Hey Prayer buddies,
Can you please keep my mom in your prayers? She is not doing very good this weekend. I'm about to leave to go check on her and possibly to take her to the hospital. I will fill you in later as I learn more.
Thank you all ,
Sandy
Every night I lie in bed, this little prayer inside my head,
God bless my children and my mom and dad...
And God, there's just one more thing I wish you would do, if you don't mind me asking...
just bless my computer too?
Now I know, that it's not normal to bless a small machine
but listen just a second and I'll try to explain...
You see, this little metal box holds more than odds and ends.
Inside those small components rest a hundred loving friends.
Some, its true, I've never seen and most I've never met
we've never shaken hands or ever truly hugged, and yet...
I know for sure they love me by the kindness they give
and this little scrap of metal is how I get to where they live.
By faith is how I know them much the same as I know you...
by sharing my life it brings them close, so if its ok with you...
Just take an extra minute from your duties up above...
to bless this little hunk of steel that is filled with the friends I LOVE.
Help donate Bibles with just one click of the mouse. It's quick, easy,and free!
http://www.thebiblesite.org Once there make sure you click on "Donate Bibles It's Free Click Here" This will open a new window so you can learn more about this program.
Hey prayer buddies,
Please continue to keep my father-in-law in your prayers. As most of you know he had a stroke at the end of last year, and he was getting better, but that stopped. He hasn't gotten any better and the doctor said that he is as good as he probably ever will be.
This has been a major life changer for this once very active man. He has lost most of the use of his right hand(his main hand) and right leg, so as you can imagine he is very discouraged. The things that use to take him only hours to do now can take him days or he can't do them at all. So please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he adjust to these changes.
ALSO
Pray for my hubby "Brent", he is having a really hard time excepting that his Dad may never be any better. He has been really upset this week. I talked to him yesterday about his dad and tried to share the positives like... praise God his dad is not living in constant pain, praise God his dad is still with us, Thank God that he can still talk, and walk some. This has been a real eye opener for Brent in many ways.
I believe in the great physician(God) and I know if it is His will for Billy to be well, that He will heal him. Just continue to keep them both in your prayers.
Hey Prayer buddies,
I would like you all to help me pray for my pastor's wife. If you've kept up with my blog, you know that she fell down stairs a few weeks ago and had to air lifted to the hospital. She is home now, but she is still having some problems. She gets dizzy and sick when she stands. They are running test after test on her and these last tests showed up something ,but they haven't decided just what it is yet. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you all so much,
Sandy
Hey prayer buddies,
My friend Christy was over here today and she asked me to remember her sister Cynthia Howard. She had been having chest pains and went in and they found out that her heart is not normal and that it is somehow connected to her lung. They are trying to decide the best way to fix the problem. So please remember her and her family.
God bless you all and thank you for always helping me pray.
Hugs, Sandy
My answers are in red
Here are a few more questions I've received.
1.So how old were your children when you decided to begin fostering? 14,12,11,11,and 3 years old. We started fostering because we knew a child in foster care "Samantha" and we wanted to get her out of the system.
2.My inlaws live in France, and we try to visit them there every 2-3 years. Would they have to be approved to stay in our home (when they visit) if we had foster children too?
You probably will not be able to carry a foster out of the country. That would be up to DFCS and the birth family. As far as your relatives coming, you have to inform DFCS if you have anyone that stays in your home for an extended period of time. I'm thinking extended means more than a couple of nights, but not real sure.
3.And, have you ever had to refuse to keep a foster child because of dangers to your own family? Not so far I haven't...thank goodness ,but I know several families who have had to return kids because they couldn't control them/handle them. I've came very close a couple of times, but I stuck it out and so far I've not sent one back.
4.When you have a child (or children) in your care, what are the rules about travel with them?
You need to inform your case worker anytime you take a trip/spend the night away from home. If you are crossing state lines you have to have a paper signed by the case worker and the birth parents giving you permission. I had a little 14 month old that I kept for one week for another family because the birth parents refused to let them vacation with their child.
5.Do they need their own separate bedroom? Girls need a girls room and boys need a boys room. You can have up to 4 kids in a room here in our state, but my rooms wouldn't hold 4 separate beds and all have to have their own bed. If you only have one extra bedroom then you can only choose to take just girls or just boys.
6.What about doctor appointments, do you go to your own doctor, or take them to one set up already? You will have to talk to your doctor. My doctor is also a family friend,so he will see my foster kids if I need him to. However, I usually take mine to the closest pediatrician that excepts medicaid. All fosters are covered by medicaid. However, you have to have a paper signed by the state saying that child is in your custody and a copy of their medicaid cards.
