Marshall Mayhem!

Noah update

2011-11-08T13:25:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share a bit about Noah with you guys so you can be praying with us. We went to his ENT at UNC and discovered that not only is his hearing not better, its moved into a "mild" loss on the right side and "moderate" on the left. She wants to fit him with hearing aids but first wants to send him to a surgeon that deals with ONLY ears for a CT scan and second opinion. (just a quick plug we have the most AUH-MAZE-ING ENT! Her name is Amelia Drake and she is the head of our craniofacial team. Love love love her!!) Of course my sweet son decides to tell us that he cant hear in class and is embarrassed to tell his teacher or ask her to repeat herself, so he doesn't understand the math that he is doing right now....BANG HEAD AGAINST WALL!!! So until his appointment on the 5th of December, we are getting him preferential seating and asking his teacher to repeat instruction as needed for him. Of course, he isn't digging the idea of hearing aids and said he will look like an old man and everyone will laugh at him. For some reason this year he is very much more aware of the way he looks and talks with his head down and his mouth covered and it breaks my heart. I keep praying and telling him how wonderful he is and how beautiful God made him but to be honest I feel so stinking inadequate. So that's where we are. We covet all of your prayers as we proceed with Noah. There are so many decisions to be made and it scares the bejebbies out of me! Love yall!

****UPDATE!!****

Before I could even remember that I started this entry and get it posted, the coolest thing happened. The babies (what I still to this day call Noah and Katelyn....side effect of having 2 children under the age of 2 HAHA) brought their report cards home yesterday and did great. Noah had an extra envelope with his and I swear I said "GREAT! what NOW?" lol. Jerrod started pulling papers out and showed me a brochure for AiG. It seems Noah scored well enough on his 3rd grade Cognitive abilities test, he was invited to take the ITBS to see if he qualifies for the Academically gifted program! Now, he very well may not score high enough "get in" but this is a huge deal for us! When Noah was born, we were told that if was very possible that he could swing anywhere from "major learning disabilities" to "mild mentally challenged" I love that God is proving that geneticist wrong!!! Like I said, Noah may not score high enough to be considered "gifted" but to me it was like getting a hug from my Abba and hearing Him said "stop stressing, I got this!"

2011-07-22T23:04:00.000-04:00

been a little bit since I wrote here but my excuse is that I have a lot on my mind. While other, more normal people may hash out their feelings through writing about them, I have to get them all sorted out in my head and THEN share it. Well, I'm not doing too well on my own with it so don't be looking for much updates about anything too serious LOL. I can scream "BUDGET, TRIPS, MIDDLE SCHOOL, MINISTRY, DIET, KIDS!" at you and it will give you a small glance at what's going on in my head. (scary thought, I know!) I guess the one major thing that I have come to realize is, I can NOT do this on my own. I have been trying and let me tell you, I'm failing miserably! In fact, I think God has to be shaking his head and laughing at my horrible efforts. I'm embarrassed to say that I have let my stress and fear affect me even physically. Please help me pray that I will lean on the ONE that has the power and wisdom to guide and direct me. This is VERY hard for me. I have always depended on myself and "gotten the job done" when I was younger. Maybe you are like me? If so, I hope these verses that I'm literally drinking in will help you.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Phil 4:19

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold." Psalm 46:1-3,7

"Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. " Psalm 62:5-5

Crazy momma!

2011-07-10T16:57:00.001-04:00

OK, so let me start by saying that I'm stressed. Like mega stressed to the point where I am SURE its affecting my personality. In fact, I'm sure that I'm the last person that anyone in the world with half a brain would want to be near if given a choice. Ok ,maybe an bit of a exaggeration, but not too much of one. That being said, I have a strong feeling that my sweet honey is sort of walking around carefully wondering when I may blow. I could write a complete new blog entry on why I'm stressed, why its a sin, why I shouldn't be stressed and how I could cope with it better, but I digress, back to the story. I go through little fits of "OH MY GOSH I HAVE TO CONTROL SOMETHING IN MY WORLD RIGHT NOWWWWW" and rush off to do random and sometimes weird things. (think nesting for the un-pregnant insane!!) This afternoon was one of those times. Quite unexpectedly, I rushed from my room to the kitchen to whip up a container of homemade chocolate syrup for the kids. When my precious J-rod came to see what was up and ask me what I was making I said (a bit too brightly, in my opinion) "chocolate syrup!". Of course, he asked "um, what for?" and it sort of stumped me. I think I looked at him for a few seconds before I sputtered out "because I can". He gave me a little half smile, patted my shoulder and escaped the kitchen. Don't y'all have a whole new respect for my wonderful sweetie?

