Bullying...It's not a teasing matter!

I can't always be with my children for every event in their lives,to protect them and make sure they are safe from a world of hurt. But teaching them how to react when faced with those hurts...I can do! I guess having 8 siblings somewhat prepares you for the world! Maybe all those battles were for the good in some ways!

As I read the definition of what bullying is, my heart just can't let it go. I guess the mom in me can't seem to find the grace that my God and my daughter has for the three young men who chose to be the tail instead of the head. Three young men she thought were her friends. They lost the respect that day from our daughter and from the rest of those that were witness to the meanness. When others wanted revenge she said No....that's not what God would want! I'm proud of my girl! Those boys have missed out . They were so busy looking at the outward that they failed to see the beauty of a loving forgiving friend. A beautiful young lady who has chosen to lead instead of follow. I know she's not perfect! However she is willing to be taught and humbled from time to time. Corrected when necessary.
bul·ly ¹  (bl)

n. pl. bul·lies

1. A person who is habitually cruel or overbearing, especially to smaller or weaker people.

2. A hired ruffian; a thug.

3. A pimp.

4. Archaic A fine person.

5. Archaic A sweetheart.

v. bul·lied, bul·ly·ing, bul·lies

v.tr.

1. To treat in an overbearing or intimidating manner. See Synonyms at intimidate.

2. To make (one's way) aggressively.

v.intr.

1. To behave like a bully.

2. To force one's way aggressively or by intimidation:

 I dare not put any label on any child. However, the mom in me would like too! I myself was called a bully once. Which I admit, I was not nice to this one little girl. However the meanness in that mother's tone towards me was far worse and to this day I can still hear her voice!

My daughter was met with some unnecessary meanness that day. Not once but several times.Words that cut like a knife into her tender heart. Breaking her to the point of tears.Words that set her apart from the rest of the friends that were surrounding her. Humiliating her in front of her peers. Some would say...Boys will be boys! Or....That's middle school for you!
I would say...Would you want your daughters to be treated like this? Your sisters? Teach your son's to be gentlemen! Teach them to be leaders and not followers! Teach them to love with the grace and mercy of the God they have been taught about. Teach them to humble themselves and make this wrong right. No apologies have yet to be given. However forgiveness was graced upon them days ago. For it's by God's grace that I will now lean upon Him as I teach my daughter to act justly and to love mercy...to walk humbly with her God. Maybe it's me that could use this lesson?! She seems to have learned this one!

 Micah 6:8

New International Version (NIV)

⁸ He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly^[a] with your God.

Bittersweet moments and a few tears....

Making memories and sharing joy as we anticipate future milestones. A lifetime of bittersweet moments that flash before our eyes, leaving behind tears of joy and pain as we make our way to the next moment in time.

 My oh my what a week this has been! It can be said with all sincerity that our family NEVER has a dull moment! This week proved to make that statement true without a shadow of a doubt!

The month of April reared it's ugly beautiful head and kept me on my toes! Many milestones and long awaited reunions. Bittersweet goodbyes with tears of unknown futures. I am a mama whose heart has been captured by a love that makes my days full and my nights long! I am blessed!

April 25 was met with anticipation of a big hug from that boy of mine! To see his beautiful smile step off that plane made my heart do more leaps than the day he was born. After all it has been six months since he left American soil! Here he is meeting his niece for the first time!

The whole reason he came home was to see his mama for his brother's wedding and his childhood friend's wedding. Two weddings. Two back to back weekends. His first two days...along with jet lag... final wedding preps. My oh my! Why do I wait until the last minute to complete projects? Wedding rehearsal dinner, Finishing Mackenzie's flower girl dress, hemming my dress, altering a groomsmen vest and then of course everyone still has to eat,go to school and live a normal everyday life! The rehearsal dinner was beautiful thanks to our daughters and our friend's daughter in-law. The morning of the wedding I had one thing to finish....hemming my dress! Then off to the nail salon...so I thought! Not! While making my way to my sewing room the odor was not met with a happy heart! Yes, the day of all days to lay more on my plate or bathroom floor that is. You guessed it! The septic tank decided to back itself right into our basement  bathroom. I had just had it pumped out several weeks ago. This wasn't suppose to happen! House full of people in need of  showers. Mom in need of finishing her dress. Instead...I'm cleaning up.....it wasn't pretty people! Arms full of beach towels and the mess had to wait. This mom had a wedding to get to! Somehow by God's grace we arrived on time. Nails were painted in the car and hair was pulled up at the venue. Not what I had planned but my boy was getting married ! I am so proud of the young man he has become! To listen to the words he wrote for his bride, made the days of preparing all the more worth it! God is so good!

And a beautiful wedding it was!


