Prayer request

I had the saddest bedside conversation with my 8yr old tonight. She's been a little emotional this evening....getting weepy over the littlest things. Because of some earlier comments today, Jason and I thought it had to do with a little boy. Is it time for her to be interested in boys already?! I was hoping she would wait about 20more years. Well, don't fret....boys are still gross according to her but what was to come next simply broke my heart.

At work we are expecting the union to strike next year and all non-union employees have received assignments to backfill their positions. My assignment would require me to complete 100+ hours of training beginning in January (60% online training and 40% which requires travel) and then on April 4th I'm required to report to Springfield, MO for an undetermined amount of time. Well, needless to say I'm not happy about it and it has been a source of great stress for me. I've talked to Jason and other family members about it but had not really talked to the girls about it.

Tonight while laying with McClain, encouraging her to open up to me and tell me what's bothering her she tells me, "Next year is almost here and I don't want you to leave and go work somewhere else". It caught me off guard. I had no idea that it was causing her stress as well. How foolish of me...they pick up on so much more than we realize. Surprisingly, I didn't break down in tears, instead we prayed together and made a pact to pray everynight that the union contract negotiations would be resolved and that no one would have to leave their families. I told her that if I did have to go that maybe it would just be for a few days or a couple of weeks. Either way, God will take care of us. He always does. He has provided for us in so many ways. He will continue to provide for us in this matter. Please join us in prayer. Please pray that I won't have to leave my family, pray for God's grace but more importantly pray that mine and my daughter's faith would be strengthened by this.

Coveting your prayers,
Anne Marie

Anne Marie is....

Anne Marie is sad that her friends aren't blogging as often anymore. I really have no room to talk, I don't blog often either but sad nonetheless. I enjoy checking in on my friend's blogs and seeing what's going on in their lives or reading about their experiences or emotions. It is sadly being replaced with one liners in Facebook. I know, I know, Facebook is cool. I'll admit. It is a useful communication tool, easy to use, easy to maintain but it lacks depth (much like this blog, he he). One thing that drew me into the blog world was the way people were willing to share their spiritual experiences and I hope that doesn't go away. We need more communication tools that allow us to share the gospel with one another.

Hoping you will blog,
Anne Marie

Christmas Bazaar

Last Saturday was the Christmas Bazaar at church. It was great fun! I'm wishing I had a bowl of that spicy Chicken soup they were selling right now....mmmm that sounds good. Anyway, here are some pictures I took. Click on the slideshow to enlarge.

Cold and hungry,
Anne Marie

A trip to the zoo and a bazaar for you!

The kids were out of school Monday and Tuesday so I too, took some much needed time off from work. Monday, Paige and I took the kids to the zoo. It was a beautiful day! We told them, "You better not act up or else they'll think you belong in the zoo and lock you up in a cage." It must have worked because they were just lovely all day. Here are some pics from our trip.

Saturday, we are having a Christmas Bazaar at church. Please come and enjoy the beautiful talents of those at CPC. The girls and I will have a booth (all items $8 or less). Here are a few pics of what we will be selling. The bazaar is open from 10 - 2 on Saturday in the church gym.





Living in a zoo,
Anne Marie

Jesus take the wheel.....

Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
‘Cause I can’t do this on my own
I’m letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I’m on
Jesus take the wheel
Oh, take it, take it from me!