Addendum!

2011-07-07T11:43:00.000-04:00

Literally as I was posting my last blog entry, my sweet, amazing, funny, handsome, considerate, very busy hubby called with 4 beautiful words: "your van is unlocked". Have you ever heard something so sweet in your life? After much rejoicing, I'm happy to say that I'm blogging poolside with very happy children!

opps!

2011-07-07T10:57:00.000-04:00

Well, it seems as though I have discovered the best and most sure fire way to irritated my children and risk my life at their little hands in my sleep. Picture it........mom: "come on kids, lets get our swim suits on and get ready for the pool!" Kids: "woohoo we have the best mom in the world!!" (or something like that anyway :D ). Then 30 minutes of getting them all dressed, sun screened, making them stand while their sun screen dries, packing the towels, goggles, dive sticks, torpedos, black bands and naked barbie dolls. Another 10 minutes or so of getting the cooler bag packed with water and various snacks that we would need. Yet another 5 minutes of mom searching for her membership card after Noah removed it from the beach bag for some crazy reason and left on the living room floor. FINALLY, out the door and to the van. But what is this??? The doors are locked??? No problem, Ill grab my....ummm where are my keys? A scene from last night plays in my mind at the baseball game. I see myself opening the secret storage compartment in the van (NO I wont tell you where it is, its a secret!) and dropping the keys in before we left the parking lot to go in. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Looks like the pool is not in our future for the day

LOOK OUT!!

2011-07-06T16:41:00.002-04:00

Yes you are seeing this correctly....TWO posts in one day. Look at me and my bad self! I just was looking through my previous blog posts and found one from our very first year in seminary. I almost fell off of my chair. I knew that my kids were little when we came, but I guess I just imagined them being shorter versions of themselves now. Its crazy to see how much they have grown and changed in our years in Wake Forest. Caleb was about to go to first grade and in just a few short weeks, he will be starting middle school. Noah was just this tiny thing that we had so many questions about and now he is an almost 3rd grader with no mental delays (in fact he is pretty stinkin' smart) and has "graduated" from both speech and occupational therapy. Katelyn was still our "baby" in diapers and let me tell you, on TOP of being a beautiful, funny, incredibly smart almost 2nd grader, she most certainly has mastered the whole big girl underwear thing! Its more difficult to see how Jerrod and I have changed and grown next to seeing the visual changes in the children, but let me tell you that our home, hearts, and relationship are leaps and bounds more mature than they were in 2006. (even though we have so much farther to go). Im so thankful for God's provision, protection and plan in our lives. Jerrod has now graduated with his M Div. and while we are in somewhat of a holding pattern as we wait for our next step, we have faith that Him and his amazing will for our lives.

yeah yeah yeah, same blog different day

2011-07-06T15:25:00.000-04:00

I refuse to start another blog with the title "worst blogger ever" but if you look at the date on my last post, you may come to that conclusion all on your own. Its not as if I haven't had anything going on in my life or that Im trying to be all private and stuff (those of you on my facebook friends list know that AINT the truth!). I guess its just that I only let myself write when I had something profound to say. Since I rarely if ever have anything near profound to say, I guess that left my blog all empty and cricket chirpy. So here we go, Im gonna dive into the world of sharing everything in my little head (profound or not) and yall are stuck reading it!

Dwelling on the gift of motherhood

2010-04-29T09:37:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to share something that I read this morning that touched my heart.

"Because God's love is reflected in ours, our children will learn about God simply through motherhood's love. Oh, we need to teach our children about God and His Word. We need to read them Bible stories and pray with them, answer their questions and take them to church. We need to live in such a way that they'll see what it means to be a Christian. But on much more basic level, they'll understand about a God who always hears, because when they were babies we responded to their cries. They'll be able to have faith in a God who meets their needs, because we saw that they were never went hungry. God's strength and tenderness will be real to them because they caught a glimpse of it in our love, from the time they were born.
So, mothers, never let the world tell you that what you do is not important. Remember, when you rock your babies and sing a lullaby, your arms and voice are God's. When you do load after load of dirty Diapers, and then grass-stained play clothes, and finally school clothes smeared with ketchup and chocolate pudding, remember your hands are God's hands. And when you love your children unconditionally, all the way from colic to adolescent rebellion, you are loving with God's love. Through you, He will imprint Himself on your children's hearts. "

~Taken from A Heart of Purest Gold

Triples are coming, are you ready??

