Well Ladies And Gentlemen!! I've got some news for you today!!
First things first. I have to say a HUGE congrats to my friends Janet and Mark Carlton. They are leaving MONDAY to go pick up their baby boy, Nathan Daniel, from Mexico!! I don't know exactly how old he is but I do know he's just a little younger than my Izzy who's 16 months old. I'm not sure how long they'll be gone, but they have all of their appointments set up while they are there and I know once they get checked into their hotel Nathan will be brought to them and he'll stay with them from then on!! They've had this trip postponed once, so this is great!! Janet and Mark have had a rough couple of years. So getting this beautiful baby boy means more than anyone will ever know!!
Ok, now to the next thing! Kennye and Jared have their ultrasound on Thursday to find out if they are having a baby boy or a baby girl! Please keep them in your prayers! Maddy thinks it's a girl and wants to name her Sophie haha! I don't think Kennye and Jared planned on having to run names through Maddy before they named their own child haha!
Maddy has her ultrasound in the morning at 8:30 a.m. We will go immediately after the ultrasound and see Dr. Humphrey to get the results. Several of my mommy friends that are nurses have said that it is very normal for doctors to order Ultrasounds on Kidneys and Bladders of little girls who get UTI's. Actually, they said it's pretty uncommon NOT to get one. So that puts my mind at ease! Please keep her (and her kidneys and bladder) in your prayers!
Please pray for Justin this weekend. He has a store opening and is working all weekend.
I went today and did a bulletin board in my classroom. I have 3. The one I did today has this huge tree on it. I crumpled up paper to give it texture. It has green grass and a blue sky, a sun and a cloud, and flowers. It says, "Great and Small God Created Them All". It's so cute! I'm very proud! But of course I didn't bring my camera, so I'll take a picture of it by Sunday and post. One of the other boards I'm going to split into two and have one side my calendar so we can work on days of the week and the other side will be birthdays. And the last one is kind of yet to be determined. I've found some cute ideas but I'm not sold on anything yet. I've gotten a months worth of lesson plans done. Janice, the director, said I could "think outside the box" and I am. Don't get me wrong, the crafts and the projects are awesome! I just want to make sure that my students are getting the most out of this class. Their parents are paying for it!! And I would want a teacher to smash as much into my kids heads as possible! Here is a basic rundown of my Tuesday/Thursday schedule:
8:55-9:30 Students Arrive and free play (blocks, puzzles, toys)
9:30-10:00 Snack/ Bible Story Time
10:10:30 Craft that goes along with Bible Story
10:30-11:00 Gym Time or Outside Time (subject to change)
11:00-11:30 Movie Time with Director (subject to change)
11:30-12:30 Lunch
12:30-1:00 Craft about a color
1:00-1:30 Seasonal Craft
1:30-2:00 TV Time/ Book Time (from special helper)
There are a couple of things I know I'll have to move around a little bit. I'm not exactly sure what time I'll be getting a TV, or what time my play time is, etc. But other than that I'm pretty set. I've also found an extra activity (craft or game) and a song for each lesson. Just in case we have extra time. I'm going to start off each morning with stretching and getting rid of "I can't". I just don't like hearing a 3 year old say, "I can't"!! I'm pretty proud of getting things set up!! I know this is going to rock!
I spoke to financial aid at Lipscomb and Maggie suggested that I drop some courses. Right now I am registered for 18 hours, yikes I know. But I'm desperate to get done! So I'm going to have to drop down until I get below my Stafford Loans. Which is ok. 18 hours is probably way too much for me to handle while teaching Sunday School, teaching Sonshine School 2 days a week, and having two kids and babysitting 3. So....I'm ok with dropping some! Plus Izzy won't start school until like 2012, and I don't want to teach "real" school until she's in school, so it'll probably work out for the best if I drop! I'm just waiting on my advisor to tell me which ones to drop.
Gosh what else....Maddy and I have still been having a hard time. I'm praying about it. She's such a good kid, she just has these moments. I keep telling myself it could be so much worse! We are working on the attitude. I think I'm making progress. I just need prayers for my temper. She pushes all of the right buttons and before I know it I'm yelling at her or spanking her. And I hate that, I just hate it, more than anything in this world, I hate it!!!!
I would also like to ask for prayers for my family. I'm not going to go into details, just please pray for peace, resolution and understanding.
Ok, that's all I've got for now! My posts are going to slow down a lot. With my busy schedule I just can't post like I used to....I hardly have time for a drink of water and a bathroom break haha!! But I promise to post as often as I can!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
OH if ya'll know of any websites that are AWESOME for teaching resources, ie bible lessons, crafts, etc.....let me know!!!! THANKS!!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Prayers about School
Well Ladies and Gents I need your prayers. I accepted the full amount of money I could for student loans and I still will owe $4350 for fall and $4350 for spring. We don't have access to that kind of money, and the payment plan I could set up would be $900 a month, and we can't do that. I'm not eligible for grants nor scholarships right now. I'm hoping to bring my GPA up enough so I can apply for scholorships next year.
So please pray for us. This opportunity for me to go to Lipscomb has been an amazing one. And I feel like I've hit a brick wall. I knew it was going to be expensive but I thought my student loans would cover it all. I wasn't expecting to fork out $4350 a semester......
If ya'll don't mind please pray that God provides us with the answer. I know he will!! I have to have everything done by next week or my classes are going to be purged.
Thanks ya'll!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
So please pray for us. This opportunity for me to go to Lipscomb has been an amazing one. And I feel like I've hit a brick wall. I knew it was going to be expensive but I thought my student loans would cover it all. I wasn't expecting to fork out $4350 a semester......
If ya'll don't mind please pray that God provides us with the answer. I know he will!! I have to have everything done by next week or my classes are going to be purged.
Thanks ya'll!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
An Exhausting Day!
I'm so tired, I could pass out right now. I haven't slept well in a long time, and the culmination of my 3 year old being just awful, my 16 month old screaming, and the 2 1/2 year old boy trying to run away, it's all really exhausted me!!
Ok, well the 2 1/2 year old didn't really try to run away. He just didn't listen to me. The van only has one sliding door that works so I have to put Maddy in first, Izzy second and then the little boy. And he kept wondering away while we were out doing our errands! He scared me so badly, several times!!! One time he walked behind a truck that was starting to back up! I know he didn't mean to, but he just wasn't listening today!!
Izzy actually had a great day. She was in a great mood and laughed and giggled and played. She's a sweet girl but she "speaks" loudly, basically she screams. Ugh, my head is pounding!
Maddy is....well she's just 3 1/2. We are going through a difficult spell right now where we are at odds constantly. She's so disrespectful and rude. This is the hardest thing i've ever done. And the most exhausting. I love her more than this world but she's pushing every button I have!!
Well I hate to complain, so here's my good news of the day, thus far!! I met with the director of Sonshine school today and she gave me my curriculum and showed me my classroom and everything else!! I'm so excited! There isn't going to be another class in my room on Monday's and Wednesday's so I get to do all of the bulliten boards however I want!! I'm so excited!! I just have to go through my book and see how I want to do things. I have a basis but I can go outside the box if I want, and I've been known to go outside the box! PLUS, which I didn't know, I don't have to pay tuition for the girls! That's amazing!!
Nathan told me this morning that Nissan is offering the buyout tonight! Nathan and Cathy are the boys I babysit parents. And they've been waiting on this buyout to kind of answer some things for them!! I pray it does!!
I just have to remember that God has a plan for me. He is leading me on the path he wants me to be on!! He knows all!! And I just have to remember that everyone goes through tough times with their children, it isn't just my child who acts this way at this age! Yes, it's hard, so hard. But it'll pass. We are blessed beyond belief!!!
Ok, I'm going to go rest my eyes for a moment!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Ok, well the 2 1/2 year old didn't really try to run away. He just didn't listen to me. The van only has one sliding door that works so I have to put Maddy in first, Izzy second and then the little boy. And he kept wondering away while we were out doing our errands! He scared me so badly, several times!!! One time he walked behind a truck that was starting to back up! I know he didn't mean to, but he just wasn't listening today!!
Izzy actually had a great day. She was in a great mood and laughed and giggled and played. She's a sweet girl but she "speaks" loudly, basically she screams. Ugh, my head is pounding!
Maddy is....well she's just 3 1/2. We are going through a difficult spell right now where we are at odds constantly. She's so disrespectful and rude. This is the hardest thing i've ever done. And the most exhausting. I love her more than this world but she's pushing every button I have!!
Well I hate to complain, so here's my good news of the day, thus far!! I met with the director of Sonshine school today and she gave me my curriculum and showed me my classroom and everything else!! I'm so excited! There isn't going to be another class in my room on Monday's and Wednesday's so I get to do all of the bulliten boards however I want!! I'm so excited!! I just have to go through my book and see how I want to do things. I have a basis but I can go outside the box if I want, and I've been known to go outside the box! PLUS, which I didn't know, I don't have to pay tuition for the girls! That's amazing!!
Nathan told me this morning that Nissan is offering the buyout tonight! Nathan and Cathy are the boys I babysit parents. And they've been waiting on this buyout to kind of answer some things for them!! I pray it does!!
I just have to remember that God has a plan for me. He is leading me on the path he wants me to be on!! He knows all!! And I just have to remember that everyone goes through tough times with their children, it isn't just my child who acts this way at this age! Yes, it's hard, so hard. But it'll pass. We are blessed beyond belief!!!
Ok, I'm going to go rest my eyes for a moment!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Monday, July 28, 2008
I PASSED!!!!!
If I don't have God on my side, I swear!!! He is totally amazing! He gave me the strength and the knowledge to ace this test! I'm so proud! As soon as I got into the house after opening, or ripping open the envelope I thanked GOD!!!! He's amazing!!
What am I talking about? My PRAXIS test. It's a test students have to take in order to enter the teachers education program. I had to pass in order to register for my education classes this fall. I had about a week to cram. I'm just beyond blessed!!!!
Here are my results:
READING: 177 (Needed 174)
WRITING: 180 (Needed 173)
MATH: 180 (Needed 173)
Ok, I have to go register for my education classes now!!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS!!!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
What am I talking about? My PRAXIS test. It's a test students have to take in order to enter the teachers education program. I had to pass in order to register for my education classes this fall. I had about a week to cram. I'm just beyond blessed!!!!
