Sicker than a Dog.....

Where did that phrase come from anyway?

The top 10 things I learned during the Edwards tummy flu....

1. Three bathrooms in our house is not enough.

2. I am by far the worst patient known to man, NOT my husband or son.

3. The aroma of a sick house is not pleasant.

4. Kensey Rae enjoyed being the only healthy one in the basement where she was able to have the wii, computer, tv, and all the snacks she so desired, because nobody could tell her no.

5. That I can still crawl....(did many times cause I could not walk to "the room")

6. That I still very much need my Mommy to hold my hair back when I throw up. (but she was at home being sick herself so I had to use a pony tail holder)

7. Lysol may be a flu killer, but it stinks.

8. Ice chips can hit the spot.

9. You can actually moan in harmony with other people.

10. Laundry is never done.

Oh! and a prayer was answered...I just kept asking God to save Kensey Rae from this, primarily because there was NOBODY who could take care of her! AND HE DID!! Praise His Name!

We survived!!

Looking for God's Handywork....

Our sunday school class was fairly deep today. We laughed a lot, but it also made me think.

When you are in the midst of a trial or in the midst of pain, it is so difficult to see God. Isn't it easy to just forget that God is part of the trials? As long as God is working "our" plan we praise Him, but the minute things go off our plan we think God forgot us or that He isn't around, but He so is!

I can't tell you how many times Richard and I have walked through the ugly....or crawled through it-only to receive countless blessings on the other side. I have also learned that God may be a little bit smarter than this ole country girl!

A few years ago I received an email from a woman who had buried her child as a result of a car accident, and in the email she told me how she learned that Blessed is His Name in the good times and the bad times. She leaned on that song through her sadness and through her journey of finding her Joy in Christ again. I still have that email. I cannot imagine the pain of losing one of my children. My heart aches and my eyes fill with tears at the very thought! I read that email from time to time, and just pray for her. She is such a witness of finding God in the storm.

Most of the time, I see God's handy work AFTER the storm when I am safe and sound again. My attitude must be that I seek God before, during, and after the storm. My prayer is that my eyes will be open to see Him.

I am so thankful for moments like this morning, when I can be reminded that God is very much at work in my life every minute--every minute. Wow, how cool is that?

The Day After.....

I won't pretend, I am disappointed.

I wanted the McCain/Palin ticket to win. I don't always totally agree with John McCain, but I am more closely aligned to his views than I am to Obama's. I am a conservative to the very thread of my being. I believe in truth and I still believe that the ideals of the conservative party are closely related to those of God's Word. (AND I LOVE SARAH PALIN!!!)

However....

I am not sure that we as a party have stood for those values like I think we once did. It has been a difficult 8 years, there is no doubt. I think President Bush has made some big mistakes, but I also think he has been put in a position that is an overwhelming situation. He has had to deal with many crisis that most Presidents in history have not dealt with. I haven't walked in his shoes...

With that being said...I am so sick of hearing, "America will now finally be a leader in the world"...or "our only hope is in Obama"...we are so spoiled as a country that we certainly hae no clue that we have it waaaaaaaaaaay better than the rest of the world. I am so tired of it being portrayed that this country is so incredibly broken. The headlines read about how the American People are broke and then right below it such and such movie has grossed 10 million plus. That is not broke!! WE need to realize that the United States is a darn good place to live and we need to start appreciating it!

Our economy is hurting right now, but is it all about our government? Didn't some of us make poor financial decisions to get us in this mess? I mean we have to take responsibility. The whole idea of pass the buck is so immature and I am sick of it. Every bad thing that has happened to you is not President Bush's fault, it is not the Republican Party's fault, it is not the government's fault. I hope those who say that Obama is Hope, finds their hope first in Jesus Christ and the Lord of Lords. To put so much "hope" in a mere human is dangerous and risky.

However...

With THAT being said...I will respect the position that Mr. Obama holds. I will continue to pray for my country. I will continue to pray that God's Grace flows upon this nation. I find Hope in the Lord, and I find Hope in knowing that He is very much on his throne.

My prayer is that giving to the needy doesn't become a government mandate, but that as Christians we find the calling to spread the love of Jesus, feed the hungry, clothe those who are in need, and show them Hope in Jesus is truly all we have.

