Our Summer

I've not written in a while. I hate it when I get so behind. Summer flew by in a wink. We had a great summer though.

We took our annual beach trip for the 4th of July week. My whole family went. My mom, stepdad, dad, stepmom, sister, brother-in-law, brother, sister-in-law and 12 children! My nephews have really improved on their swimming and most of them didn't need any swimmies. My oldest son and oldest nephew really got their skin boarding down pat. Little Ryan had a blast swimming in the ocean and pool. Playing in the sand with the dumptruck that my dad got him was a big hit.

Landon and Will also went to camp with our church for a week. They came back talking a hundred miles a minute and they grew up in that short time. Will went fishing, tubing, and shot rifles. Landon did the zip-line, tubing, and played volleyball. Of course they did their share of swimming. And they both dressed up for skit night - Hawaiian night.

Also, Landon and Will got baptized this summer. It was such a blessing to realize that my children came to the point in their life that they trusted Jesus as their Savior. And they wanted to let others know of their decision by being obedient and being baptized. Most of the family attended this blessed occasion.

So, that's how my summer went.
Blessings!

An interesting start to summer

Summer's here and I've not been the blogger that I committed to in late April. I've been playing catch up with my life ever since I injured my neck. I'm so thankful to be back to normal!

Landon and Will finished school with terrific grades. Will will be in the 6th grade beginning in August, and Landon in the 7th. Landon was invited to an Academic luncheon for the Top 25 students with a 95% grade average or above in the middle of May. We had lunch, honored the students and heard a speech from the new 7th Grade principal for next year. I was so touched by his speech. He spoke about Christ and his walk and even commented on a few bible verses that were his favorite. That is rare that a teacher or administrator would step up and speak about God.

Also, before school let out, Landon had campaigned for the Secretary position of the Student Government against her best friend and a few other students. She finally got the news a few days before school's dismissal for the summer, that she was voted Secretary!!!! We celebrated!

Ryan graduated from the 3-K class. Graduation was so much fun to watch. They sang songs, quoted scripture and received diplomas. Afterwards, we went to one of his buddy's house and had a swim party and cook-out. I can't believe that my little Ryan will be in 4-K in August. He's really enjoying the summer. He gets to go to the library on Wednesday's and swimming on Friday's.

We also learned that his father would be getting married in June and that he would now have a stepmother and 2 step-sisters. He was very upset to learn that his dad would be leaving his apartment and moving 20+ minutes away. He was worried about his toys not going with him and that he wouldn't be so close.

So, we've had an interesting start to the summer. Landon and Will are with their father for the first two-week interval and I MISS THEM. But exciting enough, they will be getting baptized on the night they return (this Sunday). I bought them bibles as gifts to give them, to honor their obedience and commitment to Christ.

Work is busy as usual and I'm looking forward to the beach.

Enough catch-up for now.

Blessings,

Negative

Hey! I got my results back from the MRI. NEGATIVE. No fractures or anything else that would be bad...I would rather not type them. Isn't that wonderful. I'm so thankful to my merciful God that He answered my prayers. I was a little concerned and I was pleasantly surprised when I received the news. You never know when your life is goinng to change and I was truly grateful that it wasn't going to be today with my health!!!! =)

So, I can finally go back to work tomorrow. I'm a little behind because of all the new projects going on. So, I'll be playing catch up for a while. The ladies at work have been incredible. They handled my guys and theirs too. I have been so blessed with a tremendous group of women to work with and they are truly amazing mentors to top it off. They pray for me and they advise me on things that life throws at me.

Well, we had a t-ball game tonight. We played the Yankees and we didn't win, but my little Ryan received the game ball. He wouldn't put it down while we walked to the Jeep, while I buckled him in the carseat, while we ordered to-go food, and while we were eating dinner. I finally had to confiscate it while we were getting ready for bed. He hit the ball down the third base line. His dad and I were so proud. Ryan's other brother and sister (Maggie and Josh) came to his game too. They were a little preoccupied playing with Landon and Will, but they were there, thanks to their mama.

My granny is going to have surgery on her eyes on Thursday to remove film that has grown over her eyes. Please remember my gran in your prayers. And on the same day, I'll be starting Physical Therapy. I'm not sure what to expect, but I guess we'll see.