I’ve heard this song 100 times before but today while driving the kids to school it came on the radio and struck a chord with me. As we sang along, the tears began rolling down my face, behind my sunglasses. I’ve been struggling with my load lately….my workload mainly, but also my responsibilities as a mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend. My stress level at work is at an all time high. Every day another deadline to meet, another challenge, another road block .... I’m use to this cycle, I’ve done this kind of work for a while now. I’ve dedicated nearly 20 years of my life to the company I work for but as the company continues to grow and grow I feel like nothing more than a number to them and I'm tired. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had a great career…my management and leadership teams think highly of me, I’ve always been very productive, received good marks and pay for the work I’ve done but now there is so much “red tape” and people hiding behind processes that it’s nearly impossible to get any work done. It then bleeds over to my personal life, despite my best efforts. I find myself taking things out on the kids or my husband that I shouldn’t. Friday, I beat myself up for not being at the elementary school for the Fall Festival. The girls really wanted me to come but I had to work. I had to try to get some stuff done, to mark them off my list. I chose work. I told Jason I feel like I’m failing at everything….work, our home (if you look around there is probably not one clean room in my house), I don’t cook lavish meals for my family every night, I actually seldom cook. I don’t make great efforts to spend quality time with my husband; I’m too tired and broken. I haven’t made much effort to see my brothers and their wives and children, to visit my family in Georgia or to foster friendships. I am such a failure. Are there other working moms out there that can relate? Why do I do this, why do I beat myself up for not being perfect? For not having the perfect job, the perfect marriage, the perfect family, the perfect life. This song reminded me that Christ loves me, he forgives me and he doesn’t expect perfect from me. I’m not capable of that but he loves me anyway. I apologize for the doom and gloom blog, it’s just where I’m at right now. I’m praying that Jesus will take the wheel, that He will take it from my hands and save me from myself.

PS. There is way too much chocolate candy in the house for the amount of stress I’m under. This could be hazardous to my health!

Preaching the gospel to myself as I listen to Carrie Underwood,
Anne Marie

Good clean fun....

Last night we attended the Fall Festival at our church. It was alot of fun! The girls had a great time! Emma dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood, Macy was a 50's chic wearing a poodle skirt and McClain was a witch. They enjoyed the hay ride, moon walk, face painting, tattoos, putt putt and other games but they loved the cake walk! You should see the bag of cookies and cupcakes they won. Here are a few pictures I took when I wasn't playing pin the wort on the witch's nose. It was a night of good clean fun!

I must say, Ty (dressed as a women) gets my vote for best costume of the night. It takes great confidence AND legs to pull that one off!

Thankful that I wasn't in the dunking booth,
Anne Marie

Mummy Dogs and Bat Bread!

Tonight the girls made their own dinner...mummy dogs and bat bread! We were inspired by Kim Hill's blog. Thanks for the cute idea, Kim.

I don't have a picture of this, but last weekend the girls were playing outside with their friend from across the street and it was pretty chilly out, so I decided to make them some "ghostly" hot chocolate. I made them each a cup of hot chocolate and placed a ghost marshmellow peep on top. They enjoyed watching the ghost melt and it gave the hot chocolate an extra sweet taste. Try it!

Another cute idea that someone started in our neighborhood this year was to "BOO" your house. One evening we found a pumpkin bucket full of candy and goodies for the girls. Inside were two sheets of paper. The first was a poem explaining that we had been "BOOed" and encouraging us to "BOO" two neighbors to spread the holiday spirit throughout the neighborhood. And the second was a Boo sign which you hang on your door so others know that you've been "Booed". I thought it was a cute idea and the girls really got a kick out of it. Their bucket had halloween socks, cups, pencils, playdough and lots of candy. If you're interested in the poem, let me know and I'll send it to you. Again, a cute idea that you should try. I hope everyone is enjoying the Fall holiday season!

Things are looking dim.....