Blessings to our Country,
Jen

The Durnin Boys...

Jill borrowed my camera so I have to share...they are so stinking cute!!!

Cody's first debate tournament!

My son woke up that morning at 5:00 to meet the bus at 6:00. He was sooooo not excited about his first debate. He was SCARED to death! Of course he says he wasn't scared, just "tired". He wasn't ever going to take "this stupid class again!" He had only learned 7 hours before that he had to "fill in" for another student for a dual debate about "nuclear energy" (what is that anyway?) with one of his best friends. I think Cody was a little less than excited about that. He had prepared for his "real" entry of Humerous Interpretation of James Bond. :) I mean where else can you mix James Bond and nuclear energy?

He took fourth (out of 40) in his interpreatation of James....and took FIRST in his debate about nuclear energy. His partner, Gabe, was the one that carried them. Cod said he was merely playing a "supportive role, cause Gabe had it under control!" WE were impressed anyway! :~)

The Three Amigos....

Kensey Rae's friends Hannah and Rhegan have been inseperable this school year. They walk daily to Hannah's house. (Where Sheryl has a snack, drink and fun planned. She is the Beaver Cleaver Mom. :~) A great escape for Kensey Rae!! HA!) They hang out until I get off work- about 30 minutes or so. They are so stinking cute together. If only we could bottle this time in their lives--it is just going too fast!

We have a driver.....

Our month started out with Cody turning 15! He now has his driving permit. I will spare you from hearing ALL of the stories, but of course I must let you in on a few.....First of all the first two days of his driving career could be wrapped up with one word...ok maybe more than one word..."WHAT ARE YOU DOING???" The first week he went 45 MPH--that would be 45 MPH frontwords, backwords, turns and all...:~) He is MUCH better now! We may survive after all. He was taking the turn onto our road at a lovely 22 mph--I wasn't ok with that--so I yelled, screamed, cried, etc....and he instantly was mad at me. "I was being a Drama Mama" Whatever. But then Kensey Rae piped in and says, "Hello, precious cargo in the backseat, please handle with care.: Probably not the thing to say....:~) However, if you meet us now it is safe, just don't honk and startle him...PLEASE!

more details to come....

but Cody received his driving permit today.....pick yourself up off the floor.....and for goodness sake stay out of his way!!

Out of the mouths of babes....

Ok, no insight here, no big revelation that God has shown me. No big lesson that I have learned the hard way....just a post of laughs!!

Last night we were getting ready for our garage sale. (yes, we decided to have a garage sale on Tuesday for this Friday and Saturday--love when we do that) Anyway, Kam and Kade wanted to come out to my house to see the new kitty. (we are the dumping ground for stray animals in these parts)

So, we went to pick up Kensey Rae from school, and head out to see Isabellla the kitty. Kam brought along a book of all of his friends from preschool. (such a great idea..pictures in a ziploc bag bound together with the three rings so it is a "book")

Well, while we were waiting for Kensey Rae- we looked at the pictures. I asked Kam, "which one is your friend?" He replied, "aunt jen jen, they are all my friends!" I said, "well, which one do you like the most--like your best buddy kind of thing?" While he was thinking Kade pipes up, "Jen Jen, I like the girls. I like to kiss the girls" He is 2 1/2. I said, "Kade, you kiss the girls?" He smiles from ear to ear (you just have to see that smile) anyway, he says, "Jen Jen, I love to kiss girls" I was cracking up.

He proceeds to show me how he kisses the girls. Of course, he has never actually kissed a girl except for his momma, nannas, and aunties and a few cousins here and there, but to hear him talk...... So it starts early, the over exaggerating of "how many girls you have kissed"...hope he doesn't take up fishing..I hear those stories get carried away too!!

So, of course I was curious. "Kam, do you like to kiss girls?" I couldn't wait to hear the answer. Kam doesn't think girls can do anything. He is basically a male chauvinist pig. (But a darn cute one!) I waited for the answer. "Jen Jen I will never kiss girls, I don't like girls, they are gross. I guess I would have to kiss a boy"
Well, I had my answer. :~) BUT, then he says.."I like Izzie's curls".....ahhhh, very reluctantly my little nephew is discovering, girls aren't quite as gross as he first thought.

Have a good one!

Blessings,
Jen

I proudly display my button...

