A Day at Dollywood

We spent yesterday (Friday) at Dollywood. What a blast!! Just me and my two favorite guys. For those of you who don't know where or what Dollywood is - it is an amusement park set in the Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg,TN. It is owned by Dolly Parton (hence Dollywood). It's a mountain theme park - you know, a country fair, white water rapids, mines, lots of beautiful trees and flowers, country and gospel music, cotton candy, candy apples, homemade ice cream, you get the idea.

Dollywood is only a little over an hour from our house, so we can make a day trip of it.

What a blessing it was to spend the day having fun with my husband and son. We rode rides, some of them multiple times, we ate, and there was lots and lots of laughter. What a blessed day.

This is Jacob and Frank on the River Rampage (for the fifth time). I rode the first two and decided I needed to dry out for a while.

I'm not very good at this picture thing - so, tips are not only appreciated they are hope for. So, bear with me and at least you can see some of the fun.

Jacob climbing the wall.

And, VICTORY!!! I'm the "King of the World".

Me and Jacob on the Scrambler - we rode it six times in a row. I don't think I have ever heard him laugh so hard.

Here is a picture of me and Frank near the end of the day. You can see that we were tired, but still having a good time. Funny how Frank looks much less water logged than I do.

And, one last picture of my little guy - we were just goofing off at some of the booths.

So, here are a few moments from an absolutely wonderful day. I can hardly wait for vacation - seven whole days of nothing but, me and my guys and fun, fun, fun.

Blessings.

I Love My Name

I dearly love my name - the one my son calls me - "Mom." I can not think of a sweeter, more lovely word in the entire world of languages. I don't care what the translation, I love the name "Mom."

You see, there was a time in my life when I didn't think I would enjoy the privilege of being called "Mom." First, I never thought I would find my prince charming, and then, doctors told me I couldn't have children. Well, it's a good thing our God is bigger than that!! I guess he showed me and we showed them!!

But how I came to post this is that last night, Jacob was taking a bath in the whirlpool (which by the way sits in my bedroom - yeah, I know, that is for an entirely different post). He had the tub about half full, playing with his boats, toy sharks, whales and crocodiles, having a blast. I was sitting on the bed watching him in awe. Every few seconds he would say, "Hey Mom, watch this" while his shark or whale would perform some wonderous trick in the water. I would say, "Wow, that's amazing" or "I wonder if a shark can really do that?" and he would then tell me all about what it can or can not really do.
But, I just kep watching him, thinking - He is my son. He came through me. This wonderfully handsome, brilliant, compassionate, loving little boy was sent by my God, through me - for me to love and nurture, to teach and lead to spend his life serving our awesome God. Wow!! What a gift I've been given!

I just can't imagine my life without Jacob. I don't think I would have been able to make this journey of life in this same direction. Which is exactly why I believe God sent him to me. I am supposed to be setting an example for Jacob. I am supposed to be shaping and molding him - but the real truth in this household is that Jacob is shaping and molding me. He helps me stay focused on the important things. He is a constant, tangible reminder everyday of God's grace and love for me.

So, no matter what the tone of voice - the excited, "Mom, Mom, watch this" or the baffled, "Mom, where is my . . ." or the demanding, "Moooooooom, come here a minute" or the sweet, "Good night, Mom, I love you." I will never get tired of my name. It is blessed and ordained by my God. And, I am very humbled to carry it in this life. I will never take it for granted - and I will answer it ever time I hear it - and those times when I don't hear it.

Well, I must end this post - I hear my name being called.

Blessings.

Where God has brought Me

In previous posts I have mentioned my son, Jacob and my husband Frank. But did I tell you how we got here in this promised land? Well, sit back, this might be a lengthy post.

Before my real life began, I had been in some really bad relationships. When I say bad, I mean bad for me. They were not the healthy give/take kind. I was the giver, they were the takers. I was the one who ended up hurt and discouraged. This went on for what seemed like an eternity. Praise my loving God it wasn't. In 1993, I swore off men forever!! I started college (at age 27-go ahead add it up) and decided it was time for me. The part I left out at that point in my life was God. I didn't consult Him about what He wanted me to do. So, college life proved difficult for me - not the academic part - the social part. I felt so much older than everyone else. But, I did make friends and thankfully, the age difference proved not to matter. Most of my new friends didn't realize there was an age difference. However, I did get some questions and funny looks when I declined attending parties. I just couldn't go that route.

