Michigan Snow....

There is something magical about snow. It's silent. You are unaware of it until you look out the window and your entire yard is solid white. It almost glows in the dark. It really is beautiful.

It occurred to me the other day...God loves snow. I've tried to catch myself when I'm grumbling about having to drive on slick roads or load children in and out of the car when it's in the teen temps! The other day I stopped my thoughts to focus on God and instantly heard "I created this!" Wow!

When the boys make an art project in the basement, sometimes all I see are the scraps of cut paper on the floor and the markers dumped out. Then one of the 2 will hold up their masterpiece with pride and say "look what I did!" That's what God wanted me to see that day...and everyday for that matter....not the slick roads, freezing cold, rush here and there...but "Look what I did!"

I truly believe God creates things to tell us more about Himself. Isn't He a lot like snow....silent....calm...peaceful...pure....covers the dirt.....requires faith to journey in Him (much like driving on the roads)...beautiful....I could go on.

Chris said when he was outside with the boys snowflakes were landing on their jackets and they could actually see the individuality of each flake. Just like the ones you cut out of paper. Isn't that amazing? Teeny tiny flakes, but each one a masterpiece!! Isn't He in the process of transforming us into His likeness???....Then we're much like the snow as well...flakey little masterpieces!!! ;0)

So, here it is.."Look what God did!" Take the time to be in awe!!!

My "Family Fued" Soapbox.....

Chris and I are in complete agreement on the topic of TV....there is absolutely nothing on of worth or value most of the time. Sad to say, we often resort to watching GSN (aka: Game Show Network). It's a geriactric sight to see with both of us covered in blankets, complaining about the cold, can't hear the TV, or read the guide channel.



So, the other night we were thick into Family Feud. We'd made fun of all of the contestants' hair-dos and clothing choices. Chris had perfectly imitated speech impediments and accents. (Bless their hearts...) I was sipping my second cup of decaf when a question of interest popped up. They'd surveyed 100 people to find out what people do during church services. I was amazed at the contestants' answers as well as the actual surveyed answers. No one guessed "pray" and it wasn't one of the answers. No one guessed "worship" and IT wasn't one of the answers either. Some of the answers were: sing, gossip (was the #2 answer), sleep, and confess....can't recall the others, but not much better.

I thought "how sad is that..." The general public's view towards church. It's not surprising by any means, but truly sad. I get into the habit of spinning along in my own little world of church and christian friends that I forget about the rest of the dying world. It's such a large number that it's overwhelming at times. It clearly says that the path is narrow, but have you ever thought of just HOW narrow? Have you ever met anyone that is so nice and good, but not a believer? That's when it hits me the most. I WANT to see these people for an eternity and it hurts me to think otherwise. I want to have a compassion for the lost like Jesus. It took Family Feud to bring it around. How even sadder is that?

"The Best Of All Gifts Around Any Christmas Tree...

is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other."

Ever Stick Your Foot In Your Mouth?

Would you like some pepper with that toe?

I Need Help!!!!

Well, this is true on so many levels, but I have organizing issues with our plethora of winter gear! We have hats, mittens, and gloves...OH MY!! Coming out the wa-zooooo! We have a very narrow laundry room right off of the garage with a utility closet. I have a small boot tray in there for shoes and snow boots and some hooks for backpacks and coats. It's STILL out of control in there!! How do you store mittens to dry and soo all of the 'kittens" can find them? What about snowsuits and snowpants?? Please comment and leave your smart organizing ideas for me!! :)

I've Had It! No More Smilin'!

Thanksgiving....

I usually begin decorating for Christmas on Thanksgiving Day while Chris is watching football, but this year I began a week early. I'm having a double baby shower for 2 friends in our Sunday School Class the Tuesday night after Thanksgiving, so I have to be decorated and done. Now, I just have to CLEAN!! I was putting some of the decorations on the floor of the guest room until I could think about where to put them. One was a handmade nativity I bought a few years ago to support foreign missions. It has become the boys' favorite nativity and they play with it every year. Thatcher had been playing with this set last week. When I walked into the room to get it, I couldn't help but notice how he left it.