The last few Mondays I have worn my button with Cody's football picture on it. I wear it proudly. Although, he looks so mean and tough in it, and of course I know the truth, he is a Momma's boy. Don't tell him I told you, but he cuddles with me nightly and gives me a sweet kiss when he goes to bed. (I am wondering if MU offers dorms for parents to move in with their kids???Go Tigers!) :~)

Back to the button...

I wear it with the sense of pride that every parent has for their kids. You see, my kid is an overcomer. He was diagnosed 3 1/2 years ago with Growth Hormone Deficiency. He has been one of the smallest kids in his class since he was 7 years old. When he was 11 1/2 he weighed in at 62 pounds and 4'5". He is now nearly 15 (October 1) and weighs in at 106 and 5'4". I think with his pads he hit 110...HOLY COW bring on the party! He has never let that stop his desire to do anything. He loved football too much to believe the people along the way who thought he wasn't big enough, fast enough, able to catch a pass and gain enough yards, big enough to stop the other team....whatever it was, he didn't buy it. I am so thankful that didn't buy into the lie.

He believes more in himself than some of the people he has come into contact with along his journey. He is made of steel. Love that kid. Anyway, I wear this button to shout to the world, THIS IS MY KID AND I AM SOOOOO PROUD, IN LOVE WITH, ADORE, CHERISH, BELIEVE IN, and TOTALLY LAY CLAIM TO...this is MY KID!. A couple of people have made comments about my button. It always seems to get noticed. I can't understand it with me being so shy and all. :~)

Which leads me to the point....are you wearing God's button? If you are a God lovin, Bible Readin', Church goin' Christian, you my friend are wearing the button. We must be so aware that every minute of everyday our button is being viewed by so many, some who appreciate it and admire it, and others who want to see WHY you are wearing the button. Without grace we don't deserve to wear the button, but there is no greater truth than the fact that we are worthy of wearing the button. Worthy because of what Jesus did on that cross. Put on your button friends. We have something to be in awe about...DISPLAY IT and be accountable for it!

My hope and prayer is that while God wears his button of this girl, and let me tell you God is wearing our button. He is so in love with us. He adores us and cherishes us because we are wonderfully made (Psalm 139) If he can wear my button--from the girl who has messed up more times than she cares to count, and who has been pulled out of the pit more than she cares to count, and has asked for second, third, fourth etc. chances....he will wear your button too. All you have to do is ask Him.

There were several times that I believed the lie that I wasn't worthy to wear God's button, nor was I worthy enough to ask Him to wear mine. I bought into the lie. I wish I had the mindset Cody has, but I really don't. I not only bought into the lie, but tried to sell it too. My eyes were opened a few years ago that my life has been redeemed, I am not my mistakes of the past, but those mistakes I made have also made me grow into the person I am today. God is incapable of lying. His word says that All have fallen short (Romans 6:23)..and friends, we are the ALL, but His word also says, WHILE we were stil sinners Christ died for us. He knew how we were and he still proudly displayed your button. You are worthy. Never buy into the lie that you are not worthy! EVERY drop of blood on that cross screams, YOU ARE WORTHY...NOT because of who we are, but because of who HE is! Amen and Amen.

Well, I guess I need to go polish my button!

Blessings,
Jen

Gotta love the time to think while driving....

I drove down to my sister's house tonight. Bryce has class on Tuesday nights and so it is a great time to be Aunt Jen Jen, but also to give my sister some much needed adult conversation. Jo came over tonight too, she turned 25 yesterday and might I add has grown in wisdom overnight! :~)

On the way home, Kensey Rae fell asleep which left me and the radio. I was listening to my beloved K-LOVE radio station and praising the Lord through song....granted those of you who know me well, know that my singing will only be considered praise when I enter heaven's gates. However, tonight, as the lightening was striking all around me I just relished in the power of my God. How amazing He is-how thankful that I have been forgiven--and simply put I just stand in awe of Him.

How appropriate it is to sing I will praise you in this storm as a storm rolls in. So often in my life I have cursed the storm..(both life storms and the actual send me to my basement storms) :~) I hated going through the storms of life, they can be so dark and scary. When you are in the midst of one, you feel alone, terrified, and worn out! There is no way that I would have the faith I have today if I had not weathered some of those storms. There is no way I would be able to have grown on my own the way the storm forced me to grow. I am just too lazy to do that.

