New Year's Party

Thanks Joel & Crystal, we had fun!

Yeah, more like Rock Band Party!

Amy & Darby got better singing scores on AC DC than Jeremy! Hee Hee

Praise

Slaton came by this morning to visit! We talked with him and let him know how much we love him, but these things are what we feel we need to do/not do for him to have some self-motivation. He seems to be in okay spirits, which makes this easier on us, mainly on Jeremy. I thank the Lord for watching over him while ge figures things out on his own. Our God is awesome!

Exceptional Kid Coupons. . . .

Last night was a fun family night for us. I found this really cute "coupon" book--Exceptional Kid coupons. It has all kinds of coupons as a reward. Aidan drew the head of the table out of our reward jar. So he got to pick the menu and dessert, and sit at the head of the table, and it was in honor of what a great job he has been doing finishing his work at school. He thought that was the most AWESOME THING EVER! He was excited all day about it. He picked spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread and cucumber slices. Then we watched Kung-Fu Panda w/ popcorn and M&M's. Alek (for staying on the honor roll and picking up after himself at home) drew one that said he gets to pick a family outing on a weekend afternoon. There is a blank spot for me to fill in the $$ limit. So we are going to Jump n Jive on Monday. They really think the coupons are the bomb, I wasn't sure they would be really motivated. It has really creative ones like "present this coupon to stop one parental lecture" or "present this coupon to have cold pizza for breakfast" and "pick a day to sleep as as long as you like". Anyway, it went over so well, I thought I would share and brag on my exceptional kids :-)

Growing Pains

Whew, what a week. It has been a whirlwind, but I can't exactly say why or what I accomplished! Well, we finally had to cut the last apron string on Slate. We have been struggling so hard trying to get him on his own two feet. It's been like me standing on a table and trying to pull up a grown man by sheer force--yeah, not workin'. The only thing in the world he seems to care about is his cell phone and girlfriend. Not a job, gas, family. . . .nothing. So we dropped the blade. Quit paying for his cell. His world has come crushing down. Nevermind he has no job, no money, no gas, no way to pay the rent, etc. He is just frantic about not having his cell service. He just can't imagine why they won't put the number in his name (nevermind we have told him a million times all the gory details of how jobs, money, and checking accounts are required to obtain these things!)

It is a very scary feeling. He called to chew on Jeremy about it from a blocked number. So, by his choice, we cannot get a hold of him. We have to wait to hear from him. Sux. Well, he is going to be 20 in June, so I think he has had enough chances and help from us to get started, and he has not done it. He is still trying the whole batch of excuses and guilt trips he always does--so hard to fend off the evil spells of teenagers--must have invisble shield engaged--help!

Okay enough sarcasm for tonite :-) Seriously, if you can remember to slip Slaton in your prayers, please help us pray for protection over him as he goes through these "growing pains".

Ticked Off!!

Okay, I am tweaking up my blog and I can't get rid of that STUPID GREEN GLITTER on my top bar. I linked it from Photobucket--it was supposed to be a background. And when I try to remove it....well it just won't cooperate. Any suggestions would be mucho appreciated!!!!!!!!!

New Year, Looking Back on 08

Well, we rang in 2009--all I can do is pray for this coming year to end as well as 2008 did. Believe me, in January of 08, I wasn't sure that was going to happen! Just to sum up some personal challenges God took us through; Jeremy's 2nd major surgery in 10 months, Sage leaving again to his "mother's", getting Slaton to Graduation, Financial toll of surgery and recovery time, Sage & Mary taking us to court for child support THE weekend of Slaton's graduation, cleaning out and selling my Nano's house, Jeremy's ongoing recovery, the accidental death of Jeremy's brother's best friend and brother-in-law, Slaton moving out on his own. Reflecting on these things all at once reminds me how God has carried us and gives my fears for the coming year a good kick in the butt!!

Thanks Amy & Aunt Carrie for watching my boys during Jeremy's surgery (Both times). Thank you Misty, who always made sure we had food! I want to thank my parents for their finanical and emotional support during the surgery. Also, to all of Jeremy's family and clients who brought food, took the boys, visited Jeremy, to Dr. Gentry who did Jeremy's surgery knowing we would have to pay him out, and most importantly, the PRAYER WARRIORS I know were out there praying for us.

For all of the drama and worry, we were able to squeeze in a family trip with the Lester's to San Antonio in the fall. That was fun and a mucho needed break from reality!

God is amazing and good. History was made with this year's election and it still gives me chills remembering when I heard the announcement. We still have more of a chance in this country than most around the world of living a safe, healthy, and joy filled life, and I thank God for that and pray it stays that way. And I usually have to remind myself daily, or I would give in to pure terror after a few hours of the news. . . . .