tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23938110678580459692024-03-14T00:02:23.480-05:00As We Go. . ."Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-79918108645540004302012-01-01T18:31:00.000-06:002012-01-01T18:31:46.338-06:00Crazy GraceJust a thought for this post that Todd, the girls and I have been discussing lately. In the life of the believer is there any bad? We're coming to the conclusion that there cannot be. There can be painful, difficult, heart-wrenchingly sad, unexplainable, but if God knows our frame (Psalm 103:14), and we "love Him and are called according to His purpose," (Romans 8:28) then it truly is all good. Everything He allows into our lives is for our good and His glory, and in that discovery I'm realizing how crazy His grace is. He is hunting me down with His grace so that I will stop doing things in my own strength and quit doing what is right in my own eyes (Proverbs 21:2) and truly rest in Him. I'm praying that anyone touched by this blog will have their eyes opened to His crazy grace. (Isaiah 35:5)Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-72173170424884921032011-09-18T22:24:00.000-05:002011-09-18T22:24:40.921-05:00Saturday BlissSince my last post a MILLION years ago, lots 'o stuff has been happening in the Williams clan. Our little boy Jacob Wade entered the world on July 11th weighing in at a hefty 8 lbs and 3 ozs. Go little man! Our natural birth went amazingly well, and only a very few times did I catch myself thinking, "Now why did I want to do this?" I still wonder that every now and then, especially having experienced the pain-free bliss that is the epidural w/two of our girls. But, I also wanted to know more about my body and how God designed it to work - childbirth is a gift, after all, and I figure He gives pretty awesome gifts. Thanks to Todd, our doula, Jenny, and lots o' prayer and memorized Word, it was truly a wonderful experience that I will never forget. I am ever-amazed at how much I love telling my own labor stories and how much I enjoy hearing other moms tell theirs. It truly brings us moms together.<br />
<br />
Jake (We're still not sure what we're calling him, but this is what comes out most of the time.) has almost doubled his birth weight at only 2 months. Go "little" man! He laughs and smiles a lot, and you would think that we'd never seen a baby do these things because the whole family has to stop and take notice of his cute tricks. <br />
<br />
So, life is trucking on pretty normally. We're doing a little bit of school - trying to ease back into real life. I'm trying not to drown in laundry which normally gets washed in a fairly timely manner but then stays in the baskets until I have to dump those clothes out to fill up the basket w/more dirty clothes. The girls are an awesome help, and the house would be a complete pit of despair w/o them. They practically run the house and have a great time helping out. <br />
<br />
On to Saturday bliss. Todd took the girls out to the hunting lease to put out a few trail cams. (I'm not sure who was more excited, Todd or the girls.) In the meantime, I had Jake and the quiet house to myself. Saturday bliss. Complete and total. Now I really missed my clan while they were gone because I would have loved to be out on the trail, too. I've got a good eye for picking up deer sign. But, the thought of having some time to myself just about brought tears to my eyes so I figured that was a good sign I should stay put and enjoy the silence.<br />
<br />
So I did. I got some sewing done and then did something which still perplexes me. I cleaned house. I didn't just clean. I got out the carpet steamer and cleaned our sofa (which Todd couldn't sit on because it was so dusty - poor allergy-affected man) and the carpets in two rooms. I washed clothes and aired out sleeping bags. Crazy you say? Probably. But I had the best time taking care of our home. It's strange to me what marriage and family have done to me. I NEVER would have thought that I would be called a home body one day, but that is exactly what I have become. <br />
<br />
I love drinking my morning coffee w/the kitchen window open listening to the geese land in the pond behind our house. I love the sound of the girls working together to empty and re-load the dishwasher. I love the smell of Todd cooking breakfast. (He's taken over this job most days since Jake's arrival.) I love when the girls play for hours making up their own quirky games. Shocking to say, Saturday bliss wasn't shopping, eating out, or watching a good movie (all which I enjoy). I think because time to get things done comes in such precious little chunks when taking care of a little one that bliss for me, for now, was having time to check just a few things off of the never-ending to-do list inside my head. Because I don't have time to even write it down!Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-57316732549163036422011-02-10T14:28:00.004-06:002011-02-10T14:57:48.789-06:00Keeping It Alive. . . BarelySo, after another protest from my dad, I've returned to blog world. I really do love this world, but, honestly, I have not had the time to read blogs or maintain my own. Have they made a camera that can "beam" your pictures to the computer w/o having to plug it in. every. time? Call me lazy, but the hassle of getting pics to my computer and then uploading them to the blog is just too much for me. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> is quicker, but I can't remember the last time I uploaded a picture there either. Anyway, that's my excuse for having a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pictureless</span>, boring blog. When I actually blog, that is.<br /><br />So, the girls are resting, my hair is in a towel, and I'm snagging a brief moment to update the handful of blog readers that stroll this way. Just be prepared for random. . .<br /><br />For those not on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> or for those who just missed it, we are expecting <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">bambino</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">numero</span> 4 this summer sometime mid-July. And, it's a boy. Who would have guessed that? The girls are thrilled, and already we have folks offering to give us little boy clothes. Can I just say that it looks a lot easier to clothe a boy than it does a girl? Shirts, pants and some shoes, and you're set. Oh, that it were that easy in girl-world.<br /><br />We had a snow day, of sorts, today. We had some sleet yesterday evening and later, some snow which miraculously stuck and was still there this morning. So, Todd encouraged me to let the girls play in it before it melted. (Can I just say that it is STILL there - hardly any melting yet.) So, being the generally <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">agreeable</span> person that I am, I let them go out right after breakfast. After and hour or so of the in-and-out, "I'm cold," drying wet cold things to only go back outside to get wet and cold again, they were in for the morning. <br /><br />Well, since things were already off-track, we decided to clean the mess that was our home a bit. The bit turned into an hour or so. Then, of course, we had to have hot chocolate. The temp. as I type at three o'clock is 25 degrees, and temps like that require warm sweet drinks. After hot chocolate is finished, it's just about time for lunch. Still no school done. At all. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Grrrr</span>. So, lunch is served.