I have to remind myself that storms are opportunities to relinquish my power and authority and to come under the grace and protection of my Lord. My dear friends, there is no better shelter.

So, Lord, I will praise you in the storm.....forever and always. However, if it brings thunder and lightening I might possibly be praising you in the basement with my flashlight and bottled water. Yes, I am that kind of pansy..


Blessings,
Jen

So Behind the Times.....

I am doing a little work on my blog...thanks to my darling niece whom I am sure is pulling her hair out teaching me!! :~)

Please bare with me....

The Battlefield of the Mind....

I went to an additional Bible Study last night....yes that makes two this week. I should probably find another one for tonight to go to....

Hello, my name is Jennifer and I am a sinner. (and apparently a slow learner as well) :~)

So, I am joining this Bible Study group for the first time. This group of ladies is from the Rosendale Christian Church and for the most part a group of ladies who are somewhat reserved. You can imagine their shock when I came onto the scene. Bless their hearts. I even said, "Lord, shut my mouth tonight, I haven't even read the material they are talking about, sit me down and shut me up."

This is the part that I say, "HELLO GOD DID YOU NOT HEAR ME LAST NIGHT??" :~)

I talked- big shocker I know. Why do I talk so much? Now if you can answer that question there is about 25 teachers or so that would love to be let in on the answer!

Who could not talk about this though, seriously? The Battlefield of the Mind.
Buckle your seatbelts cause I have some things to say. :)

We were discussing how in order to change your life you have to change the way you think. How do you change the way you think? You have to think God's Way. How does one think God's way? They must be filled with God..bring on the Holy Spirit. How does one receive the Holy Spirit? They must ask Jesus to be Lord and Savior of their life by believing that He died on the cross and rose again. What in addition to the Holy Spirit must we need to do? WE NEED TO READ GOD'S WORD. Period. But we also need to practice what He teaches.

We need to be filled with the Spirit and we need to know and practice God's Word.

We went on to discuss the Israelites and forgive me for my frankness, but geez louise, could they be any more negative and forgetful? As one of my fellow sisters in Christ said, "good grief they witnessed the miracles for themselves with their own eyes-they didn't read about the Red Sea parting, they watched it" I sat there agreeing, Yah, what a bunch of idiots. (See Richard is rubbing off on me)

Then it hit me. (This part I did share a little, but I was somewhat reserved cause, it was my first time and all) :)Are we not just like them? Doesn't God deliver us from troubles, answer our prayers, save our necks over and over again? And uh, don't we just forget about it as time goes on?

Don't you know someone who may have been healed from something such as cancer, heart problems, or a serious illness? I mean don't we all know someone, or maybe we are that someone. Have we not witnessed miracle after miracle and yet we are luke warm in our faith? WE doubt what God can do. Give me a break. What about when a loved one who has a heart of stone actually realize that their Jesus loves them and they completely change their life. Is that not a miracle? What about when a tornado picks up your friend's house and tears it apart and throws them yards and yards from the house, but spares their life. How could you not praise our God? The biggest miracle I have ever witnessed is the birth of my own children. My goodness, I assisted God with that miracle. (and let me tell you I paid my dues) :~)

God is all around us. He delivers us daily. We should be on fire! We should want to tell everyone about our God!!!

Like this morning, Cody was delivered. He had no idea that on the fourth time I went in to wake him up that his very life was in danger. God saved him. Did he rejoice? I will have to ask him that later...:~)

My point is that we have witnessed miracles. Maybe we didn't see the Red Sea part, but I had a friend (Tausha) who beat cancer. A cancer that had a grim diagnosis. God was bigger than that diagnosis. She wasn't suppose to have kids....and now she has two. I watched a grown man who I can honestly say that I have prayed for-for at least 15 years, come to Christ. Ask Heather and David if they believe in miracles. Ask Teri if she believes God has a purpose for her life-apparently-He picked her up out of the rubble that was once her house, and planted her firmly on the ground. Ask my siblings, our Dad found his way back to the Lord months before he passed. Ask me, if there was ever a person who lived in the pit of life, it was me. He has taken a terrified little girl and turned her into....ok, never mind, bad example..but you get what I am saying. :~)

WE have a lot to get excited about! Ya know, it has been said that a new Chrisitan should be put in a closet and locked up until their newness and excitement wears off and they are bearable to be around...well I say let them out! Goodness, pass some of that excitement around. Our God reigns! He LIVES! He is GREATER than this world! PEOPLE-IT GETS BETTER THAN THIS-PRAISE GOD!!


