Hey everyone! Christmas Pictures! :) ha!

Hey everyone out there in blogger world! Wow. Once again, time has slipped by me too quickly! Thought it was time I caught up. So, I'm starting with Christmas pictures! :) hee,hee...

We had my sisters and my parents out to our little house for a few days and we had a great time, as always. I'll let the pictures talk for themselves! I'll be posting several posts tonight and then I'm going to do my best to post something at least every week ! :) We'll see how I do! I just haven't had time, but I realized my husband is off every Thursday, so maybe that will be my day to post. Anyhow, hope everyone out there is well! :)

Pelosi: Fewer babies = stronger economy

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Politics/Default.aspx?id=398956

God, have mercy on our nation!

Lifestyle Portraits-Marsha and Renee'

Marsha's and Renee's pictures are now posted on my photo blog. I had the privilege of doing two shots in one location a few weeks ago for a dear friend and a friend of hers. We had lots of fun, and got lots of wonderful pictures that I hope they will treasure! :) Love you guys. Thanks for a great day! It also gave me a chance to break in my NEW CAMERA! :) Yea new camera! :)

Our Real Treasure, Jesus Christ

This was in a Christmas letter from some dear friends of mine. I wanted to share:

"The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One. Many ordinary treasures may be denied him, or if he is allowed to have them, the enjoyment of them will be so tempered that they will never be necessary to his happiness...for having the Source of all things he has in One all satisfaction, all pleasure, all delight...and he has it purely, legitimately and forever."

--A.W. Tozer

It's a good reminder for all of us. I hope all of you have a lovely Christmas. We're having my parents and sisters in..starting today! :) It'll be good! God bless!

Thanksgiving 2008

Just a few of my favorite pictures from Thanksgiving. :) You can find more on my photo blog.

Eschatology by Russell Moore

The Eschatology of ParentingWednesday, December 10th, 2008

"Yesterday I helped a toddler clean up a 44 ounce cup of Coke Zero he’d spilled everywhere (yes, it was mine; and no, there were not 44 ounces left remaining in it when he found it). I answered forty questions about whether Jesus made Lego blocks (so stay tuned for my new sermon series on “The Logos and the Legos”). And I disciplined a tantrum thrower and a sulker.
All of that was about the end times.
When we think of Christian eschatology, we tend to think first of prophecy charts or apocalyptic novels, but nothing is more eschatological than parenting.
A parent disciplining a child, for instance, communicates to the child the discipline and judgment of God in ways deeper and more resonant than any Sunday school lesson (Heb 12:5-11). A parent who will not discipline a child for disobedience, or who is inconsistent in doing so, is teaching that child not to expect consequences for behavior.
In short, a parent who will not discipline is denying the doctrine of hell.
At the same time, a parent who disciplines in anger or with harshness teaches a judgment of God that is capricious and unjust. An abusive parent, worst of all, ingrains in a child’s mind a picture of God as a ruthless devil who cannot be trusted to judge justly.
Parental discipleship and discipline ought always to have repentance and restoration in view, picturing a God who is both just and the justifier (Rom 3:26). Discipline should be swift and fair with quick reconciliation between parent and child. Long periods of “time out” do not communicate the discipline of God; they communicate the isolation and exile of hell.
Parents who spend time with their children, especially at meals, demonstrate something of the harmony they want their children to long for beyond this life. It’s a longing to eat at another Father’s table in the kingdom of Christ.
Moreover, we should teach children to respect and acknowledge authority, attributes necessary for citizens of a democracy for a short time, yes, but more necessary for subjects of a kingdom forever. Teaching children to refer to adults as “Mr. Smith” or “Mrs. Jones” or “Pastor Doe” and to say “sir” and “ma’am” (or the culturally equivalent signifiers of authority) is about more than politeness. It is training children to recognize proper hierarchy and authority when the veil is lifted and we see face to face.
Those of you who are parents probably grow weary and discouraged sometimes. I know I do. It seems as though you’re not “getting through” sometimes, that your children aren’t responding the way you thought they would. Keep hugging. Keep kissing. Keep chastising. Keep teaching. This is a long-term project. You’ve got a long-term project in front of you. And there’s a lot at stake.
After all, parenting isn’t about behavior modification. It’s about Christian eschatology."

