The kids side-Change to 2009...

If you haven't seen in it advertised yet. Pastor Terry has planned a fun filled night for the kids on New Years Eve. Sounds like fun; movie, games, Burger King, ect. It's from 7pm to 12:30am. They are watching the movie Tale of Esper..something, the one about the mouse with the big ears. I wouldn't mind going, if not just to see the movie alone.

The cost, I believe, is $10 plus extra for Burger King. I'm sure Pastor T could use a couple of adults to help out and let some kids know about it.

Busy Mom Month

This mom Has Sure been busy this month!

Can you tell. I don't think any one has heard much out of me lately. Sorry about that.

Hope everyones Christmas was a good one. Our kids had a great time!!! Santa was good to them.

Happy Holiday & Enjoy the New Year,

The Voths

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I wanted to share this little video with everyone. My aunt had sent this to me and I had to do it with our family, we are hanging out on a short vacation in Branson, Missouri before Christmas. We are having a good time, it was nice to get away for a few days and the town is beautiful with all of the lights at Christmas time. If you have time you should do this with your family, we all enjoyed watching together as a family. Hope you can make some fun memories with your family this holiday season and I can't wait to hear about everyone's holiday. Merry Christmas! Nina

LADIES LUNCH TOMORROW!!!

A lunch just for you!

Greetings! Take a break from work, the Christmas shopping, baking and present wrapping and join us THIS THURSDAY (December 18th) at Napoli's for lunch. We'll be eating between 11:30am and 1:00pm. Napoli's is located at 221 W. Randolph Ave (West of Independence on the South side of Randolph). Bring the kids, a co-worker or friend. We look forward to seeing you there! Napoli's 221 W. Randloph Ave Thursday, December 18th 11:30am - 1:00pm

Gift Series

he Christmas Season is here!

Enid First Assembly is ready to take action.

Our church is kicking off the second installment of the GIFTS series this weekend! Pastor Dan and Pastor BJ's sermons will reflect the topics of The Purpose of Christmas written by The Purpose Driven Life's, Rick Warren. They will share with us the true story of Christmas and get us back to its original and central focus; the birth o Jesus.

In conjunction with the GIFTS series, the church will support local service organizations and give back to the community through various projects over the next three weeks. The goal is to get outside the four walls of the church and give back to the community. The church will focus on two projects next week: Horn of Plenty and Salvation Army. More information to come this weekend!

The staff hopes everyone is as excited about this holiday season as they are. If we all do our part, the outcome will be amazing! This can truly be a Christmas that not only our families will never forget, but many other less fortunate ones as well. The church hopes you'll get involved this holiday season!

"Tonight was a great service (Thanks BJ), it made me really think about the real meaning behind Christmas again. I have finished my holiday shopping and now am trying to focus on wrapping the gifts. It's hard sometimes not to get caught up in all the craziness of the gift giving. It's time to remember why we have Christmas and to be thankful for what we have, for the life God gave us and to bless others in the process. Terry and I already filled a basket for the food drive and it was a great feeling to know that we are helping some family this holiday season. With my past job in working for OKDHS, I know how many families struggle with day to day finances, let alone trying to come up with extra money for a Christmas dinner and gifts for their children. So I encourage you this season to bless someone and take the church challenge. I promise you God will bless you for the blessings you store upon others."

of T

Books By Mail

So I'm totally in a reading frenzie these days. Today I started The Shack by William Young which is a man who spends a couple of days with God in, you guessed it, a shack. Anyway, just finished the forward and am looking forward to getting started with this book.

Seeing as how up until tonight I was unemployeed I didn't exactly have a lot of money just hanging around for me to spend on books. I tried the local library. I wish our library had more current titles available. I had a list of half a dozen books when I went in there and was not able to find a single one. Then my brilliant, smart,and wonderful friend Abby Normal (you know how I love to protect the names of the innocent) suggested this website called Paperspine.com.

It is wonderful. It's like Netflicks, but for books. You sign up for how many books you want to recieve at a time and then for a monthly fee you they'll send the books on your queue for you to read. You read them and send them back in the postage paid envelopes and a few days later you get another book! How cool is that!

The ONLY part that is horrid is the days you have to wait while books are in the mail. But I guess that's the reason you should sign up for 2 or more books. That way you're reading the next book while you're waiting for the one that's in the mail.

This system is SO much easier then spending $80 a week for a half dozen books that barely last you a month and then take up a ton of space in your house. Now if you get a book that you fall in love with and never ever ever want to part with you just email the company and tell them what book you just have to keep forever and they'll let you know how much it'll cost ya, if you're ok with that they'll just charge your card and you live happily ever after.

The End.

Thanksgiving Memories

Growing up Thanksgiving was such a big deal to me. I can still picture my grandmother's old grey house, that she paid $1 a year rent for. The house that my mother moved into when she was in 4th grade. The place I would go to when I would get sick at school and my mother couldn't pick me up right away.

The grandkids, 8 of us before the wedding rings started appearing, mostly played in the large back yard. The lot behind my grandmother's house had a bright red barn that I dreamed about playing in, though I never did. There was usually a game of football going on. I tried to act like I knew what was going on. I remember sliding down the tin door of my grandma's cellar and walking back up it.

The spare bedroom, with two full size beds was where we talked and played when it was too cold or too dark to play outside. We tried to stay out of the way of the adults. I just tried to stay away from my uncles Willard and Carl, they were mean I thought! They tried to tickle me or would reach out and grab me just to hear my scream!

