A better place

Last night a wonderful wife and mother passed away here in our community. Anna has battled cancer for the past two years with the support of her loving husband, Charlie, and 4 sweet and small children. Anna and her family are members of our church family. I never met Anna. I heard stories upon stories about her kindness and her love for her family. She was fighting her cancer the whole time that we have lived here in our new town. I've taught her sweet little ones in bible class. They are precious. One of her littlest ones is friends with Susannah. Now sweet little Clara has a mommy that is in heaven and I'm so thankful.

I'm thankful that she has not a bit of pain anymore. I'm thankful that her children don't have to watch her suffer. I'm so thankful that her husband has such great faith that he came to our small group last week and gave US a lesson in who we can deal with our faith. I've never been a part of such a moving talk. This man's wife was dying last week and he was talking to us. I'm so thankful for Charlie and his example.

Anna is in Heaven. What a blessing and we are rejoicing with her and her wonderful day. Today I am praying for peace for their family as they will miss their mother and wife and all of the adjustments that they will make now that she is really gone. Please keep the Tipps family in your prayers. I know that Charlie and those 4 sweet kids are in my prayers.

OH. MY. WORD.

Am I ever thankful today!! Last night the kids and I attended the Chili supper with the the "thankful" devo service up at church. It was a great fellowship and the kids had fun running around with their friends. I always love seeing everyone. I really do love our church family here. We all stood around and basically closed the building down and got in the car on the way home. Aaron was interviewing potential engineers for their company so he was out for the evening and it was just me and the sweet kids. The girls were really great at church so I told them that we would go to Sonic and get a milkshake. We were all excited and literally a stone's throw away from Sonic when we got hit. Yes. WE GOT HIT, IN OUR CAR. A little Saturn (we are a big Tahoe) pulls straight out across the road RIGHT in front of us...I swerved and hit the brakes as hard as I could. Thank you Lord that they just hit the front right fender!

Everyone is fine...this morning I'm a little sore, but I think that is just from tensing up to hit the brakes last night. I could see it happening...I even remember telling the kids to hold on because I could see the car pulling right out onto the street coming straight at us. CRAZY!
I'm so thankful that everyone was okay and that the people in the other car were fine. They can't drive, but they are fine as well. They thought that their little niece in the car was hurt (she was fine, just scared and screaming a little too loud) so they called the fire dept., twice. So, not only did we have a police car, but we had 2 fire trucks there on the site, with all their lights on. Parker thought it was all pretty cool. When you ask him what happened last night he says (in his little voice) "The BIG firetruck pulled right there beside me!!" What a blessing that is all he remembers!

I'm so thankful that we have such great friends. I knew that Aaron wasn't anywhere close, so I called the Frost family who had just been at church with us. They were there before the police arrived and took my kids into their car and helped keep them distracted from all the commotion. Then they called our friend, Jill, and she came to the rescue, too. Our friends here are such a blessing. I know I could have called any number of people and they would have been there in a second. We are so very blessed with wonderful and caring friends.

So today, I have many things to be thankful about this day before Thanksgiving:

1. 3, not a scratch on them, sweet kids!! Thank you, Lord!!

2. Wonderful friends that sat out in the cold with me last night when I was scared to death! They helped me feel better, gave me peace of mind, and I was so thankful to have another male there to help me remember what to do....my brain was not working. I just wanted to make sure that my babies were okay. Thanks SOO much, Ron Frost! It gave me such peace to know that you had my back with that kid who kept trying to give me his cash and didn't want me to report the accident to the insurance company.

3. A car that has GREAT brakes!

4. A car that drove home last night and didn't have to be towed to a shop!

5. A nice lady that stopped and waited to give her eye-witness account of the accident. She waited quite a long time and really didn't have to...nice lady. Another car stopped and helped us get out of the busy intersection. They were super nice and helped set a calm tone.

6. Did I say that we are okay? Yes, I'm still thankful for that!

7. An on the ball insurance company. I take the car in at 1:00 for an estimate, already. We love USAA.

8. Friends that call and check up on us....

9. A very concerned Daddy that got to come home today after being gone. He had to go back to the office, but we got to see him for a little while.