So, after three years of college, (yes, right before my senior year) I left school to get a full time job. At the time, my reasoning was that I needed the money and would return to college later. But, I still didn't go to God first. What was I thinking (or not thinking).
But, PRAISE HIM!! PRAISE HIM!! He was watching over me anyway. You see, in 1996, I met Frank while working at the local hospital. I was working in the office of the Chief Engineer for Maintenance and one very snowy (3 1/2 feet) morning, Frank came into the office to meet with my boss. Frank's company was to install a new fire alarm system to the hospital so he had to go over the plans with my boss.
Here's the sweet part - Frank had been in the hospital before and unknowing to me, had seen me before. He had asked some of the maintenance guys about me and wanted to meet me. That's why he kept his appointment on that snowy day. Well, I had not been able to drive that morning (my dad's friend drove me) so Frank spent the entire day at the hospital so he could drive me home. When he drove me home that afternoon I was so excited. Although I had sworn off men, I could tell there was something different about Frank. His eyes are the most beautiful blue in the world and they just mesmerized me.
Well, when I entered the house, my mom asked who drove me home and without thinking, I said "That's the man I'm going to marry." And I did. Two years and ten days later.
You see, that night, I went to God for the first time in several years. I just got down on my knees and asked His forgiveness and for His guidance. He has been with me ever since.
Frank and I were married on February 14, 1998. It was a sweet little wedding. I only had three requirements. I wanted to be married in God's house. I wanted my daddy to give me away and I wanted a double ring ceremony. After that, it just didn't matter. But it was a sweet wedding without too many trimmings. Frank's children served us as Best Man and Maid of Honor. We were a family.

About a year after we were married, I wanted a baby. I had always been told that I couldn't have children. I had problems of the female sort and my doctor just didn't think it was possible. Well, I knew that my God is bigger than any problem I could have, so I went to the book of 1 Samuel and prayed the prayer of Hannah. I left it to God believing His will would be done.

On April 27, 2000, I found out I was pregnant. Glory!!! My pregnancy was so easy. I was never sick, I ate everything and gained 62 wonderful pounds. Jacob was born on December 21st after just three hours labor. It was a breeze.
But, three days after Jacob was born, I went into post-partum toxemia (extremely rare), which led to fluid on my lungs. I was rushed to the hospital on Christmas Eve. The doctors were desperately fighting congestive heart failure. But, my God is bigger! The medications they gave me expelled the fluid enough to let me go home that night so I could be home with my husband, new baby and children on Christmas morning.

Believe me when I say that I have never let go of God since. I will never go back to the way I was before. You see, it was when I met Frank that my real life began. It was on that day that God reminded me that, without Him, I really didn't have a life. With Him, I could have life and have it abundantly. (From John 10:10)
Now, don't get me wrong, we are not rich in material things, but we are exceedingly rich in the things that matter. We have a Christ centered marriage and a Christ centered home. All three of our children know and serve God. Who could ask for anything more?

So, that's the short version of where God has brought me. I just love this journey but I love taking it with Him most. I shudder to think where I might be if I had left God out. Isn't He wonderful? He never gave up on me. He brought me out of the muck and mire to sit me upon the Rock. He cleaned me up and blessed me. I am His and He is mine.
Oh, Bless Him!! Bless Him.

I love God. I just can't get enough of Him - I pray I never do!! I want Him. I want more of Him. He is awesome!!!

A Great Day

I just had to share my day. I have had a wonderful day visiting with two of my favorite cousins. Selina lives in Boise, Idaho, so I don't get to see her but once a year (if I'm lucky). Tina lives in Rural Hall, North Carolina (not too far from Winston-Salem) and I really don't get to see her as often as I would like. They came to my house today. We had brunch and then just had a great time talking and visiting. I enjoyed having them here so much. I only wish they could have stayed longer - maybe even stayed all night. Oh, it would have been wonderful to be able to sit up late and really catch up. But, I am thankful that we had the time together that we did.

