Lots of Disjointed Thoughts

Here it is 9 days before Christmas and I'm not done shopping. Money is tight, but I don't think that is the problem. I'm just not that interested in the gift giving this year.

Hubby is on the road and nearly 1000 miles away. I absolutely hate this arrangement, but for whatever reason it seems to be this is what the Lord has planned for us right now.

Our calendar is jam packed full right now. Why is that? Who keeps adding stuff to it and where can I find them?

I still haven't told my mother that I'm not going to my sister's for Christmas Dinner, that I'm cooking at home for the first time ever for us and the boys. Okay, is that selfish of me? I have never spent Thanksgiving or Christmas at my house and cooked a holiday meal. I want to be home this year.

The idea of returning to school has been on my mind and in my thoughts for months. So, I went and applied, did the admissions interviews, took the placement test thingy and applied for financial aid. They accepted me and gave me grant money! Whoo Hooo! I've had my student ID made, been fitted for my uniforms and shoes, all that's left is orientation on Friday morning. I've been so psyched about it and now suddenly -- I'm petrified, what have I done?

There's one thing I know for sure whether the gifts get bought, the Christmas dinner plans get made or I actually make it to school -- this time right now is special because it's the celebration of my Savior's birth. If he hadn't been born in that cold, lonely stable what hope would we have. He's doing some amazing things in my life and in my heart. He's such an awesome God!

Track

It was bitterly cold here yesterday, but that didn't stop me from braving the chill and watching my baby boy run his first track meet. Watching him grow and turn into a young man is both thrilling and bittersweet. After all, he is the youngest and time is moving way too swiftly. He ran the 55 and came in 5th. It was his first heat and only supposed to warm his body for the 500. He came out strong and held the lead for 3/4 of the race. He finished 2nd. A very good showing for his first ever race.

My other baby boy is doing quite well too. He recently got a big promotion at work. I'm really proud of the man he's become.

Thank you Jesus for the opportunity to be mom to these two "boys". They truly are my greatest joy. Guide them in their decisions and help them to always put you first and foremost in their lives.

The Official Score (at this moment) Is Hubby 3, Jacob 2

I wasn't up yet to get hubby's picture this morning and being men they totally forgot to do it. And of course while I'm sitting here waiting for the images to load -- I hear a shot and few minutes later -- shot two. The score may change. I absolutely hate deer hunting myself, but I'm so thankful that I have a husband who loves nothing better than taking his son hunting. Those memories last a lifetime.

Crossroads

Everyone hits a crossroad. I'm waiting on God to shine the light onto the path.

Kindergarten to High School -- Already?

We just got Jacob's new school pics for this year. Good or bad, hard or easy this child is a blessing from God.






From kindergarten to high school -- where does the time go?

Visiting the 'Rents (as Jacob would say)

We spent the weekend visiting my parents. It was cold, wet and we even saw snow, but it was also warm, cozy and fun to spend some time with them alone. This past weekend was the weekend they close the New River Gorge Bridge and have basejumpers and all kinds of festival stuff. Well, like I said it was cold and wet and my father has a cold so we opted to travel all the way to Wheeling and spend the day shopping inside. Cabela's has a huge store in Wheeling and hubby, Jacob and daddy were in hog heaven. Jacob found a hat that he just had to have. (He said for hunting purposes, but it never left his head the rest of the weekend!) I think his head gets cold now that he has relatively little hair thanks to MCJROTC. This child looks so much like me it's almost scarry.

I can't thank God enough for such wonderful parents. Their examples in following Christ and raising children are priceless and I am truly blessed to still have them with me.

Like everyone else I've also started a facebook page. Not sure I'll keep this blog going because keeping up two things is more than I need right now. If you have facebook look for me there -- search for Kim in King, NC.

Catching My Breath

Time flies whether you are having fun or not. Fall has arrived, the leaves are falling, the pool is closed, the house still isn't sold and hubby is still on the road. No matter what, God is faithful. I can see ways he is working in our lives and in the lives of friends and loved ones.


