A Little Bit of Land

Easter

2011-04-23T17:48:00.001-07:00

These are Resurrection Rolls...they are an Easter must have at our house. We have been doing these on the Saturday night before Easter morning for years now. They are so much fun and yummy too!
All you need is cresent rolls, marshmallows, cinnamon sugar and butter.
You dip the marshmallows in the butter, then in the cinnamon sugar, and roll the crescent roll around it so that you can't see any part of the marshmallow. Bake at 350 until you see that they are brown on the top and hollow in the middle!

We also read this book:

I love this book...It is the Easter story told from Peter's point of view....it is written by Walter Wangerin Jr.

Hope everyone has a Blessed Easter!
Amy

A Birthday Suprise!

2010-11-12T13:06:00.000-08:00

So yesterday was my birthday, and I turned 30 years old! I had a great day relaxing with my family. We had a dinner planned that night just for the hubby and myself. But when we got to the resturant my whole family was there! It was so awesome and I felt so loved.

Trip to Cahokia Mounds

2010-10-29T17:13:00.000-07:00

We took a trip to Cahokia Mounds today to learn about the Indians that were local to our area. I've never been there before today, and, lover of history that I am, I thought it was GREAT! Because my hubby was with us, we couldn't do much walking, because he sprained his ankle. But they had a wonderful museum, and the exhibits were awesome. I give it an A++!

Hubby's Birthday!

2010-10-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

Today was my husbands birthday....I LOVE birthdays! My own mom always made it such a special day when we were young, so I like to do things BIG!
Birthday's are such a wonderful time to celebrate that person, and to treasure what a gift they are to you! This year my husband had already bought a big present, so the kids and I went and got him some smaller, still fun, presents.

To eat or not to eat.....

2010-10-26T11:58:00.001-07:00

Recently I have been going to the chiropractor-a very new experience for me. The chiropractor I go to also deals with herbal medicine and treating the whole body in general. It really is amazing though! I have already seen huge improvements in myself on so many different levels. I started out by going so that I could try and get rid of the migranes that I have. I don't want to be on painkillers and medicine the rest of my life. I have been trying to help myself for quite a while, but this has been the push I needed.
So, with this new help comes a problem for me. Well, not really a "problem" but something very difficult. I am an emotional eater. So especially at times like this where there is an abundance of baking and yummy things like soups constantly on the stove, I struggle. I have finally kicked my coffee habit, which is huge considering I pretty much had coffee all day! So now I get to have it only when I truly want a cup. And that is all I have.
My biggest issue that I'm trying to take care of now is white carbs. I've know for a long time that I have an issue in that area, but now that I have seen how much it affects my health, I'm on a new mission to get rid of them! Next will be sugar~!

2010-10-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like your boy playing in the dirt!

Grandma's Birthday!

2010-10-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

End of summer produce

2010-09-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

This is possibly the last of the veggies from the garden. I have broccoli, turnips, collards, and brussell sprouts left, along with sweet potatoes that still need harvesting.

Zucchini Cookies and Chili

2010-08-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

I finally got up the energy to make this reciepe for Zucchini Cookies that I got from my mom. They are SO delicious!
Cody couldn't wait for them to be done!
Well, that got me in the mood to make some chili, and I got to use up alot of the veggies that I have grown over the summer.

Pumpkins and Potatoes

2010-08-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

I have been really digging up potatoes the last week or so. This year I planted purple potatoes, which have been really fun to grow and plant. I also planted Yukon gold ones, which turned out yummy!
My pie pumpkins have taken off really well, and I can't wait to pick them and can them! I still have sweet potatoes growing, they will be awhile. My butternut squash is growing good too, I'll have to take some pictures!

Soap making!

2010-08-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

I have a good friend who loves to make soap. She was willing to show me how to do it, and make some with her! I have just been so excited by doing this. This first batch that we made was Oatmeal Lavender. We have made a couple more batches since then of chamomile and oatmeal cinnamon. I can't wait until they have cured and we can use them!

First day of school!

2010-08-16T16:39:00.000-07:00

I have always homeschooled. I have always wanted to homeschool, my husband however, has not always been on the same page. So our compromise was always that should one of the kids ever decide they wanted to go to school, we would let them try. Well, that has finally happened.
I went through quite a while of begging and pleading, then I realized I was acting like a 2 year old. :)
So I let go.
I have left it with my God who can perfectly handle it. She isn't really mine, she is HIS. So, that being said, I am letting go, and trusting in God.
This may not be a big deal to many people. But, for me, I feel to stay home, and be at home, raising children, and serving my husband. So now I'm just doing that a little differently.
Here is my daughter, sideways, because I can't turn it. On her first day of school.

A new miracle

2010-07-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

I am an Aunt again! I'm so excited and thrilled for my middle sister who had my new niece yesterday! Praise God for new little ones....

Summer Sunsets.....