With the wedding done we were on to the next thing....told ya we never have a dull moment! My parents have tried and talked about selling their house for years. A few months ago they bit the bullet as they placed a sign in the yard.Well wouldn't you know this same week a contract and an early May closing date would be set. That's great, except they have lived in this house for over 30 years! So thankful they have been purging the house for the last several months in anticipation of this transition. But much was still to be done. They were exhausted! She has been a good ole girl! I have seen her transform over the years with many remodel projects. It's at this house I fell in love with my husband....he was doing a house remodel project for my parents!  I remember the first time going to see her. The family we purchased her from had boys and the kitchen smelled of spaghetti ! I remember how excited my sisters and I were that we would finally have our own bedrooms! How this would be our first home after the death of our dad just a year prior. New beginnings and new memories would be made. Oh the memories we have made! A new dad and new siblings. Good times and some really bad ones. We made this special house our home...this home became part of our family. With exhausted parents, I took over making sure the last bit of things were out and this shell of a home was clean and ready for the next family to make memories. I must say we did a pretty good job too! I hope they love it there as much as we do! As much as we did! See ya old gal!

With all that has gone on this past week.... the days flew bye! Last night after our friend's son's beautiful wedding I realized it was time for that boy of mine to leave. Sometimes reality slaps you in the face. So this morning at 5am I was awakened to "Mom I'm leaving!" I think it's time for me to hibernate....it's been a very full blessed week!

On becoming Mrs.Holcombe

Dearest Kayla,

It was just a few short 28 years ago that I became a Mrs. Holcombe. Leaving behind all that I had known for a great adventure of a lifetime. What an adventure it has been serving God and serving my husband. Praise God this adventure continues on!

In a few short weeks you too will become the next Mrs. Holcombe. Never again will you be referred to as Miss Foote. It’s a strange feeling to leave behind the only last name you have ever known. However it’s a newness that will come with so much more than you can ever imagine. So I wanted to share with you my experience of what it means to become a Mrs. Holcombe.

Becoming a Mrs. Holcombe has been the greatest honor I have ever known. It did take me a while to feel the part. But once I did, It was as though I had always carried the last name. You see the first Mrs. Holcombe I ever met was a very special lady….my mother in-law. She taught me so much more about life and raising kids…a lot of them! She embraced me as her own. I was blessed to have known her and to have gleaned from her wisdom. I remember meeting the Holcombe family for the first time and our very first Christmas….Oh wow! No words can describe the feeling of family! You see….Being a Holcombe means family. Lots of family! Lots of Fun! No matter how long it has been since we have gotten together, it’s as though we gather every week. Never missing a beat. Justin had a shirt when he was younger that said…If you mess with me you mess with my WHOLE family! That is so true! No matter where you turn, if you live in the state of Georgia, you will probably meet someone who is related or knows someone in the Holcombe family. I’m not joking!

As you and Jordan say your “ I do’s“, please know that you are not just joining your lives….you are joining your families. It's both families that have sacrificed and invested years of their lives to get you both to this point in time. It’s family that will be there for you until your dying day. It’s family that will love and support you in the good times and the very bad ones. I don’t have to tell you what the statistics of marriage are. In today’s world it can be one of the most difficult things you can go through but one of the most rewarding times of your life. It’s not just about taking but about giving. Lots of forgiving! Lots of unconditional love! Lots of humbling yourself and laughing through the storms! It’s about being Jordan’s greatest fan! Even when he may not deserve it. I assure you there will be those times. It’s about loving your God with all that you have and are. Keeping your eyes on Him when all the world around you may not be what you would have wanted. It’s about knowing that this is His calling for your life and no matter what you will follow!

Kayla you are a brave woman to join this crew. We are not perfect. We are mostly crazy. We love. We laugh. We cry. We forgive. We embrace whatever comes our way. But we do make mistakes from time to time…often. That’s why we lean on God’s mercy more than anyone could ever imagine. We are a family whose desire is to serve the Lord with all that we are. He has and continues to be faithful…always! So hang on for the ride as you join our family. I pray you feel loved as you become part of the team of Holcombe women. When the wedding is over and reality is back in motion, please know we are here for you always as we all learn to be an even larger family!

　
Even after 28 years I’m still learning to be the very best Mrs. Holcombe for my Mr. Holcombe! So don't expect to get it right in the first week....but you will try! So Burn the bread and the dinner! Then order pizza and laugh! Remember the good times and the bad. These will be the moments that you will share with that sweet little girl one day who has stolen your son's heart. She too will be the next Mrs.Holcombe.

Love you Miss Foote (Soon to be Mrs. Holcombe)

Remind Me.....

I have a gift to share with you. A gift that was given. A gift that only my amazing Father would place in such capable hands. A gift from the heart of three special young ladies whom I have had the privilege of watching grow up. One who holds a very special place in my heart. Yesterday we moved our sweet daughter to live with a family while she learns to lead worship and grow deeper in her walk with her Saviour. She's only an hour and a half away but my house seems so empty without her. I'll miss her beautiful singing and her infectious laugh! Our long deep talks and normal mother daughter conflicts! I can't believe I'm saying this!  She's an amazing young lady who God is calling to do some amazing things! I hope she knows how much she's loved and missed.

Here is the link to the video. As soon as I can post the video, I'll replace this link. I don't think you need Facebook to view it.

I pray you are blessed....
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 This song was written by Gia Lucid

Ch Ch Ch Changes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm not really sure if I should be happy or sad. This weekend will be a huge change in the Holcombe household. I have 2 kiddos moving out! Yes you heard it right.... 2! What will I do with all this extra space? Hmmmmm! So many choices!