I just love my cousins. Although, we have always lived in different states, I have such good memories of these two beautiful women. Now that we are grown, they are more than my cousins, they are my friends, my sisters. They mean so much to me. We just don't get to spend time together very often.
We should really make an effort to see each other more often. I hope to visit Boise some time. That would be an awesome trip. I've never been out West, so it would all be new. That's my goal - to visit Boise. I think it would be fun to drive across country and make stops along the way. I could make a list a mile long of places I would love to see.
Well, if it's God's will, then I will get to visit there. I'm going to pray about it. Just think how much fun we could have and the whole trip would be so educational for Jacob. The best part is that he would be having so much fun, he wouldn't even realize how much he would be learning. Mom tricks are so much fun. You know what I think I will do - I'm going to start saving for my trip now. I'm going to go empty out my change purse right now.
Boise - look out - cause here we come!! (I hope)

Little Victories

Well, today, I've tried so hard to follow the steps I've set before myself.

Take vitamin - check

Drink more water - check

Exercise - uh, well, I meant to - I just didn't get around to it.

But, honestly, I have exercised in a way. I personally believe that such things as carrying loads of laundry up and down the stairs counts for something - as well as sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, dusting and carrying out the garbage. If that doesn't count for something, then I'm tired for nothing.

I actually do feel better today. So, I'm counting that as a small victory.



O.K., now on to something nicer. I've been reading on other blogs that some of my bloggins sisters are in the midst of reading various books of the Bible. So, I want to share what I've begun to read.
I've begun to read the Book of I Samuel. I've always loved the story of King David and I have Beth Moore's study "A Heart Like His" which is about David. But, I wanted to start at the beginning and go all the way through the story of his life. I love the begining of I Samuel. When I was trying to have a baby, I prayed the prayer of Hannah. I could identify with her so deeply. And God heard me, just as He did Hannah.

Now, let me tell you about my wonderful step-children. Amanda is 26 and a beautiful, intelligent young woman. She is engaged to be married to Andy, a sweet young man whom she has dated almost 9 years. The wedding is set for October 20th of this year.
Alex is 22. He is a handsome, compassionate and fun loving young man. He just graduated from college and already has a full time job with the same company as his Dad. We are very proud of both of them. I love them as if they are my own and we have a wonderful relationship. I am very blessed.
Tonight, they brought dinner over to celebrate Father's Day with thier dad. It was so much fun. We took everything outside to the deck and had a wonderful meal. It is so nice to have all three kids here with us. Jacob adores his brother and sister so having them here is like a holiday for him. Alex plays baseball in the back yard with Jacob. Amanda reads or draws with him.
How good is God to give us three terrific kids? I can't imagine any greater blessing here in this world.
And here is the icing on the cake . . . thier Mom and I are good friends. Isn't that wonderful? We can talk on the phone or visit in our homes, we just get along so well. I am blessed by that friendship too because I hear that it is not common for the ex-wife to be friends with the second wife. I just count is as God's grace and enjoy His gift. Not to mention that it makes life easier on all of us involved, especially the kids.

So, there are a few little victories for the day. I just stand amazed at how God is so good to this undeserving sinner. I just love Him so much - how could I not since He loves me so much. I am His and He is mine. I hope you know that you are His and He loves you.

Blessings,
Lisa

Ready for a Change

This has been a difficult week for me. I'm not sure why, but I have been so tired, all I've wanted to do is sleep. Of course, there is way too much to do so, I've just been dragging through all the chores and homework then literally falling into bed at night.
I think I'm not drinking enough water or getting enough exercise (the energizing kind). Actually, my treadmill has a layer of dust on it right now. So, after a week of the yukkies, I'm ready for a change.

First thing I plan to do is, starting right now, drink more water. You see, I'm a Pepsi addict and, if given the choice, I will choose Pepsi every time. I don't like diet drinks - with all the controversy over aspartame, I can't bring myself to drink anything with an artificial sweetner. Nope, it's real sugar for me!! Uh, I mean more water.