2010-07-09T15:18:00.000-07:00

A night on the courthouse square....

2010-06-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

On Thursday nights in our town we have concerts in the park. They are free weekly concerts, where you bring a lawn chair and relax. The music is different each week,but always good. Such a fun time to unwind and relax!

2010-06-05T14:32:00.000-07:00

Spring gardening is looking like this right now. Lettuce,Strawberries, and little tiny blackberries growing. I can't wait until things are full swing! We have so much planted and it's still not everything I want planted. Hopefully I can keep up!

2010-06-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

Summertime!
Our summer has been filled with swimming, baseball, 4-H projects, and lots of garden activity. Hopefully I can post more pictures soon!

Our Newest addition.

2010-04-20T06:23:00.000-07:00

Ricco!

Our trip to Texas!

2010-04-14T09:40:00.001-07:00

Finally!

2010-03-23T17:02:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since we have had our own eggs. Back in the fall, we moved our chickens out to a shed on our property, and they have'nt layed since! But I think I finally have them all happy, and I think they also molted as well. Hopefully they keep up the good work!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T17:24:00.000-07:00

We had a great day today! It started off with Green Shamrock Pancakes. I had much more planned for the day, but some other things came up.

I am anxiously waiting for some time to plan my garden better. I have the plan I worked on this winter, but I need to add more too it now that we have bought a tiller and my husband is wanting to plant lots of different gardens.

Hope you all had a great day!

Briannah cooking!

2010-03-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

These are some pictures of Briannah cooking....please ignore the mess! LOL.
This night she made "whalewiches" (tuna sandwiches)
and chocolate and sprinkle covered icecream cones.
What a blessing!

whalewiches with goldfish.

Joyfully serving....

A daughter of the king,

Amy

A new year.....

2010-01-05T08:50:00.000-08:00

Our Family. This start of a new year is going very well. School went very well yesterday, and I'm hoping for a repeat performance today.

I received the most wonderful gift today from one of my daycare parents- The book called "Country wisdom and know-how"' I'm so excited! Today I took the remains of a chicken that I used for chicken and dumplings and put it in the crockpot filled with water. I'm going to take leftover rice and some veggies and we will have that with some rolls for dinner. Till Tommorow, Amy

A look back....

2010-01-04T08:13:00.000-08:00

Our First Garden and chickens

At Washington county lake

I took some time this morning and took a look back on here at the posts from the past years. Wow! I'm amazing at the twists and turn my life has taken, but I also recongnize the growth. So many changes. Here are some pictures from the last year.....

Dad's 50th birthday (this was soon after we moved to illinois)

Worship

2009-01-08T06:51:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday I went to have my quiet time and was slowly amazed at how the Lord reveals things to me. Even days later, I am still thinking about this, meditating on the truth of it.

In "My Utmost for His Highest", Worship, was the topic.

"He moved from there to the mountain east of Bethel, and he pitched his tent with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; there he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord "—Genesis 12:8

Worship is giving God the best that He has given you. Be careful what you do with the best you have. Whenever you get a blessing from God, give it back to Him as a love-gift. Take time to meditate before God and offer the blessing back to Him in a deliberate act of worship. If you hoard it for yourself, it will turn into spiritual dry rot, as the manna did when it was hoarded (see Exodus 16:20 ). God will never allow you to keep a spiritual blessing completely for yourself. It must be given back to Him so that He can make it a blessing to others.

Bethel is the symbol of fellowship with God; Ai is the symbol of the world. Abram "pitched his tent" between the two. The lasting value of our public service for God is measured by the depth of the intimacy of our private times of fellowship and oneness with Him. Rushing in and out of worship is wrong every time— there is always plenty of time to worship God. Days set apart for quiet can be a trap, detracting from the need to have daily quiet time with God. That is why we must "pitch our tents" where we will always have quiet times with Him, however noisy our times with the world may be. There are not three levels of spiritual life— worship, waiting, and work. Yet some of us seem to jump like spiritual frogs from worship to waiting, and from waiting to work. God’s idea is that the three should go together as one. They were always together in the life of our Lord and in perfect harmony. It is a discipline that must be developed; it will not happen overnight.

This is seriously making me take a step back and look at everything I do.....What things do I do that block out time with God? What thoughts are constantly replacing thoughts of my Lord, and how perfect His love is? It's not that I shouldn't be serving my family, my husband and children, but are there other activities that have me so consumed that I forego my time with the most important relationship I have? I know there are times during my day that I sometimes spend worrying, thinking "what if" thoughts, when I could be in worship! No matter how "busy" my life may be, my worship can be a constant flowing, but it's up to me to retrain my mind and thoughts and attitude to one of worship.

