Deuteronomy 6:5-9

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

We got our family portraits taken at Portrait Innovations. I bought the cd with the rights to the pictures, I even made sure I could post them on our blog. So here are some of the pictures. All of the pictures are on our facebook account. They let me post more there.

Me and the most handsome man, my hubby.

The boys
The girls
There are better family shots on our facebook account.

Ethan at 4 years old (wow)
Our beautiful and very mature Taylor (11 years old)
Our ever so fun Andrew (2 years old)
The best baby ever Tabitha (7 months old)

Monday, December 15, 2008

On Mission

This coming Sunday, December 21 at 6:30 pm

Come support The Durham Rescue Mission. We are collecting food donations and a love offering to support the ongoing work of the mission. The Durham Rescue Missions’ victory choir will be singing & sharing stories of changed lives. Rev. Ernie Mills will also be sharing a message. Refreshments will be served after the service.

Parkwood Baptist Church
1515 Clermont Rd
Durham, NC 27713

www.pbcnc.org

I would love for you all to attend and support this wonderful ministry. Bring some can food and money to donate. Forward this on to all of your friends! Email me if you need more info.
Thanks,
Heather

Monday, December 8, 2008

Date night

So the Saturday after Thanksgiving we were so blessed to be able to go on a date with our great friends, the Trunicks. The Trunicks were down for the Thanksgiving holiday. They moved to NC about 2 1/2 years ago, and moved back up north about 5 months ago. We had an amazing friendship from the moment we all met. Martie and I have never met another couple with views so in line with ours. Martie was just saying to me the other day, that he and Bill have not found one thing they disagree on. (when it comes to theology)

When we get together, we always have the best time. I'll miss them this new year. I remember our first new years together. We went to their house and played monopoly until 4 something in the morning. We never did finish the game. It ended up being between Bill and Carrie, so they finished the game the next morning.
Since they moved we have been blessed to meet so many new friends. God has been so gracious to us, and He has brought so many great people into our lives. One couple is Rob and Danielle. They are new friends of ours, and they came over for Thanksgiving also. They were also the ones who gave us the great coupons for our date. I am so thankful that God has brought each of these amazing people into our lives.

O.k. so on with the date.... Let me just say for the record..... YOU WILL NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ME GOING PROFESSIONAL.......EVER! (unless they come up with a league, the lowest scorer) Our scores will remain sealed, for only us to know. hehehehe


I guess I need to make up my own rules!

Bill and Carrie

All of us

Me and my handsome husband. (I love him)

The night began at Johnny Corino's for dinner. We all loved our meals. The electricity flashed off a couple of times, but came back on. (weird) Then we went bowling in East Durham. The night ended with some yummy cheesecake at the Cheesecake factory by our house. So sad to see the night end. Did I mention I bought myself some new NON-MATERNITY jeans, and got a haircut for this date. I really went all out. What do you expect for the first date in 2 years?

Friday, November 28, 2008

Thanksgiving fun!!!

We had a GREAT Thanksgiving. We actually stayed at home and cooked. I've never cooked Thanksgiving dinner before. So like I told my mom, "I guess I'm a big girl now". hahaha! I really enjoyed preparing all of the food. However, I enjoyed the company even more! We had some new friends over (Rob and Danielle), the Trunick family, and Bill's sister Jamey. We had a full house, but I tried to make it as comfortable as possible. The kids did wonderfully! Because they had not seen eachother in a while, they played in their bedroom most of the time.

Before Thanksgiving the kids and I worked on some neat crafts. They enjoyed helping me prepare for our company.

Our CUTE turkeys.
Martie became a little obsessive with getting his turkey just right! I stopped him before he tried to give them feet. hahaha! One of the many things I LOVE about him.

My sister got in on the fun.These were corn on the cob place settings.

We ate around 1:00. We then enjoyed sitting around talking. My favorite part of the day was when Martie read Psalm 136. Then we went around and told things that we were thankful for. Wow! What a way to reflect on God's goodness. He has been so merciful to us! I really think the day was God honoring, I was so excited to host the occasion!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Date idea?????

Our very good friends the Trunicks are coming in town for Thanksgiving. Saturday night we get to slip away for a double date night. Martie and I haven't been on a "date" since ummm...... about 2 years ago when we were with the Trunicks before. I know, pathetic! You know how crazy our life gets. We haven't even celebrated an anniversary since our 1st one. Now, that's really pathetic.

