whole lot easier to find work time!

Slow but sure....

2009-03-24T12:36:00.000-07:00

Here is the porch with the rails and lattice down...

Here we are in the process of taking the boards off the porch. Scott and I worked ALL day on this. It was a hard job and I have to say, we work well together. I think we could work together daily...we are complete opposites so we generally stay out of each others way.

Next you see the frame to the porch. We had to quit for the day so we had to step over the frame to get in the front door until the next evening. I think our neighbors are probably wondering just how weird we are.

And...here it is...the stoop. It matches the house and I actually think it's going to work! We still have a ways to go. We have to put up rails, plant grass and get all the gravel up, but I definitely have a vision now! Now if I can just be patient as we try to work when Scott has time and around rain!

Ugliest Porch in America!!!

2009-03-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

So, here are the upcoming projects for this spring and summer. I would like to think they will be done by summer, but I won't get my hopes up!

Here is the ugly faux stone wall! At one time, it was a garage door. They knocked out a wall and made a huge living area, which is great! However, I can't stand the "stone". I need an inexpensive suggestion! I can't afford french doors, so that's out. We are going to make a home for the garbage cans, they are just there right now for convenience. The basketball hoop will have to stay there. We use it all the time! The kids love to play out there and Scott does too.

This has got to be the ugliest porch...ever!!!!! Since we took this picture, we have started working on it. We have the rails and lattice work down. Under the porch we saw another small porch that was built with the house. I took up one of the boards of the deck to see it if looked like it was still in good shape. So far, so good! Our plan is to rip out the "deck" and clean up the existing porch that goes with the house, put some pretty rails up and plant grass in front. What do you think? I hope it turns out...I actually have been praying for it to turn out. I wish I could wriggle my nose and it all be done but, I can't. I have to remember how everything was last year though when we moved in. There was a toilet out back, the main bathroom was in horrible shape and Ben and Anna Kate were sharing a room. We really have been making progress quickly. It's just that I sit and look at it day in and day out and my list screams at me..."Finish me! Finish me!"

This definitely needs to be finished!!!!! Yuck! If anyone would like to nominate me for HGTV go right ahead! Maybe they would have pity on me!!! :-)

Happy Birthday

2009-02-17T10:25:00.001-08:00

The 20th is Scott's birthday. It's hard to believe he'll be 37. He's on a fast track to 40! I met him when he was 21. He is so different than what he was then, in such a good way. He has studied himself into this amazing husband and father. I would say the Word is what has transformed him. There have been times that he has come to me to tell me that he found something in scripture and then apologize to me for not living up to it. There aren't many men willing to do that, or women, for that matter. We'll have a little celebration for him Saturday evening with our parents. Ben and Anna Kate have a special song for him (Happy Birthday in Spanish..something from school). Then in just a few short months we'll be celebrating his graduation and then our 14th anniversary.

Happy birthday honey!!!! We love you!

Birthday message from Anna Kate:

I love you because you are special because you know me and you know everybody and you take care of us when we get scared. You do everything we want you to do and I love you!

Birthday message from Ben:

I love you dearly. And, daddy, I love you because you're a wonderful daddy and you'll always be my daddy.

A Song

2009-02-17T10:14:00.000-08:00

A couple of years ago, Scott went to a conference and brought me home a CD by the Getty's. Love them!!!! Anyway, shortly after that, we started going through some trying times and this song encouraged me. I had forgotten about it until I sat down to play the piano today (I don't have the kids) and I found it in a book. I've been singing it since I found it. I love this song!

Jesus, draw me ever nearer as I labor through the storm
You have called me to this passage and I'll follow though I'm worn

Jesus guide me through the tempest, keep my spirit staid and sure
When the midnight meets the morning, let me love You even more

Let the treasures of the trial form within me as I go
And at the end of this long passage, let me leave them at Your throne

May this journey bring a blessing, May I rise on wings of faith
And at the end of my heart's testing, with your likeness, let me wake.

I have some friends and family who are really going through it these days...the one step ahead four steps back kind of thing. Sometimes things SEEM (what we perceive) to come so easily for people. It seems like life falls into place for them and for those who have ever had major struggles, it may seem like their pit never ends. However, at the end of the testing, we will awaken with His likeness and we will have grown to love Him even more.

Losing a Tooth

2009-02-11T02:22:00.000-08:00

Ben lost his first tooth. When we took him to the dentist in January, she found it. She said give it about a month and it would come out. Sure enough, it did! Sunday morning when he woke up, he said "Mommy, my tooth is even loose". This was kind of in a whine. While he was eating breakfast he was whining too and I thought, "This thing has got to come out soon". After breakfast he went into his room and hollered "Mommy, I pulled my tooth". I really couldn't believe it. Normally, stuff like that freaks him out.

He's really cute with his little tooth missing! He keeps coming up to me and smiling, just so I'll make over how cute he is. On Monday, one of the times he didn't quite get the response he wanted so he said "Mommy why didn't you say how cute I am like you usually do?" Good grief! So, I stopped what I was doing and hugged him and told him how cute his mommy thought he was (for the 25th time that day...okay, I may be exaggerating a little).

A New Baby

2009-02-06T13:10:00.000-08:00

No, not us! A friend of mine had her third baby this morning. First of all, I have to say, he's a cutie! I went to see the babe and his mommy and daddy today. We were doing some other errands so Scott and kids went and just waited in the waiting room. After we were on our way again in the car, Anna Kate gave me some insight that I have never had before...

Anna Kate: Mommy, do you know how babies eat when they are in their mommy's bellies? Their mommies just eat, and whatever they eat, it goes down to their belly and the baby catches it in it's hand and puts the food in their "moufs".

Me: Anna Kate, I don't think that's how babies eat!

Anna Kate: Uh-huh!!! That's how Jayme told they "eated" when she had her baby in her belly.

When...

2009-02-03T18:19:00.000-08:00

Colton gets a kid, he can't wear diapers. He'll have to wear underwear.

-Anna Kate

Profound Words

2009-02-02T07:06:00.000-08:00

The reason I blog everything my kids say is not so everyone will think my kids are wonderful (although, I think they are)...I truly do use this as a way to keep memories! I've always written down the cute things my kids say, but it is much easier for me to type. Not quite so hard on the hands...

Ben: This homeschool is alot like a boarding school because I live here. If another kid came, it would be a boarding school for him and I would have another kid to play with.

Me: So, are you wanting to go to school somewhere else so you will have someone to play with all the time?

Ben: No, no, no. My public school days are over. You can't live back in the past.

Well spoken son...

Memory Loss

2009-02-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

Well, I have a new one from Ben. I thought I might not put this on the blog but it's just so random...it must be Duncan kid trait. The Duncan grandkids come up with some of the funniest things, like when one nephew said his stomach hurt "like a submarine crashed on the bottom of the ocean...and people died".

Ben first of all, ran to me in the other room to be sure I knew he needed to "poo-poo". Being his mother, I realized that meant he wanted me to check on him. When I went to check on him here was the conversation...

Me: Ben, are you done?

Ben: Yes, I'm done. Shew that didn't feel so good!

Me: Well, sometimes that happens.

Ben: Yeah, it made me lose some of my memories.

I've never heard of that condition, but if a condition can be thought of, it will probably be thought of by one of the seven Duncan grandkids...

Good Boy!!!!

2009-02-01T04:36:00.000-08:00

Well, Ben has been doing such a good job! His attitude has been great! I have now experienced him as just a typical kid. He has not been whine free or perfect, which is typical. Scott was praising him this morning because he actually got ready for church without kicking and screaming. He whined a bit, but caught himself rather than blowing it up into a terrible twos fit. I'm really not exaggerating.

Scott: "Are you growing up or are you just getting tired of getting in trouble?

Ben: "Dad, boys never get tired of getting in trouble. I guess I'm growing up."

Two very important questions...

2009-01-28T15:18:00.000-08:00

Both from my sweet girl, Anna Kate...

Mommy, will God send Satan to the fire house?

Daddy, how do dolphins scratch their itch?

I Couldn't Sleep...

2009-01-27T00:54:00.000-08:00

I was lying in bed...awake again! My "roomy" or "rheumy" was making me ache and I couldn't go back to sleep... Three A.M. is not a good time for me to be wide awake, especially when the snow day I dreamed of having is probably not going to be! While lying there, I was thinking on the verses I was reviewing earlier in the day. I started leading a Bible Study at church--so not my strength--and we are doing "Get Out of That Pit" by Beth Moore. Now, 6 or 7 years ago, sometimes I cringed when women started talking about Beth Moore, only because I was always skeptical of the latest "fad"....I know, I know she's been around alot longer than that probably, but that's when I first started hearing about her. But now that I have started reading some of her stuff, I really do enjoy her. This book about the pit has caused me to stop and think about how easily we can slip into a pit. Casting Crowns has a song called "It's A Slow Fade" and it's really just about how we can slip into a pit. It starts out with something small...a glance at a man or a woman (not our spouse), taking prescription pain medicine, a business deal, late nights up by yourself on the internet, a wrong relationship...then we we end up in a place we didn't mean to be.

My personal pit, or I guess one of them, that I can easily slip into is that of anxiety and worry. It's very easy for me to work myself into uncontrollable anxiety, and don't you know that my enemy wants nothing better to make me defenseless. I have lots of "thinking" time on my hands usually. Even though my life is chaotic with my two little ones and homeschooling while watching two more little ones and it leaves my body physically exhausted, my mind has lots of time to dwell on things! So how do I fight my pit? Beth Moore brought out a verse in II Corinthians 10. Verse three says "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh". I decided to read on in my Bible where verse four says "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." At first, this made me think of spiritual warfare. Don't misunderstand me. I fully and wholeheartedly believe in the truest sense of spiritual warfare. I think the enemy infiltrates our mind with thoughts, sometimes to the point of being rendered useless. However, (and please know I am not a Bible scholar) a commentary Scott gave me noted that the weapons Paul referred to are the weapons of the word and prayer. Hmmm...those two things do combat spiritual warfare. Those are our divine weapons. By filling our minds with thoughts of God's word and prayer, the enemy can't have the foothold in my life of anxiety and worry.

This now leads me to my next pit. I came to the conclusion last week that I was trying to be super woman and I'm not sure that God has called me to be super woman. He has called me to be at His feet, waiting upon Him. I tend to get myself very busy...working for Him, of course. This pit of being busy, as far as I'm concerned is so dangerous for me. I get so busy trying to be the primary caretaker of my kids (not that Scott is not a great dad, please don't get me wrong), homeschooling my two while watching two others and then trying to be a servant and fill areas at church, that I get myself into a pit. It takes a week of being sick and dog tired to realize that maybe I'm trying to do too much. God has given me these little lives who are dependent on me, as I try to teach them independence, and I can't let myself fall short here. I have to back down and know that I have boundaries and limits physically. Another shortcoming of allowing myself to be busy is not having time for the above-mentioned "divine power". I don't dwell on the Word and prayer as much...I don't have time to sit down and read...my mind is still working furiously, which then leads to anxiety and worry. I don't have time to fill it with the things of God.