2010-04-23T16:09:00.001-04:00

OK so I am not the best couponer in the world by any means, (Ill leave that title to the more awesome women that mentor me in this wonderful art form) but I have have several people ask me "how do you do that" when I post my savings. I wish I could say that I just have this amazing brain that can hold all of the sales flyer's and my coupon inventory in a neat little package to be pulled out when needed but I just don't got it goin' on like that. I use some amazing websites that help mold me into the small time money saver that you see today. I promised that I would share these sites and guess what...I let life get in the way and forget. I figured this might be the most effective way to share those wonderful sites and their wealth of information with all that want them. If you look here on my blog, on the right hand side you will see "A few of my favorite things". I have listed some of my very favorite, go to every week blogs/websites for your viewing pleasure. So sorry it took me so long. Hope you enjoy!

2010-04-22T17:19:00.001-04:00

ITS OFFICIAL!!!

Worst! Blogger! EVER!!

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

2010-01-26T10:21:00.000-05:00

If you don't know me very well, you may not be aware of the love that I have for Pride and Prejudice. OK so maybe Ive crossed that ever so fine line of love into straight out addiction, but thats neither here nor there :) In light of this fact, when my husband read that they were releasing a book called Pride and Prejucide and Zomies, he ran to it. Now, of course, I acted shocked, sickened and outright angry at this blatant disregard for Ms. Austen and her amazing pen but If I am to be honest, I have sneaked a few peeks when no one was looking. Its written in a way that the original words are there, there are just a bunch of zombie stuff thrown in. Ill have to admit that it is quite funny. I thought Id share a few of the main ideas with you by listing a a few of my favorite discussion questions in the back (between you and me, I don't want to see the group of people that would be adding this book to their book club reading list, but that's just me). So pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and here we go!

  Many critics have addressed the dual nature of Elizabeth's personality. On one hand, she can be a savage, remorseless killer, as we see her in vanquishing of Lady Catherine's ninjas. On the other hand, she can be tender and merciful, as in her relationships with Jane, Charlotte, and the young bucks that roam her family's estate. In your opinion, which of these "halves" best represents the REAL Elizabeth at the beginning and end of the novel?

  Mr. Collins merely too fat and stupid to notice his wife's gradual transformation into a zombie, or could there be another explanation for his failure to acknowledge the problem?

Who receives the sorrier fate: Wickham, left paralyzed in a seminary for the lame, forever soiling himself and studying ankle-high books of scripture" or Lydia, removed from her family, married to an invalid, and childless, yet forever changing filthy diapers?

Does Mrs. Bennet have a single redeeming quality?

Vomit plays and important role in this book. Mrs. Bennet frequently vomits, when she's nervous, coachmen vomit in disgust when they witness zombies feasting on corpses, even the steady Elizabeth can;t help but vomit at the sight of Charlotte lapping up her own bloody pus. Do the authors mean for this regurgitation to symbolize something greater, or is it a cheap device to get laughs?

   Is Lady Catherine's objection to Elizabeth merely a matter of Elizabeth's inferior wealth and rank? Or could there be another explanation? Could she be intimidated by Elizabeth's fighting skills?

  Some scholars believe that the zombies were a last_minute addition to the novel, requested by the publisher in a shameless attempt to boost sales. Others argue that the hordes of living dead are integral to Jane Austen's plot and social commentary. What do you think? Can you imagine what this novel might be like without the violent zombie mayhem?

Praying for Haiti

2010-01-14T10:12:00.000-05:00

In the wake of the tragedy in Haiti, my heart is broken. The images on the screen of my TV are almost impossible to look at, yet I cant turn away. All I want to do is go and help and I am a bit disappointed in the fact that God has me thousands of miles away,and in His plan, heading out the door to Haiti is just not gonna work. So then, I look for other ways to help. Of course, praying without ceasing is the first thing that comes to my mind. I'm praying for the hurt, the families that are broken, that aid will get there and be able to make a significant change in their circumstances. I'm praying that those that are left and dealing with this complete end to life as they know it, will come to know the saving power of Jesus Christ in this tragedy. That they will feel His love and peace and assurance. That they will know that joy does in fact come in the morning. My heart hurts for those that lost their lives and didn't have a personal relationship with the Lord it gives me a renewed passion to go and tell!