For Auburn football, that is! Last Wednesday, Coach Tuberville fired offensive coordinator, Tony Franklin. Tuberville stated to the media, “I’m not satisfied with the progress being made on offense”….seeing football games with baseball scores, I tend to agree….not with the firing necessarily but being dissatisfied with our offense’s lack of progress. We manage to painfully “progress” our way down the field but can’t seem to score on 1st and goal from the 5 yard line! Are you serious? At this point, I think the Moody 95lb team could give Auburn a run for their money. Our defense has been pulling the load, scoring half the points in some games, but they’re tired and not used to losing. With West VA, Ole Miss, Georgia and Alabama on the schedule, the rest of the season is looking pretty dim….pretty, pretty dim! We have at least a dozen on the injury list and a big question mark at QB. Will Kodi Burns start the rest of the season or is his job on the chopping block, too? Barrett Trotter, expected to sit out the entire season and pick up a redshirt, may be playing before we know it. He’s used to running a spread offense from his record setting days at Briarwood. He may be just what we need! Don’t get me wrong, I hate that Tony Franklin got fired. I really sympathize and will pray for Tony Franklin and his family. I also don’t want Kodi Burns to miss his shot either….and what about Neil Caudle and Chris Todd? Why is football so sad?
What are our chances at a Bowl game now?.....Are we headed anywhere other than the tidy bowl? I don’t like losing. Maybe I’m a sore loser. I know there is a lesson to be learned here. Maybe I’m to see how quick I lose faith in my team….do I do the same with Christ? When I’m not satisfied with the progress do I quickly lose faith? When I feel my faith in Christ fading – I pray. That’s what I’ll do for Auburn – I’ll pray.

I don’t know much about football but I do know this….get it together Tuberville or your job may be next on the chopping block.

War Eagle!

Trying to console my husband,
Anne Marie

Another busy week behind us...

I haven't blogged in awhile,... it's been busy in the Webb household. Last weekend we had Emma's 4th birthday party at Pump It Up. She was so happy to see all her friends from school and church. She had a great time, although I knew something was up when it came time for cake and ice cream (and cheese puffs, her favorite, the ones that dissolve in your mouth) and she took only one bite of ice cream. Later she said "Mommy, my throat hurts". She passed out in the car on the way home and later began running a fever. So on Sunday, instead of being in church, I'm at the pediatrician's office - hoping that my sweet little girl who just celebrated her 4th birthday with about 20 other sweet kids, doesn't have strep throat! Fortunately, it wasn't strep but rather an ear infection that had irritated her throat.
Tuesday was our actual birthday, (Emma was born on my birthday - Csection baby) so my dear husband and I took a day off from work to spend together. I awoke at 5:30am, showered, woke the kids and off to school we go. I go back to Emma's school at 9am for cupcakes and cheese puffs for her birthday. At 10am, I head to the elementary school to have lunch (at 10:15 mind you) with Macy who is "Kid of the Day". I return home around 11:30 to my husband who is ready to go. For lunch he took me to John's City Diner for a fabulous pan seared Mahi-Mahi...mmmm! Afterwards, he takes me shopping, a true rarity for Jason. When we return home he fires up the Vmax and takes me on a wonderful motorcycle ride for about an hour and a half. We graciously return home at 5pm to pick up the girls from Paige's, only to find that she had made me and Emma a chocolate chip cookie cake! It was a lovely birthday and one I will cherish forever.
About 2pm on Wednesday, I get a call from the school nurse who tells me that McClain is running a low grade fever. So once again, instead of being at church Wednesday night I'm home with what we later determine to be a fever virus. It makes a path over the mountain top, striking Landy, Carson, Josh, McClain and Shirley. I manage to work the rest of the week but McClain missed a couple of days of school.
Come Friday, the kids were asked to be flower girls and ring bearer for Brittany & Matt's wedding (Jason's other sister). We head to the Donally House for rehearsal and then to Outback for rehearsal dinner. I must say, despite the busy week, I was eating good! Saturday, after pressing four dresses, painting 40 toe nails and six braids later we arrive at the Donally House for wedding pictures. Of course the guys were all in a tizzy because there were several football games transpiring during wedding pictures and the wedding itself...thank goodness for Tivo! It was a beautiful wedding! We all had a great time, especially the girls who burned up the dance floor.
We ended our week with a trip to the State Fair, after church. You must go see the 1100 lb National record holding largest pig, Harley. It is times like this that not having a sense of smell is no longer laughed at but envied!
It was a rather emotional day for the girls...pure excitement turned to pure fear on the roller coaster, pure enthusiasm at winning at the Duck Pond game turned to pure sorrow when Emma later lost her rainbow-colored bear, she'd won. Pure anticipation turned into a nose pinching odor at the sight of the 1100 lb "Harley the pig". Pure exhaustion turned into pure alertness after a bag of cotton candy and a brief circus performance. Overall it was fun and the girls enjoyed themselves.
I'm glad to have this week behind us and look forward to seeing what next week holds. For more pictures, click here.