I adored my cousins. They were all older then me. My brother was the closest to me in age and he was 5 years older. I even had a crush on my cousin Jerry before I knew that you weren't suppose to have crushes on your cousins. Tanya and Sheri would "torture" me. I remember crying once because they were swinging me back and forth by my hands and feet and I just knew they were going to drop me on my head and it would hurt! But I still wanted to hang out with them because they were so beautiful! They got to wear makeup and talked about boys! From time to time they would dote on me and play with my hair.

Each year my grandmother would bake a ham, fix mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, sweet potatoes (with the marshmallows of course) oh and the turkey dressing... my dear mother's dressing comes very close but it's just not the same and I couldn't tell you what the difference would be except that it was my grandmother making it back then. My aunt Lorene would make green stuff that I was sure had another name (pistachio pudding) but I didn't know it. To us it was green and actually good. Because my grandmother's table would only seat 8 we had to eat in shifts. The men always went first and everyone else after that depending on how hungry you were and how fast you got to the table. The women ate last. Sometimes if I was especially starved I would get to eat mine on a TV tray in the living room.

Because of the condition of the house and my grandmother's health she had to move to a smaller house a few years before she died. That's what I miss most. The house usually got hot because there were around 25 people crammed into this tiny house, but we didn't mind, and usually dressed for it! I loved it! I loved the closeness of the family. The hugs and laughter filled my heart. My grandmother died in the Spring of 1998. Just a few days after my 19th birthday. With her death came a separation of the family. Oh, we still love each other very much and see each other from time to time, but my grandmother was the glue that held us together. Now we are scattered to the four winds. Our lives no longer intertwine during the months of November and December, but the memories of a time when they did will always bring a smile to my face.

Army mom

My son decided in October to pursue one of his boyhood dreams to enter the military. He decided to Go Army instead of the Air Force like his dad. Military life was always good to us through Bob's twenty years but I was surprised how hard it was for me to trust God with Russell in the Army. He shipped out last Monday to Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri. His wife got one brief call on Tuesday evening just to say he was there and alive. This is my child who was very clingy as a baby, was inconsolable in the nursery (so I spent a lot of time in the nursery during his first years of life), cried so much in preschool that the teacher advised me to wait a year and give him some time which did not work as he cried every morning from Kindergarten to end of Second Grade, he went to NOC for his first two years of college because he was not ready to leave home, he practically lived at home and commuted to OSU his first semester there because he did not like being away from home, and until he got married he came home almost every weekend. This first week of the Army is the first time in his life that he and I have not at least said hi on the phone during the daytime every day. So after years of telling God that Russell belonged to Him and that He should guide Russell to become all God has in mind for Him, now comes the real part - the trust God part. This is when you find out you really can trust God with your children, it is the best option afterall. So this week when my mind wandered off to try to visualize Russell in an Army fatigue standing in a formation, I also did a fair amount of memory lane stuff. This young man in the uniform is the child of my heart, who checks to be sure I am ok, who somehow knows when I need encouragement, the little boy the kindergarten teacher found sitting in the school bathroom crying and singing "Jesus Loves ME" to himself. I am encouraged to know that whatever he is experiencing right now, he knows where his help comes from and how to comfort himself with songs of the Lord. Boy they do grow up fast!

THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION - 11/23/2008 - 6PM

The Worship Experience will be hosting accomplished musician Ric Gorden. Following the service, plan to celebrate Thanksgiving with your church family. Gift certificates will be given to everyone to one of the following restaurants: Western Sizzlin Playa Azul Pizza Hut Wings To Go ALSO THERE WILL BE A MOVIE, PIZZA, GAMES, & FUN FOR THE KIDS About Ric Gorden Rev. Ric Gorden is an accomplished musician whose humor and rare gift of composing songs touch every generation in his audience. A former background musician for Phil Keggy, Ric has traveled throughout the U.S. and abroad sharing the gospel in music and song. An ordained minister of the Gospel with a Jewish upbringing, Ric is a prolific songwriter who has penned numerous songs about the Christian faith. Ric's music includes traditional, classical hymns, Southern Gospel, as well as some of the more contemporary songs of the day. Gift Certificate Details Every family member will receive a $5 gift certificate to be used towards their purchase. Certificates are good only on Sunday, November 23rd.

THIS SUNDAY NIGHT - 11/23/2008

HEY LADIES, BRINGS THE KIDS THIS SUNDAY NIGHT TO SERVICE FOR FOOD, FUN, & FELLOWSHIP. SEE YA THERE!

I can't believe how fast they grow up

Look how big I am

I'm a big girl now

As the holidays approach, I can't believe almost a year ago I was thinking I can't wait till this baby gets out of me. Now I can't believe how fast she is growing up. This year went so fast.... I can't believe how the time fly's. Soon my baby girl will be turning one, I think I just might cry. I have loved being home with her though and I wouldn't change it for anything, it's been tough but well worth it. Now here she is almost 11 months old and she is starting to stand on her own, before I know she will be walking, or should I say running through the house : )

Simplicity

It is hard to believe it's November! As we enter into the holiday season, let's not forget to remember one little word: simplicity. It is so easy to get swept away in the busyness and stress that the holidays can bring, but let's not forget to enjoy the wonder it can also bring. I don't know about you, but I love this time of year! I always have to remind myself though to slow down, breathe, and take it all in. In my home life, there is Christmas shopping to do, cards to mail, dinners to help plan and make, and most importantly memories to make with my loved ones. I work hard to balance it all. As for my school life, I still have so much to teach, but I also get swept away in all the fun holiday things to do with my students. The problem is sometimes I make myself crazy trying to fit in all the necessary things along with the fun things. This only creates stress and steals the joy! I once again have to simplify and balance it! I thought I would share a couple of quotes about simplicity that I am going to be reading a lot in the next 2 months!