2008-11-12T05:48:00.000-08:00

2008-06-16T08:46:00.000-07:00

Point lookout state park

2008-02-27T08:52:00.000-08:00

To see these pics and see our last fieldtrip in MD, go to my other blog site...

http://www.xanga.com/amyralls

I just don't feel like re posting all the pics!
Thanks, Amy

Cody's Birthday

2008-02-27T08:41:00.000-08:00

Making Noodles

2008-02-27T08:30:00.002-08:00

This is us making noodles for chicken and dumplings. It took Cody a couple of times to get a good smile, but it is so funny. The top photo is Cody's Noodle version of Africa. Backwards of course.

More Crafts

2008-02-27T08:27:00.000-08:00

Making Soap

2008-02-27T07:48:00.000-08:00

This is Briannah making soap with the crafts kits She got from Grandma and Grandpa Welles for Christmas. She really loved this.

Christmas

2008-02-27T07:27:00.001-08:00

The Christmas eve Pjs

2008-02-27T07:21:00.000-08:00

Putting up the Christmas Tree

2008-02-27T06:53:00.000-08:00

Some of these are blurry, but it's the best I can do.!

Briannah's birthday

2008-02-27T06:46:00.000-08:00

This year Briannah combined her money from her grandparents and bought something big! Then she had some left over to buy some more pets. She was very thrilled with her purchase. Thanks Grandparents!

Sibling Love

2007-12-14T13:02:00.000-08:00

My brothers and sister came to see us off before we left and we got this great picture. The boys thought they would be cute and do bunny ears behind us girls, and is'nt it so funny how that picture just did'nt turn out? It was all fuzzy, and I just could'nt get it fixed. (Stinkers)

Starting in the back is Tyson, Russell, Adam, Josh, then Lisa, Terri and me (Right to left on couch). We missed Katie and Lauren though :(

Visit with Gpa Ralls

2007-12-14T12:58:00.000-08:00

While we were down south, we stopped by to visit with Tyson's grandpa. I got the chance to take some great pictures of all the boys together, 4 generations of Ralls.

Ok. So there's two of the last one, but I can't figure out how to fix it so too bad! :)

Briannah's suprise party

2007-12-14T12:54:00.001-08:00

We got her! She had no clue who we were even singing for! Aunt Donna made a beautiful cake for her, and she loved it! Daddy had to practically push her up to the table so she could blow the candles out. She was so glad in the end though, and I was glad that everyone got to celebrate it with her.

Thanksgiving

2007-12-14T12:45:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful thanksgiving! Aunt Donna's daugh

ter April and her friend were gracious and opened their beautiful home for all of their family. The food was awesome, and we had a great time visiting, and EATING! :)

Fun on Papa and Mema's Farm

2007-12-14T07:47:00.000-08:00

Here are some picutres of us at Mema and Papa's. The kids had so much fun there, and I can't wait to get some chickens of my own! They have goats and two sheep also. There are also some great pictures of Cody with Uncle Russell. Two peas in a pod. :)

Lisa's Birthday....

2007-12-14T07:36:00.000-08:00

11/16/07

While we were in Illinois, we went with my sister to Olive Garden for her birthday. We had a pretty good time except for the parking situation. My husband does NOT like parking (who does really?) and it took at least 15 mins to find a spot. Peolpe were parking illegally on curbs just to give you an idea of how bad the situation was. He was not a happy camper. Finally we make it in, and calm down and had a good time. They brought her an Andes mint with a pink candle in it. It was really cute. We had a great time and I was so thankful I could be there.

Cody gets to drive

2007-12-14T07:33:00.000-08:00

My Father In Law decided to let Cody take the Wheel.........

My Birthday

2007-12-14T07:04:00.000-08:00

I am now 27.....It's crazy! I just so don't feel like that age. Why is that?

I was so bummed cause I thought that Tyson did'nt get me anything or have anything planned. But I made my peace with it. Then I came home from church and he had Lauren come and decorate my cake for me. ( I was going to make one for my self . Pity party for one?) He bought me a new wedding band. I'm trying so hard not to loose this one, (i've lost 4 :() I'm super bad about losing jewelry, cause I alway lose it. Anyways, he bought me a couple of new outfits too. Love it!

Harvest Festival

2007-12-14T06:38:00.000-08:00

We had our harvest festival at church the wednesday before Halloween. I loved it!So did the kids.......:) They had a big blow up slide, and hay rides, and this donut eating contest, and all kids of games. Briannah almost lost a tooth on the donut game...LOL Cody won it though.

Cody and briannah on the Hayride.

Tyson's Birthday!

2007-10-27T05:43:00.000-07:00

Tyson is 28 today. I can't believe how time flies by. The kids were SO excited about it being his birthday. HE is so excited because he gets to go paintball all morning!

Father God, I thank you for this wonderful man, husband and father. I'm so glad he chose me above all other woman to be his wife. Thank you for the wonderful father he is.

Pumpkin Carving

2007-10-27T05:33:00.001-07:00

Me and all the kids carving a pumpkin. It was so much fun! But there was'nt too many seeds in the pumpkin:( Then we carved a big cross in it for Jesus!