Here are my results:
READING: 177 (Needed 174)
WRITING: 180 (Needed 173)
MATH: 180 (Needed 173)
Ok, I have to go register for my education classes now!!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS!!!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Suday Update
WOW what a weekend we have had!! Yesterday we became the proud owners of a 2000 Gold Honda Minivan! I always swore that I would never be a "Minivan Mommy" but I am more proud of this van than of any other vehicle we have ever owned!! God provided us with the most wonderful opportunity to purchase this van! We were able to refinance the truck and get our payments down to where it covers the payment on the van. So we are really not paying any more monthly than we were with just the truck and the car. Isn't that wild? We are so blessed! We still need to sell the truck badly, haha! We got such a great deal on the van! it needed to be cleaned up so yesterday Justin wiped down everything and I shampooed the whole van, seats, carpet, ceiling, everything! And today Justin is fixing the brakes. It needs a little cosmetic work, both of the bumpers need to be repainted and it has a small dent on the back door. The passenger side sliding door is missing a part that makes it slide smoothly, but that was an inexpensive peice and Justin will have it on Wednesday. It has so much room!! I'm just in love with the van!!!
Yesterday I drove Maddy home in the car and Justin took Izzy in the van. Maddy and I were supposed to go to a wedding shower yesterday, but we didn't make it because we were too exhausted. (No, I'm still not sleeping well) I got to talking with my neighbor yesterday before Justin got home with the van and he said one of the most interesting things! He mentioned that we were supposed to be in a bad economy right now. And I agreed. And he mentioned that they had just purchased a new car and we had just got the van. And I said that we must be doing something right or half backwards!! And he said, you know what we are doing? We are getting up on Sunday mornings!! I agreed. We don't go to church to "get" stuff. We go to church to worship our all mighty God, our savior, our Jesus Christ!! We are so blessed, not because we go to church but because we believe!! I just thought I'd share :)
Speaking of church, Brother David is doing an amazing series. We had part 2 this morning. Click on NBCC and check out the sermon's. They are about science and how it just isn't possible for their NOT to be a God. Very interesting!!
I'm getting ready to be an "official" teacher! I'm going to be teaching at Sonshine at school in the fall. I'll have my own 3 year old class! I'm so thrilled with this blessing!!
My daughters are fabulous! Izzy is really talking well now. She's picking up things every day! It's amazing to watch! Maddy went back to the doctor on Friday. She is going this upcoming Friday for an ultrasound of her kidneys. Dr. Humphrey just wants to make sure that everything is working well. Say a little prayer for her. It'll be scary, but I just have faith that she is fine.
Bailey is doing well too. She's a little Jaundice but her levels are going down. Praise God!! She's the sweetest thing!! I have more pictures that i'll update on the slideshow later.
My sister-in-law goes on Friday to find out what shes having, please pray for wide open legs!
Well the in-laws decided they wanted to come up today. I've got to go take a nap, I'm exhausted!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Yesterday I drove Maddy home in the car and Justin took Izzy in the van. Maddy and I were supposed to go to a wedding shower yesterday, but we didn't make it because we were too exhausted. (No, I'm still not sleeping well) I got to talking with my neighbor yesterday before Justin got home with the van and he said one of the most interesting things! He mentioned that we were supposed to be in a bad economy right now. And I agreed. And he mentioned that they had just purchased a new car and we had just got the van. And I said that we must be doing something right or half backwards!! And he said, you know what we are doing? We are getting up on Sunday mornings!! I agreed. We don't go to church to "get" stuff. We go to church to worship our all mighty God, our savior, our Jesus Christ!! We are so blessed, not because we go to church but because we believe!! I just thought I'd share :)
Speaking of church, Brother David is doing an amazing series. We had part 2 this morning. Click on NBCC and check out the sermon's. They are about science and how it just isn't possible for their NOT to be a God. Very interesting!!
I'm getting ready to be an "official" teacher! I'm going to be teaching at Sonshine at school in the fall. I'll have my own 3 year old class! I'm so thrilled with this blessing!!
My daughters are fabulous! Izzy is really talking well now. She's picking up things every day! It's amazing to watch! Maddy went back to the doctor on Friday. She is going this upcoming Friday for an ultrasound of her kidneys. Dr. Humphrey just wants to make sure that everything is working well. Say a little prayer for her. It'll be scary, but I just have faith that she is fine.
Bailey is doing well too. She's a little Jaundice but her levels are going down. Praise God!! She's the sweetest thing!! I have more pictures that i'll update on the slideshow later.
My sister-in-law goes on Friday to find out what shes having, please pray for wide open legs!
Well the in-laws decided they wanted to come up today. I've got to go take a nap, I'm exhausted!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Saturday, July 26, 2008
A Message From A Soldier is a FAKE!!
I forwarded this e-mail earlier today and posted it. I have just amazing friends! One said she googled the soldier's name and his blog had been shut down for violations. And she said she had recieved this e-mail three times and the soldier was in a different branch of the military each time!! Crazy! And another friend of mine sent me the Snopes link, which is below.
I just don't understand how people can lie? And I participated willingly! I'm so against Obama, I didn't check the e-mail out before I forwarded it to every single person in my address book!! I'm going to have to start checking on things!
So, if you recieved the e-mail from me it's a FAKE!!!!
www.snopes.com/politics/obama/afghanistan.asp
Hello everyone,
As you know I am not a very political person. I just wanted to pass along
that Senator Obama came to Bagram Afghanistan for about an hour on his visit
to "The War Zone". I wanted to share with you what happened.
He got off the plane and got into a bullet proof vehicle, got to the area to
meet with the Major General (2 Star) who is the commander here at Bagram.
As the Soldiers where lined up to shake his hand he blew them off and didn't
say a word as he went into the conference room to meet the General. As he
finished, the vehicles took him to the ClamShell (pretty much a big top tent
that military personnel can play basketball or work out in with weights) so
he could take his publicity pictures playing basketball. He again shunned
the opportunity to talk to Soldiers to thank them for th eir service.
So really he was just here to make a showing for the American's back home
that he is their candidate for President. I think that if you are going to
make an effort to come all the way over here you would thank those that are
providing the freedom that they are providing for you.
I swear we got more thanks from the NBA Basketball Players or the Dallas
Cowboy Cheerleaders than from one of the Senators, who wants to be the
President of the United States. I just don't understand how anyone would
want him to be our Commander-and-Chief. It was almost that he was scared to
be around those that provide the freedom for him and our great country.
If this is blunt and to the point I am sorry but I
wanted you all to know what kind of caliber of person he really is. What you
see in the news is all fake.
*In s ervice,*
*CPT Jeffrey S. Porter*
*Battle Captain*
*TF Wasatch*
*American Soldier*
I just don't understand how people can lie? And I participated willingly! I'm so against Obama, I didn't check the e-mail out before I forwarded it to every single person in my address book!! I'm going to have to start checking on things!
So, if you recieved the e-mail from me it's a FAKE!!!!
www.snopes.com/politics/obama/afghanistan.asp
Hello everyone,
As you know I am not a very political person. I just wanted to pass along
that Senator Obama came to Bagram Afghanistan for about an hour on his visit
to "The War Zone". I wanted to share with you what happened.
He got off the plane and got into a bullet proof vehicle, got to the area to
meet with the Major General (2 Star) who is the commander here at Bagram.
As the Soldiers where lined up to shake his hand he blew them off and didn't
say a word as he went into the conference room to meet the General. As he
finished, the vehicles took him to the ClamShell (pretty much a big top tent
that military personnel can play basketball or work out in with weights) so
he could take his publicity pictures playing basketball. He again shunned
the opportunity to talk to Soldiers to thank them for th eir service.
So really he was just here to make a showing for the American's back home
that he is their candidate for President. I think that if you are going to
make an effort to come all the way over here you would thank those that are
providing the freedom that they are providing for you.
I swear we got more thanks from the NBA Basketball Players or the Dallas
Cowboy Cheerleaders than from one of the Senators, who wants to be the
President of the United States. I just don't understand how anyone would
want him to be our Commander-and-Chief. It was almost that he was scared to
be around those that provide the freedom for him and our great country.
If this is blunt and to the point I am sorry but I
wanted you all to know what kind of caliber of person he really is. What you
see in the news is all fake.
*In s ervice,*
*CPT Jeffrey S. Porter*
*Battle Captain*
*TF Wasatch*
*American Soldier*
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Blessed to Tears!!
We are blessed because of Bailey of course! But we've had some other blessings this week I want to share!!
We've gotten everything taken care of so that we can purchase our much needed van. We looked at one yesterday and it just wasn't right for us. But it helped us narrow down what we want. We want a Honda Odyssey and we don't want to pay more than $3000 for it. We've found one that we really like and Justin knows a Honda guy. So hopefully we will purchase one soon!! Then we'll be able to throw a little extra money into advertising the truck.
We refinanced the truck and we are saving $100 a month just from that! Which will cover our Van payment when we get a van! Justin's friend Eric is going to buy Justin's gun, which will catch us up for right now!!
Yesterday Annie (the mommy of the infant I'm going to be watching in September) said they didn't need me to watch Annie on Tuesday's and Thursday's. They are going to let Jonathan's sister watch her to help her out (which I think is such a great thing to do). So I told Justin yesterday as I was filling out my daughters paper work for Mothers Day Out for the fall that I needed to call the director Janice to see if they needed me to teach. I forgot to call (mommy brain) but today Janice called me and wanted to know if I still wanted to teach a 3 year old class! Of course I immediatly accepted!!!!!!!! On Sunday after Sunday School she is meeting me to give me my curriculum and show me my classroom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so blessed, no no we are so blessed!!!!! I'm just amazed at the goodness of God! I'm tearing up right now! It's not about the money! I'm going to school to be a teacher and teaching this year is going to be so super cool!!! What an amazing opportunity! And yes, the extra is going to help a lot!! But the experience is going to be the most valuable!! But you know what is the coolest thing is.................
I've been given the amazing opportunity to teach these young kids about Jesus and GOD!!! How cool is that!!!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
We've gotten everything taken care of so that we can purchase our much needed van. We looked at one yesterday and it just wasn't right for us. But it helped us narrow down what we want. We want a Honda Odyssey and we don't want to pay more than $3000 for it. We've found one that we really like and Justin knows a Honda guy. So hopefully we will purchase one soon!! Then we'll be able to throw a little extra money into advertising the truck.
