It's here...NEW YEAR

I will say that I stayed up until 4:30 into the morning playing games. Of course I was the only one of my little clan that was there and awake. The Hubby and Children were sleep, warm in their beds. It was fun though.
So far this year has been cold and even a little wet. God has graced us with rain recently and more is expected. It has been great. Work has been busy and continues to grow more and more. Job security is awesome. My daughter and hubby started back to school again today and everything seems to be moving right along...
Until laters...God Bless


****DO YOU KNOW JESUS BECAUSE HE KNOWS YOU. God knows every hair on your head (Luke 12:6-8 NIV:Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies[a]? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows), and he gave his only son for you John 3:16 KJV-For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.)
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December

OK SO IS IT JUST ME OR HAS THIS YEAR FLOWN?!
I could not believe that it was Thanksgiving and now here comes Christmas. What a year though! Work for me has been very busy since the beginning of Autumn. I have been very very busy which I thought I would not see for sometime but here I am.
Today is our real winter front. It is right down cold. Temperature is one thing but add in wind and a few rainshowers... WOW... Christmas is definitely on the way.
I was listening to AFR yesterday on the way home from Church and they were talking about the overload/stress of the season. I guess I had never thought of it like that at all or at least not for sometime. It really can be quit overwhelming but welcome to life. It is great to have family around and have something to do to keep my mind of the season and old memories that like to haunt me. Let me explain: Christmas was very special and dear to me because that was time that my Grandmother and I would bond (decorating and musical ablities.) After all, she was the one who taught me to sing prpoerly and with SOUL. After her death, I fell into to a deep depression and did not want to have a thing to do with God. BUT, with the mercy of God, HE reminded me of the good things and pulled me back under his wing...closer. It was not until I was at tech training for the Air Force that I truely accepted Christ but the ol'feelin of sadness tries every year to get me down and I refuse to give into it.
SO on that note...
If the money, stress, and sorrows of the seasons, get you down... PULL YOURSELF OUT FROM THE WORLD AND INTO GOD'S TIME. HE WILL SHOW YOU THE TRUE MEANING OF THE SEASON AS WELL AS GIVE YOU THE HOPE, JOY, AND PEACE THAT YOU LONG FOR THRU HIS SON!


****DO YOU KNOW JESUS BECAUSE HE KNOWS YOU. God knows every hair on your head (Luke 12:6-8 NIV:Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies[a]? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows), and he gave his only son for you John 3:16 KJV-For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.)
****

Ode to Clara Mae: Granny Laman

For those read this blog, today is a rejoicing but sad day. For a great women, mother, sister, and grandmother has taken her last sleep on earth. At 2:00am this morning, she went to the Lord. I was not told about this until alittle before 7:30am. When that time came, I know that it was time even before I was told. It was either my grandfather or Granny Laman. The only sadness in my heart is that I had not seen her in a while, but I knew in all my heart, that she loved me and my littles too. I don't know that details but I know that there will be much aching and longing to see her again. If you are follower of Christ, we know that we will see her again. If you can't say that you will see your loved ones again or know what will happen after death let me take this time to tell you that we are hurting because we will not see her again but we will miss her on this earth. We rejoice for she is in heaven with the Father and all her loved ones that have gone before her. There is nothing more comforting to know then that we will see her again.Jesus gives us that promise that He is waiting for us and all we have to is live for him as he gave his life for us.

I will never forget the SLUGBUG that she would drive to church and back every Sunday and around town. She loved her dogs and her roses. I will always remember the taste of her cinnamon rolls, her decorated christmas tree, her smile, and her loving presence. She would ask me to sit next to her and sing Soprano so that she could her me.... most of her daughters sang alto. She would tell me that I sang like my grandmother. TEAR.
So many memories of joy and pleasure, how could a heart not rejoice.
She was and is a strong follower of Christ and had lived a long and hard life of service to our Lord. From Christmas breakfast to hearing her sing in church, what a joy. She knew that this life was just a passing phrase to get to our Lord and she served her family well. She out lived her life partner,friend, and hubby and had to bury many children. I could not begin to image what that was like but she stood on the bible as her foundation and pushed on. It was an honor and privilege to have known Clara Mae Laman in my life and I will always remember her. Thank you Granny for all your love, and being such a great rolemodel to us all. WE ARE BLESSED BY YOU and I pray that we will bring God honor from knowing you and living for him as well.
THANK YOU!


