HUGER...BIGGER...WOW...MANY TEARS

Ok, at this moment, my Bailey...after ONE YEAR of being isolated with her brace at home...is over at her friend's house...TO SLEEP OVER!!! She had been asked to babysit with her...and then to stay all night, which she immediately said no to. I told her she didn't have to say no...that she didn't have to miss out...that if her friend knew why she said no, she would say to bring it over and stay. I couldn't convince her...same song, 100th verse. So I took her over to the house. She she called 45 minutes later to say she had changed her mind about staying all night. I reminded her that she'd have to wear the brace and she said, "I know. Bring it over." I about fell over. Much weeping. My heart couldn't believe it. I took the brace over with her clothes and she is there now.

DO YOU ALL HAVE ANY IDEA HOW INCREDIBLY HUGE THIS IS? HOW INCREDIBLY GOD THIS IS? I am blown away. This is the girl who takes who hides her brace deep in my closet or in the garage when friends come over, so there's no chance they will see it. This is the girl who won't even take it in a bag anywhere because she is SURE someone will figure out what's in it. Oh, thank You, Lord! One step at a time...God is moving in her heart. I'm so very grateful.

Thanks to all of you for any and all prayers offered on Bailey's behalf in this last year. Please, I ask you to keep praying as we all know the enemy will try to make things worse for her now. I pray for freedom, in Jesus' name for her life! Love you all so much.

Believing for Bailey, c

A HUGE answer to prayer...

I know some of you were praying for Bailey yesterday as you knew she was to wear her brace to school...the first time since the beginning of school. I was SHOCKED that she came downstairs with it on...without me even having to say anything to her...that, in itself was a miracle. She went into school teary-eyed and scared out of her mind...but, praise God, she wore it the whole morning!! That day, too, was to mark the first day she was to sing in front of people in Marcelle's drama class. She got there late because of an ortho appt, so she ended up consenting to tomorrow...which now we learn she won't be able to do because of a track meet. BUT! I asked her if she was going to go through with her song for drama as she headed back into school from her appt, and her comment was even MORE unbelievable..."Well, I conquered one fear for today already, so maybe I'll conquer two." I pray it will happen and that each week will get easier with the brace and with her courage level in all areas.

THANKS FOR PRAYING!!! Bailey doesn't know it, but God is working deep in her heart.
Hugs to you all, c

Tribute to Autumn Ross

Well.... we know Autumn is the coolest, most fab "Miss America" mom in the world, but I just wanted to remind you all that she was the one who began our "birthday blessing" tradition. That tradition has blessed me, even today. I was looking for something in a drawer, and I came across all my cards and letters from last year's birthday. After reading them all again and being blessed over and over, I'm reminded to be thankful for Autumn, who encouraged us all to a higher place at our birthday celebrations. What a legacy...
Thanks, Lord for our dear Autumn!!
KJ

Yeehaw and Boohoo

I SO hate that I missed celebratin' Marcelle on Friday. I thought so many times on Friday night what fun conversations, laughter, and celebrations that I was missing. All that to say, Thanks for missing me...but I missed you more. Marcelle, I love you and you truely are a beautiful soul. You give and love like no other. I treasure our friendship and am thankful for the dark days that you challenged me when I needed a kick in the rear. You taught me what it meant to speak the truth in love.

All that to say, I really enjoyed sitting by the lake on the pier, hangin' with Wayner, Jack and Kathy and worshiping for hours on end. It was truely a refreshing weekend. Even though I was there to "give" I "recieved" so much more. God is so good!

On a personal note, I love to look back and see and praise God for milestones of growth. Last year at the singles retreat I was struggling with some issues that I finally and completely gave to God. He continues to deal with me on these issues, but this year I can praise God that those issues don't rear their ugly head nearly as often as they used to. PRAISE GOD!!!! Bottom Line...it's about dieing to self and being raise to walk in the newness of LIFE! I am so thankful that the Lord brings life out of death. I am not "gnawing on the bones" they are dead and burried.

