God is so very Faithful

I am a worrier by nature. I try (at times) to stop worrying and hand it to God. I have gotten better in some areas, Randle and the girls, but when it comes to bills, it never fails. I can make myself almost physically sick over it. Since we lost the job at Potawotami last year, God has been showing me that really my worrying really coming from my not trusting and having faith in Him. I just love it when He shows me things like this. I say that honestly and sarcastically. Honestly, I love that He cares enough about me that He will show me ways to grow. Sarcastically, I think, "like I didn't have enough to worry about!" This is not all that He is teaching me, but right now it is the strongest. He has supplied everything we have needed.

We, Randle and I, wanted to stay together rather than me come to AL early to find a house, but couldn't make it work. The night were moving Randle said that he just couldn't stay in IN by himself. So we packed a moving truck at the last minute. That night, as we were finishing up, my mom called. She had found a house that was perfect, no lease, $400 a month (that is $200 cheaper than anything we had found) and it kept us in the Shelby County School System. GOD GAVE US A HOUSE RIGHT AT THE TIME WE NEEDED IT. He didn't' give us planning time, or wiggle room, He gave it right at the right time. WOW!!!

Randle had unemployment, but it really wasn't enough and we were going through our back up money really quickly. Randle got a temp job, that pays just enough to keep us afloat. GOD GAVE US A JOB RIGHT AT THE TIME WHEN WE HAD TO HAVE IT!

Randle started working with Campus Life. We have to raise our own support. Through that Randle was able to have a side job when the temp job ended. AGAIN, GOD CAME THROUGH RIGHT IN TIME.

The side job ended, and the temp job began. AGAIN GOD LINED THINGS UP.

We got behind on a couple of bills. We were, embarrassing as it is to say, in danger of having the phone, and power turned off at different points. I cried and stressed and worried. Through different ways, GOD SUPPLIED EXACTLY WHAT WE NEEDED.

I am really trying to learn these lessons. God will always give us what we need. He knows before we ask, and He hears our prayers. God also has perfect timing. I am hoping that I have these lessons now. I am apparently a lot more stubborn than I even realized.

God is amazing, and will ALWAYS care for His children. All we have to do is have faith, ask, and then wait patiently. I will now sit and practice patience, b/c I know that God already has lined up what we will do next whether the temp job will end at the beginning of the year or not. He will take care of our family. We just have to wait, and I will keep looking at all He has done for us up to now, and know that He has a plan, and it will all work for good in the end! PRAISE GOD!!!!

Crazy Christmas Schudules

Today started our many family Christmas parties and gatherings. The morning started with Randle and I teaching the High School Sunday School Class for the first time. Then KOR (Kids of the Rock) did their Christmas program. It was really cute. We had so many people come to see them. My mom and dad, Randle, Brenda and Julia, Mamaw and Pawpaw Catfish, Mamaw Foster, and even Miss Harris. I was so excited to see Miss Harris. The kids did an excellent job.

Then we headed straight from church to my Aunt Lib and Uncle Mickey's lake house for the Adams' Christmas gathering. I got to see several aunts, uncles, and cousins that honestly I haven't seen in years. It was nice. We ate lots of GREAT food, and then did a craft with the kids. We took water bottles and filled them 1/2 full of chicken feed. Then Randle read the Christmas story, as he read we had the kids put in items from the story. They put in a baby, an angel, 3 crowns, music notes, a gift, a nail, a light, etc. Then we put more seed in to fill it about 3/4 of the way. It ends up being a 3D I Spy game. They really seemed to like it. Each family also got a printed copy of the "Christmas Story" and a list of the hidden items. Then we went in and the kids opened their gifts. After we got that all cleaned up the adults played Dirty Santa. It was a lot of fun. After we got most everything cleaned up we headed home. The girls went straight to bed, with lots of excitement about playing with their new toys tomorrow.

This is the first of our Christmas Gatherings. We also have a Foster Gathering, Chapel Gathering, Zbinden Gathering, Christmas Eve at my Grandmothers, Christmas Eve breakfast with Randle's Dad and Brenda, as well as sometime with my mom and dad and Randle's mom. Lot's to look forward to. I know the girls will love meeting all of their cousins.

Well, we made it through another very busy weekend. We started out at Westover's Christmas Parade. It was really good. After the parade they had hot dogs, chips an drinks that they were handing out. So after the girls ate a hot dog we headed to the Christmas Party. This time it was the Foster Christmas gathering. The girls had a blast playing with their cousins again. This time their were five girls (including mine) and one little boy. They pretty much stayed outside with the dog, or upstairs with the toys. It was a lot of fun to see everyone again. We played Dirty Santa again. After the party, we were supposed to go to Randle's Nana's house and help get out Christmas decorations. She was tired from a busy night before and cancelled. So we went shoe shopping for the girls instead. Both of them were wearing shoes that were too small. We found great deals at Target. Harley's were actually only 3.50. I was super excited about that. Then we had to run back to Shay's house b/c I left my moms camera and needed it for the next day. We got home around 8 or 9 and got ready for church the next day. Sunday the girls and I went to see the Nutcracker at the BJCC. It was really good. Harley liked all of it except the last 5 minutes of the girls dancing with the toys. After the ballet we rushed to meet Randle in Chelsea and headed to small group. It was a nice night. We had two new families come and we talked about how to keep Jesus in the center of our kids minds at Christmas. Then home to try and get ready for the coming week.

Well, I lost time and didn't keep updating after or gatherings, but we had another parade and then the Zbinden gathering. We were late for the gathering and didn't' get to see everyone, but had fun seeing those we did. We got to see Nana a bit more than normal and that was nice. We had Christmas with Randle's dad the Monday before Christmas. The four cousins, Natalie, Harley, Carson and Micayla, had a blast playing together. Randle, Jessica, Michael (Jess's boyfriend) and Randle Sr. and I played LRC. It was a great night. Harley got to go to her Ballet class party. We had Christmas with my mom on Christmas Eve around 3. I don't think either one of my brother appreciated this, but we wanted to spend Christmas day at home with the girls. After that we went to Family Communion at New Life. Then to my grandmother's for her Christmas. The girls got to play with Victoria and LOVED that. Christmas day we did our family tradition. We get up eat breakfast and go to church. After church (the local Lutheran church) we come home eat lunch (usually hot dogs and sandwiches) we read the Christmas Story and open gifts. We stayed home all day and let the girls play with all of their new things.

December had become a very rushed month for us now that we are near family again. While I miss the quiet nights around the tree and relaxing on the weekends, it is nice for the girls to play with cousins. I have irreplaceable memories of running after cousins and playing all kinds of games at family gatherings. I hope that my girls get to remember it both ways. We are heading back to normal life now, with school starting Tuesday. I have to say I love having Natalie at home and hate to have school starting back. We are now officially in 2010 and I can't wait to see what it holds for my family.

"I feel like I'm 10" Natalie says

Today I had to take Natalie to the doctor for a cough. I try not to be THAT parent and run in every time they sneeze, but Nat's coughs have been an alarm for upcoming trouble since we have been down here. Anyway, while we were there Natalie wanted us to talk to the dr. about deodorant. She had asked a few days before, saying that some of her friends were wearing it. I had told her we could talk to the dr, because I didn't know how it could affect her. She wanted me to ask the dr, but I told her she had to ask. We talked about her cough and her asthma and the dr was leaving the room. I told Dr. McAfee that Natalie had one more thing she wanted to talk to her about. I was of course smiling so she knew something was up. Natalie got all embarrassed and was trying to cover her face. Before she could say anything, Harley blurts out, "She wants to know if she can wear deodorant." Dr. McAfee asked how old she was and if she has started smelling any thing when she was hot. Honestly she (Nat) doesn't smell that bad when she gets hot, but it is colder now. The dr. said she could start, but to put on just a little bit. Natalie was ecstatic. After we left the dr office she couldn't wait to go to WalMart and buy it. We stopped at the Mission Possible in Irondale, Sams (for lunch) , the Bank in Chelsea and finally Wal Mart. We went straight to the health and beauty department. After several minutes she decided against the sparkly Teen Spirit for the Degree Girl. She loved that it was a tropical smell. She couldn't wait to tell her Dad, and called him at work to tell him before we even left the store. While we were walking around she kept saying how she felt embarrassed, scared, excited all and the same time and didn't know how to describe it. She finally said, "I feel like I am 10 or something!" She then asked how I had felt when I first wore deodorant. I told her that I couldn't remember, but that I would blog this for her so that when she was a mommy, she could look it up and tell her daughter. After Randle got home she showed him her new deodorant and put some on. She was very cute. She is certainly growing up and loving every minute of it. I love her so much. Watching all of the changes take place is amazing. She is way too smart for her own good, and I can't wait to see what God is going to do with her life.