The next thing that comes to mind is to give. GIVE GIVE GIVE! Unfortunately, as we have seen in many other disasters such as this (9/11, hurricane Katrina, the tsunami in Asia), there are many with wrong hearts that devise schemes and prey on the hearts of those that want to help. So, I went on a hunt to find some organizations that I know are trusted and are there, bringing immediate aid not only to their physical needs but also their spiritual.

Samaritan's Purse
World Vision
Mission of Mercy
Compassion International
Mercy Ships

If you are able, give to these organizations and even if you cant, pray for these men and woman as they work to be the hands and feet of Christ to these hurting people.

Harris Teeter Super Doubles!

2010-01-06T11:55:00.000-05:00

What I got...

Pepsi Fridgemate
Gladware tall entree containers
Gladware soup and salad containers
Lysol wipes
Del Monte Tomatoes (2 cans)
Right Bites cheese it packs
Purex 3 in 1 laundry sheets
Ziploc bags (gallon size)
Ziploc bags (quart size)
Zesta Crackers
Special K vanilla almond cereal
Special K fruit and yogurt cereal
Special K Chocolatey drizzle bars
Special K blueberry bars
Lipton Tea bags (family size)
Hungry Jack syrup
Hungry Jack pancake mix
Electrasol Powerball (15 load)
HT Chicken broth (32oz)
HT Kidney beans (2 cans)
8Lb russet potatoes
Kraft Singes
Kraft shredded Sharp Cheese (Two 2 cup bags)
Yoplat go gurt (2 boxes)
HT whipping cream
HT gallon milk
Plumrose bacon
Band-Aid Flex bandaids

What I spent
$42.12

What I saved
$67.72
My favorite deals

Finish Powerballs BOGO ($2.99 each) $2.50 coupon=.49
Lysol Wipes $2/4 $1.00 coupon=FREE!
Bain-Aids (30 count) $2/5 $1.00 coupon=.50
Ziplock bags (discounted due to holiday design) $1.75 each. $1.00 off of 2= 2 boxes for $1.50
Gladeware (also discounted due to holiday design) $1.92 each $1.50 off of 2= 2 for .84
Rightbites 100 calorie packs $2/5 .75 coupon=$1.00
Special K Cereals $2/5 1.00 off of 2= 2 boxes for $3.00
Special K Cereal Bars $1.99 each $1.00 off of 2= 2 boxes for $2.00
With the HT deal giving an instant $5.00 off of the purchase of 4 special K products, all were FREE!

My super secret, wonderfuly awesome weekend!

2009-11-11T12:31:00.000-05:00

Let me tell you about my special friends and amazing hubby. In sure most of you are familiar with Women of Faith. Before we came here to seminary, I was blessed to get to attend several of these life changing conferences. Since we came here, life just sort of got in the way plus not being part of a group of women going its hard to just pick up and go. For some reason this year, I got the desire to go when they came to Greensboro. I found a group of girls from church that were going but I was too late to get in with them, plus money was a bit of an issue. My friend told me about a great opportunity that WOF offers where you can volunteer to work the conference and get to go for free! Well she and I decided that we would do that.(so sorry I messed up our plans Kaitlyn :( ). In speaking with my husband he told me that he didn't have a "peace" about me going and as much as it disappointed me, I agreed with him that I would stay home. Little did I know that he and my friend Dolly were planning to get me there well before I even decided that I wanted to go. How cool is God? As the time came for the conference to happen I was amazed at how many ladies I knew were going! Jerrod said I was plain "pitiful" when each one of them said they were getting ready to go. The weekend came and let me tell you, it was nuts around here. Kids coming home from school early, carpool changing and work being busy. I's sure that my sweet hubby was more than a bit anxious. At about 2pm there was a knock on my door and guess who it was?? CHRISTY, LORI and DOLLY! I think I closed the door in their face haha. They told me to pack and kidnapped me for a wonderful WOF weekend and some much needed girlfriend time. Even now I can't believe how blessed I am. Thank you Jerrod for being the most amazing husband ever! Thank you girls for thinking enough of me to drive 7 hours in one day and footing the bill just to give me the most amazing weekend. I love you all and I can honestly say that "you delight my heart in a million ways"...

Loving HT Triples take 2!

2009-11-05T11:46:00.000-05:00

Harris Teeter Triples take 2!