O.K I am rattling on and on, but one more thing I would like to mention. I really need your prayers right now. As my birthday has come and gone, it too is a milestone. It remindes me that I deal with a lot of health issues for someone that is as young and kickin' as I :) I, to be honest, am struggling with discouragement about my health. I am trying yet another medication to ballance out my hormones. I am so tired all the time and my periods are still not right. My hair continues to fall out and not just on my head; my eylashes, eybrows...you name it. It is so discouraging. I know I am not dying, but I think about the future and my mind takes me places that make me really sad. It would be a dying of who I am as a mom, worship leader, wife...in so many ways. It isn't about how I "look". I am past that. It is about who I am. I know that God has allowed this for a reason...and continues to allow it for a reason, but I am tired. Please pray that this medication will work. That God will work a miricle in me and in my body. I fight the "what am I NOT doing right" and "what haven't I done, God" A LOT! I sit ehre typing this with tears in my eyes. I hate to be a downer and bring up me and my health issues YET AGAIN, but I felt challenged to get my "fabulous friends" and sisters to interceed on my behalf. I know that God is in charge...I trust him completly...I just need a little prayer in the "strength to the weary" department right now.

I love you all so dearly!!!!

Ang

The Richest Girl in the World

That just keeps washing over me...that I am the richest girl in the world. Who could have had a better night than Marcelle Hamilton tonight (except for the very lacking presence of our beautiful Angeler!)? It was beyond my greatest expectation -- full of laughter and tears and thankfully, no tinkling in my panties (though there were some close calls!). As I looked into your faces, I just felt overwhelmed at the love and goodness of God that I could be surrounded by such captivating, gorgeous, amazing women -- who are SUCH tremendous friends to me! My heart feels as if it could burst it is so full of joy and gratitude. Thank you for making my birthday so unbelievably special. I will treasure it for all of my days. And, I am trying to do what you said, Vonda...imprinting them on my heart forever, savoring each and every word of your blessings. How I love and cherish you all! Thank you for EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!
Marcelle

Arrrrrrggghhhhhh from Vonda

I wrote you all a song about blogging, but my stupid computer froze and it's all gone and I'm too tired to re-create it....Bwwaaaaa!I love you all--fo-evah! vondelicious

It's Blake, Melinda and Jordin, Dawg!

Okay, who watched "Idol" last night? Was Blake just AMAZING and FANTASTIC, or what? I would buy his CD in a heartbeat. He rocks my socks. SO original and fresh and...just...cool! And, I thought Melinda and Jordin were the best girls last night. Really awesome!

But, of course, YOU all are my real idols! I love you ALL so much -- and am really looking forward to Friday night! Can't wait!

Reunion weekend

Hey girls! It's good to be back at home and in touch! Spending last weekend at my parents' house with dial up internet (oh my gosh!), I realized how spoiled I am to be able to stay in touch with you guys through this blog, email and the likes! It was an interesting weekend - thought I'd tell you a bit about it. For those of you who don't know, I returned to the "mother-ship" this weekend for the 125th annivesary celebration of my home church. Several old high school buds and my high school youth pastor were there. We had a lot of fun catching up on each other's lives.

It was also neat to see that my little hometown church of around 200 members is doing something outside the four walls of the church. They have begun ministering to the Laotian population of the county and are sponsoring a mission church for the Laotion people. The Laotians come and use the church building on Sunday afternoons to have a Laotion speaking church service. Their congregation joined in on the big noontime "potluck" and they brought along some fabulous egg rolls and fried rice! Yum!

One of the old friends that was there was my first "real" boyfriend. It was interesting to visit with him, but doing so definitely reinforced the fact that God led me to the perfect mate! (Not that I needed that affirmation, of course, but you know what I mean!) So now, here I am, back at home, so happy to be here, in Plano, with my awesome family and my fabulous friends, enjoying watching new leaves appear on the trees each day.

Forever grateful for Him, them and you,
KJ

The Dream Is Gone...at least for another year

Ok, I know the guy was up there in his years, but how sad is it that when the red-haired chick went to the restaurant to deliver the news to the grandpa that he had won the HGTV dream home, he had virtually no reaction? He had a look on his face that you might expect when the place you're eating at gives you an extra portion of mashed potatoes or something. His face was like, "that was nice of you"...smile. Good gravy, the man was just given a bazillion dollar home, $250,000 and a car! I would have had a heart-a-croak, or fainted, or lost my voice forever from screaming.