The Excitment of Christmas Coming (Harley's Understanding of Christmas Decorations)

Today while Natalie was at school I pulled out the Christmas decorations. I don't necessarily have that many, and they aren't fancy, but they are mine. Some are from my mom or Randle's aunt and Nana, some are things I received as a child from family, and others we have added. My absolute favorite is our Advent Wreath. Randle and I went shopping after Christmas last year and got it on a great sale. It is beautiful. I can't wait to start it next Sunday. I hated to decorate without Natalie, but once I started pulling out boxes the excitement in Harley started bubbling out. Her eyes got even brighter, if that is possible, and she started jumping up and down. She helped me carefully unwrap, and clean each piece, then clean and pack up our regular decorations. She was adamant that we keep it a secret from Natalie and surprise her when we got home. Natalie in return for not getting to help with all of the initial decorating got to set up Thier Nativity on the coffee table (Little People) and got to pick which stocking she wanted to use this year. I love the excitement in the girls as Christmas approaches. What made today so special though, was that while we were pulling out all of the decorations Harley said, "Mommy, I know why we decorate the house and make it special pretty." When I asked why she replied with an amazing answer. "It isn't because we get gifts, or anything, it is because we decorate for Jesus's birthday. We like banners at our birthday parties, but He likes trees, and ornaments, and lights, and pretend Him's to decorate His." I said "Your right, we do decorate to celebrate Jesus's birthday, that is the whole reason for the celebration, without him it would be just an ordinary day, and a very sad life. But what is a "pretend Him?" Her reply is classic Harley, "Mommy, your not supposed to ask questions if you know the answer, remember? It is the baby in the nativity (which sounded more like mapivity), they didn't have camera's then!" My little girls have the truth in their hearts even if it is jumbled in their heads. I LOVE IT. Natalie was very excited to find her "surprise" at home and loved setting up the Nativity. I love this season with the girls!

Wow, what a weekend

Our Thanksgiving started on Wednesday with Shrimp and Grits with Celia, Charlie and Nana. It was great! The girls had a blast getting to see everyone, and playing with the dogs. We loved getting to visit with them. We haven't seen them since we moved down. We had a lot of fun watching Celia teach the girls to juggle with scarves. They did really well.

Then on Thursday we went to my mom's for Thanksgiving lunch. The girls had fun playing in the treehouse, and playing the Cookie game. After lunch everyone was looking at the sales ads getting ready for all the deals on Friday. My grandparents found a computer that they wanted and it was going to be about 1/2 off on Friday. We told them we would stay in line that night to get it for them. My mom said she would keep the girls, so Randle and I went home and got our jackets, some blankets and drinks. When we got home, we found a laptop for $200. So we called someone else and told her we would wait in line for her if she wanted to. So we then headed to Best Buy. We got there around 5 or 5:30 pm we guessed we were about 20th in line. There were three tents, and some others with chairs and sleeping bags. There was some drama at about 11 or 12, b/c people started hanging out for extended periods and people thought they were cutting in line. In the end Best Buy passed out tickets for the door busters around 4am and we got to go in at 5am and get everything we wanted. It was fun. The excitement of getting the deal and being there so early is great! It was a great blessing that Buffalo Wild Wings was open until around 2 or 2:30 so we had a potty. My mom and dad brought the girls up to visit for a little bit and brought us chairs and coffee. We were very grateful for that.

Then Randle took the girls up to his dad's while I shopped with my mom and got a nap. We closed out the weekend at church yesterday. What an amazing service. I have really been struggling with self confidence and a positive outlook lately. God reassured me tat He loves me and that I need to see myself though his eyes.

Harley's Vocabulary

Instead of using the word bad, or naughty, alot of times we will say inappropriate. So the girls use this word too. Except Harley says, "Propriate". Whether it is inappropriate or appropriate. It is very funny. She also instead of recognize, it is "neckernize". I absolutely L.O.V.E. the way she says things. I know I will miss the mispronunciations when she can get her tongue in order. We have an MP3 recorder. I really hope to record her. I have been told by mothers with grown children that to record their sweet little voices when they are young, can be very helpful. B/c when they are teenagers and acting their age you can go back and listen to how sweet they were when they were younger. I don't know how helpful it will be, but I know we will enjoy listening to it.

Life's Mysteries

Today, I noticed something weird on the hall wall. It looked like water, but was almost an oil consistency. I could not figure out what the children had done. I called Randle at work and asked if he had sprayed something in the hall lately. He said no. (I hate it when I accuse the kids and then Randle is at fault) When he got home, I showed him the wall. Randle did the same thing I did. We both rubbed a small piece of it, and even smelled it, but still couldn't figure it out. So we ask the girls is they had put something on the wall. Natalie says,"I can tell you what it is." So I think that she is about to blame Harley. Instead, she says, "I've been squeezing the fish oil medicines. I take one and pop one." We had to leave the room for laughing b/c she goes into techniques that work better than others. WOW! We had to explain that we can't waste the medicine, and that she should have asked before hand if she could try or at least told us after the first one sprayed all over the wall. She claims it is only 2, but I am pretty sure by the evidence left on the wall it is more than that.
At church tonight Harley lifter her arms playing ball and I noticed that her belly button had something black in it. I thought "GROSS, she just took a shower." I couldn't figure out what was going on. When we got home I got a Q-tip and tried to clean it. It wouldn't come off. I was beginning to get concerned, thinking she had some nasty fungus, in her belly button! So then I ask, "Did you color your belly button with a marker?" "No" she says. I gave her the "I don't believe you look and tone and said, "Harley?" So then she confesses. I was coloring on my bed and wanted to know if the marker would work on my belly button." WHAT IS GOING ON WITH MY CHILDREN?!? Apparently it is Cassady Family Science Experiment Week, but I missed the e-mail. So, now I have a wall that is spattered with fish oil, and a child with a black belly button. This has to be Randle's genes coming out, because I did NOT behave this way. But, on the up side, we have solved two of life's mysteries. Yes, you can color your belly button, and yes, you can pop a fish oil pill. I am sure scientist everywhere are documenting our finds to help us in the future!

Funny but Naughty

Today after school the girls and I ran into Leeds to look at a new thrift store. I have a couple of things I am trying to find, but don't want to spend a lot of money on. While we are in the store the girls notice a Leapster, and an L-Max. The Leapster had a game in it. Harley pulled the game out of it, and tried to hand it too me saying, "This is ours." I explained that by doing that she was not only lying to me, but trying to steal as well. I told her that I would talk to Randle and we would decide her punishment. I wanted it to be significant to make a point that this is unacceptable behavior. I called Randle and we decided to take away sweets for the week. No desert, Halloween candy, cookies, etc. I climbed into the van to tell Harley her punishment. Before I could even tell her, Natalie says, "Can I take her punishment?" I was amazed, this is probably the 3rd or 4th time Natalie has offered this. I said no. Harley's response, "Uggggggg, please?" So then she got in even more trouble. WOW. What a sweet thing for Natalie to offer, but come on Harley, really?