Why do we stay in the wilderness wondering around?

The Isaraelites didn't make good time on their journey. (they apparently weren't riding with a guy like Richard, anyway..) They stretched out a 11-14 day trip into 40 years. They were lost in their own world of negativity and apparently had forgotten what God had already done for them and had promised to do for them.

We cannot forget what God has promised us. He nailed down that promise right through the palm of Jesus' hands. He loves us more than we can imagine. He is willing and capable of doing great things. He is bigger than any disease, any problem, any storm....do you know that? I don't mean do you know it, I mean do you believe it? Believe it my dear friends. Let that sink into your hearts, and let it fill your mind!

Change your way of thinkin' cause we don't have time for stinkin' thinkin'-we just don't. The time is near and it is now. Dust yourself off, ask for a fresh dose of the Holy Spirit, read His word, and just do it. The battle is on with Satan....we win in the end no doubt....but right now, it is the Battlefield of the Mind.....

Blessings,
Jen

The issue with security...

My latest Bible Study has me thinking...lots of thinking. My small group is doing the study, No other gods, and it has been very thought provoking. Our group met last night and boy did I have a million questions to throw out there. (I know deep down they love it when I come to Bible study with my questions highlighted) :~)

Did you know you can make fear a god? Well, actually the author wrote that fear is a symptom of a god. (lower case g as in not our GOD, but a god- we had some confusion about that last night) :~)

I have lived in fear for most of my life. In fact, I think I have struggled with security all of my life. I wish I could pin point a time when that lack of security actually started, but I can't. I even recall taking my little sister who was probably 2 at the time, and I was probably around 7-8 and wrapping her up in my blanket and saying, "sissy you are safe in here"--very odd. I had all kinds of love around me when I was growing up, so when did the insecurity set in?

I am one of those book readers that has a library of "self help" books all written by Christian authors. I mean seriously, it is ridiculous. I have a zillion books, although I have started in the last year giving them away. They feel more like "dead weight" than they do helpful at this point. However, the common theme is the same. Women in general have security issues. We want to feel safe. I think sometimes the desire to feel safe is uniquely blended with love. Somehow we began to equate love and security. Our group last night had the same issues. What's funny, is that I thought I was alone in that pit. Apparently, I have lots of company.

I think my insecurity has brought on decisions in my life that I have been blessed by and decisions that have taken me down the path of "consequences"--love that word. Anyway, it hit me last night that my problem with security is that as an adult I try to "create" security for my family.

What on earth do I mean by that?

Enter issue #2...perfectionist. This is a unique trait that I directly inherited from my Father's side of the family. One grandma's house we could blow up eggs in the microwave to "see what would happen" and the other grandma's house we took our shoes off at the door...get the picture? Guess which side was fun...and now guess which side I take after. (my poor children and husband) :~)

Anyway back to my flaws.

For me, the sense of security that I so desire to give to my kids has this image with it. Follow me here and put on your boots, it is about to get deep. This image of security has a mother who does everything..PTO,church ministries,community events,is the best daughter, is the best friend, is the best wife, is the best mother, is the best cook, creates the best home...etc....Why does that look safe to me? I don't know. But the idea here is that "I am in control." My intentions were so good. I wanted to create a safe environment. I think most Mom's feel this way. There were/are times I would love on my kids so much during the day that they went to bed wet from my kisses. I am a touchy feely kind of person. I would imagine I tell my kids I love them at least 10-15 times a day. I want them to KNOW that they are loved and safe! Richard and I probably talk on the phone an average of three times a day during our "working hours" :~) and we always end the conversation with "I love you." Richard says to me everyday.."have I told you how much I love you today?"

A person with that, should feel loved and safe. Right?

Over the last few months with last night being the cherry on the top, I realized truth. The truth is that my Lord Jesus Christ is my security. He is unchanging. He loves me for the person I am with my flaws, my yuck, my disappointments, my "issues", my imperfect way of life, He just loves me.