Oh well, good for him...he can retire in style...and KJ and I have a year to dream our dreams for next year. :)

Hey, btw...where IS everyone? I feel like I'm talking to myself lately. And where is the MASTERMIND of the blog? Consider your butt cyber-kicked, Vonda Lou, and let's hear from you already.

Have a beautiful week, sistahs...love, c

HAPPY, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY PRINCESS!!

Ok, I know I'm posting this 2 days late, but had to give an official shout-out to sweet Angeler for her birthday! Hope it was a wonderful day of celebrating YOU. I'm believing God for a beautiful year to come and know He will be pouring out blessing upon blessing in your life. I LOVE YOU, sister friend! birthday hugs, c

INVITATION

As I write this, there is 4 days, 10 hours, and 32 minutes left until I win the HGTV Dream Home in Winter Park, Colorado. I just wanted to make sure you all knew up front that you are welcome any time, any season. I think you and your family will find it a most enjoyable vacation spot. :) c

Does parenting always have to "wear me out" like this, Lord?

I don't know about you all, but sometimes I have to admit, parenting wears me out! Constant coaching, correction, teaching, encouraging and prodding is what I feel like I am in all the time. This week is Anna's birthday. So of course, there is a bit of extra "hoop-lah" surrounding her. And her birthday party was a week and a half ago, so to her sister, it seems like for an eternity all eyes have been on Anna, and she just finds that hard to deal with! So, just hours before we were to have a family dinner celebration for Anna, I spent a lengthy bit of time reviewing with Sarah the value of a selfless heart, and the importance of celebrating each other in love. Of course, as always, I brought the conversation around to "what Jesus would do and what He wants you to do". Even as I wrote those words above, describing what I feel like I'm constanting doing, He reminding me that that is exactly what He is constantly doing with me. Ah... how the Lord uses those kids to see ourselves in the true light... I'm sure I "wear Him out" quite a bit as well. Thanks, Lord for your patience with me! Grant me the grace to show my kids the same level of patience as you do!

More than Survive

Hello, there, my five fabulous friends! I turned 42 yesterday! Wow! It's hard to fathom I am at the age I used to think was so old! Anyway, it's true. I am officially middle age, I suppose.

I was thinking about how I want to enjoy EACH day instead of always looking forward to A day (weekends, school being out, Good Friday, etc.). Each and every day has its unique and wonderful blessings -- and I really don't want to miss a single one! I pray that God will fill me with fresh wind and fresh fire this season -- so that I am overflowing with HIS love and HIS power! I am so weak and frail in my own strength.

Anyway, I am so thankful for each of you and I cherish you so dearly! Much love your way!
Marcelle

Get your autograph while you can...

One of my students came up to me today (in total seriousness, mind you) and asked for my autograph. He said that his mom told him that I wasn't coming back to teach next year because I had signed with a record company and was going to be traveling doing concerts next year! He said sense I was going to be famous he wanted my autograph. :) Wow! Hmmmmm! I wonder if she is wanting me gone or if it is prophetic or just a case of rumor gone awry? Kinda makes you wonder?!!?!?!

Angeler

My Ear Rings

LOVE THEM!!!!! I wore them the whole time I was in LA. Thanks so much for the sweet gift! I will think of your sweet loving hearts everytime I wear them :)

Angeler

THANK YOU!!!!!!

Dear sweet sista-friends, I want to thank you so much for the "shower" of love that you gave me on Friday. It was so wonderful to just hang and be with you. You all challenge me to be a better person everytime I am with you. Your love for me is both overwhelming and humbling. I am so thankful for friends like you!!!!! Vonda, it wasn't the same without you! You were greatly missed! I am praying that the Lord will cover you and your family. We are standing in the gap for you!

