A Good Friend Doubles the Joy and Divides the Pain

from teens....me, Manda, Steph, Char

to young adults (no kids, one husband so far)...Steph, me, Char, Manda

to moms...ok, here is our crew Oct 05
"A Good Friend Doubles the Joy, and Divides the Pain"

Mothers' day blogging, Day 3, take 1 (cont)

Charity and I have had tons of fun over the years. We have also shared some rough times. I have pictured Charity with my birthday gift for her this past February. I saw it, and immediately thought of her. I also have a shot of her with my girls that I absolutely love! Another is of us last summer at Sunset Beach NC, after a fun day in the sun. Also, is a shot of us when we were high school seniors (not TOO long ago ;) love ya, Char

Mothers' day blogging, Day 3, take 1 (cont)

Peyton Paige and Olivia on our Bull Shoals trip in 2005

Amanda and I at the camp retreat in the fall of 1991, new High School Seniors
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a few short year later ;) at the Pumpkin patch, now a couple of momma's

Mothers' day blogging, Day 3, take 1 (cont)

Stephanie and I when we were "young" a couple of 17 year old high school seniors

Mothers' day blogging, Day 3, take 1

Today, I dedicate my mothers day blogging to my three best gal pals! I have been good friends with Steph, Charity and Amanda since we were in high school, Stephanie, of course, since before I could walk! All of these girls are tremendous mothers, and have been good influences on me, and on my children. If my girls ever need anyone to talk to in their preteen or beyond years and can't talk to me, I would love to know that they could go to any of these three! Amanda has one little girl, who is 4. Her name is Olivia, and she talks like she is already in her teens. I was blessed to be able to be present when Olivia came into the world, and it was a far better experience for me that my own child birth! Steph is my dear cousin and friend. I love her like a sister, and her boys, Elijah and Isaiah, are precious to me. I had the chance to have them last night, and I love to be their Aunt Sandy. Steph has been a huge rock for me to lean on, and a pretty good reality checker for me too! Any my dear Charity. What can I say, one definite good thing that came out of the past year is that we have drawn closer than ever! Hiding out..I mean visiting..at your house has been wonderful for me and P & P. You have been great to my girls, and I love your boys to pieces! I am a bit worried about some fireworks in the future between one of mine and one of yours, it is good we don't live to close! Happy mothers day to all of you, my sisters

Mothers' day blogging, Day 2, take 4

This is my other Grandmother-in-law. Her name is Vernice, but all who know her call her "Granny." Granny has been a big part of my life since before I even married into her family. Visiting at their house was a regular occurance when Brad and I were dating. She always had pop in the fridge, and usually a big meal cooking in the kitchen! Granny positively adored her grandchildren, and now loves her 8 great grandchildren just as much. My girls have spent the night at her house, and been loved and cared for there many times! A few years ago, Granny and Granddad moved from their farm house into town. While it was wierd to see them off the farm, it was great to have them so convenient! Granny was ill a few years ago, and went through a very serious operation. When she came home from the hospital, my sister in law, Brittany and I, shared the job of helping to care for her wounds. It was a wonderful opportunity to help care for this lady who had cared for so many others! Granny has recovered, and finally retired from work just this past year. One of my best memories of her is when we traveled over to Covenant after my girls were born. While we were there, there was a tornado warning, and we all had to move to the hallway. So here we were, holding these little babies together, still on monitors and one on oxygen, out in the hallway next to the elevators on the 8th floor, waiting out a tornado warning. Thank you Granny, for being like a second grandmother to me, and such a wonderful Granny to my girls! Happy Mothers day.

