All About The Henderson's

Eleven From 0'Eleven

2012-01-10T13:49:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd pick out 11 things
from 2011 that stuck out to me
- good, bad or indifferent.
Here are mine in no particular order.
What's yours?

1. Youth Convention in Tallahassee. Dance Party in the foyer. Hotel desks at midnight with Cynthia demanding a room that was previously booked. Peer pressure to pass vehicles on back roads. Lunch with the Corey Evan band. Sanctuary floor bouncing and swaying. Fire pits and rapping in the parking lot. Compelled By Love.

2. Pastors Wives Retreat in Nashville. Spending quality time with some ladies I love. Meeting other ladies I never dreamed I'd be chatting with. Hugs from Lori, Brandi & Jess. Sharing dolphin feeding stories from St Andrews State Park with Lisa Young. Crashing in a room with Steph & Liz. Feeling like dying during Mission Impossible. Leaving my babies with my husband. Flying alone for the first time ever. Created bonds that I believe will last a lifetime. Knowing as a Pastors Wife I am not alone.

3. Launching of Show Some Love. My husband has a heart for community, plain and simple. What better way to reach our community than by showing love through selfless acts of kindness. He launched a one-week-event God laid on his heart that we will hopefully continue until our bodies won't allow. Kitchen table creative meetings. Painting parking lots of businesses. Bagging lunches for the homeless. Pregnancy Resource Center window washing. School campus lawn cleanup. Rescue Mission lunches. Blitzing neighborhoods. Thank you cards to teachers. Tallying hours: 850.

4. Being the Camp Directors at West Florida Youth Camp for the first time, ironically during our last camp in West Florida. Popping golf cart tires at midnight. Sneaking drinks to my girls in their dorm. Watching our interns work their tails off. Mud pit belly flop judging. Room inspections. Bribes. Late nights. Early mornings. Sitting back and watching God move. Epic.

5. Announcing to our leadership team from the past 8 years that we were moving.

Dressed up. Catered dinner. Speaking the words "There is a season for everything" ... Then the breath leaving my body as my husband proceeded with the rest of the sentence. Prayers for every person and passing of the baton to those who would entrust it. Run With It.

6. Both My Babies Starting Public School. Easton began in January due to his speech. Half days without my mancub. Rip my heart out :( But it was an amazing move. Autumn began public school in August. She has a desire to learn way more than she ever did when I was homeschooling. I have a feeling she doesn't put up as much of a fight with her teachers at school! She lets her light shine so bright and we pray that she is a breath of fresh air to those whose don't know Christ.

7. Buying a new home, in our new home. As we made the decision to move to South Carolina, we also decided it was time to put down some roots. No more apartment walls and rental homes. We can paint what we want, change what we want. A yard, a community with kids and friendly neighbors. Room for guest. Room to entertain. A sense of settling in. South Carolina is now our new home :)

8. Hearing My Husband Speak at District Council. I mean, I LOVE to hear my husband speak. He's one of my favorite preachers. But hearing him speak about honor to a room full of pastors, most of which have given the majority of their lives to the ministry, was amazing. I sat there so privileged to be married to this man. He leads well. He follows well. I love his communication skills, I love his heart, and I love his integrity. He really does practice what he preaches folks. I live with him, I know!

9. Eastons First Big Boy Hair Cut. We had just moved to South Carolina. My sinuses were acting up and I was unable to even get out of bed. My sweet husband offered to take E for a haircut so that his bangs in his eyes didn't cause permanent damage :) Sure, no big deal; He'd had a haircut before. But before my husband left the house I vaguely remember him saying "Are you okay with anything?" I guess my answer was yes. Because all of his long, blonde locks were gone when they returned. I cried. I was upset. And now I think he's a handsome little man. He's not a baby anymore!

10. Speaking At My First Womens Retreat. I was scared spitless. Like, seriously. I didn't think I was gonna be able to swallow because my mouth was so dry. But it ended up to be a sweet day in the Lord. There's something about empowering women to share their story. To open up and be vulnerable. You never know what someone else may be battling. Your story could unlock a whole new world for them. There is power in your story! (And getting to help my mom decorate a tea table in black & hot pink was just icing on the cake!)

11. Autumn Got Asked For Her Phone Number. By a boy. Her response: well, there was no response. She turned and walked away from the boy and didn't even give him an answer :) Her dad & I talked with her about more appropriate responses. But honestly, I was okay with the ignoring approach at this point in life! She's ten. Sheesh!

And ending on a serious note ...

Our 2011 was filled with some of the best and some of the hardest moments of our lives.

As we transitioned from Student Pastors in Panama City to Student&Young Adult Pastors in South Carolina, we left so much of our hearts in Florida. When you pour your life into something, that tends to happen.

Our God is faithful to continually fill our hearts as we make South Carolina our new home.

We ask for and covet your prayers as we enter into this new year with a desire to see lost souls come to Christ. To see our children be more in love with Him. And for our lives to honor Him in all that we do.

Happy 2012!

Pour It Out

2011-12-01T09:06:00.000-08:00

We had our first leader meeting in our new home this week. As fun and exciting as it is, starting over with a whole new crew can be a little bit tough at times. They are learning us, We are learning them.

Despite all newness, despite all learning curves, one thing remains. We are all struggling to figure each other out for one purpose. To glorify and lift up the name of Christ. We desire to see students and young adults come to have a relationship with the Jesus who has saved our souls. Our passion is to disciple those who are hungry to know more of Him.

At the end of our meeting, we asked one of our worship leaders to lead us in a song so we could end our night together in prayer.

So often times we ask for God to open the heavens and for Him to pour out His love on us.
We ask Him to swing open the floodgates of Heaven and let His mighty power rush over us.
And as much as I desire that, and often times ask for it, I had a different view during our short worship time together this week.

As our group of leaders were sitting around our living room, seeking His face, lifting His name.
I simply saw the roof lifted off of our house, as if God were peaking in on what we were doing.
Like he honed in for a split second on just our home and our small worship time.
A soft spotlight was shining not into our home, but out of our home.
Because we were sending our love to Him.
Pouring our love out on Him.

God was simply watching His children praise Him, thank Him, and worship Him.
I am thankful for a God who does not demand us to worship Him, but He delights in it.
And I'm thankful He cares enough to take time to speak to me right where I needed it.

I am so hopeful for this new journey we are on.
And I know God is watching us and He is delighting in what is happening!

Psalm 95:6,7

Come let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For HE is our God.

Bliss.

2011-11-15T16:43:00.000-08:00

We now live where the seasons change
a little more than we are used to.

So today my kids had their first official leaf fight.

It was bliss watching them laugh
as they threw things at each other.

Oh, to be a kid again.

Our 2011 Life Word

2011-11-08T10:19:00.000-08:00

My husband and I normally have a word for the coming year.
As 2010 was ending and 2011 was beginning my husband was assured that our word for 2011 was #Favor.

Little did we know what God had in store for us.

Let me brag a little bit on my God.
These things may not mean much to you personally, but God knows my heart and meets me right where I am.

#1
We moved into an apartment when we moved to SC. There just wasn't enough time to find a home and close on it before we moved. I was kind of bummed about this. UNTIL my daughter has found friends in the complex and made instant connections. And I mean good friends. Most of them are Hindu. My daughter has invited them all to church with her. On Halloween week, one of her friends were allowed to go to church with her. Since then, this friend said she has been singing a song in her head all the time that she heard during our youth service. This same little girl told Autumn that she can't be a Christian right now (her parents, again, are devout Hindus) but when she is older she wants to be a Christian. WOW AUTUMN! She's fulfilling the great commission!

#2
The first few weeks we were here, there were times I wanted to grab my children and run back to Panama City. My Easton became a huge deal breaker for me. He has adjusted to the transition of moving very well. But the transition of unfamiliar people is a whole different story. Easton has a speech/learning development delay. Along with that comes some temperament issues, some OCD tendencies we don't always understand, and some irritability. If he doesn't know you, he doesn't not only ignore you, he will declare "NO" loudly while you are trying to talk to him. There are many other things he does that normal 4 years olds don't do. So, I wanted to high tail it back to a place of familiarity where everyone has been with Easton since birth ... They know him, his traits, the way he works, don't get offended, love him regardless, etc.