<br /><br />I have to digress just a moment to express my excitement at fixing poached eggs for the first time ever for our lunch. We had a very light eggs <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Benedict</span> - minus the Canadian bacon and h<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">ollandaise</span> sauce. Anyway, my mom had always had an insert that fit into one of her pans for making poached eggs so I had to muster up some bravery to try these suckers on my own. Have to say it was really fun and yummy.<br /><br />So, after lunch, on to school. Finally. We just attempted our group school which consists of our memory verse, Bible reading and astronomy. Did you know that there was an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">asteroid</span> belt between Mars and Jupiter? Well, I'm sure I'd been taught this before, but it sure did pass right by me. There's even a theory that the belt was previously a planet that exploded. This would also account for planets and moons that have craters on one side but relatively none on the other. Well, I was impressed anyway.Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-26428960163563773172010-09-30T12:52:00.001-05:002010-09-30T12:52:31.316-05:00Death and Life<p>So, just a few minutes ago, Jessie comes into my room crying (not an unusual occurrence), but she did seem a little more upset than normal.  “Aubrie said that she knows something that’s not special about me.”  Now, I’m not sure if that was supposed to be, “Aubrie thinks I’m not special,” or if Aubrie knows one secret, tucked-away thing about Jessie that’s not special which really wouldn’t be so terrible.  I’m guessing the first idea is what was implied.</p> <p>After reassuring Jessie that she is indeed amazingly special in every way – insert lots o’ hugs – I called Aubrie into my chambers.  </p> <p>Sometimes being a mom feels a little like being the grim reaper.  “Come into my parlor said the spider to the fly.”  </p> <p>So, I explain to Aubrie that her words hurt Jessie.</p> <p>Aubrie: Words don’t hurt.  They can’t hurt.</p> <p>Mom: Oh, yes they do.</p> <p>Aubrie: No they don’t.</p> <p>Mom:  Aubrie… (one of us is supposed to be the adult in this scenario)</p> <p>So, the rest of the story is that we both say THE VERSE: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”  Prov: 18:21  The truth is that the adult in this story needs the reminder as much as the little turkey does.</p> Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-26802344947858892012010-07-26T12:01:00.001-05:002010-07-26T12:01:44.049-05:00Home Discipleship<p>Most folks who know me know that I LOVE homeschooling and wish everyone would try it.  However, I really think that home discipleship is a far more important issue.  I can homeschool my sweet ones all day, make sure their academics are rigorous, plan numerous field trips, and schedule extensive science and history projects.  I can make sure that they learn several foreign languages, play piano, and participate in sports, dance etc. and completely miss the boat.  </p> <p><strong>I can still have unruly, undisciplined children.</strong></p> <p>“The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.” Proverbs 29:15</p> <p>“He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.”  Proverbs 13:24</p> <p>“Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.”  Proverbs 22:15"</p> <p>“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”  Ephesians 6:4</p> <p><strong>I can still fail to teach the girls to love the Lord and His ways.</strong></p> <p>“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”  Deuteronomy 6:5-9</p> <p><strong>I can still unwisely plan our calendar.</strong></p> <p>“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”  Proverbs 13:20</p> <p>“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’”              I Corinthians 15:33</p> <p><strong>I can miss true knowledge and wisdom and just fill their heads with “stuff.”  </strong></p> <p>“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Proverbs 1:7</p> <p>“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.”  Psalm 111:10</p> <p>“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.”      I Corinthians 1:21</p> <p>“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”  Colossians 2:8</p> <p>While I obviously think that schooling choices are important, it would seem that much more important is what we do with the time we have with our children.  What are we intentionally or unintentionally pouring into their lives?  I wish I could say that we started out with an understanding of home discipleship vs. homeschooling, but we didn’t, and I’m sure there is so much more that we still don’t “get.”  I was pouring myself into the girls’ academics with little thought given to anything else. </p> <p>For us, the motivation to homeschool has become a mission of multi-generational faithfulness, that our children and their children will walk with the Lord and not turn away from Him.  God gives us His plan for this again in Deuteronomy 6.  </p> <p>"Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the judgments which the LORD your God has commanded me to teach you, that you might do them in the land where you are going over to possess it, so that you and your son and your grandson might fear the LORD your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged.”  Deuteronomy 6:1-2</p> Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-89100608806465916332010-07-11T20:58:00.001-05:002010-07-11T20:58:10.210-05:00Fun in Vicksburg<p>While driving past the Civil War Military Park in Vicksburg two weeks ago (actually three weeks ago now since I forgot to post this), I commented to Todd how sad it was that no one had ever taken me to see it.  He was surprised to realize that I had never been (We both love history.) and made a plan for us to drive through it that day.  We didn’t have much time, but your entry pass is good for seven days.  So, we did the zip-through tour, and the girls and I made a plan to come back the next week when we could soak it all in.  </p> <p>Can I just say that I NEVER thought I would run into anyone who wanted to see it all at a museum, park, what-have-you more than me, but our girls gave me a run for my money.  I was like, “Let’s just stop at the major tour stops.”  Seriously, we could have been there all day.  Or several days.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TDp2lje85iI/AAAAAAAAAsI/AgviM0gD9OA/s1600-h/military%20park%20%283%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="military park (3)" border="0" alt="military park (3)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TDp2l_Tja8I/AAAAAAAAAsM/mAYyIT0ZgpY/military%20park%20%283%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="398" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TDp2mqUJQMI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/hIMZAC8flqc/s1600-h/military%20park%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="military park" border="0" alt="military park" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TDp2nJtyTzI/AAAAAAAAAsU/gdt0kG5tSvc/military%20park_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="411" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TDp2oWbWKNI/AAAAAAAAAsY/VzN6-Ji8_oo/s1600-h/military%20park%20%282%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="military park (2)" border="0" alt="military park (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TDp2o4M2MrI/AAAAAAAAAsc/Je29ay1DBe8/military%20park%20%282%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="295" /></a></p> <p>After our tour, we cooled off (Again, I will whine about the heat.) at the Vicksburg art park.  