I have a Jim Shore nativity that I absolutley love. Moments before I had finished placing it "just right" in my dining room. I wanted to be able to see the wisemen's faces....wanted the animals turned out....Mary goes on this side....Joseph on the other....I wanted it to "look" right. That is where I focused my energy. My 5 year old "fixed" his nativity so it would "be" right....with all eyes focused on baby Jesus.
I could seriously write a book called "Everything important I ever learned, I learned from my children". God simplifies it for me, because He knows me inside and out. I'm thankful for so many things. I'm thankful that God knows me inside and out. I'm thankful He speaks to me many times through my children....and I'm thankful that my 5 year old son knows that the Christmas story isn't about looking right on the table...it's about JESUS! How much simpler can you get?!

Winter is Here, Y'all!!

The view behind our house as of Nov. 25th...



Margaret's First Snow!!

First Crush....

Jack finally has one.

He didn't come out and tell us.

We found THE NOTE.

When questioned, he simply turned red and smiled......

Parent/Teacher Conference.....

Yesterday, Chris and I went to meet with Jack's teacher for his Fall Conference. I don't know what it is, but when someone outside of the family talks to me about one of my children, I tear up. I don't break down crying...unless of course it was last year with Thatcher's teacher for the 5th time...different story. It's like coming to the realization that your child is a "person"....a living breathing little being affecting the lives inside and outside of your home. For someone else to know him the way you do. To see your child's strengths and weaknesses....it's heart touching to me. Or maybe I'm just a big ol' sap.....but I LOVE to hear about my children! I hope and pray it's good news...for the most part, it usually is.
Jack's conference went great. I was in awe hearing about him, but I was truly in awe over the passion of his teacher. I left with a whole mixture of emotions. I left feeling so proud of my Jack. I left feeling great about his teacher. I left feeling sad for the teacher I wish I would have been. Jack's teacher truly LOVES teaching and truly LOVES the children. I'm so thankful Jack is in her class. I left my career feeling frustrated and burned out over standardized testing....and my heart at the time was really at home with my first child whom I longed to be with!! I know the many mistakes I made as a teacher....just as I know the many mistakes I've made as a mom...but I've learned so much and I know that being a mom would make me a better teacher today.
Life is all just one teaching experience after another....I'm the student on the back row that usually needs tutoring, and has to hear it, see it, and do it to get it.
Whatever I do, one thing is for sure...I WANT to be passionate about it!! I want to love it....and I guess tearing up when your child's name is spoken qualifies for having a passion about what I'm doing....which is raising a family.

YIKES!!!!

No one told me that the 3rd child will grow up 3 times as fast! This little girl is so much fun! She is giggling at every silly noise and glance! Still sleeps at night like Sleeping Beauty for a full 11 hours along with 3 awesome naps a day! The sweetest little girl ever who has stolen the hearts of her mom, dad, and 2 brothers! What a blessing!

All Votes Are In.....

and I'm proud to announce that Jack Ray is the official boy representative for his classroom for Student Council! Let's back up some....yesterday, we had to come up with a speech. I had cute ideas and he "poo pooed" them all. So, together we wrote a 1 minute speech that rhymed, he practiced it 2 times then said he was done!

This morning he said he didn't want to do it! I assumed he'd back out!

This afternoon he told us he won, then said matter of factly "I was the ONLY boy who gave a speech, so I had to win." He had said he thought his friend was going to do it. He said he asked him why he didn't and the boy said he decided not to, because he didn't think he would win. Wow! Already lacking confidence in the first grade!!

I'm so proud of Jack! He took a risk and I'm so proud for him! I'd be equally as proud if he hadn't won....it's all about FAITH! He was a little nervous, but he took a step out on faith! I hope this leads to many faith steps in the future!! Congratulations, Jack! You'll ALWAYS have my vote...and my heart! ;)

The Force Was With Us This Halloween....