****DO YOU KNOW JESUS BECAUSE HE KNOWS YOU. God knows every hair on your head (Luke 12:6-8 NIV:Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies[a]? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows), and he gave his only son for you John 3:16 KJV-For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.)
****

THIS PAST MONTH (SEPT-OCT)

CONGRATS TO SUNNI, DANIEL, and KODY!!!
Life has been busy this past couple of weeks so hopefully it will started to slow down a bit. This past week my sis gave born to a handsome son while I traveled every night out of town to church to get a mural painted: needed for our ladies retreat that was that Friday and Saturday. It came out great. The retreat was wonderful and the painting, let's just say that it will not be painted over anytime soon. They have decided that they are doing to put it up in the fellowship hall for all to see.
It was an amazing night and morn-afternoon event. My sis and new nephew are home and like most new babies he is not quite on any schedule but to sleep deprive his mommy. I am so very excited to see them all. I have not seen any of them in person since August. It seems like forever. It is homecoming week here and the school is also holding red-ribbon this week as well. TALK ABOUT A BUSY WEEK! The kids are great and the hubby just clicking along. There is a lot to do to get certed for a teacher these days. As for myself, I am great. I am alittle under the weather but it is not just me. I am keeping very very busy at work these days and I am loving it. There is always something new everyday. I could find something to do everyday that I could stay late but I try to save it for the next day. It gets more that way every week and apparently it will continue this way for a while. I love challenges and therefore I am loving my job. THANKS GOD FOR PUTTING ME IN MY PLACE!
This past 40 days I have been reading the BOOK (See prior post) and It has amazed me how my life perpective and drive has changed. The one thing that really has struck me is that I live with fear and should give it to God, and God has me at the right size (body sz), place, and time for his divine purpose. I Should be thankful that I can give it to him that God would not want me any different from right now in order to fulfill his purpose. Granted it has reminded me that life is not going to be easy, but it is not suppose to be. When you get comfortable in life, you are not being challenged and are not growing. I want to make a change to that. SO I am trying everyday to work my way to stepping out into the water a little deeper every time so that I will no longer hold onto to the reality of earth but cling to the truth of God. Please pray for me to do this. I know that I can't do this alone! THANKS in advance!

****DO YOU KNOW JESUS BECAUSE HE KNOWS YOU. God knows every hair on your head (Luke 12:6-8 NIV:Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies[a]? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows), and he gave his only son for you John 3:16 KJV-For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.)
****

Weekend Warrior

Ok it was a busy weekend but so so much fun. Saturday was a cousins b-day party so my hubby took the kids to that one and I went to a treat. I went to see Michael English in Concert. One of my Girlfriend, (aka the Cher) took me to the concert and to a girls night out for my B-day. No it was not this weekend but it was a great gift. We went to dinner, then the concert, and then for desert afterwards. I did not fall into bed until 1:00AM. Considering that I am usually in bed by 9 or 10 everynight, that was late for me. But totally worth it. Michael English was really amazing. I have never seen someone sing and perform as he did. I am telling you, that guy has got some SOUL to him. Then, I slept in that morning and did not get up at 6 as I had planned to cook my little ones bday cakes and so we missed Church. I felt like I was skipping on life all day. I guess that is a good thing. However as I worked, I was able to go to tv church... Sunday program at a church telecast. It was really good.
I don't have pics just yet from the party but I can tell you that everyone we invited except one came. We had an awesome turn out. The weather was cool and have a great breeze, the older kids just played and played, and it all just went so smoothly after everyone got there. I don't know how long it lasted but it was so peaceful and fun. By the time the bday boy got thru with his cake it was green everywhere to include in his nose and hair.
Needless to say the late night and busy day did not catch me until later that night when we were relaxing for the evening. What we will actually do for my Bday when it gets here, who knows... BUT this weekend was a totally blast and an amazinf treat and joy!!!
As soon as I get some photos digitally, I will try and post them... Til' next time, God Bless and guide you....
(As a side note, our Church is doing the Purpose Driven Life and I will tell you that if you have not read this yet, you are miss out. It is amazing how it is change my life views and life in general for the better. It is a definite read I think for those that strive to know our Lord.)

Walking Miracle

1979 Septemeber 30:
A baby girl was born with gastroschisis weighing in at 3lbs and 5 ozs. Born about 2 months before the due date of full completion, the 1st of their children t be born. Gastroschisis being when the outer skin and stomach muscles are not developed therefore the organs are outside the body. When this baby was born they had no idea that it had this. With just a kiss and a few tears the baby was wheeled away to surgery. While the parents awaited, doctor placed these very small and elicate organs in a sealed package and laided apon the baby's chest. As the days went by the closed contact the parents had with the little one was via protective gloves and plastic incabators. Once the swelling has gone down the organs were placed into the babies tiny torso. Organ by organ they planted each one. The end resolute of a babys body sealed using the stomach muscles, skin, and surgical wire. After months in the hosptial, the little one was allowed to go home. The Doctors did not have much hope but the parents knew that she would survive. She is now 26 going on 27 and has had two children without much stress and one of the healthiest childhoods. That is ME...
Once again another parents lives hang in time as one of their own who was 2 months early and has gastrochisis weighing in at 3lbs 7 oz... Duquesa Hunt Lamer gave birth to her first child named Jerome Andre Lamer on August 25th of 2006. Please keep them in your parents!!! As you can guess, my mom and dad know what they are going through... Please see the photo below of the precious gift from GOD!!!! WE LOVE YOU JEROME!!!!!! and so does GOD!!!!!!!JoLee and Jerome

SELFISHNES...