Our sweet friends, the McK's and their daughter, have just returned from China with their beautiful baby boy. This journey has been two years in the making and I can see how God has richly blessed them. Our other friends, the H's, have two teenagers of their own and this past weekend agreed to take two more teenagers in need of a home into theirs. I am in awe of their selfless sacrifice and commitment to teens in our area, and I see God's hand upon their home and hearts. There are others close to us who are opening their doors to children in need, but their stories are too personal to appear here, but they are on our lips in prayer for strength, wisdom and protection.


On the home front God is working. Jacob is immersed in high school and doing really well. He is thriving in MCJROTC. Back again is the boy we remember along with a new grown up attitude. Thank you Jesus for answered prayer!


Zachary and Candace are facing a health issue for her. We know that God is working in their lives as well and we pray for his healing hands upon her body. We trust that God will provide medical solutions soon and that he will give both of them strength and wisdom to endure this time in their lives.

We decided to host the Youth Prayer Breakfast this school year. (It doesn't look like the house is selling anytime soon, so we might as well use it!) This morning was our first and we had a ton of teens. I am beginning to see teens in a different light. They are such wild, untamed creatures on one hand, but on the other -- they are so delightful and entertaining. Thank you Jesus for this precious opportunity to open our doors and home to these young people.

Happy 1st Anniversary

It is hardly comprehendable that today marks one year since Zach and Candi got married. They've accomplished alot in a year -- both have great jobs, they bought their first home a few months ago, and welcomed a new addition -- a pooch named Roxie. We're very proud of them and hope they have many, many more anniversaries!

Happenings!

Jacob started high school this week and boy did I get caught by surprise. It was just like kindergarten all over again. He's a freshman now and he's growing up. I cried all the way home -- just like kindergarten. Then he came home yesterday and he went from this . . .

to this . . .

WOW!

Father God, no matter what my children do or don't do, I pray they do in your will.

Life in the fast lane . . .

Sometimes, I get tired of living in the fast lane. Sometimes, I want to pull over. Sometimes, I want to bail (to use one of Jacob's new words)! and Sometimes, I just need a few days to chill.

We recently took a few days to lay on the beach, lay around the pool, lay around the campsite and just chill. It was great and certainly gave us some time to recharge our batteries. We took hubby's mother with us. She was in need of a break after losing her mother and we took Jacob's cousin with us so he would have some teen companionship. It gave us time to make some decisions and plans for our future.

Hubby is actively looking for a job that will allow him to be home with us instead of on the road. Jacob is starting high school in a couple of weeks back in the public system and in a new district. In this economy things are tight, but God is faithful! Thank goodness for my Savior -- without him my life would be a complete mess. The house is still on the market albeit in a new realtor's hands -- and we're waiting patiently on God to reveal his plans for our lives.

So, life in the fast lane or broke down on the side of road? Doesn't really matter as long as you know the master mechanic.

As for me and my house . . .

This verse is a favorite of ours. When we built this house and before we actually spent one night in it we had our pastor and some friends come and bless each and every room in this house. It was a very moving experience to hear our friends pray over every room and our lives. This verse appears in almost every room of our home somewhere. "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."


Serving our Lord is our goal -- it's doesn't always happen, sometimes it's not easy, but the verse if a constant reminder to us that this house, this home, our lives belong to him.


It has been a chaotic summer. Who am I kidding? It has been a chaotic four years. So many things have happened (and not happened) and our lives have been turned upside down, inside out and every which way you can think, but God is faithful.

Even in death God has been faithful. Last week we saw that first hand as hubby's grandmother passed away. None of us were prepared to lose her so soon and she will be greatly missed in our family.

Lord Jesus thank you for allowing us the opportunity to have such a godly woman in our lives. Give us the strength and courage to always serve you.

and life goes on . . .

I'm reminded today that no matter what comes our way whether good news, bad news, adversity, sickness, even death . . . life goes on.

We're still riding the roller coaster of parenthood, we're still traveling all over the United States, we're still hoping and praying for the house to sell and now we're learning to deal with eventually losing a loved one.