Small Dawn Detergent $.99 .25/1= $.24
Tetley Tea bags (family size) $1.99 .55/1 = $.34
Dawn Plus Hand renewal (19oz) $1.99 .50/1 =$.49
Swansons Beef Broth (carton) $2.00 .50/1 =$.50
Steam Fresh Corn $2.00 .50/1 =$.50
Niagra Spray Starch $1.69 .25/1 = $.94
Dial Complete foaming hand wash $2.00 .35/1 = $.95
Betty Crocker Cookie Mix $2.19 .40/2 =$.99
Birdseye Broc/Caul lightly sauced $2.69 .50/1 =$1.19
Cascade Rinse agent $2.99 $1/1 =$1.99
Cascade Action Pacs $3.99 .50/1 =$2.49

Pillsbury Flour (5lb) $.99

Money Spent $17.83
---------------------------
Coupon Savings $21.76
Vic Card Savings $7.86

TOTAL SAVINGS $29.62!

Loving some Triple coupons!

2009-11-04T08:51:00.000-05:00

HT Triples Deals!

Coupon Savings!

Heniz Ketchup(20 oz) Sale price 2.00 after .75/1 =FREE!
Martha White Muffin mix $1.19 BOGO after .55/2 = FREE!
Mahatma Rice$1.45 after .55/1 = FREE!
Dow Scrubbing Bubbles 2/$5 after .75/1= $.25
Betty Crocker Frosting $1.99 after .50/1 = $.49
Swansons Chicken Broth $1.14 BOGO after .40/3 =$.52 for 3!
Kozy Shack Pudding 3.19 BOBO after .35/1 = $.54
Coffee mate creamer (liquid) 2.29 after .50/1 =$.79
Newmans Own dressing 2/5$.00 after .50/1 =$1.00
Newmans own Alfredo Sauce $2.50 after .50/1 =$1.00
Nestles chocolate chips $2.50 after.50/1 = $1.00
Smithfield bacon $2/6 after .55/1 =$1.35
Campbles cream of chicken soup $1.39 BOGO after .25/4 = $2.00 for 4
Gen Foods International coffee $3.99 after .75/1 = $1.74
Skippy Peanut Butter $2.99 after .40/1 =$1.79
Downey Softner (40 loads) Sale price $3.99 after .50/1 =$2.49
Tide (32 loads) Sale price $5.99 after $1.00/1 =$4.99

Other great deals!
HT Sugar 5lbs (evic members) $.99
HT Large eggs $.99
Pilsbury All purpose flour 5 lbs $.99

Money Spent $28.89
-------------------------------
Coupon Saving $44.21
Vic card Savings $18.31

TOTAL SAVINGS $62.52

cant wait to go back for the next round!!!

Talk about speaking too soon...

2009-11-03T15:30:00.000-05:00

Well, last I wrote I was excited to be fever free! Guess I should have knocked on wood or just held my tongue a little longer. While we were beyond blessed that Caleb never got sick (thank you Jesus!) Noah only made it about 24 hours with no fever. Friday we felt we were safe enough to enjoy a meal as a family, so we headed out the door for Chili's. About half way through the meal, Noah put his little head down on the table and said he wasn't feeling well. Sure enough, when we got him home, he had a low grade temp again. His cough was also worse so I knew he needed to get back in asap. (I watch Fox news and know the flu do's and dont's lol). Saturday saw us back in the office where they checked for flu, a week late if you ask me, and sent us for a chest X-ray at Rex. Low and behold, he was positive for what they said was H1N1 and had a case of pneumonia. We left with Antibiotic's and tamiflu (again a week late in my opinion!) and an appointment for Monday. He has done very well since then and when we went back in for his follow up, his lungs sounded clear!! They asked us to keep him out of school through Wednesday which will make 7 days out total. Its is honestly the grace of God that has kept the his brother and sister from getting it as well and I praise His name! Thank you all for your prayers and concern. Love y'all!

Halloween 09!

2009-10-31T23:29:00.000-04:00

Sickos!