Our son moved back home a year ago, after having been out on his own for a couple of years. He's trying to finish school and couldn't work as much these last few semesters. So...we rearranged and made room for him. He will be getting married in a couple of months and is moving into their little love shack! He will be preparing his home for his sweet bride while he's finishing school.

Our next mover is our sweet daughter. I can't begin to express my gratefulness to the Lord for what He's doing in her life. After much thought and prayer,asking God what He wanted her to do with her life... He answered. Not before closing a few doors that we have tried to open over the last year. Most of you have heard her beautiful voice. Well, she has been given an opportunity to go to a school to learn how to lead worship. Which we believe this is a calling in her life! God has placed a beautiful family in our lives that will be working with her over the next several months. Teaching her and giving her many opportunities to share the gift she has been given. She won't be able to work a job while learning, so this is a big change for a girl who has had a job since the age of 14. Her first lesson....Total dependence on God!  I am so excited for her and can't wait to watch all He has planned for her as it unfolds. Sunday morning she will be singing during communion. You can watch our service via internet Here for the live webcast. Look in the upper right hand corner of the website for the link. Please be praying for her. She has never lived away from home and this in itself will be a big change!

One more thing.....My son is coming home for a visit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And for his brothers wedding! I can't begin to tell you how much we miss him.  I look forward to hugging that big ole boy who is now a college student in a foreign country and playing football again for a new semi pro league. 6 months is a long time to be away from your mama.... even if you are 27!

Now what to do with that extra room?! Pinterest here I come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Her children rise up and call her blessed....her husband also

The above title says a lot. It's the longing in many of mother's hearts. These aren't words of pride or arrogance....but words of well done thy good and faithful servant.

I get so caught up in the daily rat race that many of those days I fail to see...forget...why I'm running it in the first place. Listening to the wrong voice that says I 'm not good enough, not doing enough. Not teaching them enough. What are they seeing? A worn out nagging old woman? Especially when attitudes are flying this may be true.

I have finally figured out that what they really want is to see me happy. To see the smile that hides behind those daily "to do" list. To just be near me and have me sit with them...to listen. To slow down. Why did it take me so long to finally listen? My mom is probably laughing right now! She'll tell you that I can be pretty stubborn! My husband will too!

These past few months have brought so many longings to my soul. In some ways I feel I have awakened from a coma. Realizing that life is not getting any longer. Nor am I getting younger. I'm seeing a whole new role now that our granddaughter is here. Not just with her but with her mama. The teaching continues long after they leave the nest. I hope that never ends.

I awakened this morning to a Facebook wall full of sweet messages and the ones from my children have brought tears to my eyes. I guess I don't see myself the way they do. I like their version so much better! I hope they know their words of love run deep to my soul. As I read each of them I see the hand of God. I see how He has used so many of our friends and family to help mold our children. I see how He has been faithful even in my weakness. I see how much He truly loves me and knows the longings of my heart. I see how He has blessed me with a husband who has walked this road with me. Loving me through it all.

There is one woman who I have to say has been a great influence in my life. She is the one whom I met the day she turned eighteen. She is the one who I see as the strongest woman I know. She is the one who I have watched God use in the lives of so many people. Including mine! She is the reason I am the woman I am today. For that....I rise and call her blessed! 

Mom...I can't begin to put into words how grateful I am that you are my mom. You are the reason I serve a great and mighty God. You are the reason I am the mom that I am today. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for loving me through the good times and so many of the bad times. You are a wise woman who has always encouraged me to base everything with God's word. I watch as your grandchildren love you so dearly. How they love to spend time with you . How you are so willing to sit with them and even play a game or two or four. How you make the best homemade bread...that's what they all say. But what they all see when they see you is Jesus! For that there are no words of gratitude. I love you and you are blessed! Happy birthday! Thanks for sharing your special day with me! It will always be "Our Day".

Eau De Smoke....If you give a mom a wake up call

If you wake a mom at 3 am....she'll remember she forgot to turn the heat on
She'll get up to turn it on ....only to remember the flue is open
She'll then feel to make sure the fire from the night before is out....and she'll slide the flue shut
She'll then remember she's cold and go back to bed
An hour later she'll awake to smoke...only to remember she shut the flue
She'll probably get up to go open it again....and she'll see a room full of smoke
She'll then see the small piece of wood still burning...wishing she had turned the light on before she had closed the flue
She'll then spend the next half hour opening doors to let the smoke out...then she'll remember her family is asleep.
While waiting for the smoke to clear...she'll remember how warm her bed is
When the smoke clears she'll go back to bed....she'll probably lay there wide awake thanking God He woke her up.
She'll then remember she needs to replace the smoke detector batteries....she'll thank God even more!


Last night was no pancake . Our house now smells like eau de campfire. My throat burns. All but three of us slept through the middle of the night airing out of the house. One of us has been awake since 3:00 am. I'm not sure my hazelnut candles will overpower this smell...nor will my hazelnut coffee keep me awake today. But..................

If you awake a mom this early....she'll probably make pancakes for her family!