Toteing Charis Around the United States

I wish I had a pic of us in the airport last week, I had her in a front carrier, a backpack and a pull suitcase, they charge now for checking in bags so I took ours on the plane and since I was by myself I could pull a bag and push a stroller. Luckily she still fit in the carrier. We were quite a sight I am sure. Charis wasn't feeling well most of the trip but still was a great traveler. We really felt blessed to go, the Lord provided work so I could afford to go. I love my family so much, I am glad I got to go be a part of Deb's newest adventure. I also got to see her school and hang out with Nate's cool family. We swam, watched a lot of movies and played the wii, I scored 569 on power bowling.

Couldn't resist posting my care bear in this toy tote.
My sis and her new baby Judah Brenton, why we went to FL

In other news- I've added a new Bible study to the church tote, Stepping Up by Beth Moore- it's on the psalms. Good so far. She's got us on our faces each day before the Lord, literally. It should be good discipline.

I am still keeping Shyann during the day, she had a good week.

My lessons are going well. I have 11 paying students (4 guitar, 4 piano, 2 piano but want to be in voice) and 3 non paying, my 2 kids and a sitter swapper (she takes voice and is a God send) . God is so good to always provide for us no matter how much I fret.

My totes are full, coming and going as always.

I have to add one more non tote picture. my kids are in a small town school and everyone goes all out for homecoming, today's theme is I wish I were.... So I pulled together a Jedi knight costume for silas and Cady was really on her own. She is Barbie. A cute one huh.

Joy found!

I found it here in this tote of all places, it's what I carry my Bible in. I have tried to minimize and just carry a Bible to church but the teacher in me needs pens, highlighters and notebooks so I have this tote. Suits me. Yup I don't know why I look in all those other totes for happiness and satisfaction when a good "coming to Jesus" was all I needed. I will say this that that other tote of the new day time child has provided new perspective as well. She cries all day for her momma. Still to be determined if it's going to be a fit with our family, I don't even like my kids crying. And all she wants is her momma. But I am now treasuring this time with my arms full of little ones to love.

Well the kids are back in school, my lessons are getting started, a schedule has begun again. So here are the new lunch boxes. In these totes holds the key to an okay mom and a great mom- notes and Reeces cups.

I forgot about showing you these new totes. Is there a theme here? Black is very versatile. The top left is my out and about purse, you know when I get to go out without kids. I paid 50 cent for at a garage sale. I have yet to use it.

The top right is a cool Old Navy bag. It's Charis', has front pockets for bottles/etc. and I am doing well not to over pack. ( you know totegirl is synonymis with pack rat) Again 50 cent at the same garage sale.

The one on the bench is my sleek computer bag, except the laptop I have (cody's old one) is too large for the padded section, it works though. $3 at yes another garage sale. I love a good deal! This bag is the one I take to church and it gets crowded quick.

Joy's missing- Check the totebags

Well I have been at my current job a little over 8 years now and I don’t know about the rest of ya but I guess it’s normal to get the same ‘ol job blues. Long hours, low pay, momentous tasks, same faces, same places, yadayada. In addition to my full time job I have been working part time as a music teacher. I also volunteer a lot, I make time for it I guess between the full time and part time but looks like with additional responsibilities to the full time job the volunteering is going to have to cut down sadly. I have been giving up my tv time at night to pursue a book dream. That fit’s into the dream category, not work.
At times it’s a little hard to stay focused and here lately I’ve lost the joy I used to know at this kind of work. I have no intention of quitting this job, 9 years ago I so desperately wanted it and my knees shook when I got hired. I do want the joy back though so I am on a journey to find it. Meanwhile God let me know what he thinks about work, he’s so faithful to help me out even in this hard place I’ve found myself in.

1 Sam. 26:23 The Lord gives his own reward for doing good and for being loyal
Colossians 3:23 Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though working for the Lord rather than people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward
1 Peter 5:2 Care for the flock God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly-not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.
Titus 2:5,7 Live wisely and be pure, take care of your homes, to do good and be submissive…then you won’t bring shame on the word of God…you yourself must be an example by doing good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching

We’ve had a new addition to the day crew at my work. She’s 19 mo., cute with big brown eyes and curly blonde hair and this is her tote. Charis enjoys getting into it. This has been an interesting 2 days she misses her mama pretty bad..

Well......

In the last month....

We've gotten pretty lazy, though the older kids are sleeping in and I am usually up with Charis by 7. I have been trying to eat healthier and exercise but boy it's hard to get motivated.

We welcomed family and friends around the fourth of July

Cady's booming salon business gets a new customer- my good friend Kasey Parr

The cousins on my side of the family, we call this the Hallelujah picture, Charis was sleeping..

Well I considered going back to work at the Duncan Middle School but as far as I can discern the will of God I am going to remain where I am, teaching at home- the three kids God's blessed me with and the students God has placed in my hand to train. I am excited about a new year. My middle school student show new potential and drive. I have an 8th grader and a 7th grader.

Then we got sick...the stomach thing, it messed with our get a way to Ft. Worth. Nausea and 100 degree temps don't mix well.