If you have anymore questions about anything, just ask:)
My answers are in red
Most of the questions I get are about fostering. So I decided to take this time and try to answer a few questions on fostering.
Most people go into fostering for the WRONG reasons. Fostering is not about adopting. It is about reunifying a family. I'm not saying that none of your foster kids will ever come up for adoption, because that is not true...SOME do,but MOST don't and most WILL go home or go to live with a relative.
Some people go into fostering for the money. What money???? I get a little over $15 a day and if you take $15 a day and figure in all that it takes to raise a kid, you will realize that we foster parents usually spend a lot more than we make on these kids.
Fostering is one of the hardest things I've ever done. It takes tons of patience ,because most of these kids are coming to you from troubled homes, so they can be very different from your children.
Fostering keeps you very busy. You spend a good bit of time driving these kids to family visits, doctor visits, weekly counseling, dentists,specialists, and so on..... These fosters may have one visit a week or visits several times a week with any of the ones I mentioned. So you need to consider if you have time in your schedule to transport kids to and from at anytime they need it,because this was one of the least things I was prepared for when I started fostering. It takes up a lot of time and it takes time and attention away from your own family (hubby & kids).
I take in abused/neglected children to make a difference in their lives and to be that one positive role model that some have never had. It is a blessing to be able to give a child a normal and stable home, even if it is just for a little while.
However, no matter how much you love these kids or do for these kids, you are not guaranteed they are gonna welcome you in their lives and love you back. Because most, no matter what they've been through, want to go home to be with Mommy & daddy and most blame you for taking them from their parents. You aren't replacing their parents,and they will let you know that really quickly. You are reaching out (even to the parents) to be the bridge that helps these families to get on the right road and these children home.
Next, no one ever told me how hard it would be to deal with the birth families. I go in with a positive/kind attitude and I'm respectful to all the birth parents, but that doesn't mean they are gonna like me back...most don't. Most hate us foster parents and blame us just like they do DFCS for taking their children. I had one even to admit she had tried to plot how to kill me. Of course, she learned with time that I was not her enemy and we became very close friends. But, it is true that this can also be dangerous. We were taught in our IMPACT classes that taking someones child is the next thing to death...it hurts that bad. So as you can imagine, if you are the one with that child, you might not be liked very well.
Having foster children means giving up most of your private home life. DFCS can and does come in and visit your home any time they need/want. They have the right to walk through and check your home at anytime, and are required to visit your home at least once every month...sometimes more.
To foster you are required to have an approved home study done on your home and family, along with yearly classes, cpr,first aid, basic water safety/rescue(if you have a pool), and so on... When you start they give you a checklist of all you must do to be approved.It took us 7 months to get approved. Here are a few things that come to mind that we did.
Classes(basic training=30 hours), home study, referrals(6), physicals on all family members, pet checks/shots, blood tests for TB, sexually transmitted diseases,etc, septic tank inspection, water tested, back ground checks (state & US), a paper on our support systems, financial statement, home check(safety sweep), copies of marriage license/death certificates, copies of license & car insurance, shot records, discipline agreement,firearms verification, family pictures, pictures of your home, etc
You have to be able to work as a group with many people and all have the same goal in mind "What is in the best interest of the child"...not you,the birth parents, DFCS, casas, etc... It is all about the kids. So be prepared to work closely with the birth family, DFCS, therapists, teachers, doctors, casas, and anyone else that is working with your foster child. Also be prepared to meet new people who constantly seem to pop-up in your child's case and be prepared to open your life and home to all of these at anytime.
Realize you are a 24/7 babysitter for these kids. They become a part of your family. However, you have no legal rights to these kids. You basically take care/meets their needs while they are with you and you return them as soon as a judge says to.
However, you can't call your neighbor or your best friend to babysit for you when you have had enough. These kids can only be left with an approved sitter which must be a licensed child care provider or another foster family(that is approved my the state).
You also can take these kids over state lines with out written permission from the state and parents. So you have to make arraignments if you have to leave the state.
No you do not have to have a huge fancy house. Mine is a simple modest house. However, you need to have at least one bedroom for girls and one for boys. Babies can share adult rooms until they are 12 months but after that, they have to have their own space and all kids have to have their own beds.
You must agree to proper discipline for these kids. You can NOT spank these children. You can't withhold food, lock them in rooms, etc You are very limited to how you can discipline them. I use corner time, time out, and I ground(take away games, toys, etc). However, I can't force a child into time out or the corner. So it can get really tough.
