Has it been 30 years?

June 20,1979 will always be a day I will never forget...but a day I so deeply wish God would take from my memory.It was on this day James Arthur Melton was killed in an automobile accident. You see, this was my daddy and I was only 13 years old with two younger sisters...Kelly 10 and Kathy 5. A young family with high school sweet hearts for parents. Now our lives would never be the same!

We never know why God allows tragedy in a family. I wouldn't be who I am today if that fateful night hadn't happened. I know this...God took what evil meant to destroy and He made something good!

Here we are 30 years later...my mom remarried,I married a year after my mom and have 9 kids, Kelly a nurse... is married and has two boys, Kathy a teacher turned missionary... is married with two girls and two boys. What a legacy my dad has left on this earth...even though he lived such a short life.

Memories have faded over the years and photographs are all I have to remind me of a time that passed so quickly. What I didn't understand at 13.... I now see more of the hand of God on my life than I did 30 years ago. He knew it all and walked with me every step of the way and even carried me through the toughest times. That fateful day, God became a father to me in a more real way than I had ever known.

Today would have been my dad's birthday. He would have been 64...but my memory of him at 34 has him frozen in time. So much has been missed,but so much more has been gained. Oh how I hope I see him again one day. I'm not really sure of his relationship with the Lord. Did he surrender his life to the God of god's? I hope I never have doubt of where I'm going when I die. You just never know when that time will be. I'm sure my dad had no idea that the night he left to go play baseball...his life would end in a matter of seconds. Would he have lived his life differently? Would he have loved more? Given more? I hope and pray I get a chance to ask him. What he has given me is the realization to make sure I'm walking humbly with my God. I never want to get to that final moment and say...what if I only...!

Psalm 68:5 (New International Version)

5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.


Karen

Heart Strings or Apron Strings?

My mother in-law use to tell me...When your children are young they pull on your apron strings but when they are old they pull on your heart strings.I never understood what that meant until now. I think I would rather have the apron strings pulled...now if I could just remember that when they are driving me crazy!


Well today was the dreaded long awaited day...baby boy has left the building! For several weeks I have been relishing in every little moment. I knew this day was coming...why did it have to get here so quickly?

Moving day...a day Justin has waited for since he was 10...at least that is what he says. Two hours away...sitting in a two bedroom apartment is my baby boy all alone. A day he has anticipated for several weeks. The ride down began with a speeding ticket...not a way to begin your new life! I was doing ok until I walked into the apartment. At that moment I wanted to scoop him up and go home! Will I ever stop wanting to protect him? I don't think so! He's 24...6'3...275 lbs and I'm wanting to scoop him up?! As much as I want to support him in his dreams...this has been harder than sending him to Africa for 3 months. I have cried all afternoon and I have 8 more kids behind him... 2 of them ready to move out within the next 6 months. Surely this will get easier...surely I want fall apart every time they leave the nest...surely I won't need medication!

As mom I'm always questioning myself...Did I love him enough?....Did I teach him all the things he needs to survive? All I can do is trust that God has equipped him with all that he needs to walk this road of manhood.

As the face of our family changes over the next six months, there will be more moments of longing for the past but hoping for the future. Today the life of our little boy passed before my eyes...a lifetime of love for a young man who introduced me to this awesome road of motherhood at the age of 19. I am so proud to have walked this road with him...and will be forever grateful!

I love you Justin!
Mom

Traditions...they keep them coming home!

Tis the season for family and traditon..Fa...la la la...la la...la...la!

From the very start of our marriage my husband and I have talked about what traditions we would like to experience in our family. Many traditions are handed down from generation to generation and we would love to hand our childhood traditions down to our kids ...and grandchildren.

 Early on in our marriage, my husband and his brothers would go to his moms on Christmas morning for breakfast...tradition. Baking and decorating sugar cookies with my mom and sisters before Christmas...tradition. When our older kids were younger, my sisters and I would make gingerbread houses with them after the Thanksgiving meal...tradition. Christamas day night at my in laws house, gift giving was a blast(50-60 people in one house). Can I say awesome paper fight?!...tradition. Christmas day morning for the past 10 years we have had a HUGE Christmas morning breakfast...tradition. This is one tradition similar to the one my husband experienced with his family.