Prescription for a happier and healthier life: resolve to slow down your pace; learn to say no gracefully; resist the temptation to chase after more pleasure, more hobbies, and more social entanglements. James Dobson

Nobody is going to simplify your life for you. You've got to simplify things for yourself.
Marie T. Freeman

LADIES LUNCH TOMORROW!!!

It's that time again ladies!

We're meeting at Cafe Garcia for lunch this Thursday, October 30th. We'll be eating from 11:30am to 1:00pm. Cafe Garcia is located at 324 S. Grand just north of Oklahoma St (across the street from the David Allen Memorial Ballpark, where Cafe Davinci used to be located).

Let's take a break from work and home and get together with our friends, coworkers and family for a fabulous lunch at Cafe Garcia!


Cafe Garcia
324 S. Grand
237-4775"

TRUNK OR TREAT

1st Place Winner 2007

Kathy's Trunk 2007

Amanda's Trunk 2007

Annual family event that allows our kids to celebrate Halloween in a fun and safe environment! - LADIES WE ARE NEEDING MORE PEOPLE TO VOLUNTEER TO DECORATE A TRUNK FOR THIS EVENT COMING UP SATURDAY NIGHT - IF YOU HAVE NOT SIGNED UP AND ARE INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT TERRY CUTHBERTSON AT THE CHURCH. THE MORE TRUNKS THE BETTER. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP IN THIS - CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE.

Where have I been?

Not only where have I been, but how 'bout everyone else?

We need to get this baby pumping again. Who's with me?

Gina, by the way, I love the pic. Adoreable!

What happened to my Sooners?!! No longer #1! :(

It's A Big Year

My daughter, Peanut, is in the third grade. I think this must be a big year because people keep telling "it's a big year". Third grade is when you start getting letter grades on all your papers and report cards. Third grade is when you learn to write in cursive. Third grade is when you take the big state tests. Third grade is when I realized she was determined to grow up no matter what my opinion was on the matter. Hmph.

A couple of weeks ago Peanut brought home her first progress report. The grades were where I expected them on some levels but way off in other areas. I quickly realized she doesn't quite seem to be taking school seriously. I mean, it's a big year, doesn't she care? I guess that phrase means nothing to her.

Her father and I discussed the importance of making good grades with her. We told her it's not about who hands in the paper first, but who hands in the paper right! She nodded in agreement and said she understood. We increased study time in the evening but still papers flooded home with Ds and Fs on them. Concerned that the teacher had not commented on her progress I made the phone call and made the appointment to talk to her. This momma don't like Ds and Fs. The teacher was very kind. We spoke of things that could be changed at school, areas that she needs help in even though she passed the BEAR test. I left the meeting feeling satisfied that everything the school can do to help Peanut out in fact will happen. But now comes the hard part. Lowering the boom, cracking the whip, and buckling down at home about homework and study habits do not come easy to me. I will be the first to admit that my husband and I have a pretty relaxed style of parenting, within reason of course.

I guess this is an important year. This is the year I've learned it's important to stay focused, even when I'm distracted by other things (Baby B, computer games, etc). I've learned that after the after school snack comes homework and no amount of whining or pleading will change that. I've learned that there are free online resources I can use as bargaining chips for her to earn tv time. I wonder what other lessons I will learn this year, because you know, it's a big year.

How many things can Kami catch...this tops them all

For those who read about Kami catching a butterfly, now she reached another goal.

A couple of days ago she caught a bee, just like the one in the picture here.

On picture day this week-Tuesday-after school, we came home and the girls needed some outdoor time. They had plenty of energy! They went out to the back yard and there was an area covered with little flowers. They looked so cute in their little dresses, running and playing in the flower covered yard, I was getting ready to run in the house for the camera except I heard the train coming. It runs RIGHT behind our house. I didn't go in b/c I didn't want them getting out of the fence/yard, so I stayed put. To bad b/c they went in as soon as it left.

Anyways, just as the train had passed, Kami came over to me to show me something exciting she had. I thought she was going to give me a flower, as she loves to bring me all sorts of flowers, usually the weed kind:). Instead, I realize when she gets close enough, that she has a honey bee pinched right between her thumb and pointer finger. I coaxed her into letting it go and watched in amazement when it just flew away, like in a drawing, flew away not in a straight line, but curved a little down, curved back up and curved up the other direction and away it went. Maybe it was a little dizzy from the whole experience. It didn't show any hostility while she held it, it was more like she paralized it for a time-or maybe she held it a little to tight and didn't allow blood to flow well to its brain.

I was a little paralized for a couple of seconds - I wasn't sure if I was marveled by the fact that the bee didn't seem to be upset or that she hadn't been stung yet or if we would have to run as fast as we could as soon as she let it go b/c it would be angry.

Hopefully now she won't try and catch them anymore b/c I did let her know that they have stingers and can sting you. I do know for a fact that it doesn't feel very good when they do.