Jack (Luke Skywalker)

Thatcher ("Dark" Vader as he calls him)

Margaret (Princess Leia)

Well, we survived 2 class parties, a school costume parade, carving 3 pumpkins, roasting pumpkin seeds, decorating candy corn and ghost cookies, making pumpkin magnets for the fridge, a casserole cooked in a pumpkin, trick or treating, counting/ itemizing the candy and posing for lots of pictures to one day go in the scrapbooks!! I love October! It's a long month, but it's exciting and fun! We are ALL exhausted and in need of a good night's sleep!

The "F" Word...

Did I catch your attention? Were you horrified at what I might possibly be posting? Well, so was I today....
So, I was stealing away a few minutes trying to scrapbook and talk to Thatcher (my shadow). He was playing with his cars and all of a sudden said "You know, you should never say the "F" word."
I stopped gluing immediately and blinked before saying "WHAT?"
Again, "You should never say the "F" word."
I thought..."He's only 5...how could he possibly know the "F" word!"
I said "Thatcher, did you say the "F" word in school today."
He said "No."
I said "Thatcher, did someone ELSE say the "F" word in school today."
He said "Yes."
I said "Thatcher....gulp......tell me what the "F" word is."
He leaned over and said..."Hate".....

We can work on the phonics, but thank goodness he doesn't really know the "F" word!

Playing Dress Up...

JACK....where did baby Jack go?

Jack has a twinkle in his eyes that makes my heart melt. I love this little boy....but that's just it. He's not so little anymore. His personality has blossomed and he is so funny! He LOVES people. He considers everyone as a friend and I love that about him. He reads like a dream and loves math! (thank goodness for Chris' math smarts) He's inquisitive, adventurous, and now....he wants to run for Student Council! Yes, today he came home with a paper saying he'd expressed interest in running as a rep. for his classroom. Now, granted he's in first grade and it's not a huge deal, but for our child....it IS a big deal. I said "Jack, you realize you have to make a speech in front of your class." I figured he'd say forget it, but instead said that was fine and he wanted to do it!
The heart of a parent is broken into several thousand sections. Let me speak of 2...you have the "Go Get Em'" section where you want your child to take risks....to take the world by a storm. To succeed! You also have the "Oh please, no!!!" section where you want to put your arms around them and protect them from hurt and disappointment. So, I said "Jack, what will you do if you don't win?" He said " I won't pout!" I said "Really?" He said "Yes, because Kate raised her hand and asked the teacher what would happen if we pouted because we lost and the teacher said 'then you won't get a chance at it the NEXT year!'"
We began talking of things he could say in his speech and what would make the kids want to vote for him....he thought for a while then said "you'll have to help me think of good stuff, so everyone will think I'm smart!!"
That's when I figured it out....it's been the MOMS of America writing these speeches for these politicians! Unfortunately, some aren't as good as others!! Guess I've got a few years to brush up on my skills!
All that to say....time is flying, and all the while my children are growing and changing right before my eyes! I can't wait to see what plans God has for them!

FALLING FOR FALL....

Well, actually, I fell a long time ago! I can't get enough of this REAL fall up here! I've almost run off the road twice staring at the foliage! It was just gorgeous today, so we took a walk! Thatcher was huffing because I kept stopping to take pictures! The pictures don't do it justice though! I just LOVE fall!!

Sharp Shooter.....

Jack at Cub Scout camp last weekend! Guess what his favorite part was....yes, the BB guns! He was quite the marksman with a perfect score of 50!

The Joy Of Having Brothers....

Thatcher's Field Trip to the Apple Orchard....

It was FREEEEZING this morning at the cider mill! We really needed to have our hats and gloves, but who knew?? Thatcher was so excited about this trip that he woke up early! I said "Thatcher! It's your field trip today! I can't wait!" He said "Mommy, I think you can wait cause it's just today!"