Keeping busy,
Anne Marie

Mickey Mouse pizza, rollerskating and God's teachings

Last Thursday night was "Skate Nite" for the elementary school. The girls have been doing really good in school, with both their grades and conduct, so we thought we'd take them as a reward for their hard work and good behavior. I used to loooovvvve going roller skating. Every Saturday, my mother would take my brother and I skating. When I was a young teen it was the cool place to hang out on Friday and Saturday nights. I remember getting "speed skates" for Christmas one year. They had purple wheels and stoppers. For those gals out there around my age, you can imagine how cool I thought I was! Anyway, back to the girls - so before they went skating they ate Mickey Mouse pizza. Isn't this cute, I found them at Piggly Wiggly. Parents beware - Mickey Mouse pizza may create a riot. Adult supervision is required. Our youngest started it, "I want him ear"! The next, "I want his head"! "Give me his other ear"!...until it was devoured.


Speaking of my mom, today is her birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you (and thanks for taking me skating all those times)!

Today at church, Burt spoke about how God teaches us through our suffering. The sermon seemed to have been written directly for me. Although at the present, I am not suffering (it's actually the exact opposite, I've never been better) many around me are. The other day I was asked, "Why?...why is God allowing my loved one to hurt so much?". It was really a rhetorical question, they were just overcome with emotion, but I lacked a great response. I wanted so bad to comfort them...to have the right words at the right time. I have been bothered by it ever since. So why must we suffer? Today I realized that Burt is right, God does teach us through our suffering. He has taught me of His mercy, His grace, His glory, His sovereignty and of His providence and presence. Looking back at times of suffering in my life, I can see all of these things. I see them today with those around me suffering. So if asked again, I would share what Burt shared with our congregation this morning.
God may be taking you through years of difficulty, frustration and seeming defeat. Yet by faith we can be assured that Christ is with us as the One who endured even greater pain, humiliation, misery and even death so that we might never face it in the ultimate sense.
And from our church bulletin -
God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty. - Peter Marshall

Burt, today's sermon was just what the doctor ordered. Thank you! It is yet another example of God's providence in my life.

Feeling blessed at CPC,
Anne Marie

An Old Prayer

When I was a little girl (I'm guessing between 8 - 10 years old)I found this prayer hanging in the kitchen of my great-grandparents house, Big Mama and Papa Coffee. I loved it and copied it down on a sheet of paper. I've kept it all these years. I won't say exactly how many years but more than a couple of decades! Jason said he sees where McClain gets her, not-so-neat, handwriting from. I got this prayer out yesterday and emailed it to a loved one that's hurting. It reads -

I Said A Prayer For You Today - author unknown

I said a prayer for you today and know God must have heard.
I felt the answer in my heart although He spoke no word.
I didn't ask for wealth or fame, I knew you wouldn't mind.
I asked Him to send treasures of a far more lasting kind.
I asked that He'd be near you at the start of each new day,
To grant you health and blessings and friends to share your way.
I asked for happiness for you, in all things great and small.
But it was for His loving care I prayed for most of all.