Hang out

Do you young mom's get together or hang out? I am acquainted with a young woman with a new baby whose hubby has just left for Iraq with the National Guard. Her hubby and my son are best friends. She lives in Enid. I have contact with her and have invited her to church. She and her hubby visited a couple of times before he left, they came with Russell and his wife. I have contact with her and want to give her support. Hanging out with an older lady is ok but I would love to hook her up with some of you younger types.

Victoria McDowell

Hey Ladies, just wanted to let you know that Victoria McDowell is going to being having her baby tomorrow, if she doesn't come tonight. She is supposed to be induced tomorrow morning, but I saw her tonight at Walmart and I am pretty sure she was in labor, but the early stages. Anyway, just wanted to let you know. She will be at Bass Hospital if you want to visit her the next few days and if you would like to make a meal for her and her family, contact JoAnn at the church and let her know what day would be good for you. Keep her and her family in your prayers, we all know that those first days are soooo exhausting.

Fitting Verse!

But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient! For it will surely take place. It will not be late by a single day." -Habakkuk 2:3

This verse is so fitting for our adoption wait, and I am sure, fitting for many other's various issues as well! God sure has given us hope and comfort through his words no matter what you are going through.

Hope everyone is settling into a nice routine with school now. Things are good our way. Baylee is enjoying 6th grade and I am loving my sweet class. Brian has been home the last few weeks which is great!! We are sure enjoying the new series "Spiritual Gifts" at church. BJ did a fantastic job delivering last night!

This weather is so awesome. I almost feel it is a sin to be inside! Which reminds me, I better go out right now!! Talk to you later!

Kami and the Butterly (+1)

Kami wanted me to share with "my friends" that she caught a butterfly this morning. Her asking me to do so was tooooo cute. Both the catching a butterfly and being excited about it. Then the fact that she asked me to tell ALL of my friends. She said "Because I know they will want to know" that she caught a butterfly.
She held it in her hands till we got to grandmas and was able to put it in a container, that grandma let her use. When I was getting Jaden out of the van, I saw a butterfly that looked just like the one she caught, just setting on the window of the van. I went in with Jaden and told her about the other butterfly, and she went out to catch it. Now she has two and "they are friends".

Now it is her Butterfly +1 friend.

Kami and the antler stick

A couple of weeks ago, my two girls and I went to Karens' crowning in the city. After we had finished there we went to go see a cousin, her husband and their two girls that live near there.
The couple we went to see like to hunt and have deer heads on their walls and also have extra antlers too. The girls got to pet the deer and hold the antlers.
Today, Kami went outside in the back yard. I had to bring her back in so I could get ready for work. When I did, she had a stick in tow, just about as long as she is tall. It made a Y at one end and was fairly straight to the other. There was no bark left on it.
Before I would let her bring it in, I asked her to make sure she was nice with it-not exactly in those words-I asked her if she was to bring it in that she "would not hit her brother with the stick". That may sound funny to you, but that is exactly what I could forsee happening. Anyways, she proceeded to tell me "it's not a stick, it's a thing from an animal". Then it dawned on me what she thought it was. I said, "you mean an antler"? "Yes" she said.
I couldn't help but laugh and allowed her to bring it in the house. Unless Greg threw it out while he was home at lunch, it should still be there. Our antlers! I hope she doesn't ask for me to mount them on the wall!
What was the cutest thing is, she checked them out just like they were real antlers from a deer. She had found a treasure! Touching and feeling it, checking it over! What a discovery she made today. Also a little surprised she didn't want to take it to show and tell today for Pre-K.

What discoveries have YOU made today!

DTE!!!!

Hi all! DTE stands for Dossier to Ethiopia. This basically means our paperwork is on its way to Ethiopia and we are officially on the wait list!!!!!!!!!! My goal and prayer over the last few months was that we would be DTE by the end of August. It was a big prayer, but God is good. Our official DTE date is 8-29-08! The current wait time for a baby boy is 5-7 months. I sure do hope God's perfect timing and my perfect timing is in alignment this time. We will see! We are so very excited about starting our wait. It is similar to the wonderful, gushing, emotional feeling of being pregnant except with no due date. Thank you God for this blessing!

Go Blue!

Went today to chear on my sons team. It was a great time at the

5th & 6th Grade Hayes Olympics

They were having fun. All of the other grades would come out periodically

and watch. My neighbor, who is also one of the teachers and mom

to one of the girls on Team Yellow, helped start the wave.

What Fun!

My oldest daughter got to sit with me and watch right along with my other two.

Sad to say, Blue Team did not come out on top,

but they did have a great time.

I think mostly b/c they had

two hours out of class.

All of the kids were able to compete individually also.

They threw water balloons-see who threw the farthest

They jumped from a standing position

There was something to do with a frisby

On and on and on...

On Sunday ask Bailey and Jakob how they did.

There is another one or two that go to our church also.

It was fun anyways!

Not So Little Elementary Olymiads

At the Elementary School my kids attend, the 5th & 6th graders are had Olympics today @2 and are having the same tomorrow from 8:30-10:30.
They are getting into teams. My son is on the blue team-Go Blue! He is very excited. They have to wear a shirt the color of their team both days. He's probably more excited about being on the team b/c of the color, not b/c of what they get to do.
Pour blue team that has him, might have to exert a little extra energy to make up for what he doesn't give out. He takes after his dad, not much into athletics. They both like to watch, not do when it comes to sports. Good thing he has a few years experience from t-ball and pitch. Helped out with learning how to throw a ball atleast. Otherwise, well anyways.
I'm planning on going in the morning to chear him on. Sounds like it'll be fun.