We are'nt trick or treating again this year. Cody seems a little obsessed with Halloween, but reading our "Mommy, why don't we celebrate Halloween?" book settled him down. We had to have a long talk though because then he was pointing out all the people decorating for Halloween and saying "They don't have Jesus in their heart!" My goodness.....

I explained that a lot of people have Jesus in their hearts and still do Halloween, but for us in our family, we don't. Then the lights went on!

So we are going to have a family fun night and pass out candy and bible tracts. Our church's Fall Festival is on Sunday night instead of Wed. otherwise we would be there.

Canning

2007-10-27T05:12:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! I finally got everything I needed for canning, and I canned Green Beans and some apples slices for pie. I already tested some green beans out, and they were great! I got enough for 7 cans of Green beans for $4.00 at the farmers market, and I can't wait to move and grow my own things to can!

I've also been using my pressure cooker to experiment with cooking meats....It's amazing! How did I not know about this!? I cooked a pot roast with all the trimmings in 45 mins! And last week I cooked a 6 pound chicken, with tons of veggies in 10 mins. They are so moist. How is it that every wife in America is not taking advantage of this?

The county fair

2007-10-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

This is me and some of the daycare kids and my own of course, at the St. Mary's county fair.

Bowling Night!

2007-10-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

For a family fun night we tried out bowling! Briannah is very good! I put some videos down at the bottom so you can see it in action!

So Crabby!

2007-10-02T09:45:00.000-07:00

Tyson got these wonderful blue maryland crabs from his boss at work. This is us cooking them!

Aunt Lisa and Uncle Josh!

2007-10-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

These are some pictures from when Lisa and Josh came to visit. They were here months ago, but that's how far behind I am!

At Zoo America

2007-07-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

More at chocolate world

2007-07-12T08:51:00.001-07:00

At Hershey's Choclate World

2007-07-12T08:31:00.001-07:00

Our 1st family vacation!

2007-07-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

This is all of us at the outlet mall waiting for stuff to open....We were just a little bit excited.

Easter

2007-05-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

These are some pictures from Easter

No more tooth!

2007-01-22T10:39:00.000-08:00

It happened! Just a little bit ago, Briannah lost her tooth! Her very first one. And to top it off, I pulled it out, and the one next to it is loose! So here are some pictures from this very big milestone!

Loose tooth patrol

2007-01-19T11:19:00.000-08:00

I just can't believe it's already happening. Briannah is getting ready to lose her first tooth any day now, (or sooner) and I can't believe it! I mean, seriously, it's horrible how fast this is happening. I'm not ready. It's not happening. Let's just leave it at that. A complete state of denial. I'll update later. *sigh* Love Amy

Cody turns 4

2007-01-14T05:53:00.000-08:00

These are pictures from Cody's birthday (Jan. 13th). We went to Lonestar for Lunch and then to target for his gifts. This last picture was when they came out to sing Happy Birthday to him. He thought that was so cool.

2007-01-14T05:23:00.000-08:00

These are some of the pictures from Christmas. Last year I took picutres of everything and this year I was'nt thinking and I videotaped everything. So I have no great pictures. But I can take pictures from the video I shot, but it will take a while. Amy

2006-12-20T06:30:00.000-08:00

These are pictures from when we went to St. Mary's city on Briannah's birthday. We did this last year, and had a blast, and this year was great too. One of the daycare kids got to go with us as a field trip.

Awana Awards

2006-11-22T11:17:00.000-08:00

This is Cody and Briannah getting their Awana Awards. They have to memorize so many verses before they can get awards. These pics did'nt turn out the best, but oh well.

Walking in my daddy's shoes

2006-11-22T08:19:00.000-08:00

These pictures are from back in August....Cody got ahold of Tyson's hunting boots and was trying to walk around in them......It was so funny. EveryTime he picked his foot up the boot turned sidways, and then he would fall down. But then he would just pick himself back up and try it all over again. It reminds me of my walk with my heavenly father.........He's perfect to me, and I'm always striving to be like him, obey what he tells me to do. But everytime I try and go my own way, or become distracted and get away from spending time with him, I fall down. Praise God we have a heavenly father that is ALWAYS there to pick us back up again, brush us off, and say"it's ok, just try again". And when we need it he will even hold our hand through it.

Thank you Father, for reminding me how quickly we can fall, and how you are there to pick us back up again.

The Airplane museum

2006-09-01T02:41:00.001-07:00

For our Anniversary we took the kids to the Airplane museum. They told us this was their day too, cause we are a family and if our anniversary is the celebration of our wedding day, then it belongs to all of us cause it's when our family started. That's what Briannah says. So we spent the day with the kids, and went out that night. Here are some pics of us at the museum.

2006-09-01T02:40:00.000-07:00

Me and the kids cooking breakfast on me and Tyson's Anniversary

This is me and the kids cooking breakfast last weekend.