Anyway, let's move on to something more encouraging. We have a date!!!! So what do we do??? We need ideas. Carrie and I talked about a movie, but we really want to talk. We haven't seen each other in about 5 months. The last date about 2 years ago, we went out to eat and then to witness at Southpoint. You're thinking "witness" on a date? Yeap!!! The best date ever. We almost got kicked out. I didn't know you couldn't even talk about your faith in the mall. Well, apparently not at Southpoint.

So give us your ideas!!!! I'm so excited!!!! Time with our friends and time with each other.

In the mean time pray for Martie as he has so much to do this week. (papers, reading, sermon prep, oh and he started back UPS this week) He hurt his back a few weeks ago, so he's been out of work for a while.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Birthdays and pictures...

This is Taylor and the boys making a cake for Daddy. Isn't she awesome?

November is a busy month for us. Martie and Taylor's birthdays are in November along with my sister and his sister. Tabitha also hit the 6 months mark! Wow, how time flies! My precious "baby" girl Taylor is now 11!!! Can you believe that? This birthday it really hit me. She is growing up so fast. She is becoming such a beautiful and loving young lady. Well here are the newest pictures. Enjoy!

These last pictures were taken last Sunday before church.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Ethan's Prayer...

I've had a little cold today, and I haven't been feeling up to much. So Ethan said before dinner, "Mommy we need to pray for you". I said o.k. we will. So, we sit down to eat. I prayed and we started eating. About 5 minutes later, Ethan says, " mom we forgot to pray for you". Daddy says, "o.k. Ethan let's pray" Then Daddy and Ethan go back and forth about who is going to pray. Eventually Ethan agrees to pray first and then Daddy will follow.

So here's Ethan prayer...

Dear God,
Please help mommy to feel better and
please God please change mommy's heart.
Amen.

I could not hold in the laughter! I don't even know what Martie prayed for after that. All I know is my 3 year old just prayed for my heart to be changed. How funny is that, he knows I'm in need of a heart change.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

America Has Chosen a President by Al Mohler
Posted: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 at 5:04 am ET

The election of Sen. Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States came as a bang, not a whimper. The tremors had been perceptible for days, maybe even weeks. On Tuesday, America experienced nothing less than a political and cultural earthquake.

The margin of victory for the Democratic ticket was clear. Americans voted in record numbers and with tangible enthusiasm. By the end of the day, it was clear that Barack Obama would be elected with a majority of the popular vote and a near landslide in the Electoral College. When President-Elect Obama greeted the throngs of his supporters in Chicago's Grant Park, he basked in the glory of electoral energy.

For many of us, the end of the night brought disappointment. In this case, the disappointment is compounded by the sense that the issues that did not allow us to support Sen. Obama are matters of life and death -- not just political issues of heated debate. Furthermore, the margin of victory and sense of a shift in the political landscape point to greater disappointments ahead. We all knew that so much was at stake.

For others, the night was magical and momentous. Young and old cried tears of amazement and victory as America elected its first African-American President -- and elected him overwhelmingly. Just forty years after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, an African-American stood to claim victory as President-Elect of the nation. As Sen. Obama assured the crowd in Chicago and the watching nation, "We will get there. We will get there." No one hearing those words could fail to hear the refrain of plaintive words spoken in Memphis four decades ago. President-Elect Obama would stand upon the mountaintop that Dr. King had foreseen.

That victory is a hallmark moment in history for all Americans -- not just for those who voted for Sen. Obama. As a nation, we will never think of ourselves the same way again. Americans rich and poor, black and white, old and young, will look to an African-American man and know him as President of the United States. The President. The only President. The elected President. Our President.

Every American should be moved by the sight of young African-Americans who -- for the first time -- now believe that they have a purchase in American democracy. Old men and old women, grandsons and granddaughters of slaves and slaveholders, will look to an African-American as President.

Regardless of politics, could anyone remain unmoved by the sight of Jesse Jackson crying alone amidst the crowd in Chicago? This dimension of Election Day transcends politics and touches the heart of the American people.

Yet, the issues and the politics remain. Given the scale of the Democratic victory, the political landscape will be completely reshaped. The fight for the dignity and sanctity of unborn human beings has been set back by a great loss, and by the election of a President who has announced his intention to sign the Freedom of Choice Act into law. The struggle to protect marriage against its destruction by redefinition is now complicated by the election of a President who has declared his aim to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. On issue after issue, we face a longer, harder, and more protracted struggle than ever before.