The Worship Experience

Ladies, I don't know how many of you were at church Sunday Night for the Worship Experience but if you weren't there you really missed an exciting, powerful service! Sean did a great job leading Praise and Worship! It just seemed like everyone was totally in to it, standing with their hands raised in worship. WOW, what an awesome sight!

Pastor had a great message about living in God's grace! What an amazing thing grace is! The message encouraged us that we all blow it (some of us daily or a couple times a day) but that God's grace is more than enough to keep us in right standing with Him!

Then right after church we all went outside for fajitas! It was cool to be able to just hang out in a very relaxed atmosphere to eat and catch up with everyone! It really was a great service and just an enjoyable night. It's the best way to end the weekend and head into a new week. I hope you'll make The Worship Experience a part of your weekend! It just may become the best service at EFA! Don't miss it!!

As all of you predicted, Grant is doing great with school and I have been so busy I haven't had time to be upset. I am really excited about the Ladies Lunch this week!, everyone should come! Buffalo Wild Wings on Thursday!!!

Just Between Friends

Just Between Friends the nation's largest children's and maternity consignment sales event is coming to the Enid/Ponca City, OK area. The sales events are held twice a year -- in the Spring and Fall. The Enid/Ponca City FALL event will be held at the Oakwood Mall in Enid, Oklahoma September 19-21, 2008. There is no need to shop over-priced malls and department stores, and no more running from garage sale to garage sale to find the best deals. They bring it all under one roof! You can find just about anything related to growing families at their sales event. The best in high quality "gently used" baby clothing, children’s clothing, books, baby equipment, children’s shoes, family friendly movies, nursery and maternity items, kids’ sports equipment, children’s software and video games, maternity clothing, outside play equipment, toys, baby and juvenile furniture, and just about anything else related to kids! You'll be amazed at some of the hidden treasures you may find! Name brand items from your favorite labels! Even sometimes brand new clothing with the tags still on! We will be open to the public for THREE fun days of shopping. Come early for the best selection. Bring a laundry basket or tote to put your items in while you shop! Looking for a way to earn extra cash. Consignors earn 65% on the items they sell. Become a volunteer and earn 70% on the items you sell, and get to shop EXTRA early. Check out their website at http://www.jbfsale.com or check out this video below.

First Days!

How did everyone do on their first day back to school? I am always amazed at the butterflies in my stomach every first day! I have such a myriad of emotions..........first, as I relive my first days of school as a child and the anxiety and excitement that went with it, second, as a mother worried and excited over my own child, and third, as a teacher as I stare out at the 25 little faces that God has entrusted into my care. It is a pretty happy, yet worrisome and emotional day! Well, my class is precious! I am so anxious to get to know them! I am very thankful that God chose me to be a teacher. It is a challenging, yet extremely rewarding job. My daughter had a good first day overall, but she is having a hard time being separated from her group of friends who all happened to end up together in another class. She loves her teacher and I know she will learn a lot. She also is in with a very nice group of kids. I told her that she will make new friends, and can still keep the old. She is doing better with accepting it. Life is about change. Funny story..........Baylee and I were sitting on the couch in the living room talking about change. Baylee said, "Mom, sometimes I wish that I didn't experience last school year being with all my friends and then I wouldn't keep comparing it now." I told her that it was better to have loved and lost then to have never loved at all. I gave her the example of getting another dog knowing that you will probably out live it, but the joy of owning it outweighs the loss. I told her everything changes, she said, "Not the fireplace!". Well, you won't believe what happened!! At that very moment the light over the fireplace came on all by itself! We busted out laughing until our guts hurt! I told her that God did that to say "BAM, Listen to your Mama!" Well, I will be anxious to know about everyone elses first day!

A new milestone!

Wow, only three days til kindergarten! Where has time gone? I'm going crazy! Tonight we are going to buy school supplies (thanks to Kathy I def feel prepared!) which I love to do actually and for those who don't know...and prob just think I dress my kid with ignorance...he refuses to wear short sleeves or shorts so we need some new jeans for sure! Kids...lol! Anyway, I am looking forward to some alone time with Evan. Here's to a great new year!

Kimberly & Kathy - Cake Decorating Fun!!!

Obeying CLASSROOM RULES!

NOT obeying CLASSROOM RULES!!!!!
Look at how AWSOME Itzel is doing on her cake!

And she is only 15, wow!

She even made a bumble bee to go on her cake!

Ellen, Kimberly's mom, taking pictures!
Looks so good, we should just eat it now!!!

I'll take this side, you go for that side!

Kimberly and I have had a GREAT time in our classes,

taking cake decorating.

Our kids have enjoyed eating them!

We are ready for more classes, which means

MORE FUN!!!!!!

Rosa & Itzel are our fun classmates.

We will miss Itzel. She is moving back to

Mexico with her parents. She may start up

her own Cake Shop or something. I think her friends and family

would like to see her try her hand at that.

She is VERY GOOD!

Almost Done Paperchasing!