My hubby's beloved grandmother who lives with his mother has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer which has spread to her liver. The doctors have said six months. Six months to finish a life. I can't imagine what hearing those words does to a person. I do know that she is a true woman of faith and an inspiration to all of us.

But, life goes on. Each and every day the sun comes up and a new day begins and each and every day God is there to comfort, to give us strength, to lead and guide us. Praise God because without his hand in mine some days would be unbearable.

Jacob On The Road

Jacob has been traveling for the past seven days with his father. He looks like he's really working hard!

Graduation Day

After a chaotic year, Jacob graduated from the 8th grade. It was really sweet as they were welcomed on to the high school hall. High School next fall -- that's just another whole kind of prayer request!

Lord Jesus, thank you for Jacob. Thank you for bringing him into our lives. Thank you for the joy and thank you for the chaos. Regardless of how difficult the teen years are he is and always has been one of our biggest blessings.

Roosterville

Many, many years ago a friend of ours (who was and is a practical joker) nicknamed my husband, Rooster. My hubby is a sweetheart, but he loves nothing better than a challenge and let's face it sometimes dealing with clients is a challenge. Our friend loved nothing more than watching hubby get his feathers ruffled.

The nickname stuck (he's not crazy about it) and family and friends vowed to bring as many roosters into our lives as possible. Here's just a few of our treasures: A very alive rooster showed up on our office steps early one morning. Our brother-in-law (who's a terrific artist) drew a rooster in the corner of our freshly poured concrete driveway. A concrete rooster in full color showed up in our flower garden. We've received rooster salt and pepper shakers, rooster towels, rooster clocks, framed photos of roosters, a huge, huge stuffed rooster, rooster license plates, rooster garden flags (including one with a swirling tail) and one of my personal favorites a dancing rooster who crows.

Not long ago I managed to get this photo of hubby and he'll kill me for sharing it, but I can't resist.

Forgive me Rooster!

Happy Birthday Zachary!

My SweetPea turns 24 today!

Happy Birthday Jacob

Can you believe it? Jacob is having yet another birthday and turning 14! We love this child so much and thank God every day for him.

Lord Jesus we pray your will in Jacob's life. We pray that through these difficult teen years you will guide him and lead him to a closer walk with you. We pray Lord Jesus for wisdom to make good choices and decisions. We pray for protection not just physically, but from worldly temptations. Thank you Jesus for this precious child.

Beanie Baby Mania

My name is Kim . . . and I'm a recovering beanieholic.

Do you remember the beanie baby craze? . . . Were you addicted to buying those little furry animals? . . . Did you search high and low? . . . Take your toddler so you could get more than one? . . . Hide them so your husband wouldn't know where you'd been that day? . . . Did you get hooked on beanie buddies, beanie minis, and classics? . . . Did you join a beanie club at your local library hoping for insider information? . . . Do you still have tucked away in your wallet a beanie baby club card?

I feel your pain.

Many years ago my wonderful mother got me hooked on beanies. She showed me one, let me hold it and then took me beanie hunting one day and well the rest is history. I became hooked on acquiring them. I have taken my toddler (now nearly 14) with me so I could get two. I've camped out in a parking lot. I've made friends with some crazy people just so I could scope out their favorite beanie haunts. When just getting the babies weren't enough, I started collecting the buddies and other Ty products. In my attic right now are plastic tubs with beanies, buddies and more carefully stored and labeled in plastic baggies. I have some of the more exclusive ones tucked away in a curio cabinet a constant reminder to me of wasted time and money.

A few years ago I did manage to donate most of my buddies and all of my classics to our youth group to carry with them to the Gulf Coast to use during their mission trip. It felt good to know that some child who had lost everything would at least have something soft and cuddly to snuggle up with. It gave our youth an opportunity to open doors and spend time with children and to share the gospel. My mother and I both are looking for ways to donate these once cherished albeit crazed beanies.

I have to admit though some of those outings were fun times! I especially remember spending a lot of time with Jacob hunting the next big find. He was my beanie ally back then and it was definitely good times.

Lottery!!!