Hyper space

2006-07-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

These are pictures I took at a place called Hyperspace, which is like a generic Chuck E Cheese. The kids had a blast here!

Miss Elizabeth

2006-07-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

Ms. Elizabeth suprised us with a visit the first weekend in July. She only got to stay for a few days, but it was so wonderful having her here. We went to the beach, where both the kids proceeded to get stung but jellyfish. Briannah got the worst of it, from the top of her legs to the bottom of her feet. But she was fine but the end of the day. We had a great time, and we even got crazy lost in downtown DC! (I did'nt think we'd ever get home!)

Cody's Clubhouse

2006-07-29T13:50:00.000-07:00

Cody decided to make himself a clubhouse one day, underneath my quilt rack. Well then, he started calling for me and I kept walking around like "what the heck? Where is he?" I could'nt see him but sure could hear him laughing at me! Finally he moved just enough that I could see him. I grabbed my camera and took these pictures.

Sprinkler time!

2006-07-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

The kids love playing in the sprinkler!

Easter Egg hunt

2006-07-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

Easter morning

2006-07-28T22:09:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday, before Church.

Easter Eggs

2006-07-28T22:08:00.000-07:00

This is the day before Easter-Us and the kids making Easter eggs.........We had a really good time!

New Pictures!

2006-07-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

I finally got the cord to go with my computer! So now I can put some pictures on and update! Love AMy

2006-06-04T08:34:00.000-07:00

So I got up today, and we got ready to go to church, and Tyson called to say he had the car seats in his truck. So we listened to some sermons on the radio, and I had my own praise and worship time. I have been studying Colossians Chapter 3 for the past two weeks, and it's really good. So I was suprised (but I should'nt have been) to hear a sermon today on Colossians 3. I so struggle with faith, not my faith in Jesus, just my lack of it in Him. It's so hard to just trust.....and believe.
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

We are to set our hearts and minds on things above. "Set" means to "seek or strive for earnestly". I look at that and think, Do I do that? Am I living a life that shows that I am continually setting my mind on Christ? Oh, and there I am saddend and brought to my knees is humility as I humbly realize I am so far from it.

My commentary says "Knowing that all wisdom is in Christ (col.2:1-5), Paul urged the Colossian Christians to continue in Him(Christ)(col.2:6-7), not being decieved by vain philosophies(col.2:8-10). Since believers are indentified with Christ, they are not to live under Jewish laws(col. 2:11-17), for that would only rob them of their rewards(col.2:18-19). They have died with Christ and hence need not sumbit to legalistic rules(col.20-23)."
"Furthermore, they have also been raised with Christ. So they should set their hearts on heavenly things (col. 3:1-4). "
When I am in Christ, and setting my mind on spiritual values, I will be putting to death all the parts of me that still desire to be part of worldly things. When I seek the values and virtues of Christ, I will be putting off the sins of the old life and be putting on the virtues and values of the new life (my new life in Christ). As my commentary puts it: "This in turn should affect their relationships with other members of their families and society."

Wow. Do I do that? Is my relationship with Christ something everyone sees? Or do they see something fake? Even more so do my children see a faith that is strong? Or do they see mommy lose control? Do they see me thanking God for everything? Or do they see me complaining or grumbling about what I don't have? Will they one day say that I was so in love with Christ that it showed in everything I did? Or will they rebel in their teen years saying that I talked the talk but never walked the walk?

The pastor at my old church has a fantastic saying, one I have memorized, because it is something I so struggle with. It comes from the verses in Ep. 4:22-24 that say "You were taught, with regard to you former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by it's deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of you minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true rightousness and holiness."

His saying is this " God wants me to be changing, to be more like His son, by putting off my old self, and putting on my new self, as a result of renewed thinking."

Lord, I thank you for bringing these truths to me again. Help me to seal them in my heart, and to meditate on them. I pray that I would put away my desires to please other people and that I would begin to instead follow and please you. I pray that whatever it is that you would have me to do here in the place that I am, that I would obey you, and that you would grow me and help me to change to be more like you. I pray that my children would see someone in love with you. And that they would in turn love and cherish you. I thank you that you have the ability and the power to change me, and that you also are there to comfort and hold me when I fail, and you pick me back up and dust me off and say "come on, let's try it again." Thank you Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen

What's going on?

2006-05-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since I posted a blog.......Life has been busy! I also lost the cord that I needed to use to download the pictures on my camera to my computer.........so no pics till I figure that out!
The daycare is completly full now....the twins moved away, and I filled their spots with 3 two year olds, and another 5 year old. My days are full! But it's lots of fun, and as long as I don't fill my time with anything but my family, life is good. It's when I start filling it in with unessicary obligations that I get crazy stressed out. If it doesn't pertain to our family.....I don't do it! We also turned off the tv. For good. It was'nt a planned thing, but our cable wire broke, and so we have'nt had it for about two weeks now, and the kids are finding other things to do, better things to do. I was so worried. How silly! We still have our vcr for priviliges, but it's really wonderful how much time we have when we are'nt couch potatoes!