We refinanced the truck and we are saving $100 a month just from that! Which will cover our Van payment when we get a van! Justin's friend Eric is going to buy Justin's gun, which will catch us up for right now!!
Yesterday Annie (the mommy of the infant I'm going to be watching in September) said they didn't need me to watch Annie on Tuesday's and Thursday's. They are going to let Jonathan's sister watch her to help her out (which I think is such a great thing to do). So I told Justin yesterday as I was filling out my daughters paper work for Mothers Day Out for the fall that I needed to call the director Janice to see if they needed me to teach. I forgot to call (mommy brain) but today Janice called me and wanted to know if I still wanted to teach a 3 year old class! Of course I immediatly accepted!!!!!!!! On Sunday after Sunday School she is meeting me to give me my curriculum and show me my classroom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so blessed, no no we are so blessed!!!!! I'm just amazed at the goodness of God! I'm tearing up right now! It's not about the money! I'm going to school to be a teacher and teaching this year is going to be so super cool!!! What an amazing opportunity! And yes, the extra is going to help a lot!! But the experience is going to be the most valuable!! But you know what is the coolest thing is.................
I've been given the amazing opportunity to teach these young kids about Jesus and GOD!!! How cool is that!!!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Update
Ashley is doing marvelous! She's up, moving about, a little sore, but that's it! That girl has the strength of a mountain! Bailey is doing great today too! In the pics from yesterday you see scratches on the side of her face from the rush to get her out but those are completely gone now. She has soft skin and smells yummie! You know, that brand new baby smell? She's perfect! I took the girls up to see her today and Maddy's in love and Izzy just wanted to pick her nose :) It was fun! They are very blessed to have such a good baby! She slept right through Izzy screaming, or I mean "Talking Loudly" haha! My children are crazy. And Bailey is going to fit right into the mix. She's just adorable and is doing really well! Ash and Josh are tired but that is normal! They get to go home tomorrow, whoop whoop!!
This being an Aunt thing rocks!! (Like I mentioned before, I have 5 neices already from my brothers but I never see them). So this is like my first experience and I'm loving it! I don't want to put her down or leave, but it's ok :) Her cries are even super cute. Yep, she's going to be spoiled that one! It's the first girl on Josh's side of the family. And our family only has girls haha!! We have one boy cousin and that's it and they only have girls that marry into the family! But she's beautiful!
She's got Ashley's long toes and her pinkie toes curl in. She's also got her long fingers, and nose and attitude (my way or the highway). And she's got Josh's brow and eye shape, we think eye color, and hair color, and cheeks. She's a perfect mix!!!
Thats all I've got. I'm exhausted, I'm going to go nap while my kids nap :)
~Blessings~
Leslie
This being an Aunt thing rocks!! (Like I mentioned before, I have 5 neices already from my brothers but I never see them). So this is like my first experience and I'm loving it! I don't want to put her down or leave, but it's ok :) Her cries are even super cute. Yep, she's going to be spoiled that one! It's the first girl on Josh's side of the family. And our family only has girls haha!! We have one boy cousin and that's it and they only have girls that marry into the family! But she's beautiful!
She's got Ashley's long toes and her pinkie toes curl in. She's also got her long fingers, and nose and attitude (my way or the highway). And she's got Josh's brow and eye shape, we think eye color, and hair color, and cheeks. She's a perfect mix!!!
Thats all I've got. I'm exhausted, I'm going to go nap while my kids nap :)
~Blessings~
Leslie
Monday, July 21, 2008
Bailey Paige Vinkler has arrived!
What a blessed day! My niece is here! And Ashley did the whole labor and delivery with no drugs, nothing!! Trooper man!
So yesterday Ash felt awful! She was having random contractions and just felt bad. Well today her contractions were still uncomfortable and getting closer together so I took her and the girls to Hickory Hollow mall. She had a gift card for Macy's and we got Bailey 3 little outfits. Then we decided to go walk around to get things moving and went into Steve and Barry's and Ash's water started to leak. We checked in the bathroom and sure enough, it was! Justin came and got the girls and Ash's doctor told her it was time to go to the hospital. It was about 4:30. I swear I was doing like 100 on the interstate! I was the crazy "daddy" getting "mommy" to the hospital. By now Ash's contractions were getting more intense but they were still managable and about 3 to 4 minutes apart. She was doing great! We get to the hospital, park and Ash gets out of the car and her water breaks!! She soaked herself! We get into the ER and Josh and mom meet us there. She gets admitted and is checked and is already 5 cm!! That was about 5:15. At about 7 Ash asked for the IV pain meds. And the nurse went to go get them but by the time she came back Ash had gone from a 5 to a 8-9 cm (literally in a matter of minutes!). No drugs for her! It took about 30 minutes for the rest of her cervix to dialate. Ashley pushed from about 7:50 until Bailey was born at 8:02.
She was 7 lbs even and 18 3/4 inches long! She was born with a nice head of dark hair! Beautiful! She did have the cord wrapped tightly around her neck so the last moments before she was born were tense! Her whole head was blue and everyone was trying to get Ash to push as hard as she could (which she did!) But after a few moments Bailey was fine and screaming!
And Ash and Josh are great! His parents and grandmother were there and mom and dad were there (in the waiting room). Josh and I both just cried when she was born! I took as many pictures as I could! She's got this bottom lip that just quivers haha, she's got her daddy wrapped around her finger!!
I tell you this was the most amazing thing i've been apart of. Both of my girls were born via c-section, so i'd never experienced something like this before! And Ash did the entire thing 100% natural!! Isn't that amazing! I'm so proud of her! And it was thrilling to be there for Bailey's birth, in the room, helping, breathing, motivating!
Ya know that song, "I saw God Today", that is truly what happened! That baby came out blue and now she's 100% normal. I saw God today! I saw him give Ash the strength to get through every contraction even though they were unimaginably painful! And I saw him give this child life! He gave Josh and Ash a daughter!! God is AMAZING!!
I put up a slide show! You tell me she isn't just beautiful!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
So yesterday Ash felt awful! She was having random contractions and just felt bad. Well today her contractions were still uncomfortable and getting closer together so I took her and the girls to Hickory Hollow mall. She had a gift card for Macy's and we got Bailey 3 little outfits. Then we decided to go walk around to get things moving and went into Steve and Barry's and Ash's water started to leak. We checked in the bathroom and sure enough, it was! Justin came and got the girls and Ash's doctor told her it was time to go to the hospital. It was about 4:30. I swear I was doing like 100 on the interstate! I was the crazy "daddy" getting "mommy" to the hospital. By now Ash's contractions were getting more intense but they were still managable and about 3 to 4 minutes apart. She was doing great! We get to the hospital, park and Ash gets out of the car and her water breaks!! She soaked herself! We get into the ER and Josh and mom meet us there. She gets admitted and is checked and is already 5 cm!! That was about 5:15. At about 7 Ash asked for the IV pain meds. And the nurse went to go get them but by the time she came back Ash had gone from a 5 to a 8-9 cm (literally in a matter of minutes!). No drugs for her! It took about 30 minutes for the rest of her cervix to dialate. Ashley pushed from about 7:50 until Bailey was born at 8:02.
She was 7 lbs even and 18 3/4 inches long! She was born with a nice head of dark hair! Beautiful! She did have the cord wrapped tightly around her neck so the last moments before she was born were tense! Her whole head was blue and everyone was trying to get Ash to push as hard as she could (which she did!) But after a few moments Bailey was fine and screaming!
And Ash and Josh are great! His parents and grandmother were there and mom and dad were there (in the waiting room). Josh and I both just cried when she was born! I took as many pictures as I could! She's got this bottom lip that just quivers haha, she's got her daddy wrapped around her finger!!
I tell you this was the most amazing thing i've been apart of. Both of my girls were born via c-section, so i'd never experienced something like this before! And Ash did the entire thing 100% natural!! Isn't that amazing! I'm so proud of her! And it was thrilling to be there for Bailey's birth, in the room, helping, breathing, motivating!
Ya know that song, "I saw God Today", that is truly what happened! That baby came out blue and now she's 100% normal. I saw God today! I saw him give Ash the strength to get through every contraction even though they were unimaginably painful! And I saw him give this child life! He gave Josh and Ash a daughter!! God is AMAZING!!
I put up a slide show! You tell me she isn't just beautiful!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Ashley Update
Well she didn't sleep much last night. And she is still having contractions. They are still sporadic but they are obviously working. (Although they are still 5-7 minutes apart and only lasting between 10-45 seconds, they are growing more and more intense) At Ash's last appointment Wednesday, she was 1 1/2 to 2 cm dialated. And last night she lost her mucus plug, so she's obviously dialating more!! She's very uncomfortable and ready for this whole thing to begin! She's been feeling badly since yesterday morning, a good 24 hrs!! She's going to call the Dr. and go in to be monitored and checked. Then I think we will be off to the mall for some indoor walking! I don't have the boys this week until Wednesday so today is a good day! I'm excited for her! Her body is doing everything "right" and perfect!!
Well I have to go get some things done this morning so that I can get up there!! Please pray for Ash! She's very young and this is her first baby and she's anxious and so nervous and I think a little scared! I know she'll do great and I'm so honored to be her labor coach! Please pray that this is it and we are able to get the contractions regulated!!
And I personally think that 7-21-2008 is a great birthday for my niece!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Well I have to go get some things done this morning so that I can get up there!! Please pray for Ash! She's very young and this is her first baby and she's anxious and so nervous and I think a little scared! I know she'll do great and I'm so honored to be her labor coach! Please pray that this is it and we are able to get the contractions regulated!!
And I personally think that 7-21-2008 is a great birthday for my niece!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Almost Time!!
Well my niece Bailey hasn't been active at all today. And Ashley's back has been KILLING her (Mom and I both had back labor bad!). She's also been having contractions. They are still sporadic but they are increasingly uncomfortable, so this might be the real deal! I'm going to try to get some rest. I'm her labor coach. Her and baby daddy Josh are walking and packing and timing haha!
Say a prayer this is it. This would be the perfect time for her to come (not that babies come when we want them to haha) And for Ashley. She's nervous but ready!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Say a prayer this is it. This would be the perfect time for her to come (not that babies come when we want them to haha) And for Ashley. She's nervous but ready!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Friday, July 18, 2008
Fun Days with Boxes and Chocolate!