School is coming quickly to an end. I've got to make some more plans for the kiddos. Will is so interested in rodeoes. Riding steers and roping calves. I am going to look into a camp or training for him that his friend attends. He is already talking about the rodeo in October. That's my Wilbur. Speaking of Will, he is going to be 11 next Tuesday. I've not planned the first thing, because of Mother's Day and all the bridal teas that I've got to attend in the next three weeks. I've got to start on that tomorrow.

Last thing, church on Sunday was wonderful. I visited my sister's church that I barely made to, because of a darn train that stopped on the tracks. But I made it anyway. Wonderful message!

Have a good work week.

In God's Love,

We lost

Tonight little Ryan's team didn't win, but they gave it a good try. The score was 16 to 18. Little Bear gets very bored in the outfield and I had to encourage him to stop lying in the grass over and over again! But when it comes to hitting the ball, that's another story. He can nail it and his little legs carry him so quickly to each base. He's the youngest one out there, and the other players have a hard time catching him! For his first season and being the youngest out there, I'm impressed and a little prejudice. =)

Landon has been invited to a luncheon at school for high academic achievement on May 7. And she was able to invite two guests. She asked me and her dad to attend. Brad wasn't able to commit, but she and I will be attending and I'm so excited and proud. She's always made excellent grades, but this year has been different, because she was able to challenge herself by choosing to take Advanced Math and have a full load of extracurricular activities. She's in Student Government and on the Annual/Newsletter Staff and she's able to work in the office one day a week. So she has to juggle lots of responsibility with schoolwork and organizations. I seriously couldn't be anymore proud of her than I am, if so, I would burst!! =) I've always said, if there was anyone in the world that I could be like, I'd choose Landon.

I would pick her, because of her heart, her poise, her dedication, her integrity. When I grow up, I want to be my daughter! She loves Christ, and her family and she's so aware. Anyway, if you can't tell and if you don't know her, she's pretty great.

Her plans for the summer are to attend a Christian camp and she's so excited. We are hoping to take a trip to Atlanta for a few days to visit the Aquarium, the Braves, Coca-Cola, the zoo and maybe White Water/Six Flags. We've not ever explored Atlanta other than Six Flags and according to March's Southern Living, it's a really diverse place with tons to do.

Wilbur is playing soccer and he's awesome. He scored two goals during his last game and got the breath knocked out of him. He didn't like that feeling at all. It really scared him, because that's never happened to him before. Will has never been to the church camp, so he's very excited about going.

This week has been tough with having a lot of pain, and I finally got the MRI today. I will know the results in one or two days - so hopefully by Monday, I'll know more of why I'm experiencing this pain. And maybe I'll finally get some good rest, because for the last two nights, I've had a total of 5 1/2 hours sleep. But I did get some reading done, and a lot of praying and praising God for my three treasures!!!

Have a wonderful start to the weekend.

In God's Hands,

Refreshed

Today has been a fabulous, lounging kind of day. First of all, I went to worship like I wanted to soooo bad and I was so blessed by the music and the message. It was a much needed time to reconnect with my Lord and to be with my girls from SS.

We had a wonderful lunch provided by the company I work for...I forgot to mention what I'm going through health wise. I've been experiencing severe neck pain since Wednesday before last. I thought it was a crick in my neck, probably from sleeping wrong. But it continued to hurt me Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and on Monday - I didn't go to work, because I was so nauseous from the pain.

When I returned to work on Tuesday, the ladies I work with were concerned and persuaded me to call and make an appointment. I made an appt and immediately left for the Dr. During the visit, I had some x-rays and the Dr. saw something that didn't satisfy him that resembled possible calcification that had formed from an injury or something similar to a fracture. That reminded me of an injury that I received about seven or eight weeks before while jumping on the trampoline with the kids. But it didn't cross my mind that it could have resulted in my neck hurting this time. Anyway, they set me up to see an orthopedic doctor the following day. I went and they did more x-rays. The Dr. wasn't satisfied enough, so he insisted that I get an MRI. In the meantime, I was not permitted to go back to work until we found out more. I am supposed to go on Monday, still waiting for the pre-certification of insurance to go through before I can have the test. I'm taking muscle relaxers and pain medication to alleviate as much pain as possible. But, the pain is not going away. So, I'm a little worried.

