FINALS!!

Now I truly know what all of the fuss is about when college students say that they have finals and are stressed out! As most of you reading this already know, I started back in college this past semester. I have started off slow with 2 classes and it has been so much fun. Tonight is my first final. Yesterday, I spent most of the day studying and I didn't sleep much last night. When Jeff asked me why I went to the couch last night, I told him that I couldn't sleep because I kept working math problems in my head. I asked him if he ever had that problem and he said no and just kind of looked at me like I am a freak:)

When life drives you to your knees pray there...

Let me start by saying that I don't even begin to think that my life is terrible by any means. I know that there are so many people in our world that are hurting so much worse than I can even imagine, but life has just been overwhelming for me lately. There have been so many stressful issues going on--Radlee sick and at the emergency room last week, our van is messed up right now, and the biggest stress of all right now is MONEY--or lack of I guess I could say.

I am not sure why things have been so tight for us lately. Just the word "tight" has taken on a whole new meaning in our house! I asked Jeff this past weekend just what he thought God is trying to teach us through this, and his response was I don't know, but I am ready for class to be over. The truth is that class is never over because our Lord loves us and disciplines those He loves!!!

Here is what I don't know---
Will I ever really get it--I hope I will someday, but I have proved time and time again that the minute things get a little easier for us financially I quit relying as much on God to meet our needs.
Here is what I do know---
1. We have given more money to church in the past 2 weeks than we have in the past 6 months--kind of interesting--when times are hard I am the most obdient to God's word.
2. I have spent more time talking to God in the past 2 weeks than I have in the past 6 months--kind of interesting--when times are hard I spend the most time talking to God.
3. I have truly seen God providing our needs through ways that I didn't see before--also interesting that I am open to see God when times are hard.

Today I was cleaning my mom's house for some extra money. It was just another way that God opened a door to provide financial help. While I was on my knees cleaning her bathtub, I was praying and praising God for once again providing our needs. So, what is the great lesson in all of this??? I don't know, but when Life is Good I want to Praise HIM and when Life is Hard I still want to Praise HIM!

What is really important????

I am at a loss of words to express my feelings about the loss of a girl in our youth group yesterday. Rachel was a sixth grade student who died yesterday from cancer. I never had the chance to meet her, but she still has touched our lives. I can't imagine what her mother is going through.

Last night, Brittany asked me to take her to a play tonight. My first thought was no--I really just want to spend my Saturday night at home relaxing. Then I thought to myself I bet Rachel's mother just wished she had the chance today to take Rachel to a play. Why does it take someone losing their life for me to get it??? Why am I continually so selfish that watching tv is more important sometimes than spending time with my children??? I didn't know Rachel, but she will live on even in our home as a constant reminder of what is really important in this life hear on earth.

Maddie's turning 5 years old!!!

We spent today celebrating Maddie's Birthday. Her birthday is actually tomorrow --on EASTER!!! This year we had a more laid back party, but I think she will still always remember this birthday as a special one. Atleast I hope she does.

l

Mimi and Grandaddy came over this morning to help Jeff finish up this "clubhouse" he has been working off and on for a few weeks. They stayed over all day and had lunch with us. The kids spent most of the day outside in the freezing weather. Maddie couldn't wait until her clubhouse was finished.

Then we went to the "Mexican karoke restaurant" for dinner and cake. Mimi,Grandaddy, Nana, Steve, Michael, Ashley, Meia, and Stacy all came. The Taylors also ended up being there, so Brittany and Natalie got up and sang Happy Birthday to Maddie!!! It was not the usual crazy crowded Birthday party--but, I think because it wasn't as hectic as usual that made it all the more special!!!!!

WE FLY HIGH!!!

ONE CRAZY FAMILY

Weird or just fun???? Sometimes our family gets in these crazy moods. On this particular night we all decided to see if we could take pictures and make it look like we were flying. Grandaddy even decided to take a shot at it!!!!:-):-)

Facing the Giants

A few days ago I sat down and watched this movie. I was blown away!!! This movie completely spoke to my heart. It made me realize that our purpose here on earth is far greater that I sometimes realize!!!! We all have giants in our lives--debt, relationships,loses, illness--sometimes I am even overwhelmed facing the giants in my own life. This is one movie that you have got to see!!!

* Warning--have the tissue ready-- I spent the most part of the movie crying--Maddie even asked me to turn the movie off because I was making her nervous:-)

* This movie does seem to be a bit low budget---but just pay attention to its message not the acting!!!

Rugby, TN---A Lovely Corner of God's Earth!!!!

This weekend Jeff and I took a much needed little trip to one of our favorite weekend get aways, The Newberry Bed and Breakfast in Rugby, TN. It is impossible to deny our creator in a beautiful place like Rugby.

A Brief Description of Rugby, TN--- Rugby is a tiny historic town founded in the late 1800's by a British man named Thomas Hughes. The Newberry B&B was the first boarding house in Rugby established in 1880.

Things to do in or around Rugby--

1. Visit the Highland Manor Winery--a good place to sample wine and yummy cheese.

2. There are a lot of hiking trails and I believe some places not too far from there to go horseback riding. We hiked down to the Gentlemans swimming hole-- Jeff actually got in, but quickly got out after he saw a crawdad:)--by the way he was screaming I thought there was a big poisonous snake swimming by him!!

3. Take a tour of some of the original Victorian style buildings--schoolhouse, library, and church. We also attended the Episcopal church on Sunday morning. The have had services there continuously since 1880--kind of interesting, but made me have a new appreciation for fbc's music!!

4. Eat at the Harrow Road Cafe--they feature some interesting British dishes and homestyle cooking.

Thats about it! There is not much to do there other than relax, enjoy nature, and reconnect to one another.