Fall Festival, and Another Date Night

Tonight our church had a fall festival. There was corn dogs, hamburgers, hot dogs enough for 900 people and they ran out. They have estimated somewhere around 700 people. It was amazing. There were inflatables, a mini carousel, games, and face painting. Our girls had a blast. Natalie dressed up as a fairy, she was way too cute. Harley was a rock star, and let me tell you her hair and make-up were pretty stinkin' cute. I will try and post pics tomorrow. We hosted an archery booth. It went really well, and we handed out around fifty "awards" to kids who hit within the circles somewhere. I have to say, I had as much fun cleaning up as I did walking around the festival. You really get to have some interesting conversations with people when you are cleaning up after a long day and everyone is tired, and has there guard down more than normal. Thanks to Jen for the trip to Starbucks, and to Denise for watching my girlies so that we could help clean up. I really appreciate both of you!

Well, for the first time that I can remember Randle and I got a date night for two weekends in a row. Randle's dad and Bren kept the girls last night. Of course the girls were excited. We got to go to a reading of a new play, dinner at Surin 280, and then dessert at Yogurt Mountain. We had a lot of fun. The play had some language that I would have liked to be omitted, but it was a pretty good story line. Dinner was great, and Yogurt Mountain was a lot of fun. I am afraid that I am going to be spoiled by all the date nights. I met Randle (Sr) and Brenda at Brookwood Mall this morning to get the girls. WDJC was handing out free vouchers to Disney on Ice to kids dressed as a Disney Character. Harley wore Natalie's old Cinderella Costume,and Natalie wore her fairy costume. We got the passes, so I guess they will be going to Disney on Ice. I think my mom is going to take them next Saturday. I know they will love it. It was another exciting and busy day. Tomorrow brings church, and Natalie's last Fall Ball game. Afterwards we will be going to Bruester's as a team and handing out trophies. Natalie will flip! I can't wait. All of the parents decided to keep it a secret. I can't wait!

The thoughts and thought processes of a 5 year old (who is too smart for her own good)

So, I am going to share a Harley story, but in order to save judgment and embarrassment of some people I will leave the others in the story nameless.



This weekend we had lunch with a couple of people. Over the course of lunch Harley looks at one of them and asks, "Why don't you go to church?" It was very innocent, and no Randle and I didn't put her up to it. The person responds with, "I do sometimes." Harley asks again, "Why, don't you go to church?" The person responds again with, "I do sometimes." Harley who is too smart for her own good tilts her head to the side like a confused puppy and with very round eyes, says, "Oh, really? Where is it and what does it look like? Can I go sometime?" So the truth is this person doesn't go to church "sometimes", but goes very rarely. Harley knows this. I really don't think Harley's last remark was being sassy, but trying to figure out how she missed it. I made the decision (be it right or wrong) to let the person sit in the awkward moment. I made no comment whatsoever. The person then changes the subject. Well today Harley out of no where comes up to me and asks, "Why doesn't _______ go to church?" So I sat there a minute and then said, "Well, I can't say for sure, only they can tell you that, but I would guess that at the moment they are just out of the habit and used to the extra time on Sunday after working all week and they don't want to give it up." Harley then says, "Why won't they answer when I ask? _______ always says "I do sometimes" but that is not what I asked." I then explained that they were probably embarrassed that she was asking and it was easier to think about the fact that they do sometimes, and not about the other times when they don't. Then Harley wanted to know if I always went to church when I was an adult "you know since you didn't live with Grandma?" I unfortunately had to say no, that I hadn't always gone that there were almost 3 years where I didn't. But now I realize how important it is and that I was wrong to not go, so we go all the time, unless we are sick or something. What Harley said next caught me so off guard that I almost fell out of my chair. I didn't know ho to respond. She says, "When I grow up and I am an adult I think I'm going to be like __________ and only go to church sometimes." I had no idea what to say!!!!! So the only thing I could come up with was, "Well, I think you should stick to going to church all the time, but we will talk about this more later." I really don't know whether she is pushing my buttons (b/c she know it drives me nuts that this person won't go to church) or if she is trying to see how I will respond to see how I really feel about the subject, b/c I try to not talk about it to her (Harley), or if she is so smart that she is already at the age of 5 able to test my faith, and how important it is to me. So now thanks to some advice from my friend Denise I am going to turn the tables on Harley and ask some loaded questions. Hopefully this will help me weed out her motive. I think I am going to have my hands full with this child. I also hope to use this episode as an ice breaker with the unnamed person and help them realize how detrimental inaction is and just how much they are influencing children. I know with out doubt that love is present, but I just need to convey that even in this aspect love with out faith, and faith with out action, is pointless. I definitely want my children to feel loved, but that love that they feel does no good if they end up with out faith or with a dead faith.




So tonight during our Family Game night Randle and I approached the whole church attendance subject with both girls. Harley apparently doesn't even remember saying that she wants to only go sometimes when she grows up. We asked about favorite parts of church, why we should go, what happens if we stop, how do we feel when we miss, etc. We also asked if they think they will continue to attend when they live somewhere other than our house. Harley says yes, and Natalie actually said that she might stop for a little bit, b/c she will be able to do what ever she wants. Now when asked she says she wants to go and doesn't feel "made" to go. So who know? Anyway, it seems Harley was just looking for a reaction, whether it was to get a rise out of me or to just see how I really feel, we may never know. But we had a nice discussion, and for a couple of little kids, they actually have some pretty good insight and a great hold on Biblical Truths. While I think at least for the moment we have settled with the answer that church is needed and without it we could fall apart, I still plan on having the talk with the person this is centered around. Hopefully God will use this experience to soften a heart and bring back a stray sheep!

Natalie

Natalie has finally begun to come out of her shell some. I am still having to encourage her a bit socially, but I think we have gained a lot of confidence the past couple of weekends. Last weekend we had one of her church friends go with us to her softball game. The little girl had a good time and has asked to come to our house, that made Nat's face light up. Then this Friday we had another little friend go to dinner and bowling with us. They had a blast, and giggled and talked the entire night. Today at the softball game that little girl asked at least 2 times for a sleepover. Natalie was very excited about that.

At Nat's softball game today she got her first hit. She was the last batter on their team. Her first hit was a single, and b/c she was the last batter she got to run to 1st and then had to come in. Her second hit was a double and then was able to run in off of someone else's hit. She was so excited, she jumped on home plate. She gained so much confidence. I can't wait to see what next Sundays game (which is our last) will bring.

A Whole Day Together

This morning the girls actually slept in and we had to wake them up at 9 to go to Lowes and to the kid's craft. It was a Frankenstien Magic Box. They had a lot of fun. After that we took them to my mom's house. My parents took them to the local Pumpkin Patch, and I'm sure they did some baking and other fun stuff. Randle and I however, got the whole rest of the day to ourselves. YEAH!!!!!!
We went to a garage sale, J and J Junk, ate lunch at Wings, saw the new (latest, it's been out for a while) Harry Potter, got ice cream and came home to watch a Monk episode on Hulu and relax. It was great! We got some really good books at J and J, and found a great idea for Zbinden Christmas gifts! It was so nice to have more than just a couple of hours before bedtime to spend with Randle. I love my kids, but alone time with the hubby is GREAT!
Thanks mom and dad for taking on the kids for the day!

Harley's Prayer

We have a prayer list on the back of the girls bedroom door that we pray for each night. We try, unless it is a really late night, to have the girls pray for 2 or 3 of the people. Well, right now we have three babies that we are praying for. So of course the girls mainly focus on those. Tonight though, Natalie prayed for like 5 people. Harley of course can't do less, so she decided to pray for the whole list. Harley, being 5, can't read, so she would pray for someone and then tap me so that I could tell her the next person. She prayed for the 3 babies, and then came our pastor's son who has joined the Army. He is Basic Training right now. Here is Harley's prayer,

Please, please, please, Jesus help Mykel be healthy. Please Jesus help him on his journey because he needs help on his journey. Please Jesus, watch him and help him on his hunting trip"

She knows that people in the Army wear camo and that you wear camo when you go hunting. So she must have come to the obviously logical conclusion that he is hunting. It was so cute. Her little "pleases" were so sincere, and heart-felt. I have a mp3 recorder, I have GOT to remember to sneak it in with me and record her.