So I've never been a huge supporter of the lottery, but occasionally I buy a ticket. Every once in a while I'll buy a scratch off. I've never bought more than a $1 or $2 ticket.

Thursday evening I couldn't help myself. I was craving chocolate so hubby and I drove over to the corner store and while inside I bought myself a ticket -- okay I bought two or three. We got home and hubby had bought himself a couple and he won $1 and then he won another $1 and then he won $5. As usual my tickets were duds until . . . I scratched off a money bag symbol . . . I reread the directions . . . get a money bag double your winnings . . . I slid my ticket over to hubby and asked him to look at it . . . he smiled and said, "honey, you just won $1000 dollars. "

I couldn't believe it. I never win anything! We drove back over to the store to have them verify it. Yep, it's a winner. Friday we drove to one of the claim centers and I'm a $1000 richer (less $70 of state tax of course). Yep, who's got the golden horseshoe now?

That Darn Cat

My husband is not a cat lover. When we first got together my oldest was just six. He had a kitty and we loved her desperately. Hubby tolerated her at best. Funny thing was she really liked hubby! As things go she passed away several years later. Hubby was firm on no more cats. So, we got a dog instead. Shadow is a very neurotic little cockapoo that lives in fear of the vacuum cleaner and goes nuts at the sound of the doorbell. We love her and for that she's gentle, cuddly and will always greet you at the door.

Back to the cat. Several months ago a kitten took up residence at the barn. It was just the one and we had no idea if the mother had died or someone had just dropped it off. Hubby was not amused, but I said it's at the barn it'll be a good mouse catcher. Well, we couldn't not feed it so I bought some cat food and set it out every evening at the barn of course.

Several months later -- the cat is huge, a big, red fur ball. It no longer stays at the barn. It comes up to the house and it's a meower. It drives Shadow nuts when she can see it through the windows. It's great a catching mice. Living out in the woods -- he catches them all the time. Sometimes he catches and kills them and leaves the carcass on the front porch. A gift I suppose. He loves to lay on the patio around the pool and really adores the flower gardens. There are little tufts of cat hair all over the yard. Hubby is really not amused.

The house is still for sale -- the cat is part of the deal, no extra charge!

Where Have I Been ???

Well lets see . . . I've been waiting patiently on God . . . I've been in the truck with hubby running all over the United States . . . I've been not so patiently waiting on God . . . I've been getting our new business up and running . . . I've been waiting on God . . . I've been struggling with a teenager that I love more than life itself . . . I've been wondering if God is listening . . . I've been trying to keep a house clean while it's on the market . . . I've been yelling God are you there . . . I've been trying to hold down the fort when hubby is out of town . . . God??? . . . I've been chasing cows that get out of there fence and its always at night . . . Hello??? . . . That's where I've been.

I've also been looking at this blog (for weeks) and thinking how depressing. I've also realized that I am a complainer and whiner. So, I think some changes need to happen -- in me.

I don't have all the answers. Sometimes, I don't even know the question, but God is faithful. He can move mountains and he answers prayer. The mountains he moves may not be the ones you specified and answers may not be what you had in mind, but he is faithful. Sometimes happily ever after doesn't come in a pretty package and chase away our misery. Sometimes happily ever after comes . . . well after. In the midst of trials God wants us to stop and listen. What he's trying to teach may have nothing to do with the trial. I believe that God is teaching me something powerful about myself. I've been judgmental with other people and I thought I was better than some.

Jesus, never thought he was better. Jesus ate with tax collectors, prostitutes and the poor. He touched them, loved them, fed them. He gave his life for them.

"Keep me near Thee, blessed Jesus, Keep me near Thee lest I stray; With Thy mighty hand uphold me, Lead me gently all the way."

Random Bits of Info

Another birthday for me has come and gone. There's something cool about having a birthday in January (when you're older) you get it over with and you don't have to worry about turning another year older all year! I know it sounds crazy, but I'd really like to stay 40.

Jacob seems to be settling into his new school. Sometimes it's hard to tell because he's such a pleaser that he doesn't always tell you his true feelings. Last week was Spirit week and he participated in dressing up a couple of days so that's encouraging. Their mascot is a Viking and he made the cutest Viking ever!