I got a call yesterday from the CIS (Citizenship and Immigration Services) telling me they approved our adoption and that our most important adoption document, the I-171H, will be in the mail to me next week after going through 2 more people! Yeah! On Monday, the 18, Brian and I will head to OKC to get our birth certificates and take all our documents to be certified by the Secretary of State. Then we can mail the dossier (fancy term for adoption paperwork or your life story) to AWAA, our adoption agency. They will then get it authenticated in Washington and finally it will head to Ethiopia!!! If all goes well, I believe we will have our paperwork in Ethiopia by the end of the month!!!!! This means our official wait begins! Right now the wait for a baby boy referral is 5 to 7 months. It very well can fluctuate, but hopefully it won't too much! Once you get your referral, it is another 2 to 3 months before you travel. We are overjoyed, but yet a little reserved simply because we know anything can change. We will choose to trust God and not worry about it. Easier said than done, but I am really trying!! Whew, they don't call it a paper pregnancy for nothing! I think my actual pregnancy was easier than my paper pregnancies have been!! Well, I just wanted to update you and give you a glimpse into life on the adoption front. As for the other part of our lives, Brian has been to Colorado and Kansas on business, and Baylee and I have been gearing up for school. I officially reported back today and Baylee has been a great helper. Summer flew by! Glenwood playground sure looks awesome thanks to Enid 1st Assembly and all the wonderful volunteers that helped lay mulch! It is very much appreciated! On behalf of my fellow teachers, thank you very much!!

$50 Bed, Bath, & Beyond Drawing

Congrats to Trish Pitts - she is the winner of the $50 Gift Certificate to Bed, Bath,& Beyond. Trish thanks for leaving a comment on our blog. Please continue to come back and leave comments in the future.

WANTED

I am needing someone that can watch my two older boys after school. Monday-Thursday 3PM-5:30-6PM. If anyone knows someone that would be interested, I would love to talk to them. The boys (ages 6 and 9) go to Glenwood.
Thanks for the help!
Amanda

THANK YOU!

Thanks for your prayers!! Our home study addendum was approved and I have the notorized copy in my hands! I will mail it to the CIS (Citizenship and Immigration Services) Monday morning so we can wait on our government approval to adopt an orphan from Ethiopia. My next prayer is that we get our approval speedy-quick! One prayer at a time! Things seem to be moving much smoother this time around! Hopefully that is a good sign for things to come!

PRAYER REQUEST!

Hey my little family of moms! We need your prayers today. We found out today that our homestudy for our Ethiopia adoption can go 1 of 2 ways. Either all our social worker will have to do is an addendum to our current homestudy for China, or she will have to do a whole new one. She already did the addendum and is forwarding it to our adoption agency right now. Please pray for approval, so that we can move on with our adoption and possibly have our paperwork in Ethiopia in August! Once your paperwork is in Ethiopia, we are officially on the wait list for countdown! If we have to do a whole new one, not only will it be time consuming, but a lot of money as well. Please pray. Hopefully, I will find out today! I will let you know. Thank you so much!

Birthday Fun!

Delivering a Happy Birthday

to two AWSOME women!

Constance & Nina!

Hope the both of you enjoy YOUR day

Love ya Both!!!

Charlie Bit Me - Very cute and funny video

This video is so cute and funny - you have to check it out. Don't forget we are only a week away from the Bed, Bath, & Beyond $50.00 gift certificate drawing. Leave a comment for a chance to enter your name into the drawing.

I am currently reading the Mom's Devotional Bible. I'm enjoying the nightly devotions after my crazy days. As some of you know, my husband left to go overseas-again. It's not easy being a "single mom!" I don't think it's easy to be a mom, period. Anyway, I get home to my 3 very active boys after working 8-9 hours a day, the house is a mess, they need to go to practices, dinner and laundry need to be taken care of. I can pity myself, but I know that I have to be strong and keep my cool when my patience is wearing thin. I am very thankful for the wonderful people around me that help me out and encourage me when time is tough. I wouldn't trade my crazy life for anything...

This week in savings!

Staples
Pencil Case-1cent-limit 2
Staples mini stapler-$.25-limit3
Pentel Ener Gel 4pk-free after rebate-limit 1
2pocket plastic report cover-$.20-limit 10
Bic pens &/or highlighters-$.99
Staples electric pencil sharpener-free after rebate-limit 1-great gift idea 4childs teacher
Nextar MP3 1GB-$10 rebate-$9.99

K-Mart
Trapper Keeper-$5
Zipper binders-$5off
Crayola crayons 24ct-4/$1
wooden pencils 10ct-$.33
Bic markers; 5ct brite lite, 8-24 ct mark it, 4ct dry erase-buy1/get1

Walgreens
Backpack Buy 1 @$9.99/get 1 free
Roller or Sling backpack-2/$29.99
Penway memo book-8/$1
----lots of buy 1/get 2 free----
check out rest of the ads on-line or on ad @ store

FUN AT MEADOWLAKE PARK!

VENTING, WAITING, AND REJOICING!

Venting: Soon it will be 23 months since our paperwork was logged in to China and our official wait for Baby Maggie began. It is hard to believe that what started out as a 1 year wait has turned into a probably 4 year wait by the time it is all over. Normally, I do fine, continue to have faith in the Almighty's plan, and live my already blessed life, but I am a little riled up right now. We got a newsletter from our China Agency Friday that included a letter from the president of the agency. She visits China regularly with the CCAA (China Center of Adoption Affairs). She stated in her letter that the wait which is currently 2.5 years will continue to grow. She asked the CCAA what she should tell waiting families. Their reply: "As long as Americans are willing to wait, they will eventually get a baby." I know that China doesn't owe us a baby, but what is so incredibly sad to me is the fact that thousands of babies are languishing in these orphanages while thousands of families wait to love them. It is heartbreaking and it makes no sense. The only good that has come out of our wait is that God has led us to adopt another child in the mean time. That will be 2 of God's children that we will bring Home. One more thing, while I vent............we have had plenty of people point out to us that America has plenty of orphans to adopt so why are we adopting from other countries. Let me address this: 1) America doesn't make it easy to adopt either. We want a baby and there are huge waiting lists for babies, but mostly we worry about an interrupted adoption. We have known too many couples that have went through the pain of an interrupted adoption. After 7 years of wanting another child and 2 miscarriages, we didn't think we wanted to risk that, not to mention putting our sweet, sensitive daughter through that pain.
2) Domestic adoptions through private agencies are on the average 10,000 more dollars than an international adoption.
3) An orphan is an orphan no matter where in the world they are. We are all God's children and He wants us to take care of the orphans.

