Who Needs a Vacation???

We went out for another fun time in the snow this morning. The girls and I are having so much fun in this weather! The snow is perfect....soft and a little wet so that it can be molded and shaped easily! Not to mention how beautiful everything is. Enjoy more pictures of our lovely day in Rockwall, Texas!

All Things Girly...

Well, the girls are very into being "girly" so we enjoyed painting our toes and rolling our hair the other day. End result was.....beautiful pink toes and fingers, just in time for Love Day, AND beautiful curly locks (didn't get a pic of the end result...sorry, I wil next time)!

Valentine's Snow

It has snowed here since about 3:00 this morning, and it's absolutey beautiful!!! We all had school but were able to come home and enjoy this special treat:)) We began by building a HUGE snowman. The girls and I actually didn't do much building (daddy did all the work) but we enjoyed pounding him with snowballs while he did all the hard stuff!!! Then it was on to snow angels. Madeline plopped down and actually sank alittle in the 3-4 inches of snow. She was in snow heaven! Finally, we headed indoors for warm clothes, a fire, and some hot chocolate. What a beautiful memory for this Valentine's week, 2010!!!

The random picture of me is when I was warming up by the fire too!!! I seem to miss out on all the picture fun since I'm usually the photographer....so I snapped my own pic!

February....the month of love

My blog picture this month is a throw back to Grace from Valentine's Day in 2005... she was helping mommy made daddy a Valentine treat!!! The other pics are from Valentine's in the past... Lots of memories (1st lost tooth, maddie and her "cukies", my romantic Valentine date in 2007, Maddie crawling) Happy LOVE month.

Grace rides her bike!!!

We had a great day at home today (it was MLK day so we were all out of school). I left for about an hour to run a few errands and when I got home, I was greeted by everyone outside in our alley....Grace got on her bike, WITHOUT TRAINING WHEELS, and rode all alone! Keith said he was shocked at how fast she learned!!! We will now be looking for her a big bike (you can tell from the photos that she has outgrown her current one). Of course, Madeline had to have a turn also and did pretty well (daddy didn't let go of her yet though)!

So proud of you my sweet GRACE!!!! You continue to amaze me:))

Another great night at Life Group!!!

Keith and I were back in God's house tonight (it's nice that everyone is healthy and we were able to get back to church tonight). The sermon was wonderful as it was Part II of a new series --tonight's message being "Breaking Free From Depression." I'm truly thankful, that for now anyway, I have broken free of that. This message gave me new insight though into what to look for should I find myself there again.

Life Group was where the "meat" was tonight though. Our study began in 1 Timothy 1: 1-11, and as usual, we got off on a topic of discussion: confronting others with sin or things that we feel need to be confronted. I have dealt with this particular topic very recently so it was good to sit back and observe and listen to what other christians and scripture had to say. It was good to read that when we do or say something, in the name of love, we need to make sure of 3 things: 1. it needs to be done or said with a pure heart 2. it needs to be done or said with a clear conscience 3. it needs to be done or said with a sincere faith. Paul was teaching the people of Epheusus about false teachings and was saying that people do and say things in the name of "love" or in the name of "God told me to" when really there's an alternative motive. Someone in our class mentioned that in today's world, people don't like to be confronted with their flaws and sin (I can certainly relate...almost two years ago someone confronted me with all my sin, and they were right. It hurt, but I didn't retaliate or defend myself or say mean things back. I reflected; that reflection is what has led to changes in my life: losing weight (proud to say 25 pounds since November), more patience with my children, speaking up for myself when I need to, etc.... ) She also mentioned that when we, as christians, confront others in love, our christianity is often questioned. This due to a world that expects perfection from christians. How thankful I am that "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able, to keep that which I committed, unto Him until that day." ( I love that song:) I am not perfect but I am redeemed.

At the end of the day, I must be able to look at myself in the mirror and KNOW that I have not ridden the fence, I have not been tolerant, I have not been grey. I am learning to not be hot headed and fire back in retaliation, but say things in love, and let things go. I'm learning to forgive, and that feels good.

Party at Shenaniganz!!!

Grace had her 8th birthday at Shenaniganz on Saturday. We had so much fun! The kiddos bowled, had pizza, decorated cupcakes, and played in the arcade. It was truly a GREAT time! Thanks to all the family and friends who made her special day so wonderful! We love you:)

Happy Birthday Grace!!!