Whether your traditions last 3 years or 100 years, having something you do as a family on an ongoing basis, can bring a time of bonding among family members that creates memories for your children and grandchildren. I often find my kids will ask if we can do something that they remember doing the year before. Making memories with my kids is so important. It's those memories that they will someday share with my grandchildren...hence the passing down from generation to generation. Traditions bring stability in a family. In a world where families are moving  from place to place, losing jobs and parents divorcing...kids need something that is familar,something that never changes...the simple little things they can count on to always be. Things that bring memories of a better time and place.

We are always trying new traditions... some stay and some go! As the face of my family changes, so will the many traditions we have. However, I know one that will always keep them coming home...that HUGE Christmas morning breakfast!

Tradition:

1 a : an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom) b : a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable


2 : the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction

3 : cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions

4 : characteristic manner, method,

~ Bittersweet...A new season of life ~

This past week as I have been trying to focus on being more thankful, but have encountered a few bittersweet moments.

A few days ago I heard my 2 year old tell our oldest son "You don't need to go to work...you have to stay home and watch movies with me." Justin and Mackenzie have a special relationship...our oldest and our youngest (21 years a part). Justin, a couple of months ago, brought home a huge bag of pistachios. He sat down with Mackenzie and taught her how to open them. Wouldn't you know...every time he walks in the door she runs to where the pistachios are stored. I wish you could see his smile when she does this...She adores her brother! Many times he will take the younger girls down stairs to watch movies with him. I think they really look forward to movie time with him...he does too! I love all the memories he is making with his sisters. I pray they will remember each one.



Well the time has come...a time I knew would happen eventually. It just got here way too soon...I blinked too quickly! Justin will be moving out of our home in December. I am excited for him...but sad at the same time! Many tears are flowing at the thought. God is taking our family into a whole new season of life. I hate change and all the adjustment that comes along with it. I am really sad for the younger girls and all they will miss not having Justin around. This change won't end here...We have an older daughter who is getting married in May of 2010. Our other son will be working hard to get through school and making changes also. The next six months are going to be major adjusting for the Holcombe family. Having the extra space is going to be great but very bittersweet. Somebody must have prayed for excitement in their lives!


Having a large family comes with a lot of never ending joy, laughter and tears…this week I‘ll have plenty. As I have watched my oldest with my youngest this past week…my heart has been moved to take the time to cherish every moment. Oh! How I wish I could just prop my eyelids open with toothpicks and focus on being more thankful for the little things in my life!


Webster’s: Bittersweet
1: something that is bittersweet; especially : pleasure alloyed with pain

Karen

Old things grundgy....A Primitive Christmas!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35266617

I have had this one cut out for over a year...talk about procastination! I just love all the prim decor for Christmas time...well anytime for that matter. I am just a lover of old things!  They remind me of a more simpler time when things seemed so less chaotic and more family oriented. I love how the prim decor gives our home a warm and cozy feel and the scents that come along with them...makes me want to spend a day baking something yummy!

My daughter this evening asked me to make one for her...she's getting married in May! That question shook me a little...I have blinked and she will have a home of her own next Christmas! Where has the time gone? I did smile...my love of Prim has been passed down....just like an antique!

You know your a BIG family when....

I was reading this blog today  http://www.4littlemenandgirlytwins.com/2009/11/you-know.html?success . She had the best post!

 Raising a BIG family is not always as chaotic (yes it is !) as people think. I always say there is NEVER a dull moment! The best part is the look on someones face when you tell them how many kids you have....A look of pure horror or A look of true curiosity!  Being a mom to many... I can be my own worst enemy. Picking and choosing my battles can make or break my sanity! The best way to keep that sanity... is to see the humor in all the things that living with many under one roof entails.

I would love to hear your "You know you are a BIG family when" comments!

You know you are a BIG family when....

...Your youth group ask to borrow your family transportation for an outing.
...While at Sams your asked "What company are you buying for?"
...When someone sees you in your 15 passenger van they ask what Day Care you work for.
...1 family pack of meat isn't enough.
...Laundry is never finished.
...You buy appliances yearly.
...The dishwasher runs 3 times a day...hence the yearly appliance replacement!
...You and your husband go grocery shopping for a date.
...The employees at the grocery store think you  are an employee because you are there every other day.
...You inquire about group discounts before a family outing.
...Your asked if this is a family reunion when trying to take a family photo at the local park.
...You have a birthday party once a month.