2009-10-29T09:03:00.000-04:00

What a week! Noah started running a low grade temp on Sunday so when he woke up Monday morning complaining of a headache and tummy ache, it was off to the doctor. What a mess it was there!! We went to the morning sick drop in and let me tell you it was BUUUSYY! I was sort of upset that they didn't give Noah a very complete exam but I guess they had a bunch of kid to push through. After looking at him for about 20 seconds, I was informed that he had the flu or "a flu type illness". (Thanks doc, here's your 100 bucks!) Thus starts a week filled with 104 temps, coughs, chills, gator aid, chocolate pudding, jello, and Motrin! (and some of that, I shared with Noah :P ) I disinfectant sprayed everything that would sit still and chased the things that wouldn't and prayed that no one else would get it. Well, just as you might have guessed, Caleb woke up yesterday with a fever! HERE WE GO AGAIN! Fortunately, Caleb doesn't really seem sick. He had a very low grade temp all day but woke up this morning with nothing. WOOHOO!! Not sure what was up yesterday but I can officially say that for at least 2 hours, the Marshall's are fever free!!

2009-10-22T17:02:00.001-04:00

I have spent hours and hours working on this blog to get it just the way I want it...or at least closer to what I want :) but havent taken the time to actually update it. Go figure. Those of you that know me well, will totally understand this. So here goes, my blog is officialy updated. Stay tuned......

Mudcats

2008-05-03T22:48:00.001-04:00

Last night we took the kids to their first baseball game. We went with our neighbors for their sons birthday part. (btw, great birthday Idea!! they do partys there at the stadium). We had some issues getting there lol Our poor little van is just going down hill fast. We have a leak in the radiator so Jerrod had to fiddle with it to try to make sure we got to the stadium alright. Only bad thing is, our transmition wanted to play up as well lol Half way there, we had a "POP" and it woudlnt get out of 3rd gear. Talk about sweating it. We had some transmition fluid, so we popped it in and were able to make it home. "THANK YOU JESUS!"

The game itself was pretty slow and boring, but the kids had an amzing time. I knew that Noah would love it but was worried about Katelyn. (caleb has been to baseball games before) She actually was so well behaved, it amazed me. She danced when it was time to dance, sat when it was time to sit and ate when it was time to eat...ok so that was the entire time, but whos counting lol. Noah also had a great time. He is a little dancing fool. If ANY music came on, he was up and moving his little body in such a way it had us all laughing....think he gets HIS dancing style from his dad :) After the game, they had a reallly good firework display. The do them right out side of the stadium and it was the closest Ive ever seen. You literaly had to look straight up because they were over your head. There were a few that were so close they looked like they were in 3D. Jerrod and I both shrunk back as if they were going to fall on us lol All in all, it was 5 hours of pure fun.

Other than that, not too much going on. Spend alot of time outside in the beautiful weather and gotten behind on my cleaning...I HATE that. Gonna try to work hard this week to get caught up.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Faith

2008-02-07T09:41:00.000-05:00

I think that all the moms (some dads too) can relate to my story. I have Katelyn in the bath washing her hair and she is furious when the water runs down into her eyes. It annoys her, it makes her nervous, Heck it just down right scares her. I have tried over and over to get her to hold her head back so I can pour the water down her back instead of just on the top of her head to get the shampoo out, but that scares her even more. I tell her that even though its scary to do it this way at first, if she will trust me, It will be so much better after. She still cries and refuses. I dont understand. Im her mom. I love her. She was created in me. I feed her, I dress her, I make sure she has everything she needs, I keep her safe. Why wont she trust me to do this one little thing?? Its so frustrating and really gets to me to see her so upset. I know that if she could just see the situation the way I can, she would lean that pretty little head back and let me rinse her hair. (ok so you know where Im going). It hit me so hard that I literaly just sank down on the bathroom floor. How many times do I do the same thing to my Heavenly Father? He created me, he loves me, he keeps me safe and provides my needs, yet I still have such a hard time "holding my head back". Why do I doubt everthing that He has given and shown me over the past 2 years? Ok so things suck from my point of view right now...what does He see? Im making a commitment right here and right now to trust my Father. He knows what is best for me and my family, even if I dont understand it while sitting in the bath.
By the way, Katelyn now holds her head back and gets no water in her eyes.....

