For My Mom.................

My Mom.

She is everything a woman wants to be.  She is a Proverbs 31 woman.  She is everything I want to be. 

She gave me life, loves me unconditionally, trained me to work hard, showed me how to love.

She loves her grandchildren.  She loves them unconditionally.  She is training them to know and love the Lord. 







She is always ready to laugh.  She has a beautiful laugh.  She has an infectious smile!  She always seem happy, even on her darkest days.  She is a glimpse of what I (hope) to someday be.

She is beautiful on the inside and gorgeous on the outside!  She is a servant to all and an inspiration to many.  She is known by so many and loved by all.  I admire the woman that she is and will become in her lifetime.

Today is my Mom's birthday and I wanted to show you how wonderful my mom is to me.  She is all those things I wrote above, but more than anything, she is a Child of God.  Her life is a testimony to God's goodness and grace.  She is an inspiration to me!  I love you Mom!  There aren't enough words to describe the gratitude in my heart.  You will never know how proud I am of all your accomplishments.  I am so blessed and honored to call you "Mommy" and my children are blessed to call you "Mammaw."  Thank you for all your sacrifices for me while growing up and even still now.  Thank you for showing me unconditional love that I now show my husband and children.  Thank you for always being so true to yourself, never backing down from what's right.  The Lord will graciously give to you, for you so humbly gave to Him.

I love you with all my heart and soul!  Happy Birthday!
Your "Little Girl"

An excellent wife who can find?  She is far more precious than jewels.  The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.  She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.  She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.  She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.  She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.  She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.  She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.  She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.  Her lamp does not go out at night.  She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.  She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.  She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.  She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.  Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.  She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.  Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.  She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.  She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."  Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.  Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
Proverbs 31:10-31

Take time to smell the roses!

Isn't this the prettiest color rose you have ever seen?  It came from my rose bush....my grandmother bought it for me as a birthday gift.  Today is my birthday and I found this perfect bloom waiting for me this morning.  It made me smile brighter and stand a littler straighter too.

Often I wonder why I can look at things in creation and it makes me feel better. Does that happen to you?  This morning as I was walking enjoying the peace and quiet, the serene sound of birds chirping, feeding their young, the waves crashing on the lakeshore, dogs barking in the distance, trees whistling in the wind and the sound of my footsteps along the road, I thought what an awesome God I serve.  He created all this that is around me, all that I was enjoying.  He knows every bird, animal, person, feather, hair, direction of the wind and waves....and He is not overwhelmed with it all.  I have felt every emotion this week with the closing of my dearest friends moving, yet not once was I overwhelmed with it.  God has given me a peace that I can't explain, an acception to the fact and blessed me beyond anything I deserve.    So I can look around at today and say...THANK YOU GOD for all you have given me, you have blessed me beyond my years.

Have a super great week!  I am off to help my friends move, so I'll be offline for about a week!  Enjoy the roses!  Take time to smell them too!!

Frog Birthday Revisited....

I am posting this slide show in honor of "Children's Parties" being hosted by Kelly's Korner. Hope you all enjoy the slide show. My 12 year old daughter made the frog cake for her brother. We served swamp punch, played pin the flies on the frog, had veggie dip inside a frog looking pepper and sang the song by Coffey Anderson, "The Frog Song". The song was our inspiration for the party, my son loves this song and starts jumping in when he hears it! ENJOY!

Camping Update....

Sorry I have been away for so long. I have been trying to recuperate from a long camping trip. We had a GREAT time, despite the cloudy weather. Some of our dear friends went with us and that made it even better. I found out how hard it is to camp with 5 of my own kids and one extra, plus a dog!! I woke up grouchy about every morning and the last morning was by far my WORST day yet. To let you know how bad it was, I actually had to go to my friends and ask for forgiveness!!! My behaviour was worse than that of a child and I felt awful for acting that way. They have since forgiven me of my short coming and they are still friends with us! :) Thank you guys (you know who you are)! Here is a slide show to let you see some of our fun! Enjoy!!!

Happy Birthday Monkey Doodle!!

WOW!!! 12 years ago today I was about to become a mom for the first time!! I can't believe it has been that long, it seems like yesterday. Where do I even begin with you? You were the first child for us and the first grandchild for my parents, and first great grandchild for my grandparents. Your arrival was greatly anticipated!! There were 9 people in the hallway awaiting your cry and daddy was right beside me. Labor was intense, hard and LONG, for I didn't know what to expect. When you were ready, you made your entrance with a Rebel Yell. You were so beautiful, I cried, Daddy cried and the hallway crowd burst into cheers and cries. It was a Beautiful day, our daughter had arrived, safe, healthy and finally here for us to hold. We ooooo'd and ahhh'd over you for the longest time and still do. Since that day you have given us great joy and much to be thankful for.

