It's Friday........well that means that the kids will have school off the next 2 days and it is bone chilling cold. It is definitely snuggle up kind of weather. That's just what me and the boys might do tomorrow morning, even though we need to clean the house, clean the pool, clean the car, get out thank you cards and Christmas cards, and needless to say get the Christmas stuff out and decorate. I really don't feel like doing much of anything. I have made myself go places just so I don't curl up in the bed everyday. God knows I could do just that.
Two of the teens form my church called the other night and volunteered them selves to come over and help me with anything that I wanted them to. I am so thankful for my church home and the friends that I have here in Arkansas. The people there are awesome. I love them all very much and I consider it an honor to have them all in my life. (The same goes to all my friends that are scattered all around the world too.) I think that Shannon and I will be going out to dinner and possibly a movie or shopping. If any of you want to go give me a call. The more the merrier.
I'm going to go and try to clean up my house before the kids wake up. More later.
Love and blessing to all!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Beach Pictures
Fort Walton Beach, my home town. Here are the Roberts girls and 3 of my 4 kids
playing near the water.
Chandler and Samuel......Didn't your mom tell you not to get wet?
Yea!!!!
Here are all of the McCoy kids playing near the edge of the water. They all wanted to see how close they could get without getting wet. I think that Lanie was a little scared of the water.
Chandler was happy that the shark got Samuel, now he only has to share a room with Bennett.
Lanie and Claire, the girly girls.... They are so much alike
Bennett on the turtle
I Love this picture of Samuel and I together. I was surprised that he let me put my arms around him in public. 
The McCoy bunch in front of the Okaloosa Pier.
Productive day
I have had a productive day today, unlike yesterday. I went to the gym this morning and met Kristen there. We ran( power walked)2miles. I came home and unpacked all of the kids clothes, and put away the ones that I hadn't put away before I left. I even got the winter clothes out of storage for the boys and got them put away. During nap time I had the chance to take a relaxing bath until Bennett threw-up on the couch. I think that he got a hold of a cup of juice that he didn't put back in the fridge from last night. He threw up twice but right now he seems to be just fine. Running around and eating anything in sight. I sent the kids with Shannon to church and Bennett and I are spending some one on one time together. I also got the laundry started, thanks to Bennett and his sickness.
I am having a hard time with Samuel and his homework. He won't focus on it and it takes him forever to get it done. He was up till 9:00 last night doing it. He gets side tracked with the other kids, the TV, wanting a drink, needing help and so on and so on. The only thing that I know to do is to confine him to his room or my room until it gets done and if it doesn't then he will not be able to do anything else. If any of you have any suggestions please feel free to let me know.
Chandler's friend Brady has been going to AWANAS with us on Wed. evenings. His mom and dad brought his clothes by and when they did they came in for a little bit. Of course the kids were being a little rambunctious, so Brady's dad stepped in. I instantly said with tears in my eyes "I miss that manly authority around here" They so respect a man in a different way than they do a woman.
I am having a hard time with Samuel and his homework. He won't focus on it and it takes him forever to get it done. He was up till 9:00 last night doing it. He gets side tracked with the other kids, the TV, wanting a drink, needing help and so on and so on. The only thing that I know to do is to confine him to his room or my room until it gets done and if it doesn't then he will not be able to do anything else. If any of you have any suggestions please feel free to let me know.
Chandler's friend Brady has been going to AWANAS with us on Wed. evenings. His mom and dad brought his clothes by and when they did they came in for a little bit. Of course the kids were being a little rambunctious, so Brady's dad stepped in. I instantly said with tears in my eyes "I miss that manly authority around here" They so respect a man in a different way than they do a woman.
Entry's
I have been trying to do my entry's on here at night when the kids go to bed but I have been too tired to get on here to do so. Maybe I can get back into the routine of doing them at night but right now it seems easier to do it during the day when I am thinking of things.
Yesterday was tough. It seems as though the days when the kids are all at school I have the roughest time. I try to keep myself busy but sometimes I just don't want to. I went through the computer and found all of the videos with Aaron's voice on them and listed to them for hours. It was nice to know that at anytime I could pull one up and hear his voice and his laugh. He was on 2 of the videos but his voice was on 4 or 5 of them. He liked taking videos of the kids when they were young to remember what they sounded like when they were just learning to talk. Needless to say we didn't know that we would cherish those videos because of Aaron's voice.
I have a booklet in my kitchen that has a mini devotion on it and when I read today's entry I wanted to share it with you all.
Here is what the entry said.....Hardship does not determine our behavior, but it clearly influences it. That came form the book Hide or seek. The verse that went along with it was out of 1Peter 5;9 Standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Sometimes I think that the only people affected by the loss of my Husband would be our families, when in fact everyone that has ever come in contact with Aaron has been affected in one way or another. We all have a choice to to seek God through all of this or to hide (run) from what has happened. I pray that each life that Aaron touched would seek out God for comfort.
Yesterday was tough. It seems as though the days when the kids are all at school I have the roughest time. I try to keep myself busy but sometimes I just don't want to. I went through the computer and found all of the videos with Aaron's voice on them and listed to them for hours. It was nice to know that at anytime I could pull one up and hear his voice and his laugh. He was on 2 of the videos but his voice was on 4 or 5 of them. He liked taking videos of the kids when they were young to remember what they sounded like when they were just learning to talk. Needless to say we didn't know that we would cherish those videos because of Aaron's voice.
I have a booklet in my kitchen that has a mini devotion on it and when I read today's entry I wanted to share it with you all.
Here is what the entry said.....Hardship does not determine our behavior, but it clearly influences it. That came form the book Hide or seek. The verse that went along with it was out of 1Peter 5;9 Standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Sometimes I think that the only people affected by the loss of my Husband would be our families, when in fact everyone that has ever come in contact with Aaron has been affected in one way or another. We all have a choice to to seek God through all of this or to hide (run) from what has happened. I pray that each life that Aaron touched would seek out God for comfort.
Monday, November 26, 2007
My Grandma's house
Samuel is helping my grandmother get the pecans out of the tree. He didn't have much success so she told him to go get the broom. That helped some.
Here he is with the pecans that he and my grandmother found.
My grandmother with an orange from an orange tree in the backyard. She was telling us that this tree never bore any fruit untill this year. The tree had been planted 5 years ago by my grandfather who passed away in Dec of last year. He would be so proud. They were very sweet too!
Lanie and Bennett posing for a shot.
My mom's mom and my daughter looking through pictures together.
I really enjoy spending time with my grandparents when they were here. This is my only grandparent left. It is such a blessing to hang out with her. My mother says that I remind her of my grandmother.
Lanie and Bennett posing for a shot.
My mom's mom and my daughter looking through pictures together.
I really enjoy spending time with my grandparents when they were here. This is my only grandparent left. It is such a blessing to hang out with her. My mother says that I remind her of my grandmother.
Back to reality
The trip home went well, besides missing one of my exits we were fine. I know something was wrong when I entered Louisiana. I called Mac to see where I had to go from there. I knew he had driven that way before. I was fine, besides some anxiety, I just had to go the back roads instead of going the main highways. Either way it took me 10 1/2 hours to get home. I'm not sure if I will split the drive up next time though. We played musical beds each time we stayed in a hotel so I don't know if it was worth splitting up the driving time or not. Because I didn't get much sleep.
My cats were taken care of very well while we were away. I think they missed us though because they couldn't get enough lovin last night. The house looked great but we were missing one thing, Aaron. I think I did better while we were away emotionally. Since being at home, I have had a rough time. Yesterday I just sat on the couch all afternoon and watched football with the kids. I didn't feel like doing anything.
Today I tried to pull myself together and went to the gym and then I had to go to wal-mart to get milk. I came home and started putting the stuff away and the doorbell rang. I wasn't expecting anyone so I went to the door and there was a gentleman with a package. I wasn't expecting a package either. What a nice surprise. I opened it and it was a picture of me and the kids that we had taken at the church after Aaron was no longer with us. Well, needless to say I could have done without that package today. I just put the picture back in the package and put it away for now. Maybe someday I can deal with the fact that I am a single parent now, but right now I just can't.
My cats were taken care of very well while we were away. I think they missed us though because they couldn't get enough lovin last night. The house looked great but we were missing one thing, Aaron. I think I did better while we were away emotionally. Since being at home, I have had a rough time. Yesterday I just sat on the couch all afternoon and watched football with the kids. I didn't feel like doing anything.