Here are some pictures!
I got a shipment of diapers and wipes yesterday in the mail and the girls loved playing with the boxes (of course)!
And, I made the girls and I a fun snack this morning. Mom had left us some strawberries last night and we wanted those. So I broke up graham crackers and put some chocolate icing on them and then cut up strawberries on top. They were yummie and I snapped some funny pictures of Izzy's face COVERED in Chocolate!
I got a shipment of diapers and wipes yesterday in the mail and the girls loved playing with the boxes (of course)!
And, I made the girls and I a fun snack this morning. Mom had left us some strawberries last night and we wanted those. So I broke up graham crackers and put some chocolate icing on them and then cut up strawberries on top. They were yummie and I snapped some funny pictures of Izzy's face COVERED in Chocolate!
Isn't It Just Wonderful Being A Mommy?
Since I started of yesterday in such a bad mood, I thought I would counter act it today!! As soon as I woke up I told myself that it was going to be a wonderful, blessed, productive day. And so far so good!! I hate being in a bad mood and complaining. I feel so awful afterwards. But I guess I just needed to vent yesterday!
Last night Justin and I watched this show on ABC called "Hopkins" (yes we are not supposed to have TV because we cut it off, but they haven't come and cut it off officially yet so we still have it). On this episode there was the most amazing story of this 2 year old who needed a heart transplant. He went from being this perfect little boy to all of a sudden being a very sick little boy. The Dr. said that children can compensate extremely well and that the little boy had been having heart problems for a while, but he was able to compensate until one day his little body couldn't do it anymore and he crashed. They had to do a test and during the test his heart stopped and they had to do CPR for a bit and his heart was restated!! His heart was so bad one of the Dr.'s even mentioned to another Dr. that there might not be anything they can do but let him die!! They were able to find him a heart transplant and like 20 days later he went home!! Justin and I were both so touched by the story. It was so obvious that God had saved that little boy. And the parents faith, and the families faith throughout the whole thing was just amazing.
I was really struck by the story. It seemed like I had been complaining all day about silly money and here is a family who almost lost their 2 year old son!! How selfish am I? I have two children who are the picture of health. They are also happy and well provided for. I have a solid roof over my families head, food in the pantry, a husband who adores me and who I adore back. We are more than fine. It was just so clear to me last night as I was watching that show. I've been acting like a selfish brat, playing the, "Oh Woe is Me" card! Pu-Lease! So now I think I'm over myself haha! I think I've finally been able to give this whole stress up to God and let him handle it.
And I had the most amazing thought last night. I don't care what tomorrow brings. I just don't. Today is a beautiful day, with my beautiful family and my amazing friends, and I'm just going to enjoy that while I can!! I can't predict when this truck or if this truck is going to sell. I can't predict if I'm going to have to take that Praxis test again. I don't know where I'm going be living, what car I'm going to be driving, how many children I'm going to be blessed with, or who my friends are going to be in 5 years. I can't even predict what I'm going to make for dinner tonight!
BUT GOD KNOWS!! Yep, he sure does, he knows all! He's got my life all planned out for me, and I'm going to let him lead me. I'm going to quit trying to take control of the reins and let him take hold. And things are going to work out just fine (no matter how they work out)
Today's bible verse from NIV is Proverbs 8:12-17:
'I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power. By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.'
Well I have to go. Maddy is in desperate need of a crib for her baby dolls made out of blocks, and i have to go save the day!! Isn't it just wonderful being a Mommy?
~Blessings~
Leslie
Last night Justin and I watched this show on ABC called "Hopkins" (yes we are not supposed to have TV because we cut it off, but they haven't come and cut it off officially yet so we still have it). On this episode there was the most amazing story of this 2 year old who needed a heart transplant. He went from being this perfect little boy to all of a sudden being a very sick little boy. The Dr. said that children can compensate extremely well and that the little boy had been having heart problems for a while, but he was able to compensate until one day his little body couldn't do it anymore and he crashed. They had to do a test and during the test his heart stopped and they had to do CPR for a bit and his heart was restated!! His heart was so bad one of the Dr.'s even mentioned to another Dr. that there might not be anything they can do but let him die!! They were able to find him a heart transplant and like 20 days later he went home!! Justin and I were both so touched by the story. It was so obvious that God had saved that little boy. And the parents faith, and the families faith throughout the whole thing was just amazing.
I was really struck by the story. It seemed like I had been complaining all day about silly money and here is a family who almost lost their 2 year old son!! How selfish am I? I have two children who are the picture of health. They are also happy and well provided for. I have a solid roof over my families head, food in the pantry, a husband who adores me and who I adore back. We are more than fine. It was just so clear to me last night as I was watching that show. I've been acting like a selfish brat, playing the, "Oh Woe is Me" card! Pu-Lease! So now I think I'm over myself haha! I think I've finally been able to give this whole stress up to God and let him handle it.
And I had the most amazing thought last night. I don't care what tomorrow brings. I just don't. Today is a beautiful day, with my beautiful family and my amazing friends, and I'm just going to enjoy that while I can!! I can't predict when this truck or if this truck is going to sell. I can't predict if I'm going to have to take that Praxis test again. I don't know where I'm going be living, what car I'm going to be driving, how many children I'm going to be blessed with, or who my friends are going to be in 5 years. I can't even predict what I'm going to make for dinner tonight!
BUT GOD KNOWS!! Yep, he sure does, he knows all! He's got my life all planned out for me, and I'm going to let him lead me. I'm going to quit trying to take control of the reins and let him take hold. And things are going to work out just fine (no matter how they work out)
Today's bible verse from NIV is Proverbs 8:12-17:
'I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power. By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.'
Well I have to go. Maddy is in desperate need of a crib for her baby dolls made out of blocks, and i have to go save the day!! Isn't it just wonderful being a Mommy?
~Blessings~
Leslie
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Power
I don't know why I feel so, "Blah" today. I have a sparkly clean home. The kids are being great. I am also just about caught up on laundry! (Which is a huge accomplishment for me, I'm always behind on laundry) It's a beautiful day! This afternoon I'm even taking the kids to Barfield Crescent Park for a water day. They have no idea, fun!!
But I'm still, "Blah". I'm stressed, once again about our financial situation. I don't know why I thought the truck would sell in a couple of days, but I did, and now I'm disappointed because we desperately need it to sell and it hasn't even had a hit, a phone call, an e-mail, nothing.
I'm amazed at how I can get so discouraged over something so silly as money. And their are people out there that still have such tremendous faith, even after loosing a child!! It's just so baffling! It's like I do have faith that the Lord will provide. I still let it get to me. We are in desperate need of a change. And I just don't know what else to do.
No, I tell you what I need to do. I need to just get over it. We are blessed beyond belief. We are BLESSED BEYOND BELIEF!!!! Money is nothing....absolutely nothing. God provides enough for us to take care of our families with. And if I don't use it appropriately then it's my fault. We got ourselves into this mess and now we have to get out of it. I know we can't do it alone and God is on our side, helping us through this weird, crazy, stressful time. I just wish it would be over.
I'm not one for change. I like to plan things out, months and months in advance. I like a game plan. I don't like spur of the moment things, or things happening on a whim. So this uncertain time is scaring me so much!!
I just ran across Luke 8: 43-48
As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 'Who touched me?' Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, 'Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.' But Jesus said, 'Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.' Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.'
Daughter, your faith has healed you, Go in peace....GOD IS SOOO GOOD!!! Ok, now if that isn't an obvious sign, I don't know what is! How crazy is that!?! When you need an answer he gives you one. I promise to have more faith.
Ya'll have a Blessed Day!
Leslie
But I'm still, "Blah". I'm stressed, once again about our financial situation. I don't know why I thought the truck would sell in a couple of days, but I did, and now I'm disappointed because we desperately need it to sell and it hasn't even had a hit, a phone call, an e-mail, nothing.
I'm amazed at how I can get so discouraged over something so silly as money. And their are people out there that still have such tremendous faith, even after loosing a child!! It's just so baffling! It's like I do have faith that the Lord will provide. I still let it get to me. We are in desperate need of a change. And I just don't know what else to do.
No, I tell you what I need to do. I need to just get over it. We are blessed beyond belief. We are BLESSED BEYOND BELIEF!!!! Money is nothing....absolutely nothing. God provides enough for us to take care of our families with. And if I don't use it appropriately then it's my fault. We got ourselves into this mess and now we have to get out of it. I know we can't do it alone and God is on our side, helping us through this weird, crazy, stressful time. I just wish it would be over.
I'm not one for change. I like to plan things out, months and months in advance. I like a game plan. I don't like spur of the moment things, or things happening on a whim. So this uncertain time is scaring me so much!!
I just ran across Luke 8: 43-48
As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 'Who touched me?' Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, 'Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.' But Jesus said, 'Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.' Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.'
Daughter, your faith has healed you, Go in peace....GOD IS SOOO GOOD!!! Ok, now if that isn't an obvious sign, I don't know what is! How crazy is that!?! When you need an answer he gives you one. I promise to have more faith.
Ya'll have a Blessed Day!
Leslie
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
It's Getting Close...
My sister is having her first child soon!! (See the top ticker to your right) She went for her weekly check-up this morning and she's progressing! She is 1 1/2 to 2 cm dilated already! Ya! And she's asked me to be her labor coach. Which I'm excited about. I was deprived of giving birth to my children naturally, at least I can make sure Ashley has a positive birth experience. And since she's already dilating I think she has a really good chance at having the labor she wants! I just can't believe it's time!
I have 5 nieces already. But, unfortunately, I hardly get to see them. My oldest brother, Brent has two daughters from his first marriage. And one from his second marriage. And my other brother, Sean, has two daughters. Brent and Sean lived with their mother so we never grew up together. We keep in contact through Myspace and e-mails.
But Ashley is my little sister!! And this will be my first niece that I'll be around from birth! Bailey is so lucky to be born to such a wonderful woman! And into our crazy family! I can't wait to spoil her!!
Please pray for Ashley and for her upcoming labor and for Bailey.
Also, my sister-in-law Kennye is expecting her first child (See the bottom ticker to your right). And she goes on the 1st of August to find out if she's having a girl or a boy. Please pray that on that day her baby looks healthy and everything checks out normally (That ultrasound is such a stressful ultrasound!) And that her baby has his/ her legs wide open!! Haha!