I beleive that I am guilty of this... For the last 2 years I have been part of our Church Choir and I love it. Due to one of my little ones starting school I can not long attend practices on Wednesday nights or least until after Christmas. I am having a very hard time with this and I think it is because I am have been being selfish. My children need me to be there and get them to bed at night and that it my job. I feel that I have been neglecting my duties and I feel very ashamed. I don't want to short-change my family anymore and I think that this is the first step in fixing this matter which is admitting that it is problem and fixing it. As most know, Music and I click and for once, I realize that my passion will needs to cool down and my responsiblity to heat up like it should. I mean after all I am their mother and God gave them to me to take care of and raise and so I must clean up my life for them. Of course this does not mean that the Lord has closed the door forever but maybe just temporary. I can still be apart of Choir but just step back from it alittle. Please pray that I will stick to this and see the rewards for it. I know that it will be tons of fun being able to be with my children more and I am excited about it but I just needed to get this off my chest and be honest with myself.
My Hubby is doing great. This is his first week of school and like most teachers it is a little bumpy road. I think he is going to do GREAT. Did I mention that he is an assistant coach now too...? That will start in the spring. SO much going on....
WOW life is great is it not... THANKS GOD...

So it begins

Well, it is that time again and the schools are starting to buzz with activity. As some may know my Hubby is a teacher now and also an assistant track coach. This will be his fist year as a teacher and I am sure that it is a bit overwhelming. I know that once he gets passed the TEACHER REQUIREMENTS, his students will learn a lot and enjoy it...He'll do great! My oldest will start Pre-K as well and she is so excited. I am of course excited and sad. That means that my little one is growing up. Thank goodness I will not be taking her but her daddy...aka BUDDY. She asks everyday if she is going to school tomorrow and to ours and her dismay we tell her not yet. Then on top of that, my sis in law is now at College getting ready for her freshmen year. I am sure that it has not hit her yet but it will and I hope that she will rely on God for her strength. It sure will be sad not getting to see her in Church every meeting day...Tear...
So the world turns and each moment we get closer and closer to the begin of our eternity...May I always remember that even though life changes, his love remains the same.

FOLLOWING THE LIGHT...

Well, now we know. We will be staying here for awhile now. The decision has been made and there will be no changes from what it is now except for my Hubby will be now at home wtth us and can go to church. I am totally excited. That is pretty much it at this point. Hopefully my girl will be in swim lessons sometime in the near future with her buddy. It is pending her buddy's time to be ready and able. I guess time will tell. Well, I better run for now. I just wanted to let those that read this thing know about the update.... ANYWAYS...BYE ;)

HMMMMMMM.......

Ok... Life at the moment is at a Hmmmmm.... Today will be the day that we will find out if we are to reside where we are at or look to relocate. I am not nervous about it but I would say I am alittle on the "wantaknow" side of it. Of course this does not primary involve me. It is my most important other. I will be doing a bunch of praying about it today.
The weather is back to it heatstroke tempature and I am constantly praying for those that are out there in it all day like my Father. Some do not have the choice to be in it or not and well, he is one of them. I use to know and sometimes I really miss it. Like most things in this world, for some reason we always think the grass is greener elsewhere or crave something different.
My little baby boy has 5 teeth now and is working on more. It is just so hard to believe that he is 9 months now, and he will be year in September. He is so funny. If I am cleaning house or just walking from one room to another, if he is on the floor crawling or in his walker, he will follow me where ever I go. If I am gone for any length time, you can bet that he will follow. He is getting really good at crawling. He is not quit as good as it as his sister was but he will be there soon. But like his sister, he loves to sit at the screen/glass door and just look out there are it all.
My girl is doing great. She will be starting Pre-K this year which means she is no longer a toddler girl. She is getting so tall and is as thin as a beanpole still. We are frequently fighting her to eat. She and a friend will be starting swimming lessons very soon. I know that she will do great and have great time as well. She loves to sing and dress up. I think I know where those comes from. For instances, I have been practicing a choir peice that I had a solo in for the last couple of weeks. On the way to church, I was practicing and from her booster area I hear a little soprano voice just singing away. After sing all the way through while listening to her and she asked me to play it again. It is just so precious to hear. She loves to sing and does often. Some times, the boy will join in as well.
As for as myself, I am trying to stay dedicated to working out. When you have a desk job and can't get any from the desk often, you can just imagine how the lbs can add and go right to those problem areas. Like I have told most, it is not to wear a different size, but to look and feel better. I have got to find some energy from somewhere to be able to keep up with both my active kids and hubby. Wish me luck, and would you pray that I can stick to my guns and honor the Lord is my promise. After all, He is the only one that will be able to really keep my stomach in tacked, RIGHT?!
Anyways, that is pretty much it. I know that I don't post pics much but I don't think very many poeple look at my blog anyways. SOOOOO.... If you do and would like some photos or something, let me know....
Till next time....GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU...LADYBUG