10. Sonic, which is where we are finally going to today for lunch....after all, we were on our way there yesterday before all this happened!

Go and count your blessings today and post them at X-Box wife's page. I'm so thankful for her!! She came home with me last night and helped me put my kids to bed!!

Ten Things Tuesday!

It's Ten Things Tuesday...Here are mine! Go to X-Box Wife and post yours this week, too!

I'm thankful....

1. For daddy/ son relationships. Aaron and Parker have so much fun together. Last night after we put the kids to bed Aaron said, "Parker is just getting so big. He just isn't a baby anymore." Ya think?? It is true. He has been talking so big lately and of course, as the 3rd child, he thinks that he can do anything and well....he pretty much can. The other day, he opened the fridge and got out a cheese stick! Susie and Grace have always asked if they could have a snack and I would go and get it out of the fridge...Parker is just cutting out the middle man...ME!!


2. For Sisters!! They might not always get along, but they do love each other. After Susie's school program last week, when we got back in the car, Grace told Sus, "You did a great job up there singing, Susie." I was so proud.

3. Susie!! She had her school program last week and did a great job! This is her last year in Circle of Friends and she is thriving...next year she will be in Kindergarten...all day!


4. Great adult friends who love my kids!! We had a fun night Friday night with some great friends and then Saturday night we went out with all the kids, too.


5. My kids friends...These are the little boys in our small group on Sunday night. They are the cutest little things. Parker prays for his little buddies every night and I'm so thankful for their little friendships. They will all be in the same class at church and at school when they get a little older...sweet boys!

6. Grace! Grace made the "Battle of the Books" Team for the 2nd year in a row. She is so very excited and feels like an old pro because all the other kids on the team are new! She is doing so great in school and I'm so thankful!

7. Coffee. I know, but I do love it and it's warm on these chilly mornings!

8. Far away family. Aaron's parents sent a big care package for his birthday (it's next week) and it had new and oh so very cute P.J's in it for the kids. They were so excited.

9. The Internet. I've reconnected with some old friends on facebook and it has been so much fun! I love catching up with old and current friends!

10. Pre-School for the little ones. I've gotten most of my jobs done for today so I went and got a real hair cut!! Okay, not a big cut, just a trim...but for me, that is a big deal!! I'm thankful for the Tuesdays and Thursdays that they get to go and have fun with their friends and I can get a few things done...quickly!!

Okay, there is my list....go and do yours!!

Ten Things Tuesday!

I know, I know....I have been busy and off the blog thing for a few weeks. But before we go on vacation, I wanted to slip in a Thankful post to start off my day the right way! So, make your list of 10 things that you are thankful for and go over to X-Box Wife and post a link to your list, too!
Here is mine:

1. I'm thankful for my sweet mom. She flies in this afternoon to be with us for a little while so that Aaron and I can go on vacation with some of our friends. I'm so excited to see her and for the kids to be with their Nana. We miss her bunches!!

The pictures this week have nothing to do with my post...they were just fun so I thought I would add them. The kids love playing out in the pool out back, but I think that filling up the pool is their favorite activity!

2. I'm thankful for friends to do fun things with in or out of town. This past week was so busy with fun events with our church family friends. Wednesday was our normal play date with the kids little friends, followed by Thursday and Friday dinners with different families. Our church family is one of our greatest blessings.

3. I'm thankful for the kids starting swim lessons. Their teacher, Jody, went to Harding with me and she is just the sweetest. Susie was a little scared to take lessons this year, but she loved every minute of her lesson yesterday and can't wait to go back and see Miss Jody today!! Parker is a little fish!! I had no idea that babies could be that great of swimmers...really...I'm going to have to get some video of him because he just amazes me. Grace is having much fun as well. She's an old pro that this swimming thing so she made up her own swim stroke this week. It's called the dolphin and it looks like the butterfly, but your hands are by your side. Pretty cute!

4. I'm thankful for the library. We have a brand new library here in town and we love it! We went yesterday to get some new books and Grace has already read 3 of them in one day. She is half-way through Ralph S. Mouse. I loved that book when I was little so I knew it would be a winner for her. I'm so thankful that she loves to read so much.