Psalms 127: 3-5 (New King James)
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

Capturing them while they are young!

For a week now I have been telling the kids we are going to attempt take a family picture. It always seems we are never ready no matter how much we prepare for something. Trying to please 11 people in 1 household is crazy an impossible task!

Try as I might...nothing ever turns out the way I picture it in my head. Having a two year old in the mix adds it's own set of trouble. Keeping her clean... Is it nap time? Is she hungry? Is it potty time? Just getting her to cooperate at each click of the camera makes for a time consuming photo session. But when I have to deal with a 2 year old and some of the others who hate getting their picture taken or hate what I have made them wear...this was suppose to be a time of fun and capturing a season in our family...Was it really worth it? Is it wrong of me to want an updated picture of my family together? Why can't my kids just cooperate for just a few minutes? I give them my time when they want something...setting aside my desires to help them achieve their dreams. All I wanted is a few pictures to share with friends and family. All they had to do was smile!

I have come to the conclusion ...I would have to be a total stranger for my kids to GLADLY want to help me do something. They are so quick to run and help others, but when I call with a request they grumble,complain and run in the opposite direction. No...my kids aren't perfect!  But that mother's heart that God put inside of me, helps me to see beyond those things that tug at my heart. As our Children continue to grow and learn about living a surrendered life, I pray my expectations of them don't hinder them from desiring to live a Holy life. God must feel that same disappointment and frustration in me when I don't listen and obey. His Father's heart helps Him to see beyond my disobediance and self centeredness.

Oh Lord! Help me to have your expectations for our children! Please capture their hearts while they are young!

***I do love my children! They do help me a lot....especially with their younger siblings.

Get them while they're hot !!!!!!

I have just listed these great coffee koozies on Etsy! Head on over to my Etsy site and take a peek!

http://www.karenskidz.etsy.com/

Prayer request!

This homeschool family in South Carolina could use your prayers for their son Noah.
Check out their blog for more information.They are a Calvary Chapel Greenwood family and have a home based business..Hands and Hearts...curriculum for homeschoolers.
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ourquiverfull/

I'm home and on the mend....

Six years ago I had my first gallbladder attack and an ultrasound showed no gallstones. For the next six years I have continued to have attacks every 3-4 months...lasting 2-3days.

After the last one this September, I promised myself and my hubby I would go have more testing.This last attack lasted way more than 2-3 days and was more intense. Well 1 1/2 months, Hida scan and an edoscopy later...Oh! and 1 dead deer..I am gallbladder free! October 16th I went into surgery to have it removed...with only one incision in my belly button and just a few hours in recovery...I am now home recouping!

I am loving all the pampering my family is giving me...especially my hubby! He's a wonderful man and I am very blessed to have him in my life. You just never know how much someone loves you until you have an illness. I am so bad at taking people for granted. I'm learning to be thankful for the trials in this life, they can be used as a tool to open my eyes to the true heart of the ones I love. God knows me so well and knows exactly what I need and when I need it..His timing is perfect!


For the next three weeks...no heavy lifting! This is going to be a difficult task for me...but with God's grace I will spend the next three weeks letting my family bless me. I just hope I can obey the Doc's orders...I don't want to prolong this recoup time!

I love this website! Free pattern downloads!!!!!

Click on the picture to visit the website!

Sending Annie to Liberia and the Clows to Honduras!

My son is courting a beautiful young lady whom we all adore..Annie. She will be leaving the end of December to be part of a team going to Liberia. I know she and several of the team members are still in need of help with support for the trip. Also they are really in need of commitments of prayer for the team as they prepare for this time of service to the beautiful people of Liberia.

Here is their blog if you would like to see more:
http://www.weliberia.blogspot.com/


http://www.karenskidz.etsy.com/
I also will be listing a few auctions that 100% of the proceeds will go to help Annie meet her $3500 goal by November 28,2009

If you would like to donate:
Make checks payable to 12Stone with Liberia/Annie Morgan in the memo line or on a sticky note
Stacey Belflower
12Stone Church
1322 Buford Dr.
Lawrenceville,Ga. 30043

My sister and her family are preparing to leave in December also. They will be joining a team in La Ceiba, Honduras.They are knee deep in selling all their household things to provide extra $ for the move. John will be busy these next few months making visits to various churches, in hopes to increase their monthly support.
They too could use all the prayer support they can get. You can take a look at their blog for more information.