You must also consider your own kids feelings. How will your youngest accept a younger child taking their attention? How about if you get an older child, will your child like having a big brother or sister around? What will you do if these kids don't like your kids ? What will you do if these kids and your kids fuss/fight? It can get really tough. Especially when you can discipline yours but you can't these. It can cause your own to resent the foster and the foster to know they can get away with more. So you need to think about your child, because you are now having to divide your time and attention between kids.
What will you do if you get a child that sneaks out, steals stuff, plays with fire,mistreats others, destroys your home/stuff,etc? These are all things you need to consider. Most foster kids won't do these things, but some do. So you need to be prepared,just in case.
Next, do you have room? Do you have room in your bedrooms for extra beds? Will your car hold extra carseats? These are the questions the state will ask you.
Will you be able to let go? If you get a child and you keep it for days, weeks, months, or even years,will you be able to give it back? What if it is a newborn that you've gotten very attached to but after several months a relative comes and gets it. Will you be okay letting go? This was the very hardest thing with my first newborn. It felt like someone had taken MY child or like a death. I went through a period of extreme sadness and I even grieved. I tried not to get attached, but that was impossible. I was hooked. I loved that baby dearly and when she left it felt like a hole in my heart and it hurt bad...very bad.
If you have a child that is not going to be returned to its parents, does not mean it becomes yours. Only after a parents rights are signed over or terminated, and after every relative near and far is found unfit/unable to care for a child are you considered as a possible candidate for adoption, but even then you must be stable enough financially,etc before the state will consider you. So your foster might be matched with a more suitable family if the state feels it is in the best intrest of the child.
Fostering is not easy. However, it can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do.
This is all I have time for right at the moment, but if you think of any other questions, just ask me. I don't mind sharing what fostering has taught me.
I just wanted to take the time to thank you all for the prayers for little Bailey. She is doing much better today:) Actually, I'm about to go get her and her sister for the weekend,so I'm really excited about that. I didn't think she would be well enough to come this weekend, but her sister called and asked was we coming to get them, so we are.
Anyhow, thank you all sooooooooo much for thinking of my little sweet pea! Our prayers were answered. God is good!
Hugs, Sandy
My answers are in red
My answers are in red
Out side my window...I'm watching Jacob & Austin riding the big wheel
The time is...3:46 pm
Today I feel...blessed...God is good!
The weather here...sunny but cool
I am thinking...about Bailey
At the moment,I am thankful...that we didn't get any damage from yesterday's storms.
I am going...to carrabas with the gang tonight.
I am wearing...a black shirt that says"love" and black track pants
I wish...everyday could be this good
I am reading...Humilty...the forgotten virtue
I am working on...nothing at the moment
I am hoping...things get better for our friends.
I am hearing...Jada talking to Tiffany:)
Around the house...I see so much I need to do.
One of my favorite ...times of the day is right before bed time, I usually read for an hour or so to Jacob or to myself:)
Hey prayer buddies,
I have a prayer request. Bailey's mom called me last night from the hospital to tell me that she had taken Bailey to the ER, because she had a place that came up on her leg.
The doctor that saw Bailey said she has a staph infection. They gave her meds and sent her home, but if it is not gone within two days they are gonna have to take her back and they will have to cut the place on her leg open(her mom said). So please pray for little Bay's healing.
Thank you so much,
Sandy
He is the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
He is the Architect of the Universe and the Manager of All Times.
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated and Never Outdone,
He is the Keeper of Creation and the Creator of All!
He always was, He always is, He always will be!
He was persecuted and brought freedom;
He was bruised and brought healing.
He was pierced and eased pain.
He was dead and brought life.
He is risen and brings power.
He reigns and brings peace.
The leaders can't ignore Him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him,
The world can't understand Him.
The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him,
The people couldn't hold Him!
Herod couldn't kill Him,
Nero couldn't crush Him,
Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him,
And Donahue can't explain Him away!
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, kindness, gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful, and Pure.
His ways are right,
His Word is Eternal,
His Will is Unchanging,
And His mind is on me!
He is my Redeemer, my Savior, my Guide, and my Peace!
He is my Joy, my Comfort, my Lord and Ruler of my Life!
I serve Him because His bond is love, His burden is light,
His goal for me is Abundant Life.
I follow Him because He is theWisdom of the wise, the Power of the powerful,
the Ancient of Days,The Ruler of rulers,
the Leader of leaders, the Overseer of overcomers,
The Sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come,
He willNever leave me, nor forsake me;
He will never mislead me,Never forget me and never overlook me!