Today I tried to pull myself together and went to the gym and then I had to go to wal-mart to get milk. I came home and started putting the stuff away and the doorbell rang. I wasn't expecting anyone so I went to the door and there was a gentleman with a package. I wasn't expecting a package either. What a nice surprise. I opened it and it was a picture of me and the kids that we had taken at the church after Aaron was no longer with us. Well, needless to say I could have done without that package today. I just put the picture back in the package and put it away for now. Maybe someday I can deal with the fact that I am a single parent now, but right now I just can't.
Friday, November 23, 2007
On the Road Again
We will be traveling back tomorrow afternoon and Sunday morning. Please pray for a smooth and safe trip for all of us. Also for the kids to get along while traveling back home. I don't want to leave ,but am anxious to get back home. I need to catch up on my sleep. Thanks to all of you who helped me out while visiting in Florida. I love each and every one of you!
Black Friday
For those of you who don't know the day after Thanksgiving is labeled Black Friday. I'm not quite sure why, but that today is the biggest shopping day of the year. My sister and I left the house at 4:40 this morning to do some shopping. She had all the places mapped out that she wanted to go to. !st we went to Wal-mart. Next on the list was Target I think. When we arrived there the line to get in the door wrapped around the building. The were no parking spots either so we decided to go to K-mart. There were only one or 2 things there that she needed. I was going to get a bike for Bennett there but after I read the box it said that there were no brakes. Who ever heard of a bike for kids with no brakes. I got to the register and decided not to get it. I will look when we get back home in AR. Bennett needs his own bike so that he can let his sister ride her princess bike. After we got through at K-mart we headed back to Target and had to park in the grass next door at the school. I didn't need anything from there but my sister did. I actually found a game she was looking for there. Last we went to the mall to the toy store. I found some drums for Bennett and a keyboard for Lanie. Shhh don't tell Samuel that Bennett got drums because he wants a set. We were done shopping by 10:00 AM. We had a great time. My sister is so fun. We do this each year that we are together. Aaron in the past would keep the kids but today Grandpa Mac kept them until he had to go to work and then my friend Kim and her kids came and got them. After shopping I helped my Mom go through her Christmas things and then I spent the afternoon with Kim and her kids. We had a nice relaxing time. I will be meeting the adults for a night out at the seafood restaurant in a little bit.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving
This is the day that we are to give thanks, even in the middle of our storms. Everyone out there has a storm that they are going through. It might me a small storm or a hurricane, but through each one you can find something to give God the thanks for. Here are just some of the things that I give God the thanks for not only on Thanksgiving day but each and every day of my life.
For my salvation and the salvation of my husband,which is in heaven right now, one day I will see him there.
For my 4 wonderful healthy children(even though that is a challenge all in its self).
For my family who would do any thing for me.
For my friends who encourage me daily.
For the countless people that are praying for us daily. (many we don't even know)
And even for silly things like the heat and air conditioning in my home, and my car working( when it wants to and even when it doesn't).
I really can go on and on. My whole point to this is that no mater what situation you are in try to find the blessings in them. There is always something that you can give thanks for even in the mist of the storm.
This is the day that we are to give thanks, even in the middle of our storms. Everyone out there has a storm that they are going through. It might me a small storm or a hurricane, but through each one you can find something to give God the thanks for. Here are just some of the things that I give God the thanks for not only on Thanksgiving day but each and every day of my life.
For my salvation and the salvation of my husband,which is in heaven right now, one day I will see him there.
For my 4 wonderful healthy children(even though that is a challenge all in its self).
For my family who would do any thing for me.
For my friends who encourage me daily.
For the countless people that are praying for us daily. (many we don't even know)
And even for silly things like the heat and air conditioning in my home, and my car working( when it wants to and even when it doesn't).
I really can go on and on. My whole point to this is that no mater what situation you are in try to find the blessings in them. There is always something that you can give thanks for even in the mist of the storm.
Fun in the sun
We made it to the beach this morning. It wasn't sunny at all. That was nice for taking pictures. There were lots of people out with their surfboards on the beach. There were several in the water catching some waves too. When we got there the kids played on the playground for a little bit, after that we took a little walk. We didn't go to far because we found a spot with some seashells. The girls picked a few while the boys played at the edge of the water. I had asked them not to get wet, because then the sand will stick to their feet. Needless to say they got wet. They seem to be the ones to see how far to the line they can get without crossing it, but in this case to see how close they could get to the water without getting wet. Well, they got wet alright. The water was cold but they didn't complain until we got in the car and I wanted to turn the air on. I will post some pictures hopefully tomorrow.
We brought lunch home and we all took nice long hot baths in the whirlpool tub. Samuel and Bennett got their bath 1st. Bennett turned on the jets because he wanted to know what that button did. Needless to say that ended that bath for him. He was scared after that. Once I layed Bennett down for a nap it was Lanie's and Mommy's turn. I could have stayed in there all afternoon. If I ever move I will have to make sure that I have a big tub.
For dinner tonight we went over to my grandmothers house and ate with my mom, and my grandma. She made roast, potatoes, carrots and corn beef and cabbage. I don't like corned beef but I went ahead and tried my grandmas and I loved it. It was so tender you could cut it with a fork. It was also sweet. It tasted nothing like the corned beef that I had before. I will defiantly have her teach me how to make it. After dinner we played a friendly game of mexican dominoes. This is one of my most favorite games(besides Mad Gab). Samuel played with us and had a problem in the middle of the game but I made him finish as an object lesson. It was good therapy for him because after the game he broke down and cried for his Daddy. He told me that he hasn't been bringing him up because he doesn't want to upset me. I told him that we need to do this together because we all are missing him terribly. I reassured him that it is alright to talk about him whenever he wants to and that it will help if he does.
We brought lunch home and we all took nice long hot baths in the whirlpool tub. Samuel and Bennett got their bath 1st. Bennett turned on the jets because he wanted to know what that button did. Needless to say that ended that bath for him. He was scared after that. Once I layed Bennett down for a nap it was Lanie's and Mommy's turn. I could have stayed in there all afternoon. If I ever move I will have to make sure that I have a big tub.
For dinner tonight we went over to my grandmothers house and ate with my mom, and my grandma. She made roast, potatoes, carrots and corn beef and cabbage. I don't like corned beef but I went ahead and tried my grandmas and I loved it. It was so tender you could cut it with a fork. It was also sweet. It tasted nothing like the corned beef that I had before. I will defiantly have her teach me how to make it. After dinner we played a friendly game of mexican dominoes. This is one of my most favorite games(besides Mad Gab). Samuel played with us and had a problem in the middle of the game but I made him finish as an object lesson. It was good therapy for him because after the game he broke down and cried for his Daddy. He told me that he hasn't been bringing him up because he doesn't want to upset me. I told him that we need to do this together because we all are missing him terribly. I reassured him that it is alright to talk about him whenever he wants to and that it will help if he does.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
tough night
We went to my sisters for chicken spaghetti and all was going well. We ate dinner. It was wonderful. Mark made 2 batches one for us wimpy people and one for the people who like to breathe fire. We had chocolate, caramel covered popcorn for dessert. It all was delicious. The boys were playing the Wii with each other and Uncle Mark. Samuel was undefeated in the boxing tournament. I have some pictures I will post them when I can. Hopefully tomorrow after I get the part for my car.
Lanie and Aleecia played in the make-up and Bennett played with the dog almost all night. That was until he got a little tired and wanted to lay with me on the couch wioth his "DADO" (blankey). Uncle Mark walked by and kissed Aleecia and then Bennett perked up and asked me "Do you miss your Daddy?" You have to understand, all husbands are called Daddy's to Bennett. So in other words, he was asking me if I missed my husband. I told him yes. I asked him if he missed his Daddy and he told me no, so I asked him if he wanted his Daddy and he said yes. It just made me sick. I was doing so good with eating these past 2 days and now I feel that feeling again. I really can't explain the feeling any better than when you feel like you are going to get sick.