Waiting: So here we are, we continue to wait for the blessings that we know God has planned for us. We are totally out of our comfort zone on many levels, but at the same time we know that we are following God's will for our life and it is absolutely amazing and exhilirating to imagine what He has in store. The longer we wait, the more we question and worry.........Dialogue between God and I - Gina: Is this your plan God? God: Yes, Gina. Gina: This is scary. God: I know, being out of control and out of your comfort zone is scary. Gina: We can't afford this. God: I will provide. Gina: I am going to be a mother of 2 toddlers in my 40's. God: You can do it. I will help and so will many others. Gina: What if it never happens? God: It will. Have faith in Me.

Rejoicing: I rejoice in the knowledge that it all comes down to faith and how much I have grown in the last 2 years. God is so stretching our family. I am so thankful for Brian and Baylee and our extended family, friends, and our church family whom we have so grown to love and cherish. Wow! What a blessed life we have!

GONE…..To Peru

Ok, today a group from our church left for Peru. That is awesome and I am so excited for them except for the fact that my one and only went with them!!! Brandon was really excited about this trip! I am glad he is getting to go however, 10 whole days!! They have barely been gone 7 hours and I have sent 7 texts. I’m not sure if it’s the 10 days or leaving the country that bothers me the most (probably both). He has been gone more this summer than any other: 7 days – Boy’s State, 5 days – OBU Basketball camp, day trips etc. but 10 days will really stretch the limits.

Now you have to realize that Brandon is an only child and he does say that we are overly obsessed with him, but this will be a good dry run for the near future. I think this makes me start to realize that he will eventually leave for good. EMPTY NEST Big Time!! This school year will be his senior year with OSU looming in the background. Now more than ever I'm thinking, I should have had more children!!
Hindsight is 20/20.

We had such a great carefree junior year in high school. Now all the planning for the future must begin! Not quite ready for it yet. With everything to look forward to during the Senior year, everyone tells me that it will fly by. Not looking forward to that either!

Well, I have come to the conclusion that children really are a blessing from God and you must love and enjoy them while you have them in your home. So young mothers take note, the daily struggles and frustrations of childhood do quickly pass and as mothers our purpose in life is to raise them so they can spread their wings and soar into adulthood!

I’ll let you know how I hold up these next 10 days!

Bed, Bath, & Beyond $50 Gift Certificate

Don't forget to leave a comment to be put into the drawing for a $50.00 gift certificate to Bed, Bath, & Beyond. The drawing will be held August 4th, 2008. Time is running out, so leave a comment today. Thanks for viewing our blog.

Looking for a kitten??? Only 1 left!!!

If you'll notice the date on the pic, you'll see this is from when they were first born. They are a few months old now.

We still have a kitten for someone to welcome into their home. I believe the one I am holding in this photo is the one that we have still. There were a couple of grey kittens.

Jakob has named her Amy, but she doesn't come to you that way. She will come to anybody, no matter what. She is pretty used to our dog, Buddy, now, but we are dog sitting this week and she hasn't warmed up to Mazy yet. If you have other animals, she'll probably take just a little bit to warm up to. She warms up to people nicely though. Even kids! We have 4 kids of our own and along with all the kids that just stop by in our neighborhood, Amy is WELL accustomed to kids.

She loves people and very playful. Enjoys attention! If your'e ready for a nap, she'll take one right along with you, as she does this when Greg, my husband, comes home from lunch. The kids try to sneak her in with them at night also, and if it weren't for the fact that I know when they are hiding something, I'd never know she was there.

Give me a shout if you are interested-Kathy

School Supply - 4 cheapies like me!

If you did not get a circular(ad) in the Sunday paper, just grab one up at the store you go to.

All of them have an ad when you walk in the front door. You'll need the ad for Walgreens for the coupons, or you can print them off on-line.

K-Mart
70-count theme books - $0.09
Elmers 2pk glue sticks or 4oz glue - 5/$1.00
school boxes - 2/$1.00
RoseArt (colored pencils, ect) - 4/$1.00

Wal-Mart
4pk Kleenex - $2.97
Athletic backpack(s) - $10.00
3pk boys tees - $3.00

Staples
12pk cap erasers - $0.05
10pk Cadoozles mechanical pencils - free after rebate
1/2 & 1" plastic binders - $0.25
6" plastic protractor - $0.05
2pk paper folders - $0.05
7" scissors-says Swingline in ad, but another brand? - $0.99

Walgreens
Crayola Washable Markers-20ct, 10ct & 8ct - free after rebate/limit 1
Pilot G2 Gel Ink Pen-2pk of red, black or blue - free after rebate/limit 1
backpack(s) - 2/$19.99