He is Everything for everybodyEverywhere, every time,In every way.
When I fall, He lifts me up.
When I am weak, He is my strength.
When I am lost, He is The Way.
When I am afraid, He is my courage.
When I stumble, He steadies me.
When I am hurt, He heals me.
When I am broken, He mends me.
When I am blind, He leads me.
When I am hungry, He feeds me.
When I face trials, He is with me.
When I face persecution, He shields me.
When I face problems, He comforts me.
When I face loss, He provides for me.
When I face death, He carries me home.
Every day is a blessing, for God IS!
Author Unknown
One of my longtime blog readers "Maria" sent me an email of a great site that you can go to get more info on the videos and movies that your children watch.
I hope she doesn't mind me adding a portion of the email she sent me...
I’m contacting you to give you a heads up on a great site that you can use to monitor the movies that your children watch, whether on video or at the theater. The site is called http://www.kids-in-mind.com they do a great job at grading movies so that you know exactly what compromising things they might be watching. I use it often so that I may know what will my kids be exposed to during a movie. You can no longer trust movie makers to correctly grade their own movies.
From the website....
(Here is how it works)
“We enable adults to determine whether a movie is appropriate for them or their children, according to their own criteria. Unlike the MPAA we do not assign an inscrutable rating based on age, but 3 objective ratings for SEX/NUDITY, VIOLENCE/GORE & PROFANITY on a scale of 0 to 10. We also explain in detail why a film rates high or low in a specific category, and we include instances of SUBSTANCE USE, a list of DISCUSSION TOPICS that may elicit questions from kids and MESSAGES the film conveys. Again, unlike the MPAA, we do not make age-specific recommendations. Since our system is based on objective standards, not the viewer's age or the artistic merits of a film, we enable adults to determine whether a movie is appropriate for their children according to their own criteria. As we never tire pointing out, we make no judgments about what is good or bad or anything else. We do not "condemn," "critique" or "criticize" movies. And we don't "praise" or "recommend" movies either...”
I visited the site this morning and it is really good!!!!! Thanks Maria!!!
What's a great way to get beyond a bad experience? Create a good experience of equal or greater significance.
When something bad happens to you, it can continue to take its toll even long after the original damage is done. In the absence of anything else to focus on, you're likely to continue to dwell on it and allow it to put a negative spin on everything in your life.
And what happens when you try not to think about it? The very effort involved in trying not to think about the bad experience will probably make you think about it even more.
There is, however, a very effective way out. And that is to create a new experience so overwhelmingly positive and memorable that it takes over the primary focus of your thoughts.
Put your imagination and creativity to work. Think of how you can be especially good to yourself, to those around you, and to the world in which you live.
Respond quickly to the negative experiences by creating even greater positive experiences. It's a habit that will add extraordinary richness and serenity to life.
-- R.Marston
If you are married and haven't seen this movie, please go rent it or buy it... It is a great movie for couples! Whether your marriage is hanging by a thread or healthy and strong,this is a movie that you must see. It will open your eyes...It did mine.
Then after you see the movie, buy this book and take the 40 day challenge:)
I bought this book for myself and also for my daughters for Valentine's Day. Anna can use it now, and the others can put it in their hope chests for when they are married. It's been a really fun weekend!
On Friday, Jacob had a little party with some of his friends,which was tons of fun. I've always enjoyed having parties with the kids!
After all his company went home, I took the foster kids home for their weekend visit.
After that, we went to Hiram to 278 and watched Friday 13. I wasn't planning to watch a movie this weekend. I had planned to drop off the girls while I bought groceries, but after I got about 10 minutes down the road(the traffic was horrible), Katie called for me to come back. They had officers guarding the door and they wouldn't let Tiffany in without an adult(even though her mom had given permission). So I had to stay and watch the movie too. After that, I came home to find a gift hanging from the chandelier. I opened it to find a heart locket that said, "I love you" and diamond earrings...awwwwww It was so sweet:) My Hubby had left it for me to find.
He was gone this weekend. He went to Alabama to help his Dad. But, before you feel sorry for me...don't. I had a wonderful Valentine's weekend.
I'm glad he cares enough to go and help his dad. I've had to leave many times to take care of my mom and grandmother over the years,so it was nothing new for us.
I got up Saturday, and went and picked up my baby girl "Bailey" and then Her, Jacob, Ashley, and me went to spend some time with Nanny and to take her something for Valentines. She was soooooo happy to see us and we were happy to see her too. She seemed like she was feeling better:) We stayed for a little while and then we came home and Corey & Anna came over to keep us company.