-Russell D. Moore

Trendy, Modest Clothing

I found this website that has GREAT clothes, and they are all very fashionable and their mission is modesty. It's hard to find both sometimes!

Here is a quote about their online store taken directly from their website:

" Our Mission: At Christa Taylor we're pioneering a modest clothing revolution. Our team is committed to designing trendy and modest clothes that match your unique style. We are fashions for the empowered traditionalist; offering chic, feminine, and modern modest clothing options that are carefully selected to bring you premium quality and a totally modish [chic+modest=modish] flair that allows you to keep up with all the latest trends." :) http://www.christa-taylor.com/

*photo courtesy of http://www.christa-taylor.com/lookbook/

If you Give A Mom A Muffin

(sent to me by my friend, Jen. Had to post it! So true!)

If you Give a Mom a Muffin If you give a mom a muffin, she'll want a cup of coffee to go with it.She'll pour herself some. Her three-year-old will spill the coffee.She'll wipe it up. Wiping the floor, she will find dirty socks. She'llremember she has to do laundry. When she puts the laundry in thewasher, she'll trip over boots and bump into the freezer. Bumping intothe freezer will remind her she has to plan supper. She will get out apound of hamburger. She'll look for her cookbook. (101 Things To MakeWith A Pound Of Hamburger.) The cookbook is sitting under a pile ofmail. She will see the phone bill, which is due tomorrow. She willlook for her checkbook. The checkbook is in her purse that is beingdumped out by her two-year-old. She'll smell something funny. She'llchange the two-year-old. While she is changing the two-year-old thephone will ring. Her five-year-old will answer and hang up. She'llremember that she wants to phone a friend to come for coffee. Thinkingof coffee will remind her that she was going to have a cup. She willpour herself some. And chances are, if she has a cup of coffee, herkids will have eaten the muffin that went with it.

by Kathy Fictoriebased on "If you Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff

Mindy

Mindy's senior pictures are now up on my photo blog! :)

Kyle and Jill

Kyle and Jill's engagement pictures are now up on my photo blog. :)

Common, Unpoetic Life...

"The colored sunsets and starry heavens, the beautiful mountains and the shining seas, the fragrant woods and painted flowers, are not half so beautiful as a soul that is serving Jesus out of love, in the wear and tear of common, unpoetic life." -Faber

**photography courtesy of Charna Leonhardt.

New Pictures On Photo Blog....

Baby Lincoln and The Chase Family pictures are now up on my photo blog. (click here)

How To Respond To Democrats....

"Tell them it is truly an historic event. The democrats have gotten the first Marxist President elected.

When they sputter back “oh no, the first black President” gently and in low tones remind them that is racist and it is not about the color of his skin but the content of his character!"

Japanese Potty Training Video

Sorry for those of you that the "p" word offends, I just couldn't resist posting this! ha! LOL!

Stupid.com-Gotta Check It Out!

If you haven't checked out this website yet, and you have a good sense of humor, you need to. Now, I'm not saying a few things on here might not offend you, but it always gives me a good laugh! As a matter of fact, we buy stuff from here every year for our family...yes, they love us! :) They have GREAT stocking stuffers! This is a new book(pictures above, details below) they are offering! I think I need it! :) For $9.95, I think it's a good deal! :) Have fun! www.stupid.com

Most parents don't know what they're doing -- They try their best to screw up their kids, but most still grow up to be normal adults.
Well, this indispensable book takes the guesswork out of raising a dysfunctional child.
HOW TO TRAUMATIZE YOUR CHILDREN will teach you everything you need to know about messing up your kids.
Within these 191 pages, you'll learn how to shatter self-esteem, buy your child's love, and teach your child how to be a bad friend.
Here are just a few Chapters and Subchapters:
* Don't Cut Your Child Any Slack
* Imagination is an Unaffordable Luxury
* Your Needs Come First
* Your Child's Cues and Needs: Ignore Them
* Push Them Now, Before It's Too Late
Never has so much bad advice been available in one place. So don't leave bad parenting to chance, get How To Traumatize Your Children and learn how to get it wrong the first time!