Not to long after the discussion with Bennett, the boys got into a dispute about the game they were playing. Samuel thinks that everyone is always cheating . Then he can't control his hands when his brother says he is not cheating. I had to have a talk with both of the boys, and even had to discipline one them a little more. It sure is tough being the only one that is raising these kids. Ya know, when Aaron was around I didn't have this many problems with them getting along. I know that they all are going to go through the grieving process but, what do you call being normal everyday sibling stuff and when do you say, that is going on because of the situation that we are in? Samuel is so angry at Chandler all of the time and I see Chandler getting angry at me just for asking him to do normal everyday stuff. I want to help them so bad but I don't know how to go about it. I think that when I get back home I am going to look into going to a counselor, so that we can all work through this together. It is so hard to know what to say and what not to say and what to do and not to do.
Lanie and Aleecia played in the make-up and Bennett played with the dog almost all night. That was until he got a little tired and wanted to lay with me on the couch wioth his "DADO" (blankey). Uncle Mark walked by and kissed Aleecia and then Bennett perked up and asked me "Do you miss your Daddy?" You have to understand, all husbands are called Daddy's to Bennett. So in other words, he was asking me if I missed my husband. I told him yes. I asked him if he missed his Daddy and he told me no, so I asked him if he wanted his Daddy and he said yes. It just made me sick. I was doing so good with eating these past 2 days and now I feel that feeling again. I really can't explain the feeling any better than when you feel like you are going to get sick.
Not to long after the discussion with Bennett, the boys got into a dispute about the game they were playing. Samuel thinks that everyone is always cheating . Then he can't control his hands when his brother says he is not cheating. I had to have a talk with both of the boys, and even had to discipline one them a little more. It sure is tough being the only one that is raising these kids. Ya know, when Aaron was around I didn't have this many problems with them getting along. I know that they all are going to go through the grieving process but, what do you call being normal everyday sibling stuff and when do you say, that is going on because of the situation that we are in? Samuel is so angry at Chandler all of the time and I see Chandler getting angry at me just for asking him to do normal everyday stuff. I want to help them so bad but I don't know how to go about it. I think that when I get back home I am going to look into going to a counselor, so that we can all work through this together. It is so hard to know what to say and what not to say and what to do and not to do.
Aaron's parents
I spoke with Mother and Daddy last night( Aaron's parents). Daddy's birthday was the other day and I just got around to call him to wish him a happy belated birthday. He wasn't home so I was able to talk with Mother. I just love talking to her she is one of my role models. I really look up to her. Aaron loved her so much. He looked up to her too. Each time I get on the phone with her I just can't hold back the emotions.
When Daddy called back he thought that I needed for him to do something for me. I told him that all I called for was to wish him a happy birthday. I think it made him feel special that I called. He asked how we all were doing and then mentioned about visiting sometime. I told him my home was open to them any time that they wanted to come, like always. Aaron and I always liked to have our family and friends come and visit with us and that will not change.
When Daddy called back he thought that I needed for him to do something for me. I told him that all I called for was to wish him a happy birthday. I think it made him feel special that I called. He asked how we all were doing and then mentioned about visiting sometime. I told him my home was open to them any time that they wanted to come, like always. Aaron and I always liked to have our family and friends come and visit with us and that will not change.
Change of plans
Last night Lanie stayed with a friend and my nephew Stephen, stayed with us. We got up around 8:00, boy was that nice. We all got ready to go and do some errands. After that we went to the movies with the Robert's and my cousin, Karley and her girls. In between the potty breaks I think I got to see some of The Bee Movie. I don't think that Bennett liked the movie too much because he ended up watching the back of his eyelids.
We made plans to go to the playground on the beach but my car lost power on the way and I had to pull off Hwy 98 to see what happened. Boy I never realized how much I like power steering. Mac(my step-dad) came to follow me home. Him and my uncle Marv took a look at it and are doing a few manly things to it. I was just informed that I have to take it to the ford dealership in the morning. Needless to say we didn't make it to the beach today. We will attempt to go again another day.
We are off to my sisters in a few minutes to have dinner and game night. Her husband is making an awesome chicken spaghetti dish that I absolutely love. (Sorry mom your not here for me to share with you.) Maybe they will have some sinful dessert to go with it.
We made plans to go to the playground on the beach but my car lost power on the way and I had to pull off Hwy 98 to see what happened. Boy I never realized how much I like power steering. Mac(my step-dad) came to follow me home. Him and my uncle Marv took a look at it and are doing a few manly things to it. I was just informed that I have to take it to the ford dealership in the morning. Needless to say we didn't make it to the beach today. We will attempt to go again another day.
We are off to my sisters in a few minutes to have dinner and game night. Her husband is making an awesome chicken spaghetti dish that I absolutely love. (Sorry mom your not here for me to share with you.) Maybe they will have some sinful dessert to go with it.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Encouraging words
I want to thank all of you who leave comments on my posts. I really appreciate the encouraging words that you all have left me. 1st Thessalonians 5:11 says.... Therefore encourage one anther and build each other up, just as in fact as you are doing.
Pictures
This is a picture of Chandler's tooth in a horizontal position. He has been wanting me to pull it for the past week. Just a couple of days ago he wouldn't let me try to pull it out. Last night he wanted me to try again and what do you know.......
success
Here is a picture of the Robert's kids and the McCoy kids enjoying an evening together.
Rhonda and me posing while the kids were playing.
Ned, Rhondas husband cleaning after dinner . Lanie took this picture. She loves to take pictures of everything!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Florida
I didn't post much last night because I was so tired from the drive. We all were up by 6:45 this morning and was on the road again at 7:45. We made it to Florida by 10:15. The kids have been wonderful so far. We drove straight to Cinco Baptist Church, where Aaron and I were members of when we lived in Florida. My nephew Stephen met us there. I saw lots of familiar faces and was warmly welcomed as always. They were all so comforting and concerned about how we all were handling Aaron's death. I was ok at times but during one song that they sang the tears just flowed. It wasn't because of a particular song it was because of one of the women that were up there singing reminded me of the day that Aaron and I dedicated Lanie to the Lord. She sang a song for the dedication and boy was it awesome. (Karen Thank you for being willing to be used by our Lord.) He was so excited to have a baby girl to do all of the things that a Dad would do with her. Just thinking of what she will miss out on by not having her earthly father here makes my heart hurt. He loved her so much and I am going to do my best with expressing that to her everyday.
After church they had their annual Thanksgiving lunch so we stayed and were able to visit with several people. It was neat to see how the kids grow. You don't realize how fast the time goes by until you see someone that you haven't seen in a while.
I know that all of you have been worried about me eating so I would like to let you all know that I ate lunch breakfast and lunch today. In about 15 minutes we will be going to the Roberts to have dinner. I think that I have more of an appetite when someone else has cooked for us. Then I don't have to do anything.
Chandler wants to type so I am going to close for now. Enjoy the rest of the day that God has given you.
We have spent the afternoon with my step-dad Mac and tonight we are going to my friends the Roberts. The kids are ready to go and go. I'm not to sure what I want to do. I know that I want to go to the beach, but I am anticipating it being hard to go there without Aaron. For the last 11 years I have not gone to the beach without him.
After church they had their annual Thanksgiving lunch so we stayed and were able to visit with several people. It was neat to see how the kids grow. You don't realize how fast the time goes by until you see someone that you haven't seen in a while.
I know that all of you have been worried about me eating so I would like to let you all know that I ate lunch breakfast and lunch today. In about 15 minutes we will be going to the Roberts to have dinner. I think that I have more of an appetite when someone else has cooked for us. Then I don't have to do anything.
Chandler wants to type so I am going to close for now. Enjoy the rest of the day that God has given you.
We have spent the afternoon with my step-dad Mac and tonight we are going to my friends the Roberts. The kids are ready to go and go. I'm not to sure what I want to do. I know that I want to go to the beach, but I am anticipating it being hard to go there without Aaron. For the last 11 years I have not gone to the beach without him.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Long drive
After a long drive we have made it part of the way for our Thanksgiving vacation. The kids have been wonderful in the car so far!! I am so happy that I only had to get on to Chandler and Lanie once or twice. We all are really tuckered out so this will be short tonight. You all go to church in the morning and praise God for giving you one more day on his beautiful creation. God bless you all!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Memorial flight 93
Here is a picture of our family in June of 07 at the memorial crash site of flight 93 in PA.
Emotions
It's amazing how your emotions will creep up on you without you even expecting them too. I have finished packing our clothes for our trip and I had one person less to pack for. That really hit me hard this morning. I had to just sit, cry, and smell some of Aaron's clothes this morning that smelled exactly like him. I also have a video of him receiving his step promotion and Bennett and I watched that together. I always cried every time he would share it with some one so I know that this time would be no different. Indeed it was different! I still cried but a little harder. I am just so thankful that we have that video of him.