I am trying to get all of Briannah's offical Homeschooling stuff in order.........we officially start school this August, so I am trying to get all my ducks in a row.

Well, That's all for now, I'll blog again later!

Feeding the ducks

2006-04-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

My brother has some ponds with ducks at his apartment complex, and the kids love it! (what kids would'nt ?) So uncle adam took them out to feed the ducks, (and so Cody would'nt terrorize the cats) and Aunt Teri went and got some great picture. There is also a great picture of Katy and Briannah. And one of Lauren and briannah waving Hi. Briannah loves the ponds cause they have fountains and it reminds her of Swan Lake. Go figure.

Aunt Dawn

2006-04-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

Well, we went to see Pa Pa Bill (Tyson's dad) and see the fam there, and I got some really good pictures of the kids with Aunt Dawn. Now, no one argues with me about Cody looking like Tyson, but when you see the pictures of Briannah and Dawn, they look SO much alike. Those are just for the people who argue that Bri looks like me. Now I have proof!

More Addison

2006-04-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

More Pics of Addison!

At Adam and Teri's........

2006-04-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

Adam and Cody are having a moment!
I had a great time at my brother's, Teri was great with putting up with us being there all the time! I know that was the last thing I wanted after having Briannah and Cody! After seeing the pictures of Addison, I wanted to come home so badly, and God just worked out the rest! I happened to have the following week off of daycare, we had just gotten the cars registered, my grandparents were kind enough to let us stay with them,(even though we probably were alot for them to deal with, they were fantastic!), and Tyson agreed to let me go, and it all worked out. There was some issues with my daycare parent at the last minute, but with the help of my grandparents, it all worked out in the end.

My Trip Home

2006-04-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

Cody and Briannah having fun at Mema and Papa's House.

So, we are back from our trip home. Whew! It was so worth it though. Everything worked out with my daycare lady for those of you who were privileged to hear that story. There are lots of pictures, so there are many blogs after this one explaining them. We went to Adam's alot, and to the Zoo with Lisa, Josh,Katy, and lauren, to my dad's, and to Ohio to visit one of my very best friends Tiffany. I had a great time, and I can't wait to move home. These pictures are of my brother Adam with Cody, Adam and his soon to be wife Teri, Adam and Addison, my sister Lisa and cody at the zoo, and of course, my first time seeing Addison, literally, I walked in taking pictures. We had lots of fun at the zoo till a tornado hit the surronding area! My father in law said"that will teach you to come home in the spring huh?" Anyways, it was a fantastic time, as you will see in the upcoming blogs. Amy

Addison Nicole

2006-03-29T06:26:00.000-08:00

I am a aunt, finally! Oh, my heart is breaking! I want to be there more than anything in the world. I hate being so far away. I think i'm crying more now than when I had my own kids. She is so beautiful. I will write more later.

2006-03-23T19:18:00.000-08:00

"We love the truth as it is in Jesus; and nothing but that will satisfy us."
Charles Spurgeon

Thoughts

2006-03-20T18:04:00.000-08:00

So, I'm sitting back tonight, just thinking about life, mine in particular, and trying to look at it from a bigger aspect. How frustrated God must get with me! I know he really does'nt, that he loves me no matter how long I take to do his will, or come back to him, or remeber to thank him for the numerous blessings in my life. But I would be frustrated with me. I'd be ready to give up!
Lord, I thank you for all the blessings you give me each and everyday, right down to waking up each morning with another breath in my chest. For my family, for my friends, for getting my attention and showing me what a life with you can be like. Which I would'nt even have if it was'nt for your awesome grace and love. What a wonderful love it is, just thinking about all the mistakes I've made, the people I've wronged, all the times I turned my back on you, and you are always there with open arms, ready to fill me up again.
We have been studying the fruits of the spirit (love joy peace patience kindness goodness faithfullness gentleness and selfcontrol) and last week was faithfullness. What an amazing week it was. So often I struggle with my faith, especially when so many around me don't share it. Who can blame them? It is so hard to trust something that you can't see, how do you know it's real? Everything in the world revolves around instant gratification, having it all, right now.
I know that I struggle with the believing part of it. SO many times I wonder if what I think is going on is really God working in my life or Satan. Is that something that God wants me to change, or is it Satan getting me to stumble again?
That's when the word of God comes in. EVERYTHING is in there! Oh and God will speak so clearly to you when you let him! He is just waiting there, patiently, for you to come and find out WHO he is. He wants you to know. I am really trying to spend time in the word everyday, consistently, and it can be really hard. But then when I spend time with Him, learning about WHO He is, the peace and joy that comes is more than worth it. Talk about your INSTANT GRATIFICATION! WOW! So many people search their whole lives for something this amazing. They spend so much time and energy, and money, and here it is: it is instant, and free!
Father God, I praise you! I pray that you would continue to reveal yourself to me, WHO you are, not what you do in my life. Please help me to see your will for my life and to accept it with an open heart and mind. Help me to have faith and beleive you at your word. In Jesus Name, Amen