A Weekend of Activity

Our weekend started with a Hoover High Football game. Although Hoover lost, the last plays of the game were quited tense. The girls had a blast watching both the game and the cheerleaders, they also loved that Dad bought them special Hoover "H" silly bands. Saturday we slept in, loaded the dish washer, cleaned the girls room and took Natalie to a Birthday party at Pump it up. Harley and Randle went on a "Daddy Date" while we were at the party. Then we went home to quickly change clothes and go to a wedding. The girls absolutely loved it. Tabbie and Marshall's wedding was beautiful. The got to dance with their Daddy at the reception and ended the night by helping all of us clean up. They are great at washing windows. We got to sleep in again on Sunday b/c there was no Sunday School. We met a Westover Park for Pastor Appreciation. It was a huge picnic with football games, corn hole competitions, relays and kids running everywhere. Lots of fellowship. After the picnic, we went to visit my brother Jonathan, who was in town for the weekend.

Then Natalie had a softball game. Natalie had a friend from church go with us. We will call the friend J.R. J.R. and Harley sat in the bleachers and stood at the dug out fence watching the game. They really cheered Natalie on. During the game Natalie had 2 tips, and hit the ball once but it hit her and homeplate, therefore itwas a dead ball. She also got a ball hit to her in right feild and ran it in to second, and actually almost got the girl out. We, the "Blue Sting", won the game 9-6. We were all very excited. The girls even chattered in the field some after being offered blow pops at the next game. After the game we took the girls next door to the park. They ran around for about 30 minutes. On the way to meet J.R.'s mom the girls were talking. I'm not sure how the conversation started, but we hear Natalie say, I'll eat your eyeballs. To which J.R. says, I'll eat your ears, Natalie somes back with, I'll eat your eyes, ears, mouth, teeth, head arms, legs, EVERYTHING. J.R. sits there a minute and then says, Wow, you'll be full. Then they went on with a normal conversation about school and clothes.

As a result of all the late nights, no one wanted to get up for school on Monday. Harley was in a very bad mood. I had a horrible headache when we got back and decided to lay down after I took some Alieve. (It makes me kind of spacey when I am taking it with decongestants) I put a short 30 min. show in the DVD player for Harley and told her if I wasn't up to just play, and I would be up shortly. I woke up and listened for her. I love hearing her talk through her play. She has so many onversations between all of her toys. I couldn't hear her this time though. I got up really quiet so I could see what she was doing with out her knowing. When I got to the living room. I found her sound asleep on the floor, with her head on a study buddy. I tried to wake her up so that we could meet JT at HHS, but she wouldn't budge. I shook her, rubbed her cheek, patted her, stroked her hair, and still she wouldn't budge. Finally I pick her up, and she is completely limp. I sat on the couch and chuckled at how sound asleep she was, and saw a smirk cross her face. There is no telling how long she had been faking. The little twirp, but what a cute little twirp.

Bowling, Shopping and Softball

Friday we took the girls bowling. They loved it. We had a great time. I took them again today (we had free passes). I actually bowled with them today though. They absolutely loved it. Harley actually got a strike and Natalie got a spare. Somehow the bumpers stayed up the whole time instead of going down for my turn. I got a strike too, but it can hardly be counted since it bounced off the bumpers. After bowling we went to the Galleria to let Nat buy something at Gap with a gift card she had. She got an adorable outfit. I will try and post bowling pics tomorrow.

Natalie actually made contact with the ball at her game on Sunday. We were very excited. They were both fouls and she still struck out every time, but she was quite pleased with herself for hitting the ball. Her team is really beginning to come together. Now if we could only get a practice in between the rain storms. I will try and post softball pics as well.

A Fun Day With a Friend

Today I went over to a good friends house to help her work on a slide show. We started it last week, and got to finish it up today, except burning it to discs. I always have fun with her, and today was no exception. We started by moving all of the pics over from the file to Windows Movie Maker. We got all the pics on and two of three songs put on before I had to leave to pick Nat up from school. Right before I left to pick Nat up, she got completely lost in laughter. Harley had been drawing pictures. She had drawn one for Randle and wanted to put "I Love You! It is for you" I wrote I Love You in cursive just like she asked, but she wanted to write the rest of it herself. I of course had to tell her letter by letter what to write. So I have Harley to my right, saying, "Okay, Mommy, what letter now?" and my friend on my left saying,"What do I do next?" One right after the other. One question from Harley for each letter, and a question from, Denise, (Oops, did I put your name?) right after each time. Harley ends the session with her famous quote, "I'm hungry.", so Denise trying to be cute tugs my shirt and says, "I'm thirsty." So without missing a beat I reached behind me and grab Denise's cup and hand it to her. It was pretty funny. Denise was all but rolling in the floor. The funny part to me was that I didn't realize she was playing. I thought she was wanting to get up from the computer, (I had her blocked in) so I handed her the cup without realizing she was playing until afterwards when she was laughing so hard she couldn't breathe. I laughed until crying! Then we went to pick Natalie up and went back to Denise's house to finish up the slide show. The girls did great together. Of course anyone who spends a day with Denise know that along with the laughter comes probing questions to make you think later. So, now I'm off to do my homework, that Denise always feels the need to give! God has blessed my family with such great friends. I couldn't make it with out them!

Harley's Birthday and Natalie 1st Softball Game

Harley turned 5 on the 23rd. She wanted to have a Maya and Miguel party at the local park. We invited the kids in her church classes (Wednesday and Sunday) and invited the little girls in her dance class as well as a couple of family friends and of course cousins. She was supposed to have on on the 19th, but we all caught the flu, and it was raining ridiculously. So we rescheduled for the 26th. She has a little friend from her Sunday school come, and a cousin. It rained (drizzled really) for the first little bit, but the sun actually came out after that. She had fun playing at the park, eating cake and especially the pinata. She surprised us all by saying that her cake had too much chocolate. She designed her own cake this year. She asked for a round chocolate cake with two layers. She wanted vanilla ice cream between the two layers, and chocolate chips on top of the ice cream. She wanted chocolate icing, and sprinkles on top and "Happy Birthday Harley" written in red icing. She was pretty detailed. I guess she had put a lot of thought into it. She is a funny little girl.

I can't believe that she is 5 years old. She says she still feels like she's 4. We got her an American Girl Bitty Twin. She has named it Cindy,and she goes everywhere with us. So far she has gone grocery shopping, to the Galleria, to Wal-Mart, and even the ball park. Randle was picking on her by saying the Cindy wanted to stay home instead of going with us Sunday. I said that she could go with us but had to stay in the car during church. Randle then says, "That's OK, she doesn't want to go with us anyway, she wants to stay home and play with toys." Harley gives Randle a look like he is the dumbest person on earth and shouts, "Yes she does, SHE WANT TO LEARN ABOUT JESUS!!" We about lost it. I am very excited the she loves her little dolly. She even bought a new doll stroller with her birthday money.

Natalie had her first softball game yesterday. She said she had fun. She didn't make any hits. She didn't get an opportunity to stop any balls b/c she plays right field. She was so very nervous. She had a great attitude though, and can't wait for practice. We are going to borrow a swing a way from a friend of ours to let her get in some batting practice. They also have a tee that they said we could borrow. We bought her a new bat yesterday that is yellow with flowers on it. She all but slept with it and was asking if we could hit some balls after school. I am glad she is so excited.

Natalie's First Bible Quiz

Today was Nat's first Bible Quiz Tournament. Her team participated in 8 different games that had 20 questions each. She buzzed in 3 times and got 2 of them right. She tried to buzz in other times, but wasn't quick enough. We were proud of her for buzzing at all. She was so worried and can be so shy we didn't know if she would even buzz in. She will have her next one in October, and I can't wait to see how much confidence she gains.

Harley had a long day of Bible quiz, but did really well. She sat very still and quiet. She is already learning alot of the questions and answers, and she has 2 years before she can join. If she continues to learn at this rate she will blow them out of the water.

