Obviously, I'm missing something here...

Let me see....
cold, wet, dark
stinky dogs, dirty clothes, muddy boots
snakes, ticks, chiggers, briars.....
WHAT PART OF THIS IS FUN?
I have to admit that you couldn't drag me coon hunting kicking and screaming, but I'm glad the kids are spending time with their dad, and I'm glad to have an evening alone every once in a while!

I think Rosebud has outgrown the swing...

"Didn't this thing used to go back and forth?"

Mama's little babygirl with the fat thighs and droopy cheeks just can't figure out why even a brand new set of Energizers just won't make this thing go! But she's happy anyway!

"I dropped my Doodle. Could someone get it please?"

"Faster! Faster!"

And, of course, our sweet girl is never without an adoring audience.

Christmas Scripture

The Steadfast Faith of Joseph and Mary

Here is my daily devotion from The Institute for Creation Research , founded by Dr. Henry Morris.



The Steadfast Faith of Joseph and Mary
December 24, 2008
"There was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7)
Those familiar with the Christmas story, known by multiplied millions around the world, often make the small incident of no vacancies at the inn something of a cute product of the trip to Bethlehem.
Few in the United States have ever been stranded without shelter for a short time--let alone have had to give birth in an animal pen. Most of us will never have to know just how isolated and abandoned Joseph and Mary must have felt that first Christmas Eve.
Both of them knew that this Child would be "Son of the Highest" (Luke 1:32). Both of them had had personal visits from the Chief Angel, Gabriel. Both of them knew that the Father of this Son was none other than the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20). And both of them had willingly obeyed God's instruction (Matthew 1:24 and Luke 1:38). They had every human right to expect "special treatment" and recognition for their faith and obedience.
Instead, however, the false rumors that had troubled Joseph about Mary's infidelity (Matthew 1:18-19) continued to swirl around them, and the long trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem only added to the plight of their social ostracism and poverty. The Bible does not tell us how long they were looking for shelter--we are only told that "while they were there" (Luke 2:6) Mary had to deliver the Child in a manger.
Until the shepherds came with their wonderful story of the angelic chorus, Joseph and Mary had no word of verification in addition to no room for their rest. And although they were in a house (Matthew 2:11) when the wise men came, nearly two years had gone by (Matthew 2:16) before they received the gifts that would sustain them for several years in Egypt.
Remember these two wonderful saints this holiday for their steadfast faith and unwavering obedience. HMM III

My Songbird

First of all, please don't pay attention to the condition of my house! This past week, the big kids and I were busy with laundry and chores while the boys were having their quiet time, and I overheard Seth singing his heart out, just him and the Lord. I couldn't resist videoing. I wouldn't trade anything for having the minds of my children filled with Scripture and hymns. They don't know who the Jonas Brothers or Hannah Montana are, but they know Who can wash away their sins, and that's all I'm concerned about!

Hide Them in Your Heart

TURN THE VOLUME UP! (You can hear Rosebud "razzing" in the background.) Here are the boys quoting John 3:16,17 in church this past Sunday.

Sweet Baby Girl

Sleeping Princess

Super Siblings!

My Firstborn and my Fifthborn

It's a great phase in life now for me, having children at such different stages of life. I love watching how gentle KK is with the baby, and I love how she just puts her arms around his neck when he picks her up. I hope and pray that all of my children will always be close throughout their lives.

My Peanut is 4 years old!

Happy Birthday to my Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, Superman, Batman, Sam the Hobbit, Robin Hood, Crusader Knight, Scuba Diver, Buck Deer Hunter, Farmer, boy. This little gun slinging, sword wielding, hymn singing, dirt tracking, hat wearing, mess making fellow makes sure he doesn't miss any fun in this life.

He makes his rounds with everyone in the house daily. "I wub you, Mom." "I wub you, Dad." "I wub you, KK." "I wub you, Sis." "I wub you, Bubba." [Stop. Insert: "Mama, Bubba didn't say I wub you Bubbie to me!!"] And finally, "I wub you, Wosebud."

He's such a sweetheart (well, one of those mean as a snake sweethearts), and has been such a delightful and hilarious addition to our family.

Happy Birthday, Bubbie!

Thanksgiving Tradition

We always enjoy decorating gingerbread houses with the children Thanksgiving morning.