5. I'm thankful that Aaron took off last week to stay home and get some "house chores" done around here. He designed and built some scone lights to go on both sides of the T.V. and they look great. He even put in a dimmer switch on the lights so we can turn them down when we watch movies! He is my handy man!!

6. I'm thankful for my working washer and dryer. The dryer gave us a scare last week with a loud bumping noise. Thankfully Aaron was home and we took it apart together. There was much change in the dryer, but nothing big so we put it back together and now it is working fine.

7. I'm thankful for Facebook. I know, it's a online thing but I love it because I get to keep in touch with some of my high school, college and even more, my kids that were in my youth group when I was their youth intern the summer that Aaron and I met. I love those kids so much! That summer that I spent in Gainesville was so wonderful and life changing and they were all a big part of that!! They are all now grown up and on their own all over the country and even the globe! I'm just so glad that there are ways for us all to keep in the loop!

8. I'm thankful that our old church in Graham found a great Children's minister. They have been praying and searching for a person that would fit their needs and they have found it for sure in the one they selected! Great things are in store for them in Graham!

9. I'm thankful that Aaron's mom is safely in Tennessee with Aaron's Nana York. She hasn't changed much health wise. They are keeping her comfortable with different pain medications, and we are thankful for that as well. I'm just praying for comfort and rest for Aaron's mom and uncle. They are the main care givers right now for Nana York and it is hard watching the person that you love so much be in pain. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.

10. I'm thankful for all of my friends that are busy planning for weddings (Reagan and Cassie) and for those that have new babies (Sandy and Laura) and grand babies( Miss Tammie!!) Every time that I look up, there is a new sweet baby being born or a great friend getting married!! I LOVE it!! Those are wonderful blessings indeed!!

Now, I'm off to pack for my vacation with my sweet hubby. I'm so excited!!! But first, we have swim lessons today and a trip to the airport to pick up Nana James...fun times are coming our way!!

Ten Things Tuesday!

Now that it is officially summer vacation, things are off and running with activities and our family. It's GREAT! Now I'm going to stop and list my 10 things! You go and make your list and link back to my good friend at X-Box wife...it will make your day!

1. I'm thankful that we live in a town where there are great parks in almost every neighborhood. We have a really nice park right down the street from our house and we love it. Our playgroup from church has been going to a different park every Wednesday and it's been so neat to find new and different parks for the kids to play.2. I'm thankful for friends who help me raise my kids. Last night we went to Harding Night at Ranger Field. It was so great! There were over 1000 people there representing Harding, either alumni or future students or just family. We took 60 people from our church and we all sat together. We had 3 full rows and the kids had a BLAST. I am convinced though, that I wouldn't have had near as much fun if 2 families hadn't have gone with us to help us with the kids. Aaron was playing in a golf tournament and met us at the game (much later than he expected) but I was totally fine with that because we had 2 super families there to help us. REALLY, if the Brightwells and the Flemings had not have been there, I would have taken the kids home in the 2nd inning. We all met up at church and carpooled with the Mallory family as well. It was such a blessing. Parker loved being with Paul and Steve. The bigger girls loved being with Jenna and Bethany. And I enjoyed the conversation and support of Andrea and Renee. It was a fun and enjoyable evening. Parker just ran up and down the isle and played with all of his friends from church. He made a new buddy with Collin that he will have to fight Kendall for, but other than that...we all had a great time.

Parker with Paul and Steve (he woke up this morning and said,"Paul? Steve?" )

3. I'm thankful for Daddy's that get to have their time. Aaron loves to play golf. But he hardly ever gets to play because he would rather be at home with the kids (and me, I hope!) When company tournaments come around he gets to play and loves it. Yesterday he won 2 $100 gift cards because he made the shot closest to the pin and the other card because he won a drawing. But, he wouldn't have won either if he hadn't have gone. So, I'm thankful that he has a sport that he enjoys playing and is good at, even though he doesn't play that often.

4. I'm thankful for my sweet sister. She sent me 3 big bags of clothing a few weeks ago with most of them being very nice dresses for our summer trip that we are taking in a few weeks to share with my friends. We've all had fun going through them and trying them all on....I love my little sister so much! She is always thinking of others (and us all the way over here in Texas!) She and her sweet hubby get to move into their new house this next week and I can't wait to go and visit and see them and the new house!!!