All this said, I think my two pits work hand in hand. Without the Word we can't combat untruth. We can't combat the second glances, the pain medication (one that scares me personally having RA), the screen that pops up on our computer late at night, the anxiety and the worry, the legalism of today's church that screams we have to do something to help God out, getting too busy, and the list could go on and on. We are so feeble without God's empowerment in our lives. My lips always said that, but I think my heart truly believes it now. Christianity has become so much more for than what I wear or what I do...it's a heart matter. I can "look" like the best form of a Christian and conform myself in a wrong way to being a "proper" Pastor's wife, but at the root of it all is my heart. Titus calls us "a people for His own possession" (ESV). Do I allow my heart to be possessed by Him? Is my heart fully yielded to Him in what I do and give...I have come to the realization that I don't do to please God, I do because I love God. But if my doing becomes an idol or pit in my life, God is not glorified. My "divine power" that I have at my fingertips is not being utilized to it's fullest potential.

Still awake...but I'm sure you are tired of my rambling, I'll stop now!

My Basketball Star

2009-01-24T16:15:00.000-08:00

Well, my pictures are backwards but you'll get the point. Ben played his first basketball game today. He was absolutely adorable and my heart melted the minute he put on his little uniform. I had to bribe him to play, but now that he has started he really likes it. It helps that his dad is his assistant coach. I don't get how Scott wears so many hats, but he gets it done. Sidenote: Have I mentioned to anyone that he won't be wearing the hat undergrad anymore after May? Woohoo!!!!

Okay, so back to basketball! You'll see two of my favorite men, or actually, three of my favorite men above. My dad is standing just to the left with his camera. Notice Ben's hands! This was the only one I could get like this because people kept getting in the way. Every time the announcer would start counting down to the buzzer, Ben would stop in his tracks and cover his ears with his hands. It was quite humorous to watch! Never mind that last shot...the buzzer is loud!

Here is my favorite shot for the day. He was a little nervous and I figured he just needed one last hug of reassurance from his assistant coach a.k.a. "dad". Scott told me later that he was informing him that he needed to go and play instead of just stand there because he was nervous.

He had just been thrown the ball here. He missed it...actually, Ben didn't catch very many and he tried to give the other team a basket twice, but eventually he'll get it. Chris and Marisa gave us a hoop for our driveway and we go out and practice every chance we get.

If you look real close to the left of the picture, behind the white line, you can see Ben. They have them run through a tunnel with a bunch of smoke. It doesn't do much for pictures but the effect is fun at the game...that with the rock-n-roll loudly playing in the background. It's something like "Who Let the Dogs Out?" I can't remember...

This is not some picture of a random man but the team huddled. The man just happened to walk through as I flashed the picture. Do you see Ben there with his hand raised? He's adorable!

This was before we left for the game this morning. I had to get a shot of him in his uniform with his basketball. I love it that he and Scott have this to do together, and me for that matter. I had to laugh at myself on Saturday...so not the sportsy outdoorsy person...it was so pretty that we took the kids bike riding and we also "played" basketball. It won't be long until Ben actually dribbles and runs at the same time better than I do...but let's just let him think his 'ole mom is a star!!!! He'll find out differently soon enough, I'm afraid!

Well, the last picture is, of course, one of him role playing. He told me he was "calming the team down" here. And I quote "Just calm down guys, calm down!"

Anna Kate

2009-01-21T05:18:00.000-08:00

I made a big deal about the inauguration with my kids. We watched it as part of a school assignment and we talked about the importance. Anna Kate was very serious about it all day. When we went to bed she asked seriously:

"Mommy, when is Mario going to be President?

Maybe the combo of the Nintendo DS and the inauguration was a bit much for her to handle.

****************************

After her daddy got home last night, she asked "You know what I wanna do in the morning?" We asked her what and she replied "Giggle".

A Date

2009-01-17T06:43:00.000-08:00

Scott took some time this morning and took Anna Kate to her ballet class...by himself and then is taking her to lunch at Bob Evans so that she can get those "orange triangle things" a.k.a cantaloupe (sp?). Kind of like a date...so I fixed her hair all pretty and said, "Now, Anna Kate, go ask your daddy if he thinks this is okay." Here was their conversation...

Anna Kate: How does this look?

Daddy: Beautiful! How was it supposed to look?

Anna Kate: Beautiful...

Daddy: Then we hit the mark!

Anna Kate: Totally!!!

She's such a teenager already!

My kids are on a roll!

2009-01-15T09:10:00.000-08:00

I was doing Ben's schoolwork with him and going over his states. Let me brag for just a minute...he knows 46 of them and can point them out on an unmarked map and give me the names for them.

I pointed out where Washington D.C. is and he said "oh, I know what that is. It's our capital." I told him that in a year or so we would take a field trip there to let him see it in person. He then said "Yeah, and when we go to the President's white house, I need to act very formal".

Never a dull moment!

2009-01-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

I walked past Anna Kate and she was holding Woody and Jesse from Toy Story nose to nose. She didn't realize I was watching her and I asked "Anna Kate, what are you doing?" She got a silly grin and looked mischeviously at me and said "He's eating her nose".

I'm sure her daddy will run with that thought in hopes that she thinks that's what kissing is when she turns sixteen...maybe then she won't have any part of it.

Good luck with that daddy!!!!!

Spanish Anyone?

2009-01-13T07:54:00.000-08:00

Ben is learning Spanish this year and I'm planning on catching Anna Kate up with him this summer when I don't have the extra kids.

She's pretty excited about that and tries to speak in Spanish now which brought about the following conversation at lunch:

Anna Kate: "Mommy is codo se lala a word in Spanish?"

Me: Um...I don't think so sweetie.

Ben: Uh, babee, it's not even a word in English!!!

He gets very exasperated when his little sister "tries" to speak in Spanish...

The Many Faces of Ben

2009-01-05T13:13:00.001-08:00

We all know that Ben loves to role play. Here are a few of the characters he becomes...

Pac-Man...

Tails...

Sonic...

Knuckles...

My boy...he's a kid of many faces!

Reflection

2009-01-02T07:34:00.000-08:00

No pictures this time, just words...

It was at this time 6 years ago I was at work at the law firm...my very last day. I was very large carrying Benjamin, actually 60 pounds heavier, my feet were killing me, I had heartburn every day, I was trying to move to a new house in a new state and I was getting nervous about delivery. I'll never forget going home to mom and dad's that evening because we were in transit while Scott was commuting to Minford every day. I was by myself and I sat down in the big, cushy recliner I had made a bed for a few days because I couldn't comfortably sleep anywhere and thought "I'm unemployed for the first time in 15 years!" That was scary. No longer did I need to get up and get ready for work, no longer did I have my own insurance, and no longer did I have a paycheck with my name on it. That was a scary time for me.

At the same time, I was so excited about the fact I was getting to have the baby I had desired for so long. I still remember the day I took the pregnancy test as well as I remember sitting in the big, cushy recliner. It was the day after Mother's Day...May 13. That Mother's Day had been a real struggle. I had been to the specialist and had my surgery, Scott had been to the doctor and everything was fine. I knew that financially we couldn't do much more that wouldn't be covered by insurance. At this point, it was up to God. I went to my grandmother's in Kentucky that weekend so I could kind of be by myself on Mother's Day. I realized that if I didn't get pregnant within the next several months by God's grace that I would have to pick myself up, dust myself off and move on with life. I had been praying about that since January. Sitting in my living room in the little house in Huntington praying and asking God to start filling my life with other things from Him if children was not His will for my life. Sometimes in the midst of it all, I think I handled all of it wrong, but then there are other times that I realize it was a growing process (one I do not care to live again) and that in growing processes sometimes we take things back on ourselves.

I was by myself when I took the pregnancy test that Monday evening. Scott had gone on a visit to the hospital and I just decided I would take it by myself so I could have a good cry and not subject Scott to the waiting we always went through. When you want to be pregnant, two minutes is an eternity, especially after you have taken approximately 30 tests in hope. When I went back into the bathroom and noticed two lines I screamed...literally...and praised God in the midst of those screams telling Him "thank you". I was shaking from the inside out and couldn't get in touch with Scott...his cell phone was off. So, I called Dad and Mom. I freaked dad out a little bit until he handed the phone to mom.

So, by God's grace, He planted Benjamin in my womb. The specialist told me he came from my left ovary. Just a little tidbit that most women don't get to know. I have so many memories of that time. Just the sheer utter enjoyment knowing I was pregnant but at the same time feeling guilty that the other women who struggled with infertility had not been "successful" that month. I also remember forgetting that I was pregnant and then reality would hit and I would tell myself "Dummy, you ARE pregnant". Hard to believe I would forget! Now, here I am 6 years later, waiting for Benjamin's sixth birthday. Time has flown. Originally, Scott and I wanted 4 kids but we have kind of decided not to have the 4. Not only would having more throw my RA into fits but I'm not real sure I could even get pregnant again because I feel the same that I did before I had surgery, truthfully I feel like the endo. is worse. But I am so thankful for the two God has given me.

I just hope this year I can show them a little more Jesus and a little less of myself. Before I had them, sometimes I could blind myself. But now that I know I have two sets of little eyes watching me, it has become apparent to me how I really am. I think about these things every first of the year because I had Ben at the first of 2003 and I am always preparing for a little celebration of his life and it brings up all sorts of memories. I may not have my own insurance or my own paycheck but I get plenty of hugs and kisses and snuggle time. Worth more than any amount of money!

My heart will always break for the women who would be such great moms but cannot for one reason or another. I fight tears anytime I hear of women with that struggle and sometimes I don't fight them, I cry for them, because I remember that roller coaster all too well! May God use me in the lives of other women...that's what I would love more than anything. I just have to move myself out of the way!!!!!