Our family is growing so much and it's such a blessing! I'm so thankful that God has blessed us all with great family and friends! I mean honestly, what else do you need???
(And if you have any more room for prayers, please pray that we sell our truck quickly, we have to get rid of it soon!)
~Blessings~
Leslie
I have 5 nieces already. But, unfortunately, I hardly get to see them. My oldest brother, Brent has two daughters from his first marriage. And one from his second marriage. And my other brother, Sean, has two daughters. Brent and Sean lived with their mother so we never grew up together. We keep in contact through Myspace and e-mails.
But Ashley is my little sister!! And this will be my first niece that I'll be around from birth! Bailey is so lucky to be born to such a wonderful woman! And into our crazy family! I can't wait to spoil her!!
Please pray for Ashley and for her upcoming labor and for Bailey.
Also, my sister-in-law Kennye is expecting her first child (See the bottom ticker to your right). And she goes on the 1st of August to find out if she's having a girl or a boy. Please pray that on that day her baby looks healthy and everything checks out normally (That ultrasound is such a stressful ultrasound!) And that her baby has his/ her legs wide open!! Haha!
Our family is growing so much and it's such a blessing! I'm so thankful that God has blessed us all with great family and friends! I mean honestly, what else do you need???
(And if you have any more room for prayers, please pray that we sell our truck quickly, we have to get rid of it soon!)
~Blessings~
Leslie
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Maddy Update
I called the doctor and they did want to see Maddy. We got an appointment at 3:15. Maddy has a bad UTI. They put her on antibiotics and strict orders about no baths (Maddy's scared of showers so tonight we had a bath without sitting in the water), no cokes (which she doesn't drink anyway), drink lots of cranberry juice, don't swim for a long period of time etc. Which won't mean a huge lifestyle change for Maddy. She was running a fever today at the doctors office and weighed 36 lbs. Dr. Humphrey also thinks that Maddy's severe mood changes have been because of the UTI. He said they make you feel awful (especially if she's been running a fever), so of course she would be moody.
I'm thankful for all of the prayers! I hate that my little girl is sick, but at least we know what it is and we can get it fixed! They sent her urine to be cultured just to make sure that the antibiotic she's on will fight the type of infection she has.
Ok, I'm off to bed!
~Blessings~
Leslie
I'm thankful for all of the prayers! I hate that my little girl is sick, but at least we know what it is and we can get it fixed! They sent her urine to be cultured just to make sure that the antibiotic she's on will fight the type of infection she has.
Ok, I'm off to bed!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Prayers for Maddy
I have no idea what is going on with this child. I'm searching for answers and am not finding any! So, I'm turning to my blog readers.
Maddy is 3 1/2. For the past couple of weeks she's been having potty accidents. She has to change undies after every trip to the potty because she didn't make it in time. And has even peed in the floor right in front of the potty 3 or 4 times. This afternoon she peed outside in her undies and dress. *Sigh* She's been potty trained for a good year.
Also, she's an emotional wreck. Everything is such a huge deal. Eating, Drinking, Sleeping, Playing, I mean EVERYTHING! On Saturday I was putting trash in the truck to haul off to the dump. She was already in her car seat so we could go register for dance class. I finish getting the trash in the truck bed and got in and noticed Maddy had been crying. I asked what was wrong and she started just bawling saying she didn't like the bugs smashed on the windshield! Her emotions remind me of a pregnant woman or a woman PMSing. BUT SHE'S ONLY 3!!!
I just don't know what has brought on such sudden changes. Nothing has happened, no major life changing/ altering events. I just can't figure it out. I feel awful. She obviously needs my help and I don't know what to do!
I'm making sure she gets enough sleep, good food, lots of play time, as much mommy time as i can give. I'm just not sure if this is normal or what?!?!
I would love input and prayers!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Maddy is 3 1/2. For the past couple of weeks she's been having potty accidents. She has to change undies after every trip to the potty because she didn't make it in time. And has even peed in the floor right in front of the potty 3 or 4 times. This afternoon she peed outside in her undies and dress. *Sigh* She's been potty trained for a good year.
Also, she's an emotional wreck. Everything is such a huge deal. Eating, Drinking, Sleeping, Playing, I mean EVERYTHING! On Saturday I was putting trash in the truck to haul off to the dump. She was already in her car seat so we could go register for dance class. I finish getting the trash in the truck bed and got in and noticed Maddy had been crying. I asked what was wrong and she started just bawling saying she didn't like the bugs smashed on the windshield! Her emotions remind me of a pregnant woman or a woman PMSing. BUT SHE'S ONLY 3!!!
I just don't know what has brought on such sudden changes. Nothing has happened, no major life changing/ altering events. I just can't figure it out. I feel awful. She obviously needs my help and I don't know what to do!
I'm making sure she gets enough sleep, good food, lots of play time, as much mommy time as i can give. I'm just not sure if this is normal or what?!?!
I would love input and prayers!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Monday, July 14, 2008
Squash Casserole
My friend Sarah gave me some Squash on Saturday from her garden. So, tonight I found a recipe in the "Owl Hollow Church of Christ Cook Book" that my mother-in-law gave me. It was so fabulous. Partly because of a good recipe and partly because of good squash! So, here is the recipe:
By: Sandra K. Phillips
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 tbsp. maonnaise
1 roll Ritz crackers, crushed
2 eggs, beaten
dash of salt and pepper
4-5 squash, sliced
1 onion, sliced
Hand full of Cheddar Cheese (which Miss Phillips didn't include but I threw in for good measure)
Slice squash and cook with onion in a skillet (I added a bit of oil in to help cook veggies in my cast iron skillet). Cook until Squash is tender. Mix all ingredients, except crackers and add to cooked squash. Mix well, put in a dish and top with crackers. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes.
SOOOO YUMMIE!!!!!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
By: Sandra K. Phillips
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 tbsp. maonnaise
1 roll Ritz crackers, crushed
2 eggs, beaten
dash of salt and pepper
4-5 squash, sliced
1 onion, sliced
Hand full of Cheddar Cheese (which Miss Phillips didn't include but I threw in for good measure)
Slice squash and cook with onion in a skillet (I added a bit of oil in to help cook veggies in my cast iron skillet). Cook until Squash is tender. Mix all ingredients, except crackers and add to cooked squash. Mix well, put in a dish and top with crackers. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes.
SOOOO YUMMIE!!!!!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
A Weekend Update with Leslie :)
Ah! What a weekend!
Friday was spent running errands! And then our friends Lyssa and Brooks came up from Winchester to grill out. We had so much fun! We ate some burgers and played the Wii!!
Saturday Maddy and I sort of had a day. We went and signed up for dance class. Maddy's dance class will be 4 yr old ballet and tap. (Basically like last year just with a different routine that is more age appropriate). I'm excited because a lot of girls that were in Maddy's class last year are going to be in it this year!! I also signed up Izzy. She's going to be in a young 2s class. I'm super excited for her, she LOVES music and dancing! So Fridays, starting September 5th, Izzy will have dance at 9 a.m. and Maddy will have dance at 5:30 p.m. FUN!!
Then, Maddy and I went to my friend Sarah's baby shower. I swear it was the cutest baby shower I've ever been to! Loved it! Maddy did too! Sarah had a GREAT shower and got so much GOOD stuff!! Baby Aiden is so set!
Then we went to the Dave Macon day celebration. It was a lot of fun. We got to listen to my friend Diana tell a story. We ate peach cobbler and strawberry ice cream and listened too some GREAT blue grass! It was a lot of fun!!
Yesterday we had church. It was my first time teaching class by myself. It was a lot of fun!! I really enjoyed myself and the kids did as well. I really look forward to doing it again!! After church we came home and I cleaned up the truck. I'm going to post a picture at the end of this post along with the ad we are placing. If you are interested or know anyone interested please let us know. We have to sell this truck VERY quickly so that I can get a van. I can be without a car for a little while this month only, so this all needs to happen very quickly. I just have faith it will, I'm at peace with this whole process. I'm not stressed or worried. I just know things will work out! But the truck looks REALLY great! I'm pretty proud!
Izzy got a toddler bed on Friday. She slept in her crib Friday night, but Saturday she took her nap in the toddler bed and last night without any trouble. We actually took down the crib yesterday. And she took her nap and went to bed last night without too much trouble! I'm so glad! She's only 16 months old (almost) but she keeps getting her little legs stuck in between the bars of the crib so we had to take it down. Her poor legs would look so bruised because she would get them stuck so much!! I can not believe my baby isn't sleeping in a crib anymore! Oh my! AND she's able to open up doors. We even have round knobs, so I don't know who taught her that but the next time i'm out i'm going to have to buy some more of those knob covers. Crazy girl.
Favorite quote of the month: Mrs. Elizabeth asked Maddy yesterday if she was 3 going on 16 and Maddy said, "No, I'm three-teen!!" And she is, it was perfect!! That kid has quite a wit about her!
Ok here is the ad for the truck and a picture! I hope ya'll have a great week! Thanks for reading!
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MUST SEE!! FULLY LOADED!!
2004 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 - $15,900 (may negotiate reasonable offers)
134,000 Miles (mostly hwy miles commuting to Nashville from Bell Buckle)
Color: Silver Birch
Engine: 5.3L V8 “T” Engine Code
Body: 4 Door Crew Cab Short Bed
4X4 Z71 w/ Towing Package
Automatic Transmission
OnStar ® and XM Radio ® Equipped
Nice Leather in great condition
Heated Power Front Captains Chairs
Chrome Step Bars
Dual Climate, Cold A/C
6 Discs CD w/ Bose® Premium Sound
Adjustable Radio from Rear w/ headphone jacks
Latch System on all rear seats (for carseats)
Child Locks
All Climate Floor Mats
Alloy Wheels
Good Condition
Good set of Bridgestone All-Terrain Tires
Maintained regularly and was Tuned-Up @ 100K miles.
VIN: 2GCEK13T941301422
My wife and I both LOVE to drive this truck, but we need to get a bigger vehicle with more room for more children!
This truck had a Technical Service Bulletin on it a while back because GM had a problem with the speedometer in their 2004 trucks/SUVs. This truck’s speedometer works most of the time, but has had some issues getting stuck. Because this truck was over the mileage to have the work done for free, I decided not to have it replaced (about $600).