I will be listing a few things that  100% of the sales will go to help John and Kathy meet their support goals
http://www.karenskidz.etsy.com/

http://www.theclowcommunicator.blogspot.com/

Donations can be made at

 MTW (Mission to the World)
PO Box116284
Atlanta, Ga.30368-6284
Designate for account # 11197


Thank you for taking the time and being a part of sharing Gods love throughout the world!

Karen

New items on Etsy

http://karenskidz.etsy.com/

            

I'm listing a few new things on Etsy...stocking caps and diaper bags. I also have a some new ballerina hair clips I'm working on ...so check back in a couple of weeks.

New Blog...check it out!

Hey...check out this new blog!  http://emilyholcombephotography.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday and Anniversary All in One!

Today we are celebrating in more ways than one! One year ago today... after many months of being a blog stalker... I started my very own blog. Twenty-four years ago today at the very young age of 19( what was I thinking?!?) I became a mom for the very first time. I am very blessed to have this baby boy young man in my life.

This past year has been a very busy and trying time. Justin in his last year at UGA, had to work less so he could finish school, which meant his dad and I had to pick up the slack so he could finish.... wooo !!! What a road it has been! Talking about trust! This last year I have had to totally lean on the Lord for strength as I cryed out for mercy many days. Not only did we pick up the slack for Justin financially but we also had the blessing of building our lake house at the same time...and need I forget our daughter is now engaged. Can I just say CALGON!!!!! Having 9 kids will stretch you to the max all the time at times, then when you add more fuel to the fire you have an inferno!

Justin now has a degree in Anthropology and hopefully soon will find a real job that will pay for him to get his masters degree in Archeology. I would love for him to achieve his goals and dreams. Justin is a strong minded man who knows what he believes and allows no one to sway him otherwise. His love for Jesus has been evident ever since he was a little guy. Even as a child I would watch him share his faith with others and that stands true for him even today!

I pray that God will continue molding Justin into the man that He wants him to be. God is always faithful to bless and multiply where I have lacked in parenting....Justin is evidence of that! I am curious to see where God will take him next.....maybe a foreign country or maybe just right down the road. Wherever it is I know that Justin will always be that little guy that introduced me to this road I'm now walking and he will always be my son!

Justin I love you beyond words! You have taught me so much about life and following Jesus that I am in awe of how God has molded you into who you are. The day you were born was the day a long awaited dream and desire of mine came into being. I pray that God will continue to grow you and mold you into that arrow that He created you to be.

Happy Birthday Son!

I love you,
Mom

#7 turns 10...Happy Birthday sweet girl!

Today our sweet daughter turned a decade old...and yes her dad told her the story about when he turned 10.Our kids love the tradition of hearing it on their 10th birthdays.
Rachel has turned into a beautiful young lady. I love this age because they start primping and well...just aren't babies anymore. I have seen many changes in Rachel over the years and I can't wait to see what God has planned for her. Rachel is my right hand around the house...Helping with Mackenzie is the biggest thing. Mackenzie will even cry for Rachel when she gets in trouble or hurt. I'll admit I do get a little jealous when she does.There are days when I have to remind myself she's only 10.Growing up in a house with many siblings comes with a lot of responsibility and in some ways aides in the maturing process.

Rachel you are a blessing that only God can give. You have taught me so much in the 10 years you have been in my life and I will forever be grateful. I can't wait to see what God has planned for you. I just pray you always keep your eyes on Him and look to Him to guide you through this life. Thank you for being who you are...you make this world a more beautiful place! I love to hear your laugh...your laughter is contagious! I get more joy out of watching you laugh than anything you do.
I am glad we had a chance to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs today and I look forward to more celebrating later in the week with you and your big brother..he'll be 24!


I love you....Mom

Friendships...

Why are friendships are so important? As a woman I have found when I have just a few minutes conversing with other women I feel strengthened and walk away with a little more sanity. Is it maybe because we understand one-another better than in male-female relationships?