Mary Beth

Mary Beth's senior pictures are now up on my photo blog. :)

A prayer for mommy

I have been in bed for the last two days with (the flu?). I have been very sick, but I have been taken care of by my wonderful, loving husband. He's done such a good job caring for the kids and myself. He even made meatloaf for them tonight-which is the first time I think he's made something from a recipe! At least now I know that if I ever die, he won't have to remarry within the first week! :) ha!

Anyhow, just about two minutes ago, before Myra was headed to bed, she asked if she could pray for me. I had to blog about it! I will try to recount it as accurately as possible..."Dear God, I pray for mommy. I ask you to heal her and help her to get better. She doesn't deserve to be sick, God. She has given birth to three babies. She homeschools us. She takes care of us. She cleans the house. She cooks for us. God, just reach down with your hands and heal her please, because she's the best mom in the whole wide world. And she's pretty." :) :) :) :) :)

Now, I might add that tomorrow is her birthday, and I know she's asking God to heal me, so we can go ahead with her birthday party, and so it might have been a bit of a selfish prayer, but I don't care. It was as sweet as could be! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

No, it's not really Thanksgiving time yet. First we have to get through Reformation Day, or what most of you know as Halloween! :) But, it's coming, and since that last video was so emotional, here's a lighthearted one for you. :) Happy (early) Thanksgiving! Oh, and Happy Reformation Day, too! For some Reformation Day fun :) click here.

Reformation day, or October 31, also happens to be my daughter's birthday. So, also, happy 9th birthday to my precious baby girl! I love you so much! We celebrate each and every day God has given us with you. You are a sweet, compassionate, emotional child. You were blessed with a tender heart, and you love deeply. I pray that as you grow, that you will grow closer to our Lord Jesus and be a woman after God's own heart. I pray that you will walk in truth. You are my firstborn, the answer to my desire for a child, and part of God's perfect plan for our family. I hope I get better (I've been sick the past couple days) so we can still have your party! I'll do my best. Love you, baby girl! :) xoxo

Baby Eliott

My friend, Melinda, emailed me this youtube video today. Warning: I wept and wept. Still weeping, but what a beautiful story of trusting in God and believing Him to be absolutely Sovreign.

It's An Actual Real Post!

Hey, all my bloggerland friends. Look! It's a real post...not a "...pictures are up on my photo blog" post! Amazing! :) Wow. It's been a busy...while! And, I still have a bit of business left and then things slow down..well, do they really, because the holidays are coming? Maybe not, but they will slow down a bit perhaps.

Wow. Life has been good. We have been doing good in school this year. Today Myra got to go with my friend, Susan, to hear a weatherman from Lexington speak. She said she liked it but didn't understand most of it! So, I asked her what was the one thing she learned, and she replied that "Floods are the killerest of all the weather things that happen." I thought that was a good description! :) ha!

We're continuing our study of early American history and have now ventured into the Little House on the Prarie book, which we are totally stoked about. (that's a So. Cal. phrase for those of you Kentuckians!) Myra loves the movies, and so she's been a bit concerned that the books don't follow the movie that close. I think she's concerned that someone wrote the books wrong, because "Jack was not a bulldog!" But, yes, in the books, he is. And, Pa has a beard. That one just blew her away! :)

Myra has been doing some geometry in her math lately. (do they really start this in third grade? GEEZ!) But, she's been doing very well in it. Lizzie is working on her addition and subtraction skills, which Myra keeps saying is SO EASY, but I keep reminding Myra that it wasn't so easy for her a few years ago.

Lizzie is continually having to be reminded that she is a GIRL and that is a wonderful thing! She loves to be dirty, climb things, wear jeans, and be rough. But, she also continues to constantly bring us laughter!

We have now added some home ec. to our week (on top of what we normally do) and this past week we learned how to PROPERLY set a table and learned the rules of the kitchen. Soon, we will be doing some unit studies on ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and...something else. I'm feeling too lazy to get up and look!

Nehemiah is talking more and more. He went through a few weeks of being the sweetest angel...but has reverted a bit to acting like a normal two year old. But, that's to be expected. He's still alot of fun and ALL boy. His favorite thing is cars!