He isn't going to look at me and say, "you aren't good enough" He isn't going to say to me, "I am leaving because I just don't love you anymore". He isn't going to look at me and think "what a disappointment you are" cause He knows my heart and my intentions. He isn't going to say I will love you more if you accomplish....I am safe in His arms and that the picture of security is that He has my life, and I don't have to manipulate it, I don't have to worry about it, I just have to surrender to it.

(I surrender all begins to play in the background of this blog) :~)

What a relief! I can tell you that God isn't going to just "release me of my ways", I am going to have to walk through this one. I am going to have to "weather the storm" of life and learn this one with Him by my side. But the good news is that I understand His language and I see His footprints.

He has gently reminded me that my kids know that I adore them. He has gently reminded me that my husband is a good man and is not going to leave. He has not quite as gently--reminded me that He is in control and that He is God, not me. (Really??) :~)

Satan's plan to destroy me through my lack of security is over. When 1 Peter 5:8 says he roams around like a lion looking for something or SOMEONE to devour, I know that I am protected. I choose Jesus's security. I choose the cross. I choose the truth that fear and worry no longer control me, they no longer are welcome at my table.

I also know that there will be times when it feels like my security is GONE with the wind..and those are the times that I will be reminded (by some of you I know) that my security is not of this world, it is in my God.

Does anybody need a book on..let's see...on losing weight, saving money, of course books on safe and security, on mariage, on parenting....on how to study your bible (my personal fave, let me save you $12.95--do you want to know how to study your Bible????......open it up and read it) :~)

Blessings,
Jen

Who Knew?

I guess you can pray for the humidity to cease. :~) It is a wonderful 79 degrees in Northwest Missouri!!

Although, my hair must not realize it.....Bummer!

Bad Bad hair day....

The humidity must come to an end soon-my hair cannot take it anymore. Richard, my tightwad husband, I mean my blessing of a man, :~) has turned off the air so that we can replenish the savings account from our 2 vacations. I knew it would come back to bite me that we took 2 vacations. Grrrrrr :)

Anyway, back to my hair. The 80's were good to me. I had great 80's hair. Apparently, my hair is a month early for homecoming and for 80's day. It is so big right now with the humidity. I walked into work and said, "I know I know, my hair is rather large today" My coworkers praised my hair and said that they love it like that.

Now mind you, 4 of them were 80's children too. They are stuck, I am stuck....when will that style come back again????

So today, because our AC is turned off. More of the same, except this time it was Kensey Rae who said, "wow mom!" I played dumb. "What sweetie?" As her eyes scanned my hair, I just got a "uh, nothing, are you ready to leave for school?"

Good thing my ego was crushed years ago.

Do you think it sounds a little selfish to ask God for a break so I can have cute hair tomorrow and my makeup won't sweat off before I actually arrive at work?

Let us pray...........

Blessings,
Jen

Richard has a new phone...

Richard now has a blackberry phone. Yes, the world is coming to an end very soon. I keep reading the Word-looking for signs. I think Richard getting a blackberry is a sign the world is ending soon-it has to be.

He is driving me crazy with it. He can now text very fast and is really proud of himself. He called me 6 times at work today and sent me 3 text messages. (I am rolling my eyes here)

Now, there have been days that I have called him because I need to know something important or need him to run one of the kids here or there--and I get the "Babe, I am working right now, can I call you back?" But not today. Today, he had plenty of time on his hands. Oh yes, he was working, but he was playing a lot too.

He is getting all high and mighty with the fact that his new job requires him to be savvy with his texting and computer. They have created a monster that I have to live with.

What? You think it isn't that bad? I will leave you with this.

Text #1 Hey Babe what r u up to?
Text #2 You're Hot
Text #3 R U ignoring me?

Enough said. :~)

But, I still am head over hills in love with my guy.

Blessings,
Jen

Ponder the Thought....

Have you ever noticed how loud this world is? Lately, I have felt like it's louder than normal. Normal, now there is a funny word. What is normal anyway? The world likes to tell us that normal is anything goes and whatever makes you happy. Haven't we all bought into that concept a time or two....a day?

I always get sappy at the beginning of the school year. I think about how much time I have left with my kids before they graduate and move on, I think about have I taught them morals, have I spent quality time with them, have I made them feel loved, have I taught them that just because the world goes one way, doesn't mean that is the right way. I know this conversation could head down a deep path.

