An Asa funny. . .

Tonight, Kevin went in to say prayers with Austin and Asa. At first, Kevin was just chit-chatting with them. Asa interrupted and said, "Go away daddy," as he pointed to the door. Kevin looked at him and said, "Well, can I pray first?" Then he proceeded to pray and mid-prayer Asa said, "Amen. Night-Night daddy." Then Kevin came into Ayden and Add's room where the three of us were sitting on the floor. We had just finished praying and Kevin told us the Asa story. The four of us laughed and giggled in the floor. Even as I'm typing, I'm giggling just thinking about it. That's Asa. . .gotta love him.

THE NEW ROOMIES. . .


Asa in his new firetruck bed (thanks to the Whites--note the working (night)light on top) and Austin.

Ayden and Addison

I am sooo glad that the beds don't have to be bunked anymore. Changing sheets on a top bunk is no fun.

Asa made the move

from crib to toddler bed. Kevin and I spent a little over 3 hours tonight switching bedrooms around. While Asa was still in the crib, he had a room to himself and the other 3 boys shared a room. Taking a cue from my friend, Phama, who has 5 boys, I decided to pair an older brother with a younger brother in each room. Thus Austin (11) is now with Asa (2) and Addison (9) is rooming with Ayden (5). Asa was very excited about having a roommate and Austin was happy to be in a room where Add and Ayden won't be keeping him awake every night. Those two. . .they do like to chat when they get into bed. For now, this seems like a perfect fit for the four of them. I have to say, tonight, I'm feeling very blessed. They were all so pleasant and wanted to "help" us move everything around. I'm glad they like the change. Anna-Kate was feeling a little left out because she didn't get to change rooms, but she was still very supportive of her brothers. What a trooper! I'm too tired to post pictures tonight, but I'll try and get some tomorrow of them all in their new places. Night night.

Six of the Seven birthdays in our house

take place from April 23rd to August 23rd, with mine being the exception. Yesterday, Ayden turned 5. His Texas cousins, along with some church friends, joined with us to help him celebrate. It wasn't a major shindig, but I think he had fun just the same. His friends Jack and Ian came and he loved that they were there. Here are a few shots from his party. . .


Austin gave the final blow to the pinata. That's his dad and cousin Joshua in the background.


Our precious 5-year old!











Ayden and his buddy, Jack.



Jack, Ian and Ayden--Ian and his family are moving. They will be missed by us and so many others. We love you White family!


The birthday boy and I. I thought we got a picture of him with his dad, but we missed it somehow.
Happy Birthday Ayden! I'm glad you're my son. What a blessing you are! I love you.

I could be way off base because I can only imagine what heaven will be like with my finite mind. But that being said, these are things I imagine I could do when I get there. . .

--I would love to dance before the LORD with all my might with David.

--I want to pray with my namesake and meet her son, Samuel.

--I want to meet my child, nieces, nephews, and sibling who all died in-utero.

--I want to take communion with Knox and Melanie.

--I want to walk with God and Enoch.

--Oh, to laugh with Isaac.

--I want to worship with Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednigo.

--I want to ride in Elijah's chariot of fire.

--I want to ask Mary what it was like being pregnant with Jesus.

--I want to tell Thomas that his doubt helped my doubt.

--I want to hold Esther's hand and tell her she is one of my heroes.

--I want to thank Paul for writing things down.

--I want to tell Jonathan that his friendship with David inspired me to be a better friend.

--I want to ask Job how he got through it--losing all of his children at one time.

--I want to meet Dennis and Sharon B. and see what a marriage in heaven looks like. I know it looks different than here, but how different?

--I want to ask James and John why they were called the "sons of thunder".

--Addison says he wants to meet Dale Earnhardt. I hope he's there.

--I want to meet Eve and see what God's definition of beauty is. I wonder if she had hips. :)

--Austin wants to ask Abraham how he found the courage to sacrifice his son. I want to know how he felt, in his words, when he saw the ram in the bushes.

--I want to encourage Barnabas; although, I doubt he'll need encouraging in heaven.

--Austin wonders how fresh the water is there.

--I want to ask Noah if his back ever hurt while he was building the ark and if his sons ever complained about all the work that was required of them. Did their wives ever "eat the bread of idleness"?

--I want to talk to Moses about crossing the Red Sea on dry land, seeing the burning bush and how he felt when he broke the 10 commandments (the actual stones).

--I want to taste manna.

--I want to hear Joshua tell the story of how the walls of Jericho fell down.