Christmas Highlights

2008-12-31T09:13:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe another Christmas has come and gone. The hustle and bustle of December is over and we're getting ready to swing into another new year. We had a great time at Christmas. Even though we only live a few houses from my parents, we still slept over there on Christmas Eve. That's how we had done it before, so we just kept up the tradition. The four of us had Christmas at our house on Christmas Eve which was nice but I love that Ben and Anna Kate have Nana and Papaw so close and so we stayed again. We stayed at Pop and Mimi's on Christmas night and had fun with Scott's brothers and their wives and kids. It seems like life gets so busy and Ben and Anna Kate LOVE playing with all the boys on the Duncan side. I wish we could all do it a little more often.
Here Anna Kate is on Christmas morning hugging her purple bunny from Santa. She cuddled it for a few minutes before we dug into the rest of the presents. I'm so glad I was able to find one. I was one panicked mommy the week before Christmas when I still hadn't gotten it in the mail!

Okay, so these pictures are backwards...sorry about that. This is actually on Christmas Eve. Before we went to church that evening, we did our birthday celebration for Jesus. Here is Ben reading the Christmas story from Luke. I love it that he can read. He is absolutely the smartest little thing. He was very big for us this year. I can hardly believe he'll be 6 in 10 days!

Here we are as a family. I love, love, love my little family! Scott is such a sweetheart! We actually shopped for one another this year. It's the first time in many that we have done it. He had my engagement ring reset for me. Quite a few years ago I smashed my hand in a window in the car...it was one of those automatic things... I'm a little clumsy and that just proves it! I just needed to see how cold it was and I smashed my ring to pieces. We had it "fixed" but it has never looked the same. So, he had it reset but he had it reset in white gold because I only wear silver and white gold most of the time. He also asked me to marry him again when he gave it to me. It's nice to know that after knowing me as well as he does, he would choose me again. Like I said, he is a sweetheart and I am so blessed to have him. I then got another precious surprise. My mom's original wedding band is white gold and she entrusted it to me to wear with the diamond Scott had reset. I love that I have that representation of marriage...Scott with his sweetness and a part of dad and mom too. I am soooo blessed!!!!!

Here are my kids eyeing the cake. They love cake!!!! Just like their mom! Yes, I let them dive into it even after all the sweets they had from the day! And yes, Jesus' birthday cake says "Deck the Halls" but I couldn't find anything else.

Well, another year starts. Ben and Anna Kate will be starting school again on Monday and I hope that I can do them justice and teach them properly! I hope this year I can do a better job of staying out of the way too. I would like for God to be able to use me...if I could just quit my selfishness half of the time. I think my resolution this year is to get up in the morning and look in the mirror and say my favorite quote to myself everyday! "Just stop it!!!!" --Bob Newhart

Away In a Manger...

2008-12-28T17:41:00.000-08:00

no crib for a bed. The lid for the Jesus came down His sweet head...

Anna Kate's version.

I Want to Dance!!!!

2008-12-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

In Anna Kate's ballet class this morning, she and her dancing friends got to perform for all the parents and grandparents. We all got to go into the studio and take our cameras! I enjoyed it so much. She loves, loves, loves to dance and I love, love, love that she loves it! The song and dance was all about a little girl who wants to be a ballerina and she prays before she goes to bed that she will be. It was so sweet...because that just fits Anna Kate.

Here she was doing one of her warm-up exercises. Look at her point that toe. She's getting so good at it!

Here she is doing another warm-up. She kind of has trouble staying on track...there's always this cute little girl walking beside her in the mirror that she likes to look at!

Here she is during her performance. She takes it so seriously!

This is still the performance. She's praying here. I know that there are unsaved people who bring their children to this studio. I'm so thankful Anna Kate's teacher is unwavering in her statement of faith.

Well, now this, I was so impressed with. She is doing her curtsy. Look at the way she's doing it! Almost perfect...I was so proud that I almost cried and I was ecstatic that I got it on camera!

Anna Kate is such a joy...not that Ben isn't...they are both a joy in different ways. I'm so thankful that God has given me such great kids. Sometimes it's hard. I would like more little blessings but I know that probably will not come to be. But I LOVE the kids God has blessed me with...exasperated as I get at times...I am so thankful that I get to share my life with them.

I Can't Help Myself!

2008-12-20T17:33:00.000-08:00

Just had to share this beautiful picture of Anna Kate! I think she is just about the prettiest girl God ever created!

Once upon a time...

2008-12-13T15:17:00.000-08:00

there was a girl named Jasmin who didn't have a family. So, she found a family and then she glued an orange cup to the window. Then she made a clown. Then she made a raggedy dog named Purdy. The end.

Story told by Anna Kate in the car...

Christmas Party and Great Elves!!!!

2008-12-12T19:58:00.000-08:00

The Christmas party for the kids was tonight at church. Let me go ahead and say that Ben stayed at home with Nana (long story that proves I really am a nut!!!!!), so you won't see any pictures of him. However, Anna Kate was there.

Now, I have to say that Scott and I have never really pushed Santa Claus. It's not that we think he's from Satan, and we don't tell the kids it's evil, but we have always told the kids that he's just pretend but that we can have fun with it at Christmas. Well, "Santa" was at the party. Anna Kate made me sit with her and when he asked her what she wanted she said in a very sweet voice "A purple bunny."

A couple of months ago she had asked for a white bunny, so I started searching sites on the internet for the PERFECT white bunny with a pink nose. I found it...but now she thinks Santa is bringing her a purple one! We got in the car to come home and she asked "Mommy, when will Santa come?" She also asked "Mommy, can Santa see my room?" and "How will he get in our house?" and "Can I have my picture made with Santa at our house?". I asked her "So, do you think he's bringing you a purple bunny?" She said "Yes." Now, despite our many efforts to be sure our kids knew he was make believe, she now believes he's real and that he will somehow figure out where she is on Christmas Eve to bring her a purple bunny!

When I got home, "Santa" got on the internet and searched "purple stuffed bunny" and, of course, "Santa" found one for $3.00..."Santa" can't help it!!!! She's pretty much bought out at this point! So, yes, Anna Kate will have a purple bunny. One day I will look back at this and remember her eyes when she saw the purple bunny and be so happy that I could make her that happy with something so simple! Is it spoiling? Maybe so... Now, for the rest of the party! We had great elves there from Santa's workshop. This is Matt Curry. He's pulling the Taxi. That's Anna Kate in the front...I think he had the hardest job!

I'm not sure what Anna Kate was telling this elf, but I'm wondering if it was about a purple bunny!

The elf from the toy store, helping the kids make a toy. Yes, Patty, that's your boy!!!! Divin' right in!

When I took the picture below, I asked "Josh, you don't care if I blog this so your mom can see it, right?" He smiled and said "No". I think he knows that I'm a whole lot like his mother...you never let a photo op pass you by!!!!

A Stompin' Party

2008-12-12T19:48:00.001-08:00

Well, this week Ben did his last worksheet in his kindergarten phonics book. I purposely pushed him on through because he already knew most of it. The door on the right bottom of the page is supposed to be his first grade door. After the first of the year, he'll be doing some first grade work in spelling and reading and phonics. He's actually reading on a third grade level, but I just feel like I need to take him through it just to be sure he understands. Now, look at the pictures below and you'll see his celebration. I let him have a Stompin' Party. He took the kindergarten workbook and did his best to destroy it. All of the pages were out of it so it was just the cover but it was fun for him. We just got him a new book series called "The Magic Treehouse" and so far he really likes it. They are chapter books so it will take him longer than a day to read each of them but he's doing a good job with them so far. I'm looking forward to the new year in school. We are beginning somewhat of a break. Shortened days this week and then two full weeks off before January. Whew!!!!! I must say, I am tired and sometimes a little pushy with him, but I think it's all worth it.

Sleepy Girl

2008-12-10T11:17:00.000-08:00

Anna Kate: Mommy, can I get under there and take a smoof?

Me: Do you mean a snooze?

Anna Kate: Yeah, I don't wanna be tired at Cubbies tonight.

A Loving Sister

2008-12-10T05:46:00.000-08:00

I have a rule at my house when Karley and Colton are here. No running! Although I like my house and it's beginning to feel like home, it's not big enough for four kids to run uncontrollably and, believe me, if it starts, it becomes uncontrollable.

So this morning, Ben, even though he knows the rule and why asks me why again. I got a little agitated and said, "Ben, this house is small and with all the toys in the floor, when you all start running, someone inevitably gets hurt. Karley and Colton are under my care while they are here and with four kids, school, lunch, clean up, snack, drinks, diapers, etc. I can't have my eyes on them the whole time. You know the rule and why. I don't want to have to call Aunt Marisa and say 'Sorry Marisa, I was busy doing something and the kids were running and Colton fell and broke his arm'".

Karley, being the helpful and loving sister she is spoke up and said "It's okay if Colton breaks his arm Aunt Jenny. It's just an arm."

Lights, Camera, Action!

2008-12-09T17:36:00.000-08:00

We had our Christmas play this past weekend on Friday night and Sunday night. It was titled "Christmas at Bethlehem Gulch". It was really cute and Anna Kate was in her element. The spotlight, singing, a little dancing, a cute cowgirl hat for a cute cowgirl, and ATTENTION! She was absolutely the most adorable thing, especially when she had control of the... microphone! Oh, how she loves a microphone. She really had control of it the second night and you could hear her voice loud and clear over the other kids singing. She is such a diva and such a daddy's girl. I have noticed here lately that she is beginning to try to wrap her daddy. I'm almost positive that it's working. But look at her, how could you not be wrapped?

Then there's my little man. He only agreed to be in the program if he could be Joseph and not say anything or sing. Apparently, he and Mary were very tired and decided to rest. Baby Jesus must have kept them up late the night before. Notice the silver sequin shoes underneath the manger? I didn't know Mary was so stylish...

Well, now, isn't he the cutest Joseph you've ever seen? He is such a great kid. He knows what he's willing to do and not do though. I hope he keeps that resolve as he gets older and doesn't give in to peer pressure. I wouldn't go back to being a kid for anything and I have to force myself not to think of future things with my kids. I'm just trying to enjoy my little cowgirl and Joseph right where they are and continue to pray for them.

Enough bragging on my kids for now. I just can't help myself though! I'm VERY excited to start posting basketball pictures of my little man. He starts in January. Some of you may be very shocked to know that he's going to play basketball...um, well, let's just say, he will probably be the first paid basketball player that is only 6. Yes, I bribed!!!!!!

Let me see your gorilla!!!!!

2008-11-26T09:19:00.000-08:00

Anna Kate was sitting on her daddy's lap and said "Daddy, let me see your gorilla". Scott surprisingly asked "your what?" Anna Kate replied "Your gorilla" as she pointed in her mouth. She meant uvula...

Ben's Future

2008-11-23T17:43:00.000-08:00

Ben came into my bedroom yesterday and had something very important to tell me...Sherry, pay attention to this. He said "Mommy, when I marry Annie, if she gets babies we'll have to get a four seater. But, if she doesn't get babies, we'll just have a two seater."