So much fun, and I did not mind getting splashed occasionally.  Not one bit.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TDp2pdMveaI/AAAAAAAAAsg/duNEYXrnEyA/s1600-h/water%20park%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="water park" border="0" alt="water park" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TDp2p7RX1uI/AAAAAAAAAsk/wLfOXx-6VfM/water%20park_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="418" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TDp2qmGJWPI/AAAAAAAAAso/w0GFlr1pACw/s1600-h/water%20park%20%282%29%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="water park (2)" border="0" alt="water park (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TDp2rAvej_I/AAAAAAAAAss/oIvUOmfIWKA/water%20park%20%282%29_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="422" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TDp2rhpl4uI/AAAAAAAAAsw/QReQquzd9Uo/s1600-h/water%20park%20%283%29%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="water park (3)" border="0" alt="water park (3)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TDp2sfulhDI/AAAAAAAAAs0/sYaIR_TXkRA/water%20park%20%283%29_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="426" /></a></p> Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-1090209107906925982010-06-28T07:37:00.001-05:002010-06-28T07:37:10.190-05:00Backyard Summer Fun<p>When we can stand the heat, we have really enjoyed our backyard so far this summer.  The garden is growing, and we’re figuring out what to plant next spring and what not to plant.  Also finding out that the planting dates really do matter as you can tell by our sad cabbage that just didn’t make a head because of the heat.   We’ve got LOTS of tomatoes, cucumbers have been pretty good, and the squash and zucchini have been fair.  They started out pretty well, and then got some kind of disease.  So, some fruit makes, and some falls off the plant after it shrivels up and dies.</p> <p>The most fun garden news is that we FINALLY have a watermelon that just might be large enough to eat on the 4th.  We thought we were going to have all vine and no fruit, but those suckers grow fast once they appear.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TCiXZMPWChI/AAAAAAAAAro/V0Z6DrT0Nro/s1600-h/fun%20in%20backyard%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="fun in backyard" border="0" alt="fun in backyard" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TCiXZy062iI/AAAAAAAAArs/dJnlwush5h4/fun%20in%20backyard_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a> </p> <p>The girls got swings from Nan and Pops and cannot wait to go outside in the morning to get on them.  We have the typical arguments about sharing swings and whose swing is the most fun.  I think the basic, standard, plain ol’ swing gets the most use!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TCiXajtfQRI/AAAAAAAAArw/i-a1g5aaZHo/s1600-h/more%20fun%20%282%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="more fun (2)" border="0" alt="more fun (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TCiXbFIwVHI/AAAAAAAAAr0/XbUhuiGiYHQ/more%20fun%20%282%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="274" height="409" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TCiXbt-Sy8I/AAAAAAAAAr4/cnxKmgZjIL0/s1600-h/more%20fun%20%283%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="more fun (3)" border="0" alt="more fun (3)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TCiXcCClW7I/AAAAAAAAAr8/YWCSCtjjh6Q/more%20fun%20%283%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="415" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TCiXc26iROI/AAAAAAAAAsA/mg4HR2lKc8c/s1600-h/more%20fun%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="more fun" border="0" alt="more fun" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/TCiXdRTqdkI/AAAAAAAAAsE/XUBurG65GN8/more%20fun_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="418" /></a>  </p> <p>The weathermen say that we may get a reprieve from the heat this week, and I say, “Bring it on!”  We survived a record heat summer in TX last year, and I was so looking forward to the milder (about 5-10 degrees milder) summer temps in MS.  I’ll gladly take some extra humidity for the cooler temps.</p> Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-67685225077862510212010-05-30T17:49:00.002-05:002010-05-30T18:18:27.492-05:00Birthday Video (for Papaw and the Aunties)<p>I sadly didn’t get too many good pictures at Jessie’s and Aubrie’s birthday party, but we did get some good video of the cake moment. </p><p>Since May is a toss-up for heat and humidity (It can either be really pleasant or really miserable.), we asked everyone to don swimsuits and turned on the sprinkler – it was a LOT on the miserable side. The kiddos also painted ladybugs on their ladybug houses, and a good friend, Miss Karen, painted ladybugs (and a few butterflies and flip flops) on their faces. We have some wonderful friends who endured heat and pesky flies in order to wish Jessie and Aubrie a happy birthday. Thank you!</p><p> </p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz48EV4t5fBbF4_9Y50NBX8IQ5uzZtTOOT4aRxtduLY4B25eHw2wrJy5s5bg_Rh58yNLR5_XKSMLbEsz2NOEA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-13106892689103046552010-05-24T09:18:00.001-05:002010-05-24T09:20:17.595-05:00Happy Anniversary!<p>Thirteen years ago Todd and I began the wild ride called marriage.  It is amazing to look back at who we were then and who we are now and marvel at how God makes the two one.  In a day of gender blending, confusion and role reversals, I am so thankful for a husband who looks to God’s word for his role as husband and father and who understands that our roles are different but neither less worthy or important than the other.</p> <p>I started out in marriage thinking that I would do my “job” as long as he was doing his.  Man, does that lead to a big mess.  Since then, I’ve been so blessed to read several books that have pointed me back to the Word for how a wife and mother is to conduct herself.  The life-changer is understanding that I fulfill my role regardless.  When I go back to my conditional behavior (if he does x, then I’ll do y), things can get ugly quickly.</p> <p>I posted on FB this morning that I’m thankful for the mystery of marriage for it truly is a mystery to me that if we follow God’s plan for surrender and death to self, that the blessings can be so utterly amazing and lead us to places that we never could have imagined.  </p> <p>A friend said something last summer that really resonated with me.  “I want to understand God’s role for me and then quit fighting against it. I want to find contentment in it and rest there.”</p> Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-43092462760122890122010-05-04T11:29:00.001-05:002010-05-04T11:29:33.858-05:00One Month Old<p>Our garden was planted a month ago today, and we are amazed at how things have taken off.  We harvested the rest of our radishes last night and need to figure out something else to go in that square!</p> <p>  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S-BLNutSo0I/AAAAAAAAAq4/Z9Cz4Ifi3cg/s1600-h/SFG%20002%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SFG 002" border="0" alt="SFG 002" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S-BLOwZBN6I/AAAAAAAAAq8/2cdX9Cx5JW8/SFG%20002_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="291" height="435" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S-BLQAr5lgI/AAAAAAAAArA/Kc6eIImuSYc/s1600-h/SFG%20001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SFG 001" border="0" alt="SFG 001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S-BLRaPm54I/AAAAAAAAArE/CY5VZxxH5WQ/SFG%20001_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="314" /></a></p> <p>We also took some pictures of the girls last week – they had as much fun as I did picking out fun places to “shoot.”  