Last Tuesday night I began to SPECIFICALLY pray for my boy. Not just "heal him", but specific. My prayer was much more detailed than this, but this was part of it: "God, help my boy to begin to speak with clarity. Help him to respond properly when people speak to him. Help his social skills to begin to develop normally".

As I sit here through tears, can I tell you that last Wednesday night God came through FAST. As we walked through the youth room doors on his way to class, my son began to go "hey girl" and "hey dude" when he saw people as they were walking by. After church he walked into the youth room and was dancing during worship with the guys. He was running around with them and playing. The only time he started crying was when I made him leave to go home!! Wow.

I was in awe of how easy my night was. If you have never been a parent to a learning delayed child, you might not know what I'm talking about. And although this "ease" took me by surprise, it wasn't until Thursday that I realized what had happened. I felt God just simply say "I heard you, baby". You see, He is my father and He delights in me! He heard my cries.

#3
We have been on a home search since June of this year. Long story short, we found a new home for $59,000 less than the amount it cost the builder to build it. Builders do subdivisions in phases here. The house we found was the last one for sale in the 4th phase and they could not move on to the 5th phase until this last house was sold. Coincidence that it went on the market the same week we went with a realtor? Coincidence that there was already a contract on the home and somehow it "didn't work out"! NO!!! We sign and move in to our new home Thanksgiving week. THANK YOU JESUS!

#4
Along with a new home comes a whole new set of concerns for my kids. Change of schools, moving away from friends. etc. Well, as we were visiting our new home last week, Autumn was sitting in the drive way. Along walks over a girl who looks Autumns age. She introduced herself and just happens to be the same age as Autumn, just happens to go to the school Autumn will be transferring to, and just happens to live directly across the street. Autumn has an instant friend who can't wait for her to move in!

I could go on, and on, and on.
Seriously. It's all in my journal.
From small things like finding Eastons favorite shoes clearanced out; to big things like our refrigerator being over half off the day we went to buy it.

Autumn tells us when we talk about good things in our life "don't brag, Mom!" But I feel in this case, God deserves all the honor.

Cause I'm here to tell you that it's nothing about Cory and I that is causing all these things to fall into place. It is totally the #Favor of God.

"For you. Oh Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor you will surround him as a shield" Psalm 5:12

Do you have a "Life Word" that God has put in your spirit recently?

At The Zoo

2011-10-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

You know the smell.
It's definitely not funnel cakes and cotton candy.
It's more like hay and animal waste.
You guessed it, we spent a day at Riverbanks Zoo.
And it was AMAZING.
(Yes, even despite the smell of poo!)

Autumn said "Look, I'm planking on the Lion." Oh my :)

Give It Regardless

2011-09-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

Regardless whether you voted for him or not,
have honor and call him President Obama.

Regardless whether your teacher is your favorite,
have honor and call them Mrs. ____ or Mr._________.

Regardless whether they are younger or older than you,

have honor and call them Pastor ______.

(1 Timothy 5:17 Those who deal with affairs of the church are worthy of double honor, especially those who preach and teach.)

Regardless of your like or dislike of your parents right now,
have honor and answer with Yes/No Ma'am and Yes/No Sir.
(Ephesians 6:2 Children are to give honor, value and dignity to their parents and God promises to bless you.)

I have a righteous anger that overcomes me when people have a lack of honor for those who have been placed in certain positions.

Respect is earned, but honor is to be freely given.

Bummer Mom Moment

2011-09-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

If you know me well, you know that my childrens
birthdays are exciting to me for more than
just the fact that they are turning another year older.

I LOVE their birthday parties.
It's two of the highlights of my year.
I start months in advance getting stuff together.
I buy doodads and stash them for goody bags.
I google party ideas to go along with the theme.
It's a fun shin-dig ... if I do say so myself.

I think I make it such a big deal,
because throughout the year,
my kids share Mom and Dad with so many.
So, when their birthday comes around,
we make the focus solely on Autumn or Easton.
They invite their big brothers & big sisters,
their grandparents, their friends, aunts & uncles,
pastoral staff ... You name it, they are there.
And A & E are the center of attention.

I knew when we were making the move in ministry this summer, that we would be away from blood family and created family for Eastons birthday this year.

I knew that we would only be in South Carolina
for six weeks when Eastons birthday rolled around. And I guess I ignored it all till this week. Six weeks is hardly enough time to learn Eastons teachers names, let alone the kids in his class.

So, Cory and I decided to invite a few of Eastons buddies that we do know to a local party place. And then have them come swimming.
Good idea, right?

Yes.
Except as I was buying all 6, yes 6,
of the party favors today I had a small meltdown.

I'm gonna miss the hype.
I'm gonna miss the prep.
I'm gonna miss the family.
I'm gonna miss the hoopla.
I'm even gonna miss the clean up.
A messy house is a sign that a good time has been had.

(Granted, my kids probably don't care about
their parties near as much as I do.
It's probably more of a big deal to me than it is to them.

And I have no doubt that we're gonna have

a bang up party with our small crew this year. )

But for today,
I'm having a Bummer Mom Moment.

You ever have one of those?

Morning Memories

2011-08-27T22:23:00.000-07:00

The start of our daughters 5th grade year

has stirred up a ton of emotions for me.

She's double digits now.

She has only one year of elementary school left.

I'm getting, um, older.

As I was thinking back over my own school years,

a few things stuck out to me.

One memory is the drive to school each morning.

My mom, as far back as I remember,

did the same thing every day
on our drive to school.

Rain or shine.

Good mood or bad mood.

Running late or on time.

Slowly or rushed.

My mom knew the power of her words.

And she knew the power of The Word.

Each morning on our drive to school
my mom spoke this over me.

Sometimes as a prayer.

Sometimes as a declaration.

And sometimes as a plea.

"Lord, give Joy the Helmet of Salvation.

Place on her the Breastplate of Righteousness.

Wrap her with the Belt of Truth.

Shod her with the Sandals of Peace.

Protect her with the Shield of Faith.

Let her boldly carry the Sword of the Spirit."

Some days the in between words changed.

Some days the prayer was longer.
Some days shorter.

But every day I had the Armor of God
prayed over me.

I can only attest that part of who I am today
is because I had a praying mom.

As Autumn enters into the world of public school,

I pray she is covered from head to toe.

From her inmost to her utmost.

And I pray I will be as determined
to see my children succeed,

as my mom was to see me succeed.

To stand, when all else fails,
and to know they are protected.
Because they are covered.

On The Sidelines

2011-08-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

I'm used to 2 am texts, counseling over relationships,
accountability for guarding a heart, input on a questionable clothing,
tears when someone has slipped, rejoicing when someone triumphed,
door step coffees, guilted into ultimate frisbee, and so on and so on.

And right now none of that is happening.

Although it may seem like a complaint, it's really not.
It's just a new journey.

Some days it kind of feels like being on the sidelines.

Not yet playing in the game.

Like being a new coach who's just been
brought in from a whole other team.

And I've got to watch a few game tapes and go to a couple

big games in order to know the players well.

In order to know their strengths. To know their weaknesses.

To watch their wins. To watch their losses.

This all takes

Effort.

Energy.

Consistency.

Determination.

Grace.

And Time.

So as bad as I sometimes want to jump feet first,

it takes sitting on the sidelines for just a little while.

As we start this new journey we covet your prayers.

We want to coach to the best of our ability.

And we have no doubt we will see this team win!

Absent Much?

2011-08-09T08:43:00.002-07:00

End of Homeschool Year.
Celebrating 10th Birthdays.
Student Internship.
Summer Camps.

Oh, yeah.
And packing up our house in Florida.
So we could move to South Carolina.

That's why I've been absent from my blog.

But I'm back.
And I can't wait to take you on our journey with us.
We'll also walk down some Memory Lanes.
It's gonna be fun.
I can almost guarantee it. Almost!

My Top 5 Five - Armed and Dangerous

2011-05-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

This past week, I headed to Nashville for a Pastors Wives (PW) retreat. Leading and Loving It outdid themselves.
I wanted to share a few of my favorite moments of the week.