Still, we must press on as advocates for the unborn, for the elderly, for the infirm, and for the vulnerable. We must redouble our efforts to defend marriage and the integrity of the family. We must be vigilant to protect religious liberty and the freedom of the pulpit. We face awesome battles ahead.

At the same time, we must be honest and recognize that the political maps are being redrawn before our eyes. Will the Republican Party decide that conservative Christians are just too troublesome for the party and see the pro-life movement as a liability? There is the real danger that the Republicans, stung by this defeat, will adopt a libertarian approach to divisive moral issues and show conservative Christians the door.

Others will declare these struggles over, arguing that the election of Sen. Obama means that Americans in general -- and many younger Evangelicals in particular -- are ready to "move on" to other issues. This is no time for surrender or the abandonment of our core principles. We face a much harder struggle ahead, but we have no right to abandon the struggle.

We should look for opportunities to work with the new President and his administration where we can. We must hope that he will lead and govern as the bridge-builder he claimed to be in his campaign. We must confront and oppose the Obama administration where conscience demands, but work together where conscience allows.

Evangelical Christians face another challenge with the election of Sen. Obama, and a failure to rise to this challenge will bring disrepute upon the Gospel, as well as upon ourselves. There must be absolutely no denial of the legitimacy of President-Elect Obama's election and no failure to accord this new President the respect and honor due to anyone elected to that high office. Failure in this responsibility is disobedience to a clear biblical command.

Beyond this, we must commit ourselves to pray for this new President, for his wife and family, for his administration, and for the nation. We are commanded to pray for rulers, and this new President faces challenges that are not only daunting but potentially disastrous. May God grant him wisdom. He and his family will face new challenges and the pressures of this office. May God protect them, give them joy in their family life, and hold them close together.

We must pray that God will protect this nation even as the new President settles into his role as Commander in Chief, and that God will grant peace as he leads the nation through times of trial and international conflict and tension.

We must pray that God would change President-Elect Obama's mind and heart on issues of our crucial concern. May God change his heart and open his eyes to see abortion as the murder of the innocent unborn, to see marriage as an institution to be defended, and to see a host of issues in a new light. We must pray this from this day until the day he leaves office. God is sovereign, after all.

Without doubt, we face hard days ahead. Realistically, we must expect to be frustrated and disappointed. We may find ourselves to be defeated and discouraged. We must keep ever in mind that it is God who raises up nations and pulls them down, and who judges both nations and rulers. We must not act or think as unbelievers, or as those who do not trust God.
America has chosen a President. President-Elect Barack Obama is that choice, and he faces a breathtaking array of challenges and choices in days ahead. This is the time for Christians to begin praying in earnest for our new President. There is no time to lose.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Challenge...

Last night at our "Women's Fellowship Night" we had some very deep and interesting discussions. First of all I have to tell you, It wasn't all women. My hubby got trapped in our discussions. He didn't have to go to work. There is something that I wanted to pass along to you all. Martie asked what is going to change this world??? Could there be another "great awakening"??? Is it possible???

After thinking for a while, we came up with all kinds of answers. Then Martie brought it back to the elementary truths... The Gospel! That is the only thing that can change this world that is the only thing that can change people. We as Christians have failed! When was the last time you shared your faith? When was the last time you were excited about the Lord, and wanted to share it with a LOST person.

Christians, brothers, sisters... we need to get out of our Christian "ghettos". We need to share the gospel. No, it's not going to be easy. People are not going to like you. Jesus said they hated Him first, they will hate us too. That's not very encouraging is it? Why do we act surprised when lost people act lost? Why do we act surprised when elections come around? We can't change the world!!! But, God can, through us.

We need to get out there! Get our hands and feet dirty!!! I challenge you all share your faith with ONE person today. Leave me a comment let me know how it goes. Let's encourage each other, rejoice with each other, sharpen each other.....only to go out and do it again!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

I'm starting a new business!!!

Yes, you heard me right. A few people close to me have suggested this new "business adventure". Most of you know we are trying to find a way to allow Martie to quit his part-time job. So this is where I come in. I believe that it is my role to try to help provide for our family in ANY way I can. Whether that's clipping coupons, recycling, at home jobs, whatever it may be. Anyway, that can be a whole other discussion.

