What a great day...

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Kim speak this morning about her prodigal son. God always has a plan even if it's not the plan we would like it be.

I knew Noah was better because he was up sneaking food last night:) And we were all ready to get out the house.It has been raining for 2 days. So since we didn't get to go out with the Martins last night we decided to meet for lunch.Well I think everyone else in our town chose Chuck E Cheese's too.

Later that afternoon our SS class went bowling. There were quite a few of us.It was loud but a lot of fun. These are just a few of the pictures I took.

( I added just these families because I know they have blogs. So feel free to borrow the pictures. I am going to send everyone else's in an email.)

The Waddell's ( she is hilarious)

The Crazy Cotheran's ( I was so happy for Corey to be home.)

The Martins ( we are going to Disney next month together)

The Sheriff's (she's my bible study buddy)

The Riders ( Thanks for planning the social)

The Harrison's (minus 2)

I missed that smile;)

Look at Noah's foot. He looks like a pro.

Our attempt to get a photo of all the kids. Kain looks like he's in pain.

It was too much for Kain. He had to leave...lol

EK looks just precious in this picture

I'm glad Noah is smiling again!

Zoe enjoying her ice cream and a nice conversation with Will.

What to do when dad's away?

Corey is gone on a men's retreat with the church. I hope he's having a lot of fun but I miss him. He left after work yesterday and won't be home til later this afternoon. Yes I know it's only 1 night but he is rarely away from me all night. This past year was the first time in 11 years. He had to go on some business trips. But I am so happy he decided to go and have this time of fellowship. He called last night and told me what a great time he was having. I wish one of the men had taken a camera so I could get some pictures. But I really don't see men posing for pictures like us women do..lol.

So what are we to do while daddy's away?

Well we were suppose to go do something with the Martins(her hubby is gone too)last night but Noah was still very sick.His temp kept going over 103 early Friday. The kids were very sad that they couldn't play with their friends. But Noah is feeling better this morning..

Praise God!

This morning I am off to church for Mugs and Muffins.We are going to exchange mugs and have a time of fellowship with the ladies.Zoe will be going with me but the boys are going to stay home with Grandpa. I am excited to hear the lady that will be speaking. I do not know her personally but I have heard that her story is very touching.I was told I might need to bring tissues.

Later in the afternoon we (SS class) are having our February social. All of us are going bowling:) The kids are very excited and have been talking about it all week. Since everyone will have worked up an appetite from bowling.We are going to invade the local Chick Fil A. Hope their ready for all of us!

It's going to be a busy day but very fun. Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend too!

Watch out Betty Crocker...

First off I want to say a huge thank you to Keisha over at blogsforbabies for doing this awesome make-over and I love it!!! Also I big thank you to Amie for holding the contest that I WON!! I still can't believe I won something.

Now we may continue...

My family has real problem when it comes to eating out. It's not that I don't like to cook. It's that I do not plan ahead.So when it's 4:00 and I still haven't even thought of supper we head out.Plus my old stove was horrible.It burnt everything you tried to cook or it was not cooked enough. So this week I decide not to eat out at all. Well Monday through Friday at least. We have a lot going on this weekend so I knew we couldn't stick to it. So here is just a couple of things I made from scratch!! I have to say I am very proud of myself:)

I got this awesome chicken pot pie recipe from The Happy Housewife.

This is the first time I have ever made a pie crust:)

My friend Tracy gave me a starter of the Amish friendship bread.It was SO good!

I also got this Shepperd's pie recipe from The Happy Housewife.

I forgot to take the picture until we had already started eating.

I really enjoyed cooking this week and my hubby was very proud of me too;)

I would like to find some good hot breakfast recipes too. So do any of y'all have good but easy recipes you would like to share with me?

Thankful Thursday

“I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;I will sing praises to you among the nations.”~ Psalm 57:9

I am thankful that we have a healing God. Zoe is getting better but Noah woke up this morning vomiting. So far Kain has been well.

I am thankful that the Lord allowed Corey and I have to have a great trip and brought us back safe with out any problems.

I am so thankful for all the people that help with cubbies every week.

I am thankful that I have children that can brighten my day with the cutest things. After Zoe got out of cubbies last night.She started crying she said" I just want some peace and quite and somewhere to lay down and sleep".

I am thankful for all the many people working hard to move us into our new facility at church. God is working so much we had to have more room which is a wonderful thing.

To read more great Thankful Thursday click here.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Savannah Style

For more WW click here .

i Heart Faces

The purpose of this contest is to provide a photography sharing forum that focuses on the art of capturing faces and their various emotions. Each week, people from across the world will have the opportunity to enter their favorite face photos into two different categories ~ kids and adults. A judge will pick a winning photo from each category that will then be displayed on our home page.