E-mail Leslie for pictures ONLY (Leslie can not answer any questions):
Leslie.coker@gmail.com
Call or email Justin with any questions:
justinhcoker@yahoo.com
(931)205-1332
Leave msg.
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~Blessings~
Leslie
Friday was spent running errands! And then our friends Lyssa and Brooks came up from Winchester to grill out. We had so much fun! We ate some burgers and played the Wii!!
Saturday Maddy and I sort of had a day. We went and signed up for dance class. Maddy's dance class will be 4 yr old ballet and tap. (Basically like last year just with a different routine that is more age appropriate). I'm excited because a lot of girls that were in Maddy's class last year are going to be in it this year!! I also signed up Izzy. She's going to be in a young 2s class. I'm super excited for her, she LOVES music and dancing! So Fridays, starting September 5th, Izzy will have dance at 9 a.m. and Maddy will have dance at 5:30 p.m. FUN!!
Then, Maddy and I went to my friend Sarah's baby shower. I swear it was the cutest baby shower I've ever been to! Loved it! Maddy did too! Sarah had a GREAT shower and got so much GOOD stuff!! Baby Aiden is so set!
Then we went to the Dave Macon day celebration. It was a lot of fun. We got to listen to my friend Diana tell a story. We ate peach cobbler and strawberry ice cream and listened too some GREAT blue grass! It was a lot of fun!!
Yesterday we had church. It was my first time teaching class by myself. It was a lot of fun!! I really enjoyed myself and the kids did as well. I really look forward to doing it again!! After church we came home and I cleaned up the truck. I'm going to post a picture at the end of this post along with the ad we are placing. If you are interested or know anyone interested please let us know. We have to sell this truck VERY quickly so that I can get a van. I can be without a car for a little while this month only, so this all needs to happen very quickly. I just have faith it will, I'm at peace with this whole process. I'm not stressed or worried. I just know things will work out! But the truck looks REALLY great! I'm pretty proud!
Izzy got a toddler bed on Friday. She slept in her crib Friday night, but Saturday she took her nap in the toddler bed and last night without any trouble. We actually took down the crib yesterday. And she took her nap and went to bed last night without too much trouble! I'm so glad! She's only 16 months old (almost) but she keeps getting her little legs stuck in between the bars of the crib so we had to take it down. Her poor legs would look so bruised because she would get them stuck so much!! I can not believe my baby isn't sleeping in a crib anymore! Oh my! AND she's able to open up doors. We even have round knobs, so I don't know who taught her that but the next time i'm out i'm going to have to buy some more of those knob covers. Crazy girl.
Favorite quote of the month: Mrs. Elizabeth asked Maddy yesterday if she was 3 going on 16 and Maddy said, "No, I'm three-teen!!" And she is, it was perfect!! That kid has quite a wit about her!
Ok here is the ad for the truck and a picture! I hope ya'll have a great week! Thanks for reading!
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MUST SEE!! FULLY LOADED!!
2004 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 - $15,900 (may negotiate reasonable offers)
134,000 Miles (mostly hwy miles commuting to Nashville from Bell Buckle)
Color: Silver Birch
Engine: 5.3L V8 “T” Engine Code
Body: 4 Door Crew Cab Short Bed
4X4 Z71 w/ Towing Package
Automatic Transmission
OnStar ® and XM Radio ® Equipped
Nice Leather in great condition
Heated Power Front Captains Chairs
Chrome Step Bars
Dual Climate, Cold A/C
6 Discs CD w/ Bose® Premium Sound
Adjustable Radio from Rear w/ headphone jacks
Latch System on all rear seats (for carseats)
Child Locks
All Climate Floor Mats
Alloy Wheels
Good Condition
Good set of Bridgestone All-Terrain Tires
Maintained regularly and was Tuned-Up @ 100K miles.
VIN: 2GCEK13T941301422
My wife and I both LOVE to drive this truck, but we need to get a bigger vehicle with more room for more children!
This truck had a Technical Service Bulletin on it a while back because GM had a problem with the speedometer in their 2004 trucks/SUVs. This truck’s speedometer works most of the time, but has had some issues getting stuck. Because this truck was over the mileage to have the work done for free, I decided not to have it replaced (about $600).
E-mail Leslie for pictures ONLY (Leslie can not answer any questions):
Leslie.coker@gmail.com
Call or email Justin with any questions:
justinhcoker@yahoo.com
(931)205-1332
Leave msg.
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~Blessings~
Leslie
Saturday, July 12, 2008
update
Its been a crazy weekend! I am so thankful for gods many blessings! We are just so blessed by him so much more than we ever thought possible.
Justin is fixing to start a new endevor. The next 3 years are going to be so crazy! I'm going to Lipscomb and Justins starting this "project". He doesn't want to go into too much detail but I would like to ask for prayers for him. He's going to need them! I don't know how in the world I got this guy but man am I so thankful!! He's just amazing and I love him more and more daily!!
Well the girls are all registered for dance class in the fall. So fun! And maddys previous class is pretty much sticking together which is so great!
I will write more later. I'm getting blackberry thumb :)
~Blessings~
Leslie
Justin is fixing to start a new endevor. The next 3 years are going to be so crazy! I'm going to Lipscomb and Justins starting this "project". He doesn't want to go into too much detail but I would like to ask for prayers for him. He's going to need them! I don't know how in the world I got this guy but man am I so thankful!! He's just amazing and I love him more and more daily!!
Well the girls are all registered for dance class in the fall. So fun! And maddys previous class is pretty much sticking together which is so great!
I will write more later. I'm getting blackberry thumb :)
~Blessings~
Leslie
Thursday, July 10, 2008
By the Grace of God
THANK YOU FOR THE PRAYERS!!
My phone call went so smoothly I was actually a little surprised!!!!
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And also I just found out that JUSTIN AND JOCAROL WOODALL are PREGNANT!!!
CONGRATS!!!!!
My phone call went so smoothly I was actually a little surprised!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And also I just found out that JUSTIN AND JOCAROL WOODALL are PREGNANT!!!
CONGRATS!!!!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Leslie
I Need Prayers
I have to tackle a difficult issue tonight. I don't want to reveal too much in the blog, but this is going to be hard for me to do and I don't want to offend the person I have to call.
Please pray for me. Pray that I come across loving and kind and caring. Please pray for the other person, please help her heart and mind to be open to what I need to say.
Thanks ya'll! I know this is vague but I really need the prayers!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Please pray for me. Pray that I come across loving and kind and caring. Please pray for the other person, please help her heart and mind to be open to what I need to say.
Thanks ya'll! I know this is vague but I really need the prayers!
~Blessings~
Leslie
To Sleep or Not to Sleep What is My Problem?
Am I turning into an insomniac? I sure hope not. The past couple of nights have been sleepless. Well, not completely sleepless. I've gotten about 4 hours a night that were full of tossing and turning, ups and downs, etc.
Last night I finally fell asleep about one (well I guess technically this morning) and after tossing and turning all night I finally got up about 5 a.m.
And now, it's noon and I'm exhausted!
**Sigh**
Is there a cure? I would LOVE any advise you could give!!!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Last night I finally fell asleep about one (well I guess technically this morning) and after tossing and turning all night I finally got up about 5 a.m.
And now, it's noon and I'm exhausted!
**Sigh**
Is there a cure? I would LOVE any advise you could give!!!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Test Day!
Whew. First round over! I'm praying that I did well enough that I don't have to go for round 2!!
The test went really quick and I got my reading and my math scores when I left. My writing sample has to be hand graded, so I'll know it in a couple of weeks! So, I have to score a 174 in reading, 173 in Math and 173 in writing. I was so thrilled about my math score that I forgot my reading score. I scored a 180 on my math!! My reading score I think was either 167 or 176 or possibly 170. So there is a good possibility I might have to take the reading part again. Which will really bother me. I was so concerned with my Math that I didn't study for reading or writing.
But I'll know for sure in a couple of weeks! I'm just beyond thankful that I passed math! Now I'm thoroughly exhausted, and am going to try to get Maddy to lay down with me :)
~Blessings~
Leslie
The test went really quick and I got my reading and my math scores when I left. My writing sample has to be hand graded, so I'll know it in a couple of weeks! So, I have to score a 174 in reading, 173 in Math and 173 in writing. I was so thrilled about my math score that I forgot my reading score. I scored a 180 on my math!! My reading score I think was either 167 or 176 or possibly 170. So there is a good possibility I might have to take the reading part again. Which will really bother me. I was so concerned with my Math that I didn't study for reading or writing.
But I'll know for sure in a couple of weeks! I'm just beyond thankful that I passed math! Now I'm thoroughly exhausted, and am going to try to get Maddy to lay down with me :)
~Blessings~
Leslie
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
The 1st Day Without TV
Was a HUGE success. Although today I realized that the cable is still on :) Yesterday we didn't watch TV and it was great. We played a lot, we did watch a couple of movies, it was great! Justin and I laid in bed last night and talked for like an hour! We usually just watch Family Guy, or the news. But we didn't last night and it was so cool! I can't remember the last time we talked that long.
Maddy's had a great day today. And thanks to Elizabeth's suggestion, we took her dolls and put those that we didn't need in a bag to give away and the others have been put up to be earned back. She's had a great day. Maybe because Nana is coming to spend the night tonight? Probably :) Of course I'm thrilled! Now, the little boy I watch today has been a pill. He's always good but today he's just in a bad mood. I guess everyone is entitled to a day of grumpiness!! He's sleeping now, maybe when he wakes up he'll bee in a better mood :)
Ok, I need to go study some more!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Maddy's had a great day today. And thanks to Elizabeth's suggestion, we took her dolls and put those that we didn't need in a bag to give away and the others have been put up to be earned back. She's had a great day. Maybe because Nana is coming to spend the night tonight? Probably :) Of course I'm thrilled! Now, the little boy I watch today has been a pill. He's always good but today he's just in a bad mood. I guess everyone is entitled to a day of grumpiness!! He's sleeping now, maybe when he wakes up he'll bee in a better mood :)
Ok, I need to go study some more!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Monday, July 7, 2008
You Get What You Ask For!!
I'm sure everyone's heard that saying before. Well it's so true. I am not as patient as I want to be. So about the end of November of last year I prayed and asked God to help me "learn" to be more patient. And he is answering that prayer!!
I learn so much from my children, and the children I watch, every day. But the most valuable lesson they are teaching me is how to be more patient and to take things less seriously.