Back to the food, the ladies at work called Honey Baked Ham and had them deliver me half of a HAM, garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and carrot cake. The kids and I dug in and enjoyed every bite. I work for an amazing place where we are family.

I am a little anxious about the results and I'm trying to put it in God's Hands, remembering that He won't bring me to something without bringing me through it, regardless of the outcome. And that He has all the control and He loves me and whatever happens, it's for a purpose and for His Glory. So with that, I just go forward and try to live the way it pleases Him.

I've had a wonderful day and feeling refreshed spiritually. Hope everyone has a great week and I appreciate any prayers. =)

In His Grace,

Just a swanging

I was called out to the backyard to find my Wilbur in the tree hanging on a vine like it was a swing. I was a little surprised at Will's climbing considering he had been complaining of chest pains all afternoon due to the breath being knocked out of him during his soccer game at noon. I guess he was feeling better!

We've had a great weekend so far, other than Ryan's t-ball game being cancelled because of the Talladega race. One of the coaches on the opposing team works for Buffalo Rock a sponsor of Nascar. But the thing is, they didn't bother to tell us until we got to the park. Oh well, we needed the practice.

I've recently joined my high school alumni site catching up with friends that I went to high school with. It's great to see friends that I've not seen in years being Moms and Dads and where they are now. Surprisingly, a lot of the folks have stayed in the area, and a lot of them married people that we went to school with. Almost all of my friends are married, and it feels a little weird adding the status that I'm divorced. I feel different. =( Oh well, that's life and that's where God has me right now.

I'm looking forward to church tomorrow. I need to be recharged and spend some good time with the girls in my Sunday School class. They are all so wonderful and we are like a little family.

In His Grace,

A Baron's Birthday

We celebrated Little Bear's birthday a few Sundays ago at our local minor league team, the Birmingham Barons. All of my nephews were there, most wearing their baseball team jerseys and gloves in hand.

Granddaddy Randy was very busy taking one grandson out of his lap and pulling a new one up. I don't know who was having more fun, the grandsons or Granddaddy! With a watergun present all the boys were having a blast squirting EVERYONE at Granddaddy's persuading, if you want to call it that.

Mimi and Nana were passing Lindsey and Tate back and forth while the Mamas were making sure all children were accounted for, faces were wiped clean, and that the babies had clean diapers. We ate dogs, popcorn, nachos and slurped down many sodas, we cheered and participated in all the fun.

Wilbur talked someone out of a t-shirt, Jesse got one of the bats that was signed by a player and the little ones got their baseball signed by the mascots! And thanks to Nanny Carla we have this event documented. Kudos, Carla.

The cake was delicious and the personal visit from the mascots topped off our terrific Sunday afternoon. What's better than watching baseball with all of your family? Nothing! Who needs friends when you have all these cousins!!!!

Our Trip to the Zoo

Ryan and I went to the zoo today. We attended with his preschool that he will soon be graduating from. He will no longer be in the 3's. This year has flown by.
All the students were wearing their tie-dyed t-shirts with their handprints. We had a blast. We saw the new Butterfly Exhibit, looked at the alligators (man were they huge), sealions (one was barking like a dog), and of course the snakes.
We rode the train, where we met a grandmother, the nanny and a little girl named Olivia. I was so proud of Ryan. He has such nice manners, especially with older ladies. He was replying, yes ma'am, no ma'am, and thank you. I was grinning from ear to ear and on the inside too!
We talked about how God made all the animals and that Noah put the animals on the ark when the great flood destroyed the Earth. Ryan has grown so much this year.

Terrible Two's Aren't So Terrible

Well, I thought I was going to get to escape terrible two's...you see, my older two didn't have this lovely issue. But I thank my Lord for this adorable third child, Ryan A. everyday. Whether I am wrestling him to sit in his carseat, begging him to stop splashing in the bath, or covering his mouth, trying to muffle his yells in a restuarant, because he doesn't want to be in his highchair...I still thank God. Sometimes it may be thankfulness through clenched teeth and the others time it is with a tear in my eye and a smile in my soul.