I have been wanting to participate in this contest for awhile. Since this week's theme is B&W .I thought I would finally join in. This was taken in NYC while Zoe was on her daddy's shoulders.

If you like to join the I Heart Faces contest click here.

Savannah Part 2

We were told that if you wanna get into The Lady and Sons(Paula Dean's place). You have to be in line at 8:45 in the morning to be put on a list for that day. Well you can see they were not kidding. The hostess came out at 9:30 and that is how you get a reservation. Nope you can't call this one in. By 11 am the whole day was booked and this is the "off" season.

We got a lunch reservation at 11 am. So we looked around downtown until it was time.

Savannah has a lot of town squares. I think they said there was 24 in downtown. All of the parks were very pretty.

The hostess said to be back at 10:45 and stand across the street. You would think all the shops would get mad because so many people are blocking the doors. But we waited in another huge crowd until our name was called. It was kind of hilarious now that I think about it. It was like waiting to say "Cotheran's come on down"They have a menu but honestly who's gonna pass up a buffet? Well not us!

Fried chicken,mashed potatoes,mac & cheese,creamed corn..yummy!

The pancake looking thing is Paula's famous "hoecakes". It is fried corn bread and they suggest putting maple syrup on them.
\

The best banana pudding I've ever eaten. And even though this was the most popular restaurant it was the cheapest meal we had.

Corey snuck away and bought me this beautiful rose made out of palm tree leaves. A man was selling them on a bench in the park. The whole thing is made with the leaves.

"Have you seen Jenny?" Forrest Gump is one of my favorite movies.He just happened to be sitting there waiting on the bus. We were told that the bench that Tom Hanks sat on had to be removed. People were breaking it apart just to take a piece with them.

Colonial Park Cemetery

These stones were knocked down during a war so they mounted them to the wall.

We toured the "pirate" ship that's behind me . It was very nice inside and out.

The Pirate House is another restaurant that's listed as a must do. Well we were still full from lunch .But I really wanted to go in. This was really a pirates house back in the day. So we went in and had dessert.

The sun had just set.

Corey has some Irish and Scottish heritage and loves anything to do with it. We hope you day we are able to travel to Ireland. But anyway we found a little Scottish pub Molly McPherson's. So later that night we went and had dinner. I have never had any of this food. But it was really good.

Meat Pies

Shepperd's Pie

Bread pudding

We both tried a lot of new things this weekend and enjoyed every minute of it. But I am glad to be home with my kiddos!

Savannah Day 1

I'm terrified of bridges and this was my first sight as we entered Savannah.Little did I know I would do a few things out of the ordinary(for me at least).

We arrived early so we stopped by the visitor center and they had this cute restaurant.

The Whistle Stop Cafe

Yep it was inside the train!

Our wonderful room and very comfy bed.

We headed towards Ty bee Island and found this lighthouse.

OK so I am TERRIFIED of heights. We have been to a few lighthouses and I have never even tried to climb it. But I decided I was gonna conquer my fear. Well you can see the nervous smile on my face. I almost had a panic attack but I didn't. This was on the catwalk of the lighthouse!! Corey doesn't like high places either but we both did it.

This is the light that still works.

Only of few of the many steps.

Jelly Fish were all up and down the beach. Yuck!!

The only picture we got together.I sat the camera up on a log and ran before the timer went off. But I love this picture.

After quite a few people said we had to go we went to Uncle Bubba's. He is Paula Dean's brother by the way. We got there at 4 but were told the kitchen was closed til 5 but we could sit at the bar.We figured we would stay since we wouldn't be coming back out this way. The only food you could order right then were oysters.Well I do Not eat those slimy things...yuck! But I was about trying new things this weekend. The waitress said that these were the best. So we ordered a half dozen (Corey doesn't eat them either). Oh my goodness let me tell you that was the best food we ate all weekend. They cooked them well done with parmesan cheese and garlic butter! I was wanting more.

I had to use a knife and fork for this monster BBQ sandwhich.

River Street

We wanted to go on a ghost tour since Savannah was named "The Most Haunted City in America". We didn't see anything but it was fun!

I'm off..