Maddy is extremely testing. She's 3 1/2. But she acts like she's 16. She's brilliant and understands so much. But she's also rude, disrespectful, hateful and bossy sometimes. I don't want my child to act like that. I think I'm pretty strict with her, maybe I'm not strict enough. I dunno. She's wearing on me though. BUT I know it's just God teaching me patience!!
Today she's been so sassy and rude I made her take every single baby doll she owned and put it in the hallway and I told her that we were going to give every single one of them away to a little girl or little girls who would respect their things and appreciate having dolls. I just don't think it's too much to ask, a little respect. Justin works SO hard so that she can have a nice home and nice toys. And she just throws them on the floor, doesn't clean up after herself, colors on them with every pen/marker we own, and walks all over them sometimes even breaking them. It just drives me nuts!! Am I expecting too much though?
I also expect her to do what I tell her. Period. It's just being respectful. But of course I get lip. I get so mad at her sometimes I just have to shove my head in a pillow and scream at the top of my lungs!! Isn't that just awful? It isn't really her fault. It's mine. I need to work harder, be more loving, and patient.
There we go, back to patience. Shew. I'm so thankful this day is almost over. I can't wait until Izzy and Maddy go to bed. I should want to enjoy time with my children, but today, I want to enjoy some quiet time without my children!!
That's ok right?
Ok, well there went my 2 minutes. Izzy won't quit screaming, geez child.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
~Blessings~
Leslie
I learn so much from my children, and the children I watch, every day. But the most valuable lesson they are teaching me is how to be more patient and to take things less seriously.
Maddy is extremely testing. She's 3 1/2. But she acts like she's 16. She's brilliant and understands so much. But she's also rude, disrespectful, hateful and bossy sometimes. I don't want my child to act like that. I think I'm pretty strict with her, maybe I'm not strict enough. I dunno. She's wearing on me though. BUT I know it's just God teaching me patience!!
Today she's been so sassy and rude I made her take every single baby doll she owned and put it in the hallway and I told her that we were going to give every single one of them away to a little girl or little girls who would respect their things and appreciate having dolls. I just don't think it's too much to ask, a little respect. Justin works SO hard so that she can have a nice home and nice toys. And she just throws them on the floor, doesn't clean up after herself, colors on them with every pen/marker we own, and walks all over them sometimes even breaking them. It just drives me nuts!! Am I expecting too much though?
I also expect her to do what I tell her. Period. It's just being respectful. But of course I get lip. I get so mad at her sometimes I just have to shove my head in a pillow and scream at the top of my lungs!! Isn't that just awful? It isn't really her fault. It's mine. I need to work harder, be more loving, and patient.
There we go, back to patience. Shew. I'm so thankful this day is almost over. I can't wait until Izzy and Maddy go to bed. I should want to enjoy time with my children, but today, I want to enjoy some quiet time without my children!!
That's ok right?
Ok, well there went my 2 minutes. Izzy won't quit screaming, geez child.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
~Blessings~
Leslie
A Day Of Change!!
Well it’s been a huge day of change!! Good change but scary change!!
We changed our cell phone plan and brought it back down to just about no minutes! So if you need to get a hold of us please e-mail or text message. We have unlimited text messaging! It’s going to be difficult to get used to not being on the phone all of the time BUT we are going to be saving $100 a month just from our cell phone bill!! (and that is including what we added to have internet through my blackberry and to hook up my computer to the internet through my blackberry!)
We also just cut off our cable and high-speed internet. Which is cool! When it turned off the kids were like, “HEY!” BUT, I told them that we have a cabinet full of movies that we hardly watch and we need to do other things besides watching T.V. all of the time! It’s going to be strange because I love my T.V., my soaps, my CSI, my David Letterman. But I think this is a positive change. We are saving $200 a month by cutting off this service.
Now we just need to get rid of a car. AND we might actually have money to put into savings and pay off our debt. Isn’t God wonderful? Yes, we are having to make sacrifices but it’s definitely worth every thing we are “giving up” to be debt free.
We are even saving money on our home phone service. We were using a VoIp (basically phone over broadband) but without the broadband I couldn’t have the VoIp! So I called the ONLY (honestly the ONLY) company that services out here (and it took some digging to find them, geez!) and I’m saving about $5 a month! Haha, every little bit helps!! God has provided so much for us and we are just so thankful to have the strength to follow this path he’s laid out for us. I’m excited, ok, now to find more ways to save money!!!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
We changed our cell phone plan and brought it back down to just about no minutes! So if you need to get a hold of us please e-mail or text message. We have unlimited text messaging! It’s going to be difficult to get used to not being on the phone all of the time BUT we are going to be saving $100 a month just from our cell phone bill!! (and that is including what we added to have internet through my blackberry and to hook up my computer to the internet through my blackberry!)
We also just cut off our cable and high-speed internet. Which is cool! When it turned off the kids were like, “HEY!” BUT, I told them that we have a cabinet full of movies that we hardly watch and we need to do other things besides watching T.V. all of the time! It’s going to be strange because I love my T.V., my soaps, my CSI, my David Letterman. But I think this is a positive change. We are saving $200 a month by cutting off this service.
Now we just need to get rid of a car. AND we might actually have money to put into savings and pay off our debt. Isn’t God wonderful? Yes, we are having to make sacrifices but it’s definitely worth every thing we are “giving up” to be debt free.
We are even saving money on our home phone service. We were using a VoIp (basically phone over broadband) but without the broadband I couldn’t have the VoIp! So I called the ONLY (honestly the ONLY) company that services out here (and it took some digging to find them, geez!) and I’m saving about $5 a month! Haha, every little bit helps!! God has provided so much for us and we are just so thankful to have the strength to follow this path he’s laid out for us. I’m excited, ok, now to find more ways to save money!!!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Sunday, July 6, 2008
NO TELEVISION!!!!
Whew What a Weekend!!
Well, of course Friday was the 4th of July. Justin and I took the girls up to our church. They had three jump houses and free drinks. Maddy had such an amazing time!! They also had an orchestra!! They were SO good! Izzy danced so much to them! It was such a beautiful night, with a nice breeze! Perfect! We took a blanket and sat out by the North Blvd. Church of Christ sign and watched the fireworks with our friends the Shirley's. The only downer was that my friend Megan came with her family and we lost each other right before the fireworks and didn't get a chance to sit with each other through them. But that's ok! They had a great time! And so did we!!
Here are the pictures of the two hair bows I made the girls. I've been so busy with school stuff I didn't have an opportunity to make them the dresses I started.
Saturday we went down to Winchester and went through Granny Dot's house. The girls got so dirty but it was really nice! Jan gave the girls these beautifully embroidered hankies Dot made. They also gave Justin lots of tools and we also took home the big metal swing and put it in our back yard under our one tree!! Justin had to borrow a trailer so he loaded up the tractor, and some of it's accessories that had been clogging our garage. He's going to take them back down on Wednesday evening. We ended up taking everything out of the garage and cleaning it out! I found a lot of things to sell on Craigslist, I just need to go take pictures and post them. We are just about desperate for money right now!!
Today we went to 1st service at church instead of 2nd service. It was so great! Maddy got to go to Glory Garden and hang out with Mrs. Elizabeth, one of her all time favorite people! And Izzy hung out in the nursery. So Justin and I actually got to listen to a full service! WOW!! And Sunday School was good too! I will actually be teaching the class by myself next Sunday because the lady I help, Ashley, is going to be out of town. I'm so excited! It'll be my first Sunday School Class that I actually teach by myself. I can't wait to have my own class! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE helping!!! But when the time is right I would love to have my own class someday!
After we left church we went to moms and daddy and Justin took down all of her kitchen cabinents. Ya! Their Kitchen renovation is officially under way!
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Well I think Justin and I have figured out a way to help us financially! We are going to get rid of one of our cars and get a cheap van. That way we will eliminate our highest car payment and bring down our car insurance. That alone will save us about $300 a month!!! I'm also going to cancel our TV and Cabel from comcast. I can get something through my blackberry that gives my laptop internet access!! (And we wouldn't have internet if I wasn't taking online classes) Then we can sell our desktop computer, which will give us money for savings. We are also going to sell Justin's golf clubs, an electric mower, and several other things!!
SO hopefully we will have all of this worked out soon! I'm so thrilled! We are going to have to bite the bullet and take a hit on the car, but that's ok. We made a huge mistake getting to heavy into car payments and we are going to have to take the hit, move on, and NEVER make the same mistake again!!
We are just so thankful we are going to be able to do some things to get out of a mess! GOD is so good because he teaches us a lesson with everything we do! I was so worried about how I was going to afford to go to Lipscomb for classes 3 nights a week, and God showed us the solution! He's amazing!
We don't want to be rich with money. We are rich with far more important things! The only thing I want is less stress from our money woes! And I think we are on our way!!
Ok, enough rambling, I have to go do some research on my blackberry!!
~BLESSINGS~
Leslie
Well, of course Friday was the 4th of July. Justin and I took the girls up to our church. They had three jump houses and free drinks. Maddy had such an amazing time!! They also had an orchestra!! They were SO good! Izzy danced so much to them! It was such a beautiful night, with a nice breeze! Perfect! We took a blanket and sat out by the North Blvd. Church of Christ sign and watched the fireworks with our friends the Shirley's. The only downer was that my friend Megan came with her family and we lost each other right before the fireworks and didn't get a chance to sit with each other through them. But that's ok! They had a great time! And so did we!!
Here are the pictures of the two hair bows I made the girls. I've been so busy with school stuff I didn't have an opportunity to make them the dresses I started.
Saturday we went down to Winchester and went through Granny Dot's house. The girls got so dirty but it was really nice! Jan gave the girls these beautifully embroidered hankies Dot made. They also gave Justin lots of tools and we also took home the big metal swing and put it in our back yard under our one tree!! Justin had to borrow a trailer so he loaded up the tractor, and some of it's accessories that had been clogging our garage. He's going to take them back down on Wednesday evening. We ended up taking everything out of the garage and cleaning it out! I found a lot of things to sell on Craigslist, I just need to go take pictures and post them. We are just about desperate for money right now!!