5. I'm thankful for bible class teachers. Young and Old!! I was reminded this week of a special bible class teacher in my own life. Miss Latina Dykes was my 2 year old bible class teacher and was still teaching 2 year olds until her death this past week. She had Grace and Susie in her classes when we would go and visit Mom and Dad's church in Arkansas and was going to start having Parker this summer. She taught the 2 year old class for over 30 years on Sunday mornings. What a great lady that will be missed by many in the Searcy community.

6. I'm thankful for my kids bible class teachers at our church. Grace has a really special set of teachers this year in second grade that we all just love and respect so much for their commitment to that grade. We had promotion on Sunday and Grace was so excited to get to move up to that class!! Of course, we are so excited that she gets to be in the Swafford's class, too!! All of the wonderful people that teach are children are a blessing in our lives!

7. I'm thankful that school is out for the summer for Grace. She has been home for almost a full week and things are running smooth, so far. She goes in her room to read every day during Parker and Susie's naptime for family quiet time and she has been a good help around the house about keeping her things picked up. Of course, we are all thankful for that!! Aside from her fit last night coming home from the Ranger's game at 10:30, things have been great. But don't ask her about the Wii, she is grounded from it for the next 24 hours and is not happy about that!! :) We will see how the rest of today goes with that!!!

8. I'm thankful that we get to sleep in a little later now that it is summer vacation!! This morning we slept until about 8:45!! That is way over our normal time and it was so refreshing to not have the alarm going off at 7 am!!

9. I'm thankful for Curious George on PBS kids. Really, I am. Parker doesn't watch TV, but he will sit still (well, kinda) to watch Curious George every morning while I get to drink my coffee and have a few minutes at the computer. If you see him, ask him to say it (Curious George) it is sooo funny. Cute kid!!

This is Parker hitting the ball in the "kids area" at the Ranger's game. Make the picture bigger by clicking on it and look at his face...he LOVED this part of the ballgame!!

10. I'm thankful for my husband. He works a great job (that he loves!) so that we can live in this super city that gives us so many opportunities with church and friends. I get to stay at home with our kids and we have a church family that supports and loves us. We went out Saturday night with a big group of friends to dinner and had a great time. I love our life here in Texas!!

Ten Things Tuesday!

It really does not feel like Tuesday already, but the holiday has most of the blame for that....or that is what I'm saying today!! After you read my 10 things for today, go over to X-Box wife and leave the link to your 10 things. You never know how your thankfulness could help someone else today!!
Here is my list:

1. I'm thankful that we stayed home for the Memorial Day holiday. We did lunch with a few friends, but it was low key and so laid back. My kind of holiday and just what we needed.

2. I'm thankful for my friend, Reagan!! She is now ENGAGED and I'm so excited for her and Nate. We are headed to Searcy on November 1st for the big wedding! It will be one for the society pages in Searcy because it is going to be one fun and happening wedding for sure!! Wait, does Searcy even have a society page? Well, we can make one for Reagan!!

3. I'm thankful for healthy kids. Grace has a little cough, but it is from allergies and it's nothing that a little dose of Claritin doesn't clear right up!

4. BIKES! I'm thankful for bikes? You bet. We went down to the park last night and the kids all rode and rode...I'm surprised that Susie still has her little legs attached because she did not want to get off her little bike! That $7 garage sale bike from Alaska has done us well, although, I don't think that Parker is going to be riding it...Aaron said he gets his own. I did take a picture of him on the Barbie bike with the princess helmet to remember, though!! Oh, don't you love the hair in the face picture, Dallas and Danna?? Yeah, she rode her bike like that all the way home from the park!

5. I'm thankful for family. We just had a great time being together this weekend. We love to travel and see things and friends, but really I just love being at home with my husband and kiddoes!! They are great little cuddle-bugs.

6. I'm thankful for my sister who sent me 3 huge bags of clothes via a super nice college student at our church! Collin Swafford is such a wonderful guy...does anyone know any nice college age girls that are looking for a great guy?? He's at Harding, single ladies!!