#1 Hugs from Lori.
Seriously, she's a good hugger.
And she's an even better friend.

#2 Small Groups
Lisa Hughes emailed a few weeks ago & asked if I'd lead a small group. I had no idea what that meant when I agreed! The L&LI team had separated our tables into ministry roles.At the end of each teaching session, I had the privilege to speak life into and provoke conversation with 9 other student/children PW's. Can I tell you that they spoke just as much into me. These ladies love the Lord, their husbands, and their students.

#3 Mission Impossible.
L&LI went all "Amazing Race" on us.
They had the clues, the checkpoints, Top Secret manilla folders.
We were running around 11 blocks of
downtown Nashville hollering at people on the street to
help us find Dolly Pardons star .... what's Nashville's
famous candy (GooGoo's)? where's Riverside Park?
They even had us learning a line dance &
perform it at the park in order to get our next clue!
We all had our matching shirts on.
I swear people thought we were really on Amazing Race.
They were snapping pics.
It was hilarious. And exhausting!

#4 Worship
Brandi Wilson had some of her team come lead us PW's in worship. If you're in ministry, you know you often have one eye open during worship. There's various reasons for this, but nonetheless, it's hard to fully engage. Can I tell you that from the first beat, I was gone. I was lost in worship. I didn't have kids. I didn't have responsibilities. I just had me & my Jesus. Kate Carlson & Trish Davis did a beautiful job of leading us to the throne. I think there was a small angelic chorus in that room - as many times the music would stop and the voices continued to sing. It was like heaven opened up for just a moment. My heart was full. My tears flowed. And my spirit was refreshed.

#5 Community
I went to this retreat knowing 3 people in real life.
Lori, Brandi and Steph.
But amazingly, that small barrier didn't change a thing. There's a common bond, a tie that binds, an instant connection with PW's. We all are working for the same thing. We all have similar struggles. We all have husbands who have given their life for the call. And, We all know that the great reward is so worth the small sacrifice.

Cake Fight

2011-04-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

One of my small group girls refers to a
cat and snake fight as a "Cake Fight".
Clever, right!?
When she told the joke, I didn't laugh ...
Until this weekend!

I had never seen such a thing.
We were going to walk out the garage
and noticed a cat on our porch.
Then we noticed the evil, slithery,
nasty black thing it was staring down.

The "Cake Fight" was on.

This cat did not back down
even with us staring at it and snapping pictures.
It had it's mind made up.
And it wasn't leaving until it conquered that snake.

Funny thing is ... we don't have a cat.
And we don't know whose cat this is.
But I'm debating putting milk out for it every afternoon.
My little neighborhood snake wrangler.

What's New : Easton : April 2011

2011-04-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

You are fearless.
You jump from every and any thing.
You watch Mario videos on YouTube constantly
You wake up asking for ChickIa pa-pies (ChicFilA french fries)
You are in a three day a week Pre-K class, for your speech
You come home from school and immediately put on pajama pants
You can strip everything off in three seconds flat
You sit on top of my desk and giggle til I come get you off.
You love school - mainly because there is a slide there
You still play with mommys hair on occasion, normally when you're really tired
You say "I judge you" for I love You, and we are WAY okay with being "judged"
You work my iPhone better than I do
You recently beat your dads high score on his Angry Birds
You "peepeepotty" 90% of the time in the real potty
You demand a "high pive" when you're done going potty
You love chips & salsa - no matter how hot they are
You wrestle with your daddy like a champ
You play so hard in the bath that floor is always soaked when you're done
You only let daddy put your "skibbies" on if he's home
You play hard and do not stop until you crash at the end of the night
You are our miracle boy

What's New : Autumn : April 2011

2011-04-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

You are in love with all things Justin Bieber
You are in the 4th grade
You are homeschooled
You always want a short hair cut, but change your mind when we get there
You refuse to wear a dress to church
You love to sleep on the couch instead of your own bed
You enjoy watching American Idol with your mom
You are an amazing speller
You like your hair down, rarely ever in a ponytail
You question things about the bible & God that I didn't ask til 30
You have a new obsession with rolly pollys you find in our yard
You even name them, made a hotel and a school for them
You recently told us you want to marry a youth pastor
You adore your brother even when he annoys the mess out of you
You like to make a huge pallet in the living room floor for family movie night
You like all the lights in the entire house to be off while the movie is on
You don't like to take pictures until I threaten you
You are the light of our lives

Don't Stop

2011-04-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

I picked our little man up from school today.
His teacher told me he still isn't speaking in class much.
They can't get him to open up.

They pull him out of class two days a week
so he can have one-on-one therapy.

The older he gets, and the more he cognitively catches up, the more frustrated he is becoming. He knows what he wants to say and he just doesn't understand why we can't figure it out. He repeats himself over and over. I told Cory that I feel like we're playing Mad Gab sometimes. (I hate that game!)

Last year he was so frustrated, we think he just gave up for a while.
He shut down and didn't speak much for a long time.

Thankfully at home he now jibbers and jabbers all the time.
We are so grateful for the improvement he has made over the past year.
We can actually carry on a conversation with him. Very limited, but it is improvement!

As he gets older, as a mom, it saddens my heart.
Especially when we hear other children, much younger, speaking in whole sentences and carrying on semi-adult conversations.

With that being said, we stand firm in our faith that
our boy will be completely healed from this.
He will one day speak with ease.
He will one day sing silly songs.
He will one day laugh at a joke he told.
He will one day not remember these days of struggle.
He will be healed and he will be whole.
Will you continue to join us in prayer for his Apraxia?

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,
for he who promised is faithful."
Hebrews 10:23

Spring Break 11

2011-03-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

Despite what my daughter is telling people ...
"I homeschool, so I kind of have Spring Break all year long" ...
Our Spring Break is over.

I kind of made her pay for it and her schooling yesterday was a bit rough.
Ah well. She'll be fine!

Anyway, here's what our Spring Break looked like.

Park With Friends

NighTime Kickball Game With Our Leadership Team

We played kickball, the kids played in the dirt :)

Ultimate Frisbee Tournament

(The winning team for the tourney)

Played A Lil Scrabble

We practiced our "Bieber Face"

You know, in case we ever see him. Haha.

Danced In The Yard

Watched A Moon That Looked Smaller Than Normal From Our View :)

And We Rode In The Sunshine A Lot

Just To Be

2011-03-12T17:08:00.000-08:00

In the midst of my business today I found myself thinking about my relationship with my husband. I thought of how nice it is to sometimes just sit in the same room with him.
No words being spoken.
No activities being planned.
No agenda.

I was jolted out of my thoughts
when I heard my daughter singing in her room.
She was singing
"I just want to worship You,
All my days.
I life my hands,
and give You praise.
I don't wanna stop.
I don't wanna stop.
I just want to worship you."

Now, I adore it when I hear my daughter sing.
Unprodded.
Unknowing that I'm listening.
Unabandonded.
And Unashamed.

But as I said earlier, her singing shifted my thoughts a bit.
And I began to think about my relationship with my heavenly Father.
How at times, I just want to sit with Him.
No words being spoken.
No agenda to my prayers.
No other thoughts on my mind.

And my heart song began to be
"I just want to BE with you,
All my days,
I lift my hands and give You praise.
I don't wanna stop.
I don't wanna stop.
I just want to BE with you."

So as I still heard the hum of the dishwasher,
the water filling up the washing machine,
kids playing in the other room ...
I decided just to be with my Father for right now.

How do you take time just to be with the Father?

Valentines Day, Our Way

2011-02-14T17:55:00.000-08:00

Tonight we celebrated Valentines Day as a family.
All of our babysitters are in relationships now,
so we opted to go out to dinner tomorrow
so they could enjoy themselves tonight!

So, Autumn and I created the "Henderson Diner"

complete with a menu and everything!

We had chocolate fondue with fruit as an appetizer.
Coke, daddy's favorite as our beverage.
Heart shaped pizza as the main course.
And cupcakes as dessert.
Yummmmmmy.

We've never really done a family Valentines.
I think we'll start a new tradition of a family night
and then a mommy/daddy night.