Briannah's New Look

2006-03-20T05:37:00.000-08:00

On friday we went to walmart, and there was a little boy there getting his ears pierced. Briannah decided that she wanted it done too. I was'nt sure about it at first, but she was really sure that she wanted to do it, and I had always said that it was a decision she needed to make, and she was ready! She didn't even cry! I have more pictures, but I will have to wait until tonight to put them on-So long for now!
Love Amy

Wow, I'm tired

2006-03-04T12:53:00.000-08:00

Whew..........so who knew? (definitely my aunt deb-) Taking care of twins is hard! But they are so cute, and it definitely makes the days pass. Right now I am catching up on some much needed house work, and I have a show tonight, who is also a possible recruit. Keep your fingers crossed.

I am really having a great time in the bible study that I'm doing. It's amazing what the Lord is doing............I'm really learning alot.

So.....it's been a good week, tiring, but good. I'm gonna go spend some time with the kiddos. Luv you all, Amy

Valentines Day

2006-02-18T10:57:00.000-08:00

Briannah and Sally

Thursday afternoon we all got cards from Grandma and Grandpa Thompson, and when Cody opened his card-wow!-he saw the money and ran around talking about how he was going to get some treats! It was so funny. I thought I would take some pictures of him, being so possesive of his money. He would'nt let anyone touch it. It was really funny. Usually I just have them open the cards with me and and they give it to me so I can hold it-but not this time. You should have seen their faces when they saw stickers too! (Briannah said " This is the best Balentines day ever!That's not a mis-print, that's how she sounds when she says it!) Then later on in the afternoon we also got a package from Grandma Tish-and that was just the icing on the cake. On monday she got a card from Grandpa and Grandma Tish-with feathers in it from her chicken "Sally". I'll have to put some pictures of "Sally" and Briannah on here so everyone can see. She is so proud of the chicken that Pa Pa Tish gave her. IT WAS A WONDERFUL VALENTINE'S DAY, thank you all for the cards and gifts. Love Amy

Twins

2006-02-16T07:55:00.000-08:00

So the daycare is officially running. My first call was for 9 week old twins! Then I got a call for a 3 yr old boy. It turns out that I will probably take the twins and then just take my name off the list till I know that I can handle the pressure! We got to meet them on Tuesday, and they are SO cute. I really pray that God will do amazing things through this daycare. Even if the only thing he does is provide a way for us to get out of the military and move home.
We got our first snowfall of the year here, but it's back to the 50-60 degree weather, and the snow is gone. But the kids loved it while it lasted.
I'll keep everyone posted on the updates, and will post more pictures when dad comes home to stay on the 23rd.

Daycare Update

2006-02-10T09:02:00.000-08:00

My daycare is complete! I had my last inspection today, and I'm seeing God really work in some amazing ways! I've been really nervous about these inspections-I've been praying that if this is really what God wants that he would make the path smooth-that everything would happen without any setbacks from these inspections. And for both inspections, it could'nt have gone better! So now I am ready to go forward with this process, and I can't wait to see what God is going to do next!

The will of God

2006-02-06T08:08:00.000-08:00

The Will of God

The will of God will never take you………
Where the grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
And Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you……….
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you………..
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
And Where the authority of God cannot overrule you.

The will of God will never take you………..
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot be done for you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
And Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

Everything happens for a reason. We may not be able to see it now, but trust Him. If we love God and are called according to His plan, He will make everything that happens to us fit into a pattern for good.

Clubhouse

2006-02-04T05:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we spent the day at home getting ready for Daddy to come home for the weekend. I built the kids a "clubhouse" - you know, the kind where you throw a bunch of blankets over chairs. Anyways, it was really cute. And with Tyson being home I'm sure we will have more pictures soon. Amy

Happy Groundhog Day!

2006-02-02T04:50:00.000-08:00

I don't know how we can wish for six more weeks of winter/six weeks of spring if there has not been any winter yet! But whatever!

Leave comments!

2006-01-27T19:07:00.000-08:00

My son the smurf

2006-01-27T18:58:00.000-08:00

So we were fingerpainting tonight and I was letting the kids do their own thing while I cleaned up dinner-and apparently Cody's ambition in life is to be a smurf! Too funny! Here are some pictures of what happens when you let your kids paint without close supervison.

The Aloha Dress

2006-01-27T11:59:00.000-08:00

This is Briannah in her "Aloha" Dress. She got this from my mom, and loves it. I almost could'nt get her out of it to put on her pajama's!

Up and Running..........