--So many saints that have gone on before me: Luther, Calvin, Isaiah, Jeremiah, the disciples, C. S. Lewis, Keith Green. . .the list goes on. They all lived during different times here and were bound by time, but now they celebrate together, in one accord. Amazing! I'm looking forward to it. . .more now than ever.

Romans 8:26-27

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

I'm thankful that the Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God. I feel especially thankful when I cannot find the words to pray myself. Today was one of those days.

A few more upside down shots. . .



Marian (my twin sister) with her daughter, Cara Beth.

Kevin and Ayden. Ayden's face is blurry, but you can still tell he was having fun with his daddy.


. . .and from the trampoline. Do these count? (Austin is the photographer here.)
Addison

Anna-Katie



Only half the kids are upside down here, but I think it still works. Very sweet.






And well, I couldn't resist. :)

Ayden and Asa both got tagged. Asa is probably a bit young for this game, but Ayden got to stay up a little later tonight to answer his "tag questions". Before he went off to bed, he said, "I love you mommy." I love you too Ayden.

4 jobs I have had:
Create anything I want, brush my teeth, do school, clean up

4 favorite movies:
Star Wars, Night at the Museum, Larry the Cucumber, Cars

4 Places I have lived:
OK City, OK; Aunt Marian and Uncle Wade's house; our house

4 Favorite TV shows:
Thomas, The Backyardigans, Go Diego Go

4 Favorite Foods:
starburst, apples, pizza, "pepperoni pizza--of course", ice water

4 Websites I visit everyday:
doesn't visit any

4 Places I would love to be:
"Let me think about that. . .Okahoma, to Aun Oui's house, and umm, the beach, and to Texas."

4 Favorite colors:
orange, blue, hot pink, yellow

4 of your heroes:
Superman, Rescue Dog ("I made him up."), "My dad is pretty cool," he said after I asked him if there might be anyone he already knows, that he looks up to, who he might want to be like when he grows up. "I don't know anyone like that." I responded, "What about your dad?" That's when he said, "I like my dad. . .my dad is pretty cool." Then he said the rescue heroes. Lastly, he said, "Mommy. I want to put mommy on the blog."

I want to tag Uncle Wade and our dad.


On another note, I absolutely love upside down pictures of children. Ones of my kids usually show them smiling or laughing and having a great time. Anyone else wanna share upside down pictures of their kids? If you don't have any, take some. And then post 'em, because I would love to see them. :) Thanks. I'll be checking. Here's a favorite of Asa and me.

I tagged Kevin because it's really the only way you'll ever hear from him on a blog. I love him, but I think he'd agree with me saying that he's a blog snob.

4 jobs I have had:
Dishwasher, Deli Master, Overnight Stock Crew Leader, Overall Retail King

4 Films I could watch over and over:
It's a Wonderful Life, Caddyshack, Outlaw Josie Wales, Days of Thunder

4 Places I have lived:
Bluefield, WV; Bristol, TN; Oklahoma City, OK; Topeka, KS

4 Favorite TV shows:
MASH, Seinfeld, The Bob Newhart Show, Cheers

4 Favorite Foods:
steak & potato, pizza, ice cream, chicken fettucine alfredo

4 Websites I visit everyday:
NASCAR.com, ESPN.com, Bestbuy.com (for email)

4 Places I would love to be:
anywhere with my family

4 Favorite colors:
Petty blue, Earnhardt red, black and silver (Raiders colors)

4 names that you liked but could/would not use for your own children:
Templeton is the only one. He wanted Austin's middle name to be Templeton. I would not allow him to name our first-born (or any-born for that matter) after a rat. For those who haven't read Charlotte's Web, there is a rat in the book and his name is Templeton.

4 of your heroes:
Jesus, David, dad, Carl Duty

Ms. Janelle tagged
Anna-Katie


4 jobs I have had:
Clean up my bedroom, Brush my teeth (she said it), Take my dirty clothes to the laundry room, Take my Bible to church

4 Films I could watch over and over:
Mickey Mouse, Cars, Firehouse Dog, Ratatouille

4 Places I have lived:
Topeka, KS; Oklahoma City, OK; Aunt Marian and Uncle Wade's house; our current house in Texas

4 Favorite TV shows:
Full House, The Backyardigans, Ellen with mom, the Christian music radio channel

4 Favorite Foods:
tomatoes, watermelon, chocolate chip cookies, apples

4 Websites I visit everyday:
I don't visit any websites

4 Places I would love to be:
at the Children's museum, Aunt Marian's house, the mall, Aun Oui's house

4 Favorite colors:
pink, red, green, blue

4 of your heroes:
mommy, daddy, Austin, Memaw

Now it's my turn to tag ... I tag Ms. Steffanie, Miranda, Anne Michal and Lizzy. And just to keep it going, you need to do this...because as Jack A. would say, "I asked you nicely."