We are taking the boys to school then to drop Zoe off at Grandma's. Then Savannah here we come!! Neither of us have visited Savannah before but I love Charleston and I hear it's kinda like that. Oh and a nice getaway with the hubby is great too. I will need this break before March madness hits. I'm not talking about basketball either(it is basketball right?). There is so much going on in March. Sign ups for soccer, a huge consignment sale at church,VBS planning and then Disney! So I'm taking full advantage of this weekend! It seems there will be a lot of eating going on...lol. We are going to Paula Dean's The Lady and Sons and by many recommendations her brothers(Paula Dean's) Uncle Bubba's Oyster House. I still have not bought a lap top since my last one died so I will have to catch up with everyone on Sunday night! Have a great weekend:)

Thankful Thursday

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”~ Psalm 28:7

1. I am so thankful that the Lord urged (pushed) me to do the Esther bible study. It is amazing to say the least. This is my first bible study ever and Beth Moore is awesome!

2. I am very thankful to have wonderful in-laws that are always willing to watch my(our) children. There isn't anyone on my side to help so my in-laws always come to the rescue.

3. I am thankful Zoe is feeling better.Well she wasn't really "feeling" bad she just couldn't breath. And it's really important to be able to do that...lol!

4. I am really thankful to be getting a nice weekend away! I'm so excited to go to Paula Dean's restaurant The Lady and Sons.

To read more great TT click here!

Wordless Wednesday ( Or maybe not)

I took Zoe to the DR yesterday and she has RSV. So we are doing at least 6 treatments a day..ugh! I'm praying the boys don't get sick!

For more WW click here.

Elementary Choir

Sunday night the elementary choir at church went to an assisted living facility to entertain the residents. I was asked to go along and take a couple of pictures. The residents were all so sweet and very welcoming. The facility was just like a home (as it should be).They even had a cat and a dog:) The kids did great singing and enjoyed handing out the treat bags they had made. The choir leaders do an awesome job with children!!

These are the only boys...so far

{Ms.Joye, I will have your pictures on Sunday:) }

Not Me! Monday

Oh yes it's the dreaded Monday! And it's time for MckMama's Not Me! Monday. So head on over there and see what everyone else has not been doing!

I did not start writing this on Wednesday so that I could play this meme on Monday.It has not been a couple of weeks since my last Not Me!

I did not bust out laughing when Zoe was trying on new shorts.She did not pop her own bottom and say "the shorts won't fit because this is too big" (referring to her bottom).

I did not wait until Tuesday morning to do all of my Beth Moore bible study homework. Then I did not get a call saying the power was out and it was canceled.. I was not upset because I was really needing some alone time.Well I guess it wouldn't be alone time since there is a room full of women. But there are no kids especially mine.

I did not wash clothes for 4 days straight because I had let them pile up. Nope, I would never let that happen. That will never happen at this house.

It wasn't me that allowed my kids to eat all of their Valentine's candy so I could post.

Lessons from Mommyhood

My friend Kim has started a new blog carnival! So go check it out(click on the button) and get in on the fun! ~Mommy hood has taught me you will never ever get caught up on your sleep.Kain is 10 and I'm still sleep deprived. No matter what time my kids go to bed they are up at 6:30.When will they start sleeping late?

~ I have learned to watch what I say around the kids because one of them( Zoe) will repeat everything I say. So unless you want everyone to know your business make sure the kids are in another room with the door shut.

~ I am learning that homework is one of the hardest things to do with my kids.Well just one of them. I am having to work on my patience skills more everyday. We are always forgetting something at school. I have to tell myself that it will get better.

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!

It was raining when we woke up but then the sun started to come out. So we decided to head to Kids Planet and have some fun.

photo taken by Kain

This little boy was so sweet. He asked Zoe if he could push her and of course she said yes.After we played for a while we went to Cooper River Grill for some great food.

This was the only part of Kain I was "allowed" to take.

Corey and I will really celebrate Valentine's next weekend when we go to Savannah.

Hope everyone enjoyed their day of love.

School Parties and Nice Surprises

All of the kids had their Valentine's parties this afternoon. Of course they got way too much candy.But I'm letting them eat it. Maybe they will stay quiet while I do this post(umm I might have to put that on the Not Me! Monday). I'm sure I looked a sight coming in the school. I had to bring 6 boxes of juice,2 bags of chips, 2 bowls of cookies,9 boxes of rice crispy treats and 4 pizzas. Of course I didn't want to walk all the way back to the car.So I tried to carry it all by myself. I made to the hallway then recruited a 4th grader to help.

This was the only picture I was "allowed" to take. When we got home he asked "Mom,why do you always have to take pictures?" I said"Because I want too."

Noah doesn't mind me taking his picture.

Noah had to bring in a candy bar yesterday and they wrote about it.I love when he writes he was "smacking"on it.

Zoe was loving these cupcakes until she bit into a Red Hot. But we picked them off and she ate the whole thing.