Mothers' day blogging, Day 2, take 3

This is my grandmother-in-law, Eileen. We refer to her as "Grandma Day." Grandma Day adores her grandchildren. Even though she isn't really able, she would love to have them with her all the time! Peyton and Paige are old enough now to go and stay with her for a few hours each week, while I go to a meeting or go to the YMCA. I never really knew any of my great-grandmothers, and I think that is is wonderful that they have three of them! Grandma lived in the same house for most of her adult life. About 5 years ago, she had to moved because of the construction that was taking place for a bridge in front of her house. At the same time, we were moving out of our small house, into a larger one. God's timing was perfect, and she was able to buy our little house. So now, when we go to visit her, it is the house that we brought the girls home from the hospital to, and watched them grow and change for the first 2 years of their lives. Sometimes it is bittersweet to visit this house where we lived as a family for 5 years, but I am glad that each week, I have the opportunity. Grandma is almost always there, and is always eager to have us visit. Grandma likes to sew. Even though she isn't as able to sew as she once was, she has made some pretty things for the girls that we will keep long after they are outgrown! Grandma also loves the Lord, and I know she prays for us regularly. Happy mothers day, Grandma Day!

Mothers' day blogging, Day 2, take2

This is my other Grandmother, June Reese. My girls, who never had a chance to meet her, refer to her as "Granda Tick Tock." I believe this comes from an old nick name that my cousins must have given her many years ago. My Grandfather worked on clocks, and they apparently had many in their house. I don't really remember Granda June, and this is one of the things in my life that I wish was different. She was my fathers mother, and she had 7 children. She must have been loving, because my own mother, her daughter in law, who only knew her for a few short years, loved her dearly. My mother cared for Grandma June while she was dying. While I do not look forward to losses like this in my life, I would count it a priviledge to be able to care for a family member like that. I know that it was time spent that my mother doesn't regret in any way. They tell me that the family loved to gather at Grandma's house, that is was fun, and always the place to be! She died young, in her 50's, leaving behind her husband, 7 children (two of which were not grown yet) and several grandchildren. As much as she must have loved babies, each time one of my cousins has a baby, I briefly think of Grandma tick tock, and how much she would have loved to see those babies. Happy Mothers day to my aunts and my cousins who are now mothers!

Mothers' day blogging, Day 2, take 1

This is my grandmother, Helen. She is 89 years young and still has a wicked sense of humor! We called Grandma "Gee Gee" when we were small, and over the past few years, this nick name has been resurrected for use by Peyton and Paige, who are blessed with still having all but one off their great grandmothers. Anyway, Gee Gee has Parkinson's disease, and her walking and thinking aren't nearly as clear as they once were. Nevertheless, some of my best childhood memories are of this woman. We would go to visit, and she would cook, tell stories, and ride bikes with us. Now, she lives next door to my parents, in the care of my sister. Sometimes I am jealous of the relationship Jamie has been able to have with Grandma, by living with her. I don't envy the work, though, because I know caring for her is a 24 hour a day job! But we are so blessed to still have Gee Gee with us. Over the last few years, I have taken Grandma to the cemetaries to visit important graves for her, I have taken P & P along, and it has been a good experience for all of us. I wouldn't trade those Memorial Day trips for anything! This year, there will be one more grave that will need flowers, if we can make the trip. Grandma lost her best friend of around 70 years in November. They had been friends, wives and mothers, and grandmothers together. I know that Grandma still misses Helen, and always will. Happy Mothers Day, Gee Gee, we love you!

Mothers' day blogging, take 3

This is my other sis-in-law, Amie. She is pictured with her new baby, Mia Kate. Mia was probably the happiest thing that happened to this family this past year, and we are SO grateful for her! She is a beautiful, happy baby, and her parents, and other relatives, are in love with her. Amie may be the person on my list of people to focus on this week that I have known the shortest time. I met Amie for the first time when Brock brought her to the hospital when I was on bedrest. So I have known her for 7 years. She has been my sister-in-law for 5 years now, and I have been able to come to know and love her. Brittany, Marie and I were sad, but priviledged to be with Brock and Amie when they were dealing with the miscarriage of their first baby. Nothing in the T-Bro family goes smoothly when it comes to having babies, that is for sure! Out of that loss, Brock, Amie and Brittany penned a song, dedicated to the babies lost to miscarriage. Amie is a school teacher, and currently teaches music at Bismarck Grade School. She is a sweet, wonderful friend, and I want to give her a big congratulations on her very first Mother's Day!