My baby girl is 8 today! She woke at 7:30 am saying "mom, it's my birthday. I think I'm taller today, don't you?"

We celebrated tonight with Aunt Jenn, Sarah, and Grann (Grampy was out of town and couldn't make it back in time). Keith grilled some yummy burgers and we followed that with birthday cake selected by Grace. She got several gifts but her "Chixo" gift was awesome! She had it decorated in about an hour:)) (she gets that from me)!

Happy Birthday my sweet Grace; I love you so much and am so proud of the young lady you are becoming.

Let Us Pray, Pray, Pray

That was the title of tonight's New Year's message at church. Wes Hamilton spoke about how prayer is the common thread to all we do; no resolution is complete without it. He quoted E.M. Bounds as saying "nothing is well done without prayer" (not our marriages, relationships, careers, etc...NOTHING). Wes encouraged us to make prayer a daily part of life.

In Colossians 4:2, Paul tells to: 1. DON'T STOP praying (devote ourselves to it). Prayer is hard work. When we renew our commitment to pray, be prepared for Satan to throw many distractions in the way. Devote in verse 2 literally means to 'hold on and don't let go....be courageously persistent.' He (Wes) gave the example of a father and his newborn baby. He said that sometimes a baby cries and you don't need to rush in and see what's wrong, you just need to wait to see if the cry is genuine. Our heavenly Father is much the same way with us....I suspect that there are times when we "cry" out to God and He just sits back and waits; not to be mean, but to test our motives....are we crying out genuinely or just out of habit? Paul also tells us 2. to be ready (watchful/alert/awake). Many times we close our eyes to pray and it's a time of quiet and aloneness. Paul tells us here to let prayer be a part of our entire day; much like breathing. Let it be a conversation rather than a times for us to present requests. We certainly need those quiet times with God, but Wes encouraged us tonight to let prayer become more in 2010. 3. We must say "thanks." Paul reminds us here to thank God for our life and our circumstances (even if they are less than ideal). No matter what is going on in our lives, we should thank God for it because the 4th thing Paul wants us to do is be outward in our prayer. We are encouraged to pray about eternal things; people's salvation. Nothing going on in our lives is more important than eternity.

This message renewed my sense of what prayer is/what it should be in my own life. It was a reminder that I don't take hold of the power of prayer enough. I need to stay in a mindset of pray and "pray without ceasing" (1Thess 5:17).

So, I am taking the challenge....I am resolving to pray in 2010....

JANUARY 1, 2010

I just sent my 2008-2009 blog to the printer.....it costs me $40 which is much cheaper than I could've sat and scrapbooked the old way. I did spend all day customizing it to include only those posts I want published, but I'm hoping it will be worth it!

Today is the first day of our NEW YEAR!!! How exciting :)) Here's to another year of blogging and memories...

People and Moments From 2009...A Look Ahead to 2010

As I reflect on the past year, many moments come to mind.

*Grace accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior....well, actually she did that a long time ago (I think she was about 3 when she prayed and asked Jesus to "fly into her heart.") After several years and many requests, I finally let her talk to staff at church about her decision to see if she understood what being baptized meant. Once she was able to explain it to them, I felt confident and she was baptized this year. It was such a blessing to see her take that step of faith and to KNOW her future is secure because of her faith in Christ. Keith being able to baptize her made it even more special. I am so thankful for our church home and for the teachers who continue to inspire and touch her every week.

*We had our first broken bone...right before Madeline's 4th birthday she fell from the swing and broke her right arm just above the elbow. It was a crazy day and Madeline handled it like a champ. (daddy about fell apart since it happened on his watch, but Madeline was so brave). Her hot pink and purple striped cast made quite the statement. We continue to watch her arm as she grows but the doc doesn't suspect there will be any long term effects.

*Keith changed jobs! I guess he's been with GPD about 8 months now and my what a change. Yes, it's more dangerous and there's definitely more action, but more than that is the atmosphere in which he works now. It's a positive place where the "high ups" believe in God, family, job...and in that order. They've been supportive of Keith and our family during some tough times this year and we are forever grateful.