I spoke to my cousin and my Aunt today to figure out driving times and distances and during each call I ended up crying. My aunt and I spoke of forgiveness and how we need to forgive the girl that make that horrible choice on Oct. 5th that took a son, a husband and a father. I know that I am suppose to do this, so I have, but I know that it is too soon to speak with her. I have had to deal with other serious things in my life and marriage where I had to make a choice to forgive and I did. The decision to forgive was easy, but confronting the person is another story entirely. Luke 6:37 says "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. "
For those of you who didn't know, Aaron was an organ donor. I have received 2 letters in the mail concerning Aaron and the donation. The 1st letter was that they were able to save blood, skin, bones, and with further testing the corneas of his eyes. The 2nd letter that I received stated that yes in fact that Aaron's eyes were good for 2 transplants. A 79 year old man and an 85 year old man received the corneas from Aaron and now their sight is restored. I was also told that they were used here locally. Even through Aaron's death he was helping others.
I spoke to my cousin and my Aunt today to figure out driving times and distances and during each call I ended up crying. My aunt and I spoke of forgiveness and how we need to forgive the girl that make that horrible choice on Oct. 5th that took a son, a husband and a father. I know that I am suppose to do this, so I have, but I know that it is too soon to speak with her. I have had to deal with other serious things in my life and marriage where I had to make a choice to forgive and I did. The decision to forgive was easy, but confronting the person is another story entirely. Luke 6:37 says "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. "
For those of you who didn't know, Aaron was an organ donor. I have received 2 letters in the mail concerning Aaron and the donation. The 1st letter was that they were able to save blood, skin, bones, and with further testing the corneas of his eyes. The 2nd letter that I received stated that yes in fact that Aaron's eyes were good for 2 transplants. A 79 year old man and an 85 year old man received the corneas from Aaron and now their sight is restored. I was also told that they were used here locally. Even through Aaron's death he was helping others.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Busy day
Well, I really didn't feel up to writing anything tonight because the day had been so busy. I took the boys to school, went by advance auto parts, the bank, the pool place and then took the 2 younger kids to school. All that before 9AM. After that I went home to start packing and what ya know, the phone rang off the hook and things popped up left and right that I had to take care of. I am so thankful that I have 2 days a week to do those kind of things without the little ones pulling at my legs. Thanks Central for having a Mom's Day Out program that teaches our children while I am getting a break! It was nice to hear from friends and the encouraging words that they had in between all of the other phone calls. I never mind when someone calls. If I am busy I just let the machine get it and I always listen to it later. Isn't technology nice sometimes.
Jim took care of getting Aaron's ribbon rack fixed for me today. There were a few things left off that we wanted to make sure were right. Aaron would have wanted it done right. He always said.... pay attention to detail and do it right the 1st time even if it takes you a little longer to do it.
I think that today was the 1st night that we were home and no one had to be anywhere. It was good because Samuel and Chandler wanted to help pick out their clothes for our trip. While I was helping Chandler, Samuel was doing his homework and Lanie was cutting and pasting a craft together. Boy, does that girl love the glue and the scissors! She made me a torn down house. She had gotten the idea from when they were tearing down some houses by the church for more parking space. She cut and pasted for about an hour I think.
After I got them all in bed I sat in the living room for a little bit and was just reminiscing of the evenings that Aaron and would spend together after the kids were all tucked in. Usually we would get out the stash. Ya know the cookies ,cake, ice cream and what ever else we could find! I had a root beer float in honor of him tonight! The phone rang a little later and I really didn't want to answer it because my 1st thought was... its not Aaron and it never will be. It was my friend Rhonda from Florida. She could tell that I had been crying so we ended up crying together. There were tears of sadness and tears of Joy. There will be lots of tears for years to come I'm sure!
Jim took care of getting Aaron's ribbon rack fixed for me today. There were a few things left off that we wanted to make sure were right. Aaron would have wanted it done right. He always said.... pay attention to detail and do it right the 1st time even if it takes you a little longer to do it.
I think that today was the 1st night that we were home and no one had to be anywhere. It was good because Samuel and Chandler wanted to help pick out their clothes for our trip. While I was helping Chandler, Samuel was doing his homework and Lanie was cutting and pasting a craft together. Boy, does that girl love the glue and the scissors! She made me a torn down house. She had gotten the idea from when they were tearing down some houses by the church for more parking space. She cut and pasted for about an hour I think.
After I got them all in bed I sat in the living room for a little bit and was just reminiscing of the evenings that Aaron and would spend together after the kids were all tucked in. Usually we would get out the stash. Ya know the cookies ,cake, ice cream and what ever else we could find! I had a root beer float in honor of him tonight! The phone rang a little later and I really didn't want to answer it because my 1st thought was... its not Aaron and it never will be. It was my friend Rhonda from Florida. She could tell that I had been crying so we ended up crying together. There were tears of sadness and tears of Joy. There will be lots of tears for years to come I'm sure!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
One More for Jesus
Lanie and I stayed home today since the little episode in the middle of the night last night. My friend Kristen came and picked Bennett up and took him and Briley to Burger king for lunch and to play. They then went to wal-mart and picked up a few things for the kids to do on the trip. Lanie was asleep this whole time recooperating from what ever she had in the middle of the night.
It was just a normal day for me all day today. I did laundry, picked up the house, did a little cleaning and odd and end things. The day almost felt normal, except that I couldn't just pick up the phone to call and tell my husband that I Love him. Brandy came over and brought me lunch so I had to eat. At 1st I really didn't feel like it but I know that I had to for strength. Thank you Brandy for thinking of me and bringing lunch!
I actually got to lay down for a little bit today before I went to pick the boys up from school. I also picked up a friend of theirs to go to AWANA with us tonight at church. They came home and did their homework and studied together while I heated up some dinner for them.
What an exciting night. The Lord sure is good. I got to witness 2 of my friends professing faith in Jesus Christ this past weekend and this evening, after service, my friend Kristen also accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Personal Savior. She was so excited to tell me and I was so excited for her. I know that it is hard for her to mention but it is because of Aaron's death that they started going to church with me. Kristen, if it meant One more for Jesus then Aaron would not have had it any other way! God Bless you all!!
It was just a normal day for me all day today. I did laundry, picked up the house, did a little cleaning and odd and end things. The day almost felt normal, except that I couldn't just pick up the phone to call and tell my husband that I Love him. Brandy came over and brought me lunch so I had to eat. At 1st I really didn't feel like it but I know that I had to for strength. Thank you Brandy for thinking of me and bringing lunch!
I actually got to lay down for a little bit today before I went to pick the boys up from school. I also picked up a friend of theirs to go to AWANA with us tonight at church. They came home and did their homework and studied together while I heated up some dinner for them.
What an exciting night. The Lord sure is good. I got to witness 2 of my friends professing faith in Jesus Christ this past weekend and this evening, after service, my friend Kristen also accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Personal Savior. She was so excited to tell me and I was so excited for her. I know that it is hard for her to mention but it is because of Aaron's death that they started going to church with me. Kristen, if it meant One more for Jesus then Aaron would not have had it any other way! God Bless you all!!
lanies drawings/bennett playing
These 2 pictures Lanie drewthis morning while I was ont he computer. From left to right are "Samuel, Chandler, Mommy, My special Daddy, Bennett and Me"(Lanie)
Notice the mommy has earings and they all have belly buttons.
Here are just some shots I took of Bennett the other day. 
Late night
I stayed up pretty late last night talking to a friend and working on my blog. I am so glad I did though because at about 1:00 Lanie woke up and said that she needed some medicine. I took her in the kitchen and then the got sick. I am so thankful we were in the kitchen when that happened and not in another area of the house. (a little blessing) That would have been worse to clean up. She seems fine this morning. I'm not sure if she ate something that didn't settle right with her or what but she is just fine today. Please pray that none of the rest of us gets sick. We are trying to see family for the holidays and if we are sick we wouldn't be able to do that!
I have a lot of laundry to do today and I am trying to get my house in order and cleaned before next week. The little kids will just have to help today( yeah right help make more messes). Have a blessed day!