This is my sister-in-law, Brittany, with me at the zoo, recently. Brittany is the mother of 3. She is very busy with the kids' activities, church, and homeschooling. Brittany always has time for others, particularly for me. To say that she has been "there" for me over the past year, yeck, over the past 8 years would be an understatement. Brittany and I have been friends since our preteen years, but never as close as since we both became mothers. She is my sister in law, and my sister in Christ. Brittany has been a rock for me, even when the same set of circumstances threaten to pull her own heart apart! Now that is a good friend! Brittany is not a motherly figure to me, but she is a great mom, and fills in for the mothering for me for P & P regularly. She is always willing to add them to her household when I am in need of a sitter. The girls love her and she obviously loves them. Thanks Brittany, for being a great sister, mom, aunt and friend. I hope you have a great mothers day!

Mothers' day blogging, take 2

This is my mother-in-law, Marie. Shis is pictured with a very tired Peyton at Nathan's first b-day party. Marie, better known as Nana, has also had a rough year. We went for our annual Christmas shopping trip this past December. We figured we have been doing that since 1990! It is a longstanding tradition, and even though what we shop for has changed a great deal, it is still always lots of fun. I hope that we continue this for many years to come. Marie has been a 2nd mother to me since I was a young teenager. She taught my Sunday School class all through my high school years, and we were very close. When I began dating, and married her son, we became even closer, and stayed that way. Marie loves all her grandchildren dearly. My girls love to go stay with Granddad and Nana. They sit and read with her, which is one of the things she loves best! Family difficulties, as well as her husband's illness has been difficult for her, making the past year a hard one. I am SO thankful that last summer, she took the time to have a "girl's night" with her daughter and her daughters-in-law. This very timely evening included a written prayer and blessing for each of us. That night stands for me as a critical time, used by God to prepare me for the difficult times ahead. Thank you, Marie, for being my second mother, Nana for my girls, and my friend for so many years. I love you.

blogging my way to Mother's Day

This week, I would like to do some blogging to talk about some of the important mothers in my life. They will be discussed throughout the week, in no particular order. Just kind of how the pictures and thoughts flow! So check back all week!


This is my sister with Peyton and Paige on their 7th birthday. Jamie doesn't have any children of her own, but she has been great at mothering lots of kids! Since she was barely a teenager, Jamie has been a sought after caregiver for many small children. Jamie has been wonderful with my girls since their birth, even before! She was very important to me while I was waiting for them to be born. Jamie came to the house and helped me shower, dress, get breakfast and lunch. She would basically hang out with me all morning while I was on bedrest, all this after getting off the night shift at the hospital. Jamie is dearly loved by her nieces. She is also always willing to help look after my dog, Ella. Jamie has had a rough year, she spends alot of time caring for our elderly grandmother, plus her full time job. She has also suffered the loss of some friendships that were very important to her. This loss doesn't go unnoticed by me, even if many might not think much about it. Jamie has given her support to all that I do and plan, and always offeres to help with the kids in any way. Thanks Jamie, Happy mothers' day, we ALL love you very much!

A word on mothering from Jill Savage..

I had this emailed to me by a fellow homeschooler today. Even though it deals with motheringa public school high school student, the mother fears are the same.

From My Heart to Yours
Once a month, I serve as a volunteer greeter at my daughter's high school. I have a pretty easy job sitting at the entrance of the school asking visitors to sign in when they enter. I will admit, however, that my imagination has run wild on occasion as I've considered the school shootings over the past few years.

With the horrific Virginia Tech killings fresh on my mind, I recently entered the school on my regular volunteer day. As I positioned myself at the entryway, I noticed several police officers roaming the halls. While I've greeted an occasional police officer coming in to deal with a truant student, I'd certainly never seen them roaming the halls.

