Kids Camp

The children at our children (ages K-2nd grade) went to Kids Camp yesterday at The Oaks Retreat Center in Greeneville http://www.oaksretreat.com/ . I had planned on going to help Jeralyn with everything and Ralph was going to keep the kids. Ralph decided he had nothing to do that day so we would all four just go along for the day. I was a little apprehensive to see how Carter would do all day long- but I was surprised! He was great- he sat in his stroller and watched as the kids went to different activities. I couldn't have been prouder of him. But more than him was the fun that Chloe had. After the kids would complete an activity the camp staff would let her and Jacob do it. They had so much fun and did all the things so well- like they were "big" kids for the day!! I was especially surprised when she decided that she was going to do the zip line. She got all "harnassed up" and went right up that ladder- by the way the ladder was at least 100 feet off the ground (mom was about to die!). Then she stepped right up on the platform, got ready and off down the zipline she went. She has NO fear of anything. She loved it-I was so proud of her little brave spirit.

We were talking later that night and decided that she was not scared b/c we told her it was ok and she trusts us. She knows we would not do anything to hurt her and she didn't have any thoughts of getting hurt- Mom and Dad said it was ok for her to go and that's all she needed to know. We decided that was a perfect example of why Jesus said for us to come as little children- because like Chloe we need to have a faith in our God that we do not question- the Lord tells us He will save us, He tells us he will be there for us no matter what, He tells us he will love us through everything, and we are to just believe that- because He said so- nothing more!!

We also had a fun Friday night. We went out to dinner with some friends to the Chop House and then we went bowling. We had soo much fun bowling!! We had a little competition going between the guys and the girls. Well we won't talk about who won, but let me tell you that Mrs. Jeralyn is quite the bowler (you too Brandy- didn't mean to leave you out!!). We decided that we were going to make bowling t-shirts and continue this tradition. Thanks to my wondeful mother-in-law for watching the kids. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Anniversay

Well today Ralph and I celebrate our 9th anniversary. It is hard to believe that we have been married 9 years. I have no wedding pictures to share, or even any pictures from when we were young and sooo in love (ha ha)- no digital camera back then. I can tell you that we were skinnier and much less tired. Wow what in the world did we have to be tired about back then??? But I hope he knows how much I love him- he is the best husband I could ever ask for and the best father!! He is the spiritual leader in our home and he loves the Lord and he shows that and teaches that love to our children and because of that he will always be my HERO!! By the way I got a sweet card and a strawberry pie- he was so proud of his gift. Poor guy needs some gift buying help!

Thought you'd enjoy some pictures of the kids eating corn on the cob tonight. This is Carter's first time eating it. He sat there forever eating that- we decided we would take some with us to restaurants because it sure did keep him busy!

Carter got his first oreo this week- Can you tell that he had fun??
Chloe is so excited that her hair is long enough to wear it in pig-tails now.

Home???

Well we are moving! I know I have said this a few times before, but unless an inspection fails than we should be moving next week. What an ordeal this has been and I have no desire to do this again (maybe ever)! We bought a home in Colonial Heights. I didn't think we'd end up there, because we have been only looking in the Indian Springs area, but I suppose God has had other plans. The people we are buying from are buying some friends of ours home- whom has been needing to sell their home b/c they bought another home last year and are needing out of two house payments (what a small world!) - so God answered 2 prayers. Imagine that- our Mighty God taking care of so many needs all at once!
We are so ready to have all this behind us and get on with "normal" life- well I can't say our life is exactly normal, but as close to it as we can get.
For those of you who may not know this sell/buy was to meet the need of me quiting my teaching job to follow my heart into ministry and staying home with the kids. Although some days in the midst of grouchy kids and dirty diapers I am thinking "What Was I Thinking???"
But thanks to my wonderful husband he has sacrificed and allowed me to do this and for that kinda love I thank him!! He LOVES our home and this is hardest on him. So I thank him!
Well maybe I will have some pictures next time. Have a good day!

Today....

