Whew, Life!!!!

Well, in the past three weeks, I've had to: adjust to my oldest child leaving for basic training--GO ARMY!!!--, go on vacation to the beach (I know... poor, pitiful me), send my hubby and my two "middle kids" off to church camp while baby girl & I visited my parents, drive 3 1/2 hours for an appointment at the international adoption clinic, begin teaching a Bible study, and get ready to start our homeschooling year (this coming Monday.) So many things happening, and so many changes. I'm so glad that one thing never changes:

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

Homemade Sugar Cookies

As you can see, my kiddos were in a baking mood this week. :) They had so much fun making and decorating these cookies, and so did I. And, once again, I did NOT eat any. Out of sheer habit, I almost licked the dough-covered spoon, and then I remembered that I couldn't do that anymore! It also made me realize that I probably consumed WAY too many calories by just sampling everything I cooked or baked. It's nice that I'm more conscious now of what goes into my body. It's been a long journey, and one I'm still on, but I'm thankful for it.

Baking Pretzels

We had a blast making these, and NO, I didn't eat any!!! I stayed true to my Atkins lifestyle. :)

So Long, Insecurity--Bible Study Kicked off Today

Today we just shared about our insecurities & had discussion. We also read several Bible verses that speak truth into our hearts and minds regarding our security & identity in Jesus: Psalm 8:3-5, Isaiah 43:7, Jeremiah 31:3, Isaiah 61, Luke 4:16-30, Galatians 5:1, & 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. This week we'll be reading Chapters 1 & 2 of So Long, Insecurity & be prepared to discuss them on Sunday. I'm praying for each and every one of us undertaking this task of allowing God to cleanse us of insecurity so that we can walk in freedom.

Adjusting to a New Season of Life

Well, tomorrow will make 10 days since my son left for basic training. I've been able to talk to him on the phone once & received one letter from him. It is really hard to get used to this. I know that he's in God's hands, and I have peace in that knowledge; however, I just MISS him! It is so hard to walk past his room. It is so empty...so quiet...so neat...so much a reminder that my little boy is now a man and that life is changing so much for us. I must make a confession now: I turned the TV on in his room tonight & left it on just so there would be some activity in there. I know that I have to let him go, but it is really hard to do. I'm a mom, you know! Plus, he is my oldest, so I'm new at this whole "when your kids are grown" thing. I'm just counting down the days until his graduation. I am so proud of him and can't wait to see him again!

More Beach Fun

Build-A-Bear Visit

Beach & Hard Rock Cafe

Countdown: Day 30

Today my "future" soldier became my soldier. These are pics of his last day at home before he left for basic: playing guitar with his daddy, getting some love from his mom & sisters, shooting waterguns with his little brother, and his final menu request before he left: steak, baked beans, potato salad, & Snicker Bar pie. We're missing him already, but we know he's in God's hands and we find our strength there.

Countdown: Day 29

Here's my future soldier with some friends at his 2nd going away party.

Countdown: Day 28

Here's my future soldier's graduation pic.

Countdown: Day 27

Here's my future soldier holding his little brother, who appears to be pretty stressed about something.

Countdown: Day 26

Here's my future soldier decorating the Christmas tree.

Countdown: Day 25

Here's a note my younger son wrote as a prayer for his older brother-our future soldier. Also, here's a pic of my future soldier recovering from having his wisdom teeth removed yesterday.

Countdown: Day 24

Here's my future soldier holding his youngest little sister for the first time. :)

Countdown: Day 23

Here's my future soldier the morning of his first Christmas. He was ready for all those gifts!

Countdown: Day 22

Here's my future soldier and me at his going away party. I'm going to miss those hugs when he's gone!

Future Soldier's Going Away Party #1

My family gave my future soldier an awesome going away party yesterday. We actually managed quite a few laughs among the tears. I'm so blessed by my wonderful parents, sister, brother-in-law, aunts, & uncles. They threw quite a party!!!

Countdown: Day 21

Here's my future soldier, getting in some party time while he still can.

Wow! What Bargains!

I got these today at Fred's Dollar Store--for $1.50 each. We'll be using these for our homeschooling studies.

Countdown: Day 20 & Happy Birthday

My future soldier celebrates his 18th birthday today...wow, where did the time go? Meanwhile, enjoy this pic of him eating cake on his 2nd birthday. We were both so young then! LOL

Countdown: Day 19

Here's my future soldier with his daddy...proving that you're never too old for a kiss from your parents! LOL