He was talking about what kind of car they would drive...I don't think I'll ever figure out how his mind works!

So, Now What?

2008-11-19T18:59:00.000-08:00

We all know that there are times that we as parents talk about things that we don't want little ears to hear. My uncle and aunt taught me to double talk long before I had children. Their children were small at the time and as an adult I never could understand Greg and Sharlene when they used it. They were fluent...

Scott and I have little time to talk it seems, so, tonight, on the way home from church, I was needing to spill some stuff on Scott. I started using double talk so that Ben (Anna Kate was asleep) wouldn't understand me. He laughed and asked, "Mom, what language are you using?" I explained it was a language that his uncle Greg and aunt Sharlene taught me so that my kids wouldn't understand what I was saying. I told him this with a slight smart tone in my voice because I was confident he couldn't understand me. He laughed again and told me it was funny. I proceeded to talk to Scott and told him how "nibervibous" I was and how I was having trouble "tribustibing" and Ben asked me why I was nervous. He then asked why I was having trouble trusting.

So, Greg and Sharlene, now what? My 5 year old has figured out double talk. I thought I had a couple more years. You have any crash courses in other languages? :-)

The Story of Moses...According to Anna Kate

2008-11-17T18:30:00.000-08:00

For some reason, her favorite Old Testament account is Moses. She asked her daddy to talk with her about it tonight and he asked her why it was her favorite? She replied...

"Well, Jesus said to him take off your shoes. And he did. Then he went to the king and he wouldn't let the people go. So, Jesus gave slugs."

She means plagues...

Another Cute One

2008-11-14T09:53:00.000-08:00

I lost my voice this week which wasn't a real convenient time. Our choir concert is tonight and I'm supposed to sing a song. It didn't sound so hot last night. I was whispering to Scott this morning saying I hoped my voice came back before tonight. Anna Kate offered a piece of wisdom.

Anna Kate: "Mommy, just move your mouth like this." (She knows the song so when I looked at her she was mouthing the words.)

Me: "Well, Anna Kate, the problem is mommy is supposed to sing by herself on some parts and if I move my mouth everyone will know I'm not singing."

Anna Kate: "Just give them duct tape for their eyes."

PROBLEM SOLVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fly me to Neverland, Peter Pan

2008-11-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

So, here's the picture and story I promised. Someone gave us tickets to see Peter Pan as a family. It was a real treat and Ben and Anna Kate were mesmerized. Ben knew it was pretend but Anna Kate was convinced that Peter Pan was real and that he was really flying (a girl actually played the part). After the show, she wanted to meet Peter so I took her over. Rachel, a girl from our church, happened to be there that evening also. She asked Anna Kate if she would like a picture taken and Anna Kate was not willing. She was a little scared of Peter.

We walked to the car and as I buckle her in she starts crying. When I asked her what was wrong she said "Mommy, I want a picture with Peter Pan." I explained to her that I didn't have my camera and that it would probably be impossible to find Rachel and Peter Pan again. I felt so bad for her. She continued to cry on our way home and she asked me "Mommy, when we get home, can we write Peter Pan and Wendy a card?" I said we could so when we got home that was the first thing on her list. So at 11:00 PM we were writing cards to Peter Pan and Wendy. She asked them to please come see her and take her to the park to play.

I decided I would give the letters to a girl at my church to pass them along. She does plays and knew the cast. Peter Pan was playing one last time on Sunday afternoon and the girl's mom told me she had to be at the play that day and asked if I wanted to bring Anna Kate after it was all over and that she would take me to Peter Pan. Well, you know that's what I did! So, Anna Kate got her picture taken with Peter Pan after all and she was very pleased.

What am I doing up?

2008-11-11T01:22:00.000-08:00

It's 4:23 in the morning. Those of you who know me very well know that I like my sleep. I don't like it disrupted and I always feel like I haven't had enough in the mornings. I even take Advil PM when I struggle so I can sleep deeply. I didn't take Advil PM last night though...I took two Mucinex DM pills to help me get rid of this cold.

We're having a choir concert this weekend on Friday night and Sunday night and last night we had rehearsal. I went even though I sound like a frog when I sing and I am so glad I did. The songs that Brenda picked for this concert are phenomenal (at least in my eyes...or ears you might say). I just stood in the midst of the altos and listened. It was a good time even though I couldn't practice.

I really hope people get the meaning of the message. I have a few people I am thinking of specifically too who I have been praying for. I am absolutely amazed at the amount of people, or should I say Christians, who are walking around trying to figure out life. Not that I've arrived or am perfect (just ask my hubby who is sooooo patient) but God has become such a supernatural part of my life here lately. I was never one to lean very much toward supernatural but now that I have started thinking about it I have come to realize that salvation is supernatural, creation is supernatural, spiritual warfare is supernatural and life itself is supernatural.

We just had Dr. Bill Brown from Cedarville come and lecture on Worldview. It's amazing to me how we can become saturated with the wrong view so quickly through tv, music, people, politics and the list could go on. It made me thankful we don't have tv. It started out as a financial decision but family life has been so much more meaningful without a tv blaring all the time. Dr. Brown said that there are very few people that can just sit and be quiet. I had never thought of that, but he's right. Our minds need endless sources of entertainment...myself included.

Well, I'm still awake. I should probably be taking this time to be quiet before the Lord (since quiet at this house is unheard of usually). I do realize I've rambled alot, but please remember it is 4:30 in the morning! Later, I'll post a picture of Anna Kate with a little story about her...something I need to remember always!

My Cuties

2008-11-07T13:33:00.001-08:00

We went outside to play in the leaves today...I was going to rake...but playing is much more fun. I'm sure our neighbor wishes we'd work more than play but life's too short! I put the kids in the tree to take some shots and wanted to share. Here is Ben as Sonic. It seems like I always have to take a picture of a character before I can get one of my boy being himself like the one below. He's such a cute little thing, at least in my book he is.

Here's my cute boy. He didn't like being up in the tree much so he wasn't up there long. I'm thinking these trees are going to give me lots of good photo ops.

Well, here's the darling princess. Something I have noticed about her in the last few months is that everything, I mean everything, is a joke to her. I wonder who she got that from? She had to make a silly face for me to take a picture of. There are times when I have to actually be stern with her and say "Anna Kate, this is not a time to joke!" Normally, she giggles and continues.

Here she is laughing it up when I told her she was silly. I have a regular comedy club here at the house. Ben's not a jokster but Anna Kate and her daddy are. Maybe we should have them tag team doing the announcements at church!

Okay, here she is....I have to say it....I can't help myself! I, personally, think she's got to be the prettiest thing ever! She makes my heart melt sometimes, well actually, both of my kids make my heart melt! I guess that's normal...I never knew I would love them so much!

Trick and Trunk or Treat

2008-11-07T13:19:00.000-08:00

Okay, once again, I got the pictures backwards. But you'll get the idea. This is Anna Kate on Trick or Treat night. She was a princess and in her element. I loved this picture of her. She and Ben were both so polite on Thursday evening. They always said "Thank you" whether I prompted them or not. It makes those days when everyone is throwing fits a little better.

This is the Wednesday before trick or treat at church. We had trunk or treat there. That's my boy...always in his "role". He wore the same outfit on Thursday night so I didn't put an extra one of him.

Here he is with his buddy...Bumblebee. There is no defeating these two. Like I said, my son is always in character.

Here is Anna Kate with Jerica on Wednesday. Anna Kate was so excited because they were both fairies. Jerica is one of our children's directors and she's a hoot! She actually made this tu tu while practicing with the choir (talk about multi-tasking!) for the fall concert...which is Nov. 14 and 16 at 7:00 PM, by the way, if there is anyone interested!!

Here is the little fairy before we left for church. This was her recital costume this past recital...I was glad we got to use it again. It makes the fact I paid for it seem a little better for me.

Fall Ball

2008-10-27T12:11:00.001-07:00

Well, I got the pictures backwards, but I'm sure everyone will figure it out. Anna Kate had a fall ball at her ballet class this past Saturday and they were allowed to bring a friend. She asked Annie to come and spend the night on Friday night and then go with her the next morning. They had such a good time...I got a taste of what it might be like to have two heads of hair to fix in the mornings. Here is the whole group of girls. The characters ranged from fairies, to Dorothy to Jasmine...I think they all had a good time.

Here they are playing a game with Amy. Amy is the ballet teacher and Anna Kate absolutely loves it. They didn't do much dancing on Saturday, they just played games. Amy always figures out how to tie Jesus into everything and I love that part of it.

Below is right before we left. They were very excited. Nana was going with us and that was a special treat for Anna Kate too.

As I said, Annie spent the night with us the night before. I slept in the living room on the floor with them. Yes...all night! They had a great time though. Ben got to be with us for a while but they made him watch princess movies until his daddy finally took him in the other room to play games. I guess he'll have to get used to that though. He and Annie claim they are still going to get married when they grow up. As a matter of fact, Sherry told me that Annie kept telling everyone she was going to spend the night with her boyfriend...we quickly corrected that thought!

Winkin' Girl

2008-10-20T15:52:00.001-07:00

I had to write this before I forgot.

Ben and Scott are out shooting hoops tonight. Scott told Ben that if he made a basket he would give him a dollar. Well, Anna Kate heard that...she said "Daddy, can I have a dollar?" Apparently he told her no. She then asked "If I wink at you, will you give me a dollar?"

Oh brother!

By the way, Ben did make a basket...his first one! No...I didn't capture it on film!

It's cold in here!

2008-10-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

Well, we turned on our furnace over the weekend and was not the least bit surprised to find that it doesn't work!!!!!! It came on, went off, clicked three or four times, made a loud bang, came on, went off, etc. etc. Needless to say, the furnace people will be here tomorrow. At first, I was a little upset, however, I realized I need not whine. I will say though that the kitchen was freezing Monday morning so Anna Kate and Ben snuggled in the chair that morning eating their breakfast and Karley and Colton had a picnic in the living room floor where a space heater was blowing. They had a good time and the house warmed up quite a bit by the afternoon. We just stayed in sweatshirts and socks!

A Great Fall Day!

2008-10-20T10:32:00.000-07:00

I love fall! Fall is my favorite season. I'm not sure why, but I love it. Saturday was a great day. We spent some time in the yard playing in the leaves and carving pumpkins. We have two great trees in our front yard and the leaves are filling the yard! We got our rakes and the kids had fun helping rake up the leaves and then they played in them. Our neighbor offered her leaf blower and I declined saying "Oh, we're not really cleaning them up, we're just having fun!" I know, weird...all the leaves we raked are still in the yard.