Next thing on the list is to take my vitamins everyday. I have a brand new bottle of multi-vitamins for women sitting in the cabinet. I think I've taken two since I bought them three months ago.

Then, I'm dusting off my treadmill. Even if I can only fit in twenty minutes or so, it's better than nothing. I'm on my feet all day, chasing the kiddoes, but it's not the same kind of exercise.

I'm not going to lie and say that I'm excited about this - but, I know it's necessary. I just don't like feeling like this. I have too much going on in my life to get bogged down.

In John 10:10, Jesus tells us that He came so that we might have and enjoy life, and to have it in abundance. I want that. I really want that for me. I want to set a good example for my son. I want to be able to set a good example for the kids in my daycare.
I just want to feel good.

Frank, Jacob and I are going to Charleston, SC next month for vacation and I'm looking forward to having lots of energy for that trip. I love Southern history and Charleston is full of it. I want to feel great so I don't miss any of it.

I'll post more on the Charleston trip later. Maybe by the time I get back I'll know how to post pictures on this blog. Anyone want to send me the "how-to's" for posting pictures?

Anyway, back to my changes - I was inspired by Kitty (kittyhox.blogspot.com) who has received Divine inspiration for an issue of her own. Kitty, you go girl!! I'm with you in prayer for the entire journey.
So, with God's help, I know I can have this victory.
Blessings!!

Another Sister in Christ

I am so excited I can hardly write this post. O.K. let me start at the beginning, which is usually a very good place to start.
I have a cousin, Ginger, who is as close to me as any sister could be. (I have one brother, no sisters). Ginger and I grew up together, spent summers together and shared many great times (well, some were not so great.) We've shared secrets - the kind that we will both take to our grave. She is precious to me - always has been - always will be.

I have been praying for Ginger for a long time, but recently in more specific areas. She and her husband, John have been trying to get pregnant for a long time now. But, if it is God's will, then it just isn't His time. I've prayed for God to let them both know that He is there, even if they don't get pregnant. But, I've also asked God if He could, well, maybe just this once, er, uh, change His mind if He hasn't planned for them to have children. Because, I know what it's like to want one and think it may not happen. Praise His Holy Name that my darling Jacob is part of His plan for me. But, that's another post.

But, more than that, I've been praying for God to touch Ginger's heart. I know that she had never accepted Christ as her personal Savior - or even asked questions for that matter. She rarely went to church until about a year ago. She and John began attending the beautiful old stone church in downtown Roanoke, Virginia where they were married. Then, Ginger joined the choir - I was thrilled to hear about that - even though in the respect of singing, Ginger and I inherited the same amount of talent. But, I felt as if God was drawing her into His world by putting it upon her heart to join in the church activities.
Then, last winter, I was visiting her and she wanted me to help her pick out a Bible that she could easily read. So, off we went to LifeWay Christian Bookstore (my favorite bookstore chain in the world). We found a Holman translation that she likes and a few more things we "needed." But, the important thing is - she wanted a Bible - she desired God's Holy Word. I was so happy to see God working. Well, it only gets better.

About a month ago, Ginger emailed me to ask if I wanted to go to a "Walk to Emmaus" retreat with her. Let me tell you, I did some praising my Lord that day. I just love to watch Him work.
Well, I hadn't talked to Ginger since my birthday last month, but she called me Sunday afternoon. And guess what???

---- are you ready??

---- can you guess??

Yep, God has been working ----- Give Up??

Ginger received Christ as her personal Savior at church on Sunday. She went to the alter and got saved. Whoop! Whoop!
Take that devil!!!! Another Sister in Christ!!! One more for Jesus!!!

I started shouting praises for God and dancing like David. Frank and Jacob came running into the kitchen and sang praises with me.
Oh, what a glorious answer to prayer. I just love God. And just when I think my heart might burst with love for Him, He does something else wonderful and my heart just spills over. He is so awesome.