Being a wife and a mom to 9 kids leaves very little time for friendships outside of our "little" family. I guess for the 25 years, I have not made the time to maintain the friendships that I have had along the way. The funny thing is when I do make the time...I really feel better and walk away a stronger person. For me, hearing verbally that others are walking similar roads...struggles and joys...I no longer feel alone in my walk. When going through a trial I often alienate myself from the world...pity party maybe? When what I really need is to be around those that understand and can lift me up with prayer and encouragement.

Today I had the privilege of having lunch with a friend I haven't seen in 15 years! Janet was a girl I met when I was 12. We started going to this new church and a few months later my dad was killed in an automobile accident. As we adjusted to our new life and new church...I began new friendships. I was a quiet shy girl with alot of pain going on inside. I'm not sure if these kids realise what an important role they played in my life. They would always go out of their way to invite/encourage me to participate in different youth events or ministries.

Puppet ministry was one area Janet and my other friend Becky talked me into. That was a time in my life that was an absolute blast! Those friendships with fellow puppeteers is what kept me going and that allowed time to build those friendships...and I to this day have missed and cherished.

Youth group was another area that I feel God had His hand on. We had the best Youth director and really the only one I ever had. Tracy and Lisa had a gift of connecting with kids and did an awesome job! Tracy even played the piano in my wedding after my family left LCOG.

I was just 17 when my family chose to leave LCOG...leaving my friends behind was very hard...they had been my support for the last 4-5 years. However, God had an ultimate plan for me and in spite of the lost friendships...I had to follow Him. On and off for the next few years I would run into Janet, Becky or Tammy. A few of them even came to my wedding. As years passed we lost contact, until I decided to join Facebook...per my sisters request! Now my past friendships are coming out of the wood net work. Janet and I have even discussed a reunion of sorts with our old youth pastor.

The teen years are the hardest part of ones life. Now that I have teenagers I can see how important friendships can be. Hopefully I can direct my kids to make good choices in the friends they have...those friendships will impact their lives forever!

We missed you today Becky and Tammy! I hope we can get together soon...I have missed your friendships!

Karen

A day of firsts....and one dead deer!

For 5 years now I have been having trouble with my gallbladder. I have an attack about every 4-5 months... with pain in my side and between my shoulder blades.Usually they only last a couple of days. This last attack I've had nausea and it has lasted over two weeks now...no I'm not pregnant! This morning I had an appointment to have a Hida scan...nuclear medicine. I had to be there at 7:30 am and we live 45 minutes away. When I get there, they inject me with the nuclear meds and I have to lay still on my back in a vice like scanner for 1 1/2 hours...not good to have a huge chunk of metal a few inches from your face for 1 1/2 hours. The meds make my organs glow so they can view my liver...gallbladder and small intestines...there's nothing like feeling like a glow worm!

Two hours later I'm freezing and head home...thinking about stopping at Target...I resist the urge. Getting off of Hwy.316 I turn onto Hwy 29 heading towards Dacula. Passing QT and the Waffle House I look up to see oncoming traffic and cars in front of me. As I am passing the oncoming traffic, suddenly I have a deer hitting my drivers side front...I really don't know where it came from! Not knowing what damage is done I proceed to pull over in the parking area of what use to be Chadwicks vegetable stand...the building I thought was empty. As I pull in... my van's power dies. Oh great! My hubby is out of town, this is not good...or so I thought. I looked up to see two gentlemen to the side of the building. I get out...or at least try but the driver door wouldn't open. So I get out of the passenger side door. I know these guys are thinking what a weird lady...I'm thinking they probably don't speak English and will be of little help. You know... God is good ALL the time and He knows exactly what we need and when we need it. As I'm looking at the damage I tell them I just hit a deer and now my van won't start. I then see a 3rd man...the owner of the building...he begins looking at the damage and seeing if he can get it started. As they are trying different things I find out he wasn't supposed to be there...but had just swung by for something...is that God or what? I am trying to get a hold of my hubby...who is out of town meeting with a General at Fort Brag. I have never been in an accident or hit a deer...Kelley is my wisdom in times of stress. To my dismay he couldn't be reached. I am thinking ..Oh great! I better find a tow truck! After trying several things this man pulls out the fuse box that is in the engine. The only problem was a loose fuse...the impact of the deer had knocked it out! Praise God from who all blessing flow! No tow truck after all! I really didn't want to spend $150 for towing...Target would have been better! What a blessing these 3 men were to me today...God sent three angels to rescue this stranded glow worm from her deer hunting experience!