Nothing wrong with sharin the love, right!?

02.14.2011

2011-02-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

Today is one of those days
I want to shut the blinds.
Curl up in my bed.
Put the covers over my head.
And check out for the day.

Today was due date for the 3rd Henderson
baby to make his/her entrance.

We proudly displayed this last June.

And after telling our children, family and church,
things started happening and we knew
we were losing the baby.

It was a hard week around our home.
Not many words were spoken.
Lots of tears were shed.
Questions from a 9 year old were posed,
that I had no answer to.

The following few months came
with good days and bad days.
And the past few have been much easier.
Until today came.

I thought I'd be okay.
I've been preparing for this.
But when my eyes opened this morning,
my heart was heavy.
My breaths were harder to take.
And my insides have a void.

I am thankful that tomorrow is a new day.
I am promised to be made new.
I am promised that His mercies are new every day.
I really am okay.

If I'm Being Honest

2011-02-01T23:39:00.000-08:00

I met my parents in Destin today to let our

daughter spend a couple days with them.

She was excited.

They were excited.

Heck, I was excited!

On my way home, I had to stop by Panama City Beach to do an insurance inspection.

Everyone knows I'm not good with directions.

So, I missed my turn onto the road where the inspection was.

I was a little ~~ticked~~ upset at myself.

You see, they're doing construction on the beach right now, so it's an act of Congress to turn around. It took me literally 10 minutes just to find a place to turn around and then make it back to the road I needed.

When I finally reached the road I needed, I saw police lights flashing.

I thought they were doing a license "check point" and my first thoughts weren't nice since I'd already put myself behind schedule for the day. This is just what I needed.

As I approached the flashing lights I told the trooper that I was going into the subdivision at the end of the road for an inspection. He told me to drive through the police cars and go ahead slowly.

Weird. That was too easy.

As I slowly drove past the four police cars with flashing lights, I saw a motorcycle laying on the ground. Then I noticed the huge tree right beside the motorcycle.

And as I passed the police car by the tree, the white sheet caught my eye. I won't go into details, but it was like a scene out of a movie.

My breath left my body and I immediately started praying for that mans family. And then I thanked God that my 9 year old was not in the truck with me today.

After calling to check on my husband, calling to check on my daughter and pulling over to compose myself a few times .... I had a talk with my truck walls.

If I'm being honest, I just don't understand.

I don't understand how my cousin, Angel, could lose her dad to cancer last year, when she was only 30.

I don't understand how my cousin, Jenn, could lose her baby girl, Makenna, days before her due date.

I don't understand how my friend Susan lost her husband to cancer last year when he had two girls still in elementary school.

I don't understand how a man driving a motorcycle could take a slight turn, lose control, and his life is ended instantly.

I don't understand how a young Navarre high school senior, full of promise, lost his battle with cancer this week.

I don't understand how my friend Tracy lost her baby girl, Kristin, during her delivery.

I don't understand why our dear friends grandmother, Granny Lee, suffered so long before she passed away this week.

I don't understand why some of our friends struggle to have children and then when they do, their celebration is shortly met with defeat.
I don't understand how a precious child like Kate Mcrae has suffered with tumors on her brain for almost two years.

Most days I can rationally and spiritually
explain to you why these things might happen.

Most days I grasp the fact that death is a part of life.

Most days.

But not today.

If I'm being honest.

Today I'm struggling.

Big Day for A Little Boy

2011-01-24T14:20:00.000-08:00

Our son, Easton, has apraxia.
Basically, he struggles with speech.
His mouth doesn't make the words his mind wants him to say. It's a developmental issue that can be overcame, it just takes a lot of work, therapy and parent involvement.

Easton had been receiving speech therapy from the age of two until he turned three. One day a week therapy just wasn't helping much. He needed more intense therapy.

The state of Florida has a program to help toddlers with their speech. They really want students ready for kindergarten, so they will do whatever they can to help the process.

Long story short, we went through months of evaluations, tests, and appointments to accurately diagnose Easton. We wanted all other potential issues to be ruled out. Thankfully, it is just a speech issue. But at about age 2 1/2 the congnitive skills begin to slow down if the auditory (speech) skills are not normal. So, with knowing Eastons cognitive skills would soon be affected, if not already, we decided to take action.

Easton was offered speech assistance five days a week for the entire school day. We decided against every day, all day. He's still our baby ya know! But, as much as it breaks mommys heart, we have his best interest at heart and knew what had to be done.

So, here's our new part time preschooler!

Make Me Smile

2011-01-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

I think I'm a pretty simple girl.
Not much fluff.
What you see is what you get.

So when people keep asking what I'd like for my birthday it's hard to think stuff up. So I've been making a list!

Here's how you can put a smile on my face ...

A stockpile supply of this stuff.
It's heavenly!

This one can come be in any form.

Gift card, lunch date, food to go.

You name it, I eat it.

I kinda freaked out and thought I wasn't allowed to wear jeans from this store since I turned 30 last year. I've changed my mind since then. They're my favorite jeans and I'm okay with adding more to my wardrobe!

My mom has one of these and I realized I NEED one.

I do not enjoy cleaning out my microwave.

The only thing that would be better is if I'd been the one to invent a microwave food cover.

That would be pretty sweet!

Key Words here are: Cinnamon Dolce Latte

But if I wanted to be all fancy and make my own coffee,

I'd have to choose this little mini maker.

I've tasted some friends and it seems like it'd probably be worth the cost. I'm still up in the air about it!

So, there's some ideas.

Since my birthday is tomorrow, this list is probably too late for anyones liking ... but seriously, since when have I ever been on time!

Now, it's your turn. What would be on your

"Make Me Smile" List?

Oh yeah, I almost forgot.

This will make me smile too ...

Perfect Weather

2011-01-07T21:34:00.000-08:00

For Painting

For Sharing

More Sharing

For Sun Bathing (in January)

For Bike Riding

And For Mean Muggin'

How was your "Perfect Weather" day?

Our First Ever Christmas Alone

2011-01-03T22:58:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was a bit different than any in the past.
There used to be hustle and bustle.
Running here, running there.
Packing the vehicle full of luggage and presents.

So a few years ago my husband and I decided we would
break all other tradition, and we would have Christmas
morning at our own home with our children.

Well, since all of our family are a couple hours away,
this was a tough decision.

But when we made that decision, my mom let me
know very quickly that her and my dad would love
to be at our house Christmas morning, if we were okay
with it, so they could see their grandkids open gifts.

It's always worked out beautifully.
UNTIL THIS YEAR.
My dad came down with the flu on
Christmas Eve. There was no way he was
making the trip to Panama City Christmas morning.
He couldn't.
And even if he could, I wasn't so
sure I wanted to take the risk
(we haven't decided on flu shots yet for this year.)

Once reality hit me that this would be the first year in
30 years (yup, 30 years, folks) that I wouldn't see my
parents on Christmas Day, I put my big girl panties
on so that my kids (especially Autumn) would have a
good day despite the fact that it was just gonna be our
little family of four.

It turned out to be great.
We had (thankfully) got the kids a few board games
and a couple movies as their gifts.
So, we made breakfast for lunch
and spent the rest of the day just us ...
playing games, watching movies, talking ...
in our Christmas jammies!

My Girls

2010-11-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Outside of my main girl, a few more have stolen my heart.
Here's to my girls!

First ever beach baptism

After they threw me in the pool. Gotta love them :)

Boo Bash 2010

Each week someone cooks and bakes.
Dino cookies by Viki & Kattie :)

Their creativity shining through.
And I cannot tell you HOW PROUD I am that I see
all of them taking notes during services.
Awesome, say what?!!

Best SG Girls Ever!

Catalyst Highlights

2010-11-09T10:09:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of October, Cory and I headed to Atlanta for Catalyst2010.The outcome of that conference is a whole post in itself soon to come.

But there were a few highlights I must tell you about!

Most of you have seen posts about my friend, Lori Wilhite from L&LI

Well, I got to meet her .... In real life ... Face to face ...
Eat lunch with her ... Laugh with her ... Hug her!