We went on a hayride out to the orchards. We picked apples, ate fresh donuts, drank fresh apple cider (which we wished would have been warm), jumped from the straw mountain, went through the petting zoo, played on the huge playground, then came home! This afternoon at Thatcher's request, we made an apple pie with our freshly picked apples that is baking in the oven as we speak! What a fun and chilly day!!

Oh The Adventures of Jack and Thatcher....

I don't know why we ever spend money on toys for them. It is SO true that they'd rather have the boxes they come in.....this box did not have a toy for them in it, but when we turned around to drag it to the trash we quickly discovered that it was being turned into a house in the basement! I LOVE that they haven't "outgrown" their imaginations in this world of game systems and computers! I hope they never do! These boys are no couch potatoes! They are active and creative! They were so proud of their work that they told me to go and get the camera so I could take pictures! ;0)

Winter????

Temperatures here are in the 60's, so it's not here....yet.....thank goodness! However, we ran to Target today and they had JUST put all of their snow suits and winter clothing out! When they put that stuff out, you have to jump on it! I try to buy slightly bigger for outerwear so they can wear it longer, but sadly this was the year they had outgrown EVERYTHING! YIKES! So, we racked up and we are physically ready for our first snow....not mentally though.....
Although, they did have the CUTEST hat and mittens for Margaret! That made it all worth it! ;0)
They still go outside for recess up here unless the temperatures are 0*! I would hate to be the teacher on duty in the freezing cold! So, if there is snow...I say "if"...more like WHEN there is snow, they have to put on snow pants, hats, gloves, snow boots, and coats before they can go out...that takes up like half of their recess time just getting ready. BUT they have contests and such to get them to speed up putting it all on because they have to be able to do it without help!It's funny because when I taught in Louisiana, we did NOT go outside if it was 40* or below!!! I remember how much of a pain it was just getting on jackets to go out! Funny how things change!

Happy Fall Y'all!

Margaret's First Fall 2008

Falls From The Past....

A Chunky Jack with chunky pumpkins (2001)

I was just looking at this picture again and had to chuckle.

You can totally tell he was our first born since he has a little blanket under him

so he won't get dirty sitting on the concrete! Just the other day I was holding Margaret

so she could stand up in the grass with her little bare feet...an infant of all things! ;0)

She loved the feeling of that grass! Poor Jack....but don't feel too sorry for him....he has by far made up for the few months of cleanliness with 6 years of dirt and sweat!

Fuzzy Thatcher on his fuzzy blanket (2003)

St. Luke's Pumpkin Patch Shreveport,La (2005)

Westview Orchards and Cider Mill Romeo,Mi (2007)

NO SOLICITORS....

At least once a week the doorbell would ring by way of a finger belonging to some poor soul selling something....I say "poor soul" because they were ensured an unsuccessful sale at the Ray home. I could smell them a mile away...their entire demeanor reeked of "salesperson" odor!

The straw that caused the new sign on my door was Alexander.....in major rhinestones of bling, his name was proudly displayed across the length of his shirt, although, it was difficult to see him through the thick cloud of CVS cologne encircling his body. It's 4:30 p.m. in the summertime. All 4 of us are at the door....me, Margaret, Jack, & Thatcher....He begins with "My....what a beautiful baby..." I respond with "Are you selling something?" He looks slightly offended seeing as he didn't have time to flash his entire set of teeth with a solicitor's grin....he says "No,.....I'm PROMOTING something." I quickly say "Well, I'm not interested." Poor Alexander. There shouldn't have to be other defeated salesmen at my doorstep. I was determined to save the pain and dignity of other salespersons.....so, I taped a "No Solicitors" sign to my frontdoor.
It's actually been educational. It was the vocabulary word of the week around here! I explained it multiple times to the boys including their little annoying friend down the street who showed up when the marker wasn't even dry yet wondering about it.....


My greatest joy came one evening when I was coming down the stairs and saw a girl walk up to the front door, stumble across my lovely sign, throw her hands up, and WALK AWAY before ringing the bell!
Yahoo! It was worth it all for that one moment! I danced a jig right there in the foyer...