After they left, I spent the rest of the night reading and studying until Jacob decided it was time to go to bed and we did.
He is a daddy's boy ,but when his daddy isn't around he is so different and he was just so sweet and precious. All he wanted was to be right under me and he wanted me to read what I was reading in my book to him, so I did until he fell asleep:)
Today, we woke up and went to Sunday morning service and all I can say about it is that it was awesome!!!!!!! God is awesome!!!!!!!!!
After that, Corey & Anna asked us to come over to eat, so we first took Bailey home ,and then went to their house. They were playing the wii. I enjoyed watching the kids play. They tickle me watching them. Corey was trying so hard to do the exercises on the wii fit and it was a sight to behold:)
And now, I'm back home. I'm about to take Ashley to a friend's house and then I'm going back to church.
It's been a super busy weekend for all of us,but a good one:) I hope you all had a wonderful weekend too!!!
I saw that my youngest daughter had added this clip to her myspace blog, so I clicked to see what it was all about.
It is Madea(Tyler Perry) comparing people to trees.
Madea's character is a woman with a "Been there done that " kind of attitude. In this clip she is using her own words of wisdom and comparing people to trees.
Did you know that the Bible also compares people to trees?
God tells us to be planted firmly in order to flourish .
Psalms 1:3-And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
And again...
In Jeremiah 17:8- For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit (one day I want to share with you what God has shown me about bearing fruit). But for now...
I disagree with Madea on the part where she said that some people are put on this earth to be nothing more than leaves. People are leaves if they choose to be. God placed each of us here for a higher purpose and it is up to us if we choose to follow Him and allow Him to fulfill His purpose through us. No one has to be a leaf.
Are you planted firmly or are you swaying back and forth? Which one are you? Are you a leaf, a branch,or a root?
You Ask Why I Follow This Jesus?
You ask why I follow this Jesus? Why I love Him the way I do?
When the world's turned away from His teachings
And the people who serve Him are few.
It's not the rewards I'm after
Or gifts that I hope to receive
It's the Presence that calls for commitment
It's the Spirit I trust and believe.
The Lord doesn't shelter His faithful
Or spare them all suffering and pain,
Like everyone else I have burdens,
And walk through my share of rain.
Yet He gives me a plan and a purpose,
And that joy only Christians have known,
I never know what comes tomorrow,
But I do know I'm never alone.
It's the love always there when you need it;
It's the words that redeem and inspire,
It's the longing to ever be with Him
That burns in my heart like a fire.
So you ask why I love my Lord Jesus?
Well, friend, that's so easy to see,
But the one thing that fills me with wonder is
Why Jesus loves someone like me.
Out side my window... Sissy dog is playing
The time is... 8:27am
Today I feel... happy
The weather here... 66 high and 40 low... with sunshine:)
I am thinking... about our Valentine's party today
At the moment,I am thankful... that the weather will be good today,so the kids can play outside.
I am going... to the bakery to pick up Valentine's goodies for today.
I am wearing... a green gym suit
I wish... my head would quit hurting...grrrrr
I am reading... When women walk alone.
I am working on... putting Valentines gift bags together.
I am hoping... you all have a wonderful weekend
I am hearing... Curious George on TV and babies talking
Around the house... things are looking up!
I bet you didn't know... as of yesterday,I have lost 9 pounds...only 3 more until I'm where I want to be:) Then the hard part will be staying there.
One of my favorite ... new movies is Fireproof...everyone needs to see it.
Today I am... having a party for Jacob and all his little friends
Tonight I'm looking forward to... Girl's night out. They want to go to the movies...we will see:)
Tomorrow my plans include... Going and spending some time with my Nanny. She has been a little down and out this week. Brent is going to spend some time with his dad/help his dad.
And Sunday, I want to.... go to church.
Have any of you ever used or are using the www.time4learning.com as an extra learning tool for your kid(s)? What do you think of it? How long have you used it? etc
I am just so tired of spending money on learning programs that aren't as good as they claim. I want a program that covers the core subjects. I want one that will keep my first grader's attention and also be fun, while he is learning.
I would like to find a fun interactive learning site that progresses as my child does. Jacob gets done with most of his homeschool work pretty quickly and I'd like something he can do on his own (computer based) when he has free time.
We did find a phonics program that Jacob is using along side his k12 phonics program. He seems to like it okay www.clicknkids.com You might want to check it out if your child is working on phonics or needs help with reading.
I found these neat little books at http://www.christianbook.com/ They only cost me $0.99 each.