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S-BLTLkJRqI/AAAAAAAAArI/e5uzCLKXJEA/s1600-h/Mynell%20Gardens%20120%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Mynell Gardens 120" border="0" alt="Mynell Gardens 120" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S-BLUCpNVnI/AAAAAAAAArM/WLSGLdIc8Ys/Mynell%20Gardens%20120_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="461" height="309" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S-BLVTm064I/AAAAAAAAArQ/THLIHD_pqss/s1600-h/Mynell%20Gardens%20154%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Mynell Gardens 154" border="0" alt="Mynell Gardens 154" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S-BLWSKeUiI/AAAAAAAAArU/PrDJJnd1FJg/Mynell%20Gardens%20154_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="418" /></a>  </p> <p>Jessie Claire</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S-BLXnJVOwI/AAAAAAAAArY/9eUHZCDbcjo/s1600-h/Mynell%20Gardens%20064%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Mynell Gardens 064" border="0" alt="Mynell Gardens 064" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S-BLY6EozII/AAAAAAAAArc/k_gcTJX7pf0/Mynell%20Gardens%20064_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="441" /></a> </p> <p>Aubrie Ann</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S-BLZ4zYJcI/AAAAAAAAArg/9--sNEyBU2I/s1600-h/Mynell%20Gardens%20203%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Mynell Gardens 203" border="0" alt="Mynell Gardens 203" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S-BLa842RJI/AAAAAAAAArk/5yy-p6onLug/Mynell%20Gardens%20203_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="291" height="434" /></a> </p> <p>Patience Emory (aka, Emma)</p> <p>Getting into our life here in Clinton is taking some time, but slowly the Lord is showing us where He wants us.  So wish I could occasionally fast forward!  One thing we are SO looking forward to is the <a title="http://www.mhea.net/" href="http://www.mhea.net/">Homeschool Conference</a> this month in Starkville.  We just finished (well, Todd has finished, and I am in-progress) reading <em>Family Driven Faith</em> by <a title="http://www.voddiebaucham.org/vbm/home.html" href="http://www.voddiebaucham.org/vbm/home.html">Voddie</a> Baucham, and he is one of the main speakers.  Can not wait!  </p> Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-78265303710871442012010-04-21T16:38:00.001-05:002010-04-21T16:38:01.826-05:00You Know It’s Bad When<p>your dad is asking you to update your blog because he misses his grandkids.</p> <p>So Sorry!</p> <p>The two major happening in the Williams fam are the puppy and our square foot garden.  The puppy is DEFINITELY more work!  Her name is Brown Sugar – Sugar, for short.  She is super smart and just about potty trained inside.  I know I am very thankful for this.  We’ve had her about a week-and-a-half, and I was up with her more the first two nights than I was when we had babies in the house.  Ugh.  Those nights are much better now, although she still thinks that 3 am is a good time for a party.  I do not.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S89wDhjSwSI/AAAAAAAAAqI/JO3OGphZlEE/s1600-h/IMG_4634%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4634" border="0" alt="IMG_4634" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S89wEGXQG8I/AAAAAAAAAqM/0Dd-ymJo710/IMG_4634_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="296" /></a>  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S89wFPmo9SI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/-WVF947hyk0/s1600-h/IMG_4632%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4632" border="0" alt="IMG_4632" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S89wFj0EjkI/AAAAAAAAAqU/IoCjdW4QVrI/IMG_4632_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="303" /></a> </p> <p>Our other new endeavor is the garden.  We, a.k.a Todd, built two 4x8 beds complete with weed backing and Mel’s Mix from the book <em>Square Foot Gardening</em>.  So far, things are taking off.  I need to take some new pictures, actually, because the tomato plants are much taller now.  The girls have pretty much taken over this project, watering every day and picking weeds.  We can’t wait to start eating out of our own back yard!</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S89wG-yPjOI/AAAAAAAAAqY/52Vz7fya3rI/s1600-h/IMG_4591%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4591" border="0" alt="IMG_4591" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S89wHTrFe2I/AAAAAAAAAqc/zP3e1baTZyE/IMG_4591_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="295" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S89wI41KVzI/AAAAAAAAAqg/XwJnSmWp9zg/s1600-h/IMG_4596%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4596" border="0" alt="IMG_4596" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S89wJmxvo5I/AAAAAAAAAqk/HL-ZdyfTN0k/IMG_4596_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="301" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S89wKo40f9I/AAAAAAAAAqo/aRF--Qkx2n8/s1600-h/IMG_4612%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4612" border="0" alt="IMG_4612" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S89wLcg1f8I/AAAAAAAAAqs/FHuXtoxc3LM/IMG_4612_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="417" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S89wM7JDbRI/AAAAAAAAAqw/U86--xl6UkM/s1600-h/IMG_4636%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4636" border="0" alt="IMG_4636" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S89wOA6VS-I/AAAAAAAAAq0/5IBE2zAfoMc/IMG_4636_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="298" /></a></p> Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-71989304586617765362010-03-08T11:25:00.001-06:002010-03-08T11:37:25.565-06:00The Summer Olympics?<p>Today for our history lesson we studied the beginnings and history of the Olympics.  The girls were really excited about this because what little Olympics we watched this winter, they were really into.  (I know that’s really bad grammar but too much in a hurry to fix it!)  I won’t even go into how frustrating it was to close on a house the day the Olympics started and the fact that once we were pseudo settled, we didn’t have a converter box to pick up any channels.  Okay, so I sort of went into it, but you gotta feel some of my pain.  And, I realize I sound like a complete whiner, but it’s the Olympics, people!</p> <p>So something I didn’t know that was surprising: The last Greek Olympics were in A.D. 395 because Olympia was destroyed by an earthquake.  They weren’t reinstated until the late 1800s.  Am I the only one who missed this is my history classes?  I just assumed they’d been going on since the Greek time.  Maybe I shouldn’t publicly admit that…</p> <p>We went back to the “roots” of the games and had five competitions: a foot race, arm wrestling (The Greeks just wrestled, but I figured this was safer.), jumping, discus (plastic lid throwing)  and throwing the javelin (or a really big stick).  I captured some of competitions and just love the very competitive looks on my girls’ faces.  If you know them, this won’t surprise you a bit.  They are very tenacious girls.  Very feminine, but very determined.