Hubby is back out on the road today and just when I thought this was getting easier -- it's soo not! I miss him terribly and this is just day one.

Some friends invited us over last night (along with several other couples) for dinner and Brick. We learned a new game and got to know some people better. I'd never played before and lo and behold I won every game but the last one, which is too bad because I really wanted to sweep the evening.

No takers on the house yet though we've had some inquiries and showings. It kinda feels like living in limbo. We are actively looking for land to build another house, but so far nothing has blown us away.

The house is way too quite today. Hubby gone, Jacob in school, even the dog is at the groomer, but I always have the laundry. It never seems to go away and is always waiting for me.

Surviving the Teenage Years

Remember when the terrible twos were terrible and you thought, "man if I get this kid passed two and potty trained I'll be cruising!"? Yeah, well that was nothin!

Teenagers have a unique personality and I'm convinced they are of a different species altogether. They are relentless, crafty, manipulative, clever, moody, and sometimes when you least expect it -- they are your child again -- sweet, lovable, touchy feely. Thank God, he gives us those moments.

It's no secret we've been through a difficult time with our typical teen, but God has been there each and every step of the way. For now, our teen seems to be settling down. He's adjusting to private school and making a few friends along the way. He's still a teen and instead of surviving I'm embracing my teen because all to soon he'll be grown, graduated and moving on.

Thank you Lord for your faithfulness even when we lose our way. Thank you Lord for your patience when we go astray. Thank you Lord for your love and mercy when we find our way back.

House for Sale

Yep, we did it. We finally decided and as of yesterday we are officially on the market.

We've been toying with the idea for months now. We built our dream house almost 7 years ago and because we built it ourselves we have a great deal of equity, so it makes good financial sense to sell, build another dream house and be debt free of a mortgage. Like I said, it makes good financial sense. I'm still getting used to the idea. However, like everything else in our lives, we've turned it over to God. If it is his will he'll send a buyer, if not we'll stay put.

I like leaving it up to God!

God's Timing

I'd like to shout it from the rooftops -- MY GOD IS AMAZING!!!


Sometimes we as Christians think we are so immune to the bad stuff. That having God on your side means you only get the good stuff. Sometimes our prayers are God please let me have this, please make this better. Sometimes we treat God like a magic genie lamp. I believe that God allows stuff to happen in our lives in order to refine us. To make us more like him, Christlike. Do we like the refining? NO. Is the refining easy? NO. Do we always get it and understand it? Maybe not on this side of eternity. I spend alot of time trying to figure out the WHYS of refinement instead of looking for the blessings. Yes, there are blessings in refinement. Praise the Lord for friends who step up and pray alongside of us, praise Jesus for the moments of peace in a world full of chaos.

Tomorrow my sweet, sweet child begins his first day at a new school. Homeschooling is still always an option, but God opened doors last week like you've never seen. God's timing, his infinite wisdom, his plan, not our plan.

My God is not a magic genie. He is however my loving father and he knows what is best for me. The best comes out of refinement. The best is not always my answer and it's not always comfortable, but if it brings me one step closer to my father it is worth it.

New Leaf, New Life

That's what we've been saying to Jacob recently. Take the opportunities placed before you and begin again. Isn't it wonderful that God allows us every day to take the opportunities placed before us and begin again? 2007 brought lots of turmoil to our home and we crazily thought 2008 would be our year. Dare we to believe that 2009 will be better? You know, it doesn't matter what it brings or what the other years brought, because through it all God walked every step of the way with us. I'm sure he even carried us (me for sure) most of the way.

Thank you Jesus for being so powerful that you care about every little detail of our lives.

So whatever happens this year -- I know that my God is big enough to handle it. So instead of bumming about 2008 here's a sneak peak at some of my favorite days . . .

13th Birthdays!

Baby Calves

New Life

Beautiful Brides

Nervous Grooms

Big Bucks

40th Birthday Surprises

and at the center of it all -- family