The Busy Life

I am so spoiled from our life in Indiana. The girls had YMCA memberships and the Y was only 3 blocks from Natalie's School. I was able to schedule swim lessons and dance right after school, so that we weren't out late. Neither of our girls did sports, so we were home a lot. Not so much anymore. We aren't members of the Y anymore so there are no more swim lessons. But instead of swim we are not doing Monday night Campus Life Meetings in the Hoover area, Wednesday night Bible Quiz and Church, Thursday night Dance, and Friday night Hoover Football Games. We are also about to add Softball practices one or two nights a week and games on Sundays. Then there is the occasional Saturday Bible Quiz Tournament and Sunday night Small Group. We are loving everything we are doing, but wow at the scheduling.

Last Sunday our van broke down, so we have been borrowing Randle's dad's truck. What a blessing it has been. We hope to have ours fixed by this Sunday or Monday. It may be the $15 fuel filter or the $200 fuel pump. We are really hoping for the filter. Either way I am sure God will supply.

Natalie is settling in to school now. She is still saying that she doesn't have friends, but I think it is more of a definition controversy than her not having friends. She plays with her classmates, and every time I am around they are saying hi to her and running up to tell her something. I think that she is defining "friend" as she had them in Indiana. It was different, b/c she had been in a class with the same kids for 3 years. We also went to church with several of them. This was our only real fear when moving from IN to AL. We are trusting God that He will lead her where she needs to be. I know that He is preparing her for her future and it will all end well, with her having learned the lessons, and growing where God needs her too.

Randle's side job will be wrapping up very soon, so we are also trusting God to supply a job. There may be more openings at the temp job he was at before. We have also learned of a couple of job opening in the surrounding areas. This is tough for me. I am having to continually give it back over to God. Obviously I am strengthening my faith and trust in Him right now. I can't wait to see where God takes us and what He has us doing after all of this is over!

The Girls Just Keep Amazing Me

Monday we got a letter from Natalie's teacher telling us the results of her reading test. I am sure there are several different reading tests out there, but Mt. Laurel uses the STAR. It explains that there could be some variables so there is a level listed, but when you get to the level of book she should get there is a range listed. Anyway, she tested at a 3rd grade level at 4 months into the school year. At the end of 1st grade she was reading at a second grade level at the end of the year. So that means she advanced 4-5 school months over the summer. We are very excited, and proud of her.

Harley has been writing a lot and wanted to spell words. She has been spelling 3 letter words that end in "at" for about a month. She then started reading them. I couldn't believe she was sounding them out and spelling them before reading. Today she asked for our "fox thing" meaning our Hooked on Phonics. I got it out for her and she didn't want to start at the beginning where it teaches you letters and their sounds. I told her if she could name most of the letters and their sounds by herself I would let her skip it. She got all letter sounds but "g" and all letter names except for lower case and upper case "g" and lower case p,d,and b. Considering there are times when Natalie gets b and d confused and I knew that there are no q words until much later in the books, I let her skip the letter part. She has now read her first short story "Fat Cat, Fat Rat". It consists of the words: cat, rat, sat, and fat. She read the story 3 times to me and about 4 or 5 to Randle. She is now tackling the "an" family words. I can't believe she is reading at the age of 4.

Natalie and Harley: the mouse hunt

Yesterday started with a visit to both Hoover High campuses with Emily, JT, and Judy. We went to each lunch period to pass out invitations to the annual Campus Life Burger Bash.

Last night we had the annual Burger Bash with Campus Life Ministries. We meet every Monday (except when school is out) over off of 150 at the Langston Family's house. We had around 112 students come last night. There was a skit, a couple of games, burgers, chips, cookies, and of course a visit from Captain Unexpectedpants! We were very excited about the turn out and hope that it continues.

The girls went with us this week since it was a little more free flowing. They started off climbing all over the fence around the horse pasture. Then playing with a Frisbee, quickly changing to climbing on the large spools, and chasing each other. They had a blast! At one point Michael pointed out that there was a small field mouse running behind the guys that were grilling. The girls saw me looking at it and Natalie decides to catch it. She ran at it and snatched it up pretty quick. She didn't get her hands around it though and it jumped out of her hand and on to her forearm. She panicked, and swung her arm up. The mouse went flying and landed in front of Harley who trapped it with her hands and quickly jumped away when it squirmed. They chased it around a bit both of them squealing with delight and finally Natalie caught it. She held it up at her chest level and was looking at it. It was of course scared so it nibbled her finger and she threw it. Harley then goes after it and picks it up and then the poor mouse got thrown again when it bit her. It was quite a show for all those around to watch. I am quite impressed that they even tried to catch it, much less caught it. They finished the evening hopping around like bunnies with little bunny ears, noses, and tails on. They also re-named the horses and chased the dogs again before I drug them away. When we finally got them home they were out cold and were both carried in. We woke Natalie up to take her inhaler, she did it, rinsed her mouth and went straight to sleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

The Adventure Conitinues

Randle found out last Wednesday that the temp job he was working ended the following Friday. So that means as of right now, he doesn't have a job. God is supplying everything we need. He has had people share food from their garden and over buying, he has allowed us to pay off the car, and even supplied a side job for Randle for the next bit until he finds a job. God is amazing. Just when things seem to be falling apart, He comes in and pulls them together. He has also allowed me to start selling things on ebay. I have been so blessed with the items I have found (God had Shown) to sell. He is really moving in our lives.

Natalie has started 2nd grade at Mt. Laurel. She is in Mrs Holland and Mrs Ashley's class. It is a team taught class. I am not really sure how I feel about this, but the teachers really think it is a good opportunity. Natalie was completely bored the first two day. A lot of sitting and listening to rules. As a child who follows rules to a fault, she doesn't think she needs the reminder.

Harley has started Dance at Tiffany's Studio for the Arts in Westover. Tiffany is great with the kids. Harley is very excited to be dancing again and to have her own friends. Not being able to go to pre-school this year has been hard on her. They are just too expensive down here.

God is really stretching my faith. He is also showing me some areas where he wants me to step up and lead. They are not foriegn areas to me, but scary just the same.

Our baby chicks have grown size and shrunk in number. We are down to 4. I will try to upload current pictures of them soon. As we continue our walk with God we appreciate all of your prayers that we listen carefully and follow his lead.

New Adventures

Randle is still working a temp job in Birmingham for the Housing Authority. We had hoped to have something permanent, but God has other plans, and I am learning to not question how He supplies. Randle is also starting to work with Birmingham Youth for Christ. We are pretty excited about it. It will be stretching my faith a bit as I am not known for dealing with teenagers well, and we will have to help raise his salary. It is a volunteer thing first and then a full time position when we raise a certain amount. Obviously it is not us but God who will be doing the raising, He will just be using us. Randle will be starting soon. It is mainly Hoover High, but they hope to expand in the future. They will have meetings on Monday at a place called "The Barn". I hope to go and help, but that will depend on the girls. They also hope to start a ministry for Teen Parents. I would love to help with that. I may have to wait until next year when Harley is in Kindergarten though. I am doing a lot of praying about it, because like I said before teenagers are not my strong suit. I am loving talking over ideas that Randle has though. This will be a great new adventure for our family.

We had thought that we would only be in Birmingham short term until we found what God wanted for us, but apparently He wants us here. We are learning a lot right now. God is really pouring into us . We love our church. God is moving dramatically at New Life. His presence is amazing. Our pastor is amazing. He listens so closely to Gods Word and leading. I have to say, I am very thankful that our girls are getting to experience God in such an amazing church. I know He is preparing them for great things.

Our girls are growing up quickly. Natalie is starting second grade this week. She is in Mrs Holland and Mrs Ashley's class. We get to go meet them tomorrow night. I am very excited. She is such a smart girl. She is reading on a third grade level. She is still loving to draw and paint. She is very artsy and creative. She has expressed some interest in tennis, but we will have to see.
Harley has another year home with me. I think she likes this idea. She will be ready to go to school next year. I think that she could handle it now academically, but socially I think it is better to wait. I have heard lots of parents say they wish they would have waited, but never heard anyone say they wish they would have sent them earlier. We are working on some stuff at home with her. She knows most of her alphabet and their sounds. She can count through thirty (with the exception of 14, she skips it every time). She can spell some words by sounding them out. Harley is still very full of drama. She showed that to us on Tuesday when she got her shots. Let's just leave it at a lot of screaming.
The girls have learned about YouTube and love watching "Charlie bit my finger". They quote it all the time. Harley has quite the British accent. I am trying to get her to let me record her and post it, but true to herself she denies what I am asking. I think we are going to sneak and record her this week anyway. I am sure this week will bring more stories as school starts again, and Harley will need to perform for me since her sister won't be here.

