It's worth the mess

Today was a creative day as well as a messy one but it was worth every dish I had to wash. I had a house full of girls I needed to entertain. I'm babysitting Katherine and Evelyn and my niece Sami ( whom I refer to as my 3rd daughter) is here as well. I had them make chocolate candies for tomorrows Birthday/ anniversary fellowship

THE GOOD & NOT SO GOOD NEWS

This week has been choked full of many good things . I got the check book balanced, found pictures I've been looking for the family tree, Jackie got her braces removed, Amanda got her spring shoes, and Jackie attended church with us Wednesday night.( something she hasn't done for the last two weeks cause of her ankle, Thank you all for your prayers). Though the majority of the week was good, it wasn't all good. Its like the saying goes " one step forward , two steps back". I started the week with high hopes only to hit the brick wall on Wednesday. It was bad enough I was under the weather, but Matthew woke up on the wrong side of the bed as well . But that's not as bad as compared to yesterday. I learned that Jackie isn't quite done with all this orthodontist stuff just yet. She has to wear a retainer at all times besides when she eats. I don't doubt they're uncomfortable but she doesn't seem to really want to give them a chance. It's only been a day and I'll pray that she finds comfort in this new adjustment for I know the LORD works in mysterious ways.

The little flirt

I've learned what it takes to get Matthew to utilize all playground equipment and not just the slide at the park I like to take him too. A cute little girl to grab his attention. That son of mine went crazy this past Tuesday and decided he had to do everything she did. On a normal visit he wouldn't think of anything that would require sitting to long. He willing sat there in the swing, rode that bouncing animal thing , climbed the stairs to the slides, and played hard. My favorite time though was when he did his bashful routine, get her attention and run. It was so cute and typical of him. They played together for some time under the watchful eyes of her parents , Amanda and myself included. It was a nice afternoon that came to a close with sad goodbyes and the cool evening breeze calling us all inside.

This saying reminded me of Pastor Dave's message last night about how to JUST DO IT when learning and teaching how to be grateful.

The Guessing Game?

CAN YOU GUESS WHO THIS IS IN THIS PHOTO?

One is acting goofy while the other one has a big grin.

( Forgive me b/c it gave me the giggles!!!)

THE G LIST

There are many G people and things I'm Grateful for.

God: He supplies me with everything I need.

Grace: what keeps me calm and moving forward

Grace Baptist: my place of worship

Grandparents: for their unconditional love

Girls: Jackie and Amanda are great big sisters
to Matthew and have gorgeous red hair.

Grosse Family: a great group of people

Good News Club: an after school program that brings the Gospel to
grade school children.

Green: Jackie's favorite color

Gum: a refreshing chewable treat

Gifts: salvation, love, family & friendship

Grins: they warm my heart

Giggles: they are contagious and always cheer me up

Gas: without it we wouldn't travel by car nor be able
to cook yummy foods.

The wonderful truths.

What a powerful message Mrs. Julie delivered to us this morning and one that got my mind a thinking. Two very special people both helped me out this wk. and if it were not for them this blogging thing would of never taken off. I got some hands on experience and that made a huge difference. Her second point hit me hard too. All week I had been helping out a friend w/ no transportation, we went out practically every day looking for him a car and it was starting to take its toll. I prayed he would find one soon and the LORD answered that prayer Friday afternoon. I'm glad I was chosen to help out a friend but yes I now feel free since I'm not baring this burden. Although I was led to the LORD in April 2002 I didn't realize how much power HE truly has over us until 2005 when I truly gave HIM my heart. It's been an amazing journey and one I'm still on. I might still struggle w/ many issues but with the LORD I know I'll come out a winner because whatever it is I face I believe HE put it there for a purpose. I'm glad HE made me one of HIS PEOPLE and that HE provided me a loving church family. For even as a stranger years ago, I felt like Grace Baptist was home and I was visiting w/ long lost relatives. THANK YOU LORD FOR MY SALVATION & GUIDING ME ALONG LIVES ROCKY ROAD.!!!!!

MY DAY W/ KRIS & KIDS

Sat. March 24th

Yesterday was an interesting & fun day playing at the Todd's house. There in total were 5 children all under 3yrs old. Justin was the oldest & entertained himself playing w/ cars. Paige, Matthew & Hannah were all over the place playing & Kris and I took turns holding Jackson. It seems like it's been forever since I held a baby. After lunch which was McNuggets & fries Matthew got really cranky. & he is almost near impossible to figure out at this tired stage. In the beginning he was fine w/ me holding Jackson, but now the green eyed monster appeared. & he also refused to climb the stairs & normally he wants to do it himself. BOY!!!!! did he scream & wail after I sat him down & went back downstairs to get Jackson. While in the basement moments before Paige & Matthew Started an all out crying spree, Matthew knocked over a toy bin & it fell. No one got hurt but it scared them silly . They were SCREAMING w/ tears & Jackson must of felt left out cause he started crying too. Hannah didn't even flinch nor did Justin. I just found this WONDERFUL day to be absolutely HYSTERICAL & Paige did the cutest thing whenever I said anything to her she'd stop and cover her face just briefly. & in case your wondering Matthew fell asleep w/in a few minutes of our departure. It's evening & I'm off again w/ Kris this time childless. THANK GOD for daddies who are willing to keep their children while we have a girls night out. It was a GREAT time of fellowship and fun. Today was also a great day !!! I started doing some deep cleaning & accomplished allot. I don't know who or what is the culprit behind this, BUT I KNOW my husband was in total disbelief.

