I so enjoy morning time. Not the getting up early part, but the sweetness of the morning. The kids have such bright faces and they seem to love each other so much (They haven't started arguing or aggravating one another). They are kind and caring. Jeremiah always kisses his brother and sister good-bye and says "I love you." Elijah and Emily reply back with love and "we will miss you." The cutest part is when Emily is loving on her dad and doesn't want him to go bye-bye. I took a picture the other morning of my crew !!!! I am sure proud to be the mama to this group.

This week is all about Elijah. Two weeks early by C-Section, red hair, and a nursing nightmare. We slept in the recliner for the first nine months because of his breathing issues. I remember praying to God to heal him, because I was so fearful of having one child, who could climb a mountain (Jeremiah) and another child who couldn't even run outside. God answered my prayer and Elijah grew out of all his medical issues. He is my JOY (represented by the sun on my tattoo). He has a million different smiles. There is one for laughing, playing jokes, telling his creative stories, His I love you one, embarrassed one, and so many more. His imagination and brave spirit are his special gifts. He can tell a story that lasts forever and never misses a beat. He has amazing prayers and at 4 3/4 He worries about children that don't have a mom or dad. He prays for them to have beds and He just humbles me on a daily basis. Now with the red hair comes a stomp and a temper that will rock your world (Ex. stitches twice and a whole in the wall). He is definitely a strong willed child, but I have no doubt it will serve him well one day when He fights battles for the Lord. He is my precious 2nd child with whom my heart will forever be!!!

We are currently going on 45 minutes in our room. Emily was put in time-out in her room for 5 minutes for spitting in the car. While she was in her room she proceeded to dump out all her dolls and mess up her bed. I went back to let her out of time out and told her she would have to clean up her mess before she came out. She said "No" and is therefore still in her room. She is crying and calling out "mommy, I get out" but I am not going to cave in. We are at the 47 minute mark and boy is she stubborn. There is an angel in there somewhere. I could use some Valentine's Chocolate right about now. Pray I can stay strong !!!

I guess the downside to being a popular teacher is that we get TPed about once a year. Scott says he will find out today who did it because if there is one thing teenagers can't do it is keep a secret. The kids had a blast cleaning it all up and I don't think they even realized they were working. Oh and can I just say - I am ready for warm weather. I am over the cold and want to wear flip flops and t-shirts. Have a great day all.

Organizing Pole Results (1)Invest in rubbermaid tubes or baskets (2) Purge toys and clothes as often as you can (3) Train children to pick up each night (4) Turn all hangers in your closet around one way - as you wear something then turn hanger in opposite direction - at the end of 6 months if you haven't turned the hanger around then it is time to get rid of it.

Since, I don't have any old photos on my computer, I thought for the next few Fridays I would post some of my favorite people in the world and brag on them a little bit. So here goes... This is Jeremiah, my oldest son. He will be 9 on March 20th. I will never forget giving birth to this precious child, who did not want to come out of the womb. One week late and an emergency C-section brought this little man, who completely stole my heart and changed my life. He was the easiest baby on earth. Completely on a schedule, sleeping all night starting at 5 weeks, noise didn't bother him, ate well, and never cried. I thought I was the perfect mother (stay tuned next week, when God shows me who is in control - AKA - birth of Elijah). Back to Jeremiah, He has an amazing heart and is such a great friend. I am proud of who he is and know God will do big things in his life. Now time for the bragging - Jeremiah is the most skilled basketball player at his age I have ever seen. He shot and made 4-3 pointers last week, at least 12 rebounds, 4 steals, and about 20 pts. in all. He loves basketball and works so hard to be good. He loves spending that time with his dad and I have to say when your dad is a coach, you would think there would be pressure, but Scott is super calm with him and just wants him to have fun. Have a great Friday my friends !!!

What an exhausting past week emotionally with the COP list request. I think I failed miserably as a mom during that time. I was so anxious, short tempered, and unavailable, but in the midst of it my kids never missed a beat. They gave me hugs, kisses, and "I love You, Mom." My lesson learned is that in the trials of following Christ's Plan for our life (Example- COP List, we can't be so focused that we miss His blessings along the way. Things I overlooked that I now see. 1) Jeremiah wrote on his brand new basketball shoes, but He wrote scripture 2)Elijah completely destroyed his room with clothes everywhere, but He dressed himself all week with no help 3)Emily got into my make-up and made a mess, but when I got on to her ... she simply said, "But you tell me to share." So I guess it is all in how you want to look at things. I am going to look at the blessings of my messy house, dirty dishes, screaming kids, and say "Thank You Lord."

P.S. still waiting on everyone to weigh in on the Home Organization Email I sent out. That is my next post.

We had a snow day and I watched from a safe distance as the kids and our newest addition Sarah has a fabulous time. The were extremely bundled up and as each layer go wet, they would peel it off and last another 10 minutes. We don't really have snow clothes here since we get such little snow, but we made due. It was a very relaxing day except for all the praying and deciding on the COP list from Bethany. We have decided on three girls, so let's all just pray that these precious hidden treasures will find their way to forever homes.

My best friend Carlee (which my travel group met since she travelled to China with me) has a handsome warrior named Cade who was born March 31, 2006. He was born with a Venous Malformation on his eyelid. He has already had surgery, numerous steroid shots in the eye, MRIs, CAT scans and more. Carlee and Chris will be travelling to NY this weekend to see a specialist. What Cade has is very rare and we are praying that this doctor will be able to give them a road map for what Cade's condition will be. They patch his strong eye several times a day to stregthen the other one. As of now all we know is that it is a reoccuring condition. He has surgery and then it grows back. The obvious concern is for his vision in that eye. It has been a long road for them and Cade has been a champion the whole time. Please pray with me as they travel that God will give them peace and answers. Carlee has been my best friend for over nine years and she is like my sister (as most of you know we can fight like sisters) and watching her mother Cade, it is obvious why God has placed him in their family. So please send blessings their way this weekend !!!!