Within minutes, the bell rang and students poured into the halls to change classes and immediately more administration personnel than I could count suddenly appeared on the scene. The assistant principal approached me explaining that a plainclothes security officer would be handling my responsibilities for the morning.

That's when I found out that a student at the school had posted internet threats against specific students. Suddenly, Columbine and Virginia Tech weren't so far away. The frightening possibility was right in front of me in my own child's school.

Anytime something happens to someone's child, we're affected as moms. I remember after Anne, our first child, was born there seemed to be an increase in crimes against children. Night after night, I would listen to the evening news and grow in fear. In reality, there wasn't an increase in crime involving children. I was just seeing the world through new eyes--the eyes of a mother.

Standing in the school hallway after being dismissed from my volunteer work, fear gripped my thoughts. Should I pull Erica out of school? Should I keep her home for a few days? And then they went even further. Maybe we should return to home schooling where she would be safe from this insecure, unsafe world! Within minutes God spoke quietly to my heart by interrupting my racing thoughts with some Bible verses I knew well, "Be still and know that I am God, Jill" (Psalm 46:10). Then "Do not be afraid" (John 14:27).

Someone once said that when we know Scripture, we increase the Holy Spirit's vocabulary in our lives. I saw that concept at work right then (I didn't know the exact book of the Bible and verses at that moment, but I knew God's truth when I needed it!)

What do we do when fear wants to take over? How do we combat the emotions that can take over our head and our heart in a matter of minutes when our child's safety is at stake?

That's when I also knew what a mother must do when faced with fears, especially fears about things she can't control. She has to stand on faith. I can't imagine mothering without partnering with a God who loves my child even more than I do. I can't be with them all the time, but God can. I'm not omnipresent (being everywhere at once) or omniscient (all-knowing), but God is.

When I'm fearful, His truth calms my emotional heart. When I want to control every part of my children's environment, He reminds me that He's got it covered. Having a spiritual perspective helps me come to terms with both the good and the bad in this world, which affects every aspect of my child's life every day, not just on days when an evil threat is right before my eyes.

What's a mom to do? We're to run straight into the arms of God who's waiting for us to trust Him with our life and the lives of those we love.

Joining you in the journey,
Jill Savage
Wife to Mark and Mother to Anne, Evan, Erica, Kolya, and Austin
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Hearts at Home

New pics of us girls

 

 

 

 

Prom time

Janelle and the girls
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Jordan and Krista
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Jordan Reese and a couple of "Reese cups."

A great weekend (mostly off work)

Here is an album of pictures from the weekend. P & P headed out to Jamaica High school with Aunt Jamie to see our cousin Jordan and his girlfriend Krista all dressed up before prom. Then, today, we had a little fun in Grammy's backyard with the camera. Click here to see the pics.

more zoo pictures...

click here for Jamie's web album. Some good zoo pics

A day at the zoo

I personally didn't take many pictures during our zoo trip to Indy yesterday. These are a few that Brittany emailed me. Our personal photographer, my sister Jamie, should be sending me some pics, and when I get the album, I will post it. I am anticipating some cute pictures of kids and animals. There were 11 of us walking around in occasional drizzle, not much sun, and temps in the 50's. The zoo wasn't crowded, and nobody overheated! Below, a group shot of us on the train, all 7 kids (too bad no Mia Kate), and one of Peyton trying to get warm by getting under my oversized jacket!

 

 

 

We all met up at the mall last Monday for "The Week of the Young Child." It was a rare opportunity to get a picture of all 8 of the great-grandkids.

 

 

Planting season...I hope corn doesn't grow out of their ears!