Stories

When Harley was first learning to use the potty we had a hard time getting her to sit on a potty in public long enough to go. (She was used to having books to read) So we started making up stories. I would make up most of the story but I would pause at points and let her name characters or places. I started making a story about a little bunny. I let Harley name the bunny. She named her Emily Apancha Dude. We have now made up Three Emily Apancha Dude stories. Harley loves them so much I decided to blog them so that hopefully they will not be forgotten.
Here is one of three stories:

Once upon a time there was a little bunny named Emily Apancha Dude. Emily loved to swim. One morning she woke up and hopped down the stairs, hop, hop, hop, and said, "Mooooooooommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, can we plllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeease go swimming today?". Emily's mommy said not now Emily, I have to clean house this morning. You go play out side and after lunch we can go to the lake. " Emily was very excited and went outside to play. She played on her swing set, in the sandbox, in her baby pool. She really wanted to go swimming at the lake. Her mom called her in for lunch and told her they would go to the lake after lunch. She ate all of her carrots, all of her broccoli, all of her peas and even her celery. Then she hopped, hopped, hopped up the stairs, changed into her swim suit and went back to her mom. They hopped hopped hopped down the drive way, hopped, hopped, hopped, out the gate, and hopped, hopped, hopped, all the way to the lake. When they got there Emily's mommy sat down in a chair and Emily went straight to the lake. She jumped in, and started swimming. She swam all over the lake. Then she saw the diving board. She was SO excited. She hopped, hopped, hopped over to the diving board, climbed, climbed, climbed, up the the ladder and bounced, one....two.....three....SPLASH. Then she swam, swam, swam over to the edge of the lake, hopped, hopped, hopped over to the diving board. Climbed, climbed, climbed up the ladder, and bounced. One.....Two.....Three.....SPLASH. She did this over and over, until her mom said it was time to go. Emily said" Noooo, please mommy can't we stay?" Mommy said, "No, honey, we have to go home I have to get dinner ready. " They hopped home and Emily was sent upstairs to change clothes. Then she slowly hopped, hopped, hopped, down the stairs and out side to play. She played on the swings, in the sand box, and with her bubbles. All she wanted to do though was swim at the lake. So she very quietly hopped, hopped, hopped up the stairs, tip-toed, tip-toed, tip-toed to the closet, and put on her swim suit. Then she tip-toed, tip-toed, tip-toed down the stairs, tip-toed, tip-toed, tip-toed out the door, hopped hopped, hopped, slowly to the gate. Opened the gate very slowly and hopped, hopped, hopped, as quickly as she could to the lake. Then she hopped, hopped, hopped, to the diving board. Climbed, climbed, climbed the ladder, and bounced, One....Two... "EMILY!!!" she heard the policeman say, "You come down right now! Does your mother know where you are? You go home RIGHT now." She hopped home and started playing in the yard. She played in the sandbox, played on the swing set, and even blew bubbles again, but all she could think about was jumping off the diving board. So she tip-toed, tip-toed, tip-toed to the gate, and hopped, hopped, hopped, allllllllll the way to the lake. Then the hopped, hopped, hopped to the diving board, climbed, climbed, climbed the ladder, and bounced One...Two.....Three....SPLASH. She swam to the edge, and did it three more times. Then the last time she jumped in she heard, "EMILY!!!! GET OUT OF THE LAKE!!! " Emily felt something bump her foot. Then it bumped it again. When she looked behind her she saw it. AN ALLIGATOR!!!! She swam, swam, swam as fast as she could. She got out of the lake as fast as she could. Then hopped, hopped, hopped to her Daddy. They hugged and then he took her straight home where she got sent to bed without any dinner.

Well, while I know it is not a Robert Munsch story, our family loves our own little Emily Apancha Dude series.

Random Short Stories From Our Daily Lives

We knew that we had a mouse because we were finding small holes that had been chewed into our bread and other packages. We put out poison and had hoped it would take care of them. I was in our bathroom and thought I heard something, but ignored it. The next thing I know I saw a little mouse head peak around the corner. I screamed before I knew what I was doing. Randle came and as he was coming it ran into a little closet. About the time he got to me it poked it head out of the closet and then ran into a box. I started screaming at Randle to pick up the box. It ran out before he could. It came straight at me so I jumped up on the toilet and it started tipping over. Randle had just fixed it and the glue and wax ring had apparently not completely adhered yet. The mouse got away and I had to go to bed wondering where it was. So then the next day we were getting ready for Wednesday night church and Randle turns on the light to his closet and finds the mouse again. But this time it was dead, laying right in the middle of his closet floor.


Tuesday night we went to a Rook tournament at Ekklessia Coffee House in Chelsea. We started out playing Rook, and ended up with Cranium. It was a lot of fun. Natalie and Harley made a new friend and played Hullabaloo for most of the night. As they were closing up shop we told the girls to pass out good bye hugs to Michael and Lisa. Natalie went right over and started hugging. Harley, being Harley, didn't want to give hugs so she leaned up against Michael. He picked her up and gave her the famous "upside down hug" that she gives both of my brothers. They pick her up hold her upside down and squeeze her. Well, tonight she left him with a little surprise. She pooted right in his face. Everyone in the coffee shop fell apart laughing. I have to say if anyone in our family deserved this it is Michael. He has pooted on most of us repeatedly.

Tonight we were having fried fish, hush puppies and squash casserole. I had gone to the store this afternoon and gotten everything except the crackers and ice. So I asked Randle to get the girls started on dinner and I would run to the gas station and get crackers and ice. Apparently Randle was fixing the girls plates and stuff and Harley says, "Daddy, Mommy bought your favorite ice cream." Randle very excitedly goes to the freezer looking for it. He asked the girls where I put it. (He LOVES ice cream. ) Harley then said, "I tricked you!" What 4 year old comes up with that on her own. I can't believe how mean she is sometimes. I have to admit, I laughed really hard, but then had to explain why and how mean that was. In the end she apologized, but WOW, what a personality we have on our hands.

4th of July trip to the beach

We went to Randle's dad's house in Foley for the 4th of July. The girls and I spent all day Friday getting the car and house clean and then packing the car. Around 2 I took the girls to the little grocery store in town to get some cokes to take with us and Kool Aid to put a second layer of dye on Natalie's hair. This round took much better. Randle got off around 2 and we left our house around 3.

We got off the interstate and onto Hwy 59 in south AL. It is a very busy road, b/c of Gulf Shores so there are lots of advertisements. One of the advertisements was for a hospital that had just started offering digital mammography. I had not heard of that and made the mistake of saying so out loud to Randle. Harley heard the word and apparently thought it sounded like a fun word and starts chanting in a sing-song voice "Mammography, Mammography, ha ha ha ha ha". She did this for about 5 minutes. I thought she would stop, but I was wrong. So I had to explain that while it is not a "bad" word, it is not a work people want to hear in public. I also had to explain what it was, and why people have it done and whether I had had one or not. What a way to start off a vacation. We finally got them to stop asking questions and move on.

Randle let us go straight to the beach, so the girls could put their feet on the beach the first night. They absolutely loved it. They kept walking further and further into the water until the bottom of Harley's carpi's got wet. Then of course they had to kick the sand everywhere and cover themselves with sand. We found a spot to rinse and then got back to the car to find that Harley had gotten entirely too wet to ride home. So she had to ride home in just her panties. She was mortified and was very worried about the "old people" in the neighborhood would see her without pants. After a lot of calming down we got them into bed so that we could finally go to bed ourselves.

We expected to get woken up around 8 or so by the girls and then head to the beach. Instead we got woken up at 6:50 am by Natalie saying she is hungry. The only thing I could say was, "Are you kidding me, we couldn't even make it to 7am." So we got up ate, slathered sunscreen (almost 1/3 of a bottle) , packed lunch, packed the car and headed to the beach. The girls started off by trying to build sand castles, and then drug us out of our chairs to the water. Right off the bat Harley not only gets knocked down by a wave but completely taken under and covered in the wet sand that is swirled in the water by the force of the wave. You could hardly see her hair there was so much sand.