I have a lot of laundry to do today and I am trying to get my house in order and cleaned before next week. The little kids will just have to help today( yeah right help make more messes). Have a blessed day!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Impressions
I received an e-mail today from another military family that Aaron and I had met back in 2005 at a get together(they had a crayfish-boil, I would not have missed it). It was such a blessing to receive that E-mail. You truly don't know the impact that you have on another life unless they share that with you. First impressions do mean everything! I want to encourage you to share with others how you truly feel if you are at all encouraged by them. It will make their day. I wish I could share the e-mail that I received today with you all, not because of what she said but, because of what she said..... and that she did infact share it with me. It was her choice to e-mail me today. She didn't have to do that at all.
Danielle thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings with me. I have shed tears each time I have read what you wrote to me. It reminds me that we are all being watched no matter where we are and what we are doing. We can make a positive or a negative impact on another life just by our 1st impression. I am so blessed that you were touched by our family and that we were the Bible that you saw each time you saw us. I will continue to be that example that Christ wants me to be through the good times and the bad.
Danielle thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings with me. I have shed tears each time I have read what you wrote to me. It reminds me that we are all being watched no matter where we are and what we are doing. We can make a positive or a negative impact on another life just by our 1st impression. I am so blessed that you were touched by our family and that we were the Bible that you saw each time you saw us. I will continue to be that example that Christ wants me to be through the good times and the bad.
Lanie's dance pictures
These are some pictures that I took of Lanie at her dance class on Monday night. She liked doing the ballet but only if she could do it by herself.
Here she is kicking up her legs one at a time.
The bear crawl...she likes this one, Chandler does this at home and does it fast.
forward roll
She also took tap but wouldn't participate. She didn't have any shoes so we went today to get sized and she said that if she had a pair she would do it. We will see!Chandler's allstar game pictures
Chandler is # 22 he is on the far right in the cowboy outfit.
He is on the end here
Playing defence he is always ready!
I think that might be him sacking the quarterback
Not sure where he is n here but it shows howintense and good they are.
Thank you's
Waking up sure is hard to do......Monday I woke up early before anyone else, so I thought, but Aimee, Jim, and their kids had already been up to get ready to leave for the airport. I went to check on them and they had already left the house. She said that she would get on a plane in a minute if I asked her to come back to help. I would love for her to but at some point I have to try and do things on my own. Thanks Aimee for being a wonderful friend. I sure don't know what god's plan is for our family but I know for sure that he has plans for us.
Lanie went to dance class last night. She is taking tap and ballet. She doesn't have the shoes for either one so I am going to try and look for some today. She won't participate in the tap but she told me last night if she had the shoes that she would. However she does participate in the ballet. She even raises her hand so that she can be the next to go. I have a few pictures I will post later. Thanks Julie for extending your friend ship to our family!
Bennett gave me a hard time last night going to bed. I think last night was the worst. I had to lay with him until he fell asleep. Therefore, I fell asleep with him. I woke up at @ 11:00 and just headed straight to bed. (Rhonda sorry about not calling you back, but that was why) I got a very good night sleep. Thank you Rhonda for being my friend and being so understanding.
Samuel woke up this morning after a bad dream. He dreamt that someone pushed Chandler off of a building. After he told me this he went over and told Chandler he loved him. He even told Lanie and Bennett too. Sometimes it is the littlest things in life that make us realize how much we do care about each other.
Lanie didn't want to go to school again this morning so she is here with me. I am going to get dressed and take her myself to see if that will help her. She has been complaining about her stomach hurting in the mornings when she wakes up. I know that she is not sick so I think I might go and make a doctors apt for her for anxiety. She has been doing the same thing no matter where we go so it is not just school. It seems to be when ever I leave her somewhere.
Thanks to all of you who have been praying for her and our family through this difficult time. We are definitely feeling the prayers and strength from our Lord Jesus. Psalm28:7....The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped, my heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. You all have a wonderful and blessed day......remember to always give God thanks for everything, Ephesians 5:20.
Lanie went to dance class last night. She is taking tap and ballet. She doesn't have the shoes for either one so I am going to try and look for some today. She won't participate in the tap but she told me last night if she had the shoes that she would. However she does participate in the ballet. She even raises her hand so that she can be the next to go. I have a few pictures I will post later. Thanks Julie for extending your friend ship to our family!
Bennett gave me a hard time last night going to bed. I think last night was the worst. I had to lay with him until he fell asleep. Therefore, I fell asleep with him. I woke up at @ 11:00 and just headed straight to bed. (Rhonda sorry about not calling you back, but that was why) I got a very good night sleep. Thank you Rhonda for being my friend and being so understanding.
Samuel woke up this morning after a bad dream. He dreamt that someone pushed Chandler off of a building. After he told me this he went over and told Chandler he loved him. He even told Lanie and Bennett too. Sometimes it is the littlest things in life that make us realize how much we do care about each other.
Lanie didn't want to go to school again this morning so she is here with me. I am going to get dressed and take her myself to see if that will help her. She has been complaining about her stomach hurting in the mornings when she wakes up. I know that she is not sick so I think I might go and make a doctors apt for her for anxiety. She has been doing the same thing no matter where we go so it is not just school. It seems to be when ever I leave her somewhere.
Thanks to all of you who have been praying for her and our family through this difficult time. We are definitely feeling the prayers and strength from our Lord Jesus. Psalm28:7....The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped, my heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. You all have a wonderful and blessed day......remember to always give God thanks for everything, Ephesians 5:20.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Super Sunday Blessings
Sunday a day of rest? It sure is suppose to be. Rest is different for everyone I suppose. Our day of rest included Church in the morning and evening, 2 foot ball games and lots of eating. Chandler had one of his football games in the morning at 10:00 AM so needless to say he didn't go to church but the rest of us did, including my friends Aimee and Jim.
Chandlers team did win the early game that morning so they got to play in the all-star championship game at 4:00PM yesterday. The score was 0-0 so they had to go into overtime. The had to do into double overtime and the ended up losing by one touch down. It didn't matter to Chandler he came off the field smiling. Aaron always said that he was a blond.....things like that just don't matter to him, right now. The were titled the runners up for the all-star series. He is already ready to play again next year. He even asked me last week if he could play while he was in Dentist school. (he is my future dentist)
I had been speaking to Aimee earlier this week about the Lord and having him in my life. Yesterday morning I looked at her and she didn't respond so I went up front to pray for her. Laurie Milholland prayed for the kids and I up there with me and I confessed to her that I was up there not for me but for my friend Aimee. I still need the prayers though Laurie!! I went back to my seat and asked Aimee if she wanted Jesus in her life and she said yes so I said lets go. We both went up front and she prayed to receive Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. After everyone was dismissed her husband came over to me and said that he wanted to speak to the Pastor and he also accepted the Lord as his Savior yesterday morning as well. They both were baptized together last night. Baptism doesn't save you is the 1st act of obedience to our Lord and savior. It represents death, burial, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a symbol of us dying to ourselves and being raised in the likeness of Christ.
Here is a devotion that was sent by Stacy to me a couple of days ago......I want to share it with you.......
Sowing in Tears
Psalms 126:5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
Psalm 126 describes an interesting process that goes against our natural tendencies when we are taken into a difficult period in our lives. Whenever we are hurled into a crisis that brings tears, our tendency is to retreat or recoil in fear and hurt. However, there is a better way that God tells us to handle such times of travail.
Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. "He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him" (Ps. 126:5-6). God is telling us that if we will do what is unnatural for us in these circumstances, He will make sure that what we sow in tears will return in joy.
Rather than sit back and allow self-pity and discouragement to consume us, we should plant seed during this time. Reach out to a person who needs a friend. Invest in the life of another. See where you can be a blessing to someone. Give of yourself.
The psalmist acknowledges that we are doing this while we are in our pain. However, during this time we are to sow seed. That seed will return to us in another form. Here is what will happen when we do this. "He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." We will receive joy and fruit from the seed that we plant during this time. Sheaves represent the fruit of a harvest. We will actually get a harvest from this seed.
Sometimes we need others around us to push us through the difficult times. If you find yourself in a difficult place today, see where you can sow some seed. Soon you will be reaping songs of joy. I know I have!