His daddy thinks he's funny and that he's never met another child like him, but he is with me on the misbehavior. He doesn't want Ry to be an unruly little beast, but more like a perfect little gentelmen with plenty of manners.

Ryan is at the stage where is repeating words that his mama, daddy and big brothers and sisters say. Words that are looked down on especially in the two year old class at a Christian daycare. =) We all try not to say them (Shut up, stupid, etc.), but find our selves being repeated pretty often. So, we are really trying to work on that. Also, we love to wrestle and play rough at home...this is another intolerable thing at daycare. Last week, Ryan received a straight face on his calendar with the phrase "Was sent to the office for tackling other children". I blame that one on Will and myself!!!! But the age difference is the biggest problem, I'm 30 and he's two and half! No really the little thing is surrounded by everyone older than him, so he's left to fend for himself.

I have pictures of him with a pacifier in his mouth that belongs to Landon's doll, pictures of him with a mohawk in the tub, and pictures on his dirty little face at dinner time. He is our little clown. He is a people-pleasurer, much like his father. He loves to sing, "Twinkle, twinkle little star, and Sweet Home Alabama", and we all love to hear him say "Roll Tide", "Watch this Daddy", "Bo Henry" or "I pooted".

He also has the weird phobia. It's floating hair in the bath tub. He is scared it is going to get him. He hops out of the bath tub and says "It going to get me." It is the weirdest thing. Landon says he's scared because it looks like the jellyfish tentacle that wrapped around his arm this summer at the ocean. I think she is right. By the way, Ryan loves the beach. He loves the river, the pool, the bath, the creek, anything with water.

He is learning his colors and shapes at school and we quiz him on them at night at home. We also proudly display his artwork on the refrigerator. Terrible two's aren't so terrible. Especially in the night when he wraps his arms around my neck and says "I love you Mommy".

I Want to Apologive and Make You Proud

It's funny how old habits die hard. I have tried to maintain control of my life and to do right, but I find myself falling flat on my face every time. I can't do this. I have to trust God with my life. I have to give Him the control.
I will never be the best mom, daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend, future wife to anyone until I do this. There are so many important people in my life. There are many that I've hurt or let down, and there are some that have never seen the real "Kim". Some people know me like the back of their hand and some that only know me superficially. But nevertheless the depth of your knowledge of me, I have a new part of me to reveal. I hope that I can make you proud. I want to ultimately please my God, but what a added pleasure to be able to make others proud too.
I know that I'm not perfect, but it's OK to strive for perfection. It's not right to judge, but is OK to lead and hold others accountable (answerable). I want to handle others correctly, but I have to find this balance. That means I have to be instructed by God before I speak, before I act, before I do anything. Man what a battle for Kim. I am so well-known for my control issues and using my on strength.
One thing that I'm sure of is that I need to be aware that I have died to sin when I asked Jesus in my heart. I was crucified with Christ. I have to remember to turn my back on this world because this isn't my home. Instead of being a slave to this world, I need to be a slave to righteousness. It leads to holiness - what I am desperate to be. (Romans 6:19)
I want to apologize to everyone that I have hurt. Those I've hurt with my judgements, those I've hurt with my disobedience, those I've hurt with my unholiness. My Lord knows my heart, and He knows that I'm sorry for these things. And now I ask you to forgive me. You know who you are. Yes you, and you, and you...

When will I know God's Will for my life?

