20 and 21: 365

Day 20:365
We took the kiddos to Der Dutchman, and brought along Cole's friend.  She may as well be part of our family, she fits in so well.  Love that girl.

They had a fun time making glasses out of the wax bendy stick thingys.  And so, is our picture of the day.

Day 21 :365  I guess we like to go out to eat.  This day we went out today with some friends.  Grabbed a bite to eat and then went to see a movie.

This photo is of my friend standing under the Avengers poster.  Since she played as an extra in the film, naturally we are anxiously awaiting the release!

18 and 19: 365

Day 18:  Gabe and Little Bro Jude-o posing.  The flash didn't come on, so it isn't the best.

And then Jude being all studious and cute on his homework. :)

Day 18:  Or first decent snow fall.  Gabe took Buddy out for a little run and playing.  Snow Buddies.

This week John has been in California.  Makes for a long and stressful week this time of year, with my business and all. 

Lastly, I posted this on Facebook, but it is so funny I need it here too.

Driving home from basketball. Jude informs me that he doesn't want to be: A doctor, because he doesn't want to accidentally kill someone. A carpenter, because he doesn't want to get a splinter. And he doesn't want to be a cook, because when you cut cheese with a chainsaw, you may cut off your finger. LOL. He does have some of my genes after all! Love that kid.

16 and 17: 365

Finally, yesterday I was able to see Gabe practice basketball. All other times I was helping kids with homework or something was going on. And then the game on Saturday we were split up between two kids and two games.

I can't say how much I love the Upwards program. They learn about the sport and also have a biblical lesson taught...every week! AND, the best part of it is, the kids love it! How cool is that? And then, the games are great. They start them off with all kids having their names announced and running thru a tunnel with cool music playing and we all give them high fives. And from a fitness side of things, the games are fast paced. They are running the entire time. This has been an excellent experience, and we are just starting!

Cole and Jude were a little bored at practice. So they played a little ball with each other whenever they got the chance. But I made them clear out if anyone needed back on the court.

And a little sword fighting to round the day off nicely.

Not a lot going on today. Other than some insane January weather. Warmer temperatures brought in rain, we even had thunder! Down south they had a Tornado! Crazy! And then, comes the insane winds all day. Followed with hail, and plummeting temperatures. Weird.

So today's picture is of Cole and Jude as they were heading off to school. And of Buddy chillaxin' in his bed.

Why I hate Religion, but love Jesus

A friend of mine had this posted on his Facebook.  I usually don't click on anything on Facebook unless I am 100% sure it is safe.  But, based on the comments under the link I thought it worth a try.  And I am so glad I did.  I am posting this here, as a reminder to me.  For my life.  To watch over, and over, and over again.

14 and 15:365

It's January.  I'm more than swamped with work.  Finding time for anything outside of work is a challenge.  But, I am happy to be able to have something I can do at home with my family.  So, trying to keep things in perspective when I'm about to lose my mind from being over extended.

Yesterday the boys had their first basketball game.  Sadly, they both had it at the same time at two different locations.  So, we had to split up.  John got Gabe, and I got Cole.  So, day 14, the photo is of Cole who did a great job at staying fast on his feet and excellent at defense and blocking.  Next week, I will get a shot of Gabe.  Can't wait to see him play too.  Both boys did well this week and really went for the shots.  No goals were made, but effort was, and thats all you can ask for.

Day 15.  I meant to get a photo of Mamaw and Papaw when they were here, but I forgot.  Dang it!  So, I decided to take a picture of John in his new glasses, looking all studious and whatnot.  Looks like a yearbook shot.  But still handsome.

I have this Devotions app on my phone I like to read every morning.  I found yesterdays Devotion to be a good one.  I think I will post it here.

The Supreme Judge
You have seen the wrong they have done to me, Lord.  Be my judge, and prove me right.
Lamentations 3:59 NLT
When someone treats us badly or takes what is rightfully ours, we want revenge.  Often times we secretly hope bad things come their way.  But is that really how we should react?  Don' tthey still deserve our love?  When we take charge and take revenge it's because we believe we can do a better job than God.  Take heart in knowing God, the supreme judge, who reigns in Heaven also reigns on Earth. 

And might I add on a personal note:
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:9

It's been a crazy week. Somethings went down that I felt were handled poorly, and because of that I wasn't willing to engage in it.  Another, I don't think was handled poorly, but the outcome was disappointing and on the insulting side.  I clearly know the lack of value I had with some now.  But I also know more than ever, the value I DO have with others.   Moving on....

Move

I'm pretty picky with the Christian music I like.  So this one kind of surprised me.  I heard it a few months ago.  But, I really like the message in this song. I hope you all like it too.  It's always good to remind myself to try and focus on the bigger picture.  I know I allow myself to worry about so many little things, that in the end really don't matter, or no good can come from it.  I can say this about all the little stupid things I fret over. 

If I was on my death bed, would I care about all the little things?  No.

Now, that doesn't mean I am okay with turning a cold shoulder on life or people, I believe things deserve their just attention.  But one thing I really need to learn is that it is okay and healthy to know when to walk away and focus on the bigger picture.  No matter what someone else thinks. 

"No matter what may come
Gotta move to a different drum
No matter what life brings
Gotta move gotta move to a different beat"

Sometimes it is the better choice to walk away from a situation.  No matter how hard it is to do so.  No matter how hard it is to remain quiet.  But if no good can come from the situation, walking away may be the best choice.  You may walk away judged, but I guess this is where you chose to move to a different drum.  Gotta always refocus on eternity.  Don't allow the negatives to distract.  Even if you are hated in the process.

12, 12 and 13: 365

12:365
Started the day seeing two of my boys being sweet to each other.  Of course, they were asleep.  Had to catch that moment. 

Bonus picture for Day 12 is of Buddy.  He makes me laugh. Gave him a bone to chew on while I was on the bike, and he couldn't enjoy it because he was stressing too much about hiding it.  Of course no place was good enough. So he would just sit it down all day long, and sit about 3 feet away, looking at it, stressing and whimpering. 

12: 365

Jude finally got his tooth out.  Well, actually, Gabe got it out for him.  But Jude didn't care, he just wanted the money!

13:365

Today, we woke up to a sick kiddo.  Stomach bug issues.  But he is looking much better now.  Hoping it stops there.