Myra, the other day, came to me and said..."Mom, am I allowed to say 'What the h_ _ l?' I quickly replied that that was not an appropriate thing to say and that it was cursing. She immediately started bawling and asked my forgiveness because that day at our CHURCH function, she walked around a corner and saw some kids spraying their hair purple and blurted out with the above statement! To which her friend, that was with her, quickly replied "OOHHH, you said the h_e_l_l curse word!" She said "mommy, I didn't know, I didn't know." Apparently she heard it on one of our family friendly movies that I had let her watch. (really, I hadn't seen it in awhile and didn't know, folks) It took everything in me to not fall on the floor laughing, picturing my sweet daughter blurting that out at the church function. Oh well, might as well be a pastor's kid! I kept laughing about that one all day, but did tell her that God knew she didn't know and that He forgave her and that from now on she was responsible if she ever said it again. That didn't seem to offer her much comfort, however, because she was so broken over the fact that she had cursed. Later in the day, Nehemiah pulled down an antique plate I had hanging on my wall and it broke, and she looked at me and said, "I know why our day is cursed!" :) hee, hee...poor girl! :)

Well, on a more serious note, last night I had my first NILMDTS call. So, I spent a few hours at the hospital with our area coordinator. She was amazing, and I was so blessed to be able to go and shadow her. Please pray for this young mother who has lost a child. It was an honor to go photograph this little one and bless this mother with these pictures. God was with me, and it went amazingly well. I didn't cry (and I cry over EVERYTHING). My stomach was in knots for several hours before I left, but once there, I had such a peace. I got in there and did what I needed to do to bless this family. They are in my heart, and always will be, I'm sure. I thank God for this organization and the opportunity to use these gifts He's given me to reach out to those who are hurting.

Don't mean to end this on a sad note, just to catch everyone up on life lately.

Oh, and HAPPY 35th BIRTHDAY to my wonderful husband Shane tomorrow! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life these past 13 years. I love you so much and thank God everyday -(except on the days you get on my nerves!) :)-for you! Even on those days, I know that there is no one else who could fulfill me the way you do. Here's to every day I have had with you and every day I have yet to come! :) xoxoxo

Timothy '09

Timothy's senior pictures are now up on my photo blog. :)

Farley Family

The Farley Family pictures are now up on my photo blog. :)

And one just for fun!

My Family

Well, here we are-my little family! My dear, sweet friend, Melinda, came over yesterday and we hopped across the street from our house and got some pictures done! It's been awhile. I rarely get 'in front' of the camera. Of course-I am better behind it, but I do need proof one day for my great-grandchildren that I DID exist! Anyhow, I love my family. I am so very blessed to have each one of them...Nehemiah keeps me very busy, but gives great hugs and kisses! Lizzie is the one who makes me laugh just about daily. Myra is my sweet, compassionate girl who is such a great helper to me. And, of course, my wonderful Shane, who I just love and adore! Happy Fall to all you out there! :)

The Fosters

Ha! The Foster family pictures are now up on my photo blog. Little "G", here, got ahold of grandpa's sunglasses! Love it! :)

Likens Family

The Likens' family pictures sneak peek are now on up on my photo blog! :)

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Womack

Congratulations to Seth and Andrea, who were joined in marriage on October 4th. I am getting their previews up on my photo blog, so be sure to check back often this week for those.

Gretta's Kids

I was also blessed to be able to take pictures for my dear friend, Gretta, recently. She is a local pastor's wife and a dear friend, who has her hands full, as you can see! She is a beautiful woman of God, and her children were so much fun to take pictures of. They are up on my photo blog now, too.

CACH School Pictures

I got to do the school pictures this year for our local homeschool group. For those of you who have been waiting, they are now up on my Photo Blog! :)

Collett Family Pictures are up

Hey all, I know it's been awhile. I feel like all this is lately is a place to say "I got new pictures posted on my other blog!" But, that's all I've had time for lately, honestly. I just had a photo shoot on Saturday for a great family. We had alot of fun-it was very laid back, just how I like it! :)

Other than pictures, we are continuing to homeschool, which is going well this year. We are continuing our study of early American history with Winter Promise. Both girls are still doing Singapore math, which I plan to continue with until it's over my head...which might be next year! :) (math is not my strongest subject) :) And, we're enjoying our art program that I added this year. We're using "Discovering Great Artists". Each week, the goal is to study one artist and then do an art project in their style. We have done Matisse and Cezanne the last few weeks, since I've had the book. I took pictures of our pictures, and hope to post them, when I have time to edit my own pictures! :) I just started working on some of my own from May. That's how far behind my life is! :) ha!