Chandlers team did win the early game that morning so they got to play in the all-star championship game at 4:00PM yesterday. The score was 0-0 so they had to go into overtime. The had to do into double overtime and the ended up losing by one touch down. It didn't matter to Chandler he came off the field smiling. Aaron always said that he was a blond.....things like that just don't matter to him, right now. The were titled the runners up for the all-star series. He is already ready to play again next year. He even asked me last week if he could play while he was in Dentist school. (he is my future dentist)
I had been speaking to Aimee earlier this week about the Lord and having him in my life. Yesterday morning I looked at her and she didn't respond so I went up front to pray for her. Laurie Milholland prayed for the kids and I up there with me and I confessed to her that I was up there not for me but for my friend Aimee. I still need the prayers though Laurie!! I went back to my seat and asked Aimee if she wanted Jesus in her life and she said yes so I said lets go. We both went up front and she prayed to receive Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. After everyone was dismissed her husband came over to me and said that he wanted to speak to the Pastor and he also accepted the Lord as his Savior yesterday morning as well. They both were baptized together last night. Baptism doesn't save you is the 1st act of obedience to our Lord and savior. It represents death, burial, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a symbol of us dying to ourselves and being raised in the likeness of Christ.
Here is a devotion that was sent by Stacy to me a couple of days ago......I want to share it with you.......
Sowing in Tears
Psalms 126:5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
Psalm 126 describes an interesting process that goes against our natural tendencies when we are taken into a difficult period in our lives. Whenever we are hurled into a crisis that brings tears, our tendency is to retreat or recoil in fear and hurt. However, there is a better way that God tells us to handle such times of travail.
Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. "He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him" (Ps. 126:5-6). God is telling us that if we will do what is unnatural for us in these circumstances, He will make sure that what we sow in tears will return in joy.
Rather than sit back and allow self-pity and discouragement to consume us, we should plant seed during this time. Reach out to a person who needs a friend. Invest in the life of another. See where you can be a blessing to someone. Give of yourself.
The psalmist acknowledges that we are doing this while we are in our pain. However, during this time we are to sow seed. That seed will return to us in another form. Here is what will happen when we do this. "He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." We will receive joy and fruit from the seed that we plant during this time. Sheaves represent the fruit of a harvest. We will actually get a harvest from this seed.
Sometimes we need others around us to push us through the difficult times. If you find yourself in a difficult place today, see where you can sow some seed. Soon you will be reaping songs of joy. I know I have!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Another Saturday
Well it was Saturday morning and Lanie was the only child of mine here at home today. We got up around 8:00 and got ready for the day. The people who purchased the travel trailer form me came and took it to their home. It was exciting to know that I had sold it but when they actually cam to take it away I cried. That was the trailer that Aaron and I had been dreaming of. We enjoyed camping so much together. We loved to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and with the trailer it made that so much easier.
Chandler had his 1st all star game today at 2PM but the other team never showed up so they automatically won. They played at 7PM tonight. They played Mike and Shannon's boy Carson's team. The game was intense. The Cowboys ended up winning 14-7. Chandler had some great tackles all by himself. He even slammed Carson once all by himself. Shannon saw it, I didn't that time. He plays again in the morning. We all will be going to church and Chandler will go the game with a friend. If they win in the morning then they will play in the championship game at 4:00. I really hope that they win the morning game because then I will be able to see him play his very last game at 4.
Samuel went to a dinosaur thing today with Beth and Dawson. He said that it was awesome, besides the fictional stuff that they were saying about dinosaurs. While he was with Chase he got to ride a 4-wheeler today all by himself. He was very excited about that too. They have had lots of opportunities to do things lately that they normally would have not been able to do.
Today has been a very emotional day for me. I cried and and teared up quite a bit today. I think it might have to do with the fact that they were honoring Aaron at a Veteran's Day service that was held in his hometown. I really feel distant and not a part of what is going on up there. I try my best to stay in touch but it is so hard for me to do anything. Some days I just feel like giving up. I know that God has a plan and purpose for my life but this just hurts so much and sometimes I just want it all to disappear.
I haven't dreamt much sense Aaron's death, but yesterday I had one of those real dreams. Ya know, the ones where you wake up and realize it's not real. Usually these are bad type of dreams for me but not this one. I wanted to go back to sleep forever because I dreamt that Aaron walked in our bedroom while I was there sleeping.
I'm not sure what to say or how to end this entry tonight, except to leave you with some advice. Give your spouse a big kiss, a hug and tell them how much you love them each and every time that you leave each others presence because you never know if you will see them again in the flesh.
Chandler had his 1st all star game today at 2PM but the other team never showed up so they automatically won. They played at 7PM tonight. They played Mike and Shannon's boy Carson's team. The game was intense. The Cowboys ended up winning 14-7. Chandler had some great tackles all by himself. He even slammed Carson once all by himself. Shannon saw it, I didn't that time. He plays again in the morning. We all will be going to church and Chandler will go the game with a friend. If they win in the morning then they will play in the championship game at 4:00. I really hope that they win the morning game because then I will be able to see him play his very last game at 4.
Samuel went to a dinosaur thing today with Beth and Dawson. He said that it was awesome, besides the fictional stuff that they were saying about dinosaurs. While he was with Chase he got to ride a 4-wheeler today all by himself. He was very excited about that too. They have had lots of opportunities to do things lately that they normally would have not been able to do.
Today has been a very emotional day for me. I cried and and teared up quite a bit today. I think it might have to do with the fact that they were honoring Aaron at a Veteran's Day service that was held in his hometown. I really feel distant and not a part of what is going on up there. I try my best to stay in touch but it is so hard for me to do anything. Some days I just feel like giving up. I know that God has a plan and purpose for my life but this just hurts so much and sometimes I just want it all to disappear.
I haven't dreamt much sense Aaron's death, but yesterday I had one of those real dreams. Ya know, the ones where you wake up and realize it's not real. Usually these are bad type of dreams for me but not this one. I wanted to go back to sleep forever because I dreamt that Aaron walked in our bedroom while I was there sleeping.
I'm not sure what to say or how to end this entry tonight, except to leave you with some advice. Give your spouse a big kiss, a hug and tell them how much you love them each and every time that you leave each others presence because you never know if you will see them again in the flesh.
Friday, November 9, 2007
kids say the funniest things
Today Brother Stephen returned my phone call. When I got off of the phone with him Lanie said, "Who was that?" I told her it was Brother Stephen. She said, "The tractor?" I looked at her and I said, "Do you mean the Pastor?" And she said, " Yes the Pastor." I thought it was so cute and got a good laugh out of that today so, I had to share it with you. She continued on and said " He is the one that sent me a card in the mail for my Birthday." Those kids big or small remember the things that others do for them. Even a simple birthday card.
trials/ tests
Boy oh boy! What a day. Bennett and I went out together this morning to spend some one on one time together. He was kind of fussy because he wanted to go with Lanie and our company to where they were going. I took him to two different banks and then we went to Wal-mart to get Samuel some new school pants because he is yet again growing (funny how kids do that all of a sudden)but we had no success. I was going to take him to McDonalds but we walked past the deli and he wanted their popcorn chicken instead. When we went back out to the car it wouldn't start again, go figure. I am so thankful that I didn't have both of the kids at this point and that Aimee wasn't with me. A gentleman and his wife came over and helped me with giving it a jump, but no success. Aimee had the other car so picked up Bennett and me from Wal-mart. We went home and she took care of finding out what was wrong while Bennett, Lanie and I napped. During my nap several people from the squadron came by with ready made frozen meals, so that I can pop them in the oven when ever I need. Having dinners ready like that are so convenient!
Tonight was parents night out at the church and the kids call it kids night in. My boys love to go there for the evening. They hang out with their friends, play games, and watch movies. Samuel and Bennett got to go tonight, but Lanie stayed home with her girl friends and Chandler had All-star practice to get ready for the tournament this weekend. If any of you want to go he plays at 2 and at 7 at Silvan Hills. While the kids were doing their thing tonight us girls(Aimee, Brandy, Beth and I) went out and had Hibachi. I think that was the most food I have eaten in a week. We had some interesting conversations to say the least. Thanks Brandy!! :) After that we went to the mall and looked around. I found the perfect pair of boots, but of course they don't carry amazon women size(11). That's ok...I guess they weren't meant for me. They closed at 9:00 and we still had an hour before we had to pick up the kids so I got one of those water massages. You lay on your stomach in a machine and it sprays water all up and down your back side. It felt great. Especially from the waist down.
Leah, Aaron's sister wrote this in her blog earlier today.......