I am so excited for my cousin, uh, I mean my Sister. What a blessing!
Now, I've got some more family members that I need to turn over to God and let Him do His work.
I think I'll go talk to Him right now. No time like the present.

VBS Week

This has been Vacation Bible School week - six days. I have been the music director which is hilarious because I can't sing, read music or any of those musical things. So, what I do is make big posters of the words to the songs, and stick in a CD. Then I jump around and dance like David, before the Throne of God. You see, I'm a firm believer that God loves to hear us praise Him, whether we meet human voice standards or not. So, that's what I tell the kids and they really have a great time. I wish you could hear them lifting thier voices in praise. I love it, so I know God does too.

But, I admit, that I am very tired. This week has been very full and I'm ready for Saturday morning when I can sleep late - at least until 7:00 a.m. You see, I am up at 5:00 a.m. every morning. So, on Saturday, if I sleep until 7 or (whoo hoo) 8:00 a.m. I feel like I'm really sleeping in.

I've got a new book that I'm looking forward to reading. I picked it up at the bookstore the other day. Other than that, I have no plans. I am so excited.

Sweet Sounds of Summer

Today, I hear the sweet sounds of summer. School here in upper East Tennessee has been officially "out" for summer for about 10 days. Yes, out early - go back too early.

I babysit two little cuties on a daily basis - but during the summer, I have a few extra. Usually, when the regular sitters are busy, then I'm called to fill in. Well, today is one of those days. Today, I have six, count'em, six kiddoes here for the day.

They are:

Jacob - my darling son, who is so excited to have company today.

Jane Ann - my precious little niece, who stays with me daily.

Marisa - my cutie-pie niece, visiting this week from Knoxville for VBS

Chapel - the tow-headed sweetie, who is one of my regulars

Payton - Chapel's older brother, who is terrific with the younger ones

Alyssa - the golden haired beauty who also has a beautiful singing voice

Oh, the noise, the wonderful noise of children laughing and playing. They are getting along so well - so far.

We built a huge tent - using the entire (sectional) couch, two rockers, a table and ten blankets. They arehaving such a good time and they are using thier imaginations. Who could ask for more?? I'll let you know tomorrow how it turns out.

For now, I'm just going to enjoy to the sounds of summer.

AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Do you have one person in your family that absolutely drives you insane? Well, I do. I won't mention any names but I will tell you this - she is my husband's older sister. Now, please don't get me wrong - I love her and I definately pray for her but she can tick me off quicker than anyone I've ever known. I am usually a very tolerant person and the older I get, the longer it takes to make me mad (I used to have a very short fuse - Praise God for healing in that area).
But, one telephone call from "her" and I am blowing my top.

Last night, right in the middle of Vacation Bible School, my cell phone rings - it is her. At first, giving her the benefit of the doubt, I thought she was calling to check on her daughter who is spending the week here to attend VBS (they live about two hours away) - but noooooooooo - she wanted me to jump head first into another family situation that was brewing at that particular moment. Has the gall to tell me it's my duty!!! Uh, the last place any sane person wants to be is in the middle of a family squabble. Besides, did I mention that I was in the middle of VBS??? And, I'm the music leader for VBS. Even if I had thought I should get involved - what was I supposed to do with all those kids waiting to sing? "O.K. kids, here are the words, sing this song about 50 times and I'll be back as soon as I can." Yeah, right.

This is not the first time and I suspect it is far from the last that she calls here trying to micromanage everyones life. My darling husband refers to her as "the crazy sister." I try to be a bit more discerning in my choice of adjectives - but, you know, the man has a point.

O.K., I have vented and feel much better. I sometimes wonder if other families have someone like this among the relatives. If so, how does one deal with a person like this?? So far, I have found that distance is a wonderful thing. I also love caller id - I can just simply ignore the call. Which is what I should have done last night.

I can hardly wait to hear comments on this post. Please, let me know I'm not the only one!!

I've Been Tagged

O.K. - I've been tagged for my firsts meme. I'm not really sure what that means - but I'm going to attempt to play along. It looks like fun.
I received this from Kitty (she is precious). So, here I go . . .