Walgreens-coupon only
Penway highlighter - $0.05/limit 3
mini composition book - $0.05/limit 4
2pocket folder(s) (w/out brads) - $0.05/limit 5
5 pk Paper Matemechanical pencils - $0.05/limit 3
W-zipper seal dble zipper bags-50pk sandwich, 20or25pk storeage - $0.99/limit 3
scotch tape - 3/$1.00/limit 6
Heavy Duty batteries 12pk-AA - $2.99/limit 3
Penway 12" Wood or Flexible Ruler - $0.19/limit3
10pk Penway #2 pencils - $0.19/limit 3
Penway 2pk pink or 15pk caps erasers - $0.19/limit?
5pk Bic Brite Liner highlighter - $0.39/limit 3
100pk Acco paper clips - $0.19/limit 2
4pk Expo dry erase marker - $1.99
Studio 35 8oz polish remover &
80pk cotton rounds or 100pk cotton balls - $0.99/limit 3
22x28" white posterboard - $0.10/limit 5

Hope this helps all of you shoppers that LOVE bargains!
Check out next weeks blog-for more Back to School bargains-Kathy

Welcome to Enid Mom's Live - Read this for a chance to win a $50.00 gift certificate

Just wanted to welcome everyone that is viewing our blog for Enid Mom's Live. The purpose of this blog is to help connect mother's through networking and building friendships. This site is available for questions and answers, setting up times to get together, discussions about upcoming church events, etc. So feel free to leave comments about this blog or suggestions we could do to improve. Ask for questions and advice, or share stories with us on how awesome it is to be a mom. All the authors on this blog are mom's from different walks of life coming together under one common ground - motherhood. We are currently having a contest, so leave us a comment to be put into the drawing for a $50.00 gift certificate to Bed, Bath, & Beyond. The drawing will be held August 4th, 2008. Thanks for viewing our blog, we look forward to developing new friendships and getting to know you mom's better.

The 99 Production

So Kathy, Amy, and I went to see the "99" production that is taking place in front of Oakwood Mall. We decided to take a picture of ourselves as we waited 1 1/2 hours in the line just to get inside. It was hot, but we had a good time hanging out and the production was amazing. We all found sitters for the kids; it was nice to have a girl's night out. If you haven't checked the 99 out, I would recommend you see it at least once, but it is only here till the 20th. Very realistic. Some could say some of the rooms hit close to home; whether it be from your past, or a family/friend that has made these poor choices. I won't say much about the rooms as I don't want to ruin it for anyone. I am thankful that I know God and know where I am going when he takes us home. For those family or friends that you have lost, don't give up, keep praying for their salvation and trust that God will hear and answer your prayers. Hope everyone has a blessed weekend.

Joys of a baby

The joys of a baby - it's so amazing to watch a baby grow and development new skills everyday. I love being a stay at home mother for this reason. My littlest one will be 7 months next Saturday and I am just blown away at how much she can already do. She can sit up on her own and she is trying so hard to crawl. She gets up on all fours and rocks back and forth, and she is now pushing off her back legs. I know that it's going to be any day now and I will be chasing her around the house watching to make sure she doesn't get into everything. I have to start baby proofing the house. : ) So today was another exciting moment, she has said her first word "da da", my heart broke a little that it wasn't "ma ma" but it was a great moment for my husband. She is trying so hard to say it several times, she will whisper very quietly "da da, da da, da da". When I look at her and tell her "ma ma", she smiles and laughs. It's cute! Well, I know my day will come soon enough when she says "ma ma", so I will just keep encouraging her until then. Well she got it down finally and can say it without whispering, check out this video below.

Please pray for Gavin Smith. He is 3 years old, lives in Dallas and had brain cancer. He had surgery and is going through chemo and proton treatments now. His parents have asked for prayer warriors. They are trusting God for a complete healing. Specifically that the cancer would stay gone, the damage to his eyes and ears (from the treatment) would be repaired and wisdom for the Drs. Check out his blog @:http://smithscooptexas.blogspot.com/.

HI FRIENDS!

WE MADE IT BACK FROM COLORADO. IT WAS SO HARD TO LEAVE, BUT IT'S ALWAYS GOOD TO GET HOME! WE HAD A GREAT TIME! TALK ABOUT PROOF OF A GOD OF WONDERS! THE MOUNTAINS ARE SO WONDERFULLY AND BEAUTIFULLY MADE. THEY MAKE YOU FEEL SO SMALL! HERE ARE SOME PICS OF OUR TRIP!

Hummingbirds were thick around our campsite! We kept them well fed.

Baylee and I had a picnic right here at the edge of this waterfalll after a great hike!

Baylee and I doing our traditional Colorado rock painting!

My big guy of a husband looking pretty tiny in God's great big world!

Fishing wasn't too great this year, but Brian and Baylee still had fun trying!

Yes, snow in July! Oh what fun!

This looks like snow, but it is actually cotton from the Cottonwood trees in Lake City.

Our picnic view on our hike!

Sunset from our campsite.

I just realized tonight that I only have 5 more weeks with Grant before kindergarten! I am so sad, time just goes so fast! I cannot believe how big he is and there are so many things I would like to pack in the next 5 weeks. I guess I should just be grateful that I have been able to stay home with him and have faith we have instilled enough in him to prepare him to begin his individual journey...also doesn't hurt to assign his guardian angel (who I refer to as Spike) to go with him!

(and thank you Kathy for the props, I learned what little I know from fiddling around on My Space!)