If your a PW or a woman in ministry, believe me,
it will benefit you to make yourself familiar with her and her site.

Some of the other ladies who help Lori out on the blog were there too.

Seriously, how can ladies be so inviting and make you feel so welcome? I know ... cause they love Jesus and and other PW's!

Jessica Cornelius

Brandi Wilson

I also got to visit with my friend, Steph and her husband Matt.

I met her through L&LI blog last year. Genuinely loving folks right there!
Steph and I do virtual small groups together. She's an encourager and a true friend. Love that woman!

Cory also has a friend, Matt Gross who we sat with and were able to hang out with a little. His girlfriend, Candace was pretty as a picture and their sweet personalities mesh together!

Check out the poor maintenance guys job.
Proves that Pastors are messy too :)

Didn't know she was gonna be there, but Kari Jobe did some worship at the conference. Passion flows out of that girl.

John Mark McMillan sang How He Loves.
Beth Moore spoke on insecurities in ministry.
Francis Chan spoke heart language to everyone.
You know what .... maybe I just need to do a snip-it of my notes and what God spoke to me during the conference.

Cory and I will put our heads together and write that post together, maybe, possibly, hmmmmm .....

Fall Family Time in Pics

2010-10-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

Fish House .... cheese grits .... shrimp .... sweet tea .... YUM!

Golfing .... my first time ever off the driving range.

We golfed with these thugs .... I think they're cussing us out in gang-sign-language.

My rocker girl all ready for the Skillet Concert.

I warned them that I yell and scream .... and they might get embarassesd. And they did :)

She loved her first concert!

Easton shooting his first bow with daddy.

Can you believe Easton is the one with his shirt on? Wow!

Then all the big kids ran off and left him. Poor baby :(

TO BE CONTINUED ... we headed to Catalyst 2010 and that's a whole other post in itself!

The Big 3.0.

2010-10-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

My best friend, lover and father of my children will be... dun dun dun ... 30 years old this month.

The actual day of his birthday (the 15th) will be the first day of our student Fall Retreat. So, he has made me promise not to do anything on that day. He says too much stuff will be going on. And of course he wants the focus on the students and not himself .... that's just my husband :)

So my daughter and I made an executive decision.

Since we can't celebrate on the 15th, we've decided that every day leading up to his birthday (starting today, October 1st) we will let him open a gift. That way he really feels celebrated.

30's a big deal!

I've warned him that some gifts will mean more than others ... some will be store bought .... some will be home made! Some will be small and insignifigant and some will be gifts he will keep forever.

I'm excited for him to be celebrated for a little while.
And man, it was fun shopping for him!
He deserves it!
I can't wait to grow old with him!

Our Miracle Day

2010-09-18T21:29:00.000-07:00

September 18, 2007

September 18, 2008

September 18, 2009

September 18, 2010

It Happens

2010-09-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

I went to bed in an irritated mood.
And I woke up in an irritated mood.
Mostly cause I'm irritated at my husband.

It happens.

The kids and I reheated pizza for lunch.
And we were still in our pajamas.

It happens.

I didn't start school with Autumn until after our "healthy" lunch.
And when I graded her papers from last week, I cried.
Today is a day I feel 1000% she needs to let someone else teach her, cause she just isn't "getting it" with me.

It happens.

I made my first pot of coffee at 2:30 this afternoon.
Autumn saw me making it & said "mom, it's after lunch".
I've already sucked down two cups.

It happens.

Easton keeps doing this high pitch horrible scream thing.
I run to him thinking he's been gouged in the eye with something.
Only to find out that's his new laugh.

It happens.

I stood up to go help Autumn with her schoolwork.
In the process I knocked my whole cup of coffee on her school folder. The school folder that contains ALL the work she's completed already this year. I have about 45 coffee drenched papers drying all over my kitchen counter right now.

It happens.

Easton turns three on Saturday.
If you know me, you know my kids parties are highlights of my year. Well, I haven't done the first thing for his party .... 4 days away.

It happens.

I sure am glad tomorrow is a new day.
I'm also glad that our lives aren't perfect.
It sure would be boring if they were :)

My Very First Giveaway

2010-09-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

*** GIVEAWAY CLOSED***
Winner is:
dreamzz12{at}aol{dot}com
I follow you on twitter @deegee13
September 12, 2010 11:35 PM
Way to go! You will be contacted by email for your address!

I mentioned during The Challenge that I'd be doing a giveaway soon.

Well, it's here!
This is my 100th post.
Ahhhhh!

Well, in honor of my 100th post, I'm giving away something I think you're gonna like.

Fall is in the air .... well, on some mornings the temp is going below 100, anyway!
The smells of pumpkin and cinnamon are everywhere.
The leaves will be falling soon.
Sweatshirts will be pulled out of the back of the closet.
So ...What better way to enjoy this time of year than with a Starbucks giftcard?
You heard it right .... A Starbucks Gift Card for $20

Here's the rules for the giveaway
(you can have up to 4 entries.
Make them seperate comments
so they can be counted as seperate entries!)

1 entry - Be a follower to my blog.
1 entry - Be my friend on facebook.
1 entry - Be my friend on twitter.
1 entry - Tell me who your favorite blog/blogger is and why.
(I LOVE finding new blogs. Make it good!)

Giveaway will end on September 17th at midnight.
Winner will be notified by email.
(Make sure you leave an email to be contacted)

10 Movies We Love

2010-09-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

*
10. The Godfather

9. Dirty Dancing

8. The Kid

7. Inception

6. Gladiator

5. A Walk to Remember

4. Shawshank Redemption

3. Steele Magnolias

2. The Bourne Series

1. The Notebook

What's Some Movies You Love?

(some of these have only been viewed in the tv editted version. don't judge.)

My Network of Ladies

2010-09-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

Cory was teaching at a conference last week and was sharing with some youth pastors & workers his favorite people he networks with. You know, people who you learn from. People you allow to speak into your life. People you speak the same language with.

It got me thinking.
It's been a while since I posted who I'm learning from ... Who I'm connecting with.

Some of these ladies don't have a clue I exist.
Others, I have forged a great relationship with.

I'm excited to meet this lovely lady at Catalyst this year.
It'll be our first real life face-to-face.
We chat through email, twitter, virtual roundtables, and she's a epic Words With Friends player.

Check her out over at Leading and Loving It.
She is hosting an amazing Virtual Conference that starts tomorrow. FOR FREE! Who does that? ... Lori!

Another lady I check out at least once a week is Holly Furtick.

My husband started listening to her husband a few years ago, and I saw a link on his page: The Preachers Wife.
I thought "Hm, I'll check her out". And I've been hooked ever since.
Her and her husband speak a lot of the same language Cory and I do.
Our kids are around the same age.
We honestly just like them as a couple, yet they both have much to give individually.
She's one of those who have no clue who in the world I am, yet I am still able to learn tremendous amounts!

This next lady, I'm not sure how I stumbled upon her blog, but she is funny and blunt and I love the way she writes! One minute I'm laughing reading her stuff, and the next minute I'm crying. I can feel what she writes. I love it!

There's a ton more I could tell you about.
Like here and here and here and here and here.

But I want to know who the people in your network are.
Who do you learn from?
Who do you "follow"?
Who inspires you?
And who do you just simply enjoy reading/checking out?

The Girls : ReGroups

2010-09-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

Tonight we started our Renew Small Groups
for the fall term. Lindsey and I tag team a group.
We've got a few of our original girls and we added a few.

Tonight was a foundational night.
We don't really dive into any studies,
we just sit around and eat, then move
to the living room floor. It's amazing what you can learn
by just "being". Tradition in our small
group is to make a journal for the term.
Look at what an awesome and creative job they all did.

I think this group is gonna be better than
any group before. I can't wait to start our study
in James next week.

Get ready to dive in Arielle, Ashlie, Brittany, Courtney, Kattie, Kayleigh, Kristin, JoJo, Shelby and Victoria!

If you're not connected in a small group ... child, teenager, or adult ... I encourage you to plug in. There's nothing like Small Groups. It's where change happens!