My trip to LA was wonderful!! Steve and I really enjoyed the time together going to the beach, to the Getty museum, hanging with the locals at the park in Beverly Hills, and blowing my diet completely! It was very refreshing. Brighton was SO precious! She is a great baby. Just between us...Elizabeth was a big challenge. I am SOOOOOOO glad Steve was there. Pray that the Lord heals my heart on a few matters before I see her next. I am really struggling.

Angeler

LOVE and HUGS to the BIRTHDAY QUEEN!

ta da da da da da duh duh TODAY IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!
ta da da da da da duh duh WE'RE GONNA HAVE A GOOD TIME! (later on when we celebrate)

Dear sister friend Marcelle, I celebrate beautiful YOU today and can't wait when we get together and have your special wing ding! Hope your day was glorious and the time away was refreshing and restful and tons of FUN !!

I LOVE YOU, MY FRIEND!! birthday hugs, cynthia

Manna for the Weekend....

Hello, my fabulous forever friends! How comforting to know I can ask you to pray for specific things and that you will cover me.

First of all, I want to say how very much I loved yesterday. Only wish you could have come, Vonda! My heart feels sort of back alive, if that makes sense. I am really learning this year just how much I need to be connected to my girlfriends. Too long out of touch makes me just downright grumpy and that is the truth! Our lunch was a beautiful gift and I am so thankful for it.

I would ask you all to please pray for me as I take my children to San Antonio. It is going to be a bit rough for me to go without Kent, quite honestly. I am not the best driver (as you know) and Kent always does all the driving. We wish he were going for way more reasons than that, though. Also, please just pray financially that God will stretch our dollars to cover everything. It is going to be very close. Sea World is EXPENSIVE! WOW! And, Ansley counts as an adult now (how can that be?) Anyway, God is so good and I trust him to care for us. Also, my VERY Catholic cousin and I have a really deep connection. Please pray that I can continue to show her what having a relationship with Christ looks like. She believes and is quite devout, but sort of misses the whole point, if you know what I mean.

That's it for now. Have to go finish laundry and start packing. I love you fabulous girls!

A Tribute to Angeler

Hey Ang,
Knowing how much you love rain and all, I thought this would be a fun little poem for you and a minute of sweet reading for the others. I know you like the real thing (rain, that is), but this is a fun thought, or maybe even just a whimsical poem to read to Josh and Ethan. :)

It's Raining Pigs and Noodles
By Jack Prelutsky
It's raining pigs and noodles,
it's pouring frogs and hats,
chrysanthemums and poodles,
bananas, brooms, and cats.
Assorted prunes and parrots
are dropping from the sky,
here comes a bunch of carrots,
some hippopotami.

It's raining pens and pickles,
and eggs and silverware.
A flood of figs and nickels
is falling through the air.
I see a swan, a sweater,
a clock, a model train--
like this so much better
than when it's raining rain.

Amen.

Personally, I think it would be nice one day for it to rain DOVE chocolate :\
LoVe, c

A bit discouraged....

Hey friends,
I'm feeling discouraged about FADC today. Right now we are lacking people in key positions, which is concerning. Kristy Day (who headed up costumes and organized all the details for the art team the last two years) has already said she can't help out this year and today Suzanne Cobb said she cannot be involved this year, so we have no snack coordinator. I just found out that the Rosemeade pool is not available for our "After Party" like we had hoped it would be. I have faith that God is totally capable of pulling this together, but it's just tough waiting to see how He's going to do it! I want to be open to what God is teaching me through these struggles, so pray for me, please? Pray that my passion for the camp and the lives of the campers will not be dampened by the challenges we are facing.

Speaking of facing challenges, A, M and C - I was talking with V this afternoon about the challenge of sickness in their family. She said they are feeling like what is going with them is spiritual oppression. I think (and I'm sure you'll agree) that their household needs and extra measure of prayer. After everyone returns from spring break (the week of the 19th), why don't we rally the troops and go pray through their entire house? Let me know what you think.

Well, it's time to get back to matters at hand - making sure showers are taken, french horn is practiced and prayers are said. I love you all,
KJ

Our blog is here!

Hey beloveds! We now have our blog up and ready! So let's here what you have to say!
KJ