"My Personal Policies"

I think it would be safe to say that we all have personal rules that we live by. Surely it's not just ME. I'm not talking about moral rules, like "Do not kill." I'm talking about the silly policies we impose on ourselves, like "Never eat anything you can't identify," or "Don't step on sidewalk cracks." For some reason, I started mentally listing the quirky rules I follow and got curious about other people's personal rules.

These are my little quirks:

1) My purse should ALWAYS match my outfit - no one purse goes with everything.

2) My lipstick should always match/compliment my outfit - no one lipstick goes with everything.

3) Iron everything except farm clothes. (This actually is a family trait)

4) When exiting the recliner - the footrest should be in the down position.

5) NEVER use anyone else's toothbrush, lipstick, nosespray, make-up brushes - basically, anything having to do with the facial area.

6) All of the hangers should be turned in the same direction - always over the rod - NEVER under.

7) Whoever eats that last cookie in the bag should throw the bag away, not put it back in the cabinet.

As shallow as these may be, I have to claim them as mine. Now, what are yours?

The things I do for my child!

For those of you with a weak stomach - you might want to skip this post.

I have never been labeled as a person who denied a challenge. So, when the following ocurred this week - it seemed like the only possible thing I could do.
Jacob and I were eating dinner together Tuesday evening. Frank was working at the farm, so it was just the two of us. I had prepared corn-on-the-cob, one of Jacob's favorites and one of the few vegetables that he will eat without me begging, pleading or otherwise negotiating the terms.
He had only taken a few bites when he suddenly started spitting the corn back onto the plate and screaming, "my tooth, my tooth." I, first, attempted to calm him down so I could get a grasp on exactly what had happened, but at that moment he could not be consoled.
When I realized what had happened, I checked his mouth and sure enough he had lost a bottom front tooth. The drama was because he couldn't find it. He just wailed "I swallowed my tooth."
So, as any calm and rational mother would do, I tried soothing him by explaining that this kind of thing happens all the time and it will be o.k. He was worried, not only that the Tooth Fairy wouldn't come, but that the tooth would be in his tummy forever.
I then proceeded to explain "no, your tooth will not be in your tummy forever" which then led to a nutshell explanation of the digestive system. I also told him that the Tooth Fairy would completely understand; we could write a note and tell her what had happened.
That wasn't good enough. He wanted his tooth.
So, the next morning, I foolishly thought the whole matter had been forgotten until . . . Jacob had to go to the bathroom. He came to me with tears in those big blue eyes worried that when he went to the bathroom all hope of finding his tooth would be lost. What was a mother do to? My child wanted his tooth and I was going to get it.
So, we pulled out the old potty chair and Jacob did his part - then I took over to finish the race.
Yes, I did!! I donned the rubber gloves, found an old sifter and went on an archeological dig right there in the bathroom.
About half an hour later, when I had gone through, er, uh, everything, I was very disappointed to find nothing - well, not a tooth, anyway. I set my resolve to try again next time and went to take a long, hot shower.
About an hour later, something ocurred to me - I didn't check the corn cob to see if the tooth was stuck in it. So, I found another pair of rubber gloves and headed for the garbage. When I finally found the cob, there was the tooth, still stuck in it, right where Jacob had taken his last bite.
Needless to say, Jacob was thrilled and I was "the bestest Mommy in the whole, wide world." The look on that sweet little face was worth anything I had to do to find that tooth.
But, the story doesn't end there. I am almost positive I heard God chuckle. You see, I make an effort to pray over everything - especially the little things. I pray when I can't find something, when I need a new idea for dinner, or when I'm looking for a parking space at WalMart. So, why didn't I pray to find the tooth? It might have saved me some, uh, digging. But, I didn't - I just dove right in. SuperMom to the rescue.
Now that it is all over, I am convinced that if I had simply gone to God, He would have given me the thought to check the corn cob first.
But, then again, maybe He wanted to remind me of all the times He has had to put on the rubber gloves to clean up one of my messes. I'm sure that when He was digging through the stuff, He was shaking His head saying, "the things I do for My child."