Wordless Weekend : Orange Beach, AL : Family Reunion

2010-09-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

Excuses, Excuses

2010-09-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

I could try and "explain" the reason I'm 8 1/2 hours late on posting this blog. You remember The Challenge, right?

Here we go:

I could tell you that I woke up early yesterday and took the kids to co-op. While I was there I helped teach 3rd and 4th graders zoology. And then went to help teach music to 4 and 5 year olds.

I could tell you that immediately from getting home we loaded up the car and headed to Orange Beach for a family reunion. Here's the view from our balcony.

I could tell you that after we spent $60 on dinner, for three of us, I went into a slight coma.

I could tell you that I was forced into doing this till 2 AM.

I could tell you that between my sister-in-law and us, we have 5 children to take care of - while on the 5th floor of the condo (without locks or screens on the windows). So, my mind was a little occupied.

Don't you feel sorry for me yet? :)

BUT ... I'm not gonna make an excuse.
I'm gonna politely ask for a little grace.
So, please forgive me for being 8 1/2 hours late!

I'll call it a half-fail. How about you?

Mr. & Mrs. Tortoise

2010-09-02T19:36:00.000-07:00

We were driving to the church after lunch Sunday and we saw people pulled over on the side of the road. We slowed down and saw that three cars had stopped to save a turtle in the middle of the road. Highway 98 folks. People were stopped just so they could help a turtle. Don't hate me, but I'm not about to risk my life to pull over and rescue Mr. turtle off the road.

So, we continued on and pulled into the back church parking lot.
Lo and behold, I think a husband and wife turtle had got seperated. Right in the middle of the parking lot was Mrs. Turtle.

You'd think my kids had just landed at Disney World.
Autumn and Easton were chasing that thing everywhere.

Justin picked it up so they kids could touch it.
Mean ol' mom wouldn't let them pick it up!

Once we'd scared the poor turtle half to death, we helped it find shelter under a portable building where we knew the shade and moisture would do her good.

Hopefully the Mr. and Mrs. found each other again that day.

Where You'll Find Me

2010-09-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

If you come looking for me,
Or shoot me a text,
Or send me an email,
Or try to play Words with Friends with me,
You just might think I'm ignoring you ...
But I'm not.

On Wednesday nights I shut everything down.
For a few hours I'm closed to off to the world ...
except for our Renew Students and leaders.

Even my own kids get put in their own classes,
and I ask that they now show back up until our service is over!
It's the few hours a week that our students get me
without interruption. To worship, talk, pray. I love it!

Tonight (right before I knew I had to get East from his class) a girl raised her hand to accept Christ. I checked my phone
for the time and thought "I've got time. I can do it!"
So I rushed over to her and we talked for a few moments
and then she allowed me to lead her in the sinners prayer.
Never gets old, Never gets old.

I also enjoy the fact I get to sit under my husbands
preaching and teaching. He's seriously got the gift for it.
And I'm not just saying that cause I'm married to him.
He's honestly my favorite pastor.
He doesn't just speak flying by the seat of his pants.
I see the time, research, prayer and heart that he
puts in to what he puts out.
It's good stuff. Really good stuff.
Need proof?
Here's my notes from tonight.

So, anyway. Next time you might need me
on a Wednesday night, you know where to find me!

The Challenge

2010-08-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

My friend over at A Life Defined

put out a challenge a couple weeks ago.

I'm a little late on taking

the "challenge", but I'm doing it now.

Better late than never right!?

Here's the challenge:

Write a blog

(that people actually want to read)

for 7, yes 7, days in a row.

Can I do it?

I don't know.

BUT

I'm starting ...

fully intending to finish.

Want to join in on the challenge?

If you are, let me know.

That way if you finish or fail,

at least we're doing it together!

Also, since I'm coming up on my 100th post,

I'll be having a giveaway at the end of this "challenge".

You'll hear more about that later this week.

Ready ... set ... CHALLENGE ON!

What's On Your Shelf?

2010-08-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

I thought it was funny when I looked

at our nightstands today.

Can you tell which shelf belongs to Cory

and which one belongs to me?

And just in case you want

a closer look at what he's reading:

(He was reading "It" by Craig Groeschel

tonight, so it's not on the shelf)

And here's mine:

So, what's on your shelf?

Allergic To Boys

2010-08-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

After dinner we were driving down

the road and saw a billboard that said:

Are you the one?

(then a picture of a teenagers face)

Stop the spread of STD's.

As we see this, Autumn says:

"What's STD's?"

My response:

"It's a disease"

Autumn:

"What kind of disease?"

Me:

"The kind you get from kissing."

Autumn:

"Kissing, like, your mom and dad?"

Daddy chimed in:

"No, like anyone that isn't your mom or dad".

Autumn:

"That's so weird that your body just

knows it isn't your mom or dad."

As I'm holding in my laughter,

Daddy holds it together enough to come up with this:

"Well, you know how your body is allergic to certain things .... that's kind of how your body works. Sometimes it just KNOWS stuff. It reacts different ways to different things. So a disease is like a reaction in a way. "

Autumn:

"Hmm. I wonder how when you get married

.... your body just knows it's okay to kiss.

After another minute she comes up with this .... hearfelt and as serious as can be:

"Do you think it's the wedding gown?

Does it have something in it that makes you

not allergic to your husband?"

By this time we are home and I am SO thankful.

I'm gonna keep praying she thinks

you are "allergic" to boys until you get married.

That would be awesome!

Camp 2010

2010-08-02T20:04:00.000-07:00

After a week of camp with teenagers,

I realized that 30 does more

than just add a number to your age.

It kicks your butt!

But, we are back among

the land of the living!

Here's a few pics of our week.

We had an amazing time.

I believe lived were changed and transformed.

I can't wait to see what is to come!

Our Green Girls

The Green Team - Game Faces

Teaching Ninja to other campers.

Gotta love our kids for bringing some games!

The Camp Interns for the week.

They served with some really big hearts!

When Life Gives You Lemons

2010-07-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

Not For Your Eyes

2010-07-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

Today starts a new journey for me.

My husband is constantly telling me I need to do this.

I know I need to do this.

I've just put it off for way too long.

So, I went to the store today.

Not even intending for this to happen.

But I saw it.

And I knew.

It was right.

It was all alone on the shelf.

The only one.

I knew it was for me.

It had been waiting on me.

Yep, I'm going old school folks.

I'm getting back to pen and paper.

Cause some things just aren't intended for your eyes :)

Husband Duty

2010-07-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

On the Fourth of July we had a

BBQ at our house with some amazing friends.

We swam in the pool,

played cornhole in the backyard

grilled chicken pods,

ate corn on the cob,

played ninja in the living room,

bribed the kids to be good with m&m's,

made coke floats,

and ate boiled peanuts.

My husband woke up about midnight that night.

He said he was naseous.

The next morning he wasn't able to move.

Long story, short ....
My husband thought he was going to die.

For four days straight he hasn't
been able to keep anything down

... not water, not crackers,

not gatorade .... NOTHING.
He compared the stomach pain to labor.
I told him he didn't even have a clue.

So yesterday he asked me to take him to the doctor.

The doc said he started out with food poisoning
and it spread into a bacterial infection.
Basically, his whole GI system is infected.

She said it could have been the chicken or the peanuts.

And it doesn't matter that ALL of us
ate the same thing, it only takes one bite.

So, she put him on a strong antibiotic,
antifungal and phenergan.

If he isn't better in a couple days
they want him to go to the ER.

They said at that point there wouldn't be
anything else they could do.

That won't scare the pants off of you.

I remember hearing the words "salmonella"

and I decided I'd pump those meds in him

and get him better no matter what!

So, that's been my ENTIRE week.

I've been on husband duty
because he honestly couldn't take care of himself.

He'd get dizzy and weak just getting up to go to the bathroom.

He even took a chair into the bathroom today to shave
(for the first time all week. Yikes!)

I should've taken a picture
but that just wouldn't have been right :)

How's your week been?

Recovering From Camp

2010-07-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

Ahhh ... It's been a long week.

I'm exhausted.

My eyes have black cirlces under them.

My energy levels are at an all-time low.

I think I could sleep for days straight.

I'm lucky I got in a few showers.

You know what the odd thing is?