Natalie took to the water immediately started riding the waves. Harley however stuck to the edge finding shells. Then somehow Harley got convinced to go out into the water. She found that she loved being in the "deep end" as she calls it. Which is where the water was about to Randle's shoulders.

The waves were great so we took a break at lunch time to walk across the street to the shop and bought the girls boogie boards. Natalie was great at staying on, but Harley kept falling off and getting beaten by the waves. So she sat on her knees on the board and Randle held onto her while they bobbed in the waves. Natalie stayed at about waist deep, so that I could push her and get her started on the waves.

We left in the late afternoon so that we could get ready and eat dinner so that we could meet Crisi, Mark, Bailey and Jessica for fireworks. The fireworks were supposed to start at 9. However the concert started at 9:10 and the fireworks finally started around 10. We got there at about 8:30, so the girls were about to fall apart on us. I broke out glow stick at the very beginning, and one broke and so we let them write on themselves. Harley squeezed hers and it shot in her eye. OH THE DRAMA!!!! We had a lot of screaming and all she wanted to go home. We finally got her a wet paper towel and then ice cream and things turned around. We then met Crisi and them and stood around with them for about another hour before watching the fireworks. It was a great show and lasted for quite a while. Harley was asleep before we even got on the bypass. She was so out of it we were afraid she had gotten choked and stopped the car to check on her. She yells "WHAT?!?" and slapped his hand away. Once we got home we all went to bed, and the girls actually made it to about 8:30 the next morning.

We got up and started looking at a local Baptist and Assembly of God church in the area to attend. We agreed on the AG church and started out. We got there and found all the ladies in dresses or skirts and all the men in ties. They took the girls to the back of the fellowship hall where children were running around and playing in a blanket tent. Randle pulled me aside and said "go to the car I will bring the girls" So I left and got into the car and waited. Randle came out holding Harley and Natalie walking quickly beside him. We then left and went to the baptist church. When we got there we found out that there was no children's service because it was a special service for the 4th. Harley went to a classroom and Natalie went with us. It was very nostalgic service for Randle. When we picked Harley up and got to the car we asked how her class was. She told us, "I didn't learn anything. They just wanted us to play, so I helped." I love that at 4 she expects to learn and not be put in a nursery setting.

We went home ate lunch and headed to the beach. We took a break around dinner time and went to "The Hangout" which is a great place on the edge of the beach. The girls had fun in the loud atmosphere and then playing in the tunnel they have under a hill of sand. The building is not air conditioned b/c it is opened to the beach. So they have a HUGE fan. In the middle of the fan is a company name. Natalie read the name out loud. It is "Big A** Fans". I could not believe she read it. We were very careful to keep her away from t-shirts in shops that were inappropriate but never imagined the fan as a danger spot. We then went back to the beach and played until dark and then went home. The girls had another day of great fun and hated to leave.

Monday was quite a sad day. We didn't get to go to the beach b/c we had to leave but intended to take the girls swimming in the pool. However it started raining and we just packed the car. We were packing the car Harley was following Randle back and forth. She was trying to convince us to take her to the beach or pool. She finally while crying says, "It's no fair there are people on the beach right now!" We finished packing and took them to Lambert's, home of throwed rolls. They loved it. Then we went to the shops with the huge Octopus and Shark for doors. Looked at everything and finally headed home. It was a great weekend and the girls loved having time with me and Randle. I can't wait to take them back.

Harley's Random Thoughts

Last night at the dinner table Harley finished her drink and asked for more. I got her some water from the tap. I was also doing something else so she came and got her glass from me and returned to the table with Randle and Natalie. When she got back to the table she had a conversations with Randle. Here is how it went:
Harley : Do fish poop?
Randle: Yes
Harley : Where do they poop?
Randle: In the water.
Harley: So fish pooped in my water?
Randle: Well they cleaned it.
Harley: How?
Randle: People have machines that clean water.
You never know what they are thinking. I don't even think we were talking about fish, and I KNOW we weren't talking about poop.

Today was quite a day. It started with us picking the girls up from my moms and heading to the Columbiana Coop to meet Brad, Bethany, and David Herrington. We hoped to get some seeds for our gardens and a bunny or two. There were no bunnies, and we got watermelon seeds. Then we headed home and the Herringtons were coming over so we could put our seeds in seed starters. After they got here Randle's dad called and came over with our niece and nephew, and sister. Then the neighbor boy came up to play. And finally my grandparents came to bring angel food and say hi. We fed the chickens some crickets and worms. We played with the chicks and duckling that Natalie got for her birthday, planted our seedlings, the guys went on a hike on some property and "scampered up a hill and jumped a creek", the kids found a creek, played on the swing, chased each other around/in/out of the house, we cooked dinner(quite and eclectic spread), ate leftover birthday cake, and the kids ended the day rolling down a small incline in an old trash can. Yes, and old trash can. I have no idea where this came from, but the creativity of my children never ceases to amaze me. They had a blast and can't wait for everyone to come again. What a day and list of activites. Now we look forward to tomorrow: church, 50th anniversary party, and human video practice. I have to say this may be one of the best weekends we have had in Alabama. Thanks to everyone who participated and helped make our weekend great.

This week is Read Across America Week. To celebrate it Natalie's school had the kids dress up as a Dr. Seuss character yesterday. Today they are sending books all over the world. Tomorrow they wear their PJs , Thursday they wear their school shirt and Friday they dress up as pirates. Natalie decided to dress up as Thing 1. Randle and I forgot over the weekend and put her costume together Sunday night. We ran around the house looking for stuff, and finished in about an hour. I think it turned out really cute!

Phonetics

Tonight we had Natalie help read our family devotional. We were reading the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah. Natalie got to the part where the "neighbors" where asking what they would name the baby. She was sounding out the word neighbors. She read it sounding like knee hob ors. It was really funny. We had to take a short break from devotions to regain composure.

YEAH We Have Chickens Again!!!

I have a cousin who has chickens and guineas. He has had several escape theirs pens and has not been able to catch them. So my brother went to help him. While Michael was helping catch the chickens he mentioned that we would like to have some. So he not only sent Michael to my house with 5 chickens (3hens and 2 roosters) but also with 150 feet of chicken wire. We were thankful for the chickens, but couldn't believe the generosity of the wire.

We have been talking about getting chickens and even had a dog house to convert into a chicken house, but hadn't had the time yet. So Randle and Michael rig something up so that they would be safe for the night. When they had finished we came in and Michael and me played the Wii, but that is a different story. The chickens appeared to be safe so after Michael left we went to bed.

The next morning Randle took the chickens some water and then left for work. When the girls and I got up we noticed on chicken was missing. We looked around for a while and finally say her. We couldn't catch her so we got ready to go to the dentist appointment. Harley went outside to check on the chicken and saw that she was on top of the house. While I was helping the girls get dressed we saw the missing chicken on top of the van. When we went out to the car we realized that there were two out. I was very frustrated, but we had to leave.

When we came back another had gotten out. We tried throwing feed out on the ground but they didn't care. I told the girls before we could try and catch them they had to clean out the van. We had both sliding doors open to let air through. One of the chickens hopped right into the van. The girls tried to get it, but couldn't . So she flew off.

They finally finished with the car an d went in to change into play clothes. When they came back out we chased the chickens all around the house. We couldn't even get close. One of the girls had run into the house for something and left the door open. About the time I realized it I saw a chicken on the front porch. Not wanting a chicken in the house I went to close the door. Only the chicken was faster and went straight into the house.

We have all hardwoods, tile or linoleum. It ran into the living room and stopped I tried to sneak up behind it,but it saw me and ran to the kitchen. It was standing under the table facing my room. I went to shut my bedroom door afraid of what might happen if it got on my bed. Natalie stood on one side of the table and Harley on the other ready for when she ran. I got on my knees to try and get her only to have her take off into the living room. I scrambled up and tried to run ahead to close the other doors. It hit the living room and started sliding all over the place, but somehow stayed out of reach. It ran into the girls' room and I caught her just before she ran under the bed.