My dad's family

Jack C. Ray( Feb.1949-June 1991)

Well I did it. My sister Angie started doing a family tree on our father's side, & she is so excited & just wanted someones input. So when she found out I had the Internet, How could I not go exploring . She has been at this for a while and has come far & She has even traced some to guess where? Wayne County West Virginia about 30-45 min. drive from Jr's family. & she is even trying to convince me that next time We go for a visit I should go meet these strangers & I say she is out of her mind. I'm all for learning the history of the Ray Family, but meeting those I've never seen is a completely different matter. Though plans are in the work for us to one day to get together to go to Pike, Kentucky to see some family heirlooms. A cousin has all our grandfather's plumbing tools on display. Now that would be neat to see. I know the Ray Cemetery is there, as is the one room school house that some Rays attended & I wouldn't be surprised if someone is either living or attending to the old homestead. I'm happy for her progress, but it's too time consuming for me & I would be out of mind. I'll leave it up to her as when to stop & in the meantime I can contribute some stories & photos.

I HAVE A 'P' LIST.

I gave this some thought, didn't want to repeat to much of others. Though I am
thankful for many of the same things.

PASTOR & PREACHING He is the greatest & always does an outstanding job delivering his message & I love the way he explains things that I can understand.
PASTOR'S WIFE She is just wonderful, I always look forward to seeing & hearing her speak
PRAYER LIFE I'm so happy that I have a relationship w/ GOD.
PEOPLE all sizes & varieties they help keep me on track.
POTATOES The Slone family likes them any way they come.
PEPPER My favorite spice
PEPSI Another all time favorite
PASTA Matthew loves his noodles,& pasta salad is yummy!!!!
PUMBA My sister-in-laws cat, she never fails to entertain us.
PHOTOS I Love looking at pictures& reminiscing.

What a wonderful day.

It was a wonderful day for many reasons, Matthew's ear infection is gone & was able to get his shots. I got some much needed cleaning done, & tonight after dinner the children& I played some outside. It might have been wet, but the air felt good & we had fun. This evening I went to church. I'm loving these " enemies of the home" sessions & don't dare miss one except of course there is an emergency.Pastor always does an amazing job getting the message across. Tonight it was how to be thankful & that is must be taught. I never really put in that perspective, I was raised to use my manners & to always thank those who gave me things or complimented me. So since I learned this things from the very beginning it never occurred to me that it was a life lesson. I'm always on my children to be thankful & polite & if I catch them being anything else they know I'll correct them in a moments notice. I thank God for giving me such wonderful friendships & each of you for being such a blessing.

PRAISE THE LORD

I PRAISE,PRAISE, PRAISE the LORD for his many answered prayers today.

1. for getting me through this crazy hetic day.( I would've quit easily.)

2. Jackie's broken ankle didn't require a cast, but she does have to wear a leg/ankle brace but one she can walk w/.

3. She won't have to use the crutches too much, ( she was quite frankly scaring me & did'nt like using them like she was taught).

4. Mickey fixed our car again ( twice in 1 wk. he is such a nice man but I don't want the 3rd time to be a charm).

5. Matthew finally decided to eat something & that was his dinner.( can't hardly get him to eat too often but his favorite never fails. salisbury steak w/ rice.)

thanks to you all for letting me share my day. It's late & I need to go to sleep. so now I bid you a farewell.

MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU.

My First

I'd like to thank Quinten Todd for my blog name it was his idea besides me turning it around. I dont know how to do this but I promised I'd give it a try & the ladies of Grace Baptist are always so encouraging & I'd heard it was good theropy. The main reason for my title is lots of new things seem to be coming my way.

1. I GOT THE INTERNET: Ive always said it was a waste of time & money but @ the advice of my sister-in-laws that it would be good for the kids just happened to change our minds. I can communicate w/my sister & that means alot. I love seeing pictures. I thought it would be a little harder than this.

2. MY LOVING HUSBAND PURCHASED A MINI VAN: Ive never pictured driving a van much less owning one but I was reassured today by a friend that it's so me. The kids should have no reason to complain about space during road trips beacuse there is plenty of room & the thing I'm most excited about is it has a cd player and Matthew's wagon will easily fit in the cargo space. Though I know in our hearts we will miss the truck b/c it once belonged to his daddy.

3. I STARTED THIS BLOG: I thought about backing out but @ Karen's urging I surely could do this since it was me that suggested she start one & every-one stories are absolutely wonderful. Ive read them but didn't comment. Sorry I will attemt that soon enough.

I need to get going & visit my mom who is spending the night, though the kids are doing a good job entertaining her & Matthew is serenading her w/his cute little songs. So for now have a GOOD NIGHT.