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S5U1om4fLOI/AAAAAAAAApQ/hh81p7KE1Ek/s1600-h/Olympics%20102%5B8%5D.jpg"><img title="Olympics 102" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="250" alt="Olympics 102" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S5U1pneVajI/AAAAAAAAApU/Euk0h8rkRno/Olympics%20102_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Notice Aubrie lost in Aubrie-land.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S5U1rK6BPpI/AAAAAAAAApY/sCiXyoFnfBk/s1600-h/Olympics%20118%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="Olympics 118" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="258" alt="Olympics 118" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S5U1r7PXKeI/AAAAAAAAApc/QmeGAzLphyA/Olympics%20118_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Here’s some of that determination in action!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S5U1s-368hI/AAAAAAAAApg/oX3b7GeMylc/s1600-h/Olympics%20129%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="Olympics 129" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="261" alt="Olympics 129" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S5U1tj19ydI/AAAAAAAAApk/aYuHcwk37no/Olympics%20129_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S5U1uS2u8sI/AAAAAAAAApo/fZh69ORD2TU/s1600-h/Olympics%20130%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="Olympics 130" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="270" alt="Olympics 130" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S5U1vG8LqpI/AAAAAAAAAps/0t54UkFZKw4/Olympics%20130_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S5U1wE-92RI/AAAAAAAAApw/n9I0mNUzolk/s1600-h/Olympics%20143%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="Olympics 143" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="410" alt="Olympics 143" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S5U1w12CN1I/AAAAAAAAAp0/4J4HcnoDwPo/Olympics%20143_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S5U1x1UIkKI/AAAAAAAAAp4/bW4UVF6Q6d4/s1600-h/Olympics%20153%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="Olympics 153" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="417" alt="Olympics 153" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S5U1yYJaJgI/AAAAAAAAAp8/YSUmYMON9Kc/Olympics%20153_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S5U1z-4csyI/AAAAAAAAAqA/pMijhoS7x2I/s1600-h/Olympics%20156%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="Olympics 156" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="290" alt="Olympics 156" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/S5U11PuaiiI/AAAAAAAAAqE/Q2W-REFJcd4/Olympics%20156_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>The Winner’s Circle</p> Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-42041746440068473132010-03-04T21:31:00.002-06:002010-03-04T21:35:11.406-06:00The Sun Shines Again<p>So glad that the sun decided to make a lengthy appearance today! We thoroughly took advantage of such beautiful weather. We played with friends, came home to rest a little and played some more! I am loving that the girls are enjoying the back yard and have discovered all sorts of fun hiding places. I have a little chuckle every time I hear, “Ready or not, here I come!” </p><p>As a matter of fact, they’ve become rather good at hiding inside the house as well, and they had me completely stumped the other day. I was beginning to wonder if they had slipped outside. I’m still not sure how I didn’t see them in the laundry room. It’s not that big, and I LOOKED in there! </p><p>We had a really great week of homeschooling and basically stayed on-schedule which is a MAJOR feat for us. Seems like life is always interrupting our schedule. The other big news for the week is that our heater was fixed today! Oh, how I love heat when it’s cold outside. I had taken to moving the space heater to whatever room we were in. So thankful for our home warranty, too. I was trying not to complain when people were asking me how I was liking our new house because I really do love it, but I HATE being cold. Every now and then I over romanticize the <em>Little House on the Prairie</em> days, and then I remember that Laura did NOT have central heat and air and come back to reality!</p>Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-35275898918286652862010-02-15T21:51:00.001-06:002010-02-15T21:51:31.117-06:00Painting, Cleaning and Lots o’ Fun<p>We were able to close on our house in MS this past Friday despite the several inches of snow on the ground.  Our resident meteorologists (Poppy and Emma) tell us that there was between five and six inches.  We built snowmen, made snow ice cream and kept mom busy washing the layers and layers of clothes they got wet and dirty in the snow.  What a first day back in Clinton!  </p> <p>We then went to work picking out paint colors.  I am so challenged in this area.  I know what I like, but I have no idea how to go from paint swatch to what it’s actually going to look like on a wall.  Our good friend Kristy came to our rescue with her paint samples and touch-up paint, and we have successfully painted the living room, one of the girls’ rooms and our bedroom.  I say successfully only because we’ve decided that we’re not trying to fix anything else.  I don’t know if it’s the eggshell finish, or if we’re just stinky painters, but we could NOT get rid of some of our roller lines.  Ugh.  We’re hoping that when furniture arrives and things are hung on walls that we won’t notice them so much.  </p> <p>After finishing up our painting this afternoon we shifted gears to cleaning up before the truck arrives.  We have basically worked until we’re both pooped!  But, we have had so much fun getting our house ready to be a home and have not had so much “alone time” in FOREVER!  We even got to have a date Friday night.  Yahoo!  Thanks to Nan and Pops and to the <a title="http://childreninthemidst.blogspot.com/" href="http://childreninthemidst.blogspot.com/">Kysers</a> who have made it possible for us to get this much done in such a little time.</p> <p>We are so thankful to stand around and truly count our many blessings and are in awe of all that God has done for us.</p> Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-42989633586184989752010-02-02T19:48:00.001-06:002010-02-02T19:48:00.487-06:00Good News!<p>We got our appraisal back a day early, and we’re all set!  Yahoo!  Thanks so much for praying for this step.  So, I have new life breathed into my packing efforts which were a little slow today, to say the least.  Ugh.  So hate packing.  My goal for this evening is to have the office junk sorted through and packed away.  </p> <p>Thanks so much for the office ideas so far… definitely thinking the closet may be an option.  And, a cute basket or two might help with some of our other office clutter that needs to stay handy.  I could really use my stackable drawers for homeschooling/crafty stuff which seems unending but is much more organized!</p> <p><a title="http://www.lifeat7000feet.com/" href="http://www.lifeat7000feet.com/">Mer</a>, I was wondering if the book you recommended, <a title="http://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Organized-Homemaker-Secrets-Uncluttering/dp/1558703616/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265161414&sr=1-1" href="http://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Organized-Homemaker-Secrets-Uncluttering/dp/1558703616/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265161414&sr=1-1"><em><font color="#ff00ff">Confessions</font></em></a><em><font color="#ff00ff"> of an Organized Homemaker,</font></em> had any suggestions about office space.  I don’t think the box it’s in has been taped up…may have to take a peek this evening.