Before I left I ask them how much I owe them...their response "a deer!" Just so happens I know where to find one!


Listening to that inner voice...I should have made that stop at Target...It would have been cheaper! However I would not have had a day of firsts....First glow worm experience...first deer ...first accident...not bad for a 43 year old lady! But I did get to see God hold me in the palm of His hand and experience His mercy to the fullest...I could not have ask for more! Now to trust Him and His ways of doing a good work in me.


Karen...the deer hunter!

25 Years with the man that has my heart !!!

I can't believe we have been married 25 years! It all started 24 years ago, at the age of 17, praying for a little excitement in my life. It was my senior year of high school... tired of school and just living a mundane life, I one day asked God to please put a little excitement into my life. Be careful what you pray for...you just might get it! Within a few weeks I committed to go on a short term mission trip to England and Scotland. A month later God begin softening my heart towards my now husband ....who was leading a singles Bible study at my parents home and doing some remodeling for them. It didn't take long for God to do a mighty work on both our hearts...despite our age difference of 9 years...we fell in love and began courting. Two months later we became engaged. A few weeks later I graduated. Three weeks later I left for Scotland...that was the longest trip but God did a mighty work in me.Two months later I returned home and five weeks later I became Mrs. Kelley Holcombe Jr. :

April we officially began courting... May 1984 I became engaged to the man of my dreams...Early June I graduated from high school...Late June I left for Scotland,not to return home until August...August I return home....September 15, on my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary, I married my dear sweet husband. It's amazing what 6 months and 1 small prayer does to change one's life. God is always faithful, He goes above and beyond all our hopes and dreams.

Twenty-five years, 9 kids, many many moves(5 states), tears of laughter (yes I cry when I laugh), tears of sorrow....we remain committed to the One who brought us together and to each other. I can't say it has always been easy...but we have always tried to laugh through some of the most stressful and even the most happiest times of our marriage.

Our most memorable anniversaries have been the ones we were so broke we split a whopper or the one where Kelley had to go out of town because of a hurricane. Some would see these times as too much to take...but we took those times and made lemonade!

Our biggest challenge has always been finding quiet alone time together...nine kids may have something to do with that! Sometimes going to the grocery store is all we can manage...we like to meet at the milk counter! Our older kids have been very gracious to watch the younger ones for us when we can manage a real date night. They have even been known to offer to watch the kids if we wanted to go out. What a blessing each of them are! The best gift we could ever give our children is for us to love each other and nurture our relationship.

Well the thought has crossed my mind to ask God once again for excitement... not that I'm bored...maybe I should just be content. However I know from a perfect experience that when God does something exciting He really goes all out! I would hate to miss an all out God experience!

To the man who has my heart.....

Kelley you have gone above all my hopes and dreams in what I wanted in a husband. You have given me love when I really didn't deserve it. You have given me courage when I was so afraid I couldn't see the way...You have helped me to trust in what my eyes could not see. You have filled my life with laughter, love, trust, children(he!he!), and above all you have helped me to follow Jesus! What a patient man you are. Words cannot express my love and gratitude that I have for you. God knows me so well and He knew what I needed when He made you. Thanks for waiting for me(to grow up). I can't wait to experience the next 25 years with you...who knows?...It may start off just as exciting as the first 25 years! As long as you always hold my hand....I will be the happiest woman!

I love you....and YES I would marry you all over again!

Karen

Guess who?

Guess who I was able to meet? I have never really had an idol but I guess you would say these two handsome men are the sons of a lady that I would truly love to meet. That's right Jammie and Bobby Deen! Let's just say they are just as sweet as they are cute. Our plans to go to Savannah to eat at their restaurant were cancelled ,so my dear sweet husband surprised me by taking me to their book signing. I really liked the fact that we know someone who knew them. Becky who works with my husband went to school with Paula and they were on the cheer squad together. I am hoping she can one day introduce me to Paula. And a little bird(Bobby) told me he had a crush on Becky when he was younger. Paula if you are reading this... you have raised two fine young men and thanks to my hubby I was able to meet them.