Today we went to 1st service at church instead of 2nd service. It was so great! Maddy got to go to Glory Garden and hang out with Mrs. Elizabeth, one of her all time favorite people! And Izzy hung out in the nursery. So Justin and I actually got to listen to a full service! WOW!! And Sunday School was good too! I will actually be teaching the class by myself next Sunday because the lady I help, Ashley, is going to be out of town. I'm so excited! It'll be my first Sunday School Class that I actually teach by myself. I can't wait to have my own class! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE helping!!! But when the time is right I would love to have my own class someday!
After we left church we went to moms and daddy and Justin took down all of her kitchen cabinents. Ya! Their Kitchen renovation is officially under way!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well I think Justin and I have figured out a way to help us financially! We are going to get rid of one of our cars and get a cheap van. That way we will eliminate our highest car payment and bring down our car insurance. That alone will save us about $300 a month!!! I'm also going to cancel our TV and Cabel from comcast. I can get something through my blackberry that gives my laptop internet access!! (And we wouldn't have internet if I wasn't taking online classes) Then we can sell our desktop computer, which will give us money for savings. We are also going to sell Justin's golf clubs, an electric mower, and several other things!!
SO hopefully we will have all of this worked out soon! I'm so thrilled! We are going to have to bite the bullet and take a hit on the car, but that's ok. We made a huge mistake getting to heavy into car payments and we are going to have to take the hit, move on, and NEVER make the same mistake again!!
We are just so thankful we are going to be able to do some things to get out of a mess! GOD is so good because he teaches us a lesson with everything we do! I was so worried about how I was going to afford to go to Lipscomb for classes 3 nights a week, and God showed us the solution! He's amazing!
We don't want to be rich with money. We are rich with far more important things! The only thing I want is less stress from our money woes! And I think we are on our way!!
Ok, enough rambling, I have to go do some research on my blackberry!!
~BLESSINGS~
Leslie
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Blessed beyond belief!!!!!!!!!!!!
WARNING: This will be a Long Post!!
I dropped the kids off and went on my way to Lipscomb yesterday morning about 9 a.m. My Blackberry has a map and directions feature so I didn't look up directions and I got a little lost. I called my advisor to let her know I was running late and Justin got me back to where I should be!
20 minutes after my appointment time I arrived at her office. The whole staff there just blew me away with their friendliness and kindness and excitement that I was going to be attending their college! My advisor and I went over everything we needed and I'm proud to say....
I'M OFFICIALLY A STUDENT AT LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY!!!
I grab a bite for lunch and head to MTSU to get some paperwork set up. I've been searching for my shot records for a couple of weeks. Lipscomb needed to see that I had been given my MMR. It is extremely difficult to find shot records for an adult!! I finally was able to call the Board of Education in Sumner County and the guy I spoke with was so super! He found what I needed, opened it up and made sure it said I had been given my MMR and faxed it over that moment, for FREE!! Usually they charge to mail you a copy, etc. And I just told him that I didn't need it as long as Lipscomb got it I was fine! Bless that sweet man!!
I also have to take the Praxis I. Scary test! I didn't score a 22 on my ACT, I scored a 21, so I have to take it and pass before I can register for my education classes, the 6 I have to take Fall semester!! I called the Sylvan Learning Center in Franklin and asked about their testing schedule and was told that they test 6 days a week but they are being scheduled 2 to 3 weeks out and I probably won't get an appointment until the end of July/beginning of August! YIKES! Well I called ETS (where you schedule your test) and was asked when I wanted to take the test. I asked for the first spot available and you won't believe it......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9th at 8:30 a.m!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now I just have to cram for the exam, and I need prayers!!! It's reading, writing and math. The reading and math scores I'll get back immediately but the writing has to be hand judged so it could take a couple of weeks to get that score! BUT I haven't taken a math class in 6 years and Math is my weakness!!! GULP!!!! And I had to fork out $130 for the test and if I fail a part I have to pay to retake it. We didn't really have the $130 for the test and I defiantly don't have any extra to pay to retake a part!!!!!!
But I am trusting that this is all in God's plan. The next two years of my life are going to be so hard. I'm not going to have a lot of time for friends or family. But I know everyone will understand. And it's going to be one of the most expensive times of our lives!! No it will be THE most expensive time in our lives! I just pray that God will provide us with the extra gas money haha!!!
I think it's time for us to sell Justin's truck and get a mini van. I don't know if he would go for that, but that is what we need. A really really cheap, run the wheels of van. Ya'll know of anything????
Yesterday was such an amazing day. I felt so much peace and I felt like I was really doing what God had planned for me. It's such a surreal feeling, walking down this path. I have always wanted to be a teacher and now I'm finally able to fulfill this dream!! Yesterday was full of smiles and happy tears. I'm so thankful and blessed!! Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers! Our family needs them!!
CLASS OF 2010 BABY!!!!!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
I dropped the kids off and went on my way to Lipscomb yesterday morning about 9 a.m. My Blackberry has a map and directions feature so I didn't look up directions and I got a little lost. I called my advisor to let her know I was running late and Justin got me back to where I should be!
20 minutes after my appointment time I arrived at her office. The whole staff there just blew me away with their friendliness and kindness and excitement that I was going to be attending their college! My advisor and I went over everything we needed and I'm proud to say....
I'M OFFICIALLY A STUDENT AT LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY!!!
I grab a bite for lunch and head to MTSU to get some paperwork set up. I've been searching for my shot records for a couple of weeks. Lipscomb needed to see that I had been given my MMR. It is extremely difficult to find shot records for an adult!! I finally was able to call the Board of Education in Sumner County and the guy I spoke with was so super! He found what I needed, opened it up and made sure it said I had been given my MMR and faxed it over that moment, for FREE!! Usually they charge to mail you a copy, etc. And I just told him that I didn't need it as long as Lipscomb got it I was fine! Bless that sweet man!!
I also have to take the Praxis I. Scary test! I didn't score a 22 on my ACT, I scored a 21, so I have to take it and pass before I can register for my education classes, the 6 I have to take Fall semester!! I called the Sylvan Learning Center in Franklin and asked about their testing schedule and was told that they test 6 days a week but they are being scheduled 2 to 3 weeks out and I probably won't get an appointment until the end of July/beginning of August! YIKES! Well I called ETS (where you schedule your test) and was asked when I wanted to take the test. I asked for the first spot available and you won't believe it......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9th at 8:30 a.m!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now I just have to cram for the exam, and I need prayers!!! It's reading, writing and math. The reading and math scores I'll get back immediately but the writing has to be hand judged so it could take a couple of weeks to get that score! BUT I haven't taken a math class in 6 years and Math is my weakness!!! GULP!!!! And I had to fork out $130 for the test and if I fail a part I have to pay to retake it. We didn't really have the $130 for the test and I defiantly don't have any extra to pay to retake a part!!!!!!
But I am trusting that this is all in God's plan. The next two years of my life are going to be so hard. I'm not going to have a lot of time for friends or family. But I know everyone will understand. And it's going to be one of the most expensive times of our lives!! No it will be THE most expensive time in our lives! I just pray that God will provide us with the extra gas money haha!!!
I think it's time for us to sell Justin's truck and get a mini van. I don't know if he would go for that, but that is what we need. A really really cheap, run the wheels of van. Ya'll know of anything????
Yesterday was such an amazing day. I felt so much peace and I felt like I was really doing what God had planned for me. It's such a surreal feeling, walking down this path. I have always wanted to be a teacher and now I'm finally able to fulfill this dream!! Yesterday was full of smiles and happy tears. I'm so thankful and blessed!! Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers! Our family needs them!!
CLASS OF 2010 BABY!!!!!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Great Day!!
It was such a blessed day today. I'm too exhausted to write too much more. Thank you very much for all of your prayers. I am just in awe of God's hand in my life!! It's truly amazing walking the path God has created for you. I just couldn't be more blessed and thankful. I promise to fill in all the details tomorrow!
~Blessings~
Leslie
~Blessings~
Leslie
Amazing
I have come to the conclusion that a brand new baby is the best thing in this world. They are so untouched and innocent, they are still all God's 300%!!! They are just the most amazing blessing!!!
As you can tell, I went to go meet the new addition to Lara Sentell and Eric Tucker Mr. Austin Grant Tucker. I couldn't put him down. I just fell in love. He's beautiful, or handsome I should say. Ah, I'm about to tear up! I GTG get ready but here is the only picture i have (Thanks Andrea)!
You tell me babies aren't angles!! Isn't he amazing????
As you can tell, I went to go meet the new addition to Lara Sentell and Eric Tucker Mr. Austin Grant Tucker. I couldn't put him down. I just fell in love. He's beautiful, or handsome I should say. Ah, I'm about to tear up! I GTG get ready but here is the only picture i have (Thanks Andrea)!
You tell me babies aren't angles!! Isn't he amazing????
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
He's Here!!
Austin Grant Tucker
12:33 a.m. July 1st, 2008
6lbs 9oz
Dark Hair and Green Eyes!!
12:33 a.m. July 1st, 2008
6lbs 9oz
Dark Hair and Green Eyes!!
That is all I know for now! Justin and I are going to go visit tonight and I'm going to take my moms good camera and take some great pictures. I'll post them tonight! Mom and Dad are doing GREAT! God is so Good! Such a Blessing!!
Hero Nerves!!
Tomorrow is my Lipscomb interview! I'm so nervous! I've never been to the campus. Of course I have directions but still, I don't exactly know where I'm going, ya know! I also am so nervous about the interview. I haven't "officially" had an interview for a job or anything since oh.....2006!! So, ya know, it's been a couple of days!! And I think everyone wants to be liked and accepted. And I do! I want to be liked by the Vice-President Provost and accepted into the program! I know I can win them with my personality, and with God's help, I hope I can get into the program!!
My nerves are so shot today!! I am so thankful to be getting it over with though! So at least I'll know ya or na soon!!
My quest to be a better Hero for my girls has gone well! Yesterday was an extremely testing day, but I kept my cool and didn't yell. Which is a huge deal for me! I felt really good yesterday and I know the girls appreciated it too!! God is powerful powerful powerful!!
Well that's all I have for now!
~Blessings~
Leslie
My nerves are so shot today!! I am so thankful to be getting it over with though! So at least I'll know ya or na soon!!
My quest to be a better Hero for my girls has gone well! Yesterday was an extremely testing day, but I kept my cool and didn't yell. Which is a huge deal for me! I felt really good yesterday and I know the girls appreciated it too!! God is powerful powerful powerful!!
Well that's all I have for now!
~Blessings~
Leslie
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