Jacob, I can't believe you are 7!!

I can't believe my little Jakey turned 7 last week. Time goes by so fast, it is scary! Here are a couple of shots from the celebration of his big day. On his actual birthday, the 18th, he had several of his buddies over for hots dogs, chips and cupcakes, and then we were off to Wacky World.

A few of the "little sisters" came to celebrate too.

After the food and presents, we headed up to Wacky World. All of the kids had a great time and we had even more kids join us there, it was great! Here is a picture the boys at Wacky World.

Then, on the 20th, we had all of the family come over to celebrate with us as well. Here are a few shots of that.

Thanks to everyone who celebrated Jacob's birthday with us this year. It was great!!

Tonya

Wait.. not so fast

Just when you think that you are going to have a great week, then life seems to smack you in the face. Maybe it isn't really even life, maybe it is just a bunch of feelings that are going through your heart and mind that can't be trusted. Maybe things aren't really what they appear, maybe I'm just too sensitive, or maybe it is my insecurities rearing their ugly head. When will I even get over this mountain? Why must I keep going around it over and over again?

God, I just want to hear Your truths, help me to hear Your voice.

God is SO good!

There have been some things that have been weighing heavily on my mind lately. I have given it over to God and it has been so sweet because I have felt Him beside me through it all. He just keeps telling me to take one day at a time, go through the doors as He opens them. Even though the situation is a stressful one in itself, these times of growing in my faith makes it so worth it in the end. It seems like such a simple concept but so hard for me to do.

"Living Beyond Myself"

I have just started a Bible Study with a friend of mine and have been slapped in the face by what I'm reading countless times already. It is truly amazing! We are studying Living Beyond Yourself by Beth Moore. Once again, she is amazing! This study teaches how to live beyond our self and live in the Spirit. I have wasted so much time and energy on the things that don't matter, and not enough living the life God has for me. A life full of joy and peace and love. I could go on and on.

In the weeks to come we will be studying in depth each of part of the fruit of the spirit. The first week we discussed who and what the Holy Spirit is and what all he does for us. This week we are learning how love. I can't wait to see what else God has to show me through this study!

God is so good!

Hanging in there..

Well, my husband left Saturday morning at 3:30 to go hunting until the 15th. I thought I would be in a major funk by now, missing him and pulling my hair out with my children. But wow, has God helped me, I have been so content. The hardest times for me, when Matt gone is the weekend, I guess because that is when we spend most of our time together, but yesterday me and the kids spent all day at home, and I perfectly content. This is huge for me!!!

Anyway, I think the rest of the time Matt is gone will be all downhill from here. Once the week starts our normal routine will kick in and I know with Gods help, we will get through that as well. Friday after Jacob gets out of school, we are heading up to the Kansas City area to see Heather and her kids. Kirk is also going to be out of town so we will enjoy the time seeing them, we haven't seen them in 2 years.

I can't wait to see my hubby again 1 week from today, but I hope with all of my heart that he has an amazing time and I hope he is able to enjoy is dad and relax!

By the way, he got a dear this morning with the arrow we all kissed and rubbed for good luck, he put our names on each of the feathers. He is such a softy!! I love him dearly!

10 Years

Ten Years ago today I was marrying my best friend! I feel so blessed to be able to say that. I thank God for sending me Matt. He is my best friend and my soul mate. I have never doubted whether or not he loves me, he shows me every day in some form or another. I can't wait to spend many many more years with this man. I can spend the rest of my life trying to give him all of the love I have in my heart for you, and I would still probably have more to give. Matt, I love you more and more each day. Thanks for sticking with me and putting up with all of my drama! You are the best!

I'm back...

I can't believe I have waited this long again to do a post. Like everyone else we have been busy finishing up our summer activities and getting back into the swing of starting school.

Jacob finished up his ball season last week. I'm a little sad to see it end, but it will be nice not to have to make that trip to town every week. He played in two sessions of baseball and his team were the league champs both times. They were undefeated both rounds. We are very proud of our ball team!!

Jacob has started back to school and is loving the 1st grade he is in class again with his best buddy Clint, I'm sure that has helped things.

Abby started school on Monday. She was missing Ms. Shirley. She is sad however, because her good friend Skylar has moved to the afternoon class. Now she says all of her friends are in that class and she doesn't have anyone to play with. I'm sure you can hear all the drama in her voice! That is one thing about Abby though, she makes friends wherever she goes. I don't worry about her for a minute.

We have still been on the church hunt. We had been trying Life Point for several weeks but it just started to feel like something was missing for me. Then one Sunday a couple of weeks ago Matt agreed to go with me to James River. I absolutely love it!! The Spirit that is in that place is so sweet, you truly feel in the presence of the Lord. The kids love it. And I think that Matt even likes it if he can get past the size. But it is all part of stepping out of our boat right? I'm excited to see what God has in store for us.