After we played in the leaves, Scott carved the pumpkins for the kids. He has to be quite creative because Ben doesn't always just want the normal face. The pumpkin has to have a certain expression.

In this picture, Scott is trying to understand how Anna Kate wants her pumpkin's face...
Master carver at work...
The carver's work being scrutinized by two very important people....

Anna Kate LOVED playing in the leaves! I love this picture! Her expression priceless!
I made Ben stop playing superhero just so I could get this shot of him. While we were outside, he played in the leaves with his swords. Of course, he was not Ben...

Look at this cute thing! Is she not precious? I know she's mine, but I can't help but think she's the prettiest little girl I have ever seen!
Here is Ben in his "role". Don't ask who he was because I have NO idea! He was a turtle, sonic, batman or someone from Star Wars. I can't keep up!

Cutie

2008-10-17T11:52:00.001-07:00

After choir practice last night, Anna Kate and I went to Wal-Mart to pick up some jackets for she and Ben. She saw this little pink hat and she looked so cute in it...I couldn't resist. When she woke up this morning, she asked for it first thing (and notice the bed she's in...mine, of course).
Here she is with her hair fixed. She decided she wanted to wear it when we ran our errands. I think she's got to be the cutest little thing...I really need to find her one of those crocheted hats.
At lunch, we were having a discussion about the upcoming elections...

Anna Kate said "Mommy, Jesus is the leader".

I said "You are right, He is the leader".

She then said, in a very confident tone, "Jesus told me He was".

Two Dancing Princesses

2008-10-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

Anna Kate has introduced Karley to Bella Dancerella. They won't do it unless they have dresses on and they have to be princess dresses. Please ignore the laundry on the love seat and the toys all over the floor in the picture...that's how it looks at my house most of the time during the day...I can't keep up with it all. I wasn't about to clean it up and miss the photo ops! Enjoy!

Deep Theology

2008-10-09T19:26:00.001-07:00

On the way to choir practice this evening here was my conversation with Anna Kate:

Anna Kate: Mommy, how does God see everyone?

Me: Well, there are some awfully big words that describe that but just know that God is so much bigger than us and it's something we can't really understand right now.

Anna Kate: Does He have six eyes?

A conversation with Ben the other day about playing with Penelope:

Me: Ben, you really need to go out and play with Penelope. She's probably a little lonely out there.

Ben: But mom, I don't like it when she jumps on me.

Me: I would really like for you to go out there and play with her a little.

(I walk into the next room and Ben follows me...)

Ben: Mom, I think God is telling me to go out there and play with Penelope. So, I'm going to.

Me: Well, that's good...how do you know God is telling you that?

Ben: I just sensed that was what He was telling me.

Penelope

2008-10-07T04:48:00.000-07:00

Meet Penelope...Ben's new pup. She's around 3 months old and Ben has had a good time playing with her so far. She's a terrier mix so after two days in the house I thought she would make a good outside dog. We have a fenced yard so Scott covered any holes and now she's running and playing in the yard. Ben has run off alot of energy playing with her. I've never been much of an animal person but she is cute...just VERY energetic!

Drama Queen 2

2008-10-07T03:33:00.000-07:00

Well, Anna Kate didn't feel well this weekend...she ended up with the Barbie as The Island Princess movie that her heart was longing for...

Drama Queen

2008-10-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

I was looking up some stuff online for Ben's schoolwork and Anna Kate came up behind me and asked me if she could watch something. I said "No, we don't have time, we'll be leaving here in a few minutes". She said "But mommy, my heart just feels like I want to watch it". It was the Barbie Island Princess movie that she doesn't have but wants...could this be a hint? Such a drama queen!

Ben's Work

2008-10-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

So far so good again today...we are on a short break. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Here is Ben doing some spelling with magnets on the refrigerator. (This one was Marisa's idea and he loves it!) Yes, I try to keep the magnets in that order so I don't have to get them in order before he does his work. Poor little Colton loves these things but I have to keep telling him no or they end up, well, not on the refrigerator...
Here is a book...second grade level. He loves it. If you can see it, read the paragraph. Now, here was his reasoning. At first, he pointed to the second one which is..."We will cook dinner". I had to tell him not to use mommy's reasoning but his own. To this, he grinned and pointed to the first one...that kid!!!!!
Poor little Anna Kate...her pre-school only takes 30 minutes to an hour and then she has to be quiet for me. She watches a movie or plays...she's so good for me. What a sweet thing!
Here is Ben on a break. He instantly turns into a turtle these days when he's on a break.

Lunch Conversation

2008-10-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, had to write this before I forgot...

Anna Kate: Mommy, does Karley know Jesus?

Mommy: I don't know, she might be a little young yet...

Ben: Karley, you need to ask Jesus into your heart. Mommy, does God know if Karley is a Christian?

Mommy: Yes, God does know.

Oh, little minds. So simple. They are worried about their cousin's spiritual condition when she is not yet three...how much can we learn from that?

So far, so good...

2008-09-30T16:29:00.000-07:00

We took a week off last week, but didn't go anywhere. The week was pretty full even without traveling. With gas prices the way they are, we just decided to stay put for the most part. We had a good week though. We slept in!!!!! We even took a week off of school and started back this week with things a little different. With Marisa's help I'm hoping we have Ben figured out. We're taking a few more breaks and I'm also trying to teach him in different ways. Marisa tested him and one of her friends helped her score it and he's reading on a third grade level. I have noticed however when he's asked to spell a word, he really struggles. So this week we've been focusing a little more on spelling the words he's reading. He's doing a good job in Math and Spanish. He also loves anything about Science and he really likes Geography.

Ben also started asking me to teach him piano...my thoughts? Selfish as it may seem, when he has asked, I said "We'll see". What I thought was "Oh lands!!!! No down time whatsoever!" I'm going to have to drink more caffeine than I already do, but then I don't think even Advil PM would help me sleep. It's a vicious cycle...I'm talking about the sleep cycle for me. I'd love to have 8 good hours a night, plus a 1 hour nap during the day.

Well, my mom just walked in...I'll go. It's so nice that she can just drop in instead of taking a day off work or work out coming to see me around her schedule!

Let's keep hoping that Ben keeps up the GREAT WORK!

Rest of the pictures...

2008-09-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

Here are the rest of the pictures from JCPenney, minus the ones of me and Scott...our kids are a whole lot cuter than us...
They actually really do get along like it looks! Thank goodness!!
Prissy Princess!
Little angel!
Sonic!

Why Not Trust God Again?

2008-09-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

This evening we had choir practice for an upcoming fall concert at church. (It's Nov. 14 and 16 for anyone who wants to come and it will be casual in the gymnasium). I was rather discouraged this morning. Ben did his usual thing during school...had to have it his way or else and I lost my cool. I called Scott basically just to vent and to tell him I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do. I was furious with Ben.

Now, for those of you who think my children wear halos on a regular basis, let me clear that up for you! Ben is not your average little 5 year old. I think he has alot of anxiety, he's very smart, very headstrong and strong willed. By 10:00 this morning I was questioning my parenting skills as well as my teaching skills. I was ready to throw his little body into a public school somehwere where other people could deal with his attitude. I was through! Then I realized that Scott was the one who approached me about homeschooling and I was totally against it! So, maybe it's Scott's fault I'm losing my mind! Not hardly...Scott asked me to pray about it and I did and really feel like God changed my heart. Not only did I not think I could do it, but I also wanted to go back to work so we would have more money. By the time I made the decision to do it, I had done a complete turnaround. Not only was I on board with the decision but I was excited about it and had complete peace about it. Even though strange looks from people annoyed me, people's comments didn't even make me flinch at my decision.

So, my question to myself was this...if I believed God changed my heart on the subject, then what was I doing considering an alternative? I also started questioning myself about what to do and how to do it and would I stay sane in the process? I've been talking with Marisa alot about it and she asked me today if we had been praying about it daily. I have to be honest, although Scott and I have both been praying about it, we weren't coming together in unified prayer for our son and how to deal with him on a daily committed basis. I remember the two years we prayed for God to heal us so that we could have children. We didn't close our eyes at night until we had asked God together, unified, for a baby.

So, in the midst of choir practice, I almost lost it! "Why Not Trust God Again?" is one of the songs for the fall concert...

When life seems cruel and so unfair

with each new day it seems a greater problem's waiting there

For each step forward I take, seems I get pushed two steps behind

Don't think I'm gonna make it sometimes

Don't think my nerves can take it this time

When I'm about to call it quits, a solution comes to mind

Why not trust God again?

I know that He can do it

If I pray again, believe again

I know that God will work it for my good again

I know that He will see me through it all

if I trust God again

Is there a mountain standing in Your way?

Is there a loved one you're worried about today?

Is there a blessing you desire that seems intangible?

The God that's seen you through before

He's able, He's still able

I realized, I haven't been trusting God with this. I missed it! The same God that caused Ben to begin to grow inside of me 6 years ago is the same God today. So, I'm committed to praying for that boy. He is extremely special and I know it and I love him so much my heart hurts.

(P.S. The pictures of Ben are from a recent family portrait sitting we had done at Penneys for the church. We went ahead and got a couple of shots of the kids by themselves. I'll post the rest of them later.)

Recent Duncan Fun

2008-09-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

Here is another superhero...his name is Shadow. Ben went to a carnival at church (Anna Kate was sick) and they painted his face. He requested it like this. He decided he was going to be Shadow from Sonic the Hedgehog games and cartoons.

Anna Kate learned a new step at ballet. Here she is practicing it. I can't believe how long her legs are getting! She just seems to keep growing and growing and growing! I'll take some ballet class pictures soon! She is as cute as ever in her pink leotard!

We had a recent visit from Patty, Jayme, Bryce and Collin from Lucasville. It was so good to sit and talk with them. Ben and Bryce loved being able to play again...I think they are the same kid in different bodies!
Here's baby Collin...isn't he a sweetie? Yes, I held him, of course! It brought back memories of holding mine...I miss it so!

I thought I would share another of Ben doing his schoolwork. Here recently it seems to be hard to get him to focus but otherwise he is doing very well! He is reading alot of books and seems to be grasping it! Today he pointed out Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Michigan, California, Tennessee and Texas on an unmarked map. I thought we would do well to get Ohio but he just kept going...I was amazed!

I just thought this one was cute. I put her hair in a ponytail for the first time. Scott wasn't sure he like it. Not because she wasn't cute, but because it made her look like a big girl. He's not into watching the kids grow up...I guess it makes his heart hurt!