7. I'm thankful for girls night out!! A huge group of girls from church (like 16 of us!!) went to Uncle Julios for dinner and then out to see Made of Honor Saturday night! It was so much fun and I got to know some other gals better...I love GNO!!

8. I'm thankful for sweet husbands that let us have GNO and stay at home with the kids!! Sunday morning in our bible class, we all re-newed our wedding vows to end our marriage class and it was so neat. We had wedding cake, punch and everything. Thanks George and Sheri...we loved it!

9. Tonight is our date night! Yes, I'm thankful for date night because I get to spend some time with my hubby...dinner and Indiana Jones!!! YES! I can't wait!!

10. I'm thankful for willing and able babysitters. We have a gem in Jenna. She is great and we are so thankful that she loves our kids and loves to come over and play with them. You don't get that in every babysitter, you know? She is going to be a senior this coming year so we only have one more year with her and then she is off to experience Harding to it's fullest (and I know she will have a blast!) Can you tell that we just love her?

Okay, there are my 10 things...I'm off to get some stuff done before my date night tonight!!

Ten Things Tuesday!

1. I can hear the birds singing right outside of my window. That is it...not another sound and it is wonderful!

2. Aaron took Grace to school this morning. I know, he does it everyday, what is the big deal? Big deal, I don't have to get 2 other little ones out of bed and I can sit and enjoy my morning! Thanks honey!!

3. Aaron is such the spiritual leader in our family. Last night he sat in the office studying for an online devotional that he is doing for next week, while I cleaned the kitchen and watched TV...I'm so proud of him and the way he guides our family. Here is a link to Shout Hallelujah
You can check it out---different people write online devotionals, once a week and you can read through the New Testament this year. My cousin, Kathryn, did this week's post and it's great.

4. Susannah just very quietly snuck down the stairs and gave me a big hug. I love that sweet little girl and I love our quiet times together.

5. I'm thankful that our family had a great time together last week for Spring Break. Between company, Six Flags, the ER and Easter it was a wonderful week!!

6. I'm beginning to love the mornings with Grace and that is saying a LOT for me, the non-morning person of the family. She comes in at 7 every morning and gets me up to fix her hair. Yes, she gets herself up with her alarm clock...She is so funny, she told me the other day, "Mom, I'm really tired of the way my alarm clock ALARMS me in the morning. Can you get me one that will quietly wake me up with music, like yours?" This morning was a great morning of just chatting and getting her ready.

7. My coffee. I know, silly, but really I am so thankful for my coffee...I sit here, type, enjoy the quiet time and drink my favorite beverage. Why not be thankful for that, too?? You know you are too...just admit it here!!

8. I'm thankful for Aaron's job. But more, I'm thankful that I get to stay home while he goes off to drive in a little traffic and go to work. I get to be with the kids all day and be involved in their activities. Here is a cool one...Grace's class is going to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Children's theater and I was one of the parent's names that was drawn to go!! I'm so excited!!

9. I'm thankful that Parker's head is healing despite the fact that the little man pulled off the Dermabond the second day that he had it put on...yes, you can pull it off, did you know that?? Did you also know that you can't put it back on or have it re-applied after 12 hours? So, now he just wears little butterfly band-aids and will have a really cool little boy scar! Love that kid!!

10. I'm thankful for my family. I love Aaron and my sweet kids that I've already mentioned, but also my parents who gave me all that I have...an education, a love for the Lord and a great start in this thing we call Life. They are part of who I am and I'm so thankful for all of my blessings.

Now it is your turn! Go to x-box wife and get the button and post it on your page and go back and link to hers so you can see how many other people are thankful today, as well!! It will make your week better!!

Ten Things Tuesday!

Here we are again, it's Tuesday!! It is time to remember what I am thankful for this week and mainly just this morning to help start my day out the right way!! Thanks to Mrs. Brownstone @ X-Box wife for hosting this carnival!!


1. It's raining!! I'm so thankful that we could wake up to the sound of the rain. Sleeping in during the rain is so relaxing.

2. Okay, I mentioned that we got to sleep in during the rain...that means it is Spring Break! A week just to have fun with my family and friends. So fun!