I was thinking about how hard it is to really be a kid now. The world is loud. Things that used to be the exception are becoming the rule. Black and White issues are now replaced with the lovely dull color of gray. The idea of serving others has been replaced with serving self first. The grass that wasn't greener on the other side, looks green. (keyword is LOOKS) What used to scare us, now invites us. It is a tough world, but it also brings tough consequences. I am not sure we always understand that the consequences can last longer than a day, sometimes they last a lifetime.

We have to surround our kiddos in prayer every morning. We have to turn them over to God each day and thank Him for being louder than the world. Praise His name that his black and white will always be black and white, his grass is green on this side of the fence, and that unlike our enemy who prowls around looking for someone to devour-He wraps His loving arms around us.

Will our kids still mess up? Will we still mess up?

Yes and Yes. The beauty of my God is that His mercy and grace extend from one end of the cross to the other. Praise His Holy name!

I completely understand Paul when he writes in Romans 7 about how he knows what he should do, so why does he keep doing what he shouldn't do? I can hear his frustration and appreciate it. However later in chapter 8 he also is reminded that his sinful nature used to have control over him, but now he is controlled by the spirit.

I pray our kids (and us) are controlled by the Holy Spirit. However, we also must realize that this just doesn't "happen"--it must be taught, practiced, and be WHO we are.

Parenting is tough work, and being a kid is no walk in the park.

Kensey Rae's 11th Birthday party

Well, the birthday list has been hanging on the fridge for about a month. I have stared at it daily. First on the list, a pet turtle. Yes, a pet turtle. She has this fascination with turtles. I guess that probably started around 2 years ago, maybe 3 years ago. Anyway, I thought, well, if she really wants a turtle, I guess I will get her a turtle. I went to Petco, and found the sand turtle she has so desired. I also found the price tag. Do you know what a turtle costs these days? The pet turtle sells for a small price of $90.00. Yes, for $90 you can purchase a turtle. NOW WAIT, you must also get the "set up" for the turtle. The employee explained to me what we would need, the care for the turtle, and that for around $325 I could have everything I need. Excuse me, did the price of turtles go up with the price of gas? I smiled at the clerk, whom I am assuming thought she had an easy sale, and said politely, "I believe I will have to think about that for a while." Forget it! Kensey Rae, we have turtles in the pond, name em' and they are all yours. :~)

Kensey Rae's 11th Birthday Party with her Friends

Kensey Rae is celebrating her day a little early with friends this weekend. She has some of the cutest girls as friends. I picked them all up around 4 tonight and we came home and had pizza-and waited for Jo to arrive. Richard and Cody went to the football Jamboree. So it was an all out girls night IN!

The girls knew we had a special game to play with them, but they didn't know what it was. Jill had called me earlier in the week and said that when her friend had turned 11, she had a "Miss America Pagent" and STILL remembers how much fun it was- so we have been planning all week on how to pull one off for Kensey Rae. We did, and it was so much fun! They had three rounds- Goofy, what they would wear to a job interview, evening gown, and talent.

They were asked who they were going to vote for...McCain won 5-0. What kind of animal best describes them.....where they would be when they were 25.....which celebrity they would be.....what life lessons they have learned.....lots of laughs!!

I think Mom, Jo, and I had the most fun! It was a great time. Enjoy the pictures.

Blessings,
Jen

Cody with no braces!!

Forever and Always my Babies....

Cody First Day of Freshman Year

Kensey Rae First Day of 5th Grade

Homemade waffles and bacon are ready....

Cody WAKE UP!!

Kensey Rae...is that you...you look so Beautiful...

WAKE UP KENSEY RAE!!

Hannah and Kensey Rae..

Hannah and Kensey Rae started their own t.v. show...Disney hasn't contracted with them yet, but i am sure the phone will be ringing soon....

Jodi has moved again.....:~)

Jo has moved again to the west side of the Plaza in Kansas City. She was recently hired by the Kansas Speedway to be the Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator. Cody cannot wait for "take your nephew to work day!" Of course, they would need to invent that day before he actually gets to do that.....sorry Cody.



Jodi's new apartment- First Floor



Everyone was blessed to get into the action