I had been looking for some little books to read to the little kids on character building and I just happened to stumble upon these. The kids are really enjoying these. We read one or two each night before bed. I just thought some of you might be interested.
I have bought tons of books from Christianbook. They have very good service and fast shipping too!!! So stop by their site and pick up a few books that interest you:)
Ahhhh....what a wonderful weekend! Have you ever had a weekend that went so good that you just didn't want to see it end? If only we could save it for another day ,when things aren't going so well...now that would be nice. The weather was perfect and everyone seemed happy.
I let everything go around the house. I just managed to keep the dishes washed and the kids taken care of and that's pretty much it. I played ALLLLLLLLLL weekend with Jacob and Bailey. We ran all our errands on Friday evening ,so we could have the weekend off. On Saturday we went to the park, walked the trail, played on our own playground, and watched their kiddy movies:) They loved having this time and attention.
My house doesn't look so great tonight, but we had so much fun! I'll worry about catching up tomorrow.
This morning we went to church. My mom came to church this morning. She hasn't been in a loooong time and I am so happy she came. She even brought my dad with her which was a surprise and a blessing. I've never seen him attend a Sunday morning service. He has only came for Christmas plays, etc, but never a Sunday morning service. It's proof God still answers prayers. I hope they will come back next Sunday.
Today after church we came home and pretty much took it easy until it was time to pick up the foster kids from their overnight and to take Bailey home.
After that we grabbed a pizza farm pizza and now we are about to sit down to watch a movie as a family. It's been a really good weekend!
I hope your weekend was as good as mine:)
I've been tagged!
My friend Mommy4life over at http://mommydailyvent.blogspot.com/ tagged me with the 20 random things. Stop by and visit her sometime:)
The idea behind this tag is to find out more about our blogging buddies by having them list/describe 20 random things about themselves that we don't otherwise know from reading their blog.Here are the official rules:create a list of 20 random things about yourself, link back to the blog that tagged you, tag 5 new folks by linking to them in your post, then leave a comment on each of their blogs letting them know they've been tagged.
1.I am on a diet
2.I love reading
3. I love surfing the net
4.I love learning/trying new things...I get bored easy
5.I am a PROUD mom
6. I love being a foster parent
7.I am trying to read my Bible from cover to cover
8.My life is a busy one
9.I enjoy being busy
10.I love kids/babies
11.I homeschool my kids and love it!!!!!!!
12.I have a grown daughter that is married
13.I love doing things with my family and friends
14.I love shopping on ebay and amazon
15. I love my church/church family just about as much as my real one
16.I take to many pictures,but I love it!
17.I am in school to be a photographer/own my own business
18.I have a myspace
19.I am ready for Spring
20.I've got to go now and get my foster kids from their family visit.
Have a great weekend and I'll be around to tag a few of your shortly:)
Think for a moment of all the good things you have going for you. Sure, there are troubles and disappointments, yet there are also blessings which are so much a part of your life that you take them for granted every day.
One reason why the problems get your attention is because they are relatively unusual. The good things, by contrast, just keep on flowing to you, often without you even taking much notice.
You are alive and living, with people who love and care about you, in a world filled with opportunities and positive possibilities in every direction. There is plenty to be done, plenty to learn, plenty to experience, and lots of room to grow.
What an incredible opportunity you have right in front of you. It is the opportunity to live, and indeed it would be difficult to imagine anything more valuable.
Keep yourself attuned to the good, the valuable, the positive things, and they are what will grow in your life.
-- R.Marston
Just wanted to stop in and update. I know I've been a little slack adding posts this week. It's because life around here has been super busy for me. Between life, house, school(my school, homeschooling mine, and the foster's public school), birthdays, babies & kids,a migraine, and everything in between...life is busy...actually crazy would be a better way to explain.
On top of all of that, I'm trying to get Jacob & Trin ready for the CRT tests that are upcoming.
I've also, been studying for my upcoming tests. In my free time, I've been reading alot and I've been studying on "The fruit of the spirit" ...God has really put that on my heart this week, so most of my spare time has been on that. If any of you are studying on that, I recommend the book "God's Power To Change Your Life". It was such a good book that I didn't want to put it down ,until I finished it. I think maybe God is wanting me to focus on that instead of the storms that are raging all around and trying to pull me down...so I have.
We also had the dreaded tax time again. We managed to get that done on Wednesday...yay!!!!
Also before I forget, I haven't given up the "365 days of my life in pictures", I have been snapping them here and there (I love pictures), but I haven't had a chance to upload them yet,but I will soon...I promise.