3. Grace and Parkerman are upstairs playing together. Grace is usually at school during the day so Parker is with Susie and myself most of the time. Today he and Grace are having some time together and it's just so sweet. Grace really does love her little brother.

4. Susannah is coming home today!! She has been in Graham since Saturday and I miss my little one, bunches! I'm sure she hasn't missed us at all, but her friends are coming tonight and they are staying for a few days to go to Six Flags and do some shopping so that will be a fun break.

5. We had small group at our house Sunday night and it was indeed a small group. What a great blessing to be able to have friends that you can talk to about what is going on in your life and feel secure in that friendship!! Most of our group is out of town so after group, we all went to see, "Horton Hears A Who." Cute movie and the kids loved it!!

6. Parker just came downstairs and gave me the sweetest kisses! I love my kids!!!!

7. My house is clean!! Aaron helped me before small groups Sunday night and all I need to do now is go and check on Parker's room (aka-guest room) for our company tonight!

8. I'm still in my PJ's. I know...it's 9:30, but it's Spring Break, raining and very dark out!! I LOVE it! I promise to go and get dressed when I'm done here, but I love just being lazy somedays and I'm so thankful that Aaron works so hard so that I can have these days with my kids...(Parker is in my lap right now...have to type fast!!)

9. Yesterday was a fun day. Grace had a friend over and Parker took a long nap. I enjoyed a book on the couch while they played outside!! Oh, and we (Grace, Parker and myself) took a great trip to the library and got our limit on books...20!!! It was great!! I'm sure she will have them all read before I can finish my one book that I started last week...what a girl, that Grace.

10. Company is coming tonight so I'm off to get ready!! You know, shower, making beds....the normal mom and get ready stuff....I'm so thankful for all of you that put up with me and actually read my blog!!

Now, go and find just 10 things that you are thankful for today and link back to Mrs. Brownstone's blog....it's nice to see what others are thankful for as well!!

Grace's award

Here is a picture (okay, I scanned it) of Grace's award that she got on Sunday. The best part of it is the little note that her teacher typed at the bottom. It's so wonderful to have Christian teachers! What a blessing! You have to click on the pic to be able to read the note, by the way!

My ten things

My good friend, Mrs. Brownstone over at X-box wife, has started a new thing. It's a wonderful thing and I hope I can remember and find time to do it each week. Every Tuesday she writes about the 10 things that she is thankful for that have already happened that day. That way we recognize and are thankful for the small things in life. Go on over to her blog and read her reasons why she started this today!!

My Ten Things for Tuesday
1. Grace hasn't thrown up one time today!!

2. I have every piece of the laundry done and it's only 2:00!!

3. I have been blessed with wonderful friends that call to check up on my sick little one and my sanity, daily!!

4. Parker and Grace both are sleeping.

5. Susannah had a great day at school and got to ride home with one of her best buddies.

6. I took a shower and it felt GREAT!!

7. Aaron got to play basketball at lunch today. That makes his day and I know he loves his lunch hour game when he gets to go.

8. The taxes are finished and the refund is on it's way!

9. My house is clean.

10. The sun is shining and I'm going to jump on the trampoline with Susie before the other two wake up!!

Do this today on your blog and link up to Mrs. Brownstone's blog! It will make your day better!!

Great night!

Last night we had our x-box wives bible study. We didn't get to have it on our normal Tuesday night meeting night because once a month the men go to "Letters From Dad" at the church. So we changed the day and it was wonderful. I just love our little group. There are 7 of us and I can already tell how it has changed my day to day happenings. "The Frazzled Female" is a great study for us all right now and I love the fact that we all seem to be going thru all the same (or close too) things. Friends are a great gift from God and I'm so thankful that we are here so I could meet this great group of girls (okay, I guess since we are all over 30 we can be ladies now, but I sure would rather be just a girl...he he he.) I woke up this morning ready to go with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. Thank you Lord for life and a healthy family!

The house is clean and I can't wait for my hubby to be home! Aaron will pull in around 7:15 tonight...he left early and beat the Houston traffic. His parents fly in around 8:30 tonight so we are going to have a full weekend. I think I'm going to take a little nap while Parker is taking his!!

This week's verse:
"Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me." John 14:1