Last night, I had two happy, tired and completely filty little girls brought back home. They were covered in dirt from head to toe, and they were SO excited! They were talking 100 miles an hour about their day, and all the fun they had. The girls spent the day in the field, during planting at the family farm. Their daddy took them with him just after lunchtime, and they stayed until late in the evening. I think that it is great when kids can have fun, with no tv or video games involved. Not even any toys. They just "played outside." Then they brought the outside inside with them when they came home. Of course, my absense from this day means that there were no photos taken. I was in too big of a hurry last night to wash the field off of them to get a picture of their dirty faces when they came home. But I did decide to include one of my favorite "kids at the farm" pics. This one hangs as an 8X10 at my house, and I love it. It is Peyton and Paige a few years ago during harvest, hanging out in the back of the truck with their Great-granddad. He is a wonderful man, and I love that my children have been able to spend so much time with their great-grandparents. Thanks daddy, for "taking us to work" with you!

 

Fun on the trampoline

click here for a short video from the Picasa Web album.

Anyway

It is late, but I couldn't sleep, so I was watching part of a broadcast of the Country Music Video awards. I love Martina McBride, and she closed the show with this song, that I had never heard before. I loved the words.

You can spend your whole life buildin'
Something from nothin
One storm could come and blow it all away
Build it anyway

You could chase a dream
That seems so out of reach
And you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway

God is great but sometimes life aint good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like i think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway

This worlds gone crazy
And it's hard to believe
That tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway

You can love someone with all you heart
For all the right reasons
And in a momemt they can choose to walk away
Love 'em anyway

God is great but sometimes life aint good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like i think it should
But I do it anyway
Yeah I do it anyway

You can pour your soul out singin'
A song you believe in
That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway
Yeah sing it anyway

I sing
I dream
I love anyway

Paige's latest creation from art class

 

A break between sick days..

Since Peyton and I were both sick on Thursday, and we were up in the night with complaints of an earache, I am grateful that all was well yesterday! Yesterday was a truly great day with the kids. It was a day that I could honestly look several years into the future to imagine what our relationships might look like. Paige had an art class, which Peyton "kinda" wants to do, but not really. So Peyton and I headed to Royal Donut, and got a drink and a snack. In the car, just previously, Paige had been crying. A song she heard made her sad. Peyton likes the song, but I promised Paige I wouldn't play it again with her around. It was a rare secular song that I felt like hearing, so I downloaded it, along with the Twila Paris stuff I was thinking about, and put it on a CD for the car. The song actually reminded me of good times in the past, but the words of this old Dixie Chicks song didn't set well with Paige, and they upset her. So after I apologized for hurting her (wow, music is powerful at all ages!), she went in and started her art class.

So anyway, Peyton and I sat in Royal Donut and talked like friends. We read from the Bible the story of Hannah's answer to prayer in having Samuel, and what an impact that child had on the world. We discussed prayers, and how God answers them. It was a neat time to spend one on one with Peyton. I was able to discover some specific things that were troubling her, and discuss some possible solutions. We were certainly not going to be able to completely solve her problem, but it was possible to trust God for some relief.

Peyton called Brad and asked him to come by the Blue Kangaroo, which was where art lessons were. So he did, and the kids were thrilled to see him. They love time with HIM. From there, we headed to see "Firehouse Dog." This was a great family movie, and I enjoyed it. And finally, last night, we went to the Civic Center to see the Lippinzer Stallions. Not exactly my idea of a Friday night out, but it was a bit of "culture."

Hopefully, the earache will be short lived, but the memories of a great day spent together will be long lasting!

Paige started an art class today. Peyton went to the church an practiced with her "Heelys." I think it is good that the twins are developing different interests.

A Handy Little Chart

I "borrowed" this from a blog that i stumbled upon tonight...

HANDY LITTLE CHART -

YOU SAY
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )

You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

Happy Easter

I am again drawn to a Twila Paris song, which describes the true meaning of Easter. Twila has a beautiful soothing voice, and her lyrics are full of truth. I pray that this Easter season is more that a fun holiday family time, I pray that is is a reminder of how grateful we each should be for Christ's finished work on the cross!

Artist: Twila Paris
Song: How Beautiful
Album:
[" " CD]

How beautiful the hands that served
the wine and the bread
and the sons of the earth.
How beautiful the feet that walked
the long dusty roads
and the hills to the cross.
How beautiful
how beautiful

how beautiful is the body of Christ.