ADD MEANT TO TAG
JASON TOO. CONSIDER
YOURSELF TAGGED JASON!

OK, it's 2:40 AM and I'm wide awake. . .again. So, here's a little shout out to my sistas who are probably not sleeping either. Holla Esther, Jamison, Lindsey, Erin and Kierstyn! You too Christi F.! Ooh, maybe you're up too Ashlee. I remember the days of late pregnancy and newborn babies, sometimes not-so-newborn babies. Know that it gets better. You and your husbands won't always walk around like sleepless zombies. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Know also that our family prays for each of you and your little ones on a regular basis. Oh the prayers of children are so sweet. If they forget one name and hear one of their siblings pray for the one they forgot, when that sibling is done, they will say, "I forgot something." And then they quickly pray for the one(s) they forgot before. James Daniel, Isaac, Adam and Andrew, Will, Benjamin, Micah, Elizabeth, Anthony and Gracie Mae are loved and prayed for by Austin, Addison, Anna-Kate and Ayden. (Probably Asa too, but his prayers are not as understandable yet; although, come to think of it, he does pray for "Jack, Anne Cichal, Wizzy, Memma, Miss Wachel and Psst Jon" in all his prayers, whether it's grace or bedtime.) Anyway, we do rejoice in the excitement of your little ones, but I understand that it also comes at a cost, with real pain and sacrifice. . .most anything worth having does. It's cliche-ish, I know, but "hang in there!"


My mom always told me, "This too shall pass!" She's also the one who pointed me to Psalm 103:1 which says "Bless the LORD, O my soul; let all that is within me bless His holy name." Did you catch that? "Let all that is within me bless His holy name." So, sleeplessness and weariness, bless the LORD! Tiredness and pain, bless the LORD! Tears and depression, bless the LORD! For He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases; He redeems my life from the pit and crowns me with love and compassion. He satisfies my desires with good things, so that my youth is renewed like the eagle's (Psalm 103: 3-5). Be encouraged! I remember and I'm praying. I love you.

I will extol the LORD at all times;
His praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt His name together.
I sought the LORD, and He answered me;
He delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to Him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
He delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
He protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.
Psalm 25: 1-5; 17-20

MR. BRIAN TAGGED ADDISON!



4 jobs I have had:
Taking my dirty clothes to the laundry room, Giving Sugar (our pet) her food, Cleaning up the living room, Picking up my toys

4 films I could watch over and over: Ratatouille, Night at the Museum, Ice Age and Ice Age 2

4 Places I have lived: Oklahoma City, OK; Topeka, KS; Aunt Mar and Uncle Wade's house in Bryan, TX, our house in Bryan, TX

4 Favorite TV shows: Full House, AFV, Crocodile Hunter, Snake Master

4 Favorite Foods: watermelon, pizza, mint chocolate chip ice cream, macaroni & cheese

4 Websites I visit everyday: I don't

4 Places I would love to be: OK City, OK; Bluefield, WV; Cracker Barrel, the pool

4 Favorite Colors: Red, Blue, Green, OU Crimson

4 of my heroes: Jesus, Daddy, Mommy, Mr. Brian (even though he tagged me.)

I tag Jenna, Justin F. (in Peru), and Kevin F. (also in Peru--Sorry Heather!) That's all.

I should have tagged Austin too. So Austin, tag you're it!



4 jobs I have had:
Feeding Sugar, Taking my dirty clothes to the laundry room, Cleaning up my room, Picking up my toys

4 films I could watch over and over: Glory Road, Miracle, Cars, National Treasure

4 Places I have lived: Bluefield, WV; South Williamson, KY; Oklahoma City, OK; Topeka, KS

4 Favorite TV shows: SportsCenter, PTI (Pardon The Interruption for those non-ESPN fans), Most Extreme on Animal Planet, AFV (America's Funniest Videos)

4 Favorite Foods: Bread, Mashed Potatoes, Spaghetti, Red Beans & Rice

4 Websites I visit everyday: Blogs that are linked to our blog

4 Places I would love to be: OK City, OK; Bluefield, WV; Houston Rockets basketball game; San Antonio Spurs basketball game

4 Favorite Colors: Blue, Green, Basketball Orange, Navy Orange

4 of my heroes: Jesus, Dad, Mr. Brian, Michael Jordan

I tag Mr. Josh (you can at least wait until you get back from your honeymoon), Mr. Brian, Mr. Matt, and Pastor Jon. (I would tag Mr. Eric, but I don't know if he reads our blog.) Even if you never answer the email questionaires, you need to do this...because as Jack A. would say, "I asked you nicely."