Please go to this site and vote for The Clow Communicator!

By Relationships

Please go to Divine Caroline and vote for The Clow Communicator. My sister and her husband...along with all 4 kids are set to leave for Honduras after the first of the year.They are missionaries with MTW and will be joining a team already there. This will be a big change for their family as they embark on this new journey to help the beautiful people of Honduras.
Thanks so much,
Karen( AKA-The favorite Aunt)

God's Protection!

This is a copy of the post I have on our Great Big Family Project blog.


God's protection!

Thursday afternoon around 6:30 I received a phone call from the Sheriffs Department. The officer proceeded to ask if I had a daughter named Sarah and her back pack had been found at a near by park. The contents had been strewn all over: Her bible,journal,day planner,pens and pencils. My first question was if her cell phone was in it? Thankfully NO was her answer...or so I thought.

I have always stressed to my kids...especially the girls... stay in groups when going anywhere if possible. So to think something bad had happened was out of the question.I hung up the phone with dispatch and headed up to the park to retrieve Sarah's pack. I am calling her cell all the while. After many repeated attempts of reaching her I was beginning to listen to Satan's negative thoughts being sent my way. Why can't I simply keep my eyes on Jesus? When I do, I am so much more at peace.

Arriving at the park I saw a car similar to hers...more negative thoughts! Praise God it wasn't! As I pulled up next to the officer my mind was already exhausted, my husband had been out of town all week,I don't sleep well when he's gone.

I approached the officer with apprehension and really not sure what I should do. I am still trying to reach Sarah only getting a voicemail instead. It had been 4:30 since I last saw her. Thursday's she goes to a Bible study for college and career kids...that was where she was suppose to be! After about what seemed like several hours...only 15 minutes...I began calling my son who was in Florida...After leaving him a voice mail of urgency, he returned to my frantic voice. He attends the same study and would know someone's number! He hung up and a few moments later called me back... she WAS at Bible study and would call me.

While waiting and trying to physically speak to my daughter...for peace of mind...the officer is patiently asking questions. Thinking about it now he was concerned too. He wasn't leaving until I spoke with her. How crazy is it for a policeman to find a back pack dumped out and track down the owner. They had to call several other families before they found us! Was he afraid something had happened to her?

After 25 minutes and me calling my son back for a number to her friend, I finally heard her sweet voice. Music to my ears! She didn't have a signal...thanks VERIZON! The pack had been left there on Wednesday...she had been there with a few friends. This absent minded daughter of mine caused her mom to just about have a nervous breakdown.

Our world is not what it use to be. Praise God the outcome turned out so much better than it could have been. So many families live the nightmare I did, but theirs never ends.Just this week a local woman was snatched while walking on a rural road. Just because you live away from the big city, don't think for one moment you are immune from crime.

Have you seen the movie "Taken"? Our girls are so naive. I have got to educate my daughters! I have really been thinking lately, why has God given me seven daughters? My boys are just as important and I love them dearly...they are just easier to raise in some ways. At times raising girls can be so much more intense. I'm very thankful the boys are around for extra eyes to watch them. We live in a fallen world full of evil. At times I have joked about moving to a deserted island somewhere...maybe I should consider it!

New post!

After many months I finally have a new post on my Great big family blog.
There is a link in my right hand side bar...check it out!

Busy Busy Summer!!!!!

I think I need a vacation from our vacation home...I'm not joking! We spent Father's Day weekend at the Lake House as our first official weekend in the "finished house".Is it really ever finished? We have been working inside and out to make this house a place to retreat. Ever since Father's Day Kelley has... screened in the porch...hung window blinds... put in two water filters... layed down walkway tiles...hung towel racks... climbed a tree to put the hangers in for the swings... climbed onto the roof to trim the trees...installed a repeater in hopes we could get a cell phone signal.The repeater doesn't do much in strengthening the signal! We have had Emily's 21st Bday and Evelyn's 70th Bday parties there. All in all this has been a very busy summer with no time to really relax...and the summer isn't over! I am not complaining...it has been a great summer so far! The best part has been working along side my hubby doing all the projects on the house. Our next plan is to build a water slide that runs into the lake.I see it in my head...now to just make it work on land. I guess we will always have projects to do to make this a more fun place to be.