Mary's Going To Australia

Mary told us last fall that she wanted to put her name in for taking a missions trip during the summer of 09 with her school. We told her that would be fine, but she'd have to raise the funds. She was interviewed by the some of the Missions people at the school, and they asked her to do the Australia trip. She had to raise $3800. She sent out letters to friends and family, and did get the $3800 (and then a bit extra) she needed in order to be able to go. It was so neat to see how God used so many people to get her where He wants her to be. She is very excited and leaves on July 6th to fly out to California to meet up with the rest of the group. They will return home on July 25th. We are excited for her and it is wonderful to see her growing in the Lord and He shows her His will for her life. Please pray for her and the whole group as they go to witness to others this summer.

Attack Bunny

Sometime last week I looked out our family room window, and saw a cute bunny. All of a sudden it took of across the yard and started chasing birds. I've never seen a rabbit do that, so I kept watching. Any time birds would land on the ground under our bird feeder, the bunny would chase them away. Then, she would go back to a certain spot in the middle of the yard. The bunnies usually live under our shed, so I wondered what she was doing. We found out a few days later, as TJ was mowing the backyard. Two bunnies were in a small little hole, which he didn't see until one jumped up into the lawn mower blades. EWW, the other one stayed in the hole and was fine. Anyway, the mother bunny must have been feeding her babies the day we saw her attacking birds to keep them away.

Happy Birthday, Theron!!

Theron turned 48 yesterday. We had a great evening. He had to work all day, but was able to relax after that. I believe everyone should get off of work on their birthday, but life in the real world doesn't always work that way. We'll make up for it on our getaway next weekend. :) His sister, Shonia and his parents contributed to his Birthday week, too. He's in FL and GA today and tomorrow, so we'll finish celebrating when we head to FL to get the girls. :) You can't just celebrate your birthday in one or two days!! We had his favorite for dinner...chicken-n-dumplins with yellow rice, corn, rolls, and a salad. Followed by cake and ice cream, of course.

Theron opening up some of his gifts.

Theron with two of our kids and two of his gifts!

Theron and his GPS

Theron with his gift from Jo and Dave.


Theron & me snuggling before we ate some yummy birthday cake.

The birthday chair. Sam decorated it for him when she decorated the kitchen and table.

Theron blew out the candles so quickly I didn't hit the camera button in time to catch it. :)

My sweet husband. I am so thankful that God blessed me with Theron. He is a wonderful husband to me and great dad to our kids. He works very hard to provide for us, and lets us know every day how much he loves us. We love you, Theron, you're the best!

Easter 2009

Easter Sunday is always such a special day for us. It is such a blessed holiday when we celebrate our Savior's resurrection. My favorite "Easter" song is Our God Reigns. We sang it as a congregation on Sunday morning, and it always touches my soul to hear the words sung by such a large group of people. We had to have two services at our church so we could fit everyone in. The choir stayed for both services as we sung in both...so I got to sing and hear "Our God Reigns" twice, so a double blessing! :) Some of the words are:
"Out of the tomb He came with grace and majesty. He is alive! He is alive! God loves us so, see here His hands, His feet, His side. Yes, we know He is alive! Our God reigns!" Praise the Lord!! It always overwhelms me that even as He died on the cross for me, He knew all the sins I would commit, and still loved me enough to lay down His life for me. He truly is an awesome God.
Here are a few pictures of our day.

Andre, TJ , Johnny, and Joey eating at our choir breakfast between services. Some of the ladies made some dishes and Heather coordinated it for us. Thanks, it was great!!
The boys being silly, as usual!

Mallory, Mikaela, and Joe (and Joe's FIL)

Rachael and two of her cute kids! Charlie was playing in another part of the room. :)

TJ, Nancy, Theron, and Samantha

(that's two of my good friends in the background...Lori and Darlene)

Another shot of us...I need to crop these a bit, but wanted to get them on here while I have a few minutes!

Nancy & Theron...I look awful in this one, but love Theron's look. :)

After lunch, I sat on the deck and read awhile. It was a bit chilly, but I took a blanket out with me and read and took pictures.

Since I didn't like my picture taken at church, I asked Theron to take another one with me. He had already changed by the time I got back, so he had me sit on his lap to cover his casual clothes. haha He's so cuddly! See the roses in the background? He got those for me "just because" last Tuesday. What a sweetie!