You showed from the beginning that you were not a child to be considered average, you did everything above average and well beyond your age. You have acted well beyond your years since birth. Even now as you turn 12 years old, you act so much older, you are so mature. I know this is our last year together as a child, you will become a teenager soon, but I am not worried. Only your age will change, but not your heart. You will remain the mature and beautiful girl you are today.

At the age of 4 you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior. Your daddy and I both wondered, could it be? at such an early age? will it last? OH YES! God is working a wonderful work in you. You have truly grown so much since that day of acceptance. You ask questions, and we give you the answers we feel God is leading us to answer for you. You have had to deal with alot of life's issues that young children shouldn't have to endure, but you come through it with a stronger faith, your head held high, and greater understanding than most adults. I am always amazed to watch you with your sisters and brother. I see how God is training you to be a wonderful mother. I know you will be a better mother than I am....for you have God on your side and in your favor. I try to do the best I can, raising you to be a "help meet" for your spouse, if that is the Lord's will for your life. I have tried to teach you how to be a "keeper of the home" and "servant." I pray for you, that you will be richly blessed when you grow up, I pray for your husband, that he is being raised now to know and love the Lord. You often hear us talk of being evenly yoked, that is what I pray for you.....never know a day without Christ in the drivers seat of your life. Christ will take you to wonderful places, places even I have never seen, He will guide your path always, if you let Him.

My Monkey Doodle,you have been my monkey doodle from birth and you always will be. Maybe at some early phase in life I knew you would be a wonderful artist! I know you will be famous one day. God will use your art to bring glory to Himself. You will find a way to praise our maker through your art. Keep painting, keep drawing and keep looking to God to guide you.

My dearest firstborn, you are such an inspiration to me. I pray that you always keep your beautiful smile, your sweet laughter, your confident presence, and your love for Christ. May your birthday today be as special as you are. I love you! Mommy

Overdue Birthday Wishes....

Happy belated birthday my chunky monkey. It is so hard to believe that you are 8 years old already! Where did the time go? I remember when I was pregnant with you and I couldn't wait to hold you, you were such an active baby in my belly. You were in such a hurry to arrive that you got bruises on the front of your face when you were born. I felt so bad about your bruising, but you were ready and you weren't waiting for anyone, including a doctor. The nurse had to deliver you, you starting growing from day one and you were the chunkiest little thing as a baby, that is why I called you my "Chunky Monkey." You are just my Monkey now (since you so tiny)....hee hee, but you are still in a big hurry. You want to grow up so fast, you can't wait for the next new and exciting adventure. I do wish you would slow down so that I could enjoy each stage. I love to watch you play, learn, read, and love on others. You have a very sweet spirit. God has given you a strong faith at a young age. You are often the one to remind me that God's way is better than my way (or any way). You are the first to suggest that we pray over something, and you pray without any hesitation, you know that He will hear you. I am so amazed at the times that God answers your prayers.....He is quick to answer you most times, and pleased, I think, that you are leading your family to walk in Him. If only I had your faith, the faith of a child. You trust Him so easily, you seek Him often, you talk to Him and you bring great glory to His name. Bless you my child for your faith and for all you do for me. I am so honored that He chose me to be your mommy. I make many mistakes, but you forgive me and you still love me through it all. I love you my monkey. You will always be Mommy's Chunky Monkey, always my little girl, forever a child of the King.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Spa Party Fun

Well, I finally got the pictures off the camera from my 10 yr old arrows Spa Party. I think it is safe to say that all the girls had a Blast! I really had a lot of fun putting it together for her too. First we had a sleepover with 3 friends and then in the morning the day started with Breakfast at Mommy's Cafe and then off to Sister's Boutique for some pampering. We had eggs and cinnamon rolls for breakfast with a glass of SunnyD and a cup of hot chocolate. Then while at the spa they had warm compresses for the faces, avocado masks, manicures and pedicures. Here's a slide show of the pictures! Enjoy! If you are a parent of one of the kids, I hope they have gotten their sleep caught up! It was a late night and an early morning! :) But it was FUN.

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Today is your birthday, your 3rd birthday! Where has the time gone? You have grown so fast and so much this past year. I was watching you just yesterday and noticing how you can put so many words together in a complete sentence, how you say your sisters full names now and not your shortened version of their names, you brush your hair, get dressed, potty, brush your teeth, try and make your bed, all by yourself! What happened? When did you grow so much that you don't need me to help with these things anymore? I miss it already! You have become quite the little lady.

My prayer for you is that you always keep your sweet smile. Your smile can brighten the darkest of my days. It melts my harden heart like the sun melts the snow. Your laugh can fill a room and make others laugh even when they don't feel like it. Oh how I pray that you always keep these qualities.

Many people say that you are a mini version of me. As I watch your hand motions when you talk or tell a story, the faces that you make while talking, your shifting and smiling eyes and your whole facial expressions, I have to agree, you are alot like your mommy. I pray that you learn from my mistakes and you become a better person. You are at a sweet age and I love being your mommy, please continue to forgive me when I make those mistakes, just love me like you always do and remember to hug me often.