My mom and dad are very busy with life’s details since Aaron’s death in addition to carrying on with their mechanical contracting company. My mom has been extremely overwhelmed with caring for her mother “Grandma Charlotte” who is 85. She has not been well since Aaron's accident – her health has continued to decline, she's shown signs of depression and now is suffering from chest pains. She was admitted to the hospital this afternoon. Raegan & I spent the evening with my mom and her there. They’ve placed her in high-level care on a Nitro drip and have diagnosed her with Unstable Angina. They are not saying that she is having a heart attack but her severe symptoms and continued pain give them cause to treat her with extreme care. Hopefully we will have more news in the morning. Please pray for her comfort and God’s direction on the doctors. In addition, I would urge you to pray fervently for my mom. The pain and sadness she is experiencing is devastating and her burdens are tremendous. She has barely had time to cope with this tragedy and rest has been slim. Please, please, please pray for her strength and God’s tender healing.
Tonight was parents night out at the church and the kids call it kids night in. My boys love to go there for the evening. They hang out with their friends, play games, and watch movies. Samuel and Bennett got to go tonight, but Lanie stayed home with her girl friends and Chandler had All-star practice to get ready for the tournament this weekend. If any of you want to go he plays at 2 and at 7 at Silvan Hills. While the kids were doing their thing tonight us girls(Aimee, Brandy, Beth and I) went out and had Hibachi. I think that was the most food I have eaten in a week. We had some interesting conversations to say the least. Thanks Brandy!! :) After that we went to the mall and looked around. I found the perfect pair of boots, but of course they don't carry amazon women size(11). That's ok...I guess they weren't meant for me. They closed at 9:00 and we still had an hour before we had to pick up the kids so I got one of those water massages. You lay on your stomach in a machine and it sprays water all up and down your back side. It felt great. Especially from the waist down.
Leah, Aaron's sister wrote this in her blog earlier today.......
My mom and dad are very busy with life’s details since Aaron’s death in addition to carrying on with their mechanical contracting company. My mom has been extremely overwhelmed with caring for her mother “Grandma Charlotte” who is 85. She has not been well since Aaron's accident – her health has continued to decline, she's shown signs of depression and now is suffering from chest pains. She was admitted to the hospital this afternoon. Raegan & I spent the evening with my mom and her there. They’ve placed her in high-level care on a Nitro drip and have diagnosed her with Unstable Angina. They are not saying that she is having a heart attack but her severe symptoms and continued pain give them cause to treat her with extreme care. Hopefully we will have more news in the morning. Please pray for her comfort and God’s direction on the doctors. In addition, I would urge you to pray fervently for my mom. The pain and sadness she is experiencing is devastating and her burdens are tremendous. She has barely had time to cope with this tragedy and rest has been slim. Please, please, please pray for her strength and God’s tender healing.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Car trouble x2
Wow! I am sure glad that God has a plan for our lives and that he is watching over us every step of the way. My friend Aimee(she and her family are here visiting from NJ) and I got the kids ready this morning to go run a couple of errands and the car wouldn't start. I thought it might have been the battery so she called her husband and had him come over while we were gone to check it out. Yes, I was right, it was the battery, or should I say both of the batteries. Aaron did teach me a thing or 2 about cars so I knew that it was a battery problem.
Lanie did not want to go to school again today but she went anyways. When she got there she cried because Mrs. Kristin wasn't there. Once she arrived Lanie settled down and was fine for the rest of the day. I got a call from the school saying that Bennett was complaining about his tummy, but we figured out what was wrong tonight. Needless to say he had to sit on the potty for quite a while this evening.
Kristen, Amiee, Lanie and I went to a jewelry party at Stacy's house. We had a good time purchasing Christmas gifts and even a little something for ourselves. I took Kristen home and after leaving her house I got pulled over by a military police officer. I was going 25 in a 20 so I got stopped. I held it together while waiting for him to come to the car to get my licence, insurance and registration. After he left and took the info with him I couldn't hold it together any longer. Aimee was with me so she encouraged me that it was going to be ok. The gentleman came back and handed me my info and said that I was free to go. No ticket? No, no ticket. Maybe he realized who I was and had pity on me because of what I have gone through lately, or maybe he just decided to give me a warning, but better yet it was probably my God looking out for me and allowing me to realize that he really is there to take care of me! Jeremiah 29:11
After getting everyone to bed tonight Aimee and I had an awesome conversation about accepting Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior. We went through the ABC's of becoming a Christian. Admit you are a sinner(that you have sinned). Romans 3:23. Believe that the Lord came to this earth as a human and died for you. I Corinthians 15:3-4 and Commit (turn)your life to Him as Savior and Lord. Romans 10:9-10
Please continue to pray and ask the Lord to bless many through Aaron's death. Romans 8:28
Lanie did not want to go to school again today but she went anyways. When she got there she cried because Mrs. Kristin wasn't there. Once she arrived Lanie settled down and was fine for the rest of the day. I got a call from the school saying that Bennett was complaining about his tummy, but we figured out what was wrong tonight. Needless to say he had to sit on the potty for quite a while this evening.
Kristen, Amiee, Lanie and I went to a jewelry party at Stacy's house. We had a good time purchasing Christmas gifts and even a little something for ourselves. I took Kristen home and after leaving her house I got pulled over by a military police officer. I was going 25 in a 20 so I got stopped. I held it together while waiting for him to come to the car to get my licence, insurance and registration. After he left and took the info with him I couldn't hold it together any longer. Aimee was with me so she encouraged me that it was going to be ok. The gentleman came back and handed me my info and said that I was free to go. No ticket? No, no ticket. Maybe he realized who I was and had pity on me because of what I have gone through lately, or maybe he just decided to give me a warning, but better yet it was probably my God looking out for me and allowing me to realize that he really is there to take care of me! Jeremiah 29:11
After getting everyone to bed tonight Aimee and I had an awesome conversation about accepting Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior. We went through the ABC's of becoming a Christian. Admit you are a sinner(that you have sinned). Romans 3:23. Believe that the Lord came to this earth as a human and died for you. I Corinthians 15:3-4 and Commit (turn)your life to Him as Savior and Lord. Romans 10:9-10
Please continue to pray and ask the Lord to bless many through Aaron's death. Romans 8:28
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Friends
Boy, What a morning. My plans were to go get some boots with Kristen. When I called her she said she couldn't go. So I went on to walmart and just looked around for some Christmas ideas for the kids. After picking up a card I went outside to find that I had locked my keys in the car. When I realized that I had done that I ended up crying because I realized that I couldn't just call Aaron to fix my mistake. I stood in the parking lot crying trying to figure out what to do. I had to get myself together and make a decision. I called Kristen and she reminded me that the police dept. here will come and unlock it for me. So that is what I did. The police showed up and so did my friend. I thought about just going home but she wouldn't let me. We went to some shoe stores and Burlington and had some retail therapy this morning.
My friends Aimee and Jim came into town today from New Jersey to come and visit. They brought their 2 girls with them so you know that Lanie is going to have fun these next few days. They have already been such a blessing and a help with the kids and the normal everyday stuff around the house. We all went to church tonight together. John delivered the faith message.
What a blessing friends are to have. I want to encourage you to be involed and to befriend any one that you can. Even if they are in the military. Just think, if they end up moving you will have a new place to go and visit.
My friends Aimee and Jim came into town today from New Jersey to come and visit. They brought their 2 girls with them so you know that Lanie is going to have fun these next few days. They have already been such a blessing and a help with the kids and the normal everyday stuff around the house. We all went to church tonight together. John delivered the faith message.
What a blessing friends are to have. I want to encourage you to be involed and to befriend any one that you can. Even if they are in the military. Just think, if they end up moving you will have a new place to go and visit.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Questions/Prayers answered
All of the kids were in school today so I set up an appointment to meet with a financial planner. I was there for 3 hours but boy did I learn a thing or 2 about finances and retirement. My advisor is wonderful he not only answered my questions but suggested things that I wouldn't have thought of on my own. I suggest to everyone out there to meet with a financial advisor to help you get setup for the future.