Labor Day weekend

This Labor Day weekend was spent in my hometown, Augusta GA. We went to visit my uncle, a double amputee who is under hospice care - due to a heart condition resulting from his diabetes. He has sustained several heart attacks but currently has only 10% blood flow to his heart. It has been a very difficult past few months for my uncle and his family.
Everyday while taking my daughters to school, I pass a church sign that reads, "God's grace comes with responsibility, it must be shared". It resonates in me. I guess when you have something that is so good, you want to share it. God has been so gracious to my uncle and his family. Not only has he lived years beyond what any doctor ever thought, he has seen all three of his children wed, start families of their own and watched his grandchildren start school. Several weeks ago, he watched as two of his grandchildren were baptised. The Holy Spirit was working in his heart and that Sunday my uncle rededicated his life to Christ. The following day he was rushed to the emergency room where his family received the following news.
All the small blood vessels surrounding his heart are 100% blocked. The main artery to his heart is 90% blocked. The same disease that attacked his legs is now attacking his heart. He has sustained a few heart attacks and has only 10% blood flow to his heart. There's not much the doctors can do - surgery is not an option.
Not easy to hear about someone you love. It's no coincidence, I don't think, that my uncle was moved to proclaim his love for Christ and the following day receive such prognosis. I believe God is gently taking care of my uncle and his family by letting them know that he is ready for eternity with Christ. There is great comfort in that. God has also revealed the severity of my uncle's health to his family. They now have time to speak through their hearts and share their love for him. Not everyone is given this.
Funny thing is, uncle Murray and aunt Carolyn are my God-parents who are basically tasked with helping lead me to Christ in the event that I were orphaned. Well, I graciously was not orphaned but they have led me to Christ, again and again. Scripture and faith brings peace and rest and allow us to enjoy every day that He gives us on this earth. Here are a couple of my new favs -
1 Cor. 2:9
However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

We had a wonderful visit with uncle Murray and his family this Labor Day weekend. He was in good spirits, had lots of energy and sat up all day talking with numerous visitors. It was a weekend full of reminecing, story telling, kids climbing trees and playing Red Rover, college football, fried chicken and God's grace.

After a busy weekend of visiting with family, Emma sums it up.


Thinking and praying for my uncle,
Anne Marie

Before the rain....

Well, for the past three days it has done nothing but rain and rain and rain! By Sunday afternoon, the girls and I were getting cabin fever. We had run out of things to do in the house (not really but, ya know)...they built forts, painted fingernails, played on the computer, made cookies and veg'd out watching TV. Finally, Sunday afternoon brought a short break from all the rain. After having a wonderful lunch with the Morgan family, we decided to go for a "Sunday drive". We headed down 174 towards Springville and on to Trussville until we came to Sonic, where we indulged in several Hot Fudge Sundaes and one Butterfinger Sonic Blast....mmmmmmmm! The rain resumed later that night and has continued (now Tuesday night).

Before the rain, we enjoyed a nice hike to the top of Microwave Towers Rd. Friday, Jason came home telling the girls about how he use to go up to the top of Microwave Towers Rd and overlook the beautiful mountains. He failed to explain how you used to be able to DRIVE to the top and park. Now there is a large gate blocking the entrance at the bottom of the road. You can park at the bottom of the road and walk through the gate, which is what we did. Can you say "Trespassing"? After seeing the breathtaking view, the hike down was my favorite part. The girls gathered souvenirs...pine needles (to make a broom), large pine cones (to decorate with glitter), a pocket full of muscodines and blueberry look-a-likes. Here's a few pictures from our adventure.

Thankful for the rain,
Anne Marie

Heaven

A man dies and goes to heaven. St. Peter meets him at the Pearly Gates and says, "Here's how it works... You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in."

"Okay," the man says,..."I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart."
"That's wonderful," says St. Peter, "That's worth two points!"
"Two points, is that all?" the man says.

"Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service."
"Terrific!" says St.Peter.. "That's certainly worth a point."
"One point!?!!" he says.

"I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans."
"Fantastic, that's good for two more points," St. Peter says.
"Two points!?!! " he says.

"Exasperated, the man cries. "At this rate the only way I'll get into heaven is by the grace of God."
"Bingo! 100 points !" says St. Peter, "Come on in!"

Emma's 1st day of school...

Yesterday was Emma's 1st day of K3. She had a good day and made a couple of new friends. She got in the car singing some new songs she learned. I love to hear her sing....five little monkeys swinging from a tree, teasing Mr. Alligator...you can't catch me. Along came Mr. Alligator quiet as can be and he snapped that monkey right out of that tree. Brings a smile to my face just typing it.