We took Bay and got pictures made of her last weekend, that I need to upload to let you see how much she has grew.
Brent went and got her yesterday. She is growing up so fast. She tries so hard to talk and she has this sweet little girly voice. I'll tell her something to say and she tries so hard to repeat it word for word. She is so precious.
I'm gonna try to take her and Jacob to the park today if it warms up.
I'm still working hard on my diet. I haven't lost anymore weight this week(at least I hadn't yesterday),but I feel like I have. I feel smaller. I've done so good cutting out my addiction(sweet tea),sugar, and caffeine. So far I have lost 7 pounds,but then I gained 2 back,but I don't know how. I don't really like the food that good,but it will be alright. I'm determined that I will stick with it.
On Thursday, my Nanny went back to the heart doctor and once again they said she is in congested heart failure. She hasn't been feeling good in a while and has pretty much given up life outside her home(except to go to the doctor). She is tired of being sick and honestly she is ready to go home. She sleeps pretty much all the time now. I called to check on her yesterday and she was talking in circles and fell asleep on the phone. It breaks my heart,but I know we aren't meant to live forever ,and I know that when she goes she will be better off, even if I'm not.
Well, I think that is it. Bay's got the phone mashing buttons and she wants milk in her sippy cup,so let me do that. I hope you all have a great weekend!
Hugs, Sandy
My answers are in red
Out side my window...It is cold and 39
The time is...12:27pm
Today I feel...Happy!!!! I'm glad the weekend is finally here:)
I am thinking...that I will go get Bay & Mechelle early
At the moment,I am thankful...that the weekend is here
I am going...to run some errands shortly and grab some lunch
I am wearing...jeans & top
I wish...it would warm up some more before I have to go out
I am reading..."God's power to change your Life"
I am working on...my school project...grrrr and homeschooling
I am hoping...to finish my next test today
I am hearing...Baby Samantha and Amber giggling...so precious
Around the house...I need to get tidy so I don't have to worry about it over the weekend
One of my favorite ...things about the weekend now is that I can forget my diet and eat just one of my favorite meals...yay!!! Hmmmm...I wonder what the girls will want to eat tonight. It's girls night out!!!!!
As for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to the night out with my girls plus Bay & Mechelle, tomorrow my plans include (not sure yet) but I'm sure it will be something with the kids and Sunday I want to go to church and then cook a big lunch and have all the kids over to eat.
Today she went back to thedoctor and they had her pathology reports back and they confirmed that the miscarriage was NOT caused by any chromosonal abnormalities. They said she has very little if any chance of a repeat miscarriage. However, she does have the rh- factor, but she had the shot that should protect her next time around. They said she is doing really good!
Thank you for all the prayers that went up for my daughter and her husband.
Hugs, sandy
My answers are in red
Out side my window...the sun is shining and we are watching a chicken (through the window)to see if it is gonna make it after the dog attacked it...grrr
Today I feel...happy...it's been a good week so far!
The weather here...Is cold but beautiful!
I am thinking...about going to jump 4 joeys with my mom's group tonight to let the kids play
At the moment,I am thankful...that my homeschool day has been great!
I am going...to work with Jacob on clocks as soon as he gets done with his math sheet
I am wearing...red top & black pants
I wish...everyday could be this good
I am reading...Rick Warren's "God's Power To Change Your Life". I just started it lastnight.
I am working on...Laundry as always
I am hoping...that Anna's Dr apt goes well tomorrow
I am hearing...some show Corey is watching on my laptop and Kylee talking to Tabitha
Around the house...I'm pleased!
One of my favorite ...new drinks is the Starbucks vanilla coffee drink
Picture of the day... I'll add as soon as Corey gives me my laptop back...lol
Where has the time gone? It is so hard to believe my baby is really 17 years old. It's amazing how time flies and how quickly they grow up *tears*. It's been a wonderful 17 years.
Katie,
Thank you for being a wonderful daughter, for giving me so many reasons to smile.
Thanks for our on-the-go fun times together and times we just talk and relax for a while
Thank you for memories I'll keep with me always,
For being a part of my happiest days,
Thanks for inspiring my heart with your dreams and making me proud in your own special ways.
Thanks for your hugs, and your help, and your humor, for letting me know you appreciate me.
Thank you for showing me all through the years, I'm the luckiest parent there ever could be.
I love you bigger than the sky!