*I went to work full time! It's been a long adjustment for our family but I think we finally have it figured out. Having my own classroom this year brings a different kind of pressure. I had forgotten how dedicated I have to be in order to bring success to some of these kiddos. I prayed so hard for this job and for this class and yet I have found myself questioning, many times this year, why??? What I'm learning is that they need me. Many of these kids needed someone on their side who will push them to be all they can. I am so blessed to work with these special students everyday.

*Mom and and dad bought a house!!! For the first time since they lived in Tyler, I feel like I'm "home" when I walk in their front door. This house just suits them and it's so exciting.

*Jenn bought her home this year (she took advantage of Obama's tax credit...guess that's something I can thank him for). I am so proud of her and how she's pulled her way up from some pretty tough times. She's about to start a new job, she's excited about her future with a wonderful man, she has a beautiful daughter...... I look at her with admiration and wonder how does she do it? A single mom? I am proud to say she rarely has pity; she just "gets r done."

*I'm excited for Les and Gregg and his potential job change. (I have to be honest in that I hope this potential pans out and moves them closer our way...even if only for a few years). I love having her home for the holidays. My kids love her so much and I have a hard time letting her go when she's been home this long. She's a beautiful person (inside and out) and we are so lucky to be so close.

*I've had some hard decisions I've had to make this year too. What I've learned is that the right things aren't always easy (and most times not). God's word never contradicts His will though. He rewards faithfulness.

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My hopes for the new year, for 2010 are....

*I am so excited to implement Dave Ramsey's budget plan into our lives. Thanks for Leslie for helping me get that set up during the holidays. This plan is going to provide us so much peace and I look forward to "living like no else today so that one day we can live like no one else." (Dave Ramsey is famous for those words).

*I am excited about Madeline beginning Kindergarten in 2010. She will also attend Grace Hartman Elementary and I know God already has a plan for her teacher and class. She is excited too...often saying "mommy, when do I get to go to Grace Hartman too?" I look at her and cannot believe how she has grown (both physically and mentally) in just a few short months. She's looking older and acting older all the time....Grace is so good with her and teaches her things as though she's her little student. I'm amazed that Madeline can write her alphabet and her name. She's learned her numbers and can even do some simple addition; God has truly blessed Keith and I with two daughters who are intelligent and hard working and have a love for learning.

*I am excited about home projects that I want to do this year....not sure which ones we will choose to budget for, but the thought of being able to afford to do them is exciting. (and affording it with CASH makes it all the better). Keith and I had to fall hard financially to learn some very serious lessons. (I have always believed--and more so now--that mistakes are worth making if you learn from them). I am proud to say that we are heading into our 3rd year of not using a credit card!!!! If I'm honest, I'd have to admit that I am actually glad we don't have one (I was enticed at just the idea of having one this holiday season...guess that desire for "more" never goes away. Greed is a sin that I fear will always creep back into my phychi).

With many excitements also come some worries... mostly about our country and its leadership. I am not afraid, because I know who I belong too, but concerned about the passing of health care. I am concerned about the state of our public schools and seeing socialism in my face everyday. I am realizing more and more that I need to be more informed and aware of what's going on so that I can stand against things when I need to. While I am not an Obama fan, and am concerned with the direction in which he is leading our country, I will pray for him. I remind myself often that the battle isn't over, but scripture says the war is already won!

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I used to think I would love to know the future, but what I have found is the "not knowing" makes life more interesting. I don't know all that 2010 will hold for Keith, Grace, Madeline, and myself, but I know who holds us...

"Lord, thank you for the gift of salvation. I thank you that I know you personally and that you are only a conversation away. I thank you for my family and pray for their health and safety. Thanks for 2009 and for the experiences that I had (both good and bad). I pray that you will keep me close to you in 2010. I pray that you will show me your will and your way. Please help me as I seek to be more like you. I love you Jesus. Amen."

Harris Christmas 2009

Well, the Harris Christmas 2009, ended up Christmas festivities!!! It's been fun but I am glad to have my Christmas packed up for another year (the inside at least....I'll wait on Keith for the outside)!

Had a great time with mom's side of the family. Good food (Keith and I stuck to our guns again and didn't partake in all the scrumptious goodies...we have come too far in one month to stop now) and good memories!!! Attached are a few pics from our great day.