2007-12-31T22:17:00.001-05:00

Ok so I made the mistake of going to walmart for some grocery's today. It was beyond wild in there. I could understand it if it were Christmas eve, but New years eve?? whats up with that? There was no parking and everyone was just RUDE! I just kept telling myself that everyone was someones mom or grandma or sister..etc. Then I was like "what the heck" If my mom acted like some of those people, Id knock the crap out of her myself!
Happy New year

2007-12-27T13:26:00.000-05:00

Hope you all had a wonderful, safe and blessed Christmas!!! We were able to do the worlds wildest trip home. We left Saturday and got in at about 5. Had a family dinner with the in laws, us, Jerrods brother, his wife and 3 kids and his mother in law. Was totally wild with 13 people (6 of them being 7 and under). We went to our "home" church Sunday morning. It was soo wonderful being with people that you know love you. I told Jerrod that I didn't realize how much I miss hugs!!!! We had a wonderful lunch with our good friends Bill and Trisha, then was off to Spartanburg to go to church with my mom. After church and the worst and longest cracker barrel trip ever ( 2 hours and 5 minutes totally :() We headed back up the Mountain. There was a somewhat lazy Christmas Eve day spending time with mom and dad Marshall and our friend John that popped over for a visit, then off to church with the rest of the Marshall's in a long standing tradition of candle light communion. We now take up 5 pews lol. Then the madness of dinner, games and the gift exchange with Jerrods family. Was fun and I came out with the nicest gift Ive gotten at one of those thingys (a dirt devil kone vac, its awesome!). Was a lot of fun and made us miss our family even more. We threw the kids in the car to get home and bathe quickly before Santa came. They were so worn out, we didn't hear a peep from their room lol. The night went too fast and then we were up at 6 to start the wrapping paper carnage fest. After a nice breakfast with the hole family, we were out and down the mountain to see my mom. Then my grandmother, then that evening with my grandfather. After that, back in the van to head back east. The drive wasn't so bad and we were back by 11:30 Christmas night. I don't think I have ever been so tired in my entire life!!!!! The kids did great, I was really so proud of them. That was the abridged version, if you need more, let me know lol It really was just a bunch of time in the van and flying paper, if you really think about it. I hate to see it go, but in someways its a relief that its over. Hope you all have a wonderful New Year!

Ive lost it!

2007-11-05T17:25:00.000-05:00

This morning after taking Caleb to school I popped into walmart for a few things. I got what I needed to get done out of the way and came bee-bopping to the van. I opened the door and was met but the wet nose of a golden lab. I dropped my bag and screamed like, well a girl. I couldn't figure out who the heck would put a dog into my van or how I could keep it in student housing. Took me a minute to realize that "hey this van is clean...this is NOT my van". My vans twin was parked beside mine and I tried to steal it. (this will get us kicked out of the CARE group for sure!) I went as fast as I could to MY van and went home laughing the whole way. What I'm curious about is how my little brain went to someone putting a dog into my van instead how I might have gone to the wrong van. I'm sure that this was some huge hoax and someone was watching me and peeing themselves laughing. Never know, the surveillance video may end up on you tube......

2007-08-28T14:21:00.000-04:00

Well it has finally started to happen. Ive been dreading this day for the past 4 years. Noah has begun to notice his face. Jerrod thinks he said something about it the other day but wasn't sure but the other night I had him in the bathroom at McDonalds. I was holding him up so that he could wash his hands and he caught himself in the mirror. He asked "whats wrong with my face". I just stopped. For some reason its very much more pronounced in a mirror. It always has been. I didn't know what to say and he asked again. The only thing I could get to come out of my mouth was a "Sunday school answer" and I said "Noah that's the way God made you baby" and then made sure I said "He made you wonderful and perfect and beautiful" and he very quickly came back with "no momma, my eye is funny". I had no idea of what to say or do so we finished washing and headed back out to the play ground where the other kids and Jerrod were. I couldn't help the tears as I told Jerrod what happened. I was so angry. I couldn't not explain to my son why he has this cranial/facial defect. HECK I don't understand it myself. How can I make my 4 year old understand what I can not? I have to admit that I'm a bit angry at God about this. For a long time I thought it was because of my own sin, that my son was being punished for the "sins of the father" (or mother in this case lol) I think that I know better now haha, but I still have my moments. I picked up a book that has been on my shelf for a few years now "a special kind of love", and started to read it this morning. I was brought to tears (and its even a non-fiction book! haha deanna) The first section is about a mother with a child born premature with major issues and on top of that, her oldest child is put in the hospital for juvenile Diabetes. Her prayer that she quotes in this section really got to me and I would like to share it with whoever reads this.....

"Just take me as I am, Lord, in all of my confusion, in all my anger. Yes, anger. I'm angry at you for letting this happen to us. And I want to fight back at something. I want to fight for the well-being of our child! I would so anything to win health for this precious one I love so much.

I stop in this moment of stillness, and I know deep inside that the battle is not mine to win. It's beyond me. It's very complicated. And most of all, I realize that you did not send this trouble. It is part of the evil in our imperfect world. Oh, dear Lord, sustain my energies as a parent and don't let me crumble.