~Mom~
*From a little 6 pound, 1 oz baby to a beautiful young lady*
1.Who is your best friend? This is hard because I try not to label any of my friends as best because I love them all. I have a few that know me better than most and could easily blackmail...lol that would probably be Dawn, Amanda, and Kristy. But, I have several really good friends that I love dearly:)
2.When is the last time you cried? Saturday
3.What is your favorite past-time? Being with my kids
4.Do you have kids? yes, a house full
5. Are you married? yes
6. How long to question #5? 20 years
7.When is the last time you busted out laughing? lastnight watching a movie with Mechelle and Ashley
8.Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Stephanie
9.Who was the last to text you? the phone company...lol
10.Are you mad at anybody? no
11.What was the last movie you watched? Madea's sick day
12. What was the last book you read? The shack
13.What is the last thing you ate? a pizza farm salad "Greek"
14.What is the last thing you bought? A pink frilly tutu type skirt and a princess shirt for Bailey
15.What do hear right now? The little kids playing cops and robbers
16.What time did you get up this morning? hmmm...I woke up at 6:45 am but I didn't actually get up until 8. I laid and watched Bailey sleeping(her crib is next to my bed).
17.What time is it? 8:44 pm
18.Who was the last person in your bed? My little boy Jacob:) He still sleeps with us. We've been trying to get him to sleep in his own bed, but he cries...grrrrr
19.What is your favorite smell? Anything bakery smelling like cookie candles, vanilla candles, etc I loooooooooooove candles I especially looooove the glade 2 in 1 candle "creamy custard& blushing apples". I buy them all the time and burn them constantly. The other day when the dfcs worker came in, that was the first thing she commented on was the smell of my house:) I'm glad she liked it!
20.What type of music do you like best? gospel or country...I especially love southern gospel
21.Do you want more kids? I may possibly adopt one day, but I don't want to have anymore of my own. My hubby asked me three weeks ago if I wanted to have another baby before next year and I said no. This shocked me, because he has never asked me about having a baby...not even when we were trying to build our family. I use to think I might want to have another someday, but not anymore. I'm sure my daughter will have one pretty soon. She plans to try again in a couple of months...so we will see how that goes, plus Samantha will have one in the near future...I'm sure. So I'll get to enjoy/spoil theirs:)
22.What is one thing you wish you had? a ford expedition
23.How many computers do you have? I have three here now,but we actually have four(brent just bought a new one ... a friend is building it. It's suppose to be the best computer we've had so far, so I'm excited about that because we use our computers for homeschooling and fun and we need a powerful one with a lot of memory to store school stuff,e-books,learning games, etc.).
24.Do you eat sushi?gross....no way
25.Do you play cards? ... I play uno with my little boy sometimes...does that count?
26. Do you talk or text more? talk
27.email or snail mail? email
28.drive or ride more? drive...I'm always on the go. I'm my kids taxi driver:)
29.Favorite drink? sweet tea
30.How many bedrooms are in your house? 4 right now, but the fifth one has been started.
31.How many bathrooms? two
32.Do you ride a motorcycle? no
33.Do you ever ride a bicycle? no, but I wish I had one
34.What is your favorite color? red or pink
35.Last song you heard playing? hmmm...I think it was "slow fade"by casting crowns
36.Are you glad the survey is over? I guess
It's been a pretty good weekend. I had it to myself (just me with the kids), because Brent went to Alabama to help his dad. I love being with my kids. I figure my time with them is limited ,because they are growing up so fast ,and before to long they will all be grown up and leaving the nest. So I'm gonna spend as much time with them as I can and I do.
The house was pretty quiet(believe it or not). Trin and Amber went to their mom's for the weekend, so the only little ones here were Bay and Jacob. They played and entertained us:)
On Saturday,I took the teens to the movies while I went shopping for clothes for the little ones. I wanted to buy new clothes for the little ones to get their pictures made in. However, once we got to olan mills, they were booked for the day. So I ended up having to take Bailey(because Jacob backed out) Sunday after church. They turned out precious ,but Bay was so tired and she really didn't want her pics made.
Sunday, we went to church and then we stayed and ate. I enjoy it when we all eat together on Sundays. It gives us a chance to get to know our church family better. I set there on Sunday morning and I looked around and realized just how many new people have joined the church since I joined back in 1989. My church family is probably closer to me/us then our real family...I know they are. They know more about what goes on in our lives then most our our relatives and sometimes I think they care more about us. It's a blessing. I looked around and could see how much God has worked in all our lives. I just can't imagine not going to church and not having a church family. Church is not about the people,the building, the food, the latest news. It's all about God but what better way to serve him then inside his house praying, praising, singing, and being surrounded by others that love him and love us. We are blessed!!!!