Well the "letter" we have been waiting weeks and weeks for finally came yesterday. So we should close on Monday. I can't hardly believe this. But we have no where to go- so we are stressed!! We don't have to be out until the middle of July- since we have no house to go to. I have looked and looked and can't seem to find anything that I like. Please pray that we soon find where we are supposed to be- sooner rather than later!!

On another note- we had decided to keep Chloe home this summer from preschool and now I am thinking - what was I thinking???!!! She is getting bored b/c we can't do the things she likes to do b/c Carter is just not at the age yet to do anything! So hopefully we can survive and she can have fun in the midst. She is getting to swim in Jacob's Grandma's pool with them a few times a week- Brandy has been kind enough to let Chloe come with them and Cyrena has taken her to the library with them-so she has enjoyed that. We always meet up with them later but Carter just can't last as long as she can!! Maybe next summer our "little man" will like the water!!

Have a good day!

Another Closing Day Went By!!

Well here we sit on another Monday and we once again watched another "closing day" go by. We lost the house we were supposed to buy- they had only given us until today to close and of course we are still waiting on some letter from the government for the "military man." I believe that I better never meet this man becuase I am afraid I would not be very nice.
So we have signed with the people buying my house until June 24th. We told them though that we needed until July 8th to move b/c we have NO WHERE to go.
I am beginning to wonder if we have misunderstood the Lord's plan for our lives. I am very bummed and Ralph is very grouchy (ha)!!! Please keep us in your prayers as we look for the house that we are supposed to live in- no raise our kids in.
I am hoping that when we look back on all this we will see the fingerprints of God in all this and understand why we have gone through this.
Well have a great day and we will continue house hunting!!

Preschool Program

Chloe had her Preschool End of the Year Program last week. She had lots of fun. There was a guy there that did magic tricks- which the kids loved. We are taking the summer off from preschool- so Chloe will miss all her friends (she's already asked about them). But we will start back in the fall. Hard to believe only one more year until Kindergarten.

Memorial Day- A Little Late!!

Emma
Brock- Carter's Buddy
Luke and Chloe are just a few days apart!
They loved playing on their playset
The girls being silly- Gracie, Chloe and Maddie

Carter's first time in the sprinkler!

We had a great time this Memorial Day. We went to Maryville to see all of Ralph's college roomates and their families. We all have kids the same ages- so we had a fun day grilling out and just letting the kids play. All 5 of these couples dated in college and now are all married- it is fun to be with these people because we have been there through all the college years together, many crazy trips together, all the engagements, we have been in all of each other's weddings, and have been on the recieving end of the phone when one is pregnant or a baby was just born. So these are some very special friends to Ralph and I and no matter how far apart we live it is always like there was no time lapse when we see each other again. Hope you enjoyed the pictures...

Making Up For Lost Time...

Chloe and JacobBrandy and I in our "crazy hats"

Chloe's T-Ball Team- the Pink Panthers!!

Chloe at VBS last night

Well it has been kinda crazy around here. We have been consumed with trying to get this crazy house sold and closed. It is a LONG story, but we are hoping that this will take place on Monday (just 3 weeks late-ha). There is a piece of paper that the guy buying the house of the people buying our house needs in order to close so that is what we have been waiting all this time on- did you follow all that??

Oh well I have learned much from this experience- patience, how to live with a house that is a mess and to just be thankful for the house I have. Yesterday I had the chance to visit the TN Baptist Children's Home here in town and I had spent the day moaning and crying over this house situation and as I sat there yesterday the Lord spoke to me and reminded me that I have a great home to live in and these children don't even have a place to call "home." What a humbling expereince and I am thenkful to have learned that lesson.

In the middle of all this we have been playing t-ball- Chloe has really loved playing (which I was surprised). They are very cute to watch as they all chase for the ball at the same time!!! But she is having fun and has made some new friends and that is what is all about at this age- fun!!

We have also started VBS this week. We have had a great time. LOTS of kid and some great teachers!! I am so impressed with the number of people that have volunteered to help this week. The kids have had a great time- it is a beach theme this year and they have had some wonderful outfits!!

I have some great Memorial Day pictures- I know I am late, but I will try to post today!!

Christy