Then we did Bible School the last week in July. Pretty awesome, several kids interested in salvation. We wrapped up Wet and Wild Wed. (my creation, my first book idea too, one of these days I hope to finish it) And the first of Aug. we started Bible Olympics on Sunday mornings. This has fueled my desire for all things China, esp. adoption. While my husband says we can't I am praying for a friend to- (it may be you!).

Lest I forget the annual Velma Picnic that first weekend in August too. Rodeo, carnival rides and food...hanging out with the locals...this was our sixth year to attend. It usually messes with my anniversary but not this year. Sat. they had a pee wee rodeo and of course who but me dragged her kids out in 105 degree weather to compete? Cady ended up winning the goat feeding contest ( they say she'd had practice with Charis but I think she just happen to find the hungriest goat). Silas while never winning an event place well enough in each one that he actually won more money. Yes there was cash prizes and that is why we stayed 2 and 1/2 hours out there, Charis knawled on ice to keep cool. Anyway the boy came home with 18$ and Cady 12$, Cody says that's more than he's ever won at the rodeo. He didn't get to compete this year. As many of you know he is desparate to win an event at this thing. And we are praying he does just that - and better sooner than later.

So now we find ourselves in Tulsa with my parents for the week hoping to get away before heading back to school. We always like to get away for our anniversary and since Charis and I are still "attached" we found this to be the only option. One of the things about having a baby is lack of travel. We were getting pretty spoiled to the big kids and our mutual love for the road trip. Now we have new one to train.

gas to tulsa- $120, hanging out with parents- interesting and 0$ , steak dinner $50, a few new nice things- $75 ,celebrating 12 years of marriage to the one man who can still make me laugh- priceless. ( I love you Cody!)

Many thoughts today...I love summer, the casual relaxed feeling...time to do new things, finish things, waking up late, having time to visit without a set schedule, the POOL. Our town pool is up and going finally after an overhaul and we are enjoying it. I'll highlight several of our projects and accomplishments this week.



Silas and I set a summer goal to ride our bicycles to his ball field, I have not idea how far it is... and this morning we did it! He is collecting Indiana Jones paraphernalia. We have yet to see the new movie but might soon. We have heard it's not worth seeing in the theatre. Any reviews?



Cady's goal, (today) is to open her own salon, here is the sign she posted on her door. She's had a few clients and she is anxiously awaiting Charis' hair to grow.



Charis so far is the more traveled one having made it last week to southern California. She and I are still attached and she proved to be quite the traveler switching time zones well and enjoying the plane ride. She's a 3rd child , go with the flow is her middle name.....she has accomplished crawling and likes the pool.



Cody has perfected his diesel refinery and accomplished making his own fuel. He is also preparing our family for the end of the posperous age, making sure we can survive a total economic collapse that he is convinced we as a nation are headed for.

This next part I have written 3 times and lost, I have a feeling someone doesn't want it published.....

Speaking of the breakdown of the nation , I feel it's directly linked to the breakdown of the family. History backs that up, great civilizations have fallen because of their immorality. what shocks me is the abundance of it among believers. Oh that our families be protected from the homosexual agenda, from the onslaught of porn and the abuse of alcohol and drugs (prescription included) I could go on but I have written this 3 times.....We are hearing save the earth everywhere, lets save the nation and save the family. So what are we to do? Teach our children. More now than ever they need to know God's truth. We must not give law with out grace that is legalism, not only is it unattractive it's not Christlike. Grace without discipline is the unstable man....It's Grace and Wisdom, Charis Sophia (greek meanings). So at all costs save the family and follow Jesus!

Oh I almost forgot my kicks this summer- tie dye, chicken salad and tea. Got any suggestions or recipes?

In San Diego

I am in San Diego. I am here with my Charis and 3 college students from Velma. We are having a great time, tomorrow is our biggest ministry day, we'll be helping with a block party. Today was a tea party with the ladies of the new church start Cross Church San Diego. Check out their website crosschurchsandiego.com. I'll update with more when we return but I'll leave you with pics from our tea in Old Town

Kids are at Granny & Poppy's

What a blessing my parents are to me. I hope I repay them well for all they have done for me. An ride to Tulsa opened up and we let the kids go to spend several days with my parents. When I checked in today Silas reported they get to do whatever they want and they had gone to McDonalds twice already and they haven't been there 24 hours yet. Charis and I are gearing up for a mission trip next week to San Diego with some college students, catching up on the to-do list here and spending some quality time. I'd like to scrapbook some. My sis-in-law and I did a garage sale yesterday, I asked God for $200 to take on my trip, I think I had that much and a little more, he knows what I need I just have to trust him. God is so good to all of us. Cody and I sat and ate in our home last night take out after Charis went to bed- he said he felt like Larry and Jan (our neighbors) who are recently retired (at 61!) It was very pleasant. We rarely eat alone together and especially not in our own home. We are going to a wedding tonight (with a dancing reception, I love those) so I better go. I am leaving you a pic of charis and her thoughts (read the bib)...............