I don't know what the deal is with salespeople....I know they have to make a living....but....I avoid them at all costs...I run from the girl scouts....I dash into Wal-Mart when the Salvation Army's bell ringer is looking the other way....but there is a saying somewhere about becoming what you dread the most....


With that said.......ANYBODY WANT TO BUY SOME POPCORN TO SUPPORT THE CUB SCOUTS??????? Email me if you are interested....I can email you a run down of the products. Send me a check and we'll mail you your order at our expense to make sure Jack gets the credit.
Hey, and.....we appreciate your business...we couldn't exsist without supportive customers like yourself......thank-you in advance for supporting the cub scouts.......
;0)

Margaret....getting bigger....

The Rays

Create your own family sticker graphic at pYzam.com

Everyday Ramblings.....

Our lives are no doubt busy! School is in full swing. Both boys are playing soccer. Jack is starting Cub Scouts. AWANA has begun again at church. Chris and I are both in Bible Studies. Margaret is just going with the flow!!



Life is good....hard,but good!.....and I can honestly say....I'm starting to like it up here....I know....several reading this including my husband just gasped out loud......it's NOT the south. My heart will ALWAYS be rooted in Louisiana!! I miss my family TERRIBLY....I could do without the cold and snow up here, but I could do without the intense heat and humidity down there!! We've found such a great group of friends in our Sunday School Class.....that's answered prayer right there!! We really didn't have that so much down there...There is good and bad about EVERY place....do you choose to find the bad or the good? Do you dwell on the negative? Are you the world's best pity-party thrower? I wasn't brought up that way!! I have my down days and struggles, but I'm NOT a whiner and have little to do with those who do!! My Mom is the MOST positive woman I know!! She finds the good and funny in everything and I love that about her!!! That's the way we strive to be with our 3 as well!! There is no perfect life....or situation....or marriage....or children.....but you just press on, suck it up, & let God deal with it!!



Fall is in the air and I LOVE fall!! I love how God subtly begins the changing hues of the leaves at the tree tops....Have you ever noticed that? It causes us to look up! That's no accident!! If the leaves haven't yet begun to change where you are....keep looking up!! Watch for it! God gives us that gift no matter where we live!!

Well, clock is ticking and we've got places to be, but I'm so thankful I'm right where God wants me! There's no other place I'd rather be!

Dear Mom,

I'm so sorry for all of those times that I repeatedly said "Mom....mom.....mom....mom while you were on the phone. For not understanding that your hand wave was not a "hello", but more of a shooing gesture.....For whining and begging for things hoping that you would give in, so I'd go away!! I'm also sorry for following you into the bathroom....only to lie down on the floor to finish my conversation.....for not realizing that you were sitting for a reason, and not because you wanted to hear me sing and talk!!

Today, I was reminded of all of those times.....more like a De Ja Vu' except I was the mom and the child was a little blond haired boy! Yes, while I was on the phone today my name was said numerous times in a row along with "can I have a snack pleeeaaasssseeeeeee?" Yes, when I went to the bathroom today the door knob was twisting in time to a song being hummed! A matchbox car was rolled underneath the door frame.....then I was asked to pass it back.....

Today, it was payback...and I knew it....and I can only hope that one day this sweet little blond haired boy will have a de ja vu' and be paid back too!

Love,

Amy

First Day of PreK+.....

First thing this morning Thatcher said "I'm happy because I can't wait to go to school!" What soothing words to a mama who just wants them to be happy!! He really was excited! He had a great day and told me all about it! He got the usual first day treatment of lunch at Burger King and chocolate chip cookies! Of course, he gets out at 11:15 and was ready to go pick up Jack who doesn't get out until 3:56!! So, my shadow and I got a bit of a break from each other this morning, but after noon we were sewn back to the hips!! ;0) I love him though!!

"Of All The Things You Wear....

your expression is the most important!" ~ Janet Lane