So here's my new "business":
www.graspingthespindle.com

I have been up very late building the web site, and it's still not finished. I have lot's more pictures to load. I also need to write a lot more info. and prices. Anyway for now you can look and see my idea. Tell me what you think. Taylor is also going to be involved in this, as I seek to train her in taking care of her family. (She also wants me to add a link of some jewelry she's making) :-) That will be coming soon!

Spread the word! Thanks!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

So I've been tagged by Jennifer, and I guess in all fairness I must play along. This should be very interesting. Get ready!!!

THE RULES:
* Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
* Share 7 little known facts about yourself on your blog.
* Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
* Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here we go...

1. I am very passionate about adoption. We'll see where God leads us.

2. I really LOVE my minivan. (bring on the 15 passenger)

3. I really love to help children or teens who don't have much or that come from crazy homes.

4. I love gardening, but hate the work.

5. I'm excited to see how many children God will give us.

6. I'm really o.k. with our small house.

7. I will miss Tuesday nights with my children at chick-fil-a, if my hubby quits UPS. (we won't be able to afford it then. :-)

O.k. so here are the people I tag:
Carrie

Sarah

Kami

Laura

Kelly

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Tabitha @ 4 months

I haven't done an update on Tabitha in a while. Well, she is probably our best "baby". Meaning, she NEVER cries, smiles all the time, sleeps ALL night. Now, don't get me wrong all of the children have been great babies. The thing that sets her apart is her love for SLEEP. If you know me, you know I go to bed late (when Martie gets home), and I wake up early. The boys took forever to sleep through the night, and when they did they got up between 6 and 7. Now they sleep until about 7.

Now Tabitha... she goes to bed when they do at 8:00 and sleeps until..... I wake her up. Crazy, huh? I usually wake her up about 8:00/8:30. I like to keep her on schedule. She has adjusted great to the boys schedule. She never fought naps or going to bed at night. I know, I am special. Remember, I did not have that with the boys. Taylor was another story of her own. First baby, I didn't have a clue. Schedule? What was that? I let her tell me what she wanted, sometimes she didn't even know. (side note: I love "Baby Wise")

So Tabitha has been such a blessing to our family. The children all love her so much. Here are her latest pictures from this morning before church. She's wearing the dress Nanny made her before she died. :-( Doesn't she look just beautiful, oh and that smile.

My favorite Tabitha in the whole world!

Friday, October 3, 2008

Update on Andrew

I took Andrew back to the doctor this morning. I was able to make an appointment with his doctor. The one that we've seen since he was born. I really think a lot of him. (Martie does too) So Dr. Wang is convinced it is a bug/spider bite. He poked a hole in the blister and drained it a little. He wanted to make sure there was no infection. It should start to get better.


While we were there, he heard Andrew coughing so he decided to listen to him. He said that he is very close to needing a prescription. Dr. Wang doesn't like kids on antibiotics for just anything. I love that about him. So before we left this is the conclusion we came to... He gave us the prescription for the antibiotic. In a day or so, if Andrew's cough gets any worse, then get the prescription filled. He prescribed one that will be good for his 'cold' and for skin infections.


I thought that was a good decision, and I'm feeling pretty comfortable. It still looks bad, but hopefully we'll see some progress from here on out. Oh, and I took my camera this time and showed him the progression pictures. (I know, I'm slightly crazy)


This morning, before we saw Dr. Wang


This evening, after Dr. Wang drained the blister

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Frustration with doctors...

Monday night, after our trip to BJ's, I took the children to Chick-fil-A. While we were sitting there Andrew said, "ouch bug bite me". Then he showed me the inside of his hand. He had a scratch so I said, "no honey you have a scratch". Then he grabbed his side and said, "ouch bug bite me again". In a panic Taylor said, "mom get him up". We searched him and found nothing, except he had the chills all over.
The next morning around 9:00 am the boys were playing in the living room, when we heard Andrew start crying. Taylor ran in there and Ethan ran away. Andrew said Ethan hit him. Andrew was sitting in the big purple chair and Ethan was standing in the middle of the floor. Hmmmmm, we looked and saw a red spot on the top of his hand. After talking to Ethan, I came to the conclusion that Ethan hit him on his hand. He said he hit him with an open hand. (not with anything) So we watched it through the day. By lunch I was concerned, it was now red with some swelling. Martie said to just wait and keep watching it. By 4:00 pm it had a little white pimple looking thing on it. So I called the doctor, and they saw us right away.