Please bless our child with your great love. Wrap us all in your everlasting arms right now and uphold us in the days ahead."

2007-08-20T06:25:00.000-04:00

Ok So Ive sung this song a million times in church (well maybe not a million) and its always been amazing but I dont think Ive ever meditated on the words before. It was playing on the way to service yesterday and I was really listening to them for the first time. I had such a hard time not getting swept away and just crying right there in the van. Was such a worshipful expirence..right there infront of hardee's. lol (was a good thing too, we were late and missed most of the music HAHA)

In Christ Alone
"Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart TownendCopyright © 2001

In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;

From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.

WOW

Who says you cant go home.....

2007-08-15T10:01:00.001-04:00

Ok so pretty dorky blog title, Ill admit it lol. We had the wonderful opportunity to "go home" this past weekend for homecoming at our "home" church. It was such a wonderful experience for us. It ended up being exactly one year since we left to come to school. I personally was excited but very nervous as well. I tend to work myself up into a tizzy so to speak over things, going through every scenario, even very far fetched, in my head. I didn't know how it would feel going back. Would we feel at home? Like we were intruding? How would it feel after being "replaced" lol. I'm telling you, I was being very silly. I honestly couldn't have imagined a better time. We got to spend some with some awesome friends and really catch up. It was amazing to see the "kids" again, I almost forgot how much I missed them...almost lol. Id be lying if I said it wasn't hard to leave again. Almost as hard as the first time. The people at Little River still have a very big part of our hearts and Id imagine they always will. Id have to say I 'grew up' there. We were engaged there, married there, Jerrod was ordained there, we had the baby's there. We went through hard times and some of the most wonderful days I can ever imagine having. It was so nice being back. I pray that God used us as much in their lives as He used them in ours.

2007-07-23T19:58:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone! Hope you all had a very blessed and restful weekend. I wanted to give a report on Jerrods ASVAP that he took today. He scored a 99 out of 100!!!! I joked and said he didn't lose all of his 'smarts' as he thought, haha. They said he could basically pick any job that he wanted. Just please pray for God's wisdom and discernment in the next steps. Love you all!

2007-07-20T19:21:00.001-04:00

Well first set back to the whole blogging thing...I forgot my password. Go figure. Those of you that know me realize that this isnt so odd for me. I have to confess, I'm a bit of a ditz. But hey, I know it and "knowing is half the battle!!"
Jerrod diddnt get to take the test yesterday as he had to work a bit late. So he goes next week instead. Keep him in your prayers for guidence and knowledge.
On a much lighter note.....our daughters name is no longer 'katelyn'. Yep, she has changed it. (yes you read right, SHE changed it). She is now known as "Katie". When you ask her "is your name Katelyn" she promptly said "no my name is Katie". Today I said "but Katelyn, mommy really likes 'katelyn'" and she said "but Katie likes 'Katie'. Wasnt sure what to say to that. Guess you pick your battles, huh?

2007-07-18T09:45:00.000-04:00

Happy Wednesday all! I trust that your weeks are going well. I wanted to post with a prayer request that we have. Jerrod has felt called to the Army as a chaplain for awhile now. He is looking into it more seriously now. He wants to join as a reserve solider. This will help us financially in many MANY ways. He goes tomorrow for is ASVAP in Raleigh. Just pray for God's direction and will in this situation. Also pray for Jerrod as he takes this test tomorrow. In high school he tested well enough to go into the "nuke" program in the NAVY, but as he says "its been along time since high school" lol. He has been practicing just Pray that God will give him the knowledge that he needs for this. Have a great week all. Love you much!

Wow Day 2 and a new post!!

2007-07-17T08:09:00.000-04:00

I just really liked this picture of katelyn. Its at one of the fountains at school.

This is on one of our favorite spots on campus. Its a really cool tree with a low lying branch. The kids love to climb on it.

2007-07-16T18:13:00.000-04:00

Ok, so Ive decided to jump on the "blog" band wagon. We will see how far I get with it, haha. Right now we are about to begin our 2nd year of seminary and might FINALY be a bit more settled. Its been pretty hard mentaly, emotionaly and physcialy so far, but we are trusting that the same God that amazed us by getting us here is still with us and will get us through this next year. I will plan on keeping this up to date with the ramblings from our home as well recent pictures of the children. Wish me luck...