How beautiful the heart that bled
that took all my sin
and bore it instead.
How beautiful the tender eyes
that chose to forgive
and never despise.
How beautiful
how beautiful

how beautiful is the body of Christ.

And as He laid down His life
we offer this sacrifice
that we will live just as he died:
willing to pay the price
willing to pay the price.

How beautiful the radient Bride
who waits for her Groom
with His light in her eyes.
How beautiful when humble hearts give
the fruit of pure lives
so that others may live.
How beautiful
how beautiful

how beautiful is the body of Christ.

How beautiful the feet that bring
the sound of good news
and the love of the King.
How beautiful the hands that serve

the wine and the bread
and the sons of the earth.
How beautiful
how beautiful

how beautiful is the body of Christ.

Lyrics > T > Twila Paris Lyrics > How Beautiful Song Lyrics

The New Heely's and the Egg Hunt

For some reason, the previous post wouldn't let me leave captions. These pictures are taken at the church gym (and the back of mom's car). Andrew and Steven were kind enough to help Paige and Peyton learn how to use their new Heely's. There is still much practice to be done, but they are improving! Thanks also to Anna, Lydia and the Benzings for cheering the girls on and helping. You may be able to load a short video from the Picaso web album linked below!

click here for the web album for the day

 

 

 

The Warrier is a Child..

This past week, I have had the opportunity to "arm" my children with spiritual truths that I wouldn't imagine are usually given to such small children. We have been memorizing Psalm 71:1 which says "In thee O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion." My kids understand confusion quite well, so we discussed things that confuse us, and how we can always trust God for the answers we need. I am thankful for these times with the girls. I am fully aware that a year ago, I would have just wanted them to memorize, and I wouldn't have had the desire to make sure they understood what they were learning. We talked about how I might confuse them, and Daddy might confuse them, and things even others that love them might say or do to confuse them. However, they can always count on the Bible, God's word, to stand true. If ANY person in their life tells them something that confuses them, they can always seek the truth on ANY matter in the Bible. This was comforting to me also, because lets face it LIFE IS CONFUSING!

Yesterday, I picked up a book about Church discipline. It was one pastor's account of a true story from his church. THe book "Beyond Forgiveness" by Don Baker has been excellent for me to understand the responsibilities of church discipline, and how it frees up God to work and others to forgive. In the book, Pastor Baker refers to his fallen staff member as a "wounded soldier." He wasn't evil, or a predator, he was wounded, in the same way anyone can fall into deep and public sin. This got me thinking of an old Twila Paris song that I liked. So I looked up the lyrics and included them here. I guess I dedicate this song to my girls, who are "young" soldiers, my family and church family, and many others around the world who have prayed for me and my family. A reminder, we ARE winning battles!

The Soldier is A Child

Lately I've been winning battles left and right

But even winners can get wounded in the fight

People say that I'm amazing

Strong beyond my years

But they don't see inside of me

I'm hiding all the tears



(Chorus)



They don't know that I go running home when I fall down

They don't know who picks me up when no one is around

I drop my sword and cry for just a while

'Cause deep inside this armour

The warrior is a child



Unafraid because his armour is the best

But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest

People say that I'm amazing

Never face retreat

But they don't see the enemies

That lay me at His feet



Chorus x2



I drop my sword and look up for His smile

Because deep inside this armour

Deep inside this armour

Deep inside this armour

The Warrior is a Child

My poor skinned puppy!

I took Ella to the groomer on Monday because her hair was very matted. The groomer informed me that she would require a very short cut. Here are a few photos of how she is looking these days. Since the weather turned colder, she could use to wear her sweater. Her trips outside are definetly quick right now! She is healing well from her surgery. I didn't think she would ever play again, as much as she laid around over the weekend. But she is playing and almost back to her old self now.


curled up in a ball this morning for warmth!

sitting with the girls while they read their schoolbooks

At the Covington park, right after the hair cut