Anna Kate was all ready for the first night of Cubbies. She already had her vest so I took her picture before we left. Ben will be getting his uniform here in a week or so. I'll post one of him in his Sparks vest before too long. We use their AWANA books for their Bible in the mornings. It really kills two birds with one stone!

Sigh!

2008-09-11T09:20:00.001-07:00

Well, it is now 12:19 pm. Ben has been sitting for most of the morning fighting me about school. He is sitting and has been for the past 30 minutes eating his lunch. He won't eat his green beans, so I'm making him sit. I don't force them to eat everything but I do make them eat some veggies. They can even dip it in a sauce of their choice (I taught Colton about ketchup and green beans today! Sorry Marisa!). They just have to eat them.

Some days, I wonder, what in the world am I doing? I've lost my temper more times than I care to admit. Today, I'm in ignore mode. I don't care if it takes him until 8:00 tonight, he'll sit at the table until he gets the green beans eaten and his school work done! EVERYTHING has been a fight today...honestly, I'm tired!

The good news is, at least I'm cool!!!! Our air conditioning is fixed...so at least I can take big deep breaths in nice cool air!

Scott's Big Weekend in Pictures

2008-09-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

There are so many pictures of the weekend, but I tried to choose the highlights. From L to R is Dr. David Warren, Scott's Grandad--Leo Skaggs, our Pastor--Larry Greene, Duane Defoe, Dr. Manfred Langer, my hubby, Scott's dad--John, my uncle--Greg Trout and Barry Smith. Scott thought long and hard about who to have on his council. All of these men have had an influence on Scott since he started in ministry and they are all from different areas of his life. Our Pastor was the moderator but Scott has grown to respect him as well and we both felt honored that he was a part of it! The only other man, not pictured, that has had much influence over Scott's life, is my dad. My dad was there though, offering moral support and, of course, taking pictures!

Now, here is Larry with his usual big smile. I think this was after it was all over. Could the smile be relief?
This is right after the questioning, while they were making the "decision". Mary was giving me the "Don't worry, he did a good job!" I was thankful she was there to offer moral support, along with my mother-in-law Sandi and my mom, dad and grandmother.

Well, since he "passed" we got to have the celebration with our church on Sunday evening. Here is Scott giving his testimony. Isn't he handsome?
Here's Larry giving him a gift from the church after the service. They gave him the Archeological Bible and a very nice set of commentaries. It was such a special night!
Here is what Ben and Anna Kate did most of the service! Thank heavens for pants! This is one reason why I have banned dresses from my closet!

What a weekend!

2008-09-08T06:09:00.000-07:00

I couldn't wait to get pictures to post something about Scott's ordination this weekend. Saturday morning was difficult. He had around 2 1/2 to 3 hours of questioning by the men on his council but he did a great job, at least, in my opinion. I was very nervous but after it was all said and done, I was so proud of him. I don't even understand why all the nerves. Then Sunday night, wow! It was great! Larry and Mary (and all the others involved) made it such a special night for him, and me...I said in my last entry that Scott had tried to get this accomplished several times before but it never happened. God knew the right timing. All of the details of the night came together so beautifully for him. From the men that were able to be part of it to the place and also this point where Scott is in his life. It was amazing!

The highlights? When his dad was kneeling with him praying for him...what an honor for Scott. Also, the book that was given to him by his Grandad, which belonged to W.W. Skaggs (dated 1895, I think?), Scott's great great grandfather. What a heritage! Lastly, Ben falling asleep and falling off of the pew right after the choir sang! All of it was absolutely perfect!

I'll post more with pictures after my dad gets the pictures on a CD for me.

Scott

2008-09-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

This weekend Scott is being ordained. He's been trying to do this for several years but it just never happened. Well, it's finally happening. A weekend is being carved out just for this occasion. The church is even having a special service and reception following which is nice. I asked him earlier in the week if he was nervous, because when I think about it, I get nervous. He admitted he is a little nervous. Scott normally doesn't get nervous about a whole lot of things, so it surprised me a little. Maybe it's the fact he'll be asked questions on the spot, or maybe it's the fact attention will be drawn to him, which he doesn't like much, but nonetheless, he's a little nervous. I have been praying for him all week that God will use him this weekend. I know my husband's heart and I know that is his heart's desire in all that he does. So, anyone who reads my blog, say a prayer for him this weekend. Number one, that God will be glorified in the weekend...I can't imagine Scott doing anything else with his life. Number two, that God will give him clarity of mind and calm his spirit. Number three, that our kids will sense the importance of the weekend and be absolute angels. And, lastly, number four, that God will bless Scott in ministry.

He's also getting ready to start in his last year at Tri-State. WOO HOO!!!!! I can't believe it, but in around 9 months, he will finally be graduating. We have prayed about a school for him to apply to for his masters and he will be applying next year to Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, IN. It is very family friendly, which was important to us. Ben and Anna Kate are at such crucial ages and Scott wants to be there for them (and I want him around too). So here we go! He has two classes this semester, so pray for him in that too. He's pretty good at balancing all of it, but he loses sleep in order to do so. Pray for energy!!!

It's been a big year...for all of us!

Our Last Name

2008-09-04T03:44:00.000-07:00

Last night was AWANA for the first time this year. Anna Kate was a Cubbie again. I have pictures but will have to post them later. Ben was a Spark for the first time. (I remember having a roomful of around 25 Sparks!!!!) Ben met us at church because he spent the afternoon with a friend. When he got there I told him we needed to go to class and, of course, he started holding on to my leg and crying. I pulled him up to Debbie Herbert (fun lady!) and she asked him his name, just to get him to talk. He was taking big anxious breaths, but at least had stopped crying. When he told her, she asked "How do you spell that?" He said B-e-n. She asked him his last name and he said "jamin". He was sooooo nervous!!! I had to suppress laughter because that would have been the icing on cake for him. I knew he was scared but that shows me how scared he really was! So, I guess our last names have changed to Scott, Jennifer, Ben and Anna Jamin!

Oh yeah, Anna Kate has now decided she wants to be called "Anna". She doesn't like the fact she has so many letters to write for her name in school!

A Very Serious Question

2008-09-01T17:17:00.001-07:00

Sunday was Family Worship Day at RCCC and Ben sat with me in the service after I finished in the choir. He, of course being a little bored, started sticking all of his fingers in his mouth. I whispered to him to stop and he looked at me seriously and asked "Mommy, why do you like your lips dry?"

Oh brother!!!!!

Thieves in the Neighborhood

2008-08-27T05:13:00.001-07:00

We had a thief in the neighborhood this week with small beady eyes and a fluffy tail. We kept noticing our bird feeder was being dumped and we couldn't figure out why. Well, here is why...

Anna Kate decided it was a "chikmunk" named Theodore!

It's raining, it's pouring!

2008-08-19T15:38:00.000-07:00

This morning in science, we started talking about rain. I asked Ben "What is rain?" His response..."It's when clouds are peeing!"

Date Night

2008-08-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

No, not for daddy and mommy...for daddy and Anna Kate and mommy and Ben. We've done date night with the kids in the past but it has been a while. Anna Kate kept asking me when she could have a date with daddy so we worked out a time when we could borrow a car and each go on a date with one of the kids.
When Scott asked Anna Kate where they were going she said "Kmart, Bob Evans, Wendys, the mall and Fashion Bug". They actually only went to Bob Evans to eat. Scott said that everyone was making over her, of course! Isn't she beautiful? She picked what to wear! You can't see them in this picture but she wore her plastic high heel shoes she got for her birthday from Patty!
Ben wanted to wear his suit, of course. The one from the wedding. He was all that!!!! He opened the car door for me and the door of Bob Evans. We went to the one here in South Point and Scott and Anna Kate went one in Huntington. Both of the kids said they wanted to go to Bob Evans...I think they felt like they were treating us! At least it wasn't Wendys. Ben also wanted to take me to Kohls. He said "because it's your favorite place mom", but we came home and I played football with him with tackling and the whole works (oh my aching joints!!!!!!) and then we snuggled on the couch and watched Transformers.

Something funny about our evening...we're definitely going to have to work with Ben on what to say to girls! I was writing words for him to read and I wrote bumper. He read it with no problem and told me he was smarter than me. I said, "Ben, you shouldn't say that to a date. You have to be a gentleman." He said "I didn't mean not to be a good date. I was just saying that little brains work faster than big brains!" He's a piece of work!

I think we all had fun! I hope that when our kids get bigger they remember these things. We want them to enjoy childhood and have fond memories. They are growing up so quickly and we can hardly believe that Ben is almost 6. Sometimes, watching them grow up makes our hearts hurt!

School Days

2008-08-15T03:10:00.000-07:00

My little man officially started kindergarten the first week of August. As you can see, my dining room becomes a classroom every morning and at first I thought it would aggravate me (I had a separate room in Lucasville), but it actually has been better than having him in a whole separate room. After all, aren't homes for living in? I can fix lunch and load the dishwasher while he is doing something on his own, but I'm also right there to answer his questions, or help him if he gets stuck. Rarely does he get stuck. I'm also there to tell him to quit using his pencil as a toy but to write with it. :-)

Here he is writing his address and phone number. I'm so glad I chose to start him a little early on his writing. He can now learn four different ways. By listening (ha! Did I say listening?), by seeing it or reading it, by saying it and by writing it. He's actually a very good little reader. He reads all of his own instructions on his papers and, more importantly, he understands them.
This is little Anna Kate after her preschool work is finished. I must say, she's not quite as excited about school as what her brother is. Although, she does like doing Ben's Spanish. She is really good for me though. Sometimes she stands and leans against my arm, and other times, she just lays in the floor and holds one of my legs. (Anybody have any suggestions about the thumb issue?)
Here Ben is doing his math which he thinks is really fun. And, can I say, that I think he is absolutely adorable in this picture?
One of the other subjects we are dong is Spanish. It's by DVD. At first, he was a little timid about doing it. He is so afraid he's going to look silly when doing anything like that. He even feels that way about playing sports. I do have him talked into Upward Basketball this year...I bribed him! He may not like it, and if he doesn't, he won't have to do it next year. But at least this will let him see if he might enjoy it.

Overall, I'm enjoying the whole school thing. I was a little worried even when I was excited. But I really have been enjoying watching him learn and I love spending the time with him. Homeschooling is definitely not for everyone but I'm so glad that Scott approached me about doing it. I think it's going to work just fine for our family.

Party, party, party!

2008-08-11T09:37:00.001-07:00

We decided to combine Taylor and Anna Kate's birthday this time around. The girls had a great time, I think, sharing their day. It's hard to believe, but Taylor was born two months after we got married. Taylor had a wolf cake and I made Anna Kate some Tinkerbell cupcakes with toothpicks and stickers (thanks Susan for the GREAT and INEXPENSIVE idea!).