Last Saturday, our friends from Michigan called and said their vacation plans had changed, and asked if they could come stay with us. And, so, the next evening, the six of them entered our domain and we all shared it for a week-all ELEVEN of us in our 1600 square foot house! It was great! :) They are so much like family to us that it wasn't even a question of "if" they could come. Although, it does seem awfully quiet around here this week! :) It was a joy to have spent a week with them. We'll probably head up there in January!

Some other dear friends, the Thomas'-from Virginia, were supposed to come in for the night tonight with their four kids (I'm seeing a trend here, are you? I would say God is preparing us for four more kids, but my husband might call me "unsaved" at that point!) :) . However, they called about an hour before they were to arrive and said they were in the ER with one of their little ones who was complaining of a bad stomach ache in the car, so they are still there and we are mourning not seeing them, but praying for Lydia. We pray we are able to go see them soon.

Other than that, I have a wedding on Saturday and five more photo shoots this month. It's gonna be crazy! But, I'm thankful I'm so popular! ha! :) We've just gotta get all these pictures in before the weather changes. So, I will be posting alot this month.

Alrighty, it's time for bed. Yes, I am older now, and I have to get up early to school my children! :) I need my sleep. Hope all of you in blog-land are doing well. Hopefully I can continue posting about life, but it might be November before I get to again! :) So, happy October for now!

The last of the Rucker Pictures are up!

Okay, this is the last installments of the Rucker wedding pictures to go up on my photo blog.

We're all well here. We were blessed by the arrival of our friends, Jare and Elizabth and kids, from Michigan on Sunday evening. They called late Saturday night and said their vacation plans fell through and asked if they could come see us. We've known them for ten years and they are like family, so of course we said YES! So, this week there are 11 of us in our 1,600 square foot home! It's a house full of blessings this week! :) I'll have to catch up more later. :)

More Rucker Pictures are up

I've been working like a mad-woman on these wedding pictures and have now posted some random shots and some dancing pictures on my photo blog. Make sure to check them out! :) I will be posting shortly about our life, when I get a minute. That will probably be in about 16 years, as it stands now! :) ha!

Rucker Wedding Pics are up

Well, finally, I am getting the Rucker wedding pics posted to my photo blog. It's been a while in coming, but it's been a long month! They have been ever-so-patient with me. I will post more of their pics in the next few days. Right now I have their "couple" pictures up. Enjoy! :)

Is Jesus Your Friend?

You wouldn't want Jesus as your friend, after this one!

A song to bless you today

Wow. There's really not a lot to say about this video. It speaks for itself. It was sent to me by my worship leader today. He said he's looking for the sheet music and choreography to it. I'm just not sure our worship team is good enough to pull it off, however. :) Enjoy a good laugh! :)

The Happy Home

Happy home! O, bright and cheerful hearth!

Look round with me, my lover, friend, and wife,

On these fair faces we have lit with life,

And in the perfect blessing of their birth,

Help me to live out thanks for so much heaven on earth.

-Martin P. Tupper (p.28,Daughters of Destiny)

*photo copyright 2008 Kari McGrath Photography

There Once Was A Queen

If you have a little bit of time, please go here and read this darling story that made me smile and brought a few tears to my eyes. It's a bit long, but a very good read. We sometimes get so busy doing, that we can overlook what blesses our husbands and families the most. It's an old story (1926), but it's so relevant to us today.

*photo by Jenneil Harbert

God, Our Exceeding Joy

"...Authentic joy in God will overflow with praises. In fact, as C. S. Lewis says in his book on the Psalms, “we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation.”1 It’s not wrong to say, “We were made for God.” It’s not wrong to say, “We were made for joy.” It’s not wrong to say, “We were made to praise.” But it is more fully true to say, “We were made to enjoy God with overflowing praise.” This is the ultimate goal of life.

Now mark this: we have been describing the prayer of a divided heart. The psalmist would like to know a constant uninterrupted experience of God as his exceeding joy. But in reality there are times when he feels forsaken. He knows in his head that God has not forsaken him. But it feels like he has. So his deepest strategy to escape this most dangerous condition is to pray, “Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.”

-To read the whole article from John Piper, click here