I didn't even go to camp.

My husband took the 2010 interns.

I stayed home with the Henderson kids.

Which boils down to:

diapers, cleaning, gymnastics,

doctor appointments (for bronchitus), meals,

taking out the garbage, bedtime tuck-ins,

baths, brushing teeth,

taking the kids to work with me
(don't ever try this),

laundry, fishing toilet paper (a new roll)

out of the toilet, boogers, playdates, dishes ...

do I need to go on?

Now, I look at this list and

minus a few things,

this is a pretty normal week

around the Henderson House.

BUT ...

I realized something this week.

It's much easier

when there's two of you

sharing every day tasks ...

even the smallest duties.

So, while my husband is snoring on the couch

out of sheer exhaustion ....

I am recovering from a

different kind of exhaustion.

I sure am thankful Daddys home!

When's summer gonna be over? :)

Getting The Hang Of It

2010-06-22T18:16:00.000-07:00

I've been learning how to coupon shop for the past few months.

I think I'm finally getting the hang of it.

Today I decided to venture out ....

with my two year old ....

for a three hour shopping trip.

Here's what we got :)

CVS

Total Spent: $4.02

Total Saved: 35.91

Publix

Total Spent $12.68

Total Saved: 19.22

Target

Total Spent: $13.71

Total Saved: $63.87

I loved all my deals :)

But I was almost as excited about the fact

that I did it with a two year old and the day went amazing!

Happy Daddys Day

2010-06-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

Reasons why I love that this man
is the father to our children

#1 He disciplines them in love, yet with a firm grip.

#2 He spends quality time with them.

I've learned it's not quantity that matters so much.

#3 He swims the length of our pool underwater,

with an 8 year old attached to his back.

#4 He reads the childrens bible to our kids often.

Not every night, but often.

And he is always the one who does the reading.

#5 He speaks highly of me in front of my children.

#6 He prays with Autumn every night before bed

and they have a daddy/daughter "tuck in" routine.

#7 He lets Easton jump into the pool to him over, and over,

and over, and over, and over again.

#8 He secretly checks on our children every week

during their church services/classes.

They only know he is there when they are misbehaving :)

#9 He says "I love you" to them often.

#10 He shows them how a Godly man
is supposed to love and respect a woman.

Project 365

2010-06-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

Sorry .... I've been bad about blogging lately.

Our weather has been A.M.A.Z.I.N.G

So we've been out enjoying it!

Back in May, my husband and I endeavored to do

a year long photo journal ....

better knows as Project 365 in most parts.

So, if you wanna check it out,

go HERE :)

Virtual Turned Reality

2010-05-31T22:21:00.000-07:00

So, I'm kinda new to this whole blog world.

I just started my blog some time last year.

While searching through the virtual world,

I happened upon Lori Wilhite's blog one day

and because she targets Pastors Wives,

I was hooked by her relevancy and realness.

Lori does interviews with PW's about once a month.

I did an interview with her at the beginning of the year.

To my surprise, I had a PW see my interview

and tell me that she would be

visiting the Panama City area for vacation

AND

that she and her family would like to visit our church!!

Well, I'm proud to tell you that this past Sunday

I met my first blog-world friend, Steph.

And it makes it all the more special because

she is a fellow PW.

She walked around the corner in our foyer,

and there was instant connection!

It wasn't weird to worship together, to hear the Word together,

to stand around and just chat.

I honesty could have stayed all afternoon!

You can tell she's the bubbly person in any room she walks into.
I love it!

Steph and I talked about trying to convince Lori

*wink, wink*

into doing a face to face meeting with all the

Leading and Loving It ladies :)

After meeting Steph, I'm so game for that!

Steph, I really am excited that you & Matt

brought your family, even while on vacation,

to visit with us! I'm hoping that you guys

continue to make it an annual visit :)

That's Just How We Roll

2010-05-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

I Guess Living In The South

And Being A Boy,
All You Need ....

Is A Ball,

A Little Dirt,

A Good Mud Puddle,

And Some Starbucks.

Cause That's Just How We Roll.

My Blog Arsenal

2010-05-21T22:40:00.000-07:00

If you are a woman in ministry, this site is for you.

Leading and Loving It

This man is my fave pastor.

He has a way with words, Gods words.

He's taken, ladies.

Cory Henderson:Becoming

All things sweet and tasty.

Trust me, I've tried them.

I Am Baker

I wish I personally knew this preachers wife.

She's real, relevant and a snazzy dresser.

Plus, I think our husbands preach alike.

The Preachers Wife

A woman who lets God lead her steps
and heal her heart.

Bring The Rain

A mom who cracks me up with genuiness
of her love for her kids, her husband,
and her Jesus. If I knew her in real life,
I think we'd be good friends.

Afraid of Failing

My "in" to knowing where the deals are
and how to get them.

She's a coupon queen in my book.

Frugal Fairhope

Raising Kids With Friends

2010-05-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

I have the rare privilege to have dear friends
with kids around my kids ages.

It makes life so much easier and definitley much more fun!

Are these not some of the cutest kids you've ever seen?

Proverbs 18:24

".... but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

In Waiting

2010-05-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

Today is Mothers Day.

I have been blessed with a beautiful daugher and a miracle son.
They are my hearbeat.

But, I wanted to write this post today for the moms "In Waiting".

You see, I don't think #1 many people talk about infertility struggles

and #2 I don't talk about my struggles much.

Only a handful of people know any details of my reproductive issues.

For whatever reason, Cory and I were married a short 6 months when we found out I was pregnant with Autumn. Now, this was a shocker, seeing how I was told at 15 that it would be very unlikely for me to ever concieve. And I was still on the pill. Weird, I know. But, God had His own plans.

So, at this point you're probably wondering "well, what are you talking about infertility? You had a baby."

Yes, I did have her. And I could not have asked for a better pregnancy. It went amazingly.

And I guess after we had her, my body took heed to the words of the doctor from my teenage years. I'm not sure what happened.

Autumn was 2 and we started trying for another baby. Three years in between kids would be perfect, right?

After 4 years of trying to concieve, we landed in a endocrinologist & infertility specialist office. After a year of seeing him, two surgeries (a laporoscopic, D&C & a cervical biopsy), lots of funds, and a ton of heartache ... we were at the point to move from drugs into IVF or AI. Through the year of going to the specialists, his diagnosis was "it's not impossible that you will get pregnant, just improbable" ... (without IVF or AI). At the time, we could not afford this, and once we prayed, Cory wasn't on board - things were already tight. I was downhearted, but eventually came to terms with it.

Now, during this year of going to the specialist (before starting drugs though) we found out we were pregnant. It was the day after Autumns 4th birthday (2005). We were actually in Orlando because we had taken her to Disneyworld. I had taken a test in the hotel room (yes, I brought one with me cause I knew it was around that time!) and it came up positive. I came out of the bathroom in shock. Cory thought I was dying. Then I told him the good news. We stopped at CVS in Orlando to get another test, then headed straight to Olive Garden for lunch to celebrate. Within a week & a half of being home, I started having severe abdominal pain. It was a Wednesday. We made a call to the infertility specialists and went in to see what was wrong. The test then came up negative. Their comments were sweet, trying to assure me that if I got pregnant this time, hopefully I would again. I remember making a few calls to tell people. One of my dearest friends came to sit with me while Cory went to preach that night at church. I didn't ask her to. She just knew. It was a godsend.

In December of 2005 we decided to end our efforts with the infertility specialist. We were at a crosscroads. Endometriosis was the main cause of my infertility, but other factors played in as well.

Surprisingly, in January of 2006 I found out I was pregnant again. It was the beginning of the month. Within 3 weeks, I was in my work office on the floor in such pain I thought I honestly might die. Cory ended up rushing me to the ER. By the time they did the D&C all test results were negative. They gave me pain meds and sent me home. Our womens retreat was the NEXT DAY. I thought, "God I am not going to a remote place with a bunch of women who have no clue what I'm going through. I want to be alone and I don't want anyone to try and make me feel better. I don't wan to be fake or smiley. I'm hurting. And I don't want to pretend".