</p> Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-56705825886799384782010-02-02T12:38:00.001-06:002010-02-02T12:38:57.792-06:00A Little Advice for a Big Mess<p>So, our appraisal is supposed to happen tomorrow, and I will try to remember to let you know how it goes.  Praying for God’s plan to unfold.</p> <p>In the mean time, we are packing as if everything is going forward which brings me to my need for advice. Our office-type stuff is such a huge mess!   We are so hodgepodge in this area, and it’s about to drive me crazy.  </p> <p>We need space for the following:</p> <blockquote> <p>income tax records</p> <p>past bills</p> <p>insurance claims records</p> <p>vehicle info – registration and titles</p> <p>tape, staplers, calculators, envelopes, rulers, paper clips, stamps, notepads, computer paper</p> <p>USB cords for cameras</p> <p>software</p> <p>blank CDs and DVDs   </p> </blockquote> <p>I really want to turn over a new leaf when we move and somehow pull together a cohesive way of storing all our stuff.  So, where/how do you store your “office” type stuff?  Also, how long do you keep bills/medical records, etc.?  I tend to be a little bit of a packrat so I need some advice in this area, too.  I realize I could probably go online for this sort of advice, but I don’t have the time right now.  Maybe later.</p> <p>All of our stuff is contained in a two-drawer filing cabinet, a plastic filing box, stackable drawers and a tray set I used when I taught school a million years ago.  It all looks very dorm-room somehow (not to mention messy), and for someone who has been out of college for a VERY long time, this just seems so unacceptable.  Oh, and I forgot to mention that all this junk is in our bedroom which is just a disaster.  We used to have an office nook so it wasn’t really an issue because we could easily hide it all.  We’re not sure yet where it’s going to end up in the new house, but I think I need to get my brain going on some creative solutions.  I would LOVE your suggestions because we obviously need serious help.</p> Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-69328857613695377362010-02-01T09:45:00.002-06:002010-02-01T13:24:45.777-06:00This Week’s Snapshot<p>Well, we passed inspection last week. Yeah! So, that means that we get to move on to appraisal this week. Sometime. It would really be nice to know when this is going to take place since I have a long list of things that need to get done if this part happens the way we hope it will. Change of address, utilities, etc. </p><p>Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are pack-it-up days, and Thursday the girls and I head to Grand Prairie to take care of some stuff with my dad. Friday night is our last homegroup – lots of tissue going to be needed here, and Saturday we drive to San Antonio for <a href="http://minicoopersmomma.blogspot.com/">Judah's</a> first birthday party. Sunday, of course is our last service at <a href="http://www.rivervalleychristianfellowship.com/">RVCF</a> and the Super Bowl with friends. </p><p>Sorry for the list-like post, but I want to keep folks, who are interested, in the loop. I will try to update about the appraisal as soon as I know something. Thanks for praying for us!</p>Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-32463567956406511352010-01-22T23:03:00.001-06:002010-01-22T23:03:09.820-06:00On the Go?<p>Thinking maybe I should change the blog name.  Just thinkin’.  </p> <p>Anyway, our trip to MS went really well, and we were able to find a couple of houses that would work for the fam.  We were able to put a contract on a house just down the street from <a title="http://www.childreninthemidst.blogspot.com/" href="http://www.childreninthemidst.blogspot.com/">Jill</a> which makes all of us very excited.  (I’m sorry if any of this information is a repeat for you, but I find that I’m leaving people out of the loop so this is an effort to avoid that!)  We have our inspection on Monday and will just need to get through the appraisal after that.  If those things happen to cross your mind, sure would appreciate your prayers for us.  All hoops jumped through, and we’ll close February 12 – that’s not that far away!  Scary.</p> <p>I am finally able to think about the move without tears.  This last trip did wonders for my excitement level about the move.  I still can’t “talk” about the move with my friends here w/o some emotion, but I figure that may just be something I have to live with.  </p> <p>Tomorrow is “re-pack the garage day.”  Let me say, that I am looking forward to this with much trepidation.  Since we thought we were going to be renting for a short while, we didn’t unpack all our boxes, and in some cases just unpacked part of a box.  We’re going to try to go through all that stuff and get the boxes move-ready.  I’m hoping to find lots that I can part with since I haven’t needed much of it for the last year.   One would think that we travel lightly since we’ve had so many moves, but I am hopelessly attached to way too many things!  I’m going to try to be a little less sentimental – I can still remember where most of our wedding presents came from, and I just feel guilty letting those things go.  Sad, I know.</p> Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-54969874076998810382010-01-11T12:12:00.001-06:002010-01-11T12:12:20.972-06:00Moving… Again.<p>If you’ve known our family for any length of time, you know that we have been really mobile.  Sorry for those of you who try to keep us on your Christmas card list!  We are headed back east to Mississippi, and I’m not sure where to begin the tale, but I’m going to do my best!</p> <p>The economy.  The cost of living here is much higher than MS, and with the economy really messing things up, the “promotion” to come to TX ended up being a lateral move.  Had we our crystal ball in hand, we would not have uprooted our family for that.  </p> <p>The mission.  Also, we’ve been asking ourselves what the purpose of our little family is.  This has helped us in making this very difficult decision.  One of our main goals is keeping me at home.  We feel that this is much more doable in MS than here.  Our dollar stretches further there for housing which is probably the biggest consideration.  Also, there are other factors about Todd’s job in MS which allow for a richer family and professional life.  This was a big deal for us.</p> <p>The unknown.  So, why did God move us to TX only to move us back to MS a year later?  I have no idea!  But, I do know that the experiences and friends we have had here have enriched our lives beyond our craziest imaginings.  It has been a true season of blessing for us.  Will the Williams clan ever go to Africa?  I’m sure it’s a question that many are afraid to ask, and for those who have asked, they have gotten no clear answer.  Again, I have no idea!  </p> <p>As We Go.  When Todd was at DBU taking Greek, “we” learned that the little word “go” means, “as you go.”  As you go to the grocery store, as you get your oil changed, as you train up your children, as you go to another country, perhaps.  I have no clue what the future holds for us.  I do know that we plan to be apart of God’s work wherever we may be.</p> <p>The hard part.  Saying good-bye to all our wonderful friends and to our church.  I plan on bringing tissue with me to every service we’re able to attend from here on out.  As a matter of fact, I may just carry it with me all the time.  You would think after so many moves, this would be a snap by now, but I still have a really hard time with this part.  Your prayers are very much needed and appreciated!