TAG, YOU'RE IT!!


And for a picture of Jon, see the top of the previous post. He's pictured with his honey, Rachel. :)

I'VE BEEN TAGGED BY. . .



Rachel A. If you don't know what that is....someone (in this case Rachel A., pictured above with her man, Jon) tags you with a bunch of questions that you answer and then you tag other bloggers. Just a way to get people to divulge information about themselves and give those of us that like to blab something to blab about...or maybe I should say blog.

4 jobs I have had:
Here are my first 4 jobs I had: (1) cashier and general fast-food person at Bowincal's (similar to a DQ) in Cross Lanes, WV (Senior yr. in high school) (2) secretary at FMC Corp. in their Human Resources Dept. in Nitro, WV( Senior yr. in high school) (3) student worker in the library at King College, TN (college years)(4) secretary at Bluefield State College, Bluefield, WV (First job out of college)

4 films I could watch over and over: The Count of Monte Cristo, A Knight's Tale, The Princess Bride, Fletch

4 Places I have lived: Cross Lanes, WV; Virginia Beach, VA; Oklahoma City, OK; Topeka, KS

4 Favorite TV shows: Ellen, Gray's Anatomy, The Cosby Show, Fresh Prince of Bel Air

4 Favorite Foods: chocolate, mashed potatoes, steak, butterscotch pie from Pioneer Pies (OK City)

4 Websites I visit everyday: Blogs--Rachel's, Knox's, Janelle's, Lindsey's

4 Places I would love to be (besides sleeping): OK City, OK; Charles Town, WV; Richmond, VA; Cross Lanes, WV

4 Favorite Colors: Sky Blue, Navy Blue, Royal Blue, and Red

4 Names I love but would/could not use for my children: Avery, Brock, Olivia, Sarah


I tag Janelle, Sarah B., Lindsey and Jamison. (I would tag Marian, but she doesn't have a blog--hint, hint.) Even if you never answer the email questionaires, you need to do this...because as Jack A. would say, "I asked you nicely."

TAG. . .YOU'RE IT!

In loving memory of Knox



The Andersons were over a few days ago and Austin and Lizzy gathered all the Crocs they could find in the house and put them together to make a rainbow, or a "crocbow" as they called it.

Psalm 25 (King James Version)

[1] Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.
[2] O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
[3] Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.

I grew up singing these verses in church. Now, I cry them out through the watches of the night. Since I couldn't sleep, I thought I'd find where they were and read the whole text from which they came. Tonight, I could only remember, "O my God, I trust in Thee. Let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me." So I looked it up online and was brought to Psalm 25. As soon as I read, "Unto Thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul," the tears came and I wept. Again.

It is true, I now carry a certain amount of sadness with me wherever I go. Have I said that before? I cannot remember. Anyway, it is a sadness I feel for Knox--a longing to have him back with us. I look at my own children, especially Asa, because he's the one of mine who is closest to Knox's age, and I am so greatful to have them (him) with me, but there is a sense of guilt there too that I cannot shed, because, I have him with me. Oh, the sadness I would bear if he were gone. I can only imagine it, yet, Jon and Rachel, Anne Michal, Lizzy, Emma and Jack bear this pain, this sadness, this hole in their lives everyday. How do those who don't know God get through something like this? My hope lies in God, in His word, and the promises He gives us there. I know that is where their hope lies also. Unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in Thee. Let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. These words are a salve to the open wound in my life and in my spirit. Yea, let none that wait on Thee be ashamed. O my God, I trust in Thee. Let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Over and over again, I cry out, "O my God, I trust in Thee. . ."

Here is the rest of Psalm 25. It ministered to me this night/morning. Take hold of the truths that lie in God's word, for truly, they are all we have and all we can ever know for sure. . .

[4] Show me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
[5] Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
[6] Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
[7] Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.
[8] Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
[9] The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
[10] All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
[11] For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
[12] What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
[13] His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.
[14] The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant.
[15] Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
[16] Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.
[17] The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.
[18] Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.
[19] Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.
[20] O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
[21] Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
[22] Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.

I still love Knox. I shall always love him and carry him with me. And I love you Jon and Rachel. I love you Anne Michal, Lizzy, Emma and Jack. I carry you, too, in my prayers. I am truly, so very sorry.