Conclusion.... spider bite.... remember the night before at chick-fil-a? So maybe when Ethan hit him is when we noticed it? After Chick-fil-a we brought him straight home and put him to bed. (he was already asleep)

After the doctor trip, I came home and gave him a bath. They went to my dad and step moms last night. I had a mom's night out. I told them if it looked worse to call me. Around 9:30 they called and said the "pimple" now looked like a wart. A big wart like blister. I told them that Martie would be there in a little while let him look at it. (I would probably over react) He called me at 11:00 pm and asked me to meet him at the hospital. It looked a lot worse. Martie DOESN'T over react.

So the hospital experience was terrible. Three hours later, a doctor comes in and looks at it and says it looks like a burn. I assured her it was NOT a burn. I would know if he burned himself. He would have really cried if he burned himself on something. Well she insisted that it was a burn and put some neosporin on it with a band-aid. Thanks a lot for NOTHING!!! She spent maybe 2 minutes in there. I should have showed her the pictures of the progression, however I didn't think of it.

So, here we are a day later. I think it looks worse, but who knows. At this point I'm starting to think I'm crazy. We didn't get home with all the kids until 3 this morning. What do you all think?

The first picture 4:00 Tuesday afternoon.

At the hospital Tuesday night. (11:30 pm)


This morning. (Wednesday)

Before church tonight. (Wednesday @ 5:00 pm)

It's hard to see in these pictures, but the blister is the same size as the whole spot.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Coupons...

Last night my family and I went to BJ's warehouse store. We got one of those free membership things in the mail. I knew that BJ's accepted coupons, but I didn't know all the 'rules'.

When we got there, they completely made it difficult to resist buying the membership. For joining they give you a $10 coupon, 2 months free, and a bunch of extra coupons. After shopping and using that $10 coupon, I could then decide and if I didn't want the membership I could get a full refund. (what's there to lose?)

So their rules to coupons... They accept all manufacturers coupon, as a matter of fact they will take up to 3 manufacturer coupons for one item. (since things there are sold in bulk) BJ's also puts out there own coupons. You can only use one of their coupons, since they're designed for their store. However, you can use 1 BJ's coupon and 3 manufacturers coupons together! Wow!!! Now that's savings.

Don't forget, you still need to know your prices vs. quantity. Happy shopping!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Homeschool Video

This is a must see video! I want to watch the whole sermon. My hubby emailed it to me.

Here's the link if you're interested in buying the DVD set. Martie said this guy is a solid Christian, he's pretty sure his theology is right on.

http://www.americanvision.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1790

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Like mother, like daughter...

So Taylor and I did our Saturday cleaning. I like to clean really good Saturday, so I don't have to do anything Sunday. Oops it's 12:58 am. right now, so I guess it's Sunday, so I went a little over. Anyway, I wanted to clean a few extras tonight. So Taylor and I were cleaning the bathroom. I was scrubbing the bathtub, and she had the toothbrush cleaning. (you know all those little corners and under the soap dish, YUCK) I think Taylor really enjoyed the Clorox Cleanup.

Once she finished that, she walked by the kitchen sink and said, "mom I think the kitchen sink needs to be bleached". I told her I already sprayed it down, it just needed to be wiped. She immediately volunteered. Then she came back into the bathroom, "I'll bleach these sinks now". I had to slow her down. It's o.k. Taylor I already cleaned them with pine sol. She was pretty persistent that we bleach them, but I insisted they were clean enough.

Have I ruined her? She loves a clean house as much as I do.

I love this girl!!!

Friday, September 12, 2008

On the way back up... I think

So, I took Ethan to the doctor today. He just wasn't getting any better. They gave him antibiotics and said he has bronchitis. He could hear some rattling/fluid in his chest. Poor boy, he sounds terrible.

Martie is still having a little dizziness. I think it's from his crazy schedule. (full time pastor, part time UPS, full time seminary, family w/ 4 children) What do you think? I thank God for him and for his willingness to suffer and work hard to support us. God is faithful and will get us or him through this. On the flip side, he LOVES school. Except all the assignments. He was up all night last night working on 2 papers and then went to school all day today.

Tabitha I think is better. It's hard to tell w/her. She's eating a little better. Me, Taylor, and Andrew are all great. So I guess we're on the road to recovery.
So here are some of the most recent pictures:




Yes he is fast asleep!! (standing up)

Awwww! I love how he loves her.

This is our funny dog eating bubbles.

The boys right before they went to bed.

Can you believe she is 3 months old now?

Poor Ethan felt so sick.

I LOVE his smile!