</p> Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-61921012332756604812009-12-21T08:10:00.002-06:002009-12-21T08:12:17.796-06:00A Life Lesson<p>I think I’m always conflicted this particular week of the Christmas season because we talk so much to our kids about focusing on the birth of Jesus and what that means in our lives and then run around like crazy people trying to get everything done.</p><p>Since we just got back from Mississippi last night, today is a day of re-grouping. There will be grocery lists made, laundry washed and , hopefully, an assortment of other things accomplished. What I’m hoping for most is that my behavior will reflect what we’ve been trying to teach the girls - that Christmas is not about gifts, food, or even family. It’s about Christ. And, if the other things weren’t around, it would still be one of the best times of the year. </p><p>So, what would a Christmas life lesson look like? Peace. Joy. True joy in all of my to-dos. I love making lists of things to do, not because I’m incredibly organized, but because if I don’t write things down, I don’t seem to have the mental capacity to remember anything, and this is incredibly annoying. But like the typical list-maker, I get a little caught up in my list. My goal this week is to let the list go. Oh, I will still make my lists, my friend, but I’m going to try and remind my little type-A self that the list is not the end goal.</p><p>I so want my life to not be sending a double message, especially to my sweet family. I think I’ve come to grips that it is impossible to escape hypocrisy entirely while we’re on this side of heaven, but I do want to constantly examine my actions and words to see if they line up with what I say I believe and tweak “as I go.” Sounds kind of like “working out our salvation in fear in trembling,” now that I think of it. </p>Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-39110447225328524562009-11-11T22:15:00.001-06:002009-11-11T22:25:21.534-06:00Getting Caught Up Before I Go Crazy<p>If I don’t get busy and post some pictures, my brain is going to explode, and the grandparents are going to think I’ve fallen off the planet.  So, please excuse the long post, but it has to be done.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuLwnz2pFI/AAAAAAAAAnc/94D5OV2BVio/s1600-h/October%20015%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="October 015" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="164" alt="October 015" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuLw2Qb3VI/AAAAAAAAAng/5z0LnDHLB0c/October%20015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>I gave Todd a surprise birthday party at one of our favorite local restaurants, and it was pretty chilly and windy that night.  It was a major accomplishment getting the candles lit.  Creed’s birthday was actually that day, too, so we celebrated together.  He is precious and as fun as he is cute!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuLxHWdIAI/AAAAAAAAAnk/1qdCyXQY9Ck/s1600-h/October%20017%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="October 017" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="164" alt="October 017" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuLxZCSVBI/AAAAAAAAAno/bQXcRXPtHzc/October%20017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>The grown-up girls wanted to get a picture together while we were at the party, and the littl‘uns wanted to join us.  We are not matched up parent-to-kiddos, and I’m not even going to try and straighten it out! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuLxyZv05I/AAAAAAAAAns/6nf3MUlInCQ/s1600-h/October%20019%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="October 019" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="164" alt="October 019" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuLyHhhubI/AAAAAAAAAnw/4kKPzIK4NCc/October%20019_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a></p> <p>We did get our own picture eventually.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuLyTYqD6I/AAAAAAAAAn0/fN1Xny2hx9I/s1600-h/October%20021%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="October 021" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="164" alt="October 021" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuLyg6NsOI/AAAAAAAAAn4/2fIvKocUHFE/October%20021_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Some of my dear Bastrop friends: Melinda, (me), Ashley, who cooked us dinner tonight because we’ve been a little sick around here, Erin, and Julie.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuLy2WCxaI/AAAAAAAAAn8/mDvQ1xP6wx8/s1600-h/October%20008%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="October 008" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="164" alt="October 008" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuLzb3OkqI/AAAAAAAAAoA/T4A1afaieh4/October%20008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>A picture of Emma playing soccer because I promised one a million years ago.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuLzoBI8ZI/AAAAAAAAAoE/YE7bCApiF4Q/s1600-h/October%20084%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="October 084" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="October 084" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuLz2WWzJI/AAAAAAAAAoI/k1eTfXnQvhA/October%20084_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>While Daddy was in Illinois, we carved our pumpkins.</p> <p>And, finally, our Halloween pictures.  The poodle, gypsy and flower fairy had a great time.  We visited a friend’s neighborhood and hit some houses over there, and then we went to the nursing home to trick-or-treat and to hand out fall decorations that our kiddos had made during homegroup.  See why I love our homegroup?  I thought this was such a great idea, and all the kids did a great job.  You know, honestly, you never know what you may see/hear while in a nursing home, but all the kids were so sweet with everyone, and I was so proud of them.</p> <p>After that, we headed back to Ann’s house (another homegroup gal) for the most incredible fall fest ever.  I’m scared to ask her how much time it took for her to set everything up.  Off the top of my head the following were available for the kids: pin the nose on the pumpkin, toss the hula hoop over the pumpkin, a go-fish game with prizes, bagged popcorn for the hayride, put a funny face on the pumpkin (using potato head pieces) bean bag toss through the pumpkin, iced cookies for the kids to decorate after they had finished the friendly ghost hunt inside.  I get tired just trying to list it all.  It was amazing!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuOKSA5k7I/AAAAAAAAAoM/rmZXHJRzN3s/s1600-h/October%20105%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="October 105" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="October 105" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuOKi6sPHI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/HpfDhWHMtss/October%20105_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>The hula hoop toss.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuOK-R2HkI/AAAAAAAAAoU/3C8xdI8EkYY/s1600-h/16736_1246878204511_1006103144_30760658_7873601_n%5B1%5D%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="16736_1246878204511_1006103144_30760658_7873601_n[1]" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="16736_1246878204511_1006103144_30760658_7873601_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuOLKg1G8I/AAAAAAAAAoY/453zWWFtIdI/16736_1246878204511_1006103144_30760658_7873601_n%5B1%5D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" border="0" /></a>  </p> <p>I had to show the back of Aubrie’s wings.  