Adventures in Parenting!

Izzie G turns 4 this Sunday, October 16th! She likes to help make waffles, this is Monday morning, Columbus Day.

Solomon eating a piece of WAFFLE! (his first words in the morning when he wakes up are usually "EAT...EAT..." and gives the sign languate motion for eating)
Isaac waiting, but in the mean time checking off that he made his bed and brushed his teeth!! He likes to get rewards!

Monday early evening, Isaac broke his arm on the play ground:( This is his permanent cast he got put on Tuesday morning (ER did temporary cast). He is STRONG and COURAGEOUS! Josh 1:9

Back to school on Wednesday! His teacher said he didn't complain once about his arm. Brave boy.It's helped him to SLOW down too and pay attention a bit better.

Isabella's first day of ballet Wednesday!

Solomon watching Praise Baby music video...not interested in anything else at the moment...

Thankful for good doctors and modern day medicine. Also thankful for family and friends who constantly support us physically and lift us up in prayer. Thanks to Terry and Liz who watched Izzie and Soli Monday night so David and I could take Isaac to the ER. And for the many constant prayers of friends and family. Thankful for a God who never leaves us nor forsakes us. To a God who "carries us to the heighths". Habakkuk 3

Daivd Isaac came home from the ER that night and starting singing songs to God on his own. He actually made up some new verses to the "Jesus-Jesus" song. If you know the chorus he added,

"Be GLAD in HIM, Glad in HIM, Glad in the morning, Glad in the noon-time, Glad in HIM, Glad in HIM, Glad when the sun goes down!"

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the LORD, He is God! It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him, bless His name! For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100

Blessings to you and yours!

David Isaac first day of Kindergarten!! August 2011

Isabella wanted to go with Isaac on his first day! Solomon slept in! :)
She loves her big brother!

Family visit to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum - an excellent museum show casing the Mighty Eighth from World War II. This Air force from Savannah was very instrumental in bringing an end to the war in Germany. The whole family enjoyed and we paid our respects to the fallen hero's at the many memorial stones in their memorial garden.

In the Memorial Garden with my hero.

Checking out a McDonnel F-4C Phantom

This F-4C was made in 1965 and retired in 1987. These aircrafts "achieved legendary status in Vietnam".

A Vietnam Memorial in the Memorial Garden

David and I celebrated our 7th Wedding Anniversary in September. Since David has been in the military we have been in different states or countries for our actual anniversary day. This September David was at NTC in California training, so some girlfriends and I celebrated together. :) We went to a festival at the Meinhardt Winery in Statesboro, GA. Thanks Faith and Stephanie!! (And to Emily and Hunter who watched the kids!!!)

Back at the Mighty Eighth Museum...this time with Mamaw Vickie and Grandma Westbrook from Louisianna. I was thankful for their visit the last week before David got home. It was a light at the end of the tunnel!!!

Mamaw Vickie, Grandma Westbrook with kiddos

Solomon - AKA BOY. He gets mad if you tell him his name is Solomon, he says, "NO, BOY!"

At the Lafayette Square in Savannah, GA. Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in the background.

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist...the congregation established here in late 1700's

Savannah is known for it's Candy shops...thanks to Mamaw and Grandma we still have bags of it! :) We all had a lot of fun!!

Thanks for the memories Mamaw and Grandma! And thanks for getting me out to be a tourist!

Happy FALL to all and hope to have more visitors soon!

Colorado in May

Glen Eyrie Castle, Hope for the Homefront, Colorado Springs

My childhood piano teacher, Cassie, had a mission from God :) to get me to Colorado for a conference retreat getaway. It was wonderful to catch up with her and a true gift to have a couple of days to be still in the beautiful state of Colorado. I joined other military spouses and family members at Glen Eyrie Castle for an encouraging weekend. Isaiah 61:1-3

Much love and thanks to Cassie, my parents, and to my husband and kids.

So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isiaah 41:10

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. For the LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth. Psalm 47

The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and to destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. John 10:10

Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly.

Thanking God for LIFE today.

Let the thief no longer steal...

..be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

*Today's reading: Ephesians 4:17 to 5:21

Ash Wednesday – 40 days of Lent

“Repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15
Fasting from our flesh and world to feast on the Word and Person of God – Jesus Christ.

Today, Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance. True repentance results in a change of mind and heart, and ultimately a change in action. When one “repents” he “turns away” from previous sinful behaviors and seeks salvation & restoration from God. “Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of adherents as a sign of mourning and repentance to God.” (Wikipedia) Today (really any day one can get serious about seeking God!!) Christians all over the world are called to mourn for their sinful state, turn away from their sins and to the living God. (Matt 5:4) It is a day to get serious and examine our hearts before God. King David wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24) In the New Testament we see an example of true repentance when Peter weeps after coming to his realization of his own rejection of Jesus. (Luke 22:62) Do we not reject Christ daily when neglect Him? Do we not reject God when we live consumed with ourselves and our selfish ways?