I have been wondering for a long time. I have been wandering around, wrapped up in a relationship that hasn't met God's confirmation. I have been praying and waiting for signs, for something, anything. Maybe God has answered me and I didn't want to see the answer or maybe He isn't ready to answer me, because I'm not ready for what He has in store. Sometimes I just get frustrated and sick of wondering. Then others times, I realize that I haven't been living right and I have be in sin, so how did God hear me anyway???
I know my God loves me and He wants what is best for me. I feel like I have wasted so much time, and I can't get it back. My two oldest have grown so much and it's a blur. I haven't been focused on them like I should have been and I have missed some beautiful moments. I have always wondered when my phone would ring next, if I was going to receive a text message, if I was going to get an email, waiting to be surprised and hoping for everthing to fall into place. I dare not say how long I've been living like this. It's to painful and shameful to say aloud.
When will I know God's Will for my life? That's a good question, and I don't know when I will know. I hope it will be soon, but I hope I'm ready for it.
I pray that God will continue to change me and I pray that I will continue to push forward toward the prize. I want my Lord to be glorified. I have yet to say "so long to self", but slowly, everyday I let go a little more. I am a creature of habit, so this is so hard for me. I like consistency. I don't like change like the next guy, but to be able to be submissive to God's Will, I have to be ready for anything. I am excited but I am scared. I want to be willing but I know exactly how controlling I am.
If God is going to work, I have to move out of the way and let Him be God. He needs to be God over what I watch, what I listen to, what I think about, what I love. I haven't lived like this since I was young. And I didn't understand then what I was going to face in this old world.
I thought I knew so much. I thought there was nothing that could surprise me....nothing to bring me down. How wrong, prideful, arrogant and selfish I was. I have realized what kind of person I am today because of my past, and I don't like what I see. I have a lot to change with God's help. But I am promised victory for my obedience. I am promised God's best if I surrender. Maybe I do know God's Will, maybe it's to just grow and to be where I am right now. Who knows, other than Him.
It's tough "on my way back to Him"! But the payoff is priceless.

Is dating right for me?

I've been married before. I was married for 8, almost 9 years. Being thirty and unmarried, poses the question, "will I ever marry again?" At this point in my life, I don't know the answer to that. I love the idea of being married. I love the thought of waking up to someone every morning, someone to love, some one to worship with, someone to be my leader and someone to help with the daily chores (cutting grass, taking out the trash, giving the dog a bath). If you noticed, that's the ones I don't like to do (man jobs)! But by no means, do I just want to be married to have these things.
I want to have my God's blessing, His direction, His best! I sometimes think I have messed that up by divorcing. And this causes me to have constant regret and it leaves me feeling depressed and that I will never again be happy. But maybe this shouldn't be my focus. I am wondering if I need to take some time away from love and the thoughts of marriage and just focus on "my first love". If I will focus on Him and spend time with Him, I will develop His characters, and that will be even more helpful when I'm searching for Godly character in my future husband.
I was googling the words "on my way back to Him" and I found this interesting site. It was about "why dating does not work". I have to say that it captured my attention, since I'm on my way back to Him. I want to please God with my life once again. So, I began to read this manual posted on www.passionforpurity.org.
Here the author reasons why she wrote it, "I believe that we can gain knowledge two ways, one from doing something right, or from doing it wrong then realizing the right way. Much of my knowledge in life was from doing something wrong, learning, then doing it right. Unfortunately I've "been there...done that!" This article expresses my life lessons and my little bits of wisdom that I've learned along the way."
I definitely encourage anyone and everyone that is single, or who has teenage children, or who needs a guide to help others that are single regarding dating, pre-marital sex, and post-marital dating, to read this.
I would appreciate any prayers lifted up for me regarding my dating life. You see, I have three very special treasures that depend on my wisdom through Christ to make the right decision. And the way I live my life today, is teaching my children how to live their lives tomorrow.

Landy makes Student of the Week

I was so happy when Landon came home and presented me with papers that announced, "Landon Jones is Student of the Week". She is so excited, especially that it will be announced on the local radio station. She is a fifth grader and is so grown up now. I made a promise to her when she was in Third grade after constant pleadings "can I take my purse to school?" So I pulled this one out of the air, not believing it would ever get here, "you can in the Fifth grade". Boy, how can it already be time to allow her to take her purse?
On the first day of school, she proudly packed her purse (it was more important than the newly stocked backpack). I was happy for her, because she didn't ask anymore and patiently waited for her fifth school year.
I have a lot to be thankful for in my life, but I must say that I swell up with gratitude to God every time I think of her or someone says her name. She is my firstborn and she is very gifted.
She is my best friend and if I could be like anyone in the world, I would choose to be like her. So, I proudly post this little girl as my first post. God knew where I would be today and life with Landon is so sweet.