We finally get home.My head has been hurting all day and I am tired. I unlock the door and open it. This is what is sitting on my table! I was thinking how did Corey get these here? As I walked closer I knew it wasn't from Corey. My best friend Melissa had snuck in with the spare key and left me all of this. She made me a basket with candles,bath soaps and chocolate! Then there were the balloons, my favorite flowers(daisies) and a beautiful card. I think I have the greatest friend in the whole world!! Thank you Melissa!!

FlashBack Friday

It's almost that time again!!! Last year was the first time any of my( I catch myself saying my kids all the time.But of course Corey had a part in it too.) kids played soccer. They all had a great time and are looking forward to playing this year. Who knew (well I didn't anyway) that soccer was so physical? I coached Zoe's team( 4 year old) and they really should have been wearing helmets! Some one's face was always eating the grass.

Zoe scored a few goals during the 08 season.

Okay just look at the picture. My son is the smaller one in the picture but the other boy is only 1 year older! Luckily they were on the same team otherwise he might have been killed.

Of course it took Noah no time to learn how to play. Ya know since he picks up on things way too easy. I'm not sure who he got that from though.

And let me just say that in Upwards it is not about winning...yeah right!!! Just kidding! But it's done in a Christ like way. I think I will coach Zoe's team again and see how this year goes. Maybe it won't take the whole season to learn to go towards our goal...lol!

Thankful Thursday

It has been way to long since I posted a Thankful Thursday. So in celebration of Valentine's, I'm writing about my husband. These are just a few reasons I am so thankful for him.

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

1. Corey is a great friend.

2. He is a wonderful father.

3. He is always patient with me and I give him plenty of reasons not to be.

4. He is a very hard worker.

5. This might embarrass him but he writes me sweet love letters.

6. He puts every ones needs before his own.

7. He helps with the cleaning and he cooks.

8. He will go and watch a chick flick with me.

9. He babysits my BFF's children so we can have a girls night.

10. Last but definitely not least. I am so thankful that Corey accepted the Lord as his Savior last January(2008...the day of our church's ground breaking) and was baptised Easter Sunday.

He took me to Disney for my very first time!

I did not cry when I saw Cinderella's castle.

Oh he may look tough but he's a big teddy bear :)

These kids love their daddy to death.

For more Thankful Thursday visit here.

Wordless Wednesday

For more WW click here.

I'm Alive

Yes I am still here alive and kicking. I have just been so busy around the house. We are redoing the boys bedrooms.So I have been painting the dressers. I couldn't find any I liked so I decided just to use the ones we have. Hopefully the beds will be in this week. I also got a new stove which I love. The stove we had was so old and would burn everything in the oven. So if you have ever eaten anything that I've cooked and it tasted burnt that's why...lol. Also I haven't done anything that felt blog worthy. We have been having beautiful weather here. But I'm sure it will get cold again soon. Hopefully we can get out and do something this weekend!

I know you are probably dying to know what the boys room is looking like.But this will have to hold you over until it gets done. This is what the blankets look like.

Donuts with Dad

Corey took today off so he could go to school for Donuts with Dad . The kids were all excited that daddy was taking them to school and eating with them. He isn't able to attend all the school functions that are during the day.So I know he is enjoying this morning too! Since he is off today and I don't have to worry about picking the kids up. I am heading to Concord Mills for a day of shopping! I hope I find some great deals :)

Wordless Wednesday (New Do)

Thanks Mrs. Summer for the hair cut!!!

For more WW click here.

Global Missions Weekend

This weekend our church hosted a Global Missions conference. It was interesting learning how missionaries are spreading the Good News. We had a luncheon Saturday where all the missionaries gathered and we got to ask questions. We learned so much and would love to go on a mission trip one year :) Later Saturday night we dropped the kids off at church for the Kids Mission Explosion. We went to the Harrison's(thanks for having us) to have a potluck and listen to the missionary assigned to our class. It was a great time of fellowship. I loved seeing how excited she was about getting God's word out there. After our time together we went and picked the kids up. They couldn't stop talking about the great time they had. They were giving us all the facts they had learned about Singapore. I don't think they wanted to come home!! Noah said he tried noodles with his chopsticks. Zoe made some beautiful crafts. Kain told us about the games they played. Thank you to all the people that made their night great!

Thanks Mrs. Kim for the pictures above.

They were still smiling when they got home. Who knows maybe God has a plan for one of them to be a missionary!

This morning we received a wonderful sermon from a missionary in Africa. Then we went to our SS to learn more about the missionary assigned to our class. After that we had a great lunch and were able to walk around to different booths. We had a great time looking at things from all the countries. I hope one day we have the privilege of going on a mission trip.

Zoe playing the xylophone in her SS class.

Zoe was playing with a doll from Russia.

The boys looking at all the neat things.

One of the many missionaries!