My amazing husband encouraged me to go. He said it was my choice. I decided it would be better than sitting on the couch and slithering further into depression.

The speaker was Kim Kirchoff. I was so unfocused and in such a fog, that I can't tell you anything she talked about. I don't remember the theme for the weekend. I just remember it was in Apalach. On the last nightly session we had with Kim, she had got done speaking. People were praying. Aundrea & Justina were doing worship. In my flesh, I did not want anyone to pray with me. I just wanted to sit alone and "be". Only a few people knew my history and the recent loss. BUT ... here came Kim. She put her hands around my face. She didn't look at me. She had her eyes closed and spoke softly into my ears. She said "God has not forgotten you. He is going to be beautiful."

HE???? Does she know what she just said?

She said HE is going to be beautiful!!!

Later that year we had some friends speak to us and to our hearts. We did not go to them about our struggles. God brought them to us. They encouraged us to do communion together. To pray together as a family. To pray scriptures with our names in them. To claim the promises He gives us.

We did all this with an open heart. Midway through 2006 I felt God tell me that by the end of 2006 I would be pregnant and we would not lose this child.

I remember going on the ski trip with our youth group over New Years of 2006. No baby. I was interally withering away. I was losing faith. I was struggling. How could I hear God wrong?

January 22nd of 2007 (the day after my birthday) I took a test and it came up POSITIVE. I knew my God had followed through on His promise. If you do the dates, I found out January of 2007, but I'd actually concieved him in 2006. So, by the end of the year I was pregnant! I was going to carry a baby boy and HE was going to be BEAUTIFUL.

Needless to say, September 18th, 2007 Easton entered the world with more love than he will ever be able to imagine. He is called our "miracle baby".

You may ask me what my problem is with infertility then.

I guess I'm not infertile .... I'm just not fertile.

HAHA ... that's a new concept!

After having Easton and Autumn 6 1/2 years apart, we decided to not use any birth control when Easton was about a year old.

We have since then been to ready to have another child. I've resigned to the fact that if we aren't suppose to have any more, then I'm okay with that (some days I'm not okay with that though, if I'm being honest). It's been 18 months and no signs of a baby.

Here is what I deal with that makes it hard to concieve:

#1 ... I have stage 4 endometrios.

#2 ... I have a retroverted uterus.

#3 ... I am underweight.

#5 ... I drink a lot of caffiene. (This one I am working on).

I know this was a long post, but I just don't think people talk about their struggles enough. We should share our burdens. You never know who else is struggling with the same thing.

On this Mothers Day, I am so grateful for my precious babies. They are Gods gift to me and I do not take them for granted.

If you are a mom "In Waiting", know that there is hope, even when it seems hopeless. When things look "improbable", remember we serve a God who can do the impossible.

In 1 Samuel 1:27 God heard Hannahs cry, and he can hear yours too. "I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him."

Vacation Faves

2010-05-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

I figured I wouldn't bore you
with 1,000 pics of vacation.

So, I decided to just post one from each day.

If you want to see more, go here and look in my vacation2010 album.

Day 1

Hollywood Studios

Rockin Roller Coaster.

Autumns first coaster. I can't say she liked it :(

Day 2

Animal Kingdom

The Affection Section (petting zoo).

Very cool area where the kids & animals roamed around together.

Day 3

Magic Kingdom

Our little family.

This pic makes it look like we were the only ones there!

Day 4

Travel Day.

BORING.

Day 5

Henderson Pool

We had friends over for our first swim of the summer

And I couldn't leave out our

newest family member.

Easton is obessed with Toy Story.

He even SAYS Toy Story, so if you know him,

you know that's a big deal!

He loves his "Wooey" he got from the Magic Kingdom.

My Song for This Season

2010-05-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

This is my prayer in the desert

And all that's within me feels dry

This is my prayer in the hunger in me

My God is a God who provides

And this is my prayer in the fire

In weakness or trial or pain

There is a faith proved

Of more worth than gold

So refine me Lord through the flames

And I will bring praise

I will bring praise

No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice

I will declare

God is my victory and He is here

And this is my prayer in the battle

And triumph is still on it's way

I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ

So firm on His promise I'll stand

All of my life

In every season

You are still God

I have a reason to sing

I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest

When favor and providence flow

I know I'm filled to be emptied again

The seed I've received I will sow

-Hillsong

In Case You're Wondering

2010-05-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

I won't be posting this week.

We are here ...

See you when we return

from our Magical week!

(Expect lots of pics!)

The Strawberry Patch : In Pictures

2010-05-01T22:16:00.000-07:00

Cloudy With A Chance Of ... Bubbles

2010-04-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

This was the best $10 I've ever spent.

Well, not really.

But it sure does entertain my kids.

So, I'd say it was worth the ten bucks I spent!

Trying to pop them with his head :)

You'd think we won the lottery or something.

And then the clouds actually turned into rain.

And the fun was over. Blah.

Decisions, Decisions

2010-04-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

Autumn loves watching movies on our Netflix instant disc.

She's recently become a fan of Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen ...
in their old school movies.

Some of these are cute, but as you know, as actors/actresses get in their teens, movies & such, start to change into a different direction.

I was laying on the couch the other day.
Autumn was watching one these Olsen movies.

I was resting ... you know ... in & out of consciousness
as much as you can be with little ones.

As this movie was playing you could tell it was getting to a
"romantic part" with some guy and Ashley.

I saw the writing on the wall ... they were about to kiss.

NOW.

Our house rules are that if there is kissing in a movie/show
by a teen/kid then it has to be turned off.

We started this when Hannah Montana was getting older
and started kissing on her show.

It's just our decision and conviction on how we want
Autumn to view romanticism and sexuality.

If it's a wholesome show (7th heaven or something) and the parents kiss, she's allowed to see that.

She's a smart cookie and knows the difference.

Anyway.

I could tell that their was about to be a kissing scene.

I decided to close my eyes and "pretend" I was sleeping.

Judge me later.

I wanted to see Autumns response to this kissing.

Would she turn it off or think I was sleeping and "let it slide"?

You could hear the silence on the TV when the teens were kissing.

Me heart sank for a second because I did not hear anything.

I squinted my eyes to see what was going on.

She was frantically moving the little "hand" on the screen
trying to hit "back" and get out of the movie.

I waited until she got the movie stopped.

I "woke up" and asked her what happened.

She said "they kissed".

And then she turned on Calliou.

Simple as that.

My heart was singing.

I was so proud of her for making a decision
without prompting from me or her dad.

She honestly could have gotten away with it.

I was gonna let her continue to watch it if she chose,
and then talk with her later about it.

This whole thing got me to thinking about me & my heavely father.

I'm sure there are so many times he "pretends" to sleep just
to see what my reaction will be.
When all along He sees my actions, my words, my thoughts.

He sees when someone's talking about a person & I choose to join in.

He sees when I'm running late & I choose to speed.

He sees when I choose to stay in a movie that I know is inappropriate - or when I choose to get up and walk out.

He sees when I recognize I got too much change back
and I keep it - or I give it back.

He sees when I forgot to pay for that teeny tiny item
in the bottom of my cart ... or go back in and make it right.

He sees me when _____________insert any decision you want.

I'm sure He's hoping that each time
He "squints" to check on me,

that I'm doing what is pleasing to Him.

Just like my Autumn did.

April In Review

2010-04-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

I.love.spring.
Love it.
So I thought you'd like to see how we've kicked it off.

Daddy teaching Easton the rules of the game.

Playdates with friends.

I love having best friends with kids the same age.

Eastons first game of WallBall. Look at his face!

The best friend brought her miracle, Landon Matthew into the world.

Dowtown Park: Oaks By The Bay

Easton pitching it at Oaks By The Bay

His new phase: "I hate to leave ANYWHERE"

Autumns awesome fashion sense.

My first time joining "Toms One Day Without Shoes"

Easter Sunday

Bayou Joe's for dinner

Could we live in a more beautiful place. Seriously?

Sitting on the deck eating dinner.

Can you see me & Easton shooting?

It's a water gun they give the kids to keep the birds away while you're eating.

They also give you bread to feed the fish while you're eating.

You gotta try Bayou Joe's!