All of this lasted about 15 minutes. I have never laughed so hard in my life. You never know what will happen at our house, but I would never have dreamed of a chicken chase in the house. Luckily as scared as she was she didn't poop anywhere in the house.

Today we had to catch two others, one of which we thought has been eaten because she hadn't been seen since Friday morning. It turns out that "she"has spurs and may be a boy. We are going to have to do some research.

The Traumatic Zoo Trip

Yesterday was supposed to be Randle's first day of work, but because it was a holiday it was delayed until today. Natalie was out of school, so we took a family trip to the Birmingham Zoo. The girls had a lot of fun. We got to pet the sheep and goats, as well as vote for the President of the Zoo. Natalie and Harley voted for the Lion, Kwanza, I voted for the Macaw, Nut Nut, and Randle voted for the Beaver, June. I am calling tomorrow to find out who won. The first thing we did was go to the Sea Lion feeding. It was very lame. The people had the sea lions do a couple of tricks, but they didn't explain anything to the kids. The show at the Fort Wayne Zoo is much better. After that we went to the Laurakeet exhibit. We paid $1.50 for a little cup of nectar for the girls to feed the birds. Randle only had $2 so he got 2 cups for the girls to split it.. Before he could even pour a little into the second cup 2 birds had landed on him. He finally got it poured an then handed the cup to Natalie. She jumped when the first bird landed on her, but soon got comfortable with it. Harley decided she didn't want Randle to let go of the cup. She finally realized it was safe, and took the cup. About the time she took the cup a bird snatched it from her. I got the cup back and she got to hold it again. She hadn't had the cup very long and a bird landed on her head. She almost threw the cup at Randle, and dropped to the ground. She stayed in a squatting position laughing s hard as I have ever seen her. I got photos, but wish I could have taped her laugh. It was great! It was definitely the best $1.50 we have ever spent!! The zoo has this really cool section called Alabama Wild. 　It is a section of the zoo filled with animals found throughout Alabama, hence the name,. At the end of the trail there is a creek and we could hear some frogs. I got the girls to stand really still and listen.Just as we all turned and started walking off Harley started screaming and dancing around. Randle and I didn't know what was going on. We though she had been stung by something, all we could tell was it was something in her jeans. I finally got her to speak where we could understand and we found out that she was saying that a frog had jumped in her pants leg. Well, as much as we tried not to, we laughed. Randle picked her up and I pulled at her pants leg　There was nothing there. I told her that her pants leg was empty, but she wouldn't believe me. Randle picked her back up and I ran my arm as far up her jeans as I could but she still claimed it was there. I finally got her to agree that it was her jacket that she had tied around her waist that had bumped her, but then she felt it again and freaked out on me. She walked the rest of the way to the entrance bent at her waist holding the knee of her pants as if she were trying to keep something in that one spot. We finally get to the bathroom,and I put her on the changing table and pull her jeans down to show her nothing was there. Then she calmed down and when we got to the van she decided it must have been the seam on her jeans. I haven't laughed so hard in a very long time. While she was scared to death at first once she realized she was safe, she even laughed. We ended the day at the zoo and went to dinner at a Thai restaurant. Natalie really liked it, but Harley would still rather have McDonalds. Unfortunately I do not have pictures of the frog incident, but I will add Laurakeet pictures tomorrow when I update with who won the Zoo President election!

A True Dumpster Diver Needs No Dumpster (as per Randle's requesr)

So last Saturday we were headed to Randle Sr.'s house when we realized we needed to stop and get some cash. We still have our account in IN so we have been using Wal-Mart instead of ATMs where we get charged. So we took the long way around to pass a Wal-Mart. While we were driving down Hwy 119, Randle gets excited and says, "Hey was that a turtle shell on the side of the road?" I wasn't paying attention, and I really can't understand why a grown man is excited by a turtle shell. He makes a quick U-turn and we go back to look at the turtle shell. When we get there I realize he is talking about the kind of turtle shell that your strap to the top of your car to carry luggage. So we pull into some drive way that has a locked gate with a HUGE house inside. He gets the dog (Grace) out of the car, shoves the shell inside the middle of the van, puts Grace underneath part of it and then we leave. I can't tell you how embarrassed I am at this point. I just thought "At least it is over." We pull out of the drive way and head to his dad's house, or so I think. He then pulls into Sonic, and orders us drinks while he takes out the dog and shell and straps the shell to the roof of the van while sitting at Sonic. It takes like 20 minutes to get it on, and finally we leave. Oh the odd things men do sometimes! So now we have a new (to us anyway) turtle shell for the top of the van. Only we find out while strapping it on that it has two cracks. When I pointed this out Randle informed me that he can fix that easily with some Bondo. I think he is nuts, but maybe the bondo will supply me with another blog entry!

Alabama

So I haven't posted in way too long. We have finally moved from Indiana to Alabama. We were very sad to say goodbye to our friends, but also excited about out new adventure. Now that we are here, have a house (which we didn't have until the day before leaving) and mostly unpacked I can breathe. Natalie is going to school at Mt. Laurel Elementary, yes this is a public school. We had a lot of explaining to do with Natalie. St. John where Natalie and Harley attended in IN was set up as an extension of the churches outreach and ministry. So far in the Birmingham area we have not been able to find one Christian school that has any kind of scholarship program or financial aid. So Harley is waiting for next year to go to preschool again, and Natalie is attending a public school. She loves her teacher and already has 2 good friends in her class. She is adjusting well, and we start each day praying over her for safety in body and spirit and that she will be a light of Jesus to her classmates.

We have an amazing house that we are renting. It is bigger and nicer (on the inside) than anything we have had so far. It has three bedrooms, although one is used as an office, and two bathrooms. The girls' room is painted pink and orange and they got new bedspreads and shams. (we found them on clearance at Target) We are out in the country which suits us, but are about 30 minutes from all major shopping. (Wal-Mart, Winn-Dixie, Target, etc.)

At Christmas time I had given Emma Rose away because it was too cold for her to be outside all the time in IN and the house we were living in couldn't have pets. It turns out the house we are in now allows pets and I was able to get her back. I was ecstatic.

I have also started my own business with Ameriplan and will hopefully get some results in the next couple of days. Randle is still looking for a job, and as such we are looking for a second car. I may also be babysitting for a cousin as well. Harley is very excited about that.

Our parents are very happy we are closer to them. We have seen my parents almost 2 or 3 times a week so far. I'm sure it will slow down once we are more established in the area. We are attending New Life Assembly of God. It is where Randle and I attended before and right after we were married. It has a lot of children Natalie and Harley's age and great Sunday School, Children's Church and Missionettes. We are about to start a small group next Sunday.

So that is the short (ha ha) version of our life's updates. I will try to get some photos of the house to upload soon.

Leaving Indiana

Well , the time has now come and we are leaving Indiana and heading south to Alabama. While we will be happy to see our family and friends that are there we are very sad to be leaving some here. Tonight we went to the Grepke family's house to have one last gathering. We have so many incredible and supportive friends her it is hard to leave. It feels as if we are leaving family here too. We will load our truck tomorrow and leave after church on Sunday. We will miss our Indiana family greatly. This is a big change in our girls lives and we appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers from everyone. Where Natalie understands a bit more than Harley she has already began to process the changes. Harley however has known nothing but Indiana. Alabama will be quite a shock I think. Because all of her encounters have been for visits centered around grandparents I'm afraid to her it is a bit like Disney World, a magical place where people focus on her all day long. I'm afraid a wake-up call followed by several fits and time-outs are to come. Natalie will attend Chelsea Park Elementary (a public school). This will be the hardest thing for her. She can't imagine a school where you don't have religion as a subject and you don't have chapel. I pray that she gets a strong Christian teacher and befriends someone who loves Jesus as she does. Thank you again to all our friends in Indiana we love you and will miss you. We are already trying to work out a visit. We will stay in touch!