Check out these pics of our cat, Jessie as she terrorizes this poor chipmunk.

1st day of school!

Well, summer vacation is officially over and the new school year begins. Here are a few pics of McClain, Macy and Landy on their first day of school.
McClain is now in 3rd grade and known for being a "social butterfly". She's real excited to see all her friends.

Landy is starting 1st grade and is in the same class as Eric Nold. They can be best buds this year.

Today is Macy's first day of Kindergarten. I can't believe it. Time is just flying by. Before I know it I'll be walking Emma to class. They all did well and were very excited. No one cried....not even Mom. I did get a huge lump in my throat as I left the parking lot, which I can't really explain.
Macy was so excited to start school. The Kindergartens had the option of getting out at 11:30 today and tomorrow but she wants to stay all day. I know she do fine and have a wonderful day....but for some reason I feel weepy.

So....let me throw myself into my work today and forget about the fact that my little girls are growing up, like it or not!

(I like the way Burt closes each of his blogs with a fitting salutation and thought I'd steal his idea).

Feeling very blessed to have children,
Anne Marie

Enjoying Summer and Camp Cornerstone

I know, I know ...it's about time I blogged again! There's no excuse, I've had plenty to blog about. Summer is here and we are really enjoying ourselves. We went on an awesome trip to Amelia Island, FL for a "sorta-kinda" family reunion with my mother's side of the family. We shared a beach house with about 25 - 30 of my aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. It was a blast! I attended my cousins graduation while there, Congrats Holly! It was fun to just chillax and reconnect with family members I hadn't seen in a while.


We also got our pool this summer! Jason and I have been saving and planning for a couple of years now and finally, we can get wet! The girls are really enjoying it....we all are. McClain had a pool party for her 8th birthday, Emma's learning to swim and we're all getting great tans. We had our Community group over last Sunday, along with the Sharps. Good times! Check out the pics. We hope to use the pool as a means to entertain and build relationships.

The girls just finished Camp Cornerstone (VBS) at church. I included a few pictures I captured while I was there, in the above slideshow. They had fun and made some new friends, all the while learning more about Jesus and God and some stuff about Uncle Jason that Macy made up...ask Carson about it the next time you see him.

Hope you are enjoying your summer and will come swim with us soon!

Spring Seminar

Last Saturday, our church hosted it's 4th Annual Spring Seminar Event. It was my third time attending this wonderful event. It is a fun-filled day with music, seminars, food and chit chat. The seminars I attended were Kim Hill's "Fashion for the Everyday Woman" and Maja Clayton's " The Art of Hospitality". Both are gurus on their topics. Not only does Kim run the 5K bootcamp (which I've been MIA) she is also our church's fashion police. Just kidding, Kim (really, I am). Kim is just known for her great fashion advice.

Maja is also known for her (and her family's) great hospitality. Shortly after we joined Community Presbyterian, The Clayton's invited our family over for lunch after church one day. It was encouraging to see how she and Scott handle their large family. Jason and I only have three but constantly feel out numbered. We really enjoyed our lunch with the Clayton's, they are a very special family.

I was asked to host a table at the Spring Seminar, which means to prepare place settings for a table of seven. Each host is responsible for decorating and providing the plates, glasses, utensils, etc. for her table. It was so neat to see how different each table was set. They were all inviting!

Here's some pictures of the tables and a few others from the event. I'm not sure who hosted each table so if you know, maybe you can comment.

In our Sunday school class we have been studying what ministry to the church means. What a day of ministry this was! Whether it was organizing the event, preparing the food, decorating the church gym, teaching a seminar, hosting a table, blessing us with beautiful music or the sharing of wisdom among women, a big thank you to everyone who participated. It was a beautiful day and one I'll look forward to again next year!

Oh, and don't let me forget to mention another great ministry to our church....Paige sporting the "Mom" jeans. Way to take one for the team, Paige!

Spring has sprung!

Although you wouldn't know it from this week's weather.... Spring has sprung! I love this time of year. God decorates the earth with beautiful, colorful, eye-catching flowers and trees. It's awesome to watch them blossom. Here are some of my favorites around home.