I'm not sure you can tell by this picture, but Anna Kate kept wanting to come down the water slide with Erin. They all had a blast with this thing!
One of Anna Kate's favorite birthday presents. One of her favorite people got her this...I asked her what she was going to name her new baby and she said "Allie Abigail, because she always gets in the trash!" Later she changed her mind and said "I don't want to call her a name, I just want to call her American".

Anna Kate loved this bouncy thing and her new sunglasses too. She was having a ball on this thing!
Sunday morning, we dressed her in her new Tinkerbell top with her sunglasses. Of course, she had to take her puppy with her. The puppy took a nap in Daddy's office while she was in class. I LOVE this top. I almost cried when I picked her up from class on Sunday. She had ripped a big hole in it...never fear though, a few iron on patches of flowers and butterflies and it's fixed and colorful!

One more story from her birthday presents. Nana got her some little books. One is about Lily the Mermaid. After we read them, she said "Mommy, you know what I wanna be when I grow up? I wanna be...um...mommy, can womans be mermaids?"

A Nice Visit

2008-08-09T05:38:00.000-07:00

Scott and I met up with some good friends...almost family...in Ashland to let Ben and Anna Kate have a play date with one of their best buddies, Bryce. The kids had a ball and Scott and I had a good time of catching up with Patty and Jayme (a.k.a. Bryce's Nana and Mommy. They are from Lucasville and we became very good friends with them. We even got to stay with Ralph and Patty during the big ice storm right after we moved there. I think Patty was a little shocked when Ralph called and told her that he was bringing us to stay with them until we had heat again. That was a very scary night...Ben was 6 weeks old and it was FREEZING in our house and I wasn't sure how I was going to keep the two of us warm under covers without suffocating my new baby. Ralph and Patty graciously took two people they didn't know in and let us stay with them for a week. So, needless to say, Ralph and Patty quickly became like family for us while we were living there.

Here is Jayme's new baby. Collin is so cute and I got to snuggle with him quite a bit. I think Scott was a bit worried because he knows how I get when I hold babies. At one point, I think he even said "uh, I think you'd better give him back." I LOVE holding babies! Especially newborns!
Here is Bryce and Ben. They were being typical boys chasing all the girls and making them squeal and scream. Even though there is a slight age difference, they play so well together and love playing. They like the same things and today they were being transformers and teenage mutant ninja turtles!
And...here is Anna Kate with Bryce. She was making him shop with her in the toy store and being quite bossy. Typical little diva! Bryce was very obliging...

We are so happy we got to spend the day with them! Thanks you guys for a fun day!

Here he goes again...

2008-08-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

My son...he's always trying to be truthful and help as best as he knows how. Today we went to Ashland to visit a friend since we had some wheels and I took the kids to Burger King for lunch. We came out of Burger King and there was a policeman in his car. Scott and I have always made it a point to get Ben and Anna Kate to talk to policemen or firemen. We believe they need to respect them as heroes and know that they could help them one day. I asked the policeman, "Do you care if he looks in your car?" He was very obliging and rolled his window down and then turned on his lights. He asked Ben "Do you like my lights?" Ben said "Yeah, their cool". I jokingly said "...unless they are behind mommy." The policeman said "Hey, you want me to pull mommy over?" I said "Actually, I've never been pulled over." Ben said "Yeah, we never speed. Just if we're in a hurry!" Um, could it be we need to clarify what is helpful and what is not? The policeman did say "Thanks for being truthful buddy."

Birthday Girl!

2008-08-06T05:55:00.000-07:00

This morning we all got up singing Happy Birthday to Anna Kate. She's 4 today. Four years ago today at this time I was being wheeled back for my second c-section to deliver a baby girl. I'll never forget thinking how I couldn't believe how pretty God had made both of my babies. Such round little heads, beautiful color and sweet mouths...and to think, I thought for a while we weren't ever going to have the blessing of children.

Ben was very excited for his sister this morning and Daddy went to pick up doughnuts for a yummy birthday breakfast. Ben gave her the present he got for her. It was a Hello Kitty necklace. Anna Kate had two doughnuts, or, I guess I should say the chocolate off of the top of two doughnuts. She's so much like me when it comes to food!

Happy Birthday to our princess!!!!! We love you!

My Little Cinderella

2008-08-05T05:34:00.000-07:00

My little Anna Kate. She loves to sweep the kitchen and use the sweeper in the living room. If you look closely, in the pictures with the broom, she is wearing her pink princess crown. We had just gotten done with dinner and she wanted to help clean up.

In the pictures with the sweeper, she's wearing her new swimsuit I found for next year. She just asked me out of the blue to sweep. You think I'm going to stop that?

I can't believe it, but she will be 4 tomorrow. She's absolutely the sweetest little thing...don't get me wrong, she does have her moments. But, she has such a tender heart and loves to pray. She has truly been a huge blessing in our lives. I am so thankful God made her for us.

What did you make mom?

2008-08-02T14:30:00.000-07:00

Scott and I have been starting to come down pretty hard on Ben and Anna Kate over wasting food. We've done everything from showing them pictures of hungry children in foreign countries to telling them about children living on the street in the US. They have become very picky and refusing to eat what's in front of them. We also have made a very conscious effort to make them sit at the table until they have eaten their food. No, I'm not even forcing brussel sprouts down their little mouths...I'm talking about yummy things. Like this evening, for instance. The menu? Scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits and yummy fried apples made with brown sugar, cinnamon, butter and a splash of vanilla! Yummy, right? You would think so!

As Ben was sitting and eating, he wasn't wanting to taste the apples but Scott finally persuaded him. Honestly, he wasn't getting up until he ate it. He put it in his mouth and said "Mmmm, they don't taste like poop, they're sweet!" Considering he ate watermelon out of the trash can, it worries me a little that he thinks he knows what poop tastes like.

Out of the mouth of babes 2...

2008-08-01T21:31:00.000-07:00

It's 12:30 in the morning and I had coffee and tea on my date with Scott so, here I am...
I decided to share what Ben said when we went to bed. We normally make it a habit to let them snuggle with me for a little before they go to bed. Scott comes in for a few minutes and we all pray and normally I give Ben and Anna Kate prayer requests to pray for, but tonight I asked them if there was something they could be thankful for and to pray and thank God for that. Anna Kate thanked God for "mading us" and Ben told us...

"I want to thank God that we don't have to walk like this" (and he stiffened his legs so that his knees wouldn't bend...sort of like a robot or the tin man with no oil). So Scott said, "Well, then you are thankful for your knees?" Ben said, "No, just that they bend." His prayer...

"Father, I come to you right now and I just want to thank you that our legs don't unbend but they bend. It makes it easier to walk. Why does it have to be easy to walk? In Jesus' name, Amen."

So, tell me why does it have to be easy to walk? And do we all remember to be thankful for the little things?

Out of the mouths of babes...

2008-08-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

Just a few stories for you. I think my kids are hilarious sometimes but I can't enjoy the humor of what they say always until I relay it to someone else. They both become very offended if someone laughs when they are being serious so I try to take what they say very seriously.

There is a little girl at church named McKayla that likes Anna Kate and Wednesday evening she was trying to hug and hold onto her. After church, Anna Kate said "Mommy, McKayla keept hitting me at church". I told Anna Kate to tell McKayla that she didn't like it when she hit her and to please stop. Anna Kate looked at me with serious eyes and her finger pointing and said "Okay mommy. The next time she hits me I'm going to say 'McKayla stop hitting me. I don't like hitting and I'm allergic to it.'"

Ben was playing tag with some of the kids from church. He really doesn't like to lose but he hides it well when playing with peers. A girl a couple of years older tagged him and he walked over to and said "I am one slow man!"

Last one on Ben...
I try to be so careful about the games Ben plays on playstation. Friday morning, in the car he said "Mommy, when I grow up, I'm going to play the dirty games". Now, of course, I just about run off the road when he says this and I calmly tell him that as long as he lives with mommy and daddy, dirty games will not be allowed and that when he's old enough to live on his own I would like it if he would do the right thing and honor God by not playing dirty games. Now, I'm racking my brain trying to figure out where he saw dirty games...I'm completely panicked. He quickly set my mind at ease...He said with a confession type attitude "Well, mom, the other day at Nana's (imagine the horror I felt when I found out he played a dirty game at my mom's!), when I was playing hide and seek, I was in the room by the garage. I looked over and saw three pieces of watermelon in the peel in the trash can...and...well...I ate 'em". Funny thing is...I was COMPLETELY thankful that he had eaten food out of the garbage and that was what had made hide and seek "dirty".

It was very hard to suppress my laughter!!!

Monday Night WWF

2008-07-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

Monday night at the Duncan's. Since we don't have cable or satellite, we have to create our very own entertainment...which is probably better.

Typical

2008-07-28T18:12:00.000-07:00

Below you see my fella showing off his manly physique. He's positive he is invincible!!!Notice Anna Kate in the left hand part of the picture...and see picture below...

The "Pouting Princess". She couldn't find the right shoes to wear with her dress which started all of the drama, then I told her that in 30 minutes she would have to take her Cinderella dress off to put on pajamas. Oh, the life of royalty!!!
Like I said, typical!!!!

Who Is the REAL Sonic?

2008-07-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

A Day Out with Nana

2008-07-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

Mom took a day off on a day when she had a doctor appointment and we got to spend the day with her. We went to Bob Evans for lunch and then went to the Ashland Town Center for some shopping and playing. The kids had a great time.

Waiting patiently for their food, they are getting some snuggle time.

Here Ben is reading to Nana. Nana taught kindergarten for a while (years ago--back when I was in kindergarten) and she used the same curriculum I use. They were going over blends they saw on the kid menu.
Such a boy! We played at the Ashland Town Center for a while and, of course, Ben was role playing here. He loves jumping off of anything!
I'm not real sure what she's doing here. Taking a rest, I guess! I just though it was a cute picture.

Thanks for the day Mom!!!!!!

A Visit

2008-07-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

The Beckett family and Grace Peach came for a visit recently and we all had a great time. Anna Kate got to sit with Kristi while Ben got to play on the playstation with Andrew. Thanks for the visit guys. We had a good time!

My son is a genius?

2008-07-24T02:00:00.000-07:00

No really, I think he is...or at least, REALLY smart! Yesterday I was doing my daily browsing of the blogs (it's an addiction--my day isn't complete without it) when he came up behind me and said "Mommy, I want a blog".

I said "Well, okay. I think we could probably set up your very own blog". I got us back to the main page where you sign in and said "Let's see how we do this".