I also got some help today from a friend/lawyer with some questions that I had about the accident. He was going to make some calls and find if anything had been happening regarding Aaron's accident. Thirty minutes later I received a phone call from a gentleman who witnessed the accident and had called 911. I just was on the phone telling my friend/lawyer that I didn't know how to get a hold of Larry( the guy that called 911). It was not by chance that he called. The Lord knew to have him call right then. He proceeded to tell me that he had been in touch with the prosecuting attorney and that in fact they are going to charge the girl that ran the stop sign with something.( I don't want to post what kind of charge on here so if you want to know you will have to e-mail me) Larry offered to help us out in any way even though he does not know us personally. He offered for the boys to go hunting on his land with a responsible adult that I know and he offered his cabin for all of us to go to for a weekend to get away if we would like. I might have to just take him up on that offer sometime.
Thank you to those of you have been praying for my daughter Lanie. She did very well in school today. They said that she only cried once and then sucked it up so that she could go to Mrs. Julie's office at the end of the day for stickers. She was so excited to go to school today so that was a huge blessing.
Bennett and Lanie stayed with a friend tonight while I took the boys to their championship games. Chandler's team(the Cowboys) played 1st. They won 20-0. Then it was Samuel's (the Steelers) turn. Honestly I didn't think that they would do very good at all. They played the same team that they got beat by like 20 points (I think it might have even been 30). Those boys played like they knew what they were doing tonight. The won 19-0!!! I was so proud of him and his Dad would have been to. Not because they won, but because of how much effort Samuel gave to playing tonight. I will send pictures tomorrow. God bless you all!
I also got some help today from a friend/lawyer with some questions that I had about the accident. He was going to make some calls and find if anything had been happening regarding Aaron's accident. Thirty minutes later I received a phone call from a gentleman who witnessed the accident and had called 911. I just was on the phone telling my friend/lawyer that I didn't know how to get a hold of Larry( the guy that called 911). It was not by chance that he called. The Lord knew to have him call right then. He proceeded to tell me that he had been in touch with the prosecuting attorney and that in fact they are going to charge the girl that ran the stop sign with something.( I don't want to post what kind of charge on here so if you want to know you will have to e-mail me) Larry offered to help us out in any way even though he does not know us personally. He offered for the boys to go hunting on his land with a responsible adult that I know and he offered his cabin for all of us to go to for a weekend to get away if we would like. I might have to just take him up on that offer sometime.
Thank you to those of you have been praying for my daughter Lanie. She did very well in school today. They said that she only cried once and then sucked it up so that she could go to Mrs. Julie's office at the end of the day for stickers. She was so excited to go to school today so that was a huge blessing.
Bennett and Lanie stayed with a friend tonight while I took the boys to their championship games. Chandler's team(the Cowboys) played 1st. They won 20-0. Then it was Samuel's (the Steelers) turn. Honestly I didn't think that they would do very good at all. They played the same team that they got beat by like 20 points (I think it might have even been 30). Those boys played like they knew what they were doing tonight. The won 19-0!!! I was so proud of him and his Dad would have been to. Not because they won, but because of how much effort Samuel gave to playing tonight. I will send pictures tomorrow. God bless you all!
Monday, November 5, 2007
One Month Later
Today has been a very busy and productive day. I guess everyone was trying to keep me busy so that I wouldn't dwell upon the date of today. I went to the Gym, cleaned the kitchen with Kristen(thanks Kristen ! It wouldn't have gotten done without you), emptied out the travel trailer with the help of the commander and his wife Michelle, did almost all of the laundry(with the help of Carol), and went to football practice. But nothing could keep me so busy that I wouldn't remember that one month ago the love of my life went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Aaron meant the world to me. He was my best friend, my confidant, my encourager, and the father of my children. Sometimes it is hard to believe that I will never be able to talk to him or hold him again while I am here on earth. I know that I will see him again one day in heaven but right now we(the kids included) want him. He was not perfect. None of us are. He was the one that the Lord blessed me to have for 11 years. He taught me so much. We did more in our 11 years together than most couples do in their lifetime. It is terribly hard to fathom that he is not going to ever walk through the door again.
I know that the Lord is helping me through this tragedy and will never leave me nor forsake me. Deuteronomy 31:6. The human side of me wants what I can't have and what no one else can give to me, which is Aaron.
Aaron meant the world to me. He was my best friend, my confidant, my encourager, and the father of my children. Sometimes it is hard to believe that I will never be able to talk to him or hold him again while I am here on earth. I know that I will see him again one day in heaven but right now we(the kids included) want him. He was not perfect. None of us are. He was the one that the Lord blessed me to have for 11 years. He taught me so much. We did more in our 11 years together than most couples do in their lifetime. It is terribly hard to fathom that he is not going to ever walk through the door again.
I know that the Lord is helping me through this tragedy and will never leave me nor forsake me. Deuteronomy 31:6. The human side of me wants what I can't have and what no one else can give to me, which is Aaron.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Sunday Morning Blessings
Well it was the Sunday Morning get up and get ready for church day. What a blessing it was to be refreshed with that extra hour of sleep that we all got. Each one of my children(excluding Samuel becasue he was at the Gassaways house) were in a wonderful mood. Aren't they all on Sundays ;). I'm not kidding they were in a great mood this morning and they all got ready without me even getting on to them. Lanie was ready 1st and she didn't even give me a fit about what she was going to wear. I was getting Bennett's shoes on and he said the sweetest thing to me. Bennett said, "Mommy you look like a princess". For those of you who don't know who Bennett is he is my 2 year old son. I about cried because Aaron always told me how nice I looked every morning before we would go to church.
Church was great this morning. He spoke of the evidence of a believer. You can go to my favorite links and listen to the sermon right from the Central Baptist Church site. The evening service was equally good. I have been doing great at church. I know that the Lord is right there holding me and getting me through. We had a business meeting tonight and there is a section in the agenda about church membership and Aaron's name was listed on there to be removed because of his death. When I saw that I lost it. It was hard seeing his name on that piece of paper in that section. I had to remind myself of Romans 8:28---All things work together for good, for those who love God, and who are called according to his purpose.
All things are not good but all things work together for good for those who love God, and who are called according to his purpose.
I had a visit from my family liaison(Sgt Graves) and his wife Karen today. They brought us dinner, and it was good. We had a Taco ring, Chili and strawberry shortcake. Anything that is like a taco they love. Dinners being made and brought to us have been a great blessing. I really don't feel like cooking so having the dinners have been wonderful. Thank you so much for doing this for us.
Church was great this morning. He spoke of the evidence of a believer. You can go to my favorite links and listen to the sermon right from the Central Baptist Church site. The evening service was equally good. I have been doing great at church. I know that the Lord is right there holding me and getting me through. We had a business meeting tonight and there is a section in the agenda about church membership and Aaron's name was listed on there to be removed because of his death. When I saw that I lost it. It was hard seeing his name on that piece of paper in that section. I had to remind myself of Romans 8:28---All things work together for good, for those who love God, and who are called according to his purpose.
All things are not good but all things work together for good for those who love God, and who are called according to his purpose.
I had a visit from my family liaison(Sgt Graves) and his wife Karen today. They brought us dinner, and it was good. We had a Taco ring, Chili and strawberry shortcake. Anything that is like a taco they love. Dinners being made and brought to us have been a great blessing. I really don't feel like cooking so having the dinners have been wonderful. Thank you so much for doing this for us.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Fall Festival 2007
Each year our church hosts a Fall Festival. It is an alternative to Halloween. We go and let the kids dress up. They love dressing up no mater waht day it is. Chandler wanted to wear his Daddy's flight suit.
Everyone but Bennett wanted to have their picture taken
The 3 of them befor we left the house. As you see the kitties ears only made it for the 1st hour of the evening.
Bennett didn't want to sit for the last picture either.
Mommy and the youngest, Bennett.
Lanie and Bennett pictures
Lanie and Bennett posing for a picture together.
Bennett with his "biju" (motorcycle)
Lanie all dressed up with her Bling-Bling on.
Bennett the mini football player. He can't wait to go to practice with the boys. He sometimes even goes out there and warms up with them.
Awww aren't they sweet!
Championship game pictures
Chandler # 22 He is always on the line ready and waiting in this stance
Im' not sure if he is playing offence or defence here. He plays both sides of the ball.
Getting a pep talk at halftime
All of the Cowboy fans....Chandlers fans!
They won the Championship game. Way to go Chandler!!
Im' not sure if he is playing offence or defence here. He plays both sides of the ball.
Getting a pep talk at halftime
All of the Cowboy fans....Chandlers fans!
They won the Championship game. Way to go Chandler!!
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