This past weekend the girls and I visited my family in Georgia. It was great to see my niece and nephew. I miss them so. Audrey, my niece, turned 1yr old and we celebrated at a beautiful park with burgers and cake, playground for the kids, fishing for the men, eating and chasing the kids for the women. It was fun! Afterwards, we went back to my brothers (for more eating) and played "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?".....well, let me just say, I have a new found respect for 5th graders.
Sunday was a very girly girl day! Me, McClain, Macy and Emma went to lunch with my mom, sister-in-law (Jill) and my nephew (baby Cole). That's what the girls call him...."baby Cole" as if it is his first and middle name. Lunch at Olive Garden was delicious.....I don't care to know the calories. After lunch, we went to North Pointe mall in Alpharetta where one of the few American Girl Doll stores are located. McClain was beside herself. They have a bistro where you and your doll can have lunch and ice cream. The dolls have a chair that clamps onto the table so she can sit right beside you. In the bathroom, they have doll holders right beside the toilet paper. They also have a salon so you and your doll can have matching do's. Very girly.

Later we rode the carousel and then Emma got her other ear pierced. Long story short, about 6-8 months ago Emma wanted to have her ears pierced, like her sisters. So I took her and after the first one she decided she didn't want to have her other ear pierced. I tried several times since but she wasn't having it. Well, Sunday while in Claire's boutique (appropriate given Emma's name is Emma Claire, anyway) I'm helping McClain and Macy spend some money they had saved up when Jill tells me that Emma wants to get her ear pierced. I said, "Sure she does, see if she'll even come in the store". Well, next thing I know she's sitting in the chair waiting to get her ear pierced. So we took out the one pink one and she chose a set of blue sapphires, her birthstone. She did not even cry...she did not shed one tear. She told me right before the lady did it...."Mommy, I know it's going to hurt just a little bit". I love her so much! God has blessed me with three wonderful girls.

So on the way home, I pass an 18 wheeler....very dirty, you know what I'm talking about. It usually says, "Wash Me" or something. Well, on the back of this truck someone had drawn a hill with three crosses. Under the hill it said, GRACE. Beneath GRACE, it read Eph. 2:8-9. I thought to myself, "Huh, wonder what that verse is? Eph. 2:8-9, Eph. 2:8-9...I can remember that until we get home and then I'll look it up." Then I remembered that McClain's bible was in the backseat. I got the bible and as I'm driving with one knee, I'm looking for the verse. There it is.....

It is my new favorite bible verse.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.

I got home and was later telling Jason about it and he said, "You're not going to believe this but we read that verse in Sunday school today." So I guess being away in Atlanta this weekend, I didn't really miss my lesson. I think of it as God's way of keeping me in the loop!

Easter pics

Here are some pictures from Easter. Click to enlarge and view the slideshow. Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

Multi-tasking Mama

Work is really interferring with my personal life! Spring is in the air and my work load is stacking up. Don't they realize I need to be exercising...I'm training for a 5K (Kim Hill's bootcamp, jk) it's called Couch to 5K. It allows you to build up endurance over a 9wk period. I'm surprising myself. I've gotten so lazy I could never imagine running but now we run for about 30 mins, 3X a week. I couldn't do it without Kim, Heather and Paige, we get to talking and before you know it we're done! Ok, I'll stop boasting now. Back to the schedule....so I need to be exercising, Emma has a doctor's appt, McClain has an Art show, Macy has an Easter party, then church, then gymnastics, I need a haircut....forget shopping for an Easter dress, I need to renew my drivers license, we're having a pool installed, Easter is Sunday, Spring Break is next week, need groceries...etc etc. Meanwhile, at work there are deadlines and time frames, milestones and task lists, conference calls and status meetings, mandatory training and staff calls, emails and spreadsheets, voicemails and text messages...etc etc...and now a blog to update. I know God doesn't give us more than we can handle but he sure is testing my overlapping skills.