He pointed and said "Mommy, right there, see? It says Create Your Blog Now." He was pointing to the arrow to start creating one.

After I shook my head in amazement, I decided that maybe I wanted him to have a separate e-mail address and said "Let's wait until daddy can set up a new e-mail address just for you and you can e-mail your friends" (Mimi, Nana, Max and, of course, Patty). At this point, I signed back in to my blog and he then said "Well, then, just go to New Post".

I'm not real sure I need to be teaching him...I think he's smarter than I am! I'm not even faster...which could prove to be a problem :-)!!!!!

I Chronicles 16:8-12

2008-07-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

"Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to him; sing praises to Him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that He has done, His miracles and the judgments He uttered."

No pictures this time...how convicting these verses were to me this morning. We are doing a Bible study at church called "Celebrating Life". Last week it was just kind of a hohum week for me but this week is a different story. Last night as I was doing the checkbook, I found a mistake. It really wasn't a major deal but these days, with gas at around 4.00 a gallon and my grocery bill at least 40.00 more a week, it stressed me out a little. Scott and I gathered Ben and Anna Kate up and prayed that God would just continue to provide as He always has and thanked Him for His provision already. Now, you may think, "Wonderful, they prayed". But that's not how I always handle it. Sometimes, I don't respond that way and it's easy to start feeling very sorry for myself. I want to be sure that I am thankful for God's provisions in my life and that I remember the ways He has blessed us! He has performed miracles, yes, miracles for our family. Ben and Anna Kate are two of those! Praise God! He has provided transportation for us in the past through people that cared about us! Praise God! He has provided unexpected money for us when we needed it! Praise God! He sold our house in Lucasville in three weeks!!!!!! Praise God! He provided a very nice home, in a nice neighborhood, close to my family within our budget! Praise God!

The list really could go on and on. But how many times do I sit back and remember how wondrous those works are? He is a wonderful God! Can we go on two week vacations to the places of our choice? Probably not right now. Can we have all the things done to the house that we WANT? Probably not right now. But I have to remember...remember...remember how great God is. My life is blessed compared to others who have nothing. God has given me so much just in relationships and in things too. Our church sent a team to Mexico this year to build a soup kitchen...what a sight those pictures were of the children! They have so little that it was hard for me to come home and see what I had.

So here's my conclusion for today...(remind me of this later, will ya?). God is so good to give me what He has. Things don't really matter. It's just more stuff, stuff that won't matter in eternity. However, God has provided me with two little miracles that I need to exhibit thankfulness and reliance upon God in front of. What can be more important than that, right now? I need to remember God's provision and greatness in front of them and tell them and others like these verses say. I need to seek His presence continually and rejoice in the Lord with them daily!

Tennessee Trip

2008-07-05T19:12:00.000-07:00

We went to Tennessee over July 4 weekend to see very good friends, David and B.J. Ayers, and their girls, Katie and Hannah. We went to the Knoxville Zoo on Thursday and here are the girls posing with Ben and Anna Kate for a picture. I met the Ayers in 1993 when I met Scott and Hannah was just a few months old and Katie was around 2. B.J. quickly became a very good friend and we've been friends ever since. David and B.J. were going to River Cities up until November of last year when they moved. We sure do miss them but love going to visit!
Anna Kate and Ben both love the girls. Anna Kate, especially because they are teenagers and she thinks she's just like them. They are great girls!

We were in a building full of bugs, frogs and other such "lovely" creatures in this picture. This crazy girl is holding a hissing cockroach on her hand. You really couldn't pay me enough to do that!!!! Ben kept his distance, but he was fascinated!

Anna Kate LOVES B.J. Anna Kate wanted to be with B.J. all day at the zoo and B.J. obliged!

One of my favorite pictures!

After the zoo, we went with the Ayers to a community celebration for July 4. I just thought Ben was cute here. He's being Sonic. He loves to have his picture taken in character...I usually have to request that Ben show up for pictures if I want one of Ben being Ben.

On Friday morning, when we got up, B.J. was making puffed french toast. It was delicious!!!! I think I might have gained a few pounds while there!

David and B.J. have a Golden Retriever named Zoe. She is such a sweet dog, but it took until the day we were leaving for Ben to actually pet her. She is so laid back but Anna Kate and Ben were terrified of her. Then after Ben realized she was a good dog, he was willing. The poor pup had to stay tied up most of the weekend because Anna Kate was terrified. Sorry Zoe!!!!!

David and B.J. bought the kids umbrellas at an outlet mall in Pigeon Forge and when we got ready to leave Sat. morning, the kids were very excited because it was raining out. HOwever, by the time we left, the weather was clear. They still opened their umbrellas from porch to car. Then every time we stopped to potty, get a drink, or eat on the way home, they had to use their umbrellas! I must say, I have never seen such fascination with an umbrella!

We had a great time and will plan on going back soon. Thanks for a great weekend to David, B.J., Katie and Hannah! We love you!

Recent Visits

2008-07-05T18:43:00.000-07:00

We've had several play dates recently with some of Ben and Anna Kate's buddies. They LOVE having company!

This is Annie and Charlee. They are sisters and are from Minford. Charlee is the one in yellow and Annie is the one in blue. Their mom is a good friend of mine and she had some work to do in Proctorville, so she dropped them off here to play and Ben and Anna Kate were so excited! Annie was born just a few months after Ben and they went to preschool together for a while.

The two pictures above are Max and Lilly. They are the kids of Becky. I've known Becky, I think, all of my life. We were probably in first or second grade the first time we met and then didn't see one another again until our freshman year at Marshall. I'm positive that God had us taking the same English class for a reason. Becky is one of those friends who has been through the ringer with me...and we've lived to tell about it! ;-) Our kids are so close in age. Max was born one year and one month before Ben and Lilly was born a year and a half after Anna Kate. They all love to play together and they keep one another busy while Becky and I visit.

Funny Kids

2008-06-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

Anna Kate calls these her "funny teef". Scott and I picked these up at Wal-Mart one day and put them in just to see what the kids would do. Anna Kate thought it was the funniest thing in the world so she keeps them in her room and wants to show anyone that comes for a visit. She also loves putting stickers on her forehead...

Here's my Power Ranger. He and Anna Kate were playing Power Rangers and, of course, Ben thought I needed to take a picture of him. He's such a tough guy.

I'm not real sure this Power Ranger is as tough as she thinks she is. What a face!!!! I believe she's more cute than she is tough.

And, here she is in her closet floor asleep. No, I did not lock her in her closet. She brought her little ballerina costume to me to put on and told me she needed to find shoes. I told her to go look in her closet. After a little while, I realized she was being very quiet. She had fallen asleep in her closet floor while looking for shoes. I guess the decision was more than she could handle.

Outrigger Island

2008-06-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

Our VBS was Outrigger Island. Amy and Jerica went all out and it was fantastic. I'm not sure my brain could have even dreamt of the things they pulled off!Here stands Larry and Scott. Larry is our Pastor and Anna Kate can't quit talking about him. I believe she has Larry wrapped around her little finger. We've enjoyed getting to know he and his wife, Mary. Great people!
No introductions needed. Here are my two cuties standing in front of the "active" volcano in the sanctuary.

Ready to get going! I'm ready to rock mom! They had a mini concert every night for the kids.

Here's my friend Amy. Amy is co-director with Jerica in the children's ministries. She calls herself "the business" and Jerica is "the party". Actually, the nicknames are very fitting.

Amy and Jerica even had a pineapple express for the little ones. (Anna Kate called it Pumpkin Pies for a while). They loved it...my vote is to motorize it. It gets quite heavy when you have to pull it! You'll see a picture of all of it below. They even made a track around the gym.

Proof that Ben actually went to class!!!!!! I was very proud of him.
Ben is playing his ukulele. They must have made 200 of these things. Styrofoam plates and paint sticks! Who would have thought!!!!!!
Okay, here's Jerica, "the party". Actually, Scott and I were talking and it seems like all the kids absolutely love both of them! They are both doing a great job!
Anna Kate riding the Pineapple Express! She was having a ball!

Yes, that's a sun with it's tongue sticking out!
I don't know if you can tell, but that's the volcano in the sanctuary.

Here's the waterfall in the gym...they actually had running water coming down into a pool!
All those kids are called the Groove Crew. They do all the dancing and the motions to the songs up front.

All in all, it has been an experience. Ben and Anna Kate are enjoying themselves and, I must say, I've been enjoying myself too. It has been a great way to get to know some people a little better and meet some people I haven't met.

Success with VBS!

2008-06-23T19:23:00.001-07:00

I have no pictures right now but I had to post! Ben went to his VBS class tonight. He was a little timid, but he went and enjoyed himself. This is a major success in our eyes. Many of you may not know, but last year at VBS he stood in time out three out of the five days because he wouldn't go to class and he cried pretty much the whole time. There were about 25 kids in his class tonight too...the largest class! He did fine and announced he was going to class tomorrow. I'll post pictures later this week of our active volcano in the sanctuary and the waterfall in the gym...Jerica and Amy are great at getting all this stuff together. They are our Children's Directors.

Scott's Dream

2008-06-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

If you know my husband very well at all, you know that he hates to cut grass! Thankfully, the yard that we have now is much smaller and there's not quite as much upkeep. However, Scott stays so busy that even having a smaller yard doesn't help much. Here's the way we look at it. When he's not working, we want him to be spending time with me and the kids. I guess Scott has now found a way to do both! Actually, I think he's training them to mow the grass so he doesn't have to...(smile!). That's his dream come true...someone to mow for him! Next comes the laundry, the dishes and, my least favorite, the bathroom!

Posted by Ben

2008-06-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

The silliest daddy I've ever had!
The prettiest mom I've ever had!
The best guitar teacher I've ever had!
Every superhero I have is cool and they save the world!
He tries to defeat every life of Spiderman! He will try to over and over and over and over and he will never stop until he gives up.

A Great Daddy

2008-06-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

Ben and Anna Kate couldn't wait to give Scott his Father's Day gift. We made a celebration of it. We even had campout in the living room that night. We celebrated on Thursday night because we were going to be busy that weekend.

Ben wrote "I love you" and his name all by himself this year which makes the card very special. He had learned how to write all of those letters except for y. Anna Kate signed her name the usual way with just an A.

Of course, we are all the happiest when Daddy is at home. Ben and Anna Kate get very excited when we have family time together. I am so thankful that God gave us these two beautiful children. Ten years ago this year was when we started trying to have a family and it took us over three years to get pregnant with Ben. I'll never tire of thanking God for them and telling people what He did for us. Scott's a great dad and husband and we love him very much! Happy Father's Day honey!