I thought these would be easy to make.  I was wrong.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuOLWzVhHI/AAAAAAAAAoc/ACW-RjarLHQ/s1600-h/October%20102%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="October 102" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="October 102" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuOLgyeh8I/AAAAAAAAAog/tAKzLOnM3l8/October%20102_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Homegroup friends.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuOME03CWI/AAAAAAAAAok/-QcZPwftHb4/s1600-h/October%20109%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="October 109" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="October 109" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SvuOMN0BvaI/AAAAAAAAAoo/tprU-75KT9k/October%20109_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" border="0" /></a>  </p> <p>The poodle pose.</p> <p>Thanks for hanging in there with me!  I feel so much better getting that done.</p> Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-53692488181205059802009-11-09T20:43:00.001-06:002009-11-09T20:43:13.902-06:00A Year Now<p>I really wanted to sit down and reflect before I entered this post, but my pajamas are calling.  A year ago today we pulled up roots from our wonderful Mississippi town and landed here in Bastrop.  I must say that things have been about as clear as mud since then, but I know that there is purpose in our being here.  Just about everything thing we thought was supposed to happen hasn’t, and we’re really working on being okay with that.</p> <p>We’ve really been trying to figure out ways to teach our girls gratefulness and contentment with what they have.  I’m finding that in an age when they have just about everything they want and/or need that this is very difficult.  It’s even more difficult when you realize that you struggle with this yourself. SO, I’ve been working on being content with the shelter, food and clothes that I have.  I’ve been trying to not think about the parts of my life that are in the garage or under the stairs in a box because we thought our rental would be temporary.  I want to cultivate thankfulness for the real things in my life, not the trappings that honestly can soak up a lot of time and don’t matter in the end.  </p> <p>This is NOT easy for me.  At. all.  But, I’m working on it day-by-day…and here we are, a year later.  How is it that it was fast and slow all at the same time?  When someone figures that out, please let me know!</p> <p>I have a ton of other things I want to post, but I’ll have to get to it later – sick kids lately, so the pajamas are now screaming at me.</p> Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-46800536474429098972009-10-29T21:30:00.002-05:002009-10-29T21:34:09.233-05:00Christmas Cards<p>Just in case you haven’t decided where you’ll be ordering yours this year, you can check out my sister’s <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/photo.php?pid=2677246&id=148471867809" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page. Colleen does a great job and will work with you to get it how you want it! </p><p>This was our card from last year, and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with this time.</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SupQPAXHmCI/AAAAAAAAAnU/LD82rr71Hz0/s1600-h/Christmas%20card%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="Christmas card" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="164" alt="Christmas card" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CStxpcawUug/SupQPYosnpI/AAAAAAAAAnY/6li5ZElTbvs/Christmas%20card_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a></p>Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-9104380770333331842009-10-28T21:29:00.001-05:002009-10-28T21:29:55.304-05:00A Lot For Which to be Thankful<p>Before I get to the thanksgiving, I wanted to let you know about my friend <a href="http://www.lifeat7000feet.com/" target="_blank">Mer</a> who is having a giveaway every day this week (but she’s not determining the winners until the end of the week.)  So you still have plenty of time to stop by!</p> <p>After reading a book this summer, I realized that I had lost the habit of thankfulness and that somehow ugly cynicism had crept in its place.  I don’t think there was some big event that caused this to happen, but it sure has.  One of the things I want most for our girls is for them to be truly joyful, but I realized that if I was full of complaints and looking at the negative side of things, that they were going to pick up these nasty habits as well.  Yuck.</p> <p>I don’t really have a well-laid plan, but I’m going to try to post a little thankfulness on my blog just to keep my thankful/joyful juices flowing.  </p> <p>I’m thankful for a GREAT husband who works so hard at a very thankless job so I can stay home and train our sweet girls.</p> <p>I’m so thankful that I get to be the one to teach our cuties even when being at home really stinks – I’m trying to remember to tell Todd this, too, so he’s not always hearing about how hard homeschooling can be.  I really wouldn’t trade it for anything!</p> <p>I’m thankful for a great community of homeschooling friends – seems like I make a new one every week or so.  (That includes the ones here and <a href="http://childreninthemidst.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jill</a>, too!)</p> <p>I think I’ve mentioned this before, but just to make sure, I’m so grateful for our church home.  We have been a part of some really great churches, but this is one that finally fits in just about every sense of the word.  Our church family has really become our extended family, and I don’t know what we’d do w/o them.</p> <p>I’m thankful for Ashley who was crazy brave and went to the outlet malls in San Marcos with me and the girls today.  I would have even more gray hair if it weren’t for you!</p> <p>I’m thankful for finished Halloween costumes!  Pictures to follow sometime this weekend, I’m sure.</p> <p>Oh, and the thought which inspired the blog tonight – I’m SO thankful for good health.  We have had people battling illness left and right all around us, and we have been unscathed.  I’m especially thankful for this as Todd is away this week.  Thank you, Lord!</p> Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393811067858045969.post-29939791236951617582009-10-26T20:56:00.003-05:002009-10-26T21:03:25.472-05:00Just a Few ThingsThanks for stopping by.<br /><br />Please don't forget to enter the give away on <a href="http://thedirtyshame.blogspot.com/">John's</a> blog for his new book celebrating advent, <em>Touching Wonder</em>. If you don't win a copy, you can always purchase one <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Touching-Wonder-Recapturing-Awe-Christmas/dp/1434764656/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256608718&sr=1-1">here</a>. You really don't want to miss the bonus gifts for weeks 4 and 5. They're going to be good!<br /><br />Just a note - I did manage to work out last night but then had WAY to much energy and found it hard to wind down. I must say that I felt great getting some exercise in - physically and mentally. I'm feeling a little tired and achy tonight so we'll see how things go tomorrow. I've heard great things about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">echinacea</span> tea so I'm <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">fixin</span>' to try some. <br /><br />Have a blessed evening.Dee Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617181942919468292noreply@blogger.com0