2006-01-27T11:25:00.000-08:00

So my daycare is almost up and running-I had my pre-inspection today, and it went well. I'm really excited about the change this is going to bring in my life. I was so hesitant to start this daycare, and really got the ball rolling just out of sheer obedience to my husband - but since then God has shown me so many ways to further his kingdom through this. I will be forced to stick to a schedule-something I strongly dislike and is totally against my nature. But will do wonders for my children, they will learn that the world does'nt revolve around them, and so many other life skills will be taught to them through this experience.

I'm doing a bible study called "Living Beyond Yourself" by Beth Moore-it's a study on the fruit of the spirit- but I did'nt even think of learning about the Holy Spirit before learning about the fruit of them. Oh how naive I have been. I've been closely walking with the Lord now for 5 years, and I was close to the point where I felt like I was getting to know everything, that I was really getting it, and before I knew it that good old pride comes in. Oh how our loving father so wisely corrected me! Sometimes when you won't listen any other way, you have to hit rock bottom and let Him restore you to where he wants you. And if you have ever been there-(rock bottom)- then you understand where I have been for the past year or so.

But so amazing is His love for us, and how gently is He showing me all the things I've been
missing. How selfish and self-centered I have been! But Praise Him, he knows that all, he knows me better than I know myself. He know every wicked way in me, and he loves me anyways. Better yet, he works on conforming me to the image of His Son. How very blessed indeed.

I am sometimes questioned why I believe, or why I am a Christian. Better yet why do I do the things I do or live by the standards that I live? "It feels so good to serve yourself! " the world calls. But oh the peace that reigns in my soul when I spend time with Him. I could never get tired of it. "He restores my soul"(pslam 23:3) No drink, or drug, person, relationship, NOTHING can do for me what God does. Period.

Cody's Birthday

2006-01-23T08:59:00.000-08:00

So we had Cody's birthday! My boy is getting so big! Tyson was able to come for an extra long weekend, and we had a really good time. On Cody's birthday, we all went to Applebees, and had lunch. The kids are used to going to the Applebee's in Maine, where our good friend Ms. Katy works, so we had to pre-activity them that she would'nt be there! We had a great lunch, and that night we had the Compton's over for a Barbque, and Cake and Icecream. He loved his presents, and blew out all his candles on the first try! Now he is happy to tell anyone who will listen that he is "1,2,1,2,3!" Yeah!

Mom's Translation

2006-01-06T09:10:00.000-08:00

This is part of a devotional I do(Our Daily Bread). This really touched my heart, being a mom, and I pray that everyday I can live like God wants me to live, so that I can touch others with Christ's Love. Especially my children and family. ~Amy

Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel. —Ezra 7:10

Four pastors were discussing the merits of the various translations of the Bible. One liked a particular version best because of its simple, beautiful English. Another preferred a more scholarly edition because it was closer to the original Hebrew and Greek. Still another liked a contemporary version because of its up-to-date vocabulary.

The fourth minister was silent for a moment, then said, "I like my mother's translation best." Surprised, the other three men said they didn't know his mother had translated the Bible. "Yes," he replied. "She translated it into life, and it was the most convincing translation I ever saw."

Instead of discussing translation preferences, this pastor reminded them that the most important focus should be learning God's Word and doing it. That was the top priority of Ezra's life. As a scribe, he studied the Law, obeyed it, and taught it to the Israelites (Ezra 7:10). For example, God commanded His people not to intermarry with neighboring nations who served pagan gods (9:1-2). Ezra confessed the nation's sin to God (9:10-12) and corrected the people, who then repented (10:10-12).

Let's follow Ezra's example by seeking the Word of God and translating it into life. —Anne Cetas

When we take time to read God's Word,
Our heart is filled with pleasure;
So let's relate the truth we've heard—
With others share the treasure. —Hess

The best commentary on the Bible is a person who puts it into practice.

Christmas.........just joking

2006-01-04T17:28:00.000-08:00

So now that I'm done with the Christmas pictures, here are some new ones, not of christmas. These are the kids before church on Sunday, and Briannah is in the new dress that her Grandma Welles got her. We really had a great time at Christmas, and really appreciate all the gifts everyone sent. The kids really loved them. It looks like Tyson will be able to come home for a long weekend over Cody's birthday. He will be three on the 13th. I just can't believe it. But then again, we have grandparents and parents reading, so I guess they know better than even I do about how fast it goes. Boy does it make your heart ache.
Cody has a new haircut too-actually it's the same, just shorter. Aren't they the cutest? Yeah I'm kinda partial, but they do tend to take my breath away. What precious gifts from God! ~Amy

Christmas Again (and again and again...........)

2006-01-04T17:17:00.000-08:00

So here are some of the last of the Christmas pictures. These are the gifts from my mom and dad (Gma and Gpa Tish) Briannah just loved the sewing machine. I'm always on mine and now she can join in! Love, Amy