I believe this act of repentance is in direct contrast with our pleasure seeking, self indulgent culture. It’s not fun and it’s not an easy thing to do. True repentance is a gift from God. I pray that God would have mercy on us and open our eyes to our true states. That He would show us our need for repentance and lead us to Himself. “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:2)

Ash Wednesday ushers us into the season of Lent and ultimately prepares us for the commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lent is a time of sacrifice, prayer, giving, and fasting. All of this is to draw us close to Him as we prepare to celebrate the most miraculous event that has taken place in history – the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We celebrate with joy the way God has provided salvation for all people who will receive it. (John 1:12) Regardless if Lent is a normal practice of your Christian faith, each of us could benefit from decreasing ourselves so that God may increase in us. (John 3:30)
As we enter this season of Lent 2011, I pray that God would pour down His righteousness and awaken His people. May we not merely go through the motions! Let’s own our faith, read His Word, and follow Him.

“You will seek and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

“’Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil…” Ephesians 4:14-16

“If we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” 1 John 4:12

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” James 1:27

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matt. 26:41

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual Immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealously, fits of anger, rivalries, dissentions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self0control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:16-24
“Stand up and bless the LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessings and praise. You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their hose, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the lost of heaven worships you. You are the LORD…” Nehemiah 9

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Psalm 51:10,17 (beautiful psalm of repentance)

Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus fasting for 40 days in the wilderness before His public ministry

Suggestive Reading:
Bible (the whole thing, can start with the book of John or Romans)
Radical, Taking back your faith from the American Dream, by David Platt
Let the Nations Be Glad, John Piper

October days...

Isabella wearing her birthday princess dress from daddy.

round two - cake and ice cream with some friends:)
Went to a farm on Izzie's big day. Here we are in a corn maze.

Cow train ride - we love the wide open spaces!

Pumpkins!! Thankful for our friends who joined us on our adventure...

On the homefront we are almost settled and await David's return. The kids are doing good. God has blessed us above and beyond with a church that is full of Life and is making a difference in the community and world. God is moving and there is an awakening it seems going on in the hearts of people here (& hear stories from places all over the world). At our church we had close to 270 people get baptized in the last few weeks. The Word of God was preached (passages in Acts) and people responded getting baptized in their Sunday clothes and all. Whatever your beliefs on baptism, it's exciting to see people step out of their comfort zone and make a bold confession that Christ is Lord. Praying that God would open the eyes of His people and give us His love, courage, strength, and peace as we seek His face & walk in His ways. Praying Psalm 24 too.

Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for our soldiers and for military families...especially for reintegrations going on all over the place. Also praying for our nation & leaders.

Grace and Peace to you -

The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. Psalm 33:5,8

saying goodbyes and heading south

But first, here is a picture of big David with some soldiers. Please keep soldiers and families in your prayers. Especially families reintegrating. It can be an wonderful yet really tough time for families.

Hanging out at favorite pool at Va beach - last play date with cousin Payton

they either hugging or fighting

Grandma hanging with soli

last vist to Sugar Hill (grandparents already moved out- the family taking care of all the stuff that was left behind! more than they took with them)

Lil D and Izzie G

on porch at sugar hill - farewells

Saying goodbye to great Aunt Millie - she lives down street from sugar hill

Payton and Izzie doing a dance

The Grandparents hugs good bye

Dear friend Nikki came in town to help wtih all the move and family affairs!

joshie pooh and amanda joined us (they now live 2 minutes from grandparents which is so nice!)

Solomon had a long day.....the first of many!!

Pops had to come down one more time - he helped fist day of the movers

hiding...

the big truck...showed up 3/4 full! needless to say, they didn't get it all in there...had to bring another truck and two delivery dates. fun stuff!

Ms. Vick flew in from LA to help clean house and drive David's truck down! She was a real trooper and life saver!!

kids huggin next door neighbors :) miss you!

Pwoc ladies - a dear group of women of faith - they prayed us out and gave us goodies as we left the base...

4th stop of the day - and just now leaving Va beach! Had to stop to get some wendy's frosties!

next stop - Chic filet - this place was not easy to find!! next time will map out ahead of time:)

chic -filet:) kids played at park for good hour. we took it easy. more icecream too. :)

new kitchen - arrived wednesday night at end of July, thursday got keys to our house, and friday the first load of movers arrived.

taking a break at the water park just down our street.

fun stuff!

Soli J

Mr. David Isaac

Lil miss Izzie Bella

our new bath!

Whats up?!

Lil man first day of Pre-K (wearing his favorite super man shirt!)

The Rent's came down for Labor Day weekend

The kids and I (and broken big toe!) River walk, Savannah

Thanks mom and dad for our family piano!

maybe on or all will grow up playing!!

some new friends playing at the mall :) (a neighbor friend and I went to take kids to indoor park...it was closed so we had to improvise...this is their balloon dancing. Solomon was really into it you can tell)

woo hoo for fun times with friends!!!

Haven't posted anything in a while and then just posted 3 long ones!! Sorry about that family:)

Anyway, we are slowly but surely getting settled in Savannah. We have a wonderful church and neighborhood. We still miss Va beach - the beach, family, and friends, - the kids still talk about it too. But we are getting use to our new home and know God has a plan and purpose for us here. We are also excited to be in the place where David will be coming home to. The kids look at the helicopters military planes and ask, "Is daddy on that one??!!" I keep telling them - after Isabella's birthday party, then we will start looking for daddy's plane.

Soon, but still not soon enough, the kids and I will be running into his arms!! Until then, we keep focus and take it all one moment at a time!

God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble!

He carries us through!

God bless you and yours!