I know that God is working on your heart, even at this early age. You only know of Jesus birth at Christmas and not Santa bringing you presents. You know that God made you and everything else in this world. You are starting to realize that our hearts are selfish and only Jesus can change it when we trust in Him. You know how to sing of God's love and you say the sweetest prayers. I do pray that God will strengthen your faith and that you always have this faith, the faith of a child. May God Richly Bless You This Year and Many Many More Birthdays!

I love you! Mommy :D

Happy 10th Birthday Pumpkin Pie

Dear Pumpkin,
Today is a special day for you and me. Ten years ago today you entered our blessed family. You came into this world with a loud southern belle scream, peach fuzz colored in bright red hair, the longest toes and fingers we had ever seen and a hallway full of family to greet you. Many of those family members are no longer with us, but on your debut day they were there and ready to shower you with love. I can remember very clearly how excited your Pappaw Overcash was to see you. Pappaw had red hair (when he had hair) and he was so happy to see a grandbaby take after him. The Lord knew that Pappaw would only be with us a short while after your birth, so He made the best of the time we had together. Pappaw had a special place for you in his heart and you share so many qualities with him, I think its God's way of letting Pappaw's memory live on through you.
:
As I sit back and think of what a blessing you are to our family I can't help but think of your sweet spirit. Always caring for others, caring for your siblings, especially your brother. :) You have such a giving heart, always wanting others to feel a part of things, always thinking of others first and your giving spirit. You always seem to find a way to give or give up something that you have wanted in order for someone else to be blessed. God is working a good work in you. I pray that you always have this sweet spirit and that you trust in God for all things. As your mom I look back and see how I have made one mistake after another, but God is so gracious to us both because He will forgive me and help me to do better and you forgive me and never look back at my sin. I love you my Pumpkin Pie! You will always be Mommy's Girl, no matter your age.

My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding. Psalm 49:3

Your name means one of understanding and it fits you perfectly!! You are understanding of everyone, especially your mommy. Thank you for being you. May the Lord bless you richly in your future and may you always keep your understanding and gentle spirit. I love you! HAPPY BIRTHDAY PUMPKIN!!

Party was a BLAST!!!!

Sorry I haven't posted sooner. The party was a BLAST!!! The cake (created by my oldest arrow), pinata was a huge hit, pin the fly on the frog was funny, and Edwin was totally overwhelmed with all the people. We had like 30 something adults and kids. The pizza hit the spot, but Blessed Daddy's "Frog Legs" aka Chicken Wings were the highlight, until we brought out the cake. It was definitely a First Birthday to remember for a lifetime. I know I won't forget it anytime soon. It really was fun to plan a birthday party for our little prince (since we are used to planning princess parties).

Anyway, we have had an incredible week!!!! It's been GREAT!!! Our Accountable Kids came last week and I hung them up on the wall this week. The kids are really into them! They have their morning chores done by 9:30am or 10am, even our 2 year old is enjoying it. It has really changed my life, overnight!! I highly recommend the program to anyone that is searching for a great responsibility, accountability program....this is the ONE! If you haven't checked out their website, here it is again. Sorry to sound like an infomercial, but I am really pleased. I have tried many other chore organizing systems, but this one teaches so much more than just chores. OK...I have gone on long enough. Enjoy the slide show of the Party!!

Blessings for a Fabulous Fall Weekend!!

Happy First Birthday, My Precious Boy....

Oh be still my heart....my precious baby is turning one today. While it is still "Friday night" to me, the time is 12:21am, September 27th. There have been many preparations going on this week, for our impending birthday bash. We are all pitching in and doing something. The younger girls helped make the invitations, the oldest is making the cake, Daddy is frying up the "frog legs" aka chicken wings, Mommy is crying alot, and crying some more.

It breaks my heart to see my baby growing up so fast, but it gives me such joy to see his smile every morning and every night. God has been so good to me and my family. He has blessed me with 5 Wonderful, God fearing, Beautiful Children (with one awaiting my arrival in heaven). How can I be so selfish, so sad? This is a joyous day, but it pains me so. I just pray that my pain will ease with the smiles, giggles and joys of a birthday boy on his special day.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the precious gift of children. Thank you for my precious son. May he always know you, love you and never know a day without you. Lord strengthen me and fill my heart with joy, forgive me of my selfishness, for who am I that I should be sad over my son turning a year older, when You gave your precious SON's Life to save our souls. Praise you Lord for your mercy and love!! Praise to you, oh God, for giving us life, life eternal. Be with us all today, here in my home, on the road, all around the world, with my readers. May You be Glorified today and always! Amen.

Happy First Birthday My Precious Boy, My Son!!!!!!! Always know that you are loved!